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Muncie Magazine January 2026

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SERVING DELAWARE COUNTY

ROHO’S

CRAFT COCKTAILS & COMMUNITY WITH OR WITHOUT THE BUZZ

When the Mind is the Matter How Mental Performance Coaching Makes All the Difference

A Timeless Slice

Pizza King Continues Serving Memories in Muncie JANUARY 2026


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PUBLISHER CRAIG ROBBINS craig@townepost.com KEY CONTRIBUTORS CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING AMY LEFFINGWELL ETHAN SNYDER JULIE YATES

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DUAL THREAT

Senior Cole Mynett Shines in Football & Basketball

10

WHEN THE MIND IS THE MATTER

How Mental Performance Coaching Makes All the Difference

16 JANUARY 2026

DRIVEN TO EXCEL

Delta Senior Ruth Sherck Shines in Soccer, Track & Leadership

24

ROHO’S

Craft Cocktails & Community With or Without the Buzz

26

JANUARY CROSSWORD

27

JANUARY EVENTS

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MUNCIE HOLIDAY LIGHT UP PARADE 2025

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A TIMELESS SLICE

FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS EDITOR JOSH BROWN TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM

Pizza King Continues Serving Memories in Muncie /MUNCIEMAGAZINE

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ANNOUNCING

THE ANNUAL INTEGRITY ESSAY CONTEST Essay Topic

“How do I show integrity through respecting opinions that are different from mine?” The contest is open to all students grades 4-12 attending public, private, or home schools in Delaware County. Students will write an original essay and will be judged on the writer’s ability to effectively communicate the topic through the use of illustrations and personal application. Essay Divisions Grades 4 & 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Maximum Essay Length 300 words 600 words 1,000 words

Prizes Awarded 1st - $250, 2nd - $150, 3rd - $100 1st - $250, 2nd - $150, 3rd - $100 1st - $1,000, 2nd - $500, 3rd - $250

Essays must be received no later than February 10, 2026. While essays can be submitted online, the preferred method of submission is a hard copy through your school. Printed essays may also be submitted at one of our co-sponsors: Walls Furniture and Mattress 3611 North Nebo Road Muncie, Indiana 47304 Winners will be announced at the:

Delaware County CIE Awards Ceremony Muncie Central High School Auditorium Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Featured Speaker:

Rich Malony

Ball State University Head Baseball Coach

For more information, go to: www.integrityenhancement.com

4 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

Coach Malony


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DUAL THREAT SENIOR COLE MYNETT SHINES IN FOOTBALL & BASKETBALL Writer / Julie Yates

much I liked it as I got older.

Delta High School senior Cole Mynett is known for his work ethic and leadership skills both on the football field and the basketball court. The versatile athlete also enjoys outdoor activities such as track, fishing, hunting, and golf. However, his favorite sport is football.

“Football allows you to meet a lot of people. I like the team aspect in competing and how much it takes to win. All 11 people on the field come together,” he adds.

“I have enjoyed playing and watching sports ever since I can remember,” he says. “My dad played Metro Football and encouraged me to play. I started playing in the league when I was five years old. Most of the guys on my team have also played since they were five. It’s a great youth program that helped develop my love for the game. I grew into it. I realized how 6 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

His main position is middle linebacker on defense, but he also plays tight end on offense. Considered a difficult position that requires athleticism, a linebacker must stop the run, shed blockers, and cover receivers. As a tight end, Mynett must both receive and block. He is ranked in the top 61 for tackles in Division 3A statistics and is in the top five for tackles in the Hoosier Heritage Conference.


Mynett’s performance on the field and resulting statistics have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was voted to the All-Graphic Printing Company First Team as a linebacker in The Commercial Review. He was recently named All-Conference for 2025 in the Hoosier Heritage Conference. As a sophomore and again as a junior, he was the recipient of the “2-Way Player of the Year” award for Delta High School football. Since his sophomore year, he has served as a team captain. In past years, it was a rotating assignment, but this year his team voted for him to be captain. Basketball is another sport Mynett enjoys. He played during his freshman and sophomore years but took a break as a junior. He is returning as a senior, assuming the position of power forward. In this role, he must be very mobile, playing both around the perimeter and close to the basket, as well as taking midrange shots. The challenges of playing two major sports are something Mynett takes in stride. He shares that if the football and basketball seasons overlap due to a tournament, adjustments are made. Summer football practices are held in the mornings or evenings to avoid the hottest part of the day, and hydration is a priority.

of the season. A big highlight is when we won sectionals my sophomore year. Our new coach, Coach Lynch, has put a lot of faith in me.” When he is not on the field or the court, Mynett continues to be a leader. He is a National Honor Society member and serves on the Fly Team, a leadership development group for Delta students. In addition, he participates in the Delta Eagles Football Youth Camp hosted by the team each summer. The three-day camp focuses on fundamentals and is open to rising first- through eighth-grade students. “In the future, I am planning on attending college and studying engineering,” Mynett says. “Hopefully, I can continue playing football in college. If someone asked me for advice, I would say just enjoy it as much as possible. Keep trying to find the fun in it, but also keep working hard.”

A particularly rough stretch happened this summer when Mynett missed two months of practice due to a knee injury. He developed severe tendinitis in his patella tendon over time from overuse, sometimes known as “jumper’s knee.” Missing preparation time on the field caused him anxiety, but he followed doctors’ orders and is in top shape now. “Two coaches have been mentors to me,” he says. “Coach Overholt was my coach from freshman through junior year. He recently retired from coaching to become assistant principal. He boosted my confidence in my ability. He put me out in junior varsity as a freshman and then on varsity during the second half

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WHEN THE MIND IS THE MATTER

HOW MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACHING MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Like many athletes, Jeff Becker lived and breathed his sport, having played and then coached basketball throughout his life. He started his own travel basketball club and journeyed around the world running camps and training athletes. As the director of the PHHacility Basketball Training Facility, a multi-million-dollar private basketball facility that offers a focused and high-quality environment for players, he loved the sport. However, seven years ago, he questioned the direction his life was taking. “I felt like we were chasing the wrong 10 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

carrot,” says Becker, who had grown tired of the ego and entitlement he was witnessing.

“I’ve always been into reading books and listening to podcasts to better myself,” Becker says.

His heart wasn’t in it anymore so when a mentor of his asked if he had ever considered doing mental performance coaching, he was intrigued. This mentor, who was a Division 1 coach, explained that often teams invite mental performance consultants to talk to their players because they relate better to athletes than psychologists do.

He understood what was most important in life — and what we carry with us.

Becker, a self-described “professional development nerd,” loved the idea.

“I could teach you how to shoot a jump shot, but realistically that’s going to fizzle away,” Becker says. “However, if I can teach you more confidence, how to control your emotions, shift your perspective, and be a better leader, those are lifelong skills you can use.” When he first launched Jeff Becker


Mental Performance Coaching in 2019, he envisioned traveling from state to state, going locker room to locker room, speaking team to team about culture leadership. Then COVID hit. Since no one could get on the field, Becker conducted mindset Zoom calls. This led to him doing one-on-one calls, and now 95% of his work is dedicated to one-onone client calls where he works with all demographics, including young athletes, Olympians, and pro players all around the world. He offers mental performance coaching to baseball players, golfers, rock climbers, jujitsu martial artists, chess players as well as those in corporate, sales, and construction. “It doesn’t matter who you are,” Becker says. “Mindset isn’t everything, but it affects everything.” To increase an athlete’s performance, Becker knows he must impact their mindset. That starts with a perspective shift. According to Becker, people get trapped in three words: comfortable, lazy, and emotional. “We have roughly 60,000 to 90,000 thoughts a day, and 95% of those thoughts are repetitive,” Becker says. “Think about the trenches you build when you have the same thoughts over and over for days, weeks, months, years, and decades. We must get out of this rut by shifting our perspective.” He maintains that the best way to do this is to be less emotionally reactive in situations. Humans are the only species on earth that can think how to respond. Having the ability to focus on what we want and detour away from what’s comfortable is the key. “In other words, choose the harder path immediately,” he says. In his program, he conducts weekly touchpoint calls with athletes where he focuses on something intentional for that week in order to build habits and routines. In addition, athletes can access a player portal where they can

view motivational videos and podcasts. It includes an audio library with 50 2- to 4-minute audios that discuss everything from having a bad performance to how to stay confident. Every athlete starts with a free consultation with Becker where he learns about their journey to determine if working together is a good fit. “Every week I hear gut-wrenching stories from athletes and/or parents,” Becker says. “Some athletes are in the deepest darkest hole that they’ve ever been in.” It’s not unusual for athletes to resent their parents for being an overbearing sports presence. Becker also hears from frustrated parents who say their son or daughter no longer listens to them.

“When you’re 13 to 18, you don’t listen to your parents much. I didn’t, either,” says Becker, who credits his youth pastor for changing the trajectory of his life. “He told me I had the potential to play college basketball but that I didn’t work hard enough or take it seriously. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Ten years ago, Becker and his father wrote a book together called “Tender Lions: Building the Vital Relationship Between Father & Son.” Becker, who has three children all under age 4, previously ran a podcast called The Winning Edge, but he paused that before the birth of his second child to devote more time to family. He may resurrect TownePost.com | January 2026 | 11


the podcast down the road, but right now his focus is on raising his three young children with his wife. Becker, who used to be the Lead Director of the Chris Paul CP3 Rising Stars AllAmerican Camp, made it mandatory for parents of his athletes to attend his workshops. He did this for a very specific reason. “Parents are the most important and impactful person in an athlete’s life,” Becker says. “So many parents are focused on results, accolades, status, GPA. Parents should be the support system and the safe place for their child.” This means refraining from stepping into the role of coach. Becker notes that parents need to settle into a spectator role where their only job is to cheer, support, and offer positive comments. “Then,” he says, “on the car ride home, shut up.” He says the best athletes have families who have built a team of great role models that surround them, all of whom share a likeminded growth mindset. Together, they support the athlete. “When parents have that team in place, that takes a load off their shoulders,” Becker says. “Believe me, your child doesn’t need or want another coach. They want a mom and a dad.” Becker has spoken to close to 20,000 families at camps, and at each one he shares that the five most important words every parent can say to their son or daughter after any sporting event are, “I love watching you play.” Through the years, he has heard from countless parents who say that by implementing this five-word sentence into their post-game play, they have changed the relationship with their son or daughter forever. Then they shake his hand and thank him. For more information, visit coachjeffbecker.com or email jeff@ coachjeffbecker.com. 12 | January 2026 | TownePost.com


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DELTA SENIOR RUTH SHERCK SHINES IN SOCCER, TRACK & LEADERSHIP Writer / Julie Yates

Ruth Sherck is a self-described competitor at heart. The Delta senior loves to be in the thick of any kind of sporting contest—even board games. Her hard work and enjoyment of athletics have paid off. She holds school records in soccer and track. Equally important to her is the desire to be there for people and include others. Sherck’s involvement with soccer, track and basketball began when she was young. 16 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

She participated in recreational sport leagues, including YMCA youth basketball and Delaware County Futbol Club (DCFC) Youth Recreational Soccer. She started playing the position of goalkeeper early on. “When I was in upper elementary school, no one else raised their hand to be goalkeeper,” she says. “I fell in love with the position. In middle school, I was the only one who raised their hand again. I like the team aspect of soccer and the

adrenaline when I’m diving for a save.” This year, the Lady Eagles soccer team had an incredible season. They won 19 out of 21 games played and went on to be conference, sectional and regional champions. Although Delta lost to Mishawaka Marian in the SemiState Championship, Sherck had 19 saves at the net. During her senior season, she broke her own career record of shutouts, plus the record for shutouts in a single season. In


Currently, Sherck is investigating colleges and is looking into the possibility of being a member of the track team and competing in the throwing events. She would like to pursue being an athletic trainer so she could help people and still be involved in the sports she loves. However, she also wishes to share the love of Jesus in some capacity.

addition, she set a record for career saves. Track is another sport Sherck excels at. She currently holds the distance record for indoor shot put and also competes in the discus throw. Sherck says she enjoys the slower pace of her events and how their individual aspects allow her to push herself in ways she can control. “This year I’m involved with basketball as a team manager,” she says. “I played as a freshman and sophomore, but I developed a foot tendon injury. I can’t do the repeated force in running and cutting away needed for basketball, but I look at being team manager as an opportunity to still be around the sport and be a supportive person and a quiet leader. I notice when someone is in their head too much. I hope people would say they felt seen by me, loved and included — even when they seem like they don’t want to be.” Besides sports, Sherck participates in several extracurricular activities. She is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Riley Kids Dance Marathon and Best Buddies. She is also a freshman mentor, active in her church youth group, and each Friday she and other members of Sweets and Salvation hand out goodies and pray for the school.

I can’t name them because I don’t want to leave anyone out. The number one thing that drives me is my faith. Before any competition, I pray not for my own glory but for God’s. When I was a sophomore, I lost my brother, who had autism and was nonverbal. Malachi was my buddy. We were best friends. I want to make my brother proud and my other siblings proud.”

“There are a lot of moments where I can’t believe I made it to this point,” she says. “When I was a freshman, I never would have believed it if someone told me we would go to semi-state. This year is the fruition of hard work. Most of us have played together since sixth or seventh grade. “My advice is to stay present and be focused on what is in front of you. Be proud of where you came from, even if it is a small accomplishment, but know there is always room for improvement. I never thought I would hold the records I do,” she adds.

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“Time management isn’t super hard to navigate,” she says. “The sports don’t happen at the same time, but sometimes they do overlap due to the success factor. I try to be present for each happening and I use the time in between to focus on other things. “I’ve had so many mentors along the way that TownePost.com | January 2026 | 17


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A TIMELESS SLICE

PIZZA KING CONTINUES SERVING MEMORIES IN MUNCIE Writer / Amy Leffingwell Photographer / Ethan Snyder

When you ask someone from Muncie what they miss most when they move away, you will hear a familiar answer: Pizza King. There is something unmistakable about the square-cut pie, the crumbled toppings, the red phones, and the warm glow of Tiffany-style lamps that immediately transport you home. It is more than a meal. It is Muncie nostalgia baked into every bite.

20 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

For 67 years, Pizza King has been part of the fabric of east-central Indiana. Its story begins in 1956 when brothers Bob and Wendell Swartz opened the first Pizza King in Lafayette. Two years later, the brothers divided the state, and Bob headed east to start the Pizza King we all know and love to this day. In 1958, Muncie got its first Pizza King on Tillotson Avenue, right across the street from where it sits today. A second location soon followed: Clara’s

on Madison Street. Named after Bob’s mother, Clara’s offered a more familyfocused dining experience. “It was a place where everyone felt welcome,” says Alan Robinson, CEO. Two other Clara’s locations still operate in Richmond and Fort Wayne with


expanded menus that include burgers, potatoes, tenderloins, and other comfort foods not found at traditional Pizza King locations. Clara’s was legendary for more than its menu. The restaurant’s red telephone system allowed guests to call other tables. It was a delight for kids and the perfect pre-cellphone flirting tool for local teenagers. Many Muncie residents can still share stories of nervously calling their crush from across the dining room. Growth continued steadily. The Bethel store became the third location, followed by the May Avenue location and many more stores over time. That May Avenue store closed in 2023 but was replaced with a modern and sleek Pizza King built on East Memorial Drive. The company originally hoped to renovate an existing bank building but chose to rebuild from scratch while keeping the charm that defines the brand. The red phones are still there. “We do not want to stray from who we are,” Robinson says. “This is the same Muncie Pizza King you are familiar with. We are just trying to modernize a little bit while staying true to our brand.” That focus on authenticity runs through everything Pizza King does. The recipe has remained unchanged. The core pizza ingredients are exactly the same as they were in 1958. The Pizza King team works hard to ensure the specs on everything— from the flour used in their homemade dough to the meats, cheese, and pizza sauce — have remained the same over the years. They’re proud that the Royal Feast in 2025 tastes the same as it did in 1958. Fresh ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, including Fisher Meats and Indiana-based Red Gold. “Pizza King has a taste people grew up with,” Robinson says. “It triggers memories. There is a comfort in that consistency.”

And consistency is something the staff knows well. Employees often stay for years and are treated like family. They have 20 current employees with at least 30 years of employment, five with 40 years or more, and one with 52 years.

“We were skeptical at first,” Robinson says. “But it exceeded our expectations.”

Much of that consistency begins in Anderson at the Pizza King commissary. Everything is produced there and delivered to restaurants six days a week.

Ask any Muncie transplant where they are heading first when visiting town, and many will answer Pizza King. It is a tradition. A reminder of home. And for Pizza King, that loyalty means everything.

“We handle the product from the very beginning,” Robinson says. “That ensures quality and consistency at every location.” Pizza King honors tradition but is also willing to evolve when there is a clear need. Many years ago, the company launched its first gluten-free option with toppings served sizzling on a hot plate. It was actually created in the days of the low-carb trend but worked out well for gluten-free customers as well. In recent years, a cauliflower crust was introduced after months of testing.

The goal was to meet dietary needs without changing the iconic Pizza King flavor, and they succeeded.

Pizza King’s roots run deep in the communities it serves, and giving back is a core part of the business. Sponsorships are woven into the company’s values. “We try to sponsor anywhere and everywhere that we can,” Robinson says. “Any schools that ask, we try to do something. Any good causes at all.” That support comes in many forms. Pizza King partners with United Way throughout the year, sponsors golf TownePost.com | January 2026 | 21


outings across the region, and provides donations to schools, churches, and local charitable organizations. Sometimes it means being a title sponsor. Other times, it might mean free pizzas or breadsticks for an event. No matter the size, the goal remains the same: to help when help is needed. In October, Pizza King was part of a Make-A-Wish fundraiser for a child dreaming of riding horses on a beach in Hawaii. The company is proud to play a role in helping make that wish come true. “We feel that the local community has supported us for multiple generations, so we try to give back as much as we can,” Robinson says. “We tend to do well in small communities, so we make sure we give back to those same communities.” Looking ahead, the company’s plans reflect the same steady philosophy that has carried it through nearly seven

decades. “Slow growth, locally owned, no drastic changes,” Robinson says. “The goal is to remain a beloved Hoosier tradition for generations to come.” Pizza King has been part of first dates, post-game celebrations, family traditions,

and countless everyday moments. For so many, it tastes like childhood. It tastes like home. Memories may age, but the pizza never does. In Muncie, you can always come back. The red phone will still be waiting for your order, and the pizzas will be “Good to the Very Edge.”

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ROHO’S CRAFT COCKTAILS & COMMUNITY WITH OR WITHOUT THE BUZZ Writer / Amy Leffingwell

D

ry January can be a confusing phrase, especially when you apply it to a martini bar. At first, the idea sounded like RoHo’s, downtown Muncie’s chic, intimate cocktail space, had spontaneously sworn off booze entirely. Thankfully, coowner Angie Rogers-Howell sets the record straight immediately. “We’re still a martini bar,” she laughs. “We are not stopping drinking. But if you are doing Dry January? Don’t feel like you can’t come here and enjoy yourself.” That’s RoHo’s in a nutshell: smart, stylish, welcoming and just the right amount of irreverent. Yes, they specialize in craft cocktails and a rotating menu of martinis. But they’re also leaning enthusiastically into the sober-curious movement, offering a thoughtfully built mocktail menu using zero-proof spirits that have never contained alcohol.

24 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

“There’s a difference between ‘nonalcoholic’ and ‘zero-proof,’” Angie explains. “Some nonalcoholic spirits have had alcohol cooked out, so they can still have trace amounts. We don’t use those. Our spirits have never had alcohol in them at all. Pregnant people, people in recovery, people allergic to alcohol — everyone can drink these.”

summer leans fruit-forward and fresh. What makes those flavors pop is the fact that most of their juices and syrups are made completely in-house. That process has evolved significantly since opening.

RoHo’s uses Ritual Zero Proof alternatives, which mimic the taste and aroma of spirits. Angie laughs remembering the first time someone tried the tequila alternative.

“When we first started, we used one of those hand-squeezy things,” Angie says, miming the motion. “Our arms were about to fall off. Then we upgraded to a lever press. Our arms still about fell off. Now we have this juicing machine that feels like an arcade game.”

“They were like, ‘There’s no way this isn’t real. It tastes like alcohol.’ But no. Zero buzz,” she says. “Just the vibe.”

It takes about 10 to 30 seconds to juice a piece of fruit. An entire case of lemons takes about 10 minutes.

SEASONAL SIPS, SERIOUS CRAFT RoHo’s menu changes seasonally. Winter brings peppermint and gingerbread, while

“It used to take someone hours,” she says.


FOOD MADE SIMPLE AND BEAUTIFUL RoHo’s isn’t trying to be a full-service kitchen, but everything they serve is fresh, beautifully assembled and seasonally inspired. Charcuterie is their signature: fruits, nuts, cheeses and spreads that shift with the seasons. “In summer we had strawberries and blueberries. Now it’s apples and pecans,” Angie says. “We even make our own candied pecans inhouse. It smells like Christmas in the kitchen when we make those.” COMMUNITY, CRAFT AND CAREFULLY CHOSEN CHAOS Events help bring in new faces. Recently they partnered with local bookstore Ink Drinker’s Anonymous for a “Grown Up Book Fair.” Bookstore owner Keeley Malone set up her merchandise inside RoHo’s one Wednesday night. Local patrons could shop, grab a table and sip a cocktail (or mocktail) while perusing their new books. “I’d say about 80% of our traffic that night were new faces who came in to check out the books,” Angie says. It was a huge success and showcased what community collaboration is all about. In addition, they also host occasional Wednesday “Behind the Bottle” spirit tastings with liquor partners and RoHo’s Rotation on Thursdays, which includes karaoke, comedy nights and “Melody Match,” their version of music bingo. It’s an intentional effort to make midweek downtown nights feel fun and lively. “We want to be the cool place,” Angie says simply. “Not exclusive, just good. Grown-up. Comfortable. We’re not a college bar. We play soft jazz and old movies. No sports. If you want beer and a jukebox, there are plenty of places for that. We wanted something that complements Muncie, not competes with it.”

THE DRINKS THAT RULE THEM ALL RoHo’s best sellers are no surprise. They’re decadent, balanced and Instagram-friendly. RoHo’s Seasonal 75 – a seasonally rotating twist on a French 75. Their number one seller. Right now, it’s orange and cranberry, but come springtime, it will rotate to another flavor profile. Wake-Up Call – an espresso martini offered in regular or decaf because, as Angie discovered, drinking one at midnight means staying up until 4 a.m.

LOOKING AHEAD Expansion isn’t off the table, but right now RoHo’s wants to focus on cultivating the atmosphere they have already created so successfully.

Lemon Crescendo – their take on a lemon drop.

“Sometimes we have a line,” Angie says. “But honestly? That’s a good problem.”

The Dirty Girl Scout – an unabashedly named crème de menthe and crème de cacao concoction. “If we called it a grasshopper, it wouldn’t sell,” Angie says. “People love the name.”

And February promises even more fun: mixology classes, glittery Galentine’s Day drinks and more.

The Dirty Girl Scout is a homage to the now-closed Motini’s in the Village, where Angie and her husband and co-owner Matt used to go when they first started dating. “They had a Dirty Girl Scout. We had to keep it.”

Because that’s RoHo’s — genuine, funny, dedicated to craft and unafraid to do things their own way. Whether you’re drinking tequila or tequila-not-tequila, RoHo’s gives you all the vibe with or without the buzz. RoHo’s is located at 308 S Walnut St. in Muncie. For more information, call 765-203-1660 or visit them online at rohosmuncie.com.

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 25


JANUARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1. Novelists 4. Sober 7. People from Calcutta 8. Move with effort 9. Parish ministers 12. Earphone units

26 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

15. Issued (from) 17. Astonished 18. Locates 21. Cellophane cover 22. Give birth (of dog) 23. Retaliated for

Solutions

DOWN 1. Set in motion 2. Aircraft shed 3. Hit with hand 4. Waist ribbon 5. Embarrassed 6. Bird of peace 10. Gun blasts 11. Bamboo-eating mammal 13. Depressed 14. Great slaughter 16. Inn 18. Went by air 19. Exchange 20. Statistics


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1-31 NESTLED CABINS AT

JANUARY

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2026

BOB ROSS EXPERIENCE

Submit Your Events!

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, 620 West Minnetrista Boulevard. 9–10 a.m. Step into the tranquil world of Bob Ross with this unique exhibition highlighting a collection of his beloved cabin paintings.

3, 17 FARMERS MARKET AT

MINNETRISTA: INDOOR MARKET

Minnetrista, 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Discover the best of local finds at the Farmers Market at Minnetrista! Shop fresh produce, baked goods, meats, crafts, art, jewelry, and more-all from our community’s talented growers and makers.

7 BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

CARDINALS WOMENS BASKETBALL VS. TOLEDO ROCKETS WOMENS BASKETBALL

John E Worthen Arena, Bethel Ave. & McKinnley Ave.

9 ALTER EGO: WORLD OF ROCK N’ ROLL

Paramount Theatre, 1124 Meridian Plaza. 7:30 p.m. Step into the electric aura of Alter Ego The World of Rock n Roll, the definitive tribute sensation that brings the heartbeat of music legends to the stage.

3 VETERANS COFFEE CLUB Muncie Delaware County Senior Center, Auditorium (2517 W 8th St. 9–11 a.m. In 2020 a Veterans’ Coffee Club was established at the Muncie/Delaware Senior Center by the Board of Directors.

6 BALL STATE CARDINALS VS. EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES

Worthen Arena, 2000 W. University Ave. 7 p.m.

BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL VS EASTERN MICHIGAN

John E Worthen Arena, Bethel Ave. & McKinnley Ave.

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 27


MUNCIE HOLIDAY MAGIC Muncie just made history!

This December, the City of Muncie proudly hosted our first-ever Holiday Lighted Parade, and what an unforgettable night it was. With more than 60 dazzling entries, downtown came alive in a brilliant glow of lights, music, and pure holiday joy.

Families lined the streets, kids beamed, and the community came together to celebrate in true Muncie style. Thank you to every participant, volunteer, and neighbor who helped make this inaugural event such a magical success. Here’s to many more years of lighting up our city together!

Top: Cindy Lou Who and Maz accompanied Muncie Police Department and their Whoville float Right: The Muncie Public Works team went above and beyond decorating one of the city’s pavers.

Left: Indiana Michigan Power lit up the night with their bucket truck entry. 28 | January 2026 | TownePost.com


Muncie Holiday Lighted Parade 2025

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 29


Thank you Muncie for a great 2025! Wishing CITY OF MUNCIE you a wonderful 2026!

30 | January 2026 | TownePost.com


KEEPING YOUR DRAINS CLEAN

• Don’t pour grease down the sink • Use drain traps • Keep solid items out • Clean regularly Gregory’s Sewer & Drain Cleaning LLC.

We offer emergency drain cleaning services and are on call to assist you with any drainage needs or concerns.

CALL TODAY!

765-282-8052

Meet me at craft cocktails. small bites. follow us online

Scan Here!

308 s. Walnut Muncie, IN

(enter though the door in the mural)

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 31


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