Articles by Mike Rhodes

John Carlson: Birds Finally Get Their Due

By: John Carlson— By any calculation, Nancy and I should be multi-millionaires by now, except for the fact she spends approximately $7,000 a week on seeds to feed every single bird residing in Delaware County. Does this upset me? Well, yeah. The worst thing is, of that $7,000 a week in seeds, squirrels consume $6,989 of it. Now, I could understand morbidly obese birds. After all, come October, the majority that don’t want to turn into bird-shaped ice cubes crashing…

Read More

United Way Kicks Off Campaign with Legendary Musicians

By: Amanda Price— Muncie, IN – An energized United Way of Delaware County enters the next phase of its 2017 fundraising campaign with a citywide block party Thursday in downtown Muncie, combining First Thursday, Ball State University’s presidential installation festivities, and familiar headliners. “This campaign puts a laser focus on our mission – to end generational poverty first by bringing all third-graders in Delaware County Indiana up to state reading standards by 2024,” said 2017 Campaign Chair Casey Stanley. “But…


Thrive Credit Union Recognizes Judge Marianne Vorhees with Community Leader Award

By: Brittani Richards— Muncie, Ind. – One of the main values that Thrive Credit Union lives by is “community.” That is why the credit union began looking to recognize leaders in Delaware County who are helping the community “thrive” with the Thrive Community Leader Award. On August 31, Thrive presented the Thrive Community Leader Award to Judge Marianne Vorhees. Vorhees is a Circuit Court Judge for Delaware County and a current board member on the Community Foundation of Muncie and…


Open Door Health Services Receives National Recognition

By: Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN – Open Door Health Services was recognized, once again, with a Level 3 Certification as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). A Patient Centered Medical Home is an innovative care model that replaces the reactive, episodic care often practiced in the current medical system with a proactive, coordinated care model designed to improve the patients’ health and moderate long-term health care costs. Open Door is the only…


89th Annual Center High School Alumni Reunion Banquet To Be Held Sept 9th

By: Richard Morris— As President of the Liberty-Perry Alumni Association (LPAA), I am very proud to write about an upcoming historic event that is most impressive, especially in our local community.  I am referring to the 89th Annual Center High School Alumni Reunion Banquet being held on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  Center High School has been long razed.  The school building was located on the southeast corner of county roads 600 south and 600 east, approximately 1 mile away from…


Walk Indiana Offers Physical Benefits With Historical and Scenic Vistas

By: Matt Cox— Muncie, IN—It’s time once again for Walk Indiana, the non-competitive walking marathon on the Cardinal and White River Greenways. This year’s event is Saturday, September 9, and features a 13.1 mile, half-marathon at 8 am followed by the 5K and 10K events at 9 am, all originating at the Greenway Depot on 700 S. Wysor Street. Walk Indiana is a fundraiser for the Cardinal Greenway, a locally-based non-profit which also includes White River Greenway, the historic Wysor…


The Community Foundation Welcomes New Program Officer

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, Ind. – Carly Acree-King joined the staff of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. last month. Carly Acree-King, as Program Officer, will manage scholarships and special programs of the Foundation including Town Endowment Grants and Robert P. Bell Education Grants. Carly is a born and raised Munsonian. She graduated from Muncie Central High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in women and gender studies, social work, and counseling psychology…


Muncie Symphony Orchestra Hires Community Volunteer

Muncie, IN—The Muncie Symphony Orchestra (MSO) recently hired Carol Bradshaw as the new Customer Relations and Marketing Coordinator. Bradshaw has spent the last 10 years as the Marketing Director at PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union. “I was ready to get back to my roots and be in the non-profit world again,” said Bradshaw. “I started my professional career at the American Red Cross, and I miss the challenges and personal satisfaction you receive working for a non-profit.” Bradshaw joined the MSO…


Whitinger & Company Accountant Earns Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Designation

By: Sheena Peters– Muncie, IN – Mike Bartlett, CFP®, Staff Accountant with Whitinger & Company in Muncie, Indiana has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® certification marks in accordance with CFP Board certification and renewal requirements. Mr. Bartlett joined Whitinger & Company earlier this year and is responsible for a variety of professional accounting roles including tax planning, tax preparation, auditing, and overall client service. Bartlett graduated…


Vera Mae’s Bistro: Destination Dining in Downtown Muncie

By: Lorri Markum— Dining is an experience, not just food on the table. Vera Mae’s Bistro in downtown Muncie, and its patrons have known this for more than 18 years. From the moment you approach the front door, it’s evident this is no ordinary restaurant. Owners Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore take pride in what they’ve created as a destination dining experience in the heart of the city. Dining Mojo With the atmosphere of New Orleans style mystique, everything from…