Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo by: Heather Jordan, a 2017 Mayor's Arts Award Nominee.

Business September 22, 2017

Nominees Announced for 2017 Mayor’s Arts Awards

By: Braydee Euliss, Executive Director, MACC— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MACC) in conjunction with the City of Muncie, will present the 2017 Mayor’s Arts Awards Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. The Mayor’s Arts Awards are the most prestigious honors conferred by the city on individual artists, teachers, nonprofit organizations and patrons of the arts. Nominations have been accepted in eight distinct categories: Arts Advocate, Arts Leader, Arts Educator, Corporate Arts, Artist in…

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A newspaperman’s holster, chock full of Bic pens. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson September 22, 2017

John Carlson: Stick With Cops for Calendars

By: John Carlson— Recently I saw some pictures from those Muncie police calendars featuring racy shots of male and female cops, and they looked pretty good. As a man, I must say I wouldn’t mind being taken into custody by those ladies with their “Come hither, lawbreaker” looks, fancy Tasers and all. I mean, under the right circumstances, I could probably commit a misdemeanor once a week or so. That’s if I knew they were going to be cuffing me,…

Community members walk along the White River Greenway, part of the Cardinal Greenway trail system. A Kitselman Fund Grant will support the organization’s property management plan. Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 21, 2017

Five Delaware County Non-Profit Organizations Receive $67,428 from Harry and Janet Kitselman Fund Grants at The Community Foundation

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has awarded $67,428 in grants to five non-profit organizations from the Harry and Janet Kitselman Fund. Harry and Janet Kitselman were residents and civic leaders in the Muncie community.  Per Mr. and Mrs. Kitselman’s wishes, a fund was created to administer and distribute funds for the good of the people of Muncie, Indiana, and the surrounding community with fine arts, recreation, children, and…

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…

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…