Articles by Mike Rhodes

Mayor Ridenour is pictured with Alec and Carla Donahue, two former remote workers who participated in Muncie's "Make My Move" program. File photo.

Government March 20, 2025

City of Muncie Partners With Delaware County to Expand ‘Make My Move Program’ to New Areas

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie has announced a partnership with Delaware County to expand the boundaries of the successful Make My Move program, offering a $5,000 incentive to eligible movers who relocate to unincorporated Muncie addresses. This expanded initiative is designed to attract remote workers from out of state to move to Muncie and Delaware County, further strengthening the local economy and community. The Delaware County Redevelopment Commission has agreed to fund the $5,000 incentive for qualifying…

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Pictured L-R: Leo Furlong and Christopher Li . Photo by Ball State PBS.

Education March 19, 2025

Muncie Burris Student Leo Furlong Claims Second Straight Regional Spelling Bee

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—For a second straight year, Leo Furlong is the champion of the Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. On March 8, Mr. Furlong, a sixth grader at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, secured the 2025 regional title by correctly spelling ‘leviathan,’ earning a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this Spring in Washington, D.C. The semifinals and finals will be held May 27-29. This year’s Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee featured 41…

The solar arrays located on the roof of Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Photo provided

Non-Profit March 19, 2025

Springing Forward: Cornerstone’s Commitment to Sustainability and Creative Growth

By Cornerstone Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN— Spring is here, and Cornerstone Center for the Arts is blooming with excitement as we look forward to a season of new growth and continued sustainability! As we approach the 100th anniversary of our beloved building in 2026, we are celebrating big strides in both preserving our historic facility and embracing eco-friendly practices. This season, we are proud to announce that we’ve made incredible progress thanks to our partnership with philanthropist Andy Gigante…

A Community Portrait: Spring. Photo provided.

Entertainment March 19, 2025

Celebrate Community Through Photography at Minnetrista’s ‘A Community Portrait’

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is excited to present A Community Portrait: Spring, an intimate and compelling exhibition featuring photographs by acclaimed portrait photographer Tom Styrkowicz. Running from March 15 to May 11, 2025, in Gallery 2 of the Center Building, this exhibition captures the heart of our community by celebrating the individuals who make it so special. Through Styrkowicz’s lens, we see our neighbors in moments of connection, joy, and quiet reflection, showcasing the beauty of…

Photo provided by Ball State University.

Education March 18, 2025

One Ball State Day Returns April 2, Celebrating Seven Years of Collective Impact

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — One Ball State Day (OBSD), the University’s annual day of giving and celebration of Cardinal spirit, returns for its seventh year on Tuesday, April 2. This day of beneficence brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to showcase the power of collective impact in advancing Ball State University and supporting student success. Since its inception in 2019, One Ball State Day has demonstrated what can be achieved when Cardinals unite. Last…

This crowd packed Walnut Street in downtown Muncie for the Voices (Re) United Concert. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government March 18, 2025

Muncie Metropolitan Statistical Area and East Central Indiana See Population Growth

By Dan Ridenour, Mayor of Muncie—     MUNCIE, IN—Recently released US Census data shows that the Muncie Metro Area has grown by 1,044 people since the April 2020 Census. Increasing from 111,907 up to 112,951 in 2024. This result indicates a clear and positive improvement since 2020 following decades of population losses. Now with four consecutive years of population gains, the Muncie MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) is on an upward trend. In the last 4 years, Muncie MSA grew…

George Bremer as photographed by Matt Howell.

Business March 17, 2025

Longtime Madison County Journalist George Bremer Joins Woof Boom Radio

By Megan Orbin— ANDERSON, IN—Woof Boom Radio welcomes George Bremer to its news and sports team, where he will create content for both its radio and online platforms, primarily focusing on Madison County, Indiana. “George is well-known as the Colts beat writer in many regions of the state and an outstanding feature writer, having covered a wide array of topics during his tenure at The Herald Bulletin in Anderson,” said Steve Lindell, Director of Operations and News at Woof Boom Radio….

Photo provided by Teenworks.

Entertainment March 17, 2025

Calling All Foodies: Join Us for the 3rd Annual ‘Taste of TeenWorks’

By Faith Thomas— MUNCIE, IN—Get ready to see TeenWorks impact firsthand at the 3rd Annual Taste of TeenWorks—an after-work event that brings the community together to celebrate the next generation of leaders. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at MadJax in downtown Muncie. Madjax is located at 515 E. Main St, Muncie, IN 47305. Prepare to indulge in delicious tastings from local favorites while connecting with the inspiring young people who are…

Justin Favela, Photo provided.

Entertainment March 17, 2025

Arts Alive! Series Presents Multidisciplinary Artist Justin Favela at Ball State University, March 19

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s Arts Alive! series continues this Spring with a presentation by multidisciplinary artist Justin Favela at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Sursa Performance Hall. The event, made possible by the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the Arts Alive! program, is free and open to the public. A catered reception will follow. Parking is available in the McKinley Parking Garage (entrance on Ashland Avenue) south of Sursa Hall, and…

Beer lovers from a prior Brewfest gather to sample a variety of beverages and enjoy some fun and fellowship in downtown Muncie. Photo provided.

Entertainment March 14, 2025

DWNTWN Muncie to Host 2nd Annual Magic City Brewfest

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— MUNCIE, IN — The second annual Magic City Brewfest, presented by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), will once again bring together a range of craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, non-alcoholic beverages, music, artisans, and makers. The event takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Madjax Maker Force, 515 E Main, Muncie, IN, from 2-5 p.m. “This is an exciting event for the Community. Muncie has really been on the forefront of craft beer since long before it…