Articles by Mike Rhodes

Inside Marine-Hunt Library. Photo by Laurie Lunsford

Non-Profit February 12, 2024

Free February Programs at Muncie Public Library

By Susan Fisher, PR Supervisor at MPL— MUNCIE, IN—While free programs are always on the calendar at Muncie Public Library (MPL) and offer a wide variety of learning and enrichment activities for all ages, this February at MPL offers an especially stellar lineup of programs that range from live jazz, free chili, the celebration of local African American women, and even an exploration of the “Hillbilly Highway.” —Enjoy a Night of Jazz on Thursday, February 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Maring-Hunt…

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The Ross Community Center located at 1110 W. 10th Street in Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit February 9, 2024

Muncie’s Ross Community Center Turns 50

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—Collection of documents, photos, and personal stories is underway, and events are being planned at the Ross Community Center as board, staff, volunteers, users, and neighbors begin the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary. The Garland E. Ross Recreational Center, located at 1110 W. 10th Street in the Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhood, was founded in 1974 as one of three city-run recreational centers in Muncie. The center was used for youth baseball, basketball, family gatherings, and more. The…

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Education February 9, 2024

Ball State University Adds Robotic Pizza Shop to Student Dining Options

Dishing Out Free Samples for February 9th’s National Pizza Day. By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University Dining has announced the opening of Máka Mia Pizza®, a new robotic pizza shop located in the Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center. With this innovative dining option—available now—students can buy a fresh pizza that is prepared and cooked in just 3 ½ minutes. “The new Máka Mia Pizza® robotic machine is one example of Ball…

2023 Rotary VIVA award winners. Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit February 8, 2024

2024 V!VA Award Nominations Are Now Open

By Dan Wolfert— MUNCIE, Ind. — The V!VA (Very Important Volunteer Award) Awards were developed as a gift to the community in 1993 by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club and are now held in conjunction with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club to recognize Delaware County’s proud volunteer heritage. Up to four individuals and one organization will be recognized with V!VA Awards for their volunteer efforts to the community within the past 12 months. In addition, The Edmund F. Ball Lifetime…

Riverbend Flats as photographed during the May 23, 2023 ribbon cutting. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government February 8, 2024

Southern Terrace Moves Forward: 45 New Affordable Residences to be Constructed

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday, Advantix Development closed on Southern Terrace, a scattered-site development that will bring 45 new residences to Muncie. The project was awarded $1.2 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and the homes will only be available for residents earning 30-80% of the Area Mean Income. Rent for each resident will be calculated based on income and family size. The sites include former Muncie Redevelopment Commission properties, sites from the Land Bank, and a…

Photo by Oscar Nunez Photography, DWNTWN Facebook

Entertainment February 8, 2024

St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be Held on March 16th in Downtown Muncie

By Cheryl Crowder— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie’s 38th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held Saturday, March 16th beginning at 6:00 p.m. Lineup will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Muncie City Hall parking lot. Parade sign-in and entry will be from the Walnut Street entrance. The parade will proceed south on Walnut Street to Charles Street and return via Mulberry Street. Parade attendees are asked to line up on Walnut Street. between Wysor and Charles and on Charles from Walnut to…

YMCA of Muncie, 500 S Mulberry St, Muncie, IN 47305 Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government February 6, 2024

Downtown YMCA to be Repurposed into Apartments by True Development Solutions

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—The Downtown YMCA has been a landmark in the heart of the city since 1975. In 2022, the City of Muncie Redevelopment Commission purchased the Y building to assist in the capital campaign for a new downtown facility, and to preserve the prime location of the building. “This area of downtown is the main gathering space of downtown events….[we] plan to seek out more uses that complement and enhance the area,” commented Mayor Ridenour at the…

Nonprofit professionals learn from Jeri Pat Gabbert with The Fund Raising School at IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy during a fundraising training course hosted by Nonprofit Support Network in Muncie. File photo.

Non-Profit February 5, 2024

Nonprofit Organizations Invited to Submit Proposals for Mapt Solutions Transformation Challenge 

Competition winner will receive $100,000 of strategic support and funding to amplify their impact. By Jennifer Erbacher—  INDIANAPOLIS — Nonprofit organizations working in Indiana have an opportunity to reimagine their futures, seize new opportunities and create transformative change through the second-annual Mapt Solutions Transformation Challenge, which launched this week. The winner of the Mapt Transformation Challenge will receive a $75,000 grant for strategic planning services with Mapt Solutions and an additional $25,000 in cash to support the organization in acting…

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Entertainment February 5, 2024

Masterworks Chorale to Present Valentine’s Concert ‘From Broadway With Love’

By Katharine Burris, Masterworks Chorale— MUNCIE, IN—While love is in the air, Masterworks Chorale will present its annual Valentine’s Concert, “From Broadway With Love,” on Saturday, February 17th at 7:30 pm at the Ball State Alumni Center. Ahead of the concert,beginning at 6:30, there will be a cocktail hour with live jazz, perfect for a night out. Masterworks Chorale will be joined by singers from Delta High School, as well as a jazz combo under the leadership of Jim Rhinehart….

Burris Laboratory School senior Lucy Rutter. Photo by Stacey Shannon

Education February 5, 2024

Lucy Rutter—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—Gymnastics has been a passion for Burris Laboratory School senior Lucy Rutter since she was 6. She continues to compete in club gymnastics and is proud to have overcome challenges after having an operation last May to put a screw in her ankle. Recently, she…