Articles by Mike Rhodes

Longfellow Elementary School student Isabella Foster reads Charlotte’s Web to Longfellow Principal Gerry Moore and her schoolmates A’Nyiah Shannon and Rashaud Hill.

Education September 7, 2023

 ‘Terrific’ Friends Come Together for Community Reading Project 

By Michelle Kinsey — MUNCIE, IN —“Some pig” is going to be pretty popular this month in Muncie.  “Charlotte’s Web” will be the focus of a community-wide reading initiative, culminating in Muncie Civic Theatre’s production of the classic tale at Southside Middle School.  Written by E.B. White and first published in 1952, “Charlotte’s Web” is the story of an unlikely and ultimately “tremendous” friendship between a pig and a spider.  And tremendous friendships are exactly how this community reading initiative came…

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A scene from Plyspace resident artist Carmen Nikae's silent film style. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 7, 2023

Plyspace Welcomes Fall 2023 Resident Artists

By Erin Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) is excited to welcome the first round of fall resident artists to Muncie to kick of the fifth year of the PlySpace Artist Residency Program. This program invites artists from around the world to Muncie to develop unique creative projects with the community. First off this fall, we are joined by Carmen Nikae (NY/LA), a queer, bi-coastal actor, writer, and clown. Carmen brings the art of clowning to Muncie, where…

Andy and Shelly Gage talk about their Sherlockian books during a presentation at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. Photo provided

Entertainment September 6, 2023

Bookmark This: Local Author Fair Set for September 8th

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN —The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center will have its first Local Author Fair Friday, Sept. 8, at the center, 400 W. Minnetrista Blvd. The event, from 2 to 6 p.m., is free and open to the public. More than 20 local authors are scheduled to participate. Ink Drinker’s Anonymous, an independent bookstore located in downtown Muncie, will have a booth as well. “The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center has a rich history of…

Health September 6, 2023

Little Red Door Cancer Agency in Muncie is Moving

By Dalton Clouse, Little Red Door Cancer Agency— MUNCIE, IN– Little Red Door Cancer Agency’s Muncie office is moving to a new and improved location. The Little Red Door’s Board of Directors and staff members are excited to welcome clients to a multifunctional and refreshed office located at 413 South Tillotson Avenue, Muncie, IN, 47303 in Unit 9. This location is just minutes away from the current office located on Jackson Street. “We are grateful to have called Jackson Street…

The Recovery Cafe’ is open for ALL people, including those experiencing substance use disorder, mental illness, poverty, homelessness, loneliness, trauma and more. Photo by Storyblocks

Non-Profit September 5, 2023

Recovery Cafe’ Muncie Hosting Second Annual Fundraiser On September 7th

By Ro Selvey— MUNCIE, IN—Recovery Café Muncie is a safe place for people to find nourishment, love, connection, and recovery right here in downtown Muncie. They are open for ALL people, including those experiencing substance use disorder, mental illness, poverty, homelessness, loneliness, trauma – whatever it is that’s preventing them from being their best, truest self. They truly meet people where they’re at but wrap them in the love and resources needed to not stay there. When a community member…

Photo provided

Non-Profit September 5, 2023

Madjax Invites Applications for 2024 ‘Makers in Residence’ Fellowship

By Madjax Maker Force—  MUNCIE, IN —Madjax Maker Force is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Maker in Residence fellowship cohort. This unique initiative provides a dedicated opportunity for makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and educators to explore and nurture their creative pursuits in a collaborative and inspiring environment. Professional and hobbyist makers are invited to apply for the year-long fellowship that includes training, networking, leading workshops, and a membership to the Madjax Design Lab. The theme for…

Photo by Matt Ruddick

Entertainment September 5, 2023

Cornfed Roller Derby New Skater Clinic and Bootcamp

By Debra Roberts— Muncie, IN – Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD), is recruiting skaters and officials for their 11th season. On Thursday, September 7, from 9-11 p.m., and Monday, September 11, from 7-9 p.m. Cornfed Roller Derby is hosting New Skater Clinics at Gibson Arena. No experience is required, all skill levels are welcome. For just $5 per person, participants, who must be at least 18 years old, will be taught skating skills, falls, stops, and some basic roller derby gameplay….

Photo provided

Non-Profit September 4, 2023

Mark Your Calendar for Flags of Honor, September 4-11 

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.— One thousand American flags will wave on the lawn at Minnetrista beside the White River Greenway during Flags of Honor this September.  Flags of Honor, presented by the Exchange Club of Muncie, is an annual event for families and visitors to join together once a year at Minnetrista in a united show of patriotism. The display will begin with a small collection of flags on Monday, September 4. The complete display of 1,000 flags will…

Jon Moll (L) is pictured with Nick Tokar (R) Chairman Of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Board os Directors. Photo by Matt Howell

Business September 1, 2023

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Gala Honors Jon H. Moll

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The 2023 Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Gala was held Thursday, August 31 at the Horizon Convention Center honoring Jon H. Moll, retired attorney. Among those who paid tribute to the legacy of Mr. Moll were Mr. Stefan Anderson, Retired CEO of First Merchants Bank; Rev. Dr. Ron Naylor, Retired Pastor, First Presbyterian Church; Dr. John Worthen, Retired President of Ball State University; and Mr. Jim Williams, Attorney at DeFur Voran LLP. Nicholas Tokar, attorney at…

Photo of the first multi-agency task force meeting held on August 31, 2023. Photo provided

Government August 31, 2023

Multi-Agency Task Force Mobilizes to Address Community Needs

By Michelle Owen— MUNCIE, IN—At the end of July, a tragic shooting killed one and wounded eighteen at the corner of Willard and Hackley. The Muncie Police Department, aided by many other agencies, were on scene immediately and have made two arrests in connection with the case. City Hall officials immediately began to mobilize other post-crisis planning, including organizing resources for the victims – and working towards prevention. Mayor Dan Ridenour began reaching out to community members just hours after…