Articles by Mike Rhodes

Executive Director, Scott Watkins makes remarks during the Orchestra Indiana announcement. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit March 3, 2022

Muncie Symphony, Marion Philharmonic Join Forces as ‘Orchestra Indiana’ 

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind.— Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Marion Philharmonic Orchestra have joined forces as Orchestra Indiana, Scott Watkins announced during a press conference on March 1. “Music is a unifying power. It unifies people and gathers people together into a shared experience,” Watkins said during the announcement event. “One thing we wanted to do is share that—gather more people together, go into new communities and new neighborhoods, and unify people, share that music with people in other communities.”…

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The Markets on Madison conceptual artist rendering.

Government March 2, 2022

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour Announces New Development for Southway Centre

By City of Muncie Communications— MUNCIE, Ind.— Mayor Dan Ridenour has announced that after years of sitting empty, Southway Centre, the retail strip at 3705 S. Madison Street in south Muncie, is set to get a new name, new look and new businesses in an expansive redevelopment project to bring jobs and visitors to the area. The newly named plaza, The Markets on Madison, is getting a fresh look with cosmetic upgrades, outdoor lighting, and a kids’ play area. Plans…

Image Courtesy of Whitehouse.gov

Government March 1, 2022

Full Transcript of President Biden’s State of the Union Address

The United States Capitol THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President, our First Lady and Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Justices of the Supreme Court. My fellow Americans. Last year COVID-19 kept us apart. This year we are finally together again. Tonight, we meet as Democrats Republicans and Independents. But most importantly as Americans. With a duty to one another to the American people to the Constitution. And with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny. Six days ago, Russia’s…

A volunteer is pictured preparing food at the Soup Kitchen of Muncie. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 1, 2022

Soup Kitchen of Muncie Announces ’40 Days of Giving Food Drive’

By SKOM— MUNCIE, Ind.—Lent is almost here. Do you really want to give up chocolate, meat, soda or wine for 40 days this spring? For observant Christians, foregoing something you love is a challenge meant to remind you of the sacrifices Jesus made. But, this year, there’s a guilt-free way to observe Lent that allows you to continue indulging. Instead of giving something up, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is asking you to give something away during its 40 Days…

Emergence graduates are pictured. Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 1, 2022

Core Leadership Program Set to Re-Emerge This Spring

By Arrick Garringer— Registration for the 2022 Emergence Program is Now Open MUNCIE, Ind.—Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a local not-for-profit organization that provides inclusive leadership development so that people, organizations, and communities reach their full potential, is offering the 20th session of its signature leadership program. The program will run from April 5 to May 24, 2022. Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership is SLA’s core leadership program. It is an eight-week highly interactive and engaging training opportunity ideal for emerging…

Minnetrista is located at 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN 47303

Health February 28, 2022

IU Health Ball to Host Community LGBTQ+ Healthcare Seminar At Minnetrista

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, Ind.—IU Health Ball Memorial will host its fourth annual Community LGBTQ+ Healthcare Seminar from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm on March 3, 2022 in the Indiana Room at Minnetrista. Sam McCollum, peer recovery coach at IU Health Ball, will lead a panel discussion about substance use and recovery among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. The seminar will conclude with an open forum for questions and discussion. This event is free and open to…

Like so many organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie had to make changes in 2020. Many club members and their families have turned to the Boys & Girls Clubs for care, enrichment, and elearning support.

Non-Profit February 28, 2022

Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie Launches $100,000 Campaign for Boilers and Buses

By Amy Gibson— MUNCIE, Ind.—Imagine yourself coming into a building and realizing it’s 56 degrees inside and you serve kids. That’s what Club life was three weeks ago at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie – Madison St. Unit. Both boilers developed leaks and the staff spent most of their days running up and down to the basement every 30 minutes to get the boilers to 67 degrees. Those boilers were replaced, but that wasn’t in the budget for…

Cornercast host Jonathon Bennett.

Entertainment February 27, 2022

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Announces New Podcast Series

By Jonathon Bennett— Muncie, Ind. – Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 W. Main St., recently launched its own podcast: Cornercast, a monthly interview-style program with host Jonathon Bennett (“John Kafi”), who talks to Indiana artists and musicians about their artistic and community pursuits in the format of four segments: Artist of the Month, Mic Check, Local Focus, and Meet the Staff. The Artist of the Month segment spotlights the Judith Barnes Memorial Gallery on the second floor of Cornerstone Center for…

With spectators lined up to watch, ducks walk the long red carpet. Photo by Katie Carlson.

Carlson February 27, 2022

John Carlson: Mastering Memphis’ Ducks

By John Carlson— When I was younger I wanted to race Indy cars, be a fighter pilot or, as I matured and discovered what was truly important in life, own a White Castle franchise. But now, I have attained my ultimate goal. I am a Duckmaster. Make that an Honorary Duckmaster. It was quite a while back when I first heard about Memphis’ superb hotel, The Peabody. Particularly noteworthy were the ducks that have walked through its stunning lobby twice…

File photo provided by Muncie Sports Commission.

Non-Profit February 25, 2022

Muncie Sports Commission Announces 2022 Board Members & Officers

By Richard Crist— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Muncie Sports Commission today announced the Board of Directors and Officers for 2022 who will support the nonprofit’s work to increase economic vitality, improve quality of life, promote healthy lifestyles and brand Delaware County as a great sports community. Individuals joining the board in 2022 include: Tim Eakins, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for TK Constructors Brad Edmondson, EC Region Director of Philanthropy for the IU Health Foundation Jason Harrington, CEO for Boyce Systems…