Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ribbon cutting at the opening of the 'Sephora Inside JCPenney' at the Muncie Mall. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business June 15, 2018

‘Sephora Inside JCPenney’ Opens At Muncie Mall

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—At 9am on June 15th, Sephora Inside JCPenney opened at the Muncie Mall. JCPenney general manager Ebony Martin estimated 300-400 people were lined up to get inside for the 9am grand opening.  She said, “At Sephora our customers get to do four things: You touch. You try. You Play. You learn. When you come into our beauty studio, one of our product consultants will sit down with you and teach you things. Like skin care, fragrance,…

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As you can see, my plane features no shortage of air. Photo by: Ron Waechter

Carlson June 15, 2018

John Carlson: Off Into The Wild Blue…

By: John Carlson— Why, yes! As a matter of fact, I do own an airplane! Sixty-seven years. My whole life. That’s how long I’ve waited to say that. Well, OK. Technically, it would be 67 years had I wanted an airplane the moment I popped from Mom’s womb and some doctor flipped me over to smack me on the butt. But I have waited a solid 52 years, since the day I took my first flying lesson as a kid….

Ross Swallow, CPA. Photo provided

Business June 14, 2018

Whitinger & Company Names New Member/Owner At Annual Meeting

By: Sheena Peters— Muncie, IN– Regional public accounting and advisory firm, Whitinger & Company, is proud to announce the promotion of Ross Swallow, CPA to Member/Owner of the firm. Originally from Union City, Ohio, Ross received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Findlay with a double major in Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting with a Minor in Finance. He then completed a Master’s in Accounting from Ball State University. Ross specializes in tax consulting and compliance services…

A scene from Muncie Civic Theatre's production of "The Little Mermaid." Photo by: Kishel Photography

Entertainment June 14, 2018

Muncie Civic Theatre Presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN—Muncie Civic Theatre is going down under – the sea, that is — for its latest production. The historic downtown theatre is presenting Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” live on stage June 8-24. For tickets, call 288-PLAY or go to www.munciecivic.org. Watch the beloved animated classic come to life with your favorite characters, including Ariel, Ursula, Sebastian, and songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” “Little Mermaid” tells the fishy tail, er tale, of…

Members of the First Merchants Muncie team are pictured at ARF. Photo provided.

Business June 14, 2018

First Merchants Muncie Participates in ‘Community Day’ At ARF

By: Megan Jeffers— Muncie, IN—ARF is a local non-profit whose mission is to provide shelter, medical care, and love to abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted animals until permanent homes can be found.  Through educational efforts, public awareness and community involvement, ARF seeks to eliminate euthanasia as a way of animal control, thereby creating a “no-kill” community in which both animals and humans benefit from the goodness of each other. The First Merchants Muncie Team recently participated in a Community Day…

Free STEM Camp for Girls, June 19-22. Photo provided.

Education June 13, 2018

Ivy Tech Hosts Free STEM Camp for Girls, June 19-22

By: Mallory Steed— Muncie, Ind— Ivy Tech Community College is hosting a STEM Camp and spots are still available. This camp will provide middle and high school girls immersive learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. They will also focus on a number of different topics including everyday etiquette, making your dreams become a reality and effective communication skills.  This four day camp begins June 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 22. “We are looking forward to…

The Land Conservation Fund supports preservation and conservation of land in and around Delaware County. To date, more than 300 acres have been secured in East Central Indiana providing a lasting legacy for future generations. Photo provided.

Non-Profit June 13, 2018

Land Conservation Fund Supports Reber Woods

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN– The Land Conservation Fund project has secured more than 300 acres of land in East Central Indiana. The fund was created to preserve and protect important conservation and recreation areas throughout Delaware County or those owned by Delaware County organizations. A partnership between The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., Ball Brother’s Foundation, and the George and Frances Ball Foundation formed the fund in 2013.  The fund provides the local matching money required for the…

Suzanne Clem. Photo provided.

Health June 12, 2018

Open Door Health Services Names Director of Community Awareness

By: Kourtney McCauliff— Muncie, IN—Open Door Health Services announces that Suzanne Clem has joined the Open Door team as Director of Community Awareness. Suzanne received a bachelor’s degree in advertising and master’s degree in social psychology from Ball State University. Her experience includes 13 years in marketing at Ball State, focusing on strategy development, social media, and wellness marketing for the university food service. She also has written for higher education publications and community projects and has provided volunteer communications…

Delaware County is budgeting more than $2 million in funding for road resurfacing projects for the next three years. Photo by: graphicstock.

Government June 12, 2018

Delaware County Officials Highlight Road Improvements and Cash Reserves

Delaware County, IN – Delaware County Commissioners and Council shared a budget update today, highlighting a continued focus on paving roadways and a fiscally conservative approach to spending. “As stewards of the residents’ tax dollars, it was imperative that we get excessive spending under control without burdening our county,” said Delaware County Commissioner Shannon Henry. “In the last few years, we have created a more sustainable future by adding to our cash reserves, while maintaining a focus on road resurfacing.”…

Ivy (R) is pictured receiving her STAR scholarship certificate from P.E.O Cathy Stewart (L) on May 17 at Burris High School. Photo provided.

Education June 12, 2018

Recent Burris Graduate Ivy Anderson Receives Scholarship

By: Cathy Stewart— Muncie, IN—The prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year has been awarded to Ivy Anderson, a recent graduate of Burris High School.  Ivy is the daughter of Joseph and Paula Anderson and was recommended for this scholarship by Chapter BF of Muncie, Indiana. Ivy has been accepted and will attend Loyola University where she plans to study business. The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service,…