Articles by Mike Rhodes

‘Rev the Red’ for Ball State University Homecoming, Oct. 13–18

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University will celebrate its 99th Homecoming Oct. 13–18, as Cardinals everywhere are invited back to campus to take part in a week of pride, tradition, and community spirit. This year’s Homecoming theme, “Rev the Red,” highlights the energy and excitement that alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends bring to Ball State each Fall. The celebration culminates Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Cardinals face Akron University at 3:30 p.m. in Scheumann Stadium. Tickets are available on the Ball State Athletics website. “Homecoming is one of our University’s most cherished traditions,” said Ashlee Anderson,…

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Muncie’s Red-tail Land Conservancy Protects 15 Acres Along Elkhorn Creek

By Kendalynn Ross— MUNCIE, IN — Red-tail Land Conservancy is proud to announce the successful protection of Elkhorn Creek Preserve, a 15-acre stream and forest habitat that joins with the East Fork of the Whitewater River in Wayne County. This acquisition safeguards an ecologically rich stretch of one of the highest-quality tributaries in the region. Elkhorn Creek cuts through limestone bedrock, forming a steep ravine that supports wetland pools, migratory wildlife, and diverse plant life. This unique area lies within the Whitewater River Valley, one of the most distinctive natural regions in east central Indiana. Resting at the edge of…


City of Muncie and Delaware County Partner for East McGalliard Road Improvements

By Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour, Commissioner Shannon Henry, Commissioner Stephen Brand  Commissioner Sherry Riggin and Amber Greene— MUNCIE and DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—We are pleased to share that the Delaware County Highway Department and the City of Muncie Street Department are working together on a temporary paving project to improve East McGalliard Road. This project is a strong example of two local governments partnering for the benefit of the entire community. McGalliard Road is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in our county, and its current surface conditions have created challenges for residents, commuters, and businesses alike. While a complete…


ArtsWalk Highlights for the October 2nd Event in Downtown Muncie

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN—The ArtsWalk Lineup on Thursday, October 2, from 5–8 p.m. Art, music, food, history, and community will come together in the heart of DWNTWN, transforming familiar spaces into a stage for local creativity. Highlights include: Galleries & Exhibits – Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, Art at the Murray, Carrie Wright Silk Gifts, ECAP Gallery, Made in Muncie, MuncieArts, and more. DWNTWN IDOL Finale – 6 p.m. at Canan Commons. NEW Augmented Reality Experiences – Explore Muncie’s history with your phone through immersive AR views of…


September 29 Groundbreaking Celebration for Habitat for Humanity ‘Gateway Gathering Space’

By Tania Said and Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) is proud to invite the public to a groundbreaking celebration for the Habitat for Humanity Gateway Gathering Space, a new public artwork designed by artist Greg Mueller. This sculptural installation – part of a $500,000 public art initiative funded by the City of Muncie through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – will create a welcoming and reflective space for neighbors and families at the intersection of W. 8th Street and S. Hoyt Avenue. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place Monday, September 29 at 4:00…


Ball State’s Board of Trustees Highlight Fall 2025 Enrollment Gains, Muncie Community Schools Progress

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — The Ball State University Board of Trustees on Friday received updates on Fall 2025 enrollment and the continued progress of its historic partnership with Muncie Community Schools (MCS). Paula Luff, Ball State’s vice president for enrollment planning and management, reported that Ball State welcomed 3,733 new freshmen this Fall. This is the third consecutive year in which the University has enrolled a freshman class larger than its pre-pandemic average. The incoming class is academically strong, with an average high school GPA of 3.58. Nearly 46 percent of freshmen are Pell Grant-eligible and…


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. “We are always excited and encouraged when community partners see the value of adding public art to the civic landscape…


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 the celebration, also shined the spotlight on local musicians throughout the evening. Performers included Dan Wright, India Potter, Stuart Cotton,…


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 feet of new educational areas and renovates 840 square feet of existing space, including a modern classroom, three faculty offices,…


‘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 is one of ecoREHAB’s biggest fundraisers. Oktoberfest is a 21+ event that runs from 5 PM until 8 PM, with…