Articles by Mike Rhodes

One of the trains you might see at the Muncie Model Train Show. (Note the familiar Ball Corp logo on the tower just behind the train.) File photo.

Entertainment February 19, 2024

32nd Annual Model Train Show Coming to Delaware County Fairgrounds

By R. Brian Wolfe— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie and Western Model Railroad Club announces its 32nd Annual Muncie Model Train Show.  The show will be held Saturday, February 24 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Delaware County Fairgrounds at 1210 N. Wheeling Avenue.  Admission is only $5 for each adult—children 12 and under are admitted free.  Indiana’s largest single-day model train show will be held in both the Memorial and Heartland buildings.  Proceeds from the train show are used…

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Photo by Storyblocks

Health February 17, 2024

Meridian Dental to Provide Free Dental Exams for Children

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN– Meridian Health Services is providing FREE dental exams for one-day only for children ages 1 to 14 on Monday, February 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Meridian Dental locations throughout Indiana. This event, Give Kids a Smile®, is part of a nationwide initiative led by the American Dental Association to provide children in need with quality oral health care and education. Oral health is a vital part of whole-person health. Untreated dental diseases…

2023 Emergence Graduates. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 16, 2024

Registration for the 2024 Emergence Program is Now Open

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN— Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a local non-profit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership development for individuals, organizations, and communities, announces the launch of the 22nd iteration of its renowned leadership program. The program is scheduled to run from April 2 to May 21, 2024. Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership stands as SLA’s cornerstone leadership initiative. Spanning eight weeks, this immersive and dynamic training experience is tailored for both emerging and seasoned leaders eager to…

Photo by storyblocks

Health February 16, 2024

Black History Month: The Pivotal Role of African Americans in Indiana’s Medical Advancements

By Darryl Lockett— INDIANAPOLIS—Access to quality healthcare is vital to the wellbeing of every American. Indiana is no different. As we celebrate Black History month, it is important to reflect on the rich history of African Americans in Indiana’s medical progress and how far we have come. As Health Equity Director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, I recognize that the health inequities we face are not fated or destined, but rather challenges that we can overcome and change….

Learn about computer security best practices for this holiday season. Photo by graphicstock.

Business February 15, 2024

Cyber Security LEAP Day Event for Business Leaders

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Now more than ever, it is important for your company to be aware of and be proactive in keeping your company computers locked-down and secure from threats from bad actors in the internet world. Just about every week we hear about a new threat or a security breach at a company we may do business with.  According to IBM, “The global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, a 15% increase…

Putting away food donations. Photo by Dottie Kreps.

Non-Profit February 14, 2024

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Announces 40 Days of Giving Food Drive, Feb 14-March 30

By Nick Werner and Dottie Kreps— MUNCIE, IN—The Soup Kitchen of Muncie is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2024.  For thirty years the Soup Kitchen has been a place where our neighbors in need can come and receive a hot meal and a sack lunch.  The Soup Kitchen wants to invite you to get involved by participating in their Third Annual ’40 Days of Giving’ Food Drive.  The 40 Days of Giving event is based around Lent to offer everyone…

J.R. Jamison is pictured in the recording studio. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 14, 2024

Muncie Author’s Memoir Selected as One of the Best Audiobooks of 2023 by Library Journal

By The Facing Project— NEW YORK, NY—Library Journal, the network industry leader for libraries worldwide, has released its “best of” list for audiobooks published in 2023, and Muncie author J.R. Jamison’s memoir Hillbilly Queer was among the titles. Out of nearly 100,000 audiobooks published last year, Library Journal only selected 10 works of fiction and 10 works of nonfiction to receive this distinction. Others on the list include actor Steve Martin’s memoir So Many Steves: Afternoons with Steve Martin and…

David Sursa was the inaugural Board president of The Community Foundation. The annual David Sursa Leadership Award recognizes a nonprofit board member in Delaware County who displays the characteristics and commitment to the community expressed by David Sursa during his lifetime. Nominations are accepted through March 31.

Non-Profit February 13, 2024

Community Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for the David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the annual David Sursa Leadership Award. The award rewards, recognizes, and encourages extraordinary leadership by a nonprofit board member in Delaware County. Standing behind the belief that every community benefits from leaders who understand local issues and visualize and promote positivity, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County established the David Sursa Leadership Award in honor of the organization’s founding president. David…

Northwest Bank at 110 East Charles Street in downtown Muncie.

Business February 13, 2024

Northwest Bank Lists Charles Street Location With Local Realtor

By Northwest Bank— COLUMBUS, OH—Northwest Bank recently announced that it’s seeking a buyer for its building located at 110 East Charles Street in Muncie, IN. With the sale, Northwest plans to remain in downtown Muncie and is actively looking for a new location to continue serving the needs of its retail and business customers. “After careful consideration, we have decided to put our East Charles Street location on the market,” said Jennifer Gibson, Northwest Bank Indiana Region President. “Over the…

Ribbon cutting for the 2019 opening of the IU Health School of Health Sciences and Ball Brothers Foundation School of Nursing wings in the John and Janice Fisher Building at Ivy Tech Community College’s Muncie Campus. File Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health February 13, 2024

Hoosier Businesses Seek to Transform Indiana Health Care

By Indiana Business Health Collaborative—  INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Major Indiana employers recently announced the creation of the Indiana Business Health Collaborative (IBHC), a coalition of innovators, job creators, and other health care stakeholders focused on reducing health care costs, maintaining a healthy workforce, and strengthening Indiana’s economic competitiveness. This unique partnership will convene members around its five guiding principles: Collaboration Competition Education Commitment and Results These principles will help drive market-based solutions that aim to lower the cost of care…