Articles by Mike Rhodes

Heart of Indiana United Way Launches Fund to Support Long-Term Flood Recovery Across Five-County Region

By Kim Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph Counties – Heart of Indiana United Way has launched a Long-Term Flood Recovery Fund to help individuals and families across Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties recover and rebuild following significant flooding throughout the region. While immediate response efforts are underway, Heart of Indiana United Way leaders know from experience that the needs created by a disaster can continue long after floodwaters recede. “Right now, our communities are focused on immediate needs and making sure people are safe,” said Jenni Marsh, President & CEO of Heart of Indiana United…

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Tickets for Emens Auditorium’s 2026-27 Season Go on Sale August 14

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Tickets for Ball State University’s 2026-27 Emens Auditorium season will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, offering audiences a lineup of Broadway productions, concerts, comedy, family entertainment, and other live performances at Emens Auditorium and Pruis Hall. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster, at the Emens Box Office, 1800 W. Riverside Ave., or by phone at 765-285-1539. The complete season schedule is available on the Emens Auditorium events website. The season begins with Rhinestone Cowgirls: Legendary Ladies of Country Music at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Pruis Hall. Featuring three singers performing…


Local Company Increases Ranking on Inc. 5000 List

By Drew Estep— MUNCIE, IN—For the second year in a row, Coops Lawn & Landscape has been named one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Last year, we ranked #3,284 on the Inc. 5000 list. This year, we’re proud to have moved all the way up to #2,501. Being recognized among this elite group of businesses is an incredible honor and a reflection of the growth, innovation, and resilience that goes into building something special. The Inc. 5000 recognizes the fastest-growing privately held companies across the country, and to be included once is an accomplishment. To make the list…


Liberty-Perry Schools Cut Ribbon on New Accessible Playground at Selma Elementary

$187,000+ Investment Delivers Inclusive Play Space for Students of All Abilities By Samuel Coffman— SELMA, IN—Liberty-Perry Schools Corporation celebrated the grand opening of a new wheelchair-accessible playground at Selma Elementary School on August 10 at 3:30 p.m. This marked the completion of a $187,000+ investment designed to ensure every student has a place to play, connect, and belong. “This playground reflects our commitment to ensuring every student feels welcomed, included, and valued,” said Superintendent Aaron Black. “Play is an important part of childhood, and every child deserves access to a space where they can learn, interact with their peers, and…


Andrea Streaty and Morgan Leckie Named MCS Primary, Secondary Teachers of the Year

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—  Andrea Streaty and Morgan Leckie have been selected as Muncie Community Schools’ 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, respectively, for primary and secondary grades. Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds presented each with awards during MCS’ “welcome back” staff event today at Muncie Central High School. Streaty is a third grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School who serves as the grade level team lead. She is also the student council sponsor and teaches in the school’s successful afterschool STEM club. “Andrea’s enthusiasm and creativity engages even the most challenging students,” Longfellow Principal Gerry…


League of Women Voters to Sponsor Day-Long Conference on Roles of Church and State

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County will sponsor a day-long First Amendment Conference examining the relationships of church and state from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Cornerstone for the Arts. The program is free and open to the public. Registration includes a free lunch, which will be catered by The Culinary Cottage. To register, go to the League’s website, lwvmunciedelaware.org, and scroll down to “Upcoming Events.” The event is being funded by the Patsy  Donn Fund of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie. “The fund’s support of this event…


Local Legislators Alexander and Rowray Honor Steven Smith With Distinguished Hoosier Award

By Samantha Deese, Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE — State Sen. Scott Alexander (R-Muncie), along with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown), recently honored Muncie native and former Mid-West Metal Products CEO Steven Smith with the Distinguished Hoosier Award for his extraordinary career and dedicated service to his community. On Dec. 31, 2025, Steve retired as CEO of Mid-West Metal Products following the celebration of his 50th anniversary with the company. “Through Steve’s tenure with Mid-West Metal Products, he proudly represented a longstanding family-owned manufacturing business and helped guide the company over decades of industry changes,” Alexander said. “His retirement marks the end…


Elm Street Brewing Co. and 7 Rock Brew to Host 1st Annual ‘Midwest Twin Fests’ Concert Series

By Ashley Gray— MUNCIE, IN—A new festival series is happening in Muncie. This Saturday August 15th, Elm Street Brewing Company, located at 519 N. Elm St., and 7 Rock Brew, 613 N. Madison St., will be hosting CornStock, the first in a two-part concert series called the Midwest Twin Fests. CornStock will be featuring 19 musical acts. There will be two outdoor stages, one on the Elm Street Patio, one at 7 Rock Brew, and acoustic music inside the bar at Elm Street Brewery. Doors open at 11 a.m., music will begin at 3 p.m. and end at 11 p.m….


Muncie Exchange Club to Present ‘Flags of Honor 2026’ at Minnetrista

By Erin Ailstock— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Exchange Club invites the public to witness a breathtaking tribute of patriotism and remembrance during the 2026 Flags of Honor, taking place September 4th through 11th on the front lawn of Minnetrista. This powerful visual display features 1,000 American flags flying proudly in rows, creating a stunning sea of red, white, and blue. Each flag is dedicated to a veteran, active-duty military member, first responder, or loved one remembered with honor. “There’s nothing quite like standing among those flags,” said a spokesperson for the Muncie Exchange Club. “It’s a moving tribute to those who…


Ivy Tech Community College Muncie Hosts Empowering All-Girls STEM Camp

Free annual program engages East Central Indiana middle and high school students through hands-on learning, local business partnerships, and career exploration. By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN —  Ivy Tech Community College recently hosted 28 area middle and high school students at the John and Janice Fisher Building for its annual STEM Camp. The free, five-day program provides local students with a dynamic, hands-on introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), empowering young women across Delaware County to explore technical fields in an engaging, supportive, and collaborative environment. “The reason I always come back is because everybody who comes to…