Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with the YMCA of Muncie

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—  In April 2023, the YMCA of Muncie announced plans to construct a new 73,000-square-foot facility on the Muncie Central High School campus to consolidate its previous locations and ensure better reinvestment in equipment and programs to meet community needs. After a successful capital campaign supported by many organizations, including Ball Brothers Foundation, construction is underway and exciting developments are taking shape. Learn more about the plans for the new YMCA of Muncie facility and the…

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Jim Rosema Named 2024 Recipient of The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Jim Rosema received the 2024 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize his dedicated service to Muncie Mission. Jim Rosema was nominated by Muncie Mission for his role as a board member and a guiding force for nearly 34 years. During those years, Jim served in every officer position, including as President of the Board for more than a decade. His service has paralleled…


Cornfed Roller Derby New Skater Clinic and Bootcamp to Recruit New Skaters

By Debra Roberts— MUNCIE, IN – Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD), is recruiting skaters and officials for their 12th season. On Thursday, September 5, from 8:30-10:30 p.m., and Monday, September 9, from 7-9 p.m. Cornfed Roller Derby is hosting New Skater Clinics at Gibson Arena. No experience is required, all skill levels are welcome. For just $5 per person, participants, who must be at least 18 years old, will be taught skating skills, falls, stops, and some basic roller derby gameplay….


YMCA of Muncie Announces Day of Giving to Support Before and After School Program

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN— The YMCA of Muncie is excited to announce its upcoming Day of Giving, set for September 5th, 2024. This annual fundraising event will focus on supporting the YMCA’s before and after school program, which aims to enrich the lives of school-aged children in our community. The YMCA of Muncie has long been dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn and thrive. This year’s Day of Giving will highlight the…


DWNTWN IDOL Singing Competition Added to Fire Up DWNTWN

By Cheryl Crowder— MUNCIE, IN — Fire Up DWNTWN 2024 is adding an exciting new vocal competition to its lineup of events: DWNTWN IDOL. Competitors can sing in one of three event categories on the Ball State University Stage, on the corner of Walnut and Main, during Fire Up DWNTWN on Saturday, September 21 from 6-8 pm. The categories include group performance, soloist 18 and under, and soloist 18 and up. Winners from each event group will be chosen by a…


Beymer Joins Destination: Muncie Staff as Business Manager

 By Scott Smalstig— MUNCIE, IN—LaShanta Vaughn, CEO and Executive Director of Visit Muncie, the local visitor’s bureau, proudly announces the hiring of Joni Beymer as its Business Manager. Beymer started last week and brings over 15 years of experience in a similar role at the Horizon Convention Center where she handled numerous human resources, finance and administrative functions. Visit Muncie is the governing body of Destination: Muncie whose offices are on South Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. “This is a…


‘$2 Tour of the Village’ Returns Saturday, August 24th

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE — The “$2 Tour of the Village” returns Saturday, Aug. 24, from 3 to 7 p.m., on University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets. Admission is free and the first 100 people through the gates will be given a $2 bill to spend on $2 items (t-shirts, goodie bags, food samples) from Village businesses. This event, now in its fifth year, is hosted by the Riverside-Normal City Neighborhood Association (RNC), the Muncie Action Plan, and Ball…


Portion of Tillotson Avenue Will Close Beginning On August 19th

By Indiana Michigan Power— MUNCIE, IN, August 16, 2024 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) crews continue work on an underground power line rebuild project in Muncie. Starting Monday, August 19, Tillotson Avenue will be closed between W University Avenue and W Riverside Avenue. The closure will allow crews to safely install underground equipment. “The road closure is for one reason — safety” said Rob Keisling, I&M External Affairs manager for East-Central andNortheast Indiana. “There have already been two vehicle accidents…


Nominations Due August 15th for 2024 Fisher Governance Award

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — Delaware County nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate a board member for the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award before the deadline on August 15. The award, given by Ball Brothers Foundation, recognizes the important role board members play in strategic planning and financial oversight to achieve their organization’s mission. The award recipient will receive a $10,000 grant for their organization. “With this award, Ball Brothers Foundation can honor the often unrecognized…


Buyer’s Market to Create Up to 60 New Jobs at Former Pepsi Building

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—For Moghees Sheikh, choosing Muncie as the first location of Buyer’s Market was mostly chance. “The opportunity opened up at the right time,” commented Sheikh about purchasing the former Macy’s building. Now, nearly 4 years later, the company is putting down more roots. “I uprooted my life to move to this community, and I’m not going anywhere. I keep telling my friends about Muncie,” the entrepreneur, formerly from Canada, explained. Buyer’s Market operates with a simple…