Articles by Mike Rhodes

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

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…

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

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 Announces Investment From New Mountain Capital

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…

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

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…

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

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…

‘ Tour of the Village’ is Saturday August 24

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…

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

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…

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

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…

Navient Provides 130 Volunteers To Help Build Panels To Frame Home

Non-Profit August 20, 2019

Navient Provides 130 Volunteers To Help Build Panels To Frame Home

By: Sheena Peters— Muncie, IN—Muncie Habitat for Humanity recently partnered with Navient to hold their annual panel build event on August 6th, 2019. For this event, Navient provided over 130 volunteers and built the panels in their parking lot with the help of Habitat’s construction crew. The panels built will frame the future home of Abigail Lyons and her family. With the completion of the panels, Habitat’s Women Build teams will come together this fall to construct Abigail’s home at…

James Flatford Selected for Worldwide Leadership Program

Non-Profit August 19, 2019

James Flatford Selected for Worldwide Leadership Program

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—James Flatford has been selected to participate in United Way’s Leaders Engaged in Accelerated Development (LEAD) program. The LEAD program is United Way’s exclusive engagement and professional development platform designed for high-performing and high-potential individuals who are committed to building their career within United Way. Flatford is the Director of Impact for the United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties. “United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties is proud that James Flatford was chosen to be a…