Articles by Mike Rhodes

National Thermoplastic and Packaging Company Expanding in Muncie

By Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance announced today that Spartech, a leading manufacturer of engineered thermoplastics and custom packaging solutions will expand operations in their Muncie, IN facility at 1401 E Memorial Dr. Spartech will invest $4.9 million in new manufacturing equipment to modernize and add efficiency to production. This investment will help retain 100 full-time employees and add six new, full-time positions. “Spartech is excited about the opportunities this substantial investment brings, which…

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The Salvation Army Announces $5,000 Red Kettle Match

Anonymous supporter will match donations Red Kettles on December 22 & 23. By Major Curtiss Hartley— MUNCIE, IN– With just a few days left in its Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army of Muncie is receiving a much-needed boost to its annual fundraiser. Thanks to an anonymous Delaware County donor, every dollar put in a Red Kettle on December 22 and 23 will be doubled up to $5,000. The matching gift is being given in hopes that it inspires last-minute Christmas shoppers to…


ECI Regional Planning District Receives Funding for ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ Grant Program

By Bill Walters, Executive Director of the ECI Regional Planning District— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN— The ECI Regional Planning District was awarded $400,000, for Delaware, Grant, Blackford, and Jay Counties, with 47% of the funds being allocated toward disadvantaged communities, through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. The Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program was instated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in which $5 billion is being used from 2022-2026 to ensure regional, local, and Tribal…


Feldman Automotive Group Aquires All-American Chevrolet Cadillac in Muncie

By Dawn Kelley— NEW HUDSON, MI– On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Michigan based Feldman Automotive Group acquired All-American Chevrolet Cadillac from Monte Perkins, another Michigan based company. This will be Feldman Automotive Groups first dealership in Indiana and adds to their portfolio of dealerships in Michigan and Ohio.  All-American Chevrolet Cadillac, which will be keeping its name, is located directly off Interstate 69 at 6580 W. Hometown Blvd., in Muncie Indiana. “We are thrilled to welcome All-American Chevrolet Cadillac, along…


Meet the New CEO of Minnetrista Museum and Gardens

By Brian Statz, CEO of Minnetrista Museum and Gardens— MUNCIE, IN—Since arriving in January, the Muncie community has shown me kindness and patience as I learned on the job, made my way around the city and elsewhere in East Central Indiana, and found an apartment downtown. I am grateful to those who made time to meet with me to discuss their role in the life of Muncie, their history and hopes, and what they are working to achieve. I still…


Shafer Leadership Academy Helps New Muncie City Council Members Run Efficient Meetings

By Mitch Isaacs— MUNCIE, IN—Nora Powell won the Muncie City Council District #2 election in November and was eager to build on her experience as an at-large member from 2012—2019. As the excitement settled, her thoughts turned to preparation. When Powell was elected to serve the Muncie City Council in November, she knew members would engage in workshops to understand budgeting, ordinances and resolutions. But, she felt there was more to learn. “It is just as important for councilpersons to…


Ball State University Receives $35 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment to Advance Village Revitalization Plan

Grant is the largest single gift in the history of the University. By Ball State Market and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University has received a grant of $35 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration (CCC). The grant will support the University’s ambitious, long-term plan to revitalize The Village, the commercial district adjacent to Ball State’s campus. The majority of the grant will support the design and construction of a new performing arts…


Muncie Central HS Alumni Association Recognizes Distinguished Alumni for 2023

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association at its annual meeting in November recognized three distinguished alumni and gave an honorary award to the five Central alumnae for their founding of Delta Theta Tau sorority, which grew into a national organization. The three alumni recognized for their distinguished careers and contributions to their community and Muncie Central were Bob Barnet, who graduated in 1929; Ryan Kerrigan, 2007; and Marilyn Weaver, 1961. Muncie’s legendary sportswriter, Barnet, was…


2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients from Delaware County Announced

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County is pleased to announce that the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients for Delaware County are Lucy Holaday of Yorktown High School, and Jillian Kimmel of Muncie Central High School. “Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Delaware County must show great leadership potential, be well-rounded in their involvement, and exhibit community-mindedness,” said Marcy Minton, president and CEO of The Community Foundation. “Lucy Holaday and Jillian…


Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Launches National Civics Bee®

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2024 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Delaware County will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater…