Articles by Mike Rhodes

Community Members Formulate Plans for a Steve Shondell Scholarship for Burris Volleyball Players

By Janet Roepke and Elizabeth Douglass— MUNCIE, IN—We propose that the first Saturday in September each year be celebrated as Shondell Day in Delaware County. On Saturday September 2, 2023, a group of former Burris volleyball players announced a new scholarship in honor of Muncie’s Steve Shondell. Mr. Shondell led the school to 21 Indiana state championships and four national championships in girl’s volleyball – making him one of the nation’s winningest high school volleyball coaches. In announcing the scholarship, former Burris…

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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…


Titus Hill Named Delaware County Student Ambassador for Ball State University

By Trenton Bush, Muncie Visitors Bureau— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie and Delaware County Visitors Bureau (MVB) proudly announces Titus Hill as the County Student Ambassador for Ball State University’s newly launched Ambassador program.  The first of its kind, this innovative student-to-student program invites all 92 counties to designate a Ball  State student representative. By partnering with the MVB, Hill will share Muncie/Delaware County community pride with the campus community by encouraging his peers and other students to engage, learn, and experience the…


Two Local Nonprofits Offer Fall Shopping Opportunities

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—When Hillcroft Services, Inc. and the Ross Community Center discovered they will be hosting similar events on Saturday, October 14, they decided to join forces and encourage their own shoppers to visit each other’s venue. Both events, set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Muncie will highlight the work of local artists and merchandise of area vendors. Hillcroft’s Shop & Share will be at their facility at 501 W. Airpark Drive. The Ross Community Center’s Art and…


Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio to Headline FREE Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By Rick Zeigler—MUNCIE, IN –The critically acclaimed soul-jazz Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2023 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by Defur Voran and will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 9th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. The Ball State University Jazz Ensemble will open the show.The Delvin Lamarr Organ Trio (DL03) started in May,…


Woof Boom Radio Celebrates 10 Years With ‘Muncie You-Nite’ Concert

By Camille McCreery— MUNCIE, IN – There are many reasons to celebrate where you are from. For the team at Woof Boom Radio, an anniversary celebration is more than enough reason to go big. Muncie has been the headquarters for Woof Boom Radio for 10 years as of this past June. As part of our anniversary celebration, Woof Boom Radio has decided to host a FREE  concert at the one and only Canan Commons located at 500 S. Walnut St….


MCS Lands $400,000 ‘Stronger Connections’ Grant

By Andy Klotz— Indiana Department of Education gives district maximum award MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has received a $400,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Education through the federally funded Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. MCS will use the Stronger Connections Grant funding for a number of new or existing programs, including:  Salary and benefits for one Family Navigator position;  Creating and supporting a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team; Providing transportation costs for students to participate in Ball State’s…


 ‘Terrific’ Friends Come Together for Community Reading Project 

By Michelle Kinsey — MUNCIE, IN —“Some pig” is going to be pretty popular this month in Muncie.  “Charlotte’s Web” will be the focus of a community-wide reading initiative, culminating in Muncie Civic Theatre’s production of the classic tale at Southside Middle School.  Written by E.B. White and first published in 1952, “Charlotte’s Web” is the story of an unlikely and ultimately “tremendous” friendship between a pig and a spider.  And tremendous friendships are exactly how this community reading initiative came…


Plyspace Welcomes Fall 2023 Resident Artists

By Erin Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) is excited to welcome the first round of fall resident artists to Muncie to kick of the fifth year of the PlySpace Artist Residency Program. This program invites artists from around the world to Muncie to develop unique creative projects with the community. First off this fall, we are joined by Carmen Nikae (NY/LA), a queer, bi-coastal actor, writer, and clown. Carmen brings the art of clowning to Muncie, where…


Bookmark This: Local Author Fair Set for September 8th

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN —The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center will have its first Local Author Fair Friday, Sept. 8, at the center, 400 W. Minnetrista Blvd. The event, from 2 to 6 p.m., is free and open to the public. More than 20 local authors are scheduled to participate. Ink Drinker’s Anonymous, an independent bookstore located in downtown Muncie, will have a booth as well. “The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center has a rich history of…