Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…

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…

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….