Articles by Mike Rhodes

Hot air balloons from a prior Fire Up Downtown event are pictured. Photo provided.

Entertainment July 30, 2025

Turn Up the Heat: Fire Up DWNTWN Returns August 2

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN —Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 2, from 1 PM to 10 PM, as Fire Up DWNTWN, presented by Ivy Tech Muncie and produced by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, returns to ignite downtown with an unforgettable day of free, family-friendly festival fun. This beloved summer tradition brings together the community with a full day of live music, local food trucks, craft vendors, and interactive art and entertainment for all…

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Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of LEAP Managed IT.

Business July 29, 2025

How Leap Managed IT Is Using A.I. and Automation to Drive Results

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—At Leap Managed IT, we’ve spent the last two years integrating intelligent tools into our daily operations and the results have been transformative. With the guidance of our in-house A.I. and automation consultants, we’ve identified practical ways to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and boost team performance. One of our standout wins? Using AI to summarize complex technician ticket notes into brief, actionable abstracts, resulting in a 27%-time…

Pictured left to right: Alex Kartman, Matthew Zeller, Betsy Pike, and Suzy Smith. Photo provided.

Education July 28, 2025

Ball State University Recognized with Regional Emmy® Awards for Faculty, Staff, and Student Work

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) earned recognition at the 2025 NATAS Central Great Lakes Regional Emmy® Awards, with faculty, staff, and students receiving awards and nominations across several categories for professional and student-produced work. “This recognition is a testament to the immersive, hands-on experiences we provide across our programs in CCIM,” said Dr. Kristen McCauliff, CCIM dean. “Our students and faculty continue to lead by example—blending creativity, collaboration, and…

Photo provided by LeRoy Lewis III, Indiana State Fair.

Entertainment July 28, 2025

Indiana State Fair 2025: The Best Value of Summer 

By Indiana State Fair Media— INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The annual Indiana State Fair returns Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 17 (closed Mondays), bringing 15 days of summer fun that deliver unmatched value in entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities. From advance-ticket savings to themed discount days and daily food bargains, the Fair is built to be affordable without sacrificing experience. Advance Savings You Can’t Miss 20% off admission and parking when purchased before July 31 at 11:59 PM ET Midway…

Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business July 25, 2025

Yes, Every Small Business Matters: 5 Reasons Why Supporting Local Means Building a Stronger Muncie

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Walk down Walnut Street on a sunny afternoon, and you’ll hear the buzz of Muncie’s entrepreneurial heartbeat: neighbors grabbing coffee at The Caffeinery, community members enjoying the food and games at the Clubhouse, and creatives discussing ideas over lunch at Twin Archer or Casa Del Sol. This isn’t just the charm of a Midwestern city—it’s the economic engine of Muncie and Delaware County. Small businesses don’t just add character to…

A Fire Up DWNTWN attendee explores merchandise.

Entertainment July 24, 2025

Downtown Merchants ‘Fire Up’ the Fun at This Year’s Fire Up DWNTWN Celebration

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN—Downtown Muncie is set to sizzle with local business specials, Saturday, August 2nd during Fire Up DWNTWN—an all-day celebration filled with live entertainment, food and drink, family activities, a Liquid Iron Pour, special shape hot air balloons, fireworks and more. Many downtown businesses will add to the excitement, offering unique experiences throughout the event. 1925 PubHouse: Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita special • Aw Yeah Comics: Sizzling deals on the hottest…

Graphic by Storyblocks.

Entertainment July 24, 2025

Magician Wayne Hinkel to Perform at Muncie’s Northside Middle School on July 24

By Jennifer Cooper— MUNCIE, IN—A Grand Night of Magic with magician Wayne Hinkle will take place at Northside Middle School on July 24th, beginning at 6 p.m. Longtime magician and Muncie resident Wayne Hinkel has been recognized by the International Brotherhood of Magicians for his  50 years of contributions to the entertainment of countless audiences. He is a member of the Order of Merlin and recipient of its Excalibur Award. Wayne began his magic career when he was 10 years…

L-R: Greg Beumer and David Lenkensdofer.

Non-Profit July 24, 2025

League of Women Voters to Host Meeting on Solar and Wind Energy

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The League of Women Voters of Indiana will host a public meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, July 28, at the Maring-Hunt Library Branch located at 2005 S High St in Muncie for residents interested in learning more about how solar and wind – or renewables – affect a county government’s budget. Speakers will be from Randolph County. They are Greg Beumer and David Lenkensdofer. Randolph County is one of a handful of Indiana counties at the…

Southside Middle School. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Health July 23, 2025

Meridian to Host Back-To-School Fit Fair at Muncie Southside Middle School on July 23

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN— Meridian Health Services, with support from presenting sponsor Pridemark Construction, is hosting the Back-to-School Fit Fair on Wednesday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Southside Middle School located at 1601 E. 26th St., Muncie, IN 47302. This event is being held in conjunction with Muncie Community Schools’ registration day. The community and people of all ages are invited to the Back-to-School Fit Fair featuring: FREE Health Fair & Fitness Zone including: Health…

Photo provided

Entertainment July 22, 2025

Step Into a World of Wonder: Faeries, Sprites, & Lights Returns to Minnetrista This Week

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Every summer, Oakhurst Gardens transforms into a magical realm where imagination reigns and the spirit of childhood takes flight. Inspired by young Elisabeth “Betty” Ball—who once roamed these very grounds in faerie wings and glittering joy—Faeries, Sprites, & Lights invites families to rediscover the enchantment that lives in all of us. From July 24–26, faerie fans of all ages are encouraged to don their most whimsical attire and enter a world alive with fantasy. Each evening from…