Articles by Mike Rhodes

Southside Middle School. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Education, Health August 1, 2023

Back-to-School Physical Fit Fair at Southside Middle School on August 2nd

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN– Meridian Health Services is hosting a Back-to-School Physical Fit Fair on Wednesday, August 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Southside Middle School located at 1601 E. 26th St., Muncie, IN 47302. This event is being held in conjunction with Muncie Community Schools’ registration day. The community and people of all ages are invited to the Back-to-School Physical Fit Fair featuring: FREE Health Fair including: Health screenings provided by Meridian Health Pediatrics Screenings include…

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Photo provided

Education August 1, 2023

PhyXTGears Robotics Team Wins Grant for Advancing STEM Education

By Lydia Cain, Rookie Media Mentor of The PhyXTGears— MUNCIE, IN—The Grant County Community Foundation Board has approved a $20,000.00 crowdfunding grant to East Central Indiana Robotics – The PhyXTGears, FRC Team 1720 to prepare high school students for Indiana’s technology workforce through hands-on STEM training. Crowdfunding challenges PhyXTGears to raise $20,000 through the generous contributions of donors and sponsors. It effectively doubles the contribution, dollar-for-dollar during the 60-day challenge starting July 15. To join the challenge, you may visit…

Kathryn Smitson, Photo provided

Non-Profit July 31, 2023

Yorktown Girl Scout Earns Gold Award Through Meaningful, Sustainable Community Project

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— YORKTOWN, IN – Kathryn Smitson has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Kathryn attended Indiana Connections Academy and was a 13-year Girl Scout. She knew that girls entering their teen years are faced with challenges from different sources causing stress that can have a very negative impact on their lives. Because expression through classical ballet was an outlet for her during the toughest years, she wanted to share…

Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit July 31, 2023

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Hosts the Carl Kizer Summerfest

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, IN—Near perfect temps and a light breeze set the tone for The Soup Kitchen of Muncie’s annual Carl Kizer Summerfest on Friday, July 21st.  Summerfest, organized by Carl Kizer, is an outdoor block party for the underserved in our community.  Carl also helped find sponsors and donations so that the event would be a success. Over 30 local service providers were in attendance to offer their services and help lead clients of the Soup Kitchen toward…

The Fire Up DWNTWN Streetfest brought over 11,000 visitors to Downtown Muncie in 2022. Photo by Matt Ruddick for Muncie Visitors Bureau

Entertainment July 28, 2023

Fire Up DWNTWN Streetfest Returns to Heat Up the Summer on August 5th

By Melissa Narlock— MUNCIE, IN — The wait is over. Muncie Downtown Development Partnership has announced the highly anticipated return of the sizzling summer streetfest. Fire Up DWNTWN, presented by Ivy Tech Muncie, is back on August 5. After a resounding success last year, drawing over 11,000 visitors, the all-day event returns with even more exhilarating attractions. “As we look back on the incredible success of last year’s Fire Up DWNTWN, we are thrilled to announce its return this summer,”…

The 2019 Big Idea Pitch Winner: Trey Gourley. Photo by: Kyle Evans

Business July 28, 2023

The BIG Idea Pitch – Why this Contest is Important

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—During my thirteen years as Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, I have met with, coached, advised, counseled, and encouraged many individuals who have thought about starting or owning a business.  This continues to happen several times each week.  In addition, the Small Business Development Center, located in the Innovation Connector, meets with clients in Muncie and East-Central Indiana, hoping for the same. With the availability of resources found…

Photo provided by Ivy Tech Muncie.

Education July 27, 2023

Ivy Tech Community College Advanced Manufacturing Labs Get Students ‘Workforce Ready’

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Advanced Technology Center is located at 4101 South Cowan Road in Muncie. The Center houses the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science and the high-tech labs that support students entering the workforce, primarily in the manufacturing sector.  The School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science offers degrees and certifications in: Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) Industrial Technology (including…

Pictured Left to right: Traci Lutton, Vice President of Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance; James King, Delaware County Commissioner; Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb; Brad Bookout, Director of Economic & Municipal Affairs; Tom Johnson, Regional Manager of CANPACK-US; Peter Giorgi, President and CEO of Giorgi Global Holdings, Inc.; Mayor Dan Ridenour, City of Muncie. Photo by Tylonius Studio, Inc.

Business, Government July 26, 2023

CANPACK is Good for Our Community and is Bringing Back a Strong Well-paid Workforce

By James King, Delaware County Commissioner— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—As a lifelong resident and longtime elected official in Delaware County, I have watched the evolution of manufacturing throughout our region.  When I was young, our community was proudly connected to the auto part manufacturing industry and had a rich history of hard-working men and women who dedicated their lives to advancing that industry.  With the North American Free Trade Agreement, we watched as jobs slowly consolidated and moved to China and…

Tommy Castro is pictured performing. Photo provided

Entertainment July 25, 2023

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers to Headline FREE Concert in Muncie, IN

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN –Blues Music Award winners Tommy Castro & the Painkillers will be returning to Muncie to perform a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2023 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County and will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 29th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Muncie’s own Lovesick Moan will open the show….

Ted Ward. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 25, 2023

Shafer Leadership Academy Welcomes Longtime Leadership Coach Ted Ward as Membership Director

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE— IN—Beginning on Monday July 24th, the longtime leadership coach began working to deepen existing relationships with SLA member organizations and connecting new members to the region’s premiere professional development organization. “I have long advocated for Shafer in the many facets of my life and regularly refer individuals and organizational leaders to SLA’s many resources, so the transition to this formal role seems like a natural evolution,” said Ward, who was the executive director for Learner Experience…