Articles by Mike Rhodes

By: Kynda Rinker— Muncie, IN—Wait for me! A phrase heard daily at the Muncie Children’s Museum. For over 40 years, the Muncie Children’s Museum has been providing hands-on, educational and interactive exhibits and programs for children and their families. Located at 515 South High Street in downtown Muncie, the Muncie Children’s Museum is a great place for families to spend time together away from their TV.  Staying true to the mission of the mothers who founded the museum in 1977, the museum offers a number of interactive exhibits that promote learning and creativity.  The Ant Wall, one of the museum’s…

By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, IN—Minnetrista is your year-round gathering place! The home of the Ball jar and the Ball family legacy, Minnetrista connects people, encourages engagement, and improves the quality of life of our community. It is rare that a city can boast hosting a forty acre walkable campus directly in their downtown, and we are proud to bring such a unique space to our vibrant city! Brimming with exciting adventures and new possibilities with each new season, there is always something to discover at Minnetrista. What can I expect from my visit to Minnetrista? It’s a hard question to…

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. After continuous growth and expansion, it was necessary to once again design a new, custom-built location for the store in…

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 Shop (Paul was her Dad.) She loves being downtown in the thick of things and resides above the shop. Two…

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, and The Blues Brothers. Kim Miller bought the shop in 2016 and moved it to Muncie. The first few years…

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 Hall, increasing the original Bistro from 54 seats to 210 seats. Warm and inviting, the atmosphere reflects the love of…

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. With over $280,000 available, we are able to send kids from Delaware County to Camp Crosley, provide quality child care…

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 work on locally-based construction projects, but it’s president, Mike Tschuor, makes sure to invest in and support his home town….