Articles by Mike Rhodes

Zoe Shihemi photo by Thomas Peek.

Education February 13, 2025

Zoe Shihemi—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— DALEVILLE, IN—Daleville Junior/Senior High School senior Zoe Shihemi is passionate about advocating for children and others who cannot do so themselves. As an eighth grader in Pendleton, she became a member of the Best Buddies Club, which pairs students with special needs classmates. Though she moved…

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One of the trains you might see at the Muncie Model Train Show. (Note the familiar Ball Corp logo on the tower just behind the train.) File photo.

Entertainment February 12, 2025

33rd Annual Muncie Model Train Show Coming to Fairgrounds on Feb 22

By R. Brian Wolfe— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie and Western Model Railroad Club announces its 33rd Annual Muncie Model Train Show to be held Saturday, February 22 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Delaware County Fairgrounds at 1210 N. Wheeling Avenue.  Admission is only $5 for each adult—children 12 and under are admitted free.  Indiana’s largest, longest-running, single-day model train show will be held in both the Memorial and Heartland buildings.  Proceeds from the train show are used to…

A student passing through the new system is pictured. Photo provided.

Education February 12, 2025

New Safety Measures Coming to Muncie Central High School

All students, visitors to pass through weapon detection system By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Beginning Friday, February 14, all Muncie Central students will start entering the high school through a new, discreet weapon detection system. This system, purchased with funds provided by the City of Muncie, enhances current security measures, providing another layer of safety for everyone inside. Any visitors to the school will also be required to pass through the new system. “We are all aware of unfortunate situations that…

The best year ever. That’s how Beth Clark described Holiday’s at Gresham…Meridian’s Holiday drive-through light exhibit. Clark said Over 20,000 people attended the holiday event during today’s check presentation for $21, 353—an amount that exceeded the initial goal of $12,000. Meridians leadership team, board chair, Development council chair, team members and the public were present to celebrate surpassing the fundraising goal for Meridians Child Advocacy Center. The donations enabled the center to provide 400 “Hope and Healing comfort” kits to children coming through the center. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business February 11, 2025

Meridian Health Services Exceeds Fundraising Goal From ‘Holidays at Gresham’ Event

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN—Meridian Health Services’ holiday fundraiser to provide Hope and Healing Comfort Kits to children receiving services through Meridian’s Child Advocacy Center raised over $20,000 – far exceeding the initial goal of $12,000. Donations were collected beginning on Giving Tuesday, December 3, and throughout the holiday season online and at Holidays at Gresham, Meridian’s drive-thru light exhibit. For nearly 17 years, Meridian has worked with children who have experienced trauma, whether it be from any form of…

Photo created by AI

Entertainment February 11, 2025

Alice Cooper Brings ‘Too Close For Comfort Tour’ to Emens Auditorium

Tickets go on sale Friday, February 14, at 10 a.m. By Haley Wade— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University adds Alice Cooper to its lineup at Emens Auditorium, presented by Honeywell Arts & Entertainment.Tickets go on sale Friday, February 14, at 10 a.m. at ticketmaster.com or by calling the Emens Box Office at 765.285.1539. Alice Cooper – Thurs., May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Experience the electrifying theatrics of Alice Cooper, the pioneer of shock-rock. Touring worldwide, he continues to captivate…

Photo provided

Entertainment February 10, 2025

Breaking the Boundaries of Traditional Indigenous Art –Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Imagined in Glass

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN–Minnetrista Museum and Gardens is proud to present Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass, a groundbreaking exhibition that explores how contemporary Native American and Indigenous Pacific-Rim artists have transformed glass art. This fascinating exhibition will run from February 8, 2025, through May 18, 2025, in Gallery 3 of the Center Building. “Defining Indigenous art can be challenging. Oftentimes it is thought of as traditional, but art evolves,” says Sebastián Encina, Associate Director of Curation &…

Molly McGuire of Selma, Indiana.

Non-Profit February 7, 2025

Selma Woman Has been Selected as 1 of 12 Women Nationally to Represent AHA Program

Molly McGuire’s pregnancy went downhill fast in her third trimester. Serious complications claimed her baby’s life and almost killed her, too. She wants others to push for the care they deserve. By Tim Harms, AHA— SELMA, IN—An east central Indiana woman is 1 of 12 women selected nationally to represent the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement across the country in 2025. Molly McGuire of Selma is part of the Association’s 2025 Class of Survivors that will share…

Photo provided

Entertainment February 7, 2025

‘Kodo One Earth Tour’ Comes to Emens on February 19

By Haley Wade—  MUNCIE, IN — Emens Auditorium is pleased to announce that KODO ONE EARTH TOUR 2025: Warabe will be here on Wednesday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. “Indeed, if there is such a thing as perfection in music, Kodo comes as near to it as any group in the world.” – The Boston Globe  Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. In Japanese, the…

DOMA After Hours. Photo provided.

Entertainment February 6, 2025

Celebrate ‘Anti-Valentine’s Day’ at Ball State’s David Owsley Museum of Art On Feb. 13

By Rachel Buckmaster, Associate Director, David Owsley Museum of Art— MUNCIE,IN— The David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., will celebrate “Anti-Valentine’s Day” the evening before the romantic holiday. The DOMA After Hours event is being held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, and will feature art-making activities, games, refreshments, and a live storytelling competition. The event is free of charge and open to everyone. Embrace your inner cynic and bring your friends! For…

Photo provided

Entertainment February 5, 2025

MLK Dream Team Kicks Off Black History Month with Annual Celebration

By WaTasha Griffin and the Martin Luther King Dream Team— MUNCIE, IN—The Martin Luther King Dream Team hosted its Annual Black History Month Kickoff Event on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in Muncie, Indiana. The event, which brought the community together for a day of celebration and reflection, included a complimentary breakfast and musical performances by Mr. Isaac Denniston and the Northside Middle School Choir. A key highlight of the event was the Muncie NAACP…