Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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The Innovation Connector is located at 1208 W. White River Blvd in Muncie.

Business June 26, 2023

Time for a Mid-Year Business Health Checkup 

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—It is hard to believe that 2023 is nearing the halfway point.  After enduring a cold winter and unpredictable spring, warm, nice weather and days full of sunshine are welcomed.  During this time of year, it is important to consider reviewing the status of our businesses and organizations.  Much like my semi-annual physical with my doctor, assessing what is going well and what is not is vital for businesses and…

"Four for the Fourth" is an annual race in Yorktown, Indiana, that is helping to build community and relationships with people throughout Mt. Pleasant Township, fund trails and pathways to connect neighborhoods, and promote healthy living and active lifestyles. Photo provided

Entertainment June 25, 2023

Yorktown’s 4 Mile Run on the 4th of July Returns With Over $27,000 in Scholarships and Prizes 

By Jonathan Lamb— YORKTOWN INDIANA- The annual “Four for the 4th” run/walk returns to downtown Yorktown at 8:30 AM on the 4th of July, bigger and better than ever.  Thrive Credit Union, the title sponsor has partnered with the Yorktown Community Schools Foundation to work together to raise funds to better the community, trails, parks, schools, and give away scholarships.    This year the overall male and female race champions will each win $1,000 in cash, and all students ages 19…

Michele Owen is participating in the Ms. Health and Fitness competition. Photo provided

Health June 23, 2023

Local Muncie Woman Competing for National Health and Fitness Title

MUNCIE, IN—The national Ms. Health and Fitness competition draws thousands of athletes every year to compete for national recognition and to benefit Homes for Wounded Warriors. This year, a Muncie resident is in the running for the title. Michele Owen had never run a race and could barely swim before deciding to train for Muncie’s 2021 Ironman 70.3. The grueling triathlon consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile run, and then a 13.1 mile run within 8 1/2…

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital campus. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Health June 21, 2023

IU Health Ball Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients

By Vicki Delzeith— MUNCIE, IN – IU Health Ball has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023 which recognizes sustained, high level performance in quality of care. IU Health Ball is one of only 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes IU Health Ball’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that IU Health Ball has reached…

Steve Lindell is a BBQ enthusiast and shares a photo of his pork loin preparations prior to going into the Pit Boss BBQ smoker. He used the three dry rubs shown on the left, plus apple wood pellets in the smoker. Cook time was 3 hours. Photo by Steve Lindell

Entertainment June 21, 2023

Cornerstone Center for the Arts to Hold BBQ Cook-Off

Editor’s note: The barbeque cook-off scheduled for this Saturday, July 8, has been cancelled. The event was cancelled because of a lack of ticket sales. Those who have purchased tickets will get a refund. Cornerstone will look for another, more opportune date for this event. By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Local restaurants, vendors and food trucks will compete in a BBQ Cook-Off event at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main, on July 8 2023 from 11 a.m. to…

Midwest Writers Workshop attendees at Ball State. Photo provided

Non-Profit June 20, 2023

Midwest Writers Workshop Celebrates 50th Conference, July 19-22

By Jama Kehoe Bigger— MUNCIE, Ind. – Since 1973, Midwest Writers Workshop (MWW) has offered a summer conference to help writers improve their craft and become published authors. This year’s 50th conference is July 19-22 and offers two registration options. Participants can register to attend in-person at the Ball State Alumni Center, Muncie, IN, or they can register for a virtual option via Zoom technology. This hybrid version of MWW provides plenty of instruction, networking, and the sense of community…

Congeniality Sarah Holdcroft. Photo courtesy of Delaware County Fair Facebook.

Entertainment June 19, 2023

Jocelyn Roberson Named 2023 Delaware County Fair Queen

DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—Jocelyn Roberson was named the 2023 Delaware County Fair Queen during ceremonies held over the weekend. Congratulations to Jocelyn and 1st Runner Up Maddie Tyler, 2nd Runner Up and Miss Congeniality Sarah Holdcroft. This morning, Jocelyn was interviewed by Steve Lindell on Muncie’s newest radio station: WMUN. You may listen to the entire interview below.      

Artist aerial rendering of the village. Rendering provided by Ball State University.

Education June 18, 2023

Ball State University Board of Trustees Approves Development Agreement for The Village Project

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN– The Ball State University Board of Trustees on Friday approved a development agreement for a revitalization plan for The Village, a commercial district located immediately adjacent to the campus. The agreement is the next step by Ball State and development firm Fairmount Properties to create a best-in-class, multigenerational district driven by arts and culture, entertainment, and innovation. The comprehensive plan, which includes a new performing arts center, is also expected to include a…

A group photo from a prior Juneteenth Muncie. Photo provided

Entertainment June 17, 2023

Activities Planned for Juneteenth Muncie

MUNCIE, IN — The Juneteenth Muncie 2022 celebration will be held from 2-9 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at McCulloch Park. Everyone is invited to take canopies, seating and coolers to enjoy a day at the park, featuring free food, games, music and more. Juneteenth is now a national holiday. Listen to Dorica Watson, co-chair of Juneteenth Muncie as she describes the day’s activities. Click to listen.