Articles by Mike Rhodes

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Health April 12, 2020

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Strives to Keep Patients Connected During COVID-19

By: Liz Yates— Muncie, IN—Even with strict visitor restrictions in place for the safety of the patients and the community, Indiana University Health is continuing to nurture patient’s desire to stay connected with their loved ones during their stay. Though that connectedness may look different right now, it holds the same importance as it always has. “The patient experience has always been important to us,” said Dawn Fluhler, director of experience design, IU Health Ball. “It has only become more so…

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The Boys & Girls Club of Muncie are among the recipients of grants that will help pay for support and supplies made necessary by COVID-19 pandemic. In this photo, a Club kid attends an online learning class.

Non-Profit April 11, 2020

George and Frances Ball Foundation Grants $200K in COVID-19 Emergency Support

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN – The George and Frances Ball Foundation has awarded $200,000 to area non-profits for COVID-19 related causes, and notes funding may be available to non-profits for technical support in the preparation of applications for federal CARES Act dollars. “It’s in times like these it becomes clear this is a very special community with everyone pulling together,” said foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Kinghorn. Organizations that need funding to help pay associated expenses of filing for…

Does voltage pose a threat to guys’ sketchy behavior? Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson April 10, 2020

John Carlson: Shocking Information

By: John Carlson— Not long ago I saw a picture of a person from whose forehead a little black box protruded. This person was asleep. Turns out the box was an electronic thingamajig that sends out a shock every time the person snores. This worked something like a Death Row executioner throwing the switch on Old Sparky. Well, except that the black box would shock the wearer into momentary consciousness. Old Sparky, on the other hand, would have the exact…

Attendees view a map of Muncie neighborhoods during the IDEA conference. The attendees pinpointed where they live and where they love with a string connecting the two. Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 8, 2020

Fifth Annual IDEA Conference Focused on Community Building

By: Heather Williams, Muncie Action Plan Task Force 2 Leader— Muncie, IN—On March 7th, over 150 community members, political leaders, and facilitators gathered for the 5th Annual IDEA Conference. Hosted at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement and Building Better Neighborhoods, Muncie Action Plan and Shafer Leadership Academy brought speakers in to discuss topics relevant to our city’s neighborhoods, including MCS: The Future is Bright, Making Democracy Work, and a demonstration of Web of Support: How Everybody…

Second Harvest Food Bank tailgate held on April 8th. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit April 8, 2020

Photos: Second Harvest Food Bank Tailgate at Scheumann Stadium Parking Lot

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—An extra free food tailgate by Second Harvest Food Bank was held in the parking lot outside Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium on April 8th from 10 am to 12 pm. Food items were handed out by members of the Indiana National Guard to 607 cars filled with appreciative families. “John” and his cousin from Muncie were first in line to obtain food, after arriving at the parking lot at 3am in the morning—a seven hour wait….

Aerial view of the Ball State Campus. Photo by: BSU Photo Services

We Fly April 7, 2020

‘One Ball State Day’ To Address Critical Needs Of Students

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN—Ball State University is shifting emphasis of One Ball State Day on April 7 to address the critical needs of its students, particularly as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. The 24-hour online annual fundraising event inspires and unites Cardinals across the country. “Last year’s event was a tremendous success with more than 4,100 gifts made by faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and students,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “Their philanthropic support…

The headquarters of Woof Boom Radio, LLC located at 800 E. 29th Street in Muncie, IN. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government April 7, 2020

FCC Chairman Thanks America’s Broadcasters for Response to Pandemic

By: Will Wiquist— Washington DC—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai thanked radio and television broadcasters for their tireless efforts during the coronavirus outbreak, including running public service announcements on social distancing, airing educational programming to help with distance learning, expanding COVID-19 reporting, and holding fundraisers to help those who have faced financial hardship due to the virus. “As always, in times of emergency, broadcasters are stepping up to serve their communities and help keep people informed, healthy, and safe,” said…

Students at this year's round 2 competition pitching their ideas. Photo provided

Education, We Fly April 6, 2020

Innovate WithIN™ To Host Virtual State Finals Pitching Competition On April 8th

By: Melissa Kraman— Muncie, IN — Innovate WithIN™ will host its annual state finals virtually with 10 teams of high school entrepreneurs pitching their products and services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.  Innovate WithIN™ provides students across Indiana the chance to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas to experienced professionals for awards and scholarships. In response to COVID-19, the finalists — who advanced through two rounds of online and live pitching — will present virtually through Innovate WithIN™’s website.  All teams…

Photo by: storyblocks

Government April 6, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor Provides Additional Guidance for FFCRA Act

By: U.S. Department of Labor— WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced more guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which went into effect April 1, 2020. The guidance includes a comprehensive webinar explaining which employers are covered by the new law, which workers are eligible, and what benefits and protections the law…

Aerial photo of Muncie and Delaware County by Michael Wolfe

Non-Profit April 6, 2020

Community Foundation Grants Additional $14,000 in COVID-19 Funding

By: Kallie Sulanke—  Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded an additional $14,000 to 11 non-profit organizations to support response efforts to the COVID-19 crisis.   Community Foundation staff continue to connect with and listen to the plans, challenges, and needs of a variety of vital community organizations across Delaware County. Decisions for this second round of response funding were made to come along side these vital community organizations with identified immediate needs related to the Coronavirus Pandemic. This round of support follows an initial $20,000 of community support to 12 organizations.    Emergency Response Grants in the amounts of $1,000 or $2,000…