Articles by Mike Rhodes

John Carlson: Look! Up in the Sky! It’s…Uh-Oh!

Carlson June 4, 2021

John Carlson: Look! Up in the Sky! It’s…Uh-Oh!

By John Carlson— For years I have believed Earth is visited by alien spaceships. The first time I saw one I was a freshman at Taylor U, parked way out in the country along a lonely stretch of railroad track with my pals Jack and Grapes and a couple other guys. Suddenly I noticed a bright white disk in the sky, slowly cruising back and forth, coming closer and closer. At first, having pointed it out to my buddies, this phenomenon seemed merely intriguing. But the nearer this UFO approached, the more menacing it became, especially since we’d been sitting…

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Charles W. Brown Planetarium Summer FREE Show Schedule

Entertainment June 3, 2021

Charles W. Brown Planetarium Summer FREE Show Schedule

By Planetarium Staff—  Planetarium programs are great for families and groups of all kinds, and are most suitable for ages 8+.  Registration required for all shows below.  Register at http://brownplanetarium.eventbrite.com  ASTRONAUT Thursdays: June 3, 10 at 6:30pm Fridays: June 4, 11 at 6:30pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut, explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, and discover the perils that…

Forward Visions Presents ‘Black Music Month Celebration’ On June 26th

Entertainment June 2, 2021

Forward Visions Presents ‘Black Music Month Celebration’ On June 26th

By George Foley— Muncie, IN—The Black Music Month Celebration presented by Forward Visions, Inc. and in partnership with the Muncie Parks and Recreation Department is back. After having to cancel our celebration last summer due to COVID-19, we are excited to bring this event back to the people of Muncie and Delaware County on June 26th at McCulloch Park. The event will be free to the public and we will have live performances from three different groups. The Black Music Month Celebration began in 2008 and has been under the direction of Forward Visions, Inc. since 2012 with the help…

Community Foundation Announces Additional 2021 Scholarship Recipients 

Education June 1, 2021

Community Foundation Announces Additional 2021 Scholarship Recipients 

By Kallie Sulanke— Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients – Maximus Bradley, a senior at Monroe Central Jr./Sr. High School, is the recipient of the Jenny Haskell Memorial Scholarship. Maximus plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College to study finance. He is the son of Clayton and DeAnna Bradley. Mackenzie Carter, a senior at Yorktown High School, is the recipient of the Yorktown Lions Club Scholarship. Mackenzie plans to attend the University of Evansville to study exercise science. She is the daughter of Jason and Catherine Carter. Evan Conley, a senior at Delta High School, is the recipient of the…

2021 Muncie Pride to Kick Off During June Arts Walk

Non-Profit June 1, 2021

2021 Muncie Pride to Kick Off During June Arts Walk

By Amy Leffingwell— Muncie, IN—The second annual Muncie Pride will kick off on Thursday, June 3rd at Cornerstone Park with a proclamation from Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour. This will be the first Pride event in a series of monthly events starting with the kick off in June (the official Pride month) and continuing all the way to Queer History Month in October. Four scholarships will be awarded to local students whose essays will be read by a panel of judges. This year’s essay topic is the history of the Pride flag and the significant meaning behind each of the stripes.  More…

DWNTWN Muncie’s Annual Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, Flower Hour Events to Return June 3rd 

Entertainment May 28, 2021

DWNTWN Muncie’s Annual Brink of Summer ArtsWalk, Flower Hour Events to Return June 3rd 

 By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN — The annual Brink of Summer ArtsWalk—which was canceled last year due to the pandemic—returns June 3 from 5–8 p.m. The free community event throughout DWNTWN celebrates the arts culture in Muncie, featuring local artisans performing their craft, YART (a yard sale for art) and art exhibits and galleries.  Canan Commons will feature live music and performances from Masterworks Chorale, Muncie Ballet Studio, America’s Hometown Band Jazz Ensemble and Jacob Smith Ensemble.  New this year, attendees are encouraged to participate in a Community Maypole Dance, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County…

John Carlson: Tales of a Teenager at War

Carlson May 28, 2021

John Carlson: Tales of a Teenager at War

By John Carlson— Dick Courtney was a man of great stature, not just physically, but also as measured by friendliness, kindness and humor. That’s a rare combination. I got to know Courtney years ago, following the publication of his book “Normandy to the Bulge: An American Infantry GI in Europe During World War II.” Being a guy who sometimes hangs with writers, I had met a couple Greatest Generation war veterans from hereabouts who had also written war memoirs. There was John F. Ireland, whose fine book was titled “My Story.” There was also my friend and former newspaper co-worker…

YMCA Board Votes to Move Forward With New Facility on Muncie Central Campus

Non-Profit May 27, 2021

YMCA Board Votes to Move Forward With New Facility on Muncie Central Campus

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN,— The YMCA of Muncie Board of Directors voted this morning to pursue a new downtown facility located at Muncie Central High School (MCHS). Board members approved an internal site selection committee’s recommendation for the project between the YMCA and Muncie Community Schools (MCS). The organizations will now collaborate to finalize a letter of intent and formal memorandum of understanding. YMCA President, Chad Zaucha, stated the project deepens the existing partnership with the school and will provide a continuum of education and youth development services on one campus. “This project is an opportunity to impact youth…

Project Sybertooth: Ball Brothers Foundation Funds Program to Enhance Cybercrimes Training

Non-Profit May 27, 2021

Project Sybertooth: Ball Brothers Foundation Funds Program to Enhance Cybercrimes Training

By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN — As technology grows, so too does the threat of cyber attacks on the community. “Cybercrimes are the crime of the future. It’s so rapidly evolving, and we see how it can really have such a detrimental effect on our community,” said Jim Duckham, chief of the Ball State University Police Department. “Someone can be in another part of the world and be committing a crime that impacts our community.” In an effort to proactively address this issue, Ball Brothers Foundation last year began a new funding initiative called Project Sybertooth. “From the largest multi-national…

DWNTWN Muncie to Host Events Every Weekend This Summer

Entertainment May 27, 2021

DWNTWN Muncie to Host Events Every Weekend This Summer

By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN — This summer, visitors to DWNTWN Muncie will find something new and exciting to do every weekend. Now through August, DWNTWN WKNDS will offer new events each week, including live music, movies and more. “After a year of postponed events, we’re excited to once again welcome back a diverse range of programs, brought to you by either Downtown Development, downtown area businesses or other organizations—every single weekend,” said Vicki Veach, executive director of Muncie Downtown Development Partnership. DWNTWN WKNDS include events on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday each week. The events range from family-friendly activities…