Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…


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 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…


Rialzo XII To Be Held on Saturday, May 6th At Horizon Convention Center

By Hannah Dunckel, Meridian Health Services— MUNCIE, IN—Travel through the rabbit hole to a world of wonderment and surprise at Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo XII – Wonderland where “Nothing’s Impossible!” This year’s Alice in Wonderland-themed charity gala will be held on Saturday, May 6 and will return to the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie where Rialzo was hosted for its first ten years. Meridian Health Services and presenting sponsor, Pridemark Construction, invite you to enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and…


Indiana & Michigan Power Expanding Clean Energy Generation

4 new Indiana solar power plants to boost reliability, sustainability of energy grid By Tracey Warner— FORT WAYNE – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is taking steps to significantly expand the volume of clean energy powering our customers’ homes and businesses. I&M filed plans with state authorities for four solar power plants capable of generating power for more than 200,000 typical homes by mid-2026. In a related significant step, I&M is also seeking new proposals for a combination of additional energy…


April is a Great Time to ‘Move More’

American Heart Association offers tips to inspire activity and enhance well-being By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— INDIANAPOLIS — One in four U.S. adults are sitting for longer than eight hours each day, and this lack of activity is bad for mental and physical health. The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is urging adults to move more and sit less throughout the day. April, designated as Move More Month, is…


Muncie City Council to Consider Resolution on Ethics Commission

By Jeff Robinson, City Council President— MUNCIE, IN– On Monday, April 3rd, City Council will consider a resolution, proposed by City Council President, Jeff Robinson, to create an Ethics Advisory Committee with the charge to define and create an Ethics Commission for the City of Muncie over the next eighteen months. The first of its kind, the resolution is expected to pass with bipartisan support. The Ethics Advisory Committee is proposed to be a seven-person committee, consisting of a professional…


Rare, Legendary Creature Spotted Along the Mississinewa River

 Sasquatch migratory range may be expanding into Indiana By Kelley V. Phillips— MUNCIE, IN—A large bipedal ape-like creature was recently spotted along the Mississinewa River in northern Delaware County. The animal was described to be larger than the average man, an estimated 8-9 feet tall, and appeared to be a rusty brown color. Descriptions of the creature closely resemble what other communities have designated a Sasquatch (Criptid magnumpedites).   Though known to inhabit the large forests of northern California, Oregon, and…


Nonprofit Support Network Creates Online Community for Local Nonprofits with New Listserv

By Carly Acree King, Nonprofit Support Network— MUNCIE, IN—Nonprofit Support Network is excited to announce the launch of a nonprofit listserv, the organization’s first service available to organizations serving or located in Muncie and Delaware County. This free email discussion tool will provide another way for nonprofit organizations to connect, share, and learn by building a remote community. “Recently, many organizations have asked us for an easier way to communicate with each other and connect with others in the sector,” shared Carly…