Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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Heart of Indiana United Way President & CEO Jenni Marsh.

Non-Profit March 30, 2020

Jenni Marsh: We Can Rise to the Challenge, Supporting the Most Vulnerable Among Us

By: Jenni Marsh, President & CEO, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties— Muncie, IN—These are tough times. But on days when you feel most helpless, you actually have the most power to help others. Like the people of east central Indiana have always done in times of crisis, we can rise to the challenge, supporting the most vulnerable among us. As events are cancelled, sales plummet, and businesses shutter, our communities’ struggling working families face sudden economic challenges. Workers are…

An aerial photo of the downtown Muncie area. Photo by: Intersection

Government March 30, 2020

The U.S. Census and the Importance of Being Counted

By: Chad Kinsella, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Ball State University— Muncie, IN—During this difficult time, many people are looking for ways to help. Perhaps one of these easiest ways to impact our community right now is to complete the U.S. Census. A few minutes of your time will ensure that our community receives proper funding from the Federal government; that we are represented equally at every level of government; and that research on our community is accurate…

U.S. Senator Todd Young is pictured presenting to members of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and guests. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government March 30, 2020

U.S. Senator Todd Young Releases Coronavirus Assistance Toolkit

By: U.S. Senator Todd Young’s Office— Indianapolis, IN– U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today released a comprehensive toolkit to help Hoosiers navigate the resources available in the Senate’s coronavirus emergency relief package that was signed into law yesterday, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). “Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help Hoosiers navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, my team…

A sign of the times during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business March 30, 2020

Muncie Community Organization Statements on Coronavirus, Part 2

Updated Editor’s Note: We have been publishing community statements from local organizations regarding the coronavirus as a community service.  There have been so many, the original page is quite lengthy. So, I am beginning a PAGE 2  for the latest statements I receive. Come back to this page to check and see if new ones have been added. Newest items received will be added at the top of this article. (Newest to oldest as you scroll down.)   The original…

Photo provided by: MITS

Business March 29, 2020

MITS  Schedule Modification

By: Amanda Price— Muncie, IN—Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) is announcing a modification to service in response to COVID-19. This modification will take effect Monday March 30, 2020. Due to the restrictions on travel and businesses that have closed/shortened their hours, MITS will be running an enhanced Saturday schedule until further notice. This means that Monday thru Friday all routes will begin at their normal Monday thru Friday start times (some adjustments will be made to ensure the service is…

Who would have ever thought this product would be so hard to find? Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Carlson March 29, 2020

John Carlson: In Scary Times Like These…

By: John Carlson— Well, this certainly sucks. Meaning the coronavirus, of course. Good old COVID-19. By now we all know it has spurred some significant life changes, and not just in the fact it can be hard to buy toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and we can’t sit inside restaurants or – ‘scuse me while I dab the tears from my eyes – bars anymore. Like many folks, what it’s done to the stock market makes me want to flat-out hurl….

Muncie’s tallest Christmas tree has been lit again and will remain lit every night from dusk until dawn as a symbol of community hope and collaboration. Photo provided

Business March 28, 2020

Muncie’s Tallest Christmas Tree Is Lit Again

By: Meridian Health Services— Muncie, IN—Under the direction of Meridian Health Services, and with the partnership of Jay Crew Landscaping and Indiana Michigan Power, Muncie’s tallest Christmas tree was lit again last night and will remain lit every night from dusk until dawn as a symbol of community hope and collaboration. “We have hundreds of superheroes on the front lines of this crisis,” said Hank Milius, president and CEO of Meridian. “Our hope is that this may help provide belief…

A family enjoys watching World Channel content. Photo provided

Education March 27, 2020

WIPB-TV Launches Daily At Home Learning Programs for Grades 6-12

By: Angie Rapp— Muncie, IN — Responding to the need for educational resources for students as schools close due to COVID-19, WIPB-TV, the PBS Member Station at Ball State University, in partnership with PBS LearningMedia, will begin broadcasting At Home Learning programs for grades 6-12 on Monday, March 30, weekdays from noon until 5 p.m. These daily free, over-the-air broadcasts featuring the best in public media science, history and other educational programming will be broadcast over-the-air on WIPB Channel 49.2 and on cable…

Volunteers like Nancy Carlson are among local theater seamstresses making masks. Photo by: John Carlson

Non-Profit, Positivity March 26, 2020

Muncie Theater Costumers Sew For Life-And-Death Drama Now

By: John Carlson— Muncie, IN—Masks such as the classic Muse of Tragedy and Muse of Comedy have had an integral association with theater for centuries. These days, however, theater costumers nationwide – including groups of dedicated ones here in Muncie – are at their sewing machines, busily making masks that have nothing to do with things happening on stage. Instead, they have everything to do with helping rein in the deadly coronavirus, COVID-19. When Laura Williamson, executive artistic director of…