Articles by Mike Rhodes

First Merchants Chief Credit Officer, John Martin, volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank. Photo provided

Business October 10, 2024

First Merchants Bank: A Bank Interested in You

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—As the world becomes more and more digitally focused, First Merchants Bank is keeping up with digital product offerings but not neglecting the most important aspect of banking: customers. While the bank has 116 locations throughout four states in the Midwest, its headquarters remains in Muncie. Attentive banking “We often use the word attentive,” said Jeff Parsons, Market President. “In the environment where everything is digital now, that can easily mean impersonal. However, we believe…

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Alderdice Gates at BSU. Photo provided

Business, Education October 9, 2024

Tax Credit Projects in Indiana Benefit Low-to Moderate-Income Households

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN – A new report from Ball State University researchers reveals that more than half of the housing units created or rehabilitated using historic rehabilitation tax credits (HRTC) for income-producing properties in Indiana have been designated for low- to moderate-income households. This key finding underscores the role these tax credits play in addressing housing affordability and revitalizing distressed communities across the state. The study, conducted by experts from the Center for Business and Economic…

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Government October 8, 2024

Early Voting is Underway at Delaware County’s Voter Registration Office

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Now is the time for citizens to plan when and how they will vote. Early voting is underway at the Delaware County’s Voter Registration Office, Room 104, in the Delaware County Building, 100 W. Main St. in downtown Muncie. Early voting began this morning, at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4. Early voting will be available Monday through Friday at the Voter Registration Office in Delaware County. Editor-in-Chief Mike Rhodes voted…

Special shape balloons stand out beautifully against the night sky in the 3rd Fire Up DWNTWN. Photo provided

Non-Profit October 8, 2024

A Day to Remember Thanks to Our Muncie Community

By Nick Tokar, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership Board President— MUNCIE, IN — The third Fire Up DWNTWN brought an unforgettable day full of excitement. The event offered something for everyone—family activities, live entertainment, local artisans, food vendors, and spicy competitions. This year we also introduced a brand-new attraction—DWNTWN IDOL. Downtown had some amazing talent take the stage and show off their singing chops. Events like Fire Up are not possible without incredible support from our sponsors and partners: Please thank them…

Avrum Horsley, Cowan High School. Photo by Stacey Shannon

Education October 7, 2024

Avrum Horsley—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—Avrum Horsley has worked hard to be where he is today. As current valedictorian of his senior class at Cowan Junior/Senior High School, Horsley credits his mom for encouraging him to stay the course. “My mom has motivated me, and she’s stuck me to…

Ball State Campus photo provided by Ball State University

Education October 7, 2024

Ball State Board of Trustees Receive Update on Muncie Community Schools Partnership

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN – The Ball State University Board of Trustees on Friday received updates on several key institutional achievements, including promising Fall 2024 enrollment trends, the University’s continued partnership with Muncie Community Schools (MCS), and progress on Ball State’s new Center for Innovation and Eric Foss Championship Performance Center. Paula Luff, vice president for enrollment planning and management, reported to the Board that Ball State’s total Fall 2024 enrollment is approximately 20,000 students—an increase of…

The stuff-a-bus event held at the Payless supermarket. Photo provided

Non-Profit October 6, 2024

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Hosted Third Annual Stuff-A-Bus Event

By Dottie Kreps— MUNCIE, IN—September was Hunger Action Month. The Soup Kitchen of Muncie in partnership with Payless Supermarket, Muncie Schools and Auxilio Services aimed to fill a bus full of groceries and supplies to help feed those in need in our community. “The donations and supplies collected during the Stuff-A-Bus event will be distributed to the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, Southside Middle School Panther Food Pantry, and the Ball State Cardinal Kitchen Food Pantry,” said Dottie Kreps, VP of…

Photo (left to right): Jim Kroger, Jill Palumbo, Karen Ullom, Kristi Brumley and Beth Lipscomb.

Education October 4, 2024

MCS Adult Education Program Honored as One of State’s Best

By Andy Klotz— FLORENCE, IN – The Indiana Department of Workforce Development honored the Muncie Community Schools Adult Education program as a “Program of Excellence” during a special ceremony last night for the Indiana Association of Adult and Community Education (IAACE). The award means the program exceeds state goals in multiple areas of performance and serves as a model provider of adult education services. “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our entire adult education team…

Photo by Amanda Kishel, Kishel Photography

Entertainment October 4, 2024

Muncie Civic Theatre Announces Fundraiser: A Civic Soirée – The Great Gatsby Gala

By Brittany Covert— MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Civic Theatre is excited to announce its First Annual Fundraiser, “A Civic Soirée: The Great Gatsby Gala,” set to take place on October 26, 2024 at the Muncie Civic Theatre. This dazzling event, inspired by the Roaring Twenties, promises to be an unforgettable evening of elegance and entertainment – all in support of the arts and youth theatre programs that Muncie Civic Theatre brings to the community. Guests will dress to the…

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Government October 4, 2024

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce to Host Candidate Forum on October 10

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum on October 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Legacy Room at Westminster Village Muncie. All community members are welcome to attend the FREE forum to hear from candidates vying for County Commissioner District 1, County Council at Large, and Circuit Court 2 seats. This will be an opportunity for candidates to publicly address constituents and answer moderated questions alongside their respective opponents…