Articles by Mike Rhodes

Signage installers and painters working at the new Art Van Furniture location in Muncie.

Business May 23, 2017

Art Van Furniture Announces New Store in Muncie

By: Amanda Braniecki— Former Dillman’s Furniture and Mattress has served Muncie community for 40 years Warren, MI—Hoosiers have a reason to celebrate as Art Van Furniture opens their fourth store in Indiana. The  furniture and mattress retailer has announced the opening of a 41,857-square-foot store in Muncie, Indiana. Formerly Dillman’s Furniture and Mattress, the store is hosting a special grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, located at 4701 N Wheeling Avenue….

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Some of the participants at last year's Economic Summit, held in Muncie. Photo provided.

Education May 22, 2017

2017 Indiana Summit For Economic Development Scheduled for June 5th

2nd Indiana Summit for Economic Development via Early Learning Coalitions to attract hundreds statewide. For the second year, business, education, and community leaders are invited to the Indiana Summit for Economic Development via Early Learning Coalitions. This annual event is an opportunity to bring people together from around the state to learn about the business case for investing in early childhood education and discuss ways to develop, grow and sustain early learning coalitions in communities. The Summit is presented by…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit May 22, 2017

Community Foundation Launches Online Grants System: Training Available to Non-profits

Muncie, Ind – Non-profit organizations seeking grant funding from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. will now be directed to an online grant making system to apply. The online system is designed to make the process easier and more efficient for applicants, reviewers, and staff. To support grant seekers through the new process, The Community Foundation will host training workshops to introduce the software. The first training workshop is scheduled for June 16 at the Ivy Tech…

Photo by Mary Ann Knott, MAK Photography

Education May 21, 2017

Photo Gallery: Superheros Special Needs Prom at MCHS

By: Mindy Kemper— The Special Needs Prom was held at MCHS Saturday evening, May 20, 2017.  The theme this year was “Our Time To Shine, Super Hero Ball.” Students with Special Needs and their Best Buddies from Delaware County danced the night away. Stepping into Muncie Central High School, it didn’t take long to realize the hours of work that was dedicated to making this event a success. The event, coordinated by Ms Lynne Hatfield, was funded entirely through community donations and…

The food pantry at Southside Middle School. Photo provided.

Non-Profit May 19, 2017

16 Non-Profits Receive Over $200k From Community Foundation

Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $226,456 to 16 nonprofit organizations during the second Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2017. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, human services, economic…

Brittani Richards. Photo provided.

Business May 19, 2017

Thrive Credit Union Promotes Brittani Richards to Vice President of Marketing and Branch Operations

By: Brett Rinker—  Muncie, IN – Thrive Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Brittani Richards to the position of Vice President of Marketing & Branch Operations. The announcement was made by Brett Rinker, President/CEO of Thrive. “In the last 5 years Brittani has done an incredible job of transforming our marketing efforts and rebranding the credit union to more effectively reach our members and potential members. With this success it was only natural to give her the…

See his wedding ring? Yeah, he didn’t either. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson May 19, 2017

John Carlson: A Case Of Lost And Found

By: John Carlson— Having started a diet a month ago, what I ended up with is skinny fingers. I can’t say skinny fingers is what I was shooting for, though I suppose one reaches a point in any diet where one figures skinny fingers are better than skinny nothing. But then, thanks to my skinny fingers, I lost my wedding ring. Beats me exactly where or when it slipped off. For some reason I began staring at my left hand…

Chris Caldwell

Non-Profit May 18, 2017

Indiana United Ways Elects Christopher Caldwell to its Board of Directors

Indianapolis/Marion County, IN – Indiana United Ways (IUW) elected Christopher Caldwell to its Board of Directors at its State Leaders Conference on April 13, 2017. Mr. Caldwell, Senior Vice President Commercial Banking for MutualBank, brings extensive regional leadership to the IUW table. He currently serves as the Board Chair and member of the Finance Committee and Campaign Cabinet with United Way of Delaware County. In addition, he was the Campaign Cabinet Chair in 2013 for the United Way of Delaware…

Education May 18, 2017

Community Foundation Announces Additional Recipients of 2017 Scholarships

Congratulations to the following scholars – Katelyn Smith, a senior at Wapahani High School, is the 2017 recipient of the Michael Brodhead Scholarship.  Smith plans to study exercise science at Ball State University.  She is the daughter of Terry and Stacy Smith. The Hurley and Fredine (Wynn) Goodall Scholarship at Ivy Tech Community College are: Anitra Davis is studying business administration. Michelle Hill is studying business administration. Kyra Brown is enrolled in the healthcare specialist program.    

Muncie Quilters Guild event from 2015. Photo by: Nancy White

Entertainment May 18, 2017

Muncie Quilters Guild Quilt Show To Take Place May 19-20 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

By: Nancy White— “Grandma, what do you and your friends do with all your quilts?” asked my granddaughter. The 32 members of Muncie Quilters Guild that I asked have made a total of 5 king-sized, 14 queen-sized, 14 regular-sized, 11 twin-sized, 42 throws and 35 baby quilts in the last 2 years. Most of these quilters have made quilts for themselves or their family and friends for wedding, graduation and birthday gifts. Some sell a few quilts or wall hangings….