Kaufman joins CR as freelancer

Michelle Kaufman, who graduated from Ball State University earlier this month with a degree in journalism and telecommunications, has joined the staff of The Commercial Review as a freelance writer.

She will be covering Dunkirk City Council in addition to other assignments.

Kaufman has served internships with WANE TV in Fort Wayne and WISH TV in Indianapolis. Originally from Greenwood, Indiana, she graduated from Greenwood High School.

High tech?

Dollar General is going high tech to keep up with customer demand and to stave off competition, CNN reported this week.

“Dollar General is also building a digital strategy because customers who redeem digital savings coupons and use the new Dollar General app, released last year, spend about twice as much on average as regular shoppers,” CNN said.

Dollar General has been slow to embrace digital.

Declare dividend

First Merchants Corporation, parent of First Merchants Bank, declared a cash dividend on May 9 of 26 cents per share. The dividend is payable on June 21 to shareholders of record as of May 20.

To the rescue

The Cellular Connection’s Portland location is taking part in the company’s first Rescues Rock event at 1 p.m. Sunday.

TCC stores across the country will be promoting pet adoptions and collecting supplies. Pets will be available for adoption during the event.

Loan OK’d

Mercer County has approved a $59,800 loan to help a couple open a new coffee shop in Coldwater.

Funds from the county’s revolving loan fund will help Joe and Michelle McClurg open Rooster Joe Coffee and Co. this summer in the former Superior Credit Union location.