Articles by Mike Rhodes

Seed Swap & Giveaway coming to Minnetrista. Photo provided

Entertainment March 6, 2024

Seed Swap & Giveaway Event Cultivates Community and Sustainability

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Red-tail Land Conservancy, is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Seed Swap & Giveaway event, scheduled for March 16, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Seed Swap & Giveaway, currently in its 6th year, has been held at different locations annually. It remains a cornerstone of Minnetrista’s dedication to promoting community engagement, preserving biodiversity, and advocating for sustainable gardening practices….

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By storyblocks

Non-Profit March 6, 2024

Delaware County Indiana Emergency Management Agency Prepares for April 8th Total Solar Eclipse

By Kyle Johnson— DELAWARE COUNTY INDIANA—With the eagerly anticipated Total Solar Eclipse of April 8th,2024 a little over a month away, the Delaware County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) has been diligently preparing to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during this extraordinary celestial event. Over the past year, DCEMA has engaged in comprehensive planning efforts, including attending state-wide seminars and conducting multiple meetings with local agencies and government representatives to address the potential impacts…

Conductor Carlos Hernandez leads East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra of Muncie. Photo provided

Entertainment March 6, 2024

East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra FREE Concert on March 16th

By Kathy Huggler— East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra (ECICO) is collaborating with Cole Academy of Dance, Gymnastics, & Cheerleading to deliver a lively and varied music program – which takes place on stage in the Muncie Central High School Auditorium, on Saturday, March 16 at 7 pm. The public is invited to help celebrate the ‘2024 Return-of-the-Sun’ by attending this free concert given by the ECICO and its Guest Artists: Alto Saxophone Soloist George Wolfe:  BSU Professor Emeritus of Music…

A screenshot from downtownmuncie.org

Non-Profit March 6, 2024

Find Your Place: DWNTWN Muncie Unveils New Website

By Meghan Andrews— MUNCIE, IN—Downtown Muncie, a beacon of vibrancy and community spirit, announces the launch of its dynamic new website, inviting residents and visitors alike to embark on a journey of discovery and connection. With the unveiling of DowntownMuncie.org, individuals can now “Find Your Place” in the heart of Muncie’s bustling downtown scene. The newly designed website serves as a central hub for exploring the rich tapestry of downtown Muncie, offering an array of resources, event listings, and interactive…

Carrie Wright is pictured with Indiana Senator Scott Alexander along with her hand painted silk artwork. Photo provided

Business March 5, 2024

Muncie Artist Carrie Wright Chosen for Hoosier Women Artists Exhibition

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—The Hoosier Women Artists program was created in 2008 to celebrate and expand the role art plays in our communities. Each year female Indiana artists are encouraged to submit artwork for consideration. The pieces chosen are then displayed for the year in the Statehouse offices of female elected officials, including in 2024: Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver, and Chief Justice Loretta Rush. First…

Trey Mathews, photo provided

Education March 5, 2024

Ball State Student, Local Native Trey Mathews Awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Trey Mathews, a Muncie, Ind., native and sophomore Honors College student at Ball State University, has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support his study abroad endeavors. This federally-funded, nationally competitive program provides up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students pursuing academic studies abroad to better prepare them to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. Additional support is available to selected students who…

Representatives from the Indiana National Guard spoke at the convening about the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion, a first-of-its kind unit in the Indiana National Guard which trains Hoosier citizen-soldiers to become cyber operations specialists able to defend cyber networks and address growing cyber threats. Photo courtesy of Ball State University

Non-Profit March 5, 2024

Military, Law Enforcement, Higher Ed Officials Convene in Muncie to Discuss Cybersecurity

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—Last month, officials from the miliary, law enforcement, and local universities gathered in Muncie to discuss cybercrime, cybersecurity, and the future of workforce training for growing cyber needs. Convened by Ball Brothers Foundation, the group was addressed by Major General Dale Lyles. Lyles commands the Indiana National Guard, a force of over 13,500 troops across Indiana who serve both in Indiana and abroad. Among the forces under Lyles’ command is the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion, a…

Photo by Matt Ruddick

Entertainment March 4, 2024

Cornfed Roller Derby ‘Crop Circle Showdown’

By Debra Roberts— Muncie, IN – In the second home bout of Season 11, Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD) will be taking on Circle City Roller Derby from Indianapolis in the Crop Circle Showdown on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Community Building. In the first of two games, Corned All-Stars will battle the Circle City Socialites, followed by the Cornfed Killer Kernels facing the Circle City Party Crashers. Doors for this doubleheader open at 4 p.m., with…

This photo shows a portion of the area on Tillotson Avenue where Indiana Michigan Power will be doing the work. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business February 29, 2024

I&M to Begin Construction on Underground Power Line on Tillotson Avenue Next Week

By Tracy Warner— MUNCIE, IN– Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to start construction next week to rebuild an aging underground power line along Tillotson Avenue in Muncie. I&M will rebuild the 1-mile underground power line. Contract crews plan to work along Tillotson Avenue between University Avenue and York Prairie Creek, just south of Euclid Avenue. I&M right-of-way representatives will work with affected landowners and residents where the line rebuilding requires private property easements. Typical work hours are 7 a.m….

Local employers and other key stakeholders gather for presentation by Todd Hurst of the Indiana Chamber. Photo by Maggie Manor

Non-Profit February 29, 2024

Indiana Chamber’s Todd Hurst Connects State Initiative’s to Local ‘Cradle to Career’ Muncie Efforts

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN— Earlier this month, a group of area stakeholders from industry, higher education, K-12, and more gathered at the Innovation Connector to hear an update about the Indiana Chamber and its talent development initiatives. Todd Hurst, Executive Director of the state chamber’s Institute for Workforce Excellence, shared a glimpse into the Indiana Prosperity 2035 plan and its goals, connecting the state’s vision for economic acceleration to the local efforts of Cradle to Career Muncie. Cradle to…