Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball Brothers Foundation Awards Grants for Visionary Projects

MUNCIE, IN—Ball Brothers Foundation awarded $3.7 million in grants to nearly a dozen organizations during its final grantmaking round of the year. The grants were approved at the foundation’s board meeting in October. Two particular grants were awarded for visionary projects that will have a transformative effect on the Muncie community. The first was a grant to Delaware Advancement Corporation for its five-year “Vision 2021” plan. The “Vision 2021” plan sets aggressive goals for community improvements that will retain residents,…

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2016 Election Visualizations

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Photos, Video and Results: 100 Men Who Cook

By: Jeff Howe— Over each of the past seven (7) years, Old National Bank has partnered with an east central Indiana not-for-profit to host “100 Men Who Cook”.  The proceeds of this event has been awarded to organizations focused on helping the most vulnerable in our community. Since starting the event, we have raised over $600,000. On November 5th, “100 Men Who Cook” came together again to further invest in the success of our community by helping raise nearly $115,000 for “Champions…


Ball State Students Organize Variety Show to Benefit Music & Memory

By: Michael Gerhard— Funds will be used to bring iPod music to Alzheimer’s patients Muncie, IN—Ball State —Comedy, music and dance acts will perform at a fundraising variety show Wednesday, Nov. 9 to benefit Music & Memory-Ball State, a Ball State student service group. The annual “A Night to Remember” benefit show is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Pruis Hall and will feature student entertainment acts, with a special appearance by Hoosier singer-songwriter Ivory West. Proceeds will benefit Music & Memory-Ball…


John Carlson: Nothing’s Finer Than ‘Feeding the Robins’

By: John Carlson— It’s my morning ritual, one Nan calls “feeding the robins.” These are hairy, foul-breathed, four-legged robins, however, with glide ratios any competent aeronautical engineer would measure at about 1:1, meaning they would soar through the sky like anvils. They are, in fact, dogs. Our dogs. In feeding these “robins,” I first grab a handful of cookies and a cup of coffee and, depending on the weather, carry them out to the back deck or to my recliner….


Meet Duke Campbell, Democratic Candidate for Delaware County Commissioner

By: Duke Campbell— I am a fourth generation, lifelong citizen of Delaware County and I believe I understand what is important to the Delaware County residents. I began my career in public service at the Delaware County Highway Department and eventually became County Highway Superintendent where I served until taking my current position with the City of Muncie. Since 2012, I have served as Director of Public Works for the City of Muncie. I have worked with Mayor Dennis Tyler…


First Merchants Corporation Announces Record Third Quarter 2016 Results

Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record third quarter 2016 net income of $21.1 million, compared to $17.1 million during the third quarter of 2015. Earnings per share for the period totaled a record $.51 per share, an increase of $.06 per share, or 13.3 percent, over the same period in 2015. Year-to-date net income totaled a record $58.8 million, compared to $51.2 million during the same period in 2015. Earnings per share for the nine months ended…


First Thursday Opening Reception for Desperately Seeking Charles

By: Braydee Euliss— Muncie, IN—Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company will celebrate First Thursday, November 3 from 5 – 8 pm with an opening reception for Desperately Seeking Charles, a small group exhibit featuring current work from five Ball State University’s MFA Glass candidates with a wide range of glass forming techniques represented. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. Desperately Seeking Charles features a collection of 3-D work in which each artist individually interprets the material…


Hoosiers: The Story of Indiana to be Shown at Kennedy Library

By: Raven Brooks— In honor of Indiana’s Bicentennial year, Muncie Public Library is hosting a screening of Hoosiers: The Story of Indiana: The Next Indiana on Wednesday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Kennedy Library. A panel discussion, What’s Next for the City of Muncie? will follow the documentary. Nancy Carlson, Delaware County’s Bicentennial chairperson and associate professor of Telecommunications at Ball State University will serve as moderator. Panel members and the organization they represent include: Ginny Nilles, Muncie Public…


Muncie Arts and Culture Council Partners with Madjax to Expand Opportunities for Local Arts Community

MUNCIE, Ind.—Madjax and Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MACC) have signed an agreement to operate MACC arts programs within the Madjax facility. These programs will include curation of the facility’s art gallery space and programming. Additionally, artist memberships to the studio, shared working spaces, and workshop spaces will be available in the makerspace. Michael Wolfe, President of Sustainable Muncie, says, “We are very excited to partner with MACC on this initiative, which is really about being a liaison with the…