Articles by Mike Rhodes

Pictured L-R: Dr. Julie Holland, Julie Mason, Keith Doudt, Joetta Teague, Charlotte McKnight. Not pictured: Debra Rolli. Photos by Angie Rogers-Howell

Non-Profit April 27, 2022

Very Important Volunteers Recognized at the 2022 VIVA Awards

By Matt Howell— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Muncie Rotary Club, Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, and First Merchants Bank recognized six individuals at the 28th annual VIVA Awards luncheon, held on April 26th at the Horizon Convention Center. The VIVA Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of volunteer activity to serve the civic and social needs of our community.  The event rewards, reinforces, and inspires local volunteers to aspire to the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” Individuals…

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Muncie Community Schools school board meeting. Photo provided

Education April 26, 2022

Muncie Community Schools Teachers to Receive Largest Raises in District History

Starting salaries increase $6,000 to $48,000 By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, Ind. – Longtime Muncie Community Schools (MCS) teachers may not believe their eyes when they open their paychecks next fall. After going raise-less for several years prior to the 2018 MCS-Ball State partnership, the MCS Board of Trustees has approved the largest raises in district history, with additional compensation going to those who have been with the school system for more than five years. All MCS teachers will receive hefty…

Visit Indiana Week. Photo provided

Government April 26, 2022

Free Admission to Indiana State Parks Plus Free Fishing on Sunday, May 1

By State of Indiana Press Office— INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Visit Indiana Week is May 1-7, in conjunction with National Travel & Tourism Week. This week aims to educate the public about the importance and impact of travel and tourism. The Office of Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC), Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Indiana Foodways Alliance (IFA) are inviting people to explore the state. “Over 25,000 people have signed up for the passports,” Lt. Gov. Crouch said. “DNR is offering…

Minnetrista file photo.

Entertainment April 25, 2022

Outdoor Farmers Market Begins May 7th at Minnetrista

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, Ind.—Minnetrista’s outdoor season of Farmers Market begins on May 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. Farmers Market at Minnetrista is honored to be an essential service for the community that provides fresh and healthy food options. There’s plenty to see, do, eat, and buy at Farmers Market at Minnetrista! Located at Minnetrista, Farmers Market is the perfect place to discover fresh produce, baked goods, plants, eggs, meats, and more! Connect with local vendors and experience what…

Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business April 23, 2022

Riverside and Jackson Trail Project to Begin Soon

By Muncie-Delaware County Indiana Economic Development Alliance— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Delaware Advancement Corporation, City of Muncie and Muncie Sanitary District have awarded three individual contracts to E&B Paving, 3D Construction and DC Construction Services to install a pedestrian trail, repave Riverside Avenue, and reconstruct the Riverside-Jackson Street Intersection. Each project includes extensive stormwater infrastructure improvements and will begin soon.  Additionally, Indiana American Water has begun upgrades to the water infrastructure along Riverside Ave, between Brentwood Avenue and Timber Mill Way. “After…

Photo by Red-tail conservancy

Business, Non-Profit April 22, 2022

I&M Partners With Red-Tail Land Conservancy to Restore Reber Woods

By Corey Ohlenkamp—  Partnership will bridge two areas within the woods creating ideal habitat for insects and birds MUNCIE, Ind. – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and Red-tail Land Conservancy are partnering to continue environmental restoration efforts of Reber Woods, a vital natural habitat in Muncie, Ind. that is home to a heron rookery, wetlands, a fallow field, and a mature forest. “Reber Woods holds the potential to set the gold standard for quality ecosystem restoration in the area. This goal is…

Scene 1, Take 1. Photo provided

Non-Profit April 21, 2022

Heart of Indiana United Way Presents Community Awards During First-Ever Celebration Roadshow

By Kim Williams— EAST CENTRAL, IN—Heart of Indiana United Way took its annual awards event on the road this year to highlight and thank businesses, individuals, and partners that helped make a big impact through donations, volunteerism, and partnerships.  Through the roadshow, those watching will be able to see the winners of this year’s 9 community awards. The video will be released on April 21 at noon and can be viewed on Heart of Indiana United Way’s Facebook and YouTube…

Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment April 20, 2022

The 2022 Muncie Three Trails Music Series Lineup

By Rick Zeigler, Founder/Organizer, Muncie Three Trails Music Series— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Muncie Three Trails Music Series is pleased to officially announce its 2022 lineup. This will be the 9th season in which the series presents critically acclaimed national recording artists in four FREE concerts at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. All shows begin at 7 PM and are all ages. And this season, we will also be presenting a special “Bonus” concert at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Complete information on the…

A volunteer is pictured preparing food at the Soup Kitchen of Muncie. Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 20, 2022

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Needs Volunteers

By SKOM— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Soup Kitchen of Muncie needs volunteers to prepare and serve food on weekdays. Nearly all food preparation, distribution, and cleanup is performed by volunteers, according to Executive Director Loretta Parsons. And the need for volunteers is growing, because as pandemic restrictions lift and people are becoming more comfortable being in public again, the Soup Kitchen is experiencing an increase in the number of people it serves. “Without volunteers, we could not do what we do every…