Community News Archives for 2021-10

Blue River Community Foundation winter scholarship application cycle

Blue River Community Foundation’s (BRCF) winter scholarship application cycle is now open on the BRCF website: blueriverfoundation.com.

 

The deadline to apply is January 15, 2022.

High school graduating seniors planning to pursue vocational or undergraduate studies, current college students, graduate students, and adults pursuing or finishing a college degree are encouraged to apply.

 

One unique feature to BRCF’s application process is that applicants complete one application to qualify for all scholarship opportunities for which they are eligible. Specific criteria, requirements, and instructions for applying, as well as a list of scholarships available through the application process, are listed in the BRCF Scholarship Resource Guide for Students located on the Foundation’s website under the Scholarships tab.

Current high school seniors who completed an application during BRCF’s summer application cycle, do not have to reapply during this cycle to be considered for BRCF scholarships for which they are eligible.  However, as directed in the application process, completion of the FAFSA (Federal Application for Free
Student Aid) is required. These students must submit their expected family contribution (EFC) to BRCF prior to the January 15 deadline.

Since 1994, BRCF has invested over $6.7 million in students pursuing post-secondary education. This amount represents over $2.2 million which has been awarded to Shelby County’s 40 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients and is made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc., as well as, $4.5 million awarded to students from BRCF Scholarship Funds. In fact, last spring 185 scholarships totaling $439,000 were awarded to 134 recipients from over 90 active scholarship funds administered by BRCF. These scholarship funds are made possible through the generosity of our donors who recognize the tremendous need for assistance in meeting the costs of higher education.

For more information on BRCF’s scholarship application process, please contact Julie Alvis at 317.392.7955 ext. 102 or jalvis@blueriverfoundation.com.

First Merchants Corporation announces Third Quarter 2021 earnings per ahare

First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ - FRME) has reported third quarter 2021 net income of $52.8 million compared to $36.2 million during the same period in 2020, an increase of 45.7 percent. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.98 per share compared to the third quarter of 2020 result of $.67 per share. Year-to-date net income totaled $157.8 million compared to $103.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of 52.5 percent. Year-to-date earnings per share totaled $2.92 compared to $1.91 during the same period in 2020.

 

Total assets equaled $15.1 billion as of September 30, 2021 and loans totaled $9.0 billion. The Corporation experienced organic loan growth of $503.9 million, or 6.0 percent during the last twelve months, offset by the forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans which accounted for a decline of $703.3 million. As a result, the loan portfolio decreased by $199.5 million, or 2.2 percent, during that period. Organic loan growth, on an annualized basis, was 5.8 percent in the third quarter 2021. Investments increased $1.5 billion, or 51.6 percent, during the last twelve months and now total $4.4 billion. Total deposits equaled $12.3 billion as of quarter-end and increased by $1.4 billion, or 13.2 percent, from the same period in 2020.

 

The Corporation’s Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans totaled $200.0 million as of quarter-end, or 2.21 percent of total loans. Net recoveries for the quarter totaled $0.2 million and no provision expense was recorded. Provision expense taken during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 of $12.5 million and $54.2 million, respectively, reflected our view of increased credit risk related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-accrual loans totaled $51.5 million as of quarter-end.

 

Mark Hardwick, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are having a record year powered by strong balance sheet growth and high levels of profitability. We remain optimistic about the remainder of 2021 and our ability to deliver high levels of performance in 2022.”

 

Net-interest income for the quarter totaled $104.7 million, an increase of $11.8 million from the third quarter of 2020, or 12.7 percent. Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, totaling 3.20 percent, increased by 5 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2020. Yields on earning assets for the third quarter totaled 3.46 percent and cost of supporting liabilities totaled 26 basis points. Fair value accretion contributed less to margin as it accounted for 4 basis points in the third quarter of 2021, compared to 10 basis points in the third quarter of 2020. PPP loans contributed 17 basis points to margin during the third quarter of 2021 but subtracted 7 basis points from margin in the same quarter of 2020.

 

Non-interest income totaled $28.5 million for the quarter, a $2.3 million increase over the third quarter of 2020. Increases in service charges on deposit accounts, fiduciary and wealth management fees and earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance were somewhat offset by a decline in gains on the sale of mortgage loans. Non-interest expense totaled $71.4 million for the quarter compared to $64.7 million in the third quarter of 2020, an increase primarily due to higher salaries and employee benefits.

 

The loan to deposit ratio now totals 73.3 percent and the loan to asset ratio totals 60.1 percent. As of September 30, 2021, the Corporation’s total risk-based capital ratio equaled 14.02 percent, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio equaled 11.75 percent, and the tangible common equity ratio totaled 8.94 percent. These ratios continue to reflect the Corporation’s strong liquidity and capital positions.

Shelby Co. Historical Society receives grant from Indiana Humanities

Indiana Humanities has awarded more than $800,000 in federal pandemic-relief grants to humanities organizations across the state. 

 

With funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Indiana Humanities has provided grants totaling $833,517 to humanities-focused nonprofit organizations in 45 Indiana communities. 

 

The Shelby County Historical Society received a $5, 000 grant for operating funds.

 

“In supporting this funding, the U.S. Congress has sent the message that the humanities are essential to our recovery from the impact of COVID-19,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “These funds allow us to put much-needed resources into Indiana communities, where they can be used to strengthen humanities organizations and the programming they provide to Hoosiers.” 

 

To distribute the ARP funds, Indiana Humanities invited nonprofits to apply for two types of grants: Operating Support Grants and Programming and Capacity-Building Grants. Seventy-eight organizations have been awarded grants. The organizations receiving grants provide Hoosiers with programs and activities focused on subjects such as history, literature, languages, linguistics, archaeology, philosophy, ethics, jurisprudence and comparative religion.

 

“During the past 18 months, we have had limited engagement opportunities with our constituents, and this grant allows us to reengage with those we serve,” said Troy Fears, executive director of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute. “As we all continue navigating these challenging times, sharing our message of hope, healing, respect and responsibility is more important than ever.”

 

Last year, Indiana Humanities provided more than $500,000 in similar grants to humanities organizations as part of CARES Act funding. 

Shelby County's McGregor Road to close Wednesday for reconstruction

McGregor Road between Walnut Street (Pleasant View Overpass) and Carroll Road (900 W / Marion County Line) will be closed starting Wednesday, October 20, for road reconstruction for the Five Below Distribution Center construction project.

 

It is estimated to reopen around the middle of December depending on weather conditions.

 

Access to McGregor Road addresses will be from the east.

Eberhart: Don't miss October deadline for paid House internships

State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) encourages local college students and recent graduates to apply online for internships at the Indiana Statehouse before the Oct. 31 deadline.

According to Eberhart, the House of Representatives offers paid spring internships to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent graduates of all majors. Interns will work at the Statehouse in Indianapolis for the duration of the 2022 legislative session lasting January through mid-March.

"Anyone looking for an internship that provides a meaningful and rewarding experience should apply for this program," Eberhart said. "This is a chance for students to develop their skills and grow their professional network."

 

Eberhart said interns work full time, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spring-semester internships are available in several departments working with Indiana House Republicans.

Positions are available in the Legislative Operations Department where interns work directly with constituents and help track legislative committee activity. The Communications Department is looking for interns to help write press releases, and work with social media campaigns, graphic design and audio/video production. Eberhart said the Policy Department is also in need of interns to help research, track and analyze legislation.

Interns receive biweekly compensation of $750, free parking, career and professional development support, and enrollment access to an Indiana government class. They can also earn academic credit through their college or university and are eligible to apply for a $3,000 scholarship to use toward undergraduate and graduate expenses.

For more information and to apply before the Oct. 31 deadline, visit indianahouserepublicans.com/internship.

Lane closures begin next week on I-74 between St. Paul and Greensburg

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Paul H. Rohe Company plans to begin placing barrels early next week along westbound I-74 ahead of patching operations between St. Paul and Greensburg in Decatur County (Exit 123 to Exit 132).

 

Patching will begin as early as Thursday, October 21, on westbound lanes of I-74, then move to eastbound. Both day and nighttime lane closures are expected. All work is scheduled to be complete by mid-November, weather permitting.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

Covid test site at Shelby County Fairgrounds

The Indiana Department of Health has set up a COVID-19 test clinic near at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.

 

No appointment is necessary.

 

                    WHEN:    8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays

                    WHERE:   Shelby County Fairgrounds 
                                     500 Frank Street
                                     Shelbyville, IN 46176

 

  • The test is available at no cost to you.
  • This site offers PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests using a swab of the nostrils (anterior nares).
  • Testing for children ages 6 months to 2 years old is available with parental assistance.
  • This site is indoors.
  • You’ll receive results by email or text no later than 5 p.m. the next day, including weekends.  

MHP Incident Command Covid-19 update

Covid testing positivity rate:  Indiana’s Covid positivity rate is at 9.3% and Shelby County’s positivity rate is 9.9%.  Shelby County’s positivity rate is trending down slowly.

Vaccination Rate: Indiana is ranked 36 out of the 50 states in reference to COVID vaccinations.  Indiana’s vaccination rate is 47% and Shelby County’s vaccination rate is 54.7%.

MHP Priority Care and MHP Pediatrics walk-ins:Walk-in volumes at both locations have increased this week compared to the last couple of weeks.

Emergency Department:  The Emergency Department saw an average of 77 patientsper day over the last four days.  87 patients were seen on Tuesday. This represents an increase compared to last week.

Inpatient unit: Thirty-four of our 40 beds are occupied on our 3rd floor inpatient unit.

  • We currently have thirteen critical care patients on the 3rd floor and eightof those patients are due to Covid.Of the eightCovid-related critical care patients, all are unvaccinated. 
  • We have sixpatients on ventilators, plus seven additional patients who are on Vapotherm or BiPap.Five of our six ventilated patients are due to Covid and none of those patients are vaccinated. 
  • Thirteen of our inpatients are Covid positive and two of those are vaccinated.

 

Show your gratitude:  Now more than ever is the time to tell healthcare workers how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication. You and your family can express how much they mean to you with a new, special opportunity: the Gratitude Group.  Simply submit your videos, messages, and/or photos to gratitude@majorhospital.org  These messages will be shared internally to all MHP employees!  *Please keep video under 2 minutes.*

 

Delta Theta Tau Sorority cancels annual Gift & Hobby Show due to Covid

Delta Theta Tau Sorority's Annual Gift & Hobby Show is cancelled due to the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant and in consideration of the health and safety of the vendors and community.

 

The 49th annual event was planned for November 6 inside Shelbyville Middle School.

 

In a written statement, Veanna Kessler and Patty Hancock, co-coordinators of the show, said, "This was the most difficult decision we have made in 49 years because we were so looking forward to having our Gift and Hobby Show this year. We will celebrate an even bigger and better event in 2022 as we mark 50 years."

Search

Weather


Obits

Entertainment