Articles by Mike Rhodes

A young woman smoking. Photo by storyblocks.

Health April 28, 2025

A Healthier Summer Starts Now: Quit Tobacco For Good

By Jordan Moss and John Disher— MUNCIE, IN—With warmer weather and longer days, now is the perfect time to take charge of your health and say goodbye to tobacco—whether that means smoking, vaping, or using other nicotine products. This season offers countless opportunities to stay active and engaged, making it easier to break free from addiction. More Hoosiers Are Quitting Every Year Indiana’s adult smoking rate has dropped from 21% to 16%, a promising sign that more people are choosing…

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Traci Lutton, Vice President of Economic Development, is pictured in her downtown office. File photo by Mike Rhodes.

Business April 28, 2025

Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County Launches New Brand Identity

By Katy Maggart—  MUNCIE, IN – The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Muncie-Delaware County proudly announces the launch of a refreshed brand identity that reinforces its role as the Local Economic development Organization (LEDO) and the trusted leader in local business growth and development. Created in collaboration with Muncie-based creative agency Aspect 6 Creative, the rebrand brings greater focus and clarity to the organization’s mission to serve as the go-to partner for businesses, investors, and community stakeholders working to advance…

Jamar Clark photo by Thomas Peek.

Education April 25, 2025

Jamar Clark—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Central High School senior Jamar Clark meets himself coming and going as he juggles activities in school, outside of school and a part-time job. But Clark wouldn’t have it any other way. His involvement at school runs the gamut from sports to leadership…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 24, 2025

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Project Leadership

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—For over a decade, BBF has been supporting the work of Project Leadership, a nonprofit organization serving East Central Indiana’s students, families, and schools. Project Leadership’s programs are laser-focused on preparing students for education and career journeys after high school. It’s no secret that the choices—and challenges—that high school students face can feel daunting. From navigating changing high school graduation requirements to applying for trade school or college, it’s easy for students to get lost in…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 23, 2025

Closing the Word Gap: One Book at a Time

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—Imagine your child receiving a brand-new, high-quality book every month from birth to age five—absolutely free. That’s the magic of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; a program Heart of Indiana United Way (HIUW) proudly coordinates and funds across the five counties we serve. It’s more than just books. It’s about building a foundation for lifelong success. Studies show that children from low-income families hear 30 million fewer words by the age of three than their more affluent…

The original Fox laundry. Photo provided.

Business April 23, 2025

‘Bailey’s By Fox’ Continues Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services in Muncie Area

Local Laundry Bailey’s Cleaners transfers ownership to Ohio firm By Carrie Barrett— MUNCIE, IN—Some people call dry cleaning companies a dying breed. Will Drook calls dry cleaning and laundry service “an opportunity to serve others well.” Drook and his wife Kim started their journey into dry cleaning 10 years ago. Most recently, they took on the ownership of Bailey’s Cleaners in Muncie. The Drooks began small but expanded when they purchased a few other dry cleaners in the Eastern Ohio…

Photo courtesy of Electrify Indiana initiative.

Non-Profit April 22, 2025

Electrification Will Be Topic of Next League of Women Voters Meeting on April 26

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The public is invited to attend the League of Women Voters of Muncie/Delaware County’s Earth Day meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St. The topic will be “Electrification.” Making the presentation will be John Vann, a retired Ball State professor and sustainability promoter. He will discuss why electrification is important and how to switch from using fossil fuels to using more electricity. Vann said, “Modern electrical replacements use…

LaShanta Vaughn. Photo provided.

Business April 22, 2025

Vaughn Stepping Into New Role at Downtown Muncie’s Horizon Convention Center

By Delaware Advancement Corporation— MUNCIE, IN — LaShanta Vaughn, a respected leader in both the convention and tourism business sectors, has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Horizon Convention Center. “LaShanta is a driving and rising force in shaping Muncie’s identity as an outstanding and welcoming destination for both visitors and conventions,” said Rob Keisling, Chair of the Delaware Advancement Corporation (DAC) Board of Directors. The DAC Board conducted a nationwide search that included more…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 21, 2025

Free Tree Giveaway and Family Fun at Muncie’s Arbor Day Celebration at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN— Celebrate the roots of sustainability at the 2025 Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. This free, family-friendly event honors Muncie’s 27th year as a Tree City USA, bringing the community together to explore nature, plant for the future, and take home a tree of their own. The centerpiece of the event is the free sapling giveaway, offering a variety of native canopy…

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…