Articles by Mike Rhodes

Students from Upland, Indiana, launch a weather balloon during a NearSpace Education event supported by Ball Brothers Foundation, sparking excitement for STEM learning and aerospace careers. Photo provided.

Non-Profit August 1, 2025

STEM, Space, and Small-Town Spark: NearSpace Education Takes Learning to New Levels

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation staff recently visited NearSpace Education in Upland, Indiana—a nonprofit that’s turning heads with its hands-on, high-flying approach to STEM education. From launching weather balloons into the stratosphere to equipping classrooms with aerospace kits, NearSpace is making science exciting, tangible, and local right here in rural Indiana. Through on-site Space Camps both in Upland and Florida, classroom partnerships, and collaborations with colleges across the Midwest, NearSpace helps students…

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Lung illustration by Storyblocks.

Health July 31, 2025

World Lung Cancer Day: A Call for Awareness and Action

By Jordan Moss— MUNCIE, IN—Friday, August 1, 2025 marks World Lung Cancer Day, a day recognized globally to shine a light on one of the deadliest and most misunderstood forms of cancer. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and emphasize the importance of prevention, research, and early detection. This day is not just for patients or healthcare professionals, it’s for everyone. Because the truth is simple: anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. Too often, people assume that…

Photo provided.

Business July 31, 2025

Middle School Students Combine AI, Robotics, and App Design to Develop Business Ideas

By Ryan Hunter— MUNCIE, IN—Local middle school students spent one of the last weekends of summer vacation at the Innovation Connector in Muncie, working together to design and launch their own business ideas. The three day experience, held on July 25-27th, taught these young students the basics of tech entrepreneurship and foundational knowledge of robotics programming, app development, and artificial intelligence. Working in teams, they spent the weekend designing tech-driven businesses aimed at solving challenges both in their community and…

Illustration provided.

Education, Health July 30, 2025

Infinite Spectrum Support Launches ISA Therapy with ‘Spectrum Talks’ at Ivy Tech Muncie

Innovative, multi-modal therapy model puts connection and creativity at the heart of neurodivergent care By Leslie DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN — A bold new vision for neurodivergent care is taking root in Delaware County. On Tuesday, August 6, from 4 to 6 p.m., local therapist and founder Kristen Peters will introduce ISA Therapy (Integrated Spectrum Analysis)—a multimodal, connection-first approach to healing—during Spectrum Talks, hosted in the Multi-Purpose Room of the John and Janice Fisher Building on the Ivy Tech Muncie Campus at…

Hot air balloons from a prior Fire Up Downtown event are pictured. Photo provided.

Entertainment July 30, 2025

Turn Up the Heat: Fire Up DWNTWN Returns August 2

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN —Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 2, from 1 PM to 10 PM, as Fire Up DWNTWN, presented by Ivy Tech Muncie and produced by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, returns to ignite downtown with an unforgettable day of free, family-friendly festival fun. This beloved summer tradition brings together the community with a full day of live music, local food trucks, craft vendors, and interactive art and entertainment for all…

Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of LEAP Managed IT.

Business July 29, 2025

How Leap Managed IT Is Using A.I. and Automation to Drive Results

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—At Leap Managed IT, we’ve spent the last two years integrating intelligent tools into our daily operations and the results have been transformative. With the guidance of our in-house A.I. and automation consultants, we’ve identified practical ways to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and boost team performance. One of our standout wins? Using AI to summarize complex technician ticket notes into brief, actionable abstracts, resulting in a 27%-time…

Pictured left to right: Alex Kartman, Matthew Zeller, Betsy Pike, and Suzy Smith. Photo provided.

Education July 28, 2025

Ball State University Recognized with Regional Emmy® Awards for Faculty, Staff, and Student Work

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) earned recognition at the 2025 NATAS Central Great Lakes Regional Emmy® Awards, with faculty, staff, and students receiving awards and nominations across several categories for professional and student-produced work. “This recognition is a testament to the immersive, hands-on experiences we provide across our programs in CCIM,” said Dr. Kristen McCauliff, CCIM dean. “Our students and faculty continue to lead by example—blending creativity, collaboration, and…

Photo provided by LeRoy Lewis III, Indiana State Fair.

Entertainment July 28, 2025

Indiana State Fair 2025: The Best Value of Summer 

By Indiana State Fair Media— INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The annual Indiana State Fair returns Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 17 (closed Mondays), bringing 15 days of summer fun that deliver unmatched value in entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities. From advance-ticket savings to themed discount days and daily food bargains, the Fair is built to be affordable without sacrificing experience. Advance Savings You Can’t Miss 20% off admission and parking when purchased before July 31 at 11:59 PM ET Midway…

Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business July 25, 2025

Yes, Every Small Business Matters: 5 Reasons Why Supporting Local Means Building a Stronger Muncie

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Walk down Walnut Street on a sunny afternoon, and you’ll hear the buzz of Muncie’s entrepreneurial heartbeat: neighbors grabbing coffee at The Caffeinery, community members enjoying the food and games at the Clubhouse, and creatives discussing ideas over lunch at Twin Archer or Casa Del Sol. This isn’t just the charm of a Midwestern city—it’s the economic engine of Muncie and Delaware County. Small businesses don’t just add character to…

A Fire Up DWNTWN attendee explores merchandise.

Entertainment July 24, 2025

Downtown Merchants ‘Fire Up’ the Fun at This Year’s Fire Up DWNTWN Celebration

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN—Downtown Muncie is set to sizzle with local business specials, Saturday, August 2nd during Fire Up DWNTWN—an all-day celebration filled with live entertainment, food and drink, family activities, a Liquid Iron Pour, special shape hot air balloons, fireworks and more. Many downtown businesses will add to the excitement, offering unique experiences throughout the event. 1925 PubHouse: Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita special • Aw Yeah Comics: Sizzling deals on the hottest…