Articles by Mike Rhodes

Connections happen at the Innovation Connector. Photo provided

Business April 14, 2023

The Innovation Connector: More Than Just a Building

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector business incubator is located at the corner of White River Blvd and Jackson Street in Muncie, IN. Since its opening in 2008, the Innovation Connector has welcomed thousands of guests who have attended programs in the facility, sought business advice and coaching, leased office space to start or grow a business, or participated in an event.  The Innovation Connector hosts meetings for many businesses and…

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A North View Elementary teacher is pictured with her students. Photo provided

Education April 12, 2023

Muncie Community Schools Teachers to Receive $3,000 to $5,000 Pay Raise

Minimum starting salary now $51,000 By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN– For the fourth consecutive year, the Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees has approved significant salary increases for its teachers. All current, full-time certified teachers will receive a minimum raise of $3,000 beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Teachers deemed “highly effective” will receive an additional $2,000 in salary while those classified as “effective” will get an additional $1,000. The latest increase will keep MCS near the top of…

Beech Grove Cemetery. Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 12, 2023

American Revolution Patriots Day Celebration in Muncie

By Mary Avila— MUNCIE, IN—Please join the members of the Paul Revere Chapter of DAR as we celebrate the past, present, and future significance of the American Revolution in our lives and in our community. When: Thursday, April 13, 2023 1:30-3pm Where: Historic Beech Grove Cemetery Chapel 1400 West Kilgore Ave, Muncie 47305 Parking along drive around building. What: A program to honor Patriots Day, the anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord,…

Matt Blanchfield is pictured doing his restoration work. Photo provided

Non-Profit April 11, 2023

Cornerstone Artist is Restoring Original Stenciling

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Artist Matt Blanchfield is lovingly working to restore the nearly 100-year-old stencils in the walls of the Heritage Room at the Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main St., before Cornerstone’s Centennial Celebration in 2026. This is not the easiest task. The stencils are on plaster, some of which needs to be repaired before the stencils, which were hand cut 100 years ago, can be painted on. The paint colors also must match the…

Ivy Tech Day of Giving. Photo provided

Education April 10, 2023

Ivy Tech’s First Day of Giving to Support Next Generation of Hoosier Leaders

Nation’s largest singly accredited community college holding statewide Ivy Tech Day on April 11 By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE,IN—For students carving out a career, a day can mean everything. On April 11, Ivy Tech alumni, friends, and people across Indiana can help the College develop the next generation of Hoosier healthcare professionals, manufacturing specialists, entrepreneurs, and others by participating in Ivy Tech Day, the College’s first-ever Day of Giving. Starting at midnight – for 24 hours – alumni and friends everywhere…

Eclipse Steering Committee

Government April 10, 2023

Muncie Community Prepares for Total Solar Eclipse in 2024

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On April 8, the City of Muncie hosted a press conference to share information about 2024’s Total Solar Eclipse. The eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, the first to reach Muncie in over 1,000 years. Another nearby total solar eclipse will not occur until 2099, and Muncie will not be in the path of totality. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” stated Mayor Dan Ridenour. “We are so excited to make the most…

Health April 10, 2023

IU Health Ball Welcomes Patients to New Mother/Baby Unit

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie welcomed the first patients to its new mother/baby unit on January 17, 2023. The recently unveiled addition is the final project in the hospital’s twelve-year, $112 million North Tower renovation. The new unit houses both labor/delivery and mother/baby specialties. Prior to the renovation, both teams worked on the same floor, but in separate spaces. Now, the two nurses’ stations are together, and the floor is one, continuous unit with…

Photo by Jenny Smith

Non-Profit April 6, 2023

Heekin Park Welcomes New ‘Muncie Memory Spiral’

By Rick Zeigler on behalf of Community Enhancement Projects— MUNCIE, IN—If you have recently driven by Heekin Park along Memorial Drive, you may have noticed construction at the corner of Memorial and Hackley, as well as a new sign saying “Heekin Park – Muncie Memory Spiral.”  This is the latest project of Community Enhancement Projects, also known as CEP. The Muncie Memory Spiral is an 800’ spiral pathway and garden that will be a beautiful new feature in Heekin Park that…

A North View elementary student. Photo provided by MCS

Education April 5, 2023

Kindergarten Roundup and Open Enrollment at Muncie Community Schools Next Week

Editor’s note: The dates and times below have been updated. Preschool registration for 4-year-olds also available By Andy Klotz, MCS— MUNCIE, IN –Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will be holding kindergarten roundup in each of its six elementary schools next week. This is an opportunity for families to register their 5-year-olds for the 2023-24 school year and to ask teachers and administrators any questions they may have. The schedule will be as follows: Grissom Elementary:  Wednesday, April 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m. West…

Stedman Graham, photo provided

Education April 5, 2023

Stedman Graham Workshop to be Presented by Ball State’s Lifelong Learning Program

By Jennifer Criss— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University will be hosting an exciting one-day workshop through its Lifelong Learning Program at the Fisher’s Center for Academic and Economic Innovation in Fishers, Indiana. This is a great opportunity for employers to develop and upskill their leadership teams. Businesses can use Lifetime Learning to build talent pipelines or to upskill existing talent to fill open positions. On April 19th, employers have an opportunity to develop their leadership teams and emerging leaders through a one-time all-day workshop…