Business

By: First Merchants Corporation— Muncie, IN– First Merchants Corporation, Indiana’s second largest financial services holding company, has announced a $1 million commitment to local non-profit organizations supporting communities negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The negative economic impact caused by this pandemic cannot be overstated, and First Merchants is committed to doing everything we can to assist our communities during these difficult times,” said First Merchants CEO Michael C. Rechin. “Our success in recent years is a direct reflection of…

By: Mike Rhodes, MuncieJournal.com— Muncie, IN— Munciejournal.com reached out to a number of local community leaders to get their thoughts on how to keep hope alive during the coronavirus pandemic. Their thoughts and comments are below. Dan Ridenour, Mayor of Muncie The City of Muncie is such a vibrant community. The city’s best resource is its people. I see people unite and come together in times of need. While these circumstances related to the COVID-19 epidemic are less than ideal,…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—Today’s initial jobless claims provide the first glimmer of hopeful economic news in weeks, says Michael Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University. Though the initial claims were very high, at 5.2 million, this is a deceleration from last week’s 6.6 million, he said. Since March 14, the total number of Americans who have filed initial jobless claims is around 22 million, or about 13.5% of the labor force,…

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…

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…

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!            

 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…

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…

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…