Articles by Mike Rhodes

Beneficence, affectionately called “Benny,” is Ball State's institutional icon. She symbolizes the generosity of the five Ball brothers whose land donation to the State of Indiana allowed Ball State to flourish. Photo provided by BSU

Education February 27, 2024

AAUW Accepting Scholarship Applications From Students 25 Years Old or Older

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The application for the American Association of University Women, Muncie Branch, nontraditional student scholarship is now available. Applications are due Monday, April 1. The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is available for the 2024-2025 academic year, effective Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025. The scholarship must be used for tuition, health fee, books and other classroom-related expenses for the year, including summer session. To apply, applicants must meet the following selection criteria: Students who are 25 years old or…

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Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr. join the board of Ball Brothers Foundation. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 27, 2024

Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

By Ball Brothers Foundation—  MUNCIE, IN  —  As Ball Brothers Foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, it is proud to announce the appointment of two esteemed community leaders, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to its Board of Directors. The addition of Laura and Dennis comes as the foundation continues to implement its “Second Century Strategic Plan,” a comprehensive roadmap for the foundation’s future. This plan, developed with input from nearly 100 grantees, community leaders,…

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $607,500 in Community Grants to 14 community organizations during the first quarter of 2024. Ross Community Center received $40,000 to support general operations, which allow the center to offer high-quality programming for neighbors of all ages, like English as a Second Language classes, pictured above.

Non-Profit February 25, 2024

Community Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $687K

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $687,500 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County 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 Nonprofit…

File photo

Education February 24, 2024

St. Michael Catholic School Open House To Take Place on February 25th

By Melissa Santos— MUNCIE, IN – St. Michael Catholic School, located at 2301 W. Gilbert Street in Muncie, extends an invitation to the community for its Open House event on February 25th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Guests are welcome to explore the preschool through 8th-grade classrooms and participate in the festivities hosted in the gym. The lively atmosphere allows parents and children to experience the vibrant community spirit at St. Michael School. Dedicated faculty and staff will be…

Aerial of Westside Park area where skatepark will be constructed. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government February 23, 2024

Westside Skatepark Development to Move Forward in March

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie residents have been eagerly awaiting news on a proposed skatepark slated for Westside Park, which has been discussed since 2020. The design for the skatepark was bid out to Hunger Skateparks, who collected public input to finalize the design in 2022. The engineering and design work were ready to go in 2023, but permits from the Department of Natural Resources were required before construction could begin. Now, DNR permits have come back approved, and the…

Watasha Barnes Griffin. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 23, 2024

WaTasha Barnes Griffin to be Keynote at State of the Child Conference on March 20th

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Join the Indiana Youth Institute for an expert analysis of the latest child-focused data Wednesday, March 20 at Muncie’s annual State of the Child conference. This year, the event features WaTasha Barnes Griffin as its keynote speaker. “I Am this Data,” is a personal reflection of how one life is impacted by engaged family and community. “We all read the statistics about low third-grade reading levels, a propensity for teen suicide and the explosive mental health…

Delaware County resident Natalie Moulton (left) reviews the session calendar with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) (right) Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in the House Chamber at the Indiana Statehouse. Moulton is interning with the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session. Photo provided

Government February 22, 2024

Delaware County Native Gains Experience Interning at Statehouse

By Braden Dunlap, Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE —Delaware County native Natalie Moulton is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and her fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session.Moulton, a Yorktown High School graduate, is the daughter of Ben and Amy Moulton. She is currently a junior at Ball State University, majoring in communication with minors in political science and social work.“Thanks to this internship, I’ve been able to learn so…

Groups collaborate at a regional workshop held in 2023. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 21, 2024

Stronger Together: ECIRP Submits READI 2.0 Application for Regional Transformation

By Caitlyn Hancock, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership— MUNCIE, IN – The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP) has completed the application process for READI 2.0, marking a significant milestone in the region’s economic development journey. Following the success of READI 1.0, which set the groundwork for regional development planning, READI 2.0 now takes a bold step forward by focusing on strategic collaboration and data-driven initiatives to boost economic growth and improve quality of life in East Central Indiana. During…

Hoosier Shakespeare Festival, headquartered in Marion, was the recipient of the 2023 grant. Hoosier Shakes takes live performances of classic Shakespeare plays on the road to communities in Grant, Wabash, Howard, and Delaware counties. Photo provided

Education February 21, 2024

Community Engagement Grant Provides Up to $35,000 for Arts Programs

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2024 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant. This competitive grant program provides up to $35,000 annually to an East Central Indiana community arts-focused organization or program. Application deadline is 5 p.m. ET March 29. To apply for the grant or for more information, go to https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/community-engagement/arts-grant-application. The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State’s commitment to community engagement with the greater arts…

A DRUM TAO performance is pictured. Photo from a Youtube video.

Entertainment February 20, 2024

DRUM TAO 30th Anniversary THE TAO 夢幻響 is Coming to Emens Auditorium

By Mary Grace Walke— MUNCIE, IN—DRUM TAO 30th Anniversary THE TAO 夢幻響 is coming to Emens Auditorium on March 19, 2024. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster. DRUM TAO‘s stage is created through phenomenal performances and expressions consisting of incomparable “Wadaiko-drums” and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. It is the “Japanese Entertainment” for a new generation that completely surpasses expectations. In February 2016, their Off-Broadway shows in New York were completely sold out! It was featured in…