Muncie, Indiana

Muncie News from Muncie Free Press

German Renewable Energy Company Selects Delaware County for Its North American Headquarters

MUNCIE, IN  - Delaware County is establishing itself as a dynamic center for green, renewable and alternative energy innovation.  VAT-Energies, LLC and VAT-Service, LLC a wholly owned subsidiaries of VAT-Service Getriebetechnik in Germany announced today the company's plans to locate its North American corporate headquarters, service and manufacturing facilities near Yorktown in Delaware County.  The companies will invest $3.3 million to locate in an existing 60,000 SF facility in Park One Business Park, at the intersection of Interstate 69 and Indiana State Road 332. 
 
Initially, the marketing, installation, service and maintenance operations will locate in the existing building in Park One.  Additional local buildings as well as new construction will be considered for future operations to include design and manufacturing.  The plans call for creating 105 - 120 new jobs locally by 2011.  Later this year, the company will begin hiring engineers, service technicians, logistics managers and administrative staff members.
 
The announcement was made following the public opening of competitive bids received in response to the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission's request for quotations for a $1.5 million project including a vertical vane wind turbine and solar / wind powered street lights for Park One Business Park, plus renewable energy lighting units to be installed at other strategic locations in Delaware County.  VAT-Energies, LLC was the successful bidder for the publicly advertised project.
 
Oliver Viehweider, Managing Director of the VAT-Group of companies, stated, "We see, in the U.S. marketplace, great opportunity based on our expertise in wind technology and renewable lighting alternatives for both commercial and community applications.  The 20 years of expertise we bring from Europe has enabled the VAT-Group to succeed globally.  We anticipate the same success in the U.S. marketplace."
 
"This is an exciting announcement for Delaware County and East Central Indiana, and helps continue the region's leadership in green technology industries.  I would like to thank all of the people who played a role during the past months in bringing VAT-Energies, LLC and VAT-Service, LLC to Park One Business Park," said Terry Murphy, Vice President of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.  "The company's vertical vane wind turbines and solar / wind powered street lighting systems have been installed in Great Britain, Greece, Germany and in South Africa, at the World Cup Stadium in Cape Town.  The U.S. market offers tremendous potential for VAT products and service."
 
"Finding ways to be more energy independent has become increasingly necessary in today's world and I can't think of a better place than right here in Indiana to launch the newest developments in alternative energy," said Governor Mitch Daniels.  "We are celebrating today as another global leader in renewable energy innovation has chosen to plant its North American roots in our state."
 
Delaware County worked with the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance to develop incentives for the opportunity.  The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered VAT up to $1 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans.
 
"We are excited about the opportunity to bring VAT to Delaware County.  Increasing the presence of alternative energy companies is a strong component of our community's economic development effort.  These are the type of high-paying, high-tech companies that we want to bring to Delaware County," said Todd Donati, President of the Delaware County Commissioners.
 
VAT is the second group of companies specializing in wind and renewable energy components production to select Delaware County, Indiana for its U.S. headquarters in the eight months.  Last fall, Brevini announced plans to locate its North American wind turbine gearbox manufacturing facilities in the Muncie area, creating 450 jobs and adding over $60 million in new capital investment.
 
VAT-Getriebetechnik established the companies along two separate business divisions.  VAT-Energies, LLC is an international manufacturer of vertical vane wind turbines and renewable energy powered lighting systems for municipalities and neighborhoods, while VAT-Service, LLC is a will provide maintenance and service for the wind turbine industry.
 
According to a report issued June 10 by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the number of clean air jobs in Indiana grew by nearly 18 percent between 1998 and 2007, ranking the state first in the Midwest in overall job growth in the clean energy economy.

 

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Public Works (Street) Department Hours

MUNCIE, IN - Public Works (Street)  Department 5790 W. Kilgore Avenue  will be changing their office hours beginning Monday, June 8th, 2009 with the doors open for business at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday,  Closed for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to Noon.

The following services consist of street patching, alley grading, mowing of public right-of-way, traffic signal repairs, replacement of stop
signs, street markers.  Code Enforcement Parking Division, abandoned vehicles and parking for Muncie.

City Permits for commercial and residential driveways, parades, walks or processions, street closures, street cuts, drainage, and noise
exemptions.

For tall grass measuring over 12 inches contact Code Enforcement Officer, Joyce Dick, Muncie Building Commissioner's Office 300 N. High St. 765- 747-4862.

 

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On Closing Day, Supporters of Conley Library Show Up In Full Force

By Tolu Olorunda

MUNCIE, IN - They knew the reality they were up against. They were aware of the dire circumstances. They understood the ramifications facing them. Still, Vivian Conley Library supporters showed up in full force, protesting what they consider an unjust decision, rendered May 18, 2009 by the Muncie Public Library (MPL) Board with unanimity, which ordered the closing of the Whiteley-based branch June 1st. 

The protest, organized by Friends of the Conley Library, in front of the Kennedy branch, lasted more than 3 hrs, gradually picking up steam as more people joined in waving signs, holding pickets, and informing curious motorists to “Help Save Conley Library.”

Many of them honked as they rode by, trying to affirm varying forms of solidarity with the cause, but many also missed the point, thinking it was a donation drive where dollar bills could be dropped into hats or baskets.

Despite any minor setbacks, the protesters were there to make two things clear: They haven’t giving up. They “still disapprove” of the Board’s decision. 

Street protests are not the only measures being pursued, they assured. Litigations and injunctions are being assessed. Conley supporters are willing to do anything that brings back their community treasure—a testament to the degree of loss its closing indicates.

Although the majority of protesters were Black, they insist it’s hardly a racial issue. Many Whites and Hispanics also live on the Southside of town. Conley has fed the intellectual appetites of all ethnicities, in its three decade run. For this reason, some opponents of Conley’s closing find it odd that more people, of diverse backgrounds, haven’t taken up the opportunity to preserve its legacy.

But their fight is far from over. Against all odds, they plan to keep struggling until Conley is reopened. After all, it’s all they’ve been doing, since being told, earlier this year, that Conley was scheduled to fall under MPL’s budget axe. 

When informed of this reality, Conley supporters went into rescue-mode. Organizers had no trouble recruiting over 25 people ready to volunteer their services, to prevent the scheduled closing. As told, more than $20,000 was also tabled by local businesses and churches who treasured Conley too much to see it vanish from the community forever. Conley supporters also began negotiating—unsuccessfully—with the MPL Board, over measures meant to preserve its legacy.     

Grants and donations were proposed, but they were soon told that any money collected couldn’t go into a specific Conley account. It would have to be usable by the other library branches. Volunteer-operated services were also suggested, but the Board, again, turned down the offer, arguing that the Social Security numbers of customers would be exposed to everyday citizens, who could use it nefariously. Conley supporters then asked if one MPL employee could oversee the transactions, and leave the other services at the mercy of volunteers. The Board declined.

The MPL Board has made clear its intentions to achieve financial stability in these unpromising economic times, and closing Conley is one of the ways it sees that promise being fulfilled. Many reasons were put forth for the closing of Conley, but above all was the notion of a low-circulation rate—of Books, and other materials. Closing Conley, they argued, was “very practical given its declining circulation and close proximity to Kennedy”—two contentions vigorously disputed by supporters. “In 2008, Conley circulation equaled only 2% of all MPL use,” the Board said.

But Conley supporters are hardly amused. They insist that the premises upon which Conley is being closed hold no validity when it takes nothing less than 25 minutes for a Whiteley customer to come across town with the Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS)—the primary commercial transportation source.  

Carla Haskins finds it hard to locate the logic in closing the least costly library branch in Muncie. MPL’s anticipated expenses data shows that Conley was expected to cost $145,932 in 2009, compared to Carnegie ($383,364), Kennedy ($1,205,922), and Maring Hunt ($2,614,928). Haskins is especially curious as to why the Board suddenly decided to go against its previous decision to close Carnegie, now deciding to operate it 3 days a week.

Even before Conley was scheduled to be closed, she says users had always experienced difficulties that no one, who mattered, seemed willing to pay strict attention to. Roof leaks had to become common before money was provided for repairs. And even still, she maintains none other than the children would feel the loss of Conley more. In the summer time, it was an annual routine for Huffer Memorial Children’s Center and Precious Hearts Development, to send its kids over to Conley. 

Closing Conley, she warns, would signify a great “loss to the community.”

Many others agree with her, which brings to question why the Mayor of Muncie, Sharon McShurley, is yet to actively engage this issue. But Conley supporters aren’t merely waiting for lightning to strike. They have, on several occasions, reached out to her. In return, she continually affirmed that this fight wasn’t hers.  

This fight might not be hers, but the security of every part of Muncie is. And the message the protestors hoped to send, is that the Southside is just as worthy a part as the Northside is.

I spoke with three Conley supporters who, in their individual and collective ways, are doing all they can to see Conley reopened again. 

These are the “Voices from Conley.”

“DOLORES RHINEHART”

For how long have you been visiting Conley?

I was born and raised in that community. And I didn’t visit it as often as I should have, but it was a convenient place to be when I needed it.

On any given day, how many people go to Conley?

Well, I couldn’t tell you exactly because, right now, I don’t live in that area, and I don’t know how many are participating. But there are 450 kids that go to Longfellow, there are 150 kids that go to Huffer [Memorial Children’s Center]—that’s in that vicinity—and, then, that’s not counting the apartments that’s there, and the smaller children, senior citizens, or maybe even the parents might want to go.

When did this problem arise—that Conley was to be closed because there was shortage of funds?

Well, in 2008, the people representing Conley were told that it wouldn’t be closed. And so, they come up with this idea in 2009, around March, that they were going to close it, because of the funds. 

What was the community’s response following that decision?

Well, they think it’s just terrible, because this is a low-income community, and a lot of the kids don’t have money to catch a bus to go elsewhere, a lot of parents don’t participate in activities for their kids, and so, if you don’t have the money to do things, you don’t get to do [them].

For how long have you been picketing and trying to reverse the decision?

We started about a month ago. We were doing it twice a week, and today is the first day of June, which they say is the last day [for] it to be opened. So, we’re going to picket until something is done.

Conley closed today: What is the next strategy?

We’re going to fight until we can’t fight no more.

There were some suggestions that Conley be made out to be something other than a library—a community center. Are you opposed to that, or do you just think that Conley should remain opened?

Personally, I’m opposed to anything but a Conley Library, because Conley Library means a lot of things: Books, knowledge—and that’s what young people need, along with adults. And it’s needed in that community. And we’re not going to give up. We want that. Any other thing—we won’t be satisfied.

“JAMES BRAGG”

For how long have you been visiting Conley?

I’ve been going to Conley all my life. But they [the Board members] made an advertisement in the newspaper that they were going to close it, and I had to do something. When I found at, I had to step up.

What have you been doing?

I’ve been to every Board meeting. I got appointed to a task-force, to work with the Library, and come up with some alternative plans. We came up with three beautiful ones:

    First plan: Stack up with volunteers. [A 20-year retiree from the Library] offered to come back, volunteer her time, coordinate other volunteers, and keep it open. That plan was turned down.

    Also, Conley Library is only open from Tuesday to Friday. They took one day away from it, in an effort to save money. So, we [said] to them, “let’s apply your plan to all the other libraries.” The net savings, per day, for the Library, in one year’s time, [would amount to] $598,000.

    We offered to privatize [the Library]. We got with some of the churches—who were willing to step up to the plate. We were going to incorporate, and we found out that [with] the church donations and private donations, we could run that Library for $100,000. 

So, we had people ready to do that. They told us that we could not put money into a private fund, that it would have to go into the general fund, and that all Libraries would have to [be able] to use it. We have bent over backwards. The only reason why we’re out here, is because no one’s paying attention to us.

What do you plan to do, to undo the Board’s decision?

The city [will have] to recognize that that Library is necessary. That community doesn’t have a whole lot, and to take away what they’ve got, is just not right. I went to the Library last Monday, and was just wondering what the kids thought. They said: “They’re going to close it. We ain’t gon’ have nothing to do this summer.” I said, “Well, what do you think about that?” They said: “They don’t care about us.” That’s what a little girl and two little boys said. That’s the way kids in the neighborhood feel. 

“MYRNA ROBERTSON” (Daughter of Vivian Conley)

For how long have you been visiting Conley?

I’ve been going to Conley Library ever since they opened it back up in ‘93. So, I’ve been involved ever since 1993. We had a fight approximately 15 years ago, where they said they were going to close it at that time. Then, we started another fight to keep it open.

Can you talk about the struggle that went into opening Conley—what your mom had to do to get it opened?

It’s so strange, because they built the library—the Muncie Public Board. However, when my mother died in ’93, it was three representatives in Muncie [who said that] through every work she (Vivian Conley) had done, that they felt it was appropriate to name the library after her. That’s when they got money from the state to purchase a library, and then later on, purchased the lot next to it. So, they did it, basically, in honor of her.

And there hasn’t been any opposition ever since?

About 10-15 yrs. ago, they [the Library Board] wanted to close it. And, then, the city fought to keep it open. They came up with the money in the year of 2000.

Why did the Board want to close it?

Well, they keep saying only 3.7% of people use that Library. They said it was such a low number. Then, they said only adults used it—wasn’t that many children using it; which was a contradiction, however, because one of the directors of Huffer Memorial Center, which is just down the street, raised her hand and said: “I beg to differ. We bring the children over.” So, my point is: They looked at it as, “How many books were being checked out?” And I told them that they couldn’t go by that, because sometimes I would go in there, sometimes just to sit down, sometimes just to rest, because, on my launch hour, I just need to catch my breath. I didn’t check out a book, but I was there, using the facility.  

Conley has been closed today. What’s next? Where does the fight go?

The fight goes [on], until they can come back and really give me the real reasons, or the real figures, or the real budgets, why it was closed. Then, actually sit down at the table and talk to me. Then, sit down and let me say: “Now, can I go out and get a grant to keep it open. Can I go out and get volunteers.” Sit down and talk to me. Just don’t say what I’m bringing to the table is not going to work.  

What have you brought to the table?

We’ve tried to find a financier. We also talked about grants. We also talked about volunteers. We also talked about cutting the hours, cutting the days. But to completely close it, I don’t think that’s fair. There are [different] ways to look at it, but [we want the Board to] have an open mind to hear and really negotiate on trying to keep it opened. Yes, officially today is June 1st, and officially it is closed, but the fight is not over with. [We’re going to] continue to fight. 

Listen to the personal accounts below:

Dolores Rhinehart: http://www.divshare.com/download/7546633-161

James Bragg: http://www.divshare.com/download/7546634-08a

Myrna Robertson: http://www.divshare.com/download/7546635-9f7


 

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Second Harvest Tailgate at McCullough Park

MUNCIE, IN - Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana will provide food for families in need at the monthly Tailgate Program on Friday, May 29, 2009. The Second Harvest Tailgate will be held at McCullough Park, located at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Centennial Ave. in Muncie. The distribution is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM while supplies last.

Food items included in this distribution were made possible by grants from The Grainger Foundation and the American Dairy Association of Indiana. 

To sponsor a Second Harvest Tailgate, to volunteer, or for more information, contact Joe Fox, Second Harvest Food Bank director of operations, at 800-886-0882 ext. 106 or visit www.curehunger.org.

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana is the region’s largest hunger-relief charity.  Our mission is to provide a coordinated approach to alleviating hunger in East Central Indiana. Our goal is to feed East Central Indiana's most vulnerable residents through a region-wide network of member agencies and programs and to engage our region in the fight to end hunger.

Each year, the Second Harvest Food Bank  network provides food assistance to more than 63,900 low-income people facing hunger in Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph and Wabash Counties, including more than 22 thousand children and seven thousand seniors.

 

Our network of more than 120 programs serves all eight counties and includes food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs, Kids Cafes, BackPack, and the Tailgate Programs. Second Harvest Food Bank secures and distributes more than 4 million pounds of donated food and grocery products annually.

 

 

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Food Processor to Expand Its Muncie Production Center

MUNCIE, IN - Monogram Comfort Foods, a food processing and packaging company, announced today it will expand its production and distribution center here, adding more than 50 new jobs. The company, formed from the 2008 merger and acquisition of Al Pete Meats, plans to invest nearly $7 million toward building and equipment costs to expand its corndog and fritter manufacturing capacity in Muncie.

"I am confident that Monogram Comfort Foods will continue to realize opportunities to grow through the favorable business climate and productive workforce Indiana has to offer," said Governor Mitch Daniels.  "We are pleased to welcome their new investment here and hope it is the first of many to come." 

The company, which plans to produce more than 250,000 corndogs per day at its 35,000 square-foot Delaware County facility, will begin hiring additional line workers and supervisors in June.

"Monogram could not be happier about being part of Delaware County," said Steve Hofford, vice president and general manager for Monogram Comfort Foods.  "The tremendous labor force and the central location of Muncie make this facility a great addition to our perishable plants in the US. The level of dedication of the people in Muncie and Delaware County will help us grow this business exponentially in the coming months and years."

Monogram Comfort Foods is the Muncie division of Monogram Food Solutions, which is based in Memphis, Tenn. Founded in 2004, Monogram began operations when a group of investors purchased King Cotton and Circle B smoked meat brands from Sara Lee Corporation of Chicago. The company specializes in perishable smoked meat products, hot dogs, corn dogs, beef jerky, smoked sausage and other meat snack items and has licensing agreements with Jeff Foxworthy, Bass Pro Shops and NASCAR.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Monogram Comfort Foods up to $225,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $36,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The Muncie City Council will provide property tax abatement at the request of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.

"We are excited that Monogram Foods is part of the Muncie community and are very pleased with their continued investment and job creation activity. Monogram's investment is further testimony that Muncie-Delaware County is a great place to grow a business," said Mayor Sharon McShurley.

Monogram Comfort Foods' announcement adds to a growing list of food and beverage production companies in Indiana.  Anchored by such names as Edy's Ice Cream, Clabber Girl and Really Cool Foods, the IEDC has worked with more than 25 food production businesses over the past four years to bring more than 3,000 jobs to the Hoosier State

 

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2009 Second Quarter Competitive Grants Awarded

MUNCIE, IN - The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has announced that 15 grants totaling $89,202 have been awarded to local nonprofit agencies and groups in the Foundation’s second competitive grant cycle of 2009. 

The grants are awarded in five areas of interest:  arts and culture, human services, economic development, education, and community betterment. 

First quarter grant recipients include: 

  • Boy Scouts of America, Crossroads of America Council received $16,000 to provide support for a capital campaign to expand the Scoutreach Program, make facility improvements at Camp Red Wing, and provide improved access for local volunteers through training and technology enhancements.

 

  • Cornerstone Center for the Arts received $5,000 to defray the cost of planning, implementation, and production of the Governor’s Arts Awards in Muncie during September 2009.

 

  • East Central Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry received $5,000 to defray the cost of processing, packaging, and freezing donated meat to be turned over to local food banks for distribution to households in the community.

 

  • Gallery 308 received $1,500 (from the Mary Jane Sursa Fund) to defray the cost of an Art Education Program and Juried Student Art Exhibit for Delaware County students in grades K-12.

 

  • Hearts and Hands United received $5,000 (from the Morris Youth Fund) to defray the cost of the 2009 “Tools for School” supply distribution.

 

  • Hillcroft Services, Inc. received $20,000 to defray the cost of a walk-in refrigerator/freezer at Camp Isanogel.

 

  • Indiana Black Expo – Muncie Chapter – received $4,000 to defray the cost of the 2009 Health, Employment, and Information Fair, a free event offering health screenings, employment opportunities, and community information for local residents.

 

  • Muncie Arts and Culture Council received $2,000 (from the John and Janice Fisher Fund) to defray the cost of partnering with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra for the 2009 Symphony on the Green Arts and Music Festival.

 

  • Muncie Symphony Orchestra received $5,000 to defray the cost of the 2009 Symphony on the Green Arts and Music Festival.

 

  • Muncie-Delaware Clean and Beautiful received $1,200 (from the Youth as Resources Fund) to defray the cost of a student-led project to promote participation in the annual White River Clean-Up.

 

  • Muncie-Delaware Clean and Beautiful received $2,502 (from the Louisa and Waldo Beebe Fund) to defray the cost of a collaborative project with Delaware County Community Corrections to beautify the downtown area.

 

  • Muncie-Delaware County Senior Citizens received $3,000 (from the Bassett Family Fund) to defray the cost of renovations necessary for the organization to apply for listing on the National Historical Registry.

 

  • Old Washington Street Festival received $1,500 (from the Gordon and Pam Cox Fund) to defray the cost of electrical equipment and upgrades for the 2009 Old Washington Street Festival.

 

  • Planet Earth Singers received $1,500 (from the Jane Harrell Buckles Fund) to defray the cost of music purchase, accompanist and scholarship honoraria, rental of performance space, and printing and publicity for the upcoming season.

 

  • Robert P. Bell Education Committee received $13,500 to provide small grants (of up to $350) to teachers in Delaware County with innovative classroom projects.

 

  • WIPB-TV received $2,500 to defray the cost of a membership renewal project to increase annual membership contributions.

 

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., established in 1985, is a publicly supported philanthropic institution governed by a volunteer board of local citizens.  The Foundation manages contributions donated by individuals, businesses and corporations as a permanent community endowment.  Distributions from these funds are given back to the community in the form of grants to nonprofit organizations and agencies.  To date, over $29 million has been awarded to improve the lives of the residents of Muncie and Delaware County. 

The next application deadline is July 10, 2009. 

Grant guidelines and applications, as well as post-grant reports, are available online at www.cfmdin.org.

 

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Muncie Downtown Weekly E-News

MUNCIE, IN - Downtown Muncie will once again host tours for BSU orientation parents. Every Tuesday through Friday between June 2 and July 10, two *full* busloads of parents will be brought downtown, and led on a guided tour through our historic downtown district. Dropoff is at 10:50am near the Horizon Center, and pickup is at 11:50am at Muncie Civic Theatre. Click here for details as well as Orientation promotional opportunities for your downtown business or organzation.

Free Friday Night Movies are returning for the seventh year to Downtown Muncie. Movies will be shown every Friday in June, July and August in the 400 block of Walnut Street at dusk. Concessions will be provided by local not-for-profit organizations with of the proceeds benefiting that evening's volunteer organization. READ MORE...

Freaky Tikki Fridays are a great way to end your work and start the weekend with friends, food, drink and live music in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle, each Friday @ 7-11 pm in June, July, August and September. Your business or organization can sponsor a Freaky Tiki Friday for only $100. The money will be used to pay the bands. Click here for details on this awesome promotional opportunity!

Beginning Monday, April 27, Carnegie Library will no longer be a circulating library. This means customers will need to visit Kennedy or Maring-Hunt Libraries to check out books magazines, and other materials. Even though library materials can't be checked out at Carnegie, customers can still return materials in the convenient drop box in Carnegie's parking lot. Carnegie's popular free computer lab will remain open during regular Carnegie hours.

Read More Downtown News at MuncieDowntown.com

MAY EVENTS

May 18 - FM Music Live at Doc's Downtown, a live radio broadcast each Monday on MAX 93.5 & 96.7 FM from Doc's Music Hall. Tune in every Monday from 10p-12a to hear an interview and LIVE acoustic set from regional bands.

May 18 - To celebrate International Museum Day on May 18, Minnetrista is FREE every Monday during the month of May! In addition, four Muncie museums - Ball State University Museum of Art, Minnetrista, Muncie Children's Museum, and the National Model Aviation Museum - are taking part in a "passport program" for a chance to win a museum prize package.

May 21 - Gallery 308's Living Arts series returns on Thursday, May 21, at 7pm at the gallery, located at 308 E. Main St. Sherita Saffer Campbell, Tammy Phillips and Delonda Hartmann will join forces to present "The Art of Crime Writing. READ MORE...

May 21 - Muncie Civic Theatre presents Blues Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place as part of the Family Series on the Mainstage Theatre. Directed by Marty Grubbs. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. READ MORE...

May 22 - Muncie Civic Theatre presents Blues Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place as part of the Family Series on the Mainstage Theatre. Directed by Marty Grubbs. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. READ MORE...

May 23 - Farmers Market at Minnetrista from 8am to noon, Saturdays in May outside at the Orchard Shop.Vendors from across East Central Indiana are geared up for another fantastic season of growing and sharing their fresh garden produce, meat, cheese, herbs, eggs, fresh cut flowers, soaps and lotions, and much more! READ MORE...

May 23 - Jam It! at Minnetrista, 2-4pm. Join us for an afternoon of canning. Experts from Jarden Home Brands will lead your family in canning homemade strawberry jam.

May 23 - Muncie Civic Theatre presents Blues Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place as part of the Family Series on the Mainstage Theatre. Directed by Marty Grubbs. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. READ MORE...

May 25 - Minnetrista is FREE every Monday during the month of May, in celebration of International Museum Day. In addition, four Muncie museums - Ball State University Museum of Art, Minnetrista, Muncie Children's Museum, and the National Model Aviation Museum - are taking part in a "passport program" for a chance to win a museum prize package.

May 25 - FM Music Live at Doc's Downtown, a live radio broadcast each Monday on MAX 93.5 & 96.7 FM from Doc's Music Hall. Tune in every Monday from 10p-12a to hear an interview and LIVE acoustic set from regional bands.

May 27 - Heart of the City downtown public meeting at 3pm in the Star Press building conference room. There will be an update on the merger of the two organizations, announcement of proposed committee structures, and an update on the Main Street program.

May 27 - Copper Enameling Workshop at Minnetrista, 5:30-8:30pm. Try your hand at painting with glass using copper enameling techniques. Create a small mosaic for jewelry or window art.

May 28 - Chat with the Mayor, 6-8pm at Carnegie Library.

May 29 - Freaky Tiki Friday with live music by Jake Hendershot. Start the weekend with friends, food, drink and live music in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle, each Friday @ 7-11 pm in June, July, August and September. Click here for schedule and details...

May 30 - Farmers Market at Minnetrista from 8am to noon, Saturdays in May outside at the Orchard Shop.Vendors from across East Central Indiana are geared up for another fantastic season of growing and sharing their fresh garden produce, meat, cheese, herbs, eggs, fresh cut flowers, soaps and lotions, and much more! READ MORE...

May 30-31 - Heart of the City will be hosting walking tours of the downtown area for incoming Ball State University students beginning the first week of June. We want to put our best foot forward as we welcome these families to our city, so we are hosting a Downtown Cleanup May 30th & 31st, from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. READ MORE...

MAY ONGOING

Through May 30 - The Artist Within features artwork by advanced art students from Muncie Central and Muncie Southside. An opening reception is planned for first Thursday, May 7 from 5-8 pm. The show runs from May 5-30, 2009. READ MORE...

Through May - Glass bead work from local artists on display at ArtWorks gallery. READ MORE...

Through May - "60 Years of Indiana Artist Bette Graham's Print Making" will be on display at Gallery 308 in Muncie. The exhibition is described as a "retrospective" which features pieces dating to the beginning of Graham's long and productive career as well as some newer works. READ MORE...

Through May - Gordy Fine Art & Framing will feature the artwork of Suzanne Marie Lambert, May 1st through 31st. There will be an opening reception during First Thursday, May 7th, from 5 to 8pm.

Through August 23 - Can It! 125 Years of the Ball Jar exhibit at Minnetrista, April 4 through August 23. This highly interactive original exhibit not only looks at the historical production of the Ball jar and its influence on Muncie and surrounding communities. READ MORE...

JUNE EVENTS

June 2 - July 10 - BSU Orientation parent tours of Downtown Muncie will be conducted every Tuesday through Friday from 10:30am to noon. Click here for details.

June 5 - Free Friday Night Movie: Madagascar 2. Free Friday Night Movies are shown every week at dusk in the 400 block of Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie. Concessions will be provided by local not-for-profit organizations with of the proceeds benefiting that evening's volunteer organization. FULL SCHEDULE HERE...

June 5 - Freaky Tiki Friday with live music by Peterson, Simmons and Dunn. Start the weekend with friends, food, drink and live music in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle, each Friday @ 7-11 pm in June, July, August and September. Click here for schedule and details...

June 5 - Culinary ART! A Touch of Glass Friday, June 5 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Minnetrista. Feast your eyes on the culinary techniques of chefs from the American Culinary Federation as they prepare artistic appetizers and desserts. Participants can dazzle their palette with samples of their exquisite food and then take a stroll through the galleries for the opening of Sand and Fire: A Juried Glass Show. READ MORE...

June 5 & 6 - Garden Fair at Minnetrista Saturday from 8am to 4pm, and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Garden Fair offers two days full of demonstrations, education and workshops for the garden enthusiasts.

June 12 - Friday Dance Movie & Crafts at Muncie Ballet Studio, 6:30-9:00pm. Drop off your dancer at the studio for a movie, popcorn, and fun crafts! READ MORE...

June 12 - Free Friday Night Movie: High School Musical 3. Free Friday Night Movies are shown every week at dusk in the 400 block of Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie. Concessions will be provided by local not-for-profit organizations with of the proceeds benefiting that evening's volunteer organization. FULL SCHEDULE HERE...

June 12 - Freaky Tiki Friday with live music by Doc Warner. Start the weekend with friends, food, drink and live music in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle, each Friday @ 7-11 pm in June, July, August and September. Click here for schedule and details...

June 15-19 - The Artist Within and Art Mart art camps, "Art Camp Goes Green" Session 1, ages 6-8 years, 9am to Noon. Session 2, ages 9-12 years, is July 13-17 and Session 3, ages 12 and over, is Aug. 3-7. Sign up before June 1st for $25 early registration discount!

June 19 - Free Friday Night Movie: Speed Racer. Car Show and RC Racing prior to the movie. Free Friday Night Movies are shown every week at dusk in the 400 block of Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie. Concessions will be provided by local not-for-profit organizations with of the proceeds benefiting that evening's volunteer organization. FULL SCHEDULE HERE...

June 19 - Freaky Tiki Friday with live music by Bryce Taylor. Start the weekend with friends, food, drink and live music in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle, each Friday @ 7-11 pm in June, July, August and September. Click here for schedule and details...

June 26 - Friday Dance Movie & Crafts at Muncie Ballet Studio, 6:30-9:00pm. Drop off your dancer at the studio for a movie, popcorn, and fun crafts! READ MORE...

June 26 - Free Friday Night Movie: Kung Fu Panda. Free Friday Night Movies are shown every week at dusk in the 400 block of Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie. Concessions will be provided by local not-for-profit organizations with of the proceeds benefiting that evening's volunteer organization. FULL SCHEDULE HERE...

June 26 - Freaky Tiki Friday with live music by Easy Leis. Start the weekend with friends, food, drink and live music in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle, each Friday @ 7-11 pm in June, July, August and September. Click here for schedule and details...

JUNE ONGOING

June and July - Muncie Ballet Studio Summer Camps offer Crafts, Dance, Pointe, Theatre at the Island & Dance Movie Nights. Crafts & Dance in every class! Session One: June 4, 11, 18, 25; Session Two: July 9, 16, 23, 30. READ MORE...

June 6 - August 16 - Sand and Fire: A Juried Glass Show at Minnetrista, features work from glass artists from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan. Glasswork styles represented will be torchwork, mosaics, etched and cold techniques, blown, fused, cast and stained glass.

June 8 - July 30 - The Cornerstone Arts Program is excited to introduce its summer classes, which will run from June 8th-July 30th. The Arts Program offers classes for youth and adults in numerous areas of the arts. Classes vary and run anywhere from 5-8 weeks. Payment plans and financial aid are available. READ MORE...

June 15 to July 31 - Camp Minnetrista is for kids Pre-K to those who are entering sixth grade in the fall of 2009. Taking place on the Minnetrista grounds, the four week-long day camps are an exciting and educational experience for their children. Campers can come one week or four weeks and can choose to attend half day or full day camps. READ MORE...

 

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Alice Miriam Kitselman Scholarship Awarded

MUNCIE, IN - The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., has announced that Carly Ann Townsend, a senior at Burris Laboratory School, is the 2009 recipient of the Alice Miriam Kitselman Scholarship. 

This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of Burris Laboratory School who has shown the desire and ability to pursue a career in medicine or surgery. 

Townsend, the daughter of Marion Townsend and Terri Townsend, plans to study nursing at Bellarmine University.

 

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Muncie Fire Station Consolidations

MUNCIE, IN -  Since March of 2008 the City of Muncie has been aware of significant revenue loss due to property tax reform.  Every department funded through the general fund has been challenged to find savings by determining core services and providing those services through efficiencies, technology and potential revenue streams. 

Last year no raises were given to City of Muncie employees.   

All city employees now have e-mail addresses which will provide efficiencies in relating information.  Training will be provided to all employees that need updated skills for using technology in their respective departments. 

Take home vehicles were restricted to employees who were most likely to be called out. 

An analysis was completed on all city-owned property with the goal of finding opportunities for generating revenue and reducing inventory. 

The Office of the Building Commissioner updated fees that were last reviewed 20 years ago and is generating revenue commensurate with services provided.  The Building Commissioner’s office is now overseeing Weed Control as well. 

The Animal Shelter also has updated fee schedules and is restricting its services to aiding the citizens of Muncie in regard to dogs and cats and carcass removal from streets.  Wildlife calls are referred to the private sector.  Staff has been reduced as well. 

The Office of the Controller is implementing new software that will provide efficiencies to payroll, asset management, and accounts payable. 

The Health Insurance Administrator of the Muncie Sanitary District and the City’s Office of Human Resources continue to collaborate by sharing staffing resources. Future applicants for part-time employment will able to apply on-line soon. 

The Office of the Mayor is continuously updating the website to provide on-line data often requested by the public.  The Deputy Mayor has assumed the responsibility of Project Manager, a position that is federally mandated. 

The Police Department reduced staffing levels, streamlined administrative services with the use of technology and made cost-saving changes to fleet use. 

The above-mentioned changes did provide significant savings.  However, at this time we need to start digging deeper.  As we plan for the $3.8 million loss, consideration was given to the locations of the stations and how the community could be best served.  Station 1 will be consolidated into Station 3.  Station 4 will be consolidated into Station 2.   

The considerations were as follows: 

Station 1

Stations 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 will respond to Station 1’s territory.  The life of the facility is limited, as the structure is not designed to hold heavy vehicles and the wear and tear over the years has been significant and will require costly and significant repairs and updating .  Administrative offices will be relocated to City Hall.  This consolidation will be complete by July 30th. 

Station 4

Station 2 will respond to calls in Station 4’s territory.  This station has the least amount of calls within the city limits.

This consolidation will be completed within 30 days.

Source: Muncie City Hall

 

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Brevini Wind Accelerates US Wind Turbine Main Drive Manufacturing Operation Planned for Muncie, IN

MUNCIE, IN - Brevini Wind USA announced the acceleration of the schedule for its planned Main Drive manufacturing operation for the U.S. Wind Turbine market.

Dr. Jacopo Tozzi, CEO Brevini Wind, stated "The market response to Brevini Wind's participation in last week's American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) annual conference in Chicago exceeded expectations. We have reached the point with new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customer contracts and ongoing conversations where we must move up our scheduled Start of Production (SOP) to serve the needs of our customers." The original SOP for first quarter 2011 is being moved up to late third quarter 2010, accelerating the project schedule by 6 months.

Renato Brevini, President & CEO Brevini Holdings, stated "The response of the U.S. marketplace to our Main Drive technology and the continued close support of the state of Indiana through Governor Mitch Daniels and his vision for the wind energy manufacturing business leads us to believe we are in the right place at the right time and must act decisively."

"Brevini's decision to accelerate the production of its turbine technology here in Muncie means new jobs for Hoosiers who are ready to get down to business," said Daniels.

To enable this accelerated schedule, Brevini Wind USA announced the selection of the design build firm GDI Construction with a target ground breaking and start of construction for this July, 2009. The date for the ground breaking in Muncie will be coordinated with local officials and the office of Governor Mitch Daniels. The manufacturing capacity of the Muncie facility will allow for the production of 1,000 Main Drive gear boxes per year, ranging in size from 1.5 MW to 3.65 MW. Construction is to be complete in late March 2010. A phase two expansion is tentatively planned to follow doubling the manufacturing capacity to 2,000 Main Drive gear boxes per year by 2015.

A supply chain conference to assist potential local, state & regional suppliers in meeting the needs of Brevini Wind will be held jointly with the ground breaking this July and coordinated with local and state officials from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Office of Energy Development, Work One, Ball State University & Ivy Tech. "The Brevini Company values the close working relationship and tremendous support it has received from each of these organizations with the preparation of the perspective Workforce and Supplier base," said Greg Winkler, Director of Project Development.

In addition to the Brevini Wind manufacturing operation, the relocation of Brevini USA's North American headquarters is currently underway and is also scheduled to be complete this July. Sal Spada, President Brevini USA, praised the support and assistance of local and state officials and businesses. "We have received an outpouring of help from every side which is enabling a very smooth transition to our new home in Muncie. This is an ideal environment in which to do business and we believe it is giving us a competitive advantage!"

"Today's announcement is great news for Muncie-Delaware County. The acceleration of this project is bringing jobs and supplier opportunities to our community even faster than expected," said Terry Murphy, Vice President, Economic Development for the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.

 

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