Articles by Mike Rhodes

Founding Committee members Steve Anderson, Tom Kinghorn, and Van Smith stand alongside Board Chair Casey Stanley at a special luncheon honoring the establishment of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County 40 years ago. Their early leadership and commitment to unrestricted giving laid the foundation for a community resource that continues to be relevant, responsive, and representative—today, tomorrow, and always.

Non-Profit October 24, 2025

From Vision to Legacy: Forty Years of Building a Stronger Community

Reflecting on the Founding and Future of The Community Foundation By Casey Stanley, Board Chair of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County— MUNCIE, IN—Last month, I had the privilege of attending an intimate luncheon honoring the Founding Committee of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County as part of our 40th anniversary celebration. Sitting with the remaining members, Steve Anderson, Tom Kinghorn, and Van Smith, of that original group was a strong reminder of how deeply their…

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Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit October 24, 2025

Muncie Noon Rotary Club Awards $9,300 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

By Dan Wolfert— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Noon Rotary Club is pleased to announce the awarding of $9,300 in grants to nine local nonprofit organizations through the Rotary Club of Muncie Fund, held at The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County. These grants will support a range of initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life throughout the Muncie community. This year again saw a record number of applications, with 27 nonprofits applying for support. The selection process…

The Innovation Connector is located at 1208 W. White River Blvd in Muncie.

Business October 23, 2025

Business Showcase Week 2025: Muncie’s Premier Celebration of Innovation and Impact

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Now entering its fourth year, Business Showcase Week 2025 at the Muncie Innovation Connector promises to be the most expansive and inspiring yet. Aligned with Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, this signature event will feature more workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative meet-ups than ever before, reinforcing Muncie’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. This year’s theme is “Celebrate. Educate. Collaborate.” Here are a few events…

Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business October 23, 2025

Tillotson Avenue Transmission Line Project Progressing to Next Construction Phase

By Indiana Michigan Power— MUNCIE, IN—Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) crews are nearing completion of work on Tillotson Avenue between Euclid and University Avenues. Tillotson Avenue near IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is expected to be open within the next few weeks. Some temporary traffic control measures may be required for minor repairs. I&M is coordinating with the City of Muncie to repave Tillotson Avenue in 2026. The final phase of the project includes underground line replacement in Halteman Village, impacting…

Thomas Kinghorn is pictured speaking at the Opportunity Blueprint event. Photo provided.

Education October 22, 2025

Muncie Central High School Graduation Rates Jump 10 Points, Third-Grade Scores Up

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Embedded career coaches at Muncie Central High School, a new Freshman Academy and a 10 point jump in the graduation rate were among highlights at a recent gathering of community stakeholders focused on The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030, a five-year community-wide strategic plan. “The better we can make our school system, the better our community’s going to be as a whole,” said Eric Grim, assistant superintendent of Muncie Community Schools. “And we’ve been very fortunate with all…

The Botts family. Photo provided.

Business October 21, 2025

Northwest Bank Expands Pat Botts Free Children’s Libraries into Muncie Community Spaces

By Reed Levitz— MUNCIE, IN—Northwest Bank is proud to announce the expansion and relocation of the Pat Botts Free Children’s Libraries from its financial centers to thoughtfully selected community spaces across Muncie. The first new location will be the Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity office on Hoyt Avenue, a fitting tribute to Pat Botts’ lifelong dedication to service, education, and community development. Pat had a heart for Habitat’s mission, making this placement a meaningful first step in the library’s broader…

Author Christina Diaz Gonzalez. Photo provided.

Education October 21, 2025

Author Christina Diaz Gonzalez to Visit Ball State University as 2025 Writer-in-Residence

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University is welcoming award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez to campus this Fall as the guest author for the University’s annual Writer-in-Residence program. Ms. Gonzalez is the author of the Edgar Award-winning mystery Concealed, the USA TODAY best-selling graphic novel Invisible, and the critically acclaimed historical fiction novel, The Red Umbrella. During Ms. Gonzalez’s week-long visit to the University—Nov. 3-6—she will speak to Ball State students in the classroom as well as participate in…

Photo provided

Education October 20, 2025

Road to Reading Initiative Delivers More Than 3,400 Books to Muncie Families

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN—Heart of Indiana United Way, in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and with support from the Shafer Foundation, is celebrating the successful conclusion of the Road to Reading initiative, a summer program that brought free books and literacy resources directly to families across Muncie Promise Neighborhoods. Launched in May 2025, Road to Reading featured the Ivy Tech RV, fully stocked with books, that traveled to four neighborhood events. Families were invited to “shop” together for books, helping…

Wapahani High School senior Kendyl Carpenter. Photo by Thomas Peek.

Education October 20, 2025

Kendyl Carpenter—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— SELMA, IN—School pride is important to Wapahani High School senior Kendyl Carpenter. In fact, as a member of student council throughout her high school career, Carpenter helped start a School Pride Committee during her sophomore year and was its chair last year. “I try to…

Ron Wells is a look-alike Bob Ross in this photo provided by Ball State Public Media.

Entertainment October 17, 2025

Ball State PBS and Minnetrista Museum and Gardens to Co-Host ‘Bob Ross Fest’ on October 25

By Angie Rapp— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State PBS (formerly WIPB-TV), the producing station of The Joy of Painting is happy to announce the return of Happy Little Fest—the annual celebration of “all things Bob Ross”—at the place the iconic painter called home for many years. Happy Little Fest is set for 1– 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in the Greensward space. From 1983 to 1994, The Joy of Painting was filmed at WIPB’s two…