Articles by Mike Rhodes

United Way Hands Out 5,000 Books To Keep Kids Reading Through Summer

Non-Profit June 22, 2019

United Way Hands Out 5,000 Books To Keep Kids Reading Through Summer

By: Christine Rhine— Muncie, IN—Volunteers joined with United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties this week to hand out nearly 5,000 free books to second and third graders at South View and Grissom elementary schools. The book giveaway, in its second year, is an attempt to stave off summer slide, said Jim Flatford, director of impact for United Way. Summer slide is the term given to the loss of skills children experience during the summer months when they are away from school. Research shows the effects are strongest on children in low-income families who might not have the extra money…

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Pence Amendment Increases Funding For Rural Broadband

Government June 21, 2019

Pence Amendment Increases Funding For Rural Broadband

By: Ted Goodman— Pence Amendment successfully increases funding for rural broadband programs, ensuring more communities have access to innovative tele-health technology and distance learning educational opportunities WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Greg Pence successfully offered an Amendment to ensure communities across the 6th District, and rural America, have the necessary support to increase access to broadband programs. The Amendment passed 425 to 6, indicating broad, bipartisan support. “I am grateful for the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help close the digital divide in rural America,” Rep. Pence said. “Without access to broadband, entire communities can be left…

Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Convenes Regional Funders in Muncie

Non-Profit June 21, 2019

Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Convenes Regional Funders in Muncie

By: Holly Davis, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance— Muncie, IN—Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), the state’s largest amplifier of philanthropic impact, is undergoing a strategic planning process to chart the organization’s path for the next five years. The group convened funders from the region in Muncie on the morning of Thursday, June 6 at First Merchants Bank in downtown Muncie. “In the year 2020, IPA will be celebrating our 30th year,” said Claudia Cummings, IPA CEO.  “As the new CEO, I view this as a prime opportunity to elevate the organization to amplify the impact of the philanthropic community across the state. I…

Ball State Students, Recent Grads Win Four Emmys in Cleveland

We Fly June 19, 2019

Ball State Students, Recent Grads Win Four Emmys in Cleveland

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN— Ball State University’s string of Emmy winners continued  June 15 when students and recent graduates involved in multiple projects took home four statuettes from the 50th  annual Emmy Awards for the Lower Great Lakes Chapter in Cleveland. Ryan Shank, a 2018 graduate (Department of Telecommunications), was a double winner for the WIPB-TV production of “The Story of Jim Davis,” with one Emmy for directing, and a second as producer, sharing that award with 2019 graduate Emily Holland (producer) and 2018 graduate Jay Fields (assistant producer). Students from the Department of Telecommunications immersive learning program Sports…

The Importance Of Wellness

Business June 19, 2019

The Importance Of Wellness

By: Cheyenne Shelby, LifeStream Services— Muncie, IN—The word “wellness” can be seen marketed everywhere we look: commercials, magazines in the grocery aisle, and even food packaging. Despite the heavy marketing, wellness is more than a buzzword or trend. Wellness is an active process of making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Who doesn’t want that?  By managing our nutrition and exercise, we can achieve good wellness. Wellness is especially important as we age because regular exercise and proper nutrition can help prevent a variety of ailments including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and fall risk behaviors. Additionally, the need for vitamins and…

Hannah Fluhler Awarded Fulbright Scholarship

We Fly June 18, 2019

Hannah Fluhler Awarded Fulbright Scholarship

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN–Ball State University alum Hannah Fluhler, an Honors College student who recently completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pre-dance/movement therapy along with a minor in dance performance, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Melbourne, Australia. There she will help conduct research on Fanconi anemia (FA) at St. Vincent’s Institute, as part of a 12-person Genome Stability Lab team, under the supervision of a leading FA researcher. During her 10 months in Australia, Fluhler also plans to get involved with a local dance studio and to volunteer at the institute’s adjoining hospital. After her Fulbright year,…

Muncie-Based Accutech Systems Acquires Technology Company Money Tree Software

Business June 18, 2019

Muncie-Based Accutech Systems Acquires Technology Company Money Tree Software

By: Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— Muncie, IN—Accutech Systems, a leading software company for the trust and investment industry, announced the acquisition of Money Tree Software, a premier financial planning solutions provider. Accutech CEO, Adam Unger said “We are excited to build on the strong calculation engine of the Money Tree software and bring more innovation into the product offering to strengthen the system for the next generation of Advisors and their clients.  As we continue to enhance the financial planning software for the independent advisor market we will also be fully integrating the functionality into our trust accounting and…

Music for All Returns To Ball State University June 22-29 With Its National Summer Symposium

Entertainment June 17, 2019

Music for All Returns To Ball State University June 22-29 With Its National Summer Symposium

By: Brooke Leader— Muncie Organizations are Offering Free Concert Tickets as Part of the Music for All Community Engagement Program INDIANAPOLIS – The 44th Music for All Summer Symposium, presented by Yamaha, returns to Muncie and the Ball State University campus June 22-29, drawing more than 1,800 music students and teachers from 38 states and Queensland Australia. Ball State University, will be hosting the Music for All Summer Symposium. Ball State is a Corporate Sponsor of Music for All. About 1,500 high school and middle school band and orchestra students and 250 high school and middle school band directors are expected at…

18th Annual ‘SERVE WEEK’ Held at Union Chapel

Non-Profit June 17, 2019

18th Annual ‘SERVE WEEK’ Held at Union Chapel

By: Jeff Hughes— Muncie, IN—Imagine the positive effect of 288 children and youth ages 3-19 and over 200 adults extending acts of kindness and love in one unified week of service. This is not a dream – it will be a reality in Muncie, Indiana the week of June 17-21, as Union Chapel Ministries launches the 18thAnnual SERVE Week. What began much smaller in 2002, has now grown into a movement of people from Union Chapel joining hands to serve residents and area non-profit agencies for an intense week of service, all at no charge. Appropriately titled; “SERVE WEEK” –…

DWNTWN: Where Many Live, Work, and Play

DWNTWN June 17, 2019

DWNTWN: Where Many Live, Work, and Play

By: Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— Muncie, IN—DWNTWN, The Original Muncie, is a newly rejuvenated community that boasts a surprising number of unique businesses, local restaurants, original art venues, and unparalleled events. Directed by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, an Indiana- and nationally-accredited Main Street organization, Muncie’s downtown area has grown exponentially in the past five years alone. Today, business owners, artists, and individuals are united through their common love and pride in living, working, and playing DWNTWN. But what does it mean to live, work, and play here? Live With numerous shops, restaurants, and public transportation accessible within walking distance, it’s…