Articles by Mike Rhodes

Gus Macker Basketball Tournament Returns to Muncie

By Erin Craig, Vice President, Southside Neighborhood Association, Event Director— MUNCIE, IN—For the first time since 2011, Gus Macker 3-on-3 Tournament is set to return to Muncie in 2026. The Southside Neighborhood Association, led by Erin Craig, Courtney Marsh, and Steve Craig made it official in a contract signing at The Common Market in Muncie. They were joined today by members of the team they have assembled to organize the event, supporters, and friends to celebrate the return of the…

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New 126 Home Subdivision Coming to Muncie: ‘Mason Ridge’ Receives Final Approval

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN — The City of Muncie is pleased to announce that Mason Ridge, a new 126-lot residential subdivision, has unanimously passed its final review before the Planning Commission on Thursday, December 4. The project will bring significant new housing opportunities to the community and represents a substantial private investment in Muncie’s continued growth. Located on 37 acres at the northwest corner of Jackson and Morrison, Mason Ridge will feature a thoughtfully designed neighborhood layout that includes…


Scholarship Applications are Now Available

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Delaware County high school seniors and current college students can apply for scholarships through Monday, February 23. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County manages more than 50 scholarships. Scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 benefit students each year. Students should visit DelawareCountyScholarships.com to begin their application. WHO CAN APPLY? Requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship. Most scholarships are available for high school seniors in Delaware County, Ind. Some scholarships are also available for current…


Don’t Miss DWNTWN’s ‘Wonder Hunt’ Featuring Mousecapades Through January 1

By Cheryl Crowder, Muncie Downtown Development— MUNCIE, IN—New this year, DWNTWN Wonder Hunt is featuring Mousecapades: Tiny Tails & Holiday Trail—a festive downtown adventure perfect for families, friends, and holiday explorers of all ages. Adorably illustrated Mice are in fifty storefront windows in downtown Muncie. Each adorable mouse window decal is waiting to be discovered. Find at least 35 mice, submit your mouse tracker and you could win $100! Download a mouse tracker map @ downtownmuncie.org/wonder or pick one up…


Ivy Tech Muncie Partners With IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Support of Nursing Students

By Lesley Devoss— MUNCIE, IN—Ivy Tech Muncie has partnered with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) to strengthen educational and career pathways for future nurses through the Practical Nursing (PN) program. This collaboration—developed by the Ivy Tech Nursing Program, the Ivy+ Career Link team, and IU Health—helps meet regional healthcare workforce needs by providing IU Health employees the opportunity to advance their careers while remaining in the field. Che’Reese Anderson, Dean of Nursing, led on-site information sessions at BMH to…


Roto-Rooter of Muncie Donates $3,140 to Blood-N-Fire Food Pantry Through November Giving Program

By Ilene Hackett— MUNCIE, IN — Roto-Rooter of Muncie donated a percentage of every job completed during the month of November to Blood-N-Fire Food Pantry in Muncie, Indiana, raising $3,140 in support of the organization’s mission to provide food and essential resources to those in need. The donation was presented by Jon Salmon, Regional Manager for Roto-Rooter, to Stacy Ball of Blood-N-Fire Food Pantry, highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening the local community. “Giving back to the communities we serve…


2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients from Delaware County Announced

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN— The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Delaware County – Elizabeth Bamidele of Delta High School and Clayton Dick of Muncie Central High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Delaware County must show great leadership potential, be well-rounded in their involvement,…


More Joy, Less Stress: Why Giving Back Makes Kids Happier

By Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute— INDIANAPOLIS—During the busy holiday season, many families focus on their celebratory meals, decorations, and shopping lists. Amid such hustle, it is worth remembering the timeless truth: it is better to give than to receive. But how do we teach our children to move beyond consumerism and embrace gratitude and generosity? Research increasingly shows that giving back is not just good for communities generally; it’s good for kids. Volunteering and acts…


Jan. 21 Economic Breakfast to Feature 2026 Forecast and Manufacturing Panel

By Victoria Meldrum, Ball State CBER— MUNCIE, IN — Registration is now open for the Indiana Economic Outlook, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at the Horizon Convention Center. In its 30th year, this popular event for the Muncie business community will offer breakfast, an economic forecast for the state and nation by Ball State University professor Michael Hicks, and a panel discussion on the challenges facing Indiana manufacturing firms with keynote panelists Steven Smith and Scott Buehrer. The Center for Business…


Ball State Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates With Calls to Purpose, Character, and Courage

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University conferred approximately 1,200 doctoral, specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate degrees during its Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony on Saturday in Worthen Arena on the Ball State campus. Ms. E. Renae Conley, ’80 MBA ’82, a longtime member of the Ball State University Board of Trustees, delivered the Commencement address, encouraging graduates to step outside their comfort zones and embrace change and challenges. Drawing on her career and commitment to service, she offered…