Articles by Mike Rhodes

As part of the grant, ecoREHAB will restore the facade of "The Yard” in The Old West End in Muncie. Photo provided

Non-Profit June 26, 2024

ecoREHAB of Muncie Receives $123,000 Lowe’s Hometowns Grant, Benefitting Local Community

By Jason Haney— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie, Indiana -based ecoREHAB of Muncie has proudly been selected as part of the 2024 Lowe’s Hometowns program, a five-year, $100 million commitment to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide. Since launching in 2022, the signature grant program has renovated 149 community centers, affordable housing facilities, shelters and food pantries; refurbished 15 first responder and veteran/military family facilities; and built and improved 54 community gardens, parks and playgrounds – among many other impactful projects. As one…

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The wine wall at Vera Mae's. Photo provided

Business June 24, 2024

Vera Mae’s Receives Prestigious ‘Wine Spectator’ Award

By Scott Smalstig— MUNCIE, IN—Wine Spectator magazine, widely regarded as one of the preeminent authorities on the world of wine, announced today that Vera Mae’s restaurant of Muncie, has been granted its Award of Excellence. Vera Mae’s is the only restaurant in East Central Indiana between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne honored by Wine Spectator.  It is the first time Vera Mae’s has won the award. “Our team at Vera’s is thrilled to have been chosen to receive this special distinction,”…

A portion of Meridian Health Services campus on Tillotson Avenue in Muncie is pictured. File photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health June 24, 2024

Meridian Health Services Locations Recognized for Healthcare Quality

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN – Meridian Health Services locations in Anderson, Bluffton, Connersville, Dunkirk, and Richmond were recently recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as Patient-Centered Medical Homes. This recognition means Meridian Health Services has made a commitment to continuous quality improvement and a patient-centered approach to care. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) standards emphasize the use of…

Vivian V. Conley

Non-Profit June 24, 2024

Organization Seeks Nominations Of Local Women To Honor During 32nd 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 32nd 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. Six women will…

Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Health June 23, 2024

IU Health and Ball State Athletics Collaborate to Care for Student Athletes

New partnership will provide student-athletes with comprehensive healthcare by the state’s largest healthcare system. By IU Health Staff— MUNCIE, IN– Indiana University Health and Ball State University have announced an extension of its current agreement to provide comprehensive healthcare service to students. Under the new agreement, IU Health will serve as the Official Healthcare and Sports Medicine Provider for Ball State Athletics. Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive health system will bring its highly skilled, compassionate care to Ball State Athletics’…

Photo provided

Entertainment June 22, 2024

‘Be My Neighbor Day’ Returns June 22 to Downtown Muncie

Editor’s note: Due to excessive heat warnings, this event will now be held inside at Inspire Academy, 2801 E 16th St., Muncie. By Tracie Louck, Ball State PBS— MUNCIE, IN – As Daniel Tiger often says, “Things may change and that’s OK. Today we can do things a different way.” The lovable star of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” on PBS KIDS will once again greet attendees at “Be My Neighbor Day,” which will be held from 1-4 p.m. ET Saturday, June…

Fulbright award winners photo provided by Ball State University.

Education June 21, 2024

Record Number of Ball State Graduates Awarded Prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Award

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN – In a record-setting year, six recent Ball State University graduates—Julia Canty, Jayana Fennell, Cady Garcia, Denver Hammons, Katelyn Redman, and Haley Stevens—have been selected for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Awards. These awards will enable them to spend the upcoming academic year abroad as English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), helping students in their host countries develop English language skills and serving as cultural ambassadors. Additionally, recent graduate Makayla Schuelke is an alternate for an…

Jim is pictured with his book display at Minnetrista where his book is available. Photo by Laurie Lunsford

Entertainment June 20, 2024

Muncie Resident Jim Needham Releases New Book

By Laurie Lunsford— MUNCIE, IN—A fresh new book, written by a beloved local figure, has recently been released. “I’ve wanted to write this book for a long time,” Jim Needham stated when asked about God’s Still Calling…Seeking God’s Fingerprints.  The book is a legacy about Needham’s life for his grandchildren. Since it is a book that is packed with life stories and lessons learned, it is a great book for all.  In writing the book, Needham generously shares a viewpoint…

Among other creative options, Project Paradise offers studio recording and music engineering training. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit June 19, 2024

‘Project Paradise’ to Cut Ribbon for New Youth Opportunity Recording Studio on June 20th

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—Project Paradise was first established in 2024, with the mission to reduce violence and improve wellness among at-risk youth and young adults in Muncie. The registered nonprofit provides free access to musical education, studio recording, music engineering, photography, videography, and art classes as a way to empower, support, and engage young people. “I’ve been working with kids since I started doing music at a young age, and I can tell how big of impact it has…

Altrusa Foundation Board Members are pictured from L:R—Leigh Edwards, Kailee McKnight, Angie Rogers-Howell, Kelli Petroviak, June Kramer, Tiffany Kerrigan, Colleen Cooper, and Jennifer Johnson. Photo provided

Non-Profit June 19, 2024

Muncie Altrusa Foundation 2023-2024 Impact

By Colleen Cooper— MUNCIE, IN—Creating a lasting impact with local organizations, the Muncie Altrusa Foundation awarded grants to the following organizations during the last fiscal year: The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County-$2,000-In support of The Funders Forum Collaborative initiatives Heart of Indiana United Way-$2,000-To support the purchase of Spanish and English books for 3rd and 4th grade in Muncie Community Schools and their teachers Motivate Our Minds-$2,000-For the Motivate Our Minds’ Literature and Enrichment Camp Youth Symphony Orchestra-$2,000-To…