Articles by Mike Rhodes

TThe Muncie Symphony Orchestra.

Non-Profit October 9, 2017

The Muncie Symphony Orchestra Announces “Classics 2: Bach & Schubert”

By: Morgan Dean— Muncie, IN – The Muncie Symphony Orchestra’s second concert of the 2017-2018 season, “Classics 2: Bach and Schubert,” will be Oct. 14, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in Pruis Hall. The pre-concert talk will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Pruis Hall. “Our performance will feature more intimate works in a familiar venue, Pruis Hall. Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony is a beautifully crafted piece and appropriately demonstrates why he was such a masterful writer of art songs. Andrew Crow…

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File photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education October 9, 2017

Ball State Community Gearing up for “Cardinals Around the World” Homecoming

MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University fans are preparing to celebrate this year’s Homecoming festivities with a theme of “Cardinals Around the World.” The annual week of events begins Oct. 16 and culminates on Oct. 21, when the Cardinals take on Central Michigan University at 3 p.m. in Scheumann Stadium. “Homecoming is a great way for the Ball State campus, alumni and the Muncie community to come together as one and show pride in our institution,” Michelle Johnson, senior director…

The ATHENA awards. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 6, 2017

2017 WIBU ATHENA Nominees Announced

By: Chrystal Pearson— Muncie, IN—Women in Business Unlimited (WIBU), an organization dedicated to providing networking opportunities for business women of East Central Indiana, is pleased to announce the Nominees for the 2017 ATHENA Awards. After closing public nominations on September 22nd, WIBU received a total of seventeen (17) candidates for the internationally recognized awards. Nominations were solicited from the public. In order to remain impartial, the 17 nominations were forwarded to the judging panel for review. Each judge reviews and…

Michael Jensen is pictured by one of his large format photographs on display inside the Intersection Agency on Walnut Street during ArtsWalk 2017. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Entertainment October 6, 2017

Photo Gallery: ArtsWalk 2017 in Downtown Muncie

Photos by: Mike Rhodes— It didn’t rain. After a morning deluge of rain and menacing skies throughout the day, the clouds broke up and allowed for some beautiful and comfortable weather during ArtsWalk 2017. Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), in partnership with Muncie Arts and Culture Council, the City of Muncie, and Ball State University’s School of Fine Art and School of Music, presented ArtsWalk 2017. The entire downtown area was filled with people, artwork(s), culture, food, music and fun. Some…

Cargo pants are only good for hauling cargo. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson October 6, 2017

John Carlson: These Pants Gotta Go

By: John Carlson— Ever have something you’ve anxiously waited years for, and then when you finally get it, it breaks your heart? Welcome to my cargo pants. Walking through Walmart two years ago, I spotted these neatly folded khaki Wranglers. On the tag, some rugged individualist like Brett Favre was throwing a football and looking like a real stud muffin in the process. The price was right, too. Even more to the point, they had so many pockets! These were…

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts a routine, scheduled transit through the Suez Canal. This is the boat Chief Petty Officer Bryan Ellis is on. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Casey S. Trietsch/Released)

Government, Positivity October 5, 2017

Muncie Native Bryan Ellis Earns Coveted Title of Navy Chief Petty Officer

By: Navy Office of Community Outreach— Millington, TN – Navy Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Bryan Ellis from Muncie, Indiana, was recently promoted to chief petty officer, an accomplishment that only one in five eligible sailors achieve each year. Chief Ellis, a 1987 Wes-Del High School graduate, is currently serving aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. “Being selected for chief petty officer means everything,” said Ellis. “The only goal I have set for myself was to become a chief. I also understand…

Works of art previously available at the YART sale during a past year's ArtsWalk. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Entertainment, Non-Profit October 5, 2017

Your Guide to ArtsWalk 2017 in Downtown Muncie

By: Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— Muncie, IN—Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), in partnership with Muncie Arts and Culture Council and Ball State University’s School of Fine Art and School of Music, present ArtsWalk 2017. ArtsWalk will be held in the streets of DWNTWN Muncie on Oct. 5 from 5 – 9 p.m. Please join us for an exceptional evening of art, food and performances. In addition to the well-established DWNTWN “First Thursday” art gallery openings, Ball State students and faculty…

MutualBank branch. File photo

Business October 5, 2017

MutualFirst Financial, Inc. and Universal Bancorp Announce Merger Agreement

By: Dave Heeter, President and CEO of MutualFirst—  Combination Expands MutualFirst’s Presence into Central and Southern Indiana Creates Community Bank with $2 Billion of Assets  Muncie, IN – MutualFirst Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: MFSF) (“MutualFirst”) and Universal Bancorp (“Universal”) have announced  that they have entered into a definitive agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Universal will be merged into MutualFirst, with MutualFirst being the surviving entity. Upon the closing of the transaction, BloomBank, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Universal, will…

Recent graduates of the Erskine Green Training Institute. Pictured L-R: Joshua Tank and Robert Peckinpaugh. Photos provided.

Government October 5, 2017

U.S. Department of Labor Recognizes “National Disability Employment Awareness Month”

By: Bennett Gamble–  Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. The Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) previously announced the month-long theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.”  “This October, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of Americans with disabilities as part of the American workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “We are reminded that the role of Americans with disabilities is not defined by what they cannot do,…

Free admission day for seniors on October 18th. Photo provided.

Entertainment October 5, 2017

Minnetrista To Hold Free Admission Day for Seniors on October 18th

By: Sam Condon— Explore Minnetrista’s Rich History this Fall during Senior Free-Admission Day: The Orchard Shop & Cider Room  Muncie, IN—Seniors, experience a behind-the-scenes look at apple cider pressing at Minnetrista during Senior Free-Admission Day: The Orchard Shop & Cider Room, on October 18. “Learn how Minnetrista’s apple cider is being made this fall,” said Discovery and Engagement Manager, Ashley Mann. “Tours will include history on apples, an up-close view of our working cider press, and conclude with Minnetrista cider…