Muncie Indiana News and Community

MUNCIE, IN - A New Castle man crashed his Ford Mustang off Ind. 3 near the Henry County line Wednesday night, injuring a passenger.

NEW LISBON, IN -   A semi carrying lettuce and cocaine down Interstate 70 netted Indiana State Police one of the biggest drug busts in recent history this week.

 The cocaine in processed bricks was valued at nearly $4 million and ended in the arrest of two Hispanics, one who had a hold from federal immigration officials.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - That no smoking law so popular in Delaware County could soon be statewide, but still give bars and restaurants a bit longer to comply.

 The Indiana House could vote as early as Monday on the no smoking law that would exempt bars and restaurants for 18 months before it takes effect. Just ask Lewis Coulter, who heads the local licensed beverage association, and that just gives bars more time to die. Since the local law was adopted, smokers are banned to an outside oasis while in winter months, many people don't even bother to come out.

MUNCIE, IN - Former Indiana House Speaker John Gregg is coming to Muncie Friday to raise awareness and money that he wants to be Indiana's next governor.

MUNCIE, IN - The Muncie Police Department recently reorganized after the appointment of Steve Stewart as police chief by Mayor Dennis Tyler.

MUNCIE, IN - That faint smell of smoke still lingered at Wal-Mart North Wednesday night after a fire in a trash compactor.

 Muncie fire crews took quick action in the afternoon after employees found the compactor smoldering. Signs of the fire were witnessed by people standing outside in the parking lot.

 After the danger was over, Wal-Mart reopened and resumed that 24-7 commerce that made Sam Walton famous. But cashiers and others could not help but notice that smell and the bad air that goes along with it.

MUNCIE, IN - A hung jury was the result of a Muncie pastor accused of sexually molesting teenage congregation members almost a decade ago.

 The Muncie Fire Department did a bit of reorganization this week after the appointment of Eddie Bell as fire chief.

 Two firefighters got captain's promotions after Bell and Deputy Chief Bret Granger were named by Mayor Dennis Tyler to lead the department. And former Chief Sean Burcham returns to his lieutenant's job.

 A drunk Ball State University student from Amish Country played bumper cars with a campus landmark Sunday night.

MUNCIE, IN - Congressman Mike Pence is making a road trip to Muncie Tuesday to talk about Congress, government and politics.

 Pence's first stop will be at noon when he dines and talks to the Muncie Rotary Club that represents the corporate elite of the community. That gathering is at the Minnetrista Cultural Center where the stately Ball Brothers mansions once and some still stand. 

PORTLAND, IN  - A Jay County man remains in jail, accused of causing a death in a likely drunk driving accident Saturday night.

 Dead is Michael L. Limbert, 36, who died at the scene of the accident at Jay County roads 650-S and 250-W according to Jay County Sheriff Ray Newton. Charged in the head-on accident is David M. Oxley, 36, rural Portland, who faces initially charged of felony driving while intoxicated in an accident causing a death. Results of a blood alcohol test are still pending.

HARTFORD CITY, IN - Slick roads contributed to a fatal  crash Monday afternoon on Ind. 3, killing a Fort Wayne woman.