Articles by Mike Rhodes

Emergency Blood Shortage: Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors

Non-Profit July 9, 2018

Emergency Blood Shortage: Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors

By: Rodney Wilson, American Red Cross— Blood supply dwindles after donations lagged during Fourth of July holiday week   Fort Wayne, IN — An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now and help save lives. The Red Cross escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations. More than 550 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups last week than during a typical week as individuals across…

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Ivy Tech Community College to Offer Two New Associate Degrees

Education July 9, 2018

Ivy Tech Community College to Offer Two New Associate Degrees

By: Kelsey Batten— Indianapolis, IN – Ivy Tech Community College has received approval to offer the Associate of Science in Secondary Education with concentrations in Mathematics or Biology. Fifteen locations will begin offering the degree, starting in Fall 2018, including: Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Lake County, Lawrenceburg, Muncie, Richmond, Sellersburg, South Bend/Elkhart, Terre Haute and Valparaiso. “One of Ivy Tech’s primary goals is to offer programs that are aligned to workforce needs,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech. “There is a growing shortage of high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teachers, and as a…

Community Foundation Announces ‘Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore Fund’

Non-Profit July 6, 2018

Community Foundation Announces ‘Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore Fund’

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—“Muncie is the community where my ties of wonderful friendships and relationships are. The community as a whole has treated us and our business very well, and now is our time to return the favor,” says Kent Shuff, Muncie business owner and Community Foundation donor. Kent, originally from Huntington, came to Muncie in 1978 to attend Ball State University. He has stayed in the city ever since. Growing up, he worked in his grandmother’s restaurant and has been in the restaurant business since 1984. In 1999, Kent, along with Steve Fennimore, opened Vera…

‘Tribute to the Big Band Crooners’ At BSU Arts Terrace July 19th

Entertainment July 6, 2018

‘Tribute to the Big Band Crooners’ At BSU Arts Terrace July 19th

By: Katherine Huggler— Muncie, IN—On the evening of Thursday, July 19, at 7 pm, the Big Band from America’s Hometown Band entertains Muncie at its FREE annual Jazz on the Terrace concert at the Ball State Arts Terrace. The night’s featured soloist is vocalist (and former Muncie resident) Myles Ogea, in a musical celebration of great Big Band crooners. AHB Big Band co-directors, Will Frazier and Phil Cooley, promise a great lineup of tunes from memorable crooners such as : Michael Buble, Harry Connick, Jr., Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and more. Prepare to swoon again. Bring the lawn chair, bring the family…

John Carlson: Are There Pathetic Ninjas?

Carlson July 6, 2018

John Carlson: Are There Pathetic Ninjas?

By: John Carlson— Though not a regular viewer, I do enjoy watching those modern-day ninja competitions when I encounter one while channel surfing. Frankly, in these sad days of video-game and electronic-device addiction, it’s almost hard to imagine there are young Americans who are that physically fit anymore. As they navigate the obstacle course, I am always reminded that when those outstanding physical specimens were school kids, mymother wasn’t packing their lunches. Back in the day, she kept way too busy packing mine. There are probably people who eat for a week on less food than Mom packed every day…

Ball State Announces New Social Work Master’s Program

We Fly July 3, 2018

Ball State Announces New Social Work Master’s Program

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—From the opioid epidemic to aging baby boomers, new and emerging societal challenges have created a dire need for licensed clinical social workers in Indiana and across the nation. To help meet this demand, Ball State University has created a new Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The recently approved program in the Department of Social Work will provide advanced clinical and management training for students starting in Fall 2019. “This new degree reflects the University’s commitment to social responsibility and to empowering our graduates to transform lives,” said Marilyn Buck, interim provost and interim executive…

Ivy Tech’s Associate Accelerated Program Achieves 90 Percent Retention Rate

Education July 3, 2018

Ivy Tech’s Associate Accelerated Program Achieves 90 Percent Retention Rate

By: Kelli Schnetzer— Indianapolis, IN— During the 2017-2018 school year, Ivy Tech Community College’s Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP) achieved a 90 percent student retention rate. Through the program, 154 students were able to earn an associate degree in less than one year’s time. Ivy Tech’s ASAP program provides at-risk high school students facing life and family issues that prevent them from completing a degree, the opportunity to earn a marketable and transferable associate degree on a full-time basis in just 11 months. Most students who are chosen for the program are identified while still in high school and are the first…

Eastern Indiana Works Announces New Board Members

Business July 3, 2018

Eastern Indiana Works Announces New Board Members

By: Stephanie Clawson— Muncie, IN—Eastern Indiana Works, a leader in data-driven workforce solutions, announces the appointment of Dan Borgenheimer, Derek Dodd and Shelley York to 3-year terms on its Board of Directors. Dan Borgenheimer serves as the Business Transformation MTD Plant Coach for 3M Industrial Business Group in Hartford City, IN and will serve as a private sector representative on the Eastern Indiana Works Board of Directors. Mr. Borgenheimer was nominated by the Blackford County Economic Development Corporation and appointed by the EGR6 Regional Chief Elected Official, City of Rushville Mayor Michael P. Pavey. Derek Dodd serves as the Business…

IC Executive Director Ted Baker Re-Elected to the InBIA Board of Directors 

Business July 3, 2018

IC Executive Director Ted Baker Re-Elected to the InBIA Board of Directors 

By: Sheena Peters— Orlando, FL– The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), an international non-profit organization and global advocate for entrepreneur-driven economic ecosystems, recently completed its board elections and five board members were elected to three year terms. Ted Baker, Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. has been re-elected to serve a second term. An InBIA member since 2010, Ted Baker is in his eighth year with the Innovation Connector, a technology incubator and coworking space in Muncie, IN. Ted previously built, grew and sold several successful businesses and has remained involved with several community economic development projects.  InBIA’s…

Celebrate Independence Day with Summer Stage Fest: America’s Hometown Band

Entertainment July 2, 2018

Celebrate Independence Day with Summer Stage Fest: America’s Hometown Band

By: Stephen Mortland—  Muncie, IN—Celebrate Independence Day with Minnetrista this Fourth of July with Summer Stage Fest: America’s Hometown Band. Come early at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy food vendors, picnicking, and lots of family fun. Then, stay for live music by America’s Hometown Band at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk. Make your Fourth of July memorable with Summer Stage Fest: America’s Hometown Band on Wednesday, July 4th. For more information, visit minnetrista.net or call 765.282.4848. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information on our exhibits and events.   Located along historic White River, Minnetrista includes 40…