Articles by Mike Rhodes

Heidi Reed sits in a donor chair following her blood donation. The day of Heidi's donation, her mother received blood during a surgery. Photo by Amanda Romney/American Red Cross

Non-Profit July 9, 2018

Emergency Blood Shortage: Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors

By: Rodney Wilson, American Red Cross— Blood supply dwindles after donations lagged during Fourth of July holiday week   Fort Wayne, IN — An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now and help save lives. The Red Cross escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations. More than 550 fewer…

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Education July 9, 2018

Ivy Tech Community College to Offer Two New Associate Degrees

By: Kelsey Batten— Indianapolis, IN – Ivy Tech Community College has received approval to offer the Associate of Science in Secondary Education with concentrations in Mathematics or Biology. Fifteen locations will begin offering the degree, starting in Fall 2018, including: Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Lake County, Lawrenceburg, Muncie, Richmond, Sellersburg, South Bend/Elkhart, Terre Haute and Valparaiso. “One of Ivy Tech’s primary goals is to offer programs that are aligned to workforce needs,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of…

(L-R) Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore. Photo provided.

Non-Profit July 6, 2018

Community Foundation Announces ‘Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore Fund’

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—“Muncie is the community where my ties of wonderful friendships and relationships are. The community as a whole has treated us and our business very well, and now is our time to return the favor,” says Kent Shuff, Muncie business owner and Community Foundation donor. Kent, originally from Huntington, came to Muncie in 1978 to attend Ball State University. He has stayed in the city ever since. Growing up, he worked in his…

Big Band crooner Myles Ogea is scheduled to perform at the Jazz on the Terrace concert with America's Hometown Band, on Thursday, July 19, at 7 pm. Photo by: Mary Ellen Bertram.

Entertainment July 6, 2018

‘Tribute to the Big Band Crooners’ At BSU Arts Terrace July 19th

By: Katherine Huggler— Muncie, IN—On the evening of Thursday, July 19, at 7 pm, the Big Band from America’s Hometown Band entertains Muncie at its FREE annual Jazz on the Terrace concert at the Ball State Arts Terrace. The night’s featured soloist is vocalist (and former Muncie resident) Myles Ogea, in a musical celebration of great Big Band crooners. AHB Big Band co-directors, Will Frazier and Phil Cooley, promise a great lineup of tunes from memorable crooners such as : Michael Buble,…

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…

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…