Articles by Mike Rhodes

What Women Have Worn Tells Stories

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, Ind.—“Essay and Ensembles: What Muncie Women Wore Making History” will be the presentation at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, 400 W. Minnetrista Blvd., from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, June 23. The program is FREE but requires a reservation. To make a reservation, call the E.B. Ball Center at 765-285-8975 and leave a message. The presenter for the program is Melissa Gentry, supervisor for the Geographic Information Science Research and Map Collection at Ball State University’s Bracken Library. Professor Diana Saiki, curator of Ball State’s Beeman Historic Costume Collection, will bring examples of clothing from the…

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FCA’s Kayla Patterson Crowned Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen

By Jeff Mosier— MUNCIE, Ind.—Fellowship of Christian Athletes of East Central Indiana is very proud to announce that on June 18, 2022, one of our key student worship leaders, Kayla Patterson, a recent graduate of Monroe Central High school, was crowned Miss Indiana’s Outstanding teen (Miss Teen Indiana.) Each contestant is required to name their platform organization. Kayla chose to represent FCA in both last year’s and this year’s competition. She played guitar and sang a worship song as her featured talent in the competition. She will compete for the title Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2023 In Dallas Texas August 12,…


Community Organizations and Teachers Awarded Grants From Community Foundation

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—Grants totaling $823,084 were awarded from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County to benefit the community between March and May 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 which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education,…


Results of Meridian Health Services’ 2022 Rialzo Extravaganza

By MHS— MUNCIE, Ind. – Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo, East Central Indiana’s largest charity gala, returned with a new look, venue and purpose on Saturday, May 14 at the Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility on Ball State’s Campus. Over 700 of Meridian’s greatest supporters attended Rialzo XI and enjoyed an evening of entertainment, guest speakers including Governor Eric Holcomb, President Geoff Mearns, dancing and raising funds for Meridian’s broad spectrum of Addictions and Recovery programs – truly a purpose with a party! The Kentucky Derby-themed charity gala featured “The Greatest 2 Minutes in Fundraising” – the Meridian Derby – a…


Entrepreneurs: Truth, Myths, Uncertainties

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, Ind.—As the Innovation Connector continues to spotlight entrepreneurs in the Muncie community during 2022, it is crucial to understand who entrepreneurs are, what makes them do what they do, and how they are an integral part of the business ecosystem? I have worked with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of individuals who claim to be entrepreneurs. Last month I wrote about the origins of entrepreneurship and submitted that an entrepreneur is “one who undertakes a new venture.” While this is a broad definition, it does cover the wide range of…


‘Bob Ross Experience’ Wins Prestigious 2022 AASLH Award of Excellence

By Bethany Hawkins, AASLH Chief of Operations— NASHVILLE, Tn – The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) congratulates Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for receiving an Award of Excellence for the Bob Ross Experience. The Award of Excellence is part of the AASLH Leadership in History Awards, the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation of state and local history. The Bob Ross Experience at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in Muncie, Indiana, is the only permanent museum exhibit dedicated to exploring the life, philosophy, and art of the iconic American painter Bob Ross, all located inside the historic…


3Rivers Federal Credit Union Announces Plans For New Muncie Branch

By Melissa Shaw, Vice President of Marketing — FORT WAYNE, Ind. –3Rivers Federal Credit Union has announced plans to build three new branches in Central Indiana. Property has been secured and construction has begun on three future 3Rivers Credit Union locations in Muncie, Pendleton, and Fortville Indiana. The completed branches are expected to open by the end of the year. The investment in the three new facilities will be approximately $7.5M. All three branches will be new markets for the credit union, widely expanding its current physical presence in Indiana.  3Rivers is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and operates 21 branches in the…


Health Statement From the Office of Congressman Greg Pence

By Mike Pence Press Office— COLUMBUS, Ind. – Today, the Office of Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) released the following statement regarding his health procedure over the weekend: Congressman Greg Pence is recovering from a heart procedure over the weekend after experiencing minor chest discomfort. Congressman Pence is expected to make a full recovery from home with his wife Denise and family. The Pence family is grateful to the entire Columbus Regional Hospital team for their exceptional care and professionalism. “I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to always seek medical attention when you aren’t feeling well. Cardiac care…


Ball State University Announces No Cost Increases for Room, Board,and Parking for 2022-23 Academic Year

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – For the second consecutive year, Ball State University’s Board of Trustees decided not to increase room, board, or parking fees for students attending the University. “We are doing everything we can to keep costs affordable for students and their families, while delivering a high-quality educational experience,” said Renae Conley, the Ball State Board of Trustees Chair. “Even with rising inflation, access is our top priority for our institution.” Ball State’s prudent fiscal management and sustained low tuition increases have secured the University’s position as the most affordable institution in the Mid-American…


Get Fired Up for a Sizzling Streetfest on August 6th

By Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, Ind. — Get Fired Up as Muncie Downtown Development Partnership hosts an all- day summer street fest to attract the entire Muncie community and surrounding areas. “What began as just an idea to bring back elements of past iconic events led to six months of planning, fundraising and partnerships to bring the event to fruition,” said Cheryl Crowder, event director for Muncie Downtown DevelopmentPartnership. “Now we are excited to invite everyone to downtown Muncie on August 6th for Fire Up DWNTWN, presented by Ivy Tech, Muncie. Packed with engaging, thematic activities, music, attractions and featuring…