The Echo

News

Greek's Pizzeria in Upland welcomes new owners

By Karlee Johnson | April 30

Bill and Sabrina Mixon embarked on a new adventure when they bought Greek’s Pizzeria in Upland on March 1. Before purchasing the restaurant, Bill was a manager at Discount Tire in Muncie, and Sabrina was a stay-at-home mom. Rewind approximately 50 years to when Chris Karamesine founded Greek’s Pizzeria. While working in the automotive services, Bill crossed paths with Karamesine and became his go-to car guy and a good friend.

News

New Upland town attorney

By Karlee Johnson | April 16

Jonathan Perez, Upland town manager, introduced Maura Hoff as the new town attorney at the city council meeting, April 1. Hoff will work closely with Perez and Mary Fletcher, town clerk-treasurer, to draft ordinances for the council, answer legal questions and assist in development projects. She has ...

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Armed rebel groups advance in the Congo

By Karlee Johnson | April 9

Increasing violence and uncertainty marks the daily lives of the Congolese as armed rebel groups including March 23 movement (M23) and The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remain active in the country. Kizito Mayao is a Taylor MAHE (Masters in Higher Education) graduate who is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The violence has been taking place in the province he lives in. Those who are more financially stable have fled to safer areas, while others can only wait until M23 invades their cities.

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Taylor U plans for new chapel and welcome center

By Karlee Johnson | April 9

Taylor University is in the process of designing a new chapel and welcome center. Andrea Masvero, executive director of 1846 Enterprises, and Keith Cocking, senior director of construction services, led a student-listening session March 3.

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Trojans get a new food truck

By Karlee Johnson | March 12

A new dining option is coming to Taylor University’s campus this March. The food truck will specialize in quick meals like burrito bowls, tacos, stir fry or burgers, Sean Wojtkowski, resident director of AVI Food Systems, said.

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Taylor students chosen for Orr Fellowship

By Karlee Johnson | February 24

Six Taylor students have been accepted into the Orr Fellowship’s 2025 cohort. Following graduation, seniors Emma Gayed, Audrey Grimm, Ka- leb Kolpien, Kayla Malmquist, Jen- na Vander Ark and Sam Voss will join a group of 74 fellows in work- ing full-time with a variety of busi- nesses in marketing, consulting, tech and more, according to the Orr Fellowship’s announcement.

News

Town hall meeting addresses Upland water issues

By Karlee Johnson | November 12

The Upland City Council held a town hall meeting to address recent water issues Oct. 29. The town hall meeting followed an increase in confusion and frustration over a series of water concerns including boil orders, high water bills, hard water and discolored water.

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China ends foreign adoption program

By Karlee Johnson | November 6

In September, Mao Ning, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the country was ending its foreign adoption program with exceptions for foreigners who adopt their blood relatives' children or stepchildren living in China.

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'Biggest election year in history' comes to an end

By Karlee Johnson | November 6

Various news outlets such as NPR, Vox, Forbes and more have dubbed 2024 as “the biggest election year in history.” Once the United States’ election takes place, Nov. 5, and Ghana’s on Dec. 7, at least 70 countries and territories will have selected new leaders or solidified incumbents.

News

Fire pit ignites

By Karlee Johnson | October 23

A gas-powered fireplace ignited, resulting in the injury of three students, outside the Hodson Dining Commons on Wednesday around noon. People on the scene immediately called emergency services. Taylor University’s staff, campus police and several emergency management people responded quickly to see what had occurred, Skip Trudeau, vice president for Student Development and Intercollegiate Athletics, said. Facilities came over and shut the gas and power electricity off to the fire pit.