Articles by Mike Rhodes

Nationally Recognized Speaker to Visit Ball State University to Discuss the Role of Arts in Civic Life

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University is welcoming to campus a guest lecturer who is a recognized community leader and national speaker on the role of the arts in civic life. The upcoming Fred Meyer Lecture in Cultural Policy and Arts Advocacy—in partnership with the Center for Economic and Civic Learning’s 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy at Ball State—features Michael Greer, president and CEO of ArtsFund Seattle, Washington State’s largest independent, unrestricted arts and culture funder. Beyond Washington State, Mr. Greer contributes to national and international conversations on the role of creativity in shaping more…

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Ball State University Wins Cartwright Award for First Time in History

By Ball State Athletics— CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today the presentation of the Dr. Carol A. Cartwright Award to Ball State University for its program excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship during the 2024-25 school year. This marks the first time in program history that the Cardinals have earned this prestigious honor. “The Cartwright Award recognizes the overall excellence of a member institution’s athletics department,” said Mid-American Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher. “It provides us with an opportunity to celebrate exceptional achievements in academics, athletic performance, and community engagement. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ball…


Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie Announces Tickets on Sale for 2025 Great Futures Dinner

By Dominic Bordenaro, Director of Operations & Programs— MUNCIE, IN — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie is proud to announce that tickets are now available for its annual Great Futures Dinner, a signature fundraising event that celebrates the achievements of local Club kids and raises critical support for programs that shape bright futures. Tickets are just $30 each, but their impact is priceless. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie estimates the true cost of serving one child for a full year is approximately $5,000. Every ticket purchased helps bridge that gap, providing safe spaces, academic support, healthy meals,…


Bridging the Gap: How Muncie’s New Mentorship Hub Will Transform Entrepreneurial Success

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—In the world of entrepreneurship, the challenges are constant: managing cash flow, building customer relationships, hiring the right people, and adapting to market changes. For business owners in Muncie and the surrounding region, these pressures are compounded by a persistent challenge. Too many entrepreneurs are facing them alone. While Muncie has a rich base of talented and experienced business leaders, many new and growing entrepreneurs don’t have easy access to that knowledge. The result? Missed opportunities, preventable mistakes, and businesses that never reach their full potential. Ted Baker, CEO of…


League of Women Voters to Sponsor Public Meeting on Vote Centers on August 28

By Sheryl Swingley—  MUNCIE, IN—The public is invited to attend the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County’s meeting about vote centers for Delaware County at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the auditorium of Muncie Central High School. The current precinct polling system Delaware County uses requires citizens to vote at a specific location on Election Day. Vote centers allow voters to cast a ballot at any county location of their choice on Election Day. Early voting, which is 28 days before any primary or fall elections, would still take place at the Delaware County Building on Main Street….


Muncie Three Trails to Present Jennie Devoe in Concert on August 30

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Acclaimed Indiana artist Jennie Devoe 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 p.m. on Saturday, August 30th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Cory Hill will open the show. This show is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. Jennie DeVoe, an Indiana native and Ball State University graduate, has built a rock-solid career without the backing of a major label–a conscious decision that has allowed her…


Little Red Door Cancer Agency Expands Muncie Office to Serve More Cancer Patients and Families

By Brenda Ewigleben— MUNCIE, IN— Little Red Door Cancer Agency is proud to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new, expanded Muncie office, marking a significant step forward in providing more services and support to cancer patients, survivors, and their families in East Central Indiana. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 27th at 5:30 p.m. at the new location, 413 S. Tillotson Ave, Unit 3, in partnership with the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Community members, clients, donors, and partners are invited to attend. Little Red Door has had a presence in Muncie…


Ball State University and Woof Boom Radio Expand Listening Opportunities

Ball State Football Returns to WLBC Radio; Cardinals & Woof Boom Lineup to Include Weekly Podcast By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, IN—Renewing and expanding a broadcast relationship that spans decades in East Central Indiana, Ball State Athletics and Peak Sports Management have announced a new, three-year agreement with Woof Boom Radio that will keep Cardinals sports broadcasts on WLBC and WMUN Radio. The biggest and most immediate impact is the return of Ball State football games to WLBC Radio (104.1 HD1), whose signal has a broad reach into the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne regions, key Indiana markets for Cardinals fans and…


Community Grants Totaling $215K Awarded By The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke, Chief Community Partner for Outreach and Donor Relations, The Community Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $215,264 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with 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 understanding of the needs within the community, identify…


Ball State Athletics to Implement ‘Clear Bag Policy’ at All Ticketed Sporting Events

By Ball State Sports— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State Athletics has initiated a new “clear bag” policy at its ticketed athletic events (plus baseball and softball games), starting with the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. The new policy was put in place to enhance existing security and public safety measures at Scheumann Stadium, Worthen Arena, Shebek Stadium and the Ball State Softball Stadium. Now a standard at many college and most pro sports facilities, the policy is designed to regulate the size and types of bags that may be carried into the venue for all events. Benefits of the clear bag policy include…