Articles by Mike Rhodes

Artist Carol Burt was one of the recipients of a 2023 Mayor's Arts Award. Photo provided.

Government, Non-Profit April 30, 2025

Nominations Open for the 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—This year, the Mayor’s Arts Awards is marking 10 years of celebrating Muncie’s vibrant arts community. But in order to honor all of the artists, arts advocates, arts educators, arts leaders and more, we need YOUR help! Nominations are now open for the biennial 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards, which recognizes artistic contributions to our cultural community. “The Mayor’s Arts Awards honor the artists, creatives, makers, educators, cultural leaders, and organizations who fuel Muncie’s spirit and economy,” said…

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From left to right: Lonna Jordan, Edward Fuse, Melvin Kelly, Taylor Green, Ken Hudson.

Education April 29, 2025

Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County Donates Technology to Brothers 2 Brothers United

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN— Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County continues its commitment to community engagement by supporting Brothers 2 Brothers United, a local nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and empowering young men. Ivy Tech was connected to the organization when Corbin Black, Ivy+ Career Link Program Manager, was introduced to Brothers 2 Brothers United founder, Melvin Kelly. During their conversation, Kelly indicated that they needed assistance in setting up their computers and network. Black connected Kelly to Mike Kingsley,…

Photo provided.

Education April 29, 2025

Ball State University Named ‘Opportunity College and University’ By Carnegie Classification

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University has been named an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognizing the University as a national model for advancing student success and long-term economic outcomes. This recognition comes through the new Student Access and Earnings Classification, developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education. The classification evaluates institutions based on their ability to serve students from the…

Dr. Jeffery C. Bird. Photo provided.

Business April 29, 2025

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2025 Legacy Award Recipient

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Dr. Jeffery C. Bird has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Legacy Award. The award will be presented at the Legacy Dinner on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Horizon Convention Center. The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community at large,…

A young woman smoking. Photo by storyblocks.

Health April 28, 2025

A Healthier Summer Starts Now: Quit Tobacco For Good

By Jordan Moss and John Disher— MUNCIE, IN—With warmer weather and longer days, now is the perfect time to take charge of your health and say goodbye to tobacco—whether that means smoking, vaping, or using other nicotine products. This season offers countless opportunities to stay active and engaged, making it easier to break free from addiction. More Hoosiers Are Quitting Every Year Indiana’s adult smoking rate has dropped from 21% to 16%, a promising sign that more people are choosing…

Traci Lutton, Vice President of Economic Development, is pictured in her downtown office. File photo by Mike Rhodes.

Business April 28, 2025

Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County Launches New Brand Identity

By Katy Maggart—  MUNCIE, IN – The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Muncie-Delaware County proudly announces the launch of a refreshed brand identity that reinforces its role as the Local Economic development Organization (LEDO) and the trusted leader in local business growth and development. Created in collaboration with Muncie-based creative agency Aspect 6 Creative, the rebrand brings greater focus and clarity to the organization’s mission to serve as the go-to partner for businesses, investors, and community stakeholders working to advance…

Jamar Clark photo by Thomas Peek.

Education April 25, 2025

Jamar Clark—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—Muncie Central High School senior Jamar Clark meets himself coming and going as he juggles activities in school, outside of school and a part-time job. But Clark wouldn’t have it any other way. His involvement at school runs the gamut from sports to leadership…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 24, 2025

Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with Project Leadership

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—For over a decade, BBF has been supporting the work of Project Leadership, a nonprofit organization serving East Central Indiana’s students, families, and schools. Project Leadership’s programs are laser-focused on preparing students for education and career journeys after high school. It’s no secret that the choices—and challenges—that high school students face can feel daunting. From navigating changing high school graduation requirements to applying for trade school or college, it’s easy for students to get lost in…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit April 23, 2025

Closing the Word Gap: One Book at a Time

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—Imagine your child receiving a brand-new, high-quality book every month from birth to age five—absolutely free. That’s the magic of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; a program Heart of Indiana United Way (HIUW) proudly coordinates and funds across the five counties we serve. It’s more than just books. It’s about building a foundation for lifelong success. Studies show that children from low-income families hear 30 million fewer words by the age of three than their more affluent…

The original Fox laundry. Photo provided.

Business April 23, 2025

‘Bailey’s By Fox’ Continues Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services in Muncie Area

Local Laundry Bailey’s Cleaners transfers ownership to Ohio firm By Carrie Barrett— MUNCIE, IN—Some people call dry cleaning companies a dying breed. Will Drook calls dry cleaning and laundry service “an opportunity to serve others well.” Drook and his wife Kim started their journey into dry cleaning 10 years ago. Most recently, they took on the ownership of Bailey’s Cleaners in Muncie. The Drooks began small but expanded when they purchased a few other dry cleaners in the Eastern Ohio…