Articles by Mike Rhodes

Economic Development Begins With Children

Muncie, IN– The Indiana Summit for Economic Development is hosting a special event on June 7th at the Horizon Convention Center, in Muncie, in collaboration with Early Learning Coalitions. According to the Indiana Early Learning Advisory Committee, by increasing access to high quality early childhood education, Indiana has the opportunity to ensure that children are ready to learn and succeed in school, compete in the global economy, and contribute to thriving communities. John Pepper, former CEO of Proctor & Gamble said,…

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MCS Addresses Obama Administration’s “Dear Colleague Letter” on Transgender Students

By: Ana Pichardo— With regard to the Obama Administration’s Dear Colleague letter that was distributed on May 13, 2016, the Muncie Community Schools feels that the core purpose of the letter is to ensure that children are not discriminated against. Attorney General Loretta Lynch stated, “There is no room in our schools for discrimination of any kind.” MCS thinks that statement should be able to stand on its own. The U.S. Secretary of Education further stated “No student should ever have…


VERGE Has Muncie Hub Pitch Night

By: Jennifer Green— Muncie, IN—Muncie, Indiana joins a growing local community infrastructure and network to support tech start-ups, seeking to create a culture of learning by validating success and celebrating learning. The launch of Verge ® Pitch Night, on May 11, 2016 —  served as a catalyst for the Verge Muncie Hub, a newly created monthly meet-up for entrepreneurs, developers and investors. The high-energy gatherings feature three start-up pitches and a knowledge- rich, topical fireside chat with a dynamic developer…


Delaware County Fair is Just Around the Corner

Muncie, IN— The Delaware County Fair kicks off with the queen contest and finishes with a rodeo! The 164th annual Delaware County Fair will officially open with 4-H events, on July 13; with midway rides opening July 18. The queen contest will be held June 25, at the Northside auditorium, to accommodate a larger audience for this exciting event. The line-up for the Delaware County Grandstand events for this year’s fair: Saturday, July 16, Horse and Pony Pull Sunday, July 17, Motocross…


Local Postal Carrier Celebrates 20 Years of Coordinating Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

By: Shelley Shekell— MUNCIE, IN— The second Saturday in May is held near and dear to postal carriers and food pantries alike. On this day, the National Association of Letter Carriers teams up with more than 10,000 participating communities nationally to collect non-perishable food donations along postal routes in an effort to Stamp Out Hunger. Since the program’s inception in 2003, Stamp Out Hunger has collected more than one billion pounds of food in the United States! This year, Stamp…


Ivy Tech Community College to Hold Go Ivy Day Events

Muncie, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College East Central region will be holding a Go Ivy Day event on May 19 at the Muncie Housing Authority – Price Hall.  Prospective students will be able to learn all about Ivy Tech Community College including admissions, financial aid, new student orientation, and career services. Go Ivy Day Muncie Housing Authority – Price Hall May 19 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 704 South Madison Street Muncie, IN 47302 Appointments are required and can…


Champions for a Safe Community Awards over $55,000 in Grants

Muncie, IN – Champions for a Safe Community has awarded grants to 11 organizations totaling over $55,000 to date.  Champions for a Safe Community is funded by 100 Men Who Cook to support organizations within the community to provide programming, services, and activities that endeavor to reduce violence as well as provide security and care for victims of violence. Champions for a Safe Community will consider support to not-for-profits, civic, business, and government organizations to support the development and delivery of…


Fall 2016 Deadline for 2017 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars

By: Eunice Whitlock— The 2017 recipients of the Delaware County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will be named in December 2016. Previous scholarship recipients were identified in March of the year they graduated from high school. This change affects the program for all Indiana community foundations. The advanced timeline is the result of a “compelling recommendation” from community foundations who participated in a statewide evaluation of the program conducted by Lilly Endowment Inc. in 2015. During the evaluation process, a number…


Cornerstone’s Summer Arts Camp is Coming Soon

By: Jessie Irwin— Summer is the perfect time to introduce your child to new activities and interests – so, why not sign them up for a week full of art exploration! Cornerstone’s Summer Arts Camp is back for two individual sessions: June 20 through June 24 and July 11 through July 15. Students ages 7 to 14 will enjoy a concentrated week long session of classes in visual arts, theatre, dance, and martial arts. This program is designed to enrich…


ARF “Race 2 Save Lives Event” May 13-15

Part of PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend Muncie, IN– The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will participate in PetSmart national three-day adoption weekend beginning Friday May 13-15. It will be held outside the PetSmart®store, 3450 N. Morrison Road, Muncie. This being May in Indiana, the theme for the ARF booth will be “RACE 2 SAVE LIVES”. ARF dogs and cats will be at the event, sporting race-themed scarves, and are available for adoption. Going on line and pre-registering to adopt an…