Articles by Mike Rhodes

Nathan Earle, “We the People” instructor, and students gathered at Northside Middle School. Photo provided.

Education January 22, 2025

Q&A with Muncie Community Schools’ CEO & Update on the District’s Transformation

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — In 2018, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) and Ball State University embarked on a groundbreaking partnership, creating a national model for collaboration between a public university and a public school system. This innovative alliance began amidst significant challenges, as MCS faced financial crisis and declining enrollment. Since then, the district has made remarkable strides in reimagining its future with the support of Ball State, the local community, and dedicated funders like Ball Brothers Foundation. Hear…

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A homeless man with fingerless gloves, stands beside a fire pit in an attempt to get warm. Photo by Storyblocks.

Government January 21, 2025

State of Indiana Prepares for the Annual Count of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

By Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority— INDIANAPOLIS—The statewide annual count of individuals experiencing homelessness will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Service providers and volunteers in local communities across Indiana will be conducting the 2025 Point-IN-Time (PIT) Count for the Indiana Balance of State (BOS) Continuum of Care (CoC) in 91 of the 92 counties in the state. Marion County (Indianapolis) conducts its own PIT Count. The purpose of this annual count of people experiencing unsheltered or sheltered…

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie).

Government January 21, 2025

Errington Files Bills Focused on AI, Wage Transparency and Environmental Issues

By Sydney Kokinis, Press Secretary— INDIANAPOLIS —Last week, the Indiana General Assembly (IGA) officially started the 2025 legislative session. State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) has filed bills aimed at addressing key issues in education, wage transparency and environmental sustainability. House Bill (HB) 1296 seeks to enhance the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This bill would require the Department of Education (DOE) to establish guidelines and model policies for AI use in schools, create an inventory of AI platforms…

L-R: Joel D. Hand, attorney and lobbyist for ICPE; Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer, president of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education.

Education January 20, 2025

Reps for ICPE to Address Status of Education in Indiana at AAUW and League of Women Voters Joint Meeting

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Two representatives of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education will be the guest speakers for a joint meeting of the Muncie Branch of the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and wrap up no later than noon on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Motivate Our Minds Learning Center, 2023 E. Highland Ave., Muncie. The topic…

File photo.

Non-Profit January 19, 2025

Join the Community in Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 20, 2025

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN—Monday, January 20, 2025, marks the 40th celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Across the nation, communities will come together to honor Dr. King’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy. As we reflect on his profound impact, we are reminded of the power we hold to create change by following his example. This year’s theme for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is: “WHAT IS NEEDED: POWER, LOVE AND JUSTICE” In the words…

Families enjoying exhibits at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Photo provided by Minnetrista.

Non-Profit January 17, 2025

George and Frances Ball Foundation Wraps Up $5 Million 2024 Grantmaking Investments in Cradle to Career Muncie

Grants support out-of-school programs, Ball family legacies, and more. By Kelsey Harrington—  MUNCIE, IN— George and Frances Ball Foundation is celebrating a year of collaboration, impactful investments, and continued development of the Cradle to Career Muncie Initiative alongside 70+ community partners. Earlier this month, the Foundation announced its fourth quarter competitive grant awards, which rounded out a total of $5 million in awards to nonprofits in Muncie and Delaware County in 2024. To support the continued operation and strategy implementation…

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County enhances the quality of life for residents in Muncie and Delaware County. In 2024, the Foundation awarded $3,769,621 in grants and scholarships, including a $40,000 grant to the Ross Community Center, pictured, to support its operations and strengthen its work in building community and advancing education, lifelong learning, health, and wellness. Photo provided

Non-Profit January 17, 2025

Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County Awarded $3.77 Million in Grants in 2024

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $3,769,621 in grants and scholarships in 2024, strengthening its mission to enhance the quality of life for Delaware County residents. Most grants were awarded through permanently endowed funds, ensuring a greater Muncie and Delaware County today, tomorrow, and always. Community Grants Program Local nonprofit organizations received $1,581,311 through the competitive Community Grants Program. Community Grants are awarded to address the broad needs in arts and culture, community…

Photo provided

Education January 16, 2025

Ball State’s Multicultural Center Announces Unity Week 2025 Schedule of Events

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University’s Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center has announced the schedule of events for its annual Unity Week, which kicks off on Monday, Jan. 20, the official observance of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. “Unity Week is a call to spark meaningful conversations and connections that bridge differences and build community,” said Gabrielle Lloyd, director of the Multicultural Center. “This year’s theme, ‘Ignite to Unite,’ emphasizes the…

Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Education January 15, 2025

Head Coach Mike Uremovich Welcomes 25 Mid-Year Enrollees In First Incoming Class at Ball State

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football coach Mike Uremovich has announced the enrollment of 25 new student-athletes who have arrived on campus and begun taking classes in the Spring 2025 semester. The first class of student-athletes to arrive under Uremovich’s watch includes 15 transfers, five mid-year freshman enrollees who signed with the Cardinals in December, and five grayshirt student-athletes who delayed their enrollment after signing with Ball State a year ago. The impressive list of transfers…

Photo provided

Education January 14, 2025

Muncie Manufacturing Alliance and Ivy Tech’s ‘WorkMatters’ Announce New Tech Collaboration

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Manufacturing and Ivy Tech Community College’s WorkMatters program have announced an exciting new collaboration aimed at enhancing the local Advanced Manufacturing and Technology sector. The initiative will focus on fostering stronger industry-education partnerships, preparing students for high-wage, in-demand careers in manufacturing and technology. As part of the partnership, Stephen Brand will join Ivy Tech’s School of Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science team as a mentor and liaison between local industry and education. Brand, who brings…