Articles by Mike Rhodes

Gene Policinski

We Fly January 23, 2019

First Amendment Expert To Speak at Ball State on January 23

By: Sheryl Swingley— Muncie, IN—Veteran journalist Gene Policinski, who is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute in Washington, D.C., will speak at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Cardinal Hall of the Student Center at Ball State University. The title of Policinski’s presentation is “The Real Threats to a Free Press: Bodies, Bytes and Benign Neglect.” Policinski’s presentation is part of Ball State University’s Department of Journalism’s 50th anniversary celebration and the university’s 100th anniversary. Ball…

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Pictured L-R: Jeff Mantock, Monte Brown, Steve Kern, Chris Cook, Chad Zaucha. Not pictured Jeffrey Heavilon. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 21, 2019

YMCA of Muncie Honors Board of Directors For Their Service

By: Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN— At the November meeting of the YMCA of Muncie’s Board of Directors, five members were honored for their service to the YMCA and our community. Monte Brown has served as a volunteer at the Y since 1988. He has been a continual member of the Camp Crosley Board of Advisors with stints on the Corporate Board. His years of service include a number of accomplishments that have boosted the Y and Camp Crosley to where they…

File photo.

Non-Profit January 20, 2019

Martin Luther King Day Activities and Unity Week Audio

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN—For many, January 21 will be a day off from work or school. But organizers of the annual MLK Day say it should be a “day on.” “[It’s] a day that brothers and sisters from all walks of life can stand together to learn from each other, empower each other, to work toward the common goal of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all,” said WaTasha Barnes Griffin, executive director of the YWCA, Muncie Community Schools…

First Merchants Corporation

Business January 19, 2019

First Merchants Jumps To #2 On Forbes List Of Top U.S. Banks For 2019

By: Chad Mertz— Muncie, IN —Forbes has released its 2019 list of “America’s Best Banks,” and for the second straight year, one of Indiana’s legacy financial institutions sits near the top. First Merchants Bank, the largest financial services holding company in Central Indiana and second largest in the state, was ranked by Forbes as the country’s second best bank. “We are extremely proud of this achievement as it speaks to the financial strength of First Merchants clients and vitality of…

Toby, with Jersey nearby, enjoying his favorite resting place. Photo by: John Carlson

Carlson January 18, 2019

John Carlson: Ya Gotta Love Dogs

By: John Carlson— For a guy raised by God-fearing parents, a 36-year member of Muncie’s Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and a graduate of that Christian college just up the road called Taylor University, I am a decidedly subpar, half-baked believer. Nevertheless, I say my prayers every night, soliciting no shortage of blessings, but also giving thanks for the ones I have. Like dogs. I’m not sure how this particular passage got dropped from the Bible. Nevertheless, I am certain at…

Heavy snow falling is illuminated by a parking lot street lamp. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education January 17, 2019

One in 10 Americans May Suffer From Severe Weather Phobia According To BSU Professor

By: Marc Ransford— With the potential of a major winter storm ready to slam into the Midwest, Marc Ransford writes about a Ball State geography professor’s study concerning why many people are scared of storms.  Muncie, IN—One in 10 Americans may suffer from severe weather phobia that causes them to lose sleep or have feelings of helplessness, says a researcher at Ball State University. “Severe weather phobia is very real,” says Jill Coleman, a Ball State geography professor and lead…

Summertime, 1890, John Ottis Adams, American (1851-1927), oil on canvas, David Owsley Museum of Art; Frank C. Ball Collection, gift of the Ball Brothers Foundation, 1995.035.041

Entertainment, We Fly January 17, 2019

Owsley Museum To Feature Centennial Exhibition On Hoosier Impressionist Couple

By: Rachel Buckmaster— Muncie, IN — The David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) presents a special opportunity to view more than 90 works of art by Muncie’s most important Impressionist painters. “Impressions of Love: J. Ottis and Winifred Brady Adams, a Ball State University Centennial Exhibition” is on view from January 24 through May 19, 2019. Commemorating Ball State’s Centennial with this unique exhibition, “Impressions of Love” celebrates the art and marriage of the noted painters, whose art was fostered…

Travis Abels in his studio. Photo provided.

We Fly January 17, 2019

Creative Professional Travis Abels to Speak at Ball State

By: Sheryl Swingley— Muncie, IN—Travis Abels, a creative advertising professional, artist, editor and storyteller, who splits his time between Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles; and New York City, will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in the Ballroom of the Student Center at Ball State University. The title of his presentation is “Throw Away Process and Just Play.” The presentation is free and open to the public. His visit to Ball State is sponsored by the university’s Department of Journalism…

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health January 16, 2019

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Awarded Accreditation From The Joint Commission

By: Courtney Thomas— Muncie, IN – Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital has recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its healthcare quality and safety. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has consistently received accreditation since the Joint Commission began recognizing healthcare organizations as a symbol of quality in…