Articles by Mike Rhodes

Business June 23, 2026

Upgrading Copper Networks Is Essential for Indiana’s Future

By Steven Rogers, Vice President of External Affairs, AT&T Indiana— INDIANA—On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful phone call in his Boston, Massachusetts laboratory. Bell’s assistant Thomas Watson heard the first sentence ever transmitted: “Mr. Watson, come here; I want you!” Those words forever changed the way people connect, marking a new age of communication that continues to evolve 150 years later. AT&T recently announced a $250 billion commitment over the next five years to support the future of connectivity in America. Expanding fiber, 5G, upgrading security and more will lead Indiana’s communications into the modern…

Non-Profit June 23, 2026

Kathy White Named 2026 Recipient of The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award

MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Katherine White received the 2026 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize her dedicated service to Animal Rescue Fund “ARF.” ARF nominated Kathy White in recognition of her exceptional leadership and service to the Muncie community. Katherine “Kathy” White’s nearly three decades of leadership at Animal Rescue Fund of Muncie (ARF) reflects a deep and enduring commitment to both organizational excellence and community impact. “I can honestly say that next to me, I don’t know anyone who has more empathy and respect for dogs and cats than Kathy,” wrote…

Health June 22, 2026

Open Door Health Services Appoints Dr. Amelia Clark as Next Chief Executive Officer

By Carolyn Frost— MUNCIE, IN—After an extensive national search, the Board of Directors at Open Door Health Services is pleased to announce Amelia E. Clark, DrPH, as its new chief executive officer and president. Dr. Clark will begin on July 6, succeeding Bryan Ayars, who will retire in mid-July after 10 years of leadership and service. Before coming to Open Door, Dr. Clark served as the executive director and founder of the Center for Integrated Public Health and Research and professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She earned a…

Non-Profit June 22, 2026

Indiana Considers Changes to Childcare Licensing Regulations

By Emma Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Long before a child walks into a kindergarten classroom, someone helped prepare them for that moment. Someone taught them how to share, solve problems, follow routines, communicate their needs, and build confidence outside the walls of their home. Someone noticed when they were struggling, celebrated when they succeeded, and helped lay the foundation for future learning. For thousands of children across Delaware County that someone was an early childhood educator. Today, Indiana is considering changes to childcare licensing regulations that would lower qualification requirements for childcare leaders and educators while reducing professional standards that have long…

Entertainment June 22, 2026

Rare Bob Ross Painting to be Auctioned June 30th to Benefit WIPB-TV in Muncie

By Robin Insley— CHANTILLY, VA —A rare original Bob Ross painting, Mountain Summit from Season 13, Episode 10 of The Joy of Painting, will be auctioned on June 30th with 100% of net proceeds to directly benefit WIPB-TV(Ball State PBS) in Muncie, Indiana. The auction carries special significance as Bob Ross filmed 30 of 31 seasons at WIPB, making it the birthplace and long-time home of one of the most beloved television series in public television history. “Bob came to Muncie because WIPB welcomed him like family, and he gave them the key to sharing his special way of painting,…

Government June 22, 2026

Tuhey Pool Operations Update From the City of Muncie

By Jeff Howe— MUNCIE, IN—I am pleased to provide an update regarding Tuhey Pool and its operations for the current season. Earlier this year, the City was notified that the YMCA would no longer be operating Tuhey Pool. Following that notification, City officials conducted a review of the facility and discovered significant infrastructure and equipment issues. Based on those findings, the Parks Director estimated that the repairs needed to restore safe and reliable operations would exceed $1 million, leading the Administration to believe the pool would likely remain closed for the season. Despite those challenges, the determination, collaboration, and hard…

Dr. Bird June 19, 2026

Dr. Jeff Bird: Thomas Park/Avondale and South Central Neighborhoods and the 8/Twelve Coalition

By Dr. Jeff Bird— MUNCIE, IN—The Thomas Park/Avondale and South Central neighborhoods have long had a special place in my life. Many of my cousins grew up in the neighborhood and attended Southview elementary, Wilson middle school and Muncie Southside high school. I grew up watching my father play slow pitch softball for Local 287 at Thomas Park, and looked forward to an ice-cold root beer at the BK root beer stand on Memorial Drive after his games. I then followed Dad in my young adulthood playing softball there for many years. I also helped coach my sons who often…

Entertainment June 18, 2026

Muncie Civic Theatre’s Youth Program Continues Shaping Performers and Families Across the Community

By J.R. Jamison— MUNCIE, IN—Long before the curtain rises on Disney’s Frozen this June, twenty-eight of the performers stepping onto the Mainstage at Muncie Civic Theatre first learned how to stand confidently in a rehearsal through the theater’s Youth Program. Frozen is more than a beloved musical adaptation filled with iconic songs and magical storytelling. It also serves as a powerful example of how Muncie Civic Theatre’s youth programming continues to develop young performers into Mainstage actors and creatives. The production arrives as the theater also launches season ticket sales for its upcoming 96th season. For Laura Williamson, who serves…

Non-Profit June 18, 2026

Nearly 1,000 Attend Delaware County Special Needs Prom at Horizon Convention Center

By Mindy Kemper, Co-Founder, Delaware County Special Needs Prom— MUNCIE, IN—The 2026 Delaware County Special Needs Prom transformed the Horizon Convention Center into a celebration of joy, inclusion, and community Saturday, May 16, as nearly 1,200 attendees came together for one of the region’s most impactful annual events. The evening welcomed individuals with special needs, families, caregivers, volunteers, educators, advocates, and community supporters from throughout East Central Indiana for a prom experience designed to ensure every guest felt celebrated, valued, and included. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with music, dancing, formal wear, entertainment, and countless moments of connection and celebration. Before…

Business June 17, 2026

Muncie and Delaware County’s Place in the Economy is Our Choice

By Elizabeth Rowray, President/CEO, Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce— MUNCIE, IN—When Senator Todd Young recently sat down with our members at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building, he laid out two possible futures for the country. In one, the rise of artificial intelligence leaves us disoriented and struggling to keep up, culturally, socially, economically, and militarily. In the other, we meet the moment and open the door to a second American century. What stuck with me wasn’t the caution, but rather that he treated the outcome as a decision for the country and for communities like ours in Delaware County to…

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