Articles by Mike Rhodes

Sursa Hall at Ball State University. Photo provided.

Entertainment November 1, 2017

Top Young Pianists To Perform in International Piano Competition At Ball State Nov. 8-12th

By: Kim Rendfeld— Muncie, IN—A few Ball State University students will participate in an international piano competition right on campus. For the third year, Ball State will be one of a handful of sites worldwide to host the preliminary round of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition. On Nov. 8-12, music lovers can enjoy performances by 48 young pianists in the 600-seat Sursa Hall. Ball State joins London, Manchester (England), Berlin, Milan and Tokyo as sites to audition for the…

Read More
By: graphicstock

Education November 1, 2017

Heritage Hall Christian School Announces First Quarter Honor Roll

By: Sandra Sigo, Administrative Assistant, Heritage Hall— Muncie, IN—Heritage Hall Christian School, now in its fifty-first year, has announced the first quarter honor roll for grades 1- 12. Elementary students received their certificates and awards during a chapel service on October 23.  Students in grades 7-12 will be recognized at their end-of-year awards program in May. All A Honor Roll Grade 11: Addie Herrman, Jentry Keesling Grade 10: Sophie Herrman, Cassandra Reeves, Alana Stonewall, Amanda Wallace Grade 9: Emily Nunemaker…

Mayor Dennis Tyler, Carl Erskine and his son Jimmy, and Emcee Dale Basham at the "Spirit of Special Olympics" luncheon. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business October 30, 2017

Horizon Convention Center Hosts Special Olympics Indiana State Conference and Indiana CPA Society

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The Horizon Convention Center hosted the Special Olympics Indiana State Conference on October 27-28 in downtown Muncie. Over 300 people from all over Indiana attended the conference. The annual conference is primarily for Special Olympics Indiana volunteers, leaders, staff, board members and county/management teams from across the state. In addition to numerous break-out sessions, an important component of the conference was the “Spirit of Special Olympics” luncheon held on Saturday. Awards in five categories were presented. Carl…

Derek Hilbert is pictured in front of items donated for "Tips for Turkeys" at the Fickle Peach. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Positivity October 30, 2017

Derek Hilbert Hosts “Tips-For-Turkey”at the Fickle Peach To Help Needy Families

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Four years ago, Derek Hilbert (D-Rock) had an idea. Four days before Thanksgiving, he found out someone he knew was in need for Thanksgiving. It made him think. He wondered, “What can I do to help?” He decided to have a spontaneous event at the bar he worked that night, and called his impromptu event,  Tips for Turkey.    “Tips” in this case, included all of Derek’s bartending tips he had received during the night. A Tuesday night. He raised $250.00 that…

United Way Worldwide President, Brian Gallagher is pictured during the 2017 UWDC Kick-Off in downtown Muncie. Photo by: Zach Poor

Non-Profit October 30, 2017

United Way Makes Strides to End Generational Poverty, Asking for Community Support During Year-End Campaign Giving

By: Allison Gregory— Muncie, IN– With six weeks remaining in United Way of Delaware County’s 2017 campaign, early calculations show the non-profit is 47 percent of the way to its goal of $1.2 million. This milestone is slightly ahead of the campaign’s standing at this time last year—but there is much work left to be done. With nearly half of Delaware County living in or near poverty, Campaign Chair Casey Stanley has called on volunteers, staff, and community members to…

Madison Street Underpass Storm Sewer System plaque and 750,000-gallon steel storage tank. Photo by: Bowen Engineering.

Government October 30, 2017

Muncie Sanitary District Completes Madison St Underpass Storm Sewer System Upgrade

By: Nikki Grigsby— Muncie, IN – On Oct. 4, the Muncie Sanitary District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony announcing the completion of the Madison Street Underpass sewer system upgrade. From start to finish, the underpass redevelopment was a collaborative effort from the Muncie Sanitary District, Bowen Engineering, United Consulting, and HWC Engineering. With a 40-foot deep pump station, 750,000-gallon steel storage tank, new underground drainage infrastructure, and 2,100 linear feet of force main pipe, Madison Street’s flooding challenges of years past have…

(L-R) Steve Reese, Caroline Todd and Charles Todd prepare for flight. Photo by: John Carlson

Carlson October 28, 2017

Mother, Son Novelists Take to Sky

By: John Carlson— Without stretching one’s imagination, it was possible to believe the yellow and blue biplane crossing the runway threshold at Reese Airport was a Sopwith Camel or Bristol Fighter, with British roundels marking its olive drab fuselage. That’s why, on this blustery autumn day, Caroline and Charles Todd were flying in it. The mother and son are mystery writers, and very successful ones. Their 31 novels include many set against the backdrop of post-World War One England and…

First Merchants Corporation

Business October 27, 2017

First Merchants Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results

Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record third quarter 2017 net income of $24.4 million, compared to $21.1 million during the third quarter of 2016. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.50 per share, which included $.11 per share of acquisition expenses, compared to $.51 during the same period in 2016. The acquisition expenses in the quarter totaled $7.9 million and were primarily related to the July 14, 2017 acquisition of Independent Alliance Banks, Inc. Year-to-date net…

Dr. Steve Baule, Superintendent of the Muncie Community Schools giving his “State of the Muncie Community Schools” report to local civic and business leaders. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education October 27, 2017

MCS Superintendent Dr. Steve Baule Gives 3rd “State of the Muncie Community Schools Report”

By: The Woof Boom Radio News Team— The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon event Thursday at the Horizon Convention Center. Dr. Steve Baule, Superintendent of the Muncie Community Schools gave his “State of the Muncie Community Schools” report to local civic and business leaders. Dr. Baule gave an overview of the current state of  MCS, and also shared many positive stories/statistics about MCS that often go over-looked. He began with the vision statement for MCS: MCS with our community partners will provide…

A 1 Million Cups presenter is pictured. Photo provided.

Business October 27, 2017

Innovation Connector Brings 1 Million Cups To Muncie

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Do you, or your company or organization have an idea, program or business you’d really like to try, but you just aren’t certain whether your idea will be successful? Wouldn’t it be great if you had a chance to pitch an idea or concept to business leaders who can help advise you and help you ascertain whether or not your idea will be successful? In the spirit of ”getting connected”, the Innovation Connector is bringing a…