Articles by Mike Rhodes

First Merchants Bank: A Bank Interested in You

Business September 12, 2024

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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Amelia Hudson-Roberts—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Education September 11, 2024

Amelia Hudson-Roberts—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—With volleyball, work, various clubs and schoolwork, Wes-Del High School senior Amelia Hudson-Roberts stays busy. Hudson-Roberts has been on her school’s volleyball team since her freshman year and is a captain of the team this year. She’s also played club volleyball at Munciana for the past three. But, volleyball isn’t all Hudson-Roberts enjoys. She is also a member of the Spanish Club, Family Career…

Boy Scout Troop 22’s Hog Roast Will Celebrate ‘Philmont Treks’

Entertainment September 11, 2024

Boy Scout Troop 22’s Hog Roast Will Celebrate ‘Philmont Treks’

By Jessica Gestwicki— MUNCIE, IN – Boy Scout Troop 22 is back from their Philmont high adventure and ready to serve up heaping helpings of BBQ and fixings. Join them for their 31st Annual Hog Roast fundraiser at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Saturday, September 14, from 11a.m. to 6p.m. Bring your worn, tattered, or faded flags for the Scouts’ “Retire Your Flag” Drive. Meal includes pork BBQ sandwich, scout-made applesauce, baked beans, baked potato, dessert and drink. Soda available for $1. Tickets at the door are $12/adults and $6/kids aged 5-10. Proceeds ensure scouting opportunities like summer camp and high…

Muncie Civil Air Patrol Open House to be Held on September 17

Non-Profit September 11, 2024

Muncie Civil Air Patrol Open House to be Held on September 17

By Diana McDonnel, Public Affairs Officer— MUNCIE, IN—Have you ever wanted to fly an airplane?  If so then the Civil Air Patrol is for you.  What is the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)? Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary branch of the Air Force (with no military commitment following graduation). We focus on pillars of community service, emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet leadership. Cadets must be 12 years old to join.  Civil Air Patrol is open to boys and girls. The Muncie Squadron is holding an Open House on September 17, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 2012…

Bridge Dinner Table Set for September 19, 2024

Entertainment September 10, 2024

Bridge Dinner Table Set for September 19, 2024

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN– We’ve saved a seat for YOU! You are invited to join hundreds of your friends and neighbors for Muncie’s Fall Bridge Dinner Thursday, Sept. 19, on the Washington Street Bridge. The free outdoor community event will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rain date will be Sept. 26. Grab some food and beverages from local vendors – or bring your own – and take a seat at one of the large community tables on the historic bridge to enjoy great conversation, music, and the beautiful views of the White River. Food vendors will include Neighborhood Pizza,…

Muncie City Council’s Citizen of the Month is Ya’akov Eden

Government September 10, 2024

Muncie City Council’s Citizen of the Month is Ya’akov Eden

By Dale Basham & Allen Wiseley— MUNCIE, IN—Ya’akov Eden was born in Russia, but moved to Israel with his family when he was only 6 months old. Early on he showed a love and talent for dancing and was invited to dance with the Israeli National Troupe of the Kibutzim in 1957. He emigrated to the United States in 1966 to study physics at the University of Oregon. However, Ya’akov Eden was bored studying physics and was recruited by the dance department, due to his background as a professional dancer in Israel. He spent a year dancing professionally in New…

Grissom Elementary Receives 5,000 Excellence in Early Literacy Award From IDOE

Education September 10, 2024

Grissom Elementary Receives $105,000 Excellence in Early Literacy Award From IDOE

School recognized at IDOE gala in Indianapolis By Andy Klotz— INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) recognized Grissom Elementary School with a substantial award at the Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala in Indianapolis Friday night. The school received a $105,000 Excellence in Early Literacy grant for being one of three schools in the state that has established strategies and partnerships supporting all students in the mastery of foundational reading skills. Grissom Principal Brittney Charles, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Assistant Superintendent Eric Grim and MCS Director of Elementary Education…

Leagues of Women Voters Work Together to Sponsor U.S. House 5th District Candidate Forum

Government September 6, 2024

Leagues of Women Voters Work Together to Sponsor U.S. House 5th District Candidate Forum

By Sheryl Swingley— EAST CENTRAL INDIANA—The Leagues of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County, Anderson-Madison County, Hamilton County and Howard County in partnership with Woof Boom Radio and WXIN/FOX AND WTTV/CBS will hold a U.S. House 5th District Candidate Forum for the public before the Nov. 5 election. The forum will be take place from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, in the auditorium of Anderson High School, 4610 S. Madison Ave., Anderson, Indiana, Attendees should park in the North Lot and enter Door No. 1. The forum is free and open to the public. Campaign handouts, campaign shirts, signs and…

Flags of Honor and Patriot Day at Minnetrista

Entertainment September 6, 2024

Flags of Honor and Patriot Day at Minnetrista

By Jeff Heavilon, Past President, Exchange Club of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—Any day is a good day to raise-up and appreciate those who serve and protect us. Certain days on the calendar though are dedicated to reminding us of those people in the United States who give of themselves, their careers and in some cases make the ultimate sacrifice to maintain our United State of America. Patriot Day is one of those days to honor and support those who serve and protect us. On September 13, 2001, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001as a National Day of Prayer…

State Presents Delaware County Farms With Hoosier Homestead Awards 

Government September 5, 2024

State Presents Delaware County Farms With Hoosier Homestead Awards 

By Amanda Schreiber— STATEHOUSE  – Indiana recently honored local farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown), and State Sen. Scott Alexander (R-Muncie). “I admire the farming families who have fueled Indiana’s agricultural industry over the years,” Rowray said. “This award recognizes the dedication, hard work and generations of commitment these families have invested in maintaining their farms and preserving our state’s heritage. Their efforts are part of what makes Indiana truly special.” Farms owned and operated by the…