Articles by Mike Rhodes

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Established in 1941, Muncie Music Center has been serving musicians, students, and band programs across the state for almost 80 years. Muncie Music Center is a privately owned, independent business and has been in the hands of only three families through the years, two of which were related by marriage. The store was originally located in a historic building in downtown Muncie before moving to a custom-built location just a few blocks away in the 1960s….

By: Judy Benken, Owner Normandy Flower Shop— Muncie, IN—Normandy Flower Shop, Inc. has been a mainstay of downtown Muncie since the late 1930’s. Nick and Meta Mentis were the owners of the shop until 1982, and always offered fresh flowers, plants and gifts for many occasions. They served Delaware County well for many years. The current owner, Judy Davis Benken, who bought the shop from the Mentis’, is a third generation florist, having grown up in Muncie at Paul’s Flower…

By: Kim Miller, Tribune Showprint— Muncie, IN—Tribune Showprint is a 141-year-old letterpress shop located inside Madjax. It is the oldest continuously operating letterpress shop in the country and it has always been in Indiana. The shop has had five owners over the years who have all specialized in making posters. Tribune Showprint has printed showcards for countless politicians, fairs, carnivals, races, auctions, musicians, sporting events and movies. Some of its more famous clients have included B.B. King, The Jackson Five,…

By: Vera Mae’s Bistro— Muncie, IN—Vera Mae’s Bistro offers upscale fusion cuisine borrowing from the rich traditions of Europe, Asia, and the new world. Opening its doors in 1999, Vera Mae’s began its story as a lunch delivery and catering business through its South Walnut street storefront in downtown Muncie. Owner Kent Shuff pioneered the revitalization of Muncie’s historical district and later expanded the restaurant in 2002. Formerly Ballard Hardware, Kent and co-owner and partner, Steve Fennimore created the Ballaird…

By: Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—The YMCA of Muncie was established in our community 144 years ago. During that time, we have developed and adapted to serve the changing needs of our community. From providing youth swim lessons to serving our senior population, the Y is a place where all ages, abilities and incomes are welcome. The Y strives to remove barriers to participation in membership and programs, offering financial assistance through funds raised by the community through our Annual Campaign….

By: Meagan Fisher— Muncie, IN—Since opening its doors in 2010, Pridemark Construction has established itself as a leading construction company in Muncie and its surrounding communities. Located in downtown Muncie, Pridemark is a general construction company, specializing in site development and construction management. With a knowledgeable staff and experienced field crews, Pridemark can take on any project—big or small. One of the core values held by the company is to build the quality of life in the Muncie community. Not only does Pridemark…