Articles by Mike Rhodes

Business March 8, 2025

Photo Gallery: Anxious Community Gets First Look at NEW Downtown YMCA

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN— On Saturday, the Muncie Community finally got its first look inside the brand-spanking new YMCA in downtown Muncie. The first thing you’ll notice that is different from the old YMCA is how bright and airy the facility is. There are windows on every side of the building. On Saturday, there was plenty of sunlight beaming through the windows illuminating all kinds of brand new equipment. Everything is new. On the deck of the new…

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The offices of Woof Boom Radio located at 800 E. 29th Street in Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business March 7, 2025

Woof Boom Radio’s Grant Application Cycle is Now Open

By Megan Orbin— MUNCIE, IN—Woof Boom Radio takes our role seriously as partners to those in the cities and towns we serve.  One of the ways we serve our community is through the Hometown Heroes and Airwaves in Action (formerly Unity in the Community) Grant Programs. One organization or event is highlighted each month on either 104.1 WLBC and WMUN or 104.9 WERK-FM and 93-5 MAX with on-air promotions, commercials, morning show interviews, and social media support. “Because of this…

Pictured L-R: Haley, Kolson, Mary, and Lisa who are individuals Hillcroft supports and serves. Photo provided.

Health March 7, 2025

Protecting Medicaid’s Promise for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

By Debbie Bennett, President and CEO, Hillcroft Services— MUNCIE, IN—In Indiana, more than 50,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on Medicaid for their long-term care and support needs. These are our neighbors, our family members, our friends—and they deserve to have the support needed to live independently, have careers, and thrive in their communities. That support might be in the form of someone coming to their home to help them with activities of daily living, helping them…

Martini anyone? Anyone?

Business March 6, 2025

RoHo’s Muncie to Bring Upscale Cocktails and Classy Vibes to Downtown Muncie

New Martini Bar & Cocktail Lounge Set to Open in Spring 2025 By Angie Rogers-Howell & Matt Howell— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie’s nightlife is about to get a sophisticated upgrade with the opening of RoHo’s Muncie, a martini bar and craft cocktail lounge set to debut in Spring 2025. The new upscale establishment is the latest venture from Angie Rogers-Howell and Matt Howell, the entrepreneurial duo behind Farmhouse Creative, who are now bringing their passion for community and innovation into…

Photo provided.

Entertainment March 6, 2025

Vendor Applications Are Now Open for Garden Fair at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—The highly anticipated Garden Fair is back at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of nature, community, and creativity—and we’re thrilled to announce that our vendor applications are now open! Local artisans, horticultural experts, and makers are invited to showcase their products and talents in the Garden Fair…

Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment March 6, 2025

Family Weekend, Community Day & Homecoming Dates Highlight 2025 Football Schedule

By Ball State Sports— MUNCIE, IN—The Mid-American Conference has announced its 2025 football schedule, completing a 12-game slate for Ball State that begins with power conference matchups at Purdue and Auburn, followed by a home opener against non-league foe New Hampshire, at Scheumann Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13. Key dates highlighting the schedule begin with that home opener against the Wildcats, showcasing Ball State’s Family Weekend in the Cardinals’ first meeting against the Wildcats since 2009. The Cardinals open MAC…

Ashley Williams. Photo provided.

Business March 5, 2025

Ashley Williams Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program

Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Ashley Williams, Vice President of Talent Development of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce was selected to participate in the eleventh cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations…

These Muncie Central students have planned a fun event to benefit kids at Riley Children's Hospital. Photo provided.

Education March 5, 2025

Muncie Central High School Students Create Fundraiser and 5K Fun Run Event to Benefit Riley Kids

By Ro Selvey, Northside Middle School teacher— MUNCIE, IN – Students at Muncie Central High School are taking action for a meaningful cause. The Muncie Central Student Council is organizing a Riley Fun Run 5K as part of their Riley Fundraiser Project to support the children receiving care at Riley Hospital for Children.  Event Date: March 15, 2025  Time: 9 a.m.—12 p.m.  Location: Muncie Central High School Campus This event is open to the entire Muncie community, and everyone is…

Chris Fisher, a 4th generation Ball Family member, has been appointed to the Ball Brothers Foundation's board of directors. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 4, 2025

Ball Brothers Foundation Marks 99th Year With New Board Appointment

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN— As Ball Brothers Foundation enters its 99th year of grantmaking, it is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Fisher, a fourth-generation Ball family member, to the foundation’s board of directors. With a deep-rooted family legacy and passion for education, recreation, and community development, Chris will play a key role in carrying on the foundation’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy in Muncie and East Central Indiana. Chris is the great-grandson of Edmund…

Journalist Amy Goodman. Photo provided.

Education, Entertainment March 4, 2025

Award-Winning Journalist Amy Goodman to Speak at Ball State University on April 8

Event will be part of the David Letterman Lecture Series By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana—Ball State University will welcome Amy Goodman, the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, as part of the David Letterman Distinguished Lecture Series. Ms. Goodman will share her knowledge and expertise with students and the greater Muncie community at 7 p.m. on April 8 at Pruis Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but a general admission ticket is required…