Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo: Lucasfilm.com

Entertainment December 17, 2015

New Star Wars Movie Will Have an Economic and Pop Culture Impact

By: Ball State University Division of Strategic Communications— From an economic and pop culture standpoint, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” may be the biggest movie event in this or any other galaxy, says Alex Kartman, a Ball State telecommunications instructor. Nearly 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the Dec. 18 premiere, which will be shown in about 4,100 theaters across the nation. Demand for tickets on Oct. 19 crashed every major online ticket agency from Fandango to IMAX to…

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New solar equipment being installed on the roof of Cornerstone is pictured. Photo provided.

Non-Profit December 17, 2015

Cornerstone to Update Electrical and HVAC Systems

By: Marilyn Cleary— Cornerstone Center for the Arts will begin its journey into the modern age starting in January of 2016. Cornerstone, a pillar in the community for almost a century, will receive an update to its electrical and mechanical systems, helping to propel the historic building into the 21st century. Currently in construction, the building is getting an update to the electrical system by adding a 150 kilowatt roof-mounted solar array which will not detract from the buildings original beautiful design…

Muncie Community Schools

Education December 17, 2015

MCS to Offer English Classes for Parents

By: Ana Pichardo— Muncie Community Schools, in partnership with Ball State University, will offer an English class for parents of students whose first language is not English (English as a Second Language, EL). The class will be led by two Ball State instructors of English as a Second Language, and will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, beginning January 12 – March 15, 2016 in the Mitchell Elementary library. In place of child care Ball State students…

Harvey Wright outside the Park Office this afternoon. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit December 14, 2015

Harvey Wright to Receive Local Horatio Alger Award

By: Micah Maxwell— The Muncie Boys & Girls Club will honor Muncie Parks & Recreation’s Superintendent Harvey Wright at its Great Futures Recognition Luncheon on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 sponsored by MutualBank. The lunch event will begin at 11:30 AM at the Boys & Girls Club at 1710 S. Madison Street, Muncie, IN 47302. Jud Fisher, President & COO of Ball Brothers Foundation, will be the Featured Speaker for the Luncheon. Children’s author Horatio Alger was well-known for his stories…

Payton Plank checks out one of the ARF animals at the Kia of Muncie event. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business, Non-Profit December 12, 2015

Kia of Muncie and ARF Pet Event This Friday and Saturday

By: Dee  McKinsey— ARF’s rescued residents will take temporary residence this weekend in the Kia Showroom, 6732 W. Hometown Blvd, Muncie, just west of the intersection of McGalliard and Nebo roads. This unique two-day event on Dec. 11 and 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., is designed to match rescued animals with their forever families in time for Christmas. Kia of Muncie will be taking care of adoption fees for animals from ARF. Applications for rescues are available on…

Muncie Area Happenings and Events. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Entertainment, Non-Profit December 12, 2015

Muncie Area Happenings and Events, Dec 11-19th

By: Mike Rhodes— The Muncie Visitors Bureau creates a weekly compilation of all sorts of cool events that take place in the Muncie area. Their content includes events, exhibits, and more. Kudos to Shonda Kane of the Muncie Visitors Bureau for assembling all this information. No small feat. The Muncie Visitors Bureau has graciously allowed the Muncie Journal to share their information on our site. See what’s happening for the week of December 11th through the 19th at this link….

Adopt a Pet at the Muncie Animal Shelter for $1.00

Non-Profit December 11, 2015

Adopt A Pet At The Muncie Animal Shelter For One Dollar

By: Phil Peckinpaugh— Join the City of Muncie Animal Shelter,  Friday December 11th and Saturday December 12th, from 10:00 AM  until 6:00 PM.  All adoption fees have been reduced to just $1!  Adopters will be encouraged to purchase an item off of the shelter’s wish list before adopting.  “This is a fantastic opportunity to find permanent and loving homes for the amazing pets in our shelter just in time for the holiday season,” said Phil Peckinpaugh, Director of the Muncie…

Muncie Boys and Girls Club Study Table Mentoring. Photo Provided

Education, Non-Profit December 10, 2015

MCHS Athletes Benefit from Muncie Boys and Girls Club Mentors

By: Ana Pichardo— Muncie Central High School’s Athletic Department has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie to facilitate study tables for student athletes. It is part of the mission of the Boys & Girls Club to serve more teens, more often. This mutually beneficial initiative is focused on academic success and mentoring. The staff of the Boys & Girls Club will monitor study tables three times a week. This is a valuable connection with an organization that…

Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay

Entertainment, Non-Profit December 9, 2015

Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay Torchbearer Nominations Due Dec 31st.

By: Nancy Carlson—(Note: Nominations end December 31, 2015. Don’t put it off!) The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is now accepting torchbearer nominations from the public. Torchbearer nominations recognize Hoosiers who demonstrate exceptional public service, excellence in their profession, acts of heroism or volunteer service to their neighborhood, community, region or state. “Being selected as an Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torchbearer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Hoosiers,” Delaware County Torch Relay Coordinator, Nancy Carlson, said. “We look forward to honoring Indiana’s history…

Ontario Systems. File photo.

Business December 8, 2015

Ontario Systems Reorganizes to Accelerate Focus on the Ontario Cloud™ Solution

By: Ontario Systems, LLC— Ontario Systems, a leading accounts receivable management (ARM) and healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) technology and services provider, announced today it has reorganized part of its corporate operations to emphasize innovation and new product development to meet the changing needs of the markets and customers the company serves. Effective immediately, Casey Stanley will expand his responsibilities to include product management – helping manage overall product strategy for the organization. He continues to oversee the company’s marketing communications…