Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…

Faeries, Sprites, & Lights at Minnetrista. Photo provided

Entertainment July 15, 2021

Minnetrista Announces Its Annual Faeries, Sprites, and Lights Event

By Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN—Minnetrista is excited to announce this year’s Faeries, Sprites, & Lights event. This annual multi-day event invites families to enjoy time together. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their magical faerie attire as they imagine and play in a magical faerie wonderland. On Wednesday, July 28, through Saturday, July 31, families can enjoy craft kits, live music and dancing, a bubble garden, and much more throughout Minnetrista’s enchanted Oakhurst Gardens. Families can enhance their Faeries,…

America’s Hometown Band will perform July 29, at 7 pm at Westside Park in Muncie. The concert is free.

Entertainment July 15, 2021

America’s Hometown Band To Perform Free Concert At Westside Park

By Kathy Huggler— Muncie, IN—Muncie area concert-goers are invited to attend the next performance of America’s Hometown Band in 2021, entitled “The Music of the Park.” The program celebrates the wonderful return of public gatherings, and the fun of sharing live music with friends and family. Good-time summer sounds from the band’s talented musicians for this outdoor event include a bit of Broadway, a little nostalgia, a touch of the movies, and a sing-along Oldie or two. Downbeat time is…

Construction in the lobby of city hall. Photo provided.

Government July 15, 2021

Muncie City Hall Undergoing Lobby Security Renovations

By Corey Ohlenkamp, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— Muncie, IN – Construction work has begun on a new front lobby for Muncie City Hall. The construction will last approximately three weeks and will also upgrade security measures within city hall. Planned changes will alter building access procedures so they are more in line with those in place at other government buildings. “Security is something that we are constantly reviewing,” said Muncie Police Department Chief Nathan Sloan about the planned updates…

The new store at 244 W McGalliard Rd. Photo provided

Business July 14, 2021

Comcast Opens New Xfinity® Store In Muncie

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— Muncie, IN – Comcast has opened a 2,300-square-foot Xfinity® retail store in Muncie.  Located at 244 W McGalliard Rd. at The Muncie Shoppes, the new Xfinity store is designed entirely around the needs of customers, providing a comprehensive, in-person store experience. The retail store features contemporary hands-on displays and comfortable seating areas where customers can interact with all Xfinity products from internet, video and connected home solutions to Xfinity Mobile. Visitors can learn from trained technology…

The Delaware County Justice Center in downtown Muncie. Photo provided.

Government July 14, 2021

City of Muncie to Take Site Control of Former Delaware County Jail

By Corey Ohlenkamp, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— Muncie, IN— East Central Indiana Regional Planning district voted on Wednesday to transfer the former Delaware County Justice Center in the heart of downtown Muncie to the City of Muncie leadership in a joint partnership to further site development. The agreement between the City of Muncie and county officials will serve as a first step to bringing that location back on the tax roll, as well as continue economic development efforts around…

Ana Pichardo passes the gavel to Kate Stoss. Photo by Matt Howell.

Non-Profit July 14, 2021

Muncie Rotary Club Installs New Officers, Sherry Riggin Recognized for Her Service

By Kate Stoss— Muncie, IN – The Muncie Rotary Club celebrated the transition to the new for the 2021-2022 Rotary year on June 29, 2021. Ana Pichardo, retiring 2020-2021 President of the Muncie Rotary Club, presided over the installation ceremonies of the new club officers and praised the club members for their continued commitment in upholding the mission and values of Rotary. 2021-2022 Muncie Rotary Club Officers President: Kate Stoss President Elect: Matt Howell Immediate Past President: Ana Pichardo Secretary:…

"Regarding The Discarded." Photo provided

Entertainment July 13, 2021

Muncie Arts and Plyspace Present ‘Open Curiosity’ a Virtual Workshop Series

By Sarah Shaffer— Muncie, IN—PlySpace, the artist in residence program of The Muncie Arts and Culture Council is excited to announce Open Curiosity: An Exploration of Material as Metaphor. This workshop series will be led by Summer 2021 Virtual PlySpace Resident Carrie Dickason. The free, four-part workshop series will take place via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, beginning Tuesday, July 20 and ending Thursday, July 29. The program is open to ages 18+ and all…

Townsend employees often get involved when major weather events occur across the country. Photo provided

Business July 13, 2021

Family-Owned The Townsend Corporation Treats Employees Like Family

By Stacey A. Shannon— Muncie, IN—For 75 years, The Townsend Corporation has been a family-owned business headquartered in Muncie at 1015 W. Jackson St. The company, whose purpose is to work with electric utility companies to clear tree and vegetation away from power lines, has crews in a number of states with a variety of jobs available.  https://careers-thetownsendcorp.icims.com/ Sarah Hudelson, Recruiting and Retention Specialist for The Townsend Corporation, said the company values all of its employees and is committed to…