Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

Read More

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…


Schools Can Compete for $1,000 Grant from Indianapolis Colts, American Heart Association

By Tim Harms— The American Heart Association and the National Football League continue their commitment to kids’ whole-body health through physical activity. INDIANAPOLIS  — With the start of the National Football League (NFL) season, schools in Indiana will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000 grant from the American Heart Association and Indianapolis Colts as part of the NFL Play 60 program and this year’s Race to Super Bowl LVII activation. From Sept. 26 to Oct. 26, students can…


Ball State University Study: Invasive Aquatic Species Are Spreading

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – A recent study conducted by researchers at Ball State University, in partnership with Fishbrain, the world’s most popular fishing app, offers new insight into “invasion superhighways,” in which aquatic invasive species are spreading across the U.S. Using data from the Fishbrain app, which has more than 14 million registered users worldwide, researchers from Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities have revealed a network of human movements that form these invasion superhighways….


Muncie Central High School JROTC Raises Flags in Support of Flags of Honor

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Two dozen young people from the Muncie Central High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) volunteered their time to set up the field of flags for Flags of Honor. More than 1,000 flags were placed on the lawn at Minnetrista beside the White River Greenway. Flags of Honor is in partnership with the Exchange Club of Muncie in honor and memory of local veterans, current service personnel, fallen heroes, and all who wish to display…


Pokey LaFarge to Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN– Critically acclaimed musician Pokey LaFarge and his band will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2022 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County and concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 10th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. The Ball State University Jazz Ensemble will open the show. Pokey LaFarge’s…


Free Family Nature Event at Ball State Celebrates Pollinators, Wildlife on Sept 10th

By BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University is inviting the community to learn about and celebrate pollinators at its family-friendly “Pollinator Party!” being held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse and Environmental Center.  At this free event, nature-related organizations like the Red-tail Land Conservancy, Robert Cooper Audobon Society, Friends of the Greenhouse, and Conservation Tales will offer pollinator-themed crafts and activities. Children of all ages can…


Muncie Mayor, First Lady Open Home to Taiwanese Exchange Student

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—For many high school students, junior year is about college visits, summer jobs, and SATs. For 16-year-old Jimmy, junior year is about adventure. Thanks to the Muncie Rotary Exchange program, Jimmy (full name Te-Chan Yang) has travelled all the way from Taiwan to live and study in Muncie for 11 months. He is currently attending Muncie Burris high school, and staying with Mayor and first lady Dan and Sherry Ridenour. So far, Jimmy has accompanied the…