Articles by Mike Rhodes

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 continue to work to keep the lights on 24/7. We have updated our emergency plans for the COVID-19 pandemic and…

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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 losing wages and tips. Kids are missing school and the critical interactions and web of support they have there. Parents…


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 for the next decade. Every ten years, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2), the U.S. Census…


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 created a comprehensive toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are…


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 Page 1 can still be viewed at this link.  http://www.munciejournal.com/2020/03/community-organization-statements-on-coronavirus/   March 30,2020, 7:09 am— Bridges Community Services After much deliberation…


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 consistent with Saturday run times). Routes will start earlier, but will run 30 minute or 1 hour service and end…


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. There are also big changes at church. Having been raised the son of conservative Baptists, I always figured I racked…


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 that there are brighter days ahead.  If it does, then we’ve helped make our community healthier. It’s a small but…


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 (check local listings). This At Home Learning block — suited to WORLD Channel’s everyday schedule of news, information and documentary…


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 Muncie Civic Theatre, saw a costumer making medical masks, she and Civic manager Brittany Covert were intrigued. She asked Sally…