Sign in
|

Shining a spotlight on our great small towns

NOW ENTERING… is a Ball State PBS documentary series of the people, places and history of towns as seen through the eyes of its residents.

 

A collage of images behind the "Now Entering Your Town" logo and the Ball State PBS logo

COMING SOON: Muncie!… Again!

Recent Episode

Now Entering Marion

NOW ENTERING… MARION explores the home to sports sagas, historical legends, and growing and vibrant art scene.

Learn about the fascinating history of Marion’s storied motorcycle races, its ties to the Underground Railroad, and the natives who settled there.

This program also explores the community-driven culture of Marion by checking out the Marion Public Library, viewing the galleries of the Kennedy Art Center, and learning all about Marion’s basketball state championships.

Past Towns

Now Entering Marion

3/5/2026

NOW ENTERING… MARION explores the home to sports sagas, historical legends, and growing and vibrant art scene.

Learn about the fascinating history of Marion’s storied motorcycle races, its ties to the Underground Railroad, and the natives who settled there.

This program also explores the community-driven culture of Marion by checking out the Marion Public Library, viewing the galleries of the Kennedy Art Center, and learning all about Marion’s basketball state championships.

Now Entering Pendleton (2025)

12/4/2025

NOW ENTERING returns to Pendleton, Indiana, first featured in 2017, to revisit familiar faces and meet new ones!

Explore the beauty of Falls Park and the creativity of the Pendleton Artists Society. Learn about Frederick Douglass’s historic visit during the height of the abolitionist movement. Hear how organizations like Outfitters support children in Madison County, how the Pendleton Kiwanis Club brings neighbors together through service, and how the Pendleton Community Public Library connects with its community in unique ways.

Now Entering Berne

9/25/2025

NOW ENTERING… BERNE explores the deep roots of the families and businesses of the unique small town that is Berne, Indiana.

The program includes stories from its own residents about their Swiss ancestors who immigrated here, the Swiss Heritage Village & Museum that keeps Berne history and culture alive, and the Heritage Room at the Berne Public Library that keeps residents connected with their lineage.

Learn how Berne has fun with their heritage by learning about their town icon, their Swiss Days celebration, and finally, take a dip Pine Lake Waterpark, a waterpark in Berne’s backyard.

Now Entering Downtown Muncie

7/3/2025

NOW ENTERING… DOWNTOWN MUNCIE explores the many things to do in downtown Muncie and the town’s deep artistic roots by visiting Cornerstone Center for the Arts, the Muncie Civic Theatre, the Muncie Children’s Museum, and the many festivals that happen at Canan Commons.

The program includes stories about important historic downtown Muncie staples such as the memorable Ball Stores, and lesser known stories like the story of the phenomenal Gladys Hearne and the brilliant James Boyce.

And finally, we learn how Muncie got its name, how the “Roof of Hell” brought the Ball Family into town, and how downtown Muncie has evolved into the vibrant community it is today.

Now Entering Fairmount

3/13/25

NOW ENTERING…FAIRMOUNT features a variety of video vignettes about this Grant County town, told by several of its biggest cheerleaders. Explore the history of Fairmount, its small town charm and its connection to James Dean. The program includes stories about the Fairmount Library, The James Dean Museum, the Fairmount Hardware store, the Lions Club, Main Street Fairmount and more.

Now Enering Middletown

12/4/2024

NOW ENTERING…MIDDLETOWN explores the history of Middletown with a local historian, the Meyer and McCoy family history and Middletown Cossacks basketball. The program includes stories about the volunteer ambulance service, the volunteer fire department, the police department, the local public access channel, the growth of the Church of the Nazarene and Day’s Full Service Gas Station.  And finally, NOW ENTERING…MIDDLETOWN shares the importance of the Middletown library, the farmers market, the Lions Club and what the Middletown Planning Committee and Middletown Mainstreet are doing for the town.

Now Entering Gas City

9/5/2024

NOW ENTERING…GAS CITY explores the history of Gas City with the Gas City Historical Museum and the Boomtown 1892 Celebration. The program includes stories about the Chief Eckstein scholarship, the Guinness World Record Bath Bomb, the importance of volunteering and having free events everyone can participate in.

And finally, NOW ENTERING…GAS CITY shares the importance of quality of life and place with stories about the police and fire departments, city projects, the schools, SHOP Gas City and Main Street Gas City.

Now Entering Richmond

6/6/2024
NOW ENTERING…RICHMOND explores the many things to do in Richmond including Hayes Arboretum, the Historic Depot District, the Richmond Art Museum, the Model T Museum, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Wayne County Historical Museum and the many parks. The program includes stories about a resident’s connection to Richmond, the fire department, the 1968 downtown explosion, local businesses, and the Hoover family history. And finally, NOW ENTERING…RICHMOND shares the importance of the Black Legacy project of Wayne County, the Reid Center, the Townsend Community Center and the Morrisson-Reeves Library.

Now Entering Hagerstown

3/28/2024
NOW ENTERING…HAGERSTOWN explores the history of the area including the Whitewater canal, area mills, the Oddfellows building, the fire department and the Teetor Family. The program includes stories about growing up in Hagerstown, the Nettle Creek Players, the Hagerstown library, why the local airport is important to pilots, the Hagerstown Sesquicentennial and the Jubilee Festival. And finally, NOW ENTERING…HAGERSTOWN shares its connection with Hagerstown, Maryland, the support for the Little League World Series team, the importance of Welliver’s and Abbott’s Candy Shop and what events are being planned for the eclipse.

Now Entering Elwood

11/30/2023

NOW ENTERING… ELWOOD will explore how local businesses, such as a retired dentist, a funeral home owner, a tattoo studio, and a tomato processing plant, contribute to the community’s well-being and economic development. The program includes stories about Callaway Park, the art of glass making, and a local heart transplant recipient. You’ll also learn about the YMCA, what it was like growing up in Elwood, and the focus on providing for kids in the community.

And finally, NOW ENTERING…ELWOOD shares some of the events held throughout the year, including those that honor local veterans, the Glass Festival, and the Magic of Christmas.

Now Entering Anderson

8/17/2023

NOW ENTERING…ANDERSON features a variety of video vignettes about this Madison County city, told by several of its biggest cheerleaders.

NOW ENTERING… ANDERSON will take a look at the city’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene including the Anderson Symphony, Anderson Young Ballet, Anderson Mainstage Theatre and the historic Paramount Theatre. The city’s commitment to supporting local businesses is showcased through various initiatives, such as the Flagship Enterprise Center, the restoration of a beloved downtown restaurant, the 60-year celebration of a credit union, the contributions of two local hospitals, and the success story of a business owner in the West Central Historic District.

The program includes stories about a local cartoonist, a non-profit helping with food insecurity, and the Madison County Historical Society. You will also learn about recreational opportunities at Mounds State Park and with the Anderson Road Runners.

And finally, NOW ENTERING… ANDERSON shares some of the events held to celebrate the city’s history including the Gaslight Festival, Anderson’s Sesquicentennial Celebration and the Andersontown PowWow.

Now Entering Union City

3/9/2023
NOW ENTERING…UNION CITY features a variety of video vignettes about this Randolph County town, told by several of its biggest cheerleaders. Union City sits on the border between Indiana and Ohio, and the program shows some of the unique challenges and opportunities of the state line that runs through the town. Local art of the past and present is featured, including the history of the local theaters and opera houses, the local theatre group, and public art and murals around town, and Randolph Eastern School Corporation; including unique opportunities for students in DECA and the KISS-TV program.
NOW ENTERING…UNION CITY includes a story about former resident John Lambert, credited as the inventor of the first gasoline-powered automobile. Another story features a current resident who celebrated her 107th birthday last year. The downtown area of Union City is experiencing a rebirth, and viewers will learn about two downtown businesses, Luz Tacos and The Corner Cupboard, as well as the plans for Vision Corner.
And finally, NOW ENTERING…UNION CITY shares some of the other ways residents are bringing joy to their community, including local park renovations and a Community Christmas celebration that’s one of a kind.

Now Entering Yorktown

8/22/2022

NOW ENTERING…YORKTOWN features the town’s history, families that have chosen to call Yorktown home for multi-generations as well as the current redevelopment plan. Stories about Yorktown’s Four for the Fourth event, Kiwanis Club, REACH Ministry, the Fire Dept., Mr. Mouse, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the public library will also be shared.

NOW ENTERING… YORKTOWN shares the importance of agriculture in the town with stories about Spangler Farms, Brian Nixon Family Farms, Westwind Farm and Fiber, and the Farmers Market. It also highlights Yorktown’s connection to the Indy 500, the school system, and the volleyball team, as well as local services provided by LifeStream.

Now Entering Cicero

6/23/2022
“Now Entering…Cicero” features a wide range of stories about Cicero, told by the town’s residents, in their own words and using their photos and videos. Residents highlight the rich history of the lake town, including the origin of the name, the native peoples at Strawtown Koteewi Park, the 1932 state finalist basketball team, life during the Great Depression and World War II, the 1950s construction of Morse Reservoir, a local family with generations of Cicero history. And especially touching is the story of perhaps the most famous Cicero resident, the late Ryan White.

Now Entering New Castle

8/19/2021
NOW ENTERING…NEW CASTLE features a wide range of stories about New Castle, told by the city’s residents, in their own words and using their photos and videos. New Castle’s century-long passion for basketball will be featured, including stories about the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, the Gym Now fundraising campaign, and New Castle basketball through the years. The program shares the stories of many of the individuals, past and present, who love New Castle and make it a vibrant and interesting city. Leaders in the local African- American community throughout the years will be featured, including the late Samuel Buchanon. Viewers will also learn about New Castle native and world-renowned artist Robert Indiana.

Now Entering Fortville

10/29/2020

NOW ENTERING…FORTVILLE tells the stories of the town of Fortville, Ind., told by the town residents themselves.

That “small-town feel” is the big focus of the citizens which helps make Fortville a wonderful place to live, work, and play, and many of the stories on NOW ENTERING…FORTVILLE echo that sentiment. Reflections of the past; stories about revitalizing the downtown while holding on to the rich heritage of Fortville; a focus on the future; a search for a cure of a rare disease and a preschool making a difference and more will be shared. And then there’s the pink elephant.

Now Entering Hartford City

1/23/2020

NOW ENTERING…HARTFORD CITY tells the history of the friends and family in the small Indiana town of Hartford City. Explore the stories that make this small community unique—including a peek in the past with Civil War Days, a spotlight on sports with the state championship teams of the 1970s and a look into the future plans of revitalizing the downtown square—and more.

Now Entering Rushville

9/26/2019

NOW ENTERING…RUSHVILLE tells the history of the friends and family in the Indiana town of Rushville. Explore the stories that make the small farming community unique including a glimpse of their political contribution, key involvement in the hotel industry, and how the Kennedy Family made a name for themselves as builders of Covered Bridges.

Now Entering Tipton

6/13/2019

This episode features Tipton’s rich agricultural traditions, how much the community values its seniors, and the famous Tipton County Pork Festival. Plus, many more stories from the people living in this small town.

Now Entering Winchester

2/7/2019

NOW ENTERING…WINCHESTER is a video scrapbook of the people, places and history of Winchester, Indiana, as seen through the eyes of its residents. Community members collected video footage and still photos to showcase their unique stories. This episode features Winchester’s

Now Entering Alexandria

10/20/2018

Now Entering…Alexandria features a variety of stories about this Madison County town.

Now Entering Upland

6/23/2018

Now Entering…Upland features Taylor University, the famous Ivanhoe’s Restaurant, and many more stories from the people living in this small town.

Now Entering Knightstown

9/7/2017

“Now Entering…Knightstown” features a variety of video vignettes about this Henry County city, told by some of its biggest cheerleaders.

You will take a trip back in time on the town’s railroads; learn the history behind its Carnegie library, and rock out with its student-run radio station.

Community members collected video footage and still photos to showcase the stories that make their town unique. Then the WIPB production team traveled to Knightstown to record interviews at the historic Hoosier Gym. Yes, that Hoosier Gym, featured in the classic movie “Hoosiers.” And, yes, you will hear that story as well.

Now Entering Pendleton (2017)

3/7/2017
Twenty Pendleton storytellers submitted photos and videos of the people, places, and things they are passionate about in their town. They were then interviewed at the Pendleton Historical Museum to tell viewers about the historic Falls Park, the historic museum, the great after-school programs, a family homestead, a house on a haunted hill, the rookie EMT program, and more.

Now Entering Portland

6/9/2016

Go back in time to meet some of Portland’s most famous residents, like Elwood Haynes, who was among the first to build and drive a gasoline-powered vehicle. Also featured are: the Mayor’s overview of the city; the Jay County Historical Museum & Historical Society; Arts Place; Hudson Family Park; and Darrel “Pete” Brewster.