Articles by Mike Rhodes

Lt. Gov. Crouch, IHCDA Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for ‘Support the Courts’ in Yorktown

By The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority— YORKTOWN, IN – Yorktown residents will soon be more connected and active if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000, by Dec. 16, 2023. If successful, the project led by Yorktown Schools Foundation will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program. “We are excited to open a new space for Yorktown residents to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch,…

Read More

Altrusa Foundation of Muncie Announces Availability of $10,000 Impact Grant

By Colleen Cooper— MUNCIE, IN— The Altrusa Foundation of Muncie has opened a high-impact grant opportunity for one nonprofit in the amount of $10,000. The 40th anniversary of the Foundation coincides with the centennial anniversary for the Altrusa Club of Muncie and Delaware County. The first grant was awarded in 1983. The nonprofit organizations in our community do such outstanding work. “As the Altrusa Foundation board of directors considered how to mark 40 years of grant making, we thought who…


State Rep. Sue Errington Invites Power Caucus Scholarship Applications

By Emily Reuben, Press Secretary—  INDIANAPOLIS— The Indiana Political Organization for Women’s Education and Representation (POWER) Caucus Scholarship is now accepting applications. $750 is awarded biennially to as many women as possible with the intention of helping Hoosier women who took a non-traditional education route and returned to an Indiana school to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at age 25 or older. The scholarship is typically awarded to a woman who demonstrates passion for giving back to those around…


Local Schools Receive State Funding Boost for Safety Upgrades

By Republican Press Office— STATEHOUSE  – Many Delaware County schools recently received more than $677,000 through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to State Reps. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). Rowray said the funding is part of the state legislature’s significant investments this year in school safety, which totaled $29.8 million in state matching grants across 474 schools in Indiana.“Keeping our students safe has and will continue to be a priority for me,” Rowray said….


Classroom Connections Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Teachers

Editor’s note: Classroom Connections of ECI invites you to their 20th Birthday Bash at their Open House scheduled for December 12, 2023 from  3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their Madison Street location.  Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—For two decades, Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana, formerly the Back to School Teachers Store, has been helping students and teachers get needed school supplies. The non-profit organization is celebrating this milestone throughout the year…


Muncie Women of Color Invites Prospective Members

By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Women of Color (MWOC) invites prospective members to join Muncie’s newest membership-based community organization. Prospective female members who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or as a woman of color are invited to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, October 19, at 5:30 pm at the Muncie downtown YWCA, 310 E. Charles St., with the founding members, who are: ● Dafina Carter ● Stephanie Cunningham ● Daniella Flowers ● Tracina Greenleaf ● Rigel Jackson ●…


Muncie Central Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Meeting Set for Nov. 3rd

By Sheryl Swingley—  MUNCIE, IN—Reservations for the Muncie Central Alumni Association dinner and annual meeting are due Monday, Oct 23. Attendees do not have to be a member of the association to attend. Check-in for the event will take place from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, in the Muncie Central High School cafeteria. Attendees should enter the west door from the north parking lot. Reservations for the event are $18 per person. Checks payable to the Muncie Central…


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…


Here Are the Winners of the 2023 Muncie Mayor’s Arts Awards

By Erin Williams— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts), in conjunction with the City of Muncie, celebrated the 5th biennial Mayor’s Arts Awards on Saturday, September 30, at Southside Middle School, with receptions at Munsee Lanes. If you missed the ceremony and want to catch the performances, it will be broadcast on Thursday, October 12, at 9 p.m. and on Sunday, October 15 at 12:00 p.m. on Ball State PBS. More information at www.ballstatepbs.org. The Mayor’s Arts Awards…


Ross Community Center: Part of an Event-filled Fall Saturday, With Solar Eclipse, Too

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—Is it possible to shop for Christmas on a busy fall day in Delaware County? In spite of all the fall farm activities, farmers’ markets, Ball State University football game and several other events—it is. This Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the Ross Community Center, 1110 W. 10th Street, Muncie, will host an Art and Gift Fair during which more than 20 local artists and vendors will display and sell their wares. That occasion,…