Articles by Mike Rhodes

City of Muncie Takes a Significant Step Toward Expanding Language Access for All Residents

Government March 14, 2025

City of Muncie Takes a Significant Step Toward Expanding Language Access for All Residents

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN— Indiana’s language-access efforts continue to make strides, and now, another municipality is leading the way in improving access for its growing non-English-speaking population: Muncie, East Central Indiana’s largest city. On Monday, Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour and Language Matters CEO Lucas Fonseca joined city department heads to officially announce the launch of Muncie’s language-access study. This study will utilize Language Matters’ proven city-wide model to gather valuable input from non-English-speaking residents, community organizations, and city departments….

Read More
Isabel Quirk—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Education March 13, 2025

Isabel Quirk—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—In the four years she’s been at Muncie Central High School, Isabel Quirk has been making a mark. From athletics to community service to academics, Quirk happily maintains a busy schedule and is looking forward to attending Indiana University Bloomington next fall to study law,…

Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity to Celebrate 300th Family at Dedication on March 13

Non-Profit March 12, 2025

Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity to Celebrate 300th Family at Dedication on March 13

By Habitat staff— MUNCIE, IN—The public is invited to celebrate the 300th family served by Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity on Thursday. Since its founding in 1986, Muncie Habitat has worked diligently to provide families with security, safety, and stability through homeownership. Whether by constructing new homes or making critical repairs to existing homes, the organization has helped 300 families achieve housing stability through affordable, no-interest loans. “This milestone is a testament to the power of community and the impact…

Muncie Housing Authority Acquires Millennium Place Homes

Non-Profit March 11, 2025

Muncie Housing Authority Acquires Millennium Place Homes

By Muncie Housing Authority staff— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Housing Authority is thrilled to announce its recent acquisition of the Millennium Place developments from Flaherty & Collins. This significant expansion includes Millennium Place I, II, III, IV, Howard Square Apartments, and the Muncie Home Ownership (MHO) properties. Completed on January 1, 2025, the acquisition adds 200 affordable housing units to the MHA portfolio. Among these are 62 public housing residences. Restoring units for single-family households has become an advanced priority. Currently,…

MCS Kindergarten Roundup, Open Enrollment Set for April 10

Education March 11, 2025

MCS Kindergarten Roundup, Open Enrollment Set for April 10

Preschool registration for 4-year-olds also available By Andy Klotz, MCS— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will be holding kindergarten roundup at all six of its elementary schools Thursday, April 10 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to register their 5-year-olds for the 2025-26 school year while getting a first-hand look at classrooms and having questions answered directly by teachers and administrators. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to be eligible…

Photo Gallery: Anxious Community Gets First Look at NEW Downtown YMCA

Business March 8, 2025

Photo Gallery: Anxious Community Gets First Look at NEW Downtown YMCA

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN— On Saturday, the Muncie Community finally got its first look inside the brand-spanking new YMCA in downtown Muncie. The first thing you’ll notice that is different from the old YMCA is how bright and airy the facility is. There are windows on every side of the building. On Saturday, there was plenty of sunlight beaming through the windows illuminating all kinds of brand new equipment. Everything is new. On the deck of the new…

Woof Boom Radio’s Grant Application Cycle is Now Open

Business March 7, 2025

Woof Boom Radio’s Grant Application Cycle is Now Open

By Megan Orbin— MUNCIE, IN—Woof Boom Radio takes our role seriously as partners to those in the cities and towns we serve.  One of the ways we serve our community is through the Hometown Heroes and Airwaves in Action (formerly Unity in the Community) Grant Programs. One organization or event is highlighted each month on either 104.1 WLBC and WMUN or 104.9 WERK-FM and 93-5 MAX with on-air promotions, commercials, morning show interviews, and social media support. “Because of this…

Protecting Medicaid’s Promise for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Health March 7, 2025

Protecting Medicaid’s Promise for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

By Debbie Bennett, President and CEO, Hillcroft Services— MUNCIE, IN—In Indiana, more than 50,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on Medicaid for their long-term care and support needs. These are our neighbors, our family members, our friends—and they deserve to have the support needed to live independently, have careers, and thrive in their communities. That support might be in the form of someone coming to their home to help them with activities of daily living, helping them…

RoHo’s Muncie to Bring Upscale Cocktails and Classy Vibes to Downtown Muncie

Business March 6, 2025

RoHo’s Muncie to Bring Upscale Cocktails and Classy Vibes to Downtown Muncie

New Martini Bar & Cocktail Lounge Set to Open in Spring 2025 By Angie Rogers-Howell & Matt Howell— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie’s nightlife is about to get a sophisticated upgrade with the opening of RoHo’s Muncie, a martini bar and craft cocktail lounge set to debut in Spring 2025. The new upscale establishment is the latest venture from Angie Rogers-Howell and Matt Howell, the entrepreneurial duo behind Farmhouse Creative, who are now bringing their passion for community and innovation into…

Vendor Applications Are Now Open for Garden Fair at Minnetrista

Entertainment March 6, 2025

Vendor Applications Are Now Open for Garden Fair at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—The highly anticipated Garden Fair is back at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of nature, community, and creativity—and we’re thrilled to announce that our vendor applications are now open! Local artisans, horticultural experts, and makers are invited to showcase their products and talents in the Garden Fair…