Articles by Mike Rhodes

Aerial photo of Muncie and Delaware County by Michael Wolfe

Business June 10, 2025

East Central Indiana Regional Partnership Rebrands as Forge ECI

By Caitlin Hancock, Interim President/CEO— MUNCIE, IN — The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership is proud to announce its official rebrand as Forge ECI, marking a bold new chapter in the organization’s mission to drive economic development and regional collaboration. Created in partnership with IronGate Creative, this transformation includes a new name, logo, and website—ForgeECI.com. This announcement comes as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary—two decades of championing regional unity, investment, and growth across East Central Indiana. From its early…

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The Guardian Brewing Company at the MadJax Courtyard, 515 E Main Street, Muncie, IN 47305.

Entertainment June 9, 2025

MadJax Maker Force and The Guardian Brewing Company Launch Summer Courtyard Concert Series

By Carly Acree-King— MUNCIE, IN—MadJax Maker Force is partnering with The Guardian Brewing Company to bring live music to the heart of downtown Muncie with the MadJax Summer Courtyard Concert Series. This free, family-friendly series – spearheaded and organized by The Guardian – will take place on select Saturday evenings throughout the summer in the MadJax Courtyard, featuring a rotating lineup of talented local bands. Each concert begins at 8:00 PM and you are invited to enjoy live music in…

LEAP Indianapolis IT Support Team is pictured. Photo provided.

Business June 9, 2025

LEAP Managed I.T. Celebrates 95 Years

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of LEAP Managed I.T.— MUNCIE, IN—One of the first questions new clients ask us is, “How long have you been in business?” And every time, we pause because the answer tends to surprise people. It’s been 95 years since our grandparents, C.F. and Wilma, founded what has grown into LEAP Managed IT. What began as a humble family venture is now one of the Midwest’s largest Managed IT providers, with three of our…

Photo provided.

Entertainment June 8, 2025

Juneteenth Muncie to Host 6th Annual Celebration on June 14

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN — The Juneteenth Muncie Committee will host the 6th Annual Juneteenth Muncie Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 2 to 9 p.m. at McCulloch Park. This free, family-friendly event invites the public to gather in recognition of Juneteenth, a historic day marking the end of slavery in the United States. The annual celebration continues to grow as a space for reflection, education, and joy. Attendees can expect an afternoon and evening filled with live…

Photo provided by Trey Taylor.

Entertainment June 7, 2025

Local Democratic Party to Bring Country Music Artist Trey Taylor to Muncie

By Andrew Dale— MUNCIE, IN— The Delaware County Democratic Party will host a concert showcasing emerging Nashville country music artist Trey Taylor at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, in the historic Legacy Room at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main St. Promoted as “An Intimate Evening with Trey Taylor,” concertgoers will be entertained by a musician who was discovered by Dolly Parton’s longtime producer, Kent Wells, and who has collaborated with country music legend Ronnie Milsap and…

Delaware County Ambassadors Adam Schuler and Samuel Brumley pose with a Garfield statue at Destination: Muncie. Photo provided.

DWNTWN June 6, 2025

Destination: Muncie Welcomes Two New County Ambassadors from Ball State University

By Lena Reid— MUNCIE, IN—Destination: Muncie is proud to announce the appointment of two Ball State University students, Adam Schuler and Samuel Brumley, as the newest Delaware County Ambassadors. As part of Ball State’s County Ambassador Program, these student representatives will play a key role in connecting their fellow Cardinals with the greater Muncie and Delaware County community. Schuler and Brumley will serve as peer leaders on campus, helping to highlight the many events, activities, and attractions Delaware County has…

Photo provided.

Education June 6, 2025

Upgrades to Yorktown’s Football Stadium Began Earlier This Week

By Scott Smalstig— YORKTOWN, IN – Thanks to reaching a significant fundraising goal, Yorktown Community Schools officially began construction on a series of major enhancements to the football stadium on June 2. The Yorktown Community Schools Foundation has successfully raised $750,000 in private contributions through its Onward Tigers Campaign, enabling this long-anticipated project to move forward. The planned upgrades include installing high-quality synthetic turf, a modern press box, improved bleachers, and a new scoreboard—transforming the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility…

Photo provided

Education June 5, 2025

Ball State University Libraries Invites Visitors to Experience Tolkien Exhibit Before July Close

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — The Ball State University campus and the greater Muncie community have through the end of July to visit a special exhibit honoring the literary work of J.R.R. Tolkien, on display in Archives and Special Collections on the second floor of Bracken Library. Presented by University Libraries, the exhibit features selections from the Deborah and Fritz Dolak J.R.R. Tolkien Collection, which was generously donated to Ball State in 2013. The display honors the creativity,…

Pictured from left to right— Back Row: Sultana Woodgett, Edward Fuse, Delena Main, Melissa McClintic, Melanie Wright, Angelica Lucio, Rey Shafer, Miah Hale Front Row: Monica Keihn, Jessica Barnes Not Pictured: Lexi Gonzales, Sara Nibarger, Tori McCormick.

Education June 5, 2025

Ivy Tech Students Empower Positive Change Through Justice-Involved Group Sessions

By Lesley Devoss—  MUNCIE, IN – Students from Ivy Tech Community College’s Human Services Group Process and Skills (HUMS 206) course recently completed a series of group sessions with justice-involved individuals at Delaware County Community Corrections (DCCC), focusing on the central theme of motivation and personal growth. The collaborative project provided an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting while helping participants explore what it means to stay motivated in challenging circumstances. Over 8 weeks, students facilitated…

Ball State's Brown Family Amphitheater. Photo provided.

Entertainment June 4, 2025

Ball State Will Have Its First ‘We Fly Fest’ Event on Saturday, June 7

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University is gearing up for its first We Fly Fest, from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. This free, on-campus event is open to the public and will include campus tours, entertainment, live music, informational booths, games, and other family-friendly activities. The event will begin at Ball State’s Brown Family Amphitheater, where guests can enjoy games and activities, food trucks, information tables, and a live DJ. Fest attendees may explore campus through several self-guided…