Articles by Mike Rhodes

Yorktown High School. Photo courtesy of Emme Hembree, student writer/journalist, Yorktown High School.

Education October 7, 2022

Yorktown Community Schools Raises Teacher Pay to Record Levels

By Dr. Greg Hinshaw, Superintendent, YCS— YORKTOWN, IN—The Yorktown Community Schools Board of Trustees ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Yorktown Teachers Association at a special meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. This agreement, which was also overwhelmingly ratified by the teachers association, raises teacher pay at Yorktown Community Schools to record levels. All returning teachers received a base pay increase of at least $3,500.  The agreement also completes a process of ensuring that returning teachers’ pay is…

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The familiar blue recycling toter. Photo provided

Government October 5, 2022

Muncie Sanitary Makes Strides Toward Zero-Waste IRONMAN

By the City of Muncie and Muncie Sanitary District— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie IRONMAN 70.3 is a much-anticipated event, drawing thousands of athletes and spectators every year to experience an incredible feat of endurance. Behind the scenes, the race is a massive production, requiring hundreds of volunteers, coordination with police and emergency services from multiple townships, and unique partnerships. One such partnership was with the Muncie Sanitary District (MSD), East Central Recycling, Muncie-Delaware Clean and Beautiful, and the Parks Department (especially…

Photo from left to right: Chancellor Jeff Scott and Dr. Amy Baize-Ward

Education October 5, 2022

Ivy Tech Community College Celebrates Distinguished Alumni

By Jennifer Gasiorek— MUNCIE, IN– Ivy Tech Community College honored Dr. Amy Baize-Ward of Muncie as one of 18 individuals across the state selected to receive the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor given to recognize Ivy Tech Alumni. Selected through a highly competitive process, each recipient has made a lasting impact on their community and on Ivy Tech through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. “These individuals exemplify service and leadership in extraordinary ways,” said Ivy Tech President Dr….

Aerial image of the Ball Memorial campus. File photo

Health October 4, 2022

IU Health Ball Memorial Physicians Create New Integrated Team to Provide Vascular Services

By Liz Yates— MUNCIE, IN —Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Physicians is excited to announce a brand new, integrated team of highly skilled physicians from different areas of the hospital brought together to ensure patients can seamlessly flow through every step of their treatment, all in one convenient location. The team is made up of Interventional Cardiologists, Interventional Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons —all working together to provide the highest level of care for diseases and conditions such as aneurysms, carotid…

L-R: Shane Rekeweg from INdigital is pictured with Kyle Johnson.

Government October 3, 2022

Kyle Johnson Awarded the ‘Tom Brindle Technology Award’ by INDigital

By Delaware County Government— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—Each year, INdigital awards the Tom Brindle Technology Award.  The award is named after the former Kosciusko County 911 Director and former Kosciusko Sheriff Deputy who passed away in 2011.  Brindle was also the Indiana NENA President when he passed away.  He was instrumental for INdigital as being a pioneer and visionary for 911. His 911 center was a beta site for Text to 911 and other technology for Indiana. From INdigital—”The Tom Brindle…

Muncie's Thomas Peek and Kyle Putra will screen their newest horror films at Cornerstone Center for the Arts on October 29th.

Entertainment October 3, 2022

Muncie’s Thomas Peek and Kyle Putra Will Premiere Their New Horror/Thriller Movies at Cornerstone

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Amateur filmmakers and Muncie native Thomas Peek and Kyle Putra are back again this Oct. 29 with films appropriate for the Halloween season. The films will be previewed at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 East Main. The program begins at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. The first film is Rise of Experiment 53 which is an hour long return to the original presentation of last year’s Experiment 53. In this…

Location of the property Ball State has transferred to the City of Muncie.

Education, Government September 30, 2022

Ball State University Board of Trustees Approves Transfer of 12 Acres of Land to City of Muncie

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – The Ball State University Board of Trustees approved the transfer of 12.36 acres of land to the Muncie Redevelopment Commission (MRC) during its regularly scheduled meeting on Friday. The Board’s action was part of a meeting that included several informational updates—including on the Ball State-Muncie Community Schools partnership, a new Indiana Connection Lounge at the University, and an enrollment update. The transferred property will allow the city to work towards the development…

Indiana Statehouse photo provided by Lydia Kirschner

Government September 30, 2022

State Awards More Than $474K to Increase Safety in Delaware County Schools

By Braden Dunlap, GOP Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE– Several Delaware County schools recently received more than $474,000 through the state’s Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to area lawmakers. State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said the local funding is part of this year’s record-breaking school safety investments totaling more than $22.9 million in matching state grants for 425 schools across Indiana. “Ensuring students and staff are safe is a priority, and Indiana is making significant investments to help our schools as they improve…

"It's a Three Ring Circus" is the theme of ArtsWalk, October's First Thursday event.

Entertainment September 29, 2022

Muncie’s First Thursday Will Feature a Special Edition of ‘ArtsWalk’ on October 6th

By Cheryl Crowder— MUNCIE, IN—October 6, 2022 will feature a special edition of First Thursday. The theme is “ArtsWalk: It’s a Three Ring Circus.” It’s a Three Ring Circus will feature unique arts, dazzling shows, and delicious food. October ArtsWalk is sponsored by: the MuncieArts & Culture Council as well as the Ball State University College of Fine Arts. Here’s what will be happening: Unique Arts Throughout the evening, art exhibitions will be taking place featuring local and visiting artisans…

The Muncie Streets Department's new milling machine is picture. Photo provided

Government September 29, 2022

Muncie Streets Department Invests in Street Milling Machine

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—According to City Engineer Adam Leach, the Streets Department has laid down nearly as much paving material in 2022 as in the last two years combined. Records going back farther than that may unearth a more prolific year, but the paving crew is clearly on a roll – and the pace isn’t slowing down. Part of the increased volume is due to the City’s dedication to fixing roads, not paving over them. This includes milling the…