Articles by Mike Rhodes

Erin Williams. Photo provided

Non-Profit May 7, 2020

MACC Welcomes Erin Williams As Executive Director

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MACC) board is pleased to announce the appointment of its new executive director, Erin Williams. Williams, who has worked at the MACC for two years as the PlaySpace Residency Coordinator, replaces Braydee Euliss, who left MACC at the beginning of 2020. “As the first person to manage [PlySpace], Erin was instrumental in shaping it and connecting the visiting artists to the Muncie community,” said Betty Brewer, MACC board immediate past…

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Pictured: Edom Alemayehu, Sarah Bailey, Ashlyn Craig, Ethan Crump (top row, left to right) Laurynn Gooding, Amelia Oñate, Alexis Quirk, Emma Schuck (bottom row, left to right)

Education May 6, 2020

The Community Foundation Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients 

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—Congratulations to the following graduates – Edom Alemayehu, a senior at Burris Laboratory School, is a recipient of the Alice Miriam Kitselman Scholarship. Alemayehu plans to attend Ball State University to study biology and pre-med. She is the daughter of Zoide Awoke and Abebe Alemayehu. Sarah Bailey, a senior at Wes-Del Middle/High School, is a recipient of the Zach Greenwalt Scholarship. Bailey plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College to study psychology.  She is the daughter of Lisa Bailey and Michael Bailey. Ashlyn Craig, a senior at…

Mayor Ridenour is pictured giving one of his daily video briefings. Screenshot of video stream by Endpoint Creative.

Government May 5, 2020

Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board Creates COVID-19 Relief Loans for Local Small Businesses 

By: City of Muncie— Muncie, IN- The Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board has created the “COVID-19 Relief Loan for Small Business.” This loan is designed to provide aid to local small businesses who have felt the economic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The board has made $150,000 of City funds available, which it will spread across 20 businesses. This allows for $7,500 to be allotted to each of those 20 businesses. The loan is non-forgivable, and will need to…

A recent Habitat Home in the process of being built. Photo provided

Non-Profit May 5, 2020

Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity Seeking Partner Families 

By: Eileen Oaks— Muncie, IN— The Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity is actively seeking qualified partner families who are interested in working with Habitat for Humanity to purchase a home. Qualified homebuyers help build their houses by putting in sweat equity hours, and then, purchase their house with a no-profit, no-interest mortgage. You may qualify if your current housing is inadequate or too expensive, or if you are unable to obtain a conventional mortgage. All partner participants must have the ability to pay the Habitat mortgage, which includes proof of steady income within the guidelines…

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb

Government May 4, 2020

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb Announces ‘Back On Track Indiana’ Plan

By: Governor Eric Holcomb— Indianapolis, IN—On Friday I announced the #BackOnTrack Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and wellbeing. Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that has touched my heart. May this spirit of appreciation for one another carry on long after the scourge of #COVID19 is behind us. Hoosiers have done this together and together we will come out a stronger Indiana. I have…

It turns out not touching your face is easier said than done. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson May 2, 2020

John Carlson: Coronavirus Confusion

By: John Carlson— As an old person who is easily confused, there are many things I do not understand about the coronavirus. For example, in my whole life, I have never been a face-toucher. Oh sure, for a while there as a teenager, I was a more-or-less constant pimple popper. But other than that, as far as I can recall, I have gone entire years at a stretch without touching my face. But now that they tell you, “Do not…

As an introvert, there’s much to smile about being home, somewhat alone and not having to deal with conversations. Photo provided by: Joe Misiewicz

Entertainment April 30, 2020

Pondering Myers Briggs During The COVID-19 Lockdown

By: Dr. Joseph Misiewicz— Muncie, IN—Another day and more pondering as I maneuver around the house searching for things to do. Many friends know I’m a Myers Briggs (MB) believer and I’m now pondering my “INTJ” in lockdown mode. As an introvert, there’s much to smile about being home, somewhat alone and not having to deal with conversations. Having done many MB workshops I heard often from participants who felt their ‘type’ was different at home than at work. It…

Photo by: story blocks

Government April 30, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor Announces All 50 States Are Paying Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Benefits

By: U.S. Department of Labor Press Office— WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation’s (FPUC) weekly unemployment compensation boost is now being paid to eligible individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. FPUC is authorized under Section 2104 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116-136), and provides an additional $600 weekly payment to certain eligible individuals who are receiving other benefits. “I…

Photo provided

Non-Profit April 30, 2020

‘Safe Recovery Site’ for Persons Experiencing Homelessness and COVID-19 to Open May 5th

By: Ryan Remington— Muncie, IN—Through a joint effort, Bridges Community Services will open an emergency, isolation quarantine facility for all individuals experiencing homelessness who have tested positive or are presumed positive, for COVID-19 on May 5th, 2020. Partners in this project include Bridges Community Services, Inc., Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Muncie Community Development Office, the City of Muncie, the Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Heartland Ambulance Services, Open Door Health…