Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo provided

Education August 4, 2020

MCS to Distribute Devices for Virtual Learners Beginning August 5th

By: Andy Klotz— Muncie, Ind. – We’re a week away from the first day of school for students in Muncie Community Schools (MCS). Nearly 800 students have enrolled in the district’s new virtual learning program, and those without a computer, laptop or tablet can acquire one from the school system beginning tomorrow. MCS will assign one device – iPads for K-2 students, Chromebooks for students in grades 3-12 – to the parent or guardian of each student who has already…

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Companies will truck their products and materials to this rail spur for loading onto trains. Likewise, materials needed for those companies will come via train to the rail spur to be loaded onto trucks for local delivery. Photo provided

Government August 3, 2020

Delaware County Commissioners To Put Railroad Spur Into Service

By: ECI Regional Planning District— Delaware County, IN– In a case of making lemonade after life hands you lemons, the Delaware County (Indiana) commissioners have announced that a railroad spur built to serve a now-defunct manufacturing plant will serve as a shipping and receiving point for companies that need goods transported by train. In the fall of 2008, a maker of wind turbine parts announced plans to open a huge manufacturing facility in Delaware County. But the economy soon slipped…

The White River and trail area as seen from the Walnut Street Bridge

Government July 31, 2020

MSD Announces Updates to the Muncie Central Levee Trail

By: Allison Robbins— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Sanitary District is pleased to announce that it will complete the construction of the Muncie Central Levee Trail this summer.  The trail design and construction are being funded through a grant awarded to the Muncie Sanitary District from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through its Recreational Trail Program. The new trail starts at the Cardinal Greenway near the McCullouch Trailhead on the south side of the river continuing on the levee to the High…

Arms and hair flying, this captures my look riding a scary roller coaster.

Carlson July 31, 2020

John Carlson: Being Taken for a Ride

By: John Carlson— In the wake of closures due to COVID-19, plenty of families are happy that amusement parks such as Cedar Point remain open. Me? I’m way too old to care. My age isn’t the only reason, though. I also blame the lingering psychological effects of the cruel deception played on my sister Patty and me, one that tainted our formative years in the pivotal area of amusement park appreciation. See, we grew up about an hour east of…

Ivy Tech's downtown Muncie facility.

Education July 30, 2020

Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County is Open for In-Person Services August 3rd

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, Ind.– Ivy Tech Community College’s staff will be available to the public August 3 for in-person services. The campus will be open to the public Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the phones will be answered locally during the same hours of operation.  Ivy Tech is also available virtually and can be reached at askmuncie@ivytech.edu. “Welcome Back! We are so excited to welcome our community back to our campus for in-person services. This…

Aerial image of the IU Health Ball Memorial Campus. Photo provided.

Health July 29, 2020

IU Health Medical Center Ranked Among Nation’s Top Hospitals for 23rd Consecutive Year

U.S. News rates eight specialties, including ear nose and throat, geriatrics and gynecology, as high performing or among nation’s top 50 INDIANAPOLIS,IN—U.S. News & World Report has released its 2020-2021 ‘Best Hospitals’ rankings that name Indiana University Health Medical Center among the nation’s top adult hospitals for the 23rd consecutive year. According to the U.S. News rankings, IU Health Medical Center is the No. 1 ranked hospital in Indiana and Indianapolis and the only nationally ranked adult hospital in the state. To…

Zachary Stanley of Delta High School (left) and Thomas Wilhoite of Yorktown High School (right) are recipients of the 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Photo provided

Education, Non-Profit July 28, 2020

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship For HS Seniors Application Now Available

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN—Incoming high school seniors are now able to apply online for the 2021 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship administered by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. Applicants must be a resident of Delaware County, Ind. and attend an accredited high school in Delaware County. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Muncie and Delaware County recognizes a student who possesses leadership potential, who is community-minded and well-rounded. The scholarship covers tuition and required fees and provides…

Downtown Muncie Campus. Photo provided

Education July 28, 2020

Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County Offers Learn Anywhere Option

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN—Ivy Tech Community College, Muncie-Henry County is excited to be offering several learning modalities for the fall semester.  In the midst of fluid scheduling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivy Tech is prepared to offer options for students who would like to pursue a workforce certificate, credential or an associate degree in-person, online, virtual or a combination of the three. In-person traditional courses will begin August 24, 2020. Students will have instructors and lab time face-to-face in a…

A peek inside the Changing Seasons Patio Shoppe sales floor.

Business July 26, 2020

Virtual Home Show 2020: Changing Seasons Patio Shoppe

By: Changing Seasons— Muncie, IN—The story of Changing Seasons Patio Shoppe begins with shopping!  Patricia and David Wallace were customers of the patio shoppe before becoming owners.  As customers, they fell in love with the quality of the products and the ability to customize exactly what they wanted.  When the owners were looking to sell their business in 1997 Pat and David didn’t want to see this gem of a business leave. They loved the quality of the furniture and…

Jud Fisher is pictured with James Rosema as the winner of the 2019 Fisher Governance Award.

Non-Profit July 25, 2020

2020 Fisher Governance Award Nomination Deadline Approaching

 By: Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN—The deadline to nominate a board member for Ball Brothers Foundation’s annual John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award is fast approaching. Delaware County non-profits have until Aug. 15 to nominate one of their board members for the award.  Ball Brothers Foundation has been a longtime advocate for strong board leadership. The Fisher Governance Award was created to honor the important role boards play in governing non-profits that serve the citizens of Delaware County. The…