Articles by Mike Rhodes

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Health September 2, 2024

Open Door Health Services to Distribute Free Covid-19 Tests Sept. 3-4

By Suzanne Clem— MUNCIE, IN – Community members can receive no-cost COVID-19 tests on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Open Door Health Services administration site in Muncie. The site is located at 220 S. Walnut Street. Distribution will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The public is invited to pick up a supply for homes, workplaces, or civic groups. Additionally, Open Door patients may pick up Covid tests during any visit to an…

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Young children learning through play at nationally accredited United Day Care Center. Photo by Maggie Manor.

Non-Profit August 30, 2024

George and Frances Ball Foundation Grants $1.1 Million This Quarter

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—Founded in 1937, the George and Frances Ball Foundation has spent the last 87 years upholding the legacy of George, Frances, and Elisabeth Ball. The Foundation uses its role as a grantmaker to reflect the family’s passions rooted in improving livability and educational attainment for citizens in Muncie and Delaware County. This commitment to local livability and education is displayed year-round through the Foundation’s community engagement activities and partnerships, including its work serving as the backbone…

Kelly J. Gordon. Photo provided

Education, Entertainment August 29, 2024

Ball State University Hosts Superyacht Capt. Kelly Gordon for Speaking Event

By University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University’s Fall 2024 Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series (EIL) event will feature Kelly J. Gordon, one of the world’s most accomplished superyacht captains—also known for her leadership skills and mental health advocacy. Capt. Gordon, a Ball State University graduate, will deliver her inspiring talk on leadership at 7:30 p.m. on Sept.10 at Pruis Hall on Ball State’s campus. The event is free and open to the public. “Captain Gordon’s journey from Ball State University…

First Merchants Bank Employee Resource Groups, First Womens Connections, attends the Indiana Bankers Association Banking on Women Conference. Photo provided

Business August 29, 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…

Erskine Green Training Institute’s program draws students from across Indiana—and beyond. Photo provided

Non-Profit August 28, 2024

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Helping Individuals With Disabilities Lead an Independent Life

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN – In 2013, Ball Brothers Foundation made an $80,000 grant to The Arc of Indiana Foundation to support architectural drawings for what would become the nation’s first-of-a-kind hotel that would also serve as a training institute for individuals with disabilities located in downtown Muncie. Named “Erskine Green Training Institute”—in part after baseball legend Carl Erskine—EGTI has become a hallmark in downtown Muncie.  In the years since, Ball Brothers Foundation funding has helped to support EGTI’s…

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Non-Profit August 28, 2024

Chamber’s National Civics Bee® Winners Compete in State Competition

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 National Civics Bee® in Delaware County on April 9, 2024. The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hunter R., Noah C., and Braxton J. were named the top three finalists of Delaware County’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Hunter R. from…

Low Lily will perform at the Pruis Hall at Ball State University on Thursday, September 5th. Photo provided

Entertainment August 28, 2024

New England-based Folk/Roots Trio ‘LOW LILY’ to Perform in Muncie

By Liz Simmons, artist manager— MUNCIE, IN—Award-winning folk and roots band Low Lily will perform at Pruis Hall at Ball State University on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, a 7:30 PM show. With a vocal blend that has been dubbed “outstanding” and “meticulous” as well as world-class instrumental prowess, Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout the US and beyond. Tickets can purchased at this link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/low-lily-muncie-indiana-09-05-2024/event/0500610838A2A01F With the release of their latest record ‘Angels in the…

First Merchants team members with an award from Habitat for Humanity. Photo provided

Business August 27, 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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Health August 27, 2024

IU Health’s New Walk-in Clinic Offers Unmatched Convenience in Orthopedic Care

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN —Starting Monday, August 26, IU Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Muncie will open a new walk-in clinic, providing patients with direct access to expert orthopedic care. Located at 2701 W North Street, Muncie, IN 47303, the clinic will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These hours ensure that patients can receive high-quality orthopedic care at a time that is most convenient for them. Patients can enjoy the following benefits the…

College Mentors for Kids connects Muncie elementary school students with BSU college student volunteers through weekly on-campus activities that inspire growth and confidence. College Mentors for Kids received a $12,500 Community Grant to support the program. Twenty-one organizations received more than $300,000 through the Community Grants program at The Community Foundation this quarter. Photo provided

Non-Profit August 26, 2024

Grants Totaling $312K Awarded By Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $312,509 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and…