Articles by Mike Rhodes

Evan Shroyer

Education September 14, 2023

Shroyer Becomes Principal at East Washington Academy

By Andy Klotz, MCS— MUNCIE, IN– Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has named Evan Shroyer the new principal at East Washington Academy (EWA). A Muncie native and a Southside High School graduate, he began the year as EWA’s assistant principal, and has now been selected to permanently replace Sarah Anglin who left in July to move closer to family. “What an honor! It feels surreal to lead some of Muncie’s finest students, staff and families,” Shroyer said. “I truly love this…

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Wes-Del High School senior Jennah Love. Photo by Stacey Shannon

Education September 13, 2023

Jennah Love—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

By Stacey A. Shannon— 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.  GASTON, IN—Wes-Del High School senior Jennah Love has a busy schedule filled with athletics, fine arts and church. She’s learned to balance it all while also remaining at the top of her class academically and taking care of her mental health. “There’s so much going…

RCAS 2021 Awardees from left to right: John and Carolyn Vann, Bill Hubbard, Randy Lehman, Amy Wilms, and Tom McConnell.  Photo by Jim Flowers

Non-Profit September 13, 2023

Conservation Award Nominations Solicited by Robert Cooper Audubon Society  

By Brian Wolfe— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, East Central Indiana’s Robert Cooper Audubon Society celebrates individuals and organizations who make noteworthy contributions to conservation and environmental education in our region.  Help us celebrate a local conservation hero by submitting a nomination to Annette Rose at rosenflowers@hughes.net by September 23rd. When submitting your nomination, please describe the nominee’s contributions and provide contact information.  Nominations are due by September 23.  Award nominees need not reside in our chapter’s seven­county region or be affiliated with…

Entertainment September 12, 2023

46th Annual Old Washington Festival is Sept 16th and 17th

By Kimberly Stiers— MUNCIE, IN—The Old Washington Street Festival returns for its 46th year this Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, 2023. The Festival combines the long, storied history of the Emily Kimbrough Historic District with modern-day fun and is free and open to all.  The Festival features a wide array of free entertainment options. Music will include rock, country, blues, and jazz musicians, and there will be several hours of open mic. Other entertainment includes fan-favorite Olde Wrestling, an…

Government September 12, 2023

Cook Family Education Center Opens at Prairie Creek Reservoir

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Monday morning, dozens gathered to cut the ribbon at the brand-new Cook Family Education Center at Prairie Creek Reservoir. Once an unheated building without restrooms, the Reservoir Office has now been transformed into a natural history museum, complete with a timeline of Muncie history, interactive exhibits, full-size trees, a sailboat, live fish and turtles, and more.   The Education Center is dedicated to the Cook family, who have served a collective total of 87 years at…

Over 200 people attended “Community is Brewing,” Recovery Café’s fundraising breakfast. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 12, 2023

Recovery Café Muncie Tops Goal at Breakfast

By Scott Smalstig— MUNCIE, IN—With a standing room only crowd of over 200 people at Ivy Tech’s downtown Muncie Community Room, Recovery Café Muncie conducted its second annual fundraising breakfast, captivating all in attendance with stories of love, acceptance, and success. “We can’t thank our sponsors and donors enough,” said Lisa Roossien, Recovery Café’s Executive Director. “We doubled the number of attendees from last year, and we are so proud that our story is resonating with the community. We are…

Mr. Steve Shondell photographed at a recent gathering honoring him and establishing a new scholarship. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 12, 2023

Community Members Formulate Plans for a Steve Shondell Scholarship for Burris Volleyball Players

By Janet Roepke and Elizabeth Douglass— MUNCIE, IN—We propose that the first Saturday in September each year be celebrated as Shondell Day in Delaware County. On Saturday September 2, 2023, a group of former Burris volleyball players announced a new scholarship in honor of Muncie’s Steve Shondell. Mr. Shondell led the school to 21 Indiana state championships and four national championships in girl’s volleyball – making him one of the nation’s winningest high school volleyball coaches. In announcing the scholarship, former Burris…

Photo provided by First Merchants

Business September 11, 2023

First Merchants Bank Remains Community Focused as it Continues to Grow

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—First Merchants Bank is a familiar name for residents of Delaware County – as it should be since the bank recently celebrated its 130th anniversary. With locations in four states, First Merchants Bank has grown into a large corporation, yet is still headquartered right here in our backyard. However, its focus remains on being a community bank and enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities the bank serves. “Our focus is to stay true…

Education September 11, 2023

Titus Hill Named Delaware County Student Ambassador for Ball State University

By Trenton Bush, Muncie Visitors Bureau— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie and Delaware County Visitors Bureau (MVB) proudly announces Titus Hill as the County Student Ambassador for Ball State University’s newly launched Ambassador program.  The first of its kind, this innovative student-to-student program invites all 92 counties to designate a Ball  State student representative. By partnering with the MVB, Hill will share Muncie/Delaware County community pride with the campus community by encouraging his peers and other students to engage, learn, and experience the…

Hillcroft Services is located at 501 W Air Park Dr, Muncie, IN 47303. File photo

Non-Profit September 9, 2023

Two Local Nonprofits Offer Fall Shopping Opportunities

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—When Hillcroft Services, Inc. and the Ross Community Center discovered they will be hosting similar events on Saturday, October 14, they decided to join forces and encourage their own shoppers to visit each other’s venue. Both events, set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Muncie will highlight the work of local artists and merchandise of area vendors. Hillcroft’s Shop & Share will be at their facility at 501 W. Airpark Drive. The Ross Community Center’s Art and…