Articles by Mike Rhodes

Former SHIFT participants pose in the "web of emotions," an interactive activity to explore complicated emotions around grief. Photo provided

Non-Profit March 7, 2023

Muncie-Area Volunteers Offer Support for Kids and Teens in Grief

By K. Aleisha Fetters— MUNCIE, IN—Grief is a hard journey at any stage of life. But it’s even harder — and more complicated — to navigate as a kid or teen.  Unfortunately, estimates show that one in five youth lose a loved one or friend before their 18th birthday. And 80% say it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever faced.  And the life-changing event becomes a major SHIFT in their world. To help support these youth, about a dozen community volunteers…

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Non-Profit March 6, 2023

Foundational Leadership Program Returns: ‘Emergence’

Registration for the 2023 Emergence Program is Now Open By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN –  Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a local not-for-profit organization that provides inclusive leadership development so that people, organizations, and communities reach their full potential, is offering the 21st session of its signature leadership program. The program will run from April 4 to May 23, 2023. Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership is SLA’s core leadership program. It is an eight-week highly interactive and engaging training opportunity…

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour is pictured giving his 3rd annual State of the City report at the Ball State Alumni Center. His slide presentation appeared on numerous television monitors circling the meeting room. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government March 3, 2023

Muncie Mayor’s State of the City 2023: ‘The City is Strong’

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, IN—”The state of the city is strong.” That’s from the Honorable Mayor Dan Ridenour during his 3rd State of the City presentation. Mayor Ridenour gave a positive overview of the accomplishments his administration has made in the areas of finances, public safety and infrastructure. The event was held at the Ball State University Alumni Center. Ball Brothers Foundation CEO, Judd Fisher introduced the mayor prior to the mayor’s one hour presentation. Mayor Ridenour’s Powerpoint™ slides…

The Northwest bank branch on W. Jackson Street in Muncie is pictured. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business March 2, 2023

Northwest Bank Named One of America’s Best Midsize Employers for 2023

By Northwest Bank— WARREN, PA —Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, has been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Midsize Employers for 2023. The awards list ranks the 500 midsize employers that received the most recommendations from a survey of 45,000 American workers. Northwest Bank is 60th on the list. The prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider….

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded five local teachers Robert P. Bell Education grants totaling $1,973. These grants are awarded to teachers with innovative ideas, programs, or projects related to a classroom unit or lesson. East Washington Academy fifth-grade teacher Beth Buehler was awarded a Robert P. Bell Grant last year for a project to help her students visualize the interaction between the earth's spheres - geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Education, Non-Profit March 2, 2023

Community Foundation Awards Grants to Benefit Teachers

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – Five local teachers were awarded grants totaling $1,973.96 from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County in February through the Robert P. Bell Education Grants Program. Across the county, thousands of students benefit from Robert P. Bell Education Grants each year. Teachers often have instructional ideas they would like to implement in their classrooms. Sometimes, a lack of funds can prevent them from moving forward. Robert P. Bell Education Grants are awarded to…

Arts Place Inc. was the recipient of the first CEFTA grant in 2022 and was able to fund a lot of great opportunities for kids and adults.

Education February 28, 2023

Ball State University Accepting Proposals for 2023 Community Engagement for the Arts Grant

By Michelle Kinsey, Office of Community Engagement, Ball State University— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2023 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant. This competitive grant program provides up to $35,000 annually to an East Central Indiana community arts-focused organization or program. Application deadline is 5 p.m. ET March 31. To apply for the grant or for more information, go to https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/community-engagement/arts-grant-application. The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant…

Muncie Fieldhouse photo courtesy of 104.1 HD1 WLBC.

Education February 28, 2023

Memorabilia Room to Be Open to Attendees of Muncie Boys Sectional Basketball Games

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association’s Memorabilia Room will be open to people attending the boys basketball sectional tournament games on Tuesday, Feb. 28; Wednesday, March 1; Friday, March 3; and Saturday, March 4, at the Muncie Fieldhouse. The Memorabilia Room is located in the southeast corner of the Muncie Fieldhouse and opens 30 minutes before the first game of the day and closes after halftime of the final game. Tickets for boys sectional games…

Katie Morgan Perez. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 28, 2023

Perez Named Executive Director of Orchestra Indiana 

By Orchestra Indiana— MUNCIE, IN-Orchestra Indiana is excited to announce that Katie Morgan Perez has been named Executive Director. Perez joined Orchestra Indiana as the Director of Operations in October of 2022, and previously served as the Executive Director of the Community School of the Arts in Marion for eight years. Perez steps into the role following the recent resignation of Scott Watkins.  “In the past few months I have had the pleasure to work alongside an incredible staff and…

Ben Stalets. Photo provided

Entertainment February 28, 2023

Ben Stalets Returns to ‘Be Here Now’ On March 25th

By Larry Meyer— MUNCIE, IN—Ben Stalets is not a songwriter—he’s a song. Realizing he couldn’t wash the Toledo off, Ben leaned into it, inspired by Rust Belt blue-collar underdogs and anti- heroes. Talking to Ben is like talking to an old friend, and that’s exactly how his songs are written and how his shows are performed. As comfortable in a bar room as he is in a listening room, by the 3rd verse of the first song, Stalets will have…

Emily Kimbrough and her dogs. Photo provided

Entertainment February 27, 2023

Emily Kimbrough: From Muncie to the World

By Jeannine A. Harrold, Program Chair, Paul Revere Chapter DAR— MUNCIE, IN—March is National Women’s History Month, and to celebrate it locally, the Delaware County Historical Society, the Carnegie location of the Muncie Public Library, and the Paul Revere Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution are co-sponsoring a program to present entertaining highlights from the life of one of the most famous women selected by the Notable Women of Muncie and Delaware County Project. Emily Kimbrough, born in Muncie in…