Articles by Mike Rhodes

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Business May 29, 2020

Muncie Breaks Ground on First Phase of White River Canal District

By: Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— Muncie, IN— In a groundbreaking ceremony on May 28th, local officials and representatives of WS Property Group gathered to celebrate the start of construction on White River Lofts, a mixed-use riverfront building in downtown Muncie that includes 55 residential apartments with high quality finishes and views of the White River. Commercial space will be available on the ground floor. The project is the first phase of the White River Canal District, and will be…

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Photo provided by Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Carlson May 29, 2020

John Carlson: An Indy May For The Books

By: John Carlson— As you are undoubtedly aware, the Indianapolis 500 is not being run this May. Meanwhile, I also have it on good authority that eternity’s sinners are freezing their butts off because Hell just froze over, A.J. Foyt is opening a chain of ballet studios, and the FDA has determined ordering double-cheese on your pizzas is the key to permanent weight loss. Still, it’s the fact there’s no race this month that truly flummoxes me. Ever since having…

Eaton to receive $2.8 million in grant funding for water projects

Government May 29, 2020

Eaton to Receive $2.8 Million Grant for Water Infrastructure Improvements

By: U.S. Congressman Greg Pence Press Office— Washington, DC –U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Department is investing $281 million in 106 projects nationwide through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The Town of Eaton will receive over $2.8 million in grant funding from this program to bring modern, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure to the 1,805 residents of Eaton in Delaware County. “Investing in our rural communities strengthens our entire…

Motivate Our Minds was awarded $20,000 for its 2020-2021 After-School Enrichment Program. A similar grant in 2019 supported Motivate Our Minds. Pictured, students take part in an etiquette dinner as part of the enrichment opportunities provided by Motivate Our Minds.

Non-Profit May 28, 2020

11 Delaware County Non-Profits Receive $200k in Grant Funding

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $217,716 to 11 non-profit organizations during the second Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2020. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, human services,…

Photo provided by: Ball State University

Non-Profit May 27, 2020

George and Frances Ball Foundation Awards 2nd Round of Quarterly Grants

By: Thomas Kinghorn— Muncie, IN—On May 14, 2020 the Board of Directors for the George and Frances Ball Foundation met virtually to award a number of grants received through the Foundation’s second quarterly grant application process. The Foundation awarded $570,209 to a variety of organizations across Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. Grants were awarded as follows: Ball State University Muncie Community Schools Partnership – Awarded $335,000 as the second stint of a $1 million pledge, will be used…

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Business May 26, 2020

Balance Holdings Acquires 33 Acres at I-69 and SR 67 For New Headquarters

By: Delaware County Economic Development— Daleville, IN – More jobs. More capital investment. In the pandemic era, growth-oriented announcements are few and far between. But Delaware County, Indiana, officials have announced another economic development venture. And it is one that comes at no risk to local taxpayers. Delaware County officials’ winning streak continues with the announcement that Balance Holdings Inc. (BHI) is acquiring 33 acres at I-69 and SR 67 for development of a new 100,000-square-foot headquarters and demonstration greenhouse. BHI plans…

YMCA of Muncie, 500 S Mulberry St, Muncie, IN 47305 Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit May 25, 2020

YMCA Of Muncie to Reopen

By: Kristen McConnell— Phased reopening to begin with Membership Branches followed by programs in coming weeks. Muncie, IN—After closing its facilities on March 17th due to safety concerns and Governor Holcomb’s stay-at-home order surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the YMCA of Muncie will reopen its Northwest and Yorktown facilities on May 26th. The reopening will be conducted under the guidance of state and local health authorities and will take place in phases. “The YMCA of Muncie has served the Delaware County…

The Purple Heart stands as a symbol of sacrifice. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson May 22, 2020

John Carlson: Memorial Day Thoughts

By: John Carlson— It might sound absurd, but as Memorial Day approaches, I find myself thinking about my late father’s T-shirt drawer. Beats me how I ever discovered this, but that simple drawer slid from its simple chest was a source of fascination for me as a kid, so every now and then I’d sneak a look inside. What did it hold? T-shirts, mostly, all laundered and neatly folded by my Mom. My Dad wore them five, six and sometime…

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Non-Profit May 21, 2020

$1.1 million COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grant Awarded to United Way

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN– United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties is pleased to announce that it has received a $1.1 million COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grant. The grant was made possible through a partnership between Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Indiana United Ways, the state professional association of which United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph County is a member. These funds will be used to invest in long-term economic recovery and resiliency efforts by supporting human and…

Pictured L-R: Brad Bookout, Maurizio Tamborin, James King, Bill Walters, and Sabrina Riccardi are pictured inside an INOX facility in Italy. Photo provided

Business May 20, 2020

INOX Market Service Announces Plans to Locate North American Headquarters in Delaware County, Indiana

By: Delaware County Economic Development— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—Delaware County and the State of Indiana are proud to welcome INOX Market North America (IMNA) a subsidiary company of INOX Market Service (INOX) an Italian based stainless steel slitting and forming company. The company plans to locate its new North American headquarters in Delaware County. IMNA will invest over $15 million in machinery and construction of a new 139,800 square foot facility. INOX is a world leader in the cutting and forming…