Articles by Mike Rhodes

DWNTWN Costumed Creature Crawl This Saturday

By Cheryl Crowder, Downtown Development— MUNCIE, IN—Calling all creatures great and small! Bring your human DWNTWN Saturday, October 28, from 12–3 p.m. and show off their creativity. All furry, feathered, scaled, hairy, or hairless costumed friends are welcome. Humans must be leashed to their creatures. FREE to participate. 11:30 A.M. Parade line-up will begin at the County Building (Main & Walnut) 12:00 P.M. Parade starts and will proceed to Canan Commons. Judging will be held at the Canan Commons Stage….

Read More

Ball State Launches ‘Our Call to Beneficence,’ Largest Capital Campaign in University’s History

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – On Friday evening, Ball State University publicly launched “Our Call to Beneficence,” the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign in the University’s history. The campaign’s $350 million fundraising goal builds upon Ball State’s ongoing successes to achieve the goals articulated in the University’s strategic plan. Fueled by the generous support of graduates and benefactors, “Our Call to Beneficence” focuses on three pillars to enhance the University’s mission: student opportunity and success; the…


Jump Into Jewelry Making With the ‘Radical Jewelry Makeover’ 

By Erin Williams— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts.org) and PlySpace, an artist in residence program funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, offer a calendar of thought-provoking events this fall as part of the Radical Jewelry Makeover.  Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) has been traveling nationally and internationally to communities since 2007, educating the public and jewelers of all levels about mining and material sourcing issues involved in jewelry making. Currently, materials…


Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce to Host Annual Meeting and Dinner

By Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce will honor its members for their impact on our community at their 129th Annual Meeting & Dinner 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 has revamped the awards this year to even better represent the community and members. The awards include: Spirit of Small Business Award The Spirit of Small…


Judge Kimberly Dowling Honored With Indiana Judges Association Award

By Indiana Judges Association— INDIANAPOLIS, IN—Kimberly S. Dowling, Judge, Delaware Circuit Court 2, is the 2023 winner of the annual Excellence in Public Information and Education Award.  The award is bestowed by the Indiana Judges Association for fostering positive community information and education about the law. Dowling was nominated by her fellow judges for her work in educating the public about child victims of human trafficking and how to identify those children.  Dowling has educated law enforcement, probation officers, civic…


MCHS to Develop a ‘Culture of Writing’ With New Student Writing Center

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – You probably weren’t afraid to read this sentence, but would you fear writing it? It seems hard to believe in the era of social media, but writing something that will be read by others or graded by a teacher is a fairly common fear. It even has a name – scriptophobia. This kind of reluctance to writing goes well beyond not knowing where to start a paper or being unsure of how best to…


City of Muncie Renews IRONMAN Agreement, Prepares for 45th Anniversary

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Wednesday, Muncie officials moved forward to renew an agreement for another 3 years of IRONMAN 70.3. The triathlon, which is one of the longest running 70.3 events in the world, draws thousands of athletes and spectators every year to Prairie Creek Reservoir. The most recent race, on September 30, hosted athletes from 25 countries and 6 continents. If accepted, the agreement will move the race to July, where it was traditionally held, instead of September,…


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…


As Cooler Weather Returns, I&M Is Helping Customers With Useful Options

By Kara Stevenson, Indiana & Michigan Power— FORT WAYNE, IN—Cooler weather impacts more than just our wardrobe— it can also freeze one’s budget. Rising costs on necessities like gas and groceries, are increasing financial hardship for some with concerns on seasonal expenses. During October’s National Energy Awareness Month, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is reminding qualified customers of available payment assistance programs and other energy- saving practices to create a safe and efficient home. Payment Assistance Options I&M strives to keep…


Muncie Resident, Tom Farris, Receives State’s Golden Hoosier Award for a Lifetime of Service to His Community 

STATEHOUSE – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, remarked “It is my pleasure to honor our recipients of the 2023 Golden Hoosier Award, the highest honor   I can bestow upon an older Hoosier on the state of Indiana.  Since 2008, Hoosiers have been recognized for service to their communities with the Golden Hoosier Award.  It is not just one act of community service, but rather a lifetime of community service and commitment to serving others that are honored with the award.  As…