Articles by Mike Rhodes

Indiana Statehouse photo provided by Lydia Kirschner

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…

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Vivian V. Conley

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…

Pictured L-R: Tim Pierce, Lorraine Tomlin and Niccole Mansker stand by an artist rendering of the planned new branch. Photo provided.

Business June 26, 2025

New PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union Branch Coming to Downtown Yorktown in 2026

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN—PrimeTrust Financial Federal Credit Union today announced plans for the grand opening of a new full-service branch located in the heart of Downtown Yorktown, Indiana, slated for later in 2026. This strategic expansion underscores PrimeTrust’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and serving the growing financial needs of the Yorktown community. We cannot wait to be able to be part of the Yorktown Community. The new branch will be situated in a prime location within Downtown Yorktown, designed…

Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. Photo provided.

Business June 26, 2025

Downtown Muncie Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Four New Businesses

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director. Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN—DWNTWN business is buzzing, with new neighbors opening their doors. Book a hair appointment before your next special occasion, find a handcrafted gift, or stop in for a Friday night cocktail at one of the community’s newest spots. Meet the new DWNTWN destinations: Parlour Salon 109 E Main St This salon offers luxury haircare and skincare services to help clients look and feel their best. Housed in a beautifully restored building, Parlour…

Online learning photo by Bobby Ellis/Ball State University.

Education June 26, 2025

Ball State University Libraries Launches Research Guide on Ethical Artificial Intelligence Use

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—In an era in which artificial intelligence tools are rapidly reshaping how we access and share information, Ball State University Libraries has introduced a new research guide to help students, faculty, staff, and community members use AI more thoughtfully and effectively. The interactive guide, now available at bsu.libguides.com, equips users with foundational skills to assess the credibility, accuracy, and ethical implications of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and image generators. Through five short videos…

Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of LEAP Managed I.T.

Business June 24, 2025

Disaster Recovery Planning: Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners, LEAP Managed I.T.— MUNCIE, IN—Easter morning several years ago, we got the call first from our network operations team at LEAP Managed IT, where we provide managed IT services and cybersecurity solutions to businesses across the Midwest, then from the business owner themselves. Their servers had gone silent. Moments later, the owner stood in the parking lot, watching smoke pour from their building, surrounded by first responders. We arrived shortly after, pulling damaged…

Photo provided

Health June 23, 2025

The Many Benefits of Incorporating Walking Into Your Fitness Routine

By Matt Cox— MUNCIE, IN—With warmer weather and additional daylight here, now is an excellent time to incorporate walking into your personal fitness routine. According to the American Heart Association, walking for at least 30 minutes every day reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, improves blood pressure, maintains a healthier body weight and lowers the risk of obesity. Here’s a breakdown of those benefits: Improved Cardiovascular Health: Walking, especially at a brisk pace, strengthens your heart and lungs, improving…

Photo By Katherine Huggler.

Entertainment June 23, 2025

Free July 4 Concert and Fireworks in Muncie With America’s Hometown Band

Celebrate July 4, 2025 with America’s Hometown Band, 7-9 p.m. at Minnetrista Gardens in Muncie  By Katherine Huggler— MUNCIE, IN—America’s Hometown Band of Muncie invites you to a FREE evening of rousing patriotic music favorites, 7-9 p.m. on the night of July 4th, 2025. Come on over to the grounds of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, at 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy in Muncie, to celebrate this 2025 July 4th —  starting with the AHB Jazz Combo at 7p.m., and the AHB…

The Innovation Connector is located at 1208 W. White River Blvd in Muncie.

Business June 20, 2025

Muncie’s Innovation Moment: Why Supporting Entrepreneurs Strengthens Us All

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie is a city rooted in resilience, creativity, and community pride. As we look ahead to our future, it’s clear that innovation and entrepreneurship must play a leading role in shaping what’s next. That’s why having a full-service Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) like the Muncie Innovation Connector is not just a benefit to our city — it’s a catalyst for long-term growth and opportunity. The Innovation Connector is Muncie…

Photo provided.

Business June 19, 2025

Lasso Communities to Host Open House of Available New Homes on Saturday, June 21

By Shayna Nevermann— MUNCIE, IN—Lasso Communities invites the public to an open house on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its  Delaware Acres community located at 9901 State Road 3 North, Muncie, IN 47303. The event, part of Lasso’s “Sizzling Summer Savings Event,” will showcase newly available homes for sale and lease, and includes limited-time offers, giveaways, and a chance to connect with the local Lasso team. Visitors who attend the event and sign a lease…