Articles by Mike Rhodes

Summer Learning at Camp Adventure. Photo provided

Non-Profit April 26, 2023

Local Support Hub Aims to Combat Summer Learning Loss 

Education Support Hub has been refocused to promote summer and after-school programs. By Education Support Hub— MUNCIE, IN — Students, parents, staff, and members of the Muncie community have a new resource designed to make finding summer and after-school learning programs easier. The Education Support Hub provides information about summer camps, after-school options, and community programs. Many of these programs are free or low-cost for families. It is a free service offering email subscriptions, social media feeds, and forms to…

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Photos of Asher were contributed by his mother, Andrea Mann.

Education April 25, 2023

Muncie Central Students Raise Nearly $1,300 for Local Youth

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN. – Like a lot of 8-year-old boys, Asher Mann loves Minecraft, Roblox and Legos®. He also loves his pet rat, Rattata. Asher is a pretty resilient kid. Born at just 36 weeks, his first eight days on earth were spent in the infant intensive care unit. Later, he was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis and some bone deformities. Then, last month, another major physical challenge – a brain tumor. Shortly after that diagnosis, Hank Voss was…

Muncie Altrusa Club member Angela Beck. Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit April 24, 2023

Angela Beck Installed as Altrusa District Six Governor

By Altrusa Club of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—The 67th District Six Altrusa Conference was held last month at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie, IN. Held annually in spring, the conference is an opportunity for fun, educational workshops, networking, sharing, skill building, electing leadership, and celebrating the accomplishments of individuals and clubs within District Six. During the Conference, our own Angela Beck was installed as District Six Governor at the Installation Dinner on the evening of April 22, 2023. Angela…

Brandon Isler. Photo by Stacey Shannon

Business, Education April 24, 2023

Brandon Isler—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—When it comes to academics, Brandon Isler is focused. Not only is the Delta High School senior a successful student, but he’s also excelled on the school’s academic and spell bowl teams. In fact, this year, the spell bowl team placed second in regionals, which…

Photo by storyblocks

Government April 24, 2023

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

By Eric M. Hoffman, Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney— MUNCIE, IN—In his New York Times best seller, A Child Called It, author Dave Peltzer said that “childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.”Unfortunately, we know all too well that doesn’t always happen. A report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that in the Federal Fiscal Year 2021 in the United States, approximately 588,229 children became…

MPL employees Tenisha Harris and Katherine Mitchell with their notary public embossing tools. Photo by Spenser Querry, Muncie Public Library

Non-Profit April 24, 2023

Celebrate National Library Week at Muncie Public Library April 23-29

By Susan Fisher, MPL— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) encourages all community members to visit any MPL branch during National Library Week, April 23-29, to explore all that libraries have to offer. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association. The theme this year is, “There’s More to the Story.” Libraries are welcoming spaces that bring communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting…

Entertainment April 21, 2023

Muncie’s Bridge Dinner Will Be Served April 27th

By Michelle Kinsey, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement— MUNCIE, IN – It’s one of Cheryl Crowder’s favorite downtown events. “Muncie’s Bridge Dinner is a beautiful gathering of people from all walks of life, just enjoying each other’s company,” she said. Crowder, events director for Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, has been involved in the planning of the event since it began in 2017. This year’s free event, set for April 27, is no exception. In fact, she and other…

Visitors experience a presentation at the Charles W. Brown planetarium on the campus of Ball State University. Photo provided by BSU

Entertainment April 21, 2023

Charles W. Brown Planetarium Summer 2023 (May-June) Free Show Schedule  

By Planetarium Staff— All planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows.  Due to construction being done on the Cooper Science Complex, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Visit our location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information. www.bsu.edu/planetarium May & June  Eclipse: The Sun Revealed  Fridays: May…

Entertainment April 21, 2023

Free Tree Sapling Giveaway and More at Muncie’s Arbor Day Celebration

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— Mark your calendars for Muncie’s annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 29 at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. This FREE community event is a must-attend for tree lovers of all ages. This year is extra special, as we’re celebrating Muncie’s 25th anniversary of being a Tree City USA. And what better way to celebrate than by giving away eleven varieties of native saplings? The saplings will be given away on a first come first served…

David Letterman is pictured working with students on a glass project. Photo provided by BSU.

Entertainment April 20, 2023

David Letterman Returns to Ball State for Premiere of Original Documentary ‘Clear Reception’

By BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University alumnus David Letterman, ‘69, is returning to his alma mater for the premiere of an original documentary, created by Ball State students and featuring Mr. Letterman, about the art of glass. The University will present the documentary, “Clear Reception,” at 7 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023, at Emens Auditorium on Ball State’s campus. Following the screening of the film, Mr. Letterman will conduct a Q&A with two Ball State…