Mike Rhodes

By Samantha Mitchell — MUNCIE, IN —What began as a simple idea born from personal experience in Lafayette has grown into a thriving resource for foster families across Indiana. The Foster Closet, founded by Billy and Mandy Holden through Innovation Church in Lafayette, celebrated the grand opening of its second location in Muncie on June 7, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s five-year journey of serving children and families involved in foster care. The new Muncie location is housed at Illuminate Muncie Foursquare, 3101 S. Walnut St., Muncie, IN 47302. The original Lafayette location operates at River City Church,...

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, it is worth remembering that our nation began as one of history’s most ambitious startup ventures. The founders of the United States were innovators, risk-takers, and entrepreneurs. They challenged the status quo, invested in an uncertain future, and believed ordinary people should have the freedom to pursue extraordinary opportunities. Their vision created a nation where ideas, hard work, and ingenuity could transform lives and communities. Two hundred and fifty years later, that entrepreneurial spirit remains among America’s greatest strengths. Today,...

By Red-tail Conservancy— MUNCIE, IN—The Red-tail Land Conservancy Board of Directors has hired Nick Werner to serve as the organization’s executive director. Werner replaces Julie Borgmann who retired this spring after 8 years of service. He has a personal passion for the outdoors and conservation and professional experience in marketing strategy, communications and fundraising. A search committee worked for several months to identify a leader who reflects Red-tail Land Conservancy’s mission, values and future aspirations. “We are confident in Nick’s leadership and excited about his ability to build on the success and growth our organization has experienced in recent years,”...

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal— MUNCIE, IN—The City of Muncie will celebrate America’s Independence Day with a number of spectacular fireworks performances. The official City of Muncie show will be aired by 104.1 HD1 WLBC and 104.9 WERK FM, with accompanying music, and will take place on the grounds of Muncie Central High School by the levee. The show will kick off at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4th. There will be a mix of patriotic favorites with today’s family friendly music during the fireworks. There’s a special angle to the July 4th show at Muncie Central—a winner will be...

By Mindy Kemper, Co-Founder, Delaware County Special Needs Prom— MUNCIE, IN—The 2026 Delaware County Special Needs Prom transformed the Horizon Convention Center into a celebration of joy, inclusion, and community Saturday, May 16, as nearly 1,200 attendees came together for one of the region’s most impactful annual events. The evening welcomed individuals with special needs, families, caregivers, volunteers, educators, advocates, and community supporters from throughout East Central Indiana for a prom experience designed to ensure every guest felt celebrated, valued, and included. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with music, dancing, formal wear, entertainment, and countless moments of connection and celebration. Before...

By Elizabeth Rowray, President/CEO, Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce— MUNCIE, IN—When Senator Todd Young recently sat down with our members at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building, he laid out two possible futures for the country. In one, the rise of artificial intelligence leaves us disoriented and struggling to keep up, culturally, socially, economically, and militarily. In the other, we meet the moment and open the door to a second American century. What stuck with me wasn’t the caution, but rather that he treated the outcome as a decision for the country and for communities like ours in Delaware County to...

By Dr. Jeff Bird— MUNCIE, IN—The Thomas Park/Avondale and South Central neighborhoods have long had a special place in my life. Many of my cousins grew up in the neighborhood and attended Southview elementary, Wilson middle school and Muncie Southside high school. I grew up watching my father play slow pitch softball for Local 287 at Thomas Park, and looked forward to an ice-cold root beer at the BK root beer stand on Memorial Drive after his games. I then followed Dad in my young adulthood playing softball there for many years. I also helped coach my sons who often...

MUNCIE, IN—I am pleased to provide an update regarding Tuhey Pool and its operations for the current season.

MUNCIE, IN—After an extensive national search, the Board of Directors at Open Door Health Services is pleased to announce Amelia E. Clark, DrPH, as its new chief executive officer and president. Dr. Clark will begin on July 6, succeeding Bryan Ayars, who will retire in mid-July after 10 years of leadership and service.

By Emma Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Long before a child walks into a kindergarten classroom, someone helped prepare them for that moment. Someone taught them how to share, solve problems, follow routines, communicate their needs, and build confidence outside the walls of their home. Someone noticed when they were struggling, celebrated when they succeeded, and helped lay the foundation for future learning. For thousands of children across Delaware County that someone was an early childhood educator. Today, Indiana is considering changes to childcare licensing regulations that would lower qualification requirements for childcare leaders and educators while reducing professional standards that have long...