Articles by Mike Rhodes

Back Row L-R: Tom Simpson, Dr. Greg Hinshaw (Superintendent), Jason Brooks— Front Row L-R: Victoria Gasaway, Ryan Kelly, Alison Tokar

Education April 25, 2024

Yorktown Community Schools School Board Honored by Indiana School Boards Association

By Jo Cox, YCS— YORKTOWN, IN—The Yorktown Community Schools School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2023 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to professional learning and student success. The Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) are conferred annually to school boards across four levels of distinction. Board awards are based on points earned by each member for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events, as well…

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Groundbreaking for 'Wonder Woods' at the Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center. Photo provided

Education, Non-Profit April 25, 2024

Groundbreaking Ceremony Unveils ‘Wonder Woods’ at Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center

By Kristen McConnell, CFRM— MUNCIE, IN – The YMCA of Muncie proudly announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated early learning forest, now officially named Wonder Woods. The event, marked by the planting of over 200 saplings, symbolizes a monumental step toward enriching the educational experience of young learners in our community. The unveiling of Wonder Woods signifies a commitment to providing children with immersive outdoor learning environments, fostering a deep connection to nature from an early age. Attendees, including…

Eric Grim photo provided by MCS

Education April 25, 2024

Eric Grim Named New MCS Assistant Superintendent

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has filled its opening for an assistant superintendent by promoting Eric Grim from his current position as the district’s director of secondary education. Grim has worked for MCS in a variety of roles for the past 26 years, including five years as the principal of Northside Middle School. Grim succeeds Dr. Chuck Reynolds who will become MCS’ new director of public education and CEO once Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, the…

Photo by storyblocks

Government April 25, 2024

Delaware County Roads On List for Repaving After Grant

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN– Some of the most-needed road paving jobs in Delaware County are on tap for 2024. The roads will be repaved thanks to a $1.5 million Community Crossings grant from the state of Indiana. “We were awarded everything we asked for. This really will help stretch our local paving dollars,” said Angela Moyer, project director of Delaware County’s Engineering Department. “We’re very appreciative.” In addition to roads paved with grant funding, Delaware County also has…

Wapahani High School senior Isaac Andrews. Photo by Thomas Peek

Business, Education April 24, 2024

Isaac Andrews—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— COWAN, IN—For Wapahani High School senior Isaac Andrews, basketball is a way of life. Since he was in fifth grade, he’s played basketball during school and over the summer. All his time on the court paid off. This year Andrews broke both Wapahani’s scoring record…

Photo provided

Entertainment April 24, 2024

Celebrate Arbor Day With a Sapling Giveaway and Run for the Trees: Happy Little Walk/Run 5K

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Join Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for a day filled with nature, excitement, and adventure at the annual Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on April 27th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year holds special significance as we commemorate Muncie’s 26th year as a recognized Tree City USA community. To mark this occasion, join us for a day of fun-filled activities, educational demonstrations, and environmental advocacy. At 10 a.m., Mayor Dan Ridenour will read the official Arbor…

ECIRP receives $35 million for READI 2.0. Photo provided

Business April 23, 2024

Collaboration is the Key to Success: Remarks From Trevor Friedeberg 

Editor’s note: Trevor Friedeberg, CEO & President at the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP), has been instrumental in guiding the region’s journey through READI 1.0 and now into the promising era of READI 2.0. As we reflect on the culmination of efforts, this is his perspective on the greatest takeaway– In East Central Indiana, our greatest strength has always been each other.  By Trevor Friedeberg— MUNCIE, IN— East Central Indiana (ECI) hasn’t been immune to challenges mirroring broader statewide trends….

The 14 students who participated in the local competition. Photo provided

Business, Education April 22, 2024

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Hosted National Civics Bee® 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. “We are very…

An electricity-generating solar energy panel is pictured. Photo by storyblocks

Non-Profit April 22, 2024

Muncie League of Women Voters to Sponsor Panel on Solar Energy

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—“You Can’t Put Solar Anywhere You Want” will be the topic of a League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County public meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Kennedy Branch Library in Muncie. The program is free. “The following question is often raised at governmental meetings in connection with solar, ‘Why can’t we put solar on brownfields, on the rooftops of government buildings or between and along highways?’,” said Sarah Williams, chairwoman of the…

Entertainment April 19, 2024

‘Fiddler On The Roof’ Comes to Muncie Civic Theatre

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—It’s a word you will hear often when talking with people involved in the upcoming Muncie Civic Theatre production of the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Take the show’s director, Michael O’Hara, for example. “The show is about community,” he said. “A community that, in this case, is cast out of their town by hate and fear, but they – the community – face this adversity with humanity and courage. That message of community, the deep connections that…