Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Central High School students collaborate on a group project. Photo by Maggie Manor

Non-Profit June 1, 2023

George and Frances Ball Foundation Awards Nearly $600,000 To Delaware County Initiatives

By Kelsey Harrington, Program Officer— MUNCIE, IN—On May 11th, George and Frances Ball Foundation’s Board of Directors met to review quarterly competitive grant requests. More than $600,000 was awarded to 11 area nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. The Foundation’s proactive grantmaking strategy is focused on educational attainment from cradle to career. The collective impact initiative that helps to carry out this work, Cradle to Career Muncie, is focused not only on academic markers such as kindergarten readiness and third grade…

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The annual "Flags of Honor" at Minnetrista is a community project of the Exchange Club of Muncie. Photo provided

Non-Profit May 31, 2023

Muncie Exchange Club Recognizes Outstanding High School Sophomores  

By Kallie Sulanke, Member Exchange Club of Muncie—  MUNCIE, IN—The Exchange Club of Muncie honored 29 Muncie tenth-graders from Muncie Central High School and Burris Laboratory School during the Club’s annual Sophomore Honors Day luncheon on Thursday, May 4. As one way to support youth in our community, Exchange Club has hosted this event for more than 85 years. The purpose is to recognize students early in their high school careers and encourage and inspire them to continue to work…

Techwise Academy students. File photo

Business May 30, 2023

Teaching Youth the Languages of the Next Generation

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director— MUNCIE, IN—Over the past two years, I have written several articles about the scope of services and activities at the Innovation Connector.  From leasing office space to entrepreneurs, coaching and advising business owners and entrepreneurs, hosting workshops and events, and providing opportunities for networking and coworking, the Innovation Connector has served the Muncie community well. We know that students are encouraged to learn foreign languages as part of their school work, such as Spanish…

The City of Muncie Parks Department will have all kinds of fun activities for kids this summer.

Education, Entertainment May 26, 2023

Here’s a Wide Variety of Programs and Activities for Kids To Take Part In This Summer

By Leslie Griffin— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—Discover some of Muncie’s exciting summer programs, perfect for kids of all ages. MuncieJournal.com has put together this listing of all kinds of activities and programs kids can take part in this summer. The programs detailed below are designed to be both fun and educational, offering a mix of entertainment and learning that will create an unforgettable summer filled with excitement and knowledge. Apply as soon as you can as most of these programs will…

Dr. Jenner (pictured on right) visits Daleville Elementary School where kindergartners are learning coding skills. Photo provided

Education May 25, 2023

Indiana Sec. of Education Dr. Katie Jenner Visits Local Schools in Delaware County

 Secretary addresses Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients By Eliza Guion— MUNCIE, IN — On May 23, Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a reception honoring the foundation’s 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award winner and finalists. Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner was a guest speaker for the evening. In addition to attending the reception, Dr. Jenner spent the day with Ball Brothers Foundation staff, visiting several local schools. The group toured West View Elementary, home to Muncie Community School’s lauded “Dual…

Photo provided

Health May 25, 2023

Meridian Health Services Opens New Dental Location On Tillotson Avenue In Muncie

By Hannah Dunckel—  MUNCIE, IN – Meridian Dental – Family Dentistry is now open and accepting patients at a new location in Muncie. The new office is conveniently located at 110 N. Tillotson Ave., Muncie and is open Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Oral health is a vital part of total body well-being. Untreated dental diseases can contribute to serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. This new dental…

File Photo by: Matthew Ruddick

Entertainment May 25, 2023

Cornfed Roller Derby Season 10v.2, Game Three On May 27 At Delaware County Fairgrounds

By Debra Roberts— MUNCIE, IN – Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD), will hold their third game of Season 10v.2 on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in the Memorial Building. Cornfed was founded in the spring of 2010, and the team planned on celebrating 10 years of derby in Muncie in May 2020. Like the 10th season, plans were delayed, so now CFRD is celebrating 10+ years of Cornfed during this third game of Season 10v.2. In the…

Nonprofit workers enjoyed celebrating the end of the year at the Nonprofit Holiday Celebration in December 2022 at The Clubhouse at Accutech. Pictured is Chad Zaucha, President/CEO of YMCA of Muncie, and Jeff Bryan, Director of Visitor Experience of Muncie Delaware County Visitors Bureau.

Non-Profit May 24, 2023

Nonprofit Support Network Invites Nonprofit Workers to Celebrate Summer at the Nonprofit Summer Social

 By Carly Acree King Relationship & Resource Director— MUNCIE, IN – Nonprofit Support Network is celebrating nonprofit workers and volunteers and the kick-off to summer with the Nonprofit Summer Social. The event will take place on Thursday, June 1, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm on the patio of The Fickle Peach, located at 117 E. Charles Street in downtown Muncie. This new event is designed to bring together individuals currently working or volunteering at nonprofit organizations located in or serving Muncie-Delaware…

Muncie Central High School. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education May 24, 2023

Muncie Community Schools ‘Teachers of the Year’ Recognized

Support staff, Rising Stars, school partners also honored. By Andy Klotz— Muncie, Ind. – Muncie Community Schools has named the 2022-23 Teachers of the Year at each of its schools. All award recipients were presented with commemorative plaques by their building principals and now become eligible for the overall district Teacher of the Year award, which will be presented at the start of the 2023-24 school year. “We have some unbelievably dedicated teachers at Muncie Community Schools we’re grateful for…

Artist rendering of new YMCA facility to be built.

Business May 23, 2023

YMCA of Muncie Receives Major Investment From IU Health East Central Region

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN—The YMCA of Muncie is gathering community support for a new facility located on the campus of Muncie Central High School.  Local East Central Region philanthropy leaders for the IU Health Foundation approved a multi-year pledge of $5 million from its ECR Community Health Fund to go towards the $31 million campaign. IU Health East Central Region’s President, Dr. Jeffrey Bird, has been involved with the YMCA project for nearly three years and serves on the…