Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—The 10th annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference brought together more than 100 dedicated community members for a day of networking, workshops, and inspiration on March 8 at Ball State University’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center. This year’s sessions covered a range of topics, from political action and leadership development to project planning and community engagement. The event was hosted by Building Better Neighborhoods, Muncie Action Plan and Shafer Leadership Academy. Contributing sponsors include Ball State’s Office of Community…

By Sara McKinley— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Public Library (MPL) is proud to announce the receipt of a $10,000 Impact Grant from Tri Kappa of Muncie. This generous grant supports the library’s efforts to preserve local history and to enhance exhibits shared with the community. The funding is being used to purchase archival storage supplies and storage furniture, which will provide better protection for the library’s valuable local history collections. These enhancements will ensure that Muncie’s rich history is preserved…

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…