Articles by Mike Rhodes

Calumet Paralogics, LLC Expanding In Muncie-Delaware County

By Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance announced today that Calumet Paralogics, LLC, a specialty wax blending and packaging company, will expand operations in Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. Calumet Paralogics will invest $2.7 million to add new equipment and capabilities in their current location at 301 S. Butterfield Rd. in Muncie. The investment will contribute to growth, including the addition of up to 20 new jobs at an average wage above the county average…

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First Wave of American Rescue Plan Funds Distributed to Local Restaurants

Editor’s note: On August 25th, the following additional restaurants received funding: 12th Street Café, Frozen Boulder, the Caffeinery, Twin Archers, Dumpling House. Red Apple, GGs, Queer Chocolatier, Macs on Batavia, Jimmy Johns on Martin Street and Guardian Brewery. MUNCIE, Ind. – The City of Muncie is proud to announce that funds for the first seven restaurants to be approved by an independent committee for the City of Muncie’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) have been distributed to help those affected by the COVID-19…


Ivy Tech Community College To Host ‘Welcome Back Party’ on August 18th

By Jennifer Gasiorek— MUNCIE, Ind.—Ivy Tech will begin the Fall Semester on August 18. To celebrate the first day, the College is having a Welcome Back Party, August 18th from 4:00-7:00 PM. The Chameleon Brothers will be playing on the West Plaza of the Fisher Building at 325 S. High Street. There will be food, family fun activities, learn more about Ivy Tech’s programs, short-term certificates and degree offerings, and an opportunity to meet with local employers. The following companies…


TeenWorks, Inc. to Host 1st Annual TeenWorks Golf Tourney

By TeenWorks— Proceeds of the event will support the 2021-2022 year-round Pro program which serves 35 local teens, as well as the 100 teens anticipated to participate in the 2022 Summer program. MUNCIE, Ind.—TeenWorks, a central Indiana nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens to achieve excellence in community, college, and career, will host its 1st Annual TeenWorks Tourney at Maplewood Golf Course on Friday, September 17th. Participating community members will golf in groups of 4 and can register by contacting Regional…


How Local Organizations are ‘Flipping the Script’ on Workforce Development Efforts

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie and Delaware County have recently welcomed a multitude of economic development announcements rife with job opportunities. But the region has long faced a shortage of qualified workers—a shortage that was only further fueled by the pandemic. Ball Brothers Foundation recently made two grants to support local workforce development efforts, hoping to help Muncie to be more competitive and ready for post-pandemic ventures. “By partnering with a number of community organizations on workforce development…


PlySpace Artist in Residence, Jung Sun Kang to Perform Piano Recital at Cornerstone

By Sarah Shaffer— MUNCIE, Ind.—PlySpace, the artist in residence program of The Muncie Arts and Culture Council is excited to announce “First Sonatas”, the artist talk and piano recital featuring PlySpace Artist in Residence, Jung Sun Kang. “First Sonatas” will take place in the E.B. Ball Auditorium of Cornerstone Center for the Arts on Friday, August 27, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. “First Sonatas” will serve as the world premiere of Kang’s sonata composed while at the PlySpace Artist Residency…


Muncie Animal Care and Services ‘Adopt-A-Thon’ Continues Through August 21st

By Corey Ohlenkamp, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, Ind. – Muncie Animal Care and Services Department has extended the Adopt-A-Thon event through next week, offering reduced adoption fees during normal business hours. The goal is to help as many kittens, cats and dogs find their forever home. Over the past month, MACS has had several neglect and rescue cases that have increased the shelter’s population to nearly 400 animals. This is well above and beyond the normal capacity of…


Mary Ippel Shares Her Love of Gardening, Her Faith and Overcoming Health Issues

By Mary Ippel— MUNCIE, Ind.—My name is Mary Ippel.  I am almost 69 years old. I am the wife of Bruce Ippel.  I am the mother of ten wonderful children, seven in-law children, and grandmother to 15 grandchildren, as well as several other children I love as my own.  I love the Lord and, as a Purdue Master Gardener in Delaware county, I love to garden. Six years ago I suddenly became very ill while we were visiting my daughter…


John Carlson: When Your Tresses Are Messes

By John Carlson— If there is one thing seven years of retirement have taught me, it is that senior citizens are the primary victims of “bed head.” Well, those of us with some hair left are, anyway. Not surprisingly, I got to thinking about this just the other day. What spurred it was I inadvertently caught my reflection in a window and gagged. Then estimating my total length of retirement so far, I calculated that I have walked around with…


Cooley Park Set to Open Splash Pad on Friday

By Corey Ohlenkamp, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, Ind. – The City of Muncie is holding a small opening ceremony for the splash pad at Cooley Park on Friday, August 13. The park is located at 3120 S. Mock Ave. Cooley’s renovations, which are a part of the City of Muncie administration’s 4-year park plan, include a new splash pad, the construction of a new walking trail, new lighting across the park, renovations to the restroom facilities, and planting…