Articles by Mike Rhodes

Four-year-old Isabelle Rabenstein receives books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, delivered by letter carrier Debbie Edwards Thompson. Isabelle is the daughter of Jordan and Zach Rabenstein. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 16, 2020

Letter Carrier Brings More Than Mail to United Way

By Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—When Debbie Edwards Thompson makes her rounds as a letter carrier, she often brings much more than the mail to children on her route. She delivers smiles. She delivers excitement. And, most importantly, she delivers opportunity. Because inside those packages are books that are part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides one book each month for children, from birth to age 5, enrolled in the program in Delaware, Henry and Randolph counties. Thompson, who has…

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This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion.

Health September 15, 2020

Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, Sept 15th

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. Muncie, IN—Delaware County continues to exhibit high positive testing rates for COVID-19. As of print, the county’s 7-day positivity rate is at 10.3%, according to the Indiana State Department of Health; the CDC suggests this number should be well under 5%. Since Sept. 4,…

Mayor Ridenour presents during Monday's news conference. Photo by Woof boom radio news.

Business September 15, 2020

Muncie Real Estate Ranks #1 in State for Percentage Increase in Median Sales

By Woof Boom Radio News— Muncie, IN—In a room filled with local business leaders, realtors, bankers, and Woof Boom Radio, Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour wanted to share some positive news during a press conference on Monday.  Muncie and Delaware County rank #1 for increase in median sales – that’s residential family, condo, and town home dwellings.  Avon ranked second, Greenfield third, then Indianapolis, New Albany and Anderson round out the top 6.  Ridenour began the upbeat presentation, clearly “cheer leading”…

Photo by: iStockphoto

Education September 15, 2020

Two MCHS Football Games Cancelled Due to COVID-19

By Andy Klotz— One positive test causes much of team to quarantine Muncie, Ind. – A positive case of COVID-19 for a Central High School football player will keep the team from playing its next two scheduled games. This Friday’s game at Arsenal Tech in Indianapolis and the September 25 home game against Lafayette Harrison have both been cancelled. A total of 32 players and five coaches have been declared close contacts of the student who tested positive. Indiana State…

A youth painting class at Cornerstone. photo provided

Entertainment September 14, 2020

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Fall Classes, Workshops, and Special Events

By Claire Downes— Muncie, IN—As Thomas Merton once said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Cornerstone Center for the Arts is proud to offer opportunities where all people have a place to be themselves, connect with others, and let go of their daily stress. Cornerstone will offer classes for the entire family this fall. Fall eight-week classes begin the week of September 14 and continue through the week of November 6. Various workshops, masterclasses,…

Tom Alexander, Gloria Adams, Felicia and David Dixon at Cowan Elementary School. Photo by Scott Metzler

Non-Profit September 14, 2020

Kiwanis Club of Muncie Celebrates 100 Years with Reading Oasis Project

By Susan Fisher, Member, Kiwanis Club of Muncie— Muncie, IN—August 2020 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Muncie. Chartered in 1920, the club, perhaps best known for its annual Christmas tree sales, has changed a lot over the years.  One thing hasn’t changed: the motto of “Serving the Children of the World.” The club spearheads fundraising efforts throughout the year to support its service projects. The service projects include supporting Riley Children’s Hospital since its founding, building…

Pictured L-R: Daniel Stallings and Johnathan Jones, Executive Director of Motivate Our Minds. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 11, 2020

Daniel Stallings Receives 2020 Ruth Freund Award From Motivate Our Minds

By Farmhouse Creative— Muncie, IN—The award recognizes a volunteer who has made an extraordinary volunteer commitment to continue the mission of Motivate Our Minds. The award was announced during the Motivate Our Minds virtual luncheon on August 7th. This was a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the organization as well as how Motivate Our Minds has been supporting students and families during the past few months. Ruth Freund was an extraordinary friend of Motivate Our Minds….

Scooping some of this stuff onto your nachos quickly gets your mouth’s attention. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson September 11, 2020

John Carlson: Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Food

By John Carlson— What is it about fiery food that makes some of us consider eating it a personal challenge? Moronity? OK, I’ll buy that. Beats me how many times I’ve entered restaurants anticipating a pleasant, filling but ultimately dull meal. Then something on the menu strikes me like a duelist’s slap across the face, daring me to try it unless I’m some kind of little wussy boy. Then, despite being some kind of little wussy boy, I do try it….

Almost Heaven Cake. Photo provided

Entertainment September 11, 2020

Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie’s Annual ‘Just Desserts’ Fundraiser Announced

By Amy Logan— Muncie, IN—The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie continue to host the annual Just Desserts fundraiser this year on November 6. This year’s event will take place at the Club and have a different feel to it. “Our goal throughout this year has been to make sure everyone – our Club kids, families, and staff – are safe and healthy. We plan to keep this goal top of mind during this year’s Just Desserts event,” explains Amy…

From left: Chris Cook, Dave Heeter and Chris Caldwell, representing Northwest, with Pat’s family -- Taylor Botts, Adam Botts, Jane Botts, Molly Bucholtz, Sam Bucholtz, Jake Bucholtz, Archie Botts, Jordan Botts, Ben Botts, Erica Bucholtz and Jason Bucholtz -- gathered to dedicate the Pat Botts Free Children’s Library.

Business September 10, 2020

Northwest Bank Dedicates Children’s Library to Honor Pat Botts

By Colette Bonavita— Muncie, IN—In August, the family of Pat Botts, along with representatives of Northwest Bank and Muncie By5, dedicated the Pat Botts Free Children’s Library. We invite families in the Muncie community to visit the library, located in Northwest’s 110 E. Charles St. office, and “take a book, leave a book”. Pat, former MutualBank president and COO, passed away unexpectedly in October 2019, leaving a legacy of servant leadership and concern for the youth in the Muncie area. He was…