Articles by Mike Rhodes

A photo of the new downtown planters.

Non-Profit May 29, 2025

Collaborative Project Completed in Downtown Muncie

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN — A revitalization project in downtown Muncie has officially been completed, highlighting a collaborative effort between the City of Muncie, the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, and Community Enhancement Projects (CEP). Finalized on May 22, 2025, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the city’s urban core. The project was designed to enhance public spaces, support local businesses, and attract further investment, representing a significant improvement…

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Photo by Shantanu Suman.

Non-Profit May 29, 2025

Welcoming the Second Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Since 2010, Muncie Action Plan (MAP) has been supporting neighborhood leaders through its Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP expanded this commitment by launching a new initiative—thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy—to train emerging leaders in grassroots advocacy. This initiative, the CenterPoint Scholars Program, offers a year-long leadership development experience focused on building skills that directly impact Muncie’s neighborhoods. The program began with a competitive application process in January, and the second cohort…

Peyton Felty as photographed by Thomas Peek.

Education May 28, 2025

Peyton Felty—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 A. Shannon— SELMA, IN—For the past few years, Peyton Felty has spent time learning and perfecting pool trick shots. The Wapahani High School senior enjoys playing pool and having an opportunity to use it for ministry through Gospel Trick Shots. In fact, he recently took part in…

Steep Canyon Rangers. Photo provided.

Entertainment May 28, 2025

Steep Canyon Rangers to Headline Free Concert in Muncie at Canan Commons

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Acclaimed, GRAMMY-winning bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers 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 Saturday, May 31st at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Mike Martin & the Beautiful Mess will open the show. Heralds of the Carolina sound for more than two decades, the Steep Canyon Rangers find…

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $455,550 in Community Grants to 24 community organizations during the second quarter of 2025. Classroom Connections of ECI received $11,000 to support their mission to provide essential classroom tools to teachers and students, ensuring teachers can teach and learners can learn. Pictured: Classroom Connections volunteers prepare for a book give-away.

Non-Profit May 25, 2025

Community Grants Totaling $450K Awarded by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $455,550 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and Nonprofit Relations team. Through these conversations, Foundation staff and volunteers develop a deeper…

Community Foundation Board Chair Casey Stanley (left) presents the 2025 David Sursa Leadership Award to Michael Lunsford (right) for his service to the YMCA of Muncie at a special presentation on May 22.

Non-Profit May 23, 2025

Michael Lunsford Named 2025 Recipient of The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Michael Lunsford received the 2025 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize his dedicated service to the YMCA of Muncie. The YMCA of Muncie nominated Mike Lunsford in recognition of his exceptional leadership and service to the Muncie community. As a former board member, Mike’s visionary leadership, steadfast commitment, and passion for community development left a lasting mark on the YMCA. Mike has also served many…

Photo courtesy of Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever.

Entertainment May 23, 2025

Indiana Pacers and Fever Basketball Camp Coming to YMCA of Muncie This Summer

By Kristen McConnell, VP of Mission Advancement— MUNCIE, IN — Young athletes across East Central Indiana will have the opportunity to train like the pros thissummer as the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever Basketball Camp comes to the YMCA of Muncie from June 2-6, 2025. Open to boys and girls ages 7–15, this exciting four-day camp will offer elite instruction from experienced coaches affiliated with The National Basketball Academy (TNBA)—official youth development partner of the Pacers and Fever. Whether your…

Wade Hampton

Business May 22, 2025

YMCA of Muncie Welcomes Wade Hampton as Interim CEO

By  Kristen McConnell, YMCA VP of Mission Advancement— MUNCIE, IN —The YMCA of Muncie is pleased to announce that Wade Hampton will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer beginning June 1, 2025 as the organization conducts a national search for its next CEO. Wade brings more than 43 years of YMCA leadership experience, with a well-earned reputation for guiding organizations through times of transition with stability, mission-focus, and results-driven support. He is widely respected in the Y movement for his…

Sharon Rhodes picks out a Wawa strawberry parfait to take home. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business May 22, 2025

Initial Look at Indiana’s First Wawa Convenience Store in Daleville, IN

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— DALEVILLE, IN— I had an opportunity to get a firsthand look at the new Wawa store in Daleville last week after receiving an invitation to attend media day, one day before the store opened to the general public. Having never heard of the brand before I wondered, “What’s a Wawa?” I left the store still not knowing what a Wawa was. Mostly because I forgot to ask the super helpful and friendly Wawa PR people in…

Gardening is a good way to get some exercise and clear your mind—improving your mental health. Photo provided.

Health May 21, 2025

Caring For Your Mental Health

By Jennifer VanSkyock, LCSW, LCAC, LISW-S— MUNCIE, IN—May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this is a great time to focus on ways to improve your mental health through everyday behaviors. What can we do to improve our mental health? There are several things that can have a significant impact on how we feel. One area to look at is your physical wellbeing. This means planning to have daily physical activity in your routine. This doesn’t require any special equipment…