Articles by Mike Rhodes

Fulbright award winners photo provided by Ball State University.

Education June 21, 2024

Record Number of Ball State Graduates Awarded Prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Award

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN – In a record-setting year, six recent Ball State University graduates—Julia Canty, Jayana Fennell, Cady Garcia, Denver Hammons, Katelyn Redman, and Haley Stevens—have been selected for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Awards. These awards will enable them to spend the upcoming academic year abroad as English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), helping students in their host countries develop English language skills and serving as cultural ambassadors. Additionally, recent graduate Makayla Schuelke is an alternate for an…

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Jim is pictured with his book display at Minnetrista where his book is available. Photo by Laurie Lunsford

Entertainment June 20, 2024

Muncie Resident Jim Needham Releases New Book

By Laurie Lunsford— MUNCIE, IN—A fresh new book, written by a beloved local figure, has recently been released. “I’ve wanted to write this book for a long time,” Jim Needham stated when asked about God’s Still Calling…Seeking God’s Fingerprints.  The book is a legacy about Needham’s life for his grandchildren. Since it is a book that is packed with life stories and lessons learned, it is a great book for all.  In writing the book, Needham generously shares a viewpoint…

Among other creative options, Project Paradise offers studio recording and music engineering training. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit June 19, 2024

‘Project Paradise’ to Cut Ribbon for New Youth Opportunity Recording Studio on June 20th

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—Project Paradise was first established in 2024, with the mission to reduce violence and improve wellness among at-risk youth and young adults in Muncie. The registered nonprofit provides free access to musical education, studio recording, music engineering, photography, videography, and art classes as a way to empower, support, and engage young people. “I’ve been working with kids since I started doing music at a young age, and I can tell how big of impact it has…

Altrusa Foundation Board Members are pictured from L:R—Leigh Edwards, Kailee McKnight, Angie Rogers-Howell, Kelli Petroviak, June Kramer, Tiffany Kerrigan, Colleen Cooper, and Jennifer Johnson. Photo provided

Non-Profit June 19, 2024

Muncie Altrusa Foundation 2023-2024 Impact

By Colleen Cooper— MUNCIE, IN—Creating a lasting impact with local organizations, the Muncie Altrusa Foundation awarded grants to the following organizations during the last fiscal year: The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County-$2,000-In support of The Funders Forum Collaborative initiatives Heart of Indiana United Way-$2,000-To support the purchase of Spanish and English books for 3rd and 4th grade in Muncie Community Schools and their teachers Motivate Our Minds-$2,000-For the Motivate Our Minds’ Literature and Enrichment Camp Youth Symphony Orchestra-$2,000-To…

Steve is pictured inside one of the Radio Pacis studios in Arua, Uganda.

Business June 18, 2024

Mike Rhodes Interviews Steve Lindell About His Recent Trip to Uganda in East Africa

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, IN—On Friday, June 14th, I sat down with Steve Lindell and interviewed him about his experiences in Arua, Uganda. In the audio interview below, Steve talks about why he went, and the logistics of traveling over 7,000 miles to Radio Pacis in Arua, Uganda— his final destination. In my 25 minute interview Steve talks about the challenges the people of Arua face every day: Like poverty and government corruption. Working in a multi-lingual environment,…

Dr. Kathleen Washburn. Photo provided

Education June 17, 2024

Dr. Kathleen Washburn Appointed to Muncie Community Schools Board of Trustees

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns has announced the appointment of Dr. Kathleen Washburn to the Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees. As part of its historic partnership with MCS, which began in July 2018 to provide excellent public education to every student in Muncie, the University appointed a seven-member governing board for the school district. Five members are appointed by the Ball State Board of Trustees, based upon recommendations from…

PrimeTrust President Tim Pierce presents a check to CASA's Ashley Soldaat. Photo provided

Business June 16, 2024

First Annual Mini-Golf Mixer Event Provides Support for Delaware County CASA Program

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN— PrimeTrust held their first ever Mini-Golf Mixer fundraiser event this past Thursday. This event allowed for friendly competition between local businesses and community groups – all while supporting a local nonprofit. The Mini-Golf Mixer on June 6th at Boulder Falls Mini-Golf raised $3,565.00 for the Delaware County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program. The funds raised will provide support to the abused and neglected children in Delaware County. “We are thrilled with the success of…

The musical stage at a past Juneteenth celebration. Photo provided

Entertainment June 14, 2024

5th Annual Juneteenth Muncie Celebration is This Saturday

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN— Juneteenth Muncie invites the community to celebrate freedom, heritage, and unity at the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 2-9 p.m. at McCulloch Park. This inclusive, fun, and free event promises a day filled with activities for the entire family, with a focus on engaging, educating, and empowering our community. Event Details: ●      Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024 ●      Time: 2-9 p.m. ●      Location: McCulloch Park, Muncie, IN ●      Admission: Free…

From left to right; top to bottom: Olivia Gick, Maggie Haney, Lucia Hart, John Hochstetler, Taj Isom, Masun Moore, Emily Pressnall, Hayley Reece, Ja’Niya Smith, and Sicily Toole. Not pictured: Alexis Randle, Caidence Ryan, and Evan Zachary.

Education, Non-Profit June 14, 2024

Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients—Announcement 6

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Olivia Gick, a senior at Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Max V. and Nellie Cathrine Creviston Scholarship. Olivia plans to study Nursing with a minor in Art at Ball State University. She is the daughter of Jeremy Gick and Kristin Gick. Maggie Haney, a senior at Monroe Central High School, is a recipient of the Jenny Haskell Memorial Scholarship. Maggie plans to study Speech, Language, and…

Entrepreneurship Program graduates. Photo provided

Education June 13, 2024

Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County 2023-24 Academic Year in Review

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN— “The 2023-24 academic year was full of amazing experiences for our faculty, staff and, especially, our students and community. The Muncie-Henry County campus focused on supporting our students and communities through events, experiences, and increased involvement in the lives of those we serve,” Chancellor Jeffrey Scott said.  The Muncie-Henry County campus started the year off strong by hosting the 3rd annual welcome back party with a disco theme. Students were welcomed back to campus with live…