Articles by Mike Rhodes

Historic Beech Grove Cemetery Revitalized Under New Management

Government September 15, 2022

Historic Beech Grove Cemetery Revitalized Under New Management

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—Beech Grove Cemetery, a historic landmark dating back to 1841, is seeing new life under a new superintendent. Troy Watters, a lifelong Muncie resident with a history of public service, was appointed to the position in July, and has accomplished noticeable change in just a few months. “He’s out there working with the guys,” said Muncie resident Mary Stilts at September’s City Council meeting. “He’s not a sit in the truck kind of supervisor.” Since July, the Beech Grove crew has removed 9 dead trees, restored a fountain, kept the grounds maintained, and repaired the historic…

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Muncie’s 8twelve Coalition Hosts National Visitors, Open Door Takes On New Role

Non-Profit September 14, 2022

Muncie’s 8twelve Coalition Hosts National Visitors, Open Door Takes On New Role

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—It could be happening in Philadelphia or Pittsburg or Portland. But it’s happening in Muncie. The Habitat for Humanity International Neighborhood Revitalization Learning Cohort, a collection of 10 neighborhoods from across the country who’ve all focused on block-by-block revitalization efforts similar to that of the 8twelve Coalition, will be meeting in Muncie. The 8twelve neighborhood renewal effort, years in the making, has emerged as a model for the rest of the country, has drawn national attention and acquired a new partner. “Being selected for the Learning Cohort has given us a tremendous opportunity to connect as…

The 45th Old Washington Street Festival is September 17-18 in Downtown Muncie

Entertainment September 13, 2022

The 45th Old Washington Street Festival is September 17-18 in Downtown Muncie

By Erin Lovall— MUNCIE, IN—The Old Washington Street Festival returns for its 45th year this Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18, 2022. The Festival combines the long, storied history of the Emily Kimbrough Historic District with modern-day fun and is free and open to all. The Festival features a wide array of free entertainment options, including rock, country, blues, and jazz musicians, an old-time radio show, the Festival’s inaugural pin-up competition, a beard contest, a freak show, and more. In addition, there are food vendors featuring a variety of wares—fish & chips, barbeque, gyros, elephant ears, chicken on a…

Accutech Acquires Muncie’s Iconic Vera Mae’s Bistro

Business September 12, 2022

Accutech Acquires Muncie’s Iconic Vera Mae’s Bistro

By Scott Smalstig, Director Community Growth, Accutech Systems— MUNCIE, IN—Vera Mae’s Bistro, downtown Muncie’s long-time fine dining establishment, is joining Accutech’s family of companies, effective today. The iconic eatery and bar, situated on South Walnut Street just one block from Accutech’s headquarters, was launched by owners Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore over 23 years ago when only a couple banks and law offices called downtown home. Accutech President Adam Unger says the acquisition fits perfectly within Accutech’s mission of “making great things happen for other people.” “Kent and Steve chose downtown when very few others did,” said Unger. “I couldn’t…

Day of Action in Delaware County Draws Almost 600 Volunteers

Non-Profit September 12, 2022

Day of Action in Delaware County Draws Almost 600 Volunteers

By Kim Williams— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN –There was another record turnout for Heart of Indiana United Way’s Day of Action in Muncie, which was held on Friday, September 9, 2022. Day of Action is a community-wide volunteer event focused on bringing together individuals and groups to help make a difference in the community by working on one-day projects at local nonprofits.  589 volunteers came together to work in a single day of service. They learned about the mission and work of the 17 project sites, and the needs of our community. Volunteers had a great time with others while helping deserving organizations.    The community’s biggest employers brought the…

Schools Can Compete for ,000 Grant from Indianapolis Colts, American Heart Association

Education September 12, 2022

Schools Can Compete for $1,000 Grant from Indianapolis Colts, American Heart Association

By Tim Harms— The American Heart Association and the National Football League continue their commitment to kids’ whole-body health through physical activity. INDIANAPOLIS  — With the start of the National Football League (NFL) season, schools in Indiana will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000 grant from the American Heart Association and Indianapolis Colts as part of the NFL Play 60 program and this year’s Race to Super Bowl LVII activation. From Sept. 26 to Oct. 26, students can track their minutes of physical activity within the Group Play feature of the free NFL Play 60 app, which is…

Ball State University Study: Invasive Aquatic Species Are Spreading

Education September 12, 2022

Ball State University Study: Invasive Aquatic Species Are Spreading

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – A recent study conducted by researchers at Ball State University, in partnership with Fishbrain, the world’s most popular fishing app, offers new insight into “invasion superhighways,” in which aquatic invasive species are spreading across the U.S. Using data from the Fishbrain app, which has more than 14 million registered users worldwide, researchers from Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities have revealed a network of human movements that form these invasion superhighways. Ultimately, the research underscores not only the potential of expansive data sources such as Fishbrain, but also the important role…

Muncie Central High School JROTC Raises Flags in Support of Flags of Honor

Education September 11, 2022

Muncie Central High School JROTC Raises Flags in Support of Flags of Honor

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Two dozen young people from the Muncie Central High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) volunteered their time to set up the field of flags for Flags of Honor. More than 1,000 flags were placed on the lawn at Minnetrista beside the White River Greenway. Flags of Honor is in partnership with the Exchange Club of Muncie in honor and memory of local veterans, current service personnel, fallen heroes, and all who wish to display their pride for our country. The display will continue through Sunday, September 11. The Flags of Honor is hosted by the…

Pokey LaFarge to Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

Entertainment September 10, 2022

Pokey LaFarge to Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN– Critically acclaimed musician Pokey LaFarge and his band will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2022 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County and concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 10th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. The Ball State University Jazz Ensemble will open the show. Pokey LaFarge’s appearances at the 2016 and 2017 Muncie Three Trails Music Series attracted some of the biggest crowds in our history,…

Free Family Nature Event at Ball State Celebrates Pollinators, Wildlife on Sept 10th

Education September 9, 2022

Free Family Nature Event at Ball State Celebrates Pollinators, Wildlife on Sept 10th

By BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University is inviting the community to learn about and celebrate pollinators at its family-friendly “Pollinator Party!” being held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse and Environmental Center.  At this free event, nature-related organizations like the Red-tail Land Conservancy, Robert Cooper Audobon Society, Friends of the Greenhouse, and Conservation Tales will offer pollinator-themed crafts and activities. Children of all ages can make their own Monarch butterfly life cycle illustration, learn the “honeybee waggle” dance, and go on a tropical butterfly scavenger…