Articles by Mike Rhodes

Initial Look at Indiana’s First Wawa Convenience Store in Daleville, IN

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— DALEVILLE, IN— I had an opportunity to get a firsthand look at the new Wawa store in Daleville last week after receiving an invitation to attend media day, one day before the store opened to the general public. Having never heard of the brand before I wondered, “What’s a Wawa?” I left the store still not knowing what a Wawa was. Mostly because I forgot to ask the super helpful and friendly Wawa PR people in attendance. I did, however, leave the store knowing what a hoagie is. Not that I didn’t before, because I did….

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Caring For Your Mental Health

By Jennifer VanSkyock, LCSW, LCAC, LISW-S— MUNCIE, IN—May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this is a great time to focus on ways to improve your mental health through everyday behaviors. What can we do to improve our mental health? There are several things that can have a significant impact on how we feel. One area to look at is your physical wellbeing. This means planning to have daily physical activity in your routine. This doesn’t require any special equipment or even highly strenuous activities, but simply walking, dancing, and stretching can help. It can be especially helpful to walk…


IU Health Orthopedic Surgeon to Lead Care for Ball State Student Athletes

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, INDIANA – IU Health Ball orthopedic surgeon Anthony McPherron, DO, MBA, FAOFO, is joining the orthopedic team that oversees care for Ball State Athletics through IU Health’s ongoing partnership with the university. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. McPherron brings deep expertise in sports medicine and joint replacement to his role. He will support the care of Ball State student-athletes, with a focus on injury prevention, performance enhancement, and long-term recovery. “Caring for athletes who are so dedicated to their sport and team is a privilege,” says Dr. McPherron. “Our…


Cardinal Greenways Announces Final Phase of Kitselman Gateway Project

By Kyle Johnson, President, Cardinal Greenway Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN— Cardinal Greenways is proud to announce the commencement of the third and final phase of the Kitselman Gateway Project, a transformative initiative that completes the critical connection between the Cardinal Greenway and White River Greenway across the White River. This major milestone not only enhances trail connectivity and safety, but also marks a significant moment in the revitalization of Muncie’s post-industrial landscape into a dynamic, inclusive, and beautiful public space. A Vision Realized: Connecting Trails, Cleaning the Past, Creating a Gateway At its core, this final phase removes the…


Open Door Health Services Will Open in the New Muncie YMCA on June 2

By Erin Moore— MUNCIE, IN—Convenient healthcare services are coming to the new Muncie YMCA next month, care of Open Door Health Services. The new health center, opening on June 2, 2025, will offer primary care, chiropractic, and behavioral health services to community members. “We’re excited to work alongside the Muncie YMCA with our shared mission of improving individual and community health and wellness,” said Bryan Ayars, Open Door CEO.  “This partnership allows us to increase healthcare access to the residents who live in the neighborhoods around the YMCA, while also introducing more YMCA members to our high quality and compassionate…


The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award 2025 Finalists Announced

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County recognizes the following finalists for the 2025 David Sursa Leadership Award: Keith Doudt, Urban Light Community Development Corporation; Brad King, Muncie Land Bank; Michael Lunsford, YMCA of Muncie; and Kim Miller, Muncie Arts and Culture Council. The David Sursa Leadership Award was established in memory of the Foundation’s first board leader. As inaugural President, David Sursa blazed the trail for The Community Foundation. His visionary leadership contributed significantly to the Foundation’s success and the generous support it has provided to our community. The annual program rewards, recognizes, and…


Heart of Indiana United Way and Ivy Tech Launch ‘Road to Reading’ Program

By United Way Staff— MUNCIE, IN —Heart of Indiana United Way, in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and with support from the Shafer Foundation, is proud to announce the launch of Road to Reading—a new summer literacy initiative that brings books and learning directly to families in the community. Launching on May 29 at the Avondale Church/Ross Community Center, Road to Reading offers families the opportunity to “shop” together for free books and literacy resources from a fully stocked Ivy Tech RV. The RV will make stops at four community events throughout the summer in Muncie Promise Neighborhoods, creating joyful,…


The Community Foundation Announces More 2025 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, iN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Judah Branam, a senior at Burris Laboratory School, is a recipient of the Dr. William J. and Thelma V. McNabney Memorial Scholarship. Judah plans to study media at Indiana University. He is the son of Jonathan Branam and Tiffany Branam. Bradley Dickey, a senior at Cowan Jr/Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Max V. and Nellie Cathrine Creviston Scholarship. Bradley plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He is the son of Brandon and Celestial Dickey. Lexi Edwards, a senior at Muncie Central High School,…


A Special Edition of First Thursday, the ‘Brink of Summer ArtsWalk’ Will Celebrate Arts and Culture in Muncie

By Vicki Veach, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) invites you to seek the unique during Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, June 5, featuring Steamroller Printmaking, Flower Hour and DWNTWN IDOL, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County. Tribune Showprint Inc., the nation’s oldest continuously operating letterpress shop, will be hosting Muncie’s first Steamroller Print Event in conjunction with Muncie Downtown Development. Artists from around the region are carving images into wood, however, you do not have to carve your own piece to participate. There will be a variety of carved boards to choose…


Pasta for a Purpose: Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser to Support the Soup Kitchen of Muncie

By Nick Werner and Dottie Kreps— MUNCIE, IN—Mark your calendars and bring your appetite. The Soup Kitchen of Muncie invites the community to its first Pasta for a Purpose Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Heartland Hall (North), inside the Delaware County Fairgrounds. This family-friendly evening will feature a hearty spaghetti dinner, live music, and a silent auction—all to benefit a vital local cause. Guests can choose to dine in or carry out, with proceeds going directly toward the Soup Kitchen’s mission of feeding individuals and families in need throughout Muncie…