Articles by Mike Rhodes

Eleanor Nolan as Matilda and Dr. Michael Williamson as Miss Trunchbull. Photo by: Amanda Kishel

Entertainment February 15, 2020

The Musical ‘Matilda’ Now Playing at Muncie Civic Theatre

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN— “Even if you’re little, you can do a lot,” says super smart 5-year-old Matilda. Proof of that can be found in the musical “Matilda” at Muncie Civic Theatre. “Matilda” will take over the Mainstage Feb. 14-16, 21-23, and 27-29. Shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for groups of 10 and more, and $15 for students…

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Does this sock look like fun? Yeah, I don’t think so either. Photo by: John Carlson

Carlson February 14, 2020

John Carlson: Humorless Times Are Afoot

By: John Carlson— Not long ago I was at my doctor’s office when, following a quick knock, a nice young internist entered to check my ankles for whatever nice young internists check old guys’ ankles for. Lifting my pants legs a couple inches, she suddenly exclaimed, “Oh! Those are fun!” Meaning my socks. This, I must admit, struck me as a foreign concept. I’ve had a fair amount of fun in my life, but none that I recall has been…

The offices of Woof Boom Radio located at 800 E. 29th Street in Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business February 13, 2020

WLBC ‘Hometown Heroes’ Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

By: Steve Lindell— Muncie, IN—Woof Boom Radio and 104.1 HD1 WLBC takes seriously our role of being a partner to those in the cities and towns we serve.  WLBC continues to assist some of the great organizations making a difference in our community with the WLBC Hometown Heroes Grant Program.  If you are interested in receiving our promotional support please consider completing the application you will find at this link.  Note: The application is in Microsoft Word format. Please return your…

Trish Allen is pictured. Photo provided

Health February 13, 2020

Open Door Health Services Receives Regional Recognition

By: Suzanne Clem— Muncie, IN — Open Door Health Services has been named an “Exemplary Practice” by the Great Lakes Practice Transformation Network (GLPTN). Supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the GLPTN guides healthcare providers in five Midwestern states in a shift to values-based care. This model of care focuses on improving clinical quality measures through a variety of patient-focused best practices. Exemplary Practices have demonstrated commitment to a patient-centered culture and continuous quality improvement, according…

Jim Higgins is pictured during his presentation on local finance. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business February 12, 2020

Horizon Convention Center Hosts Indiana Communities Institute’s Economic Development Course

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Ball State’s Indiana Communities Institute held its 38th Annual Economic Development Course at the Horizon Convention Center, January 12-17th. Attendees from across the state attended the course, and learned about topics including: strategic planning, real estate redevelopment and reuse, business retention and expansion, economic development finance, TIFF districts and more. The week-long Indiana Economic Development Course—the official “basic course” for the State of Indiana—offered intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and…

Photo provided

We Fly February 11, 2020

NBA to Use Ball State Prof’s ‘Elam Ending’ as Part of All-Star Game

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN – The NBA’s All-Star Game will have a new twist when a new scoring system  created by and named after Ball State University professor Nick Elam becomes part of the nationally-broadcast contest on February 16. The league unveiled its adoption of the Elam Ending last week to its All-Star format as part of its efforts to honor the Kobe Bryant, the 18-time All-Star  who recently perished in a helicopter accident. The Elam Ending…

Sound Affect Quartet presents a Singing Valentine to a lucky recipient. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 11, 2020

Heartland Vocal Project To Continue ‘Singing Valentine’ Tradition

By: Scott Trout, DDS— Muncie, IN—Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if you’re like many people, you’re probably looking for something new and different to give to your sweetie. Or significant other.  Or maybe there’s a client or business you’d like to do something nice for as a way of saying “thank you” during Valentine’s Day. Try a Singing Valentine from the Heartland Vocal Project. The Heartland Vocal Project, Muncie’s local affiliate of the Barbershop Harmony Society, will continue their fine tradition of presenting Singing…

File photo

Education February 11, 2020

AAUW Offers Scholarship for Nontraditional Students

By: Sheryl Swingley— Muncie, IN—Applications for the American Association of University Women, Muncie Branch, nontraditional student scholarship are due Wednesday, April 1. The form to apply for the scholarship must be secured no later than Wednesday, March 25. The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is available for the 2019-2020 academic year, effective Aug. 1, 2020, through July 31, 2021. The scholarship must be used for tuition, health fee, books, and other classroom-related expenses for the year, including summer session. To apply, applicants must…

Face Me Por Favor collaboration with Downtown Muncie at Canan Commons in 2019. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 7, 2020

MACC Program Receives $25,000 Grant From National Endowment for the Arts

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN — Muncie Arts and Culture Council’s artist-in-residence program, PlySpace, has been approved for a $25,000 Art Works grant. The PlySpace Residency Program provides dedicated space and time for residents to investigate and pursue their own work. Additionally, it serves as a platform for experimentation and provocation by sparking conversation and collaboration with various Muncie communities. PlySpace, based in the Emily Kimbrough Historic District in downtown Muncie, is a program of the Muncie Arts and Culture…

An old-type “Roomba,” steered by what’s called a “handle.” Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson February 7, 2020

John Carlson: Things Suck? They’ll Get Worse

By: John Carlson— When the end of the world arrives, I think it will come riding in on a Roomba. That’s my dire prediction, after talking with my friends John and Amy Mickle the other day. They have a new Roomba, which is one of those little circular robots that cruises around their house all by itself, cleaning the floors and carpets. Understandably, they love it. Of course, Nancy and I have a Roomba, too, except ours is one of…