Articles by Mike Rhodes

John Carlson: Now THAT’S a Seed Catalog!

By John Carlson— You know you’re looking at an incredibly beautiful seed catalog when you get emotional over pictures of vegetables. I mean, sure, I’ve bawled over food photos before. But that’s been when confronted with, say, a particularly poignant pepperoni pizza picture. And sometimes I’ve choked up and shed a tear or two at the shot of a full basket of barbecued buffalo wings, photographed in the shadow of a frosty 32-ounce mug of luscious Mexican beer. Or most…

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Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, February 4th

Editor’s note: The following COVID-19 update is brought to you through a collaboration of healthcare partners including Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Delaware County Office of Information, and other major healthcare providers. Delaware County weekly COVID-19 updates are released every Thursday and include information from the Indiana State Department of Health county metrics dashboard, which is updated every Wednesday afternoon. Delaware County continues to rank orange on the Indiana State Department of Health’s county metrics map,…


Muncie Sports Commission Announces 2021 Board Members and Officers, Updates Branding 

 By Richard Crist, Board President— Muncie, IN – The Muncie Sports Commission has announced the Board of Directors and Officers for 2021 who will each help to support the non-profit’s work to increase economic vitality, improve quality of life, promote healthy lifestyles and brand Delaware County as a great sports community.  “Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of individuals all committed to Muncie Sports Commission’s purpose of attracting, creating, hosting, and supporting sporting events and recreational…


Aspect 6 Creative ‘Redefines Typical’ Through Full-Service Advertising

By Kate Elliott— Editor’s note: Shafer Leadership Academy and the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership are partnering on this series to highlight innovative leaders who are redefining typical during these extraordinary times. This is the final article in the series.  Muncie, IN — Not too many businesses opened up months into a global pandemic. But Allison Robbins, owner of Aspect 6 Creative isn’t “most businesses.” In June 2020, the longtime media and marketing professional opened a full-service advertising agency at 122 N. Walnut St. in downtown Muncie….


Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2020 Earnings and Quarterly Dividend

By Northwest Bank— Warren, Pennsylvania —Northwest Bancshares, Inc., (the “Company”), (NasdaqGS: NWBI) announced net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 of $35.1 million, or $0.28 per diluted share.  This represents an increase of $9.5 million, or 37.0%, compared to the same quarter last year when net income was $25.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share.  The annualized returns on average shareholders’ equity and average assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were 9.00% and 1.01% compared to 7.52% and…


First Merchants Corp Announces 4th Quarter 2020 Earnings Per Share

By First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported fourth quarter 2020 net income of $45.1 million compared to $47.8 million during the same period in 2019. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.83 per share compared to fourth quarter 2019 result of $.87 per share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $148.6 million, compared to $164.5 million during the same period in 2019. Year-to-date earnings per share totaled $2.74 compared to…


New Delaware County Company Will Create Rubber Products – And Jobs – With No Adverse Environmental Impact

By Delaware County Economic Development— Delaware County, IN – A Canadian company that uses recycled rubber to make speed bumps, parking blocks and rubber supports for rooftop lines and pipes is locating manufacturing operations in Delaware County. Clearline Technologies will open in a former manufacturing facility in the Industria Center industrial park, the company and the Delaware County commissioners have announced. The company’s website can be accessed at www.c-port.net. Clearline revolutionized the pipe supports industry by using recycled rubber and metal strut to…


Cornerstone Center for the Arts Hosts February Events Fit for the Family

By Claire Downs— Muncie, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is pleased to open its doors for events perfect for all ages! First Thursday, February 4, 5-8pm the Judith Barnes Memorial Gallery will make its 2021 debut featuring the work of Terrika Clark; Saturday, February 6, from 1-3pm Cornerstone will host their Recycled Valentines  crafting workshop; and Monday, February 22 marks the beginning of 12 full weeks of visual and performing arts classes! Local artist Terrika Clark challenges viewers to see…


Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company ‘Redefines Typical’ as a Leader in Custom Framing, Photo Printing, and Sale Gallery

By Kate Elliott— Editor’s note: Shafer Leadership Academy and the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership are partnering on this six part series to highlight innovative leaders who are redefining typical during these extraordinary times.   Muncie, IN — Scroll through the Facebook page for Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company. You’ll see 93-year-old Bob Shears, grinning at a custom map of his WWII tour of duty that Gordy framed and shipped to his Las Vegas home. You’ll watch a black frame transform into a silver one. You’ll see…


Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour Implements COVID-19 Programs to Help Muncie Residents

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-chief— Muncie IN – Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour recently implemented two new programs that provided COVID related assistance to Muncie residents. Funds for the programs were provided through the federal CARES-ACT to assist with COVID-related hardships. The two programs were: “The Mayor’s Masks for Muncie Project” and “The Tenant Assistance Program.” Dustin Clark is the city’s director of special projects and is overseeing the mask project which provides FREE masks to businesses, individuals, organizations, and neighborhoods who…