Articles by Mike Rhodes

Maleah Parrish, a first-grade teacher at Daleville Elementary School, received the Ball Brothers Foundation's Excellence in Teaching Award from Jud Fisher (left); Jud Fisher stands beside the Excellence in Teaching Award finalists in front of the Catalyst sculpture at Minnetrista (right). Photo provided.

Education, Non-Profit May 6, 2025

Daleville’s Maleah Parrish Receives Ball Brothers Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN – On the 120th day of school, the first-graders in Maleah Parrish’s classroom are on a mission. Armed with invisible ink pens and yarn laser beams, they follow clues at a series of stations incorporating STEM, language arts, social skills, and teamwork to rescue Zero the Hero. It’s lively. It’s a little chaotic. And it’s exactly the kind of day Parrish hopes her students remember for years to come. This kind…

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Artificial Intelligence generated image from descriptors written by Mike Rhodes.

Government May 6, 2025

City of Muncie Announces Approval of Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs)

By Amber Greene— Muncie, IN — 05.02.2025 — The City of Muncie is excited to announce the approval of three Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, creating vibrant spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy beverages responsibly while exploring local businesses. Thanks to the efforts of Councilwomen Ro Selvey and Sara Gullion authoring Ord. 26-24, the DORAs are set to go into effect in early to mid-summer, enhancing the city’s downtown experience. The approved…

Dave Heeter

Education May 6, 2025

Ball State Board of Trustees Reappoints Dave Heeter to Muncie Community Schools Board

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — On Friday, the Ball State University Board of Trustees reappointed Dave Heeter, ’83, to the Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees. Mr. Heeter has served on the MCS Board of Trustees since the start of Ball State’s partnership with the district, which began in 2018 when the Indiana General Assembly authorized the University to assume responsibility for MCS. Since then, the district has made significant improvements in enrollment, financial stability, and teacher…

Photo provided by the Charles Brown Planetarium at Ball State.

Entertainment May 5, 2025

Charles W. Brown Planetarium May Through July 2025 Free Show Schedule

By Planetarium Staff— MUNCIE, IN—All planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for these public planetarium shows. www.bsu.edu/planetarium Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure Friday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at 3:30 p.m. Develop an understanding of the danger of space junk and humanity’s Moon exploration while following adventurous cat astronauts that skip some of their work and fly to the Moon! Best suited for families…

From left to right; top to bottom: Reece Berry, Shelby Brannon, Meghan Buehler, Caleb Cunningham, Christy Gao, Regan Gill, Zinnia Jefferson, Aurilia Moulton, Isabella Riley-Vannatta, Andrew Sammelson, Hailie Woodring, Peyton Wormer, and Logan Wulff.

Education May 5, 2025

The Community Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Reece Berry, a senior at Wes-Del High School, is a recipient of the Zach Greenwalt Scholarship. Reece plans to study engineering at Purdue University. He is the son of the late Ryan Berry and Kris Dishman. Shelby Brannon, a senior at Wapahani High School, is a recipient of the E.K. Keesling Memorial Scholarship and the Murray’s Jewelers Scholarship. Shelby plans to study Fine Arts at Ball State University. She is…

Graduation will be inside Worthen Arena.

Education May 3, 2025

Ball State University Main Spring Commencement To Be Held Inside Worthen Arena

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Due to inclement weather, today’s Spring 2025 main Commencement ceremony at Ball State University will be at Worthen Arena at 10 a.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. College ceremony locations/times are not affected and remain the same. All graduates, families, and guests can access the updated main Commencement schedule, instructions, and frequently asked questions on the Ball State Commencement Inclement Weather Information webpage. They can also find a link to updated instructions at bsu.edu and…

Kyle Buresh, Muncie Central's new head football coach. Photo provided.

Education May 2, 2025

LISTEN to Kyle Buresh, Muncie Central’s New Head Football Coach

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN— Kyle Buresh is a winner. It’s all he’s done since leading LaPorte High School’s football team to its first-ever regional championship as a team captain back in 2006. Next year, he’ll bring his winning ways to Muncie Central as the Bearcats’ new head coach, replacing Kyle Padgett who recently stepped down to accept a position in Indianapolis. Over the past five years, Buresh has compiled a 45-14 record at Mississinewa High School with two sectional…

Photo provided.

Health May 2, 2025

YMCA of Muncie’s Cycle-A-Thon in Support of Cancer Survivors to Take Place on May 17

By Sophie Bohanon— MUNCIE, IN—The YMCA of Muncie will be hosting their second Pedal for a Purpose: Cycle-A-Thon in support of their LIVESTRONG cancer survivor program. This year’s YMCA of Muncie and Ed’s Carpet & Flooring Cycle-A-Thon will be held on Saturday, May 17th from 8am to 12pm. LIVESTRONG is a free program for cancer survivors. Each session of Livestrong focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and emotional wellbeing. The instructors meet participants where they are, encouraging…

Portrait of "Erica" as photographed by Ronn Brown.

Entertainment May 1, 2025

Gordy Fine Art and Framing to Present Exhibition of Ronn Brown Photographs During May

By Barbara Schafer— MUNCIE, IN—Gordy Fine Art and Framing is pleased to open a new exhibition of photographs by career photographer Ronn Brown. The show will be on view from May 1—30. A native of East Central Indiana, Ronn was based in Los Angeles for over 20 years. There he focused mainly on photographing musicians, actors and models, and often worked for producers in the film and music industries. This kind of photography requires superb technical skills in operating the…

Photo provided.

Entertainment May 1, 2025

Explore More Family Fun With New Hours and Activities at Betty’s Cabin at Minnetrista

By Brea Cunningham— Muncie, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens has announced updates to the hours at Betty’s Cabin, now welcoming families every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m.  Admission is free, making it the perfect weekend spot for families to come together and make unforgettable memories. Betty’s Cabin is a magical space designed to spark creativity and connection. With a rotating selection of arts and crafts supplies, games, and toys, it’s…