Getting to know a Muncie firefighter

By Kaylin Kieft · Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Caleb Maddox grew up around fire stations. He’d watch his father, Captain Pat Maddox, and fellow firefighters load up the shiny, red trucks at the Muncie Fire Department. He’d watch them roll up unending hoses and slide down station poles. He’d tag along to community outreach events and help his dad check and install car seats.

Birddog Café reinvents comfort classics

By Kaylin Kieft · Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Becca Grindle and Kelsey Grindle talked of opening a food truck when they got married in May 2022. Becca had worked in restaurants for more than 20 years, and Kelsey had grown tired of his work in the pharmaceutical industry.

Building Hope: Isaiah 117 House to provide safe home for children awaiting foster placement

By Grace Poling · Monday, May 6, 2024

The Coffmans searched for ways they could provide for children during this difficult time of transition. With degrees in elementary and special education, Hannah talked with former colleagues and searched online. She learned about Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit that has 22 homes in 12 states for children awaiting foster care placement.

Siddiq Reshtya, a global academy teacher at Muncie Community Schools, shows off the cricket gear that will be available for players to use during the weekly Family Cricket Club events.

MCS Family Cricket Club to build community across cultures

By Alexis Garcia · Saturday, April 13, 2024

Muncie Community Schools invites kids ages 5 and up and adults to play cricket from 6:30-8 p.m. on Mondays, starting April 15, at Northside Middle School, 2400 W. Bethel Ave.

Midnight Café & Grill serves up comfort food in the Village

By Taylor Staples · Friday, April 5, 2024

Ernesto Polito grew up in Veracruz, Mexico, with dreams of starting a restaurant. On Friday, Jan. 19, he opened the doors to that dream — welcoming patrons to the Midnight Café & Grill, located on the western edge of the Village, a business district along University Avenue in Muncie.

‘More than just a motorcycle group’

By Jaided Ramos Wilson · Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Nonviolent activist Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” and that quote is driving a diverse group of car enthusiasts to rev up change in Muncie. The Game Changers are volunteers who support neighbors in need and host events to engage and uplift the community.

The man behind the murals

By Kailey Armstrong · Tuesday, March 26, 2024

It was a blustery afternoon, but the sun was shining as Eric Ward meticulously painted a race car on the exterior of Tom Cherry Muffler on Eighth Street in Muncie. Ward’s truck was a mobile studio, overflowing with paint cans, airbrush nozzles and painter’s tape. His hands — rough and weathered — donned fingerless leather gloves stuffed with hand warmers.

One Muncie native is breathing joy into his hometown, one balloon at a time

By Jaeda Dixson · Monday, March 25, 2024

As a child, Schaivon Nevings never got a balloon animal. Clowns scared him, but he longed for the twisted, colorful creations. Years later, he taught himself to shape more than 50 balloon objects to delight children and adults as the owner of BOB’s Balloons in Muncie.

The life-changing impact of a librarian

By Kaylin Kieft · Monday, March 4, 2024

Akilah Nosakhere has spent her life collaborating with inspiring individuals and organizations to advance her community and educational opportunities for all. And come March, after more than 30 years of library management and community service, Nosakhere will retire as director of Muncie Public Library.

A Systemic Song: Black artists in Muncie reflect on disparities and progress in the music industry

By Lila Fierek · Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024

Black Lives in Music found that white artists in the UK average about $300 more than Black creators, and 43% of Black female creators said they feel they need to change their appearance because of their race. Black artists reported being called “aggressive,” “too outspoken” and “ungrateful,” among other labels. A USC Annenberg study of 70 major music companies revealed that 4.2% of them were Black.

An unexpected calling: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie became his life’s work

By Zach Gonzalez · Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

Dominic Bordenaro is the director of programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie. Working with kids has become his life's work.

Neighbors share priorities in two south Muncie neighborhoods

By Zach Gonzalez · Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024

Since 2015, the 8twelve Coalition has worked alongside residents, businesses and nonprofits to improve the quality of life in the South Central and Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhoods. Coalition Coordinator Darbi Strahle said many of the coalition’s efforts start with meaningful conversations and relationships.In mid-November, neighbors gathered in the basement of Urban Light Community Church to discuss the following priorities: beautification, housing, business development and employment, wellness and education and family support.

Building a legacy

By Staff Reports · Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024

In September 2023, Sasha Donati had an “awakening” moment when she felt called to open a restaurant in a vacant space at 3124 N. Granville Ave. Her family and friends rolled up their sleeves to transform the former hibachi spot into Muncie’s only West African restaurant.

Equality for All

By Zach Greer and Caleb Zuver · Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024

Yvonne Thompson, executive director for the Muncie Human Rights Commission, talks about her role to promote equal opportunity and equal rights for all.

Dealing with Disease

By Zach Greer · Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024

Ball State senior Hailey Hess talks about navigating college with an autoimmune disease.

Ball State students build community through music

By Zach Greer and Caleb Zuver · Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024

Ball State students Patrick Phillips and Carter Jones discuss how music has created a meaningful community in Muncie.

Respectful hearts and open hands: How one south side couple traded comfort for purpose

By Kate H. Elliott · Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024

Malia Sandberg and her family have became part of a network of neighbors working to fill the gaps and weave a web of security for the city’s most vulnerable. She is a proud South Central neighborhood resident.

Muncie coalition to help parents climb out of the darkness

By Conor Butler and Staff Reports · Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024

The Muncie Maternal Health Coalition is dedicated to supporting postpartum parents and spreading awareness about maternal mortality and mental health issues during and after childbirth.

One man’s mission to recovery

By Maya Kim · Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

Growing up, Andy Ray didn’t have everything he wanted, but he had everything he needed. The Muncie native loved sports and camping. He was an average student who spent free time with friends. In high school, he began drinking at parties, but alcohol became a way to cope after his girlfriend and parents died within a few years of each other.

Thomas Park/Avondale to see $65,000 in improvements, job opportunities and resources

By Staff Reports · Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

The Thomas Park/Avondale Neighborhood Association requested nearly $65,000 of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to support the work of our city’s neighborhood associations.

Free flu shots and area COVID clinics

By Staff Reports · Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season to prevent sickness and missing work and school. If you get the flu, the vaccine can make symptoms less severe and reduce the risk of hospitalization.

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Ross Center Judo Academy: For when life knocks you down

By Zach Gonzalez · Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

When students bow their heads and step onto mats for judo training at Muncie’s Ross Community Center, they learn far more than martial arts. Students gain discipline, self-confidence and strength along with social connection and problem-solving skills.

Muncie Queer Alliance: a new hub for the LGBTQ+ community

By Nick Roark · Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

LGBTQ+ individuals in Muncie have found support and community at the Mark III Tap Room and through organizations like Muncie OUTreach, Muncie Pride Network and Spectrum. Each location or organization serves a distinct purpose, but advocates are working toward collaboration among them.

Monthly neighborhood dinners fuel community

By Maya Kim · Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

The aroma of brisket cooking on the grill fills the air as classic rock booms from a makeshift sound system. Children chase each other through the grass, laughing, and neighbors hug to greet one another with big smiles. This monthly dinner is the work of Urban Light Community Development, a nonprofit committed to improving the quality of life in Muncie.

Spicing up South Central

By Maya Kim · Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

Paxon Vong opened Thai Kitchen 20 years ago to offer Muncie a diverse fusion of Southeast Asian cuisine. The native of Thailand makes every dish to order, with notes of sweet and sour, salty and spicy flavors paired in soups, stews, noodles and rice dishes.

Spreading love, one brush stroke at a time

By Kailey Armstrong · Monday, Dec. 11, 2023

Muncie has become a canvas for striking stylistic murals on building exteriors across town. Their vibrant colors and inspiring images uplift neighborhoods and encourage residents to slow down and admire their surroundings. Some murals invite meaningful conversations about Muncie’s heritage and history.

Small Sparks ignite big change

By Cameron Tyo · Monday, Dec. 11, 2023

Muncie native Casey Eichenlaub is a man of action. He sees a problem and figures out a way to fix it. If the problem involves power tools, even better. In 2020, Eichenlaub secured a Small Sparks grant from the 8twelve Coalition to build fence posts for his Thomas Park Avondale neighbors. This year, he was awarded the grant to complete home repairs, mostly to water heaters and HVAC systems.