Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ribbon-Cutting and Campus Art Tours Celebrate Installation of ‘Designed by the Public’ at Ivy Tech

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN— Ivy Tech Community College Muncie will celebrate the installation of Designed by the Public, a striking new sculptural installation by internationally acclaimed architect Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 2, at 2:00 p.m. The work, on loan from the Muncie Arts and Culture Council, is located on the east side plaza facing High Street and is part of an extended partnership involving Ivy Tech, MuncieArts, Exhibit Columbus, Ball State Architecture, and MadJax….

Read More

2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards Recipients Announced

By Tania Said, Executive Director, MuncieArts— MUNCIE, IN — “We’re going to make beautiful music together tonight, Muncie!” said Laura Williams, one of the DJs, or emcees, of the 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards. And with that, the Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts), in conjunction with the City of Muncie, rocked the 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards on Friday, Sept. 19, at Muncie Civic Theatre. This ceremony recognized 10 years of celebrating arts and culture in Muncie and, as part of…


BSU Celebrates Expanded Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Honors House With Sept. 26 Ribbon-Cutting

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly expanded Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Honors House at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at 1707 W. Riverside Ave. in Muncie. A reception and self-guided tours will follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. The expansion and renovation enhance the home of the Honors College with new and updated learning and gathering spaces. The project adds 1,750 square…


‘Munich to Muncie Oktoberfest’ Benefiting ecoREHAB Is Back on September 27

By Erin K. Lovall— MUNCIE, IN—Munich to Muncie Oktoberfest, benefiting ecoREHAB, returns for its fourth year on September 27, 2025 at The Yard, 723 S. Council St., Muncie. EcoREHAB of Muncie is a non-profit that emerged in 2009 from a Ball State University architecture studio designed to transform abandoned houses into sustainable homes. In ecoREHAB’s years of service, it has worked alongside students and community partners to rehabilitate many deteriorating structures into inviting, affordable homes for our community. This event…


Business Showcase Week 2025 Set to Transform Muncie’s Entrepreneurial Landscape

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The entrepreneurial energy of East Central Indiana is ready to take center stage as the Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. presents the 4th Annual Business Showcase Week, set to run through the first three weeks of November 2025, with the main events scheduled for November 17–22. In collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship Week, this year’s Showcase is more expansive and impactful than ever. With 80+ FREE events, it’s designed to inspire, educate,…


Muncie Central Teacher Looks to Inspire Students, Public Through His Lewis and Clark Experience

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN. –Chris Smith has had a passionate interest in Lewis and Clark since he was a young boy. He used to read about their early 1800s expedition across the western United States and wonder what it was like to cross rugged terrain using primitive transportation with limited supplies. The veteran Muncie Central teacher no longer wonders. He knows firsthand. Thanks to a Teacher Creativity grant from Lilly Endowment, Smith spent part of his summer retracing the…


Grace Walker—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— MUNCIE, IN—Athletics are a huge part of life for Muncie Central High School senior Grace Walker. She’s been on a variety of school teams, including volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and tennis. And when she’s not at school, Walker works weekends at the YMCA. In fact, when…


Charles W. Brown Planetarium Fall 2025 Free Show Schedule at Ball State University

By Planetarium staff— MUNCIE, IN—Journey through space and time at free public and private programs in Indiana’s largest planetarium. Check out the showtimes below, or visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website at www.bsu.edu/planetarium for more information, including details on our Yoga in the Planetarium experiences. Interested in scheduling a private educational visit? Request a private visit for your Ball State class or group online.   September Accidental Astronauts Fridays: Sept. 12, 26 at 5:00 p.m. Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 3:30…


I&M Encourages Customers to Prepare for the Unexpected

By Kara Stevenson Communications Specialist, Sr., I&M— MUNCIE, IN—The weather in Indiana is ever- changing. Throughout the year, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) proactively maintains and upgrades the electrical system; however, power outages due to severe conditions remain possible. In September, I&M is highlighting the importance of being prepared and connected during National Preparedness Month – but this is important to achieve year-round. “At I&M, the safety of customers and employees is our top priority. When emergencies and severe weather happens,…


Ball Brothers Foundation’s New Grants for Projects Along White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation has recently awarded grants supporting several new projects that will enhance outdoor recreation, safety, and connectivity along the White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir in Muncie. “Ball Brothers Foundation is proud to support these projects, which reflect our interest in making East Central Indiana’s rivers and reservoirs more accessible, safe, and welcoming,” said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. “From new trails to safe…