Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…

David George and his team at George Insurance Group. Photo by Matt Howell.

Business January 28, 2021

George Insurance Group ‘Redefines Typical’ Blending Secure Virtual Access with Personal Attention

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 — George Insurance Group’s promise is to “overwhelm families and businesses with customer service, responsiveness and a personal touch that you have never seen.” “Our new tagline is ‘where relationships are built …,’ and we live out that model every day by working hard with our clients to be more…

A MITS Bus travels an available route. Photo provided.

Business January 27, 2021

MITS Announces New Route 17 To the Justice Center

By Amanda Price— Muncie, IN—Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) will begin a new route to the Delaware County Justice & Rehabilitation Center on Monday February 1st, 2021. The new route will run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The new route closely resembles the current Route 12: Ivy Tech.  Route 17 will pull in on the West side of the transfer station and take High to Adams to Liberty to Hoyt to 26th to Tillotson.  It will…

An aerial view of the 53-acre main parcel of RACER’s former General Motors property. Photo provided by RACER Trust.

Government January 26, 2021

RACER Trust, City of Muncie Agree to Terms on Purchase of Former GM Property

City Intends to Seek Utility-Scale Solar Development for 53-Acre Parcel By Bill Callen—     Muncie, IN- RACER Trust and the City of Muncie today announced they have reached an agreement for the city to purchase the 53-acre main parcel of RACER’s former General Motors property located at 1200 W. 8th St. The city intends to build a solar field on the property with up to 24.6 million kWh of generating capacity.  “RACER has worked closely with leaders in the…

Fellowship Mission at Camp Crosley. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 26, 2021

Camp Crosley YMCA Partners With Fellowship Missions to  House the Homeless

By Kristen McConnell— North Webster, IN— Camp Crosley YMCA will continue a partnership that began during the early stages of the pandemic with local non-profit Fellowship Missions to shelter and feed the homeless population in Kosciusko County. While 2020 provided many challenges for the overnight camp, it was effortless to partner with Fellowship Missions and serve a different demographic than ever before. The partnership has grown and will continue to serve the economically disadvantaged through 2021. Mark Battig, Executive Director of…

Praire Creek Reservoir. Photo by Marta Moody

Non-Profit January 26, 2021

Muncie Action Plan 2020 Task Force 5 Update

By: Marta Moody, Chairman Task Force 5— Muncie, IN – the Muncie Action Plan spent 2020 preparing for the City of Muncie’s next strategic investment planning process in combination with an update to the Delaware County comprehensive plan. The last large-scale MAP planning took place in 2009 and although two updates have been completed since, it is time to re-visit the document with another large-scale engagement effort whereby residents help create a new vision for Muncie’s growth and investment. Representatives from the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan…

Jeff Parsons

Business January 25, 2021

First Merchants Names Company Veteran Jeff Parsons as New Muncie Market President

By First Merchants— Muncie, IN– First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has announced Jeff Parsons as its new president for the company’s Muncie market. Parsons will oversee all market operations and build upon the company’s recent growth and success in the city it has called home for more than 125 years. Parsons joined First Merchants Bank in 1989 and has served in various operational and customer relationship roles. He currently leads a team of commercial banking professionals focused on providing financial…