Articles by Mike Rhodes

Northside Middle School Lease With Ball State Renewed

By Andy Klotz— Agreement now extends to 2024 Muncie, Ind. – The Muncie Community Schools Board of Trustees last night approved the renewal of the district’s lease with Ball State University (BSU) for Northside Middle School. The new deal extends the agreement through June 30, 2024, and reinforces the two institutions’ commitment of “placing learners first.” “Ball State does so much to support our students and staff and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” MCS Director of Public Education and CEO…

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Ball State University Extends COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Hours, Adds Waiting List

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University has extended the hours of its on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinic, while also establishing a waiting list for those requesting to receive the Moderna vaccine before their scheduled appointment. The vaccination clinic is open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday through May 21, 2021, at the Health Professions Building’s Interprofessional Community Clinics, 1613 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN 47303….


Ball State University Invites Public to Virtual Student Symposium, Apr. 13–28

By Chay Reigle— Muncie, IN—The Ball State University community and members of the public are cordially invited to attend the 26th annual Ball State Student Symposium. Due to COVID-19 considerations, the 2021 Student Symposium is being conducted virtually, with a digital multimedia exhibit featuring students’ creative and scholarly projects launching Tuesday, April 13. Viewers may browse the exhibits at their leisure through Wednesday, April 28 on the 2021 Student Symposium website. For more than 25 years, the Student Symposium at Ball State…


National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 11-17th

By Paul Singleton, Executive Director, Delaware County Emergency Communications Center— Muncie, IN—The week of April 11-17, 2021 is celebrated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. It is the job of public safety telecommunicators to provide a continuous link from those in need to emergency services providers who respond to those needs. Prompt response of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property. The safety our law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical…


John Carlson: Ok, Folks, So Here’s The Story

By John Carlson— Indiana’s fabled Story Inn is situated south of Nashville, amid thick woods and steep hills where driveways angle skyward at trajectories more commonly found on amusement park thrill rides. Following State Road 135’s twists and turns, every mile seems to take you farther and farther into the past until suddenly you enter the town of Story, population three. You spot the funky old inn, its metal siding stained orange with rust, plus some scattered cabins. Just beyond…


Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, April 8th

Editor’s note: The following COVID-19 update is brought to you through a collaboration of healthcare partners including Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Delaware County Office of Information, and other major healthcare providers. Delaware County weekly COVID-19 updates are released every Thursday and include information from the Indiana State Department of Health county metrics dashboard, which is updated every Wednesday afternoon. This week, Delaware County escalated from blue to yellow on the Indiana State Department of Health’s…


Ball State Raises Record-Breaking Total on One Ball State Day

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— Muncie, IN—During the third annual One Ball State Day on April 6, Ball State University celebrated its best single day of fundraising ever. Preliminary results show that the University has received more than 9,000 gifts totaling more than $775,000. “The generous support our University received on One Ball State Day this year is remarkable,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “I am grateful to all of the Cardinals worldwide who came together to…


Daleville Graduate Kayla Skinner Gains Experience at the Statehouse

By Lydia Kirschner, Press Secretary— Statehouse – Daleville Junior-Senior High School graduate Kayla Skinner is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and her fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2021 legislative session. Skinner, a Daleville resident, is the daughter of Kevin and Candice Skinner. She recently graduated from Indiana University Bloomington where she majored in English and received her Bachelor of the Arts degree. “As someone who grew up in a small town, I…


MCS Kindergarten And Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Programs Are This Week

By Andy Klotz— Muncie, Ind. – Parents and caregivers of young children can enroll their students in Muncie Community Schools’ (MCS) kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs this week during a series of in-person registration events. Masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Families will need to provide proof of residence as well as the child’s birth certificate and immunization records to be enrolled. “We are excited to be able to welcome families into each of the schools…


First Merchants, Hoosier Trust Company Finalize Merger

By First Merchants— Companies execute legal close following regulatory approvals Indianapolis, IN – First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) and Hoosier Trust Company have finalized a merger of the two companies, following regulatory approvals. The merger provides enhanced solutions available to current Hoosier Trust clients and solidifies First Merchants as a preeminent provider of fiduciary and wealth management services in central Indiana. Established in 2001, Hoosier Trust Company built a highly respected trust and investment management practice serving clients in central…