Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…

Artist rendering of University’s plan to revitalize The Village. Photo provided.

Education, Government April 19, 2024

State Greenlights Nearly $104 Million for Improvements at BSU and New Delaware County Mental Health Facility

Delaware County also receives mental health grant to help incarcerated access treatment By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, House Republicans— STATEHOUSE—Ball State University can take off with its plans to make much-needed improvements and expansions at the Muncie campus with the help of nearly $104 million in new investments, according to local lawmakers. State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said the State Budget Committee formally reviewed four capital projects, including those to accommodate academic program expansions and…

Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit April 19, 2024

V!VA Luncheon Honors Outstanding Volunteer Contributions to Delaware County Community

By Dan Wolfert— MUNCIE, IN– On April 16, 2024, the Interurban Room at the Horizon Convention Center was filled with gratitude and admiration as the community came together to celebrate the exemplary individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in Delaware County. The annual V!VA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon, a cherished tradition since its inception in 1993 by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club, in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, once again shone a spotlight on the…

Photo by BSU MDIA344 Immersive Learning class

Business April 19, 2024

Walls Furniture Hosts Successful Car Show for Charity

By the BSU MDIA344 Immersive Learning class— MUNCIE, IN—On April 13th, local car enthusiasts and supporters gathered at Walls Furniture, a local Muncie furniture store, for a thrilling showcase of automotive beauty and generosity. The fundraising event, organized by Walls Furniture, saw many classic and contemporary vehicles on display, all for a noble cause. From noon until 4 PM, the parking lot buzzed with excitement as visitors admired the cool, sleek designs and vibrant colors of the showcased cars. The…

The Delaware County Housing Summit planning committee, from left, included Heather Williams, Traci Lutton, Erin Williamson, Nate Howard and Elizabeth Rowray. Photo provided

Non-Profit April 18, 2024

Delaware County’s First Housing Summit Starts Important Conversations

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – It was a full house at the first ever Delaware County Housing Summit on Friday, April 5, at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building in downtown Muncie. More than 100 people attended the event to learn more about the county’s current housing situation and best practices for housing development. “I was excited to see so many different faces from across our community – developers, landlords, elected officials, and neighbors,” said Heather Williams, Associate Director in…

Joshua Taulbee photo provided

Government April 18, 2024

Josh Taulbee Hired as Director of Muncie Animal Care and Services

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Thursday, the City of Muncie announced the appointment of Joshua Taulbee as the new director of Muncie Animal Care and Services (MACS). Taulbee is a lifelong resident of Muncie, graduated from Ball State in 2015, and has worked for Delaware County for the last 7 years. He serves in multiple board positions, and has a strong background in budget and project management. “I’m passionate about serving my community,” commented Taulbee. His primary goals include building…

The Pinwheel is the symbol for Prevent Child Abuse America. Photo by Matt Howell

Government April 18, 2024

We Must Work Together to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

April is child abuse prevention month By Eric M. Hoffman, Prosecuting Attorney— MUNCIE, IN—In his New York Times best seller, A Child Called It, author Dave Peltzer said that “childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.”Unfortunately, we know all too well that doesn’t always happen. A report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that in the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 in the United States,…

"Muncie Central’s Unmatched Record of Success" art sculpture. Photo provided

Education April 18, 2024

Giant Bearcat Basketball Now Displayed at Muncie Fieldhouse

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – Mitchell Schuring has never been to the Muncie Fieldhouse. Until eight months ago, he had no idea the Muncie Central Bearcats have won more boys basketball state championships than any other school in Indiana. But that didn’t keep him from creating an impressive artistic tribute to Bearcat basketball in the form of a painted, 6-foot fiberglass basketball. The artwork, entitled “Muncie Central’s Unmatched Record of Success,” is one of 24 pieces created for “Hoosier…

WLBC's Mobile Master Command. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business April 17, 2024

WLBC-FM Wins a NAB Crystal Radio Award for Commitment to Community Service 

By Megan Orbin— LAS VEGAS, NV —Muncie’s most listened-to radio station, 104.1 FM HD1 WLBC, has been selected as a winner of the 37th annual National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Crystal Radio Award. The award recognizes radio stations nationwide for their exceptional year-round commitment to community service. “There was an established, impressive culture of service when I arrived at WLBC in the 90’s,”  said Kim Morris, WLBC Midday Show Host.  “Our radio family strives daily to build on that. We…