Articles by Mike Rhodes

Foundation president, Kelly K. Shrock poses with Jeannine Harrold, the 2018 recipient of the David Sursa Leadership Award. The award recognizes and encourages extraordinary leadership by a non-profit board member in Delaware County.

Non-Profit February 6, 2019

Applications For 2019 David Sursa Leadership Award Now Available

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the annual David Sursa Leadership Award. The award rewards, recognizes and encourages extraordinary leadership by a non-profit board member in Delaware County. Standing behind the belief that every community benefits from leaders who understand local issues and are able to visualize and promote positivity, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. established the David Sursa Leadership Award in honor…

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First Merchants Corporation

Business February 5, 2019

First Merchants Corporation Announces Record 2018 Earnings Per Share

By: First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported fourth quarter 2018 net income of $41.7 million, an increase of 71 percent, compared to $24.4 million during the same period in 2017. Earnings per share for the period totaled a record $.85 per share, an increase of 73 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 result of $.49 per share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled $159.1 million, compared to $96.1 million…

Photo: Provided by Yorktown Redevelopment Commission

Government February 4, 2019

Improvements To Yorktown’s Canal Street, Downtown To Begin Soon

By: Pete Olson— Yorktown, IN — Renovations to downtown Yorktown’s Canal Street are set to begin within the next few months, the Yorktown Redevelopment Commission announced. These renovations include widening the streetscape and installing sidewalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These improvements will allow for a more walkable and accessible downtown area for all Yorktown residents, said Matt Anderson, the president of the Yorktown Redevelopment Commission. “The goal for the downtown revitalization project is to reinvigorate…

Eric Redfield, Northside student, talks with other ICE League hopefuls before Draft Day drills get under way Saturday, Feb. 2. (Photo provided by Project Leadership / ICE League).

Non-Profit February 3, 2019

ICE League Season 5 launches with 2019 Draft Day

By: Steve Gibson— Muncie, IN—The ICE League, an academic-based League that celebrates student athletes’ grade-point averages, has officially launched its fifth season. The 2019 ICE League launched Saturday with competitive drills and a character-filled, inspirational message from Amber Stocks for 93 Muncie and Burris students who tried out during ICE League Draft Day. Academics drive the ICE League, which sets the grade-point average bar at 2.5 and higher for students who wish to fully participate in the basketball League. The…

Believe it or not, this isn’t a Mount Everest base camp. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson February 3, 2019

John Carlson: Extraordinary Expeditions

By: John Carlson— Yeah, I am the kind of man who thrives on the danger inherent in adventurous expeditions, like on our twice-yearly trips to the Gulf of Mexico. True, the gulf is rife with blood-thirsty sharks. But I just laugh them off, pay them no mind. This is for two reasons: First, as already noted, I am the kind of man who thrives on the danger inherent in adventurous expeditions. Second, to reach me, those sharks will have to…

The Bargain Box is located at 607 E. Charles Street in Muncie. Photo courtesy of The Bargain Box.

Business February 2, 2019

PSI IOTA XI Awards Philanthropic Grants To Local Organizations

By: Bonnie Smith— Muncie, IN—Psi Iota Xi Charities Inc. is pleased to announce its Philanthropic Grant Awards for 2018. These grants are funded from profits earned at The Bargain Box, 607 E. Charles Street in Muncie.  The Bargain Box is a resale shop operated and staffed by volunteer members of Psi Iota Xi Sorority. The purpose of the sorority is “the furthering of philanthropic, cultural and social enterprises” in our community.  This year’s grants totaling $18,000 were awarded to the following…

Altrusa International of Muncie, IN, Inc. members pose with care bag items purchased with grant funding from Altrusa International, Inc. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 1, 2019

Altrusa International of Muncie Receives $4,000 Grant To Benefit Delaware County Foster Closet

By: Marcy Minton— Muncie, IN—Altrusa International of Muncie, Inc. was recently awarded a grant for $4,000 from the Altrusa International Foundation to conduct a project to benefit Delaware County Foster Closet. On December 27, 2018 members of the Muncie Club prepared 250 care bags for the Delaware County Foster Closet with items purchased with the grant funds. Each care bag included a pair of pajamas, a package of new underwear, a package of new socks and a toiletry kit for…

Mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes without direct court intervention. Photo by: Storyblocks

Business January 31, 2019

Beasley & Gilkison: Mediation—A Modern Alternative To Litigation

By: Benjamin J. Freeman, Attorney— Muncie, IN—Traditionally, parties attempting to resolve a dispute end up litigating their case in court. It is no secret that the litigation process is long, costly and unpredictable. Whether the parties are disputing a business transaction gone wrong, dissolving a marriage, or trying to determine liability for an auto accident, the process can drag on for years and cost all involved thousands of dollars. While all litigation does end eventually, mediation offers a quicker and cheaper…

Photo by: shutterstock

Non-Profit January 31, 2019

Muncie’s BY5 Partners With Local Healthcare Clinics

By: Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN — Delaware County BY5 Early Childhood Initiative, Inc. recently announced a focus on forming partnerships within the healthcare industry. Though venturing into this industry is new for the county’s leading organization in early childhood awareness, it’s something Executive Director Missy Modesitt says will aid in achieving BY5’s main goal. “BY5’s goal is that all children in Delaware County are born healthy and will acquire the necessary wellness care needed to insure successful entry into Kindergarten,” Modesitt…

Photo from last year's championship tournament. Photo provided

Non-Profit January 30, 2019

Project Leadership’s ICE League Draft Day Is Saturday, February 2nd

By: Brenda Morehead— Muncie, IN—The 2019 season of Project Leadership’s ICE League will officially get underway Saturday February 2nd with a Draft Day for middle school athletes at Muncie Central High School. The Inner City Educational (ICE) League, in its fifth season, is an innovative initiative that motivates participants to be strong student athletes as they move toward high school and post-secondary educations. The ICE League ties in closely with Project Leadership’s mission to assist local students to and through college….