Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Action Plan’s Task Force 3: Improving Muncie Neighborhoods

Non-Profit January 23, 2025

Muncie Action Plan’s Task Force 3: Improving Muncie Neighborhoods

By Heather Williams— MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. During this gathering, each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout 2024. This…

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The Vore Arts Fund is Now Accepting Applications for Funding Arts Projects

Non-Profit January 22, 2025

The Vore Arts Fund is Now Accepting Applications for Funding Arts Projects

By Vore Arts Fund— MUNCIE, IN—The Vore Arts Fund is now accepting applications for funding art projects. The application period will close at the end of January and is open to any local artists, performers, art educators, galleries, and performance venues who would benefit from zero-interest loans to cover the up-front costs of their commercial arts-related projects, such as purchasing materials for producing art, buying the rights to theater productions, booking time in a recording studio, or ordering supplies for…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County Awarded .77 Million in Grants in 2024

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…

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

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…