Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…

Photo by storyblocks

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…

William “Craig” Dobbs

Education December 5, 2023

Governor Appoints Wm. Craig Dobbs to Ball State’s Board of Trustees, Re-Appoints Mark Hardwick

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb has appointed William “Craig” Dobbs as the newest member of the Ball State University Board of Trustees. Gov. Holcomb also announced he has re-appointed trustee Mark Hardwick to a new four-year term, which is effective through 2027. “Craig has been a dedicated and longtime supporter of Ball State University,” Gov. Holcomb said. “He will be a great addition as Ball State continues to make impressive contributions…

Cornerstone Center for the Arts is located at 520 E. Washington Street in Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit December 4, 2023

Cornerstone Fundraiser and Renewal of Classes in 2024

By Board of Directors, Cornerstone Center for the Arts— MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts has set an ambitious goal to raise $10,000 by December 10, 2023, but we need your help. Any donation you make before December 10 will be matched by a silent donor up to $10,000. This means you can double the impact of your contribution and help us reach our goal by making a donation today. Cornerstone’s mission is to engage and enrich our community by…

Photo provided

Non-Profit December 4, 2023

CenterPoint Energy Grant Launches CenterPoint Scholars Program 

By Krista Flynn— MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in partnership with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, and Ball State University Office of Community Engagement, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy to launch the innovative CenterPoint Scholars Program. This collaborative initiative aims to empower neighborhood leaders and foster positive change within Muncie’s vibrant communities. CenterPoint Scholars is a year-long leadership academy designed to cultivate a…

Pictured L-R: Cornerstone staffer Bob Hartley and artist in residence Debra Gindhart Dragoo.

Entertainment December 4, 2023

December’s First Thursday at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

By Debra Gindhart Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—We are celebrating 22 years of FIRST THURSDAY in Muncie. At Cornerstone Center for the Arts, we have a Muncie artwork donation exhibit, which is now 20% off. Many pieces of this generous donation were originally purchased from Gordy’s Fine Arts and Framing, and there are over 40 pieces. They include 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…

The Masterworks Chorale singers are pictured. The Masterworks Chorale exists to enrich the local community with excellent cultural experiences through the promotion and live performance of fine choral music. Photo provided

Entertainment December 1, 2023

Masterworks Chorale to Present ‘Spirit of the Season’ Holiday Concert

By Katharine Burris— MUNCIE, IN—To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Masterworks Chorale will present its annual holiday concert, “The Spirit of the Season,” on Saturday, December 16th at 7:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church. Masterworks Chorale will share the stage with baritone soloist John Glann and cellist Heather Scott as it presents a wide tapestry of winter and holiday choral music. The concert title “Spirit of the Season” reflects one of the songs that will be performed…