2017

(L-R) Steve Reese, Caroline Todd and Charles Todd prepare for flight. Photo by: John Carlson

Carlson October 28, 2017

Mother, Son Novelists Take to Sky

By: John Carlson— Without stretching one’s imagination, it was possible to believe the yellow and blue biplane crossing the runway threshold at Reese Airport was a Sopwith Camel or Bristol Fighter, with British roundels marking its olive drab fuselage. That’s why, on this blustery autumn day, Caroline and Charles Todd were flying in it. The mother and son are mystery writers, and very successful ones. Their 31 novels include many set against the backdrop of post-World War One England and…

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First Merchants Corporation

Business October 27, 2017

First Merchants Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results

Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record third quarter 2017 net income of $24.4 million, compared to $21.1 million during the third quarter of 2016. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.50 per share, which included $.11 per share of acquisition expenses, compared to $.51 during the same period in 2016. The acquisition expenses in the quarter totaled $7.9 million and were primarily related to the July 14, 2017 acquisition of Independent Alliance Banks, Inc. Year-to-date net…

Dr. Steve Baule, Superintendent of the Muncie Community Schools giving his “State of the Muncie Community Schools” report to local civic and business leaders. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education October 27, 2017

MCS Superintendent Dr. Steve Baule Gives 3rd “State of the Muncie Community Schools Report”

By: The Woof Boom Radio News Team— The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon event Thursday at the Horizon Convention Center. Dr. Steve Baule, Superintendent of the Muncie Community Schools gave his “State of the Muncie Community Schools” report to local civic and business leaders. Dr. Baule gave an overview of the current state of  MCS, and also shared many positive stories/statistics about MCS that often go over-looked. He began with the vision statement for MCS: MCS with our community partners will provide…

A 1 Million Cups presenter is pictured. Photo provided.

Business October 27, 2017

Innovation Connector Brings 1 Million Cups To Muncie

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Do you, or your company or organization have an idea, program or business you’d really like to try, but you just aren’t certain whether your idea will be successful? Wouldn’t it be great if you had a chance to pitch an idea or concept to business leaders who can help advise you and help you ascertain whether or not your idea will be successful? In the spirit of ”getting connected”, the Innovation Connector is bringing a…

New swim trunks make you look on the bright side. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson October 27, 2017

John Carlson: A Truncated Tale

By: John Carlson— Nancy and I were vacationing recently at a favorite place on the Gulf Coast of Florida when a sobering realization hit. I could probably wear my ancient swimming trunks into the water, but there was a 99 percent chance they wouldn’t be walking back out of the water. Not with me in them, anyway. Either I was getting smaller or my trunks were getting bigger. Making matters worse, I didn’t see enough sea kelp and clam shells…

Mike Koch, PhyxtGears vice president and mentor. Caleb is working on a CAD drawing animation for a wire filament extension from the satellite. (See his CAD video at bottom of story.) Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education October 26, 2017

Muncie-Delaware FIRST Robotics Team To Launch Their Own Satellite Into Space

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—When I was a 1960s kid, the most scientific thing I ever accomplished was launching an Estes Model Rocket about 1500 feet in the air with a payload consisting of one raw egg. If the model rocket landed without breaking the egg—well, that was cause for celebration. And worthy of a mention in the Boy Scout Troop #150 monthly newsletter in Gauley Bridge, WV. Fast forward to 2017 and you’ll find scientific experiments have really changed…

Muncie resident Brittani Richards found a great support network at Indiana Wesleyan University, where advisors and professors offered support and flexibility through Richards’ health obstacles, ultimately enabling her to complete her Master of Business Administration and graduate in August 2017. Photo courtesy of Brittani Richards.

Positivity October 25, 2017

Thrive Credit Union’s Brittani Richards Fights Health Issue To Complete MBA Program

By: Dr. Mark Alexander, Regional Dean, Indiana Wesleyan University— When Brittani Richards started her Master of Business Administration program at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in January 2015, she never imagined just how crucial flexibility would be to her success. While at IWU, she experienced health obstacles that many would consider insurmountable, including the surgical removal of one eye due to complications from cancer she suffered as a child. Despite her challenges, Richards preserved and completed her MBA in August 2017….

Jason Newman. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 25, 2017

Meet New Boys & Girls Club CEO, Jason Newman on Nov 9th

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—The Boys & Girls Club of Muncie invites you to meet our new CEO Jason Newman at an Open House from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Remarks will be at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited. Newman, who most recently was at a Boys & Girls Club in Philadelphia, brings experience in early childhood education, programming and fund development. The Open House will be held at the Madison Street location at 1710 S. Madison…

Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay in Delaware County. Jeff Bird carries the torch. Photo by: Sadie Lebo

Non-Profit October 25, 2017

Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay Wins Statewide Award

By: Rachel Hill Ponko— Indianapolis, IN—A project that touched each of Indiana’s 92 counties is the winner of a statewide award. The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) presented the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) with its 2017 Bicentennial Collaborative Project Award for the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. The Torch Relay, modeled after the Olympic Torch Relay, traveled more than 3,200 miles and engaged 2,242 Hoosiers, ages 4 to 106, as torchbearers. The route, designed by IOTD, highlighted the best of what…

Chris Caldwell, senior vice president for commercial banking at MutualBank.

Business October 24, 2017

MutualBank’s Chris Caldwell Joins Indiana Statewide CDC Central Loan Committee

By: Guy Johnson— Indianapolis, IN—Christopher Caldwell of MutualBank in Muncie is joining the Central Loan Committee of small-business lender Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corporation. Indiana Statewide CDC works with local Indiana lenders to issue loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program. The loans help owners of expanding or startup small businesses buy real estate, buildings and equipment. Small companies gain favorable financing terms with SBA 504 loans similar to those available to large companies. Caldwell says, “Indiana…