Articles by Mike Rhodes

YMCA Sells Downtown Facility to City of Muncie

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN — Working toward building a new, state-of-the art community recreation center, The YMCA of Muncie has sold its Downtown facility to the City of Muncie with a lease-back clause. The sale was finalized Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting. “Partnering with the City in this sale just made sense,” said Chad Zaucha, president and CEO of YMCA of Muncie. “The YMCA and the City of Muncie share common goals in unity: As…

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Rocky Horror Returns to the Cornerstone Auditorium

By Allison Bell— MUNCIE, IN—Dust off your fishnets and pleather; it is time to do the Time Warp again! Cornerstone Center for the Arts is excited for the eighth annual showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, October 1, 2022 in the Auditorium of Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Downtown Muncie. This interactive event is made possible by our community sponsors and supporters. Touted as one of the oddest, most off-the-wall cult films ever made, this rock…


Ball State University’s College of Fine Arts Announces Family Weekend, September Events

By BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s College of Fine Arts is presenting several programs and performances as part of the University’s Family Weekend, Sept. 16-18. Ball State’s School of Music will present its 11th Annual Showcase Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 in the University’s Sursa Performance Hall. The concert will feature a sampling of the School of Music’s outstanding large ensembles, chamber groups, and soloists. All proceeds from the concert will be used to…


Book Explores Moments That Propelled Athletes to ‘Advocate for Change’

By J.R. Jamison, The Facing Project— “Facing Social Justice in Sports” hit shelves on Tuesday, September 13th MUNCIE, IN – Athletes attract worldwide followings and can influence positive change; yet, they are often expected to temper and censor their statements on “social justice” issues due to public perceptions of the phrase itself and the emotions it conjures. For instance: Is social justice a product or a process? Or both? Is meant to unify or divide? That is up to the reader…


September 20, 2022 is National Voter Registration Day

By Watasha Barnes Griffin— Local organizations plan to register voters in Muncie, Indiana to celebrate the National Voter Registration Holiday. MUNCIE, IN— On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, Americans will celebrate National Voter Registration Day with a massive cross-country effort to register voters well in advance of Election Day this November. Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day is designed to create an annual moment when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right—the right to vote. Nearly 3 million Americans have…


Historic Beech Grove Cemetery Revitalized Under New Management

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—Beech Grove Cemetery, a historic landmark dating back to 1841, is seeing new life under a new superintendent. Troy Watters, a lifelong Muncie resident with a history of public service, was appointed to the position in July, and has accomplished noticeable change in just a few months. “He’s out there working with the guys,” said Muncie resident Mary Stilts at September’s City Council meeting. “He’s not a sit in the truck kind of supervisor.” Since July,…


Muncie’s 8twelve Coalition Hosts National Visitors, Open Door Takes On New Role

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—It could be happening in Philadelphia or Pittsburg or Portland. But it’s happening in Muncie. The Habitat for Humanity International Neighborhood Revitalization Learning Cohort, a collection of 10 neighborhoods from across the country who’ve all focused on block-by-block revitalization efforts similar to that of the 8twelve Coalition, will be meeting in Muncie. The 8twelve neighborhood renewal effort, years in the making, has emerged as a model for the rest of the country, has drawn national attention…


The 45th Old Washington Street Festival is September 17-18 in Downtown Muncie

By Erin Lovall— MUNCIE, IN—The Old Washington Street Festival returns for its 45th year this Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18, 2022. The Festival combines the long, storied history of the Emily Kimbrough Historic District with modern-day fun and is free and open to all. The Festival features a wide array of free entertainment options, including rock, country, blues, and jazz musicians, an old-time radio show, the Festival’s inaugural pin-up competition, a beard contest, a freak show, and more….


Accutech Acquires Muncie’s Iconic Vera Mae’s Bistro

By Scott Smalstig, Director Community Growth, Accutech Systems— MUNCIE, IN—Vera Mae’s Bistro, downtown Muncie’s long-time fine dining establishment, is joining Accutech’s family of companies, effective today. The iconic eatery and bar, situated on South Walnut Street just one block from Accutech’s headquarters, was launched by owners Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore over 23 years ago when only a couple banks and law offices called downtown home. Accutech President Adam Unger says the acquisition fits perfectly within Accutech’s mission of “making…


Day of Action in Delaware County Draws Almost 600 Volunteers

By Kim Williams— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN –There was another record turnout for Heart of Indiana United Way’s Day of Action in Muncie, which was held on Friday, September 9, 2022. Day of Action is a community-wide volunteer event focused on bringing together individuals and groups to help make a difference in the community by working on one-day projects at local nonprofits.  589 volunteers came together to work in a single day of service. They learned about the mission and work of the 17 project sites, and the needs…