Articles by Mike Rhodes

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Non-Profit September 4, 2023

Mark Your Calendar for Flags of Honor, September 4-11 

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.— One thousand American flags will wave on the lawn at Minnetrista beside the White River Greenway during Flags of Honor this September.  Flags of Honor, presented by the Exchange Club of Muncie, is an annual event for families and visitors to join together once a year at Minnetrista in a united show of patriotism. The display will begin with a small collection of flags on Monday, September 4. The complete display of 1,000 flags will…

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Jon Moll (L) is pictured with Nick Tokar (R) Chairman Of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Board os Directors. Photo by Matt Howell

Business September 1, 2023

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Gala Honors Jon H. Moll

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The 2023 Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Gala was held Thursday, August 31 at the Horizon Convention Center honoring Jon H. Moll, retired attorney. Among those who paid tribute to the legacy of Mr. Moll were Mr. Stefan Anderson, Retired CEO of First Merchants Bank; Rev. Dr. Ron Naylor, Retired Pastor, First Presbyterian Church; Dr. John Worthen, Retired President of Ball State University; and Mr. Jim Williams, Attorney at DeFur Voran LLP. Nicholas Tokar, attorney at…

Photo of the first multi-agency task force meeting held on August 31, 2023. Photo provided

Government August 31, 2023

Multi-Agency Task Force Mobilizes to Address Community Needs

By Michelle Owen— MUNCIE, IN—At the end of July, a tragic shooting killed one and wounded eighteen at the corner of Willard and Hackley. The Muncie Police Department, aided by many other agencies, were on scene immediately and have made two arrests in connection with the case. City Hall officials immediately began to mobilize other post-crisis planning, including organizing resources for the victims – and working towards prevention. Mayor Dan Ridenour began reaching out to community members just hours after…

The new Indianapolis regional headquarters is located at 8711 River Crossing Boulevard. Photo provided

Business August 30, 2023

First Merchants Bank Purchases New Indianapolis Regional Headquarters Building

  By Jaime Faulkner, Director of Corporate Communications— MUNCIE, IN— First Merchants Bank of Muncie, recently hailed by Forbes Magazine as one of The World’s Best Banks, announced a building purchase August 29, 2023, for the strategic relocation of its Indianapolis area regional headquarters.  Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Bank, had this to say about the purchase of the Indianapolis regional office building:  “The purchase of our new, state-of-the-art Indianapolis regional headquarters building is tangible proof of our commitment…

Entertainment August 30, 2023

Can You Solve the Muncie Mystery?

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—We need a “hand” solving this year’s Muncie Mystery! Grab your mystery-loving friends and family members and head downtown during September’s First Thursday to question suspects, look for clues and – hopefully – solve the case! Muncie Mystery is hosted by Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Ivy Tech Community College, and Muncie Civic Theatre. “I love the collaboration Muncie Mystery provides!” said Cheryl Crowder of Muncie Downtown Development Partnership. “[There…

Pictured L to R: Instructor Nathan Taylor, Monte Foist, Jesse Morris, Richard Macasocol, Tony Randolph, Shawn Miller, Greg Bell

Education August 29, 2023

Ivy Tech Offers Supervisor Skills Training

By Lesley DeVoss—  MUNCIE, IN – Local employers work with Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County to focus on leadership skills in upper supervisory ranks. On Thursday, June 22, the first session of the Ivy+ CareerLink Supervisor Training class was completed. The supervisors enrolled in the class were employed by Honeywell and Arrowhead. On-site for Arrowhead were Tony Randolph and Monte Foist. Honeywell was represented by Shawn Miller, Richard Macasocol, Gregory Bell, and Jesse Morris. Supervisor Training focuses on how to make…

Laurie Lunsford is pictured with her children's book titled "The Solar Eclipse is Coming." Photo provided

Entertainment August 29, 2023

Local Author Writes Children’s Book About the Solar Eclipse

By Laurie Lunsford— MUNCIE, IN—The solar eclipse is coming April 8, 2024. Laurie Lunsford, a local artist and writer was inspired when she attended a planning meeting for this occurrence, which is special to Muncie and those cities along the “path of totality” from Texas, crossing through Indiana and up to Maine.  A large number of people from outside of Muncie are expected to come here to view the total eclipse. During the meeting, she thought about the possibility of…

Last year's 2022 Spirit of Small Business award went to A Team Concessions.

Business August 28, 2023

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces Their 2023 Annual Dinner Awards

By Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce will honor its members for their impact on our community at their Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center. Each year, the Chamber presents five prestigious awards at the Annual Dinner. The Chamber is asking for help from the community and its members in the nomination process for four of the awards. The awards have been updated this year to keep on…

La’Saiha Ewing and Brian Whitley. Photo provided by MCS

Education August 28, 2023

Muncie Central Grads La’Saiha Ewing and Brian Whitley Receive Ball State’s Ryan Family Scholarship

By Andy Klotz, MCS— MUNCIE, IN – La’Saiha Ewing loves art. It helps her express her thoughts and feelings. As creative as she is, the 2023 Muncie Central graduate still never imagined it could help fund her college ambitions and ultimately lead her to a career as a teacher, but that’s what has happened after receiving the Michelle and Jim Ryan Family Scholarship from the Ball State Teachers College (BSTC). “Receiving the Ryan Family Scholarship is a huge honor,” Ewing…

Michelle Metsker-Cass and some of her works. Photo provided

Entertainment August 27, 2023

Cornerstone Artist to Display Creations in September

By Dee McKinsey— Muncie, IN–Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 East Main St. will exhibit work from staff member and artist Michelle Metsker-Cass of Made By Meeshy Art. The exhibit opening, entitled Fluid Beauty, will be in Cornerstone’s Judith Barnes Memorial Gallery, Sept.7, from 5-8 p.m. Metsker-Cass’s work features fluid art techniques, a painting style involving acrylic paint poured to create abstract designs, along with inspirational painted illustrations depicting themes such as suicide prevention, depression and overcoming obstacles. Michelle Metsker-Cass…