Articles by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment August 6, 2026

Cristina Vane to Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie on August 8

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Critically acclaimed Americana/blues artist Cristina Vane and her band will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2026 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8th at Canan Commons (600 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Locals Lovesick Moan will open the show. More than a mere practitioner of her craft, Cristina Vane has a breadth and depth of serious musical skill compiled from countless miles across all kinds of geography. On her third studio album ‘Hear My Call,’ the…

Entertainment August 6, 2026

Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Company Invites Community to 52nd Annual Hog Roast

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN — For more than five decades, the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Hog Roast has brought neighbors together for great food, family fun, and a shared commitment to supporting the volunteers who serve Hamilton Township. The tradition continues on Saturday, Sept. 12, as the department hosts its 52nd Annual Hog Roast from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or until sold out, at Station 1, 8021 N. State Road 3 in Muncie. Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pork dinner featuring a baked potato, green beans, applesauce, a cookie, and a drink. Hot dog meals will also…

Entertainment August 5, 2026

14th Annual Soup Crawl Returns to Downtown Muncie on October 1 – Tickets Now Available

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN — A beloved autumn tradition returns to downtown Muncie with a fresh opportunity to taste local flavors and support a vital cause. Tickets are officially on sale for the 14th Annual Soup Crawl, scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hosted by Second Harvest Food Bank and PrimeTrust Credit Union, this year’s event pairs community spirit with the shared mission of combating childhood hunger and supporting families facing food insecurity across East Central Indiana. Building on a Historic Milestone Following last year’s historic milestone—where the community rallied to cross an…

Health August 5, 2026

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Recognized for Quality Care for Heart Disease and Stroke

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. The programs help ensure patients receive care aligned with the most up‑to‑date, research‑based treatment guidelines. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the 2026 American Heart Association 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report. These conditions require swift, proven treatment to achieve the best outcomes. Through Get With…

Entertainment August 3, 2026

Muncie Civic Theatre Opens Its 2026-2027 Season with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By J.R. Jamison— MUNCIE, IN — Every generation needs stories that remind us kindness still matters. That is the heart behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the production opening Muncie Civic Theatre’s 2026-2027 season, Creative Wonder Awaits, on Friday, Aug. 7. While audiences can expect dazzling sets and all the imaginative magic of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, this production invites theatergoers to discover something even sweeter beneath the chocolate. At its center is Charlie Bucket, a young boy whose imagination and compassion ultimately prove more valuable than wealth or fame. In a world where cynicism often overshadows hope, the show’s…

Dr. Bird July 31, 2026

Dr. Jeff Bird: ‘Industry Neighborhood’ in Muncie is on the Rise

By Dr. Jeff Bird— MUNCIE, IN—I had the privilege to interview 5 leaders from the Industry neighborhood recently. These influencers have made a substantial impact in this area of our city. First, I met with Joy Ridiger, the executive director of Urban Light Community Development. The organization works at “Building Community together.” Zsenaria Hopkins also works at ULCD helping to coordinate Neighborhood Engagement, one of the focus areas of ULCD. Ridiger has been leading the organization for 8 years now. She graduated from Purdue University and came to Muncie to lead the ULCD, as she was drawn to its vision…

Education, Non-Profit July 30, 2026

The Most Powerful Tool for Early Learning Isn’t a Program— It’s a Conversation

By Emma Dragoo, Assistant Director of Childcare Resources, BY5— MUNCIE, IN—When people think about preparing children for school, they often picture flashcards, alphabet songs, and early literacy activities. But one of the strongest predictors of a child’s future success is something much simpler: A conversation. Not a lecture. Not a worksheet. A conversation. The simple back-and-forth exchanges between children and caring adults (what researchers call “serve-and-return interactions”) help build language skills, strengthen brain development, support social-emotional growth, and lay the foundation for future learning. That is why this past year BY5 invested in bringing the LENA Grow program to childcare…

Non-Profit July 30, 2026

Community Celebrates Collaboration Resulting in READI 2.0 Arts and Culture Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN– A $4 million READI 2.0 Arts and Culture Award will support the Downtown Renewal: Creative Corridor and Connections project in Muncie, Ind. The grant is part of a $65 million statewide investment led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission, made possible through a historic grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. Downtown Renewal: Creative Corridor and Connections represents the efforts of more than 25 partners from across the community with a shared vision to create opportunities for engagement that build the local creative economy. Projects supported through the grant include:…

Business July 29, 2026

Art Mart Owner Karen Fisher Expands Her Business in the Village

By Laurie Lunsford— MUNCIE, IN—“You are never too old to learn. Strive to do something new every day,” says Karen Fisher, teacher, artist, and owner of Art Mart. Fisher’s “something new” is construction. She is expanding her business in the Village by adding a large art classroom in the former tanning salon space in the strip mall. Along with wielding a paintbrush, she is learning to use tools to remove 20 tanning rooms, replace old flooring, and build fresh walls. Her dream is to create a place where people can gather and make art. She wants a place where she…

Business July 29, 2026

Innovation Connector Launches Business Impact Masterclasses to Strengthen East Central Indiana Businesses

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Innovation Connector is deepening its commitment to entrepreneurial and business excellence with the launch of its new Business Impact Masterclasses, a four-part professional education series that helps entrepreneurs, startups, nonprofit leaders, and established businesses grow through practical, action-oriented learning. Beginning in September 2026, the Business Impact Masterclasses will replace the annual Innovation Connector Business Showcase Week, marking the next evolution of the organization’s business education programming. This initiative reflects the Innovation Connector’s commitment to delivering premium educational experiences that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen organizations, and accelerate business growth. Through expert-led…

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