2017

The walls are beginning to go up as construction continues on the new Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business November 3, 2017

Update On Fresh Thyme, Crew Carwash, And Other Economic Development Projects

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— At the October 5, 2017 regular meeting of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, status updates on a number of economic development projects were given. Todd Donati reported that the highly anticipated Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market is on-track to open in the spring of 2018. Walls of the new market can now be seen being erected.  Due to the new construction and heavy trucks moving in and out, Milton Street will be rebuilt in sections. The commission…

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These two frogs remind us to “eat them first.” Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson November 3, 2017

John Carlson: Froggy Life Lessons

By: John Carlson— Not long ago, my wife gave me a gold frog. Well, a gold-colored frog. It’s actually made of rubber, so when you press down on its back and its body gives way, it feels disturbingly like a real frog would, I guess. This frog is mounted on a wooden plaque wired in back for convenient hanging, but I keep it within sight on the folding table that serves as my desk. Nancy, meanwhile, has a frog on…

Photo by: Graphicstock

Education November 2, 2017

Free FAFSA Assistance for Students at 16 Ivy Tech Community College Locations for College Goal Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at 16 Ivy Tech Community College campus locations on November 5 at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (local time) for College Goal Sunday. This annual event provides free assistance for Hoosier families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). College Goal Sunday events will be hosted at the following Ivy Tech locations: Anderson, Avon, Bloomington, Crawfordsville, East Chicago, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Franklin, Greencastle, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Logansport, Muncie, Terre…

Photo by: K.E. Volpp.

Entertainment November 2, 2017

America’s Hometown Band to Perform On November 13th

By: Katherine Huggler— Muncie, IN—On Monday, November 13, 2017, the City of Muncie’s annual free Veterans Day and military honor program takes place at the Muncie Central High School auditorium at 801 N. Walnut St. in Muncie, Indiana. The public is invited to attend in remembrance of all American veterans. The evening begins with a 6:30 pm musical prelude to the Veterans Day program, performed by the combined, side-by-side group of America’s Hometown Band (90% BSU grads) and MCHS band students….

Sursa Hall at Ball State University. Photo provided.

Entertainment November 1, 2017

Top Young Pianists To Perform in International Piano Competition At Ball State Nov. 8-12th

By: Kim Rendfeld— Muncie, IN—A few Ball State University students will participate in an international piano competition right on campus. For the third year, Ball State will be one of a handful of sites worldwide to host the preliminary round of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition. On Nov. 8-12, music lovers can enjoy performances by 48 young pianists in the 600-seat Sursa Hall. Ball State joins London, Manchester (England), Berlin, Milan and Tokyo as sites to audition for the…

By: graphicstock

Education November 1, 2017

Heritage Hall Christian School Announces First Quarter Honor Roll

By: Sandra Sigo, Administrative Assistant, Heritage Hall— Muncie, IN—Heritage Hall Christian School, now in its fifty-first year, has announced the first quarter honor roll for grades 1- 12. Elementary students received their certificates and awards during a chapel service on October 23.  Students in grades 7-12 will be recognized at their end-of-year awards program in May. All A Honor Roll Grade 11: Addie Herrman, Jentry Keesling Grade 10: Sophie Herrman, Cassandra Reeves, Alana Stonewall, Amanda Wallace Grade 9: Emily Nunemaker…

Mayor Dennis Tyler, Carl Erskine and his son Jimmy, and Emcee Dale Basham at the "Spirit of Special Olympics" luncheon. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business October 30, 2017

Horizon Convention Center Hosts Special Olympics Indiana State Conference and Indiana CPA Society

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The Horizon Convention Center hosted the Special Olympics Indiana State Conference on October 27-28 in downtown Muncie. Over 300 people from all over Indiana attended the conference. The annual conference is primarily for Special Olympics Indiana volunteers, leaders, staff, board members and county/management teams from across the state. In addition to numerous break-out sessions, an important component of the conference was the “Spirit of Special Olympics” luncheon held on Saturday. Awards in five categories were presented. Carl…

Derek Hilbert is pictured in front of items donated for "Tips for Turkeys" at the Fickle Peach. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Positivity October 30, 2017

Derek Hilbert Hosts “Tips-For-Turkey”at the Fickle Peach To Help Needy Families

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Four years ago, Derek Hilbert (D-Rock) had an idea. Four days before Thanksgiving, he found out someone he knew was in need for Thanksgiving. It made him think. He wondered, “What can I do to help?” He decided to have a spontaneous event at the bar he worked that night, and called his impromptu event,  Tips for Turkey.    “Tips” in this case, included all of Derek’s bartending tips he had received during the night. A Tuesday night. He raised $250.00 that…

United Way Worldwide President, Brian Gallagher is pictured during the 2017 UWDC Kick-Off in downtown Muncie. Photo by: Zach Poor

Non-Profit October 30, 2017

United Way Makes Strides to End Generational Poverty, Asking for Community Support During Year-End Campaign Giving

By: Allison Gregory— Muncie, IN– With six weeks remaining in United Way of Delaware County’s 2017 campaign, early calculations show the non-profit is 47 percent of the way to its goal of $1.2 million. This milestone is slightly ahead of the campaign’s standing at this time last year—but there is much work left to be done. With nearly half of Delaware County living in or near poverty, Campaign Chair Casey Stanley has called on volunteers, staff, and community members to…

Madison Street Underpass Storm Sewer System plaque and 750,000-gallon steel storage tank. Photo by: Bowen Engineering.

Government October 30, 2017

Muncie Sanitary District Completes Madison St Underpass Storm Sewer System Upgrade

By: Nikki Grigsby— Muncie, IN – On Oct. 4, the Muncie Sanitary District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony announcing the completion of the Madison Street Underpass sewer system upgrade. From start to finish, the underpass redevelopment was a collaborative effort from the Muncie Sanitary District, Bowen Engineering, United Consulting, and HWC Engineering. With a 40-foot deep pump station, 750,000-gallon steel storage tank, new underground drainage infrastructure, and 2,100 linear feet of force main pipe, Madison Street’s flooding challenges of years past have…