Articles by Mike Rhodes

Matt Hawkins

Education September 21, 2017

Ivy Tech Community College names Matt Hawkins as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

By: Kelsey Batten— INDIANAPOLIS—Ivy Tech Community College has named Matt Hawkins as senior vice president and chief financial officer, assuming the role on Monday, October 16. The position was previously held by Chris Ruhl, who has transitioned to Purdue University, serving as their senior vice president of strategic initiatives in the Office of the Treasurer. In this role, Hawkins will be responsible for the planning and direction of the financial, accounting, and procurement functions of the College. He will advise…

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Shafer Giving Plaza. Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 20, 2017

Youth Opportunity Center Re-Accredited Through Council on Accreditation (COA)

By: Richard Crist— Muncie, IN—Muncie, Indiana based, Youth Opportunity Center, Inc. has achieved national re-accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA) through 2021. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of YOC’s programs, services, management, and administration. COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration,…

Photo provided.

Entertainment September 20, 2017

Muncie Symphony Orchestra Announces “Opening Night” Saturday Sept. 23rd

By: Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director MSO— Muncie, IN – Experience “Opening Night” with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra this Saturday, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Sursa Performance Hall. Pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m. in Sursa Hall with Douglas Droste and guests. “This opening concert has the subtitle New and Old, where we will play a “musical tennis match” between old standards and new music,” says Douglas Droste, Artistic Director and Conductor. “We will feature two of our new principal…

(L-R) Thrive CEO, Brett Rinker, presents check to Hillcroft President-CEO Debbie Bennett and Hillcroft VP of Therapy Services LeAnne Cole. Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 20, 2017

Thrive Credit Union Raises $500 for Hillcroft Services Creativity Unlimited

By: Brittani Richards— Muncie, IN—Thrive Credit Union recently held their first Thrive Member Market on Saturday, September 9th. The market featured over 28 small businesses from Delaware County, including Hillcroft Services Creativity Unlimited. Over 350 community members attended the event where they could shop and learn more about local businesses in the area. During the event, Thrive Credit Union partnered with Hillcroft Services to raise funds and feature handmade craft items created by clients through the Creativity Unlimited program. Thrive…

Pictured: Chief Joe Winkle, K-9 Rasse & Officer Hunter, Captain Steve Cox, & Donna Maitlen. Photo provided.

Government September 19, 2017

Muncie Police Department To Host “Dogtoberfest” K-9 Fundraiser

By: Kaitlyn Davis— Muncie, IN – The Muncie Police Department is hosting its first fundraiser for the K-9 unit.  Dogtoberfest – a twist on the traditional Oktoberfest – will take place Oct. 21 at Canan Commons. Dogtoberfest, an event for dogs and their human companions, will feature more than 30 vendors for dogs, activities and games, special dog treats, and pup merchandise for purchase. Dogs are encouraged to dress up for the costume contest. Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will be…

Kim Miller, owner of Tribune Showprint, is pictured in front of the "type wall" inside her shop at MadJax. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business September 18, 2017

Meet Some of the “Makers” of Muncie’s MadJax

By: Kelsey Timmerman— I work in a factory in Muncie, Indiana. Not many people can say that these days. In fact, many believe that Muncie’s best days–our factory days–are behind us. Our schools are going through budget and transportation issues and a third of our citizens live in poverty.  There’s a lack of hope that we can’t be more than our struggles. That we can’t thrive without factories. I don’t work on a factory line, but I do make things….

Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 18, 2017

Flu Shots now Available at Open Door Health Services

By: Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN – Flu season is upon us and Open Door Health Services is available to help. Each year millions of Americans fall ill to the flu. Receiving a flu shot is one of the best ways to help protect you and your family from getting sick. Flu shots are available at the primary care locations in Muncie and Anderson, and also at Urgent Care in Muncie for only $30. You must be a patient of Open Door…

Community Enhancement Projects, Inc. and the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District will host two public meetings to update residents and interested stakeholders about a recently completed Dam Removal Feasibility Study. 

Business September 16, 2017

Public Meetings to Be Held To Review Dam Removal Feasibility Study

By: Phil Tevis— Project Background: The Kitselman Trailhead project, located in East Muncie (at the former Indiana Steel and Wire and King Indiana Forge factory site), is currently under development. The project will connect the Cardinal and White River Greenways through the adaptive reuse of the Albany Bridge, also known as Delaware County Bridge 85, as a bike and pedestrian crossing. The trailhead project will require a small, but significant, project component: the removal of the former Indiana Steel and…

Jennifer Parks-Strack. Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 15, 2017

Youth Opportunity Center Foundation Hires Development Officer

By: Richard Crist— Muncie, IN—The Youth Opportunity Center Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer Parks-Strack as Development Officer. Parks-Strack has many years of experience in the non-profit sector including work with The Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries. She most recently worked for three years as a Development Associate at The Center for Youth in Rochester, NY. Jennifer received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Cornerstone University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Grand Valley…

This barge isn’t headed up the White River. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson September 15, 2017

John Carlson: Can’t Beat Barge Watching

By: John Carlson— One thing I really enjoy is watching giant barges go floating past on a majestic river. Naturally, being a longtime Muncie resident, this love developed here along the White River. After 34 years of residency, unfortunately, I was still waiting for that first barge to pass. That’s when I commented to Nancy, “You’d think one’d chug by sooner or later.” “That’s what you’ve been waiting 34 years for?” she said, in disbelief. “A barge?” “Well, yeah ……