Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ruth Sherck—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— MUNCIE, IN—Delta High School junior Ruth Sherck is all about sports, faith and family. Throughout her high school years, she’s been a three-sport athlete with soccer, basketball and track. This year, she’s missing basketball due to an injury. But that doesn’t mean she’s not busy….

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Local Families Promote Reading, Dreaming, Doing

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Research shows 90 percent of brain development occurs within the first five years of life. It’s one reason why early childhood engagements like play matters. That’s just one statistic that is driving the local Cradle to Career Muncie support network, a national movement that has emerged locally. C2CMuncie is made up of 9 Collaborative Action Networks each led by a local nonprofit, whose cross-sector team members focus on a timeline that goes from pre-kindergarten to career….


2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients from Delaware County Announced

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Delaware County – Zachary Baty from Delta High School and Josephine Burton from Burris Laboratory High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Delaware County must show great leadership potential, be well-rounded in their involvement, and…


IU Health Ball Named to U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care

By IU Health— INDIANAPOLIS— U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named six Indiana University Health hospitals as 2025 High Performing hospitals for Maternity Care. Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital Indiana University Health Medical Center (Riley Hospital for Children) Indiana University Health North Hospital Indiana University Health Paoli Hospital This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of…


Indiana Economic Outlook 2025 Forecast Breakfast to be Held on Jan. 16 at Horizon Convention Center

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—What drives the decisions of the Federal Reserve Bank, and what are the implications of its actions? Back by popular demand, Dr. David E. Altig, executive vice president and chief economic adviser at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will address these questions at Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research’s (CBER) annual Indiana Economic Outlook 2025 Forecast Breakfast. This event will also feature the 2025 economic forecast by Dr. Michael J. Hicks,…


Award-Winning Broadway Musical to Play at Emens Auditorium on December 13

By Haley Wade— MUNCIE, IN – Local residents will have the opportunity to see Dear Evan Hansen perform on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. “A brilliant musical. The message of hope and humanity is central in this incredible show, and it touches (families, parents, kids,) everybody.” – CBS News Tickets for Dear Evan Hansen are currently on sale at the Emens box office, online at Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 765-285-1539. Declared “one of the most…


Masterworks Chorale in Muncie to Present Holiday Concert, ‘Sing We Noel’

By Katharine Burris— MUNCIE, IN—To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Masterworks Chorale will present its annual holiday concert, “Sing We Noel,” on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1400 W Riverside Avenue, Muncie. “Sing We Noel” will feature an array of festive music, programmed to stir up holiday cheer. Performances of familiar favorites like “White Christmas,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are sure to please. This concert…


East Central Indiana Emerging as Hub for Training Indiana’s Healthcare Workforce

By Jud Fisher and Trevor Friedeberg— MUNCIE, IN – It’s no secret that East Central Indiana faces notable challenges as it works to reinvent itself.  Like many other rust belt regions across the Midwest, we are tackling issues including population decline, workforce development gaps, and housing shortages. The transition from a heavy manufacturing-based economy requires not only new industries but also a shift in local identity. However, if there’s one thing East Central Indiana has proven time and again, it is…


CenterPoint Energy Supports the 2025 Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Krista Flynn— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in collaboration with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, and Habitat for Humanity, would like to announce the renewal of the CenterPoint Scholars Program. Thanks to a second generous grant from CenterPoint Energy, this groundbreaking initiative will continue to empower community leaders and foster meaningful change in Muncie’s vibrant neighborhoods. The CenterPoint Scholars Program is a…


Ivy Tech Celebrates Staff and Alumni Transforming Lives in 4th Annual Difference Makers Series

Four inspiring graduates, who now also serve as dedicated staff members, share their journeys from associate degrees to advanced success. By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN– The Difference Makers series is a celebration of individuals who create meaningful, positive change within their communities and Ivy Tech, embodying the transformative power of education and perseverance. Each year, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County honors a unique group of extraordinary people whose stories inspire and uplift. This year’s series highlights an exceptional group of individuals…