Articles by Mike Rhodes

A young girl learns ballet at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Photo provided.

Non-Profit August 7, 2019

Fall Classes, Workshops, and Camps at Cornerstone Center of the Arts

By: Claire Downes— Muncie, IN—As Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The key is how to remain an artist once they grow up.” Embrace and hone your creativity at Cornerstone Center for the Arts Education classes, camps, and workshops. Cornerstone will offer classes for the entire family this fall. Fall twelve-week classes begin the week of September 9 and continue through the week of December 2. Various one-time workshops and camps will also be offered throughout fall as…

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The AHB Big Band delivers its "swing sound" to a large audience on the grounds of the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, located on Minnetrista Blvd., Muncie. Photo provided

Entertainment August 7, 2019

Free Big Band Jazz Concert By America’s Hometown Band This Thursday

 By: Katherine Huggler— Muncie, IN—On Thursday evening August 8th, the top-notch Big Band musicians from America’s Hometown Band will be taking their classy Big Band sound to the beautiful front lawn of the E.B. & Bertha C. Ball Center on Minnetrista Blvd. This popular Free concert is a highly entertaining window to the tradition of swing music in its many forms, styles, and tempos. This group and this event’s program are crafted by Will Frazier and Phil Cooley, Assistant Music Directors…

Terry Whitt Bailey. Photo provided

Non-Profit August 7, 2019

24 Democratic Women Chosen To Propel ‘Hoosier Women Forward’

By: Hoosier Women Forward— Leadership training program announces second class to take part in initiative aimed at preparing women for influential roles in public and private sectors Indianapolis, IN – Twenty-four (24) Democratic women from across Indiana – a diverse group with impressive and varied backgrounds – have been selected for Hoosier Women Forward’s (HWF) second class. Launched just last year, the Hoosier Women Forward leadership program is aimed at preparing and propelling Democratic women into influential roles in the…

The Alpha Center is located at 315 S. Monroe St. in Muncie. Photo provided

Business August 6, 2019

Alpha Center Meets The Needs Of Senior Adults

By: Stacey A. Shannon— Muncie, IN—Approximately 18,000 adults over the age of 60 live in Muncie. That number, however, is expected to nearly double over the next few years, according to Susie Kemp, executive director of the Alpha Center located at 315 S. Monroe St. The need for organizations that meet the needs of senior adults will only increase. Kemp said the Alpha Center, which opened in 1978, was one of the first adult day cares developed in Indiana and…

The Horizon Convention Center's Executive Chef, Austin Smith. Photo provided

Business August 5, 2019

Muncie Chef Selected for Competition

By: Joann McKinney, President/CEO, Horizon Convention Center— Muncie, IN—The Horizon Convention Center is proud to announce Executive Chef Austin Smith was chosen to compete in the 2019 Taste of Piazza Chef Competition. The competition will take place at the 2019 Taste of Piazza Food Show on Thursday, August 22nd at Banker’s Life Field House in downtown Indianapolis. One of only 4 chefs chosen out of 35 applicants, Smith will compete against three other Indiana chefs in a mystery box cooking challenge. The winning chef will…

The Old West End Neighborhood Association Arts Festival will take place on August 24, from 10am to 3pm. Photo provided

Entertainment August 5, 2019

Old West End Neighborhood Association Arts Festival To Take Place August 24

By: Gail Townsend— Muncie, IN—Ball State professor Jim Needham will be the keynote speaker at the Old West End Arts Festival on Saturday, Aug. 24, with a presentation on iconic American painter Bob Ross, whose The Joy of Painting was produced at WIPB-TV at BSU. Needham was general manager at the station and was instrumental in signing Ross to make the series. Needham’s programs will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary at Muncie Friends Church,…

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health August 5, 2019

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Ranked Among Indiana’s Top Hospitals For 2019-2020

By: Courtney Thomas— Muncie, IN—U.S. News & World Report has released its 2019-2020 ‘Best Hospitals’ rankings that name Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital among the state’s top hospitals.  IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, part of the IU Health system, was named the No. 5 ranked regional hospital in Indiana. Besides IU Health Ball, IU Health has three other hospitals among the 10 top ranked hospitals in Indiana: IU Health Medical Center (#1), IU Health Arnett (#8) and IU Health Bloomington…

This photo is NOT of the Carlsons racing up Pikes Peak. Photo by: John Carlson

Carlson August 4, 2019

John Carlson: Westward WHOOOAAAA!!!

By: John Carlson— With our beloved Chevy Malibu pushing 183,000 miles on the odometer, and my automotive-maintenance skills amounting to what’s generally referred to as “diddly squat,” we’re going to be car shopping soon. We’ll probably be looking at smaller ones. Turns out sizable vehicles just aren’t a good fit for me anymore. Take my GMC Sierra pickup truck. With me standing only three-feet-six – OK, I’m actually a towering  five-feet-six, but who’s counting?  – I can barely see out…

Photo provided

Entertainment July 31, 2019

Unlock Your Creativity At One of Minnetrista’s Summer Glass Workshops

By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, Indiana—Join us this summer to learn and explore new artistic skills through one of our various glass workshops. Stained Glass Sun-Catcher Workshop—August 3; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Add some sparkle and shimmer to your house this summer with handcrafted stained glass sun catchers. In this workshop you will be able to choose from a wide variety of patterns and glass to create a fun and unique beach themed sun catcher. Instructors will teach you how to cut,…

The leadership at Muncie Power Products approaches their work as a team. Back row (left to right): Damon Elmore, Scott Huntsman and Larry Wesley. Front row (left to right): Liz Ludwick, Ray Chambers and Kathy White. Photo provided

Business July 30, 2019

Muncie Power Products Has Been Part Of Downtown Since 1935

By: Stacey A. Shannon— Muncie, Indiana—For 84 years, Muncie Power Products has been operating in Muncie. Kathy White, chief financial officer, said the company was started in 1935 by Louis Conne, who had been the manager at Durham Manufacturing. The company, which makes parts for work trucks, has grown substantially since then and now has a main office, distribution center and warehouses in downtown Muncie. The company’s chairman, CEO and president, Ray Chambers, said Muncie Power Products is continuing to…