Articles by Mike Rhodes

This crowd packed Walnut Street in downtown Muncie for the Voices (Re) United Concert. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government March 18, 2025

Muncie Metropolitan Statistical Area and East Central Indiana See Population Growth

By Dan Ridenour, Mayor of Muncie—     MUNCIE, IN—Recently released US Census data shows that the Muncie Metro Area has grown by 1,044 people since the April 2020 Census. Increasing from 111,907 up to 112,951 in 2024. This result indicates a clear and positive improvement since 2020 following decades of population losses. Now with four consecutive years of population gains, the Muncie MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) is on an upward trend. In the last 4 years, Muncie MSA grew…

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George Bremer as photographed by Matt Howell.

Business March 17, 2025

Longtime Madison County Journalist George Bremer Joins Woof Boom Radio

By Megan Orbin— ANDERSON, IN—Woof Boom Radio welcomes George Bremer to its news and sports team, where he will create content for both its radio and online platforms, primarily focusing on Madison County, Indiana. “George is well-known as the Colts beat writer in many regions of the state and an outstanding feature writer, having covered a wide array of topics during his tenure at The Herald Bulletin in Anderson,” said Steve Lindell, Director of Operations and News at Woof Boom Radio….

Photo provided by Teenworks.

Entertainment March 17, 2025

Calling All Foodies: Join Us for the 3rd Annual ‘Taste of TeenWorks’

By Faith Thomas— MUNCIE, IN—Get ready to see TeenWorks impact firsthand at the 3rd Annual Taste of TeenWorks—an after-work event that brings the community together to celebrate the next generation of leaders. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at MadJax in downtown Muncie. Madjax is located at 515 E. Main St, Muncie, IN 47305. Prepare to indulge in delicious tastings from local favorites while connecting with the inspiring young people who are…

Justin Favela, Photo provided.

Entertainment March 17, 2025

Arts Alive! Series Presents Multidisciplinary Artist Justin Favela at Ball State University, March 19

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s Arts Alive! series continues this Spring with a presentation by multidisciplinary artist Justin Favela at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Sursa Performance Hall. The event, made possible by the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the Arts Alive! program, is free and open to the public. A catered reception will follow. Parking is available in the McKinley Parking Garage (entrance on Ashland Avenue) south of Sursa Hall, and…

Beer lovers from a prior Brewfest gather to sample a variety of beverages and enjoy some fun and fellowship in downtown Muncie. Photo provided.

Entertainment March 14, 2025

DWNTWN Muncie to Host 2nd Annual Magic City Brewfest

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— MUNCIE, IN — The second annual Magic City Brewfest, presented by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), will once again bring together a range of craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, non-alcoholic beverages, music, artisans, and makers. The event takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Madjax Maker Force, 515 E Main, Muncie, IN, from 2-5 p.m. “This is an exciting event for the Community. Muncie has really been on the forefront of craft beer since long before it…

Photo provided

Government March 14, 2025

City of Muncie Takes a Significant Step Toward Expanding Language Access for All Residents

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN— Indiana’s language-access efforts continue to make strides, and now, another municipality is leading the way in improving access for its growing non-English-speaking population: Muncie, East Central Indiana’s largest city. On Monday, Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour and Language Matters CEO Lucas Fonseca joined city department heads to officially announce the launch of Muncie’s language-access study. This study will utilize Language Matters’ proven city-wide model to gather valuable input from non-English-speaking residents, community organizations, and city departments….

Isabel Quirk as photographed by Thomas Peek.

Education March 13, 2025

Isabel Quirk—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—In the four years she’s been at Muncie Central High School, Isabel Quirk has been making a mark. From athletics to community service to academics, Quirk happily maintains a busy schedule and is looking forward to attending Indiana University Bloomington next fall to study law,…

Photo provided

Non-Profit March 12, 2025

Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity to Celebrate 300th Family at Dedication on March 13

By Habitat staff— MUNCIE, IN—The public is invited to celebrate the 300th family served by Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity on Thursday. Since its founding in 1986, Muncie Habitat has worked diligently to provide families with security, safety, and stability through homeownership. Whether by constructing new homes or making critical repairs to existing homes, the organization has helped 300 families achieve housing stability through affordable, no-interest loans. “This milestone is a testament to the power of community and the impact…

Millennium Place Homes. Photo courtesy of Muncie Housing Authority.

Non-Profit March 11, 2025

Muncie Housing Authority Acquires Millennium Place Homes

By Muncie Housing Authority staff— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Housing Authority is thrilled to announce its recent acquisition of the Millennium Place developments from Flaherty & Collins. This significant expansion includes Millennium Place I, II, III, IV, Howard Square Apartments, and the Muncie Home Ownership (MHO) properties. Completed on January 1, 2025, the acquisition adds 200 affordable housing units to the MHA portfolio. Among these are 62 public housing residences. Restoring units for single-family households has become an advanced priority. Currently,…

Parents and students at last year’s roundup at West View Elementary. Photo provided.

Education March 11, 2025

MCS Kindergarten Roundup, Open Enrollment Set for April 10

Preschool registration for 4-year-olds also available By Andy Klotz, MCS— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will be holding kindergarten roundup at all six of its elementary schools Thursday, April 10 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to register their 5-year-olds for the 2025-26 school year while getting a first-hand look at classrooms and having questions answered directly by teachers and administrators. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to be eligible…