Articles by Mike Rhodes

The community is invited to celebrate Intersection’s 10th birthday during the August First Thursday. Photo provided by Intersection.

Business August 3, 2021

Community Invited to Celebrate Local Business’s 10-Year Anniversary During August First Thursday

By Seth Stegall & Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, INDIANA — In 2011, The Oprah Winfrey Show aired its final episode, Adele became a household name after the release of her first single “Rolling in the Deep,” and Intersection opened its doors. Now, the downtown Muncie-based marketing and branding agency is celebrating 10 years of bold ideas. The community is invited to celebrate with the agency during Intersection’s 10th Birthday Party on Thursday, August 5 from 5–8 p.m. Muncie native Chance Benbow…

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Photo provided

Entertainment August 3, 2021

Become A Master Gardener

By Kami Fulkerson— MUNCIE, INDIANA—Ever wonder what Purdue Extension master Gardeners Do? Here are only a few of the great opportunities: Volunteer for local organizations Spread love and knowledge of gardening Travel across the state to learn more about gardening Host community programs Youth programming Kick-start your way to forever gardening and register today! Pre-registration is required and due by August 20th. $175 for an individual or $270 for couple. To register contact: Laurynn Thieme, Ag & Natural Resource Educator….

Tech-Spark Weekend at the Innovation Connector.

Education August 3, 2021

Middle School Students Pitch New Ideas at Tech-Spark Weekend

By Ryan Hunter— MUNCIE, INDIANA—What do a water-cleaning robot, portable dishwasher, and school bus tracker app have in common? Those were just some of the solutions developed by middle schoolers at the first Tech-Spark event. On July 9-11, local middle schoolers gathered at the Innovation Connector in Muncie to collaborate and create their own business ideas. The three day experience, led by TechWise Academy, taught these young students the basics of tech entrepreneurship and foundational knowledge of robotics programming, drone programming,…

The Patterson Building. Photo by Matt Howell

Non-Profit August 3, 2021

Patterson Block in Muncie to Have Grand Opening on August 5th

By Rachel Combs— Muncie, IN— Patterson Block Muncie is hosting a grand opening celebration on Thursday, August 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm during the Arts Walk in downtown Muncie. This will be a family-friendly event with food vendors, live music, games, giveaways, local artist displays and more. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00 pm. The Patterson building was built in 1876 by Arthur F. Patterson and is one of the largest historic buildings in downtown Muncie at…

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…

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…