Articles by Mike Rhodes

Local piano teacher Christina Whitlock.

Entertainment January 12, 2024

Muncie Piano Teacher Featured on Popular Podcast

By Kristin Graham— MUNCIE, IN—Christina Whitlock has been teaching piano in Muncie, Indiana, since she was 14 years old. She was a piano student herself at the time, and when the only piano teacher around town had a full schedule, the local music store asked if she would start teaching. And so she has, for the last 25 years. On January 2, Christina’s spotlight got a little bigger as she was featured on a new podcast called What It’s Like…

Read More
The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County enhances the quality of life for residents in Muncie and Delaware County. In 2023, the Foundation awarded $3,802,620 in grants and scholarships, including a $25,000 grant to the Delaware County Emergency Communications Center to equip a mobile dispatch vehicle. Foundation Community Partner for Program and Nonprofit Relations Molly Harty learns about the completed vehicle from the Center’s Director, Fred Cummings. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 11, 2024

Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County Awards $3.8 Million in 2023

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $3,802,620 in grants and scholarships utilizing various strategies to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Delaware County, Ind. Most grants are awarded through permanently endowed funds that benefit our community today and always. Through the Community Grants Program, nonprofit organizations were awarded $1,537,921 in a highly competitive year. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in…

Delta High School senior Kaiden Bond. Photo by Stacey Shannon

Education January 10, 2024

Kaiden Bond—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 Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Delta High School senior Kaiden Bond has become a role model both on and off the field. At school, classmates know him as a member of the basketball and football teams. Outside of school, youngsters look up to him in his volunteer work with Concrete…

BBF staff and board members visit the Delaware County High Tech Crimes Unit. Photo provided

Government January 9, 2024

Q&A with Delaware County Prosecutor Eric M. Hoffman on Cybercrime in East Central Indiana

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—Cybercrime is a growing problem across the world and right here at home. Local businesses, nonprofits, and school districts have all been victims of cyberattacks. Individuals often fall victim to scams, and digital devices are often used in crimes of all kinds. Ball Brothers Foundation provided early funding for fighting local cybercrime through an initiative the foundation launched in 2020 called “Project Sybertooth.” Funding was initially awarded to Ivy Tech to create three cybersecurity courses tailored…

Photo courtesy of hairspray tour.com

Entertainment January 9, 2024

HAIRSPRAY the Musical is Coming to Emens Auditorium in Muncie, IN

By Mary Grace Walke— MUNCIE, IN—HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, are on sale now. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play February 5 in Muncie at Emens Auditorium. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/emens-auditorium-tickets-muncie/venue/41132, call 765-285-1539 or visit Emens Auditorium Box Office at 1800 W. Riverside Ave. Ticket prices start at $39. Learn more about the new touring production at www.hairspraytour.com. In the first two seasons of touring,…

The road ahead. Photo by Robbie Mehling

Non-Profit January 8, 2024

Muncie Action Plan Task Force 1 Review

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN – As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) closes out the year, we would like to share MAP’s efforts to improve quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County as we approach our Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 31st at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to join MAP at Minnetrista’s Indiana Room to hear from each of our four task forces as they share the work completed during 2023. This is the first of four reports…

The Jan. 26 luncheon includes a keynote presentation by Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and a 2024 economic forecast by Dr. Michael Hicks. Photo by Muncie Fine Portraits.

Business January 8, 2024

U.S. Senator Todd Young to Speak at January 26 Economic Luncheon in Downtown Muncie

By Victoria Meldrum, Ball State CBER— MUNCIE, IN—U.S. Senator Todd Young will be the keynote speaker for the 28th annual Indiana Economic Outlook luncheon on Friday, January 26 at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. Economist Michael Hicks will present his 2024 forecast for the national and regional economies. This event is open to the public, but all attendees must register and pay online by Jan. 15. No walk-ins will be permitted. Price includes event seating and a plated…

Laura Janiga, MPL employee, reviews the Grant Writing Learning Circle agenda with other MPL employees. Photo by Spenser Querry, MPL Webmaster and Social Media Specialist.

Non-Profit January 5, 2024

Sign Up for a Free Grant Writing Program and Learn How to Write Grants For Your Nonprofit

By Susan Fisher, MPL Public Relations Supervisor— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) has partnered with the Nonprofit Support Network to offer a free grant writing program tailored to nonprofits in Muncie and Delaware County. The three-part series of workshops will take place at Maring-Hunt Library and will make use of the Candid’s Foundation Directory Online. This digital resource, which has been available at MPL for several years, provides nonprofits with the knowledge and skills needed to secure vital funding for…

Photo provided

Education January 5, 2024

Scholarship Applications are Now Available to High School Seniors in Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Delaware County high school seniors and current college students can apply for scholarships through Monday, February 26. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County manages more than 50 scholarships. Scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 benefit students each year. Students should visit DelawareCountyScholarships.com to begin their application.  WHO CAN APPLY?  Requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship. Most scholarships are available for high school seniors in Delaware County, Ind. Some scholarships are also available for current…

The Digital Literacy Program is aimed at empowering East Central Indiana residents with essential computer skills. Photo by storyblocks

Education January 4, 2024

ECIRPD Partners With Northstar to Offer a Digital Literacy Program for Residents

By Bill Walters, Executive Director of the ECI Regional Planning District— MUNCIE, IN—The ECI Regional Planning District is proud to announce its partnership with Northstar, introducing the Digital Literacy Program aimed at empowering East Central Indiana residents with essential digital skills. Accessible through the ECI Regional Planning District, this program is free for enrollment until December 2024, with possible extensions based on its success. The program offers a flexible learning experience through online modules covering a spectrum of topics, including…