Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…

Drew Bennett, president of Muncie Area Amateur Radio Club as he attempts to make a contact from his Muncie station. Photo provided by Jim McDonald.

Non-Profit June 14, 2022

Local Amateur Radio Club Operators to Participate in ‘Field Day’ at Morrow’s Meadow

By Jim McDonald, Trustee (MAARC)— YORKTOWN, IN—Members of Delaware County’s amateur radio community will join forces on at Morrow’s Meadow for a 24 hour test of communication abilities and emergency preparedness.  Called “Field Day”, amateurs will set up and operate portable radio stations and make contacts with like stations across North America. Hours of operations will be 2 p.m. Saturday through 2 p.m. Sunday. “Since 1933, the amateur community has come together for the largest all-volunteer radio communications exercise in…

Photo provided by Intersection

Entertainment June 14, 2022

DWNTWN Game Night on June 18th Will Feature Lawn Games and Fun for Everyone

By Intersection— MUNCIE, Ind. – As part of its packed summer of events, DWNTWN invites the community to bring their family and friends (even dogs) to DWNTWN Game Night at Canan Commons on Saturday, June 18 from 7–11 p.m., presented by Wealth Strategies, Inc. The evening will include free fun for all ages, plus an opportunity to experience and explore other options for family entertainment in Muncie this summer. Kids and adults can enjoy a variety of lawn games, including: Rockstar…

The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, located on Minnetrista Boulevard.

Non-Profit June 14, 2022

The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center Is Open Again

By Diane Watters, Associate Director, E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, Ball State University— MUNCIE, Ind.—After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center has reopened. The Center on Minnetrista Boulevard has been a Muncie landmark since it was built in 1907 by Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Ball. In 1975, the Ball Brothers Foundation gifted the residential property to the Ball State University Foundation with the provision that it be used by the university as a…

I&M has simple tips, tools and programs to enable customers to take control of their energy usage.

Business June 14, 2022

Beat the Heat With These Energy-Saving Tips from Indiana Michigan Power

By Tracy Warner— A few simple tips can help save energy during these hot temperatures FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Temperatures are rising this week and will again as we head into the warm summer months. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is Powering the Next Energy-saving Tip to help customers save energy while staying cool. Warmer temperatures often bring higher usage for customers, which could cause an increase in bills. I&M has simple tips, tools and programs to enable customers to take…

Photo by storyblocks

Non-Profit June 14, 2022

Indiana is a Hotspot for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Global Report Says

By The Indiana Economic Development Corporation— Internationally renowned Startup Genome highlights Indiana as a Top 40 Emerging Startup Ecosystem INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Startup Genome, a policy advisory and research organization, has released its 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. The comprehensive, data-driven report analyzed more than 280 entrepreneurial ecosystems including 3 million startups and ranked Indiana as a Global Top 40 Emerging Ecosystem. Indiana is also included in seven other subsets for talent, early capital funding and performance. “The Start Up Genome Top 40…

Pictured Left to Right: Daniella Flowers, Dr. Courtney Jarrett, Sophie Richau

Non-Profit June 14, 2022

Meet Shafer Leadership Academy’s ‘Community Inclusion Ambassadors’

By Kate H. Elliott— MUNCIE, Ind. —Meet Shafer Leadership Academy’s Community Inclusion Ambassadors, who will work to build relationships across all communities within East Central Indiana. These passionate leaders will travel the region to connect individuals with inclusive leadership development opportunities. Mitch Isaacs, executive director of Shafer Leadership Academy, said the ambassadors are particularly focused on empowering diverse candidates for nonprofit boards and neighborhood associations as well as local government positions. The ambassadors will also provide guidance and insight about…

A group photo from a prior Juneteenth Muncie. Photo provided

Entertainment June 13, 2022

Muncie’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration is Saturday June 18th

By Arrick Garringer— All are invited to celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 18th at McCulloch Park MUNCIE, Ind. — The Juneteenth Muncie 2022 celebration will be held from 3-9 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at McCulloch Park. (Rain date: Saturday July 9, 2022) “The Juneteenth holiday falls on Father’s Day this year, so we are celebrating a day early on June 18th to allow people to spend time with family on Sunday,” said Dorica Watson, event co-chair. Everyone is invited to…