Articles by Mike Rhodes

Wes-Del Community Schools Expands Pathways for In-Demand Technical Careers

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN – Over the past several years, the Indiana Department of Education has made significant changes to graduation requirements. Students must now complete “Graduation Pathways” which include a range of project-based, service-based, or work-based learning experiences. To help students meet pathways requirements, local schools are creating new opportunities for students to prepare for future careers. Ball Brothers Foundation is supporting a number of programs across the community, including niche programs offered by…

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Muncie Arts and Culture Council Renews Agreement With City of Muncie as Official Arts Partner

By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) has renewed its agreement with the City of Muncie to continue serving as the city’s official arts and culture partner through 2027. The renewed agreement, which awards $10,000 to MuncieArts each year, affirms a shared commitment to strengthening Muncie’s creative economy, supporting local artists, and expanding access to arts and cultural experiences for residents and visitors. As the city’s arts partner, MuncieArts will continue to lead public…


Indiana Governor Mike Braun Appoints Dollyne Sherman to Ball State University Board of Trustees

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Indiana Governor Mike Braun has appointed Dollyne Sherman as the newest member of the Ball State University Board of Trustees. Governor Braun also announced the reappointment of trustees Mike McDaniel and Julie K. Griffith to new terms on the Board, each effective through Dec. 31, 2029. Ms. Sherman’s appointment began on Jan. 1, 2026. “Dollyne Sherman has a strong public-service background and a deep connection to Ball State University, and I’m confident she will serve…


Ross Community Center Announces Executive Director Transition

By Ross Community Center Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN—The Ross Community Center Board of Directors has announced that Jacqueline Hanoman will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director after 10 years of dedicated service. Hanoman will be relocating to Portugal with her family to pursue her next chapter. Hanoman joined Ross Community Center as executive director in December 2015. During her tenure, the Center experienced significant growth and transformation, strengthening its role as a vibrant hub for the…


Year in Review for Muncie Action Plan’s Task Force Two

By JP Hall— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) looks back on a productive year, we are excited to reflect on our continued efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. We invite the community to join us for our Annual Report to the Community, taking place Wednesday, January 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of MAP’s four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress…


Muncie Downtown Development Partnership Announces Amanda Holmquist as Executive Director

By Garrett Doan, Board President, MD— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) announced today the appointment of Amanda Holmquist as its new Executive Director, effective January 19, 2026. Holmquist brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, fundraising, and community engagement, along with deep personal and professional ties to downtown Muncie. She previously served on the MDDP Board of Directors when longtime Executive Director Vicki Veach began her tenure more than 15 years…


Tony Award–Winning Musical CHICAGO Coming to Emens Auditorium, Jan. 22

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University will present the Tony Award®–winning musical CHICAGO at Emens Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster, at the Emens Box Office (1800 W. Riverside Ave.), or by phone at 765-285-1539. With a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse and music by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The production has earned six Tony Awards®, two Olivier…


Kylynn New—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—From sports to clubs to acting, Wes-Del High School senior Kylynn New does it all while maintaining a 4.01 GPA. Though she’s a member of the wrestling team and track team, New is passionate about volleyball. “I love volleyball,” she said. “I’ve been playing…


Applications Now Open for Third Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in collaboration with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, and Habitat for Humanity, would like to announce that applications are now open for the third cohort of CenterPoint Scholars. The year-long leadership academy is designed to cultivate a dedicated group of resident leaders who are passionate about improving their neighborhoods. This next session kicks off at…


Muncie Action Plan’s Annual Report to the Community to Take Place on January 28

By Kylene Swackhamer— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) looks back on a productive year, we are excited to reflect on our continued efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. We invite the community to join us for our Annual Report to the Community, taking place Wednesday, January 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of MAP’s four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress…