Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball State University’s Teachers College Awarded Nearly $2 Million Grant

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s Department of Special Education and Department of Educational Psychology, both in the University’s Teachers College, were awarded a $1,999,999 grant from the United States Department of Education as part of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the Special Education Research Grants Program. The grant will allow researchers at Ball State to evaluate and develop new educational practices to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with autism. “We are…

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Beat the Heat With These Tips From Indiana and Michigan Power

By Kara Stevenson— FORT WAYNE  – For anyone waiting for a “true hot summer” to get here, this is your week. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) wants everyone to keep cool – and safe – as temperatures soar into the 90s with heat indexes reaching triple digits later in the week. Incorporate simple practices, such as those below, to help save energy and potentially save on your monthly bill, especially during the week’s extreme heat. Use ceiling fans to circulate air…


Call for Entries From Hoosier Artists for Annual Competition and Exhibition

By Kelley V. Phillips, Red-tail Communications & Outreach Manager— MUNCIE, IN— Entry submissions are now being accepted for “Open Space: Art About the Land” an annual art competition and exhibition presented by Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, the Anderson Museum of Art (AMOA), and Red-tail Land Conservancy. Emerging and career Hoosier artists are encouraged to find creative inspiration that celebrates “open space” as it relates to the land and nature. Since 2001, “Open Space” has attracted artists across Indiana to enter the…


East Central Indiana Regional Partnership Unveils Comprehensive Strategic Plan to Drive Economic Growth

By East Central Indiana Regional Partnership— MUNCIE, IN — The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership has announced the launch of its robust strategic plan, created with consultant Smart Solutions Group, which sets forth a steadfast vision for propelling the region’s economic growth. With a commitment to the region’s prosperity, ECIRP presents a detailed blueprint that outlines actionable strategies for the next 2-3 years. Trevor Friedeberg, CEO and President of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This new strategic…


Halteman Park Fundraising Challenge Ends Aug. 26th

By J.P. Hall, Halteman Village Neighborhood Association— MUNCIE, IN—Halteman Village Neighborhood Association (HVNA) urgently asks the community to help us meet our fundraising goal for Phase 2 of the Halteman Park project before our grant-matching deadline, Aug. 26. In Fall 2020, HVNA kicked off a fundraising campaign to transform a former membership-only swim club into a public park for all Muncie residents and families. The Phase 2 campaign seeks to raise $35,000 for park improvements, including play equipment, shade, and seating….


Group Collaborates to Bring Violence Prevention Training to Muncie  

By Joy Rediger, Urban Light Community Development— MUNCIE, IN—Recognizing the number of youth who are disconnected from traditional programs, the number of families experiencing stress and trauma, and the increasing number of juvenile delinquency cases and court-involved youth, especially for youth of color, a diverse group of local partners began meeting to discuss solutions.  The group – comprised of mental & public health representatives, juvenile justice professionals, community organizations, and local government – desired a strategy that meet youth and families…


Carnegie Library Restoration Project Receives Two Major Grants

By Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) recently received a $100,000 grant from The Patricia Schaefer Foundation Trust and a $30,000 Historic Preservation Fund grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The grants will be used for the restoration of the Carnegie Library in downtown Muncie. Carnegie Library was built with funds from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and opened in 1904. The building has continuously operated as a public library and now serves as…


East Central Indiana Regional Partnership Engages New Consultant for READI 2.0

By Caitlin Hancock, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership— MUNCIE, IN — East Central Indiana Regional Partnership is pleased to announce the engagement of its new consultant, HWC Engineering, to help the region prepare for READI 2.0. With an unwavering commitment to supporting the READI 2.0 process and building upon the success of the first round of READI initiatives, ECIRP looks forward to the economic growth that will continue from the new partnership. Following the evaluation of proposals, ECIRP selected HWC as…


Ball State University’s Dual Credit Program Offers High School Students Flexibility for Indiana College Core Curriculum Courses

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University is offering the 30-credit Indiana College Core (ICC) curriculum to Hoosier high school students, beginning this Fall. Through Ball State’s Dual Credit Program, students can complete the ICC curriculum during regular school hours either 100 percent online, on-site at their high schools, or as a mix of online and on-site. Students can take dual-credit courses while satisfying their academic requirements for high school graduation.  Dual-credit students can save…


Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons on August 25th

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN— Grammy-winning bluegrass greats Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2023 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by Ball State University and will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday, August 25th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Indianapolis-based Punkin Holler Boys will open the show.Widely considered the best bluegrass fiddler of his generation, Michael…