Articles by Mike Rhodes

The wide world of plants includes more than any guy can be expected to remember. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson July 15, 2016

John Carlson: Dirt Strip Becoming a Blooming Miracle

By: John Carlson— The dirt strip bordering the fence in our small back yard is now heartily sprouting plants. You ask, what kind of plants? Well, you know. Plants. Green ones. We had a few out there before, some with stalks and some, like, without stalks. But then one day, during an overcast afternoon when the storm clouds were roiling and lightning flashes visible in the distance, our personal professional gardener, Mary Beth Lambert, swung into action. As an un-fit,…

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Academy of Model Aeronautics. File Photo.

Entertainment July 15, 2016

National Aeromodeling Championships Held at Muncie’s AMA

MUNCIE, IN—Thousands of pilots from across the country will visit the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) throughout the month of July and the beginning of August for the National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats). Pilots come to Muncie to compete in various categories of model flying competition. Each competitor comes to win—some even try to earn spots on US teams that participate in world championships. The Nats is an event rich in history that is celebrating 90 years of…

A MITS Bus travels an available route. Photo provided.

Business July 14, 2016

MITS Celebrates 35th Year of Operation on July 15th

By: Todd Merickel— Muncie, IN—On July 15th, Muncie Indiana Transit System will celebrate their 35th year of operation in Muncie.  MITS has been nationally recognized in the past and continues to be one of the nation’s top transportation company operating and annually transports over 1.9 million riders.  MITSPlus is Muncie’s transportation provider for individuals with accessibility issues.   MITS employs over 80 individuals and has 14 routes that run Monday through Saturday. The daily goals of MITS is to provide…

Hurley and Fredine (Wynn) Goodall Scholarship Recipients. From L-R: Anitra Davis, Timika Johnson, Tamela Moore. (Not pictured) Michelle Hill, Christopher Stewart

Non-Profit July 14, 2016

5 Delaware County Students Received the 2016 Hurley and Fredine (Wynn) Goodall Scholarship

Muncie, IN —The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., has announced the following students as recipients of the Hurley and Fredine (Wynn) Goodall Scholarship at Ivy Tech Community College for the 2015-2016 academic year. This scholarship, honoring the former state legislator and his wife, is awarded each year to minority students enrolled in a two-year associate program at Ivy Tech Community College who demonstrate financial need. Anitra Davis is studying business administration. Michelle Hill is studying business administration….

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health July 13, 2016

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Awarded Accreditation From Joint Commission

Muncie, IN— Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital has recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its healthcare quality and safety. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. This award excludes skilled nursing and nursing home services. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has consistently received accreditation since the Joint Commission began recognizing health care organizations…

Pictured Left to right: Jayanna Thompson, HCCF Program Director; David Dickerson, YOC, Director of Alternative Programs; Heather Ault, YOC, Program Development Director; Polly Craig, YOC Foundation, Executive Director; and Michelle Leonard, HCCF Development and Marketing Director

Non-Profit July 13, 2016

Henry County Community Foundation Awards Grant to YOC to Expand Services

Muncie, IN— The Henry County Community Foundation (HCCF) presented a check for $49,023.00 to representatives of the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) on June 29, 2016 to expand its services in New Castle, Ind. The HCCF grant will assist the YOC with start-up costs to remodel the former Henry County Youth Center into a residential treatment program for victims of human trafficking, specifically Commercially/Sexually Exploited Children. Human trafficking is a $150 billion criminal industry that is one of the fastest growing…

"World Changers" working to replace school flooring. Photo provided.

Education July 13, 2016

World Changers will be at Grissom and Sutton Elementary Schools

Muncie, IN—Old Town Hill Baptist Church is hosting the World Changers in Muncie, Indiana from July 11 -15, 2016. Approximately 100 students and adults from four states (LA, MD, OH, & IL) will converge on Muncie this week under the direction of Old Town Hill Baptist Church to “Change the World.” Pastor Bruce Reynolds shared that “the World Changers exist to serve churches in their mission of making disciples by providing mission experiences that develop the heart of students for…

Dr. Andrew Bowne named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ivy Tech Community College.

Education July 12, 2016

Ivy Tech Community College Names Bowne Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Muncie, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College named Dr. Andrew Bowne as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Bowne will begin this position on August 15, 2016.  He currently serves as the Chancellor for the East Central and Richmond regions.  An interim to fill Bowne’s position is expected to be named in the coming weeks. In his new role, Bowne will be responsible for working with local chancellors on regional operations, statewide continuous improvement efforts and facilities planning work. …

Health services for children will be offered at Open Door's "Back 2 School Fun Fest." Photo provided.

Health, Non-Profit July 12, 2016

Open Door Health Services to Host “Back 2 School Fun Fest”

By: Katy Crist— Muncie, IN— Open Door Health Services will once again host the Back 2 School Fun Fest. This event will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 1-4pm at 333 S. Madison Street in Muncie. Back 2 School Fun Fest is open to the public and will offer school and sports physicals, immunizations, and dental screenings for little to no cost. Children of all ages can enjoy free games, refreshments, and balloon art. They will also walk away…

A young mother works with her child. Photo provided.

Non-Profit July 11, 2016

United Way Earns Grant to Improve Early Childhood Brain Development

By: Allison Gregory– United Way of Delaware County, in Partnership with BY5, Awarded Vroom Grant to Encourage Families to Emphasize Early Childhood Brain Development MUNCIE, IN – United Way of Delaware County, a BY5 Ambassador, was selected as one of 23 communities in the nation to receive the Vroom Grant earlier this year. Vroom, with strong support from the Bezos Family Foundation, provides a smartphone app, posters, learning tip cards and many other materials to aid families in recognizing when…