Articles by Mike Rhodes

Education April 8, 2026

Ball State CBER Research Examines Economic Patterns Linked to Local Renewable Energy Restrictions in Indiana

By Dr. Michael J. Hicks— MUNCIE, IN— A new policy brief from Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) examines how county-level restrictions on utility-scale wind and solar development in Indiana are associated with employment, gross domestic product, and local public revenue. Published through the Indiana R-STEP Collaborative, the brief summarizes findings from a broader empirical study of renewable energy restrictions across Indiana counties. The brief reports that counties adopting restrictions on renewable energy development tended to experience weaker economic performance than counties without those restrictions, with differences most evident in employment and GDP and concentrated in manufacturing and…

Entertainment April 7, 2026

Art for the People: Muncie To Celebrate Eight Public Artworks on April 24-25

By Tania Said— MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Arts and Culture Council invites the community to celebrate eight extraordinary public artworks with six celebrations during the Art for the People: Public Art Celebration Weekend on April 24–25, 2026. This historic milestone showcases place-based, forward-thinking installations that reflect who Muncie is today and who we aspire to be tomorrow. Made possible through a $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act investment, these artworks represent a significant shift in Muncie’s approach to public art from traditional commemorative works to community-driven installations shaped by neighborhood voices. Four new artworks and two longer-standing murals will be…

Fletcher Kahle, Muncie Central High School.

Education April 7, 2026

Fletcher Kahle—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 A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Last August, Muncie Central High School senior Fletcher Kahle tore his ACL for the second time in his high school career. Just like that, plans shifted a bit for the varsity football and baseball athlete. The seven-month recovery time for such an injury kept Kahle off the football field last fall, but he’s looking forward to school baseball this spring. “Going through that recovery…

Entertainment April 7, 2026

‘America at 250’ Exhibit Now Open at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN— What does it mean to be an American? Minnetrista Museum & Gardens invites visitors to explore this question in America at 250: Reflections on Community, on view through October 25, 2026, in the Center Building’s Gallery 2. As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, this interactive exhibition centers on the people and perspectives that shape American identity today. Through dialogue, storytelling, and shared reflection, visitors are invited to consider their own experiences—and how individual voices come together to form a vibrant and evolving community. “The United States of America is more than a geographic location. It is the…

Education April 7, 2026

Hugh Jackman, Award-Winning Actor, to Address Ball State University’s Class of 2026

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Actor, producer, and philanthropist Hugh Jackman will address Ball State University’s Class of 2026 at the University’s Spring Commencement ceremony. Ball State will confer approximately 2,800 doctoral, specialist, master’s, and baccalaureate degrees during the University-wide gathering. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2, in the Quad, followed by individual college celebrations throughout the day at Worthen Arena and Emens Auditorium. During the main ceremony, Mr. Jackman will receive an honorary doctor of arts degree. He has starred in many films, most notably as Wolverine in several Marvel movies and as the lead…

Non-Profit April 6, 2026

Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes 2026 Fellows in Program’s 21st Year

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — In its 100th year, Ball Brothers Foundation is continuing a long-standing tradition of learning alongside the community it serves. The foundation is pleased to welcome two new Fellows for 2026: Jena Ashby, Relationship and Resource Director at Nonprofit Support Network, and Kenyonta (Ken) Hudson, Executive Director of Whitely Community Council. For more than two decades, the Fellows Program has created space for open conversation between local nonprofit leaders and foundation staff. Over the course of seven months, Fellows meet regularly with the foundation team to read, discuss, and explore topics…

Entertainment April 6, 2026

Muncie Civic Theatre Presents Hello, Dolly! Opening April 10

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Civic Theatre invites audiences to experience the charm, wit, and spectacle of the beloved Broadway classic Hello, Dolly! running April 10 through April 26 on the mainstage. Bursting with humor, romance, and show stopping musical numbers, this iconic production promises an unforgettable night at the theatre for audiences of all ages. Set in turn of the century New York, Hello, Dolly! follows the irrepressible Dolly Levi, a professional matchmaker with a talent for bringing people together, as she sets out to find the perfect match for a wealthy but stubborn widower. Along the…

Business April 4, 2026

Matt Howell Named 2026 Spirit of Muncie Award Recipient By Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce

By Farmhouse Creative— MUNCIE, IN —The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce has named Matt Howell as the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Muncie Award, recognizing his longstanding commitment to volunteerism, leadership, and community engagement. Established in 2002 in honor of Al Rent, the Spirit of Muncie Award celebrates individuals who exemplify outstanding service to the Chamber and the broader community. The award was presented during the annual Muncie on the Move breakfast on April 1. Howell has been a dedicated Chamber volunteer for many years, consistently contributing his time and talent as a photographer at key community events. From…

Brett Ellison, executive director of Muncie OUTreach and Dave Franklin, OUTreach board member, at a recent Nonprofit Support Network session. Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 2, 2026

Free ‘All Aboard’ Workshop Invites Community Members to Explore Nonprofit Board Service in Muncie

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN — Community members from East Central Indiana are invited to attend All Aboard: Board Leadership in Action, an annual workshop designed to help individuals explore nonprofit board service, on Tuesday, May 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the YWCA of Central Indiana, 310 E. Charles St., downtown Muncie. The free event is presented by Shafer Leadership Academy, Heart of Indiana United Way, and the Nonprofit Support Network, with additional programmatic and in-kind support from the YWCA of East Central Indiana. This three-hour workshop is designed for individuals interested in learning…

Education April 2, 2026

Muncie Community Schools Kindergarten Roundup Set for April 9

Preschool registration for 4-year-olds also available By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will be holding kindergarten roundup at all six of its elementary schools Thursday, April 9 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to register their 5-year-olds for the 2026-27 school year while getting a first-hand look at classrooms. Teachers and administrators will be on hand to answer parents’ questions. Children must turn five on or before September 1 to be eligible for kindergarten. The roundup will coincide with on-site open enrollment for all grades, preschool through 12. Preschool openings are limited…

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