Articles by Mike Rhodes

‘Indiana Navigators’ Offer Health Coverage Enrollment During Pandemic 

By: Bryan Ayars, CEO, Open Door Health Services— Muncie, IN—We’ve heard it said many times during crises, and we’ve heard it during the COVID-19 pandemic: Look for the helpers. Our community has rallied to support our vulnerable populations over the last several weeks—and the truth is, we’re all vulnerable in one way or another during COVID. In the past month, thirty percent of us have postponed healthcare, and more than 30 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits after losing a job. The…

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Burris’ Stefanie Onieal Named Recipient of Ball Brothers Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award 

 By: Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN—Stefanie Onieal is not a teacher, she says. She’s a researcher.  “I’m a researcher of my students. I am researching what they know, what they can do, and I’m trying to take them to the next place, to where they need to go,” said Onieal, a second-grade teacher at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie. And it’s this unique approach and dedication to self-reflection that led to her being named the winner of this year’s Ball Brothers…


John Carlson: What’s In a Name?

By: John Carlson— One thing which, in a roundabout way, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded me of is this: When it comes to names, Native Americans have been infinitely more creative than we paler latecomers. How so? The other night while hiding from the coronavirus I was watching one of my favorite movies, “Dances With Wolves.” Besides the name of the movie, Dances With Wolves is also the name of the main character, one bestowed in the 1860s upon a…


Supporting Our Students During National Teacher Appreciation Week 

By: Joanna Robertson— Muncie, IN—With schools closed nationwide due to COVID-19 stay-at-home-orders, supporting students and their families with the basic tools for learning has become critical. The Back To School Teachers Store, a non-profit providing free essential learning tools and supplies to teachers, students and families in Delaware County, has provided 5,000 students with remote learning supplies since mid-March. “Pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers and books are the top requested items from teachers year after year,” said Stacy Wheeler, executive director…


MACC Welcomes Erin Williams As Executive Director

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MACC) board is pleased to announce the appointment of its new executive director, Erin Williams. Williams, who has worked at the MACC for two years as the PlaySpace Residency Coordinator, replaces Braydee Euliss, who left MACC at the beginning of 2020. “As the first person to manage [PlySpace], Erin was instrumental in shaping it and connecting the visiting artists to the Muncie community,” said Betty Brewer, MACC board immediate past…


The Community Foundation Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients 

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—Congratulations to the following graduates – Edom Alemayehu, a senior at Burris Laboratory School, is a recipient of the Alice Miriam Kitselman Scholarship. Alemayehu plans to attend Ball State University to study biology and pre-med. She is the daughter of Zoide Awoke and Abebe Alemayehu. Sarah Bailey, a senior at Wes-Del Middle/High School, is a recipient of the Zach Greenwalt Scholarship. Bailey plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College to study psychology.  She is the daughter of Lisa Bailey and Michael Bailey. Ashlyn Craig, a senior at…


Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board Creates COVID-19 Relief Loans for Local Small Businesses 

By: City of Muncie— Muncie, IN- The Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board has created the “COVID-19 Relief Loan for Small Business.” This loan is designed to provide aid to local small businesses who have felt the economic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The board has made $150,000 of City funds available, which it will spread across 20 businesses. This allows for $7,500 to be allotted to each of those 20 businesses. The loan is non-forgivable, and will need to…


Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity Seeking Partner Families 

By: Eileen Oaks— Muncie, IN— The Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity is actively seeking qualified partner families who are interested in working with Habitat for Humanity to purchase a home. Qualified homebuyers help build their houses by putting in sweat equity hours, and then, purchase their house with a no-profit, no-interest mortgage. You may qualify if your current housing is inadequate or too expensive, or if you are unable to obtain a conventional mortgage. All partner participants must have the ability to pay the Habitat mortgage, which includes proof of steady income within the guidelines…


Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb Announces ‘Back On Track Indiana’ Plan

By: Governor Eric Holcomb— Indianapolis, IN—On Friday I announced the #BackOnTrack Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and wellbeing. Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that has touched my heart. May this spirit of appreciation for one another carry on long after the scourge of #COVID19 is behind us. Hoosiers have done this together and together we will come out a stronger Indiana. I have…