Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo courtesy of Electrify Indiana initiative.

Non-Profit April 22, 2025

Electrification Will Be Topic of Next League of Women Voters Meeting on April 26

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The public is invited to attend the League of Women Voters of Muncie/Delaware County’s Earth Day meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St. The topic will be “Electrification.” Making the presentation will be John Vann, a retired Ball State professor and sustainability promoter. He will discuss why electrification is important and how to switch from using fossil fuels to using more electricity. Vann said, “Modern electrical replacements use…

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LaShanta Vaughn. Photo provided.

Business April 22, 2025

Vaughn Stepping Into New Role at Downtown Muncie’s Horizon Convention Center

By Delaware Advancement Corporation— MUNCIE, IN — LaShanta Vaughn, a respected leader in both the convention and tourism business sectors, has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Horizon Convention Center. “LaShanta is a driving and rising force in shaping Muncie’s identity as an outstanding and welcoming destination for both visitors and conventions,” said Rob Keisling, Chair of the Delaware Advancement Corporation (DAC) Board of Directors. The DAC Board conducted a nationwide search that included more…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 21, 2025

Free Tree Giveaway and Family Fun at Muncie’s Arbor Day Celebration at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN— Celebrate the roots of sustainability at the 2025 Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. This free, family-friendly event honors Muncie’s 27th year as a Tree City USA, bringing the community together to explore nature, plant for the future, and take home a tree of their own. The centerpiece of the event is the free sapling giveaway, offering a variety of native canopy…

Downtown is in the middle of everything: walkable, bikeable, local, and offering more than 500 parking spaces. Photo provided.

DWNTWN, Entertainment April 20, 2025

Muncie’s Downtown Just Got Louder, Bolder, and Completely Unforgettable

By Muncie Downtown Development Partnership—  MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) just raised the bar on what a city can feel like. With the launch of its vibrant new campaign, DWNTWN is officially shaking up the norm and inviting everyone along for the ride. A kaleidoscope of flavors, locally owned shops, pop-up moments, and can’t-miss events, DWNTWN is turning heads with a campaign that is as colorful and confident as the heart of the city itself. Anchored in…

Illustration by: graphicstock

Entertainment April 18, 2025

The Hope of Easter

Editor’s note: This Easter message was originally published on MuncieJournal.com on March 30, 2018.  By Paul Ward— MUNCIE, IN—Do you ever feel like all hope is lost? Sit in front of the evening news and you’ll see violence, arguments, and injustice. No one offers any real change. No one offers any real hope. When we lose everything, we lose hope. During World War II an Austrian psychiatrist named Viktor Frankl was sentenced to the Auschwitz concentration camp. While he was…

File illustration.

Non-Profit April 17, 2025

V!VA Luncheon Honors Outstanding Volunteer Contributions to Delaware County Community

By Joann McKinney and Scott Swingley— MUNCIE, IN— – On April 15, 2025, the Interurban Room at the Horizon Convention Center was filled with gratitude and admiration as the community came together to celebrate the exemplary individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in Delaware County. The annual V!VA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon, a cherished tradition since its inception in 1993 by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club, in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, once again shone…

Photo provided.

Education April 17, 2025

Donations to AAUW Book Sale Can Be Made Starting May 19

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Donations of new and gently used books, puzzles, DVDs and CDs (music and books) will be accepted for the American Association of University Women – Muncie Branch Used Book Sale starting at 8 a.m. Monday, May 19, at Ball State University Alumni Center, 2800 W. Bethel Ave. Carts will be available to unload books at the front door of the Ball State Alumni Center, and donors may temporarily park at the entrance of the center. Note…

Photo provided.

Education April 16, 2025

Gaston Woman Named to 2025 Orr Fellowship Leadership Team

By Megan Custodio— GASTON, IN—Orr Fellowship has appointed its new Fellowship Leadership Team, including Brylee Koontz, a Gaston native and graduate of Marian University, who is the new Director of Continued Learning. She is among eight current Fellows to be named to the organization’s Fellowship Leadership Team for the 2025 term. In this role, Koontz will plan and execute flagship development events; advocate for professional and personal resources; and connect fellows with professional development and networking opportunities in Indianapolis and…

Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert at Ruoff Music Center. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment April 16, 2025

Live Nation Indiana Hiring for Multiple Positions Ahead of Major Concert Season

Ruoff Music Center, Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, and Old National Centre all look ahead to big season of live shows By Live Nation— WHAT: Live Nation Indiana is now hiring for multiple positions at its Central Indiana venues including Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, and Old National Centre (home of the Murat Theatre, Egyptian Room and Deluxe) in downtown Indianapolis. All three venues look forward to a jam-packed calendar of…

Photo provided.

Business April 15, 2025

Innovation Connector Receives Prestigious International Award

By Ted Baker, CEO and Executive Director of the Innovation Connector— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc., East Central Indiana’s only full-service entrepreneurial support organization, has been honored with the Soft Landings Designation of the Year at the recent International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA. This distinguished recognition marks the first international award for the Innovation Connector, highlighting its growing impact on global business development. The Soft Landings Designation of the Year is awarded to only…