Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo provided

Non-Profit June 4, 2025

The Facing Project and the Center for Middletown Studies Launch Documentary and Book

Title is ‘Facing Middletown’ Middletown, USA 100 Years Muncie, Indiana in 2025 By Aimee West— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie, Indiana, also known by researchers across the United States as Middletown, USA, has served as a national bellwether for American hometowns and small city life. In the spirit of embracing this identity and responsibility that comes with recording accurate and unvarnished histories representing everyday life in small cities across the United States, The Facing Project, Center for Middletown Studies, and community partners invite…

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Jeremiah “JD” Craft. Photo provided.

Education June 3, 2025

Muncie Community Schools Promotes Craft to Southside Principal

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Humbled and excited. That’s how Jeremiah “JD” Craft describes his reaction to being named the new principal at Southside Middle School. The longtime Muncie Community Schools (MCS) employee has been an assistant principal at Southside since 2021, and now takes the principal reins from Mike Raters who retired at the end of the school year. Craft is eager to help students realize their full potential. “Our folks are tough,” he said. “I think tough people can…

Shelby Brannon from Wapahani High School was a scholarship winner. Photo provided.

Non-Profit June 3, 2025

Paul Revere Chapter of DAR Honors 2025 Good Citizen Award Winners

By Lisa Kemp— MUNCIE, IN—The Paul Revere Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 DAR Good Citizen Award. The prestigious honor recognizes outstanding students who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. This year’s winners include Avrum Horsley from Cowan Junior Senior High School, Hailie Woodring from Delta High School, Jonah Smith from Muncie Central High School, Shelby Brannon from Wapahani High School, Piper Ann Stewart from…

Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business June 2, 2025

Indiana & Michigan Power to Begin Additional Work and Lane Restrictions on Tillotson Ave

By I&M— MUNCIE, IN— Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) crews will resume construction activities on Tillotson Avenue beginning early June with work concluding in late October. Construction will include weeks of underground wire work, which may not be immediatey visible, but will require lane restrictions for the safety of crews and the public. Drivers should expect the following traffic control changes and delays on Tillotson Avenue between University Avenue and York Prairie Creek: Shifting northbound lane closures between West University Avenue…

Pictured are are North View honorees (left to right) Samantha Hiatt, Devon Barbosa and Amber Smith.

Education June 2, 2025

Muncie Community Schools Recognizes Teachers of the Year

Support staff, Rising Stars, school partners also honored By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has named the Teachers of the Year at each of its schools for the 2024-25 school year. All award recipients were presented with commemorative plaques by their building principals and now become eligible for the overall district Teacher of the Year awards, which will be presented at the start of the 2025-26 school year. This year’s recipients are: Devon Barbosa – North View Elementary…

MPL employees Dottie Kreps and Kayls Keesling work on a book and video display for retirees. Photo by Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library PR Supervisor.

Non-Profit May 31, 2025

Muncie Public Library to Host ‘Live Well, Age Well’ Retirement Fair on June 2

By Dottie Kreps, Muncie Public Library— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Public Library (MPL) is proud to announce its inaugural “Live Well, Age Well Retirement Fair,” a free community event designed for adults aged 50 and older. The fair will be held on Monday, June 2, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Maring-Hunt Library. Although the thought of retirement can be exciting for many, others may dread the thought of having so much free time. This event aims to help…

From left to right; top to bottom:  Madelyn Cooper, Bryce Hahn, Claire Hazen, Kennedy Martinez, Lily Nettrouer, Arionna Sanchez, Kennady Sloniger, Kaeb Stebbins, Ryleigh Wagner-Little, Oden Wallace, Jamie Zabel, and Elizabeth Zirkle.

Education May 29, 2025

The Community Foundation Announces More 2025 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Madelyn Cooper, a senior at Delta High School, is a recipient of the Arthur D. and Josephine M. Robling Scholarship. Madelyn plans to study communications at Ball State University. She is the daughter of Carrie Cooper and Colin Cooper. Bryce Hahn, a senior at Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Charles L. Whitehair Memorial Scholarship, Max V. and Nellie Cathrine Creviston Scholarship, and Owen H. Ramey Memorial…

Photo provided.

Business May 29, 2025

Innovation Connector Launches Two Signature Programs to Support the Greater Muncie Business Community

By Ted Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—At the Innovation Connector, innovation isn’t just part of our name—it’s at the heart of everything we do. For more than two decades, we’ve remained committed to one guiding question: “What creative solutions can we discover to make real and meaningful differences in our local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem?” By engaging with hundreds of local businesses and entrepreneurs each year, we stay attuned to current needs and identify critical gaps…

A photo of the new downtown planters.

Non-Profit May 29, 2025

Collaborative Project Completed in Downtown Muncie

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN — A revitalization project in downtown Muncie has officially been completed, highlighting a collaborative effort between the City of Muncie, the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, and Community Enhancement Projects (CEP). Finalized on May 22, 2025, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the city’s urban core. The project was designed to enhance public spaces, support local businesses, and attract further investment, representing a significant improvement…

Photo by Shantanu Suman.

Non-Profit May 29, 2025

Welcoming the Second Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Since 2010, Muncie Action Plan (MAP) has been supporting neighborhood leaders through its Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP expanded this commitment by launching a new initiative—thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy—to train emerging leaders in grassroots advocacy. This initiative, the CenterPoint Scholars Program, offers a year-long leadership development experience focused on building skills that directly impact Muncie’s neighborhoods. The program began with a competitive application process in January, and the second cohort…