Articles by Mike Rhodes

Delaware County Emergency Management Agency Responds to Severe Weather Event

By Kyle Johnson— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—In the wake of a severe thunderstorm and tornado that swept through Delaware County early this evening, the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) is actively engaged in response efforts to address the impacts of the disaster. Reports indicate that the storm system inflicted significant damage across various parts of the county, with particular emphasis on the town of Selma. Initial assessments suggest that up to 50% of structures in Selma have been damaged. However,…

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Transforming Communities Through Sustainable Development and Construction Trades Training

By Jud Fisher—  MUNCIE, IN —  In the heart of Muncie, there’s an organization powerfully reshaping the landscape—and the workforce—one house at a time and one life at a time. ecoREHAB, a nonprofit headquartered in Muncie’s Old West End, is on a mission to help revitalize the community’s neighborhoods through sustainable design, rehabilitation, and education. At the same time, the organization is building a new generation of workers prepared for high-demand jobs in construction trades. ecoREHAB was founded 15 years ago…


Help Strengthen Nonprofits in Muncie-Delaware County with the 2024 Nonprofit Landscape Survey

By Carly Acree-King— MUNCIE, IN—Nonprofit Support Network’s mission is deeply rooted in empowering nonprofit organizations throughout Muncie-Delaware County. We firmly believe that by providing organizations with the necessary resources, we can catalyze their ability to achieve their missions, serving our community with greater impact and effectiveness. As advocates and allies for the nonprofit sector, we recognize the critical importance of understanding our local community’s unique challenges, strengths, and opportunities. Understanding the significance of this, we’ve introduced the 2024 Muncie-Delaware County…


‘Dr. K’ Retiring, Dr. Reynolds to Become New MCS Director of Public Education and CEO

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski is retiring from K-12 education at the end of the school year. MCS Associate Superintendent Dr. Charles (Chuck) Reynolds, a Muncie Southside graduate and longtime district administrator, will succeed her when she officially leaves June 30. “This decision was incredibly difficult for me,” Dr. Kwiatkowski said. “I have grown to love the people of Muncie and I’m very proud of all we’ve…


Clarissa Jones—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—Though Clarissa Jones entered Muncie Central High School on the coattails of her older siblings, she marched her way into the school and created her own legacy. In fact, principal Chris Walker was quick to sing her praises about what a great student she’s been…


Hillcroft Services Announces 5th Bi-Annual Shop & Share Vendor Market on Saturday March 16

By Dan Wolfert— MUNCIE, IN—Hillcroft Services is excited to announce the 5th Bi-Annual Shop & Share Vendor Market, taking place on Saturday, March 16th, from 10 am to 3 pm. The event will be held indoors at our location at 501 West Air Park Drive, Muncie, IN, ensuring an enjoyable experience for attendees, rain or shine. With over 70 local vendors participating, (click here to view the vendor listing) this market offers a unique shopping opportunity, featuring a diverse range…


Arbor Day Foundation Names Muncie a 2023 Tree City USA®

By Jasmine Putney, Arbor Day Foundation— LINCOLN, Nebraska —Muncie was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. Muncie achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored…


Thalea String Quartet to Perform at Ball State University’s Sursa Hall as part of Arts Alive Series

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN– Ball State University’s College of Fine Arts is pleased to announce the upcoming performance of the renowned Thalea String Quartet as part of the 2023-2024 Arts Alive series April 9, 2024, at Sursa Hall. The performance, which is free and open to the public, is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. The Thalea String Quartet, recipient of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, has gained…


Cardiologist Dr. Wayne L. Gray Receives Sagamore of the Wabash Citation of Honor

By Vicki Delzeith— MUNCIE, IN—IU Health is excited to announce that Dr. Wayne L. Gray was recently awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Citation of Honor from Governor Eric Holcomb. The Sagamore of the Wabash award honors those who have made a significant contribution to life in the Hoosier state. The designation was created in the late 1940s during the administration of Governor Ralph Gates. The Sagamore is the highest honor the Governor regularly bestows on individuals. Governor Eric Holcomb reserves the Sagamore for those who have…


Isaiah 117 House for Foster Care Kids Coming to Delaware County

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, Indiana – Imagine if you were nine years old, removed from an abusive or neglected circumstance and headed for foster care – but first, you had to wait for hours or even overnight in a cubicle in a welfare office. The multi-state Isaiah 117 Houses are intended to prevent that unwelcome layover at a child services office by offering a homelike accommodation for a child and their caseworker until a foster home is ready. With…