Articles by Mike Rhodes

YWCA Central Indiana Honored by PathStone Corporation

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin, CEO, YWCA Central Indiana— MUNCIE, IN—YWCA Central Indiana has been recognized by PathStone Corporation for its outstanding partnership, ongoing contributions, and unwavering support of shared community goals. During the Annual Partnership Luncheon hosted by PathStone, YWCA was presented with a special honor acknowledging its leadership in advancing equity, empowering women, and families, and helping build stronger, more resilient communities in Central Indiana. PathStone Corporation, a national nonprofit dedicated to community development and self-sufficiency for underserved populations, commended YWCA Central Indiana for its collaborative spirit and commitment to addressing housing insecurity, workforce development, and the needs of women…

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Harlem Gospel Travelers to Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons in Muncie

By  Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN— Acclaimed, GRAMMY-nominated gospel/soul group Harlem Gospel Travelers 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 PM on Friday, June 13th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Doc and the Little Chicago Band will open the show. The Harlem Gospel Travelers (HGT) story began when Ifedayo Gatling and George Marage met in high school. The group put out their debut LP, He’s On Time, to rave reviews in 2019, earning them high…


Water Quality Reports Available Online for Indiana American Water Customers in Muncie

Reports show drinking water in all service areas meets quality standards By Joel Reuter, External Affairs Manager, IAW— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana American Water’s most recent 2024 Water Quality Reports are now available for all service areas on its website at www.indianaamwater.com > Water Quality tab. The company’s Muncie Operations Water Quality Report and separate Winchester Operations Water Quality Report have recently been posted for customers to view. The company is proud to report that once again, the drinking water provided to the 1.5 million customers across Indiana meets or surpasses both state and federal water quality standards for all regulated substances,…


BlackRock Foundation Announces $500,000 Grant to Implement Muncie Central Academies

By Jenna Kastan— MUNCIE, IN— The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $500,000 two-year grant to Cradle to Career Muncie, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes and economic mobility in Muncie, Indiana. The funding will support the implementation of the new Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School (MCHS). The Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School are designed to put students on track to meet Indiana’s new diploma requirements, with the goal of completing 10 of the 42 required credits and selecting a “readiness seal” – enrollment, employment, or enlistment  and service – by the…


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 roots in building collaboration among counties to leading multimillion-dollar regional initiatives, the organization has played a vital role in shaping…


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 a casual, open-air setting. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair, grab a drink, and connect with friends, neighbors, and…


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 technical support facilities here in Central Indiana. Over the past decade alone, we’ve grown nearly 700%. The story of our…


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 performances, youth and family activities, local vendors, food, and community engagement opportunities. The event is designed to bring people together…


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 others. The concert benefits the Delaware County Democratic Party and is a limited-seating event. VIP attendees will have the opportunity…


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 to offer. Through student-to-student engagement, both ambassadors will encourage their peers to explore beyond campus, discover local gems, and experience…