Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo courtesy of hairspray tour.com

Entertainment January 9, 2024

HAIRSPRAY the Musical is Coming to Emens Auditorium in Muncie, IN

By Mary Grace Walke— MUNCIE, IN—HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, are on sale now. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play February 5 in Muncie at Emens Auditorium. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/emens-auditorium-tickets-muncie/venue/41132, call 765-285-1539 or visit Emens Auditorium Box Office at 1800 W. Riverside Ave. Ticket prices start at $39. Learn more about the new touring production at www.hairspraytour.com. In the first two seasons of touring,…

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The road ahead. Photo by Robbie Mehling

Non-Profit January 8, 2024

Muncie Action Plan Task Force 1 Review

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN – As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) closes out the year, we would like to share MAP’s efforts to improve quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County as we approach our Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 31st at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to join MAP at Minnetrista’s Indiana Room to hear from each of our four task forces as they share the work completed during 2023. This is the first of four reports…

The Jan. 26 luncheon includes a keynote presentation by Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and a 2024 economic forecast by Dr. Michael Hicks. Photo by Muncie Fine Portraits.

Business January 8, 2024

U.S. Senator Todd Young to Speak at January 26 Economic Luncheon in Downtown Muncie

By Victoria Meldrum, Ball State CBER— MUNCIE, IN—U.S. Senator Todd Young will be the keynote speaker for the 28th annual Indiana Economic Outlook luncheon on Friday, January 26 at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. Economist Michael Hicks will present his 2024 forecast for the national and regional economies. This event is open to the public, but all attendees must register and pay online by Jan. 15. No walk-ins will be permitted. Price includes event seating and a plated…

Laura Janiga, MPL employee, reviews the Grant Writing Learning Circle agenda with other MPL employees. Photo by Spenser Querry, MPL Webmaster and Social Media Specialist.

Non-Profit January 5, 2024

Sign Up for a Free Grant Writing Program and Learn How to Write Grants For Your Nonprofit

By Susan Fisher, MPL Public Relations Supervisor— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) has partnered with the Nonprofit Support Network to offer a free grant writing program tailored to nonprofits in Muncie and Delaware County. The three-part series of workshops will take place at Maring-Hunt Library and will make use of the Candid’s Foundation Directory Online. This digital resource, which has been available at MPL for several years, provides nonprofits with the knowledge and skills needed to secure vital funding for…

Photo provided

Education January 5, 2024

Scholarship Applications are Now Available to High School Seniors in Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Delaware County high school seniors and current college students can apply for scholarships through Monday, February 26. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County manages more than 50 scholarships. Scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 benefit students each year. Students should visit DelawareCountyScholarships.com to begin their application.  WHO CAN APPLY?  Requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship. Most scholarships are available for high school seniors in Delaware County, Ind. Some scholarships are also available for current…

The Digital Literacy Program is aimed at empowering East Central Indiana residents with essential computer skills. Photo by storyblocks

Education January 4, 2024

ECIRPD Partners With Northstar to Offer a Digital Literacy Program for Residents

By Bill Walters, Executive Director of the ECI Regional Planning District— MUNCIE, IN—The ECI Regional Planning District is proud to announce its partnership with Northstar, introducing the Digital Literacy Program aimed at empowering East Central Indiana residents with essential digital skills. Accessible through the ECI Regional Planning District, this program is free for enrollment until December 2024, with possible extensions based on its success. The program offers a flexible learning experience through online modules covering a spectrum of topics, including…

The new home of the Chamber located at 104 E Main Street, Suite 2A, Muncie, IN 47305. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business January 3, 2024

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces Move to New Office Location

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce its move to a new office location in downtown Muncie, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to growth and community engagement. After careful consideration and strategic planning, the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce has selected a new office space that reflects the Chamber’s dedication to fostering business, collaboration, and economic development in the Muncie community. The Chamber board has been exploring opportunities for…

The Cher Show musical comes to Emens Auditorium on January 23rd.

Entertainment January 2, 2024

Tony Award-Winning Musical ‘The Cher Show’ Coming to Emens

By Big League Productions— MUNCIE, IN—The stunning brand-new production of the Tony Award-winning musical The Cher Show comes to Emens Auditorium in Muncie for one performance on January 23rd. The Cher Show is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!  Tickets…

Business January 2, 2024

Muncie Riverside-Jackson Trail Complete

Riverside-Jackson Trail Connects Residential & Commercial Districts to Ball State University and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Campuses. By Muncie-Delaware Economic Development Alliance— MUNCIE, IN—The new trail along Riverside Avenue between Tillotson Avenue and Morrison Road is now complete and builds upon decades of efforts within Muncie and Delaware County to increase and improve pedestrian connectivity. A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, November 15th at 2 PM at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. The 1.2-mile-long trail and reconstruction of Riverside…

Visitors view art inside the Judith Barnes Memorial Gallery at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Photo provided

Non-Profit January 2, 2024

First Thursday at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

By Debra Gindhart Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is continuing their Muncie artwork donation exhibit, with many new pieces added to the collection for January’s First Thursday in downtown Muncie. This generous local art donation includes ceramics, sculpture, fiber art, prints, paintings, and drawings. If you’re a patron of Muncie arts, don’t miss this incredible installation, or your opportunity to purchase some amazing art. All proceeds go to Cornerstone Center for the Arts and can be viewed in…