Articles by Mike Rhodes

Students reading at the Buley Center. Photo provided.

Non-Profit November 27, 2017

5 Delaware County Non-Profits Receive $61K in Grant Funding From The Community Foundation

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $61,559 to five non-profit organizations during the fourth Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2017. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts…

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Natasha Thompson is pictured by the gaming center. Photo provided.

Health November 26, 2017

New “Equipment” Will Keep Kids Entertained at IU Health Ball Memorial’s ER Dept

By: Dawn Brand Fluhler— Muncie, IN—In the very near future, if you visit the Emergency Department at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, you will likely see a Starlight Fun Center entertaining a child who is waiting to be seen or waiting with a family member. What is a Starlight Fun Center? It’s portable gaming system on a rolling tower with a large display and control pad that provides entertainment and distraction for children who visit the Emergency Department. “The gaming…

Swedish meatballs on rice with some lingonberry jam. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson November 24, 2017

John Carlson: Having A (Meat) Ball

By: John Carlson— Not long ago, my wife met my daughter down at Indy’s new IKEA store for some female bonding while shopping. Unfortunately, I was unable to join them there amongst the frantic bustling of the excited shopping hordes, mostly because I’d have rather been dead. I must say, however, that included in the load of crap … er … items Nancy hauled back home was one thing even I could use, it being a bag of frozen Swedish…

Kiddo Keepsakes is a new business just launching with the help of the Innovation Connector. Photo by: Tony Frederick

Business November 22, 2017

Innovation Connector Helps Ashley and Bob Runkle Launch New Business: “Kiddo Keepsakes”

By: Tracy Dishman— Muncie, IN—“Entertaining tiny humans and trying to get dinner made can sometimes feel like a noteworthy feat. Sometimes you need a new idea. Sometimes toys just lose their appeal and you have to get creative.”  ~ From the blog of Ashley Runkle “Getting creative” is exactly what Ashley Runkle and her husband, Bob, did just over a year ago when Ashley decided to be a stay-at-home mom after their second daughter was born. An art major from…

Olive & Slate is located at 304 S. Walnut Street Muncie, IN 47305

Business November 22, 2017

Olive & Slate

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—At Olive & Slate, you’ll find a wide variety of very unique home décor and gift items. That extra touch of style and quality is found in all products you’ll find at Olive & Slate. And on Black Friday, we’ve got some great deals for you. SCOUT® Bags represent the best of both worlds: function and fashion. SCOUT® bags are water resistant, easy to clean and easy to carry. They won’t weigh you down, and over packing is…

The Hayloft Boutique located at 200 S. Walnut Street in downtown Muncie.

Business November 22, 2017

The Hayloft Boutique In Downtown Muncie

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—When Debbe Caine, owner of the Hayloft Boutique, decided to open her store downtown, she really did not know what to expect. Originally from Middletown, IN, Debbe moved to Florida in 1980 and spent time in the real estate business. Debbe moved back to Indiana and opened up the Hayloft Boutique a little over 2 years ago. “One day I went shopping for fall clothes, and found prices to be a little high,” said Debbe.  “So,…

Tonne Winery. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business November 22, 2017

Tonne Winery

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— Tonne Winery was established in 2009 and has become a favorite gathering place for wine lovers. Kevin and Larry are very proud of the awards their wines have won.  Tonne Winery has won numerous INDY awards, which is the largest international wine competition in the United States. In 2014, Tonne Winery won the prestigious Governor’s Cup award and was named Indiana Winery of the Year.   Even though there are 18 different wine options available, it’s easy…

Photo (left to right): Kimberly Gruesbeck, Sana Szewczyk, Zenee Gadson, Elizabeth Covington (presenting the check), Simon Martin. Representing Second Harvest are: Karen McTague, Dorica Watson and Alex Sheward.

Non-Profit November 22, 2017

JD Norman Supports Second Harvest Food Bank

By: Karen McTague, Major Gifts Manager— Muncie, IN—JD Norman Industries, a manufacturing plant in Muncie, selected Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana as their charity of choice for their annual Community Giving Program. JD Norman partners with charitable organizations in the communities where their plants are located in order to help meet the needs and mission of the organization. More than 150 employees at the Muncie plant donated over 200 pounds of food listed on the “Most Wanted” list…

Photo provided.

Health November 22, 2017

Jay County Leaders Sign Agreement to Join IU Health

By: Dawn Brand Fluhler— Portland, IN – Jay County Hospital will officially join IU Health on March 1, becoming IU Health Jay Hospital. The announcement followed a vote of approval from the Jay County Council and Commissioners and the signing of the definitive agreement between Jay County Hospital and IU Health. The two parties signed a letter of intent in August agreeing to enter exclusive negotiations. Over the past four months, officials from IU Health and Jay County Hospital discussed the ideal…

Ted Baker, Executive Director at the Innovation Connector presents at the Innovation Connectors Excellence in Innovation Awards. Photo by: Kyle Evans

Business November 21, 2017

Muncie Innovation Connector Recognizes Entrepreneurs and Innovators at Excellence in Innovation Awards

By: Sheena Peters— Muncie, IN – Muncie Innovation Connector recently hosted the third annual Excellence in Innovation Awards at the Horizon Convention Center. This celebration recognized leaders in business innovation including those who are well established and others who are emerging. Mr. Gerry Dick, President and Managing Editor of Grow INdiana Media Ventures, LLC, and InsideINdianaBusiness.com served as the Master of Ceremonies. In addition, Karen E Laine and Mina Starsiak Hawk, better known as Two Chicks and Hammer and stars…