Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Public Library Receives ‘Lift Every Voice’ Grant

By Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library— Muncie, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) is one of three libraries in the state of Indiana to receive a Lift Every Voice Grant to explore and celebrate African American poetry. Jefferson Township Public Library and Tippecanoe County Public Library were the other two Hoosier recipients. According to a press release from Library of America, forty-nine libraries and other institutions in twenty-four states received grants for public programs as part of Lift Every Voice: Why African American…

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2021 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars Named

By Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, Samuel Coffman of Wapahani High School and Samuel Voss of Muncie Central High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars receive a four-year award that grants full tuition to any accredited public or private non-profit college or university in Indiana. The Lilly Scholarship also covers fees and provides an annual stipend for required books and equipment….


Lighthouse Recovery Home Receives New State Certification

By Joy Rediger— Muncie, IN—Urban Light Community Development Corporation is proud to announce The Lighthouse Recovery Home for women has obtained state certification as a Certified Recovery Residence through the Indiana Affiliation of Recovery Residences (INARR). The Lighthouse Recovery Home promotes sustainable, long-term recovery through a faith-based, 3-phase program that restores dignity and develops healthy boundaries. This holistic program is designed to promote sustainable recovery through lifestyle changes in community and relationships; finances; and spiritual, physical and mental health. “We’re…


Muncie Community Schools Hires Former Sheriff Ray Dudley as New Security Chief

By Andy Klotz— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees has named former Delaware County Sheriff Ray Dudley its new chief of security. He will replace longtime Security Chief Chuck Hensley who is retiring at the end of the month. Dudley served as sheriff from 2015 to 2018 where he managed operations for the 220-inmate jail and law enforcement operations throughout Delaware County. He was responsible for the department’s $10 million budget and security for five Circuit courts,…


Community Enhancement Projects (CEP) Helps Beautify Muncie

By Rick Zeigler—Muncie, IN – Community Enhancement Projects, better known as CEP, has announced the completion of a number of projects in 2020. The  projects listed below helped CEP fulfill its annual mission of undertaking beautification efforts in our city that will enhance and improve the quality of life for Muncie residents and visitors. 2020 projects undertaken and completed include: The financing, along with many others, of the relocation of the historic steel-truss bridge recently installed at the Kitselman Gateway The replacement of damaged plantings at Gilbert Park The beautification of medians on either side…


Congressman Greg Pence: Indiana to Receive $169 Million in Rural Broadband Funding from FCC

By U.S. Congressman Greg Pence Press Office— Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) announced today that Indiana will be the recipient of $169 million to improve access to high-speed internet service through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. The announcement today came via the Federal Communication Commission. Counties in Indiana’s Sixth District to receive the funding: Delaware, Randolph, Henry, Wayne, Hancock, Fayette, Union, Franklin, Shelby, Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings, Ripley, Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland, Jefferson and Scott. “Without access…


Upcoming ‘Unity in OUR Community’ Meeting Open to the Public

By Dr. Mabala Nyalugwe— Muncie, IN—So much work has been done by various groups and individuals in the African American Community over the years. In November, a panel of our African American leaders was invited to an initial gathering on November 21, at Greater Kingdom Life Ministry, 901 East 29th Street, Muncie IN. Community members met to discuss interests, concerns, and challenges in OUR community and possible strategies of collective action. The meeting was designed to provide a vital resource as…


Shafer Leadership Academy Reports 97% Satisfaction Rate After Largest Program in 14-year History

By Kate H. Elliott— Muncie, IN—Twice a week for six weeks, Ryan McFarland sat 6 feet apart from 10 of his colleagues at Tyson Foods Inc., in Portland. The maintenance supervisor of 13 years could have been assigning repairs or coordinating equipment inspections, but instead, he talked about communication challenges, dove into management exercises, and even tackled homework. “One lesson I have brought back to my team is that not all criticism is bad or negative. I also learned new…


Solarize Indiana Meeting to Help Residents Plan For Installations of Solar Panels

By Sheryl Swingley— Muncie, IN—Solarize Indiana, a grassroots community group, will sponsor a Zoom meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, During the meeting, area residents and business owners will learn how they can plan now to add solar panels on their houses or businesses before there is no longer a federal tax credit, which ends in 2021. The Zoom meeting will involve a 30-minute presentation followed by an hour for questions and answers. There is no charge to attend…


Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour Secures Option to Purchase 13 Acres for New City Park

By City of Muncie Communications— Muncie, IN- Mayor Dan Ridenour has taken action on his commitment to expand and improve Muncie city parks, by securing an agreement to purchase 13 acres along South Tillotson Avenue along Buck Creek.  According to the Muncie City Parks 5-Year Park Plan, when comparing park systems according to acres, Muncie contains the 2nd lowest park acres. However, when Prairie Creek Park is included, Muncie’s parks department maintains the most park acreage among the 17 second…