Articles by Mike Rhodes

Groundbreaking Ceremony Unveils ‘Wonder Woods’ at Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center

By Kristen McConnell, CFRM— MUNCIE, IN – The YMCA of Muncie proudly announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated early learning forest, now officially named Wonder Woods. The event, marked by the planting of over 200 saplings, symbolizes a monumental step toward enriching the educational experience of young learners in our community. The unveiling of Wonder Woods signifies a commitment to providing children with immersive outdoor learning environments, fostering a deep connection to nature from an early age. Attendees, including local officials, educators, parents and community members, gathered to celebrate this transformative initiative. “We are thrilled to break ground on…

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Eric Grim Named New MCS Assistant Superintendent

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has filled its opening for an assistant superintendent by promoting Eric Grim from his current position as the district’s director of secondary education. Grim has worked for MCS in a variety of roles for the past 26 years, including five years as the principal of Northside Middle School. Grim succeeds Dr. Chuck Reynolds who will become MCS’ new director of public education and CEO once Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, the current CEO, retires at the end of June. Both Grim and Dr. Reynolds will begin their new posts July 1….


Delaware County Roads On List for Repaving After Grant

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN– Some of the most-needed road paving jobs in Delaware County are on tap for 2024. The roads will be repaved thanks to a $1.5 million Community Crossings grant from the state of Indiana. “We were awarded everything we asked for. This really will help stretch our local paving dollars,” said Angela Moyer, project director of Delaware County’s Engineering Department. “We’re very appreciative.” In addition to roads paved with grant funding, Delaware County also has plans to pave an additional 60 lane miles and chip/seal 130 lane miles of road. In the past eight years Delaware…


Isaac Andrews—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 A. Shannon— COWAN, IN—For Wapahani High School senior Isaac Andrews, basketball is a way of life. Since he was in fifth grade, he’s played basketball during school and over the summer. All his time on the court paid off. This year Andrews broke both Wapahani’s scoring record for the season as well as the Delaware County all-time scoring record previously set in 1960 by Ron Bonham. But…


Celebrate Arbor Day With a Sapling Giveaway and Run for the Trees: Happy Little Walk/Run 5K

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Join Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for a day filled with nature, excitement, and adventure at the annual Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on April 27th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year holds special significance as we commemorate Muncie’s 26th year as a recognized Tree City USA community. To mark this occasion, join us for a day of fun-filled activities, educational demonstrations, and environmental advocacy. At 10 a.m., Mayor Dan Ridenour will read the official Arbor Day proclamation. At the heart of the Muncie Arbor Day Celebration lies the sapling giveaway, a unique opportunity for attendees…


Collaboration is the Key to Success: Remarks From Trevor Friedeberg 

Editor’s note: Trevor Friedeberg, CEO & President at the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP), has been instrumental in guiding the region’s journey through READI 1.0 and now into the promising era of READI 2.0. As we reflect on the culmination of efforts, this is his perspective on the greatest takeaway– In East Central Indiana, our greatest strength has always been each other.  By Trevor Friedeberg— MUNCIE, IN— East Central Indiana (ECI) hasn’t been immune to challenges mirroring broader statewide trends. From job losses to population decline, the headwinds facing our region have been strenuous. Over the last decade and post…


Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Hosted National Civics Bee® Competition

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 National Civics Bee® in Delaware County on April 9, 2024. The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.  Hunter R., Noah C., and Braxton J. were named the top three finalists of Delaware County’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are very proud of the students who competed in the National Civics Bee® in our community. Their dedication to understanding the foundations…


Muncie League of Women Voters to Sponsor Panel on Solar Energy

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—“You Can’t Put Solar Anywhere You Want” will be the topic of a League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County public meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Kennedy Branch Library in Muncie. The program is free. “The following question is often raised at governmental meetings in connection with solar, ‘Why can’t we put solar on brownfields, on the rooftops of government buildings or between and along highways?’,” said Sarah Williams, chairwoman of the League’s Natural Resources Committee. “One of the reasons it’s not economically feasible is that Indiana does not have a community…


‘Fiddler On The Roof’ Comes to Muncie Civic Theatre

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—It’s a word you will hear often when talking with people involved in the upcoming Muncie Civic Theatre production of the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Take the show’s director, Michael O’Hara, for example. “The show is about community,” he said. “A community that, in this case, is cast out of their town by hate and fear, but they – the community – face this adversity with humanity and courage. That message of community, the deep connections that we can – and sometimes still do – feel for one another, is one that resonates through the ages. We…


State Greenlights Nearly $104 Million for Improvements at BSU and New Delaware County Mental Health Facility

Delaware County also receives mental health grant to help incarcerated access treatment By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, House Republicans— STATEHOUSE—Ball State University can take off with its plans to make much-needed improvements and expansions at the Muncie campus with the help of nearly $104 million in new investments, according to local lawmakers. State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said the State Budget Committee formally reviewed four capital projects, including those to accommodate academic program expansions and more housing opportunities. Almost $70 million will go toward the construction of an approximately 67,700-square-foot Performing Arts Center facility to…