Articles by Mike Rhodes

Two Entrepreneurs – Different Paths

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie, Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Innovation Connector’s vision states, “Our passion is to see that each person who has a dream to start or grow a business has every resource to be successful, and the economy of East Central Indiana flourishes.” This vision is being fulfilled every day at the Innovation Connector. Throughout my career, I have worked with hundreds, maybe thousands, of entrepreneurs wanting to either know what needs to happen to start a business or how to grow a business. These entrepreneurs have come to me with various wild, crazy, unique,…

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Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2022 Earnings and Quarterly Dividend

By Northwest Bancshares, Inc.— COLUMBUS, OH—Northwest Bancshares, Inc., (the “Company”), (NasdaqGS: NWBI) announced net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 of $33.4 million, or $0.26 per diluted share.  This represents a decrease of $15.5 million, or 31.7%, compared to the same quarter last year, when net income was $49.0 million, or $0.38 per diluted share.  The annualized returns on average shareholders’ equity and average assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 were 8.90% and 0.94% compared to 12.58% and 1.37% for the same quarter last year. Prior year earnings were enhanced by a $25.3 million pre-tax gain on the…


Summer Festival and Fall Class Schedule at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE,IN – Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Washington in  Muncie, has opened registration for its fall semester. Cornerstone is offering a wide selection of classes from dance, painting, and ceramics to photography and yoga. There is something for students of all ages. Students can register on line at cornerstonearts.org. Registration will be open through the first week of classes, which begin on Aug. 22. Class catalogues are available online, and at Cornerstone. Cornerstone is proud to offer a wide array of affordable classes designed to encourage students’ inner artist. Summer Festival Cornerstone Center for the…


Ball State University Honors 2022 Summer Graduates

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University honored more than 1,200 graduates on Saturday at its Summer Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2022. The program was held at Worthen Arena on Ball State’s beautiful campus. As part of a time-honored tradition, Ball State selected an outstanding faculty member to address its Summer graduates. On Saturday, Dr. W. Holmes Finch Jr., George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology at Ball State’s Teachers College, delivered his speech, “The Joys of Serendipity, or Wait, How Did That Happen?” Dr. Finch, who has taught and conducted research…


Annual Cardinal Ride of 100 Miles to Attract Cyclists From Across Indiana

By Intersection— Annual event will also feature family-friendly, all-ability routes in Muncie, Marion. MARION & MUNCIE, INDIANA — Calling all cyclists: The annual Cardinal Ride welcomes cyclists of all ages and abilities to ride the Cardinal Greenway in both Marion and Muncie, Indiana, featuring a range of routes, including family-friendly routes and advanced routes up to 100 miles. Cardinal Ride is the second event in the Cardinal Greenways 2022 Summer Series, which encourages people to explore Indiana’s largest rail-trail. “The Summer Series is a fun way to encourage our community to get out and enjoy this amazing amenity right in…


22 Lots Up for Bid at ‘Storer Estates’

By Michelle Owen—  MUNCIE, IN—As construction work continues at the site of the former Storer Elementary, builders and future homeowners can begin to make plans. After a unanimous vote at the July 21st Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting, 22 building lots at the future Storer Estates will be put up for bid to individuals and/or builders. Buyers will not be able to begin construction until the groundwork at the site is complete, but interested parties can secure a prime building site and plan for construction as early as winter. The Storer Estates subdivision will include 34 single family homes, a dry…


Interlock and Minnetrista Partner to Provide Sensory-Friendly ‘Faeries, Sprites, & Lights’

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN—Interlock (http://www.interlockin.org/), a not-for-profit organization that provides support, education and resources to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, has partnered with Minnetrista Museums & Gardens to sponsor a special sensory-friendly day of the annual event. The event will take place on Sunday, July 31, from Noon unit 4pm. The Sensory-Friendly event is designed to welcome our Faerie friends with sensory sensitivities or disabilities to the Oakhurst Gardens to experience the magic in a calmer and welcoming environment. Join us for some quiet music, an optional live theatre show, and character interactions, or just take a…


Marcy Minton Named Next President of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – Marcy Minton has been named the President of The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, effective August 8, 2022. Minton succeeds Kelly K. Shrock, who announced her resignation earlier this year and will end her more than decade-long service on August 5. Minton originally joined the staff of The Community Foundation in 2014 as Community Engagement Director. She transitioned to Senior Program Officer in 2016 and has served in that role since. “I have been privileged to work for the Foundation for the last eight years and partner with amazing people working together…


Deadline Approaching for 2022 Fisher Governance Award Nominations 

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, IN — Each year, the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award recognizes one board member of a Delaware County non-profit whose actions have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their organization. The award, given by Ball Brothers Foundation, is intended to highlight the important role that governing board members play in strategic planning, financial oversight, and overall organizational effectiveness. Non-profits have until 4 p.m. on Aug. 15 to nominate one of their board members for the award, which includes a $10,000 grant to the winner’s respective organization. “This award celebrates the important, hard work that board members…


Muncie Ranked Number 3 in Top 15 Best Places To Retire in America, Says Census Data Report

By Dollarhand.com— Muncie, Indiana ranked number 3 following an in-depth study which looked at affordability, health insurance, safety levels and other features. CALIFORNIA – Muncie, Indiana has been named the 3rd Best Place To Retire in America, according to a Census Data Report carried out by consumer finance startup, DollarHand.com. The report analyzed numerous variables including median home values, homeowner costs, rent, health insurance coverage and safety levels – all key priorities for seniors looking to enjoy a great quality of life during their retirement. This data was used to create a score which resulted in Muncie, Indiana, scoring 47.33, making it the…