Articles by Mike Rhodes

Panelists will include L-R: Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer, Jennifer McCormick and Joel D. Hand. Photos provided

Education January 26, 2023

Two More Speakers Added to This Saturday’s Panel Addressing Status of Education in Indiana

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The legal counsel and lobbyist for the Indiana Coalition for Public Education and a former Indiana superintendent of public instruction will join the president of ICPE as guest speakers for a joint meeting of the Muncie branches of the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters of Delaware County. The meeting is open to the public and free. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and wrap up no later than noon…

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Muncie Fieldhouse photo courtesy of 104.1 HD1 WLBC.

Entertainment January 26, 2023

Memorabilia Room to Be Open for Attendees of City of Champions Tournament

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association’s Memorabilia Room will be open to people attending boys City of Champions tournament basketball games at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. The Memorabilia Room is located in the southeast corner of the Muncie Fieldhouse. Muncie Central graduation classes organizing reunions and interested in including a visit to the Alumni Association’s Memorabilia Room as part of their activities are welcome to contact Charlotte Shepperd, charshep@comcast.net, or Nora…

There's nothing better than a box of Girl Scout cookies. And this year, there's a new flavor: Raspberry Rally™ .

Non-Profit January 25, 2023

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Kicks Off 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— Consumers in 45 Central Indiana counties can support their local girl entrepreneurs by ordering from the iconic cookie lineup, powering amazing experiences in outdoors, STEM, and beyond. INDIANAPOLIS – Girl Scouts of Central Indiana kicks off the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie season in 45 Central Indiana counties as Girl Scouts and their troops rally their communities to support the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls. Every box of cookies sold provides invaluable experiences for Girl Scouts such…

The Innovation Connector is located at 1208 W. White River Blvd. Muncie, IN 47303

Business January 24, 2023

Empowering Entrepreneurs in 2023

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector— MUNCIE, IN—After a successful initiative last year, Celebrating Entrepreneurs in 2022, the Innovation Connector has chosen a new theme for 2023: Empowering Entrepreneurs in 2023. While we will continue celebrating entrepreneurs, we believe the next step is to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners to be empowered – to learn, collaborate, and share their knowledge with others.  As I have expressed in prior articles, one key trait of a successful…

L-R: Altrusans, Kailee McKnight, Tanya Shaneyfelt, Mary Burford, Sue Whitaker, Muncie Community School’s CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Altrusan Sherrell Bryant and West View Principal Eric Ambler.

Non-Profit January 24, 2023

Muncie Altrusa Club Completes Book Distribution to Muncie Elementary Schools

By Sue Whitaker, Muncie Altrusa Literacy Chair— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Altrusa Club members have completed the distribution of over 5,800 books to every pre-kindergarten through fifth grade student in the Muncie Community Schools, Burris, St. Michael Catholic School, and Inspire Academy. The project was funded in part from a $4000.00 grant from the Altrusa International Foundation and the Muncie Altrusa Club. Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana was also a partner in helping to obtain, store and distribute the books. Once…

Education January 23, 2023

Dray Caldwell—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—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. Dray Caldwell has a passion for bringing athletes together in community and forming relationships. The Yorktown High School Senior has been part of the IHSAA Student Advisory Committee since he was a junior and is now its president.   “We are the face of the…

2022 Scholarship winners: Top left, Chandler Whitworth; Bottom left, Kara Cantrell; Right, Jacob Brannon and Debbie Edwards. Also pictured are: (left to right) Kailee McKnight, Tina Black, and Melanie Surface.

Non-Profit January 23, 2023

Local Non-Profit H.O.P.E. Adds Scholarship Program

By Tina Black— MUNCIE, IN—H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Every day) is a local non-profit organization that unites the skills and expertise of local business leaders who are on a mission to empower, uplift and strengthen our community.  The goal is to provide support to individuals and local organizations through fundraising and volunteering in order to build stronger bonds. H.O.P.E. has been successfully moving forward with this initiative since the beginning of 2020, but officially became a 501(c)(3) in May, 2021. …

Photo provided

Entertainment January 23, 2023

Venture Into a World of Art at the 33rd Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—Come discover Indiana’s artists and their Hoosier creativity during Minnetrista’s Annual Juried Art Show, now in its 33rd year! Come enjoy (and even purchase!) works of fine art selected by this year’s juror Shaun Thomas Dingwerth, the Executive Director at the Richmond Art Museum in Richmond, Indiana. The 33rd Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show opens on Saturday, January 28 at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. This annual show is known to feature a beautiful array of artistic…

Participants at the 2022 IDEA Conference visit the community booths.

Non-Profit January 21, 2023

Registration Now Open for Eighth Annual IDEA Conference

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Organizers of the eighth annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference are hoping for a “full house” at the free March 4 event on Ball State University’s campus. “The IDEA Conference is my favorite day in Muncie,” said Heather Williams, program manager for Building Better Neighborhoods and Muncie Action Plan (MAP) vice president. “It brings together Muncie’s changemakers and cheerleaders – residents who work every day to build community and improve the lives of others. It’s an…

Photo by storyblocks

Business January 20, 2023

Indiana American Water Accepting Applications for 2023 Environmental Grant Program

By Joseph Loughmiller— Grants Available to Community Projects in Company’s Service Areas. GREENWOOD, IN – Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, is now accepting applications for its 2023 Environmental Grant Program. “Indiana American Water is committed to providing our customers with clean, safe, reliable water service and protecting our environment and our water sources,” said Indiana American Water President Matt Prine. “Everyone plays a role in protecting our nation’s…