Articles by Mike Rhodes

“The Celebration of the Century,” Ball State Homecoming Week, Kicks Off On October 14

Education, We Fly October 14, 2018

“The Celebration of the Century,” Ball State Homecoming Week, Kicks Off On October 14

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, Indiana — Help commemorate Ball State University’s Centennial year during “The Celebration of the Century” Homecoming Week, October 14-20. Festivities culminate at 3 p.m. October 20 when the Cardinals take on Mid-American Conference rival the Eastern Michigan University Eagles in Scheumann Stadium. This year’s schedule includes beloved traditions plus new events such as a flag football tournament, “Mini College” discussion panels, and a Chase Charlie 5K run, according to Michelle Johnson, senior director of alumni engagement, homecoming, athletics, and reunions. “Alumni can return to the vibrant campus they love to reconnect with classmates,…

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Muncie Civic Theatre Presents “West Side Story”

Entertainment October 12, 2018

Muncie Civic Theatre Presents “West Side Story”

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN—For Aiszah Rangel, playing “Maria” in Muncie Civic Theatre’s production of “West Side Story” is not just another role. It’s THE role. “I wanted to play this role mainly because I am a Latina, and I know the Latino population here in Muncie is very small, “ she said. She said this role allows her to represent Latina woman locally, and respectfully. “I hope to pave the way for other Latino artists,” she said. “Our voices deserve to be heard.” Muncie Civic Theatre is presenting “West Side Story” on the main stage Oct. 12-13, 19-21, and…

Yorktown Breaks Ground For New Town Hall

Government October 12, 2018

Yorktown Breaks Ground For New Town Hall

By: Danielle Brewer & Mike Rhodes— Yorktown, IN—The town of Yorktown marked the launch of its downtown redevelopment initiative this morning with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Yorktown Town Hall construction project at 9312 W. Smith Street. Rich Lee, Town Council President; Matt Anderson, President of the Yorktown Redevelopment Commission;  and Pete Olson, Yorktown Town Manager gave remarks. The Yorktown Redevelopment Commission and Town Council are excited to move forward with the expansion and enrichment of downtown Yorktown. The representatives of Yorktown’s municipality strongly believe that self-investment is essential to highlighting the town’s strengths and creating new avenues for community advancement. “This is progress…This is a…

Healthy Lifestyle Center Open House Set for October 17th

Health October 12, 2018

Healthy Lifestyle Center Open House Set for October 17th

By: Nicole L. Koontz M.S., RCEP, Associate Director of the Adult Physical Fitness Program, Ball State University— Muncie, IN—The Healthy Lifestyle Center is an interprofessional and collaborative community effort between the departments of the College of Health at Ball State University, IU Medical students as well as Meridian Health Services. Individuals can come in for FREE services in nutrition, exercise guidance, social work, counseling psychology, nursing and speech and audiology. How many times have you gone to the doctor or nurse practitioner and he or she tells you to exercise more or eat better after receiving a diagnosis of high blood pressure…

John Carlson: Had Thumb, Would Travel

Carlson October 12, 2018

John Carlson: Had Thumb, Would Travel

By: John Carlson— The other day I saw a dude hitchhiking, and it kind of took me by surprise. You don’t see that many people hitchhiking these days. This is a good thing, I think, since America is half-crazy anymore, and most of the nut cases seem to own cars. Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, hitchhiking was far more common. Young people in search of peace, understanding and the answers to life’s deepest, most confounding questions, stuck out their thumbs and took to the road to find answers. I even did this myself. The first time I…

Local Organizations Collaborate To Provide Scholarships to Students

Education October 11, 2018

Local Organizations Collaborate To Provide Scholarships to Students

By: WaTasha Barnes Griffin, Indiana Black Expo, Inc. Muncie Chapter—  Muncie, IN—The Martin Luther King Dream Team, the Muncie Branch of NAACP, and Indiana Black Expo, Muncie Chapter Inc. awards scholarships to local students via the “I Have A Dream: Community Collaborative Scholarship.” The “I Have A Dream: Community Collaborative Scholarship.” awards two scholarships each spring to deserving graduating Delaware County seniors (who plan to attend college, preferably, in Indiana) and whose high school activities reflect the ideals of Dr. King’s dream. Scholarships are awarded based on GPA, community service, and essay. The Selection Committee uses a rubric to score each…

Son of Scarevania Haunted Attraction at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

Entertainment October 11, 2018

Son of Scarevania Haunted Attraction at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

By: Jessie Fisher— Muncie, IN—The PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union Son of Scarevania Haunted Attraction at Cornerstone Center for the Arts opens for the season on Friday, October 12! The haunt opened in October of 2016 leaving attendees terrified; will they be brave enough return? Son of Scarevania is a partnership between Cornerstone and Scarevania Haunted Attraction aimed to scare…with the purpose of raising funds for Cornerstone’s arts program. Son of Scarevania Haunted House, presented by Indiana Michigan Power and Sight & Sound Music Center, will be open October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 from 8 p.m. to midnight….

First Merchants Corporation and MBT Financial Corporation Announce Merger Agreement

Business October 10, 2018

First Merchants Corporation and MBT Financial Corporation Announce Merger Agreement

By: Chad Mertz— Muncie, IN and Monroe, MI— First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) and MBT Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: MBTF) today announced they have executed a definitive agreement whereby MBT Financial Corporation will merge with and into First Merchants Corporation in a 100% stock transaction valued at approximately $290.9 million.  Upon completion of the merger, Monroe Bank & Trust, will merge with and into First Merchants Bank. Headquartered in Monroe, Michigan, MBTF operates 20 banking center locations in the southeastern Michigan area.  Since its founding in 1858, Monroe Bank & Trust has grown to one of the largest community banks in…

Hurricane Michael Weather Channel Live Video Stream

General October 10, 2018

Hurricane Michael Weather Channel Live Video Stream

  Click this link to view real-time streaming of Hurricane Michael from the Weather Channel.  (If you see a commercial break graphic, just hang tight. When the page opens from the link above, the live stream is about 1/2 way down the page.)          

2018 WIBU ATHENA Nominees Announced

Non-Profit October 10, 2018

2018 WIBU ATHENA Nominees Announced

By: Chrystal Pearson— Muncie, IN—Women in Business Unlimited (WIBU), an organization dedicated to providing networking opportunities for women of East Central Indiana, is pleased to announce the Nominees for the 2018 ATHENA Awards. After closing public nominations on September 21st, WIBU received a total of eleven (11) candidates for the internationally recognized awards. Nominations were solicited from the public. In order to remain impartial, the 11 nominations were forwarded to the judging panel for review. Each judge reviews and evaluates each nomination on its own merits and scores according to a provided ATHENA Recipient Selection Form. The judges’ scores are tabulated…