Articles by Mike Rhodes

Mrs. Zirnheld's 2nd grade class. Photo provided

Education August 26, 2022

Muncie Community Schools Now Offers $210 Per Day for Qualified Substitute Teachers

By Andy Klotz— Rate believed to be highest in Indiana MUNCIE, IN – It’s an issue facing virtually every school district in Indiana and many throughout the country – too few substitute teachers. In an effort to change that, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has doubled its highest sub pay rate from $105 per day to $210 per day. “We’re serious about keeping our classrooms filled with the most qualified individuals possible, and this is one more way we can try…

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The Village will be a busy place when the “$2 Tour” is underway.

Entertainment August 26, 2022

$2 Can Get You Further In the Village on August 27th

By Mo Orbin, Neighborhood Coordinator— MUNCIE, IN—The “$2 Tour of the Village” returns on Saturday August 27th, from 4p – 8p on a closed University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets. This event is hosted by the Riverside/Normal City Neighborhood Association (RNC), and the Muncie Action Plan and is made possible by the support of Ball State University, Tribune Showprint and Muncie Map Co. “The Village is an important part of our neighborhood and we had such a great time…

Photo provided by Kayla Holmes

Non-Profit August 26, 2022

MAGNA Committee Supports ARF With Fundraiser

By Kayla Holmes— MUNCIE, IN—As a company located in Muncie, Magna Powertrain likes to connect with local charities, businesses, and non-profit organizations in order to show our support for the community. The Social Committee at Magna recently organized a fundraiser for ARF where MAGNA employees were encouraged to donate. MAGNA would then match all proceeds collected. The Nacho Average Fundraiser was able to raise $899 in support of ARF. With the Magna Matching Program, the grand total came to $1,798.00….

Photo provided

Education August 26, 2022

Ball State University Awarded $1.3 Million Grant to Enhance Civics Education in Muncie Community Schools

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, totaling more than $1.3 million over three years, for its project, Civic Renewal through Education for Agency, or CREATE. The project is aligned with the American History and Civics Education-National Activities program, which is funded by Congress as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114–95. In cooperation with Muncie Community Schools (MCS), Ball State…

Diverse young friends celebrating gay pride festival. Photo provided by Amy Leffingwell

Non-Profit August 26, 2022

Muncie OUTreach Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie OUTreach is celebrating its 10-year anniversary honoring the organization’s beginnings and looking toward its future by offering several family friendly events. Founder and Executive Director Laura Janney is thrilled with OUTreach’s growth.  “We have come a long way from offering brownies and board games at the Unitarian Church,” she said. “We continue to expand and grow as the need arises.”  OUTreach is the only LGBTQ+ resource of its kind in East Central Indiana. A large…

Muncie Community Schools Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski is pictured participating in the IDOE announcement. Photo provided

Education August 25, 2022

IDOE Launches Statewide Math and English/Language Arts Tutoring Grant Program

By Indiana Department of Education— MCS will offer $250 per student so eligible students receive the full $1,000 in services. INDIANAPOLIS –The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today announced the launch of Indiana Learns, a statewide grant program that will provide qualifying families with up to $1,000 to spend on math and English/language arts high-dosage tutoring and approved out-of-school academic programs for their students. The initiative’s goal is to increase access to effective, out-of-school academic support to help students recover from…

Open Door's 333 S. Madison St. location in downtown Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health August 24, 2022

FREE COVID-19 Vaccinations on August 25th

By Suzanne Clem— MUNCIE, IN—Community members have the opportunity to receive no-cost COVID-19 vaccination tomorrow, August 25th at Open Door Health Services. Walk-in vaccination, including boosters, will take place from 2-5 p.m. at Open Door’s downtown Muncie health center, located at 333 S. Madison St. All individuals ages 6 months or older are eligible. Insurance information will be collected when applicable, but participants will not receive a bill. Delaware County, as well as much of East Central Indiana, is currently…

When used wisely, credit cards offer a number of unique advantages and opportunities.

Business August 24, 2022

How Credit Cards Can Help You Save Money During High Inflation

By Jennifer Gibson, Indiana region president, Northwest Bank, Anthony Pellegrino, vice president, consumer direct lending manager, Northwest Bank and Chip Pfohl, consumer lending manager, Northwest Bank— MUNCIE, IN—During these times of high inflation, consumers are constantly looking for ways to reduce expenses and find ways to maximize the money available to them. While the most important strategy is to develop a budget and stick to it, there are a number of other ways people can address the impact of inflation on…

Flor De Toloache will perform at Canan Commons on August 27th

Entertainment August 23, 2022

Flor De Toloache to Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Latin Grammy winners and 2021 Grammy nominees Flor De Toloache, an all-female Mariachi ensemble, will be returning to Muncie and performing in a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2022 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by Ball State University and will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 27th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Indianapolis-based Pavel & Direct Contact will…

Soybeans emerging in cereal rye cover crop and prior corn crop residue. Photo by Indiana USDA-NRCS

Business August 23, 2022

Opportunity to Learn About Regenerative Farming Coming Up This Week

By Nick Werner, for the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—Jeremy Russell visited the Dave Brandt Farm in Carroll, Ohio, in 2014, and on the three-hour drive home to Delaware County, Indiana, his mind was churning with ideas. Brandt is a well-known pioneer in the area of regenerative farming, and Russell wanted to apply what he had learned to his own corn, soybean and wheat operation. “That trip was an eye-opening experience,” Russell said. “Brandt has…