Articles by Mike Rhodes

United Way’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Connecting With Thousands of Children

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—There are nearly 1,000 children in Delaware County receiving free books each month as part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. And now, those books have been paired with educational and entertaining videos. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, offered by the United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties, is a program that provides children ages newborn to 5 years old with a free monthly, high-quality book. The United Way has partnered with Ball State University’s public television station…

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John Carlson: Quite The Contraption

By: John Carlson— You want proof that life today is way too complicated? Here it is. Rakes. But let’s begin with drones. Drones are a big deal any more. It’s to the point where those remotely controlled flying machines are being used – or soon will be – to deliver packages shipped by corporations like Amazon and Walmart. Eventually, one presumes that even Pizza Hut’s pepperoni pushers will probably be prone to piloting pizza-delivery drones that plop down on your…


James Rosema Honored with Fisher Governance Award

By: Jud Fisher—  Muncie, IN — James Rosema, chairman of the Muncie Mission Ministries Board of Directors, was recognized with Ball Brothers Foundation’s Fisher Governance Award at the Chamber of Commerce’s 125th Annual Meeting Celebration on Oct. 24. The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award is presented annually to a board member of a Delaware County nonprofit organization. Candidates must exhibit “exemplary leadership and … integrity, responsibility and accountability,” according to the foundation’s website. “Our foundation faces a…


First Merchants 3rd Quarter 2019 Results With The Addition Of Monroe Bank and Trust

By: First Merchants Corporation— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported third quarter 2019 net income of $36.8 million compared to $41.1 million during the same period in 2018. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.71 per share compared to third quarter 2018 results of $.83 per share. Included in the third quarter results are $11.2 million, or $.17 per share, of one-time charges related to the closing of our acquisition of Monroe Bank & Trust on…


Wapahani Students Host Flag Football Game With Local Fire And Police Departments

By: Maelyn Hobbs— Selma, IN — Wapahani High School’s RADD club (Raiders Against Destructive Decisions) hosted its annual flag football game on Tuesday but with a new twist. RADD club had its usual student game, but it also invited along members of the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Muncie Police Department for a special first-responders match-up. Wapahani RADD hosted its annual flag football game to raise awareness and funds for its student organization. RADD is a club at…


MITS Introduces Ball State Athletics Themed Wrapped Bus

By: Amanda Price, MITS— Muncie, IN—MITS, Muncie’s local transportation provider, is excited for Muncie to see the newest wrapped bus out on the streets. The new wrapped bus made its debut on Saturday October 19th during the 2019 BSU Homecoming Parade, following behind the Ball State Cheerleaders and Code Red dancers.  The bus represents the on-going partnership between MITS and Ball State Athletics. After many years of successfully transporting incoming freshman to the Meijer Back to School event, MITS staff and…


“Final Friday: Old” At The David Owsley Museum of Art 

By: Micaela Knox— Muncie, IN– The David Owsley Museum of Art will celebrate art and the local community with “Final Friday: Old” 6–9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.  The event is free and open to the public. Emcees Braydee Euliss and C.S. Hendershot will host PechaKucha speed talks with a variety of local voices discussing their experiences with the topic “Old.” Guests will have the opportunity to view the museum’s collection during late hours and participate in an “un-tour” of the…


Cornerstone’s Community Halloween Party To Take Place October 24th

By: Jessie Fisher— Muncie, IN—Halloween is just around the corner; this year celebrate with the entire family by attending Cornerstone Center for the Arts’ annual Community Halloween Party! Tricks and treats will be had on Thursday, October 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. as Cornerstone’s Colonnade Room is transformed into a spooky lair of fun and games. The Community Halloween Party is open to children and families of all ages and is free to attend. Costumes are encouraged, but not…


Ivy Tech Community College Receives 10 Year Accreditation By Higher Learning Commission

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN – The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has reaffirmed the accreditation of Ivy Tech Community College. The last accreditation was in 2009. The College received a full ten year reaffirmation of accreditation – the longest term granted by the Higher Learning Commission. The affirmation is an indicator that the College provides quality education and services to its students and stakeholders. Accreditation is viewed as a quality assurance process. In the process, institutions are asked to publicly demonstrate…


Announcement of 2019 Grants From The Rotary Club of Muncie Fund at The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By: Tom Farris— Muncie, IN – Kelly Shrock, President of The Muncie Rotary Club, announced eight organizations will receive grants from the Rotary Club of Muncie Fund for 2019. “We were pleased to receive seventeen applications from nonprofit organizations in the community for this year’s funding cycle,” stated Ms. Shrock. “Since 1917, the Muncie Rotary Club has maintained a heritage of supporting organizations doing good work in and for our community.”  The eight organizations receiving grants in 2019 include: A…