Articles by Mike Rhodes

Pictured L-R: Ya’akov Eden and Dale Basham

Government September 10, 2024

Muncie City Council’s Citizen of the Month is Ya’akov Eden

By Dale Basham & Allen Wiseley— MUNCIE, IN—Ya’akov Eden was born in Russia, but moved to Israel with his family when he was only 6 months old. Early on he showed a love and talent for dancing and was invited to dance with the Israeli National Troupe of the Kibutzim in 1957. He emigrated to the United States in 1966 to study physics at the University of Oregon. However, Ya’akov Eden was bored studying physics and was recruited by the…

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Pictured L-R: Dr. Chuck Reynolds, Heidi Keever, Natalie Gariety, Jen Joslin, Vanessa Goldey, Brittney Charles, Heidi White, Eric Grim

Education September 10, 2024

Grissom Elementary Receives $105,000 Excellence in Early Literacy Award From IDOE

School recognized at IDOE gala in Indianapolis By Andy Klotz— INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) recognized Grissom Elementary School with a substantial award at the Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala in Indianapolis Friday night. The school received a $105,000 Excellence in Early Literacy grant for being one of three schools in the state that has established strategies and partnerships supporting all students in the mastery of foundational reading skills. Grissom Principal Brittney Charles, Muncie Community Schools (MCS)…

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Government September 6, 2024

Leagues of Women Voters Work Together to Sponsor U.S. House 5th District Candidate Forum

By Sheryl Swingley— EAST CENTRAL INDIANA—The Leagues of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County, Anderson-Madison County, Hamilton County and Howard County in partnership with Woof Boom Radio and WXIN/FOX AND WTTV/CBS will hold a U.S. House 5th District Candidate Forum for the public before the Nov. 5 election. The forum will be take place from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, in the auditorium of Anderson High School, 4610 S. Madison Ave., Anderson, Indiana, Attendees should park in the North Lot…

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Entertainment September 6, 2024

Flags of Honor and Patriot Day at Minnetrista

By Jeff Heavilon, Past President, Exchange Club of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—Any day is a good day to raise-up and appreciate those who serve and protect us. Certain days on the calendar though are dedicated to reminding us of those people in the United States who give of themselves, their careers and in some cases make the ultimate sacrifice to maintain our United State of America. Patriot Day is one of those days to honor and support those who serve and…

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Government September 5, 2024

State Presents Delaware County Farms With Hoosier Homestead Awards 

By Amanda Schreiber— STATEHOUSE  – Indiana recently honored local farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown), and State Sen. Scott Alexander (R-Muncie). “I admire the farming families who have fueled Indiana’s agricultural industry over the years,” Rowray said. “This award recognizes the dedication, hard work and generations of commitment these families have invested in maintaining their farms and…

Can you help Ruby and solve The Great Muncie Mystery? Join other sleuths in downtown Muncie Thursday, Sept. 5, for this Gatsby-themed whodunnit! The event (First Thursday) begins at 5 and you can pick up your Crime Tracker at 5:30 p.m. Photo provided

Entertainment September 4, 2024

Can You Solve The Great Muncie Mystery?

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Put on your thinking caps, local gumshoes, and get ready to hit the bricks to solve one humdinger of a mystery! Mystery-loving dames and swells are invited to head downtown during September’s First Thursday (Sept. 5) to question suspects, look for clues and – hopefully – solve the case! The Great Muncie Mystery is hosted by Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Ivy Tech Community College, and Muncie Civic…

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Health September 2, 2024

Open Door Health Services to Distribute Free Covid-19 Tests Sept. 3-4

By Suzanne Clem— MUNCIE, IN – Community members can receive no-cost COVID-19 tests on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Open Door Health Services administration site in Muncie. The site is located at 220 S. Walnut Street. Distribution will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The public is invited to pick up a supply for homes, workplaces, or civic groups. Additionally, Open Door patients may pick up Covid tests during any visit to an…

Young children learning through play at nationally accredited United Day Care Center. Photo by Maggie Manor.

Non-Profit August 30, 2024

George and Frances Ball Foundation Grants $1.1 Million This Quarter

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—Founded in 1937, the George and Frances Ball Foundation has spent the last 87 years upholding the legacy of George, Frances, and Elisabeth Ball. The Foundation uses its role as a grantmaker to reflect the family’s passions rooted in improving livability and educational attainment for citizens in Muncie and Delaware County. This commitment to local livability and education is displayed year-round through the Foundation’s community engagement activities and partnerships, including its work serving as the backbone…

Kelly J. Gordon. Photo provided

Education, Entertainment August 29, 2024

Ball State University Hosts Superyacht Capt. Kelly Gordon for Speaking Event

By University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University’s Fall 2024 Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series (EIL) event will feature Kelly J. Gordon, one of the world’s most accomplished superyacht captains—also known for her leadership skills and mental health advocacy. Capt. Gordon, a Ball State University graduate, will deliver her inspiring talk on leadership at 7:30 p.m. on Sept.10 at Pruis Hall on Ball State’s campus. The event is free and open to the public. “Captain Gordon’s journey from Ball State University…

First Merchants Bank Employee Resource Groups, First Womens Connections, attends the Indiana Bankers Association Banking on Women Conference. Photo provided

Business August 29, 2024

First Merchants Bank: A Bank Interested in You

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—As the world becomes more and more digitally focused, First Merchants Bank is keeping up with digital product offerings but not neglecting the most important aspect of banking: customers. While the bank has 116 locations throughout four states in the Midwest, its headquarters remains in Muncie. Attentive banking “We often use the word attentive,” said Jeff Parsons, Market President. “In the environment where everything is digital now, that can easily mean impersonal. However, we believe…