Articles by Mike Rhodes

The new home of the Chamber located at 104 E Main Street, Suite 2A, Muncie, IN 47305. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business January 3, 2024

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces Move to New Office Location

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce its move to a new office location in downtown Muncie, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to growth and community engagement. After careful consideration and strategic planning, the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce has selected a new office space that reflects the Chamber’s dedication to fostering business, collaboration, and economic development in the Muncie community. The Chamber board has been exploring opportunities for…

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The Cher Show musical comes to Emens Auditorium on January 23rd.

Entertainment January 2, 2024

Tony Award-Winning Musical ‘The Cher Show’ Coming to Emens

By Big League Productions— MUNCIE, IN—The stunning brand-new production of the Tony Award-winning musical The Cher Show comes to Emens Auditorium in Muncie for one performance on January 23rd. The Cher Show is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!  Tickets…

Business January 2, 2024

Muncie Riverside-Jackson Trail Complete

Riverside-Jackson Trail Connects Residential & Commercial Districts to Ball State University and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Campuses. By Muncie-Delaware Economic Development Alliance— MUNCIE, IN—The new trail along Riverside Avenue between Tillotson Avenue and Morrison Road is now complete and builds upon decades of efforts within Muncie and Delaware County to increase and improve pedestrian connectivity. A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, November 15th at 2 PM at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. The 1.2-mile-long trail and reconstruction of Riverside…

Visitors view art inside the Judith Barnes Memorial Gallery at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Photo provided

Non-Profit January 2, 2024

First Thursday at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

By Debra Gindhart Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is continuing their Muncie artwork donation exhibit, with many new pieces added to the collection for January’s First Thursday in downtown Muncie. This generous local art donation includes ceramics, sculpture, fiber art, prints, paintings, and drawings. If you’re a patron of Muncie arts, don’t miss this incredible installation, or your opportunity to purchase some amazing art. All proceeds go to Cornerstone Center for the Arts and can be viewed in…

Chris Allen holds a tree in place while his wife, Christine, and son, Henry, shove dirt into the hole at Dutro-Ernst Woods, Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Muncie, Ind. Christine said she met her husband while volunteering and they both love hiking on Red-Tail properties, and they both wanted to teach their son the value of volunteering. Photo by Jaden Whiteman.

Non-Profit December 28, 2023

Red-tail Land Conservancy Celebrates Surge in Volunteer Engagement   

Donated hours of service for Red-tail valued at more than $45K.  By Kelley V. Phillips— MUNCIE, IN—Red-tail Land Conservancy proudly announces a surge in volunteer engagement throughout the past year, marking growth in community service benefiting east central Indiana’s environment. More than 160 community members volunteered a total of 1,465 hours to support wildlife habitat restoration, outdoor recreation, and environmental education, a 26% growth from 2021.  Red-tail protects nearly 2,900 acres of wildlife habitat in east central Indiana, including forests,…

Yorktown High School senior Mason Moulton. Photo by Stacey Shannon

Education December 27, 2023

Mason Moulton—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— YORKTOWN, IN—When you’re balancing multiple sports, clubs and other activities, you have to have a system in place to keep everything prioritized and scheduled. Yorktown High School senior Mason Moulton has figured out a system that works best for him. At the beginning of each week,…

Grissom Elementary School educator and student work together on the alphabet. Photo by Maggie Manor.

Non-Profit December 27, 2023

George and Frances Ball Foundation Announces Over $2 Million in Fourth Quarter Awards

Foundation invests nearly $6 Million locally in 2023. By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—The George and Frances Ball Foundation, established 86 years ago with a focus on livability and educational attainment in the Muncie-Delaware County community, extends the legacy of the G.A. Ball family today through grantmaking and convening. Over the course of 2023, the Foundation convened more than 200 individuals and 60 community partner organizations around the proactive, collective impact focus of Cradle to Career Muncie. This year, the Foundation…

A lone goose sits on top of the IU Health BMH parking garage.

Health December 22, 2023

Visitor Restrictions to Begin at IU Health Locations

By IU Health— INDIANAPOLIS—Due to a rise in reported cases of flu and other respiratory viruses, IU Health will begin limiting visitors at its healthcare facilities to prevent spreading and protect patients and team members. All IU Health hospitals except those in the South Central Region will limit visitors beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26. South Central Region facilities will limit visitors beginning Wednesday, Dec. 27. Riley Hospital for Children is already observing restrictions. IU Health Infection Prevention recommends wearing a mask…

A view inside the Spartech plant.

Business December 21, 2023

National Thermoplastic and Packaging Company Expanding in Muncie

By Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance announced today that Spartech, a leading manufacturer of engineered thermoplastics and custom packaging solutions will expand operations in their Muncie, IN facility at 1401 E Memorial Dr. Spartech will invest $4.9 million in new manufacturing equipment to modernize and add efficiency to production. This investment will help retain 100 full-time employees and add six new, full-time positions. “Spartech is excited about the opportunities this substantial investment brings, which…

AA Salvation Army volunteer bell ringer. Photo courtesy of Salvation Army USA

Non-Profit December 21, 2023

The Salvation Army Announces $5,000 Red Kettle Match

Anonymous supporter will match donations Red Kettles on December 22 & 23. By Major Curtiss Hartley— MUNCIE, IN– With just a few days left in its Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army of Muncie is receiving a much-needed boost to its annual fundraiser. Thanks to an anonymous Delaware County donor, every dollar put in a Red Kettle on December 22 and 23 will be doubled up to $5,000. The matching gift is being given in hopes that it inspires last-minute Christmas shoppers to…