Articles by Mike Rhodes

AAUW Names Scholarship Recipients That Annual Used Book Sale Supports

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Three Ball State University students are the recipients of the American Association of University Women Muncie Branch’s 2025-26 scholarships, each worth $1,500. The recipients working on earning a bachelor’s degree are Lizzie Burton, whose major is computer science in cybersecurity and secure software design, and Shawnee Dance, whose major is accounting/finance. The third recipient, Allison Thomas Snoddy, is working toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. AAUW raises money for its scholarships through its…

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Muncie Habitat For Humanity Awarded $1 Million for 10 New Homes

By Kristin Freehill— MUNCIE, IN—Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a $1 million  grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis through its Affordable Housing Program. This funding will support the construction of 10 new homes in Muncie over the next three years, providing safe and affordable homeownership opportunities for local families. Muncie Habitat partnered with member bank institution, Old National Bank, for development of the competitive grant application. In addition, Old National Bank will support the…


Helping Children Navigate Loss: IU Health’s ‘Camp Good Grief’ Returns to Muncie

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—After the death of a loved one, kids often think: They won’t feel good again There is no other young person to talk to who has lost someone special No one understands IU Health’s Camp Good Grief can help with these feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Through art, music and play, campers will connect with others experiencing loss, learn positive coping and how to preserve memories and honor loved ones. Facilitated by IU Health team members, primarily…


Public Art Investment Among $3M in Grants Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN— Ball Brothers Foundation, a family foundation committed to place-based grantmaking in Indiana for nearly a century, has awarded over $3 million in its spring round of grants for 2025. Among the funding awarded was a $75,000 grant that will significantly bolster public art efforts in Muncie—funding new installations, supporting long-term maintenance, and enhancing the city’s cultural landscape. The grant was awarded to The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. This…


Paid Computer Science Internships Available For Local High School Students

By Bobbi Bosch— INDIANAPOLIS —Nextech, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to creating universal access to computer science (CS) curriculum and experiences for all K-12 Indiana students, in partnership with TeenWorks has launched a new paid internship program for Muncie and Anderson high school students. The Catapult internship program received start-up funding from an Indiana University Health Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF) grant. Catapult is an experiential, paid internship for high school students who aspire to a career in technology. Taught by industry…


The Childcare Crisis in Indiana Affects Us All

By Missy Modesitt, Executive Director, Muncie BY5— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana’s early childhood care system is spiraling into chaos. From massive economic losses to unbearable burdens on families and providers, the situation is not only unsustainable—it’s indefensible. A recent report revealed the lack of reliable child care is costing Indiana more than $4.2 billion each year. These losses stem from working parents being forced to miss shifts, reduce hours, or quit their jobs entirely due to inconsistent or unaffordable care options. It’s…


‘Music for All’ Summer Symposium Returns to Muncie, But Under a New Name

The Bands of America Summer Camp, formerly known as the Music for All Summer Symposium, will return to Ball State University with hundreds of students and directors, plus free concert tickets for Muncie residents By Rachel Puckett— MUNCIE, IN —Music for All returns to Ball State University June 21-28 under the new name, the Bands of America Summer Camp, presented by Yamaha. Formerly known as the Music for All Summer Symposium, rebranding has brought the camp back to its roots….


Ross Community Center Plans for New Outdoor Basketball Court

By Molly Ford Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—Building on the success of a 50th anniversary Ice Cream Social last June and the current effort to raise money for a new outdoor basketball court,the Center is hosting a Scoops for Hoops event, set for Saturday, June 21, from 4-6 p.m. The event will offer free hotdogs, free ice cream sundaes, a raffle, and many activities for children and families. The staff hopes for more than the 300 who attended an ice cream social…


Muncie Civic’s 1776: Political Gridlock, Personal Vendettas, and the Messy Birth of Democracy

By Brittany Covert— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Civic will present 1776 from June 13–29. This gripping retelling of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence reveals how contentious—and fragile—the founding of the United States truly was. As John Adams and his allies struggle to build consensus around one of the nation’s most important documents, the story reminds us that democracy has never been neat or easy. “This is a revolution,” Adams states. “We’re going to have to offend somebody!” While political consensus…


Ball State Board of Trustees Freezes Tuition and Mandatory Fees Through 2026–27

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— During its annual budget meeting today, the Ball State University Board of Trustees approved no increase in student tuition and mandatory fees for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 academic years. The Board also formally adopted the University’s Strategic Plan for 2025–30, which will guide institutional priorities and resource allocation over the next five years. The two-year tuition and fee freeze continues the University’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship and efficient operations while prioritizing strategic investments…