Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Downtown Development Partnership Announces Amanda Holmquist as Executive Director

By Garrett Doan, Board President, MD— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) announced today the appointment of Amanda Holmquist as its new Executive Director, effective January 19, 2026. Holmquist brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, fundraising, and community engagement, along with deep personal and professional ties to downtown Muncie. She previously served on the MDDP Board of Directors when longtime Executive Director Vicki Veach began her tenure more than 15 years…

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Tony Award–Winning Musical CHICAGO Coming to Emens Auditorium, Jan. 22

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University will present the Tony Award®–winning musical CHICAGO at Emens Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster, at the Emens Box Office (1800 W. Riverside Ave.), or by phone at 765-285-1539. With a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse and music by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The production has earned six Tony Awards®, two Olivier…


Kylynn New—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 A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—From sports to clubs to acting, Wes-Del High School senior Kylynn New does it all while maintaining a 4.01 GPA. Though she’s a member of the wrestling team and track team, New is passionate about volleyball. “I love volleyball,” she said. “I’ve been playing…


Applications Now Open for Third Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in collaboration with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, and Habitat for Humanity, would like to announce that applications are now open for the third cohort of CenterPoint Scholars. The year-long leadership academy is designed to cultivate a dedicated group of resident leaders who are passionate about improving their neighborhoods. This next session kicks off at…


Muncie Action Plan’s Annual Report to the Community to Take Place on January 28

By Kylene Swackhamer— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) looks back on a productive year, we are excited to reflect on our continued efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. We invite the community to join us for our Annual Report to the Community, taking place Wednesday, January 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of MAP’s four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress…


The Old West End as a Model for Housing Redevelopment

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie’s Old West End (OWE) is on the cusp of major redevelopment. Empty lots have plans attached to them, long-vacant properties–many that have cycled through the tax sale repeatedly over the past 10-15 years–have been mapped for future use, and the community has aligned around a vision for what’s next. Block by block, a historic neighborhood adjacent to downtown Muncie is gaining new life. This is the result of steady, community-led work that has…


Indiana House Accepting Student Applicants for 2026 Page Program

By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, House Republicans— STATEHOUSE – State Reps. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) said Hoosier students who are interested in learning more about state government are invited to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2026 legislative session. Rowray said pages can watch the legislative process in person, tour the historic Statehouse building and interact with their state representative. The full-day program is available for students who are 13 to 18 years…


IU Health Mobile Lung Screening in Muncie to be Held on January 7

By Amy Sams, BSN RN— MUNCIE, IN—Do you know the signs of lung cancer?  There are none. Lung cancer doesn’t wait. Why should you? Call to schedule your lung screening. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Indiana, but it doesn’t have to be. Most people do not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced, when treatment options are limited. That is why early detection through low-dose CT screening is critical, it can find lung cancer when…


Exercise Your Way Into a New Year

By Nicole L. Koontz— MUNCIE, IN—For many Americans, the holidays are several weeks packed with the hustle and bustle and stress over wearing the perfect outfit, picking out the perfect gift and hosting the perfect party. During all of this, they find themselves stressed out and lacking energy. Many forget about taking care of themselves and wish for a recovery day from the holidays. The simplest way to reduce those stress levels and improve your health is to just get…


Year-End Reflections: Innovation, Leadership, and Lessons from Riley Leonard 

By Michael Thomas and Gary Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—As 2025 draws to a close, Leap Managed IT is proud to reflect on a year defined by innovation, technical achievement, and meaningful partnerships. In a rapidly evolving landscape—where artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the way organizations operate—our commitment to delivering world-class IT Support and Managed IT Services has never been stronger. This dedication is why Leap Managed IT continues to be recognized among the Top Indianapolis…