Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo by Shantanu Suman, of CenterPoint Scholars first cohort.

Non-Profit December 5, 2024

CenterPoint Energy Supports the 2025 Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Krista Flynn— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in collaboration with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, and Habitat for Humanity, would like to announce the renewal of the CenterPoint Scholars Program. Thanks to a second generous grant from CenterPoint Energy, this groundbreaking initiative will continue to empower community leaders and foster meaningful change in Muncie’s vibrant neighborhoods. The CenterPoint Scholars Program is a…

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Pictured from L-R: Dr. Amy Ward, Dr. Chef Heather Pier, Dr. Olufunmi “Funmi” Olorunda, Dr. Sarah Haisley. Photo provided.

Education December 5, 2024

Ivy Tech Celebrates Staff and Alumni Transforming Lives in 4th Annual Difference Makers Series

Four inspiring graduates, who now also serve as dedicated staff members, share their journeys from associate degrees to advanced success. By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN– The Difference Makers series is a celebration of individuals who create meaningful, positive change within their communities and Ivy Tech, embodying the transformative power of education and perseverance. Each year, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County honors a unique group of extraordinary people whose stories inspire and uplift. This year’s series highlights an exceptional group of individuals…

Families gather around the animated, musical holiday tree at Light Up DWNTWN in Canan Commons. Photo provided.

DWNTWN, Entertainment December 4, 2024

Downtown Muncie to Sparkle During Annual Light Up DWNTWN Event

By Cheryl Crowder— MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), an organization connecting our community and creating a vibrant downtown, will be hosting Light Up DWNTWN on First Thursday, December 5 from 5-8 p.m. with festivities continuing throughout the month. The kick-off event will feature festive performances, family activities, a Holiday Gift Market, decorated window displays, and the lighting of the animated, musical holiday tree. For the kick-off event, local retailers will be open for holiday shopping, and a specialty…

Mike Uremovich, Ball State University head football coach. Photo provided.

Education December 4, 2024

Mike Uremovich Named 19th Head Coach in Ball State Football History

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University has announced today the naming of Mike Uremovich as its head football coach. Uremovich’s naming as the program’s 19th head football coach comes two weeks after the nine-year tenure of coach Mike Neu was terminated after the first 10 games of the 2024 season. Offensive line coach Colin Johnson led the Cardinals through two remaining games following the leadership change on Nov. 16. Ball State’s search produced a skilled candidate with wide-ranging…

Photo provided by Minnetrista

Entertainment December 3, 2024

Light Up Your Holidays During Enchanted Luminaria Walk at Minnetrista On December 6 and 7

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Kick off the holiday season with a beautiful experience at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens.  Join us for our Enchanted Luminaria Walk on December 6 and 7, 2024, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. This magical, free community event offers something for everyone, promising warmth, wonder, and festive cheer for the whole family. Event Highlights: Three Miles of Enchanting Lights: Stroll through beautifully illuminated pathways that wind through our historic 40-acre campus. Live Music: Enjoy performances by America’s…

King Bearcat photo provided

Education December 3, 2024

MCHS Alumni Association Recognizes Distinguished Alumni for 2024, Elects Officers

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association at its annual meeting in November recognized three distinguished alumni and elected officers for 2025-2027. The three alumni recognized for their distinguished careers and contributions to their communities and Muncie Central were Joseph Stokes, who graduated in 1969; Angela Stone, 1988; and Kris Winningham, 1989. The first distinguished alumnus to be honored was Stokes, who has had a 50-year plus career in education, which began in Muncie. He was…

Photo provided by Ball State University

Entertainment December 3, 2024

Celebrate Holiday Arts and Culture Night at Ball State University on December 7

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—Holiday Arts & Culture Night is Saturday, December 7, on the Ball State University campus. Presented by Ball State’s Integrated Cultural Committee, the free festive event shines the holiday spotlight on many arts and culture spots along the campus Cultural Corridor. New this year is the Holiday Hub, located on the first floor of the Fine Arts building (please use Riverside Avenue entrance). Here visitors will find booths with information about the Integrated Cultural Committee, The…

Photo provided

Education, Entertainment December 2, 2024

Ball State University Celebrates 10 Years of the Charles W. Brown Planetarium

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University this month is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in Indiana. Since its opening in November 2014, the planetarium has inspired more than 180,000 visitors of all ages, offering a gateway to the wonders of space through innovative and educational programming. The planetarium, named for Ball State alumnus and benefactor Charles W. Brown, boasts a 16-meter dome equipped with…

Photo provided

Entertainment November 29, 2024

Meridian’s ‘Holidays at Gresham’ Lights Up the Holiday Season on December 3

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN—Meridian Health Services invites the community to Holidays at Gresham, a free drive-thru light exhibit with over one million lights on display brought to you by Meridian Health Services and presenting sponsor American Electric Power Foundation. Attendees will enjoy driving through the many lighted exhibits including Candyland, seeing Mr. and Mrs. Claus, hearing the sounds of Christmas music, and feeling the holiday season in the air. Holidays at Gresham will be open every weekend in December…

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 25, 2024) - An MH-60R Sea Hawk assigned to the “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 prepares to take off on the flight deck aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104), Nov. 25, 2024. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brianna Walker.

Veterans November 29, 2024

‘Letters to Veterans’ From Area Students: Today’s Letter Written by Gavin Todd

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. During the month of November, MuncieJournal.com will be publishing Letters To Veterans, written by 7th graders and seniors from Cowan High School. We will be publishing one letter each day. This year’s Letters to Veterans special feature is sponsored by Sam Pierce Chevrolet. Sam Pierce Chevrolet 12401 West County Road 550 South Daleville, IN 47334 Phone: 765-387-4287 https://www.sampiercechevy.com/