Articles by Mike Rhodes

Cornerstone Center for the Arts is located at 520 E. Washington Street in Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment July 29, 2022

Husband and Wife Team to Have Art Show at Cornerstone

By Dee McKinsey— Opening Coincides with Muncie’s First Thursday Event MUNCIE, IN– Leon and Laura Crosby will open their joint art show, Thursday, Aug. 4 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main Street. They will host a reception from 5-8 p.m. at Cornerstone. The Crosbys have collaborated on this collection to create paintings inspired by fantasy lore and fairy tales. The two incorporate acrylic pouring techniques and form achieved through utilization of paint, marker, and resin to create…

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IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Health July 28, 2022

IU Health Ball Receives National Recognition From U.S. News and World Report

By IU Health— IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital recognized as ‘high performing’ for kidney failure, COPD, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure and stroke. INDIANAPOLIS — U.S. News & World Report has released its 2022-2023 ‘Best Hospitals’ rankings that include Indiana University Health Medical Center among the nation’s top adult hospitals for the 25th consecutive year. IU Health Medical Center remains the No. 1-ranked hospital in Indiana and Indianapolis and the only nationally ranked adult hospital in the state. U.S. News…

McMurtry is pictured live-streaming from his home on Mar 13, 2022.

Entertainment July 28, 2022

James McMurtry to Headline Free Concert at Muncie’s Canan Commons

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN—Acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter James McMurtry and his band will be performing a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2022 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 30th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Muncie native Mike Martin and the Beautiful Mess will open the show. More than 30 years after his debut release, the critically acclaimed Too Long…

The Goulding & Wood organ in Sursa Performance Hall. Photo provided

Entertainment July 27, 2022

Sursa American Organ Competition to Take Place September 9-11

By Stephen C. Price, D.Mus.— MUNCIE, IN– Six of the country’s top young organists will perform in the Sursa American Organ Competition on the Ball State University campus September 9-11. The musicians will perform on a Goulding & Wood organ in Sursa Performance Hall. All events throughout the competition are free and open to the public. The final round will be held on Sunday, September 11, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., and audience members can listen to the organists and vote…

Open Door Health Services

Health July 27, 2022

Get No Cost COVID-19 Test Kits and/or Vaccinations at Open Door Health Services

By Suzanne Clem— Muncie, IN – Community members have the opportunity to receive no-cost COVID-19 test kits, as well as no-cost Covid vaccination this week at Open Door Health Services. Free at-home test kits will be distributed Wednesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 28 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Open Door’s administrative site, located at 220 S. Walnut St. in Muncie. The public is invited to pick up a supply for homes, workplaces, or civic organizations. Free Covid vaccinations, including boosters,…

Photo provided by Ivy Tech Community College

Education July 26, 2022

Students Can Combat Inflation by Attending Ivy Tech

By Jennifer Gasiorek— MUNCIE, IN– Pursuing a certificate or degree can be affordable and lead to a great career. Americans need options to maximize their earning potential while saving money to obtain the skills to be workforce ready. Inflation is at a 40 year high and Hoosiers are feeling the pinch of rising costs of gas, groceries, healthcare, and utilities. These rapidly rising costs of living are negatively impacting local families, especially students. Attending Ivy Tech Community College is an…

A family enjoys playing micro golf. Photo provided by Accutech

Business July 26, 2022

The Clubhouse @Accutech is Newest Downtown Muncie Entertainment and Dining Venue

By Scott Smalstig, Director of Community Growth for Accutech— MUNCIE, IN — The Clubhouse @Accutech, a family entertainment and restaurant venue, has opened in downtown Muncie, on the first floor of the Accutech building on South Walnut Street. Adam Unger, President of Accutech, a leading software company for the wealth management industry, says it’s all part of a bigger vision. “My view of philanthropy is to create jobs, improve quality of place and instill pride in our city,” says Unger. “The…

Members of The Frye Family Band are pictured. Photo provided

Entertainment July 26, 2022

The Frye Family Band to Perform Free Concert on July 31st

By Linda DeHaven— MUNCIE, IN—The Frye Family Band will present a concert at The Garden at Main St., 801 E. Main St., Muncie, IN on July 31, at 6 pm. “Inspiring, encouraging, entertaining” – these are just a few words frequently used to describe the Frye Family Band. From their tight harmonies and light-hearted toe-tapping songs, to those which will stir your soul, the Frye Family Band shares their music and message with admirable transparency and relentless hope. Tom Frye is…

L-R: Lathay Peagues and Dafina Kirk

Business July 25, 2022

Two Entrepreneurs – Different Paths

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie, Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Innovation Connector’s vision states, “Our passion is to see that each person who has a dream to start or grow a business has every resource to be successful, and the economy of East Central Indiana flourishes.” This vision is being fulfilled every day at the Innovation Connector. Throughout my career, I have worked with hundreds, maybe thousands, of entrepreneurs wanting to either know what needs to happen to…

Northwest. Banking made easy. Photo courtesy of Northwest Bank.

Business July 25, 2022

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2022 Earnings and Quarterly Dividend

By Northwest Bancshares, Inc.— COLUMBUS, OH—Northwest Bancshares, Inc., (the “Company”), (NasdaqGS: NWBI) announced net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 of $33.4 million, or $0.26 per diluted share.  This represents a decrease of $15.5 million, or 31.7%, compared to the same quarter last year, when net income was $49.0 million, or $0.38 per diluted share.  The annualized returns on average shareholders’ equity and average assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 were 8.90% and 0.94% compared to 12.58% and…