Articles by Mike Rhodes

Pictured L-R: Rick Hall, Mike McDaniel and Geoffrey S. Mearns.

Education January 10, 2025

Three Ball State Leaders Honored by Governor with Sagamore of the Wabash Awards

By BSU Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Three prominent leaders from Ball State University—Rick Hall, chair of the Board of Trustees; Mike McDaniel, board secretary; and President Geoffrey S. Mearns—this week were awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors, by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. The Sagamore of the Wabash, created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates (1945–49), recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the state or significant contributions to its heritage. Recipients have included…

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Education January 9, 2025

Muncie Central High School Launches eSports Team

Bearcats will play first competitive events this month By Andy Klotz, APR, MCS Chief Communications Officer— MUNCIE, IN – Zach Houser has been “gaming” competitively since he was 13 years old. Now, the third-year Latin and English teacher at Muncie Central High School is about to make history as the first coach of the school’s eSports team. “I have a really deep personal passion for eSports,” Houser said. “It’s a way I’ve met a lot of my friends. It’s just…

Getting started writing a grant can be difficult if you don't know how to begin. Image by Mike Rhodes

Business January 9, 2025

Beginners Guide to Grant Writing Workshop on January 16th and January 30th.

By Anna King-Cross— MUNCIE, IN—The East Central Indiana Regional Planning District would like to invite you to attend our upcoming training session on the grant writing process. It will take place on January 16, 2025, and January 30, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Academy of Model Aeronautics Conference Room, 5161 E. Memorial Drive. Muncie, IN 47302. The workshop costs $225, which includes all materials and lunch on both days. The training will focus on drafting and…

Abe Arthur photo by Thomas Peek.

Education January 8, 2025

Abe Arthur—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Attending the same school from kindergarten through 12th grade is bound to create strong emotions of either love or hate. Burris Laboratory School senior Abe Arthur falls into the love category. “The Burris community just feels like my family,” he said. “It’s all my friends…

Photo by: BSU photo services

Education January 7, 2025

Ball State Professor Leverages Artificial Intelligence to Predict Student Performance and Boost Success

By Hesham Allam, PhD, MBA/MIS — MUNCIE, IN—At Ball State University, cutting-edge technology is transforming the classroom experience. A local professor is using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict student grades and improve learning outcomes, offering a glimpse into the future of education. By analyzing early semester data such as quizzes, attendance, and class discussions, the AI system provides a detailed view of how students are likely to perform in the course. “The AI gives us a powerful tool to identify…

Representatives from Cardinal Greenways, Taylor University, Ball Brothers Foundation, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, and FlatLand Resources are pictured during a tour of Taylor University and key sites in Gas City. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 6, 2025

Meeting Brings Partners Together to Discuss Next Steps for Cardinal Greenway Expansion

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation and Angie Pool, CEO, Cardinal Greenways— MUNCIE, IN—Leaders and partners from East Central Indiana gathered last month in Grant County to discuss the next phases of a Cardinal Greenway extension project. Representatives from Cardinal Greenways, Taylor University, Ball Brothers Foundation, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, and FlatLand Resources participated in the meeting, which included a tour of Taylor University and key sites in Gas City. The tour offered an opportunity to assess current…

If it does snow this weekend, it is important to not overdo shoveling it. Photo by Storyblocks.

Health January 3, 2025

Snow Shoveling Tips to Protect Your Heart

By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— INDIANAPOLIS – With snow predicted to fall across large portions of Indiana this weekend, the American Heart Association encourages Hoosiers to protect their hearts while shoveling snow and to seek immediate treatment if they experience any signs or symptoms of a heart attack. Research shows that many people may face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow. “Shoveling snow can be a very vigorous activity, and…

Photo by Heather Williams

Non-Profit January 3, 2025

Muncie Action Plan’s Annual Community Meeting to Take Place on January 29th

By Kylene Swackhamer— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Report to the Community on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout…

Photo provided

Non-Profit January 3, 2025

Shawnee Heights Baptist Church Closes, Donates $50,000 to YWCA Central Indiana

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN – Shawnee Heights Baptist Church has announced the closure of its doors after years of serving the Muncie community. As part of its final act of service, the church has generously donated $50,000 to the YWCA Central Indiana to further its efforts in providing essential support and services to unhoused women and children throughout the region. The donation comes as the church’s congregation reflects on its mission to serve those in need and its commitment…

Photo composite by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit January 2, 2025

Listening to Our Community: A Lesson in Using Public Knowledge

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—The strength of a community lies in its ability to listen, learn, and act together. At Heart of Indiana United Way, alongside our Community Foundation partners, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with community members to hear their hopes, challenges, and visions for the future. These conversations underscore the value of public knowledge and input in guiding decisions that impact local families, businesses, and organizations. When decision-making bodies, such as city councils and county governments, prioritize…