Articles by Mike Rhodes

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 the new facility was under construction, Walker was chosen to be a youth representative on a committee helping with ideas…

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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 p.m. Follow the adventures of Sy, Annie, and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space!…


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, we want our customers to know how to respond, prepare and stay safe,” said Katie Davis, vice president of External…


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 river access points, these initiatives expand opportunities for families, students, and visitors to explore and enjoy the water.” The three…


Leap Managed IT Events: Career Open House on September 22 and Executive AI Workshop in October

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—At Leap Managed IT, we’re more than a technology company, we’re a third-generation, Indiana-owned business with deep roots in Central Indiana. With our headquarters in Muncie and support centers across the state, we’re proud to serve the communities we call home. Being local means everything to us. One of our core pillars is community stewardship, a commitment started by our grandparents in 1930 and still reflected in everything we do today. From supporting nonprofits to hiring and developing talent right here in Indiana, we believe in building a stronger future…


Ball State University Launches Toolkit to Strengthen Indiana Talent Pipelines

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University has introduced a new Talent Pipeline Toolkit designed to help communities and businesses across Indiana more easily access University resources that support workforce development and local economic growth. The toolkit, developed by Ball State’s Office of Governmental Relations and Industry Engagement, centralizes information about the University’s wide range of programs and outreach initiatives. It provides a user-friendly, digital “one-stop shop” to help local leaders—from chambers of commerce to county officials and business executives—discover opportunities to collaborate with Ball State in ways that are simple, accessible, and impactful. Many of these programs are…


Nonprofit Support Network Announces 2025 Nonprofit Summit and Community Luncheon

By Jena Ashby— MUNCIE, IN – Nonprofit Support Network is excited to announce that tickets are now available for the 2025 Nonprofit Summit, presented by Heart of Indiana United Way, scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Horizon Convention Center. This year’s summit will provide essential education, networking opportunities, and professional development for local nonprofits, continuing to strengthen the nonprofit sector in east central Indiana. The Nonprofit Summit includes a variety of breakout sessions and networking opportunities. Participants may select breakout sessions focused on fundraising, organization management, and professional development. This year’s Summit, in its…


New South View Elementary Playground Designed With Every Child in Mind

By Andy Klotz, APR, MCS Chief Communications Officer— MUNCIE, IN – South View Elementary students and children in the surrounding neighborhood are creating fun memories and burning off lots of energy at the elaborate, new playground that just opened outside the school. With more than two dozen components stretching over a quarter-acre area, the new “Quaker Mill” equipment is already a big hit with the kids. “They love it,” said South View Principal Dr. Casey Smitherman. “Our kids are so excited to come out here every day and play on this. They love the spinning chair thing, and that there…


Experience Downtown Muncie In a Whole New Way During ArtsWalk on October 2

By Vicki Veach— MUNCIE, IN— Get ready to experience downtown Muncie like never before! ArtsWalk returns on Thursday, October 2, from 5–8 PM, bringing art, music, and history to the heart of the city. Step into the Past and Future: Time Travel with AR: Bring your phone and explore the former Wysor Grand Opera House, the historic Wysor Building, and the Delaware County Courthouse through an augmented reality tour designed by artist John Fillwalk with Ball State’s IDIA Lab—made possible by Ball Brothers Foundation. Dave’s Alley Debut: Don’t miss the new augmented reality, interactive, musical experience as you walk through Dave’s…


You’re Invited to Dinner on September 18 for Muncie’s Bridge Dinner

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—You’re invited to Muncie’s biggest outdoor dinner party. Join hundreds of your friends and neighbors for Muncie’s Bridge Dinner Thursday, Sept. 18, on the Washington Street Bridge. The free outdoor community event will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Parking for the event is available within walking distance at Tuhey Park. “I love being part of something that reminds me how vibrant and connected Muncie can be when we all gather in the same place with the same spirit,” said Mitch Isaacs of Shafer Leadership Academy, one of the hosts of the event. “It brings neighbors from…