Articles by Mike Rhodes

Online story time with Kelly Batchelor, Youth Services employee at MPL. Photo provided by MPL

Non-Profit April 5, 2020

Muncie Public Library Closed Yet Still Providing Service During COVID-19 Pandemic

By: Susan Fisher— Muncie, IN—All Muncie Public Library branches are closed and all events, programs, and meeting room events are cancelled until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers are urged to use the online resources available at the MPL website. Online resources include hoopla and overdrive, two services that provide ebooks, movies, and music. These services require a library card but people can “try out” hoopla without a library card and download up to 3 items. Other databases…

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Business April 4, 2020

WLBC To Broadcast Easter Messages Submitted By Local Faith Leaders

By: J Chapman, President of Woof Boom Radio— Muncie, IN—This Easter will be unlike any of us has ever experienced. We won’t be in our house of worship and we’ve never needed our churches more than we need them right now.  In an effort to encourage social distancing, because we cannot physically be there this Easter in our churches or parishes, WLBC is asking all faith leaders, ministers, pastors, and preachers to share the message of our Risen Lord OR…

Sure, it tastes pretty good, but it doesn’t look like much. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson April 3, 2020

John Carlson: Time For Taco Tuneups?

By: John Carlson— The other day I was hurriedly deleting spam posts from my email when one slugged “toco warranty” caught my eye. That’s right. It read, “toco warranty.” At least, I’m pretty sure it did. Just for the record, I have NO idea what a “toco warranty” is, let alone what protection a warranty for a toco would provide. Still, I was momentarily stunned by the sight of this, thinking that perhaps I had misread it. “Did that post…

David Heeter, file photo

Business April 2, 2020

A Message From MutualBank’s CEO, Dave Heeter

By: Dave Heeter— Who knew? Just about when we think we have it all figured out, something like COVID-19 happens! As a leader who has the responsibility to multiple constituents, I can tell you this recent crisis has plenty of challenges.  I say that not to whine, but to share thoughts on why I continue to be humbled by and thankful for the human spirit. First, I am so thankful for the outstanding professionals I work with every day at…

Jason Newman. Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 2, 2020

Jason Newman: Moving Through The COVID-19 Crisis

By: Jason Newman, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie— Muncie, IN—Our community has always helped and supported each other in times of need. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie is finding this time is no different. Our Clubs, our members, our staff, and our community have committed to doing whatever it takes to support and help our families through this unprecedented time. Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in…

Qiana Clemens. Photo provided

Education April 2, 2020

Qiana Clemens Joins Ivy Community College as Executive Director of Development

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN—Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County campus has hired Qiana Clemens as the new executive director of development. Clemens, a life-long resident of Muncie has deep ties to the Muncie community. She started her career at the YMCA, and quickly learned that she had a passion for fund development.  In her most recent role as the chief operating officer of the Boys and Girls Club, she tapped into her leadership skills during the merger of the…

Muncie Pride's 2nd meeting photographed in February of 2019. Photo provided by: SteVen Knipp

Non-Profit April 2, 2020

Muncie Pride Schedules First Event and Offers Scholarship Opportunity

By: Dee McKinsey— Muncie, IN—Muncie Pride, celebrating the LGBTQ community, has scheduled an event from 1-8 p.m., Sept. 19 at Canan Commons. It will feature a stage show with bands and performers, in addition to educational opportunities, merchandise vendors, food trucks and a beer garden. As part of this event, a $1000 and $500 scholarship will be awarded based on a 2,000 word, or less, essay about the origins of the gay pride flag.  Applicants must be currently enrolled in…

The flowers are blooming at Minnetrista and they are everywhere.

Business April 1, 2020

Photos Around Town On April 1st During COVID-19

By: Mike Rhodes, Editor-in chief, MuncieJournal.com— This morning I decided to venture out and take some photos around town. I put on my MEDIA lanyard, grabbed my box of latex gloves, filled the car up with gas and just drove around for a while. Pretty drab outside today, but the weather is supposed to be nicer tomorrow. For the most part, I noticed many people were following CDC guidelines. That’s good!            

Aerial image of the IU Health Ball Memorial Campus. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 31, 2020

Ball Brothers Foundation Expedites Funding for COVID-19 Front-Line Responders

By: Ball Brothers Foundation— Muncie, IN—Over the course of the past two weeks, Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 to organizations on the front lines of fighting COVID-19 in Muncie and Delaware County. Funding is focused on meeting the needs of healthcare providers and emergency responders, including hospital employees, ambulance services, health clinics and law enforcement officers. “Right now, we know that preventing the spread of COVID-19 is absolutely critical to protecting the lives of residents. Our initial…

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

Business March 31, 2020

Indiana Michigan Update Regarding Energy Service

 Statement of Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power, updating communities in the I&M service territory regarding delivery of energy service during the coronavirus pandemic:  Thank you for this opportunity to update the community about the status of Indiana Michigan Power at this crucial time.  I&M does not anticipate any interruptions in our service related to the coronavirus. I&M’s No. 1 focus is on the health and safety of our customers and employees as our teams…