Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ivy Tech Community College Confirms Plans for January Start of Classes

By Kelsey Batten— Indianapolis, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College confirmed that it will continue to provide students with the same breadth of course delivery options in the Spring 2021 semester as those that started last month, and those beginning October 26. In January, students will once again be welcomed back onto Ivy Tech campuses throughout Indiana for face-to-face courses while the College will continue to offer a majority of its courses in blended, virtual, and online formats. The focus will continue to be on flexibility and safety for students, employees, and the communities Ivy Tech serves. Should new guidelines from the…

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Youth Voter Block Party To Be Held September 25th at YMCA Parking Lot    

  Muncie, IN—In an effort to help educate and encourage young people to vote in the 2020 election, the YMCA is hosting a Youth Voter Block Party on Friday September 25, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the YMCA downtown parking lot, 500 S Mulberry St. Local and state candidates will be available to answer questions, and there will be an opportunity for young voters to interact with candidates. Sam Coffman a student from Wapahani High School is organizing the event with the hope that youth voters with will have an opportunity to ask questions of their leaders and get…


United Way Impacts Families in Positive Ways

By Kimberly Murphy— So much has happened these last few years, it’s hard to know where to begin. I’ve gone from a struggling single mom to a woman confident in her abilities, a newly minted college graduate. I know I am on the edge of realizing my dreams. United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties and the programs they fund and support, have been with me every step of the way. I am grateful that I am evidence of how the work they do – the work you support with your dollars – can create positive change for not just…


Jack Surface, Owner of Local Midas Shop Recognized With Franchisee of the Year Award

By Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— Franchisee owner Jack Surface has won a prestigious Franchisee of the Year award from Midas, an American chain of automotive service centers headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Surface is a 40-year Midas veteran who purchased his Muncie location in 2011 and the Anderson location in 2016. Three franchisee awards are awarded by Midas: a single shop owner, a 2-5 shop owner, and anyone who owns more than 5 shops. Surface owns two shops—one in Anderson and one in Muncie. The award is presented based upon criteria such as customer relations, customer complaints. sales, community involvement,…


Five Delaware County Non-profits Receive $52K from the Maxon Foundation Fund

By Kallie Sulanke– Muncie, IN– The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has awarded $52,000 to five non-profit organizations from the Maxon Foundation Fund. The Maxon Foundation Fund was established when assets of The Maxon Foundation were transferred to The Community Foundation. The Maxon Foundation was originally established by Maxon Corporation and the founding family as a way to give back to the community and support worthy causes in Delaware County.  The Maxon Foundation Fund generally awards grants to organizations and programs that support at-risk children and families in Delaware County. A Better Way Services, Inc. received $10,000…


Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, September 22

Editor’s Note: The following COVID-19 update is brought to you through a collaboration of healthcare partners including Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Delaware County Office of Information, and other major healthcare providers.  Muncie, IN—As of Sept. 13, the Indiana State Department of Health indicates that Delaware County is one of two counties currently ranked “orange” on the ISDH metrics for COVID-19 map. The map assigns a color to each county based on weekly cases and 7-day positivity rates. In order from best to worst, the colors are blue, yellow, orange and red. The map is calculated and…


Muncie Physician Elected President of Indiana State Medical Association

By Erin Erwin— Muncie, IN—Dr. Roberto Darroca has been elected president of the Indiana State Medical Association. The Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) is a federation of county and district medical societies across Indiana. Since its start in 1849, ISMA has provided continuing medical education to physicians about scientific and clinical developments in medicine. With more than 8,500 members, ISMA is dedicated to helping physicians provide the best possible healthcare for their patients. “It’s an honor to have the confidence of the physicians of Indiana to represent them during this upcoming year. I have worked in organized medicine since medical…


$6 Million Mixed-Use Investment Coming to Downtown Yorktown

YORKTOWN, IN – The Town of Yorktown’s Town Council paved the way for a $6 million commercial investment along the new Civic Green by approving an economic development agreement with Rebar Development at a Council meeting on Monday night. The Oliver project meets several of the goals outlined in Yorktown’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan by bringing high-quality, multi-generational places for residents and visitors to live, do business, and be entertained. “We are excited to be partnering with Rebar Development on this next phase of our redevelopment,” Yorktown Redevelopment Commission member Heather Taylor said. “Rebar has an impressive portfolio of state-of-the-art facilities,…


Muncie Community Schools Receives $825,000 in Grant Funding

By Andy Klotz— Funds to aid early learning literacy, teacher training, building security Muncie, Ind. – Four grants totaling $825,000 will allow Muncie Community Schools (MCS) to improve young students’ literacy, help train teachers and increase security at MCS facilities. The funds come from various entities in the following amounts: $500,000 from the US Department of Justice’s School Violence Prevention Program $100,000 from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security $225,000 from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) – $150,000 for a 21st Century Learning Center program and $75,000 for teachers’ professional development “We’re fortunate to receive these awards that will…


John Carlson: On Your Mark! Get Set…BAKE!

By John Carlson— Being cranky old duffers long set in our ways, Nancy and I follow an invariable routine for weeknight Netflix television-watching that illustrates something of the dichotomy in our viewing tastes. First we watch two or three short episodes of “Forensic Files.” This provides my daily minimum requirement of blood, guts, murder and mayhem. My having always been a fan of televised blood, guts, murder and mayhem, TV shows about cops and criminals are my favorite. Then out of deference to Nancy’s more refined taste, we watch an episode of “The Great British Baking Show.” What kind of…