Articles by Mike Rhodes

John Carlson: Quite The Contraption

Carlson October 27, 2019

John Carlson: Quite The Contraption

By: John Carlson— You want proof that life today is way too complicated? Here it is. Rakes. But let’s begin with drones. Drones are a big deal any more. It’s to the point where those remotely controlled flying machines are being used – or soon will be – to deliver packages shipped by corporations like Amazon and Walmart. Eventually, one presumes that even Pizza Hut’s pepperoni pushers will probably be prone to piloting pizza-delivery drones that plop down on your place with precision service that can only be described as … um … pronto. So this is autumn, the time…

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James Rosema Honored with Fisher Governance Award

Non-Profit October 25, 2019

James Rosema Honored with Fisher Governance Award

By: Jud Fisher—  Muncie, IN — James Rosema, chairman of the Muncie Mission Ministries Board of Directors, was recognized with Ball Brothers Foundation’s Fisher Governance Award at the Chamber of Commerce’s 125th Annual Meeting Celebration on Oct. 24. The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award is presented annually to a board member of a Delaware County nonprofit organization. Candidates must exhibit “exemplary leadership and … integrity, responsibility and accountability,” according to the foundation’s website. “Our foundation faces a tough decision every year with so many great nominations for this award, but Rosema’s demonstrated zeal truly stood out,” said…

First Merchants 3rd Quarter 2019 Results With The Addition Of Monroe Bank and Trust

Business October 24, 2019

First Merchants 3rd Quarter 2019 Results With The Addition Of Monroe Bank and Trust

By: First Merchants Corporation— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported third quarter 2019 net income of $36.8 million compared to $41.1 million during the same period in 2018. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.71 per share compared to third quarter 2018 results of $.83 per share. Included in the third quarter results are $11.2 million, or $.17 per share, of one-time charges related to the closing of our acquisition of Monroe Bank & Trust on September 1, 2019. Total assets equaled $12.3 billion as of quarter-end and loans totaled $8.3 billion. The Corporation’s loan portfolio…

Wapahani Students Host Flag Football Game With Local Fire And Police Departments

Education October 24, 2019

Wapahani Students Host Flag Football Game With Local Fire And Police Departments

By: Maelyn Hobbs— Selma, IN — Wapahani High School’s RADD club (Raiders Against Destructive Decisions) hosted its annual flag football game on Tuesday but with a new twist. RADD club had its usual student game, but it also invited along members of the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Muncie Police Department for a special first-responders match-up. Wapahani RADD hosted its annual flag football game to raise awareness and funds for its student organization. RADD is a club at Wapahani that teaches teenagers how to make the right decisions throughout life. It discourages the use of alcohol, drugs and…

MITS Introduces Ball State Athletics Themed Wrapped Bus

Business October 23, 2019

MITS Introduces Ball State Athletics Themed Wrapped Bus

By: Amanda Price, MITS— Muncie, IN—MITS, Muncie’s local transportation provider, is excited for Muncie to see the newest wrapped bus out on the streets. The new wrapped bus made its debut on Saturday October 19th during the 2019 BSU Homecoming Parade, following behind the Ball State Cheerleaders and Code Red dancers.  The bus represents the on-going partnership between MITS and Ball State Athletics. After many years of successfully transporting incoming freshman to the Meijer Back to School event, MITS staff and Ball State Athletics representatives wanted to introduce a new element to their long-standing partnership. The resulting 40’ New Flyer bus…

“Final Friday: Old” At The David Owsley Museum of Art 

Entertainment October 23, 2019

“Final Friday: Old” At The David Owsley Museum of Art 

By: Micaela Knox— Muncie, IN– The David Owsley Museum of Art will celebrate art and the local community with “Final Friday: Old” 6–9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.  The event is free and open to the public. Emcees Braydee Euliss and C.S. Hendershot will host PechaKucha speed talks with a variety of local voices discussing their experiences with the topic “Old.” Guests will have the opportunity to view the museum’s collection during late hours and participate in an “un-tour” of the special exhibition “Recent Acquisitions: Connecting to the Past, Committing to the Future.”  The museum will offer an accompanying reception with…

Cornerstone’s Community Halloween Party To Take Place October 24th

Entertainment October 23, 2019

Cornerstone’s Community Halloween Party To Take Place October 24th

By: Jessie Fisher— Muncie, IN—Halloween is just around the corner; this year celebrate with the entire family by attending Cornerstone Center for the Arts’ annual Community Halloween Party! Tricks and treats will be had on Thursday, October 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. as Cornerstone’s Colonnade Room is transformed into a spooky lair of fun and games. The Community Halloween Party is open to children and families of all ages and is free to attend. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. All attendees will enjoy free activities, games, refreshments, treats, and prizes.In addition, a portion of Scarevania will be open…

Ivy Tech Community College Receives 10 Year Accreditation By Higher Learning Commission

Education October 22, 2019

Ivy Tech Community College Receives 10 Year Accreditation By Higher Learning Commission

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN – The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has reaffirmed the accreditation of Ivy Tech Community College. The last accreditation was in 2009. The College received a full ten year reaffirmation of accreditation – the longest term granted by the Higher Learning Commission. The affirmation is an indicator that the College provides quality education and services to its students and stakeholders. Accreditation is viewed as a quality assurance process. In the process, institutions are asked to publicly demonstrate that the work in teaching students, and all of the supporting elements of that work, is of high quality. Accredited…

Announcement of 2019 Grants From The Rotary Club of Muncie Fund at The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

Non-Profit October 22, 2019

Announcement of 2019 Grants From The Rotary Club of Muncie Fund at The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By: Tom Farris— Muncie, IN – Kelly Shrock, President of The Muncie Rotary Club, announced eight organizations will receive grants from the Rotary Club of Muncie Fund for 2019. “We were pleased to receive seventeen applications from nonprofit organizations in the community for this year’s funding cycle,” stated Ms. Shrock. “Since 1917, the Muncie Rotary Club has maintained a heritage of supporting organizations doing good work in and for our community.”  The eight organizations receiving grants in 2019 include: A Better Way $1,200.00 To repair and patch steps that lead into the domestic violence shelter and offices to increase safe access….

IHS Presents Delaware County Historical Society With Statewide Award

Non-Profit October 22, 2019

IHS Presents Delaware County Historical Society With Statewide Award

By: Rachel Hill Ponko— Muncie, IN—A project preserving the history of communities across Delaware County is the recipient of the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS’s) 2019 Indiana History Outstanding Event or Project Award. IHS is proud to honor the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) and board members Bob and Karen Good for “Remember When.” The project invites residents past and present to share local histories and stories of their community. Each month, DCHS members travel to a different city or township where they examine artifacts, scan documents and photos, and hear personal memories of the area. To date, more than 400…