The annual Delaware County Farm Festival at the Fairgrounds

The sound of laughter mixed with shouts of joy Tuesday morning as busloads of children visited the opening day of the annual Delaware County Farm Festival at the Fairgrounds. Organizer Joe Scott… The festival continues today, with highlights including the popular Pedal Pull at 6 p.m., with Gary Joseph there live.

Milan star Bobby Plump told Oldies 101’s Mitch Henck last week…
Hollywood, of course, took some creative license when adapting Milan’s incredible 1954 state championship run in the 1986 movie “Hoosiers,” and people continue to remember the movies star, Gene Hackman.

Ball State is preparing for its first appearance in the women’s NCAA Tournament since 2009, but senior Alex Richard said a tough non-conference schedule that included games against North Carolina, Texas A&M and Ohio State prepared the team for the challenge ahead… Friday’s game against Ole Miss at 6 p.m. on 92.5 FM, 1340 AM and at WMUNmuncie.com.

Ro says No: Ro Selvey, Muncie City Councilwoman At-large, posted to social media this week her disapproval of the proposed gas station across from Muncie Central High School, asking the Metropolitan Planning Commission to reject the development.

“Editorial: Muncie Deserves Better Than a Gas Station at This Key Location

By Ro Selvey, Muncie City Councilwoman At-Large

As a Muncie City Councilwoman, I take great pride in the progress our city has made in revitalizing our downtown and creating a more livable, walkable community. We have worked tirelessly to support smart growth and encourage development that benefits our residents. That’s why I must speak out against a proposal that threatens to undermine these efforts,the construction of a gas station directly in front of a high school and near downtown Muncie.

This project raises serious concerns, including student safety, increased traffic congestion, and the potential disruption of downtown revitalization efforts. While I fully support responsible development, including the idea of a restaurant at this location, a gas station is simply the wrong fit for our community’s future.

A Gas Station at a High School? A Safety Concern We Can’t Ignore

Placing a gas station in front of a high school is a risk to student safety. Even without the sale of tobacco, which is prohibited within 1,000 feet of a school under Indiana state law, gas stations bring dangers that cannot be overlooked.

• Traffic Hazards: High school students—many of them first-time drivers—will now have to navigate increased congestion and the constant flow of vehicles turning in and out of a gas station. This is an unnecessary risk.

• Pedestrian Safety: Many students walk to and from school. Increased vehicle traffic in this area will only put them in harm’s way.

• Environmental Risks: Gas stations come with the potential for fuel spills, air pollution, and groundwater contamination. These hazards should never be introduced so close to a school.

Downtown Revitalization at Risk

For the past four years, Muncie has made great strides in bringing life back to downtown. We have invested in our businesses, improved infrastructure, and encouraged a city environment that is inviting, vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly. A gas station at this location directly conflicts with these efforts.

• Gas Stations Do Not Support Walkability: The presence of a gas station shifts the area’s focus from community engagement to vehicle-focused commercial use.

• It Will Lower Property Values: The introduction of a gas station at this location could discourage investment in surrounding businesses and residences.

• Traffic Congestion Will Get Worse: The gas station would be situated at a busy intersection, just blocks away from downtown, the high school, and the newly built YMCA. The result? Increased traffic jams and greater frustration for residents.

A Restaurant? Yes. A Gas Station? No.

The developers have proposed a restaurant as part of this project and are already applying for a three-way liquor license through the Riverfront District Ordinance. However, there are no concrete plans for what type of restaurant will be built.

This is a major concern because the Riverfront District does not grant liquor licenses to just any restaurant. The ordinance specifies that the restaurant must provide a unique dining and cultural experience that enhances downtown Muncie. It is not intended for chain restaurants or businesses that fail to contribute something distinct to the community.

• No Clear Business Model: The developers have no specific concept or plan for a restaurant that meets the qualifications for a three-way liquor license. Applying for a liquor license without a defined business plan is presumptuous and does not align with the ordinance’s intent.

• Liquor Licenses Are Not Meant for Chains: The Riverfront District liquor license is not meant for chain restaurants that do not offer a distinct cultural or dining experience. If this project includes a generic, corporate-style restaurant, it should not qualify for the license.

• Smart Development is Key: I welcome the idea of a restaurant in this space—one that meets city standards and enhances the community. But a gas station is simply not the right choice.

Muncie Deserves Better

This decision is bigger than one gas station. It is about what kind of city we want to be. Do we continue investing in smart, thoughtful growth that protects our students, supports downtown businesses, and encourages sustainable development? Or do we allow short-term commercial interests to dictate our future, at the expense of safety and long-term progress?

I urge the Metropolitan Planning Commission to reject the gas station proposal while remaining open to responsible development. Muncie deserves a thriving downtown, safer streets, and a future built on smart decisions—not a project that threatens to undo our hard work.

Let’s make the right choice for Muncie. Let’s keep our students safe, our downtown strong, and our community moving forward.

Ro Selvey
Muncie City Councilwoman At-Large”

Business leaders have launched Fort Wayne Next, a campaign to boost development downtown. The goal is to unite citizens, businesses, and leaders to transform the city into a top nationwide hub. Leaders expect to attract nearly $3 billion in investments over 10 years, spread across five projects, including a soccer stadium, event center, natatorium, and youth sports complex. The development aims to connect North River property with areas along High Street, Superior Street, and Wells Street.

STATEWIDE – Indiana’s unemployment rate hit 4.4% in January, according to the latest report. The national rate was 4%. Indiana’s labor force participation rate stood at 63.8%, above the national 62.6%. As of March 3, more than 85,000 jobs were open statewide, with opportunities in various industries.

A woman from Lafayette was arrested in Seattle, Washington Sunday on accusations that she killed two women earlier this year.

Ball State is in the women’s NCAA Tournament for just the second time in program history, and athletic director Jeff Mitchell said the credit goes to a talented group of student-athletes. Read more about the Cardinals seniors’ unique bond from our George Bremer at Woof Boom News.com.