Articles by Mike Rhodes

George and Frances Ball Foundation Awards More than $500,000 to Local Organizations

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE—In the first quarter, George and Frances Ball Foundation awarded nearly $550,000 to support a variety of community organizations and initiatives across Muncie and Delaware County. The Foundation’s board, which meets four times per year, reviewed eleven grant applications for consideration of funding. In addition to serving as a grantmaker in the greater Muncie-Delaware County area, George and Frances Ball Foundation also serves in a convening role as the backbone organization for the collective impact initiative Cradle…

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Top Reminders Heading into the Total Solar Eclipse

By Indiana Department of Homeland Security Press Office— INDIANAPOLIS—In just a matter of days, people across the state will be pausing to take a look at the sky to witness the Total Solar Eclipse. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event. On average, a total solar eclipse occurs on a given spot on the planet only once about every 375 years. Portions of Indiana will not be in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse again until 2099. Indiana is…


The Innovation Connector—Your Entrepreneurial Support Organization

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director— MUNCIE, IN—2023 was a remarkable year for the Innovation Connector, marked by unprecedented activity and events. Our team was privileged to assist over 450 Muncie area entrepreneurs and business owners on their business journeys. Notably, we housed the East Central Indiana Regional Office of the Indiana Small Business Development Center, collaborating to serve the eleven Indiana counties they cater to.  Last year, we extended our reach beyond national borders, partnering with the Delaware County…


Second Annual ‘Motivate Our Minds Golf Outing’ To Be Held at Crestview on May 10

By Ro Selvey— MUNCIE, IN—As we gear up for another summer season, it’s time to rally behind a cause that’s close to the heart of our community: Motivate Our Minds (MOM). For years, MOM has been a beacon of hope for children in Muncie, Indiana, offering educational enrichment programs that empower our youth to reach their full potential. Now, as we approach the second annual Motivate Our Minds golf outing, it’s more important than ever to show our support and…


Woof Boom Radio Announces Advertising Grants to Local Non-Profits

By Megan Orbin— MUNCIE, IN—Woof Boom Radio takes our role seriously as partners to those in the cities and towns we serve. 104.1 WLBC continues to assist some remarkable organizations in making a difference in our community with the WLBC Hometown Heroes Grant Program. New this year, we are providing support from 104.9 WERK-FM and 93-5 MAX with the Unity in the Community Grant Program. The following organizations were chosen to receive the 104.1 WLBC Hometown Heroes Grant: First Choice…


National Library Week To Feature Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties at Muncie Public Library

By Susan Fisher, MPL— MUNCIE, IN—April 7-13, 2024, is National Library Week, and Muncie Public Library (MPL) will celebrate in a big way by offering Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties on Monday, April 8 at three library branches. The parties will include free refreshments and free solar-viewing glasses while supplies last. “We are really having fun with this event and will serve Sun Chips and Moon Pies,” said Donna Catron, Library Manager at the Kennedy Library. Solar activities and information will…


Local Artist Carrie Wright to Showcase Eclipse Art

By Jill Vandegriff— MUNCIE, IN—Local Muncie artisan Carrie Wright of Carrie Wright Silk Gifts & Gallery, will be one of a number of artists who has handcrafted eclipse-themed works at the 12th annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace, which will happen the weekend before the rare solar eclipse. Wright has created Supernova, by using layers of hot soy wax and highly concentrated dyes which were brushed onto pure silk to create the myriad of colors and depth effects seen in this piece….


One Ball State Day Returns Today, April 3

Sets Sights on Third Straight $1 Million Fundraising Goal By Ball State Marketing & Communication— MUNCIE, Indiana – One Ball State Day, Ball State University’s award-winning 24-hour fundraising event, returns Wednesday, April 3, with the goal of topping $1 million for a third straight year. Thanks to the support of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide, One Ball State Day (OBSD) has seen a remarkable increase in donations for five straight years, reaching more than $1million in gifts in…


Disaster Outreach Centers to Open April 3 in Delaware and Randolph Counties

Sites will connect residents with recovery options By IDHS Office of Public Affairs— INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Small Business Administration will co-host Disaster Loan Outreach Centers for residents who were impacted by the March 14 tornadoes in Delaware and Randolph counties. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is a specific location where residents who suffered damage from the storm can ask questions related to their recovery and receive one-on-one assistance connecting with relevant resources. Locations…


Cornfed Roller Derby Takes on Vette City Roller Derby During Pride Night

By Debra Roberts— Muncie, IN – Join Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD) on Saturday, April 20, 2024, for their first Pride Night, as they take on Vette City Roller Derby from Bowling Green, KY. This third home bout of Season 11 will take place at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Memorial Building, where the Cornfed All-Stars will face the Vette City Vixens in the first game of this doubleheader. In the second game, the Cornfed Killer Kernels will battle the Vette City…