Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Central High School Class of 1968 Reunion. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education June 19, 2018

Muncie Central High School Holds ‘Class of 1968’ Reunion

By: David Martin, MCHS Class of 1968— Muncie, IN—The weekend of June 8-10 was momentous for a very special group of people, and the City of Muncie.  The Muncie Central High School Class of 1968 converged on the heart of downtown Muncie to celebrate their golden anniversary. 50 years ago, 512 people walked across the stage in the field house to receive their diplomas, and from that moment, moved forward to forge their lives into something special. Approximately 170 people showed…

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The main office building on Oakwood showcases the new logo and colors. Photo provided.

Business June 19, 2018

Ball State Federal Credit Union Introduces New Look

By: Chrissy Stefani–  Muncie, IN – Ball State Federal Credit Union, a full service financial institution with a main office, student center branch, and ATM locations to serve members in Muncie and Yorktown, has announced a rebranded look, logo, website and tagline. The new logo is a part of the credit union’s effort to update the brand and connect more effectively with members and the community. The tagline, “Helping Cardinals Reach New Heights,” reflects the genuine commitment to do whatever it…

L-R: Brittany Bales, Jason Donati and Pastor Andre Mitchell. Photos by: BSU live stream.

Education June 18, 2018

Meet Mayor Dennis Tyler’s Nominees for MCS School Board

By: Brittany Bales, Jason Donati, and Pastor Andre Mitchell— Editor’s note: In their own words, meet Mayor Dennis Tyler’s nominees for the MCS school board. Final candidates will be selected at the BSU Board of Trustee’s meeting on June 25, 2018.  The candidates below are listed in alphabetical order.    Meet Brittany Bales I believe MCS should focus on three main components: students and families, faculty and staff, and finances. I am not naive enough to believe that a financial…

Students who participated in SERVE week in the past are pictured. Photo courtesy of Union Chapel.

Non-Profit June 18, 2018

17th Annual ‘Serve Week’ Held at Union Chapel, June 18-22

By: Jeff Hughes— Muncie, IN—Imagine the positive effect of over 450 children, youth and adults who live in Muncie, extending acts of kindness and love by serving residents and area non-profit agencies for one week at no charge. SERVE participants will rehab homes, pick up trash, visit nursing homes, paint local parks, cook and giveaway free food, host free block parties, assist non-profit agencies, and clean up and show care and concern for the city of Muncie by meeting practical…

Ball Brothers Foundation's board includes 3rd and 4th generation family members as well as non-family community members. This photo was taken in May 2017 in Muncie and included board members, BBF staff, and Associate Directors (next generation Ball family members who were learning more about BBF.) Photo provided

Non-Profit June 18, 2018

New BBF Grants Promote Innovation in Healthcare Training and in Local Schools   

By: Jud Fisher— Muncie, IN—Ball Brothers Foundation (BBF) awarded more than $3.2 million in grants to over 30 organizations in its first grantmaking round of the year. The grants were approved during the foundation’s board meeting in May. The largest grant awarded by the foundation—a $1 million grant to Ivy Tech Community College—will support the transformation of Ivy Tech’s facilities in Muncie. BBF’s grant is specifically targeted toward renovations to the fourth floor of the Fisher building in downtown Muncie…

Matt Miller and his daughter Brenley share a love of taking pictures of nature while on vacation. Photo by: Deborah Miller

Education June 16, 2018

What Does It Mean to be a Good Dad?

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—Fathers today spend more time engaged with their children than ever before and that’s perfectly OK, says a researcher at Ball State University. Ball State’s Richard Petts, a sociology professor, and two researchers from Brigham Young University utilized a national sample of about 2,000 fathers with children ages 2-18 to understand the relationship between adherence to masculine norms, fathering attitudes, and father involvement. “Does Adherence to Masculine Norms Shape Fathering Behavior?” was recently published by the…

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,…

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…