Articles by Mike Rhodes

Local Author Writes Children’s Book About the Solar Eclipse

Entertainment August 29, 2023

Local Author Writes Children’s Book About the Solar Eclipse

By Laurie Lunsford— MUNCIE, IN—The solar eclipse is coming April 8, 2024. Laurie Lunsford, a local artist and writer was inspired when she attended a planning meeting for this occurrence, which is special to Muncie and those cities along the “path of totality” from Texas, crossing through Indiana and up to Maine.  A large number of people from outside of Muncie are expected to come here to view the total eclipse. During the meeting, she thought about the possibility of…

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Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces Their 2023 Annual Dinner Awards

Business August 28, 2023

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces Their 2023 Annual Dinner Awards

By Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce will honor its members for their impact on our community at their Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center. Each year, the Chamber presents five prestigious awards at the Annual Dinner. The Chamber is asking for help from the community and its members in the nomination process for four of the awards. The awards have been updated this year to keep on…

Muncie Central Grads La’Saiha Ewing and Brian Whitley Receive Ball State’s Ryan Family Scholarship

Education August 28, 2023

Muncie Central Grads La’Saiha Ewing and Brian Whitley Receive Ball State’s Ryan Family Scholarship

By Andy Klotz, MCS— MUNCIE, IN – La’Saiha Ewing loves art. It helps her express her thoughts and feelings. As creative as she is, the 2023 Muncie Central graduate still never imagined it could help fund her college ambitions and ultimately lead her to a career as a teacher, but that’s what has happened after receiving the Michelle and Jim Ryan Family Scholarship from the Ball State Teachers College (BSTC). “Receiving the Ryan Family Scholarship is a huge honor,” Ewing…

Cornerstone Artist to Display Creations in September

Entertainment August 27, 2023

Cornerstone Artist to Display Creations in September

By Dee McKinsey— Muncie, IN–Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 East Main St. will exhibit work from staff member and artist Michelle Metsker-Cass of Made By Meeshy Art. The exhibit opening, entitled Fluid Beauty, will be in Cornerstone’s Judith Barnes Memorial Gallery, Sept.7, from 5-8 p.m. Metsker-Cass’s work features fluid art techniques, a painting style involving acrylic paint poured to create abstract designs, along with inspirational painted illustrations depicting themes such as suicide prevention, depression and overcoming obstacles. Michelle Metsker-Cass…

Village Street Fest Returns This Saturday Aug. 26th

Non-Profit August 25, 2023

Village Street Fest Returns This Saturday Aug. 26th

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN — What can you get for two bucks? Turns out, quite a bit. The “$2 Tour of the Village” returns Saturday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. on University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets. Not only is admission free to this event, but the first 100 people through the gates will be given a $2 bill to spend on awesome $2 items from Village businesses (an Art Mart goodie bag or a $2 t-shirt from…

George and Frances Ball Foundation Announces .5 Million in Local Philanthropic Investment

Non-Profit August 25, 2023

George and Frances Ball Foundation Announces $3.5 Million in Local Philanthropic Investment

By Kelsey Harrington, Program and Analytics Officer— MUNCIE, IN—Earlier this month, the George and Frances Ball Foundation’s Board of Directors met to review third quarter competitive grant requests. The Foundation’s proactive grantmaking strategy is focused on educational attainment through the collective impact initiative, Cradle to Career Muncie. In addition to this strong, strategic focus, the Foundation also targets grantmaking to advance quality of place. This quarter, George and Frances Ball Foundation leadership made commitments totaling $3.5 million to promote these…

9K Awarded to Community Organizations

Non-Profit August 24, 2023

$249K Awarded to Community Organizations

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $249,100 in Community Grants this quarter. Beginning in 2023, The Community Foundation shifted to a Community Grants program. Nonprofit organizations have a wide-open door for applications instead of separate applications for multiple grants programs through the Foundation. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with Foundation staff. The flexibility of Community Grants allows the Foundation’s Program and Nonprofit Relations team to develop…

Ball State University’s Teachers College Awarded Nearly Million Grant

Education August 24, 2023

Ball State University’s Teachers College Awarded Nearly $2 Million Grant

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s Department of Special Education and Department of Educational Psychology, both in the University’s Teachers College, were awarded a $1,999,999 grant from the United States Department of Education as part of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the Special Education Research Grants Program. The grant will allow researchers at Ball State to evaluate and develop new educational practices to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with autism. “We are…

Beat the Heat With These Tips From Indiana and Michigan Power

Business August 24, 2023

Beat the Heat With These Tips From Indiana and Michigan Power

By Kara Stevenson— FORT WAYNE  – For anyone waiting for a “true hot summer” to get here, this is your week. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) wants everyone to keep cool – and safe – as temperatures soar into the 90s with heat indexes reaching triple digits later in the week. Incorporate simple practices, such as those below, to help save energy and potentially save on your monthly bill, especially during the week’s extreme heat. Use ceiling fans to circulate air…

Call for Entries From Hoosier Artists for Annual Competition and Exhibition

Non-Profit August 23, 2023

Call for Entries From Hoosier Artists for Annual Competition and Exhibition

By Kelley V. Phillips, Red-tail Communications & Outreach Manager— MUNCIE, IN— Entry submissions are now being accepted for “Open Space: Art About the Land” an annual art competition and exhibition presented by Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, the Anderson Museum of Art (AMOA), and Red-tail Land Conservancy. Emerging and career Hoosier artists are encouraged to find creative inspiration that celebrates “open space” as it relates to the land and nature. Since 2001, “Open Space” has attracted artists across Indiana to enter the…