Articles by Mike Rhodes

Former IU Health-Ball Memorial Hospital Chief Nursing Officer, Doreen Johnson. Photo provided.

Health January 28, 2018

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…

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What could be more fun than sitting by Cincinnati Reds mascot, Gapper? Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Entertainment January 26, 2018

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…

Cross-country skiing is very good for you, supposedly. By: graphicstock

Carlson January 26, 2018

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…

(L-R) Will Isaacs, Chad Zaucha, and Amelia Clark are pictured. Photo provided

Non-Profit January 26, 2018

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…

A father and son enjoying quality parenting time. By: graphicstock

Business January 25, 2018

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

Business January 25, 2018

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…

The YOC's unveiling of the total campaign investment reached. The campaign exceed its goal by 13%. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit January 24, 2018

Youth Opportunity Center’s Capital Campaign Exceeds Goal

By: Polly Craig— Muncie, IN—Muncie, Indiana based Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) and the YOC Foundation announced the successful conclusion of the Transforming Together: The Next Chapter Capital Campaign on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Vera Mae’s Bistro with more than 90 supporters and friends in attendance. Campaign Chairperson Kelly Stanley, announced that the campaign exceeded its original goal of $4,250,000 by 13% and raised $4,808,659.22 to support children at the YOC. Stanley remarked, “I am honored to have chaired this…

Steve Lindell, Vice President / Director of Operations Woof Boom Radio, Host of 104.1 WLBC Wake Up Crew.

Education January 23, 2018

LISTEN: Ball State and Muncie Community Schools: The Facts

By: Steve Lindell, Vice President / Director of Operations Woof Boom Radio, Host of 104.1 WLBC Wake Up Crew— On January 17, 2018, BSU President Geoffrey Mearns made a presentation to State Legislators for an amendment to HB 1315 that would allow the University to govern the Muncie Community Schools. It was not expected, and came as a surprise to many. Woof Boom Radio has started an effort to inform the public about the facts of this idea, so that…

A scene from a previous Chamber Champions Award Luncheon. Photo provided.

Business January 23, 2018

Chamber Now Accepting Nominations For Annual Awards Luncheon

By: Lindsey Sharp—  Muncie, IN— The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor its members for their longevity in and impact on the community at the Chamber Champions Award Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21 in the Horizon Convention Center. Over the past five years, nearly 1,000 people have joined The Chamber in recognizing almost 100 of its members with Business Longevity awards, the Al Rent Spirit of Muncie award, the Ambassador of the Year award and the…

Ryan White. Photo courtesy of the Ryan White Fund.

Business January 23, 2018

Meridian Awarded Ryan White Supplemental Funds for HIV Program

By: Kaitlyn Davis— Muncie, IN – Meridian Health Services has been awarded $100,000 in supplemental funds from The Ryan White Fund for its growing HIV program. Through this funding, care coordinators will be able to expand on the services currently being provided in Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Jay, and Randolph counties. Meridan’s HIV Care Coordination program assists those living with HIV disease in a wide variety of health and social services, including medical, psychosocial, financial, and other supportive services as needed.  These…