Articles by Mike Rhodes

Most ninjas can probably do an actual push-up. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson July 6, 2018

John Carlson: Are There Pathetic Ninjas?

By: John Carlson— Though not a regular viewer, I do enjoy watching those modern-day ninja competitions when I encounter one while channel surfing. Frankly, in these sad days of video-game and electronic-device addiction, it’s almost hard to imagine there are young Americans who are that physically fit anymore. As they navigate the obstacle course, I am always reminded that when those outstanding physical specimens were school kids, mymother wasn’t packing their lunches. Back in the day, she kept way too…

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The new degree reflects the University’s commitment to social responsibility.

We Fly July 3, 2018

Ball State Announces New Social Work Master’s Program

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—From the opioid epidemic to aging baby boomers, new and emerging societal challenges have created a dire need for licensed clinical social workers in Indiana and across the nation. To help meet this demand, Ball State University has created a new Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The recently approved program in the Department of Social Work will provide advanced clinical and management training for students starting in Fall 2019. “This new degree reflects the University’s…

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Education July 3, 2018

Ivy Tech’s Associate Accelerated Program Achieves 90 Percent Retention Rate

By: Kelli Schnetzer— Indianapolis, IN— During the 2017-2018 school year, Ivy Tech Community College’s Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP) achieved a 90 percent student retention rate. Through the program, 154 students were able to earn an associate degree in less than one year’s time. Ivy Tech’s ASAP program provides at-risk high school students facing life and family issues that prevent them from completing a degree, the opportunity to earn a marketable and transferable associate degree on a full-time basis in just 11…

WorkOne Center located at 3301 W. Purdue Ave, Muncie, IN 47304. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business July 3, 2018

Eastern Indiana Works Announces New Board Members

By: Stephanie Clawson— Muncie, IN—Eastern Indiana Works, a leader in data-driven workforce solutions, announces the appointment of Dan Borgenheimer, Derek Dodd and Shelley York to 3-year terms on its Board of Directors. Dan Borgenheimer serves as the Business Transformation MTD Plant Coach for 3M Industrial Business Group in Hartford City, IN and will serve as a private sector representative on the Eastern Indiana Works Board of Directors. Mr. Borgenheimer was nominated by the Blackford County Economic Development Corporation and appointed…

Ted Baker, executive director of the Innovation Connector in Muncie. Photo provided.

Business July 3, 2018

IC Executive Director Ted Baker Re-Elected to the InBIA Board of Directors 

By: Sheena Peters— Orlando, FL– The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), an international non-profit organization and global advocate for entrepreneur-driven economic ecosystems, recently completed its board elections and five board members were elected to three year terms. Ted Baker, Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. has been re-elected to serve a second term. An InBIA member since 2010, Ted Baker is in his eighth year with the Innovation Connector, a technology incubator and coworking space in Muncie, IN….

FREE Community Event. Celebrate America’s independence with lively music, bright fireworks, and an evening of fun at Minnetrista. Photo provided.

Entertainment July 2, 2018

Celebrate Independence Day with Summer Stage Fest: America’s Hometown Band

By: Stephen Mortland—  Muncie, IN—Celebrate Independence Day with Minnetrista this Fourth of July with Summer Stage Fest: America’s Hometown Band. Come early at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy food vendors, picnicking, and lots of family fun. Then, stay for live music by America’s Hometown Band at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk. Make your Fourth of July memorable with Summer Stage Fest: America’s Hometown Band on Wednesday, July 4th. For more information, visit minnetrista.net or call 765.282.4848. Follow us on Facebook and…

An initial planning meeting was held during the summer to discuss how to use Mad/Jax and its educational partners for training and youth development in Muncie and Delaware County. Photo provided.

Business July 2, 2018

Manufacturers, Higher Ed Institutions, State Officials, and Non-Profits Collaborate on ‘The Future of Work in Delaware County’   

By: Corey Sharp, Purdue Polytechnic— Muncie, IN—As Purdue Polytechnic prepares to expand its footprint by providing courses in Muncie’s Mad/Jax facility, initial efforts are underway to explore how shared space and programming in the facility could benefit K-12 students, college students, manufacturers, and non-profit organizations. With manufacturers concerned about the lack of skilled workers who possess the technical training needed to fill high-demand, high-wage jobs, interest in investing in the current and future workforce has never been stronger. Representatives of…

This is a picture Dale Pickett took of me, while I was taking a similar picture of him! Photo by: Dale Pickett Photography

Opinion July 1, 2018

Opinion: Reflections on Muncie Journal Turning 3 Years Old Today

By: Mike Rhodes, Publisher and Managing Editor, MuncieJournal.com— Muncie, IN—It’s official. Today is Muncie Journal’s 3rd birthday. Or anniversary. Wow. Where did the time go? (That can be answered by the photos that appear at the bottom of this story.) Three years ago today, I got up at 4:30 am, and with a queasy, nauseous feeling in my gut, took a deep breath and approached my computer. Specifically, my computer’s mouse. I stared at that mouse for a while, then…

Mark Slusher, president of Endpoint Creative is pictured at his video editing suite inside the Innovation Connector. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business June 29, 2018

The Innovation Connector: Home To Mark Slusher’s ‘Endpoint Creative’ Business

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—As you know, the Innovation Connector has been the home to many startup businesses and organizations in the Muncie community. Mark Slusher’s company, Endpoint Creative, is one of them. The company specializes in digital video production, visual marketing,  and high-end live video streaming. Slusher was born and raised in Delaware County and attended Delta High School. “I like Delaware County,” he said. “There are a lot of great things happening here.” An avid community volunteer, Slusher…

John Carlson was all smiles after White Castle sent the entire team White Castle gift packs. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Carlson June 29, 2018

John Carlson: To Dream The Impossible…

By: John Carlson— The recent announcement that the Miss America contest was scrapping its swimsuit competition came as a welcome victory to us non-sexist pageant people. We’re not just pieces of meat, ya know? By now, some of you may be saying, “Pageant people? Did I miss something? Is somebody starting a new pageant to pick, like, Mister American Chunk-Butt USA?” Ha-ha. No. It’s just that, for the last five weeks or so, I have felt giddy as a pageant…