Articles by Mike Rhodes

Vendor tents surround Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. Photo by: Intersection Agency

Education July 15, 2019

Ivy Tech Community College to host ‘Tidy Up’ Tuesday Event in Downtown Muncie

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN – Ivy Tech Community College will host “Tidy Up” Tuesday on July 30th  from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 2p.m. to 4p.m. The Tidy Up Tuesday initiative is a collaboration of Ivy Tech Community College, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Muncie Delaware Clean & Beautiful and the City of Muncie coming together to keep our downtown clean and welcoming for all who will visit the downtown area.  It will connect Ivy Tech students,…

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Ball Brothers Foundation funding totaling over $250,000 is supporting the build-out of space and programming that inspires innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving inside Muncie’s downtown MadJax facility. Earlier this month, Purdue Polytechnic’s classroom space inside the building was used to host a week-long camp during which students built their own 3D printers. Ball Brothers Foundation funding will expand this type of programming—and more—in the facility. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 12, 2019

Over $250,000 in Grants Awarded to Support the “Future of Work” at Downtown Muncie’s MadJax    

By: Jud Fisher— Muncie, IN—Four local organizations were recently awarded Ball Brothers Foundation grants to build-out spaces and programming that inspires innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration inside MadJax, an 80,000+ square foot maker space in downtown Muncie. The grants—awarded to Ball State University, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Ivy Tech Community College, and Sustainable Muncie Corporation—will support efforts to build better linkages between the four institutions, K-12 schools, and local employers. “Our region has a tremendous legacy of ‘making’ things that extends back…

Cars arrive at the Toyota of Muncie tent sale in the parking lot by Ball State's Scheumann Stadium. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business July 12, 2019

Moving 700 Cars. Is it Magic?

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Every summer, Toyota of Muncie holds a tent sale in the parking lot by Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium. I happen to live close by. Every year I ask myself, “How do they get those cars over to the stadium so fast?” It’s like magic. One second the parking lot is empty and the next time I drive by, the lot is full of new and used cars for sale. I’ve often wondered how they do it…

Holly Ling cuts the hair of another satisfied customer. Photo by: John Carlson

Carlson July 12, 2019

John Carlson: Ladies Manhandle Clippers

By: John Carlson— Growing up, I never felt like a haircut wimp for having mine done by a lady barber. When I was ten or so, Dad got word about a woman a few streets over who was constantly being visited by guys, fellows who invariably left her house grinning. Naturally, rumors of this woman’s place threatened to launch my buddies and me into ecstasies of pre-adolescent hormonal bliss. Turned out all she was selling, though, was haircuts. But not…

Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd in Muncie.

Business July 11, 2019

Innovation Showcase Regional Pitch Competition Coming to Muncie

By: Ted Baker— Muncie, IN—The Venture Club of Indiana, in partnership with the Muncie Innovation Connector, will be hosting the 3rd annual Road to the Showcase Regional Pitch Competition on July 23, 2019, at the Innovation Connector, 1208 West White River Blvd., Muncie.  This event, one of several throughout Indiana, is a qualifier for the Statewide Innovation Showcase to be held in Indianapolis on August 22, 2019.  This contest will showcase winners from all regional competitions around the state. Venture capitalists…

(From L-R) Kate Stoss – Secretary, Linda Gregory – Treasurer, Kelly Shrock – President, Ana Pichardo – President-Elect. Photo by: Matt Howell

Non-Profit July 10, 2019

Muncie Rotary Club Installs 2019-2020 Officers

By: Tom Farris— Muncie, IN – Tom Bracken, retiring 2018-2019 President of the Muncie Rotary Club, recently presided over the installation ceremonies of new officers and directors for the 2019-2020 Rotary year, which began July 1st.  Officers are elected to 1-year terms, while members of the Board of Directors are elected to staggered 3-year terms, so a new class of three directors is elected each year to replace the retiring class. 2019-2020 Muncie Rotary Club Officers President: Kelly K. Shrock…

A MITS bus picks up Ball State students. Photo provided

We Fly July 10, 2019

Ball State Celebrates 10-Year Partnership with DWNTWN Muncie, MITS, and Muncie Visitors Bureau

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN – Ball State University’s Office of Orientation is celebrating a decade-long partnership with Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (DWNTWN), Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS), and the Muncie Visitors Bureau in welcome incoming students and their families to the community. During 18 orientation sessions each summer, students and family members are greeted by the Muncie Visitors Bureau during their initial visit to campus. The Visitors Bureau provides a Muncie Visitors Guide to each family, along…

James R. Williams is a partner at Defur Voran law firm in Muncie, and president of the

Opinion July 9, 2019

Opinion: Why Muncie Community Schools Is The Smart Choice For Students

By: Jim Williams, president of the Muncie Community Schools Board of Trustees— At Muncie Community Schools, we are remaking our education system. We’re using an innovative cradle-to-career community-based model, with support from local businesses and non-profit organizations. Our schools’ current, distinctive opportunities make MCS a smart choice for families. For example, kindergarteners, first- and second-graders at West View Elementary School this fall will be taught in Spanish and English in the Dual Language Immersion Program. At Muncie Central High School,…

New kitchen pavilion at Maring-Hunt Library. Photo by: Chris Bucher Photographs

Entertainment, Non-Profit July 9, 2019

‘Eat Smart and Move More’ with Purdue Extension and MPL

By: Susan Fisher— Muncie, IN—Carol Pierson from the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program will present a series of four workshops, Eat Smart and Move More. Participants will learn to plan, shop for, and cook healthy meals. Muncie Public Library (MPL) is a partner in the workshop series, which will take place in the new kitchen pavilion at Maring-Hunt Library. Each session will include information, cooking demonstrations, food samples, and free kitchen tool giveaways. Participants who attend all four workshops will receive…

The winners of the 2017 Mayor's Arts Awards presented at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit July 9, 2019

Nominations Due July 12th For Mayor’s Arts Awards

By: Betty Brewer— Muncie, IN—As chair of the Muncie Arts & Culture Council Board, I am looking forward to this year’s Mayor’s Arts Awards to be held at Muncie Civic Theatre on Friday, September 13, 2019. Planning has been underway since April, and we can’t wait to celebrate Muncie’s arts and culture communities this fall. The ceremony is open to the public, and we hope you’ll consider joining us! The Call for MAA Nominations has been announced and we’re in…