Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with BY5

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—Over a decade ago, Muncie’s business, school, and nonprofit leaders came together to rally around the opportunity to better prepare our community’s youngest learners for kindergarten—and beyond. With the support of local funders and other donors—including Ball Brothers Foundation—BY5 was created. While the organization continues to evolve to meet changing needs, its commitment to providing a strong foundation for early learning remains unchanged. Ten years ago when BY5 was established, what concerns were community leaders voicing…

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Muncie’s ‘Set the Night to Music’ Public Fireworks Display Schedule and More for 2025

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE,  IN—The City of Muncie will celebrate America’s Independence Day with a number of spectacular fireworks performances. The official City of Muncie show will be aired by 104.1 HD1 WLBC and 104.9 WERK FM, with accompanying music, and will take place on the grounds of Muncie Central High School by the levee.  The show will kick off at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4th. There will be a mix of patriotic favorites with today’s family…


Music for All Presents President’s Award to Ball State University’s Karen Adkins

By Rachel Puckett, Music for All— MUNCIE, IN—Music for All proudly presented its prestigious President’s Award to Karen Adkins, Senior Executive Director of Auxiliary Services for University Food, Beverage, Conference Services and Special Events at Ball State University and Ball State University alumna, during the opening of the 2025 Bands of America Summer Camp concert. The award recognizes Adkins’ extraordinary contributions to Music for All and the Bands of America Summer Camp over the past 14 years. Adkins has played…


4 Ways To Make This Summer As Safe As It Is Fun

By Tim Harms, American Heart Association— INDIANAPOLIS — More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year[1], and 90% of people who have a cardiac arrest will not survive. The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is calling on parents and families to make this summer as safe as it is fun. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest each…


Indiana Commission for Higher Education Awards Educator Scholarships to Eight Local Students

By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, Indiana House Republicans— STATEHOUSE—Local students preparing to become teachers are among this year’s recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown). The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, awards recipients a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) to high-achieving high school and college students who agree to teach in an eligible…


Organization Seeks Nominations Of Local Women To Honor During 33rd Annual Women’s Equality Day

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie-Delaware County Coalition of Women’s organizations is once again seeking nominations of local women to honor during the 33rd Annual Women’s Equality Day Program. The Coalition invites nominations of women who have made a significant contribution in the arts, education, religion, business, politics, environment, and social or community service by improving the quality of life in our community, according to a press release. Other categories will also be considered. Recipients will be…


New PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union Branch Coming to Downtown Yorktown in 2026

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN—PrimeTrust Financial Federal Credit Union today announced plans for the grand opening of a new full-service branch located in the heart of Downtown Yorktown, Indiana, slated for later in 2026. This strategic expansion underscores PrimeTrust’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and serving the growing financial needs of the Yorktown community. We cannot wait to be able to be part of the Yorktown Community. The new branch will be situated in a prime location within Downtown Yorktown, designed…


Downtown Muncie Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Four New Businesses

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director. Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN—DWNTWN business is buzzing, with new neighbors opening their doors. Book a hair appointment before your next special occasion, find a handcrafted gift, or stop in for a Friday night cocktail at one of the community’s newest spots. Meet the new DWNTWN destinations: Parlour Salon 109 E Main St This salon offers luxury haircare and skincare services to help clients look and feel their best. Housed in a beautifully restored building, Parlour…


Ball State University Libraries Launches Research Guide on Ethical Artificial Intelligence Use

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—In an era in which artificial intelligence tools are rapidly reshaping how we access and share information, Ball State University Libraries has introduced a new research guide to help students, faculty, staff, and community members use AI more thoughtfully and effectively. The interactive guide, now available at bsu.libguides.com, equips users with foundational skills to assess the credibility, accuracy, and ethical implications of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and image generators. Through five short videos…


Disaster Recovery Planning: Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners, LEAP Managed I.T.— MUNCIE, IN—Easter morning several years ago, we got the call first from our network operations team at LEAP Managed IT, where we provide managed IT services and cybersecurity solutions to businesses across the Midwest, then from the business owner themselves. Their servers had gone silent. Moments later, the owner stood in the parking lot, watching smoke pour from their building, surrounded by first responders. We arrived shortly after, pulling damaged…