Articles by Mike Rhodes

The Old West End as a Model for Housing Redevelopment

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie’s Old West End (OWE) is on the cusp of major redevelopment. Empty lots have plans attached to them, long-vacant properties–many that have cycled through the tax sale repeatedly over the past 10-15 years–have been mapped for future use, and the community has aligned around a vision for what’s next. Block by block, a historic neighborhood adjacent to downtown Muncie is gaining new life. This is the result of steady, community-led work that has…

Read More

Indiana House Accepting Student Applicants for 2026 Page Program

By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, House Republicans— STATEHOUSE – State Reps. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) said Hoosier students who are interested in learning more about state government are invited to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2026 legislative session. Rowray said pages can watch the legislative process in person, tour the historic Statehouse building and interact with their state representative. The full-day program is available for students who are 13 to 18 years…


IU Health Mobile Lung Screening in Muncie to be Held on January 7

By Amy Sams, BSN RN— MUNCIE, IN—Do you know the signs of lung cancer?  There are none. Lung cancer doesn’t wait. Why should you? Call to schedule your lung screening. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Indiana, but it doesn’t have to be. Most people do not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced, when treatment options are limited. That is why early detection through low-dose CT screening is critical, it can find lung cancer when…


Exercise Your Way Into a New Year

By Nicole L. Koontz— MUNCIE, IN—For many Americans, the holidays are several weeks packed with the hustle and bustle and stress over wearing the perfect outfit, picking out the perfect gift and hosting the perfect party. During all of this, they find themselves stressed out and lacking energy. Many forget about taking care of themselves and wish for a recovery day from the holidays. The simplest way to reduce those stress levels and improve your health is to just get…


Year-End Reflections: Innovation, Leadership, and Lessons from Riley Leonard 

By Michael Thomas and Gary Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—As 2025 draws to a close, Leap Managed IT is proud to reflect on a year defined by innovation, technical achievement, and meaningful partnerships. In a rapidly evolving landscape—where artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the way organizations operate—our commitment to delivering world-class IT Support and Managed IT Services has never been stronger. This dedication is why Leap Managed IT continues to be recognized among the Top Indianapolis…


Gus Macker Basketball Tournament Returns to Muncie

By Erin Craig, Vice President, Southside Neighborhood Association, Event Director— MUNCIE, IN—For the first time since 2011, Gus Macker 3-on-3 Tournament is set to return to Muncie in 2026. The Southside Neighborhood Association, led by Erin Craig, Courtney Marsh, and Steve Craig made it official in a contract signing at The Common Market in Muncie. They were joined today by members of the team they have assembled to organize the event, supporters, and friends to celebrate the return of the…


New 126 Home Subdivision Coming to Muncie: ‘Mason Ridge’ Receives Final Approval

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN — The City of Muncie is pleased to announce that Mason Ridge, a new 126-lot residential subdivision, has unanimously passed its final review before the Planning Commission on Thursday, December 4. The project will bring significant new housing opportunities to the community and represents a substantial private investment in Muncie’s continued growth. Located on 37 acres at the northwest corner of Jackson and Morrison, Mason Ridge will feature a thoughtfully designed neighborhood layout that includes…


Scholarship Applications are Now Available

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Delaware County high school seniors and current college students can apply for scholarships through Monday, February 23. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County manages more than 50 scholarships. Scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 benefit students each year. Students should visit DelawareCountyScholarships.com to begin their application. WHO CAN APPLY? Requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship. Most scholarships are available for high school seniors in Delaware County, Ind. Some scholarships are also available for current…


Don’t Miss DWNTWN’s ‘Wonder Hunt’ Featuring Mousecapades Through January 1

By Cheryl Crowder, Muncie Downtown Development— MUNCIE, IN—New this year, DWNTWN Wonder Hunt is featuring Mousecapades: Tiny Tails & Holiday Trail—a festive downtown adventure perfect for families, friends, and holiday explorers of all ages. Adorably illustrated Mice are in fifty storefront windows in downtown Muncie. Each adorable mouse window decal is waiting to be discovered. Find at least 35 mice, submit your mouse tracker and you could win $100! Download a mouse tracker map @ downtownmuncie.org/wonder or pick one up…


Ivy Tech Muncie Partners With IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Support of Nursing Students

By Lesley Devoss— MUNCIE, IN—Ivy Tech Muncie has partnered with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) to strengthen educational and career pathways for future nurses through the Practical Nursing (PN) program. This collaboration—developed by the Ivy Tech Nursing Program, the Ivy+ Career Link team, and IU Health—helps meet regional healthcare workforce needs by providing IU Health employees the opportunity to advance their careers while remaining in the field. Che’Reese Anderson, Dean of Nursing, led on-site information sessions at BMH to…