Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo provided by Ball State University

Education December 17, 2024

BSU Names Multicultural Center in Honor of Civil Rights Icons Vivian Conley and Hurley Goodall

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved the naming of the University’s Multicultural Center the Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center, in honor of two local civil rights icons. Both individuals made significant contributions to the University and the broader Muncie community, leaving legacies of education, advocacy, and service that continue to inspire. The Multicultural Center, which moved to a prominent new location in the heart…

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Entertainment December 17, 2024

Minnetrista Opens New Exhibit That Explores the History of the Ball Family

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN–Minnetrista Museum & Gardens invites visitors to step into the captivating story of one of Muncie’s most influential families with its original exhibition, Deep Roots: Exploring the Ball Family Tree. This exhibition traces the remarkable history of the Ball family—from their origins in Buffalo, New York, to their transformative impact on East Central Indiana, and their enduring influence on the region today. Deep Roots explores the Ball family’s evolution through a rich collection of family photographs and…

Delta High School junior Ruth Sherck. Photo by Thomas Peek.

Education December 16, 2024

Ruth Sherck—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 A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Delta High School junior Ruth Sherck is all about sports, faith and family. Throughout her high school years, she’s been a three-sport athlete with soccer, basketball and track. This year, she’s missing basketball due to an injury. But that doesn’t mean she’s not busy….

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Non-Profit December 13, 2024

Local Families Promote Reading, Dreaming, Doing

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Research shows 90 percent of brain development occurs within the first five years of life. It’s one reason why early childhood engagements like play matters. That’s just one statistic that is driving the local Cradle to Career Muncie support network, a national movement that has emerged locally. C2CMuncie is made up of 9 Collaborative Action Networks each led by a local nonprofit, whose cross-sector team members focus on a timeline that goes from pre-kindergarten to career….

Zachary Baty (left) from Delta High School and Josephine Burton (right) from Burris Laboratory High School are the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients.

Education, Non-Profit December 12, 2024

2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients from Delaware County Announced

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Delaware County – Zachary Baty from Delta High School and Josephine Burton from Burris Laboratory High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Delaware County must show great leadership potential, be well-rounded in their involvement, and…

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Health December 11, 2024

IU Health Ball Named to U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care

By IU Health— INDIANAPOLIS— U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named six Indiana University Health hospitals as 2025 High Performing hospitals for Maternity Care. Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital Indiana University Health Medical Center (Riley Hospital for Children) Indiana University Health North Hospital Indiana University Health Paoli Hospital This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of…

Last year's luncheon included a keynote presentation by Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and a 2024 economic forecast by Dr. Michael Hicks. Photo by Muncie Fine Portraits.

Business December 11, 2024

Indiana Economic Outlook 2025 Forecast Breakfast to be Held on Jan. 16 at Horizon Convention Center

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—What drives the decisions of the Federal Reserve Bank, and what are the implications of its actions? Back by popular demand, Dr. David E. Altig, executive vice president and chief economic adviser at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will address these questions at Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research’s (CBER) annual Indiana Economic Outlook 2025 Forecast Breakfast. This event will also feature the 2025 economic forecast by Dr. Michael J. Hicks,…

Dear Evan Hansen perform on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium.

Entertainment December 10, 2024

Award-Winning Broadway Musical to Play at Emens Auditorium on December 13

By Haley Wade— MUNCIE, IN – Local residents will have the opportunity to see Dear Evan Hansen perform on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. “A brilliant musical. The message of hope and humanity is central in this incredible show, and it touches (families, parents, kids,) everybody.” – CBS News Tickets for Dear Evan Hansen are currently on sale at the Emens box office, online at Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 765-285-1539. Declared “one of the most…

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Entertainment December 9, 2024

Masterworks Chorale in Muncie to Present Holiday Concert, ‘Sing We Noel’

By Katharine Burris— MUNCIE, IN—To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Masterworks Chorale will present its annual holiday concert, “Sing We Noel,” on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1400 W Riverside Avenue, Muncie. “Sing We Noel” will feature an array of festive music, programmed to stir up holiday cheer. Performances of familiar favorites like “White Christmas,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are sure to please. This concert…

Students train in a realistic clinical setting at IVY tech. Photo provided.

Education December 9, 2024

East Central Indiana Emerging as Hub for Training Indiana’s Healthcare Workforce

By Jud Fisher and Trevor Friedeberg— MUNCIE, IN – It’s no secret that East Central Indiana faces notable challenges as it works to reinvent itself.  Like many other rust belt regions across the Midwest, we are tackling issues including population decline, workforce development gaps, and housing shortages. The transition from a heavy manufacturing-based economy requires not only new industries but also a shift in local identity. However, if there’s one thing East Central Indiana has proven time and again, it is…