Articles by Mike Rhodes

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Entertainment September 22, 2025

Charles W. Brown Planetarium Fall 2025 Free Show Schedule at Ball State University

By Planetarium staff— MUNCIE, IN—Journey through space and time at free public and private programs in Indiana’s largest planetarium. Check out the showtimes below, or visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website at www.bsu.edu/planetarium for more information, including details on our Yoga in the Planetarium experiences. Interested in scheduling a private educational visit? Request a private visit for your Ball State class or group online.   September Accidental Astronauts Fridays: Sept. 12, 26 at 5:00 p.m. Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 3:30…

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Photo provided by Indiana Michigan Power.

Business September 22, 2025

I&M Encourages Customers to Prepare for the Unexpected

By Kara Stevenson Communications Specialist, Sr., I&M— MUNCIE, IN—The weather in Indiana is ever- changing. Throughout the year, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) proactively maintains and upgrades the electrical system; however, power outages due to severe conditions remain possible. In September, I&M is highlighting the importance of being prepared and connected during National Preparedness Month – but this is important to achieve year-round. “At I&M, the safety of customers and employees is our top priority. When emergencies and severe weather happens,…

A volunteer installs one of 69 new White River mile marker signs—part of a Ball Brothers Foundation-funded safety project. The markers, integrated with Delaware County’s 911 system, will help emergency responders quickly locate and assist individuals along the river. Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 21, 2025

Ball Brothers Foundation’s New Grants for Projects Along White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation has recently awarded grants supporting several new projects that will enhance outdoor recreation, safety, and connectivity along the White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir in Muncie. “Ball Brothers Foundation is proud to support these projects, which reflect our interest in making East Central Indiana’s rivers and reservoirs more accessible, safe, and welcoming,” said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. “From new trails to safe…

Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT.

Business September 19, 2025

Leap Managed IT Events: Career Open House on September 22 and Executive AI Workshop in October

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—At Leap Managed IT, we’re more than a technology company, we’re a third-generation, Indiana-owned business with deep roots in Central Indiana. With our headquarters in Muncie and support centers across the state, we’re proud to serve the communities we call home. Being local means everything to us. One of our core pillars is community stewardship, a commitment started by our grandparents in 1930 and still reflected in everything we do…

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Education September 18, 2025

Ball State University Launches Toolkit to Strengthen Indiana Talent Pipelines

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University has introduced a new Talent Pipeline Toolkit designed to help communities and businesses across Indiana more easily access University resources that support workforce development and local economic growth. The toolkit, developed by Ball State’s Office of Governmental Relations and Industry Engagement, centralizes information about the University’s wide range of programs and outreach initiatives. It provides a user-friendly, digital “one-stop shop” to help local leaders—from chambers of commerce to county officials and business…

Barbara Schafer Kourtney McCauliff Stephanie Michaels Ashton Baker Camille McCreery

Non-Profit September 18, 2025

Nonprofit Support Network Announces 2025 Nonprofit Summit and Community Luncheon

By Jena Ashby— MUNCIE, IN – Nonprofit Support Network is excited to announce that tickets are now available for the 2025 Nonprofit Summit, presented by Heart of Indiana United Way, scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Horizon Convention Center. This year’s summit will provide essential education, networking opportunities, and professional development for local nonprofits, continuing to strengthen the nonprofit sector in east central Indiana. The Nonprofit Summit includes a variety of breakout sessions and…

South View Elementary playground. Photo provided.

Education September 17, 2025

New South View Elementary Playground Designed With Every Child in Mind

By Andy Klotz, APR, MCS Chief Communications Officer— MUNCIE, IN – South View Elementary students and children in the surrounding neighborhood are creating fun memories and burning off lots of energy at the elaborate, new playground that just opened outside the school. With more than two dozen components stretching over a quarter-acre area, the new “Quaker Mill” equipment is already a big hit with the kids. “They love it,” said South View Principal Dr. Casey Smitherman. “Our kids are so…

Patrons visit the vendor area at a past Artswalk event. Photo provided.

Entertainment September 16, 2025

Experience Downtown Muncie In a Whole New Way During ArtsWalk on October 2

By Vicki Veach— MUNCIE, IN— Get ready to experience downtown Muncie like never before! ArtsWalk returns on Thursday, October 2, from 5–8 PM, bringing art, music, and history to the heart of the city. Step into the Past and Future: Time Travel with AR: Bring your phone and explore the former Wysor Grand Opera House, the historic Wysor Building, and the Delaware County Courthouse through an augmented reality tour designed by artist John Fillwalk with Ball State’s IDIA Lab—made possible by…

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Entertainment September 15, 2025

You’re Invited to Dinner on September 18 for Muncie’s Bridge Dinner

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—You’re invited to Muncie’s biggest outdoor dinner party. Join hundreds of your friends and neighbors for Muncie’s Bridge Dinner Thursday, Sept. 18, on the Washington Street Bridge. The free outdoor community event will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Parking for the event is available within walking distance at Tuhey Park. “I love being part of something that reminds me how vibrant and connected Muncie can be when we all gather in the same place with the…

Paul Revere Chapter, DAR, members in period costume. L-R Sharon Jackson, Mary Avila, Jackie Harris. Photo proviided by DAR.

Non-Profit September 15, 2025

Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Week is September 17-23

By Genet Soule – Paul Revere Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution— MUNCIE, IN—Did you know that the DAR initiated the observance of Constitution Week in 1955?  The National Society petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17-23 of each year to the commemoration of the Constitution. Congress adopted the resolution and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. Refresh your knowledge of the Constitution – America’s most important document – at the…