Articles by Mike Rhodes

Prior Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb presents the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Ball Brothers Foundation President & CEO Jud Fisher. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 25, 2025

Sagamore of the Wabash Awarded to Jud Fisher

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—Prior to leaving office in January, former Governor Eric Holcomb presented Jud Fisher, President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award – one of Indiana’s highest honors. Indiana governors give the award to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to life in the state. Governor Holcomb, in a video shared with the Ball Brothers Foundation board of directors in late February, cited Fisher’s leadership…

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The recipient of the 2024 grant was Marion Community School of the Arts. Photo provided.

Education March 24, 2025

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…

Kids enjoying their time at Family Adventure Day in 2024. Photo provided.

Business March 24, 2025

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.,…

Concannon's Street View by Google.

Government March 24, 2025

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…

Photo provided by Ball State Athletics.

Education, Entertainment March 21, 2025

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…

Mayor Ridenour is pictured with Alec and Carla Donahue, two former remote workers who participated in Muncie's "Make My Move" program. File photo.

Government March 20, 2025

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…

Pictured L-R: Leo Furlong and Christopher Li . Photo by Ball State PBS.

Education March 19, 2025

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…

The solar arrays located on the roof of Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Photo provided

Non-Profit March 19, 2025

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…

A Community Portrait: Spring. Photo provided.

Entertainment March 19, 2025

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…

Photo provided by Ball State University.

Education March 18, 2025

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…