Articles by Mike Rhodes

Orchestra Indiana Appoints Yaniv Segal as Conductor and Artistic Director

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— MUNCIE, IN – Orchestra Indiana has announced Yaniv Segal as its new Principal Conductor and Artistic Director. Segal, who has extensive experience as a conductor, violinist, actor, and composer, will begin Artistic Director duties immediately and will conduct most of the concerts next season. Ranging from performing and singing at the Metropolitan Opera and touring in a Broadway show as a child, to composing multiple major works and conducting orchestras across the United States and world,…

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Emergence Leadership Program Returns In Spring 2025

Now a Five-Week Format for Greater Accessibility By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN—Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership development, is excited to announce the return of Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership. This highly interactive leadership program is now offered in a streamlined five-week format to better accommodate busy professionals. The program will run from April 3 through April 29, 2025. Emergence is Shafer Leadership Academy’s signature leadership development experience, designed for both emerging and…


Earn Your Associate of Science in Special Education From Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN – As of September 2024, there were more than 300 posted open positions for special education teachers in Indiana. To help meet this need, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County is one of a few Ivy Tech locations that offers a Special Education program. This program serves as a foundation for accessible and inclusive learning environments through its students. The 60-credit hour, four-semester program is designed to equip aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge they need…


Regency Properties Acquires Fully Leased Muncie Towne Plaza

By Michael Millar— EVANSVILLE—Regency Properties, a retail property investment and management firm, has acquired Muncie Towne Plaza, a 173,773 square foot shopping center located in Muncie, Indiana. The acquisition underscores Regency’s acquisition philosophy as a “county seat” community retail property investor. Muncie Towne Plaza, developed in 1997 and renovated in 2005, is fully leased to national tenants. Tenants include Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, and Shoe Carnival. The center is located on East Princeton Avenue, approximately one-half mile…


Zoe Shihemi—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 Shannon— DALEVILLE, IN—Daleville Junior/Senior High School senior Zoe Shihemi is passionate about advocating for children and others who cannot do so themselves. As an eighth grader in Pendleton, she became a member of the Best Buddies Club, which pairs students with special needs classmates. Though she moved…


33rd Annual Muncie Model Train Show Coming to Fairgrounds on Feb 22

By R. Brian Wolfe— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie and Western Model Railroad Club announces its 33rd Annual Muncie Model Train Show to be held Saturday, February 22 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Delaware County Fairgrounds at 1210 N. Wheeling Avenue.  Admission is only $5 for each adult—children 12 and under are admitted free.  Indiana’s largest, longest-running, single-day model train show will be held in both the Memorial and Heartland buildings.  Proceeds from the train show are used to…


New Safety Measures Coming to Muncie Central High School

All students, visitors to pass through weapon detection system By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Beginning Friday, February 14, all Muncie Central students will start entering the high school through a new, discreet weapon detection system. This system, purchased with funds provided by the City of Muncie, enhances current security measures, providing another layer of safety for everyone inside. Any visitors to the school will also be required to pass through the new system. “We are all aware of unfortunate situations that…


Meridian Health Services Exceeds Fundraising Goal From ‘Holidays at Gresham’ Event

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN—Meridian Health Services’ holiday fundraiser to provide Hope and Healing Comfort Kits to children receiving services through Meridian’s Child Advocacy Center raised over $20,000 – far exceeding the initial goal of $12,000. Donations were collected beginning on Giving Tuesday, December 3, and throughout the holiday season online and at Holidays at Gresham, Meridian’s drive-thru light exhibit. For nearly 17 years, Meridian has worked with children who have experienced trauma, whether it be from any form of…


Alice Cooper Brings ‘Too Close For Comfort Tour’ to Emens Auditorium

Tickets go on sale Friday, February 14, at 10 a.m. By Haley Wade— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University adds Alice Cooper to its lineup at Emens Auditorium, presented by Honeywell Arts & Entertainment.Tickets go on sale Friday, February 14, at 10 a.m. at ticketmaster.com or by calling the Emens Box Office at 765.285.1539. Alice Cooper – Thurs., May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Experience the electrifying theatrics of Alice Cooper, the pioneer of shock-rock. Touring worldwide, he continues to captivate…


Breaking the Boundaries of Traditional Indigenous Art –Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Imagined in Glass

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN–Minnetrista Museum and Gardens is proud to present Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass, a groundbreaking exhibition that explores how contemporary Native American and Indigenous Pacific-Rim artists have transformed glass art. This fascinating exhibition will run from February 8, 2025, through May 18, 2025, in Gallery 3 of the Center Building. “Defining Indigenous art can be challenging. Oftentimes it is thought of as traditional, but art evolves,” says Sebastián Encina, Associate Director of Curation &…