Articles by Mike Rhodes

Sean Connor Fallon, MMA fighter. Photo provided

Entertainment October 27, 2022

Muncie Native Signed to Major Mixed Martial Arts Contract

By John Fallon— MUNCIE, IN—Sean Connor Fallon, veteran Muncie-born professional mixed martial arts competitor, was signed recently to a contract with Bellator MMA for an internationally televised fight scheduled for November 18, 2022 in Chicago.  The fight will take place at Wintrust Arena and his opponent will be Imamshafi Aliev.  This is Fallon’s first competition in a major promotion that will be broadcast worldwide after having fought in many promotions in Indiana and other US locations.  The fight is scheduled…

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An MRI image of a stroke-affected brain. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Health October 27, 2022

Saturday, October 29th is World Stroke Day

By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— Remember F.A.S.T. to recognize a stroke, the fifth-leading cause of death INDIANAPOLIS —Strokes can happen to anyone. In fact, globally about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Even so, most adults in the U.S. don’t know the F.A.S.T warning signs of a stroke, and that stroke is largely treatable if you call 911 as soon as you recognize the symptoms. For World Stroke Day…

The Ball State University baseball team work with Arsenal coaches, including head coach Eric Van Matre, center, during a workout at the Ball State University Speed Strength and Conditioning Room. The Arsenal oversees performance training for all team athletes for this baseball season. Photo provided

Business October 26, 2022

The Arsenal Named Ball State Baseball Training Provider

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—The Arsenal, Muncie’s original CrossFit center, is the strength and speed training provider to this year’s Ball State University baseball team. “It is a blessing to be able to provide instruction at the highest level of college athletics,” said Eric Van Matre, head coach at The Arsenal. “What we are providing to Ball State NCAA Division I baseball players also is available to youth athletes throughout Delaware County and beyond.” Ball State’s baseball program sought out a…

The 8twelve office. Photo provided

Non-Profit October 26, 2022

8twelve Coalition Receives ‘Advancing Racial Equity Collection Development’ Grant from Indiana Humanities

By Jena Ashby, Director 8twelve Coalition— MUNCIE, IN—The 8twelve Coalition was recently awarded an Advancing Racial Equity Collection Development Grant from Indiana Humanities with funds from Lilly Endowment, Inc.  The goal of this grant is to help Hoosiers think, read, and talk about racial injustice and systemic racism. The books purchased with this grant allow for a lending library to be available at the new 8twelve Coalition office at 1424 S. Hoyt Ave Several of the selected books were bought in…

Mitch Isaacs. Photo provided

Non-Profit October 26, 2022

Local Executive Director Recognized at ILA Annual Meeting

By Arrick Garringer— Shafer Leadership Academy’s Mitch Isaacs presented the 2022 Marjorie Klink Outstanding Leadership Award NOBLESVILLE, IN —Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director for Shafer Leadership Academy, was presented the 2022 Marjorie Klink Outstanding Leadership award at the Indiana Leadership Association’s Annual Meeting on October 14th. Marjorie Klinck Outstanding Leadership Award is given to an individual who has significantly furthered the development of community leadership in and for Indiana communities. In 1994, the Indiana Leadership Association established The Marjorie Klinck Award to…

Photo provided by Matt Howell

Non-Profit October 25, 2022

Rotary Club of Muncie Awards Grants to Eight Organizations

By Matt Howell— MUNCIE, IN — Matt Howell, President of The Muncie Rotary Club, announced eight organizations will receive grants from the Rotary Fund Endowment held at The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County for 2022. “Our board and executive committee were astonished by the amount of interest we garnered this year for our grant opportunity.” Mr. Howell stated. “We had so many amazing applications from many different deserving organizations, which made our job of selecting winners that much…

The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, located on Minnetrista Boulevard.

Entertainment October 25, 2022

Program to Explore Role of Suffragists in Muncie and Delaware County

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—“In Mixed Company – Mapping Women’s Suffrage History in Muncie and Delaware County” will be the next free program from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. Speaker Melissa Gentry, supervisor of the Ball State University Libraries GIS Research and Map Collection, will enlighten attendees about some of the Muncie women who battled for the ballot and some of the “suffrage spots” around the city and county. Gentry also will…

IU Health Blackford Hospital

Health October 24, 2022

IU Health Lung Cancer Screening Program Expands to Blackford County

By Liz Yates— HARTFORD CITY—Indiana University Health is excited to have expanded its Lung Cancer Screening Program to IU Health Blackford Hospital in Hartford City, IN. This program has existed for ten years beginning at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in 2012. Since that time, the program has provided over 2,865 screenings and has been successful in diagnosing over 56 lung cancer cases – with most of those cases being either stage I or II. Lung cancer continues to be…

L-R: YWCA Board members, Krista Garrett, Bernisa Elliott, Kari Wissel, CEO WaTasha Barnes Griffin, Peggy Cenova and Dr. Mia Johnson at YWCA Central Indiana. Photo provided

Non-Profit October 22, 2022

YWCA Hosts ‘Put Yourself In Her H.E.E.L.S.’ Open House

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN – YWCA Central Indiana will host its 10th annual Put Yourself In Her H.E.E.L.S. (Help. Encourage. Empower. Lift. Support) event on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the YWCA of Central Indiana, 310 E. Charles St. in Muncie. Put Yourself in Her H.E.E.L.S. is the YWCA’s premiere event targeted at raising awareness of YWCA’s mission driven work and fundraising for the residential programs. Services such as C.O.T.S. Stay (complimentary, overnight, temporary, shelter stay),…

Photo provided by Ball State University

Education October 22, 2022

Chirp! Chirp! Fever: Ball State Welcomes Alumni Back for Homecoming, Oct. 17-22

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University is welcoming its alumni back to campus for this year’s Homecoming, a week-long celebration that kicks off Oct. 17 and culminates with the Cardinals’ home football game Oct. 22 against Eastern Michigan at Scheumann Stadium. This year’s Ball State Homecoming theme is “Chirp! Chirp! Fever,” which celebrates the University’s 96 years of Homecoming gatherings at its beautiful Muncie, Ind., campus. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue celebrating the…