Articles by Mike Rhodes

Harlem Gospel Travelers to Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By  Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN— Acclaimed, GRAMMY-nominated gospel/soul group Harlem Gospel Travelers will be performing in a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2025 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 13th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Doc and the Little Chicago Band will open the show. The Harlem Gospel Travelers (HGT) story began when Ifedayo Gatling and George Marage met…

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Water Quality Reports Available Online for Indiana American Water Customers in Muncie

Reports show drinking water in all service areas meets quality standards By Joel Reuter, External Affairs Manager, IAW— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana American Water’s most recent 2024 Water Quality Reports are now available for all service areas on its website at www.indianaamwater.com > Water Quality tab. The company’s Muncie Operations Water Quality Report and separate Winchester Operations Water Quality Report have recently been posted for customers to view. The company is proud to report that once again, the drinking water provided to…


BlackRock Foundation Announces $500,000 Grant to Implement Muncie Central Academies

By Jenna Kastan— MUNCIE, IN— The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $500,000 two-year grant to Cradle to Career Muncie, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes and economic mobility in Muncie, Indiana. The funding will support the implementation of the new Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School (MCHS). The Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School are designed to put students on track to meet Indiana’s new diploma requirements, with the goal of completing 10…


East Central Indiana Regional Partnership Rebrands as Forge ECI

By Caitlin Hancock, Interim President/CEO— MUNCIE, IN — The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership is proud to announce its official rebrand as Forge ECI, marking a bold new chapter in the organization’s mission to drive economic development and regional collaboration. Created in partnership with IronGate Creative, this transformation includes a new name, logo, and website—ForgeECI.com. This announcement comes as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary—two decades of championing regional unity, investment, and growth across East Central Indiana. From its early…


MadJax Maker Force and The Guardian Brewing Company Launch Summer Courtyard Concert Series

By Carly Acree-King— MUNCIE, IN—MadJax Maker Force is partnering with The Guardian Brewing Company to bring live music to the heart of downtown Muncie with the MadJax Summer Courtyard Concert Series. This free, family-friendly series – spearheaded and organized by The Guardian – will take place on select Saturday evenings throughout the summer in the MadJax Courtyard, featuring a rotating lineup of talented local bands. Each concert begins at 8:00 PM and you are invited to enjoy live music in…


LEAP Managed I.T. Celebrates 95 Years

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of LEAP Managed I.T.— MUNCIE, IN—One of the first questions new clients ask us is, “How long have you been in business?” And every time, we pause because the answer tends to surprise people. It’s been 95 years since our grandparents, C.F. and Wilma, founded what has grown into LEAP Managed IT. What began as a humble family venture is now one of the Midwest’s largest Managed IT providers, with three of our…


Juneteenth Muncie to Host 6th Annual Celebration on June 14

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN — The Juneteenth Muncie Committee will host the 6th Annual Juneteenth Muncie Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 2 to 9 p.m. at McCulloch Park. This free, family-friendly event invites the public to gather in recognition of Juneteenth, a historic day marking the end of slavery in the United States. The annual celebration continues to grow as a space for reflection, education, and joy. Attendees can expect an afternoon and evening filled with live…


Local Democratic Party to Bring Country Music Artist Trey Taylor to Muncie

By Andrew Dale— MUNCIE, IN— The Delaware County Democratic Party will host a concert showcasing emerging Nashville country music artist Trey Taylor at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, in the historic Legacy Room at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main St. Promoted as “An Intimate Evening with Trey Taylor,” concertgoers will be entertained by a musician who was discovered by Dolly Parton’s longtime producer, Kent Wells, and who has collaborated with country music legend Ronnie Milsap and…


Destination: Muncie Welcomes Two New County Ambassadors from Ball State University

By Lena Reid— MUNCIE, IN—Destination: Muncie is proud to announce the appointment of two Ball State University students, Adam Schuler and Samuel Brumley, as the newest Delaware County Ambassadors. As part of Ball State’s County Ambassador Program, these student representatives will play a key role in connecting their fellow Cardinals with the greater Muncie and Delaware County community. Schuler and Brumley will serve as peer leaders on campus, helping to highlight the many events, activities, and attractions Delaware County has…


Upgrades to Yorktown’s Football Stadium Began Earlier This Week

By Scott Smalstig— YORKTOWN, IN – Thanks to reaching a significant fundraising goal, Yorktown Community Schools officially began construction on a series of major enhancements to the football stadium on June 2. The Yorktown Community Schools Foundation has successfully raised $750,000 in private contributions through its Onward Tigers Campaign, enabling this long-anticipated project to move forward. The planned upgrades include installing high-quality synthetic turf, a modern press box, improved bleachers, and a new scoreboard—transforming the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility…