Articles by Mike Rhodes

Downtown is in the middle of everything: walkable, bikeable, local, and offering more than 500 parking spaces. Photo provided.

DWNTWN, Entertainment April 20, 2025

Muncie’s Downtown Just Got Louder, Bolder, and Completely Unforgettable

By Muncie Downtown Development Partnership—  MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) just raised the bar on what a city can feel like. With the launch of its vibrant new campaign, DWNTWN is officially shaking up the norm and inviting everyone along for the ride. A kaleidoscope of flavors, locally owned shops, pop-up moments, and can’t-miss events, DWNTWN is turning heads with a campaign that is as colorful and confident as the heart of the city itself. Anchored in…

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Illustration by: graphicstock

Entertainment April 18, 2025

The Hope of Easter

Editor’s note: This Easter message was originally published on MuncieJournal.com on March 30, 2018.  By Paul Ward— MUNCIE, IN—Do you ever feel like all hope is lost? Sit in front of the evening news and you’ll see violence, arguments, and injustice. No one offers any real change. No one offers any real hope. When we lose everything, we lose hope. During World War II an Austrian psychiatrist named Viktor Frankl was sentenced to the Auschwitz concentration camp. While he was…

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Non-Profit April 17, 2025

V!VA Luncheon Honors Outstanding Volunteer Contributions to Delaware County Community

By Joann McKinney and Scott Swingley— MUNCIE, IN— – On April 15, 2025, the Interurban Room at the Horizon Convention Center was filled with gratitude and admiration as the community came together to celebrate the exemplary individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in Delaware County. The annual V!VA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon, a cherished tradition since its inception in 1993 by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club, in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, once again shone…

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Education April 17, 2025

Donations to AAUW Book Sale Can Be Made Starting May 19

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Donations of new and gently used books, puzzles, DVDs and CDs (music and books) will be accepted for the American Association of University Women – Muncie Branch Used Book Sale starting at 8 a.m. Monday, May 19, at Ball State University Alumni Center, 2800 W. Bethel Ave. Carts will be available to unload books at the front door of the Ball State Alumni Center, and donors may temporarily park at the entrance of the center. Note…

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Education April 16, 2025

Gaston Woman Named to 2025 Orr Fellowship Leadership Team

By Megan Custodio— GASTON, IN—Orr Fellowship has appointed its new Fellowship Leadership Team, including Brylee Koontz, a Gaston native and graduate of Marian University, who is the new Director of Continued Learning. She is among eight current Fellows to be named to the organization’s Fellowship Leadership Team for the 2025 term. In this role, Koontz will plan and execute flagship development events; advocate for professional and personal resources; and connect fellows with professional development and networking opportunities in Indianapolis and…

Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert at Ruoff Music Center. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment April 16, 2025

Live Nation Indiana Hiring for Multiple Positions Ahead of Major Concert Season

Ruoff Music Center, Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, and Old National Centre all look ahead to big season of live shows By Live Nation— WHAT: Live Nation Indiana is now hiring for multiple positions at its Central Indiana venues including Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, and Old National Centre (home of the Murat Theatre, Egyptian Room and Deluxe) in downtown Indianapolis. All three venues look forward to a jam-packed calendar of…

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Business April 15, 2025

Innovation Connector Receives Prestigious International Award

By Ted Baker, CEO and Executive Director of the Innovation Connector— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc., East Central Indiana’s only full-service entrepreneurial support organization, has been honored with the Soft Landings Designation of the Year at the recent International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA. This distinguished recognition marks the first international award for the Innovation Connector, highlighting its growing impact on global business development. The Soft Landings Designation of the Year is awarded to only…

Annette Craycraft and Bryan Ayars are pictured during a nonprofit program hosted by Shafer Leadership Academy and Nonprofit Support Network. The upcoming All Aboard Workshop aims to provide education to community members who are interested in board service. File photo.

Non-Profit April 15, 2025

Annual ‘All Aboard Workshop’ Connects Community Members with Nonprofit Board Opportunities

By Jena Ashby— MUNCIE, IN—Community members from East Central Indiana are invited to attend the annual All Aboard: Board Leadership in Action Workshop on Saturday, May 13, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the YWCA of Central Indiana, located at 310 E. Charles Street in downtown Muncie. This free event is made possible by Shafer Leadership Academy, Heart of Indiana United Way and Nonprofit Support Network. Additional programmatic and in-kind support comes from Ball State University’s Office of…

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Non-Profit April 14, 2025

East Central Indiana’s Future Runs Through the White River

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—The White River has long been a defining feature of East Central Indiana—its waters wind through our communities, shaping our history, and providing a foundation for future recreation and economic growth. Protecting and enhancing this natural resource is both a responsibility and an opportunity we take seriously at Ball Brothers Foundation. Our region is home to the headwaters of the White River, and the way we care for it has impact far…

Kayla Davion, a 2017 Ball State University graduate will be the Spring Commencement speaker. Photo provided.

Education April 14, 2025

Ball State University Announces Spring 2025 Commencement Speaker

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Kayla Davion, a 2017 Ball State University graduate best known for her work on the Broadway stage, will address Ball State’s Class of 2025 at the University’s Spring Commencement ceremony. Ball State will confer approximately 2,800 doctoral, specialist, master’s, and baccalaureate degrees during the University-wide gathering. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, in the Quad, followed by individual college celebrations throughout the day at Worthen Arena and Emens Auditorium….