Articles by Mike Rhodes

First Merchants headquarters in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business October 14, 2021

First Merchants Names Chad Kimball SVP, Chief Risk Officer

By First Merchants— 20-year veteran to strengthen security and protection efforts for multiple stakeholders MUNCIE, Ind. – First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) announced Chad Kimball as its new senior vice president and chief risk officer. He will be responsible for the Bank’s enterprise risk management program that supports First Merchants’ strategies. Along with overseeing the company’s governance and strategy for risk management and compliance, including relationships with key regulators and supervisory institutions, he will work to ensure multiple stakeholders remain…

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Photo by Jasmine Burris.

Entertainment October 13, 2021

Pink Leaf: A Learning Company to Hold Community Classes on October 19th

By Rachel Combs— MUNCIE, Ind.— Pink Leaf: A Learning Company is adding more community classes beginning on October 19th with Pumpkin Everything!, a family-friendly cooking class featuring all pumpkin dishes and taught by local chef and culinary arts instructor, Christiana Mann. Pink Leaf now offers a variety of classes including cooking, sewing, crocheting and more. Each class is taught by an industry professional and provides all materials needed for a fun and engaging learning experience. Costs vary per class depending on…

United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties and United Way of Madison County are now merged as a single, regional United Way, known as Heart of Indiana United Way.

Non-Profit October 12, 2021

Heart of Indiana United Way to Kick Off Annual Campaign with ‘Give From the Heart Challenge’ 

By Kim Williams, CFRE— EAST CENTRAL INDIANA – Heart of Indiana United Way will kick off their annual campaign to the public with a 5-day virtual Give from the Heart Challenge October 18-22. The goal of the challenge is to raise financial support for and awareness of Heart of Indiana United Way’s impact in each of the counties they serve. Each day of the 5-day challenge will be focused on one of the following counties – Delaware, Madison, Henry, Randolph, and…

The Winners of the Big Idea Pitch, 2020.

Business October 11, 2021

Take your Business Idea from the Majors to the Minors During the 8th Annual ‘BIG Idea Pitch Competition’

By Carter Anderson— MUNCIE, Ind.—Got a business idea? The BIG Idea Pitch Competition gives you the chance to prove the potential of your business idea, meet others who can help you succeed, and possibly win a cash prize! This competition will be held at the Innovation Connector on November 8th, 2021 at 6 pm EST and will be live-streamed on the Innovation Connector Facebook page. Those interested in this opportunity should register by 12 PM EST on October 26th to secure…

Entertainment October 11, 2021

Minnetrista Announces Their Family Adventure Day on October 13th

By Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN—Explore 40-acres of fun at Minnetrista’s Family Adventure Day: Fall Festival! Enjoy crafts, games, cider pressing demonstrations, and more on Wednesday, October 13th. This free community event is open to the whole family. With so much being offered, the day is a choose-your-own-adventure opportunity. The various fall activities create space for learning, active family participation, and loads of fun! Spend a beautiful fall day at Minnetrista, exploring with friends and family. To help us manage capacity…

Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 11, 2021

‘A Better Way’ Expands Service Area

By Tiffany Kerrigan, MPH— Muncie, IN – A Better Way, a non-profit committed to reducing domestic abuse, sexual assault and suicide through shelter services, crisis intervention and prevention initiatives, has announced that it will begin serving the three counties served by Genesis of Richmond and acquire all its assets. Effective immediately, Genesis will operate as a part of A Better Way. The expanded agency, managed under the leadership of A Better Way’s Executive Director Teresa Clemmons, will allow for greater efficiencies,…

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06). Photo via Greg Pence Instagram

Government October 11, 2021

Congressman Pence Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Rural Access to Telehealth

By Greg Pence Press Office— Columbus, IN –  Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) has introduced H.R. 5506, the Rural Telehealth Access Task Force Act with Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) seeking to expand rural communities’ access to telehealth capabilities. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a Rural Telehealth Access Task Force between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), United States Department if Agriculture (USDA), Department of Health and Human Service (HHS), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)….

Matching Amish rockers promote the joy of backyard gazing. Photo by Katie Carlson.

Carlson October 8, 2021

John Carlson: Still Rockin’ After All These Years

By John Carlson— Since Nancy recently turned seventy-two and I just turned seventy-one, we were looking for the perfect age-appropriate gifts for each other’s birthday, and found them. Rocking chairs! A rocking chair was probably a lot better gift for me than for her, though. That’s because to use one, you have to sit down, which Nancy does approximately seven minutes per day. But it being a well known fact that opposites attract, I normally sit for approximately seven minutes…

Jeffrey D. Scott Chancellor Muncie-Henry County. Photo provided

Education October 7, 2021

Report Reveals Ivy Tech Community College’s Economic Impact in Muncie

By Jennifer Gasiorek— College produces $3.9 billion cumulative annual impact throughout state. MUNCIE, IN—An in-depth study, conducted by Emsi, reveals the significant positive economic impact Ivy Tech Community College makes on the state of Indiana, including the local impact in Delaware and Henry County. The report outlines the return on investment the Community College makes to its major stakeholder groups – students, taxpayers and the communities it serves. Results of the analysis reflect a $3.9 billion cumulative annual impact. The…

Farmhouse Creative owners, Angie and Matt Howell. Photo by Matt Howell

Business October 6, 2021

Farmhouse Creative Announces the Acquisition of Williams Printing

By Amy Leffingwell— MUNCIE, Ind. –Local marketing and branding firm Farmhouse Creative has acquired the client base of Williams Printing of Farmland, IN. Established in 2012, Farmhouse Creative is owned by the husband/wife team of Matt Howell and Angie Rogers-Howell. Angie, president and CEO, brings over 15 years of experience in the design and print industry. In 2014, Matt Howell joined the Farmhouse team as vice president. He brings over 20 years of experience in website design, development, and digital…