Articles by Mike Rhodes

The Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). Photo provided

Non-Profit April 1, 2024

Indiana’s Round-leaved Sundew Carnivorous Plant Shocks Scientists by Going Vegan

By Kelley Phillips, Red-tail Land Conservancy— MUNCIE, IN– In a bizarre twist of nature, a carnivorous plant has astounded botanists by declaring its newfound commitment to veganism. The Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), known for its carnivorous appetite, has had a change of heart and started refusing its usual diet of insects. The Round-leaved Sundews of Indiana released a statement early this morning that they wish to be emancipated from the Sundew genus Drosera and live a more herbaceous lifestyle. Sundews…

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Work continues on Tillotson Avenue. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business March 29, 2024

More Traffic Changes on Tillotson Ave for I&M Power Line Construction

By Tracy Warner— MUNCIE, IN– Indiana Michigan Power’s work to enhance reliability in the Muncie area will temporarily affect traffic patterns near Ball State University beginning Monday, April 1. Motorists should be aware of a road closing affecting Riverside Avenue and lane closures on Tillotson Avenue. Specifically: Riverside will be closed between Tillotson and Briar Road. The detour will use Petty, Warwick and Briar roads. Tillotson will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Riverside and West Petty…

Non-Profit March 29, 2024

Muncie Altrusa to Host Tea and Auction Event on April 7

By Ashlee Anderson— MUNCIE, IN—Altrusa Club of Muncie and the Muncie Altrusa Foundation are hosting a Tea and Auction to support Club projects and Foundation grants. Club projects focus on literacy, food insecurity, and meeting various needs in the local community, while the Foundation grants fund local non-profits through an application process. All are invited to purchase tickets to Tea in Wonderland presented by Old National Bank. Lunch and tea will beserved and the main focus will be participating in…

Minnetrista is located at 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN 47303. File photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment March 28, 2024

Total Solar Eclipse Programming at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens 

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, in partnership with Muncie Children’s Museum (MCM), invites the community to embark on a three-day journey of celestial wonder with Magic at Minnetrista. This special event, culminating in the rare total solar eclipse visible from Muncie, Indiana, on Monday, April 8, promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. In an exciting development, both Minnetrista and Muncie Children’s Museum have been awarded grants from the esteemed Simons Foundation. This prestigious recognition is part…

Pictured L-R: Eli Burke, Yorktown; A’Mirah Ruffin, West View; Baxter Wilson, Burris; Mylah Wehlage, Royerton; Gabriel Crouch, Selma; and Kali Minnick, East Washington Academy. Photo by Sue Whitaker

Non-Profit March 28, 2024

Muncie Altrusa Club Recognizes 4th Grade Essay Contest Winners

By Sue Whitaker, Muncie Altrusa— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Altrusa Club hosted the winners of the Annual 4th Grade Essay Contest on March 21st during a luncheon at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.  The winners of the essay contest were Baxter Wilson, Burris; Kali Minnick, East Washington Academy; Mylah Wehlage, Royerton; Gabriel Crouch, Selma; A’Mirah Ruffin, West View; and Eli Burke, Yorktown. Each student read their essay titled: “How Books Build a Better World” to the assembled group. Following the reading each…

Ivy Tech's Cowan Road Advanced Technology Center. Photo provided

Education March 27, 2024

Ivy Tech’s Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence

A restorative approach to secondary education success By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN – When high school students are suspended or expelled from school, they are often placed in alternative pathways, which increases the chances of academic challenges and adds a layer of stress for the students as well as their families. The Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program is designed to provide academic and career support for students that might be considered at-risk. This collaboration can provide relief from that stress as well as a guided pathway…

Timmy Brown, former Philadelphia Eagle and Ball State alum. Photo provided

Entertainment March 27, 2024

Register Now to Explore the Extraordinary Life of Timmy Brown on April 2

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE – Timmy Brown’s story is one of resilience and achievement. That powerful story is told in the book “Running Against the Grain: The Story of the Philadelphia Eagle and Movie Star Timmy Brown.” On Tuesday, April 2, co-authors Roy Weaver and Shawn Sriver, will share the remarkable life of Timmy Brown, an alum of Ball State University, during a free event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. Weaver is…

The Rosebud Coffee House located at 1805 S. Hoyt Avenue in Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit March 27, 2024

There’s a New Positive Spirit, Energy and Momentum Growing in South Muncie

By Jena Ashby— MUNCIE, IN—There is an energy building in South Muncie that, if you haven’t visited us in a while, I want you to know about. Come on over. When I was growing up my great grandma lived just a few blocks from Ross Corner. She walked to the store every day; she never had a car. Grandma Martha’s is where you went if you needed to stay home from school because you were sick, which meant you had…

Graphic by pixabay

Government March 26, 2024

Area Leagues of Women Voters to Sponsor District 5 Candidate Forum on April 4

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Leagues of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County, Anderson-Madison County, Hamilton County, and Howard County in partnership with Woof Boom Radio and WXIN/FOX AND WTTV/CBS will hold a Congressional District 5 Candidate Forum for the public before the 2024 May primary election. The forum will be take place in the auditorium of Anderson High School, 4610 S. Madison Ave., Anderson, Indiana, on Thursday, April 4, from 6-8 p.m. Attendees should park in the North Lot and…

Leo Furlong is pictured accepting his spelling bee award. Photo provided

Education March 26, 2024

Muncie Burris Fifth Grader Leo Furlong Wins Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Leo Furlong, a fifth grader at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, is the champion of the 2024 Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. Mr. Furlong’s winning word was “jalapeño.” The spicy competition, involving nearly 40 spellers from several local school systems, lasted 12 rounds. The first runner-up was Kim Servan, a fifth grader from Royerton (Ind.) Elementary School. Second runner-up was a tie between Ainsley Falloon, a sixth grader at Northside Middle…