Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Muncie Land Bank recently hired Meghan Jennings as the Executive Director on July 12, 2021 to manage the organization in its mission to acquire abandoned and blighted property, preserve it, and provide it to the public for strategic redevelopment. She is joining the organization at a time of increasing growth, as the Muncie Land Bank recently sold 27 properties in five auctions. Meghan received her master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ball State University. She has five years of experience with comprehensive planning, development regulations, and community engagement. “I’m excited to…

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, Ind.— Critical restoration work has begun on the upper floors of the west side of Cornerstone Center for the Arts (also known historically as the Masonic Temple) to stop water damage and bricks and mortar deterioration. The damage over the years has begun to impact not only the outside of the building but also hand-painted artwork inside. Some of the interior walls and a portion of the historic murals, 22 oil-on-canvas paintings, each 12 x 14 feet, have water damage and will have to be repaired at some point. The paintings depict Masonic rituals as well as…

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, Ind. — The Coalition of Women’s Organizations will host its 29th annual Women’s Equality Day program at 5 p.m. Aug. 25, 2021 in the Muncie City Hall auditorium. The celebration will honor six local women who have made significant contributions to the community. This event will pay special tribute to Vivian V. Conley, who was at the forefront of many community issues relating to education, civil rights, and older residents, according to a release. Women’s Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Those honored will be awarded a…