Articles by Mike Rhodes

Brandon Isler—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

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. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—When it comes to academics, Brandon Isler is focused. Not only is the Delta High School senior a successful student, but he’s also excelled on the school’s academic and spell bowl teams. In fact, this year, the spell bowl team placed second in regionals, which…

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April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

By Eric M. Hoffman, Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney— MUNCIE, IN—In his New York Times best seller, A Child Called It, author Dave Peltzer said that “childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.”Unfortunately, we know all too well that doesn’t always happen. A report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that in the Federal Fiscal Year 2021 in the United States, approximately 588,229 children became…


Celebrate National Library Week at Muncie Public Library April 23-29

By Susan Fisher, MPL— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) encourages all community members to visit any MPL branch during National Library Week, April 23-29, to explore all that libraries have to offer. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association. The theme this year is, “There’s More to the Story.” Libraries are welcoming spaces that bring communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting…


Muncie’s Bridge Dinner Will Be Served April 27th

By Michelle Kinsey, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement— MUNCIE, IN – It’s one of Cheryl Crowder’s favorite downtown events. “Muncie’s Bridge Dinner is a beautiful gathering of people from all walks of life, just enjoying each other’s company,” she said. Crowder, events director for Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, has been involved in the planning of the event since it began in 2017. This year’s free event, set for April 27, is no exception. In fact, she and other…


Charles W. Brown Planetarium Summer 2023 (May-June) Free Show Schedule  

By Planetarium Staff— All planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows.  Due to construction being done on the Cooper Science Complex, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Visit our location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information. www.bsu.edu/planetarium May & June  Eclipse: The Sun Revealed  Fridays: May…


Free Tree Sapling Giveaway and More at Muncie’s Arbor Day Celebration

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— Mark your calendars for Muncie’s annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 29 at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. This FREE community event is a must-attend for tree lovers of all ages. This year is extra special, as we’re celebrating Muncie’s 25th anniversary of being a Tree City USA. And what better way to celebrate than by giving away eleven varieties of native saplings? The saplings will be given away on a first come first served…


David Letterman Returns to Ball State for Premiere of Original Documentary ‘Clear Reception’

By BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University alumnus David Letterman, ‘69, is returning to his alma mater for the premiere of an original documentary, created by Ball State students and featuring Mr. Letterman, about the art of glass. The University will present the documentary, “Clear Reception,” at 7 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023, at Emens Auditorium on Ball State’s campus. Following the screening of the film, Mr. Letterman will conduct a Q&A with two Ball State…


Muncie Organizations Partner To Offer Health and Beauty Show at Madjax

By Emily Helms – MUNCIE, IN—On April 29, local health and beauty professionals will partner with community organizations to host a health and beauty show at Madjax Maker Force. The event is part of the statewide Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative (IBBHI), the goal of which is to educate and empower Black men to “to better understand the potential risk factors in their health through screening and education,” according to the IBBHI’s website. Participating barbers and health and beauty professionals…


YMCA Announces ‘Strong Futures’ Capital Campaign for New Downtown Facility

By Kristen McConnell, YMCA— MUNCIE, IN—Leaders from the community gathered yesterday to announce the YMCA’s capital campaign for a new facility, located on the campus of Muncie Central High School, that reaches into the community, leveraging partnerships with Muncie Community Schools, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Open Door Health Services, Muncie Area Career Center and Ball State University’s Healthy Lifestyle Center. Designed to be a healthy gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds, it has already proven to…


IU Health Ball Wound Healing Center Recognized for Clinical Excellence

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—IU Health Ball physicians, leaders, and clinicians gathered today to recognize their outpatient Wound Healing Center, a recipient of the Center of Distinction award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. “We are so proud of our team at the Wound Healing Center,” said Terry Pence, vice president – operations, IU Health Ball….