Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball State University's Teachers College. Photo provided

Education December 13, 2023

Ball State University Receives $1.5 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University has received a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to further integrate Science of Reading-aligned principles into the University’s teacher preparation programs. The grant is part of Lilly Endowment’s “Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana” initiative. It will support Ball State’s Teachers College, the largest educator preparation provider in Indiana, in its mission of enabling future teachers to deliver effective literacy instruction that is fair and…

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The "after" shot of the renovated home. Photo provided

Business December 12, 2023

Roto-Rooter of Muncie Transforms Lives Through Home Renovation for Ukrainian Couple Displaced by War

By Ilene Hackett— MUNCIE, IN—Roto-Rooter Plumbing, Drains, and Water Damage Cleanup of Muncie has undertaken an extraordinary initiative to provide a deserving Ukrainian couple with a safe and welcoming home after being displaced by the recent war. The couple, who used their life savings to purchase a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in the Whitely neighborhood of Muncie, Indiana, faced numerous challenges in making their new life in the United States. The transformative journey began when Roto-Rooter’s manager, Jon Salmon,…

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Education December 12, 2023

Ball State University Student Media Earns Several Prestigious Awards in Journalism

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s student media organizations recently were recognized with several prestigious national journalism awards, as announced at the Fall National College Media Convention in Atlanta. In all, student journalists from The Ball State Daily News, Ball Bearings magazine, and NewsLink Indiana received awards from the Student Press Law Center (SPLC), the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), and the College Media Association (CMA). Included in the awards for The Ball State Daily…

Inside Marine-Hunt Library. Photo by Laurie Lunsford

Non-Profit December 11, 2023

Maring-Hunt Library: A Space You Can Call Home

By Laurie Lunsford— MUNCIE, IN—A few years ago, Maring-Hunt Library, one of the four branches in the Muncie Public Library system, joined with several community organizations and Ball State University Immersive Learning students, led by Dr. Pam Harwood, to develop a large green space behind the library. The space previously provided community garden plots. The result was a beautiful and functional outdoor space for people to gather. The Maring-Hunt Library Pavilion project and the continuing garden plot program brought big…

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Health December 10, 2023

Open Door To Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations at Monthly Clinics

By Suzanne Clem— MUNCIE, IN – Community members who have not yet received the updated COVID-19 vaccine have the opportunity to do so at upcoming Open Door Health Services clinics. Covid vaccination clinics are the second Thursday of each month from noon-6 p.m., through March. The clinics take place at Open Door’s downtown Muncie health center, located at 333 S. Madison St. Vaccination remains no-cost and is open to ages 6 months and older. No appointment is necessary. While those…

An aerial photo of the downtown Muncie area. Photo by: Intersection

Business December 8, 2023

The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance Reaccredited by the International Economic Development Council

By IEDC Press Office— WASHINGTON, DC – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance has once again been recognized as one of 73 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Originally accredited in 1996, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC following 27 successful years of activity as an AEDO member. “The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of…

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Entertainment December 8, 2023

Farmers Market Moves Inside at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—As the chilly winds usher in winter, brace yourself for a season of warmth, community, and the freshest local finds. The Farmers Market at Minnetrista is back in action on Saturday, December 16, from 9 a.m.–Noon, inside the Center Building. Gather your loved ones and dive into a festive atmosphere where every step is a discovery. Connect with our vibrant community of local vendors, both familiar faces and exciting newcomers, showcasing an array of handcrafted and…

Photo by storyblocks

Business, Government December 8, 2023

SBA Loan Programs Support Indiana Small Businesses

Over $728 million in federally backed capital provided during FY 23. By Laura Schafsnitz, U.S. Small Business Administration— INDIANA – As consumers roll through the heaviest shopping season of the year, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the SBA delivered $50 billion in capital, disaster relief, and bonding to small businesses and disaster-impacted communities across America in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). Over $728 million of that capital made its way into the growth efforts of Indiana entrepreneurs. “In 1953,…

Muncie Fieldhouse photo courtesy of 104.1 HD1 WLBC.

Entertainment December 7, 2023

Muncie Sports Commission to Host Eight-Team Fieldhouse Classic on December 9th

By Jon Anderson—  MUNCIE, IN—The Fieldhouse Classic, presented by Pizza King, will feature eight high-school boys teams matched in four exciting games at the historic Muncie Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 9th. Four Delaware County high schools, including Muncie Central, Burris, Delta, and Yorktown, will participate in the inaugural Fieldhouse Classic basketball invitational. They will be matched against teams from Lapel, Pike, Hamilton Heights, and Tipton. The event will kick off at 2 pm with a matchup between Burris and Lapel….

From left to right – Karen Good; Melissa Gentry; Karen Vincent, Delaware County Historical Society; and Sara McKinley

Non-Profit December 6, 2023

Delaware County Historical Society Receives Outstanding Collaborative Project Award

By Tiffany Whisner—MUNCIE, IN—On Monday, November 20, the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) was given the Outstanding Collaborative Project Award for its “Notable Women of Delaware County and Muncie Project” during a presentation at the Parlour at Hazelwood in Muncie. The Outstanding Collaborative Project Award recognizes an exceptional project by a historical or heritage organization with one or more partners implemented during the past year, particularly for projects that share county or regional history. DCHS’s “Notable Women of Delaware County…