Articles by Mike Rhodes

Business July 13, 2026

Historical Paintings to be Exhibited at the Horizon Convention Center’s New Art Gallery

By Laurie Lunsford.— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie is changing. Muncie artists have had their art displayed here and there throughout the city for years. Now, it is everywhere. Recently Tom Heatherly, Muncie artist, “uncovered” eight large paintings of old Muncie. The story of these paintings began 10 years ago. At that time, artist Laurie Lunsford had an idea when she discovered a large, empty wall in a historic building that was being refurbished for a brewery. “What if we painted the wall black like a scrapbook page had artists paint old historical scenes from Muncie?” she wondered. She prepared some large boards…

Dr. Bird July 10, 2026

Dr. Jeff Bird: New Endeavors in Youth Sports

By Dr. Jeff Bird— MUNCIE, IN—Participation in youth sports improves outcomes for children in multiple important parameters. The data is convincing. Youth sports participation is linked to significant improvements in physical health, cognitive function, and social-emotional development. I have recently helped form a new non-profit board called “the Muncie Youth Sports Organization.” Several community leaders and educators have agreed to serve on this board. We are partnering with Muncie Community Schools and local foundations to begin putting structure and process together to encourage all Muncie Community Schools students K-8th grade to engage in sports for simple fun and recreation or…

Entertainment July 10, 2026

Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper to Headline Free Concert on July 11 in Muncie

By Rick Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN— GRAMMY-winning bluegrass greats Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2026 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County and will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 11th at Canan Commons (600 S. Walnut Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. The John Beatice Band will open the show. Widely considered the finest bluegrass fiddler of his generation, Michael Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA)…

Non-Profit July 9, 2026

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application Now Available

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN— Incoming high school seniors can now apply online for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship administered by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. Applicants must be residents of Delaware County, Ind., and attend an accredited high school in Delaware County. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Muncie and Delaware County awards a student who possesses leadership potential and is well-rounded and community-minded. The scholarship covers tuition and required fees for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a bachelor’s degree at any accredited Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Additionally,…

Education July 9, 2026

Ball State Students and Faculty Earn Regional Emmy® Awards, National Recognition for Media Work

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University students and faculty continue to earn regional and national recognition for excellence in media production, storytelling, and sports broadcasting. The University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) was honored Saturday night at the 2026 NATAS Central Great Lakes Regional Emmy® Awards in Cleveland, where Ball State students and faculty received two Regional Emmy® Awards and additional nominations for professional media work. Nate Locker, a Ball State Sports Link student, earned a Regional Emmy® Award in the Sports Story — Short Form or Long Form Content category for “Every Step…

Non-Profit July 9, 2026

Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame to Induct 11

By Doug Zaleski— MUNCIE, IN — The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame has elected 11 new members who will be honored this month in its 2026 class. Cindy (Kizer) Baldwin, Melvin Bryant II, Bob Cook, Caroline (Gullion) Kovalcin, Mike Larrabee, Joselyn (Johnson) Martin, Ryan Schrecongost, Craig Skinner, Kristy (Cox) Smoot, Cody Young, and Doug Zaleski will be inducted July 25 at the Ball State Alumni Center. Kaye Harrell will be honored at the banquet as this year’s James Lightbody Award of Excellence recipient. The induction banquet, sponsored by Crown Pointe Communities, will be at 6 p.m. July 25 at…

Business July 8, 2026

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Legacy Award Recipient

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Vicki Veach has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Legacy Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the Muncie and Delaware County community through more than four decades of visionary leadership, collaboration, and service. The Legacy Award is presented annually to individuals who have made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community at large, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote goodwill and community pride. Throughout her career, Veach has exemplified…

Education July 7, 2026

Ivy Tech Muncie Looks to the Future With New Statewide Strategic Plan

Local campus will share community-focused goals this fall By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN—Ivy Tech Community College has launched its new statewide Strategic Plan, “The Future of College,” a roadmap that will guide the College through 2030 while reaffirming its role as Indiana’s community college and workforce engine. The plan outlines a bold vision to redefine what a community college can achieve by strengthening academic quality, expanding career and transfer pathways, improving the student experience, and preparing students and communities for the future. While the strategic plan establishes a statewide mission, vision and core values, each of Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses will…

Entertainment July 7, 2026

You Are Invited to the First Porch Parties Event July 11 in the Historic Old West End

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – This summer, Muncie is turning front porches into front-row seats. On Saturday, July 11, from 3 to 6 p.m., the Historic Old West End (OWE) will host the city’s first-ever Porch Parties, a free neighborhood music festival that transforms historic homes into one-of-a-kind concert venues and quiet streets into lively gathering places. Created to celebrate local music, our great neighborhoods, and community vibes, Porch Parties invites residents and visitors alike to stroll the streets, enjoy live performances from talented Muncie musicians – several of whom call the OWE home – and experience one of the city’s historic…

Non-Profit July 6, 2026

8twelve Coalition Selects Muncie Advocate Suzanne Clem to Lead Organization

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University graduate and community engagement professional Suzanne Clem has been named executive director of the 8twelve Coalition, a resident-led neighborhood revitalization alliance in South Muncie. Clem, whose work spans 20 years in fundraising, marketing, health care, and executive leadership, assumed her new role on July 1. She replaces interim executive director Patrick Smith, who stepped in more than a year ago during a transition period for the organization. Originally, the 8twelve Coalition emerged as an initiative of Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity to become a more intentional partner in revitalizing whole neighborhoods, expanding its…

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