Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Central High School. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education May 24, 2023

Muncie Community Schools ‘Teachers of the Year’ Recognized

Support staff, Rising Stars, school partners also honored. By Andy Klotz— Muncie, Ind. – Muncie Community Schools has named the 2022-23 Teachers of the Year at each of its schools. All award recipients were presented with commemorative plaques by their building principals and now become eligible for the overall district Teacher of the Year award, which will be presented at the start of the 2023-24 school year. “We have some unbelievably dedicated teachers at Muncie Community Schools we’re grateful for…

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Artist rendering of new YMCA facility to be built.

Business May 23, 2023

YMCA of Muncie Receives Major Investment From IU Health East Central Region

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN—The YMCA of Muncie is gathering community support for a new facility located on the campus of Muncie Central High School.  Local East Central Region philanthropy leaders for the IU Health Foundation approved a multi-year pledge of $5 million from its ECR Community Health Fund to go towards the $31 million campaign. IU Health East Central Region’s President, Dr. Jeffrey Bird, has been involved with the YMCA project for nearly three years and serves on the…

Rialzo XII had an Alice in Wonderland theme this year. Photo provided.

Business May 22, 2023

Rialzo Raises Funds for Youth Mental and Physical Health in Local Schools

By Meridian Health Services— MUNCIE, IN– Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo, East Central Indiana’s largest charity gala, returned on Saturday, May 6 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie.  Seven hundred of Meridian’s greatest supporters traveled through the rabbit hole to a world of wonderment at the Alice in Wonderland-themed Rialzo XII. Rialzo will help support the dire need for increased mental and physical health services for children in local schools through Meridian’s School-Based Health Clinics. This funding comes at a…

From left to right; top to bottom: Zion Bricker, Josie Byrd, Hailey Conner, Lauren Luce, Katelynn Martin, Hanzala Reshtya, Ali Smith, and Brynn Wright.

Education May 22, 2023

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 – Zion Bricker, a senior at Daleville Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Bobby Watters Scholarship. Zion plans to study Accounting at Ball State University. He is the son of James Bricker and Sunshine Bricker. Josie Byrd, a senior at Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient…

Photo provided by Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Government May 20, 2023

New State Tourism Campaign Looking for Your ‘Home Again IN Indiana’ Stories

By State of Indiana Tourism— INDIANAPOLIS, IN—The Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) in partnership with the Indiana Association of Realtors, is excited to announce the launch of their new “Home Again IN Indiana” campaign. The campaign seeks to celebrate Hoosier pride by sharing the stories of those who were born and raised in Indiana and, after moving away, chose to return. “Indiana has a strong sense of community, and many Hoosiers have a deep connection to the state that brings them…

Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business May 19, 2023

City of Muncie Receives Grant From Indiana American Water Company

 By Indiana American Water— GREENWOOD, IN—Indiana American Water has announced that it is awarding a total of $10,000 to four organizations across the state as part of its 2023 Environmental Grant Program. Winners include the City of Muncie, the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Town of Clarksville Youth Council and the Student Conservation Association.  Established in 2005, the company’s Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface…

Minnetrista is located at 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN 47303

Entertainment May 19, 2023

Exhibition Highlighting the Role of Girls in History Coming to Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— While the nursery rhyme proclaims that girls are “made of sugar and spice and everything nice,” history demonstrates that girls are made of stronger stuff. Minnetrista Museum & Gardens will delve into this history with Girlhood (It’s complicated), an exhibition from the Smithsonian. Opening June 3, the exhibition showcases how girls have been on the frontlines of change and how they have made an impact on all aspects of American life. The exhibition will be on view through September 17….

The finished mural at Rosebud Coffee House. Photo provided

Business May 19, 2023

Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate ‘Gather and Grow’ Mural at Rosebud Coffee House

By Kate H. Elliott— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie residents are invited to a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 19, to celebrate completion of the “Gather and Grow” mural at Rosebud Coffee House, 1805 S. Hoyt Ave. The mural — completed by local artist Sarah Shaffer — is a campus & community collaboration between Rosebud and Ball State University’s School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. Lecturer of Journalism Kate Elliott helped guide the creative endeavor. “Students in my strategic writing class…

The 2022 Art in Bloom People’s Choice Award winner was created by Foister’s Flowers and inspired by “The Death of the Dauphin” by Louis Jean Francois Lagrenee.

Entertainment May 18, 2023

Art in Bloom Will Take Place On May 20 and 21 at Ball State University’s David Owsley Museum of Art

By Rachel Buckmaster, Associate Director, David Owsley Museum of Art— MUNCIE, IN– A Spring tradition continues at the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) with Art in Bloom, a free public floral exhibition on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, with extended museum hours from 1-5 p.m. on both days. In addition, a free public reception will celebrate springtime from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, with jazz, snacks, and a cash bar. Family-friendly activities include docent-led tours, a floral demonstration,…

City View groundbreaking. Photo provided

Government May 18, 2023

City View Groundbreaking Opens a New Chapter for Muncie

By Michele Owen, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—The Covid 19 Crisis introduced new variables for many industries, including construction. Inflation has made it difficult for many new developments to get off the ground.  Yet, on Wednesday, May 17, representatives from the City of Muncie, Pivotal Home Solutions, CPM construction, Industry Neighborhood Association, and the media gathered for a short ceremony at 1500 E 8th Street for the groundbreaking of a development project locally known as City View….