Articles by Mike Rhodes

The official microphone of MuncieJournal.com—the dynamic cardioid Electrovoice model RE3020. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment August 30, 2021

LISTEN: Mike Rhodes’ Podcast From MuncieJournal.com, Episode 3

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, Ind.—In this week’s podcast we begin by talking about some numbers. Like the number 249,600. What does that number mean? Probably not what you think. This is podcast #3, something we are trying to do weekly on MuncieJournal.com. Other topics in this week’s program include: the number 10.2%, a bit about John Carlson who writes a weekly column for us that is published on Friday mornings, how you can dunk Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour and…

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Ed Asner photo by Rich Kowalski

Entertainment August 30, 2021

Cornerstone Mourns Loss of Ed Asner

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, Ind.–  Cornerstone Center for the Arts joins the nation in mourning the loss of beloved actor Ed Asner, who was to have performed GOD HELP US! earlier this month at Cornerstone. GOD HELP US! was scheduled to be presented Aug. 17 – 20, at Cornerstone but was postponed due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Delaware County. Cornerstone has returned to its mask mandate inside the building. “We were looking for new dates to…

White River Lofts illustration.

Business August 30, 2021

White River Lofts Are Ready for Leasing

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, Ind.—According to Vicki Veach, executive director of the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, the White River Lofts are ready for leasing and are filling quickly. Move-ins can begin on September 3, 2021. If you or someone you know is interested in leasing you may contact Middletown Rentals for more information.    

The Ross Community Center, which was awarded operational funding from The Community Foundation, provides innovative youth and adult programming to enhance lifelong learning, like orchestra instruction (pictured), along with community services, including a weekly community market.

Non-Profit August 28, 2021

11 Delaware County Non-Profits Receive $136k in Grant Funding

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $136,400 to 11 non-profit organizations during the third Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2021. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, human services, economic development, education,…

The Village will be a busy place when the “$2 Tour” is underway.

Non-Profit August 27, 2021

$2 Can Get You Further This Saturday

By Mo Orbin, Neighborhood Coordinator— MUNCIE, IN—The “$2 Tour of the Village” returns on Saturday August 28th, from 4p – 8p on a closed University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets. This event is hosted by Village merchants, the Riverside/Normal City Neighborhood Association (RNC), and the Muncie Action Plan and is made possible by the support of Ball State University as well as sponsors including the Muncie Map Company and Tribune Showprint. “The Village is an important part of our…

There was nothing like laps during play time to burn up kids’ energy. Photo provided

Carlson August 27, 2021

John Carlson: Goodbye To Another Good Man

By John Carlson— You know how it is. You’re mindlessly scanning some obituaries and, suddenly, one jumps out at you. Maybe you even loose an involuntary gasp. That happened to me recently, learning of the death of “Mr. Phil.” When Nancy and I were his customers, Phil Christy was the second-generation owner and director of Muncie‘s first private daycare facility, Pla-n-Stuf, a down-to-earth and friendly place where he seemed a larger-than-life presence. Pla-n-Stuf was a single-story building in a quiet…

Lindsey Arthur, CEO, Muncie Habitat, Patricia Nelson; metals artist and retired educator from Ball State University; Teresa Long, cosmetologist and Muncie entrepreneur and Dr. Mia Johnson, Ivy Tech Chancellor, Anderson campus. Not photographed are Beth Goetz, Director of Athletics at Ball State University and Rhonda Ward, Director of Diversity for Muncie Community Schools. Photo provided

Non-Profit August 27, 2021

2021 Women’s Equality Day Honorees

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, Ind.—Recognized for their distinct and honorable contributions in their community and in their circle of influence, six Muncie women are the honorees for the Coalition of Women’s Organizations 2021 Women’s Equality Day celebration. The event celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Honorees this year are: Lindsey Arthur, CEO of Habitat of Muncie, Distinction in Community Development Leadership Dr. Mia D. Johnson, Chancellor of Ivy Tech, Anderson campus, Distinction in…

econd Harvest Food Bank employees are dedicated to giving help for today and hope for tomorrow. Photo provided

Non-Profit August 26, 2021

Second Harvest Food Bank Employees ‘Give Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow’

By Kim Gillenwater— MUNCIE, Ind.—At Second Harvest Food Bank, we believe our greatest asset is our amazing team of employees. Dedicated, hardworking, and caring, they put their hearts into providing essential resources to our neighbors in need and continuing the mission of giving help for today and hope for tomorrow. Whether by making sure there are plenty of nutritious food options at a tailgate distribution or connecting with local community members and organizations, they continuously strive to connect with the…

Aerial image of the Canan Commons area in downtown Muncie, IN. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment August 25, 2021

DWNTWN Game Night Is Saturday August 28th at Canan Commons

By Cheryl Crowder— MUNCIE, Ind.—Join us for DWNTWN Game Night Saturday August 28th from 5-10pm at Canan Commons. Bring your family DWNTWN for an evening of fun and live entertainment featuring  Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel from 7pm-10pm. A variety of lawn games will be available for group play throughout the evening, including: – Yardzee – Giant Jenga – Cornhole – Croquet – KUBB Viking Clash – Giant Parachute Play – Spoon and Egg Races – Rock, Paper, Scissors Elimination…

Aerial view of Flags of Honor at Minnetrista. Photo by: Michael Wolfe

Non-Profit August 25, 2021

Join the Muncie Community for the Flags of Honor, September 4-11

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—One thousand American flags will wave on the lawn at Minnetrista beside the White River Greenway during Flags of Honor, September 4-11. Flags of Honor is in partnership with the Exchange Club of Muncie in honor and memory of local veterans, current service personnel, fallen heroes, and all who wish to display their pride for our country. With a gift of $30, friends, families, and organizations will receive a ribbon to place on a flag to…