Articles by Mike Rhodes

First Merchants headquarters in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business October 28, 2021

First Merchants Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2021 Earnings Per Share

By First Merchants— MUNCIE, Ind.—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported third quarter 2021 net income of $52.8 million compared to $36.2 million during the same period in 2020, an increase of 45.7 percent. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.98 per share compared to the third quarter of 2020 result of $.67 per share. Year-to-date net income totaled $157.8 millioncompared to $103.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of 52.5 percent. Year-to-date earnings…

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Muncie Central High School. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Education October 27, 2021

Muncie Central Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Meeting Set for Nov. 12

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, Ind. —Reservations for the Muncie Central Alumni Association dinner and annual meeting are due Friday, Oct 29. Check-in for the event will take place from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, in the Muncie Central High School cafeteria. Attendees should enter the west door from the north parking lot. Reservations for the event are $17.50 per person. Checks payable to the Muncie Central Alumni Association should be sent to 6604 W. Talamore Court, Yorktown, IN…

The Muncie Symphony Orchestra is pictured performing in Pruis Hall on the campus of Ball State University. Photo provided.

Entertainment October 27, 2021

Muncie Symphony’s ‘The Music of John Williams’ to Feature Scores From ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Jurassic Park’

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, INDIANA —On Nov. 13, Muncie Symphony Orchestra will bring iconic movie scores to life during “The Music of John Williams.” Nominated 51 times and awarded five Academy Awards, John Williams is responsible for some of the most well known soundtracks of all time, including “Star Wars, “Jurassic Park,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and more.“The Music of John Williams” will feature selections from the scores of those films—including an entire half of the concert dedicated to…

No filter. Just Muncie. North Muncie roundabout, a Community Enhancement Project. Photo by Aimee Robertson-West.

Non-Profit October 26, 2021

‘Candidates of the Future’ Returns November 13th, 2021

Is running for office and political activism right for you?  By Aimee Robertson-West— MUNCIE, Ind.—Candidates of the Future forum returns for a third iteration on Saturday, November 13th at the Innovation Connector. Participation is free and ideal for anyone who is interested in running for political office someday, wants to become active in their party, or wants to learn how to engage in local political or policy activism efforts. Registration is required and space is limited so please register today….

The ATHENA awards. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 25, 2021

2021 ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award Nominees

By Kat Knox, WIBU— MUNCIE, Ind.—Women In Business Unlimited, WIBU is pleased to announce that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie, Muncie OUTreach and Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Service-Muncie are the three nominees for our 2021 ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award. Organizational Nominees are recognized for: Creating an organizational culture that encourages women employees to achieve their full leadership potential. Giving back to the larger community of women and girls by providing and/ or supporting leadership development opportunities and initiatives. Join…

The Northwest bank branch on W. Jackson Street in Muncie is pictured. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business October 25, 2021

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2021 Earnings and Quarterly Dividend

By Northwest Bancshares— WARREN, Pennsylvania—Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) (NasdaqGS: NWBI) announced net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 of $35.1 million, or $0.27 per diluted share.  This represents a decrease of $3.0 million, or 7.9%, compared to the same quarter last year, when net income was $38.1 million, or $0.30 per diluted share.  The annualized returns on average shareholders’ equity and average assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 were 8.86% and 0.97% compared to 9.82% and 1.09%…

Dale Basham directs traffic at the County Fair. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 25, 2021

Muncie Rotary Partners with Muncie Central High School Students to Raise Funds

By Kate Stoss, Muncie Noon Rotary President— Muncie, IN – If you attended the Delaware County Fair in the past several years, you probably noticed the energetic man directing traffic and collecting entry fees. Dale Basham of the Muncie Rotary Club, has organized fellow Rotarians to help Muncie Central High School students raise funds for various CHS sports teams and clubs. The teams and clubs earn money while staffing the front gate and the Muncie Rotary Club provides matching funds. This…

Changing the temperature from 72°F to 68°F could lower an energy bill by up to 10%. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business October 23, 2021

Winter Heating Tips From Indiana Michigan Power

By Indiana Michigan Power— FORT WAYNE, Ind. – While this has been a warm fall, winter and colder temperatures will be here before we know it. In fact, this winter is predicted to be colder across the country compared to last year, which could mean higher heating bills. Now is the time for customers to prepare their home or business for the colder weather. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is Powering the Next Energy Saving Idea during National Energy Awareness Month…

Under a bedsheet is no place for a beloved motorcycle. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson October 22, 2021

John Carlson: Motorcycling Into The Sunset

By John Carlson— A guy knows he’s reached those “golden years” when his wife says he should sell his motorcycle, and for the very first time, he doesn’t joke that he’d rather be dead. I’ve owned motorcycles for forty-six years. But since turning sixty-five, spinal surgeries have prevented me from enjoying my beloved Harley-Davidson as it is intended. A sweet-looking 1200 cc Sportster Sport, it has been resting under a sheet for a long time. Now Nancy wants to do…

Kids Participating in the BSU Chase Charlie - Kiddie 100 Dash. Photo by Eric Klosterman.

Education October 20, 2021

Free Books for Kids at Ball State Homecoming’s Chase Charlie – Kiddie 100 Dash Event

By Eric Klosterman from Ball State’s Sport Administration Program and Stacy Wheeler from Classroom Connections of ECI — MUNCIE, Ind.—The 21st Annual Chase Charlie Kiddie 100 Dash is partnering with local non-profit Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana (CCECI) to distribute books to children and families during the Saturday, October 23rd Ball State University homecoming football game against Miami. “Books in the home profoundly impact children and teens, especially when books are theirs to keep,” said Stacy Wheeler, Executive Director…