Articles by Mike Rhodes

Mobile Lung Screening Unit to Make Stop in Muncie on October 20

Health October 13, 2025

Mobile Lung Screening Unit to Make Stop in Muncie on October 20

By Amy Sams, IU Health Mobile Lung Screening Manager— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana University Health is bringing life-saving lung cancer screenings directly to your community with our Mobile Lung Screening Unit—traveling across Indiana to offer low-dose CT scans to individuals at high risk for lung cancer. Lung cancer doesn’t wait. Why should you? Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Indiana, but it doesn’t have to be. Most people do not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced, when…

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Drawing the Circle Wide: Building Health Through Shared Strength

Health October 13, 2025

Drawing the Circle Wide: Building Health Through Shared Strength

By Rev. Leah Gunning Francis, Ph.D., Senior VP and Chief Mission and Values Officer, IU Health— MUNCIE, IN—At the heart of community well-being lies a simple truth: health is more than what happens in a doctor’s office. It is shaped by our relationships, our environment, and the support systems that surround us. When we approach health holistically, caring for body, mind, and spirit, we not only nurture individuals but strengthen the fabric of our communities. That principle was the focus…

A Bowl of Good: Soup Crawl 2025 Funds 120,000 Student Meals

Business October 10, 2025

A Bowl of Good: Soup Crawl 2025 Funds 120,000 Student Meals

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN—On Wednesday afternoon, Tim Pierce and Ben Polk of PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union announced the winners of Soup Crawl and presented a donation check to C.S. Hendershot and Sunni Matters of Second Harvest Food of East Central Indiana. The event raised $30,037.00 this year. Proceeds from the Soup Crawl contribute to Second Harvest Food Bank’s The Big Idea initiative, which aims to break the cycle of generational poverty by uniting schools, families, and resource providers in…

Helping East Central Indiana Prosper: First Merchants Bank’s Enduring Community Commitment

Business October 9, 2025

Helping East Central Indiana Prosper: First Merchants Bank’s Enduring Community Commitment

By  Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—This past spring, 33 First Merchants Bank employees traded their desks for a day in the classroom at Anderson Preparatory Academy. Spread across every K–5 classroom, these volunteers brought Junior Achievement’s financial wellness lessons to life. They taught children about saving money and setting career goals. First Merchants employees made concepts like budgeting and entrepreneurship fun and relatable. Delaware County’s hometown bank knows that early education in budgeting and saving is vital to the success…

The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030 is a Five-Year Plan for Transforming Muncie

Non-Profit October 9, 2025

The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030 is a Five-Year Plan for Transforming Muncie

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—With community collaboration now in place – across schools, nonprofits, businesses, and higher education – the George and Frances Ball Foundation – is sharing a long-term strategy that transforms a model into a movement. The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030 is a comprehensive, five-year strategic plan shaped by more than 150 community stakeholders representing a cross-section of interests. It lays out a focused path toward stronger educational outcomes and better long-term employment opportunities for all. “Our objective is…

Experience ‘Boo-levard Bash’ for Trick-or-Treating on Minnetrista Boulevard October 10

Entertainment October 8, 2025

Experience ‘Boo-levard Bash’ for Trick-or-Treating on Minnetrista Boulevard October 10

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Grab your costumes and candy buckets—Minnetrista’s Boo-levard Bash is back on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 5:30–8 p.m. This free, family-friendly celebration transforms historic Minnetrista Boulevard into a lively Halloween festival filled with trick-or-treating, fall flavors, and festive fun. The evening begins at the Columns, where guests will make their way toward the food trucks in front of the Center Building. On the Greensward, families can purchase fresh caramel apples, cider, cocoa, and more, and enjoy…

Freedom Bus Opens at Minnetrista with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Family Adventure Day

Entertainment October 7, 2025

Freedom Bus Opens at Minnetrista with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Family Adventure Day

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—From the streets of Muncie to the wider world, the fight for civil rights has always included the voices of East Central Indiana. This fall, those voices have a new home. It looks like an ordinary city bus from the outside, but step inside and you’ll discover the extraordinary stories of neighbors, leaders, and families who stood at the frontlines of the civil rights movement. On Wednesday, October 8, at 10:30 a.m., Minnetrista Museum & Gardens…

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Launches Fall Fundraiser With ,000 Matching Gift

Non-Profit October 7, 2025

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Launches Fall Fundraiser With $5,000 Matching Gift

By Cornerstone’s Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is celebrating community, creativity and history with its 2025 Fall Fundraiser, running now through November 30. This year, every contribution has double the impact thanks to a generous $5,000 matching gift; meaning if Cornerstone raises $5,000, it will unlock an additional $5,000 for a total of $10,000 in support. As the organization’s historic building nears its 100th anniversary, Cornerstone continues to serve as a hub for the arts in…

Indiana House Republicans Seeking Interns for 2026 Legislative Session

Government October 7, 2025

Indiana House Republicans Seeking Interns for 2026 Legislative Session

By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary—  STATEHOUSE— Indiana House Republicans are seeking student interns for the 2026 legislative session, according to State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown). These paid, full-time internships are open to college students, recent graduates and students in graduate and law school. Rowray said the internship is an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of state government through active participation in the legislative process. “Interns leave this program with more confidence to explore career options and…

FREE Flu Shots and More at Meridian’s ‘Flu-Lapalooza’

Health October 6, 2025

FREE Flu Shots and More at Meridian’s ‘Flu-Lapalooza’

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN – Meridian Health Services invites the community to Flu-Lapalooza, a FREE one-day flu shot clinic, on Thursday, October 9 from 1 to 6 p.m., or until supplies last, at Meridian Health Services locations throughout the state of Indiana. Each location will be drawing for a chance to WIN a $50 grocery gift card (eligible to participants only). Flu-Lapalooza ensures convenient access to health care by providing free flu shots to those six months and older….