Articles by Mike Rhodes

Community Engagement for the Arts Grant Deadline is Friday, March 28

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is accepting proposals for the 2025 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant, a competitive funding opportunity that provides up to $35,000 annually to support a community arts-focused organization or program in East Central Indiana. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 28. To apply for the grant or for more information, go to https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/community-engagement/arts-grant-application. The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State’s commitment to community engagement with the greater arts community of East Central Indiana, by promoting broad participation to our various community arts…

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Family Adventure Day at Minnetrista Will Take Place On March 26

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Mark your calendars for a day full of fun and adventure at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Join us on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, for the much-anticipated Family Adventure Day: Spring Celebration. This free community event promises a memorable day packed with exciting, exhibition-themed activities for families and friends of all ages. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a day of exploration and hands-on activities set across Minnetrista’s beautiful campus. With staggered entry times (9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.), we’ve designed this day to ensure a relaxed arrival and smooth experience. You’re…


City of Muncie Gains Site Control of Former Concannon’s Bakery Property

By Mayor Dan Ridenour— MUNCIE, IN – Mayor Dan Ridenour is pleased to announce that the city has gained site control of the former Concannon’s Bakery property located on Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. This marks an important step forward in ensuring that the development of the property reflects the interests and needs of the community. This decision comes after a period of significant concern from the city and citizens regarding the potential private sale of the property. Recognizing the importance of preserving the character of downtown Muncie and aligning development with community values, the Muncie Redevelopment Commission (MRC) took…


BSU Football’s ‘Spring Showcase’ Event Will Benefit Muncie Mission on April 12

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, IN—The Ball State football program will conclude its spring practice schedule on Saturday, April 12 with a Spring Showcase event at Scheumann Stadium.  The event will benefit Muncie Mission and will provide a campus connection during Preview Day for visiting high school students and families. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Mike Uremovich, the Cardinals’ football team will kick off its annual spring event at 1 p.m., providing a fun activity for accepted students and families whose Preview Day activities will be ending by early afternoon. The spring football celebration, in fact, is one…


City of Muncie Partners With Delaware County to Expand ‘Make My Move Program’ to New Areas

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie has announced a partnership with Delaware County to expand the boundaries of the successful Make My Move program, offering a $5,000 incentive to eligible movers who relocate to unincorporated Muncie addresses. This expanded initiative is designed to attract remote workers from out of state to move to Muncie and Delaware County, further strengthening the local economy and community. The Delaware County Redevelopment Commission has agreed to fund the $5,000 incentive for qualifying individuals, ensuring that those who are looking to make Muncie their home can take full advantage of the program’s benefits….


Muncie Burris Student Leo Furlong Claims Second Straight Regional Spelling Bee

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—For a second straight year, Leo Furlong is the champion of the Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. On March 8, Mr. Furlong, a sixth grader at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, secured the 2025 regional title by correctly spelling ‘leviathan,’ earning a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this Spring in Washington, D.C. The semifinals and finals will be held May 27-29. This year’s Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee featured 41 spellers from 29 area schools and lasted eight rounds. Christopher Li, a seventh grader from Heritage Hall Christian Middle School…


Springing Forward: Cornerstone’s Commitment to Sustainability and Creative Growth

By Cornerstone Board of Directors— MUNCIE, IN— Spring is here, and Cornerstone Center for the Arts is blooming with excitement as we look forward to a season of new growth and continued sustainability! As we approach the 100th anniversary of our beloved building in 2026, we are celebrating big strides in both preserving our historic facility and embracing eco-friendly practices. This season, we are proud to announce that we’ve made incredible progress thanks to our partnership with philanthropist Andy Gigante and the generous support of our community. Since 2017, Andy Gigante, President and CEO of Orthodynamics Company, inc., has helped…


Celebrate Community Through Photography at Minnetrista’s ‘A Community Portrait’

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is excited to present A Community Portrait: Spring, an intimate and compelling exhibition featuring photographs by acclaimed portrait photographer Tom Styrkowicz. Running from March 15 to May 11, 2025, in Gallery 2 of the Center Building, this exhibition captures the heart of our community by celebrating the individuals who make it so special. Through Styrkowicz’s lens, we see our neighbors in moments of connection, joy, and quiet reflection, showcasing the beauty of our collective spirit. Styrkowicz, known for his ability to capture authentic human moments, has turned his camera on the people…


One Ball State Day Returns April 2, Celebrating Seven Years of Collective Impact

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — One Ball State Day (OBSD), the University’s annual day of giving and celebration of Cardinal spirit, returns for its seventh year on Tuesday, April 2. This day of beneficence brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to showcase the power of collective impact in advancing Ball State University and supporting student success. Since its inception in 2019, One Ball State Day has demonstrated what can be achieved when Cardinals unite. Last year, more than 6,300 people contributed more than 8,400 gifts, raising nearly $1.2 million and emphasizing the deep connections and…


Muncie Metropolitan Statistical Area and East Central Indiana See Population Growth

By Dan Ridenour, Mayor of Muncie—     MUNCIE, IN—Recently released US Census data shows that the Muncie Metro Area has grown by 1,044 people since the April 2020 Census. Increasing from 111,907 up to 112,951 in 2024. This result indicates a clear and positive improvement since 2020 following decades of population losses. Now with four consecutive years of population gains, the Muncie MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) is on an upward trend. In the last 4 years, Muncie MSA grew more than South Bend, Kokomo, Elkhart, Evansville, Terre Haute, Bloomington, and Michigan City to name some similar size communities. Growth…