Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ship's Sponsor Diane Donald christens the Virginia-class attack submarine Indiana (SSN 789), witnessed by, from left, Vice President Mike Pence, Cmdr. Jesse Zimbauer, Indiana's commanding officer, and Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy Huntington Ingalls Industries by Ashley Major/Released)

Government May 2, 2017

US Navy Christens Submarine Indiana

By: Kala Good— WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Navy christened its newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the future USS Indiana (SSN 789), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, April 29, at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia. Vice President Mike Pence, who previously served as the 50th governor of Indiana, delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Diane Donald, wife of retired Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion from 2004 to 2012, is serving as the ship’s sponsor….

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Dannar's booth at the 2017 Green California Summit and Expo. Photo provided.

Business May 2, 2017

DANNAR Mobile Power Station® Begins Launch Year at Green California Summit

By:Matt Kantz— Muncie, IN – DANNAR debuted its Mobile Power Station® (MPS) to the state of California at the 2017 Green California Summit and Expo in Sacramento, CA, on April 26. The Summit highlighted strategies, technologies and best practices that are fueling progress toward California’s green goals and the growth of its economy. The expo featured more than 100 companies offering green products and services, from zero emission vehicles to building materials. With over 1,000 attendees from around the state, the show…

Ammon holding PCA framed appreciation certificate honoring her for enthusiastic support of the ongoing mission of the PCA Council of Delaware County. Photo provided.

Non-Profit May 1, 2017

Carol Ammon, YOC Customer Relations Director, Recognized for Advocacy to Prevent Child Abuse

Muncie, IN—Carol Ammon, Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) customer relations director, was honored for her commitment to child abuse prevention in our community. Ammon was given an appreciation award by Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) of Delaware County on April 7, 2017 at City Hall. PCA President Patty Duncan said in her letter of recognition, “We are pleased to have people like you in our community who have been committed to educating individuals regarding the nature and causes of child abuse, providing…

Coffee and Paints. Photo provided.

Non-Profit May 1, 2017

May Workshops at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

Muncie, IN—Cornerstone’s spring class session is concluding. Summer classes begin in June but there are still many opportunities to stay involved with workshops during the month of May. May’s calendar consists of Monthly Art Club, Monthly Dance Club, Pints & Paints, Coffee & Paints Join Cornerstone Center for the Arts visual arts instructor, Lauren King, for Monthly Art Club on the first Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monthly Art Club offers the opportunity to express yourself…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 29, 2017

Land Conservation Fund Grant Applications Now Available

Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has announced the availability of applications for grants through the Foundation’s Land Conservation Fund. The Land Conservation Fund was created to preserve and protect important conservation and recreation areas throughout Delaware County or those owned by Delaware County organizations by matching donations of land or dollars. Property acquired with Land Conservation Fund Grants will become part of the public trust to ensure that the land is protected for…

A carwash is awash with excitement. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson April 28, 2017

John Carlson: Wash Brings River to Mind

By: John Carlson— You know your life lacks excitement when the wildest thing you do all day is drive through the carwash. We did this yesterday. With Nan behind the wheel, I coached her into Clancy’s tire tracker gizmo, offering helpful hints like “Left,” and “Right,” and then “A little righter,” and finally “Geez, woman, not that far right! Open your eyes, why don’tcha?” I know she appreciated my help, because she began flipping me the coveted “You’re the World’s…

Location of new construction for Cole Academy's 24,640 square-foot building, located at the intersection of Morrison Road and Woods Edge Lane. Photo provided.

Business April 27, 2017

Pridemark Construction, Inc Announces Recent Groundbreaking For New Cole Academy Facility

By: Meagan Fisher— Muncie, IN—Pridemark Construction, Inc is proud to announce the recent groundbreaking for Cole Academy. In 2015, Cole Academy owner, Tracy Navas approached Pridemark Construction’s design team with a need to expand.  The organization had outgrown their existing facility and needed more room to accommodate their growing clientele. With Tracy’s ideas and Pridemark’s expertise, the design was created. The 24,640 square-foot building, located at the intersection of Morrison Road and Woods Edge Lane, will feature two large gyms, a…

Photo provided.

Education April 27, 2017

Fall 2017 Deadline For 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars

Muncie, Ind. – The 2018 recipients of the Delaware County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will be named in December 2017. This change continues from the 2016-2017 academic year. Previously scholarship recipients were identified in March of the year they graduated from high school. This change affects the program for all Indiana community foundations. In selecting recipients for the Delaware County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic ability and potential…

Janet Holcomb, Indiana's First Lady answers questions during a panel discussion with Jud Fisher and Jeff Daniels during the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance introduction of the Vision 2021 economic development plan. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business April 25, 2017

Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance Introduces Vision 2021 Program

By: Mike Rhodes— This morning the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance introduced the Vision 2021 5-year economic development program at a breakfast for community and business leaders. The program was held at the Horizon Convention Center. Jay Julian, Chief Economic Development Officer, President/CEO, introduced the program and acknowledged those in attendance and special guests. Accomplishments of the Vision 2016 economic development plan, were also presented and reviewed by Jeff Daniels, Vision 2021 Co-Chairman. “Every winning team needs a playbook. Our playbook has…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 25, 2017

Gateway to Growing Grand Opening to Be Held Friday

By: Ellie Flaherty— Gateway to Growing along with Hoosier Roots, a non-profit looking to fight food insecurity in Muncie, will be hosting an opening celebration on Friday April 28th from 1:00-5:00 at the Maring-Hunt Community Garden! Gateway to Growing is the product of a semester long partnership between Ball State Architecture students, the Maring-Hunt Community Garden, and Muncie Public Library. The shade pavilion will expand the current impact of the Garden on-site at Maring-Hunt Library.  Gateway to Growing will be…