Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball Brothers Foundation Awards More Than .4 Million in First Round of 2022 Grants

Non-Profit June 16, 2022

Ball Brothers Foundation Awards More Than $2.4 Million in First Round of 2022 Grants

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball Brothers Foundation announced funding to 33 projects in its first round of grants for 2022, totaling over $2.4 million. The grants included approximately $220,000 in funding for projects related to the foundation’s Project Blueways initiative, which supports efforts related to local soil and water quality, watershed planning, and water recreation. The largest of the Project Blueways grants is a $90,000 grant to Muncie Sanitary District for the construction of up to four canoe/kayak launches along the White River from the Prairie Creek Reservoir area through downtown Muncie. The launch sites will be strategically…

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MCS Hires Principals for Northside Middle School and North View Elementary

Education June 16, 2022

MCS Hires Principals for Northside Middle School and North View Elementary

By Andy Klotz— Assistant principals and English Learners leader also added MUNCIE, Ind. – The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees added two new principals and three other leaders to the district during Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting. Another administrator has also transitioned into a new assistant principal role serving two MCS elementary schools. The board approved the hiring of the following people: Ben Williams – Principal, Northside Middle School Aiesha Allen – Principal, North View Elementary Kayla Arguello – Asst. Principal, Muncie Central High School Randy McCracken – Asst. Principal, Southside Middle School Kelsey Pavelka – Teacher and Director…

‘WorkMatters at Ivy Tech’ – Matching Grant Between Don Wood Foundation/George and Frances Ball Foundation

Education June 16, 2022

‘WorkMatters at Ivy Tech’ – Matching Grant Between Don Wood Foundation/George and Frances Ball Foundation

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, Ind – The Don Wood Foundation has joined the George and Frances Ball Foundation in supporting the Ivy Tech Muncie Campus’s WorkMatters initiative through a matching grant of $79,000 each. These grants, awarded to the Ivy Tech Foundation, will support the WorkMatters initiative through the pilot year of 2022-23. “WorkMatters is a collaborative effort between Ivy Tech Muncie and workforce partners in Delaware and Henry counties to bolster the economy through manufacturing education, leadership, and life-skills training for justice-involved persons. The ultimate goal is to leverage resources to reduce recidivism by providing education, support, and earnings…

Yorktown’s ‘Four for the 4th’ Returns With Over ,000 in Scholarships and Prizes

Education, Entertainment June 15, 2022

Yorktown’s ‘Four for the 4th’ Returns With Over $47,000 in Scholarships and Prizes

By Ryan Gernand— YORKTOWN, Ind.- The annual “Four for the 4th” run/walk returns to downtown Yorktown at 8 AM on the 4th of July—bigger and better than ever.  This year the Yorktown Community Schools Foundation takes over race management and is excited to welcome Thrive Credit Union as the title sponsor as they work together to raise funds to better the community, trails, parks, schools, and give away scholarships. This year the overall male and female race champions will each win $500 in cash, and all students ages 19 and under that complete the 4-mile race will be entered for a drawing…

Healthy Community Alliance Recognizes Outstanding Blackford County Volunteer

Health June 15, 2022

Healthy Community Alliance Recognizes Outstanding Blackford County Volunteer

By John Disher— Annual “100,000 Award” recognizes dedication to improving health and well-being MUNCIE, Ind.— The Healthy Community Alliance of East Central Indiana (HCA) presented its “100,000 Award in Memory of Dr. George Branam” to Blackford County volunteer Fred Hoffman at its annual recognition meeting on June 13, 2022. The annual award is given to an individual or organization that supports the work of the HCA through outstanding leadership, innovative collaborations and unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of local communities. The HCA “100,000 Award” recognizes the legacy of the late George Branam, MD, a steadfast champion of…

Local Amateur Radio Club Operators to Participate in ‘Field Day’ at Morrow’s Meadow

Non-Profit June 14, 2022

Local Amateur Radio Club Operators to Participate in ‘Field Day’ at Morrow’s Meadow

By Jim McDonald, Trustee (MAARC)— YORKTOWN, IN—Members of Delaware County’s amateur radio community will join forces on at Morrow’s Meadow for a 24 hour test of communication abilities and emergency preparedness.  Called “Field Day”, amateurs will set up and operate portable radio stations and make contacts with like stations across North America. Hours of operations will be 2 p.m. Saturday through 2 p.m. Sunday. “Since 1933, the amateur community has come together for the largest all-volunteer radio communications exercise in the world,” according to Gary Lee, trustee of the Yorktown amateur (or ham) radio club—known as EMCOMM ECI (Emergency Communications…

DWNTWN Game Night on June 18th Will Feature Lawn Games and Fun for Everyone

Entertainment June 14, 2022

DWNTWN Game Night on June 18th Will Feature Lawn Games and Fun for Everyone

By Intersection— MUNCIE, Ind. – As part of its packed summer of events, DWNTWN invites the community to bring their family and friends (even dogs) to DWNTWN Game Night at Canan Commons on Saturday, June 18 from 7–11 p.m., presented by Wealth Strategies, Inc. The evening will include free fun for all ages, plus an opportunity to experience and explore other options for family entertainment in Muncie this summer. Kids and adults can enjoy a variety of lawn games, including: Rockstar Bingo: An exciting blend of Music Trivia and classic Bingo hosted by Michelle Kinsey. Bring your phone to play. Roshambo…

The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center Is Open Again

Non-Profit June 14, 2022

The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center Is Open Again

By Diane Watters, Associate Director, E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, Ball State University— MUNCIE, Ind.—After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center has reopened. The Center on Minnetrista Boulevard has been a Muncie landmark since it was built in 1907 by Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Ball. In 1975, the Ball Brothers Foundation gifted the residential property to the Ball State University Foundation with the provision that it be used by the university as a continuing education facility. The Center has had long history of offering cultural and personal enrichment programs in the areas of…

Beat the Heat With These Energy-Saving Tips from Indiana Michigan Power

Business June 14, 2022

Beat the Heat With These Energy-Saving Tips from Indiana Michigan Power

By Tracy Warner— A few simple tips can help save energy during these hot temperatures FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Temperatures are rising this week and will again as we head into the warm summer months. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is Powering the Next Energy-saving Tip to help customers save energy while staying cool. Warmer temperatures often bring higher usage for customers, which could cause an increase in bills. I&M has simple tips, tools and programs to enable customers to take control of their energy usage. Easy, no-cost ways to save energy: Set your thermostat a little higher during summer. You…

Indiana is a Hotspot for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Global Report Says

Non-Profit June 14, 2022

Indiana is a Hotspot for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Global Report Says

By The Indiana Economic Development Corporation— Internationally renowned Startup Genome highlights Indiana as a Top 40 Emerging Startup Ecosystem INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Startup Genome, a policy advisory and research organization, has released its 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. The comprehensive, data-driven report analyzed more than 280 entrepreneurial ecosystems including 3 million startups and ranked Indiana as a Global Top 40 Emerging Ecosystem. Indiana is also included in seven other subsets for talent, early capital funding and performance. “The Start Up Genome Top 40 ranking is an exciting validation of the hard work of our entrepreneurs—but there is still more, as a state, we…