Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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….

The Digital Climbers program at Muncie Public Library is supported, in part, by funding from the Kiwanis Club of Muncie. Photo provided.

Non-Profit July 27, 2021

Kiwanis Club of Muncie Accepting Requests for Funding Child Projects

By Susan Fisher, Member, Kiwanis Club of Muncie— Muncie, IN—Do you represent a non-profit organization in Muncie or Delaware County whose purpose is to serve the needs of children? If so, the Kiwanis Club of Muncie invites you to submit an application for funding to support your project or service. “Due to the disruption of our weekly meetings, which often feature presentations from local non-profit organizations, we have been unable to connect directly with many of the groups who may…

Ed Asner photo by Rich Kowalski

Entertainment July 27, 2021

Ed Asner, Noted Actor to Appear Four Nights in Muncie

Editor’s note: This play has been cancelled. Mr. Asner passed away on August 29th.   By Dee McKinsey— The play runs August 17th through the 20th, Tickets available now. Muncie, IN—Ed Asner, known for his gruff but lovable character, Lou Grant, on the Mary Tyler Moore Show, stars in the political comedy: GOD HELP US! Asner, 91, who plays God, is the winner of eight Emmys and two Golden Globes and was president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He…

A view inside the George and Frances Ball Foundation lobby inside the newly remodeled Emens Auditorium. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment July 26, 2021

Emens Auditorium Announces Its 2021-2022 Season

By Kristi Chambers— Muncie, IN — After more than a year of anticipation, John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium announces its 2021-2022 season events. Experience concerts, Broadway, comedy, dance, and more. Single event tickets go on sale Monday, August 16 10 a.m. at the Emens box office or online at Ticketmaster.com. Subscriptions are available now for the Artist Series. Receive priority ordering and seating by reserving an Artist Series subscription to 6 Broadway-based performances before the general public, plus qualify for discounts to…

Dale Basham was named Interim Executive Director of the Muncie-Delaware County Visitors Bureau. Photo by Charlize Jamieson

Business July 26, 2021

Dale Basham Named Interim Executive Director of Muncie-Delaware County Visitors Bureau

By Charlize Jamieson— Muncie, IN—Every so often, something happens that leaves you saying, “This is a PERFECT fit!” That may have been the collective community response when Dale Basham was named to become the Interim Executive Director of the Muncie-Delaware County Visitors Bureau. It was a no brainer. Throughout his long career as an educator and leader in so many civic groups and events, both here and elsewhere, Muncie and Delaware County has had an ambassador in Basham. Muncie has…