Trinity Rea
- Graduate Student, Ball State University
- Contributor, The Star Press
- Contributor, Ball State Daily News
Muncie
As seen in:
Ball State Daily News,
The Star Press,
LinkedIn,
MSN,
Yahoo Life,
Aol,
Yahoo Sports,
Yahoo,
The Indianapolis Star,
NewsBreak,
Journal & Courier,
South Bend Tribune
and
Ball State School of Journalism Graduate Assistant, contributor @TheStarPress, @bsudailynews
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Trinity Rea
Hundreds pack Delaware Co. town hall over rumored data center at AMA site
SELMA, IN — Hundreds of Delaware County residents crammed into a packed town hall Monday night, attracting even more attendees who couldn't fit to listen from outside the building, to oppose a data center rumored to sit on the 1,100-acre property of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Ball State opens new performance center for student-athletes
MUNCIE — Ball State officially opened its new Eric Foss Championship Performance Center Oct. 22 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, completing a $7.8 million project supported by alumni giving and university investment. The event, which was during the university’s 100th Homecoming week, was the first time guests were invited into the 11,000-square-foot facility. The space is designed to serve more than 350 student-athletes across Ball State’s 18 Divison 1 sports.
Yorktown library's flooding leaves community without a gathering place
"As a mom, it hurts when they're like, 'Can we go to the library today?'" Cheyanne Arsenault has two children, ages 6 and 9, and since August she has had to answer no to that question, making sure they know they aren't in trouble. "I'm saying no because it's not there right now," said Arsenault, president of the Yorktown Friends of the Library, a group that helps the library raise money.
Ball State augmented reality project takes you back into Muncie history
Muncie and its downtown have their fair share of history lost to time. If you find yourself in the right spot, you could be standing on the former site of a historic building. This is the idea behind "Echoes of Muncie," an augmented reality project designed by Ball State's IDIA Lab that debuted to the public at Arts Walk on Oct. 1. Point your phone in the right place, and the old Muncie courthouse rises where a government building now sits. A bank becomes the Wysor Grand Opera House.
Yorktown gathers to celebrate the life of Chris 'Big One' Wilson Jr.
MUNCIE — Clouds turned the sky gray over Yorktown High School's football field Saturday afternoon, but for a few minutes, they parted. Sunlight settled over the roughly 100 people below as Chris Wilson Jr.'s family spoke. “God, we thank you for another opportunity to stand before your presence, God, and we are asking that you would look on this family,” Pastor Wayne Anderson said. Attendees held balloons in one hand while leaving their second hand open, ready to hold who was grieving next to them.
'Controversial' economist and writer Michael Hicks leaves Ball State Original
Aug. 11, 2026, 12:08 p.m. ET Michael Hicks is leaving his role as director of Ball State’s Center for Business and Economic Research after 19 years. He will become the director of the newly combined College of Business and Technology at Shenandoah University. Hicks's economic research, particularly on hospital monopolies, has drawn both praise and significant criticism from political and industry leaders. Colleagues and students describe him as an intense researcher and a dedicated mentor.
Flock camera cut down on Ball State campus as Muncie officials discuss system
MUNCIE, IN — A Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader on Ball State's campus was cut down during the early hours of Aug. 4 at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Dicks Street. Ball State University Content and Media Strategy Manager Andrew Walker confirmed the incident. “UPD is aware of the incident and is investigating. At this time, we have no additional information to share while the matter is under investigation,” he said via email.
The Foster Closet opens its second location at Illuminate Muncie
What is now an opportunity for foster children was just a tiny, unused space a few months ago. Lacking electricity, storage and air conditioning, Joe and Melissa Hullinger entered the small building nestled behind Illuminate Muncie with one goal: create the best possible space for foster kids and the families who take them in. “Neither one of us have ever done anything like this,” Melissa said. “... We're just so grateful that the community has really come together and donated.
Ball State fraternity student battling leukemia looks to be a 'light' for others
Tyler Starr spent the last week of his sophomore year the way most Ball State students prepare to spend their summers, working at his fraternity house, getting ready to relax with family, and looking forward to playing another season with the club baseball team. Two weeks later, he was in a hospital bed being told his hemoglobin level was low enough that doctors described him as close to organ failure. He had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. “There wasn't much going through my mind.
Ball State fraternity student battling leukemia looks to be a 'light' for others
Tyler Starr spent the last week of his sophomore year the way most Ball State students prepare to spend their summers, working at his fraternity house, getting ready to relax with family, and looking forward to playing another season with the club baseball team. Two weeks later, he was in a hospital bed being told his hemoglobin level was low enough that doctors described him as close to organ failure. He had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. “There wasn't much going through my mind.
Rare Muncie veto halts council-approved overlay ordinance
On July 14, the last day of his tenure as Interim Mayor of Muncie, Jeff Howe vetoed City Ordinance 13-26: a proposed Overlay District in the McKinley Neighborhood. The proposed overlay imposes an additional set of regulations over an existing zoning district, or multiple zoning districts, used to protect specific environments, preserve historic character, or promote designated types of development without rewriting the base zoning code.
Rare Muncie veto halts council-approved overlay ordinance
On July 14, the last day of his tenure as Interim Mayor of Muncie, Jeff Howe vetoed City Ordinance 13-26: a proposed Overlay District in the McKinley Neighborhood. The proposed overlay imposes an additional set of regulations over an existing zoning district, or multiple zoning districts, used to protect specific environments, preserve historic character, or promote designated types of development without rewriting the base zoning code.
Yorktown honors killed hometown boxer Hannah Rapp with candlelight vigil Original
July 23, 2026, 11:02 a.m. ET Professional boxer Hannah Rapp was killed at age 26 in what police describe as a road rage incident. More than 100 people gathered for a vigil in Yorktown, Indiana, to celebrate her life. Friends and family remembered Rapp for her bright personality, work ethic and authenticity. The community has raised funds for her family through shirt and candle sales, as well as a GoFundMe page.
PHOTO GALLERY: The 174th Delaware County Fair
Skip to Content, Search, Navigation, or Footer. Fairgoers on a ride at the 2026 Delaware County Fair at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Muncie, Indiana. Trinity Rea The 174th Delaware County Fair began July 20th and runs until July 25th at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Entry to the fair is free and the fairgrounds are open from 3-10 p.m. daily. Guests can expect to find a multitude of rides and food trucks. Check out our gallery below for a glimpse into the fair.
New leadership at Muncie’s Soup Kitchen promises to continue its mission
MUNCIE, IN — Only a few weeks after taking over as executive director, Emily Hayes said she still isn't quite sure how she ended up running a soup kitchen. "I wasn't really looking for this job. It kind of found me," she said. Hayes is a full-time professor at Ball State University, teaching environment, geology and natural resources. A friend told her the Soup Kitchen of Muncie had been searching for a new executive director for months. "I had no idea that there was a search going on," Hayes said.
New leadership at Muncie’s Soup Kitchen promises to continue its mission
July 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m. ET The Soup Kitchen of Muncie has hired a new executive director, Emily Hayes, and a new kitchen manager. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the kitchen served more than 47,000 individuals in 2024. The organization operates with minimal paid staff, relying heavily on volunteers and community donations. The new director aims to focus on providing dignity and compassion, not just increasing the number of meals served.
Volunteers are the heart of Muncie's Soup Kitchen as need grows
Volunteers are the heart of Muncie's Soup Kitchen as need grows Trinity Rea July 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m. ET Volunteers at Muncie's Soup Kitchen work to prepare a hot meal earlier this month. Trinity Rea A volunteer at Muncie's Soup Kitchen works to prepare a hot meal. Trinity Rea A guest at Muncie's Soup Kitchen fills up a cup with water in the kitchen's cafeteria. Trinity Rea The Director of Muncie's Soup Kitchen, Emily Hayes, works on a promotional flyer in her office at the kitchen.
Flooding occurs across Muncie after multiple inches of rain
Heavy rain resulted in widespread flooding across Muncie and Delaware County July 11, overwhelming storm drains and prompting a Flood Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS). NWS Indianapolis issued the warning at 4:21 p.m. July 11 for Delaware, Madison, Henry and Randolph counties, reporting 3 to 5 inches of rain had already fallen, with flooding underway in Muncie, Yorktown, Chesterfield, Daleville and around Ball State University.
The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame hopes to showcase new and old talent
Delaware County has hundreds of years of athletic history, ranging from a slew of now-extinct schools to former Muncie-born baseball players who competed against Babe Ruth. The importance of this is not lost on Kaye Harrell, the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame's (DCAHOF) acting president. With over 1,000 members and counting in the hall, Harrell said she hopes everyone in the county knows that great athletes can come from exactly where they grew up.
Muncie braces for new law targeting sleeping on public property Original
July 1, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET A new Indiana law makes it illegal to sleep or camp on public property, creating a new criminal offense. The law has caused fear and uncertainty among Muncie's homeless population, who may be pushed into abandoned buildings. Local officials and outreach workers express skepticism about the law's effectiveness, citing limited shelter options and potential legal complications.
Ball State PBS raises over $300,000 in auction of Bob Ross painting
On June 30th, a crowd packed into WIPB-TV’s (Ball State PBS) studios in Muncie. Staff, volunteers, and two of the women who helped found the station more than 50 years ago made up the crowd watching a live auction stream on TV’s placed throughout the room. When the bidding opened on Mountain Summit, an original Bob Ross painting from Season 13 of The Joy of Painting, the room came alive. People cheered.
Ball State PBS raises over $300,000 in auction of Bob Ross painting
On June 30th, a crowd packed into WIPB-TV’s (Ball State PBS) studios in Muncie. Staff, volunteers, and two of the women who helped found the station more than 50 years ago made up the crowd watching a live auction stream on TV’s placed throughout the room. When the bidding opened on Mountain Summit, an original Bob Ross painting from Season 13 of The Joy of Painting, the room came alive. People cheered.
Cemetery volunteers restore headstones neglected for over a century Original
June 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET Volunteers in Muncie, Indiana, are working to restore historic headstones at Beech Grove Cemetery. The effort is led by cemetery superintendent Troy Watters and restoration veteran Bob Good. The cemetery is actively seeking more volunteers for upcoming workdays to clean and repair the stones. MUNCIE, IN — Bob Good has spent nearly two decades crouching in front of headstones that most people walk past without reading.
Beech Grove Cemetery volunteers work to repair and clean historic site
Beech Grove Cemetery volunteers work to repair and clean historic site Trinity Rea June 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET A broken headstone sits at Beech Grove Cemetery. This stone is one of many needed to be cleaned and repaired. Trinity Rea Troy Watters, scrubs a headstone clean on June 27 at Beech Grove Cemetery. Watters, the cemetery's superintendent, is the driving force behind a new volunteer effort to clean, repair and restore Beech Grove's headstones.
Scenes from Muncie Mall: Traffic scarce as a few retailers linger Original
June 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET MUNCIE, IN — Walk through Muncie Mall on any given day, and the most reliable foot traffic isn't shopping; it's exercise. A handful of older residents make laps through the main concourse, not in any particular rush. They pass stores with signs advertising sales or special hours. But a lack of lights and foot traffic make it hard to tell whether some stores are open or closed. Books-A-Million has customers.
Juneteenth Muncie to host annual celebration in McCulloch Park June 20
Skip to Content, Search, Navigation, or Footer. Eden McCrory, Burris Laboratory School sixth-grade student, reads her winning Juneteenth essay to the Muncie community in McCulloch Park July 17, 2021. McCrory won a $100 gift card for her essay responding to the prompt "Why Juneteenth Should Be A National Holiday.” Iris Tello, DN What started in 2020 with grills, one speaker and a couple of weeks of planning has grown into one of Muncie’s most well-known summer celebrations.
What does America mean to Muncie?
June 12, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET Residents of Muncie hold diverse and often conflicting views on the state of America as the nation's 250th birthday approaches. Many interviewees say freedom remains a core, though sometimes complicated, tenet of American identity. Several residents voiced concerns over political division, economic struggles and the loss of rights for marginalized groups. Despite challenges, themes of community, opportunity and hope for a more unified future are common.
Swierc settlement with BSU leaves key free speech question unanswered Original
June 2, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET A former Ball State University employee was fired after a private Facebook post about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death was amplified online. She filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the university president, which was recently settled for $225,000. The case raised questions about whether a public employee can be fired for disruption caused by third parties amplifying their private speech.
Grow With Women hosts third annual fashion show in downtown Muncie
Skip to Content, Search, Navigation, or Footer. A community member models an outfit while walking down a runway May 29 at the Grow With Women (GROW WIWO) Fashion show at Canan Commons in Downtown Muncie. Trinity Rea, DN The evening of May 29 brought more than just heat, with local vendors, boutiques, business owners, and a runway to Canan Commons for the third annual GROW Fashion Show.
Fallen service members honored at Beech Grove Cemetery’s 154th Memorial Day service
Skip to Content, Search, Navigation, or Footer. Members of the Delaware County Honor Guard stand to be recognized during the playing of the Army service song delivered by America's Hometown Band in Beech Grove Cemetery May 25. Trinity Rea, DN. “Let the living have the remainder of the year; today is for the dead.” That is how Army veteran Adam Leach set the tone for the 154th annual Memorial Day service at Muncie’s Beech Grove Cemetery May 25.
Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning student awarded national recognition
Ball State University’s Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning is celebrating one of its own after newly graduated landscape architecture student Ahmaud Carroll-Tubbs was named a 2026 LAF National Olmsted Scholar Undergraduate Finalist earlier this month. He earned a $3,000 award and national recognition for his work in historic preservation and community-centered design. Carroll-Tubbs was one of only three undergraduate finalists selected nationwide.
Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning student awarded national recognition
Ball State University’s Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning is celebrating one of its own after newly graduated landscape architecture student Ahmaud Carroll-Tubbs was named a 2026 LAF National Olmsted Scholar Undergraduate Finalist earlier this month. He earned a $3,000 award and national recognition for his work in historic preservation and community-centered design. Carroll-Tubbs was one of only three undergraduate finalists selected nationwide.
Muncie Boy Scouts’ Troop 22 honors veterans at Beech Grove Cemetery
Skip to Content, Search, Navigation, or Footer. A member of Boy Scouts Troop 22 helps place flags at different gravesites in Beech Grove Cemetery in Muncie, Indiana, May 20. Trinity Rea, DN. Continuing their 13-year tradition, Muncie Boy Scouts’ Troop 22 staked flags among the graves of veterans at Beech Grove Cemetery May 20, in honor of Memorial Day. Scouts moved through the cemetery’s four American Legion sections, carefully placing flags at each grave marking a veteran’s service.
The push to save Delaware County's last brick schoolhouse Original
May 20, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET A Muncie-area nonprofit is raising money to save the historic Corinth Schoolhouse, built in 1875. The group, One Room Schoolhouse No. 3 Inc., needs to raise $52,000 for urgent repairs to the roof and brickwork. This is the second time the schoolhouse has needed rescuing after a previous restoration in the 1990s. Once restored, the building will again serve as a living history museum for local fourth-grade field trips.
Nonprofit aims to restore one of the last schoolhouses in the state
Nonprofit aims to restore one of the last schoolhouses in the state Trinity Rea May 20, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET By 1874, the District 3 schoolhouse had moved to its current location. The wood-frame building that stood there was replaced a year later by the brick one that still stands today, built in 1875. Trinity Rea A new nonprofit has formed to raise money and oversee the restoration of The Corinth Schoolhouse, also known as One Room Schoolhouse No. 3, which has been standing since 1875.
Oldest IU grad this year says, ‘Age is not a limit’ Original
David Chusid earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University East at the age of 74. After leaving college in the 1970s because of a family tragedy, Chusid had a long career before returning to school. He has been accepted into a master's program and plans to become a high school math teacher. Chusid completed his degree online while working full time and encourages others not to let age be a barrier to education. RICHMOND — David Chusid will tell you he doesn't feel old.
Ball Bearings: Below the surface, a look at Ball State's geothermal system
Beneath the sidewalks of Ball State University, under North Quad and parking lots just past Beneficence, waves are moving. Not the kinds that crash or foam, but ones that radiate outward, slowly, silently, carrying heat through pipes buried hundreds of feet deep in the earth. Ball State is home to the nation’s largest ground-source, closed-loop district geothermal energy system, according to its website.
Delaware County Republican Party optimistic following primary
Skip to Content, Search, Navigation, or Footer. Members of the Delaware County Republican party, alongside candidates, volunteers, and other community members, attend the primary election watch party May 5, at Knights of Columbus in Muncie, Indiana. Trinity Rea, DN The results were slow to arrive Tuesday night, but the energy at the Delaware County Republican watch party at Knights of Columbus remained high.
Ball Bearings: Below the surface
Beneath the sidewalks of Ball State University, under North Quad and parking lots just past Beneficence, waves are moving. Not the kinds that crash or foam, but ones that radiate outward, slowly, silently, carrying heat through pipes buried hundreds of feet deep in the earth. Ball State is home to the nation’s largest ground-source, closed-loop district geothermal energy system, according to its website.
Muncie's St. Patrick's Day Parade is back after a year away
MUNCIE — Muncie’s 39th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, in Downtown Muncie after the event was not held in 2025. Lineup will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Muncie City Hall parking lot, and parade sign-in and entry will be from the Walnut Street entrance. The parade will proceed south on Walnut Street to Charles Street and return via Mulberry Street.
Muncie Central High School students hold a walkout over ICE
Transcript Brooke Follrad, NewsLink Indiana Muncie Central High School students held a walkout Feb. 6 to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A group of around 50 people marched to Muncie City Hall and back along N Walnut St. Students were outside for nearly two hours, chanting and waving to passing cars. Muncie Central Senior Josiah Tramel was one of many students leading the group in chants, encouraging his peers.
Muncie Central High School students walkout during school day over ICE
Muncie Central students walk out Feb. 6 during the school day in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Muncie, Indiana. Jessica Bergfors, DN Transcript Brooke Follrad, NewsLink Indiana Muncie Central High School students held a walkout Feb. 6 to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A group of around 50 people marched to Muncie City Hall and back along N Walnut St. Students were outside for nearly two hours, chanting and waving to passing cars.
FWCS students train with coaches during school day
The clang of barbells echoing through hallways has become a daily rhythm inside some Fort Wayne high schools. Fort Wayne Community Schools students who once had little or no exposure to structured strength training now follow personalized plans, learn proper form and build confidence under the guidance of professional coaches. That change has been transformative. Camden Day still remembers struggling to bench press 95 pounds at the end of eighth grade.
Ball State student from Elkhart County rebuilds life after being shot
MUNCIE — The house on West Carson Street was packed. It was Nov. 2, 2024, and the house party had spilled out onto the front yard. That's where then-20-year-old Goshen resident and Ball State University student Austin Elliott stood socializing with people he’d just met. In the front yard of a stranger's house, Elliott’s chatter was forcibly interrupted.
Ball State student from Elkhart County rebuilds life after being shot
Trinity Rea Special to The Tribune Jan. 23, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET Ball State student Austin Elliott was shot and paralyzed at an off-campus party in November 2024. A year later, Elliott has returned to campus, navigating life in a wheelchair while pursuing his degree. Doctors decided against removing the bullet from his spine due to the risk of further damage. Elliott participated in a fundraiser for the Chicago rehabilitation lab that helped him learn to live independently.
Q&A: Ball State University Police Capt. shares tips on party safety
When Matt Gaither began his career with the Ball State University Police Department 23 years ago, campus safety looked very different than what it does today. Now a day shift captain, Gaither has spent more than two decades working alongside students, faculty and local law enforcement to address evolving safety concerns both on and off campus.
Ball State’s Austin Elliott has rebuilt his life one year after Halloween shooting
The house on West Carson Street in Muncie was packed. It was Nov. 2, 2024, and the house party had spilled out onto the front yard, where then 20-year-old Austin Elliott stood socializing with people he’d just met. In the front yard of a stranger's house, Elliott’s chatter was forcibly interrupted. Two gunshots. He fell instantly. A bullet had entered his back and lodged in his spine. The party erupted into chaos as attendees scattered in every direction.
Ball State Daily
The house on West Carson Street in Muncie was packed. It was Nov. 2, 2024, and the house party had spilled out onto the front yard, where then 20-year-old Austin Elliott stood socializing with people he’d just met. In the front yard of a stranger's house, Elliott’s chatter was forcibly interrupted. Two gunshots. He fell instantly. A bullet had entered his back and lodged in his spine. The party erupted into chaos as attendees scattered in every direction.
Where art meets order: A look at the David Owsley Museum of Art archival process
Skip to Content, Search, Navigation, or Footer. A photograph of one of many storage areas in the David Owsley Museum of Art, Sept. 19, at the David Owsley Museum of Art. Trinity Rea, Ball Bearings Maria VanVreede, registrar and collection manager at the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA), said that each of the thirteen thousand objects in its collection represents a story, a process and a responsibility.
Echoes of Elliott Hall
In the lobby of Elliott Hall, illuminated by a dim overhead lamp, sits a lone portrait of Frank E. Ball. Crimson walls surround the painting, glowing under the room’s ornate white molding. The lobby’s original 1940s furniture sits in near-perfect condition. Everything remains exactly as it was, except for the students. Around Ball State’s campus, the stories about Elliott Hall never seem to fade. Students trade whispers of ghosts, echoing traditions and long-told rumors.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Trinity
Contact Trinity, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack