Articles by Mike Rhodes

David Sursa was the inaugural Board president of The Community Foundation. The annual David Sursa Leadership Award recognizes a nonprofit board member in Delaware County who displays the characteristics and commitment to the community expressed by David Sursa during his lifetime. Nominations are accepted through March 31.

Non-Profit March 4, 2025

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2025 David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the annual David Sursa Leadership Award. The award rewards, recognizes, and encourages extraordinary leadership by a nonprofit board member in Delaware County. Standing behind the belief that every community benefits from leaders who understand local issues and visualize and promote positivity, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County established the David Sursa Leadership Award in honor of the organization’s inaugural Board president….

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Accutech Systems CEO Adam Unger is pictured accepting the award. Photo provided.

Business March 3, 2025

Accutech Systems Earns Tech Company of the Year Award for Indiana 

TechPoint recognized Accutech Systems at its Mira Awards gala, Feb. 27. By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN—Accutech Systems Corp. earned Tech Company of the Year honors at TechPoint’s 2025 Mira gala on Thursday, Feb. 27. The award recognizes excellence and innovation in Indiana’s technology community. Accutech Systems earned the award for companies with fewer than 500 employees. “We’re honored to receive this amazing recognition,” Accutech Systems CEO Adam Unger said. “We have the hardest working, most dedicated team — a team that…

Michelle Beer, Senior Community Relations Specialist at CenterPoint Energy Foundation, and Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 2, 2025

Shafer Leadership Academy Receives Grant from CenterPoint Energy Foundation to Support Scholarships

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN – Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. This generous funding will provide five scholarships for the upcoming Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership program, scheduled to begin on April 3, 2025. The scholarships aim to support neighborhood association leaders, nonprofit professionals, and individuals from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. This initiative aligns with Shafer Leadership Academy’s commitment…

Pictured from L-R: Joann McKinney, Vice Chair; Andrew Dale, Chair; Jason Walker, Treasurer; Jim Lutton, Secretary. Photo provided.

Government March 2, 2025

Delaware County Democrats Announce New Leadership Team

By Andrew Dale, Chairperson— MUNCIE, IN — The Delaware County Democratic Party is proud to announce a dynamic new leadership team dedicated to advancing Democratic ideals and strengthening the party’s relevance in Muncie and Delaware County. The newly elected leadership team is committed to delivering ethical and transparent outcomes, and stands ready to organize, engage, and advocate for citizens and taxpayers who believe in a more collaborative government built on fiscally responsible policies and practices. Leading the charge is Andrew…

The 2024 Homecoming Parade goes through the village on October 26, 2024. Photo by Bobby Ellis/Ball State University

Business February 28, 2025

BSU Trustees Advance Plan for Construction of New Townhomes, Single-Family Homes in The Village

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Today, the Ball State University Board of Trustees authorized Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns to execute an agreement with Trademark Construction, a homebuilder based in East Central Indiana. The agreement will allow Trademark to construct 17 new attached townhomes and eight new single-family homes as part of the University’s ongoing Village revitalization project. “Constructing these homes is an important step in advancing our vision for The Village while supporting Muncie’s ongoing…

Photo provided

Business February 28, 2025

Hillcroft Services to Present 7th Bi-Annual Shop & Share Vendor Market

By Hayley Williams— MUNCIE, IN—Hillcroft Services is excited to announce the 7th Bi-Annual Shop & Share Vendor Market, taking place on Saturday, March 8th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held indoors at our location at 501 West Air Park Drive, Muncie, IN, ensuring an enjoyable experience for attendees, rain or shine. With 105 local vendors participating, this market offers a unique shopping opportunity, featuring a diverse range of products, including handcrafted items, boutique clothing, signs,…

Aerial of Muncie City Hall in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes.

Government February 27, 2025

City of Muncie Withdraws Annexation Ordinance 29-24 for Portions of Farmington Neighborhood

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN – The City of Muncie has announced that it will be withdrawing Annexation Ordinance 29-24, which pertained to portions of the Farmington neighborhood. This decision will be formalized during the City Council meeting scheduled for March 3rd, where the ordinance will be officially removed from the agenda. At the request of the administration, Councilman Jeff Green, who sponsored the ordinance, will motion for its withdrawal. Mayor Dan Ridenour shared his thoughts, noting, “Sometimes, when you’re…

Madden is pictured with his friends and student helpers. From L to R: Wyatt Turner, Callahan Shanayda, James Hofmann, Madden Moore, Aaron Buehler, Callie Jones, and Maylee Moore. Photo provided.

Education February 26, 2025

Yorktown Student Has a Passion to Feed Those in Need

By Stacey A. Shannon— YORKTOWN, IN—When Madden Moore was 12, he lost his wallet. That one seemingly trivial act had a spiral effect that has impacted numerous residents of Delaware County and beyond. The now 16-year-old sophomore at Yorktown High School said his mom posted on her Facebook page about his lost wallet wondering if anyone had come across it. The response overwhelmed his family as people started giving money to replace what he had lost. “I ended up with…

Kallie Sulanke

Non-Profit February 26, 2025

Muncie Resident Kallie Sulanke Named to Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute

By Foundation staff— MUNCIE, IN— Kallie Sulanke of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has been selected as a member of the 2025 class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Launched by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance in 2021, the Mutz Institute provides a leadership training experience to skill-up professionals serving in board and executive roles at foundations, corporations and social impact organizations across Indiana. Sulanke, a Muncie resident, completed a competitive application process to gain one of 24 spots…

Artwork by Tom Stader

Entertainment February 25, 2025

March First Thursday at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

By Debra Gindhart Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—The March first Thursday will feature artistic works by Tom Stader. Tom Stader is a contemporary arts elder whose work reflects both a deep connection to the local landscape and a lifetime of artistic devotion. His paintings capture the spirit of the land, whether through sweeping vistas, intimate natural details, or the changing moods of the seasons. His brushwork is expressive, his palette rich with the vibrant colors of our region and beyond. His compositions…