Articles by Mike Rhodes

Pictured L-R: Jack Surface and Mike Hylton outside of the Midas Shop on Broadway in Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business September 23, 2020

Jack Surface, Owner of Local Midas Shop Recognized With Franchisee of the Year Award

By Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— Franchisee owner Jack Surface has won a prestigious Franchisee of the Year award from Midas, an American chain of automotive service centers headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Surface is a 40-year Midas veteran who purchased his Muncie location in 2011 and the Anderson location in 2016. Three franchisee awards are awarded by Midas: a single shop owner, a 2-5 shop owner, and anyone who owns more than 5 shops. Surface owns two shops—one in Anderson…

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Maxon Foundation Fund at The Community Foundation awards $52K to four organizations including Bridges Community Services who will use the funds to offset the cost of utilities at the HUB facility.

Non-Profit September 23, 2020

Five Delaware County Non-profits Receive $52K from the Maxon Foundation Fund

By Kallie Sulanke– Muncie, IN– The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has awarded $52,000 to five non-profit organizations from the Maxon Foundation Fund. The Maxon Foundation Fund was established when assets of The Maxon Foundation were transferred to The Community Foundation. The Maxon Foundation was originally established by Maxon Corporation and the founding family as a way to give back to the community and support worthy causes in Delaware County.  The Maxon Foundation Fund generally awards grants…

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 September 22, 2020

Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, September 22

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.  Muncie, IN—As of Sept. 13, the Indiana State Department of Health indicates that Delaware County is one of two counties currently ranked “orange” on the ISDH metrics for COVID-19 map. The map assigns a color to each county based on weekly cases and 7-day positivity…

Roberto Darroca, MD, with Immediate Past President Lisa Hatcher, MD, (left) and new President-Elect J. Elizabeth Struble, MD. Photo courtesy of Indiana State Medical Association

Health September 22, 2020

Muncie Physician Elected President of Indiana State Medical Association

By Erin Erwin— Muncie, IN—Dr. Roberto Darroca has been elected president of the Indiana State Medical Association. The Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) is a federation of county and district medical societies across Indiana. Since its start in 1849, ISMA has provided continuing medical education to physicians about scientific and clinical developments in medicine. With more than 8,500 members, ISMA is dedicated to helping physicians provide the best possible healthcare for their patients. “It’s an honor to have the confidence…

Building rendering provided

Government September 21, 2020

$6 Million Mixed-Use Investment Coming to Downtown Yorktown

YORKTOWN, IN – The Town of Yorktown’s Town Council paved the way for a $6 million commercial investment along the new Civic Green by approving an economic development agreement with Rebar Development at a Council meeting on Monday night. The Oliver project meets several of the goals outlined in Yorktown’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan by bringing high-quality, multi-generational places for residents and visitors to live, do business, and be entertained. “We are excited to be partnering with Rebar Development on this…

Muncie Central High School. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education September 18, 2020

Muncie Community Schools Receives $825,000 in Grant Funding

By Andy Klotz— Funds to aid early learning literacy, teacher training, building security Muncie, Ind. – Four grants totaling $825,000 will allow Muncie Community Schools (MCS) to improve young students’ literacy, help train teachers and increase security at MCS facilities. The funds come from various entities in the following amounts: $500,000 from the US Department of Justice’s School Violence Prevention Program $100,000 from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security $225,000 from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) – $150,000 for…

Experience offers painful proof that baking British stuff is much harder than it looks. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson September 18, 2020

John Carlson: On Your Mark! Get Set…BAKE!

By John Carlson— Being cranky old duffers long set in our ways, Nancy and I follow an invariable routine for weeknight Netflix television-watching that illustrates something of the dichotomy in our viewing tastes. First we watch two or three short episodes of “Forensic Files.” This provides my daily minimum requirement of blood, guts, murder and mayhem. My having always been a fan of televised blood, guts, murder and mayhem, TV shows about cops and criminals are my favorite. Then out…

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

Business September 18, 2020

Indiana Michigan Power: Energy Bill Assistance During COVID-19

 By Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Michigan Power— Muncie, IN—Virtually all Hoosiers and all Indiana businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused unprecedented, widespread financial difficulties.  Indiana Michigan Power has been working with our customers regarding their energy bills since the early days of the pandemic in mid-March. We have consistently encouraged our customers who believe they may have trouble paying their bill to discuss payment plans. We have informed them of other…

David Owsley Museum of Art

We Fly September 17, 2020

Four Events in Five Days: The Arts are Thriving at Ball State

By Sam Mumbower — Muncie, IN— There are many opportunities to celebrate the arts at Ball State University from September 24-29, including an exhibition of 20th-century women artists, a showcase of musical talent, a dance concert, and an orchestra concert. Ball State has many precautions in place to ensure the safety of the campus community members and visitors who attend these events in person. Masks are required in all campus buildings, and available seats will be marked to ensure physical…

Entertainment September 17, 2020

ArtsWalk 2020 To Be Held on October 1st

By Cheryl Crowder— Muncie, IN—A special edition of First Thursday, ArtsWalk will feature autumnal festivities and a celebration of arts, culture and KINDNESS in Muncie. Mask Up as you watch and learn from local artists as they create amazing chalk art. Enter the pumpkin carving contest and explore the DWNTWN community while searching for kindness rocks. NEW THIS YEAR: CHALK IT UP TO KINDNESS SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MUNCIE & DELAWARE COUNTY, INC. Working with Muncie Arts &…