Articles by Mike Rhodes

2023 VIVA Award Nominations Are Now Open. Nominate Someone!

By Robert G. La France— MUNCIE, IN —The V!VA Awards were developed as a gift to the community in 1993 by the Muncie Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary Club to recognize Delaware County’s proud volunteer heritage. The awards were named V!VA for Very Important Volunteer Award. Up to five individuals will be recognized with the traditional V!VA Award for their volunteer efforts to the community within the past 12 months. In addition, The Edmund F. Ball Lifetime Achievement Award will…

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Cornfed Roller Derby Season 10v.2, Game Two Coming Up On February 18th

By Debra Roberts— MUNCIE, IN – Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD), will hold their second game of Season 10v.2 on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in the Memorial Building. In the first game, CFRD All-Stars will take on Rockford Rage Roller Derby from Rockford, Illinois, followed by the CFRD B-team, the Muncie Misfits taking on Fort Wayne Roller Derby. Doors open for the double header at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. start time for the Cornfed…


Healthy Community Alliance Recognizes American Heart Month With Event Series

By John Disher— Blood pressure screenings aim to raise awareness for heart health. East Central Indiana— Partners in the Healthy Community Alliance of East Central Indiana have planned a series of events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of a healthy heart and to encourage healthy habits that reduce the risk of heart disease. Community members are invited to visit one of the following locations to have their blood pressure checked and discuss ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle:…


Ball State University Hires Southern Mississippi’s Jeff Mitchell as New Athletics Director

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Geoffrey S. Mearns, president of Ball State University, has selected Jeff Mitchell as the Cardinals’ new director of athletics. Mr. Mitchell will join Ball State after serving as deputy director of athletics at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., since 2018. Mr. Mitchell will be formally introduced at a program on Monday, Feb. 6, at the Ball State Alumni Center, 2800 W. Bethel Ave., Muncie, IN 47304. The event,…


Ivy Tech’s First Class of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Completed

By Jennifer S. Gasiorek— MUNCIE, IN—In the 2021 fall semester, Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County started the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.  The program is a direct result of Ivy Tech Muncie’s response to a workforce need.  With the support of Optimus Primary, and Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital, Ivy Tech launched this program in less than three years. “When we met with Ivy Tech to explain our local need for echocardiographers, their ability to work through accreditation, acquire the appropriate equipment and…


PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union Announces New President and CEO

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN—PrimeTrust Federal Union, serving Delaware County, Indiana, is proud to announce Tim Pierce as its new president and chief executive officer, effective January 17, 2023. Pierce’s career includes Indirect Lending Manager at TCU, Vice President of Operations at Afena, Regional Sales Rep with CUDL, Vice President of Operations and Lending at Ball State Credit Union, and most recently Assistant Vice President of Compliance and Education at the Indiana Credit Union League. At the League, Pierce’s primary…


Twelve BSU Programs Rank in Top 25 of U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Best Online Programs” List

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Newest rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report showcase Ball State University’s national standing as a top provider of affordable online degree programs in high-demand fields. Ball State earned 12 top-25 rankings in U.S. News’ 2023 “Best Online Programs” list, an annual assessment of nearly 2,000 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered by institutions across the country. “For almost 25 years, Ball State University has been at the forefront…


Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie’s ‘Great Futures Dinner’ To Be Held at Horizon Convention Center in March

By Amy Gibson— MUNCIE, IN—The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie is excited to host its annual Great Futures Dinner on March 30, 2023 from 5:30-7:00 at the Horizon Convention Center. This year’s Great Futures Dinner themed “A Night at the Circus,” will be full of circus games, thrilling performers, delicious circus fare, and a showcase of club programming. A highlight of the night will be announcing the Pat C. Botts Youth of the Year where one Club member will…


IU School of Medicine Awarded $1.25 Million for Increasing Graduate Student Diversity

By Christina Griffiths— INDIANAPOLIS—A new $1.25 million grant will go toward providing new opportunities for graduate students typically underrepresented in biomedical science. The money is coming from the National Institutes of Health and is part of the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) Program. “The goal of this program is to develop a more diverse group of scientists earning PhDs and create more inclusive training pathways and programs for students who are traditionally underrepresented in biomedical science programs,” said Tom…


Northwest Bank Helps Customers Celebrate ‘National Financial Wellness Month’

By Northwest— MUNCIE, IN— Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, aims to help customers achieve their financial goals and prepare for what’s next through their online Financial Wellness Center, particularly in the month of January in honor of National Financial Wellness Month. Northwest Bank’s Financial Wellness Center supports consumers on their journey to financial wellness and provides educational articles on a variety of key financial wellness topics such as credit and…