Articles by Mike Rhodes

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb Presents ‘Community Crossing’ Awards to Local Governments

By Mike Rhodes and Governor Holcomb’s Press Office— MUNCIE, Ind.—Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb was in Muncie on Tuesday to present local governments from across the state awards from the “Community Crossings” program. The check presentations were held at Minnetrista. Locally, Muncie received $1 million dollars, Delaware County received $995,000 and Daleville received $75 thousand dollars for road improvements. Gov. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Mike Smith announced 224 Indiana cities, towns, and counties received a combined $107.8…

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First Merchants Bank Opens a New Banking Center in Columbus Ohio Area

By  First Merchants— Northland banking center is the eighth location in the Columbus area COLUMBUS, Ohio— First Merchants Bank has opened a new banking center in the Northland neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. The banking center is the eighth First Merchants Bank location in the area. As a part of its community-focused banking philosophy, First Merchants is partnering with several local organizations focused on increasing financial wellness, supporting greater access to home ownership, and facilitating economic growth and vitality in the…


‘Glorious Gershwin’ to Feature Iconic Masterpieces, Rare Footage of Ira Gershwin

Editor’s note: Muncie Symphony Orchestra announced today (April 22nd) that, due to an illness, Richard Glazier will no longer lead the upcoming “Glorious Gershwin” concert. Accomplished pianist Richard Dowling will fill in for Glazier.    By Melissa Jones—  MUNCIE, Ind.— While Muncie Symphony Orchestra has transitioned to Orchestra Indiana, it will perform its final concert as MSO on April 30. Featuring award-winning pianist Richard Glazier and featured singer Natalie Cordone, “Glorious Gershwin” will close out MSO’s 2021–2022 Indiana Trust Pop Series….


United Way, Ball State and IYI present “State of the Child Conference” April 20

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, Ind.—Join the Indiana Youth Institute, an expert in child data analysis, as it presents its annual “State of the Child Conference” Wednesday, April 20 at the Ball State University’s Alumni Center. Indiana ranks 29th in the country in child well-being measurements. “State of the Child,” a series of town-hall style discussions with communities across the state, explores what that means and why it matters. Register here. Seating is limited to 150. “This is a deep dive…


Muncie Civic Features the Magical World of ‘Peter Pan’

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, Ind.—“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.” Muncie Civic Theatre invites audiences into the magical world of “Peter Pan” in April. The J.M. Barrie classic will take the main stage April  15-16, and 21-24. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Saturday and Sunday matinees will begin at 2:30 p.m. The Sensory-Friendly Matinee will begin at 2:30 p.m. April 16. “’Peter Pan is a really special…


Muncie’s ‘Quest for the Best’ Launches; Nominate Your Favorite Businesses in Delaware County

By Woof Boom Radio— MUNCIE, Ind.—It takes teamwork to create something great – and it’s no different when it comes to improving the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. Woof Boom Radio would like to give YOU the opportunity to nominate the people, places and businesses you love most within Delaware County. The search is on for the finest restaurants, realtors, builders and numerous other categories of local businesses.  Only an elite few can win the right to…


Kalyn Melham Crowned 2nd Runner Up in Miss Indiana State Fair Queen Contest

By Mark DiFabio, Immediate Past President of the Delaware County Fair Board— DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind.—”Good things come to those who wait!” Kalyn Melham, Miss Delaware county fair queen 2021 knows how true those words are. On April 10, Melham was crowned second runner up at this year’s Miss Indiana State Fair queen contest in Indianapolis. The contest was originally scheduled for early January, but due to the pandemic not only was it postponed but the previous year’s contest was cancelled altogether. Not all…


Cornerstone Center for the Arts Celebrates End of Semester April 24

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, Ind.– Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main St., is hosting a celebration of the end of spring classes with a Spring Festival, Sunday, April 24 from 2-5pm featuring dance performances and art demonstrations. Performances will begin at 2:15pm. The celebration is free and open to the public. Masks are recommended, but not required for visitors in attendance.  “Our end-of-semester celebrations are a chance for our students to showcase what they have learned over the…


YMCA of Muncie to Provide Good Friday Breakfast With Guest Speaker, Hunter Smith

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, Ind.— The YMCA of Muncie is offering a FREE Good Friday Breakfast on April 15th, open to the community, with the goal of bringing us together on common ground for prayer, encouragement and reflection. The featured guest speaker, Hunter Smith, is a former punter for the Indianapolis Colts, receiving numerous honors during his 10 years with the franchise. The Colts recorded the best record of any NFL team during this decade, (2000-2010) highlighted by a Super…


Madjax Named Inaugural Stanley Black and Decker Grant Recipient

By Emily Helms— MUNCIE, Ind.— Stanley Black & Decker has announced the recipients of its first “Empower Makers” Global Impact Challenge. Sustainable Muncie/Madjax is honored to have been named as a Makers Grant Recipient for our efforts to create a place where makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses can come together to make a bright future. Initiated in 2021, the Global Impact Challenge grant program will award up to $25 million in grant funding over the next five years to non-profits…