Articles by Mike Rhodes

Masterworks Chorale to Present Valentine’s Concert ‘From Broadway With Love’

By Katharine Burris, Masterworks Chorale— MUNCIE, IN—While love is in the air, Masterworks Chorale will present its annual Valentine’s Concert, “From Broadway With Love,” on Saturday, February 17th at 7:30 pm at the Ball State Alumni Center. Ahead of the concert,beginning at 6:30, there will be a cocktail hour with live jazz, perfect for a night out. Masterworks Chorale will be joined by singers from Delta High School, as well as a jazz combo under the leadership of Jim Rhinehart. “From Broadway With Love” will feature love songs from the rich Broadway repertoire. Classics such as “It’s a Grand Night…

Read More

Lucy Rutter—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 Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Gymnastics has been a passion for Burris Laboratory School senior Lucy Rutter since she was 6. She continues to compete in club gymnastics and is proud to have overcome challenges after having an operation last May to put a screw in her ankle. Recently, she competed in her first meet post-surgery. “It’s a pretty rough recovery,” Rutter said. “I’m really proud of being able to…


Meridian Health Services to Change Community Outreach Programs in 2024

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN – After 14 years Meridian Health Services’ premier charity gala, Rialzo, has come to an end, but not before creating a path to make a broader impact on the communities Meridian serves. “Rialzo has served us well drawing attention to the causes we have supported for so long,” said Seth Warren, President and CEO of Meridian Health Services. “We are equally excited about what lies ahead.” Over the years, Rialzo has supported addiction recovery, youth mental health services, and school-based health clinics, but is now transitioning away from a fundraising gala party to a broader…


Red-tail Land Conservancy Celebrates the Protection of a New Wetland Nature Preserve

Buck Creek Fen Preserve protects rare wetland; wildlife corridor in east central Indiana. By Kelley V. Phillips— MUNCIE, IN— Red-tail Land Conservancy, a conservation nonprofit headquartered in Muncie, is proud to announce the successful protection of a vital piece of a historic wetland with the acquisition of Buck Creek Fen Preserve, a 68-acre wetland habitat in the heart of the Big Blue River Valley north of Summit Lake. This announcement comes on World Wetlands Day, a day recognizing the contributions of wetlands to flood control, water quality, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. Carved by glaciers and historically home to a…


No Room at the Inn: Muncie’s Lost and Unhoused Search for Alternatives

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN—There is a time for independent action and a time for collaboration. There’s a time for singular objectives and a time for the collective good. We’re at that moment in Muncie. You’ve probably heard about the decision by the City of Muncie to close the Muncie Inn, a longtime location for the unhoused, and sometimes for addicts or recovering addicts. It’s a place most don’t want to go near because of what they know to be there. The decision was not made lightly. The City of Muncie, to a certain extent across various administrations, have…


Hull Property Group Acquires Muncie Mall

By John Mulherin, Hull Property Group—  MUNCIE, IN – Hull Property Group announced today the acquisition of the Muncie Mall in Muncie, Indiana. The property adds to the Company’s growing retail property portfolio of almost 20 million square feet, including 35 enclosed shopping malls across 17 states. “We are excited to join the Muncie community. We love the area, and the Muncie Mall has wonderful redevelopment potential,” said Jim Hull, owner of Hull Property Group. “We aim to reposition the Muncie Mall by working with community leaders and adjacent property owners to create a successful future for the mall and…


Charles W. Brown Planetarium FREE Special Eclipse Events Schedule

By Planetarium Staff— MUNCIE, IN—All regular planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. Plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. One free pair of solar eclipse glasses will be provided to each planetarium show guest for a suggested cash donation of $1, while supplies last. If you are interested in acquiring a large number of eclipse glasses for your organization fill out the Eclipse Glasses Request Form available on our website www.bsu.edu/solareclipse2024 to be considered. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute…


Ball State University Hosting Two Community Presentations About Village Revitalization Plan

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns invites campus and local community members to two presentations about the University’s plan to revitalize The Village, the business district located immediately adjacent to campus. The first presentation—for students, faculty, and staff—will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Pruis Hall on Ball State’s campus. Parking will be available in the New York Parking Garage. The second presentation—for the general public—will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main St., Muncie, IN…


Muncie’s West View Elementary Unveils $11.5 Million Renovation

Project caps $42 million in recent MCS facility upgrades. By Andy Klotz, MCS Chief Communications Officer—  MUNCIE, IN – A growing student population and a school already filled to capacity is not a good combination. West View Elementary no longer has to worry about that following an $11.5 million, year-long renovation project that wrapped up earlier this month. Officials from West View, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) and Core Construction, which oversaw the renovation, officially cut the ribbon on the facility upgrades during a ceremony at the school. “It’s wonderful to have to have this additional space, and something our students,…


Clearline Technologies: A Catalyst for Growth and Sustainability in Delaware County

By Bill Walters— MUNCIE, IN—Under the umbrella of the Delaware County Commissioners, the Delaware County Department of Economic Development and Redevelopment diligently works to attract capital investment, spur job creation, and elevate the overall quality of life through diverse projects within Delaware County. Collaborating with the ECI Regional Planning District, the department focuses on enticing businesses to establish their headquarters in the county, with a special emphasis on international companies that bring highly skilled technical positions across various industries. Notably, Clearline Technologies, USA, originating from Winnipeg, Canada, has made a substantial impact on the community through its economic contributions and…