Articles by Mike Rhodes

LaShanta Vaughn. Photo provided.

Business April 30, 2024

Visit Muncie Announces LaShanta Vaughn as Executive Director

By Visit Muncie, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Board of Directors of Visit Muncie, Incorporated, formerly and more widely known as The Muncie Visitors Bureau, proudly announces the hiring of LaShanta Vaughn as its Executive Director.  Vaughn stepped into the role April 22. For the last five years, she held positions of Sales Manager and then Director of Sales at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie.  “We could not be happier to have LaShanta leading our county’s tourism efforts,” said Jarod Walls,…

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Dan Wolfert, new Program Officer at Ball Brothers Foundation.

Non-Profit April 29, 2024

Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes New Program Officer Dan Wolfert

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN— Ball Brothers Foundation is pleased to announce that Dan Wolfert will join the Foundation’s team as a new Program Officer. His role with the foundation begins June 3. “We are excited to welcome Dan to the Ball Brothers Foundation team,” said Jud Fisher, the foundation’s president and chief executive officer. “Dan’s hiring concluded a national search of highly qualified candidates. We were impressed by his understanding of the area in which we operate, his local…

Kia of Muncie dealership located at 6732 W Hometown Blvd in Muncie. Photo provided

Business April 29, 2024

Kia of Muncie Honored as Exclusive Member of Kia America’s President’s Club

Local Dealer Chris Hutton Recognized for Exceptional Customer Service and Sales Success  By John Weis— MUNCIE, IN — Chris Hutton and his dealership, Kia of Muncie, have been named by Kia America as one of only 50 dealerships in the United States to earn a spot in the brand’s prestigious 2023 President’s Club. Selected from the nationwide network of nearly 800 retailers, the Kia President’s Club recognizes dealers that have achieved the highest overall sales volume and provided outstanding customer…

File photo provided by Muncie Sports Commission.

Entertainment April 29, 2024

Delaware County High School Athletics Awards Show to Debut This May

By Jon Anderson— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Sports Commission is thrilled to announce the inaugural Delaware County High School Athletics Awards Show. The event will take place at Emens Auditorium on May 29th, 2024, at 6:00 PM. This exciting new ceremony aims to celebrate the exceptional talents and achievements of high school athletes across Delaware County. The Delaware County High School Athletics Awards will recognize the hard work, dedication, and success of student-athletes in every varsity sport. The public is invited…

Ball Stores photograph courtesy of Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.

Entertainment April 29, 2024

Ball Stores Exhibition Opens at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—The much-anticipated Ball Stores exhibition opened on April 27, 2024, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through the cherished history of one of Muncie’s most beloved institutions. Located in the Center Building’s Heritage Gallery, this immersive experience promises to reignite fond memories and celebrate the enduring legacy of Ball Stores, which captured the hearts of residents for over five decades. Prepare to be captivated by a mesmerizing display of vintage photographs and objects, showcasing the…

Photo provided by Ball State University

Education April 26, 2024

Indiana Academy and Burris Laboratory School Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

By University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities and Burris Laboratory School have reaffirmed their positions as leading high schools in Indiana, according to the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. In the “2024 Best U.S. High Schools” listing, the Indiana Academy secured the No. 2 spot in the state, while Burris Laboratory School climbed two spots to No. 12, continuing their tradition of excellence. Both institutions are operated by Ball…

Sherry Adkins photo provided by Muncie Artists Guild

Non-Profit April 26, 2024

Sherry Adkins is Muncie Artists Guild’s Artist of the Month for May 2024

By Jill Palumbo & Sherry Adkins— MUNCIE, IN—Growing up in the countryside of Indiana, surrounded by fields, forests and wildlife instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature. Often, I would have a front row seat to the deer that wander into the back yard, a view of the many birds that would gather at the bird feeders, and the families of raccoons that would climb up the apple trees for a snack. As an adult, I have a sense…

Back Row L-R: Tom Simpson, Dr. Greg Hinshaw (Superintendent), Jason Brooks— Front Row L-R: Victoria Gasaway, Ryan Kelly, Alison Tokar

Education April 25, 2024

Yorktown Community Schools School Board Honored by Indiana School Boards Association

By Jo Cox, YCS— YORKTOWN, IN—The Yorktown Community Schools School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2023 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to professional learning and student success. The Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) are conferred annually to school boards across four levels of distinction. Board awards are based on points earned by each member for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events, as well…

Groundbreaking for 'Wonder Woods' at the Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center. Photo provided

Education, Non-Profit April 25, 2024

Groundbreaking Ceremony Unveils ‘Wonder Woods’ at Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center

By Kristen McConnell, CFRM— MUNCIE, IN – The YMCA of Muncie proudly announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated early learning forest, now officially named Wonder Woods. The event, marked by the planting of over 200 saplings, symbolizes a monumental step toward enriching the educational experience of young learners in our community. The unveiling of Wonder Woods signifies a commitment to providing children with immersive outdoor learning environments, fostering a deep connection to nature from an early age. Attendees, including…

Eric Grim photo provided by MCS

Education April 25, 2024

Eric Grim Named New MCS Assistant Superintendent

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has filled its opening for an assistant superintendent by promoting Eric Grim from his current position as the district’s director of secondary education. Grim has worked for MCS in a variety of roles for the past 26 years, including five years as the principal of Northside Middle School. Grim succeeds Dr. Chuck Reynolds who will become MCS’ new director of public education and CEO once Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, the…