Articles by Mike Rhodes

Education July 9, 2025

Ball State Public Media Honored With National Awards for Local Journalism and Programming

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State Public Media has earned three national awards from the Public Media Journalists Association(PMJA) in recognition of its work in local journalism and community programming. Indiana Public Radio (IPR), a service of Ball State University, received two first-place awards. In the News Feature category, reporter Thomas Ouellette was honored for his coverage of an apartment complex in Anderson that had been abandoned by its owner. The story examined the poor living conditions tenants faced after the property’s management office was physically sealed and the State of Indiana filed suit against the owner….

Government July 8, 2025

City of Muncie Officially Launches Three Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs)

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie is proud to officially launch three new Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) beginning today, July 7, 2025. The new DORA districts—Downtown Muncie, the McKinley Neighborhood, and the Ball State University Village—are now active and ready for residents and visitors to enjoy. Mayor Dan Ridenour and his administration have worked diligently to bring this new amenity to the community following the Muncie City Council’s approval of Ordinance 26-24, authored by Councilwoman Selvey and Councilwoman Gullion. “This is about enhancing the vibrancy of Muncie’s cultural and entertainment hubs while supporting our local businesses,” said…

Business July 7, 2025

First Merchants Bank Stands Out as Midwest’s Only Bank Honored for Exceptional Workplace Culture

By Jaime Faulkner— MUNCIE, IN—First Merchants (Nasdaq: FRME) has once again earned national recognition for its outstanding workplace culture, standing out as the only bank headquartered in the Midwest to be honored by Comparably for excellence in leadership and career growth –based entirely on employee survey and ratings. Among companies headquartered in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, only four were recognized for best Leadership and Best Career Growth: Sweetwater – Fort Wayne, Indiana Service Express – Grand Rapids, Michigan Micro Center – Hillard, Ohio First Merchants Bank – Muncie, Indiana First Merchants has been consistently recognized by Comparably for: Best Career…

Education July 7, 2025

Ivy Tech Muncie Recognized for Excellence in Military Student Support

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN— Ivy Tech Community College Muncie has been awarded the inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana (CPSI) designation, which recognizes Indiana postsecondary institutions that provide outstanding support to U.S. military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members and their families. The CPSI designation, awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), recognizes institutions that excel in creating a supportive environment for military-connected students throughout their educational journey. “We are honored to receive the Collegiate Purple Star designation,” said Jeffrey D. Scott, chancellor of Ivy Tech Muncie. “Our commitment…

Non-Profit July 4, 2025

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with BY5

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—Over a decade ago, Muncie’s business, school, and nonprofit leaders came together to rally around the opportunity to better prepare our community’s youngest learners for kindergarten—and beyond. With the support of local funders and other donors—including Ball Brothers Foundation—BY5 was created. While the organization continues to evolve to meet changing needs, its commitment to providing a strong foundation for early learning remains unchanged. Ten years ago when BY5 was established, what concerns were community leaders voicing and what opportunities did they see? Muncie BY5 was born out of the Muncie Action Plan after the group began…

Entertainment July 3, 2025

Muncie’s ‘Set the Night to Music’ Public Fireworks Display Schedule and More for 2025

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie will celebrate America’s Independence Day with a number of spectacular fireworks performances. The official City of Muncie show will be aired by 104.1 HD1 WLBC and 104.9 WERK FM, with accompanying music, and will take place on the grounds of Muncie Central High School by the levee. The show will kick off at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4th. There will be a mix of patriotic favorites with today’s family friendly music during the fireworks. The second show will be displayed at Prairie Creek Reservoir on Saturday, July 5th, at…

Entertainment July 2, 2025

Music for All Presents President’s Award to Ball State University’s Karen Adkins

By Rachel Puckett, Music for All— MUNCIE, IN—Music for All proudly presented its prestigious President’s Award to Karen Adkins, Senior Executive Director of Auxiliary Services for University Food, Beverage, Conference Services and Special Events at Ball State University and Ball State University alumna, during the opening of the 2025 Bands of America Summer Camp concert. The award recognizes Adkins’ extraordinary contributions to Music for All and the Bands of America Summer Camp over the past 14 years. Adkins has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the BOA Summer Camp since its relocation to Ball State in 2011….

Health July 1, 2025

4 Ways To Make This Summer As Safe As It Is Fun

By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— INDIANAPOLIS — More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year[1], and 90% of people who have a cardiac arrest will not survive. The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is calling on parents and families to make this summer as safe as it is fun. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest each year, with nearly 40% related to sports and nearly 20% occurring in infants. If performed immediately, CPR can double or…

Education, Government June 30, 2025

Indiana Commission for Higher Education Awards Educator Scholarships to Eight Local Students

By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, Indiana House Republicans— STATEHOUSE—Local students preparing to become teachers are among this year’s recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown). The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, awards recipients a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) to high-achieving high school and college students who agree to teach in an eligible Indiana school for five years. A record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the 2025-2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, with nearly…

Non-Profit June 30, 2025

Organization Seeks Nominations Of Local Women To Honor During 33rd Annual Women’s Equality Day

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie-Delaware County Coalition of Women’s organizations is once again seeking nominations of local women to honor during the 33rd Annual Women’s Equality Day Program. The Coalition invites nominations of women who have made a significant contribution in the arts, education, religion, business, politics, environment, and social or community service by improving the quality of life in our community, according to a press release. Other categories will also be considered. Recipients will be honored during the program, which will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, August. 26, 2025 in the Muncie City Hall…

« 1 … 37 38 39 40 41 … 565 »