Articles by Mike Rhodes

First Merchants Bank: A Bank Interested in You

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—As the world becomes more and more digitally focused, First Merchants Bank is keeping up with digital product offerings but not neglecting the most important aspect of banking: customers. While the bank has 116 locations throughout four states in the Midwest, its headquarters remains in Muncie. Attentive banking “We often use the word attentive,” said Jeff Parsons, Market President. “In the environment where everything is digital now, that can easily mean impersonal. However, we believe attentive banking is what separates us and is what people want.” Attentive banking means First Merchants employees go beyond a…

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Nonprofit Support Network Announces 2024 Nonprofit Summit and Community Luncheon

By Carly Acree King, Nonprofit Support Network— MUNCIE, IN— Nonprofit Support Network is excited to announce that tickets are now available for the 2024 Nonprofit Summit, presented by Heart of Indiana United Way, scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center. This year’s summit will provide essential education, networking opportunities, and professional development for local nonprofits, continuing to strengthen the nonprofit sector in east central Indiana. The Nonprofit Summit features a dynamic lineup of breakout sessions and networking opportunities. Attendees will hear from leading local, regional, and national voices, including an inspiring keynote…


6th District Congressional Candidate Forum Held at H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts in Greenfield

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— GREENFIELD, IN—On Wednesday evening, residents of Indiana’s sixth district had the opportunity to hear from two of the candidates vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. WMUN radio’s Steve Lindell moderated the program. The forum, hosted by the Leagues of Women Voters of Hancock, Henry, and Johnson Counties, and the League of Women Voters of Indianapolis in coordination with Woof Boom Radio, was held at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts in Greenfield, Indiana. The program featured Cynthia Wirth, the Democratic candidate, and James Sceniak, the Libertarian candidate. Although Republican candidate…


Open Door ‘Decades Dash 5K’ on Oct. 12 Celebrates Five Decades of Care

By Suzanne Clem—   MUNCIE, IN — Open Door Health Services invites the community to celebrate the health center’s 50th anniversary at the Decades Dash 5K on October 12. This timed run/walk starts at 9 a.m. at Canan Commons in Muncie. The route winds through the heart of downtown, along the White River, and through the historic Minnetrista campus—using both White River and Cardinal Greenways. A 1-mile Kids’ Run will take place at 8:15 a.m. prior to the 5K start. Participants are encouraged to dress in attire from their favorite decade from the 1970’s forward, honoring Open Door’s founding in 1974. All…


All Informational Articles About Casting Your Vote in 2024

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, IN—In order to make 2024 voter-related articles published to MuncieJournal.com easier to locate, we’ve created this page and added it as a “sticky post” that will stay as a link on the top right list of articles when viewed on a desktop computer. Most have been authored by Sheryl Swingley, who is a retired Ball State University journalism instructor where she taught for more than 28 years. Prior to joining the Ball State faculty, she was a health care public relations practitioner. League of Women Voters to Sponsor Delaware County Council Candidate Forum, County…


Voter Registration Status Can Be Checked at VOTE411.org

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The deadline to register to vote is 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7. “The first step in our democracy is to register to vote and then vote because your vote counts,” said Linda Hanson, Indiana League of Women Voters president and spokesperson for the Muncie-Delaware County League. Citizens can check to see if they are registered to vote by going to VOTE411.org. The award-winning site, maintained by the national headquarters of the League of Women Voters and local Leagues, also provides easy access to information about candidates that citizens need to participate in elections. When going to…


Halloween: ‘Celestial Origins’ Planetarium Show

By Planetarium staff— MUNCIE, IN— Coming to the Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University: Fridays: Oct. 4, 11, 18 at 6:30 p.m.—Saturdays: Oct. 5, 12, 19 at 6:30 p.m. What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday.  During this planetarium program you will learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” We will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening. Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome. A…


Delta High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle to Celebrate National Day of Student Prayer

By Hunter Reed— DELAWARE COUNTY—On Wednesday September 25, 2024 Delta High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host their annual “See You at the Pole” event to celebrate the National Day of Student Prayer. According to an East Central Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s press release, the event started back in 1990 with just 10 students gathering to pray and has since become a movement. Although “See You at the Pole” has been happening for 30 years, last year was my first time attending and let me tell you, this event is so powerful. Just seeing all of these students…


Recipients Announced for 2024 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence: MSD Recognized for New Recycling Program

By Jason Donati— INDIANAPOLIS – On Tuesday, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) awarded the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence to seven recipients during the Indiana Partners for Sustainability’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Indianapolis. The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are Indiana’s most prestigious environmental recognition awards. They are reserved for the most innovative, sustainable, and exemplary programs or projects that positively impact Indiana’s environment and demonstrate measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits. The selection process is highly competitive. “It’s rare to have multiple awards for a single category, so I am especially proud of this year’s…


Meridian Health Services to Administer Free Flu Shots at ‘Flu-Lapalooza’

By Lara Sullivan— MUNCIE, IN— Meridian Health Services invites the community to Flu‐Lapalooza, a FREE one‐day flu shot clinic, to be held on Thursday, October 3 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., or until supplies last, at Meridian’s primary medical care and MeridianMD locations throughout the state of Indiana. Each location will be drawing for a chance to WIN a $50 grocery gift card (eligible to participants only). Flu‐Lapalooza ensures convenient access to health care by providing free flu shots to those six months and older. No insurance is necessary and no out‐of‐pocket fees apply. You need not be a…