Articles by Mike Rhodes

Small Business Development Center Welcomes Three New Team Members

By Christy Ragle— MUNCIE, IN—The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently announced the addition of three new team members, each bringing a unique set of skills and experience to the organization. These new employees will help East Central Indiana SBDC continue to provide essential support and resources to small businesses in the region. Clint Albert, the new Program Specialist at the East Central Indiana SBDC, brings a decade of experience as an insurance agent and in leadership roles in retail and coaching. He is passionate about inspiring and leading others and is excited to contribute to the…

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The Sensational Barnes Brothers to Headline FREE Concert in Muncie, IN

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN– Acclaimed Memphis gospel/soul group The Sensational Barnes Brothers will be performing in a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2024 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 24th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Local favorite Doc Peterson and his Club Band will open the show. This concert is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. The Sensational Barnes Brothers are a melting pot of the old and the new. As Pop Matters states,…


Charles W. Brown Planetarium Fall 2024 Free Show Schedule

By Planetarium Staff—  MUNCIE, IN—Journey through space and time at free public and private programs in Indiana’s largest planetarium. All regularly scheduled planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows except for our annual “Astronomy SLAM!”. Check out the showtimes below, or visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website for more information at www.bsu.edu/planetarium. Interested in scheduling a private educational visit to the planetarium? Request a planetarium visit online for your Ball State class or group online.   August   Living Worlds Fridays: Aug. 23, 30 at…


Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with the YMCA of Muncie

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—  In April 2023, the YMCA of Muncie announced plans to construct a new 73,000-square-foot facility on the Muncie Central High School campus to consolidate its previous locations and ensure better reinvestment in equipment and programs to meet community needs. After a successful capital campaign supported by many organizations, including Ball Brothers Foundation, construction is underway and exciting developments are taking shape. Learn more about the plans for the new YMCA of Muncie facility and the organization’s other programs in our recent Q&A with YMCA Muncie President & CEO, Chad Zaucha. It has now been 8…


Jim Rosema Named 2024 Recipient of The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Jim Rosema received the 2024 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize his dedicated service to Muncie Mission. Jim Rosema was nominated by Muncie Mission for his role as a board member and a guiding force for nearly 34 years. During those years, Jim served in every officer position, including as President of the Board for more than a decade. His service has paralleled the Mission’s tremendous growth and encompassed significant milestones for the organization including expansion of the recycling and thrift store operations,…


Cornfed Roller Derby New Skater Clinic and Bootcamp to Recruit New Skaters

By Debra Roberts— MUNCIE, IN – Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD), is recruiting skaters and officials for their 12th season. On Thursday, September 5, from 8:30-10:30 p.m., and Monday, September 9, from 7-9 p.m. Cornfed Roller Derby is hosting New Skater Clinics at Gibson Arena. No experience is required, all skill levels are welcome. For just $5 per person, participants, who must be at least 18 years old, will be taught skating skills, falls, stops, and some basic roller derby gameplay. Required gear includes quad skates, helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a mouth guard. Some gear will be…


YMCA of Muncie Announces Day of Giving to Support Before and After School Program

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN— The YMCA of Muncie is excited to announce its upcoming Day of Giving, set for September 5th, 2024. This annual fundraising event will focus on supporting the YMCA’s before and after school program, which aims to enrich the lives of school-aged children in our community. The YMCA of Muncie has long been dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn and thrive. This year’s Day of Giving will highlight the importance of expanding these programs to reach more youth and enhance the amazing work already being done. With the funds…


DWNTWN IDOL Singing Competition Added to Fire Up DWNTWN

By Cheryl Crowder— MUNCIE, IN — Fire Up DWNTWN 2024 is adding an exciting new vocal competition to its lineup of events: DWNTWN IDOL. Competitors can sing in one of three event categories on the Ball State University Stage, on the corner of Walnut and Main, during Fire Up DWNTWN on Saturday, September 21 from 6-8 pm. The categories include group performance, soloist 18 and under, and soloist 18 and up. Winners from each event group will be chosen by a panel of judges. One of the three category winners will then be crowned DWNTWN IDOL by audience votes. The DWNTWN…


Beymer Joins Destination: Muncie Staff as Business Manager

 By Scott Smalstig— MUNCIE, IN—LaShanta Vaughn, CEO and Executive Director of Visit Muncie, the local visitor’s bureau, proudly announces the hiring of Joni Beymer as its Business Manager. Beymer started last week and brings over 15 years of experience in a similar role at the Horizon Convention Center where she handled numerous human resources, finance and administrative functions. Visit Muncie is the governing body of Destination: Muncie whose offices are on South Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. “This is a key role for us, and Joni is just perfect for it,” said Vaughn. “She knows our community and knows that…


‘$2 Tour of the Village’ Returns Saturday, August 24th

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE — The “$2 Tour of the Village” returns Saturday, Aug. 24, from 3 to 7 p.m., on University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets. Admission is free and the first 100 people through the gates will be given a $2 bill to spend on $2 items (t-shirts, goodie bags, food samples) from Village businesses. This event, now in its fifth year, is hosted by the Riverside-Normal City Neighborhood Association (RNC), the Muncie Action Plan, and Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement. Sponsors include Fairmount Properties, Ball State University and RNC. “We’re so excited to be…