Articles by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment September 12, 2023

46th Annual Old Washington Festival is Sept 16th and 17th

By Kimberly Stiers— MUNCIE, IN—The Old Washington Street Festival returns for its 46th year this Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, 2023. The Festival combines the long, storied history of the Emily Kimbrough Historic District with modern-day fun and is free and open to all.  The Festival features a wide array of free entertainment options. Music will include rock, country, blues, and jazz musicians, and there will be several hours of open mic. Other entertainment includes fan-favorite Olde Wrestling, an…

Read More

Government September 12, 2023

Cook Family Education Center Opens at Prairie Creek Reservoir

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Monday morning, dozens gathered to cut the ribbon at the brand-new Cook Family Education Center at Prairie Creek Reservoir. Once an unheated building without restrooms, the Reservoir Office has now been transformed into a natural history museum, complete with a timeline of Muncie history, interactive exhibits, full-size trees, a sailboat, live fish and turtles, and more.   The Education Center is dedicated to the Cook family, who have served a collective total of 87 years at…

Over 200 people attended “Community is Brewing,” Recovery Café’s fundraising breakfast. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 12, 2023

Recovery Café Muncie Tops Goal at Breakfast

By Scott Smalstig— MUNCIE, IN—With a standing room only crowd of over 200 people at Ivy Tech’s downtown Muncie Community Room, Recovery Café Muncie conducted its second annual fundraising breakfast, captivating all in attendance with stories of love, acceptance, and success. “We can’t thank our sponsors and donors enough,” said Lisa Roossien, Recovery Café’s Executive Director. “We doubled the number of attendees from last year, and we are so proud that our story is resonating with the community. We are…

Mr. Steve Shondell photographed at a recent gathering honoring him and establishing a new scholarship. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 12, 2023

Community Members Formulate Plans for a Steve Shondell Scholarship for Burris Volleyball Players

By Janet Roepke and Elizabeth Douglass— MUNCIE, IN—We propose that the first Saturday in September each year be celebrated as Shondell Day in Delaware County. On Saturday September 2, 2023, a group of former Burris volleyball players announced a new scholarship in honor of Muncie’s Steve Shondell. Mr. Shondell led the school to 21 Indiana state championships and four national championships in girl’s volleyball – making him one of the nation’s winningest high school volleyball coaches. In announcing the scholarship, former Burris…

Photo provided by First Merchants

Business September 11, 2023

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…

Education September 11, 2023

Titus Hill Named Delaware County Student Ambassador for Ball State University

By Trenton Bush, Muncie Visitors Bureau— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie and Delaware County Visitors Bureau (MVB) proudly announces Titus Hill as the County Student Ambassador for Ball State University’s newly launched Ambassador program.  The first of its kind, this innovative student-to-student program invites all 92 counties to designate a Ball  State student representative. By partnering with the MVB, Hill will share Muncie/Delaware County community pride with the campus community by encouraging his peers and other students to engage, learn, and experience the…

Hillcroft Services is located at 501 W Air Park Dr, Muncie, IN 47303. File photo

Non-Profit September 9, 2023

Two Local Nonprofits Offer Fall Shopping Opportunities

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—When Hillcroft Services, Inc. and the Ross Community Center discovered they will be hosting similar events on Saturday, October 14, they decided to join forces and encourage their own shoppers to visit each other’s venue. Both events, set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Muncie will highlight the work of local artists and merchandise of area vendors. Hillcroft’s Shop & Share will be at their facility at 501 W. Airpark Drive. The Ross Community Center’s Art and…

Photo provided

Entertainment September 8, 2023

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio to Headline FREE Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By Rick Zeigler—MUNCIE, IN –The critically acclaimed soul-jazz Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2023 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by Defur Voran and will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 9th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. The Ball State University Jazz Ensemble will open the show.The Delvin Lamarr Organ Trio (DL03) started in May,…

The headquarters of Woof Boom Radio, LLC located at 800 E. 29th Street in Muncie, IN. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Entertainment September 8, 2023

Woof Boom Radio Celebrates 10 Years With ‘Muncie You-Nite’ Concert

By Camille McCreery— MUNCIE, IN – There are many reasons to celebrate where you are from. For the team at Woof Boom Radio, an anniversary celebration is more than enough reason to go big. Muncie has been the headquarters for Woof Boom Radio for 10 years as of this past June. As part of our anniversary celebration, Woof Boom Radio has decided to host a FREE  concert at the one and only Canan Commons located at 500 S. Walnut St….

Photo provided

Education September 8, 2023

MCS Lands $400,000 ‘Stronger Connections’ Grant

By Andy Klotz— Indiana Department of Education gives district maximum award MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has received a $400,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Education through the federally funded Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. MCS will use the Stronger Connections Grant funding for a number of new or existing programs, including:  Salary and benefits for one Family Navigator position;  Creating and supporting a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team; Providing transportation costs for students to participate in Ball State’s…