Articles by Mike Rhodes

A professional crew sets up a ride at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Fifty years ago at another amusement park, a remarkable foreman coached some amateurs through the job. Photo by Nancy Carlson.

Carlson July 23, 2021

John Carlson: Who’s Worth What Out There?

By John Carlson— It’s no secret that the more nebulous jobs our economy creates, the more desperately we need traditional workers whose familiarity with, say, plumbing runs deeper than knowing how to flush a toilet. If I might cite a personal example … Experience has shown I couldn’t replace a toilet float if my life depended on it. On the other hand, four years of college sociology, which is the study of group interactions, never put a single Cheerio in…

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Health July 22, 2021

Walmart Hosts Free ‘Wellness Day’ in Indiana

By Lauren Schregardus— Events statewide on July 24 will feature free health screenings, offer wellness resources and affordable immunizations at Walmart pharmacies Indianapolis, IN– Walmart is inviting customers to take control of their health at Walmart Wellness Day, a free event on Saturday, July 24, where they can get health screenings and wellness resources at pharmacies statewide, as well as immunizations in one easy location. The goal of Walmart Wellness Day is to help customers get back on track with preventive…

Heidi Hale and dancers from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie's dance team pause for a picture before digging into the cake they won. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 22, 2021

Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie Announce Annual ‘Just Desserts’ Fundraiser

By Dominic Bordenaro— Muncie, IN—The annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie’s Just Desserts fundraiser, presented by Heidi J Hale, is scheduled for September 25, 2021 at 4 p.m. This event will be held in person at the Clubs’ Madison Street location. Just Desserts is exactly what it says – it is all about desserts. Sponsors will be able to purchase tables and they, and their guests, will bid for desserts created by local bakers. This year, the goal is…

Sensational Barnes Brothers. Photo provided

Entertainment July 21, 2021

‘Sensational Barnes Brothers’ To Headline Free Concert at Canan Commons

By Rick Zeigler— Muncie, IN—Acclaimed Memphis gospel/soul group The Sensational Barnes Brothers will be performing in a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2021 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 24th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Memphis’ SBB Band will open the show. The Sensational Barnes Brothers are a melting pot of the old and the new. As Pop Matters states,…

Jenny Hamilton (LifeStream Services) presents a check of $10,000 to Scott Watkins (Muncie Symphony Orchestra).

Non-Profit July 20, 2021

LifeStream Services Presents $10,000 Sponsorship to Muncie Symphony Orchestra

By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN — Following an extended “intermission” during the pandemic, Muncie Symphony Orchestra’s momentum continues to swell into the new season. In May, the orchestra announced it had received more subscription revenue in the first three weeks of sales than it had in any of the past 10 full seasons, and in June, MSO rocked a full house at Canan Commons during a free Beatles tribute concert. In addition to drawing in large crowds this year, MSO…

Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Health July 20, 2021

Could Indiana Be Susceptible to Another Wave of the Coronavirus?

By Chris Davis, Network Indiana— STATE WIDE–Indiana could be susceptible to another wave of coronavirus, given the way the Delta variant spreads, says an infectious disease expert who is urging people to get educated about the COVID vaccine. Indiana’s vaccination rate is 54.3 percent. That number represents people who are eligible and are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. “I think we all hoped it would be higher at this stage in the pandemic because…

I&M is here to help you beat the heat this summer. Photo by graphic stock

Business July 19, 2021

Indiana Michigan Power Shares Energy Saving Tips To Help You Save Money This Summer

By I&M Power— FORT WAYNE, Ind. – With summer heat officially here, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is providing customers with a variety of options to help them control their energy use and reduce cooling costs. “Customers will typically see a spike in energy use in their homes during the summer since air conditioning consumes a large amount,” said Katie Davis, vice president of External Affairs and Customer Experience. “We know bills are higher in the summer months, that’s why Indiana…

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Entertainment July 18, 2021

Emens Auditorium Announces 2021-2022 Coffee and Cabernet Series

By Kristi Chambers— Muncie, Ind. — Emens Auditorium announces the 2021-2022 Coffee and Cabernet Series at Pruis Hall! Choose from nine performances including jazz, bluegrass, celtic, comedy, and family entertainment. The series is catered toward to all audiences and the ideal date night, girls night out, or client perk. World-class artists and musicians brought together in the Coffee and Cabernet Series. Experience these internationally renowned artists in the intimate setting of Pruis Hall and enjoy a selection of wine, craft…

Boyce Systems headquarters. Photo provided.

Business July 16, 2021

Muncie-Based Investment Group Announces Deal to Acquire Boyce Systems

By Boyce Systems— New owners will invest in growth and innovation as the Boyce team continues to release new software solutions in the schools, municipalities and utilities markets Muncie, IN – A small group of Muncie, Indiana-based tech leaders announced today that they entered a deal to acquire Boyce Systems, a leading provider of financial software and forms to over 1,200 municipalities, schools, libraries, and utilities. The investment group is led by three former Ontario Systems executives, Jason Harrington, Casey…

Do “beer me” socks send the right message to gout sufferers? Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson July 16, 2021

John Carlson: Give Out a Shout to (Not) Gout!

By John Carlson— Recently, my feet fought a slug-out with gout. Or not gout. Some hip young medical people told me it was NOT gout. Supporting their contention was Nancy, who it turns out is a rabid “anti-gouter.” She insisted I couldn’t have been felled by gout, a medical condition historically attributed to loutish lifestyles of the rich and famous. However, another incredibly ultra-hip young medical person thought it WAS gout. So who knows? Whatever it was that struck me…