Articles by Mike Rhodes

Open Door Health Services Names Kourtney McCauliff As Director of HR

By: Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN—Open Door Health Services is excited to announce that Kourtney McCauliff has been named Director of Human Resources. McCauliff received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal Communication and Sociology from Central Michigan University. Before joining Open Door, she gained 12 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, five years of restaurant operations experience, and eight years of recruitment, development, and HR experience. Because of her extensive background in the HR field, Kourtney has a great understanding of the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures and will bring a lot of knowledge to the position….

Read More

Boys & Girls Club of Muncie Raises $23,000 at Great Futures Luncheon

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—Before a sold-out crowd Thursday in its newly renovated gymnasium, the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie raised $23,000 at its Great Futures luncheon, setting a record for the annual fundraiser. The presenting sponsor for Thursday’s event was Old National Bank. Thursday also was a day that celebrated the merger of staffs, governing boards, and mission of the Club and Roy C. Buley Center. Over the past year, BCGM has expanded from one site to four throughout Muncie, increasing the activities offered and number of children served. “The merger allows us to serve more children, more…


Former IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital CNO Receives 2017 Indiana Women of Achievement Award

By: Courtney Thomas—  Muncie, IN – The Ball State University College of Sciences and Humanities has recognized Doreen Johnson, RN, MA, FACHE, NEA-BC, and former vice president and chief nursing officer (CNO) of IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, as a 2017 Indiana Women of Achievement award recipient. Each year, Ball State University recognizes Indiana women who enrich the lives of others through outstanding accomplishments in a variety of fields, including education or research, leadership in the community or university service, leadership within the business community, leadership in advocacy for women, and leadership in women’s health issues. Johnson, who retired in 2016…


Photo Gallery: 2018 Cincinnati Reds Caravan At Stoops Buick GMC

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—At around 5:15 pm Thursday evening, the Cincinnati Reds Caravan bus pulled into the Stoops Buick GMC dealership for the Muncie stop of the 2018 Cincinnati Reds Winter Caravan. The West Tour included broadcaster Marty Brennaman, outfielder Scott Schebler, catcher and Brownsburg native, Tucker Barnhart, minor leaguer Taylor Trammell, former infielder/outfielder Dmitri Young, vice president & assistant general manager Nick Krall, pitcher Austin Brice and mascot Gapper. An estimated 400 enthusiastic Reds fans were anxiously waiting to hear about the upcoming season, get signatures on their personal items, interact with players, broadcasters and other members of the front…


John Carlson: Skiing to Heck And Back

By: John Carlson— The other day I was nursing a beer at The Fickle  Peach while watching a preliminary Winter Olympics qualifying event for the biathlon. You know the biathlon, right? It’s the event that combines cross-country skiing with shooting. The contestants scoot long distances over the snow with rifles slung from their shoulders. Upon reaching a series of targets, they stop skiing, aim their rifles and try to shoot bullseyes. I have never competed in a biathlon, but I did own a pair of cross-country skis once. Having read something touting the health benefits of using them, I recall…


YMCA of Muncie Launches 2018 Annual Campaign to Support Community Needs

By: Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN – The YMCA of Muncie recently launched its annual campaign  to ensure that everyone in our community  has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Over 150 friends gathered and learned that the Y is so much more than a gym and swim. The Y is a cause-driven charity dedicated to strengthening community and removing barriers to ensure that people of all backgrounds can come together for the common good. Will Isaacs, Certified Financial Planner at Wealth Strategies and Amelia Clark, Regional Vice President with Meridian Health…


Beasley & Gilkison: An Overview of Family Law

By: Ben Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, IN—The familial relationship is complex and sometimes necessitates the involvement of the court. “Family law” is a function of the state government and refers to the rules by which the state regulates the creation, maintenance and dissolution of the family unit. Family law is most commonly associated with divorce, child custody, and child support. Divorce, custody and child support proceedings make up the majority of a family law attorney’s practice. However, the practice of family law encompasses many types of legal proceedings, including the following: Divorce: The process by which the state dissolves…


First Merchants Corporation Announces Record 2017 Results

By: Nicole M. Weaver— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record fourth quarter 2017 net income of $24.4 million, compared to $22.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2016. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.49 per share compared to $.55 during the same period in 2016. Our fourth quarter results included the impact of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). Specifically, our federal income tax expense was elevated by $5.1 million, or $.10 per share due to deferred tax asset write-downs. Acquisition expenses related to the completion of our Independent Alliance Banks…


Youth Opportunity Center’s Capital Campaign Exceeds Goal

By: Polly Craig— Muncie, IN—Muncie, Indiana based Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) and the YOC Foundation announced the successful conclusion of the Transforming Together: The Next Chapter Capital Campaign on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Vera Mae’s Bistro with more than 90 supporters and friends in attendance. Campaign Chairperson Kelly Stanley, announced that the campaign exceeded its original goal of $4,250,000 by 13% and raised $4,808,659.22 to support children at the YOC. Stanley remarked, “I am honored to have chaired this important capital campaign that will help vulnerable children in our community and across Indiana not only today but in the…


LISTEN: Ball State and Muncie Community Schools: The Facts

By: Steve Lindell, Vice President / Director of Operations Woof Boom Radio, Host of 104.1 WLBC Wake Up Crew— On January 17, 2018, BSU President Geoffrey Mearns made a presentation to State Legislators for an amendment to HB 1315 that would allow the University to govern the Muncie Community Schools. It was not expected, and came as a surprise to many. Woof Boom Radio has started an effort to inform the public about the facts of this idea, so that informed opinions can be made, shared and fostered in the best interest of the community. J Chapman, president, Woof Boom…