A forum that was meant to discuss positive ways to improve the Village turned negative with accusations of "chump fishing" and the discovery of a handgun concealed in a boot.
Whitney Stump, the former manager of Mo's Tavern, and another man attended the event in the Village in protest of Myles Ogea who Stump had a previous business contract with.
Ogea was having the forum to hear ideas from Ball State University students about what types of businesses they would like to see in the Village.
Stump interrupted the discussion, shouting at Ogea, saying he was "chump fishing."
Once asked to leave, the two men loitered in the parking lot behind University Square until Ball State police arrived. Stump's friend who had a permit for his weapon did not immediately tell police. The police searched the men and found the gun on the man, at which point they placed the two in handcuffs.
After talking to the men, the police agreed to release them after learning about the permit.
Despite the disruption, Ogea and people in attendance said they had good feelings about the night.
Suggestions from Ball State students included adding a hookah bar, ice cream shop, laser tag arcade and an organic food store.
Of these, the idea for a hookah bar had the most support among people in attendance. Ogea said a potential problem with this is Delaware County's smoking laws, which prevent anyone under 21 from smoking in a business.
Director of Music Technology Rick Di Giallonardo said another issue to consider with any new business is the support of the university, which can be important to being successful.
"Ball State just went smoke-free, so opening a hookah bar in the Village may cause a struggle," he said.
Junior economics major Rebecca Patrick said she would like to see students take more responsibility for their community. She suggested creating a student organization focused on promoting the Village.
"Even though we're only here for four years, I'd like to see students take charge," Patrick said.
Sophomore entrepreneurship major Nicholas Bashenow attended the event prepared to take action in starting a business.
Bashenow said the biggest problem in the Village is the lack of direction. He said he hopes to organize a team of students interested in mapping out a plan and implementing it in the most beneficial way for Muncie. He encouraged any students interested to contact him.
"It's easy to look at the daunting aspect of small business," he said, "but if you're afraid of taking risks it won't work."
Bashenow said starting an ice cream shop is closest to his heart, and he plans on at least operating a cart in the Village by next semester.
Gun scareDuring a forum to discuss potential ways to improve the Village, two men were handcuffed and one was found to be in possession of a gun. Former Mo's Tavern manager Whitney Stump was involved in the incident. No one was arrested.
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