Articles by Mike Rhodes

Education July 16, 2020

Academic Innovation Plan Sparks ‘New Sense of Optimism for What is Possible in Muncie Community Schools’

By: Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN — In the summer of 2018, Muncie Community Schools made headlines when it partnered with Ball State University to establish a new model of leadership for the corporation. But there’s one aspect to the partnership that many people may not know about: the substantial support from local foundations. When the partnership was first taking shape, local banks and foundations—including Ball Brothers Foundation, The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County and the George and Frances Ball Foundation—committed more than $3 million of initial funding in the span of about three weeks. And Ball State President…

Education July 15, 2020

BSU Musicians Perform to Help Feed People During Pandemic

By: BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — For the next few weeks, fans of the bassoon will be able to listen to a group of Ball State University musicians perform as part of an effort to feed people amid the economic issues caused by the pandemic. Through July 31, a group of Ball State students and recent graduates from the School of Music in the College of Fine Arts are posting weekly bassoon ensemble performances as part of Bassoons Filling Bellies. People who would like to contribute to their noteworthy effort may visit http://help.feedingamerica.org/goto/BassoonsFillBellies. So far, the bassoonists have…

Business July 14, 2020

Local Photographer Joins Nationwide Effort to Create Complimentary Professional Headshots for Unemployed

By: JR Krupa Imaging— Muncie, IN—Nothing says “I’m ready to work” more than a freshly pressed suit, an updated resume, and of course, a professional headshot. Regardless of profession, COVID-19 sent millions of Americans to the unemployment line without warning. That is why local photographer Joe Krupa, J.R. Krupa Imaging, is participating with Headshot Booker, Brookfield Properties and the Innovation Connector in the largest, single-day photo initiative that will provide 10,000 unemployed Americans nationwide with a complimentary, professional headshot to include with their resumes and post to job sites such as LinkedIn. Krupa will be producing the complimentary headshots on…

Business July 13, 2020

First Merchants Announces New President for Muncie Market

By: Chad Mertz— Muncie, IN– First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has announced Jamie Matthews as its new market president for the Muncie region. Matthews will oversee all market operations and build upon the company’s recent growth and success in the city it has called home for more than 125 years. Matthews has been with First Merchants for nearly a decade, serving as a business banker, commercial relationship manager, and most recently as commercial banking sales manager. Prior to First Merchants, Matthews was a men’s basketball coach for Manchester College, Saginaw Valley State University and Eastern Washington University. He received…

Carlson July 10, 2020

John Carlson: Rollin’ Down The River

By: John Carlson— There’s something special about rivers. Anybody who’s ever stood on a bank of the mighty Mississippi, or even driven across it on a bridge, knows this. The same magic, albeit on a smaller scale, holds true for lesser rivers, our very own White River among them. That people hereabouts take a proprietary interest in our stretch of the river is proven by the number of folks who volunteer whenever a clean-up day is scheduled. Then there are the thousands of others who’ve paddled down it in rented canoes and kayaks, many putting in at Yorktown and floating…

Education July 8, 2020

Muncie Community Schools Releases Reopening Plan

New starting, dismissal times for middle schools, high school among changes By: Andy Klotz— Muncie, IN – Take-home devices for all students, a new virtual learning program and no drinking from the water fountains. Those are among the changes Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has outlined in its Reopening Plan for the 2020-21 school year as it prepares to educate children in the COVID-19 era. “We’ll be ready when school opens August 11,” MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski said. “We’ve been working closely with the Delaware County Health Department to develop a thorough plan that…

Entertainment July 7, 2020

Changes to ‘Faeries, Sprites, and Lights’ at Minnetrista Due to COVID-19

By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, IN—It is Faerie season in Muncie and now more than ever our community could use a dose of Faerie enchantment and the togetherness this event brings year after year. In light of COVID-19 and the guidelines and best practices surrounding it, we have been forced to cancel, postpone, or reimagine a number of traditional events. Faeries, Sprites, & Lights is no different. Leadership at Minnetrista put our heads together to reimagine this year’s event such that it would ensure public safety while remaining true to the spirit of the event by giving families the opportunity to…

Carlson July 3, 2020

John Carlson: Deep In A Fair-Food Funk

By: John Carlson— This summer’s unprecedented cancellation of the Delaware County Fair and the Indiana State Fair has come as a blow to many, including those of us who, not having grown up within sniffing distance of a farm, know little of the rural life’s magic. Oh sure, we have an inkling of what we’re missing. Herds of chickens, serenely ambling in from the fields at dusk. The joyous mooing of cows, frolicking in the mud after being sheared. The plaintive bleating of horses at milking time. But who am I kidding? What I’m really going to miss is the fair…

Education July 2, 2020

Ball State, Ivy Tech Create Smooth Path For Transfer Students

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN — Ivy Tech Community College graduates will have a smooth transition to Ball State University as a result of a new agreement between the two institutions. The new Guaranteed Admissions Agreement (GAA) allows Ivy Tech students who earn an associate of science degree in Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP) programs to be guaranteed admission into designated bachelor degree programs at Ball State. “This new agreement provides a seamless way for students from Ivy Tech Community College to find their new home at Ball State,” said Susana Rivera-Mills, Ball State’s provost and executive…

Business July 2, 2020

Additional Funding Awarded to Enhance Muncie’s Riverside Trail Project

By: Delaware Advancement Corporation & Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— Muncie, IN – Delaware Advancement Corporation and the City of Muncie are pleased to announce that additional funds have been secured to provide enhancements to the Riverside trail project. The residents living along and near the trail route have shared their feedback in public and individual meetings, and the project team has worked to find resources to address their concerns. Among the issues cited included loss of trees, flooding, safety of pedestrians, and speed of traffic. The Ball Brothers Foundation has granted $25,000 to cover the cost of planting 30-35 replacement…

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