Articles by Mike Rhodes

Immediate Past President Matt Howell passes the gavel to incoming President Robert G. La France. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 6, 2023

New Officers for 2023-24 at the Muncie Noon Rotary Club

By Robert G. La France— MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Noon Rotary Club celebrated the transition of officers for the 2023-2024 Rotary year on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023. Matt Howell, retiring 2022-2023 President of the Muncie Rotary Club, introduced incoming 2023-2024 President Robert LaFrance, who praised the club members for their continued commitment in upholding the mission and values of Rotary. 2023-2024 Muncie Rotary Club Officers President Robert LaFrance President-Elect Dan Wolfert Immediate Past President Matt Howell Secretary Joann McKinney…

Read More
Four members added to Next Muncie, from left to right: Marcy Minton, Elizabeth Rowray, Laura Hill, and Adam Unger. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 5, 2023

Next Muncie Announces Four New Members

By Eliza Guion— MUNCIE, IN– Next Muncie has added four new members to the coalition. Next Muncie’s members work collaboratively to advocate for projects and programs that benefit the people of Muncie. Marcy Minton, Elizabeth Rowray, Laura Hill, and Adam Unger have joined Next Muncie’s Central City Leadership Team, a group of community leaders dedicated to the mission of Next Muncie. Marcy Minton, a fourth generation Munsonian and the President and CEO of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware…

Use your ceiling fans to circulate air throughout your house and close window treatments to keep rooms cooler. Photo illustration by Mike Rhodes via Photoshop artificial intelligence (AI).

Business July 5, 2023

Indiana & Michigan’s Energy-Saving Ideas to Keep You Cool This Summer

By Kara Stevenson, I&M Corporate Communications— FORT WAYNE, IN—With much anticipation, summer is officially here. Our wait for warmer temperatures is over. Cooling costs can add up to more than 50% of an average customer’s bill, but by incorporating simple practices, such as those below, you can save energy and potentially save on your monthly bill. Use ceiling fans to circulate air throughout the house. Ensure that your ceiling fan is set to run counterclockwise during the summer to help push cooler…

Severino Leadership award by the Indiana Broadcasters Association. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Education July 5, 2023

Dr. Joe Misiewicz to Receive Two Broadcasting Hall of Fame Honors This Summer

By IASB— INDIANAPOLIS, IN—Muncie resident and former Ball State professor Dr. Joe Misiewicz will receive two Hall of Fame honors this summer. The Indiana Association of School Broadcasters (IASB) will be inducting Dr. Joe into the IASB Hall of Fame at IASB’s July annual meeting and awards program. IASB represents the high school radio and TV stations/programs in Indiana and Dr. Joe is being inducted for his impact on high school programs and development of various scholarships developed while he…

Pictured L-R: Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Rebekah Ireland, John Thompson, Chancellor Jeffrey Scott

Education June 30, 2023

Ivy Tech Community College Honors Local Man as Top Dual Credit Faculty Member

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College honored John Thompson of New Castle High School as one of 19 individuals across the state selected to receive the second annual Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction President’s Awards, the highest honor for Ivy Tech dual credit faculty. Winners were announced at a special ceremony on June 14 in Indianapolis and the event concluded with the 2023 Statewide Award recipient, Dr. Christine Herr of Ivy Tech Richmond. The College honored…

J.P. Hall was presented with the David Sursa Leadership Award during Tuesday evening's Halteman Village Neighborhood Association Board Meeting by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County's Board Chair Sara Shade Hamilton and President & CEO Marcy Minton. Pictured (left to right) Hamilton, Hall, and Minton. Marta Moody was also posthumously recognized with the David Sursa Leadership Award in 2023.

Non-Profit June 28, 2023

J.P. Hall and Marta Moody Named as Recipients of the 2023 David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN —The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that J.P. Hall received the 2023 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize his dedicated service to Halteman Village Neighborhood Association. Marta Moody is also being posthumously recognized with a David Sursa Leadership Award for her exemplary lifetime service to Cardinal Greenway. Hall was nominated by Halteman Village Neighborhood Association for his impact on the neighborhood he serves and the Muncie community as a whole. In…

Pictured Left to right: Matt Howell, Chris Poland

Non-Profit June 28, 2023

Chris Poland Receives 2023 Merrill Greene Award From Muncie Rotary Club

By Matt Howell, President, Rotary Club of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN — Chris Poland, member of the Muncie Noon Rotary Club and Financial Literacy and Community Engagement Manager at Ball State Financial, received the Merrill Greene Award for 2023.  The award honors Merrill Greene, CPA, long-time Muncie Rotarian and volunteer who served as Club treasurer for over two decades.  The award recognizes a member for their outstanding volunteer efforts for the Club and the community. Club President, Matt Howell, added, “Chris…

Angie Hibner. Photo provided

Non-Profit June 27, 2023

Muncie Downtown Development Announces New Executive Director

By Will Isaacs, Board President, Muncie Downtown Development— MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) Board of Directors has announced Angie Hibner as their new Executive Director effective June 19th, 2023. Hibner had been President/Owner of Respire Strategy, responsible for building a company by providing strategy solutions to the top communication challenges facing small business. For the past 8 years she has played a key role in bringing communication strategy and tools to over 600 entrepreneurs throughout the state…

2021 Winners of the Mayor's Arts Awards

Government, Non-Profit June 27, 2023

Nominations Open for 5th Biennial Mayor’s Arts Awards

By Erin Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Save the date! The Mayor’s Arts Awards return September 30, 2023, and the event to celebrate our nominees and award winners will be bigger than ever. The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts), in conjunction with the City of Muncie, is excited to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 5th Biennial Mayor’s Arts Awards. Nominees for this year’s awards will be celebrated at a special reception preceding the award ceremony on September 30th…

Aerial view of the water quality plant. Photo provided

Business June 26, 2023

Delaware County Regional Wastewater District and Muncie Sanitary District Forge a 25-Year Long-Term Partnership

By Jason Richards— MUNCIE, DELAWARE COUNTY—The Delaware County Regional Wastewater District (DCRWD) and the Muncie Sanitary District are pleased to announce the signing of a groundbreaking 25-year long-term contract, solidifying a mutually beneficial partnership for all parties involved. Under this agreement, DCRWD will continue to use a portion of the Muncie Sanitary District’s wastewater treatment facility and infrastructure for the treatment of the Royerton and Desoto customers sanitary flow. The partnership agreement also includes a provision that guarantees a justified…