Articles by Mike Rhodes

People on the White River in inflatable tubes.

Non-Profit September 18, 2024

Why We’re Optimistic About the Future of East Central Indiana

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—For over a century, East Central Indiana’s identity was rooted in manufacturing—iconic names like Ball and General Motors defined our region. Glass jars, auto batteries, headlamps, and transmissions were the backbone of our economy. However, over the past two decades there’s been a shift away from heavy manufacturing, tasking our region to dig deep to redefine itself. As we look ahead, I’m filled with optimism about the future of Muncie, Delaware County, and all of East…

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Dom Caristi. File photo from MuncieJournal.com

Education September 17, 2024

Ball State Professor Emeritus Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Teach in Slovenia

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Dr. Dom Caristi, professor emeritus of media at Ball State University, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award in Media and Journalism to teach in Slovenia during the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Caristi will share his expertise with students during the Spring semester in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ljubljana, one of Slovenia’s oldest and largest higher education institutions. “Part of the idea of an exchange is that,…

File photo by Nancy Carlson

Entertainment September 17, 2024

Free Program Celebrating the U.S. Constitution to be Held at Kennedy Library

By Genet Soule— MUNCIE, IN—Please join the Paul Revere Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Muncie Public Library (MPL) as we celebrate the foundation of America – the U.S. Constitution. When: Thursday, September 19, 6 p.m. Where: Kennedy Public Library 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie What: A Celebration of the 237th Anniversary of the Constitution – “The Constitution in Black and White.” Program Come join us for an enlightening evening featuring a presentation by BSU Political Science Professor…

Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. Photo provided.

Business September 16, 2024

‘Engage East Central Indiana’ Regional Event to Take Place at Horizon Convention Center on September 17

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Engage Indiana events take place in every region of the state, and on Tuesday it will be Muncie’s turn to shine a light on all things important to our community. The Engage Indiana event in Muncie will focus on our communities unique challenges and distinct opportunities for growth. Thought leaders from our community will discuss programs designed to help our community thrive. From talent attraction and retention to education and economic development, the event’s speakers,…

Graphic by pixabay

Government September 15, 2024

National Voter Registration Day Set for Sept. 17

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Because National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 17, the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County encourages all citizens to check to make sure they are registered to vote by going to VOTE411.org, an award-winning website the national headquarters of the League of Women Voters supports. If citizens discover they are not registered to vote, they can register to vote on VOTE411.org. If a person wants to register in person, the Muncie-Delaware County League will register people to…

Entertainment September 13, 2024

Sybarite5 to Perform Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN–Acclaimed chamber music group SYBARITE5 will be performing in a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2024 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 14th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. The Ball State University Jazz Orchestra will open the show. In today’s turbulent modern world, we need to come together more. Diversity is a strength and chamber…

Volunteers use canoes to pull trash out of multiple sections of the White River each year.

Non-Profit September 12, 2024

Muncie’s White River Cleanup Invites All to Volunteer

By Augusta Isley— MUNCIE, IN—Since 2006, Muncie-Delaware Clean & Beautiful and the Muncie Sanitary District have rallied over 5,000 volunteers to eliminate 150,000 pounds of trash (including over 950 tires) from the White River. This Saturday, September 14, volunteers are invited to gather at West Side Park in Muncie to continue the tradition of beautifying the river. Families, student clubs, workplaces, churches, and other organizations are encouraged to volunteer together. The event is from 8 a.m. to noon. Please remember…

Muncie First Merchants team volunteering at ARF. Photo provided

Business September 12, 2024

First Merchants Bank: A Bank Interested in You

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—As the world becomes more and more digitally focused, First Merchants Bank is keeping up with digital product offerings but not neglecting the most important aspect of banking: customers. While the bank has 116 locations throughout four states in the Midwest, its headquarters remains in Muncie. Attentive banking “We often use the word attentive,” said Jeff Parsons, Market President. “In the environment where everything is digital now, that can easily mean impersonal. However, we believe…

Wes-Del High School senior Amelia Hudson-Roberts. Photo by Stacey Shannon

Education September 11, 2024

Amelia Hudson-Roberts—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—With volleyball, work, various clubs and schoolwork, Wes-Del High School senior Amelia Hudson-Roberts stays busy. Hudson-Roberts has been on her school’s volleyball team since her freshman year and is a captain of the team this year. She’s also played club volleyball at Munciana for…

Troop 22 is preparing for their 31st annual Hog Roast. Come hear about their summer adventure: they rode the train to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N. Mex., and spent 12 days backpacking more than 65 miles while carrying 50-pound packs. Photo provided

Entertainment September 11, 2024

Boy Scout Troop 22’s Hog Roast Will Celebrate ‘Philmont Treks’

By Jessica Gestwicki— MUNCIE, IN – Boy Scout Troop 22 is back from their Philmont high adventure and ready to serve up heaping helpings of BBQ and fixings. Join them for their 31st Annual Hog Roast fundraiser at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Saturday, September 14, from 11a.m. to 6p.m. Bring your worn, tattered, or faded flags for the Scouts’ “Retire Your Flag” Drive. Meal includes pork BBQ sandwich, scout-made applesauce, baked beans, baked potato, dessert and drink. Soda available for…