Articles by Mike Rhodes

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Non-Profit February 20, 2025

Indiana Youth Institute Releases Latest Data on the Well-Being and Outcomes of Children in Indiana

IYI’s 31st edition of the Indiana KIDS COUNT® Data Book provides insight into the issues Hoosier youth are facing today; a data-driven understanding of opportunities and achievement gaps in the lives of Indiana kids. By Margaret Curtland, Indiana Youth Institute— INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) has released the 2025 Indiana KIDS COUNT® Data Book, detailing the state’s ranking of 27th nationally for child well-being. This year’s publication, the 31st annual edition, highlights data intersectionality, disparities, and data-informed solutions for some…

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Jackson Taylor photo provided.

Education February 20, 2025

Muncie Man Named to Prestigious Early Career Development Program 

By Megan Custodio— MUNCIE, IN—Jackson Taylor from Muncie has been named to Orr Fellowship’s newest cohort for 2025. He is among 74 talented college seniors who have been matched with leading Indiana-based partner companies to embark on a two-year Fellowship upon graduation. Taylor is currently a student at Indiana State University (ISU), graduating this May. Following graduation from ISU, Taylor will begin his Orr Fellowship as a Business Development Representative for Toolsey, a cloud-based lead management platform for the home…

An EMT unloads a gurney from an ambulance while other EMTs prepare to receive a patient. Photo provided.

Education, Health February 19, 2025

Ivy Tech Muncie to Launch EMT Program to Jumpstart Careers in Emergency Medicine

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—When many students think of a career in healthcare, they think of becoming a nurse or doctor. Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County’s new EMT/Basic Emergency Medical Studies Certificate program will introduce students to another critical role in the healthcare field—emergency medical technician. The demand for EMTs is growing in East Central Indiana, and Ivy Tech’s program, which launches Fall 2025, will help address this critical need while opening doors for students in Muncie…

Daniel Maggart. Photo provided.

Business February 19, 2025

Whitinger & Company Accountant Earns CPA License

By Richard Crist— MUNCIE, IN– Whitinger & Company LLC proudly announces that Daniel Maggart of the firm’s Muncie, Indiana office recently passed all required Indiana exams and received his CPA license. Daniel, from Muncie, Indiana, originally hails from Winchester. He earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting from Ball State University. As a Manager, Daniel is key in providing top-notch service to clients and helping staff grow. His skills include preparing income tax returns for businesses and individuals, business…

Photo provided

Education February 19, 2025

Ball State University Foundation Unveils 2025 ‘Top 100 Student Awards’ Recipients

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — The Ball State University Foundation today revealed the recipients of the University’s newest “Top 100 Student Awards.” This annual awards program honors 100 exceptional junior and senior undergraduates who embody the spirit of Beneficence—Ball State’s iconic statue representing the generosity of the five Ball brothers, whose land donation helped establish the University. The full list of Ball State’s 2025 Top 100 Students is available on the Foundation’s website. “We are grateful for…

Boyce Systems Corporate Headquarters in Daleville, IN. Photo provided

Business February 18, 2025

BS&A Software Acquires Boyce Systems in Daleville and Expands Municipal ERP Leadership

By Boyce Systems staff— BATH, Michigan & MUNCIE, Indiana – February 18, 2025 – BS&A Software, a leading provider of cloud-based municipal ERP solutions, has acquired Boyce Systems and its Keystone software, one of Indiana’s top providers of financial and ERP solutions for municipalities. This acquisition strengthens BS&A’s presence in Indiana and the Midwest, enhancing its ability to support local governments with modern, secure, and efficient technology solutions. This strategic acquisition brings together two companies with a shared commitment to…

Participants at a past IDEA conference are pictured. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 18, 2025

Upcoming Neighborhood Conference Celebrates 10 Years of Great ‘IDEAS’

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—The 10th annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference will be March 8, 2025, on Ball State University’s campus. The free event will include a look back at some of the most popular sessions over the last decade and new presentations and panel discussions on local political action, projects, and the first “graduating class” of CenterPoint Scholars, a neighborhood leadership academy. “We know that our resident leaders look forward to this gathering every year and we want to continue…

Photo by StoryBlocks

Non-Profit February 18, 2025

Register Now for Indiana Youth Institute’s Muncie State of the Child Event on Feb. 24

By Margaret Curtland, IYI Senior Communications Manager— MUNCIE, IN—Local community leaders and youth workers will gather on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, for Indiana Youth Institute’s (IYI) annual Muncie State of the Child. Register here to attend. The event is free, but seating is limited. Learn how Muncie children are doing across the areas of family and community, health, economic well-being, and education. IYI will share disaggregated data, opportunities and disparities, and facilitate data-informed conversations about the issues facing Hoosier kids. This year,…

Yaniv Segal is Conductor and Artistic Director for Orchestra Indiana.

Entertainment February 17, 2025

Orchestra Indiana Appoints Yaniv Segal as Conductor and Artistic Director

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— MUNCIE, IN – Orchestra Indiana has announced Yaniv Segal as its new Principal Conductor and Artistic Director. Segal, who has extensive experience as a conductor, violinist, actor, and composer, will begin Artistic Director duties immediately and will conduct most of the concerts next season. Ranging from performing and singing at the Metropolitan Opera and touring in a Broadway show as a child, to composing multiple major works and conducting orchestras across the United States and world,…

Photo provided

Non-Profit February 14, 2025

Emergence Leadership Program Returns In Spring 2025

Now a Five-Week Format for Greater Accessibility By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN—Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership development, is excited to announce the return of Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership. This highly interactive leadership program is now offered in a streamlined five-week format to better accommodate busy professionals. The program will run from April 3 through April 29, 2025. Emergence is Shafer Leadership Academy’s signature leadership development experience, designed for both emerging and…