Articles by Mike Rhodes

Pictured are are North View honorees (left to right) Samantha Hiatt, Devon Barbosa and Amber Smith.

Education June 2, 2025

Muncie Community Schools Recognizes Teachers of the Year

Support staff, Rising Stars, school partners also honored By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has named the Teachers of the Year at each of its schools for the 2024-25 school year. All award recipients were presented with commemorative plaques by their building principals and now become eligible for the overall district Teacher of the Year awards, which will be presented at the start of the 2025-26 school year. This year’s recipients are: Devon Barbosa – North View Elementary…

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MPL employees Dottie Kreps and Kayls Keesling work on a book and video display for retirees. Photo by Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library PR Supervisor.

Non-Profit May 31, 2025

Muncie Public Library to Host ‘Live Well, Age Well’ Retirement Fair on June 2

By Dottie Kreps, Muncie Public Library— MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Public Library (MPL) is proud to announce its inaugural “Live Well, Age Well Retirement Fair,” a free community event designed for adults aged 50 and older. The fair will be held on Monday, June 2, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Maring-Hunt Library. Although the thought of retirement can be exciting for many, others may dread the thought of having so much free time. This event aims to help…

From left to right; top to bottom:  Madelyn Cooper, Bryce Hahn, Claire Hazen, Kennedy Martinez, Lily Nettrouer, Arionna Sanchez, Kennady Sloniger, Kaeb Stebbins, Ryleigh Wagner-Little, Oden Wallace, Jamie Zabel, and Elizabeth Zirkle.

Education May 29, 2025

The Community Foundation Announces More 2025 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Madelyn Cooper, a senior at Delta High School, is a recipient of the Arthur D. and Josephine M. Robling Scholarship. Madelyn plans to study communications at Ball State University. She is the daughter of Carrie Cooper and Colin Cooper. Bryce Hahn, a senior at Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Charles L. Whitehair Memorial Scholarship, Max V. and Nellie Cathrine Creviston Scholarship, and Owen H. Ramey Memorial…

Photo provided.

Business May 29, 2025

Innovation Connector Launches Two Signature Programs to Support the Greater Muncie Business Community

By Ted Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—At the Innovation Connector, innovation isn’t just part of our name—it’s at the heart of everything we do. For more than two decades, we’ve remained committed to one guiding question: “What creative solutions can we discover to make real and meaningful differences in our local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem?” By engaging with hundreds of local businesses and entrepreneurs each year, we stay attuned to current needs and identify critical gaps…

A photo of the new downtown planters.

Non-Profit May 29, 2025

Collaborative Project Completed in Downtown Muncie

By Vicki Veach, Executive Director, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— MUNCIE, IN — A revitalization project in downtown Muncie has officially been completed, highlighting a collaborative effort between the City of Muncie, the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, and Community Enhancement Projects (CEP). Finalized on May 22, 2025, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the city’s urban core. The project was designed to enhance public spaces, support local businesses, and attract further investment, representing a significant improvement…

Photo by Shantanu Suman.

Non-Profit May 29, 2025

Welcoming the Second Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Since 2010, Muncie Action Plan (MAP) has been supporting neighborhood leaders through its Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP expanded this commitment by launching a new initiative—thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy—to train emerging leaders in grassroots advocacy. This initiative, the CenterPoint Scholars Program, offers a year-long leadership development experience focused on building skills that directly impact Muncie’s neighborhoods. The program began with a competitive application process in January, and the second cohort…

Peyton Felty as photographed by Thomas Peek.

Education May 28, 2025

Peyton Felty—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—For the past few years, Peyton Felty has spent time learning and perfecting pool trick shots. The Wapahani High School senior enjoys playing pool and having an opportunity to use it for ministry through Gospel Trick Shots. In fact, he recently took part in…

Steep Canyon Rangers. Photo provided.

Entertainment May 28, 2025

Steep Canyon Rangers to Headline Free Concert in Muncie at Canan Commons

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Acclaimed, GRAMMY-winning bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers will be performing in a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2025 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 31st at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Mike Martin & the Beautiful Mess will open the show. Heralds of the Carolina sound for more than two decades, the Steep Canyon Rangers find…

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $455,550 in Community Grants to 24 community organizations during the second quarter of 2025. Classroom Connections of ECI received $11,000 to support their mission to provide essential classroom tools to teachers and students, ensuring teachers can teach and learners can learn. Pictured: Classroom Connections volunteers prepare for a book give-away.

Non-Profit May 25, 2025

Community Grants Totaling $450K Awarded by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $455,550 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and Nonprofit Relations team. Through these conversations, Foundation staff and volunteers develop a deeper…

Community Foundation Board Chair Casey Stanley (left) presents the 2025 David Sursa Leadership Award to Michael Lunsford (right) for his service to the YMCA of Muncie at a special presentation on May 22.

Non-Profit May 23, 2025

Michael Lunsford Named 2025 Recipient of The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Michael Lunsford received the 2025 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize his dedicated service to the YMCA of Muncie. The YMCA of Muncie nominated Mike Lunsford in recognition of his exceptional leadership and service to the Muncie community. As a former board member, Mike’s visionary leadership, steadfast commitment, and passion for community development left a lasting mark on the YMCA. Mike has also served many…