Articles by Mike Rhodes

Wizard of Oz cast members Lion, Scarecrow, Dorthy, Tin Man and the Wicked Witch promoting summer reading book giveaway. Photo by: Stacy Wheeler.

Non-Profit June 15, 2021

Free Books for Children and Teens at Weekend ‘Wizard of Oz’ Performances

By Akilah Nosakhere and  Susan Fisher from Muncie Public Library, Brittany Covert and Bridget Duggleby from Muncie Civic Theatre, and Stacy Wheeler from Classroom Connections of ECI— Muncie, IN—Muncie Civic Theatre (MCT) is partnering with Muncie Public Library and Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana to distribute free books at upcoming performances of The Wizard of Oz at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. Classroom Connections of ECI (formerly the Back To School Teachers Store) recently received tens of thousands of…

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From left to right: Marcus Logan, Nevaeh Orr, and Da’Marion Walker

Education June 15, 2021

Community Foundation Announces More 2021 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients – Marcus Lane Logan, a senior at Wapahani High School, is the recipient of the Sue Harris Unsung Hero Scholarship. Marcus plans to attend Ball State University to study environmental science. He is the son of Mark and Billie Logan. Nevaeh Orr, a student at Ball State University, is the recipient of the Patricia K. and Franklyn D. Brinkman, Sr. Nursing Scholarship. Nevaeh is studying nursing. Da’Marion Walker, a senior at…

Photo provided by Project Leadership

Education June 15, 2021

21st Century Scholarship Deadline Is June 30th for Delaware County Students

By Project Leadership— Muncie, IN—Just two weeks remain for Delaware County students to enroll in a state program that can help them pay for college. And help is available to get enrolled. Project Leadership works each year to enroll Delaware County students into the state of Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program. The Scholars program started in 1990 and is an early- college promise program designed to help ensure that every Indiana student can afford the opportunity provided by a college education….

The community enjoyed a blast from the past as the Muncie Symphony Orchestra performed popular hits from The Beatles in a free outdoor concert at Canan Commons. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Entertainment June 14, 2021

MSO Puts On Blockbuster Beatles Concert At Canan Commons

By John Carlson— Muncie, IN—For hundreds and hundreds of Muncie folks, making their way to Canan Commons Saturday evening was like time-traveling back to a magical era when all you needed was love and you got by with a little help from your friends. These fans weren’t hearing the Beatles exactly, but they were hearing the next best thing via the Fab Four tribute band Classical Mystery Tour, accompanied by our very own Muncie Symphony Orchestra. How was the concert?…

Accutech Systems in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business June 14, 2021

Accutech Systems Experiences Significant Growth, Expected To Move Downtown July 6th

By Accutech— Muncie, IN – Accutech Systems, a trust and wealth management technology company, has announced its continued momentum in 2021 with 23% year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth, 20 new employees — a 20% increase in its employee base — and 10% growth in customer count. The results were fueled by record revenue increases from the company’s SaaS (software as a service) wealth management platform, Cheetah Wealth Management™, which grew over 20% YoY, and its two new software solutions, Opendigital and…

Mayor's Arts Awards Recipients for 2019. Pictured L-R: Rachel Replogle, Kim Miller, Chris Flook, Hurley Goodall, Michelle Bade, Krista Sides, Lynette Waters-Whitesell, Tania Said. Photo by: Deftly Creative

Non-Profit June 12, 2021

Nominations Open for 2021 ‘Mayor’s Arts Awards’

Editor’s note: Nominations are now closed.  By Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MACC), in collaboration with the City of Muncie, is pleased to announce it is accepting nominations for the 2021 Mayor’s Arts Awards. The Mayor’s Arts Awards recognizes the contributions to the cultural community by all visual, performing, and culinary artists, musicians, writers, poets, rappers, directors, producers, craftspeople, arts educators, arts patrons, arts professionals and volunteers, as well as organizations, institutions, government agencies, corporations, and…

Can money, cards and poker chips spell trouble for some? You bet. Photo by Nancy Carlson.

Carlson June 11, 2021

John Carlson: Me Gamble? Not a Chance

By John Carlson— I take great pride in the fact I don’t gamble. In noting this, I’m not setting myself up as “holier-than-thou.” Throughout my life, I have spent considerable time, effort and money in the dogged pursuit of questionable behavior. It’s just that, as far as I can remember, gambling is the only vice I haven’t wholeheartedly embraced at one time or another, and I’m pretty happy about that. Everybody should have at least one vice they don’t adore,…

Photo provided

Non-Profit June 11, 2021

Cardinal 5K Run/Walk: Register Today!

By Angie Pool— Muncie, IN—The Cardinal Greenway is kicking off their Cardinal Summer series of events with the Cardinal 5K Run/Walk Saturday, June 26. It will be offered in both Muncie and Marion. The Muncie edition will be a timed, competitive race that will start and finish at the Wysor St. Depot (700 E. Wysor St.) and include the Hughes Nature Preserve, new Kitselman Bridge and trailhead, John Craddock Wetlands Nature Preserve, Cardinal and White River Greenways. Marion will offer…

Community Foundation president Kelly K. Shrock presents the Sursa Leadership Award to Greg Huffman for his service to Muncie Civic Theatre. Photo credit M. Hahn Photography.

Non-Profit June 10, 2021

Greg Huffman Named 2021 Recipient of Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has announced that Greg Huffman received the 2021 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize his dedicated service to Muncie Civic Theatre. Huffman was nominated by Muncie Civic Theatre for his leadership on the Board of Directors over the last four decades. Huffman joined the board in the 1980s and has served on the board most years since. He has been a business committee and executive…

Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns

We Fly June 10, 2021

BSU President Mearns Named MAC Representative to NCAA Board of Directors

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— Muncie, IN—The Mid-American Conference (MAC)  has announced  that Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns has been elected the MAC’s Chair of the Council of Presidents. He replaces University at Buffalo President Dr. Satish Tripathi, who served as Chair for the last four academic years. President Mearns has also been named the MAC representative to the NCAA Board of Directors. “On behalf of the President’s Council, I would like to express my gratitude to…