Muncie board approves back-to-school and Indiana Black Expo street closures, tables fireworks permit for basketball tournament

The Muncie Board of Public Works and Safety on July 15 approved multiple street closures for community events and tabled a separate fireworks-related request.

The board approved a street-closure application from Brothers to Brothers United Incorporated for a back-to-school event on Aug. 8, 2026, closing one block (5th Street to Jefferson Street). A board member clarified the closure is “just 1 block” along the side of the group's building; police and fire approvals were noted.

A representative identified in the transcript as Wautasha presented paperwork for the Indiana Black Expo, Muncie chapter, seeking a parade route for Saturday, Aug. 1. She said the group had liability insurance, route plans and approval from Chief Sloan for law-enforcement management, and added that security would be provided by Legacy Life Security. The board member moved to approve the packet and the chair seconded; the motion carried.

A separate street-closure and fireworks request for a "Superator Incorporated Basketball Tournament" was discussed but no representative was present. Because the board required clarifications on fireworks timing, security and other logistics, a board member moved to table the item; the motion carried and the chair instructed the clerk to place the item on next week's agenda.

Why it matters: The approvals clear the way for local community events that use public streets and require coordinated public-safety planning; the tabled fireworks permit shows the board's caution when safety details are incomplete.

What’s next: The Superator basketball tournament item will return to the board with requested clarifications before any permit is granted.