Articles by Mike Rhodes

Dr. Bird July 2, 2026

Dr. Jeff Bird: Economic Development Leaders Speak About Our Local Economy

By Dr. Jeff Bird— MUNCIE, IN—This article will be my first of many forays into our local economy and economic development. Many similar practical and conceptual examples will follow. I met with two local leaders who play significant roles in local economic development. Jeff Howe is the recent chair of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission (MRC) and was recently appointed Deputy Mayor of Muncie. The MRC exists to acquire and dispose of abandoned residential properties, stimulate economic growth and manage the city’s allocation districts and tax increment financing (TIF). Traci Lutton serves as Vice President of the Economic Development Alliance of…

Non-Profit June 30, 2026

Second Harvest Food Bank Launches Summer Match Campaign with Support from Pacers Foundation

Every Dollar Donated in July and August Will Be Matched 1:1 to Help Fight Hunger Across East Central Indiana By C.S. Hendershot— MUNCIE, IN—Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana is excited to announce its Summer Match, a special fundraising campaign running throughout July and August. Thanks to the generous support of the Pacers Foundation, every dollar donated during the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every gift made to help neighbors facing food insecurity. As families navigate increased expenses during the summer months and children lose access to school meal programs, the need for food…

Non-Profit June 29, 2026

2026 Fisher Governance Award Nomination Deadline is August 15

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Delaware County nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate a board member for the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award before the deadline on August 15. The award, given annually by Ball Brothers Foundation since 2011, recognizes the important role board members play in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational leadership to help nonprofits achieve their mission. The award recipient will receive a $10,000 grant for their organization. In 2026, Ball Brothers Foundation is marking its 100th anniversary, and the Fisher Governance Award is one of several ways the…

Government June 29, 2026

Now Available: a Fresh, New Digital Experience for Delaware County Government

By Kyle Johnson, Chief Information Officer— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—We are happy to announce that a brand-new, completely redesigned Delaware County Government website has launched. Over the past few months, our team has been working diligently behind the scenes to rebuild our digital home from the ground up with our website partner ProudCity. Our goal was simple: to make doing business with the county faster, easier, and more accessible for every resident and business owner. What’s New for You? Powerful New Search Feature: No more clicking through endless menus. The new, prominent search bar on the homepage is your fast track…

Health June 29, 2026

American Red Cross Issues Advice to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

By Janie Bohlmann, ARC Regional Communications Manager— INDIANA — Experts are warning that dangerously high temperatures will impact the Indiana Region beginning this weekend and continuing through next week. The Indiana Region of the American Red Cross urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe: Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center. Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if…

Entertainment June 26, 2026

Muncie’s ‘Set the Night to Music’ Public Fireworks Display Schedule and More for 2026

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie will celebrate America’s Independence Day with a number of spectacular fireworks performances. The official City of Muncie show will be aired by 104.1 HD1 WLBC and 104.9 WERK FM, with accompanying music, and will take place on the grounds of Muncie Central High School by the levee. The show will kick off at 10 p.m. on July 4th. There will be a mix of patriotic favorites with today’s family friendly music during the fireworks. There’s a special angle to the July 4th show at Muncie Central—a winner will be announced…

Non-Profit June 26, 2026

Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame Upcoming Events: Golfing Fundraiser and Annual Banquet

By Doug Zaleski— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame has two major events coming up this summer that have deadlines approaching in order to participate. The 28th annual DCAHOF golf outing, the main fundraiser during the year for the non-profit organization, will be July 24 at Crestview Golf Club. The next day, July 25, the 46th dinner and induction ceremony will welcome 11 new members to its hall of fame. “The golf outing serves as one of the main fundraisers for our organization,” DCAHOF vice president Kaye Harrell said. “Part of the proceeds from this golf outing…

Education June 26, 2026

Ball State Teacher Preparation Programs Earn Top Ratings in Science of Reading Reviews

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Ball State University’s elementary education, early childhood education, and special education teacher preparation programs have earned top marks in two reviews focused on how well future educators are prepared to teach reading through evidence-based, scientifically grounded instruction. Following an intensive review by Teacher Prep Inspection-US, or TPI-US, Ball State’s traditional undergraduate and Transition-to-Teaching pathways in elementary education, early childhood education, and special education received the highest overall rating of “Strong” in each of the three areas evaluated: Quality of Literacy Instruction; Quality of Field-Based Experience; and Quality of Performance Management and Continuous Improvement. The review…

Education, Non-Profit June 24, 2026

How Muncie Community Schools Became a Model for Public School Transformation

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Over the past decade, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has undergone one of the most significant periods of transformation in the district’s history. What began with difficult, but necessary decisions around consolidation and financial stabilization have evolved into an unprecedented collaboration that is positioning the district as a national model. In 2013, district leaders made the difficult decision to consolidate the city’s two high schools, a major transition intended to help address financial and enrollment challenges that had developed over many years. The years that followed brought additional change, including governance…

Business June 24, 2026

Indiana American Water: Tips on Water Consumption During Hotter Days Ahead

By Joel Reuter— GREENWOOD— While much of Indiana has experienced above-normal rainfall to start the season, Indiana American Water reminds customers that rising summer temperatures and the potential for shifting weather patterns make this an important time to use water wisely. As hotter, drier conditions typically emerge in the weeks ahead, taking simple steps to conserve water now can help support reliable service and protect local water supplies throughout the summer months. “At Indiana American Water, wise water use is more than a seasonal concern, it’s an everyday commitment,” said Barry Suits, President of Indiana American Water. “As temperatures rise and water demand increase during the summer months,…

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