Articles by Mike Rhodes

Indiana Michigan Power: Energy Bill Assistance During COVID-19

Business September 18, 2020

Indiana Michigan Power: Energy Bill Assistance During COVID-19

 By Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Michigan Power— Muncie, IN—Virtually all Hoosiers and all Indiana businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused unprecedented, widespread financial difficulties.  Indiana Michigan Power has been working with our customers regarding their energy bills since the early days of the pandemic in mid-March. We have consistently encouraged our customers who believe they may have trouble paying their bill to discuss payment plans. We have informed them of other assistance such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP).  Clearly, there is no one answer for customers who have…

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Four Events in Five Days: The Arts are Thriving at Ball State

We Fly September 17, 2020

Four Events in Five Days: The Arts are Thriving at Ball State

By Sam Mumbower — Muncie, IN— There are many opportunities to celebrate the arts at Ball State University from September 24-29, including an exhibition of 20th-century women artists, a showcase of musical talent, a dance concert, and an orchestra concert. Ball State has many precautions in place to ensure the safety of the campus community members and visitors who attend these events in person. Masks are required in all campus buildings, and available seats will be marked to ensure physical distancing. For more information on University COVID-19 policies, visit bsu.edu/coronavirus. For the latest information on Ball State’s arts and cultural…

ArtsWalk 2020 To Be Held on October 1st

Entertainment September 17, 2020

ArtsWalk 2020 To Be Held on October 1st

By Cheryl Crowder— Muncie, IN—A special edition of First Thursday, ArtsWalk will feature autumnal festivities and a celebration of arts, culture and KINDNESS in Muncie. Mask Up as you watch and learn from local artists as they create amazing chalk art. Enter the pumpkin carving contest and explore the DWNTWN community while searching for kindness rocks. NEW THIS YEAR: CHALK IT UP TO KINDNESS SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MUNCIE & DELAWARE COUNTY, INC. Working with Muncie Arts & Culture Council, DWNTWN will curate 10 artists to create chalk art using “Kindness” as the primary theme. Spaced out in…

Letter Carrier Brings More Than Mail to United Way

Non-Profit September 16, 2020

Letter Carrier Brings More Than Mail to United Way

By Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—When Debbie Edwards Thompson makes her rounds as a letter carrier, she often brings much more than the mail to children on her route. She delivers smiles. She delivers excitement. And, most importantly, she delivers opportunity. Because inside those packages are books that are part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides one book each month for children, from birth to age 5, enrolled in the program in Delaware, Henry and Randolph counties. Thompson, who has been a letter carrier in Muncie for 26 years, was serving on United Way’s Board of Directors when the organization…

Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, Sept 15th

Health September 15, 2020

Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, Sept 15th

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—Delaware County continues to exhibit high positive testing rates for COVID-19. As of print, the county’s 7-day positivity rate is at 10.3%, according to the Indiana State Department of Health; the CDC suggests this number should be well under 5%. Since Sept. 4, Delaware County has reported 344 new cases of COVID-19 and 5 new deaths. These numbers bring the county’s totals since…

Muncie Real Estate Ranks #1 in State for Percentage Increase in Median Sales

Business September 15, 2020

Muncie Real Estate Ranks #1 in State for Percentage Increase in Median Sales

By Woof Boom Radio News— Muncie, IN—In a room filled with local business leaders, realtors, bankers, and Woof Boom Radio, Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour wanted to share some positive news during a press conference on Monday.  Muncie and Delaware County rank #1 for increase in median sales – that’s residential family, condo, and town home dwellings.  Avon ranked second, Greenfield third, then Indianapolis, New Albany and Anderson round out the top 6.  Ridenour began the upbeat presentation, clearly “cheer leading” the room to cite the positive facts that he was presenting – and asked the leaders gathered to help spread…

Two MCHS Football Games Cancelled Due to COVID-19

Education September 15, 2020

Two MCHS Football Games Cancelled Due to COVID-19

By Andy Klotz— One positive test causes much of team to quarantine Muncie, Ind. – A positive case of COVID-19 for a Central High School football player will keep the team from playing its next two scheduled games. This Friday’s game at Arsenal Tech in Indianapolis and the September 25 home game against Lafayette Harrison have both been cancelled. A total of 32 players and five coaches have been declared close contacts of the student who tested positive. Indiana State Department of Health guidelines require close contacts to quarantine for 14 days from their last exposure, which was September 9….

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Fall Classes, Workshops, and Special Events

Entertainment September 14, 2020

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Fall Classes, Workshops, and Special Events

By Claire Downes— Muncie, IN—As Thomas Merton once said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Cornerstone Center for the Arts is proud to offer opportunities where all people have a place to be themselves, connect with others, and let go of their daily stress. Cornerstone will offer classes for the entire family this fall. Fall eight-week classes begin the week of September 14 and continue through the week of November 6. Various workshops, masterclasses, and adventures will also be offered through December. Registration will remain open for classes for youth and adults in visual arts,…

Kiwanis Club of Muncie Celebrates 100 Years with Reading Oasis Project

Non-Profit September 14, 2020

Kiwanis Club of Muncie Celebrates 100 Years with Reading Oasis Project

By Susan Fisher, Member, Kiwanis Club of Muncie— Muncie, IN—August 2020 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Muncie. Chartered in 1920, the club, perhaps best known for its annual Christmas tree sales, has changed a lot over the years.  One thing hasn’t changed: the motto of “Serving the Children of the World.” The club spearheads fundraising efforts throughout the year to support its service projects. The service projects include supporting Riley Children’s Hospital since its founding, building the Kiwanis Lodge at Camp Redwing, presenting dictionaries to every third grader in Muncie, and presenting every local Head Start…

Daniel Stallings Receives 2020 Ruth Freund Award From Motivate Our Minds

Non-Profit September 11, 2020

Daniel Stallings Receives 2020 Ruth Freund Award From Motivate Our Minds

By Farmhouse Creative— Muncie, IN—The award recognizes a volunteer who has made an extraordinary volunteer commitment to continue the mission of Motivate Our Minds. The award was announced during the Motivate Our Minds virtual luncheon on August 7th. This was a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the organization as well as how Motivate Our Minds has been supporting students and families during the past few months. Ruth Freund was an extraordinary friend of Motivate Our Minds. Co-founder, Mary Dollison, was introduced to Ruth Freund when Motivate Our Minds established a proven track record of mentoring and…