Articles by Mike Rhodes

Local Vocalist Ramona Dale - with America’s Hometown Band - is a featured performer July 22 at Tonne Winery in Muncie, along with other AHB ensembles performing on July 22 & 29.

Entertainment July 11, 2023

America’s Hometown Band Ensembles to Perform at Tonne Winery, July 22nd and 29th

By Kathy Huggler— MUNCIE, IN—The outdoor entertainment stage at Tonne Winery is hosting a variety of ensemble groups from America’s Hometown Band (AHB) of Muncie for two Saturday evenings in July – from 6-8 pm on the 22nd and on the 29th. Ensembles scheduled over these Saturday evenings are three different AHB instrument choir groups: the Bennie Pressler Trombone Choir, directed by Don Lamb, the Central Indiana Flute Choir, directed by Becky Boyce, and the Clarinet Connection Choir, directedby Steve Stickler….

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Photo provided by Ball State University

Education July 11, 2023

Ball State Public Media Receives Grant Awards for Arts and Culture Initiative

By Angie Rapp— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State Public Media (Ball State PBS and Indiana Public Radio), has been awarded grants from The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS) to support its new arts and culture content initiative. Furthermore, the Indiana Arts Commission has recognized Ball State Public Media as an Indiana Arts Trust award winner, solidifying its commitment to promoting the arts in Indiana. The grants, generously provided by the IAC and IPBS, will enable Ball…

Photo provided

Education July 10, 2023

Ivy Tech Muncie and Indiana Wesleyan University Develop New Partnership

By Lesley Devoss— MUNCIE, IN – Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County and Indiana Wesleyan University are proud to announce their partnership aimed at streamlining the process of earning a master’s degree. This collaboration offers students an expedited pathway to a master’s degree by eliminating the need for a bachelor’s degree.  Through this innovative partnership, students will begin their academic journey at Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County Campus where they will complete their associate degree. All credits earned during…

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Education July 10, 2023

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application Now Available

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN— Incoming high school seniors can now apply online for the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship administered by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. Applicants must be residents of Delaware County, Ind., and attend an accredited high school in Delaware County. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Muncie and Delaware County awards a student who possesses leadership potential who is well-rounded and community-minded. The scholarship covers tuition and required fees for four years of…

Faeries, Sprites, & Lights at Minnetrista. Photo provided

Entertainment July 7, 2023

Minnetrista Announces This Year’s Faeries, Sprites, & Lights Event

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The faeries are back and better than ever. Faeries, Sprites, & Lights at Minnetrista will be held July 27 through 29 from 5 to 9 p.m., with a special sensory-friendly event on July 29 from 1–4 p.m. During this multi-day event, children are encouraged to come dressed in their best magical faerie attire as they imagine and play in a faerie wonderland. Families can enjoy games, crafts, a theater show, live music and dancing, a…

The 'More Love' mural on South Walnut street. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 7, 2023

Jump into the MuncieArts Public Art Artist Pool

By Erin Williams— MUNCIE, IN – MuncieArts is looking for artists to apply to the Public Art Artist Pool. In 2021, Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) was selected by the City of Muncie to administer $500,000 of new funding for Public Art Projects from the American Rescue Plan. With this funding, MuncieArts is working with the community to implement many new projects in select neighborhoods around the city. Outdoor public artworks including sculpture, installation, and murals are being planned…

From left to right; top to bottom: Aubrey Charron, Curtis Hansard, Madilyn Howell, Sophia Johnson, Millie McDaniel, Karly Puckett, Riverton Ross, Jon Shrock, Elijah Taylor, and Joey Ullom. Photos not available for: Bry’llana Coates, Katherine Floyd, Brandon Guthrie, Andrew Haughn, Landen Hiatt, and Titus Waters.

Education July 6, 2023

The Community Foundation Announces More 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Editor’s note: This is another in a series of scholarship announcements you will see on MuncieJournal.com over the next few weeks. By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Aubrey Charron, a graduating senior from Wes-Del High School, is a recipient of the Jon Hunter Memorial Scholarship and the Sarah E. Adams Scholarship. Aubrey plans to study General Studies at Ball State University. She is the daughter of David Charron. Bry’llana Coates, a Pre-Nursing student at Ivy Tech…

Immediate Past President Matt Howell passes the gavel to incoming President Robert G. La France. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 6, 2023

New Officers for 2023-24 at the Muncie Noon Rotary Club

By Robert G. La France— MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Noon Rotary Club celebrated the transition of officers for the 2023-2024 Rotary year on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023. Matt Howell, retiring 2022-2023 President of the Muncie Rotary Club, introduced incoming 2023-2024 President Robert LaFrance, who praised the club members for their continued commitment in upholding the mission and values of Rotary. 2023-2024 Muncie Rotary Club Officers President Robert LaFrance President-Elect Dan Wolfert Immediate Past President Matt Howell Secretary Joann McKinney…

Four members added to Next Muncie, from left to right: Marcy Minton, Elizabeth Rowray, Laura Hill, and Adam Unger. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 5, 2023

Next Muncie Announces Four New Members

By Eliza Guion— MUNCIE, IN– Next Muncie has added four new members to the coalition. Next Muncie’s members work collaboratively to advocate for projects and programs that benefit the people of Muncie. Marcy Minton, Elizabeth Rowray, Laura Hill, and Adam Unger have joined Next Muncie’s Central City Leadership Team, a group of community leaders dedicated to the mission of Next Muncie. Marcy Minton, a fourth generation Munsonian and the President and CEO of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware…

Use your ceiling fans to circulate air throughout your house and close window treatments to keep rooms cooler. Photo illustration by Mike Rhodes via Photoshop artificial intelligence (AI).

Business July 5, 2023

Indiana & Michigan’s Energy-Saving Ideas to Keep You Cool This Summer

By Kara Stevenson, I&M Corporate Communications— FORT WAYNE, IN—With much anticipation, summer is officially here. Our wait for warmer temperatures is over. Cooling costs can add up to more than 50% of an average customer’s bill, but by incorporating simple practices, such as those below, you can save energy and potentially save on your monthly bill. Use ceiling fans to circulate air throughout the house. Ensure that your ceiling fan is set to run counterclockwise during the summer to help push cooler…