Articles by Mike Rhodes

Alison Bell, Chancellor for WGU Indiana. Photo provided

Education August 25, 2019

How Family And My Hometown Influenced My Career In Higher-Ed Leadership

By: Alison Bell, Chancellor for WGU Indiana— I recently had the opportunity to meet with Muncie city leaders, including Mayor Dennis Tyler, to discuss access to affordable college, a visit that was part of a statewide tour we planned after I took on my new role as Chancellor at WGU Indiana. While I was excited to have the opportunity to visit the new local restaurant, Roots, in the Village, I also found myself reflecting on the city and family members who…

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IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health August 23, 2019

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Earns ‘LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader’ Designation

By: Courtney Thomas— Muncie hospital is one of only 4 hospitals statewide and 406 healthcare providers nationwide to earn the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation. Muncie, IN—IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital announced that it has achieved “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) for the eighth consecutive year. IU Health Ball was the first hospital in Indiana to earn the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation in 2012. The designation was awarded in the 12th edition…

Books’ covers hint at Jell-O’s limitless appeal. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson August 23, 2019

John Carlson: Dang! That’s Great Jell-O!

By: John Carlson— The most enticing Jell-O dish I have ever seen was on the cover of a little cookbook called “Thinking Outside the Box,” given to me by the delightful Julie Kappel Maugherman. Pictured was a platter topped with an exquisitely molded crimson Jell-O. Suspended in the middle of that Jell-O was a White Castle slider. That’s right, a little hamburger. Inside the Jell-O. This was a molded mound of Jell-O that could make the heart of any White Castle…

Members of the community are pictured attending the "Waelz Sustainable Products Expert Panelist Forum" at Muncie Central High School on August 20, 2019. Photo by: Aimee West

Non-Profit August 22, 2019

Summit for Transparency in Local Government—Citizens and Solutions for an Open Muncie

By: Aimee West, Muncie Action Plan— Muncie, IN—The call for civil discourse in Muncie and Delaware County has reached a fever pitch, with citizens’ petitions, calls to action, and a demand for better information and more transparency. There’s a broken traffic light at the 4-way intersection between citizens, boards and commissions, local government, and the process by which our local government makes decisions. Trying to follow this political give and take has left citizens feeling confused and angry about decisions…

Ontario Systems, now FINVI, at 1150 W Kilgore in Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business August 22, 2019

Ontario Systems Announces Investment From New Mountain Capital

Leading Investment Firm Poised to Help Software Provider Achieve Next Level of Growth— Muncie, IN–Ontario Systems (“Ontario”, or “the Company”), a leading provider of enterprise software that automates complex workflows and accelerates revenue recovery for clients in the healthcare, accounts receivable management (ARM), and government markets, has entered into a definitive agreement to partner with New York-based New Mountain Capital, a leading growth-oriented investment firm with over $20 billion in assets under management. With its purchase of a majority share…

Acclaimed blues-rockers Tommy Castro and the Painkillers will be performing in a FREE outdoor concert on Saturday. Photo provided

Entertainment August 22, 2019

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers to Perform Free Concert at Canan Commons

By: Richard Zeigler— Muncie, IN–Acclaimed blues-rockers Tommy Castro and the Painkillers will be performing in a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2019 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 24th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Muncie’s own Chad Nordhoff and New Roundabout will open the show. This concert is presented by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. Born…

Twilight on the Boulevard. Photo provided

Entertainment August 21, 2019

Minnetrista’s 2nd Annual ‘Twilight on the Boulevard’ To Be Held September 20th

By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, IN— Join us for Minnetrista’s second annual Twilight on the Boulevard, presented this year by MutualBank on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 7pm to 10pm. Twilight on the Boulevard is a benefit event to support Minnetrista’s enduring vision. Enjoy food and beverages provided by local restaurants such as Vera Mae’s Bistro, Amazing Joe’s Grill, The Neely House, Pete’s Bar & Grill, Twin Archer Brewpub, Minnetrista catering, and more. Walk in the orange glow of Minnetrista’s beautiful…

The Village will be a busy place when the “$2 Tour” is underway.

Entertainment August 21, 2019

‘$2 Tour of the Village’ is Saturday August 24

By: John Carlson— Muncie, IN—What can two bucks buy you these days? Plenty, when the inaugural “$2 Tour of the Village” happens on Saturday, August 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. on a closed University Avenue between Calvert and Dill streets. Also closed will be Martin Street from North Street to Ashland Avenue. The event is being hosted by Village merchants and the Riverside/Normal City Neighborhood Association. But why? “The Village sits in our neighborhood, so we decided to celebrate…

Josh Kaufman (L) and Cliff Ritchey (R) during the making of the video for 'Honey Baby.' Photo provided by Cliff Ritchey

Non-Profit August 21, 2019

The Facing Project To Bring Josh Kaufman From NBC’s ‘The Voice’ To Muncie

By J.R. Jamison— The September 7th Concert will also feature Cliff Ritchey and Dan Deitrich Muncie, IN—Josh Kaufman wowed national audiences with his soulful bravado on NBC’s The Voice, and with Usher as his coach he went on to win Season 6. Now, The Facing Project will bring him, along with award-winning musician Cliff Ritchey and Dan Deitrich, to Cornerstone Center for the Arts for a one-night only Storytellers Concert. On stage, Kaufman, Ritchey, and Deitrich will create an intimate…

Courtney Crabtree (left) and Sarah Hill (right) have been awarded the Robert P. Bell Creative Teaching Award to recognize their innovation through collaboration in the classroom. Photo provided

Education, Non-Profit August 20, 2019

Cowan Teachers Awarded Robert P. Bell Creative Teaching Award From The Community Foundation

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has announced that Courtney Crabtree and Sarah Hill have been awarded the Robert P. Bell Creative Teaching Award to recognize their innovation through collaboration in the classroom. Crabtree and Hill, kindergarten teachers at Cowan Elementary School, were nominated by former principal, now assistant superintendent, Tim Brown for their partnership to creatively give their students, and students of all ages at Cowan, more access to STEAM…