Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo provided.

Non-Profit November 6, 2017

Muncie Citizens Looking to Lead: Inaugural “Candidates of the Future” Fills 50 seats in 4 Days

By: Aimee Robertson-Fant, Neighborhood Organizer, Muncie Action Plan— Muncie, IN—In the face of national political discord and global unrest, citizens could choose to be powerless spectators, sitting on the sidelines, but such is not the case the community of Muncie.  Perhaps the silver lining and real power is found in citizens’ willingness to identify the outcomes they can influence in their own neighborhoods and communities by finding their local voice and focusing on what they can do to be agent…

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Indiana Broadcasters Association "Spectrum" Awards were presented on Friday, November 3rd. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business November 4, 2017

Woof Boom Radio’s WLBC and Brian Casey Win Spectrum Awards at Indiana Broadcasters Association Event

By: Mike Rhodes— Carmel, IN—The Indiana Broadcasters Association presented their 30th Annual Spectrum Awards on Friday, November 3, 2017 in ceremonies held in Carmel, IN. The Indiana Broadcasters Association is an alliance of more than 300 member radio and television broadcasters, united to serve their audiences throughout the Hoosier state.  The IBA advocates for member stations, offers FCC inspection programs, provides scholarships to college students, hosts career fairs throughout the state for members to recruit new employees, and represents the…

The walls are beginning to go up as construction continues on the new Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business November 3, 2017

Update On Fresh Thyme, Crew Carwash, And Other Economic Development Projects

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— At the October 5, 2017 regular meeting of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, status updates on a number of economic development projects were given. Todd Donati reported that the highly anticipated Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market is on-track to open in the spring of 2018. Walls of the new market can now be seen being erected.  Due to the new construction and heavy trucks moving in and out, Milton Street will be rebuilt in sections. The commission…

These two frogs remind us to “eat them first.” Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson November 3, 2017

John Carlson: Froggy Life Lessons

By: John Carlson— Not long ago, my wife gave me a gold frog. Well, a gold-colored frog. It’s actually made of rubber, so when you press down on its back and its body gives way, it feels disturbingly like a real frog would, I guess. This frog is mounted on a wooden plaque wired in back for convenient hanging, but I keep it within sight on the folding table that serves as my desk. Nancy, meanwhile, has a frog on…

Photo by: Graphicstock

Education November 2, 2017

Free FAFSA Assistance for Students at 16 Ivy Tech Community College Locations for College Goal Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at 16 Ivy Tech Community College campus locations on November 5 at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (local time) for College Goal Sunday. This annual event provides free assistance for Hoosier families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). College Goal Sunday events will be hosted at the following Ivy Tech locations: Anderson, Avon, Bloomington, Crawfordsville, East Chicago, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Franklin, Greencastle, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Logansport, Muncie, Terre…

Photo by: K.E. Volpp.

Entertainment November 2, 2017

America’s Hometown Band to Perform On November 13th

By: Katherine Huggler— Muncie, IN—On Monday, November 13, 2017, the City of Muncie’s annual free Veterans Day and military honor program takes place at the Muncie Central High School auditorium at 801 N. Walnut St. in Muncie, Indiana. The public is invited to attend in remembrance of all American veterans. The evening begins with a 6:30 pm musical prelude to the Veterans Day program, performed by the combined, side-by-side group of America’s Hometown Band (90% BSU grads) and MCHS band students….

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…

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…