Articles by Mike Rhodes

Some of the branding "imagery" you'll find inside the Innovation Connector. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business December 27, 2017

The Innovation Connector: ‘A Place of Connection’

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—When you think of branding your business, what comes to mind? Do you think about how you are perceived by others? How do you want to be perceived by others? What do you really do day-to-day in your business? Answers to these kinds of questions take time and considerable thought. But getting them answered is worth it, as your branding strategy is key to marketing your company and helps you define your on-going marketing tactics. About a…

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By: Storyblocks

Education December 27, 2017

Ball State to Host Community’s First Digital Marketing Summit

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—The Center for Advancement of Digital Marketing and Analytics at Ball State University is hosting Muncie’s first Digital Marketing Summit Feb. 1 for those interested in learning about the future of digital marketing. CADMA’s Digital Marketing Summit will begin with a networking breakfast, where guests can enjoy a full spread while meeting marketing professionals, nonprofit leaders and students from across the state. The breakfast kicks off a day full of speakers covering topics such as The…

The benefits of laughter are many. Photo by: Storyblocks

Positivity December 27, 2017

4 Benefits of Laughing Your Way Through The New Year

By: Lee Volpe— Like clockwork, people are composing their lists of New Year’s resolutions, and at the same time they’re ending this year with some of the same problems, frustrations or worries of past years.  They want to take a brighter outlook and ride those resolutions to a higher quality of life in the New Year – but inevitably, familiar issues get them down year after year. How can this New Year be different? How can you stay more positive…

Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch

Opinion December 26, 2017

Opinion: Creating Opportunities for All Hoosiers

By: Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch— Growing up as a 12 year old who towered over her peers and teachers at 5-foot eight, I was a target for many of my classmates’ ridicule and jokes. Suffering through those harsh words, my father gave me some advice that helped shape who I am today. His valuable lesson was to love, accept and respect myself, and when I began to do that, even with all of my imperfections, I could accept and respect…

Frances Petty Sargent is pictured receiving the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Mayor's Arts Awards.

Non-Profit December 25, 2017

Frances Petty Sargent Had Tremendous Impact on Muncie Community

  Muncie, IN—Frances Petty Sargent, 77, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in Muncie. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, community volunteer, and philanthropist, she will be dearly missed in the Muncie community and beyond by family and friends alike. Frances was born on October 9, 1940 in Richmond, Virginia, the daughter of William Lang Bramble and Frances Huntley Bramble. Frances attended The Collegiate School for girls, graduating in 1959 and St. Mary’s Junior College in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Following…

The Niccum Family at a prior Tiny Adams Memorial Christmas Event. Photo by Mike Rhodes.

Positivity December 24, 2017

24th Annual Tiny Adams Memorial Christmas Eve Event 

By: Mike Rhodes— Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas! The Muncie Fire Department is hosting the 24th Annual Tiny Adams Memorial Christmas Event for local children today, Christmas Eve, from 11am to 5pm at the downtown fire station training center directly behind fire station #1 at 421 East Jackson Street. Every child that attends will receive a FREE picture with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, a candy cane, and a gift. 40 bicycles that have been donated by the fire fighters will…

Al Holdren is pictured standing beside hundreds of photos of thousands of volunteers who participate in "Secret Families." Photo by Mike Rhodes.

Carlson December 22, 2017

John Carlson: Muncie Has Christmas Angels

By: John Carlson— With Christmas rapidly approaching, I feel compelled to offer a belated but heartfelt “thank you” to Al Holdren and the scores of Secret Families volunteers, folks who selflessly give of their time and money to make this holiday a great one for others. The breadth of their effort to help the less fortunate is amazing, and humbling. I would suppose other communities share similar programs, but I don’t know. It may well be that Holdren’s uncommon effort…

Matt Bloom and Pat McCrory. Photo provided.

Positivity December 21, 2017

“Muncie Loves Teachers” Website Offers Help to MCS Faculty Struggling to Make Ends Meet

By: Matthew C. Bloom– Muncie, IN–A new website called http://www.muncielovesteachers.com allows friends of MCS teachers to support their families as retroactive insurance premiums are deducted from paychecks this academic year. Pat McCrory teaches 5th grade at Grissom Elementary. When his wife, Lezlie, saw how much the deficit reduction plan was hurting their family budget, she took to Facebook to share her shock. “… This week, MCS teachers got what amounts to a pay cut for the next nine months. Ours amounts…

Photo by: Kyle Crawford

Entertainment December 21, 2017

Take a Kid to Worthen Arena for Ball State Hoops

By: Ball State Athletics— An exciting basketball season is in full swing at Worthen Arena, and Ball State wants you to take a kid to a game! With one paid adult ticket purchased, two kids eighth grade and under will receive a complimentary ticket. That offer is available for the following home men’s and women’s basketball games: Women’s Basketball vs. Western Kentucky Thursday, December 21st / 7 PM Men’s Basketball vs. Jackson State Friday, December 22nd / 7 PM Men’s…

Collage of ALICE families highlighted in this year's campaign. Photo provided.

Non-Profit December 21, 2017

United Way Promotes Final Day of Giving for 2017 Campaign

By: Allison Gregory— Muncie, IN – United Way of Delaware County will host a final Day of Giving on Thursday, Dec. 21 to end the 2017 campaign on a high note. The campaign team has set a goal of $10,000 in the hopes that a local sponsor will match Day of Giving donations. After nearly a year of community support and focused campaign strategy, Campaign Chair Casey Stanley will host United Way’s Day of Giving via a Facebook fundraiser. Donors can…