Articles by Mike Rhodes

Open Door Announces 2nd Annual Decades Dash 5K & 10K Fundraiser

Non-Profit September 9, 2025

Open Door Announces 2nd Annual Decades Dash 5K & 10K Fundraiser

By Erin Moore — MUNCIE, IN. — Get ready to run through the decades for a great cause! Open Door Health Services is excited to announce the return of the Decades Dash, presented by eKeeper, on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run combines fitness, fun, and fundraising to support individuals and families in need.Starting at Canan Commons at 8 a.m., runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic course that winds through the heart of downtown Muncie and along both the White River and Cardinal Greenways. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite throwback attire—whether it’s ‘70s bell…

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Q&A With Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns on the Village Revitalization Project

Education, Non-Profit September 8, 2025

Q&A With Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns on the Village Revitalization Project

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN – For decades, The Village served as a popular destination just off Ball State’s campus—home to locally owned shops, restaurants, and a lively social scene. It was a place where students, residents, and visitors mingled over drinks, music, and weekend plans. In more recent years, though, The Village has faced its share of challenges, with fewer businesses and less foot traffic than in its heyday. Now, a major revitalization effort is breathing new life into the district. Rooted in arts, culture, dining, and innovation, the reimagined Village will offer new reasons for people to gather—and…

Cornfed Roller Derby Hosts New Skater Clinics and Bootcamp for Season 13 Recruitment

Entertainment September 8, 2025

Cornfed Roller Derby Hosts New Skater Clinics and Bootcamp for Season 13 Recruitment

By Debra Roberts— MUNCIE, IN – Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD), Muncie’s premier flat-track roller derby league, is gearing up for its 13th season and inviting new skaters and officials to join the team. The league will host New Skater Clinics at Gibson Arena on Thursday, September 18, from 8:30–10:30 p.m. and Monday, September 22, from 7–9 p.m. The clinics are open to all skill levels, and no prior experience is required. For just $5 per person, participants, who must be at least 18 years old, will learn fundamental skating skills including falls, stops, and an introduction to roller derby gameplay….

The Old Washington Street Festival Is Back for Its 48th Year

Entertainment September 8, 2025

The Old Washington Street Festival Is Back for Its 48th Year

By Erin K. Lovall— MUNCIE, IN—The Old Washington Street Festival returns for its 48th year on September 13 and 14, 2025. The Festival combines the long, storied history of the Emily Kimbrough Historic District with modern-day fun and is free and open to all. The Festival features a wide array of free entertainment options, including rock, country, blues, and jazz musicians, an old-time radio show, a beard contest, aerial performances, and so much more. In addition, there are food vendors featuring a variety of wares—fish and chips, barbeque, gyros, elephant ears, chicken on a stick, African food, slushies, homemade ice…

11th Annual Morry Mannies Woof Boom Radio Scholarships Awarded

Education September 5, 2025

11th Annual Morry Mannies Woof Boom Radio Scholarships Awarded

By Megan Minnich— MUNCIE, IN—Woof Boom Radio is pleased to announce the winners for the 11th Annual Morry Mannies Woof Boom Radio Scholarship. We want to congratulate each of the nominees for their achievements this season and overall career as student-athletes. Woof Boom Radio funds a scholarship program for athletes from the schools we cover yearly, be it through WMUN “The Talk of Muncie” or Oldies 101.1 WHBU.  Athletic Directors from these schools send their nominations, and an independent committee selects the winners based on leadership in sports and the classroom. Jacklynn Hosier, Alexandria-Monroe High School, has been awarded this…

Ball State Announces Agreement with Sports Management Firm to Operate Indoor Tennis Facility

Education September 5, 2025

Ball State Announces Agreement with Sports Management Firm to Operate Indoor Tennis Facility

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University and Ball State Athletics have announced an agreement with First Serve Sports Management to operate the north Muncie indoor recreational facility formerly operated as the Northwest YMCA. The venue was sold last October and purchased by the University in order to retain the home of Ball State’s men’s and women’s tennis teams. The University and athletics department have entered into a third-party agreement with First Serve to manage the facility, in what is intended to become a fully renovated racquet sports facility that will serve not just Ball State but the…

Healthy Lunches are Important to a Child’s Health and Development

Health September 4, 2025

Healthy Lunches are Important to a Child’s Health and Development

By Emma Shepard, MS, RD, LD— MUNCIE, IN—Now that school is back in full swing, it is important to consider what your kids are eating for lunch. Healthy, well-rounded meals are essential for a child’s growth and development. School lunch guidelines ensure that meals include adequate nutrition. What if your child is packing lunch? Packing a healthy lunch does not have to be challenging if you use USDA’s MyPlate guidelines as a template. Many people are familiar with the Food Guide Pyramid, which was first distributed in the US in 1992. However, this model was replaced in 2011 with MyPlate,…

David T. Owsley, Longtime Supporter of Ball State University and the Arts, Passes Away at 96

Education September 3, 2025

David T. Owsley, Longtime Supporter of Ball State University and the Arts, Passes Away at 96

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Art historian and philanthropist David T. Owsley, HHD ‘05—heir to the Ball-Mason canning jar company and a longtime supporter of Ball State University and the Dallas Museum of Art—died in New York City on Aug. 23, 2025, at age 96. Born in Dallas, Texas, on Aug. 20, 1929, Mr. Owsley was the son of Lucina (Lucy) Ball Owsley, daughter of Elizabeth Brady Ball and Frank C. Ball, president of the Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company (later Ball Corporation) in Muncie, Ind. His father, Texas lawyer and World War I veteran Alvin M. Owsley, served as…

Colby T. Helms to Headline Free Concert in Muncie, IN

Entertainment September 3, 2025

Colby T. Helms to Headline Free Concert in Muncie, IN

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Acclaimed country artist Colby T. Helms & the Virginian Creepers 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 Saturday, September 6th at Brown Family Amphitheater on the campus of Ball State University. Stampede String Band will open the show. At the bottom of the Southwest Virginia foothills half-a-mile from the nearest neighbor, 22-year-old Colby T. Helms resides in an “underground house” built by his late father on land his family has owned for generations. Colby first dreamed…

Ivy Tech Graduates Lead New Head Start Classroom in Henry County

Education September 3, 2025

Ivy Tech Graduates Lead New Head Start Classroom in Henry County

By Lesley DeVoss— NEW CASTLE, IN – Ivy Tech Community College Muncie is proud to announce the launch of a new partnership with Head Start at the Henry County campus. This collaboration expands access to early childhood education while providing families with high-quality care conveniently located on campus. “Throughout my time at Ivy Tech, I have witnessed the College’s unwavering commitment to serving our communities. The partnership with Head Start is a strong example of how we respond to community needs with thoughtful, solution-oriented collaboration. It is an honor to support initiatives that strengthen both our students and the families…