Articles by Mike Rhodes

MCHS to Develop a ‘Culture of Writing’ With New Student Writing Center

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – You probably weren’t afraid to read this sentence, but would you fear writing it? It seems hard to believe in the era of social media, but writing something that will be read by others or graded by a teacher is a fairly common fear. It even has a name – scriptophobia. This kind of reluctance to writing goes well beyond not knowing where to start a paper or being unsure of how best to…

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City of Muncie Renews IRONMAN Agreement, Prepares for 45th Anniversary

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Wednesday, Muncie officials moved forward to renew an agreement for another 3 years of IRONMAN 70.3. The triathlon, which is one of the longest running 70.3 events in the world, draws thousands of athletes and spectators every year to Prairie Creek Reservoir. The most recent race, on September 30, hosted athletes from 25 countries and 6 continents. If accepted, the agreement will move the race to July, where it was traditionally held, instead of September,…


First Merchants Bank Remains Community Focused as it Continues to Grow

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—First Merchants Bank is a familiar name for residents of Delaware County – as it should be since the bank recently celebrated its 130th anniversary. With locations in four states, First Merchants Bank has grown into a large corporation, yet is still headquartered right here in our backyard. However, its focus remains on being a community bank and enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities the bank serves. “Our focus is to stay true…


As Cooler Weather Returns, I&M Is Helping Customers With Useful Options

By Kara Stevenson, Indiana & Michigan Power— FORT WAYNE, IN—Cooler weather impacts more than just our wardrobe— it can also freeze one’s budget. Rising costs on necessities like gas and groceries, are increasing financial hardship for some with concerns on seasonal expenses. During October’s National Energy Awareness Month, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is reminding qualified customers of available payment assistance programs and other energy- saving practices to create a safe and efficient home. Payment Assistance Options I&M strives to keep…


Muncie Resident, Tom Farris, Receives State’s Golden Hoosier Award for a Lifetime of Service to His Community 

STATEHOUSE – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, remarked “It is my pleasure to honor our recipients of the 2023 Golden Hoosier Award, the highest honor   I can bestow upon an older Hoosier on the state of Indiana.  Since 2008, Hoosiers have been recognized for service to their communities with the Golden Hoosier Award.  It is not just one act of community service, but rather a lifetime of community service and commitment to serving others that are honored with the award.  As…


Lt. Gov. Crouch, IHCDA Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for ‘Support the Courts’ in Yorktown

By The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority— YORKTOWN, IN – Yorktown residents will soon be more connected and active if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000, by Dec. 16, 2023. If successful, the project led by Yorktown Schools Foundation will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program. “We are excited to open a new space for Yorktown residents to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch,…


Altrusa Foundation of Muncie Announces Availability of $10,000 Impact Grant

By Colleen Cooper— MUNCIE, IN— The Altrusa Foundation of Muncie has opened a high-impact grant opportunity for one nonprofit in the amount of $10,000. The 40th anniversary of the Foundation coincides with the centennial anniversary for the Altrusa Club of Muncie and Delaware County. The first grant was awarded in 1983. The nonprofit organizations in our community do such outstanding work. “As the Altrusa Foundation board of directors considered how to mark 40 years of grant making, we thought who…


State Rep. Sue Errington Invites Power Caucus Scholarship Applications

By Emily Reuben, Press Secretary—  INDIANAPOLIS— The Indiana Political Organization for Women’s Education and Representation (POWER) Caucus Scholarship is now accepting applications. $750 is awarded biennially to as many women as possible with the intention of helping Hoosier women who took a non-traditional education route and returned to an Indiana school to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at age 25 or older. The scholarship is typically awarded to a woman who demonstrates passion for giving back to those around…


Local Schools Receive State Funding Boost for Safety Upgrades

By Republican Press Office— STATEHOUSE  – Many Delaware County schools recently received more than $677,000 through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to State Reps. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). Rowray said the funding is part of the state legislature’s significant investments this year in school safety, which totaled $29.8 million in state matching grants across 474 schools in Indiana.“Keeping our students safe has and will continue to be a priority for me,” Rowray said….


Classroom Connections Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Teachers

Editor’s note: Classroom Connections of ECI invites you to their 20th Birthday Bash at their Open House scheduled for December 12, 2023 from  3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their Madison Street location.  Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—For two decades, Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana, formerly the Back to School Teachers Store, has been helping students and teachers get needed school supplies. The non-profit organization is celebrating this milestone throughout the year…