Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment March 6, 2025

Family Weekend, Community Day & Homecoming Dates Highlight 2025 Football Schedule

By Ball State Sports— MUNCIE, IN—The Mid-American Conference has announced its 2025 football schedule, completing a 12-game slate for Ball State that begins with power conference matchups at Purdue and Auburn, followed by a home opener against non-league foe New Hampshire, at Scheumann Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13. Key dates highlighting the schedule begin with that home opener against the Wildcats, showcasing Ball State’s Family Weekend in the Cardinals’ first meeting against the Wildcats since 2009. The Cardinals open MAC…

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Ashley Williams. Photo provided.

Business March 5, 2025

Ashley Williams Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program

Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Ashley Williams, Vice President of Talent Development of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce was selected to participate in the eleventh cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations…

These Muncie Central students have planned a fun event to benefit kids at Riley Children's Hospital. Photo provided.

Education March 5, 2025

Muncie Central High School Students Create Fundraiser and 5K Fun Run Event to Benefit Riley Kids

By Ro Selvey, Northside Middle School teacher— MUNCIE, IN – Students at Muncie Central High School are taking action for a meaningful cause. The Muncie Central Student Council is organizing a Riley Fun Run 5K as part of their Riley Fundraiser Project to support the children receiving care at Riley Hospital for Children.  Event Date: March 15, 2025  Time: 9 a.m.—12 p.m.  Location: Muncie Central High School Campus This event is open to the entire Muncie community, and everyone is…

Chris Fisher, a 4th generation Ball Family member, has been appointed to the Ball Brothers Foundation's board of directors. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 4, 2025

Ball Brothers Foundation Marks 99th Year With New Board Appointment

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN— As Ball Brothers Foundation enters its 99th year of grantmaking, it is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Fisher, a fourth-generation Ball family member, to the foundation’s board of directors. With a deep-rooted family legacy and passion for education, recreation, and community development, Chris will play a key role in carrying on the foundation’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy in Muncie and East Central Indiana. Chris is the great-grandson of Edmund…

Journalist Amy Goodman. Photo provided.

Education, Entertainment March 4, 2025

Award-Winning Journalist Amy Goodman to Speak at Ball State University on April 8

Event will be part of the David Letterman Lecture Series By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana—Ball State University will welcome Amy Goodman, the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, as part of the David Letterman Distinguished Lecture Series. Ms. Goodman will share her knowledge and expertise with students and the greater Muncie community at 7 p.m. on April 8 at Pruis Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but a general admission ticket is required…

David Sursa was the inaugural Board president of The Community Foundation. The annual David Sursa Leadership Award recognizes a nonprofit board member in Delaware County who displays the characteristics and commitment to the community expressed by David Sursa during his lifetime. Nominations are accepted through March 31.

Non-Profit March 4, 2025

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2025 David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the annual David Sursa Leadership Award. The award rewards, recognizes, and encourages extraordinary leadership by a nonprofit board member in Delaware County. Standing behind the belief that every community benefits from leaders who understand local issues and visualize and promote positivity, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County established the David Sursa Leadership Award in honor of the organization’s inaugural Board president….

Accutech Systems CEO Adam Unger is pictured accepting the award. Photo provided.

Business March 3, 2025

Accutech Systems Earns Tech Company of the Year Award for Indiana 

TechPoint recognized Accutech Systems at its Mira Awards gala, Feb. 27. By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN—Accutech Systems Corp. earned Tech Company of the Year honors at TechPoint’s 2025 Mira gala on Thursday, Feb. 27. The award recognizes excellence and innovation in Indiana’s technology community. Accutech Systems earned the award for companies with fewer than 500 employees. “We’re honored to receive this amazing recognition,” Accutech Systems CEO Adam Unger said. “We have the hardest working, most dedicated team — a team that…

Michelle Beer, Senior Community Relations Specialist at CenterPoint Energy Foundation, and Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 2, 2025

Shafer Leadership Academy Receives Grant from CenterPoint Energy Foundation to Support Scholarships

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN – Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. This generous funding will provide five scholarships for the upcoming Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership program, scheduled to begin on April 3, 2025. The scholarships aim to support neighborhood association leaders, nonprofit professionals, and individuals from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. This initiative aligns with Shafer Leadership Academy’s commitment…

Pictured from L-R: Joann McKinney, Vice Chair; Andrew Dale, Chair; Jason Walker, Treasurer; Jim Lutton, Secretary. Photo provided.

Government March 2, 2025

Delaware County Democrats Announce New Leadership Team

By Andrew Dale, Chairperson— MUNCIE, IN — The Delaware County Democratic Party is proud to announce a dynamic new leadership team dedicated to advancing Democratic ideals and strengthening the party’s relevance in Muncie and Delaware County. The newly elected leadership team is committed to delivering ethical and transparent outcomes, and stands ready to organize, engage, and advocate for citizens and taxpayers who believe in a more collaborative government built on fiscally responsible policies and practices. Leading the charge is Andrew…

The 2024 Homecoming Parade goes through the village on October 26, 2024. Photo by Bobby Ellis/Ball State University

Business February 28, 2025

BSU Trustees Advance Plan for Construction of New Townhomes, Single-Family Homes in The Village

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Today, the Ball State University Board of Trustees authorized Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns to execute an agreement with Trademark Construction, a homebuilder based in East Central Indiana. The agreement will allow Trademark to construct 17 new attached townhomes and eight new single-family homes as part of the University’s ongoing Village revitalization project. “Constructing these homes is an important step in advancing our vision for The Village while supporting Muncie’s ongoing…