Articles by Mike Rhodes

Insolent stinkbugs defy human domination. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson March 11, 2017

John Carlson: Bugs are Creating a Stink

By: John Carlson— Stinkbugs. They’re not just in Muncie anymore. Please forgive my riff on the old TV commercial touting, “Orange juice. It’s not just for breakfast anymore.” But some recent Facebook traffic leads me to believe that stinkbugs are now as ubiquitous as America’s favorite fruit drink. This came as a shock to me. See, there was a time when we had so many stinkbugs around here, I figured my neighborhood was the Western Hemisphere’s center of stinkbug reproduction….

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Students are pictured from last year's WIPB spelling bee. Photo provided.

Education March 10, 2017

More Than 50 Spellers Will “Bee” Ready on Saturday, March 11th for the WIPB Spelling Bee

By: Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN – Students from more than 50 area elementary and middle schools will compete in the second WIPB Spelling Bee, set for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 11, in Sursa Performance Hall, on the campus of Ball State University. WIPB will be broadcasting the regional bee LIVE as well as streaming the event on the station’s website, www.wipb.org. The Youth Opportunity Center Foundation generously contributed the funds to cover the Scripps fees for schools to participate from Delaware, Jay,…

NBC's Today Show featured Sharon Adams in a segment this morning. Photo provided.

Business March 9, 2017

Retired IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Respiratory Manager, Featured on NBC’s Today Show

By: Courtney Thomas— Muncie, IN—After eighteen years of service in pulmonary and respiratory care at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Sharon Adams has used her retirement to pursue a lifelong passion—jewelry design. “It started with pop beads when I was little,” said Adams. “I’d sometimes make chains out of chewing gum wrappers. It was always just for fun.” Adams transformed this childhood hobby into her business, Sharon Kay’s Jewelry Box, fifteen years ago. Her online Etsy shop sells hand crafted…

Signature HealthCARE of Muncie, 4301 N. Walnut Street. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business March 8, 2017

Signature HealthCARE of Muncie Named “Best Nursing Home” by US News & World Report Rankings

By: Susan Gosselin— Muncie, IN— US News & World Report has named Signature HealthCARE of Muncie on its “Best Nursing Home” list for 2016-17. The facility is located  in Muncie at 4301 N Walnut Street. The honor places the facility in the top 13 percent of all nursing homes nationally, according to the report. The magazine has published the list every year since 2009, assembling its list by looking at government quality measures that are tracked by CMS. To be…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit March 8, 2017

ScoutMuncie Survey Shows Property Conditions Online

Muncie, IN—The City of Muncie Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation Commission and Delaware County Historical Society recently completed an exhaustive survey of all 30,000 properties in Muncie. ScoutMuncie surveyed every building and lot in Muncie city limits in order to gather current information that will help the community make informed decisions about planning, preservation, and blight elimination. Besides Gary, Muncie is the only city in Indiana to complete a citywide parcel level survey. “To maximize our limited revitalization dollars up-to-date information…

Minnetrista is located at 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN 47303. File photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment March 7, 2017

Minnetrista Activities Happening in March

EXHIBITS Lions Clubs 100th Anniversary Exhibition Through End of April Celebrate the inspiring work and dedication of Indiana Lions Clubs in a new exhibit, now on display at Minnetrista! As Lions Clubs International approaches its 100th anniversary, join your local community to discover the lasting impact and legacies made by groups in district 25-D. Twenty-Seventh Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show & Sale Through April 23 Friends, families, and fellow artists alike are invited to experience the beautiful and awe-inspiring artwork…

ndianapolis International Airport. Photo provided.

Business March 7, 2017

Indianapolis International Airport Named Best Airport Of Its Size in North America

Indianapolis, IN – Airports Council International (ACI) World announced today that the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) remains a champion among airports throughout North America in providing an excellent customer experience. This is the sixth year, and the fifth year in a row, the Indy airport has been recognized in the 2016 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. Indianapolis received Best Airport in North America for airports serving more than 2 million passengers per year. Indianapolis also was recognized as the Best…

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital signage on parking garage. Photo provided.

Health March 6, 2017

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Named One of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals

Truven Health Analytics, IBM Watson Health release annual rankings Muncie, IN–IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital was today named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics®, part of the IBM Watson Health™ business. Truven Health Analytics is a leading provider of information and solutions that support healthcare costs and quality improvement. The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals is the most comprehensive, academically driven study of its kind. It evaluates clinical and operational performance in 11 areas, addressing:…

Alaska Heating and Cooling is your family-owned, family-oriented heating and cooling specialist.

Virtual Home Show March 5, 2017

Alaska Heating and Cooling Will Keep Your Home Comfortable All Year Long

By: Angela Selvey— (See Alaska Heating and Cooling’s Discount offer below.) Alaska Heating and Cooling has been in business since 1992— 25 years. We came together as a family and invited some friends over, threw some possible names in a hat and drew out “ALASKA”. That’s how we got our name.  Our first day of operation, with our new phone number, we received a call from Mr. Corder and we have been rolling ever since. We are a small family business. However, we are very strong…

Berkshire Hathaway Indiana Realty. Offices located at 400 W McGalliard Rd, Muncie, IN.

Virtual Home Show March 5, 2017

Berkshire Hathaway Indiana Realty Wants to Partner With You

By: Kerry Wiggerly— (Learn how to win a free Lowes Gift Card from Berkshire Hathaway below.) Hello and welcome to the first ever Virtual Online Home Show on The Muncie Journal! We are proud to be one of this year’s sponsors, and excited to have you visit our virtual booth! Why Berkshire Hathaway? For years, we have enjoyed sharing our story in thousands of face-to-face events and look forward to sharing it with you in a broader medium. As you can…