Articles by Mike Rhodes

Qiana Clemens. Photo provided

Education April 2, 2020

Qiana Clemens Joins Ivy Community College as Executive Director of Development

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN—Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County campus has hired Qiana Clemens as the new executive director of development. Clemens, a life-long resident of Muncie has deep ties to the Muncie community. She started her career at the YMCA, and quickly learned that she had a passion for fund development.  In her most recent role as the chief operating officer of the Boys and Girls Club, she tapped into her leadership skills during the merger of the…

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Muncie Pride's 2nd meeting photographed in February of 2019. Photo provided by: SteVen Knipp

Non-Profit April 2, 2020

Muncie Pride Schedules First Event and Offers Scholarship Opportunity

By: Dee McKinsey— Muncie, IN—Muncie Pride, celebrating the LGBTQ community, has scheduled an event from 1-8 p.m., Sept. 19 at Canan Commons. It will feature a stage show with bands and performers, in addition to educational opportunities, merchandise vendors, food trucks and a beer garden. As part of this event, a $1000 and $500 scholarship will be awarded based on a 2,000 word, or less, essay about the origins of the gay pride flag.  Applicants must be currently enrolled in…

The flowers are blooming at Minnetrista and they are everywhere.

Business April 1, 2020

Photos Around Town On April 1st During COVID-19

By: Mike Rhodes, Editor-in chief, MuncieJournal.com— This morning I decided to venture out and take some photos around town. I put on my MEDIA lanyard, grabbed my box of latex gloves, filled the car up with gas and just drove around for a while. Pretty drab outside today, but the weather is supposed to be nicer tomorrow. For the most part, I noticed many people were following CDC guidelines. That’s good!            

Aerial image of the IU Health Ball Memorial Campus. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 31, 2020

Ball Brothers Foundation Expedites Funding for COVID-19 Front-Line Responders

By: Ball Brothers Foundation— Muncie, IN—Over the course of the past two weeks, Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 to organizations on the front lines of fighting COVID-19 in Muncie and Delaware County. Funding is focused on meeting the needs of healthcare providers and emergency responders, including hospital employees, ambulance services, health clinics and law enforcement officers. “Right now, we know that preventing the spread of COVID-19 is absolutely critical to protecting the lives of residents. Our initial…

Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power.

Business March 31, 2020

Indiana Michigan Update Regarding Energy Service

 Statement of Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power, updating communities in the I&M service territory regarding delivery of energy service during the coronavirus pandemic:  Thank you for this opportunity to update the community about the status of Indiana Michigan Power at this crucial time.  I&M does not anticipate any interruptions in our service related to the coronavirus. I&M’s No. 1 focus is on the health and safety of our customers and employees as our teams…

Heart of Indiana United Way President & CEO Jenni Marsh.

Non-Profit March 30, 2020

Jenni Marsh: We Can Rise to the Challenge, Supporting the Most Vulnerable Among Us

By: Jenni Marsh, President & CEO, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties— Muncie, IN—These are tough times. But on days when you feel most helpless, you actually have the most power to help others. Like the people of east central Indiana have always done in times of crisis, we can rise to the challenge, supporting the most vulnerable among us. As events are cancelled, sales plummet, and businesses shutter, our communities’ struggling working families face sudden economic challenges. Workers are…

An aerial photo of the downtown Muncie area. Photo by: Intersection

Government March 30, 2020

The U.S. Census and the Importance of Being Counted

By: Chad Kinsella, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Ball State University— Muncie, IN—During this difficult time, many people are looking for ways to help. Perhaps one of these easiest ways to impact our community right now is to complete the U.S. Census. A few minutes of your time will ensure that our community receives proper funding from the Federal government; that we are represented equally at every level of government; and that research on our community is accurate…

U.S. Senator Todd Young is pictured presenting to members of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and guests. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government March 30, 2020

U.S. Senator Todd Young Releases Coronavirus Assistance Toolkit

By: U.S. Senator Todd Young’s Office— Indianapolis, IN– U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today released a comprehensive toolkit to help Hoosiers navigate the resources available in the Senate’s coronavirus emergency relief package that was signed into law yesterday, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). “Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help Hoosiers navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, my team…

A sign of the times during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business March 30, 2020

Muncie Community Organization Statements on Coronavirus, Part 2

Updated Editor’s Note: We have been publishing community statements from local organizations regarding the coronavirus as a community service.  There have been so many, the original page is quite lengthy. So, I am beginning a PAGE 2  for the latest statements I receive. Come back to this page to check and see if new ones have been added. Newest items received will be added at the top of this article. (Newest to oldest as you scroll down.)   The original…

Photo provided by: MITS

Business March 29, 2020

MITS  Schedule Modification

By: Amanda Price— Muncie, IN—Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) is announcing a modification to service in response to COVID-19. This modification will take effect Monday March 30, 2020. Due to the restrictions on travel and businesses that have closed/shortened their hours, MITS will be running an enhanced Saturday schedule until further notice. This means that Monday thru Friday all routes will begin at their normal Monday thru Friday start times (some adjustments will be made to ensure the service is…