Articles by Mike Rhodes

‘Sparrow Aircraft’ on Display at National Model Aviation Museum in Muncie

Entertainment August 7, 2023

‘Sparrow Aircraft’ on Display at National Model Aviation Museum in Muncie

By Rob Kurek— MUNCIE, IN— The National Model Aviation Museum invites visitors to view an exciting new aircraft, the Sparrow, on loan from Zipline. The Sparrow, developed by Zipline in 2016, was initially operated in Rwanda. It is an autonomous aircraft that flies to remote medical clinics delivering life-saving blood, vaccines, and medications safely to the ground via parachute. Can transport a weight of up to 4 pounds (1.8 kg). With a 60-mile (100km) service radius, the aircraft can fly 120 miles in one trip. The aircraft flies at an altitude of about 300 ft (90 m), briefly lowering to…

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Ball State Cardinal Varsity Club Announces the 2023 Cardinal Golf Classic Silent Auction

Education August 4, 2023

Ball State Cardinal Varsity Club Announces the 2023 Cardinal Golf Classic Silent Auction

By Cardinal Varsity Club— MUNCIE, IN— The Ball State Cardinal Varsity Club (CVC) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2023 Cardinal Golf Classic Silent Auction sponsored by Stoops Automotive. The auction begins Monday, Aug. 7 at 8:00 a.m. ET, providing Cardinal fans with a unique opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences and other merchandise. Interested participants can view the exciting array of auction items by visiting www.cvcgolfauction.com. The auction is scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 11, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2023 Cardinal Golf Classic. The silent auction, which is expected to raise…

Muncie Rotary Club Marks 10 Years of Fundraising for High School Athletic Teams at the Delaware County Fair

Business August 3, 2023

Muncie Rotary Club Marks 10 Years of Fundraising for High School Athletic Teams at the Delaware County Fair

By Robert G. La France— MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Rotary Club marks 10 years of fundraising to support high school athletic teams by volunteering to direct traffic and collect entrance fees at the gates of the Delaware County Fair. For at least 5 hours a day from Monday, July 17, to Saturday, July 22, 2023, Rotarians braved the relentless sun and threatening storms alongside student athletes to greet visitors to the fair and raise money for four teams. The Central High School wrestlers were led by A. J. Bradley on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, Kenzie Andrew…

Soup Crawl Returns for 11th Annual Event During ArtsWalk This October

Non-Profit August 2, 2023

Soup Crawl Returns for 11th Annual Event During ArtsWalk This October

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN—PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union and Second Harvest Food Bank invite you to the eleventh annual Soup Crawl. Held in downtown Muncie during ArtsWalk, on Thursday, October 5th, from 5 pm to 8 pm, tickets are available now. Tickets are being sold online at curehunger.org/soupcrawl. Soup Crawl is a fun and festive local culinary celebration that benefits Second Harvest Food Bank’s The Big Idea initiative. For just $20, Soup Crawl attendees can stroll the streets of historic downtown Muncie and sample 20 delicious soups from downtown and area restaurants, caterers, and organizations. “PrimeTrust is a proud supporter of…

Back-to-School Physical Fit Fair at Southside Middle School on August 2nd

Education, Health August 1, 2023

Back-to-School Physical Fit Fair at Southside Middle School on August 2nd

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN– Meridian Health Services is hosting a Back-to-School Physical Fit Fair on Wednesday, August 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Southside Middle School located at 1601 E. 26th St., Muncie, IN 47302. This event is being held in conjunction with Muncie Community Schools’ registration day. The community and people of all ages are invited to the Back-to-School Physical Fit Fair featuring: FREE Health Fair including: Health screenings provided by Meridian Health Pediatrics Screenings include blood pressure, vision, BMI, pulse oxygen, dental, and mental health Food and drinks (while supplies last) Give-a-ways Music $10 Sports…

PhyXTGears Robotics Team Wins Grant for Advancing STEM Education

Education August 1, 2023

PhyXTGears Robotics Team Wins Grant for Advancing STEM Education

By Lydia Cain, Rookie Media Mentor of The PhyXTGears— MUNCIE, IN—The Grant County Community Foundation Board has approved a $20,000.00 crowdfunding grant to East Central Indiana Robotics – The PhyXTGears, FRC Team 1720 to prepare high school students for Indiana’s technology workforce through hands-on STEM training. Crowdfunding challenges PhyXTGears to raise $20,000 through the generous contributions of donors and sponsors. It effectively doubles the contribution, dollar-for-dollar during the 60-day challenge starting July 15. To join the challenge, you may visit www.GiveToGrant.org/RoboticsCF to learn about and donate to this Crowdfunding Campaign. Checks may be made out to ECI Robotics and mailed…

Yorktown Girl Scout Earns Gold Award Through Meaningful, Sustainable Community Project

Non-Profit July 31, 2023

Yorktown Girl Scout Earns Gold Award Through Meaningful, Sustainable Community Project

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— YORKTOWN, IN – Kathryn Smitson has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Kathryn attended Indiana Connections Academy and was a 13-year Girl Scout. She knew that girls entering their teen years are faced with challenges from different sources causing stress that can have a very negative impact on their lives. Because expression through classical ballet was an outlet for her during the toughest years, she wanted to share a way to encourage health, build self-esteem, and help girls entering their teens find a positive stress outlet rather than…

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Hosts the Carl Kizer Summerfest

Non-Profit July 31, 2023

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Hosts the Carl Kizer Summerfest

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, IN—Near perfect temps and a light breeze set the tone for The Soup Kitchen of Muncie’s annual Carl Kizer Summerfest on Friday, July 21st.  Summerfest, organized by Carl Kizer, is an outdoor block party for the underserved in our community.  Carl also helped find sponsors and donations so that the event would be a success. Over 30 local service providers were in attendance to offer their services and help lead clients of the Soup Kitchen toward a better lifestyle. Unable to host since 2019 due to the pandemic, the community was glad to see the event…

Fire Up DWNTWN Streetfest Returns to Heat Up the Summer on August 5th

Entertainment July 28, 2023

Fire Up DWNTWN Streetfest Returns to Heat Up the Summer on August 5th

By Melissa Narlock— MUNCIE, IN — The wait is over. Muncie Downtown Development Partnership has announced the highly anticipated return of the sizzling summer streetfest. Fire Up DWNTWN, presented by Ivy Tech Muncie, is back on August 5. After a resounding success last year, drawing over 11,000 visitors, the all-day event returns with even more exhilarating attractions. “As we look back on the incredible success of last year’s Fire Up DWNTWN, we are thrilled to announce its return this summer,” said Cheryl Crowder, event director for Muncie Downtown Development Partnership. “Building on the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community,…

The BIG Idea Pitch – Why this Contest is Important

Business July 28, 2023

The BIG Idea Pitch – Why this Contest is Important

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—During my thirteen years as Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, I have met with, coached, advised, counseled, and encouraged many individuals who have thought about starting or owning a business.  This continues to happen several times each week.  In addition, the Small Business Development Center, located in the Innovation Connector, meets with clients in Muncie and East-Central Indiana, hoping for the same. With the availability of resources found on the internet, getting information about how to start a business is easier today than ever before. And with this…