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Trinity Rea, Summer Editor-inchief
Meghan Braddy, Editor-in-chief
Andrew Berger, Digital Managing Editor
Shelby Anderson, News Editor
Linnea Sundquist, Associate News Editor
Kyle Stout, Sports Editor
Katherine Hill, Lifestyles Editor
Jayden Vaughn, Associate Opinion Editor
Charlotte Jons Associate Opinion Editor
Isabella Kemper, Multimedia Editor
Jeffrey Dreyer, Associate Multimedia Editor
Jessica Bergfors, Visual Editor
Brenden Rowan, Social Media Editor
Channing Matha, Copy Editor Corey Ohlenkamp, Adviser
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COVER DESIGN: JESSICA BERGFORS, ILLUSTRATION KYLEE WHITE; TRINITY REA; ANDREW BERGER; ISABELLA KEMPER; ELLA ABSHER, DN PHOTO THIS DESIGN
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THURSDAY
What’s next after degree cuts?
Aug 11: Starting in July, state colleges and universities had to request approval to continue degrees that don’t meet thresholds set by legislators, according to IPR. That would include 15 graduates for a bachelor’s degree, and seven for a master’s degree. Before the law passed, the commission alerted colleges and provided a list of programs that would not meet thresholds. Ball State University modified 51 academic programs. Greg Fallon, associate vice president for university communications and digital strategy, said in a statement to the Ball State Daily News that the program eliminations, suspensions, and consolidations are not just a response to state requirements, they also reflect Ball State’s ongoing efforts to align its academic offerings with student interests and workforce demands. Fallon added that the majority of the programs identified were already being reviewed or phased out prior to the new legislation.
Women’s Basketball freshman wins overseas
Aug 11: Ball State women’s basketball incoming freshman Alba Caballero makes her way to Muncie this fall after becoming a FIBA U20 EuroBasket champion with Team Spain, according to Ball State Women’s Basketball’s Instagram page. “Cardinal Nation, a champion is coming to Muncie,” the post reads. Caballero has been a participant in the tournament for Team Spain dating back to her U13 days. Caballero is joining a talented freshman class, and is bringing championship experience to a hungry Cardinal team, after falling short in the round of 64 in last year’s NCAA tournament. Ball State will begin their season this fall.
TRINITY REA, DN
ANDREW BERGER, DN
JESSICA BERGFORS, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
A Legacy of Leadership
Born and raised in Muncie’s Southside, resident Courtney Marsh is now leading the neighborhood.
Prairie Creek trails permanently close to ATVs and horses
The Muncie parks board permanently closed trails on Prairie Creek Reservoir’s west side to ATV and horse riders on Aug. 1. As IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, In May, Indiana American Water requested the trails be closed by the end of this year, to keep Muncie’s drinking water supply healthy. The company owns the reservoir and leases it to the city.
Mark III Taproom announce purchase of new location
Tracy Letzler and Ryder Martz, who assumed ownership of the Taproom earlier this year, shared news of the new property, July 19. The bar’s most recent location was at 306 S. Walnut St., where doors have remained shuttered since Jan. 2024 after a burst water pipe led to damage in the space. Established in 1968, the Mark is the state’s oldest gay bar.
Braun appoints new Student Representative to BOT
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has appointed Aidan Davis as the new student representative on Ball State University’s Board of Trustees. His two-year term began July 10 and will run through June 30, 2027. He joins the board as a non-voting member, tasked with representing the student voice in university governance
Muncie Southside Neighborhood Association President Courtney Marsh poses for a photo with Mark Kinman. Kinman’s honored annually with a fun-day event. HEATHER WILLIAMS, PHOTO PROVIDED.
Courtney Marsh is reshaping Muncie’s Southside through dedication.
Maci Hoskins Reporter
On Aug. 26, hundreds of Southside Muncie residents will gather at Cooley Park for pizza, slip ‘n slides, and camaraderie. In between the tossing of reusable water balloons, conversation among neighbors will thrive.
While residents are enjoying the event, Southside Neighborhood Association President Courtney Marsh sees something others miss: the results of months of planning.
“I feel like I didn’t see anybody really that day,” Courtney said. “I was kind of running around making sure we have enough pizza and drinks.”
The Mark Kinman Family Fun Day, named two years ago in memory of Southside resident Mark Kinman, who helped in planning the inaugural family fun day, takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each August in Cooley Park. The neighborhood association provides pizza and drinks, while local churches, businesses, the Muncie Police Department, and other organizations provide a splash pad, booths, and other games.
Putting on such a large event takes the ability to “wear a lot of hats.” First, Marsh and the rest of the neighborhood association board have to acquire permission to use Cooley Park — a process that begins in March. They then spend the next few months compiling sponsors and any organization that wishes to have a booth.
Marsh admits that an event like this takes help, as the association has vice president, secretary, and treasurer positions, as well as unnamed board positions that help with contributing information. Southside also has several zone leaders who function as liaisons between each of the eight smaller zones within Southside, the largest neighborhood in Muncie.
“We’ve probably had about 150 people out there,” Marsh said about the summer of 2024’s event. When the event first began in 2022, attendance averaged around 60 residents.
The association is funded through several avenues, a large portion of which is the American Rescue Plan. They also collect dues from any household wishing to vote in upcoming board elections, receive monetary donations, and are occasionally gifted with proceeds from events like a local church’s art fair.
An alum of Garfield Elementary, Wilson Middle School, and Southside High School, Marsh felt her community needed a space to
gather. The Mark Kinman Family Fun Day aims to reduce social isolation without a financial burden. Additionally, during the 2024 family fun day, the neighborhood association announced a new utility assistance program, which garnered a lot of interest, Marsh said.
“[Residents] are always looking for something fun to do, where they’re not spending 50 to 100 dollars just to have two hours of fun,” Marsh said. “...I knew that they needed to have opportunities where they could go out and have a good time.”
According to the Southside Neighborhood Analysis and Action Plan, developed by Ball State Urban Planning Studio 302 from the fall of 2019, Southside had a median household income of $29,844, significantly less than Muncie’s median household income of $41,255.
Despite this, Marsh claims that Southside has “a lot of wealth on our side that people don’t look at.”
One of the association’s zone leaders, Jennifer Sheridan, agrees and emphasizes that there are “a lot of great people on the Southside,” one of whom is Marsh.
Sheridan, owner of historic Gibson Arena, recalls countless times Marsh has selflessly given her time, money, and effort to the kids of Southside. Also a volunteer with a local Girl Scouts troop, Marsh hopes to be a role model for those without.
Sheridan describes Marsh creating odd jobs for local kids to earn enough money to skate at Gibson Arena. Marsh is known for teaching the kids how to conduct themselves in public, helping them learn social skills or even personal hygiene. When kids are without transportation from the rink, Sheridan mentions that Marsh always knows who to call or what to do.
“It’s kind of hard to imagine if she wasn’t around,” Sheridan said.
Heather Williams, one of the board members, program manager of Building Better Neighborhoods, and president of the Muncie Action Plan, has watched Marsh “find purpose.”
A neighborhood association president herself, Williams joined the Southside board to provide initial guidance to Marsh.
“Courtney brings humility, humor, and just a goget ‘em attitude,” Williams said.
Between fundraising, planning, and executing, Courtney says that despite the time commitment, she’s excited to keep moving forward. She describes aiming to change the perception of her neighborhood.
“I’d like to see the community as a whole come together a little bit more on a positive aspect of it, instead of such a negative kind of demeanor,” she said.
Marsh’s work in the neighborhood earned her the 2024 Idea Conference Neighborhood Leader of the Year award. Although she was “a little apprehensive” at first to take the president’s position, she has grown the Southside Neighborhood Association, claiming the role to be “eye-opening in so many ways.”
“In 50 years, when my kids are doing their history lesson on Muncie, I want my name to pop up in some form or fashion that I did something good,” she said.
Contact Maci Hoskins via email at maci. hoskins@bsu.edu.
Muncie Southside Neighborhood Association President Courtney Marsh poses for a photo with representative Sue Errington and councilman Jeff Green. MUNCIE SOUTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, PHOTO PROVIDED
Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour plays connect four at Mark Kinman Family Fun Day, Aug 28, 2024 at Cooley Park.
MUNCIE SOUTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, PHOTO PROVIDED.
Local Love
As students left for summer break, local Muncie businesses got creative to keep their businesses running.
Shelby Anderson News Editor
When summer rolls around and Ball State students leave, Muncie’s local shop owners notice the change in different ways. Some adjust staffing, while others lean more on local customers. We looked into how the students’ presence shapes their business for the summer. Either way, they make it work during the summer months.
Locked Groove Records, located right off of Ball State’s campus in the village, is owned by Celeste Outen. Outen started in the record business when she worked as a clerk for the prior record store at the same location, then known as Village Green Records.
After the original store owners relocated, she was encouraged to open the new store. In Outen’s words, she called herself “a clerk turned record store owner.”
During the summer months, Outen sees how much business slows down without the students on campus, and as a result, she has to adapt to the changes.
“With fewer people in town, it’s harder to anticipate demand, which makes things like ordering inventory or planning events more of a gamble,” she said. “I have to be extra mindful about budgeting and make sure the store stays sustainable through the slower months.”
Despite being a new store owner, the slower
summer months don’t stop her or her shop; she just works around the different pace. She does this by trying to throw more events and promotions to let people know that they are still open.
During the summer, Outen said she relies on the support of locals, affectionately calling them the store’s “backbone.”
She is grateful for them since they keep the store going during the summer. To her, the student population matters in order to be a successful business.
“Students bring a lot of energy, curiosity, and diverse musical tastes. They’re a huge part of what makes the store dynamic and fun,” she said.
That is one of the reasons she chose to open her shop just outside of Ball State. The other reason is how much she loves physical media and music.
While some stores do rely on students coming in and supporting their store. Some don’t. While Outen relies more heavily on students, The Caffeinery does not.
The Caffeinery, a coffee shop that has been in Muncie for just over a decade, doesn’t see the flux in business despite Ball State being in session or not. Owners Frank and Laura Reber estimate that 15 to 20 percent of their clients are Ball State students and faculty.
When summer comes around, they admit they do notice a dip in sales. In June and July, Frank believes that it is a 5 to 10 percent drop. Despite the dip, the owners said they try to adapt accordingly.
“We just roll with the flow … Our main goal is always to keep our baristas happy and our operations smooth, ensuring we’re ready for whatever the day brings,” Frank said.
The Caffeinery is located downtown Muncie, something that is special about this store is that it has been built from the ground up. Summertime business relies on the locals to come in and show their support. Frank calls them “the heart of our year-round business,” but at the same time, acknowledges that to make a business successful in a college town like Muncie, students are essential.
Located a little farther from campus is Twisters in Yorktown, co-owned by Jaclyn Chadburn and Kelly Klein, remains popular with Ball State students even though it’s not as close to campus.
The shop sells a wide variety of sodas, candy, and coffees, where customers can customize the flavors and add whatever they want to it.
The flow of customers is a mix of students and locals who stop in for a drink. When asked if Chadburn notices a change in the flow of foot traffic, she said yes, but they stay consistently busy for the most part.
“Each day is different in the summer - but it slows down in the summer compared to when school is back in session,” she said.
While they don’t market differently, they still face the same challenges, particularly staffing, since some of their staff go home for the summer. The way they adapt to this is by trying to balance
and plan around those people leaving.
Some long-term changes they made to have a steady business are two things: brand building and a food truck.
During the summer, they do rely on locals to come in and support them, and they “feel the love.” To Twisters, students are essential to keeping them successful.
“We appreciate and rely on the support of the student population. We love how they are always so happy to help us advertise our brand,” Chadburn said. These stores are located all over Muncie, but something that is different is how close they are to campus. That is something that determines how much they depend on the students. Students are a noticeable part of the community, but for businesses farther away, not so much. Either way students are a noticeable part of the community even if shops don’t need them to stay open
As the summer comes to an end and the streets fill back up with students, these shops are ready for the return of cardinals. Not because they need them to stay open, but rather because they love what the students bring to their stores.
Contact Shelby Anderson via email sanderson9@bsu.edu.
Patrons of The Caffienery sit inside the shop July 30. Owners Frank and Laura Reber estimate that 15 to 20 percent of their clients are Ball State students and faculty. TRINITY REA, DN
RED AND WHITE RECAP
MANY CARDINAL TEAMS HAVE UNDERGONE COACHING AND ROSTER CHANGES, WITH MULTIPLE TEAMS STARTING THEIR 2025 CAMPAIGNS.
Kyle Stout Sports Editor
As the clock turns to August, the college sports season is in full effect in Muncie. With that comes a lot of change for Ball State Athletics, with multiple teams amid coaching changes. Here’s a look into some changes that took place this offseason.
Football
The football team has had multiple changes with the team, including a staff overhaul. Ball State head coach Mike Uremovich takes over the leadership duties of former Cardinal head coach Mike Neu, who led the team for nine seasons. With the head coaching change, Uremovich has brought in ten new position coaches to finish out an almost brand-new coaching staff. Positionally, the Cardinals have brought in a lot of new changes to the team.
Starting with quarterback, the Cardinals will start senior Kiael Kelly, who spent time at defensive back and wide receiver last season. The receiver and defensive back cores feature very new players, with transfers like safety Avery Stuart coming from Kentucky, and receiver Eric Weatherly from Bucknell.
In all, Ball State welcomes 60 new faces to sport the red and white.
Men’s Volleyball
Coming off a 17-13 2025 campaign, the Cardinal men’s volleyball team will have a lot to adjust to. Longtime coach Donan Cruz resigned from the team after four seasons in Muncie.
During his tenure, he led the Cardinals to three conference regular-season titles, along with a semifinal appearance in the NCAA tournament. For the 2026 season, Ball State has named assistant coach Mike Iandolo as the team’s interim head coach.
Women’s Soccer
The most notable move this offseason for women’s soccer has been the departure of longtime head coach Josh Rife. Rife spent six
seasons coaching the Cardinals, but has moved to his alma mater to coach the Indiana Hoosiers.
both Missouri and Minnesota.
The Cardinals went 7-8-3 last season, and new head coach Andy Stoots looks to improve on that record this year. Stoots has spent time as an assistant coach at both Missouri and Minnesota.
The Cardinals have notable transfers coming in with midfielder Fiona Kilian from Temple, along with forward Alyssa Mella and defender Joy Zeeman, who both played at Saint Francis University.
Men’s Tennis
The men’s tennis team at Ball State had one of the more emotional head coaching departures, with longtime head coach Bill Richards announcing his retirement. Richards spent 53 years with the team and boasts the all-time winningest record in the university’s history.
Richards has a record of 769-482 all-time for the Cardinals, and recorded 17 undefeated regular seasons. The team hired Gene Orlando as the new head coach, who was Richards’ assistant for three seasons previously.
Orlando also played for Ball State in the past and is a program hall of famer. Some notable roster additions include Ian Brady from Marquette and Anthony Shalakov from Army West Point. The team also has early signee Jenson Bicanic, who is expected to be a standout newcomer.
Contact Kyle Stout with questions via email @kyle.stout@bsu.edu or via X @ kylestoutdailyn.
ANDREW BERGER DN; BRENDEN ROWAN, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Favorite Brunch
When it comes to brunch in Muncie, no place feels more loved, or more lived-in, than By Hand and Fork. The Tillotson Avenue staple is known for its generous portions, and the kind of hospitality that can turn a quick breakfast into a weekly ritual.
For owner Pastor Garcia Ortega, brunch isn’t just a menu. It’s a mindset.
“The food is good, but if you don’t take care of your customers, that doesn’t matter,” he said. “We have families who come every weekend. I know their phone numbers. If I don’t see them, I call and ask if they’re okay.”
That level of personal care is what sets By Hand and Fork apart and it’s been that way since Ortega took over the space over 20 years ago. The business spawns off a handshake deal made at a McDonald’s, a full takeover of the restaurant just days later, and years of pouring his heart into every plate since.
Step inside, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back. The service is fast, but friendly, and the staff, many of whom have
been there for years, know their regulars by name.
There’s a quiet community woven into the walls of the restaurant. College students stop by for one last meal before graduation. Local organizations gather for breakfast meetings every week. On holidays, Ortega and his team have been known to sponsor entire families, buying Christmas gifts or offering meals for those in need.
“We help a lot of people in here,” he said. “It means a lot to give back.”
The menu reflects that generosity, too. The omelets are packed, the pancakes are fluffy, and the portions are never stingy. House favorites include the American omelet, the Strawberry Paradise pancakes, and their beloved eggs Benedict, but Ortega will be the first to tell you to branch out.
“Try something different,” he said. “You’ll like it.”
Favorite Coffee
After years of landing in second place in local polls, Rosebud Coffee House has finally been recognized and owner Tiara Hicks is thrilled to see her shop take the top spot.
“I’m honored, and I’m surprised to be the recipient of such an award,” Hicks said. “Muncie does a Muncie’s Best award program year after year, and we always come in second. So it’s nice to see that some of that effort has paid off.”
Located on the city’s Southside, it’s built a loyal fanbase by offering more than great lattes; it’s a space that feels personal, welcoming, and intentional.
With a background in HR, Hicks always cared about connection. For her, coffee was never just about caffeine; it was about slowing down and making room for conversation. The space was designed with that in mind, from rentable meeting rooms and a calm environment, to a menu that’s easy to understand, even if you’re new to the world of espresso.
“You don’t have to know Italian to be able
to order something,” Hicks joked. “... I speak Starbucks. Tell me what you drink, and I can translate it.”
Rosebud opened just before the pandemic in December 2019, and since then, it’s become a favorite among a wide mix of Muncie residents. Regulars contribute decorations, her mom bakes the pastries, and the mismatched furniture adds to the homey charm. Hicks said the community feel is one of her favorite parts of the job.
“There’s such a diverse group of people. It’s so eclectic,” she said. “... It brings me joy to see such a variety of people coming together.”
Hicks continues to grow Rosebud with the help of a dedicated team.
“I can’t thank them enough,” she said. “They go above and beyond every day to provide that level of customer service.”
While the shop might not be on the main student drag, if you’re looking for a space to unwind, focus, or connect, it’s worth the detour.
Favorite Date-night Spot
When you’re looking for a date night that feels more like a memory than a menu, Made in Muncie is the spot. The downtown pottery studio offers something rare in a college town: a space to slow down, create something together, and actually talk to the person across the table.
The studio has been around for over two decades, but its impact remains fresh. That’s thanks to owner Toren Scott, who took over in 2011 and later renamed the business Made in Muncie to reflect its local roots.
For him, the connection between Ball State and the city isn’t just practical; it’s personal, as pottery helped him rebuild his life.
After an accident left him with severe injuries, Scott recovered on his back until a small pottery studio in San Diego gave him a second chance, letting him throw pottery again, rebuild strength and rediscover his craft.
“Hearing that my business — that I named after this town — is starting to have an impact on the student body is great,” he said. “That interaction between Muncie and Ball State? my favorite thing.”
With pottery options starting at just $5 and no appointment needed, it’s accessible, affordable, and unintimidating, whether you’re a serious artist or just trying something new with someone special.
“You don’t have to be Van Gogh to come in,” Scott said. “You can just make a little Pokémon pin or paint a bowl. It’s lowpressure, easy, and fun.”
For those who want to get a little messier, there are options to throw on the wheel, join a workshop, or even book private events all within a space that feels homegrown, creative, and full of charm.
But what really makes Made in Muncie stand out is how much it values the experience. The staff constantly reevaluates layout, flow, and materials to make sure every part of the visit, from choosing your piece to picking it up glazed and fired, feels smooth and simple. Made in Muncie also continues to give back, donating to community fundraisers like the annual Soup Crawl and collaborating with Ball State during Welcome Week.
Favorite Pizza
Greek’s Pizzeria is a home-away-fromhome for Cardinals craving comfort food. With two locations in Muncie, one located on University Avenue in the Village just across from campus, Greek’s is a laid-back, student-friendly spot serving classic ItalianAmerican fare.
You’ll find hand-tossed pizzas with the chain’s signature sauce and cheeses, plus sides like salads and famous garlic breadsticks. You’ll also find wings, subs, and pasta at reasonable prices, perfect for grabbing a meal between classes.
Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and slightly retro. It’s no dim lounge or stuffy restaurant, just a clean, casual spot where you can roll up your sleeves and dig in. You’ll find checkered tablecloths, sports décor, and booths that invite long, post-class hangs. Plus they offer online ordering and delivery for nights when going out feels like too much.
Greek’s is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it one of the most reliable stops
near campus for both lunch and dinner. It’s close enough to walk from most dorms, and students often swing by.
Whether you’re trying to impress your parents during Family Weekend or just want something better than a frozen pie, Greek’s hits the mark.
Favorite Burger
Roots Burger Bar sits in the heart of the Village and offers what’s become a rare find: a solid burger, a seat and a second to slow down.
Opened by Ball State alum Scott Wise, the restaurant is built on full-circle energy. He launched his first restaurant in this building back in 1996. Years later, after stepping away from the business, Wise bought the spot back and decided to start fresh.
The name Roots speaks for itself, named to represent its community connections. But don’t expect anything fancy. Roots is casual, low-pressure, and built for students who just want to eat, hang out, or “take a load off,” as Wise says.
The prices are no joke, either. You can get a full meal burger, fries, and a drink for under $10.
“It sounds crazy when I say it,” Wise said. “I think you can eat cheaper at Roots than you can driving through the drive-thru at McDonald’s.”
The menu doesn’t take itself too seriously,
and neither does Wise. Many of the item names come with a little humor, intentional or not, something to “heal the soul.”
Roots is also all-ages, which means it’s not just a late-night spot or a bar scene. It’s a place where students can come in between classes, during Welcome Week, or even with visiting family. Trivia nights on Wednesdays are a regular hit, with $50 gift card prizes and no drink minimum.
“You don’t have to be 21,” Wise said. “If you have a group of friends, you get to have a burger and have some fun together.”
At the end of the day, that’s the whole point.
“Let us entertain you for a little bit,” he said. “Take your mind off of school and then go back to the real world.”
Favorite Sweet Treat
Just a few minutes from campus on Tillotson Avenue sits BerryWinkle Frozen Yogurt, a favorite for anyone in need of a quick, sweet fix.
Inside, the vibe is bright and lowkey, with grab-your-own-cup froyo machines, topping bars, and tables filled with everything from families to friend groups to students decompressing between classes. With flavors that rotate and student discounts, BerryWinkle is the kind of place you go once and end up going back to all semester.
Jennifer Gardner, the shop’s general manager, sees it that way too.
“I think the biggest thing is the experience. People are coming in here for a treat, not a chore,” she said. “We try to make it fun, we try to make it inclusive, and everybody feels welcome.”
Gardner’s been a part of the store since 2016, and in that time, she’s helped shape it into more than just a dessert shop. Kids can draw with sidewalk chalk outside. Schools and nonprofits host fundraisers inside. BerryWinkle regularly donates to community events and in return, the community shows up.
“I believe if you’re going to be in the community and take from the community, then you should give back to the community,” Gardner said.
That attitude extends to students, too. BerryWinkle offers 10 percent off with a student ID and recently launched delivery through Uber Eats just in time for the new school year.
“We’ve got five of our desserts listed online, and I’m planning a bigger rollout when students come back,” she said.
Gardner said it’s worth making the trip in person at least once. Between the coloring wall, music, and laid-back seating, it feels more like a hangout spot than a dessert shop.
Plus, when it comes to price, it’s hard to beat.
On Wednesdays, the shop has “no weight” pricing, meaning you can pack your cup of frozen yogurt to the max and not pay any extra.
So whether you’re craving a midweek dessert, need a late-night serotonin boost, or just want somewhere to chill that’s not your dorm room, BerryWinkle’s got you covered.
Favorite Photo-op
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens isn’t just a pretty backdrop and was voted favorite photo-op for a reason. With 40 acres of gardens, restored historic homes, and rotating art installations, it offers more ways to frame your day than any filter ever could.
“We love knowing that generations of families choose to make memories here,” said Brea Cunningham, Director of Marketing & Communications. “And that we get to be a part of their stories, one snapshot at a time.”
While Minnetrista’s gardens and architecture are camera-ready, it’s the deeper connections they foster that truly make this place stand out. Created with and for the Muncie community, the museum serves as a space where neighbors, students, and visitors come to relax, learn, and be inspired.
That welcome extends to Ball State students, who are just minutes away from the 40-acre campus. Minnetrista hopes to be a natural extension of campus life, an off-campus spot to meet up with friends, study under the trees, or simply breathe.
“When Ball State students think about
venturing off campus, we hope they say, ‘Meet me at Minnetrista,’” Cunningham said.
The museum’s mission to foster lifelong learning and build community through nature, art, and local heritage is evident in everything from its exhibitions to its outreach. Students can engage through internships, volunteer work, or a $5 student membership that offers year-round access for less than the price of a single visit.
If you’re tired of seeing the same outfits on your TikTok feed, your roommate, and the clearance rack at Target, Lily’s Labyrinth might be your answer.
Tucked along McGalliard Road, this thrift and vintage shop has become a go-to for Ball State students looking to stand out or just find something cool without spending their whole paycheck.
From early 2000s baby tees and Y2K denim to oversized sweatshirts, funky accessories, cargo pants, and pieces you didn’t know you needed until you saw them, the racks here are overflowing with personality.
What sets it apart? The store’s founder, Lily Brannon, opened it at just 20 years old not because she had a business plan, but because she had a closet full of thrifted extras and a vision.
“I honestly had no idea what I was doing,” she said. “I just figured it out day by day.”
Three years later, she’s built something special. Her McGalliard storefront is vibrant and welcoming, filled with hand-picked finds for every gender, every size, and every aesthetic. There’s no pressure to dress a certain way here as Brannon curates with variety in mind, and her shop reflects that freedom. Her motto? Everyone can find something they love.
homes with rotating exhibits. Visitors can join
Minnetrista’s 40-acre campus is packed with photo-worthy spots, from blooming seasonal gardens and outdoor sculptures to historic homes with rotating exhibits. Visitors can join creative workshops, explore hands-on nature programs, or catch one of the many festivals like the Maple Syrup Festival or Harvest Fest.
A favorite event among students and the community alike is Minnetristas Farmers Market, every Saturday from 9 a.m.–Noon, during May-October.
“Minnetrista is your place,” Cunningham
“Minnetrista is your place,” Cunningham said. “A welcoming space where anyone can learn, create, relax, and connect.”
Favorite Local Store
It’s not just about the clothes. It’s about the energy. The shop’s vibe is easygoing, colorful, and community-first. Brannon went from tagging every piece herself to building a team that now helps manage nearly 1,000 active Depop listings and pop-up booths.
You’ll find her at vintage markets, setting up racks at festivals, and connecting with customers in-store and online. It’s growth grounded in love for the work.
“It’s awesome seeing all the regulars and the people that have been supporting me since the first day,” she said. “I’m just so grateful that people like what I find.”
And then there’s the sustainability factor which speaks to more and more students trying to shop ethically and affordably.
“It’s just a no-brainer,” she said. “Vintage clothes have the best quality. Where else would you shop?”
With its ever-changing inventory, fair prices, and warm DIY spirit, Lily’s Labyrinth isn’t just the best place to thrift in Muncie, it’s a reminder that style is personal, and fashion should be fun.
fashion
Follow @lilys.labyrinth on Instagram to see what’s new.
TRINITY REA, AUTHOR, PHOTO; KYLEE WHITE, PHOTO; JESSICA BERGFORS, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Favorite Nightlife
When Ball State students talk about The Chug, it’s with a kind of pride like they’ve unlocked something iconic. Tucked into the Village just off campus, The Chug is Muncie’s most well-known dive bar, with cheap drinks and karaoke chaos.
Inside, the space is dark, loud, and familiar. The walls are covered in neon beer signs, band posters, and Ball State memorabilia. There’s no flash, no dress code, and no Wi-Fi which is kind of the point. At The Chug, you’re present.
From the names of years of students sharpied on the walls to the carved-up tables, the atmosphere is the definition of “lived-in,” but that’s what makes it work. Whether you’re singing your heart out on karaoke night or huddled with friends over a $2 draft, it feels like home.
host themed events throughout the year, like Halloween costume contests, holiday parties, and live trivia. Most nights, you’ll find students packed in for cheap drinks and good energy.
Karaoke happens weekly, drawing crowds from campus and beyond. If you’ve got a goto performance song, this is the place to belt it.
Open until 3 a.m. on weekends, The Chug is often the final stop on a night out, or the only one you need. It’s walkable from campus, and a rite of passage for many Ball State students.
Owners Phil and Alli Juskevice are Ball State grads who took over the bar with a commitment to keeping the vibe alive. They
Favorite Weekend Fun
The Cardinal Greenway is not just a trail, it’s a connection point, a quiet break from campus and a staple of Muncie.
“Hearing we were voted [favorite weekend fun] was so refreshing,” said Angie Pool, CEO of Cardinal Greenway. “We just couldn’t believe it. It’s something right.”
The Greenway offers over 60 miles of paved trail across five counties, making it Indiana’s longest rail-trail. It stretches from Marion to Richmond and runs straight through Muncie, a path well-worn by walkers, runners, bikers, and even the Ball State cross country team.
“I think we’re the best weekend fun,” Pool said. “We want freshmen to know our trail can be that connection — a safer connection from campus to downtown or to here.”
Cardinal Greenway’s Muncie depot is a quiet gem in itself. Built in 1901 and restored as the organization’s headquarters, the depot houses trail maps, artwork, and event info and yes, it’s open to visitors.
“We’re not government-owned,” Pool emphasized. “We’re a private nonprofit. That
means it’s up to us to raise the money to maintain the trail, keep it safe, and make sure it’s here for the next generation.”
Even with limited staff, just five people across five counties, the Greenway’s presence in the community is unmistakable.
“Muncie and Delaware County have always been strong supporters,” Pool said. “They stepped up from day one, and I feel like it’s always just kind of like home base.”
Cardinal Greenway also welcomes volunteers and frequently partners with Ball State for projects and events.
“We love that connection,” Pool said. “Whether it’s landscape students helping with design or freshmen discovering us for the first time, we’re here.”
For those who didn’t bring a car to campus, the Greenway offers a breath of fresh air and an escape from dorm life and a way to see Muncie beyond McKinley Avenue.
And the best part?
“The trail is free to use and always there,” Pool said.
Welcome Class of 2029!
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TRINITY REA, DN; JESSICA BERGFORS, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
