Articles by Mike Rhodes

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $974,435 in Community Grants during the first quarter of 2023, including a $35,000 grant to Cardinal Greenway Inc. to support the cost of operations. Pictured, bicyclists gather at the Cardinal Greenway Depot for a ride on the trail.

Non-Profit February 26, 2023

Community Foundation Awards $974K to Community Organizations

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $974,435 in Community Grants this week. Beginning in 2023, The Community Foundation shifted to a Community Grants program. Nonprofit organizations have a wide-open door for applications instead of separate applications for multiple grants programs through the Foundation. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with Foundation staff. This quarter, The Community Foundation had 24 organizations reach out with initial requests for funding….

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An artist rendering of "Storer Estates."

Business February 25, 2023

The Housing Needle: Part Three

Editor’s note: This is the third and final installment of MuncieJournal.com’s exclusive three part series on housing in Muncie and Delaware County.  By John Fallon and Steve Slavin— MUNCIE, IN—In the minds of many folks in our community, any assessment of the housing situation is the product of subjective judgment.  Even though such an analysis lends itself to factual verification, it seems that many rely on assumptions and personal opinions. Our research confirms that most people believe what was good for development…

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

Business February 24, 2023

Side Gigs and Side Hustles

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Over the past years, the Innovation Connector has become the Muncie community’s hub for business startup and growth assistance.  Calls and emails come to us nearly every day from entrepreneurs and hopeful business startup owners asking for assistance in some way.  Regular requests include the need for funds to start or grow a business, help formally organize the business as an LLC or S-Corp, and some turn to us…

Cornerstone Center for the Arts is located at 520 E. Washington Street in Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment February 24, 2023

First Thursday at Cornerstone on March 2nd

By Dee McKinsey—  MUNCIE, IN–Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 East Main St., again will host local artists in conjunction with Muncie’s First Thursday event March 2 from 5-8 p.m. Resident Artist Debra Gindhart Dragoo is coordinating this event and has lured several local artists to participate during the past two First Thursday celebrations. March’s pop-up artist lineup includes Jill Palumbo, Angel Gillette, Tom Stader, Alyssa Carey, Christine Barber Bush, Val Kelley, Elizabeth Reichert, Kat Mesaros, Shannah Mesaros, Taunya Fallon,…

Mayor Ridenour and representatives from IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and local law enforcement are pictured during the announcement of "The Muncie Crisis Center." Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government, Health February 23, 2023

City of Muncie and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Partner to Create ‘The Muncie Crisis Center’

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, IN—On Wednesday, the City of Muncie in partnership with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and many other volunteers who have been working collaboratively for the past 20 months announced the beginnings of The Muncie Crisis Center. When opened, the center will help people in the community who are dealing with serious addiction and mental health issues. In many cases, the Muncie Crisis Center aims to be an alternative to jail for persons experiencing an…

Aerial view of the Ball State Campus. Photo by: BSU Photo Services

Education February 22, 2023

AAUW Offers Scholarship for Nontraditional Students

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Applications for the American Association of University Women, Muncie Branch, nontraditional student scholarship are due Saturday, April 1. The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is available for the 2023-2024 academic year, effective Aug. 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024. The scholarship must be used for tuition, health fee, books, and other classroom-related expenses for the year, including the summer session. To apply, applicants must meet the following selection criteria: Students of any gender identity who are 25 years old or…

Suzie Jones, project coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State, visits with the kiddos at United Day Care as they color their pages for Charlie’s Coloring Challenge.

Education February 21, 2023

Charlie Cardinal Gets a Makeover

By Michelle Kinsey, Office of Community Engagement, Ball State University— MUNCIE, IN – Charlie Cardinal, the Ball State University mascot, has never looked better. Or more colorful. The children at United Day Care Center took some time on a recent afternoon to color in their feathered friend as part of the annual Charlie’s Coloring Challenge. Scarlett Reed, 4, was putting the finishing touches on her Charlie Cardinal. Just a few more pink polka dots here and there and it was…

A volunteer is pictured preparing food at the Soup Kitchen of Muncie. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 21, 2023

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Announces 2nd Annual 40 Days of Giving Food Drive

By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN—Lent is here, and the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is offering a guilt-free alternative to the tradition of abstaining from something you love for the next 40 days. Instead of giving something up, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is asking you to give something away during its 40 Days of Giving Food Drive, Feb. 22 to April 6. People can participate in the daily food drive as an individual or as a group, and you can…

The "Construction Zone" plans. Photo provided

Business February 21, 2023

Mutual Bank Charitable Foundation Supports the ‘More To Explore Campaign’ at the Muncie Children’s Museum

By Kynda Rinker—  MUNCIE, IN–For nearly 20 years, The Mutual Bank Charitable Foundation has been supportive of the Muncie Children’s Museum. The most recent gift of $100,000 will fund a portion of the exhibits and a portion of the Muncie Children’s Museum Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County as part of the More to Explore Campaign. While the foundation has transferred its assets to the Mutual Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation of Muncie &…

Mr. Imani Brissett is pictured. Photo provided

Education February 21, 2023

Ball State University Theatre and Dance Students Honored at Regional Festival

By BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN– Several students from Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance earned recognition at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre’s regional festival, held Jan. 11-15 in Flint, Mich. The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) is a national program that honors artistic excellence and provides students with individualized recognition through awards and scholarships in playwriting, acting, dramatic criticism, theatre management, directing, and design through eight regional festivals. KCACTF holds its national festival in…