Articles by Mike Rhodes

Clearline Technologies will open in this former manufacturing facility in the Industria Center industrial park. Photo provided

Government February 3, 2021

New Delaware County Company Will Create Rubber Products – And Jobs – With No Adverse Environmental Impact

By Delaware County Economic Development— Delaware County, IN – A Canadian company that uses recycled rubber to make speed bumps, parking blocks and rubber supports for rooftop lines and pipes is locating manufacturing operations in Delaware County. Clearline Technologies will open in a former manufacturing facility in the Industria Center industrial park, the company and the Delaware County commissioners have announced. The company’s website can be accessed at www.c-port.net. Clearline revolutionized the pipe supports industry by using recycled rubber and metal strut to…

Read More
Photo provided

Non-Profit February 2, 2021

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Hosts February Events Fit for the Family

By Claire Downs— Muncie, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is pleased to open its doors for events perfect for all ages! First Thursday, February 4, 5-8pm the Judith Barnes Memorial Gallery will make its 2021 debut featuring the work of Terrika Clark; Saturday, February 6, from 1-3pm Cornerstone will host their Recycled Valentines  crafting workshop; and Monday, February 22 marks the beginning of 12 full weeks of visual and performing arts classes! Local artist Terrika Clark challenges viewers to see…

Carl and Barbara Schafer are pictured inside their business. Photo by Matt Howell.

Business February 1, 2021

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company ‘Redefines Typical’ as a Leader in Custom Framing, Photo Printing, and Sale Gallery

By Kate Elliott— Editor’s note: Shafer Leadership Academy and the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership are partnering on this six part series to highlight innovative leaders who are redefining typical during these extraordinary times.   Muncie, IN — Scroll through the Facebook page for Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company. You’ll see 93-year-old Bob Shears, grinning at a custom map of his WWII tour of duty that Gordy framed and shipped to his Las Vegas home. You’ll watch a black frame transform into a silver one. You’ll see…

Steve Leach, Franchise Manager and Kiara Dunson, Administrative Assistant at Home Instead are pictured with a few boxes of masks supplied by Mayor Ridenour's "Masks for Muncie" project.The company received 1,250 masks. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government January 31, 2021

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour Implements COVID-19 Programs to Help Muncie Residents

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-chief— Muncie IN – Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour recently implemented two new programs that provided COVID related assistance to Muncie residents. Funds for the programs were provided through the federal CARES-ACT to assist with COVID-related hardships. The two programs were: “The Mayor’s Masks for Muncie Project” and “The Tenant Assistance Program.” Dustin Clark is the city’s director of special projects and is overseeing the mask project which provides FREE masks to businesses, individuals, organizations, and neighborhoods who…

Tracy Rabel is pictured removing snow from the Rhodes residence. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Health January 31, 2021

Snow Shoveling Tips to Protect Your Heart

By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— Indianapolis, IN – With snow on the ground across large portions of Indiana this weekend, the American Heart Association encourages Hoosiers to protect their hearts while shoveling snow and to seek immediate treatment if they experience any signs or symptoms of a heart attack. “Shoveling snow can be a very vigorous activity, and you’re basically doing it ‘in a freezer,’” says Dr. William Gill, a cardiologist who is president of the American Heart Association board…

Photo by Open Door CEO Bryan Ayars.

Health January 30, 2021

The Black Community Should Consider Taking the Vaccine. I Did.

Editor’s note: Across the country there are certain populations that resist the idea of getting vaccinated for COVID-19. This article aims to address that issue, specifically for the black population in Muncie.  By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— So I did a thing. I got the COVID-19  vaccine dose #1.  Me. Well educated, informed, afraid, and adamant that I would not. It took me a minute. Black and Brown folks distrust of the vaccination is fueled by a history of mistrust. BIPOC have…

Photo provided by YMCA of Muncie.

Non-Profit January 29, 2021

The YMCA of Muncie to Expand Anti-Hunger Fight

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—Beginning February 12, the YMCA of Muncie will offer food distribution at the Downtown Y to provide healthy meals for children 18 and under over the weekend. The YMCA of Muncie received a waiver from the USDA to provide meals in bulk to sustain children over the weekend when they will not have access to nutritious meals at school. Recipients will be provided with three dinners and three snacks to ensure no child is hungry.  “The…

Eating a burrito from the middle with the ends detached is the safest way. Photo by Nancy Carlson.

Carlson January 29, 2021

John Carlson: Do NOT Get Choked Up!

By John Carlson— I never anticipated it, but in my latter years, I have become something of an expert on the Heimlich Maneuver. Not giving it. Getting it. I’ve been on the receiving end twice, maybe three times, which seems pretty funny. You’d think a guy would remember exactly how many times he has faced the possibility of choking to death. Contributing to my confusion, however, is the fact that each time, my circumstances have remained remarkably the same, so…

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 January 28, 2021

Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, January 28th

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. Governor Eric Holcomb announced this week changes to gathering limitations throughout Indiana. Currently, counties that are…

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Photo provided

Health January 28, 2021

IU Health Ball Memorial, Blackford and Jay Hospitals Receive Grant from IU Health Foundation

By IU Health Foundation— Indianapolis, IN—The IU Health Foundation has granted $603,279 for 31 health-related projects across the state as part of an effort to make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.    “Regional grants empower IU Health team members to improve the health of individuals, communities and our state,” said Crystal Hinson Miller, IU Health Foundation president and IU Health chief philanthropy officer. “Grants leverage the power of philanthropy and honor donors’ intentions by ensuring that dollars contributed locally…