Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns. Photo provided.

Education, We Fly May 5, 2018

Ball State President Urges Graduates to Pursue Their Dreams, Serve Their Neighbors

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN – During today’s Spring Commencement ceremony, Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns told the Class of 2018 to always remember the core values they learned from the University’s Beneficence Pledge. From the stage of the Arts Terrace on the Old Quad, the president also urged the 3,300 graduates to serve their neighbors, commit themselves to a life of excellence and to serve others. “But, always remember that professional success and personal satisfaction require more…

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“Symphonic Lights Study #1” by Tom Farris

Positivity May 5, 2018

Tom Farris’ Photograph Awarded 1st Place in Art Show

Muncie, IN— Muncie-based artist, photographer and sculptor Tom Farris won 1st place in  the Photography Category of the Grant County Art Association 2018 Spring Open Show with his photograph titled “Symphonic Light Study #3”. The blue ribbon and cash-award winning photograph was an image of the art light installation at Sursa Hall at Ball State University –one of a series taken by Farris.  The competition was open to entries from artists throughout Indiana. Judge for the Spring Show was David Hannon,…

Photo provided.

Education, We Fly May 4, 2018

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist to Speak at Ball State Commencement

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN – Entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert G. Hunt, a 1969 graduate of Ball State, will give the University’s main address May 5, 2018 at Spring Commencement. Hunt, who also will be awarded an honorary doctorate will speak during the ceremonies. Commencement begins at 10 a.m. on the Old Quad. Hunt is chairman emeritus of Hunt Construction Group, which was established by his grandfather. The company, now known as AECOM Hunt, is recognized as one of the…

The secret to sounding like a German is in the throat. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson May 4, 2018

John Carlson: Um, This Dude Said What?

By: John Carlson— Because Nancy and her sisters are planning a trip to Europe, retracing their late father’s path during World War II from Normandy across the Rhine into Germany, she first intends to brush up on her French and German. Having taken two years of German in high school and two years of French in college, I am helping her study. Sure, it’s been years since I’ve spoken either language, but I can still count to five in French,…

Muncie Three Trails Music Series at Canan Commons. Photo provided.

Entertainment May 3, 2018

National Recording Artists Headline Muncie Three Trails Music Series

By: Richard Zeigler—  Muncie, IN—The Muncie Three Trails Music Series announced its 2018 lineup in a celebration at the Muncie Music Center on May 3, 2018. The series will once again feature four critically acclaimed national recording artists who will perform in a series of four FREE concerts at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. All shows begin at 7 PM. Complete information on the series and all artists, including songs and videos, can be found at www.munciethreetrails.com. Celebrated bluegrass group Balsam…

Community Foundation Scholars: Anna Beach, Grace Belangee, Indira Brown, Skylar Cassity, Arianna Dollinger, Lily Fillwalk (top row); Faith Flick, Lucas Henson, Alexander Herbst, Bryn Marlow, Brock McCoy, Emma-Mae Newman (middle row); Javier Onate, Cade Orchard, Hannah Quirk, Michelle Scanameo, Astra Sisson, Korbin Zvokel (bottom row)

Education May 3, 2018

2018 Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients Announced

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has announced the 2018 recipients of the Community Foundation Scholarship. The Community Foundation Scholarship is awarded to students who were selected by their individual schools as Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship nominees. The Community Foundation recognizes the outstanding achievements of these students with a $500 scholarship. Consideration was given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic ability and potential for leadership. Anna…

Ontario Systems. File photo.

Business May 2, 2018

Ontario Systems Acquires Justice Systems, Provider of Court Case Management Software

By: Casey Stanley– Muncie, IN – Ontario Systems, a leading provider of enterprise revenue cycle management software to the healthcare, accounts receivable management, and government markets, announced today that it has acquired Justice Systems, Inc., a leading provider of court case management software, and electronic payments solutions to government clients including state and municipal court systems. Ontario Systems and Justice Systems are leading players in the growing government software sector, both with over 35-year histories of providing trusted solutions to their clients….

Lions are pictured singing the National Anthem at the beginning of the business meeting on Friday, April 27, 2018. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business May 2, 2018

Horizon Convention Center Hosts 2018 Lions Club State Convention

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The 2018 Lions Club State Convention was held at the Horizon Convention Center, April 27-29th in downtown Muncie. Approximately 320 members and friends from across the entire state attended the convention. “One of the purposes of our state convention is to conduct the business of the Lions Club in an open manner, so club members can find out what is going on with Lions Clubs across the state,” said Sue Topf, State Administrative Secretary. “But secondly,…

Minnetrista file photo.

Non-Profit May 2, 2018

Minnetrista Honors Military and Their Families With Free Admission

By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, IN—Minnetrista is proud to announce their participation, once again, in Blue Star Museum Days. From Memorial Day (May 28) to Labor Day (September 3), Minnetrista, in collaboration with Blue Star Museums, among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America, will be offering free admission to our nation’s active duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserve, and their families. This year, more than 2,000 museums…

(L-R) Josh Shaffer, Phil Peterson and Caleb Churchill are pictured during the Pete's Bar & Grill soft opening on March 29th. Photos by: Mike Rhodes

Business April 30, 2018

Pete’s Bar & Grill Opens in Albany

Editor’s note: Pete’s Bar and Grill closed on May 11, 2024. By: John Carlson— Albany, IN—These days, Caleb Churchill is a busy man, a challenged man, a tired man. But he’s also a happy man. “I’ve always wanted to start my own restaurant,” said the young husband, father and chef. “Then the right opportunity came up.” For Churchill and his partners, Clyde Shaffer Jr. and Clyde’s son, Josh, they were nearing the end of an exhausting process that began last…