Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation and Angie Pool, CEO, Cardinal Greenways— MUNCIE, IN—Leaders and partners from East Central Indiana gathered last month in Grant County to discuss the next phases of a Cardinal Greenway extension project. Representatives from Cardinal Greenways, Taylor University, Ball Brothers Foundation, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, and FlatLand Resources participated in the meeting, which included a tour of Taylor University and key sites in Gas City. The tour offered an opportunity to assess current progress and explore future steps toward “closing the gap” in the Cardinal Greenway’s 62-mile paved rail-trail. The rail-trail is currently…

By Kylene Swackhamer— 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 Report to the Community 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 article marks the first in a series of updates from our dedicated task force leaders, showcasing the impact…

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN – Shawnee Heights Baptist Church has announced the closure of its doors after years of serving the Muncie community. As part of its final act of service, the church has generously donated $50,000 to the YWCA Central Indiana to further its efforts in providing essential support and services to unhoused women and children throughout the region. The donation comes as the church’s congregation reflects on its mission to serve those in need and its commitment to empowering vulnerable populations. Through this gift, Shawnee Heights Baptist Church aims to support the YWCA’s continued programming, which includes…

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—The strength of a community lies in its ability to listen, learn, and act together. At Heart of Indiana United Way, alongside our Community Foundation partners, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with community members to hear their hopes, challenges, and visions for the future. These conversations underscore the value of public knowledge and input in guiding decisions that impact local families, businesses, and organizations. When decision-making bodies, such as city councils and county governments, prioritize listening to the voices of the community, they create opportunities for transformative change. Public input offers invaluable insight into the…

By Bob Scott— MUNCIE, IN—A fourth quarter grant from Indiana Michigan Power and the AEP Foundation blessed Muncie Mission with a new vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries. The panel delivery van will support the Mission’s efforts to rescue food donations from local restaurants, food producers, and distribution centers, as well as move clothing, furniture and household items among ministry locations. “This gift is truly a blessing, especially now during the busy holiday season,” said Bob Scott, VP of Development at Muncie Mission. “We’ve already used the van to pick up donations from canned food drives, winter clothing collections, and Christmas…