Articles by Mike Rhodes

Jen Gilbert photo by Ball State University

We Fly August 2, 2021

Ball State Graduate Jen Gilbert Earns Bronze Medal at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

By BSU Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – A Ball State University graduate and notable former student-athlete has helped make history for her home country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Jen Gilbert’s Canadian Olympic softball team earned its first-ever Olympic medal, defeating Mexico 3-2 in the bronze medal game at Yokohama Baseball Stadium in Yokohama, Japan. “Congratulations to Jen for not only achieving her dream of representing Canada in the Olympics, but for playing a key role in taking home…

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By managing our nutrition and exercise, we can achieve good wellness. Photo provided

Business August 2, 2021

YMCA’s New Enhance Fitness Class to Engage Older Adults

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN— The YMCA of Muncie is emphasizing the importance of being active and involved, no matter where you are in life. Muncie and Delaware County residents are encouraged to engage at every age. A new program, Enhance Fitness, helps develop behaviors that are crucial to healthy aging, including healthy eating, increasing physical activity and social interaction—especially adults over 50. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70 percent…

Photo provided

Non-Profit August 2, 2021

Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie Opens After School and Virtual Learning Enrollment

By Dominic Bordenaro, Data & Marketing Coordinator— Muncie, IN—Registration for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie’s Back2School programs are now open! Our after school and virtual learning programs are geared towards academic success, healthy lifestyles, and building character & leadership skills. All Club members receive dinner and a snack every day. Programs include homework help, computer coding, sports & fitness, and more. These programs cost a one-time membership fee of $15 per child. Transportation is available from Inspire Academy,East…

Brooke Stallings (holding sunflowers) is pictured with family members and State Rep. Sue Errington and Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. Photo provided

Education, Government July 30, 2021

Brooke Stallings Receives ‘Brilliant Firefly Award’ For Service to Muncie Community

By Troi Watts, Press Secretary— INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) joined Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch on Wednesday (July 28) to honor Brooke Stallings with the Brilliant Firefly Award for her dedicated service to the Muncie community. The Lieutenant Governor’s Brilliant Firefly Award celebrates young Hoosiers who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating outstanding community service, exemplary academic achievement, and exceptional leadership in their communities. Brooke Stallings, 18, has served the Muncie community diligently. She has dedicated her time and energy…

These empty feeders hint at what seems a tough time for birds. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson July 30, 2021

John Carlson: What About Things With Wings?

By John Carlson— If a guy were to equate the dudes he hangs out with to assorted bird species, many buddies of mine would be be falcons, hawks and eagles. You know what I mean? Nobody to mess with. But me? Realistically, I’m much more of, say, a chicken, or maybe a yellow-bellied sapsucker, or possibly even a fluffy-backed tit babbler. Yeah, that’s it. I’m a fluffy-backed tit babbler, which is my way of saying my intimidation factor roughly equals…

Ontario Systems, now FINVI, at 1150 W Kilgore in Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business July 29, 2021

Ontario Systems Partners With RevSpring to Offer a Digital Financial Engagement Solution

New integrated digital tools to enable streamlined workflows for ARM clients— BURLINGTON, Mass. — Ontario Systems, a leading provider of enterprise software that automates complex workflows, accelerates revenue recovery, and removes friction from the payments process for clients in the accounts receivable management (ARM), healthcare, and government markets, today announced a strategic partnership with RevSpring, a leader in financial communications and payments solutions. Through the partnership, Ontario Systems will offer a seamless omnichannel solution that combines the strength of Ontario’s A/R workflow and payment…

Pictured L-R: Jud Fisher and Ron Fauquher. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 29, 2021

Deadline for 2021 Fisher Governance Award Nominations Approaching

By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN—Delaware County nonprofits have until Aug. 15 to nominate one of their board members for Ball Brothers Foundation’s annual John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award, which recognizes board members who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their organization. “Board members serve a vital role for nonprofits. The pandemic has emphasized just how important a strong board is to the resiliency of an organization. As we move into a new phase of recovery, dedicated board…

Jay Julian is President/CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and as Chief Economic Development Officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.

Business July 28, 2021

Julian to Retire From Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce

By Kelly K. Shrock and Terry Pence— Muncie, IN—On behalf of the Board of Directors, we share with you that Jay Julian has announced his intention to retire as President/CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and as Chief Economic Development Officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance effective April 1, 2022. We know that our organization will be losing a strong leader and advocate for the Muncie and Delaware County communities. Terry Pence, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber…

Muncie Community Schools school board meeting. Photo provided

Education July 28, 2021

Muncie Community Schools Ups Pay for Support Staff

By Andy Klotz— Board delays announcement of reopening plan Muncie, IN – On the heels of providing raises for teachers in May and $1,000 COVID-related stipends for all employees back in April, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has now raised starting pay for all support staff, which includes positions like administrative assistants, instructional assistants and permanent substitute teachers. The MCS Board of Directors tonight voted to increase starting pay for these jobs and others to $14/hour, up from about $11.20/hour. “Our…

Photo supplied by Fantom Events press office.

Entertainment July 28, 2021

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 35th Anniversary REMASTERED Coming to Muncie’s AMC 12

By Fathom Events— Muncie, IN—When a mysterious alien power threatens the atmosphere of Earth in the 23rd Century, Kirk and his crew must time travel back to 1986 San Francisco to save mankind. Exploring this strange new world, they encounter punk rock, pizza and exact-change buses that are as alien as anything in the far reaches of the galaxy. Muncie’s AMC12 theater will show the movie Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home on Thursday., Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. & 7 p.m….