Articles by Mike Rhodes

Military, Law Enforcement, Higher Ed Officials Convene in Muncie to Discuss Cybersecurity

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—Last month, officials from the miliary, law enforcement, and local universities gathered in Muncie to discuss cybercrime, cybersecurity, and the future of workforce training for growing cyber needs. Convened by Ball Brothers Foundation, the group was addressed by Major General Dale Lyles. Lyles commands the Indiana National Guard, a force of over 13,500 troops across Indiana who serve both in Indiana and abroad. Among the forces under Lyles’ command is the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion, a…

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Cornfed Roller Derby ‘Crop Circle Showdown’

By Debra Roberts— Muncie, IN – In the second home bout of Season 11, Cornfed Roller Derby (CFRD) will be taking on Circle City Roller Derby from Indianapolis in the Crop Circle Showdown on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Community Building. In the first of two games, Corned All-Stars will battle the Circle City Socialites, followed by the Cornfed Killer Kernels facing the Circle City Party Crashers. Doors for this doubleheader open at 4 p.m., with…


I&M to Begin Construction on Underground Power Line on Tillotson Avenue Next Week

By Tracy Warner— MUNCIE, IN– Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to start construction next week to rebuild an aging underground power line along Tillotson Avenue in Muncie. I&M will rebuild the 1-mile underground power line. Contract crews plan to work along Tillotson Avenue between University Avenue and York Prairie Creek, just south of Euclid Avenue. I&M right-of-way representatives will work with affected landowners and residents where the line rebuilding requires private property easements. Typical work hours are 7 a.m….


Indiana Chamber’s Todd Hurst Connects State Initiative’s to Local ‘Cradle to Career’ Muncie Efforts

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN— Earlier this month, a group of area stakeholders from industry, higher education, K-12, and more gathered at the Innovation Connector to hear an update about the Indiana Chamber and its talent development initiatives. Todd Hurst, Executive Director of the state chamber’s Institute for Workforce Excellence, shared a glimpse into the Indiana Prosperity 2035 plan and its goals, connecting the state’s vision for economic acceleration to the local efforts of Cradle to Career Muncie. Cradle to…


Generous $2 Million Gift From Dan and Cassidy Towriss Fuels YMCA of Muncie’s Capital Campaign

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN—-The YMCA of Muncie is thrilled to announce a transformative $2 million gift from philanthropists Dan and Cassidy Towriss. This generous contribution will play a pivotal role in the development of the new YMCA facility on the campus of Muncie Central High School. The Towriss’ commitment to the community shines through this substantial contribution, highlighting their dedication to fostering wellness, community engagement, and educational opportunities. The funds will directly support the construction and enhancement of the…


Arts and Culture Matter Public Forum to be Held March 12th at Muncie Civic Theater

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IND. – Muncie residents are invited to learn about creative spaces in our community during a public forum on Tuesday, March 12. National consultant Artspace will share examples of creative space projects and arts assets to spur ideas and facilitate conversations about what the public would like to see in Muncie. The public is invited to be a part of the conversation from 5:30 to 7:30 on March 12 at Muncie Civic Theater. The Community Foundation…


Green Glam Studio Jewelry Featured at Cornerstone’s March First Thursday

By Debra Gindhart Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—The March jewelry collection at the Green Glam Studio at Cornerstone Center of the Arts will focus on Celtic and Saint Patrick. The Green Collection features symbols associated with shamrocks and Celtic motifs. Earrings and pendants inspired by Celtic and Saint Patrick incorporate these symbols into their designs, offering wearers a way to celebrate their Irish heritage or their admiration for the saint. Pieces can range from simple to intricate, and they are repurposed and…


AAUW Accepting Scholarship Applications From Students 25 Years Old or Older

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The application for the American Association of University Women, Muncie Branch, nontraditional student scholarship is now available. Applications are due Monday, April 1. The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is available for the 2024-2025 academic year, effective Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025. The scholarship must be used for tuition, health fee, books and other classroom-related expenses for the year, including summer session. To apply, applicants must meet the following selection criteria: Students who are 25 years old or…


Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

By Ball Brothers Foundation—  MUNCIE, IN  —  As Ball Brothers Foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, it is proud to announce the appointment of two esteemed community leaders, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to its Board of Directors. The addition of Laura and Dennis comes as the foundation continues to implement its “Second Century Strategic Plan,” a comprehensive roadmap for the foundation’s future. This plan, developed with input from nearly 100 grantees, community leaders,…


Community Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $687K

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $687,500 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and Nonprofit…