Articles by Mike Rhodes

Aerial view of the Ball State Campus. Photo by: BSU Photo Services

We Fly April 7, 2020

‘One Ball State Day’ To Address Critical Needs Of Students

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN—Ball State University is shifting emphasis of One Ball State Day on April 7 to address the critical needs of its students, particularly as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. The 24-hour online annual fundraising event inspires and unites Cardinals across the country. “Last year’s event was a tremendous success with more than 4,100 gifts made by faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and students,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “Their philanthropic support…

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The headquarters of Woof Boom Radio, LLC located at 800 E. 29th Street in Muncie, IN. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government April 7, 2020

FCC Chairman Thanks America’s Broadcasters for Response to Pandemic

By: Will Wiquist— Washington DC—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai thanked radio and television broadcasters for their tireless efforts during the coronavirus outbreak, including running public service announcements on social distancing, airing educational programming to help with distance learning, expanding COVID-19 reporting, and holding fundraisers to help those who have faced financial hardship due to the virus. “As always, in times of emergency, broadcasters are stepping up to serve their communities and help keep people informed, healthy, and safe,” said…

Students at this year's round 2 competition pitching their ideas. Photo provided

Education, We Fly April 6, 2020

Innovate WithIN™ To Host Virtual State Finals Pitching Competition On April 8th

By: Melissa Kraman— Muncie, IN — Innovate WithIN™ will host its annual state finals virtually with 10 teams of high school entrepreneurs pitching their products and services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.  Innovate WithIN™ provides students across Indiana the chance to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas to experienced professionals for awards and scholarships. In response to COVID-19, the finalists — who advanced through two rounds of online and live pitching — will present virtually through Innovate WithIN™’s website.  All teams…

Photo by: storyblocks

Government April 6, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor Provides Additional Guidance for FFCRA Act

By: U.S. Department of Labor— WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced more guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which went into effect April 1, 2020. The guidance includes a comprehensive webinar explaining which employers are covered by the new law, which workers are eligible, and what benefits and protections the law…

Aerial photo of Muncie and Delaware County by Michael Wolfe

Non-Profit April 6, 2020

Community Foundation Grants Additional $14,000 in COVID-19 Funding

By: Kallie Sulanke—  Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded an additional $14,000 to 11 non-profit organizations to support response efforts to the COVID-19 crisis.   Community Foundation staff continue to connect with and listen to the plans, challenges, and needs of a variety of vital community organizations across Delaware County. Decisions for this second round of response funding were made to come along side these vital community organizations with identified immediate needs related to the Coronavirus Pandemic. This round of support follows an initial $20,000 of community support to 12 organizations.    Emergency Response Grants in the amounts of $1,000 or $2,000…

Online story time with Kelly Batchelor, Youth Services employee at MPL. Photo provided by MPL

Non-Profit April 5, 2020

Muncie Public Library Closed Yet Still Providing Service During COVID-19 Pandemic

By: Susan Fisher— Muncie, IN—All Muncie Public Library branches are closed and all events, programs, and meeting room events are cancelled until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers are urged to use the online resources available at the MPL website. Online resources include hoopla and overdrive, two services that provide ebooks, movies, and music. These services require a library card but people can “try out” hoopla without a library card and download up to 3 items. Other databases…

Business April 4, 2020

WLBC To Broadcast Easter Messages Submitted By Local Faith Leaders

By: J Chapman, President of Woof Boom Radio— Muncie, IN—This Easter will be unlike any of us has ever experienced. We won’t be in our house of worship and we’ve never needed our churches more than we need them right now.  In an effort to encourage social distancing, because we cannot physically be there this Easter in our churches or parishes, WLBC is asking all faith leaders, ministers, pastors, and preachers to share the message of our Risen Lord OR…

Sure, it tastes pretty good, but it doesn’t look like much. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson April 3, 2020

John Carlson: Time For Taco Tuneups?

By: John Carlson— The other day I was hurriedly deleting spam posts from my email when one slugged “toco warranty” caught my eye. That’s right. It read, “toco warranty.” At least, I’m pretty sure it did. Just for the record, I have NO idea what a “toco warranty” is, let alone what protection a warranty for a toco would provide. Still, I was momentarily stunned by the sight of this, thinking that perhaps I had misread it. “Did that post…

David Heeter, file photo

Business April 2, 2020

A Message From MutualBank’s CEO, Dave Heeter

By: Dave Heeter— Who knew? Just about when we think we have it all figured out, something like COVID-19 happens! As a leader who has the responsibility to multiple constituents, I can tell you this recent crisis has plenty of challenges.  I say that not to whine, but to share thoughts on why I continue to be humbled by and thankful for the human spirit. First, I am so thankful for the outstanding professionals I work with every day at…

Jason Newman. Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 2, 2020

Jason Newman: Moving Through The COVID-19 Crisis

By: Jason Newman, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie— Muncie, IN—Our community has always helped and supported each other in times of need. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie is finding this time is no different. Our Clubs, our members, our staff, and our community have committed to doing whatever it takes to support and help our families through this unprecedented time. Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in…