Articles by Mike Rhodes

Kari Wissel is pictured with some of the Muncie teens TeenWorks serves. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 5, 2020

TeenWorks Empowers Local Teens to Achieve Excellence

By: Emily Hitchcock— Muncie, IN— TeenWorks is excited to introduce their new regional director for Muncie and Delaware County, Kari Wissel. TeenWorks empowers teens to achieve excellence in career, community, and college through unique programming, professional development and individualized post-secondary success planning. “We are so excited to have Kari in this role. Her vast skill set in programming and community engagement will help so many teens in the Muncie community,” says president and CEO, Nick Duvall. Kari plans to expand programming, collaborate…

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President Trump gives his State Of The Union address on February 4, 2020. Photo: Screenshot from live broadcast

Government February 5, 2020

Full Transcript of President Trump’s State Of The Union Address

President Trump’s remarks during his third State of the Union address can be found below— THE PRESIDENT:  Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States — (applause) — and my fellow Americans: We meet tonight at a moment of unlimited potential.  As we begin a new Congress, I stand here ready to work with you to achieve historic breakthroughs for all Americans. Millions of our fellow citizens are watching us now, gathered in…

Illustration provided by Ivy Tech

Education February 4, 2020

Ivy Tech Community College Receives $8 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

By: Kelsey Batten— INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Lilly Endowment has made an $8 million grant to the Ivy Tech Foundation to support Ivy Tech Community College’s new statewide Career Coaching and Employer Connection (CCEC) program. This new, more strategic approach will emphasize comprehensive career readiness practices working alongside academic preparation throughout a student’s college experience. The new approach will transform Ivy Tech’s current Career Development structure and programs to focus on intentional career advising and employer engagement. “We are extremely grateful…

First Merchants Corporation, 200 E. Jackson Street, Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business February 4, 2020

First Merchants Corporation Announces 2019 Results

By: First Merchants Corporation— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported fourth quarter 2019 net income of $47.8 million compared to $41.7 million during the same period in 2018.  Earnings per share for the period totaled $.87 per share compared to fourth quarter 2018 result of $.85 per share.  Included in the fourth quarter results are $1.9 million, or $.03 per share, of one-time charges related to the closing of our acquisition with Monroe Bank & Trust on…

Photo provided

Non-Profit February 3, 2020

Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie Receive $110,000 George and Frances Ball Foundation Grant

By: Amy Logan— Muncie, IN—The George & Frances Ball Foundation has awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie with a $110,000 grant to support the Clubs’ out of school time programming for kindergarten through 12th grade. The vision of the Clubs ensures that every Club member graduates from high school, ready for a post-secondary education, or a vocational career. According to Thomas Kinghorn, president and CEO of the George and Frances Ball Foundation “we are pleased to support the strong…

Photo by: Storyblocks

Non-Profit February 3, 2020

Yummy! Chili Cook-Off Challenge Takes Place on February 8th

By: The Haiti Library Foundation— Muncie, IN—The Haiti Library Foundation, Inc. based out of Muncie is hosting its 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off Challenge.  The annual event pits 14 cooking teams comprised of primarily local businesses, organizations and individuals. Teams compete against one another in various categories: Best Chili (as determined by a panel of judges) People’s Choice (as voted on by all attendees) Rookie of the Year Best Table Theme and Presentation Top Fundraiser Attendees of the Chili Cook-Off get samples…

Nick Childress (Monroe Central) and Kelton Balfour (Muncie Central) from the MACC's Electrical Technology program. Photo by: Kris Julius

Education January 31, 2020

Muncie Area Career Center To Hold Career and Technical Education Open House

By: Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Director of Public Education, CEO, Muncie Community Schools—  Muncie, IN – Students and faculty from the Muncie Area Career Center (MACC) invite prospective students, parents, stakeholders, and members of the public to attend the annual Career and Technical Education Open House at the MACC (2500 N. Elgin St.) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13. Attendees will have opportunities to meet instructors and current students, learn about program offerings, tour classrooms and labs, and participate…

The Bargain Box, 607 E. Charles Street in Muncie. Photo provided

Non-Profit January 31, 2020

PSI IOTA XI Philanthropic Grants Awarded For 2019

By: Bonnie Smith— Muncie, IN—Psi Iota Xi Charities Inc. is pleased to announce its Philanthropic Grant Awards for 2019. These grants are funded from profits earned at The Bargain Box, 607 E. Charles Street in Muncie.  The Bargain Box is a resale shop operated and staffed by volunteer members of Psi Iota Xi Sorority. The purpose of the sorority is “the furthering of philanthropic, cultural and social enterprises” in our community.  This year’s grants totaling $18,000 were awarded to the following worthwhile…

These shoes illustrate the steps to a dance any man can learn. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson January 31, 2020

John Carlson: Guy’s Key To Happy Dancing

By: John Carlson— The older and lazier I get, the more enthusiastically I embrace an innovative style of dancing which I developed back in my middle-aged years. The key to it? Don’t move your feet. It’s amazing how, for many guys, not moving your feet while dancing turns an otherwise onerous activity into a slightly less onerous activity. Not for all guys, though! Even way back at our middle-school sock hops, there were some guys who loved nothing more than…

Geoffrey S. Mearns, Ball State University's 17th president. Photo: courtesy of Ball State University

We Fly January 31, 2020

Ball State Trustees Extend President’s Contract And Elect New Officers

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN — The Ball State Board of Trustees took steps today to maintain the positive momentum of the University by unanimously extending the contract of President Geoffrey S. Mearns and electing new officers, including Renae Conley as chair. His extension is through June 30, 2027. “Ball State is stronger than ever,” said Rick Hall, ’89, who served as Board chair from 2014 until today. “In extending President Mearns’ contract, the Board has taken…