Articles by Mike Rhodes

The team pictured with their Creativity Award sponsored by Rockwell Automation.

Non-Profit March 27, 2026

PhyXTGears Robotics Team Members Write About Their Recent Competition

By Emmalene Jones and Aakash Kambham, robotics team members—  MATTHEWS, IN—East Central Indiana FIRST Robotics Team 1720, The PhyXTGears, a community-based, high school level team, competed at the FIN Columbus Regional Event on March 21st and 22nd. The event took place at Columbus East High School in Columbus, Indiana.  This year’s FIRST™ Robotics game is called REBUILT™. It is a fast-paced, defense-heavy game in which robots must collect and shoot medium-sized yellow balls, called fuel, into a hub. Many say…

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Pictured L-R: Lathay Peguse, Mary Jane Croft, and Bob Coatie.

Education March 26, 2026

MCHS Alumni Association Recognizes Distinguished Alumni, Celebrates 30 Years

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association at its annual meeting recognized three distinguished alumni and celebrated its 30th anniversary. The three alumni recognized for their distinguished careers and contributions to their communities and Muncie Central were Robert Coatie,  a graduate in 1963; Mary Jane Croft, a graduate in 1933; and Lathay Pegues, a graduate in 1993. Honorary alumni awards were presented to Chuck Reynolds, superintendent of the Muncie Community Schools, and his wife, Rhonda Reynolds….

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Education March 26, 2026

New CBER Research Offers a Clearer Way to Compare Indiana School Outcomes

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—New research from Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research(CBER) provides a new, easy-to-use way to compare how Indiana public school corporations are performing—one that helps place test results in context and makes comparisons across very different communities more meaningful. CBER’s study uses a “value-added” method that looks at student outcomes and then estimates how much of the difference in school performance is associated with factors that school corporations cannot easily control—such as student…

Angie Pool, CEO of Cardinal Greenways, and Jud Fisher, President and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, stand along the Cardinal Greenway in Muncie. In a new Q&A, Pool shares updates on major trail projects, including the Kitselman Trailhead and improvements planned across the regional trail system.

Non-Profit March 25, 2026

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Cardinal Greenways

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — For more than three decades, Cardinal Greenways has connected communities across East Central Indiana. Stretching across five counties and weaving through cities, towns, and rural landscapes, Cardinal Greenways is Indiana’s longest rail-trail—and a defining regional asset. The trail is owned and maintained by Cardinal Greenways, a nonprofit organization, rather than by a state or local government. That means every mile of trail, every trailhead, and every improvement is made possible through…

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Business March 25, 2026

Ross Medical Education Center to Host 2026 Graduation Ceremony

By Adriana Caldare— MUNCIE, IN — Ross Education will host its annual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 on April 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at Union Chapel , located at 4622 N Broadway Ave, Muncie, IN 47303. The event will honor graduates who have completed certificate and associate degree programs in healthcare and medical fields, including dental assistant, medical assistant and medical insurance billing and office administration. Family, friends, and guests are invited…

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Education March 25, 2026

Ball State to Host Public Conversation on Meaning, Belonging, and Well-Being with Nationally Recognized Author

By David J. Roof— MUNCIE, IN—At a time when many Americans report feeling increasingly anxious, disconnected, and uncertain about their sense of purpose, Ball State University is hosting a public event aimed at addressing those concerns through conversation, reflection, and research-based insight. On Tuesday, April 14, Ball State will welcome Emily Esfahani Smith, bestselling author of The Power of Meaning, for an evening discussion on belonging, purpose, and what contributes to a meaningful life. The event will take place from…

Treva McJury

Non-Profit March 24, 2026

Honoring 100 Years While Building What’s Next: Cornerstone Center for the Arts Welcomes New ED and Launches $100,000 Campaign

By Cornerstone Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is celebrating a milestone year in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the historic Muncie Masonic Temple while stepping into an exciting new chapter of leadership and community impact. To kick off the celebration, Cornerstone hosted Illuminate the Arts, welcoming more than 230 guests for an evening of performances, storytelling, and connection. Highlights included a musical presentation by the Masterworks Chorale, a historical panel in partnership with the Delaware…

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Entertainment March 23, 2026

Family Adventure Day at Minnetrista is Wednesday, March 25

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, invites families and friends to celebrate the season at Family Adventure Day on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. This free, campus-wide event offers a full day of hands-on activities, interactive experiences, and opportunities to explore together across Minnetrista’s gardens, exhibitions, and outdoor spaces. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests are encouraged to enjoy a choose-your-own-adventure experience across campus. Designed to bring families together through shared experiences, the day encourages exploration, creativity, and connection across…

Chris Capko

Education March 23, 2026

Ball State Tabs Chris Capko as Cardinals’ 21st Head Men’s Basketball Coach

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, IN—Recognized as one of the nation’s top assistant basketball coaches with a proven track record in recruiting and player development, Chris Capko has been named Ball State University’s 21st head men’s basketball coach. Currently the associate head coach with Southern Methodist University and active this week with the Mustangs in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, Capko has spent the past 10 seasons under coach Andy Enfield at both SMU and USC. SMU was…

YWCA Central Indiana Board members, Capital Campaign Cabinet members and staff celebrate under the “Garfield Elementary” sign. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 22, 2026

YWCA Central Indiana Finalizes Purchase of Former Garfield Elementary School

By Kari Wissel— MUNCIE, IN—YWCA Central Indiana officially finalized its purchase of the former Garfield Elementary School on Friday, marking a major milestone in expanding services for women and families across Central Indiana. The organization will transform the historic building into a hub for expanded programming focused on economic stability, housing support, neighborhood resources, and educational opportunities for children. This new space will create pathways to safety and opportunity for women and families. “Today is long overdue and marks a…