Articles by Mike Rhodes

Snow Shoveling Tips to Protect Your Heart

By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— INDIANAPOLIS –Walking in a winter wonderland may sound serene and peaceful, however, shoveling your sidewalks to take that walk could quickly change delightful to deadly. According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, research shows that the exertion of shoveling snow may lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. In rural communities where EMS responses can be…

Read More

New 126 Home Subdivision Coming to Muncie: ‘Mason Ridge’ Receives Final Approval

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN — The City of Muncie is pleased to announce that Mason Ridge, a new 126-lot residential subdivision, has unanimously passed its final review before the Planning Commission on Thursday, December 4. The project will bring significant new housing opportunities to the community and represents a substantial private investment in Muncie’s continued growth. Located on 37 acres at the northwest corner of Jackson and Morrison, Mason Ridge will feature a thoughtfully designed neighborhood layout that includes…


Dec. 25, 26 are the Deadliest Days of the Year for Heart Attacks

By Tim Harms, AHA— INDIANAPOLIS — The winter holidays can turn deadly as research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of a heart attack and taking steps to reduce your risk are important all year long, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, says that’s especially critical during…


Public School Dietitians Dish Out Healthy Holiday Tips

By Dena Bond and Natalie Clair, IPS— INDIANAPOLIS, IN—The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate with family and friends, but most of these celebrations tend to focus on food.  It’s easy to slide off track and not prioritize healthy habits with so many activities and fun all around. As registered dietitians for Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) — the state’s largest school district —  we provide our students with school meals to support their health and education, but this…


IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Launches Indiana’s Only Robotic-Assisted Shoulder Replacement Procedure

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN— Indiana University Health is now the only health system in Indiana offering an advanced robotic-assisted option for shoulder replacement procedures. This technology gives surgeons the ability to plan each surgery in greater detail and perform it with enhanced control, resulting in care shaped around the patient’s specific anatomy. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jacob Triplet is currently the only surgeon in the state performing this type of robotic-assisted shoulder procedure, expanding access to innovative surgical options for…


Indiana & Michigan Power Prepares Ahead of Extreme Cold and Snow

By  Schnee M. Doyle, I&M Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is gearing up ahead of this weekend’s forecasted snow, single-digit temperatures and below-zero wind chills. I&M knows that our customers rely on us for safe, reliable power and an outage is not convenient at any time, but especially not during cold and snowy conditions. I&M crews and trucks will be ready to safely and quickly respond amid the frigid temperatures if outages occur. I&M works year-round to prevent outages…


Bob Dylan Returns to Emens Auditorium on Tuesday March 31, 2026

Tickets go on sale Friday December 12 By Haley Wade, Emens Auditorium— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University is thrilled to announce Bob Dylan will be returning to Emens Auditorium on March 31, 2026 at 8 p.m. His 2026 tour, “Rough and Rowdy Ways” will be joining the Emens Auditorium 25-26 season. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m. EST online at Ticketmaster and the Emens Box Office, either in person or by calling 765-285-1539. Learn more about this…


Pacers Sports & Entertainment, JAKKS Pacific Toys Bring 16th Annual ‘Big Toy Giveaway’ to Muncie 

By Indiana Pacers Sports & Entertainment— MUNCIE, IN—As part of the 16th annual statewide Big Toy Giveaway, Pacers Sports & Entertainment and JAKKS Pacific Toys teamed up with the Muncie Police Department on Tuesday to provide toys to local families and children in need. The toy distribution event took place Tuesday at Muncie Central High School and children enjoyed appearances by the Indiana Pacers mascot, Boomer, Indiana Fever mascot, Freddy Fever and the Pacemates. “As a 44-year Pacers season ticket holder, I’m thrilled…


Jan. 21 Economic Breakfast to Feature 2026 Forecast and Manufacturing Panel

By Victoria Meldrum, Ball State CBER— MUNCIE, IN — Registration is now open for the Indiana Economic Outlook, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at the Horizon Convention Center. In its 30th year, this popular event for the Muncie business community will offer breakfast, an economic forecast for the state and nation by Ball State University professor Michael Hicks, and a panel discussion on the challenges facing Indiana manufacturing firms with keynote panelists Steven Smith and Scott Buehrer. The Center for Business…


Have an Idea That Can Change Your Neighborhood? 11th Annual IDEA Conference Wants Your Submissions

By Lucas Pint— MUNCIE — Do you have a bold idea that could make your neighborhood stronger, safer, or more vibrant? Organizers of the Eleventh Annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference want to hear from you! The conference returns to Ball State University on March 7, 2026, and organizers are calling on residents, neighborhood groups, and community partners to step up and lead the conversation. Hosted by the Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy, Building Better Neighborhoods, and the Ball State Office of…