Articles by Mike Rhodes

John Carlson: Reflections on “A Father’s Love for His Child”

By: John Carlson— It’s amazing how sometimes, when you least expect it, you have an encounter that makes you think about the truly important things in life, or in my case, just flat out humbles you. It happened to me Friday night when Nan and I went to see Mary Poppins at Muncie Civic Theatre. It was a wonderful show, a smash by all who worked so hard to put it on, and a tribute to the play’s director, Laura Williamson, who happens to…

Read More

Susan G. Komen® Central Indiana announces 2016 Community Impact Grant Recipients

INDIANAPOLIS – Susan G. Komen® Central Indiana is awarding a total of $832,677 in Community Impact Grants to 15 breast health programs in its 41-county service area. Delaware County will benefit from funding provided to Cancer Services of East Central Indiana, Inc – Little Red Door and Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP) during Komen Central Indiana’s 2016-2017 grant cycle, which began in April. These programs will use Komen grant dollars to provide comprehensive breast care for low-income women in the…


Dr. Steven Baule Update on Muncie Community Schools Fiscal Situation

By: Dr. Steven Baule, Superintendent of Muncie Community Schools— Dear MCS Stakeholders, I feel it is appropriate to take a few minutes to provide all stakeholders with an update regarding the corporation’s fiscal situation. In some ways, I understand this seems like old news. The Muncie Community Schools have been in a cost containment cycle for the better part of two decades according to many staff members who have worked here throughout that time. However, the key difference is that there is…


Pretreatment Program Continues to Protect Muncie’s White River from Industrial Pollutants

By: Rick Conrad— The Muncie Sanitary District’s Bureau of Water Quality recently received the results of an Indiana Department of Environmental Management periodic audit of its industrial pretreatment program. Muncie’s program, headed by Director Rick Conrad, is the local water quality testing and enforcement agency responsible for ensuring industries treat their potentially toxic wastewater before it can reach the White River or its tributaries. Since the establishment of this program by John Craddock in 1972, the Bureau of Water Quality’s…


Cornerstone to Offer Eight Week Classes This Summer

Muncie, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts will offer a series of classes this summer for youth, families and adults in a wide variety of areas. The Summer Eight Week Class Session begins the week of June 6th and continues through July 29th. Cornerstone’s class fees are affordable, one-time payments that cover the full eight weeks of class. Areas of interest include: visual arts, theatre, dance, fitness, and music. Children and families classes include: Early Ballet I & II, Early Ballet…


Muncie Mall’s New Mall Walker Program Begins May 3rd

Muncie, In —Muncie Mall, East Central Indiana’s family-friendly shopping destination, will launch the Mall Walker Program on Tuesday, May 3rd  to support the healthy lifestyles of Muncie residents. This initiative, sponsored by Waters Edge Village, will feature monthly breakfasts, early access to Muncie Mall and added amenities. “We’re proud to provide this new program for our loyal customers to enjoy,” said Amanda Stickann, marketing director at Muncie Mall. “Muncie Mall is the place for residents to stay active while shopping,…


Outdoor Farmers Market Begins May 7th at Minnetrista

Muncie, IN—Breathe in the spring air and find market-fresh produce at Farmers Market at Minnetrista! The Outdoor Market begins May 7, and takes place from 8 a.m. to noon, every Saturday through October. “Outdoor market is a great time to spice up your life with a variety of fresh produce,” said Farmers Market Coordinator Rosemary Tankersley. “Come often and learn about the many different varieties of produce that are offered throughout the season, and don’t forget, this food is as…


Local Teachers Awarded Funding for Creative Classroom Projects

Muncie, IN— Local teachers will receive $3,480 in Robert P. Bell Education Grants from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. More than 750 students will benefit in this final grant cycle of the academic year. Awards of up to $450 are available through the Bell Grants program. Funded projects are innovative ideas or programs designed to stimulate learning in students. Delaware County teachers may apply throughout the year over four grant cycles.  More than $12,500 was awarded during the…


Delaware County Fair Board Honors Larry Clendenin

By: Shawn Rogers for the Muncie Journal— In 1979 when Larry Clendenin first became a member of the Delaware County Fair board, the buildings on the fairgrounds were not all numbered. In the years since, they have been identified by numbers. The building directly across from the Dinner Bell restaurant has always been close to Clendenin’s heart, as it was the home for the sheep. Clendenin’s children showed sheep during their years in 4-H. Larry was also past executive director of…


Land Conservation Fund Grant Applications Now Available

Muncie, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has announced the availability of applications for matching 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…