Articles by Mike Rhodes

Funders Forum Invests $21 Million in Muncie & Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Local philanthropy continues to make a transformative impact in Muncie and Delaware County, with more than $21 million invested in 2024 by members of the Funders Forum Collaborative. This coalition of 17 philanthropic organizations has collaborated for nearly three decades to address critical community needs. “This year’s Philanthropic Snapshot highlights the collective power of giving in our community,” said Marcy Minton, president and CEO of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, which convenes the Funders Forum. “Collaboration among funders ensures that charitable dollars are strategically aligned to make the greatest possible impact in Muncie…

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IDHS to Open Applications for State Disaster Relief Fund for Individual Assistance

By IDHS staff— INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has opened applications to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for residents who incurred damage to their homes or property located in qualifying jurisdictions from any of the following disaster events: •    March 1, 2025: Mine Collapse •    March 15, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 19, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 30 – April 2, 2025: Severe Storms/Flooding Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2000 initially, although eligible homeowners could receive additional assistance after a complete damage assessment is finished. The SDRF is not currently accepting applications…


Outstanding Students Recognized as Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County Prepares for 2025 Commencement

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN—Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the historic New Castle Fieldhouse. “Commencement is always a powerful moment in our academic year,” said Jeff Scott, Chancellor of the Muncie-Henry County campus. “It’s a time to reflect on the incredible journeys our students have taken and to recognize the dedication and passion that brought them to this milestone. Our Outstanding Students are truly inspiring representatives of Ivy Tech.” Each year, Outstanding Students are nominated by the faculty of their respective schools based on academic…


Yorktown Middle School Receives National Recognition From ‘Project Lead The Way’

By Jo Cox— YORKTOWN, IN– Yorktown Middle School announced today that it has been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This honor is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. forproviding broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Gateway, a grade 6-8 STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers. The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be…


Daleville’s Maleah Parrish Receives Ball Brothers Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN – On the 120th day of school, the first-graders in Maleah Parrish’s classroom are on a mission. Armed with invisible ink pens and yarn laser beams, they follow clues at a series of stations incorporating STEM, language arts, social skills, and teamwork to rescue Zero the Hero. It’s lively. It’s a little chaotic. And it’s exactly the kind of day Parrish hopes her students remember for years to come. This kind of creative, purposeful, hands-on learning is what makes Parrish’s classroom such a special place and is one of many reasons…


City of Muncie Announces Approval of Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs)

By Amber Greene— Muncie, IN — 05.02.2025 — The City of Muncie is excited to announce the approval of three Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, creating vibrant spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy beverages responsibly while exploring local businesses. Thanks to the efforts of Councilwomen Ro Selvey and Sara Gullion authoring Ord. 26-24, the DORAs are set to go into effect in early to mid-summer, enhancing the city’s downtown experience. The approved DORAs include the following zones and businesses: DORAs provide designated boundaries where patrons can purchase alcoholic beverages from participating establishments…


Ball State Board of Trustees Reappoints Dave Heeter to Muncie Community Schools Board

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — On Friday, the Ball State University Board of Trustees reappointed Dave Heeter, ’83, to the Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees. Mr. Heeter has served on the MCS Board of Trustees since the start of Ball State’s partnership with the district, which began in 2018 when the Indiana General Assembly authorized the University to assume responsibility for MCS. Since then, the district has made significant improvements in enrollment, financial stability, and teacher compensation and retention. “We are proud of the continued success that has resulted from our University’s partnership with Muncie Community…


Charles W. Brown Planetarium May Through July 2025 Free Show Schedule

By Planetarium Staff— MUNCIE, IN—All planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for these public planetarium shows. www.bsu.edu/planetarium Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure Friday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at 3:30 p.m. Develop an understanding of the danger of space junk and humanity’s Moon exploration while following adventurous cat astronauts that skip some of their work and fly to the Moon! Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 6+, all ages are welcome. We Are Astronomers Friday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday,…


The Community Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Reece Berry, a senior at Wes-Del High School, is a recipient of the Zach Greenwalt Scholarship. Reece plans to study engineering at Purdue University. He is the son of the late Ryan Berry and Kris Dishman. Shelby Brannon, a senior at Wapahani High School, is a recipient of the E.K. Keesling Memorial Scholarship and the Murray’s Jewelers Scholarship. Shelby plans to study Fine Arts at Ball State University. She is the daughter of David and Carrie Brannon. Meghan Buehler, a senior at Yorktown High School, is a recipient of the…


Ball State University Main Spring Commencement To Be Held Inside Worthen Arena

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Due to inclement weather, today’s Spring 2025 main Commencement ceremony at Ball State University will be at Worthen Arena at 10 a.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. College ceremony locations/times are not affected and remain the same. All graduates, families, and guests can access the updated main Commencement schedule, instructions, and frequently asked questions on the Ball State Commencement Inclement Weather Information webpage. They can also find a link to updated instructions at bsu.edu and via the Ball State Facebook and X accounts. Updated times, locations, and details of the Spring Commencement ceremonies are as follows: » 10…