Articles by Mike Rhodes

Burris Laboratory School. Photo provided.

Education March 27, 2025

Burris Laboratory School Named 2025 Laboratory School of the Year by International Association

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — The International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS) has named Burris Laboratory School as its 2025 Outstanding Laboratory School of the Year. Burris, a public K–12 school that is part of Ball State University, was selected for its leadership in educational innovation, research, and its unwavering focus on student voice and academic excellence. The award, presented at the IALS annual conference in Kingston, R.I., honors one institution each year that exemplifies the core…

Read More
Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 26, 2025

Autism at Work: Awareness, Accommodations, and Advocacy Panel to Promote Inclusive Workplaces

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN – In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Shafer Leadership Academy invites employers, professionals, and community members to attend Autism at Work: Awareness, Accommodations, and Advocacy, a free community panel discussion on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W White River Blvd, Muncie, IN 47303. This interactive session will explore the experiences of autistic employees, best practices for workplace accommodations, and strategies for self-advocacy. Autistic employees bring…

Pictured L-R: Amaris McNeill, Rowan Porter, Zoey Triplett, Altrusa Vice President Brenda Williamson, Rory Hart, Zayne Ayers, and CJ Plummer. Photo by Mariah Dull, Altrusa Club of Muncie.

Non-Profit March 26, 2025

Muncie Altrusa Club Recognizes 4th Grade Essay Contest Winners

By Amber Burress, Altrusa Club of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Altrusa Club hosted the winners of the 38th Annual 4th Grade Essay Contest on March 20th during a luncheon at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.  The winners of the essay contest were: Zayn Ayers, Daleville Elementary; Rory Hart, Burris Laboratory School; Amaris McNeill, North View Elementary; CJ Plummer, Selma Elementary; Rowan Porter, East Washington Academy; and Zoey Triplett, West View Elementary. Each student read their essay titled: “Why is Reading…

Prior Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb presents the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Ball Brothers Foundation President & CEO Jud Fisher. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 25, 2025

Sagamore of the Wabash Awarded to Jud Fisher

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—Prior to leaving office in January, former Governor Eric Holcomb presented Jud Fisher, President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award – one of Indiana’s highest honors. Indiana governors give the award to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to life in the state. Governor Holcomb, in a video shared with the Ball Brothers Foundation board of directors in late February, cited Fisher’s leadership…

The recipient of the 2024 grant was Marion Community School of the Arts. Photo provided.

Education March 24, 2025

Community Engagement for the Arts Grant Deadline is Friday, March 28

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is accepting proposals for the 2025 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant, a competitive funding opportunity that provides up to $35,000 annually to support a community arts-focused organization or program in East Central Indiana. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 28. To apply for the grant or for more information, go to https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/community-engagement/arts-grant-application. The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State’s commitment to…

Kids enjoying their time at Family Adventure Day in 2024. Photo provided.

Business March 24, 2025

Family Adventure Day at Minnetrista Will Take Place On March 26

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Mark your calendars for a day full of fun and adventure at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Join us on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, for the much-anticipated Family Adventure Day: Spring Celebration. This free community event promises a memorable day packed with exciting, exhibition-themed activities for families and friends of all ages. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a day of exploration and hands-on activities set across Minnetrista’s beautiful campus. With staggered entry times (9 a.m.,…

Concannon's Street View by Google.

Government March 24, 2025

City of Muncie Gains Site Control of Former Concannon’s Bakery Property

By Mayor Dan Ridenour— MUNCIE, IN – Mayor Dan Ridenour is pleased to announce that the city has gained site control of the former Concannon’s Bakery property located on Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. This marks an important step forward in ensuring that the development of the property reflects the interests and needs of the community. This decision comes after a period of significant concern from the city and citizens regarding the potential private sale of the property. Recognizing the…

Photo provided by Ball State Athletics.

Education, Entertainment March 21, 2025

BSU Football’s ‘Spring Showcase’ Event Will Benefit Muncie Mission on April 12

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, IN—The Ball State football program will conclude its spring practice schedule on Saturday, April 12 with a Spring Showcase event at Scheumann Stadium.  The event will benefit Muncie Mission and will provide a campus connection during Preview Day for visiting high school students and families. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Mike Uremovich, the Cardinals’ football team will kick off its annual spring event at 1 p.m., providing a fun activity for accepted students…

Mayor Ridenour is pictured with Alec and Carla Donahue, two former remote workers who participated in Muncie's "Make My Move" program. File photo.

Government March 20, 2025

City of Muncie Partners With Delaware County to Expand ‘Make My Move Program’ to New Areas

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie has announced a partnership with Delaware County to expand the boundaries of the successful Make My Move program, offering a $5,000 incentive to eligible movers who relocate to unincorporated Muncie addresses. This expanded initiative is designed to attract remote workers from out of state to move to Muncie and Delaware County, further strengthening the local economy and community. The Delaware County Redevelopment Commission has agreed to fund the $5,000 incentive for qualifying…

Pictured L-R: Leo Furlong and Christopher Li . Photo by Ball State PBS.

Education March 19, 2025

Muncie Burris Student Leo Furlong Claims Second Straight Regional Spelling Bee

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—For a second straight year, Leo Furlong is the champion of the Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. On March 8, Mr. Furlong, a sixth grader at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, secured the 2025 regional title by correctly spelling ‘leviathan,’ earning a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this Spring in Washington, D.C. The semifinals and finals will be held May 27-29. This year’s Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee featured 41…