Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Civic Theater To Present ‘Rock of Ages’

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN – It’s your classic boy-meets-girl story, but with bigger hair and totally awesome ‘80s soundtrack. Muncie Civic Theatre is presenting “Rock of Ages,” the hit Broadway musical that features all of your favorite tunes from Journey, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Styx, Bon Jovi and more. “Rock of Ages” will run Feb. 2-17. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m.  There will also be a special Valentine’s Day show on Feb. 14. Tickets are $18 for…

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Cornfed Derby Dames Announce Season Eight Home Dates

By: Jessie Fisher— Muncie, IN – Muncie’s own Cornfed Derby Dames are gearing up for an action packed eighth season beginning in February. In 2017, Cornfed represented Muncie in many home and away games and tournaments throughout the Midwest. The team is now ranked 123 out of 339 international roller derby leagues in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The Cornfed All-Stars and Muncie Missfits now make up a league of over 40 active members. The first home bout…


Open Door Health Services Names Kourtney McCauliff As Director of HR

By: Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN—Open Door Health Services is excited to announce that Kourtney McCauliff has been named Director of Human Resources. McCauliff received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal Communication and Sociology from Central Michigan University. Before joining Open Door, she gained 12 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, five years of restaurant operations experience, and eight years of recruitment, development, and HR experience. Because of her extensive background in the HR field, Kourtney has a great understanding…


Boys & Girls Club of Muncie Raises $23,000 at Great Futures Luncheon

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—Before a sold-out crowd Thursday in its newly renovated gymnasium, the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie raised $23,000 at its Great Futures luncheon, setting a record for the annual fundraiser. The presenting sponsor for Thursday’s event was Old National Bank. Thursday also was a day that celebrated the merger of staffs, governing boards, and mission of the Club and Roy C. Buley Center. Over the past year, BCGM has expanded from one site to four…


Former IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital CNO Receives 2017 Indiana Women of Achievement Award

By: Courtney Thomas—  Muncie, IN – The Ball State University College of Sciences and Humanities has recognized Doreen Johnson, RN, MA, FACHE, NEA-BC, and former vice president and chief nursing officer (CNO) of IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, as a 2017 Indiana Women of Achievement award recipient. Each year, Ball State University recognizes Indiana women who enrich the lives of others through outstanding accomplishments in a variety of fields, including education or research, leadership in the community or university service, leadership…


Photo Gallery: 2018 Cincinnati Reds Caravan At Stoops Buick GMC

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—At around 5:15 pm Thursday evening, the Cincinnati Reds Caravan bus pulled into the Stoops Buick GMC dealership for the Muncie stop of the 2018 Cincinnati Reds Winter Caravan. The West Tour included broadcaster Marty Brennaman, outfielder Scott Schebler, catcher and Brownsburg native, Tucker Barnhart, minor leaguer Taylor Trammell, former infielder/outfielder Dmitri Young, vice president & assistant general manager Nick Krall, pitcher Austin Brice and mascot Gapper. An estimated 400 enthusiastic Reds fans were anxiously waiting to…


John Carlson: Skiing to Heck And Back

By: John Carlson— The other day I was nursing a beer at The Fickle  Peach while watching a preliminary Winter Olympics qualifying event for the biathlon. You know the biathlon, right? It’s the event that combines cross-country skiing with shooting. The contestants scoot long distances over the snow with rifles slung from their shoulders. Upon reaching a series of targets, they stop skiing, aim their rifles and try to shoot bullseyes. I have never competed in a biathlon, but I…


YMCA of Muncie Launches 2018 Annual Campaign to Support Community Needs

By: Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN – The YMCA of Muncie recently launched its annual campaign  to ensure that everyone in our community  has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Over 150 friends gathered and learned that the Y is so much more than a gym and swim. The Y is a cause-driven charity dedicated to strengthening community and removing barriers to ensure that people of all backgrounds can come together for…


Beasley & Gilkison: An Overview of Family Law

By: Ben Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, IN—The familial relationship is complex and sometimes necessitates the involvement of the court. “Family law” is a function of the state government and refers to the rules by which the state regulates the creation, maintenance and dissolution of the family unit. Family law is most commonly associated with divorce, child custody, and child support. Divorce, custody and child support proceedings make up the majority of a family law attorney’s practice. However, the practice…


First Merchants Corporation Announces Record 2017 Results

By: Nicole M. Weaver— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record fourth quarter 2017 net income of $24.4 million, compared to $22.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2016. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.49 per share compared to $.55 during the same period in 2016. Our fourth quarter results included the impact of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). Specifically, our federal income tax expense was elevated by $5.1 million, or…