Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…


IU Health’s New Walk-in Clinic Offers Unmatched Convenience in Orthopedic Care

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN —Starting Monday, August 26, IU Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Muncie will open a new walk-in clinic, providing patients with direct access to expert orthopedic care. Located at 2701 W North Street, Muncie, IN 47303, the clinic will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These hours ensure that patients can receive high-quality orthopedic care at a time that is most convenient for them. Patients can enjoy the following benefits the…


Grants Totaling $312K Awarded By Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $312,509 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and…


Small Business Development Center Welcomes Three New Team Members

By Christy Ragle— MUNCIE, IN—The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently announced the addition of three new team members, each bringing a unique set of skills and experience to the organization. These new employees will help East Central Indiana SBDC continue to provide essential support and resources to small businesses in the region. Clint Albert, the new Program Specialist at the East Central Indiana SBDC, brings a decade of experience as an insurance agent and in leadership…


The Sensational Barnes Brothers to Headline FREE Concert in Muncie, IN

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN– Acclaimed Memphis gospel/soul group The Sensational Barnes Brothers 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 p.m. on Saturday, August 24th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Local favorite Doc Peterson and his Club Band will open the show. This concert is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and…


Charles W. Brown Planetarium Fall 2024 Free Show Schedule

By Planetarium Staff—  MUNCIE, IN—Journey through space and time at free public and private programs in Indiana’s largest planetarium. All regularly scheduled planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows except for our annual “Astronomy SLAM!”. Check out the showtimes below, or visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website for more information at www.bsu.edu/planetarium. Interested in scheduling a private educational visit to the planetarium? Request a…