Articles by Mike Rhodes

Business May 5, 2026

International Economic Development Council Awards Brad Bookout CEcD Designation

By IEDC Staff— YORKTOWN, IN—Bradley (Brad) Bookout, earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. The milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores Bookout’s experience and excellence in the field of economic development. “Certified Economic Developers possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors, and peers. We are thrilled to celebrate Mr. Bookout on achieving this accomplishment and joining our network of professionals driving economic progress around the world,” said IEDC President and…

Government May 5, 2026

Whether Your Driver’s License Has a Star On It or Not, You Can Use It As ID for Voting

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Rumors are circulating that you have to have a driver’s license with a star on it to vote or that you have to prove your citizenship with a birth certificate that matches your driver’s license. That is false. You can still use your driver’s license – with or without a star in the upper righthand corner – or other government-issued photo ID, detailed below, to vote. The only change this year is that students at state universities can no longer use their students IDs for identification to vote. If you do not have a current Indiana…

Entertainment May 4, 2026

Downtown Muncie Announces Brink of Summer ArtsWalk + Flower Hour on June 4

Special edition of First Thursday to feature Flower Hour, Steamroller Printmaking, YART, live music, and more By Chery Crowder— MUNCIE, IN — Downtown Muncie’s most-anticipated spring evening returns on Thursday, June 4, 2026 — the Brink of Summer ArtsWalk + Flower Hour. Presented by the Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, the Brink of Summer ArtsWalk + Flower Hour runs from 5–8 p.m. A special edition of the monthly First Thursday series, Brink of Summer ArtsWalk is a community-wide celebration of the arts, local makers, and the vibrant culture of Downtown Muncie. This year’s event features an expanded lineup…

Business May 3, 2026

PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union and Del Met Federal Credit Union Merge to Elevate Member Resources

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN — Del Met Federal Credit Union and PrimeTrust Financial Federal Credit Union are proud to announce the official merger of the two institutions, effective May 1, 2026. This strategic partnership follows a successful collaborative period between the two Muncie-based organizations and marks a significant milestone in providing enhanced financial services to the East-Central Indiana community. The merger, which received approval from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and a final vote from the Del Met membership on April 29, 2026, will bring Del Met members into the PrimeTrust family. The unified credit union will operate under…

Education May 1, 2026

Ball State University Trustees to Extend President Mearns’ Contract Through June 30, 2029

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—The Ball State University Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Board Chair, Brian Gallagher, to offer an amended employment agreement to President Geoffrey S. Mearns, extending his role as the University’s 17th President through June 30, 2029. In recommending the action, Board Vice Chair, Julie Griffith, reflected on the many and sustained accomplishments of President Mearns through his time as President, including his work with the University’s Strategic Plan, the effective management of the University’s enrollment and operating budget, the revitalization of the Village, the continuing success of the partnership with the Muncie…

Non-Profit May 1, 2026

Ross Community Center Names Cindy Miller as New Executive Director

By Ross Community Center Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN—The Ross Community Center is thrilled to announce Cindy Miller as their next Executive Director. With years of classroom and nonprofit experience, she is well-equipped to be the next great leader of the Ross Community Center. Cindy is an educator and communications leader with more than 25 years of experience in primary education, higher education, and public relations. She holds a Master of Arts in Adult and Community Education from Ball State University, along with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She has also completed public relations and teaching certifications from Teachers of…

Non-Profit April 30, 2026

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Ivy Tech Muncie Building Programs That Keep Pace With the Workforce

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Walk into almost any hospital, manufacturing floor, or tech office in East Central Indiana, and chances are you’ll find someone who got their start at Ivy Tech Community College. As the largest community college system in the country, Ivy Tech reaches students across the state—but what makes it especially impactful is how each of the college’s 41 locations offers a unique set of academic programs and services. In Muncie, that means programs are built around the needs of the region’s employers and the realities of students’ lives. What’s taught in…

Local Grantmakers Invest .5 Million in Muncie & Delaware County

Non-Profit April 30, 2026

Local Grantmakers Invest $21.5 Million in Muncie & Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Local philanthropy continues to make a transformative impact in Muncie and Delaware County, with more than $21 million invested in 2025 by members of the local grantmakers participating in the Funders Forum. This coalition of philanthropic organizations has collaborated for nearly three decades to address critical community needs. “Muncie and Delaware County are fortunate to have a high concentration of philanthropic organizations working alongside one another to strengthen our community,” said Marcy Minton, president and CEO of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County. “Philanthropy comes alongside private investment and investment from the City and…

Government April 30, 2026

Survey Being Conducted on the Overall Convenience of Vote Centers

By Chad Kinsella, Ph.D., MA, MPA— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University is partnering with the League of Women Voters to survey Delaware County primary voters to find how they feel about the newly deployed voter centers. Since 2006, Indiana counties have had the option to adopt vote centers. In 2025, Delaware County’s Board of Elections approved the use of vote centers, joining a majority of other Hoosier counties that also deploy them. Since this will be the first time vote centers have been used in Delaware County, several organizations decided to collaborate to do a survey of voters in…

Entertainment April 29, 2026

From Dryer Lint to the White House: The Whimsical World of Ann Johnson

By E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center— MUNCIE, IN—While local artist Ann Johnson is well known in art circles across the United States and abroad, many people do not fully understand the breadth of her experiences and accomplishments. She has led an extraordinary life, personally and professionally, marked by the kind of journey most people could only imagine. Often described as one of Muncie, Indiana’s, best-kept secrets, she has earned a place among the city’s most notable figures. She has chronicled that journey in her new book, Finding Fogg. It is more than a memoir—it’s a reflection on a lifetime…

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