Articles by Mike Rhodes

The Many Benefits of Incorporating Walking Into Your Fitness Routine

By Matt Cox— MUNCIE, IN—With warmer weather and additional daylight here, now is an excellent time to incorporate walking into your personal fitness routine. According to the American Heart Association, walking for at least 30 minutes every day reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, improves blood pressure, maintains a healthier body weight and lowers the risk of obesity. Here’s a breakdown of those benefits: Improved Cardiovascular Health: Walking, especially at a brisk pace, strengthens your heart and lungs, improving…

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Free July 4 Concert and Fireworks in Muncie With America’s Hometown Band

Celebrate July 4, 2025 with America’s Hometown Band, 7-9 p.m. at Minnetrista Gardens in Muncie  By Katherine Huggler— MUNCIE, IN—America’s Hometown Band of Muncie invites you to a FREE evening of rousing patriotic music favorites, 7-9 p.m. on the night of July 4th, 2025. Come on over to the grounds of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, at 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy in Muncie, to celebrate this 2025 July 4th —  starting with the AHB Jazz Combo at 7p.m., and the AHB…


Muncie’s Innovation Moment: Why Supporting Entrepreneurs Strengthens Us All

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie is a city rooted in resilience, creativity, and community pride. As we look ahead to our future, it’s clear that innovation and entrepreneurship must play a leading role in shaping what’s next. That’s why having a full-service Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) like the Muncie Innovation Connector is not just a benefit to our city — it’s a catalyst for long-term growth and opportunity. The Innovation Connector is Muncie…


Lasso Communities to Host Open House of Available New Homes on Saturday, June 21

By Shayna Nevermann— MUNCIE, IN—Lasso Communities invites the public to an open house on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its  Delaware Acres community located at 9901 State Road 3 North, Muncie, IN 47303. The event, part of Lasso’s “Sizzling Summer Savings Event,” will showcase newly available homes for sale and lease, and includes limited-time offers, giveaways, and a chance to connect with the local Lasso team. Visitors who attend the event and sign a lease…


AAUW Names Scholarship Recipients That Annual Used Book Sale Supports

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Three Ball State University students are the recipients of the American Association of University Women Muncie Branch’s 2025-26 scholarships, each worth $1,500. The recipients working on earning a bachelor’s degree are Lizzie Burton, whose major is computer science in cybersecurity and secure software design, and Shawnee Dance, whose major is accounting/finance. The third recipient, Allison Thomas Snoddy, is working toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. AAUW raises money for its scholarships through its…


Muncie Habitat For Humanity Awarded $1 Million for 10 New Homes

By Kristin Freehill— MUNCIE, IN—Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a $1 million  grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis through its Affordable Housing Program. This funding will support the construction of 10 new homes in Muncie over the next three years, providing safe and affordable homeownership opportunities for local families. Muncie Habitat partnered with member bank institution, Old National Bank, for development of the competitive grant application. In addition, Old National Bank will support the…


Helping Children Navigate Loss: IU Health’s ‘Camp Good Grief’ Returns to Muncie

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—After the death of a loved one, kids often think: They won’t feel good again There is no other young person to talk to who has lost someone special No one understands IU Health’s Camp Good Grief can help with these feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Through art, music and play, campers will connect with others experiencing loss, learn positive coping and how to preserve memories and honor loved ones. Facilitated by IU Health team members, primarily…


Public Art Investment Among $3M in Grants Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN— Ball Brothers Foundation, a family foundation committed to place-based grantmaking in Indiana for nearly a century, has awarded over $3 million in its spring round of grants for 2025. Among the funding awarded was a $75,000 grant that will significantly bolster public art efforts in Muncie—funding new installations, supporting long-term maintenance, and enhancing the city’s cultural landscape. The grant was awarded to The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. This…


Paid Computer Science Internships Available For Local High School Students

By Bobbi Bosch— INDIANAPOLIS —Nextech, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to creating universal access to computer science (CS) curriculum and experiences for all K-12 Indiana students, in partnership with TeenWorks has launched a new paid internship program for Muncie and Anderson high school students. The Catapult internship program received start-up funding from an Indiana University Health Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF) grant. Catapult is an experiential, paid internship for high school students who aspire to a career in technology. Taught by industry…


The Childcare Crisis in Indiana Affects Us All

By Missy Modesitt, Executive Director, Muncie BY5— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana’s early childhood care system is spiraling into chaos. From massive economic losses to unbearable burdens on families and providers, the situation is not only unsustainable—it’s indefensible. A recent report revealed the lack of reliable child care is costing Indiana more than $4.2 billion each year. These losses stem from working parents being forced to miss shifts, reduce hours, or quit their jobs entirely due to inconsistent or unaffordable care options. It’s…