Articles by Mike Rhodes

State Presents Delaware County Farms With Hoosier Homestead Awards 

By Amanda Schreiber— STATEHOUSE  – Indiana recently honored local farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown), and State Sen. Scott Alexander (R-Muncie). “I admire the farming families who have fueled Indiana’s agricultural industry over the years,” Rowray said. “This award recognizes the dedication, hard work and generations of commitment these families have invested in maintaining their farms and…

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Can You Solve The Great Muncie Mystery?

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Put on your thinking caps, local gumshoes, and get ready to hit the bricks to solve one humdinger of a mystery! Mystery-loving dames and swells are invited to head downtown during September’s First Thursday (Sept. 5) to question suspects, look for clues and – hopefully – solve the case! The Great Muncie Mystery is hosted by Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Ivy Tech Community College, and Muncie Civic…


Open Door Health Services to Distribute Free Covid-19 Tests Sept. 3-4

By Suzanne Clem— MUNCIE, IN – Community members can receive no-cost COVID-19 tests on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Open Door Health Services administration site in Muncie. The site is located at 220 S. Walnut Street. Distribution will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The public is invited to pick up a supply for homes, workplaces, or civic groups. Additionally, Open Door patients may pick up Covid tests during any visit to an…


George and Frances Ball Foundation Grants $1.1 Million This Quarter

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—Founded in 1937, the George and Frances Ball Foundation has spent the last 87 years upholding the legacy of George, Frances, and Elisabeth Ball. The Foundation uses its role as a grantmaker to reflect the family’s passions rooted in improving livability and educational attainment for citizens in Muncie and Delaware County. This commitment to local livability and education is displayed year-round through the Foundation’s community engagement activities and partnerships, including its work serving as the backbone…


Ball State University Hosts Superyacht Capt. Kelly Gordon for Speaking Event

By University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University’s Fall 2024 Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series (EIL) event will feature Kelly J. Gordon, one of the world’s most accomplished superyacht captains—also known for her leadership skills and mental health advocacy. Capt. Gordon, a Ball State University graduate, will deliver her inspiring talk on leadership at 7:30 p.m. on Sept.10 at Pruis Hall on Ball State’s campus. The event is free and open to the public. “Captain Gordon’s journey from Ball State University…


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…


Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Helping Individuals With Disabilities Lead an Independent Life

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN – In 2013, Ball Brothers Foundation made an $80,000 grant to The Arc of Indiana Foundation to support architectural drawings for what would become the nation’s first-of-a-kind hotel that would also serve as a training institute for individuals with disabilities located in downtown Muncie. Named “Erskine Green Training Institute”—in part after baseball legend Carl Erskine—EGTI has become a hallmark in downtown Muncie.  In the years since, Ball Brothers Foundation funding has helped to support EGTI’s…


Chamber’s National Civics Bee® Winners Compete in State Competition

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 National Civics Bee® in Delaware County on April 9, 2024. The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hunter R., Noah C., and Braxton J. were named the top three finalists of Delaware County’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Hunter R. from…


New England-based Folk/Roots Trio ‘LOW LILY’ to Perform in Muncie

By Liz Simmons, artist manager— MUNCIE, IN—Award-winning folk and roots band Low Lily will perform at Pruis Hall at Ball State University on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, a 7:30 PM show. With a vocal blend that has been dubbed “outstanding” and “meticulous” as well as world-class instrumental prowess, Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout the US and beyond. Tickets can purchased at this link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/low-lily-muncie-indiana-09-05-2024/event/0500610838A2A01F With the release of their latest record ‘Angels in the…


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…