Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie-Based Family Life Institute of Indiana, LLC Launches

Business January 21, 2026

Muncie-Based Family Life Institute of Indiana, LLC Launches

By John Anderson, EdD— MUNCIE, IN — The Family Life Institute of Indiana, LLC (FLII), a newly established Muncie-based organization, has officially launched with a mission to strengthen families, improve relational health, and support community well-being through education, prevention, and systems-informed services. Founded by John Anderson EdD, an educator and family-life professional with extensive experience in higher education leadership, community engagement, and adult learning, the Institute is designed to serve families, professionals, and organizations seeking proactive, evidence-informed approaches to family…

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Quiet ‘Zenbooth Pods’ Now Available at Muncie Public Library

Non-Profit January 21, 2026

Quiet ‘Zenbooth Pods’ Now Available at Muncie Public Library

By Susan Fisher, MPL Public Relations— MUNCIE, IN—As regular library visitors know, most libraries are no longer hushed spaces where silence is revered. Instead, today’s libraries are vibrant spaces for customers of all ages where learning can take place out loud during story times, programs, and book clubs. While some quiet nooks still exist for reading and reflection, Muncie Public Library customers continue to seek out spaces within the libraries for studying, tutoring, or attendance in online meetings or consultations….

City Neighborhoods: A Muncie Action Plan Task Force 3 Update

Non-Profit January 20, 2026

City Neighborhoods: A Muncie Action Plan Task Force 3 Update

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) looks back on a productive year, we are excited to reflect on our continued efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. We invite the community to join us for our Annual Report to the Community, taking place Wednesday, January 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of MAP’s four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress…

Minnetrista Announces Transition to Dual Leadership Model 

Business January 20, 2026

Minnetrista Announces Transition to Dual Leadership Model 

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, has announced the adoption of a dual leadership model, effective January 2026, designed to enhance strategic capacity and support the organization’s continued growth and community impact. Under this structure, Brian Statz will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer, and Lindsey Horan has been named President. The new leadership structure was initiated by Statz and developed in collaboration with Minnetrista’s Board leadership and Executive Committee, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to governance and long-term…

January is National Mentoring Month

Non-Profit January 20, 2026

January is National Mentoring Month

By Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute— INDIANAPOLIS—January invites reflection and renewal. The new year opens before us, full of possibility, hope, and resolve. Fittingly, January also is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of relationships and the powerful impact caring adults can have in a young person’s life. At Indiana Youth Institute, this month carries special meaning. IYI is home to MENTOR Indiana, the state’s leader for quality youth mentoring and Indiana’s affiliate…

‘Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See’ Opens at Minnetrista January 24 

Entertainment January 19, 2026

‘Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See’ Opens at Minnetrista January 24 

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens announces the opening of Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See, on view January 24 through April 12, 2026, in the Center Building, Gallery 3. This powerful exhibition examines the life and legacy of Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, whose courage and resolve helped galvanize the modern civil rights movement. The exhibition tells the story of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy whose brutal murder in 1955 shocked the…

IPR’s Stan Sollars On Why Public Broadcasting Matters

Education January 19, 2026

IPR’s Stan Sollars On Why Public Broadcasting Matters

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Inspired by documentarian Ken Burn’s recent work, “The American Revolution,” Stan Sollars, recently reminded his audience that they are not subjects, but citizens with freedoms, a concept that didn’t exist before the 13 American colonies declared independence from Great Brittain. Before the revolution and the U.S. Constitution, everyone was known as subjects of the ruling class. Sollars, who is Indiana Public Radio’s morning host during NPR’s “Morning Edition,” was the speaker on Dec. 6 for nearly…

IU Health Appoints New Regional President Supporting Muncie and Surrounding Communities

Health January 17, 2026

IU Health Appoints New Regional President Supporting Muncie and Surrounding Communities

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN— Indiana University Health has named Art Vasquez president of its newly aligned North Region, which includes IU Health Ball, along with hospitals and outpatient facilities across Delaware, Blackford, Jay, Allen, Tippecanoe, White, Clinton and Tipton counties. Vasquez will oversee regional strategy while local leaders in Muncie — including Dr. Ryan Johnston (chief medical officer), Melissa Hicks, DNP, RN-BC, NE-BC (chief nursing officer), and Kreigh Cook (chief operating officer) — continue guiding day-to-day care and community…

ICPE Rep to Speak Jan. 31, Not Jan. 24

Education January 16, 2026

ICPE Rep to Speak Jan. 31, Not Jan. 24

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—A representative of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education will be the guest speaker for a meeting jointly sponsored by the Muncie Branch of the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County and Experienced Educators of East Central Indiana. The meeting is open to the public, and there is no admission fee. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and wrap up no later than noon on Saturday, Jan. 31,…

Ball State Establishes STEM Education Center to Grow Indiana’s STEM Teacher Pipeline

Education January 15, 2026

Ball State Establishes STEM Education Center to Grow Indiana’s STEM Teacher Pipeline

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University today, in conjunction with Ball State Day at the Statehouse, officially launched its new STEM Education Center, creating a dedicated hub for advancing STEM teaching and learning across Indiana. The STEM Education Center’s mission is to expand access to high-quality STEM instruction, grow the pipeline of future STEM teachers, and position Ball State as a state and national leader in STEM education. The center will serve as a central point…