Articles by Mike Rhodes

Participants will scan DWNTWN Wonder Hunt “Mousecapades” window decals to reveal an animated 3D mouse created in partnership with Ball State’s IDIA Lab. Fifty interactive mice are hidden throughout downtown storefronts for this year’s holiday Wonder Hunt adventure. Photo provided.

Entertainment November 20, 2025

DWNTWN ‘Wonder Hunt’ is Here for the Holidays With $100 Prize Giveaways

By Cheryl Crowder— MUNCIE, IN – Here’s your chance to win $100 during the holiday season! New this year, DWNTWN Wonder Hunt is featuring Mousecapades: Tiny Tails & Holiday Trail—a festive downtown adventure perfect for families, friends, and holiday explorers of all ages. Meet Chester the Cheese Mouse, Murray the Firefighter Mouse, Chef Enzo Mouse, and their furry friends, who are hiding out in 50 DWNTWN Muncie storefront windows. Each adorable mouse window decal is waiting to be discovered. Find…

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Calvert L. Worth Jr., the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, gives a speech during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 24, 2025. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King.

Veterans November 20, 2025

‘Letters to Veterans’ From Area Students: Today’s Letter Written by McKena Wolfe

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. During the month of November, MuncieJournal.com will be publishing Letters To Veterans, written by students from Burris and Muncie Community Schools. We will be publishing one letter each weekday. This year’s Letters to Veterans special feature is sponsored by Sam Pierce Chevrolet.     Sam Pierce Chevrolet 12401 West County Road 550 South Daleville, IN 47334 Phone: 765-387-4287 https://www.sampiercechevy.com/  

Photo provided

Business November 20, 2025

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Presents Awards at Their 131st Annual Event

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce held their 131st Annual Dinner & Awards on Tuesday, November 18. Six awards were presented, and a new chair of the board of directors was installed. The Spirit of Small Business Award was presented to an individual(s) who own and/or operate a small business in the greater Muncie area. The award finalists included Enterprise Plumbing and Intersection. This year’s award recipient was Enterprise Plumbing. The Economic Impact Award was…

A 2018 aerial photo of Praire Creek Reservoir by Michael Wolfe.

Government November 20, 2025

City of Muncie Announces 2026 Pause on North Shore Campground at Prairie Creek Reservoir

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN—Mayor Dan Ridenour held a press conference today to announce that the North Shore Campground at Prairie Creek Reservoir will not be leasing any campsites for the 2026 season. This temporary pause allows the City to begin an extensive reimagining of the 36-acre area that currently includes 234 campsites. City officials emphasized that this decision is focused solely on the North Shore Campground. All other Prairie Creek Reservoir amenities, including boating, docks, trails, beaches, shelters, and…

A young woman smoking. Photo by storyblocks.

Health November 20, 2025

The Great American Smokeout: Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You

By Jordan Moss, Tobacco Free Coalition of Delaware County— MUNCIE, IN—Each November, the Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, encourages millions of people across the country to take the first step toward a tobacco-free life. This year’s observance on November 20,  is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to quit smoking, vaping, or using smokeless tobacco. Quitting is not easy, but it’s one of the best decisions a person can make for their health….

A scene from the recently produced video "Above, Below, and Beyond." You can view the video below.

Veterans November 19, 2025

‘Letters to Veterans’ From Area Students: Today’s Letter Written by Cadet Leo

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. During the month of November, MuncieJournal.com will be publishing Letters To Veterans, written by students from Burris and Muncie Community Schools. We will be publishing one letter each weekday. This year’s Letters to Veterans special feature is sponsored by Sam Pierce Chevrolet.   Sam Pierce Chevrolet 12401 West County Road 550 South Daleville, IN 47334 Phone: 765-387-4287 https://www.sampiercechevy.com/  

Pictured L-R: Tony Pierce and Jud Fisher.

Non-Profit November 19, 2025

Delaware County Futbol Club’s Tony Pierce Recognized with 2025 Fisher Governance Award

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation has presented its 2025 John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award to Anthony (Tony) Pierce, board president of the Delaware County Futbol Club (DCFC). Pierce was recognized with the award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on November 18. The Fisher Governance Award honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County whose strategic leadership, planning, and oversight have strengthened their organization’s mission, financial health, and general effectiveness….

Photo by storyblocks

Non-Profit November 19, 2025

Muncie Arts and Culture Council Receives Grants to Support 2025–2026 Initiatives

By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) has been awarded significant operations-related grant funding from three major partners to strengthen its mission of championing arts experiences, public art, and a thriving community of artists and allies in Muncie, Indiana. For Fiscal Year 2026, MuncieArts received an $8,150 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and a $25,000 grant from the Ball Brothers Foundation in support of operations and community arts programming. Earlier this year, MuncieArts was…

Photo by Storyblocks.

Business November 18, 2025

Protect Yourself from Utility Scams: Tips from Indiana & Michigan Power

By Michael Bianski, I&M Communications— FORT WAYNE – Ahead of Utility Scam Awareness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 19, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is sharing simple ways to spot and stop scams to keep you safe. Criminals often attempt to pressure customers into paying “unpaid bills” to avoid disconnection. These scams affect both homes and businesses. As of November 2025, I&M has received more than 300 scam reports from customers. “We understand how stressful and unsettling it can be to receive…

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isaiah Juan, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participates in a live-fire range during Exercise Freezing Winds 2025 in Syndalen, Finland, Nov. 7, 2025. The purpose of Marine Corps rifle qualification tables 3 and 5 is to assess and enhance a Marine’s ability to effectively engage targets at varying distances and under different conditions, ensuring proficiency in marksmanship, combat readiness, and adaptability in diverse operational environments. Freezing Winds is conducted to increase interoperability between Marines, Finland, and NATO Allies by executing combined amphibious operations in and around the Baltic Sea littorals and is part of a regularly occurring series of exercises in northern Europe that demonstrates the capability to deploy and train Marines and Sailors in support of the NATO Alliance. Juan is a native of Arizona. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo.

Veterans November 18, 2025

‘Letters to Veterans’ From Area Students: Today’s Letter Written by Keercie Roland

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. During the month of November, MuncieJournal.com will be publishing Letters To Veterans, written by students from Burris and Muncie Community Schools. We will be publishing one letter each weekday. This year’s Letters to Veterans special feature is sponsored by Sam Pierce Chevrolet.     Sam Pierce Chevrolet 12401 West County Road 550 South Daleville, IN 47334 Phone: 765-387-4287 https://www.sampiercechevy.com/