Articles by Mike Rhodes

Participants in the 2021 TeenWorks Summer Program engage in a team-building activity during a professional development day. The Community Foundation supported last year’s summer program with a grant. A similar grant this year will support the 2022 summer program, which provides young people in our community with paid work and learn experiences during their summer break.

Non-Profit June 21, 2022

Community Organizations and Teachers Awarded Grants From Community Foundation

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—Grants totaling $823,084 were awarded from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County to benefit the community between March and May 2022. Most grants are awarded through permanently endowed funds that benefit our community today and always. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to contribute to improving the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects and programs for which there is…

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Pictured L-R: Hank Milius and Governor Eric Holcomb

Health June 21, 2022

Results of Meridian Health Services’ 2022 Rialzo Extravaganza

By MHS— MUNCIE, Ind. – Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo, East Central Indiana’s largest charity gala, returned with a new look, venue and purpose on Saturday, May 14 at the Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility on Ball State’s Campus. Over 700 of Meridian’s greatest supporters attended Rialzo XI and enjoyed an evening of entertainment, guest speakers including Governor Eric Holcomb, President Geoff Mearns, dancing and raising funds for Meridian’s broad spectrum of Addictions and Recovery programs – truly a purpose with…

The Innovation Connector is located at 1208 W. White River Blvd. Muncie, IN 47303

Business June 20, 2022

Entrepreneurs: Truth, Myths, Uncertainties

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, Ind.—As the Innovation Connector continues to spotlight entrepreneurs in the Muncie community during 2022, it is crucial to understand who entrepreneurs are, what makes them do what they do, and how they are an integral part of the business ecosystem? I have worked with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of individuals who claim to be entrepreneurs. Last month I wrote about the origins of entrepreneurship and submitted that an entrepreneur…

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…

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 –…