Articles by Mike Rhodes

Disaster Outreach Centers to Open April 3 in Delaware and Randolph Counties

Government April 2, 2024

Disaster Outreach Centers to Open April 3 in Delaware and Randolph Counties

Sites will connect residents with recovery options By IDHS Office of Public Affairs— INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Small Business Administration will co-host Disaster Loan Outreach Centers for residents who were impacted by the March 14 tornadoes in Delaware and Randolph counties. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is a specific location where residents who suffered damage from the storm can ask questions related to their recovery and receive one-on-one assistance connecting with relevant resources. Locations have been established in Selma in Delaware County and Winchester in Randolph County, where much of the tornado damage occurred….

Read More
Cornfed Roller Derby Takes on Vette City Roller Derby During Pride Night

Entertainment April 2, 2024

Cornfed Roller Derby Takes on Vette City Roller Derby During Pride Night

By Debra Roberts— Muncie, IN – Join Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD) on Saturday, April 20, 2024, for their first Pride Night, as they take on Vette City Roller Derby from Bowling Green, KY. This third home bout of Season 11 will take place at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Memorial Building, where the Cornfed All-Stars will face the Vette City Vixens in the first game of this doubleheader. In the second game, the Cornfed Killer Kernels will battle the Vette City Venom. Doors open at 4 p.m. with a 5 p.m. start time for the first game. Tickets at the door…

Indiana’s Round-leaved Sundew Carnivorous Plant Shocks Scientists by Going Vegan

Non-Profit April 1, 2024

Indiana’s Round-leaved Sundew Carnivorous Plant Shocks Scientists by Going Vegan

By Kelley Phillips, Red-tail Land Conservancy— MUNCIE, IN– In a bizarre twist of nature, a carnivorous plant has astounded botanists by declaring its newfound commitment to veganism. The Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), known for its carnivorous appetite, has had a change of heart and started refusing its usual diet of insects. The Round-leaved Sundews of Indiana released a statement early this morning that they wish to be emancipated from the Sundew genus Drosera and live a more herbaceous lifestyle. Sundews make up one of the largest groups of carnivorous plants, with more than 150 species. It is unclear if the…

More Traffic Changes on Tillotson Ave for I&M Power Line Construction

Business March 29, 2024

More Traffic Changes on Tillotson Ave for I&M Power Line Construction

By Tracy Warner— MUNCIE, IN– Indiana Michigan Power’s work to enhance reliability in the Muncie area will temporarily affect traffic patterns near Ball State University beginning Monday, April 1. Motorists should be aware of a road closing affecting Riverside Avenue and lane closures on Tillotson Avenue. Specifically: Riverside will be closed between Tillotson and Briar Road. The detour will use Petty, Warwick and Briar roads. Tillotson will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Riverside and West Petty Road. These road restrictions are expected to continue through the month of April. I&M understands this project, which began in…

Muncie Altrusa to Host Tea and Auction Event on April 7

Non-Profit March 29, 2024

Muncie Altrusa to Host Tea and Auction Event on April 7

By Ashlee Anderson— MUNCIE, IN—Altrusa Club of Muncie and the Muncie Altrusa Foundation are hosting a Tea and Auction to support Club projects and Foundation grants. Club projects focus on literacy, food insecurity, and meeting various needs in the local community, while the Foundation grants fund local non-profits through an application process. All are invited to purchase tickets to Tea in Wonderland presented by Old National Bank. Lunch and tea will beserved and the main focus will be participating in the lively auction featuring curated items supplied by members of Altrusa as well as the community. A sneak peak of…

Total Solar Eclipse Programming at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens 

Entertainment March 28, 2024

Total Solar Eclipse Programming at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens 

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, in partnership with Muncie Children’s Museum (MCM), invites the community to embark on a three-day journey of celestial wonder with Magic at Minnetrista. This special event, culminating in the rare total solar eclipse visible from Muncie, Indiana, on Monday, April 8, promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. In an exciting development, both Minnetrista and Muncie Children’s Museum have been awarded grants from the esteemed Simons Foundation. This prestigious recognition is part of the Path of Totality Initiative, dedicated to supporting events surrounding the April solar eclipse. These grants will elevate “Magic…

Muncie Altrusa Club Recognizes 4th Grade Essay Contest Winners

Non-Profit March 28, 2024

Muncie Altrusa Club Recognizes 4th Grade Essay Contest Winners

By Sue Whitaker, Muncie Altrusa— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Altrusa Club hosted the winners of the Annual 4th Grade Essay Contest on March 21st during a luncheon at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.  The winners of the essay contest were Baxter Wilson, Burris; Kali Minnick, East Washington Academy; Mylah Wehlage, Royerton; Gabriel Crouch, Selma; A’Mirah Ruffin, West View; and Eli Burke, Yorktown. Each student read their essay titled: “How Books Build a Better World” to the assembled group. Following the reading each student was presented with a certificate, a backpack filled with books and school supplies, and a Books-a Million gift card….

Ivy Tech’s Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence

Education March 27, 2024

Ivy Tech’s Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence

A restorative approach to secondary education success By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN – When high school students are suspended or expelled from school, they are often placed in alternative pathways, which increases the chances of academic challenges and adds a layer of stress for the students as well as their families. The Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program is designed to provide academic and career support for students that might be considered at-risk. This collaboration can provide relief from that stress as well as a guided pathway to opportunities.   “Every student deserves a place where they can continue to focus on their education, identify and grow their strengths, and…

Register Now to Explore the Extraordinary Life of Timmy Brown on April 2

Entertainment March 27, 2024

Register Now to Explore the Extraordinary Life of Timmy Brown on April 2

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE – Timmy Brown’s story is one of resilience and achievement. That powerful story is told in the book “Running Against the Grain: The Story of the Philadelphia Eagle and Movie Star Timmy Brown.” On Tuesday, April 2, co-authors Roy Weaver and Shawn Sriver, will share the remarkable life of Timmy Brown, an alum of Ball State University, during a free event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. Weaver is the former dean of Teachers College at Ball State University, and Sriver is an entertainment historian and accreditation and assessment…

There’s a New Positive Spirit, Energy and Momentum Growing in South Muncie

Non-Profit March 27, 2024

There’s a New Positive Spirit, Energy and Momentum Growing in South Muncie

By Jena Ashby— MUNCIE, IN—There is an energy building in South Muncie that, if you haven’t visited us in a while, I want you to know about. Come on over. When I was growing up my great grandma lived just a few blocks from Ross Corner. She walked to the store every day; she never had a car. Grandma Martha’s is where you went if you needed to stay home from school because you were sick, which meant you had to walk to Ross’s for sherbert and Sprite. My maternal grandparents owned a home on South Mulberry where my mom…