Articles by Mike Rhodes

By: Tracy Warner—  FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will use aerial drones to inspect transmission lines in the East Central Indiana area beginning May 1st and continuing for about six weeks.  The drone inspection of wires and poles is occurring in portions of Adams, Delaware, Grant, Jay and Randolph counties. These inspections help I&M to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the area’s transmission system. The aerial drone will follow transmission lines for extended periods of…

By: Sheena Peters— Muncie, IN – Regional public accounting and advisory firm, Whitinger & Company, is pleased to announce that Member/Owner Linn Crull, CPA received the Paul W. Parkison Department of Accounting Award of Excellence for 2019 from Ball State University. On April 29th, 2019, the Paul W. Parkison Department of Accounting hosted its 10th Annual Alumni Awards Dinner at the Ball State University Alumni Center. This event provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of some of its most…

By: First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported first quarter 2019 net income of $38.8 million, an increase of 5.8 percent, compared to $36.7 million during the same period in 2018.  Earnings per share for the period totaled $.78 per share, an increase of 5.4 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2018 result of $.74 per share. Total assets equaled $10.2 billion as of quarter-end and loans totaled $7.3 billion.  The Corporation’s loan portfolio increased…

By: Stacey Shannon— Muncie, IN—When Muncie native Cheryl Lindus returned to the city after living away for 10 years for work, she kept hearing local residents talk about having to leave Muncie for good food, entertainment and shopping. She realized many residents weren’t aware of all Muncie has to offer and decided to do something about it. Last May she launched Experience Muncie, which is a social media project designed to keep local residents informed about what’s going on in the…