Articles by Mike Rhodes

Community Organizations and Teachers Awarded Grants From The Community Foundation

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—Grants totaling $1,150,589 were awarded from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County to benefit the community during the first two months of 2022. Most grants are awarded through permanently endowed funds that benefit our community today and always. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to contribute to improving the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects and programs for…

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UNITY in OUR Community to Present 2nd Annual Love Fest: Celebrating our Firsts

By Woof Boom News— MUNCIE, Ind.—UNITY in OUR Community will present the “Second Annual Love Fest: Celebrating our Firsts” from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Minnetrista, and will celebrate Black Muncie trailblazers who were “firsts” in their jobs, community action, academic achievement and more.  To share a first, email Maria Williams-Hawkins, associate professor of media, Department of Media, Ball State, mhawkins@bsu.edu. Schedule 10:00 – 12:30 pm: Empowering our Community by Investing in Every Generation Workshop: Bishop…


Plyspace Resident Fellow Joshua Ice To Present Artist Lecture on Feb. 28th

By Lexi Musselman— MUNCIE, Ind.—PlySpace, the artist in residence program of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) in collaboration with the Ball State College of Fine Arts, presents an Artist Lecture by PlySpace Resident Fellow Joshua Ice. Ice will present an artist lecture about his past and current work on Monday, February 28, at 6:00 pm in the Arts and Journalism Building, Room 225, on the campus of Ball State University. The event is free and open to the public….


IU School of Medicine Study Could Lead to New Treatment for People With Asthma

By IU School of Medicine— INDIANAPOLIS—Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Microbiology and Immunology have made an important new discovery about how a particular molecule could improve lung function for people with asthma and food allergies. “Millions of children and adults in the United States have asthma, which results from allergen-induced inflammation in the lungs,” said Mark Kaplan, PhD, chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the senior author of the study. “The ability of cells…


MCS Makes Mask Wearing Optional at School

By Andy Klotz— Masks still required on bus due to federal mandate. MUNCIE, Ind. – Students, staff and visitors of Muncie Community Schools (MCS) are no longer required to wear a mask inside MCS buildings, effective immediately. The change comes just days after the Indiana Department of Health changed its guidance to schools on the issue. The MCS Board of Trustees approved the change as recommended by MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at Tuesday evening’s…


Lauren Smith—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, Ind.—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. Cowan Junior/Senior High School 12th grader Lauren Smith said character is one of the most important attributes of who she is. She strives to be respectful, honest and kind to all of those around her, including her teachers and school administrators. “The relationships I’ve…


Rep. Sue Errington Honored for Support of LGBTQ+ Youth and Housing Stability

By Anna Groover, Press Secretary— INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) has been recognized by the Indiana School Social Work Association (INSSWA) for her support of LGBTQ+ youth and housing stability. Each year the INSSWA recognizes legislators for their advocacy for policies and laws that promote the ability of social workers to succeed and flourish in their work. During the 2021 Legislative Session, Errington authored House Bill 1213, which would have banned conversion therapy for those 18 years and younger in…


Delaware County Emergency Management Works Hard to Prepare For The Worst

By Kyle Johnson— DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind.—February 20-26th is Emergency Management Appreciation Week in Indiana. The Delaware County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing countywide disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation plans. It is also responsible for and coordinates the activities of the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC, when activated, is a central location where representatives of local government and private sector agencies convene during disaster situations to make decisions,…


Muncie City Council Seeks Citizens for MCS Board

By Jeff Robinson— MUNCIE, Ind.—In 2018, Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University entered into a unique partnership with a goal of transforming Muncie’s education system. As part of the Indiana General Assembly’s action to create this partnership, Indiana Code 20-23-18-6 changed and defined the appointment process for the seven-member governing body of Muncie Community Schools. Under this statute, the Board of Trustees at BSU appoints 5 members of the MCS board based on recommendations provided by the president of…


AAUW To Offer Scholarship for Nontraditional Students

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, Ind.—Applications for the American Association of University Women, Muncie Branch, nontraditional student scholarship are due Friday, April 1. The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is available for the 2022-2023 academic year, effective Aug. 1, 2022, through July 31, 2023. The scholarship must be used for tuition, health fee, books, and other classroom-related expenses for the year, including summer session. To apply, applicants must meet the following selection criteria: Students of any gender identity who are 25 years old or older…