Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo by storyblocks

Government April 25, 2024

Delaware County Roads On List for Repaving After Grant

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN– Some of the most-needed road paving jobs in Delaware County are on tap for 2024. The roads will be repaved thanks to a $1.5 million Community Crossings grant from the state of Indiana. “We were awarded everything we asked for. This really will help stretch our local paving dollars,” said Angela Moyer, project director of Delaware County’s Engineering Department. “We’re very appreciative.” In addition to roads paved with grant funding, Delaware County also has…

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Wapahani High School senior Isaac Andrews. Photo by Thomas Peek

Business, Education April 24, 2024

Isaac Andrews—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— COWAN, IN—For Wapahani High School senior Isaac Andrews, basketball is a way of life. Since he was in fifth grade, he’s played basketball during school and over the summer. All his time on the court paid off. This year Andrews broke both Wapahani’s scoring record…

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Entertainment April 24, 2024

Celebrate Arbor Day With a Sapling Giveaway and Run for the Trees: Happy Little Walk/Run 5K

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Join Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for a day filled with nature, excitement, and adventure at the annual Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on April 27th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year holds special significance as we commemorate Muncie’s 26th year as a recognized Tree City USA community. To mark this occasion, join us for a day of fun-filled activities, educational demonstrations, and environmental advocacy. At 10 a.m., Mayor Dan Ridenour will read the official Arbor…

ECIRP receives $35 million for READI 2.0. Photo provided

Business April 23, 2024

Collaboration is the Key to Success: Remarks From Trevor Friedeberg 

Editor’s note: Trevor Friedeberg, CEO & President at the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP), has been instrumental in guiding the region’s journey through READI 1.0 and now into the promising era of READI 2.0. As we reflect on the culmination of efforts, this is his perspective on the greatest takeaway– In East Central Indiana, our greatest strength has always been each other.  By Trevor Friedeberg— MUNCIE, IN— East Central Indiana (ECI) hasn’t been immune to challenges mirroring broader statewide trends….

The 14 students who participated in the local competition. Photo provided

Business, Education April 22, 2024

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Hosted National Civics Bee® Competition

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 National Civics Bee® in Delaware County on April 9, 2024. The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.  Hunter R., Noah C., and Braxton J. were named the top three finalists of Delaware County’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are very…

An electricity-generating solar energy panel is pictured. Photo by storyblocks

Non-Profit April 22, 2024

Muncie League of Women Voters to Sponsor Panel on Solar Energy

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—“You Can’t Put Solar Anywhere You Want” will be the topic of a League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County public meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Kennedy Branch Library in Muncie. The program is free. “The following question is often raised at governmental meetings in connection with solar, ‘Why can’t we put solar on brownfields, on the rooftops of government buildings or between and along highways?’,” said Sarah Williams, chairwoman of the…

Entertainment April 19, 2024

‘Fiddler On The Roof’ Comes to Muncie Civic Theatre

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—It’s a word you will hear often when talking with people involved in the upcoming Muncie Civic Theatre production of the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Take the show’s director, Michael O’Hara, for example. “The show is about community,” he said. “A community that, in this case, is cast out of their town by hate and fear, but they – the community – face this adversity with humanity and courage. That message of community, the deep connections that…

Artist rendering of University’s plan to revitalize The Village. Photo provided.

Education, Government April 19, 2024

State Greenlights Nearly $104 Million for Improvements at BSU and New Delaware County Mental Health Facility

Delaware County also receives mental health grant to help incarcerated access treatment By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, House Republicans— STATEHOUSE—Ball State University can take off with its plans to make much-needed improvements and expansions at the Muncie campus with the help of nearly $104 million in new investments, according to local lawmakers. State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said the State Budget Committee formally reviewed four capital projects, including those to accommodate academic program expansions and…

Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit April 19, 2024

V!VA Luncheon Honors Outstanding Volunteer Contributions to Delaware County Community

By Dan Wolfert— MUNCIE, IN– On April 16, 2024, the Interurban Room at the Horizon Convention Center was filled with gratitude and admiration as the community came together to celebrate the exemplary individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in Delaware County. The annual V!VA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon, a cherished tradition since its inception in 1993 by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club, in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, once again shone a spotlight on the…

Photo by BSU MDIA344 Immersive Learning class

Business April 19, 2024

Walls Furniture Hosts Successful Car Show for Charity

By the BSU MDIA344 Immersive Learning class— MUNCIE, IN—On April 13th, local car enthusiasts and supporters gathered at Walls Furniture, a local Muncie furniture store, for a thrilling showcase of automotive beauty and generosity. The fundraising event, organized by Walls Furniture, saw many classic and contemporary vehicles on display, all for a noble cause. From noon until 4 PM, the parking lot buzzed with excitement as visitors admired the cool, sleek designs and vibrant colors of the showcased cars. The…