Articles by Mike Rhodes

Previous summer program members are pictured with the Muncie mayor. Photo provided

Government February 13, 2021

Muncie Parks and Recreation Announces Summer Jobs Program for Area Youth

 By George Foley— Muncie, IN—The City of Muncie’s Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the Promise Youth Mentor & Summer Employment Program, June 7th – July 16th, 2021. This program is open to students between 12-16 years of age and reside in Muncie, IN. Selected students, up to 200, will be contacted for an interview prior to program acceptance.  Students selected to participate in the summer program will work every Friday from 8:00 am – 3 pm. Job sites will…

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Mark Hardwick and Susan Brooks are new board members at First Merchants Corporation.

Business February 12, 2021

First Merchants Corporation Elects Susan Brooks, Mark Hardwick to Its Board of Directors

By First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation, a $14.1 billion financial holding company, has elected Susan Brooks and Mark Hardwick to the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Brooks represented Indiana’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Hardwick is Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Both Ms. Brooks and Mr. Hardwick will be on the ballot for continuing terms at the Corporation’s Annual Shareholder Meeting in…

Keeping a list of passwords can prevent you from yanking your own hair out. Photo by Nancy Carlson.

Carlson February 12, 2021

John Carlson: The Password? Uhhh, I Dunno

By John Carlson— Every now and then I wake up in the middle of the night bathed in a cold sweat, screaming something like, “RINKY-DINK-DOUBLE-OH-SEVEN!!!” My computer password nightmare has struck again. Indeed, password overload may be a Top Five candidate for the worst things about life in the 21st Century. In my horrific dream, forgotten passwords surround me, ominously closing in as I desperately try to remember the one that will make them disappear. Odd? Sure. Stupid? Why, of…

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion.

Health February 11, 2021

Delaware County COVID-19 Update, February 11th

Editor’s note: The following COVID-19 update is brought to you through a collaboration of healthcare partners including Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Delaware County Office of Information, and other major healthcare providers. Delaware County weekly COVID-19 updates are released every Thursday and include information from the Indiana State Department of Health county metrics dashboard, which is updated every Wednesday afternoon. For the first time since mid-October, Delaware County is ranked yellow on the Indiana State Department…

The winning chocolate-drizzled peanut butter pie made by Sea Salt and Cinnamon. Photo provided.

Business February 11, 2021

Sea Salt and Cinnamon Wins PETA’S ‘Sweet Treat’ Award

By Megan Wiltsie, PETA— Muncie, IN— In time for Valentine’s Day, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has scoured the country for the Top Vegan Sweet Treats—and local bakery Sea Salt & Cinnamon won a spot on the list for its rich, chocolate-drizzled peanut butter pie. From cupcakes and pies to elaborate wedding cakes, all items from the bakery are 100% vegan. Sea Salt & Cinnamon also offers a special Valentine’s Day menu, including macarons, charcuterie, cookie-decorating kits, and…

Wild World of Animals comes to Emens Auditorium. Photo provided.

Entertainment February 10, 2021

Emens Auditorium to Offer First In-Person Event in Almost a Year: ‘Wild World of Animals’

By Kristi Chambers— Muncie, IN– Emens Auditorium is opening again with its first in-person event in almost a year. Emens Auditorium will present Wild World of Animals live on stage on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Explore a fascinating world of the wildlife; featuring live animals including some of the most majestic, interesting, bizarre, and critically endangered species in the world. Tickets are FREE. Distribution begins Wednesday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Emens box…

I&M plow truck heading south to assist. Photo provided

Business February 10, 2021

Indiana Michigan Power Sending Trucks to Kentucky to Assist With Potential Ice Storm

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-chief— Fort Wayne, IN—Indiana Michigan Power is sending more than 250 employees and contractors southward today to assist in anticipation of an expected ice storm with potential to cause major power outages in the eastern Kentucky/West Virginia area. An Ice Storm Warning has been issued for most of Eastern Kentucky for Wednesday through Friday morning, the first warning in that area since January of 2013. Some spots could get up to 1 inch of ice which is…

Participants of the Community Group Ride pose for their official group photo taken by Cardinal Greenway board member John Disher.

Government February 8, 2021

Muncie Again Named a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists 

By City of Muncie Communications— Muncie, IN- The League of American Bicyclists has honored the efforts of the City of Muncie to build better places for people to bike with a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award. Muncie joins 485 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes the City of Muncie for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities…

Kids can learn to swim at the YMCA. Photo provided.

Business February 8, 2021

YMCA of Muncie to Reopen Downtown Aquatics Center

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—The YMCA of Muncie is excited to announce the reopening of its aquatics center at the downtown YMCA. Made possible by the federal COVID Relief funding, the organization plans to offer more programming, including aquatics classes, safety around water programs and additional active older adult programs, at the location as well. “The YMCA of Muncie has served the community for more than 144 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none…

Photographic rendering courtesy of the City of Muncie.

Non-Profit February 8, 2021

Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for ‘Halteman Park Playground’

By Halteman Village Neighborhood Association— $30,000 goal to receive a matching grant through IHCDA’s CreatINg Places initiative Muncie, IN– Muncie residents may soon be able to enjoy a new park if a new crowdfunding campaign reaches its $30,000 fundraising goal by April 6. If successful, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) will provide a matching grant as part of its CreatINg Places program. “Parks assist in connecting people and creating a greater sense of community,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “They are incredibly…