Articles by Mike Rhodes

An aerial photo of the downtown Muncie area. Photo by: Intersection

Business December 8, 2023

The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance Reaccredited by the International Economic Development Council

By IEDC Press Office— WASHINGTON, DC – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance has once again been recognized as one of 73 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Originally accredited in 1996, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC following 27 successful years of activity as an AEDO member. “The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of…

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Entertainment December 8, 2023

Farmers Market Moves Inside at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—As the chilly winds usher in winter, brace yourself for a season of warmth, community, and the freshest local finds. The Farmers Market at Minnetrista is back in action on Saturday, December 16, from 9 a.m.–Noon, inside the Center Building. Gather your loved ones and dive into a festive atmosphere where every step is a discovery. Connect with our vibrant community of local vendors, both familiar faces and exciting newcomers, showcasing an array of handcrafted and…

Photo by storyblocks

Business, Government December 8, 2023

SBA Loan Programs Support Indiana Small Businesses

Over $728 million in federally backed capital provided during FY 23. By Laura Schafsnitz, U.S. Small Business Administration— INDIANA – As consumers roll through the heaviest shopping season of the year, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the SBA delivered $50 billion in capital, disaster relief, and bonding to small businesses and disaster-impacted communities across America in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). Over $728 million of that capital made its way into the growth efforts of Indiana entrepreneurs. “In 1953,…

Muncie Fieldhouse photo courtesy of 104.1 HD1 WLBC.

Entertainment December 7, 2023

Muncie Sports Commission to Host Eight-Team Fieldhouse Classic on December 9th

By Jon Anderson—  MUNCIE, IN—The Fieldhouse Classic, presented by Pizza King, will feature eight high-school boys teams matched in four exciting games at the historic Muncie Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 9th. Four Delaware County high schools, including Muncie Central, Burris, Delta, and Yorktown, will participate in the inaugural Fieldhouse Classic basketball invitational. They will be matched against teams from Lapel, Pike, Hamilton Heights, and Tipton. The event will kick off at 2 pm with a matchup between Burris and Lapel….

From left to right – Karen Good; Melissa Gentry; Karen Vincent, Delaware County Historical Society; and Sara McKinley

Non-Profit December 6, 2023

Delaware County Historical Society Receives Outstanding Collaborative Project Award

By Tiffany Whisner—MUNCIE, IN—On Monday, November 20, the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) was given the Outstanding Collaborative Project Award for its “Notable Women of Delaware County and Muncie Project” during a presentation at the Parlour at Hazelwood in Muncie. The Outstanding Collaborative Project Award recognizes an exceptional project by a historical or heritage organization with one or more partners implemented during the past year, particularly for projects that share county or regional history. DCHS’s “Notable Women of Delaware County…

Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit December 6, 2023

Rotary Club of Muncie Awards Grants to Nine Local Organizations for 2023

By Rotary Club of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN – Robert LaFrance, President of The Muncie Rotary Club, announced nine organizations will receive grants from the Rotary Fund Endowment held at the Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County for 2023. “Our board and executive committee were astonished by the amount of interest we garnered this year for our grant opportunity.” Mr. LaFrance stated. “We had so many amazing applications from many different deserving organizations, which made our job of selecting winners…

Photo by Amanda Kishel

Entertainment December 6, 2023

Get Ready for ‘Happy Holidays’ at Muncie Civic Theatre

Performances are back at the historic downtown theater after renovations By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—The curtain is going up at Muncie Civic Theatre – after months of renovations – just in time for a “White Christmas.” Muncie Civic Theatre will present “White Christmas” on the Mainstage beginning this weekend. Performances will be Dec. 8-10, 14-17 and 20-23. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees will begin at 2:30 p.m. This show is rated PG. Based on the 1954 film starring…

Pictured L-R: Dan Ninde, Dan Ridenour, and Dan Burford

Government December 6, 2023

City of Muncie Appoints New Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday morning, Mayor Dan Ridenour appointed Daniel Burford to the position of Chief of the Muncie Fire Department. Burford is a long time veteran of the Fire Department, and previously served as the Deputy Chief. The previous Fire Chief, Robert Mead, retired earlier this year after nearly two years in the position and more than a decade of service to the department. Mead attended the swearing in ceremony, and pinned the new Chief’s lapels. Firefighter…

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Entertainment December 5, 2023

Christmas ‘Music and Light Shows’ To Begin at Canan Commons

By Cheryl Crowder, MDDP— MUNCIE, IN—DWNTWN Muncie will come alive with music and light shows every Thursday through Sunday in December at Canan Commons, 500 S. Walnut Street in DWNTWN Muncie.  The music and light shows will take place at 6, 7, 8, and 9 P.M. There will be a kick-off event on First Thursday, December 7, from 5-8 P.M. at Canan Commons. Spread the Christmas cheer with galleries, restaurants, retailers, and neighbors throughout DWNTWN during December’s First Thursday. Community…

Pictured L-R: Frank Scott Sr., Rheaunna Jones, Dori Taylor, Stanford Fitzpatrick III, Nicole Miles

Education December 5, 2023

Ivy Tech Difference Makers For 2023

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN– Each year, Ivy Tech seeks out and identifies those who make a difference in their communities. For 2023, Ivy Tech focused on members of the Muncie/Henry County Alumni. Frank Scott Sr. (2011), Rheaunna Jones (2015), Stanford Fitzpatrick (2022), Dori Taylor (2013), and Nicole Miles (2020) are all graduates of Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County campus, using the degrees and skills they gained from their Ivy Tech graduation to enhance, support, and improve the lives of those…