Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo provided by Minnetrista

Non-Profit June 20, 2022

‘Bob Ross Experience’ Wins Prestigious 2022 AASLH Award of Excellence

By Bethany Hawkins, AASLH Chief of Operations— NASHVILLE, Tn – The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) congratulates Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for receiving an Award of Excellence for the Bob Ross Experience. The Award of Excellence is part of the AASLH Leadership in History Awards, the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation of state and local history. The Bob Ross Experience at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in Muncie, Indiana, is the only permanent museum exhibit…

Read More
Artist rendering of a typical 3 Rivers facility.

Business June 20, 2022

3Rivers Federal Credit Union Announces Plans For New Muncie Branch

By Melissa Shaw, Vice President of Marketing — FORT WAYNE, Ind. –3Rivers Federal Credit Union has announced plans to build three new branches in Central Indiana. Property has been secured and construction has begun on three future 3Rivers Credit Union locations in Muncie, Pendleton, and Fortville Indiana. The completed branches are expected to open by the end of the year. The investment in the three new facilities will be approximately $7.5M. All three branches will be new markets for the credit union, widely…

Congressman Greg Pence

Government June 20, 2022

Health Statement From the Office of Congressman Greg Pence

By Mike Pence Press Office— COLUMBUS, Ind. – Today, the Office of Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) released the following statement regarding his health procedure over the weekend: Congressman Greg Pence is recovering from a heart procedure over the weekend after experiencing minor chest discomfort. Congressman Pence is expected to make a full recovery from home with his wife Denise and family. The Pence family is grateful to the entire Columbus Regional Hospital team for their exceptional care and professionalism. “I…

Ball State Campus photo provided by Ball State University

Education June 20, 2022

Ball State University Announces No Cost Increases for Room, Board,and Parking for 2022-23 Academic Year

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – For the second consecutive year, Ball State University’s Board of Trustees decided not to increase room, board, or parking fees for students attending the University. “We are doing everything we can to keep costs affordable for students and their families, while delivering a high-quality educational experience,” said Renae Conley, the Ball State Board of Trustees Chair. “Even with rising inflation, access is our top priority for our institution.” Ball State’s prudent…

Aerial image of the Canan Commons area in downtown Muncie, IN. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment June 19, 2022

Get Fired Up for a Sizzling Streetfest on August 6th

By Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, Ind. — Get Fired Up as Muncie Downtown Development Partnership hosts an all- day summer street fest to attract the entire Muncie community and surrounding areas. “What began as just an idea to bring back elements of past iconic events led to six months of planning, fundraising and partnerships to bring the event to fruition,” said Cheryl Crowder, event director for Muncie Downtown DevelopmentPartnership. “Now we are excited to invite everyone to downtown Muncie on…

Approximately $220,000 in funding was awarded for projects related to the foundation’s Project Blueways initiative, which supports efforts related to local soil and water quality, watershed planning, and water recreation. Photo provided

Non-Profit June 16, 2022

Ball Brothers Foundation Awards More Than $2.4 Million in First Round of 2022 Grants

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball Brothers Foundation announced funding to 33 projects in its first round of grants for 2022, totaling over $2.4 million. The grants included approximately $220,000 in funding for projects related to the foundation’s Project Blueways initiative, which supports efforts related to local soil and water quality, watershed planning, and water recreation. The largest of the Project Blueways grants is a $90,000 grant to Muncie Sanitary District for the construction of up to four canoe/kayak…

Ben Williams – Principal, Northside Middle School and Aiesha Allen – Principal, North View Elementary are pictured.

Education June 16, 2022

MCS Hires Principals for Northside Middle School and North View Elementary

By Andy Klotz— Assistant principals and English Learners leader also added MUNCIE, Ind. – The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees added two new principals and three other leaders to the district during Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting. Another administrator has also transitioned into a new assistant principal role serving two MCS elementary schools. The board approved the hiring of the following people: Ben Williams – Principal, Northside Middle School Aiesha Allen – Principal, North View Elementary Kayla Arguello –…

Ivy Tech Muncie, Cowan Road Facility. Artist rendering.

Education June 16, 2022

‘WorkMatters at Ivy Tech’ – Matching Grant Between Don Wood Foundation/George and Frances Ball Foundation

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, Ind – The Don Wood Foundation has joined the George and Frances Ball Foundation in supporting the Ivy Tech Muncie Campus’s WorkMatters initiative through a matching grant of $79,000 each. These grants, awarded to the Ivy Tech Foundation, will support the WorkMatters initiative through the pilot year of 2022-23. “WorkMatters is a collaborative effort between Ivy Tech Muncie and workforce partners in Delaware and Henry counties to bolster the economy through manufacturing education, leadership, and life-skills…

Photo by Ryan Gernand

Education, Entertainment June 15, 2022

Yorktown’s ‘Four for the 4th’ Returns With Over $47,000 in Scholarships and Prizes

By Ryan Gernand— YORKTOWN, Ind.- The annual “Four for the 4th” run/walk returns to downtown Yorktown at 8 AM on the 4th of July—bigger and better than ever.  This year the Yorktown Community Schools Foundation takes over race management and is excited to welcome Thrive Credit Union as the title sponsor as they work together to raise funds to better the community, trails, parks, schools, and give away scholarships. This year the overall male and female race champions will each win $500…

Blackford County volunteer Fred Hoffman (center) was recognized with the Healthy Community Alliance “100,00 Award” on June 13th at Minnetrista in Muncie. Several family members and fellow Blackford County volunteers and community advocates were present for the ceremony and are pictured as well. Hoffman was honored for his involvement with the creation of the Blackford Greenway and continued community support. Photo by John Disher.

Health June 15, 2022

Healthy Community Alliance Recognizes Outstanding Blackford County Volunteer

By John Disher— Annual “100,000 Award” recognizes dedication to improving health and well-being MUNCIE, Ind.— The Healthy Community Alliance of East Central Indiana (HCA) presented its “100,000 Award in Memory of Dr. George Branam” to Blackford County volunteer Fred Hoffman at its annual recognition meeting on June 13, 2022. The annual award is given to an individual or organization that supports the work of the HCA through outstanding leadership, innovative collaborations and unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being…