Articles by Mike Rhodes

Wes-Del High School senior Avery Townsend.

Business, Education February 16, 2023

Avery Townsend—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. For Wes-Del High School senior Avery Townsend, volleyball has been a big part of her high school career. Along with playing the sport at her school, she also played club volleyball through Munciana. And this past year, she and her school volleyball team won the…

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Photo provided by I & M

Business February 16, 2023

I&M Grants $126,000 to Boost Job Growth in Area Communities

 By Corey Ohlenkamp — FORT WAYNE, IN – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) granted $126,000 to 11 organizations and communities to help boost job growth and enhance local economies.  I&M awarded grants to assist economic development activities across the area that I&M serves with two important programs to support and heighten the economic health of their communities.  Property Development Grants help identify and prepare properties for future business and industrial uses.  Initiatives Grants help economic development organizations launch new programs that…

L-R: Mayor Ridenour; Dr. Gray; Dr. Bird, President of IU Health Ball; Deputy Mayor Richard Ivy. Photo provided

Health February 15, 2023

Cardiologist Dr. Wayne L. Gray Celebrates 50 Years at IU Health Ball

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—We’re excited to celebrate Dr. Wayne L. Gray, Cardiologist, practicing for 50 years at IU Health Ball. Dr. Gray has been an integral part of the team since 1973, becoming a renowned heart care specialist and bringing IU Health Ball to the forefront of cardiac care. Dr. Wayne L. Gray first came to Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) in 1966, as an intern. After completing his Residency and Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at University of Kansas Medical…

Photo provided by Ball State University

Education February 15, 2023

Local Students Earn Top 50 Status in Ball State’s ‘Top 100 Students List’

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN—After a successful inaugural year, the Ball State University Foundation today revealed the recipients of the University’s newest “Top 100 Student Awards.” This annual award recognizes 100 outstanding junior and senior undergraduates who represent the spirit of Beneficence, Ball State’s institutional statue and icon that symbolizes the generosity of the five Ball brothers whose land donation to the State of Indiana allowed the University to flourish. The complete list of Ball State’s 2023 Top…

Orchestra Indiana. File photo

Entertainment February 15, 2023

Orchestra Indiana Presents ‘East Meets West’ on February 24th and 25th

By Scott Watkins— MUNCIE, IN – Orchestra Indiana resumes its 2022-23 concert season on Friday, February 24th with its first ever performance in the Honeywell Center of Wabash and Saturday, February 25th in Ball State University’s Emens Auditorium. Matthew Kraemer will lead the orchestra in a program of music inspired by the sounds of the Far East featuring Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a cello concerto crafted from Tan Dun’s Academy Award winning score for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Charles Tomlinson Griffes’…

Members of Trout Fishing in America. Coming to Pruis in March.

Entertainment February 14, 2023

‘Trout Fishing in America’ Comes to Pruis Hall

By Kim Grant— MUNCIE, IN—Trout Fishing in America is the songwriting collaboration of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet.  For 45 years, their vibrant, percussive sound and dynamic stage presence have cultivated a multi-generational fan base at performing arts centers, clubs, and music festivals all around the country. Friday, March 10th Pruis Hall, 1800 W. Riverside Ave.Muncie, IN 47306All Ages/ 7:30 pm/$9 children and $19.50 adultsTICKETS:https://www.bsu.edu/web/emens/events/pruis/2022-2023/trout-fishing “WORD SPREADS FAST ABOUT TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA…RARE MIX OF MUSICIANSHIP, HUMOR AND INSPIRATION…THEY’VE CREATED…

Inside the high-tech computing area of Ball State's Esports program. Photo provided

Education February 14, 2023

Ball State Signs Professional Rocket League Player Arlin ‘Oath’ Burns to Esports Scholarship

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s rapidly growing Esports program took another significant step forward recently with the signing of one of the top young Rocket League professionals in the country. Arlin “Oath” Burns, a senior at Triton Central High School in Fairland, Ind., has signed a full-ride scholarship to compete for Ball State’s varsity Rocket League team beginning in the Fall of 2023. Mr. Burns currently competes for the professional Rocket League Championship…

Artist rendering of housing at the new development—Storer Estates

Business February 13, 2023

The Housing Needle: Part One

Editor’s note: This is the first of a three part series on housing in Muncie and Delaware County.  By Steve Slavin and John Fallon— MUNCIE, IN—The term ‘housing bubble’ is often used to describe rapid increases in real estate prices and demand within a context of limited supply.  This figure of speech is prominent in the media and shows up as the housing market ebbs and flows over time.  And while the notion rolls off the tongue with ease, it is…

Teachers are pictured attending a wellness fair. Photo provided

Education, Non-Profit February 12, 2023

Community Members Invited to Volunteer in Muncie Community Schools

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—Cradle to Career Muncie and Muncie Community Schools are partnering to create new opportunities and promote existing avenues for community members to support MCS students and staff. Family and community engagement in our local schools is an essential strategy to support the development and achievement of learners. There is a role for everyone to play in the multitude of ways to invest time, treasure, and talent into MCS. Alison Quirk, the district’s Volunteer and Wellness Coordinator,…