Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Mitch Isaacs, Shafer Leadership Academy— MUNCIE, IN—A group of high school students from the Muncie Youth Leadership Program is inviting the community to help shape the future of one of Muncie’s most symbolic landmarks: the Unity Bridge. The students, working in collaboration with city officials and community partners, have launched a brief public survey to gather input on the bridge’s role, public awareness, and future initiatives. The project is part of their leadership development curriculum, which challenges students to…

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Area leaders, experts in early childhood development, math and reading, postsecondary success and career pathways, gathered recently to breakdown the details that will fuel a five-year strategic plan for the Cradle to Career Muncie initiative. Collaborative Action Networks (CANs), which are outcome-focused, cross-sector teams, looked at what they’ve done, where the successes lie, and where the gaps remain. Cradle to Career Muncie is a collective impact model embracing a philosophy that the needs of the many…

By Lynne Hatfield— MUNCIE, IN—The Mission Statement of the Delaware County Special Needs Prom/Events, Inc. is “to create social events that inspire and enhance self-esteem for individuals with special needs.  These social events will also educate the community on the unique and wonderful abilities of some very special individuals.” We have special needs adult children.  However, transitioning from school to adulthood has been very difficult.  Unfortunately, the adult special needs community is often forgotten and pushed aside.  It is because…

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN – In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Shafer Leadership Academy invites employers, professionals, and community members to attend Autism at Work: Awareness, Accommodations, and Advocacy, a free community panel discussion on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W White River Blvd, Muncie, IN 47303. This interactive session will explore the experiences of autistic employees, best practices for workplace accommodations, and strategies for self-advocacy. Autistic employees bring…

By Amber Burress, Altrusa Club of Muncie— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Altrusa Club hosted the winners of the 38th Annual 4th Grade Essay Contest on March 20th during a luncheon at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens.  The winners of the essay contest were: Zayn Ayers, Daleville Elementary; Rory Hart, Burris Laboratory School; Amaris McNeill, North View Elementary; CJ Plummer, Selma Elementary; Rowan Porter, East Washington Academy; and Zoey Triplett, West View Elementary. Each student read their essay titled: “Why is Reading…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—Prior to leaving office in January, former Governor Eric Holcomb presented Jud Fisher, President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award – one of Indiana’s highest honors. Indiana governors give the award to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to life in the state. Governor Holcomb, in a video shared with the Ball Brothers Foundation board of directors in late February, cited Fisher’s leadership…