Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo provided by Shafer Leadership

Non-Profit October 1, 2024

Grant Enables Free Access to Shafer Leadership Academy’s Signature Program ‘Fusion: Leading Multi-Generational Teams’

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN – Thanks to a generous grant, Shafer Leadership Academy is offering its highly sought-after program, Fusion: Leading Multi-Generational Teams, free of charge to the public. Typically valued at $250 per participant, the program will be held on October 29, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Ivy Tech’s Fisher Building in downtown Muncie. The grant was provided by American Electric Power Foundation, whose support makes it possible for a wider audience to access this…

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Mr. Thomas Kinghorn, 2024 Legacy Award recipient.

Business September 30, 2024

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Dinner Honored Mr. Thomas Kinghorn

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The 2024 Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Dinner was held Saturday, September 28 at the Horizon Convention Center honoring Mr. Thomas Kinghorn, President and CEO of the George and Frances Ball Foundation. Among those who paid tribute to the legacy of Mr. Kinghorn were Mr. Stefan Anderson, Retired CEO of First Merchants Bank, Dr. John Worthen, Retired President of Ball State University; Mr. Jim Lowe, Retired Associate Vice President for Ball State University’s Facilities…

Evan Shroyer

Education September 30, 2024

Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County Names Alum and Benefactor of the Year

2024 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards celebrate the impact and generosity of Ivy Tech graduates, donors and volunteers By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN – Ivy Tech Community College and the Ivy Tech Foundation recognized Ivy Tech alumni, donors, and volunteers from across the state this weekend at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards in Indianapolis. The awards celebrate the contributions of accomplished graduates and generous donors and volunteers to their communities and to Ivy Tech. Each of Ivy Tech’s…

Youth Services employees at Maring-Hunt Library look over recently donated costumes and accessories. All MPL branches will accept costume donations until Friday, October 11. Photo by Spenser Querry, Public Relations Department at Muncie Public Library.

Non-Profit September 30, 2024

Halloween Costume Swap at Muncie Public Library

By Susan Fisher, Public Relations Supervisor, Muncie Public Library— MUNCIE, IN—Do you have Halloween costumes and accessories you are no longer using? Maybe your kids have outgrown their costumes, or they have moved on to different interests and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle outfit just won’t cut it. Whatever the reason, Muncie Public Library (MPL) wants your costumes and accessories for a Halloween Costume Swap! Now through Friday, October 11,  all MPL branches will accept donated costumes, accessories, and other…

Graphic by pixabay

Government September 30, 2024

Local League of Women Voters Offers Voters Information About Candidates Via VOTE411

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County now offers Delaware County residents an easy way to educate themselves about candidates running for office by way of an award-winning website called VOTE411.org. VOTE411.org is dedicated to election information and created and sponsored by the League of Women Voters Educational Fund. Another purpose of the site is to register citizens to vote. The deadline to register to vote this election season is Monday, Oct. 7. Citizens can…

STEM students photo courtesy of Challenger.org

Education September 28, 2024

Nominations Open for 2025 Trailblazing STEM Educator Award

Three winners will be honored for enthusiasm and dedication to STEM education By AIAA  & Challenger Center staff— WASHINGTON and RESTON, Va. — Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced they are accepting nominations for the 2025 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award. The annual award celebrates K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. Nominations can be submitted online through December 1, 2024. Three winners will be selected…

First Merchants teammates at the annual employee award program, the Gold Shield Awards.

Business September 27, 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…

Lindsey Arthur, CEO of Muncie Habitat for Humanity, engages in a lively discussion at the 2023 Nonprofit Summit, connecting with peers and sharing insights on nonprofit partnerships. Tickets are now available for the 2024 Nonprofit Summit on Wednesday, October 30 at Horizon Convention Center. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 27, 2024

Nonprofit Support Network Announces 2024 Nonprofit Summit and Community Luncheon

By Carly Acree King, Nonprofit Support Network— MUNCIE, IN— Nonprofit Support Network is excited to announce that tickets are now available for the 2024 Nonprofit Summit, presented by Heart of Indiana United Way, scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center. This year’s summit will provide essential education, networking opportunities, and professional development for local nonprofits, continuing to strengthen the nonprofit sector in east central Indiana. The Nonprofit Summit features a dynamic lineup…

Steve Lindell is pictured moderating the 6th District candidate forum. Photo provided by Sean Mattingly.

Government September 26, 2024

6th District Congressional Candidate Forum Held at H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts in Greenfield

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— GREENFIELD, IN—On Wednesday evening, residents of Indiana’s sixth district had the opportunity to hear from two of the candidates vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. WMUN radio’s Steve Lindell moderated the program. The forum, hosted by the Leagues of Women Voters of Hancock, Henry, and Johnson Counties, and the League of Women Voters of Indianapolis in coordination with Woof Boom Radio, was held at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts…

Photo provided

Health September 25, 2024

Open Door ‘Decades Dash 5K’ on Oct. 12 Celebrates Five Decades of Care

By Suzanne Clem—   MUNCIE, IN — Open Door Health Services invites the community to celebrate the health center’s 50th anniversary at the Decades Dash 5K on October 12. This timed run/walk starts at 9 a.m. at Canan Commons in Muncie. The route winds through the heart of downtown, along the White River, and through the historic Minnetrista campus—using both White River and Cardinal Greenways. A 1-mile Kids’ Run will take place at 8:15 a.m. prior to the 5K start. Participants are…