No Muncie Street Closure for July 4th?
From late spring through early fall, several events will take place throughout the city of Muncie—some of which will be held downtown. Leslie MacQuarie, pastor of Urban Light Community Church, requested a road closure on Seventh Street between Madison and Monroe for the evening of Friday, July 11 for its annual community party that night. Though no closure was requested for July 4th fireworks at Muncie Central, Cheryl Crowder from the Downtown Development Partnership did request road closures for several other events – June 5 – The Brink of Summer Arts Walk and Flower Hour : Walnut Street between Charles and the roundabout is expected to be closed during the event., August 1–3 – Fire Up Downtown : Road closures will begin August 1 on the 100 block of Walnut Street and continue through August 3, from Main to Mulberry.. and October 2 – Arts Walk : Walnut Street will be closed from Charles to the roundabout. All road closures were approved by the board.
Defending IndyCar series champion Alex Palou will go for his fourth victory of the season Saturday in the Grand Prix of Indianapolis at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The City of Muncie has approved three Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas that will allow patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages in new spaces at local businesses. The DORAs cover establishments in downtown, the Village and the McKinley area. See a full list of affected businesses at WoofBoomNews.com. Included in the DORA approvals are The Clubhouse Muncie, Vera Maes Bistro, the Heorot, Ron Lahody’s Trust Your Butcher Steakhouse, Casa Del Sol, Twin Archer Brew Pub, Downtown Farm Stand/Second Story, the 1925 Pubhouse and Little Chicago’s downtown, Roots Burger Bar, Brothers Bar & Grill, Greeks Pizzeria and Lacasa Restaurant and Bar in the Village and Elm Street Brewing Company and 7 Rock Brew in McKinley.
A Delaware County woman has been accused of child abuse. The Star Press reports 26-year-old Daqueel Louise Hall is accused of causing injuries to her 5-year-old daughter including a bite mark on her face and several scratches. The alleged abuse was first reported to police by the Department of Child Services on Feb. 14.
Alexandria’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles is among four branches being considered for closure by state officials because of rising costs and an efficiency directive from Gov. Mike Braun. The Herald Bulletin reports a public hearing was held last week, and officials said comments made by residents will be considered in the final decision. A similar proposal was defeated in 2022 after public backlash.
Matt Luce is the new boys basketball coach at New Castle after 18 hugely successful years at Wapahani. Luce officially was announced as the Trojans’ coach last week. He posted a 335-99 record at Wapahani and guided the Raiders to the Class 2A state finals in 2024.
Two already incarcerated Muncie men face additional charges related to a 2021 triple homicide. The Star Press reports 25-year-old Darnell D. Edwards and 22-year-old Marquis D. Jackson Jr. are accused of murder and robbery connected to the deaths of three Detroit men at the Elgin Manor Apartment Complex in February 2021.
A seven-member South Madison Schools board voted unanimously last week to fire Pendleton Heights girls soccer coach Jonathan McClure. The Herald Bulletin reports McClure was fired for insubordination after allegations he was disparaging players. McClure disputes the decision.
The YWCA is urging voters to use their voice to protect critical Head Start programs under threat of elimination because of federal funding cuts. They say research shows these programs lessen the chance of kids living in poverty or needing public assistance as adults, and program participants are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in or graduate from college.
The City of Muncie is matching donations up to $35,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie through June. The money will go toward an education-enriching summer camp for 155 children. Contact the Boys & Girls Clubs at (765) 282-4461.
Game 2 is tonight in Cleveland. Listen at 7 p.m. on WMUN. Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said balance will be a hallmark of this Eastern Conference semifinals series.
An Anderson man stands accused of inappropriate communication with a Delaware County pre-teen girl among other serious charges. The Star Press reports 36-year-old Christopher Rex Delawter was arrested last week at a park in Chesterfield where he reportedly intended to meet the girl. The child’s father notified Daleville police of “vulgar” internet posts from Delawter to his daughter in February.
A Delaware County jury was unable to reach a verdict on an attempted murder charge against a Daleville man last week. The Star Press reports 50-year-old Trenton Wade Smith was convicted on five other charges stemming from a February 2024 incident in which he fled Daleville police and reportedly fired at officers. A re-trial on the attempted murder charge is scheduled for August 18.
National Travel and Tourism Week kicked off Sunday, and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation is sharing some stats. Tourism contributed $1.7 billion in tax revenue across the state in 2023 and saves Indiana households an average of $583 in state and local taxes. Log on to visitindiana.com for a schedule of giveaways across the state throughout the week.
AJ Foyt Racing is aiming to raise $4 million before the Indy 500 on May 25 to help build specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, and ABC Supply will match donations up to $1 million throughout the month of May. Donate to Homes for Our Troops at hfotusa.org/donate.
