Articles by Mike Rhodes

State Representative Elizabeth Rowray

Government January 30, 2025

State Rep. Rowray Introduces Legislation to Expand Child Care Assistance for Foster Families

By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) has introduced legislation that would expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, offering additional support for foster families. “This bill is about supporting the families who take on the vital but challenging role of fostering children,” Rowray said. “By extending CCDF assistance to other children in the home of a foster parent, we would be ensuring these families have the resources they need to provide the…

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Photo by Storyblocks

Non-Profit January 30, 2025

Free Tax Assistance Available for Local Residents

By Diane Curtis, District Coordinator, AARP/TCE— MUNCIE, IN—Free Tax assistance will begin on February 1, 2025 at the following locations by appointment only. Tuesday:       10AM-2 PM   Eden Church  11205 N St Rd 3 Wednesday: 10 AM-3 PM   Maring Hunt Library  2005 S High St Thursday:     Noon-4 PM   Senior Center  2517 W 8th St Friday:          10 AM-3 PM   Kennedy Library  1700 W McGalliard Saturday:      10 AM-2 PM   Ross Community Center 1110 W 10th St Beginning now, you may call 765-283-9680. Please leave your name and phone number…

Photo by Matt Ruddick

Entertainment January 29, 2025

Cornfed Roller Derby Announces Season 12 Home Opener at Delaware County Fairgrounds

By Debra Roberts— MUNCIE, IN—Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD) is thrilled to announce the kickoff of its 12th season with an exciting home opener on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Memorial Building in Muncie, Indiana. This action-packed doubleheader will feature two thrilling matchups: The Cornfed Roller Derby All-Stars face off against the Gem City Purple Reign from Dayton, Ohio. The Cornfed B-Team, the Killer Kernels, take on Southern Indiana Roller Derby from Harrison County, Indiana. Event Details:…

Photo provided by Indiana Michigan Power.

Business January 29, 2025

I&M Customers Can Start the New Year ‘In the Loop’

By Kara Stevenson—       FORT WAYNE, IN— The start of a new year can feel refreshing. After twelve months, a blank slate seemingly offers numerous possibilities for days ahead. For some, getting organized is the first step. And this includes taking a quick look at your Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) account to make sure everything is up to date. Update Contact Information on I&M Account  Has a phone number changed? Or possibly an email address? It is important…

Muncie Central High School. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education January 29, 2025

Education Meeting Opens Eyes of Attendees About Education Reform, Elimination of DEI in Indiana

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—At the American Association of University Women Muncie Branch and League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County’s annual joint meeting Saturday on the “State of Education in Indiana,” at least 63 attendees learned that Indiana House and Senate members have introduced a record 112 education bills – 67 in the House and 45 in the Senate. The majority of bills are about K-12 education with about 15% to 20% of those bills dealing with issues in…

The Scheumanns. Photo provided by IU Health Foundation.

Health January 28, 2025

Scheumann Family Makes $1 Million Gift to Support NICU Care at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

By IU Health Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—June Scheumann recently made a $1 million gift to IU Health Foundation to support neonatalintensive care unit (NICU) care at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. As a result, the unit will be renamed June and John Scheumann Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The gift was matched by IU Health, bringing its total impact to more than $2 million. The Scheumann family’s commitment represents a transformational gift for the NICU. “We are so honored and incredibly grateful…

New playground equipment located at McCulloch Park. Photo by City of Muncie Park's Department Facebook page.

Non-Profit January 27, 2025

Muncie Action Plan’s Task Force 4: Investing in Our Parks and Quality of Place

By Jason Donati— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. Each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout 2024 during this gathering. This…

The new YMCA on Walnut Street is scheduled to open in March of 2025. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business January 27, 2025

YMCA of Muncie Announces CFO Transition: Honoring Debbie Todd and Welcoming Daniel Baker

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN—The YMCA of Muncie is honored to announce the retirement of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Debbie Todd, celebrating her remarkable 36.5 years of service, and to introduce Daniel Baker as her successor. Honoring Debbie Todd Debbie Todd has been an integral part of the YMCA of Muncie, leading with integrity and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Her meticulous stewardship of resources has enabled the YMCA to grow and deliver impactful programs that have touched…

MPL Connection Corner employees Stuart Cotton and Tenisha Harris work with MPL Director Alan Kornblau to imprint a sweatshirt with the 150th Anniversary logo. Photo by Sean Bowdell, Connection Corner Employee.

Non-Profit January 24, 2025

Muncie Public Library Celebrates 150 Years

By Susan Fisher, PR Supervisor at Muncie Public Library— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) is celebrating 150 years of providing library services to the Muncie and Center Township community. MPL will mark its sesquicentennial throughout 2025 with a variety of events for the public, including parties, programs focused on MPL’s history, a unique anniversary library card, and the creation of a new long-range plan to chart the future of MPL. “I am relatively new to MPL,” said Alan Kornblau, MPL…

Graphic by pixabay

Government January 24, 2025

League of Women Voters Offers Ways to Track Actions of Legislators at Statehouse

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The League of Women Voters of Indiana, of which the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County is a chapter, has added a section on its website called “Bill Track 50.” The service helps the League, as well as the public, monitor the progress of some of the hundreds of bills that legislators are introducing in the Indiana General Assembly during the 2025 long session. The bills the League will track fall into one of six…