Articles by Mike Rhodes

Mitch Issacs

Non-Profit March 19, 2026

Mitch Isaacs of Shafer Leadership Academy to Keynote Valparaiso Community Conference

By Arrick Garringer — VALPARAISO, IN — Shafer Leadership Academy Executive Director Mitch Isaacs will serve as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Valparaiso Community Conference, taking place Thursday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Harre Union at Valparaiso University. Hosted by the City of Valparaiso, the Community Conference brings together residents, city leaders, and community partners for a day of learning, dialogue, and connection focused on strengthening Valparaiso’s neighborhoods and civic life. Isaacs’ interactive keynote, “Reading the…

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Siobhan Gillespie Leads the Next Generation of Ivy Tech Muncie Physical Therapist Assistant Students

Education March 19, 2026

Siobhan Gillespie Leads the Next Generation of Ivy Tech Muncie Physical Therapist Assistant Students

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN – Siobhan Gillespie’s journey to the front of the classroom at Ivy Tech Community College Muncie didn’t begin with a lifelong plan for academia. It began with a GED, a job as a manager at McDonald’s, and a back injury that changed her life. Today, as an Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Gillespie is using her full-circle experience to help lead the very Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that launched her career….

Magic City Sip & Savor Comes to Downtown Muncie April 4

Entertainment March 19, 2026

Magic City Sip & Savor Comes to Downtown Muncie April 4

By Cheryl Crowder, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN — A new downtown tasting experience is coming to MadJax this spring, bringing together craft beverages, culinary creativity, music, and local makers for an afternoon celebrating the flavors and talent of the Muncie community. Magic City Sip & Savor will take place Saturday, April 4, from 2–5 p.m. at MadJax in DWNTWN Muncie. Inspired by the spirit of the beloved Magic City Brewfest, the event expands the concept to include a…

United Day Care of Delaware County, Inc. Receives Grant From IU Health

Health March 18, 2026

United Day Care of Delaware County, Inc. Receives Grant From IU Health

Applications are now open for the 2026 Community Impact Investment Fund grant cycle to advance infant and maternal health By IU Health Indianapolis— INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana University Health has awarded $3.7 million to four community organizations working to improve infant and maternal health outcomes in Indiana. The grants come from the Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF), which is administered by Indiana University Health Foundation, to address key social and environmental factors that impact people’s health outcomes. Yearly grants come from earnings on…

Growing Together: Community Seed Swap & Giveaway Returns to Minnetrista on March 21 

Entertainment March 18, 2026

Growing Together: Community Seed Swap & Giveaway Returns to Minnetrista on March 21 

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, in partnership with Red-tail Land Conservancy, Delaware County Invasive Plant Project, the Master Gardeners of Delaware County, and the East Central chapter of the Indiana Native Plant Society, invites the community to come together for the annual Community Seed Swap & Giveaway, taking place March 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon. Now in its 8th year, the Community Seed Swap & Giveaway has become a favorite spring tradition—bringing together gardeners, families,…

Indiana American Water Provides Customers with Leak-Saving Tips During ‘Fix a Leak’ Week 2026

Business March 17, 2026

Indiana American Water Provides Customers with Leak-Saving Tips During ‘Fix a Leak’ Week 2026

By Indiana American Water— GREENWOOD – Indiana American Water is recognizing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fix a Leak Week 2026 by sharing simple, practical tips customers can use to locate and address common household leaks that waste water, drive up bills, and strain home plumbing. “Finding and fixing leaks can help customers protect their water, homes, businesses and monthly bills,” said Kari Britto, Vice President of Operations, Indiana American Water. “At the same time, Indiana American Water is…

Forums Set to Introduce Primary Candidates to Voters

Government March 17, 2026

Forums Set to Introduce Primary Candidates to Voters

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Candidates running in the May primaries for Indiana House and Senate seats, the Indiana secretary of state position and the 5th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives have been invited to Muncie to participate in respective public forums. Muncie Resists is the sponsor of the public forums and has provided this public service since 2016. “In 2024, only 18.32% of Delaware County voters participated in the May primary elections,” said Sarah Vitale, chairwoman of…

Muncie Burris Student Leo Furlong Wins Third Straight Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee

Education March 15, 2026

Muncie Burris Student Leo Furlong Wins Third Straight Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee

By Ashley Mann, Ball State PBS — MUNCIE, Indiana — For a third straight year, Leo Furlong, a seventh grader at Burris Laboratory Middle School, is the champion of the Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. At this year’s competition, held March 7 at Sursa Performance Hall, Mr. Furlong correctly spelled “collegiality” to secure the regional title and earn a return trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 2026 Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee featured 35 spellers from 35…

Muncie Arts and Culture Council Celebrates 15 Years of Impact, Partnership, and Public Art in Muncie

Non-Profit March 13, 2026

Muncie Arts and Culture Council Celebrates 15 Years of Impact, Partnership, and Public Art in Muncie

By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) is proud to celebrate 15 years of championing creativity, collaboration, and community in Muncie and Delaware County. Incorporated on June 8, 2011, MuncieArts has grown from a grassroots initiative into the City of Muncie’s official arts partner, working at the intersection of artists, nonprofits, local government, and neighborhoods to strengthen quality of life. Through public art, partnerships, and artist support, the organization advances economic growth, sustainable communities,…

North View Elementary Counselor Recognized for Impact on Students

Education March 12, 2026

North View Elementary Counselor Recognized for Impact on Students

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—It’s been 15 years since Hannah Schutte and Connie Devers-White have connected. It’s been 20 years since Schutte was a student in Devers-White’s fourth grade classroom in Selma. Still, after all these years, Schutte has not forgotten Devers-White and the way her favorite teacher helped her through some very difficult times in her youth. “I was asked why teachers and counselors are so important, and it’s because you never know what kids are going through,” Schutte…