Articles by Mike Rhodes

Expressions of Gratitude Can Lift Spirits During Holidays, says Ball State Professor 

By BSU Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN– While concerns about COVID-19 and other issues might have people feeling stressed this holiday season, a dose of gratitude could be the boost families need to lift spirits, according to a Ball State University professor. “Gratitude is a sincere expression of thankfulness and appreciation,” said Jill Walls, a professor of early childhood youth and family studies in Teachers College. “When we step into a grateful mindset, it increases our positive perceptions of our lives.”…

Read More

‘Solutions to Community Impacts of Factory Farms’ Workshop Scheduled for Saturday

By Jeni Jenkins, Hoosier Environmental Council—  Delaware County, IN—The Hoosier Environmental Council, Keep Delaware County Clean, League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County and local concerned citizens are partnering to host a free online public workshop for people concerned about the impacts of factory farms, also known as Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). This informational workshop, which focuses on education, action, and expanding the emerging local and statewide movement for a more sustainable food production system, will take place online…


MCS Teachers Access Professional Development Through Funds From Community Foundation

By Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, Ind.—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $235,126 to Muncie Community Schools through the Successful Schools Fund in 2019 and 2020. Teachers and administrators across the school system accessed various professional development through this funding, including direct training in specialized teaching methods and access to online subscription training services. The Board of Directors of The Community Foundation established the Successful Schools Fund in May 2018 following the Indiana Legislature’s landmark decision to give Ball…


Open Door Health Services to Open New West Side Health Center

By Suzanne Clem— Muncie, IN—Open Door Health Services is expanding access to healthcare in Muncie. A new health center location, Open Door White River, will begin welcoming patients Nov. 30. The addition to Open Door’s sites is located at 2600 West White River Blvd., just east of Tillotson Ave. Open Door White River will initially provide pediatric care, behavioral health care, WIC, and other support services. In early 2021, family medicine and obstetric care will join the line-up. Both telehealth and face-to-face…


Give the Gift of Hope to a Senior Through the AngelWish Program

By Hannah Dunckel— Muncie, IN—This year’s holiday season will look different for many people across the United States. What is typically a time spent preparing a feast for our families and making room for out-of-town guests, has instead been adapted to smaller family gatherings in our own homes due to the ongoing pandemic. While spending the holidays without our families is new for many of us, it is the reality for many senior citizens every year. The holidays are often…


John Carlson: Experiencing Bob Ross

By John Carlson— It seems an unlikely room to have spawned a cultural icon. Partially bordered by heavy curtains, inside there are a couple old television cameras, big hulking ones bearing headsets and lengths of looped electrical cables. There is what can best be described as an industrial-sized easel, a tall ungainly looking thing, steadied below by a large brick. And there are some stacked paintings rendered in a style as comfortingly familiar as fresh apple pie. Oh, and one…


Hank Milius: Holidays May Require Sacrifice

By Hank Milius, President and CEO, Meridian Health Services— Muncie, IN—Just recently, I was living in a hotel for a week because my wife, Terri, kicked me out of the house after 40+ years of marriage. Articles don’t usually start this way, but as we all know, this year has been far from normal. Please allow me to explain. We have 10 grandkids and Terri prides herself as being “the greatest grandma in the world.” We know this to be…


Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, November 24th

Editor’s note: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, this week’s COVID update was released early. 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. This week’s report is being published early due to the holiday; the next report will be released on Thursday, Dec. 3. Heading into Thanksgiving, Delaware County remains orange on the Indiana State…


YMCA Proposes a Community-Centric Vision for a Riverside YMCA

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN— Yesterday, the YMCA of Muncie is unveiled a bold vision for a centrally located YMCA that reaches deep into the community, offering expanded services with wellness minded indoor and outdoor activities for all. By providing a unifying, neutral catalyst for positive change, the project has potential to be a turning point for the community. A strong Y signals a thriving community.  “The YMCA is a community benefit organization.  It not only benefits its 20,000+ constituents, but…


Ball State, Ivy Tech Expand Business Options for Transfer Students

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— Muncie, IN—Students studying business at Ivy Tech Community College now have more options when they transfer to Ball State University as a result of a new agreement between the institutions. Ivy Tech graduates in business administration may transfer directly into 11 business majors offered by Ball State’s Miller College of Business under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement. “We have created a seamless process for students from Ivy Tech to find a home in the Miller…