Mike Rhodes

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie City Council has officially approved the creation of three new designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) within the city limits, a move aimed at enhancing local tourism, supporting small businesses, and promoting a vibrant, social atmosphere in key districts. The new outdoor refreshment areas will allow patrons to legally carry and consume alcoholic beverages in certain outdoor public spaces, as they explore the local area. The decision comes after months of research, collaboration, and planning....

By Jaime Faulkner— MUNCIE, IN—First Merchants Bank (NASDAQ: FRME) has been recognized as one of the nation’s top employers by the American Banker. This prestigious honor places them among only 90 banks nationwide to receive this distinction and only one of three banks headquartered in Indiana, Michigan, or Ohio. Earning a spot on this list signifies excellence in employee benefits, satisfaction and overall work environment. According to the American Banker, “Banks that made the list tend to prioritize engaged leaders,...

November 20, 2024 Women’s Philanthropy Circle supporting the Ivy Tech Foundation works to diminish barriers to higher education for Hoosier students

National Inventors Hall of Fame hosts Camp Invention at Selma Elementary School to bring a STEM learning experience to students and a professional development opportunity to local teachers. National Inventors Hall of Fame received a $7,500 Community Grant to support the program. Fourteen organizations received more than $160,000 through the Community Grants program at The Community Foundation in the final quarter of 2024. Photo provided.

MUNCIE, IN – It’s no secret that East Central Indiana faces notable challenges as it works to reinvent itself. Like many other rust belt regions across the Midwest, we are tackling issues including population decline, workforce development gaps, and housing shortages.

Al Holdren is pictured standing beside hundreds of photos of thousands of volunteers who participate in "Secret Families." Photo by Mike Rhodes.

MUNCIE, IN—The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) has awarded tax credits to Muncie for its innovative “Together to House” project, a new supportive housing initiative aimed at addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income families. The funding, part of a highly competitive selection process, will support the development of 38 affordable housing units across multiple structures in the city, a $15.9 million project in total.

MUNCIE, IN—Open Enrollment for healthcare coverage is here, running from November 1 through January 15. This is the critical window for individuals and families who aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored insurance to access health insurance that provides protection against unexpected medical costs and ensures access to preventive care. However, the enrollment process can often feel overwhelming, especially for those navigating it for the first time or those whose circumstances have recently changed.

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN—Meridian Health Services invites the community to Holidays at Gresham, a free drive-thru light exhibit with over one million lights on display brought to you by Meridian Health Services and presenting sponsor American Electric Power Foundation. Attendees will enjoy driving through the many lighted exhibits including Candyland, seeing Mr. and Mrs. Claus, hearing the sounds of Christmas music, and feeling the holiday season in the air. Holidays at Gresham will be open every weekend in December...

What are you thankful for?It’s a simple question to ask. The words roll off the tongue like a worn out cliché. Without a doubt many will gather around a dinner table with friends and family this year and ask each other this very same question. People may ask in regular conversation. Countless social media posts with this question will weave in and out of timelines and feeds.