Articles by Mike Rhodes

Moving 700 Cars. Is it Magic?

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 so quickly. Did they have some sort of StarTrek transport device that would simply “beam” the cars over from one…

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John Carlson: Ladies Manhandle Clippers

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 just haircuts. Cheap haircuts. A kindly, grandmotherly lady, she wasn’t officially trained or licensed or inspected. What she was, however,…

Innovation Showcase Regional Pitch Competition Coming to 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 around the US will be in attendance and will be looking for investment opportunities.  Significant prizes will also be…

Muncie Rotary Club Installs 2019-2020 Officers

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 President Elect: Ana Pichardo Immediate Past President: Thomas C. Bracken Secretary: Kate Stoss Treasurer:  Linda S. Gregory   Members of…

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

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 with discounts and prizes. For the past few years, one lucky family from each session has won an overnight stay…

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

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, students can earn a college associate degree along with their diploma. Throughout the past year, I have witnessed firsthand the…

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

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 a free cookbook. The workshops begin on Wednesday, July 10 at 4 p.m. and will be held each Wednesday throughout…

Nominations Due July 12th For Mayor’s Arts Awards

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 the final stretch of accepting nominations. Awards may be granted in eight categories – Arts Advocate, Arts Leader, Arts Educator,…

John Carlson: Bye-Bye Food Writing

Carlson July 5, 2019

John Carlson: Bye-Bye Food Writing

By: John Carlson— As the chunky person formerly known as the Chowhound, I am often asked, “Hey, Mister Flabiola, have you ever written about something you didn’t eat?” Well, yeah, I have. In fact, it just so happens that a couple weeks ago I was honored to attend the wedding of my friends Chris Flook, local historian, expert wordsmith and dashing man about town, and his super-cool, charming and beautiful executive-type fiancée, Kourtney McCauliff. Furthermore, today I am writing about their wedding. So, you wonder, what was it like? Great! Now, moving on to the food … I could tell…

Yorktown Non-Profits Receive ,345 in Grant Funding from the Town of Yorktown Endowment Fund

Non-Profit July 3, 2019

Yorktown Non-Profits Receive $3,345 in Grant Funding from the Town of Yorktown Endowment Fund

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., through the Town of Yorktown Endowment Fund, is awarding $3,345 in grants to three organizations serving the Yorktown Community. BY5 Early Childhood Initiative has been awarded $545 to support Kickoff to Kindergarten at Pleasant View Elementary School. The program, which will run in the weeks prior to school’s start, is designed to improve readiness of incoming kindergarteners. The Yorktown Council for the Arts has been awarded $1,800 to purchase audio/visual equipment to support their free outdoor events in Yorktown. The new outdoor projector and movie…