Roo’s Holistic Pet Supplies
Hailey Perkins and her wife, Amber Corduan, hope to help Muncie locals and their furry friends. 10
‘A
HIGH STANDARD AND A HIGH BAR’
Ball State University baseball head coach Rich Maloney looks to lead the Cardinals to 35 wins for the 12th-straight season.
The Ball State baseball team warms up during practice Feb. 11 at First Merchants Ballpark Complex. ANDREW BERGER, DN
ANDREW BERGER, DN
ANDREW BERGER, DN
Junior infielder Ben Giovannetti throws the ball during practice Feb. 11 at First Merchants Ballpark Complex. ANDREW BERGER, DN
JESSICA BERGFORS, BRENDEN ROWAN, DN DESIGN
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Director of national intelligence confirmed
Feb. 12: Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed to be President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence by the Senate Feb. 12 despite concerns raised about her past comments sympathetic to Russia and a meeting with Syria’s now-deposed leader, Bashar Assad, according to the Associated Press (AP). Following a contentious confirmation hearing last week, where some Republican senators questioned Gabbard harshly, GOP support for her fell into place following a pressure campaign over the weekend unleashed by Trump supporters and allies, including Elon Musk, according to AP.
National inflation on the rise
Feb. 12: The cost of groceries, gas and used cars rose, a trend that will likely underscore the Federal Reserve’s resolve to delay any further interest rate cuts, according to the Associated Press (AP). The consumer price index increased three percent in January 2025, the Feb. 12 report from the Labor Department showed. It has remained stubbornly above the three-percent target for roughly the past six months, according to AP. President Donald Trump pledged to reduce prices in last year’s campaign, though most economists worry his many proposed tariffs could at least temporarily increase costs, according to AP.
Cardinals win third-straight championship
Feb. 11: Redshirt senior Ali Khan and senior Baxton Kuntz pace the Cardinals in The Match Play Championship event in southern Florida. Thanks to Khan and Kuntz’s victories by three holes on the final day, the Cardinals won in a tie-breaker over the Richmond Spiders. The three-day event was played on the South Course of Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City, Fla. Ball State used a 7-to-5 tie-breaker to get past Dayton Feb. 10 after beating Evansville 5-to-1 in the opening round. Khan shot a team-best threeunder par during a 3-and-1 victory. Kuntz won over Richmond 3-and-2 and only had to play 42 holes throughout the weekend to defeat his opponents.
KEVIN DIETSCH/GETTY IMAGES/TNS
KENT NISHIMURA/LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS
ZACH CARTER, DN
Part of something bigger Part of something bigger
Ball State hosts annual Dance Marathon fundraising event.
Ball State Dance Marathon participants sing and dance together during the rave portion of the event Feb. 8 at Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Fun, powerful and passionate. These are only a few of the words attendees used to describe the atmosphere of Ball State’s 2025 Dance Marathon (DM), which took place Feb. 8 at the Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
DM is an annual event hosted through the university to raise money for Riley’s Children’s Hospital. The event started back in 1991 at Indiana University (IU) in memory of Ryan White, who passed away from HIV, according to IU Dance Marathron’s website.
DM came to Ball State in 2003 under Phi Mu and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapters. DM has since expanded, and in 2008, it was overlooked and directed by Ball State’s Office of Student Life. This year, DM had performances from campus groups such as University Singers, CHAARG and
President of Dance Marathon, Jacob Young, said he has been working for DM since the sixth grade. In college, Young has served on the executive board for all four years of college.
He said the reason he helps with DM is because it allows him to be a part of something bigger than himself.
Young encouraged people to come to the event for the rich experiences and said his favorite part is continually getting to meet so many new people.
“Not only can you have fun [and] get involved on campus, but you can also make a great difference for the children and families of Riley Hospital for Children,” he said.
Young said his favorite part of DM, beyond getting to know new faces, has been learning life skills.
“It’s our generation [that] needs to fight for the next generation. So, together, when we change kids’
Campus
John R. Emens award application opens
Ball State’s Communication Center announced Feb. 11 the acceptance of applicants for the John R. Emens award through March 29 at 5 p.m. The award, named in honor of the former Ball State president, recognizes an outstanding fourthyear undergraduate student for their cumulative record of achievement and leadership contributions.
health, we can change the future,” Young said.
Twisters Soda Bar owner Kelly Klein said she loves events like these that benefit the community and the opportunity to have her business involved.
“We feel very welcome, and we want to always give back,” Klein said.
Vice President of External Affairs, Amber Corrigan, has been involved with DM since her first year at Ball State when she first joined as a participant. She is now on the presidential board.
Corrigan said she helps with DM because she has a personal connection with the hospital and wants to give back to other families.
“Riley’s Hospital saved the life of one of my best friends, and I’m just so grateful for that,” she said.
Ball State’s Dance Marathon confirmed via Instagram they raised a total amount of $238,138.25 for Riley’s Hospital for Children this year.
Contact Shelby Anderson via email at sanderson9@bsu.edu.
New MuncieArts executive director
With more than 30 years of museum experience, Tana Said will serve as MuncieArts and Culture Council’s new executive director, according to a Feb. 10 press release from the council. Said “aims to be a bridge between all the artists, makers, creatives, stakeholders and Muncie,” according to the press release.
Local State
Anti-homelessness bill opposed
The Feb. 10 Indiana State House testimony from homeless advocates was “almost entirely against” House Bill 1662, according to Indiana Capital Chronicle. The bill would criminalize public “street camping.” The current version of the bill also seeks to ban using state funds for permanent housing of homeless people.
Shelby Anderson Reporter
Rhythms Dance Troupe. Families with Riley’s kids also shared their stories with attendees.
ANDREW BERGER, DN
Senate Bill 11: Are you 16+?
A bill in Indiana’s Senate bans access to social media for Hoosiers under 16 without parental consent.
Shelby Anderson Reporter
The Indiana State Senate proposed a bill that may affect minors on social media: Senate Bill (SB) 11.
SB 11, drafted by Sen. Mike Bohacek (R) District 8, Sen. Liz Brown (R) District 15 and Sen. Chris Garten (R) District 45, requires a “social media operator to restrict a minor user’s access to social media without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the minor use,” according to a synopsis of the bill from Indiana’s general assembly.
Bohacek first presented the bill to the Senate in January of 2024. Since then, the judiciary committee has amended it extensively, including establishing a strict definition of “social media.”
Bohacek simplified the bill to make it more understandable for both politicians and the public.
“[SB 11] defines the space of social media, not necessarily the content,” Bohacek said. “We’re not trying to regulate what content providers, like Facebook [or] Instagram, are doing within their sites. What we’re regulating is this space.”
This bill is important to Bohacek because, while writing the bill, he said he discovered suicide was a leading cause of death in kids ages 16 and
Social media is a tool. It’s a source of entertainment, but when people use it maliciously, it’s just not the plan.”
- SEN. MIKE BOHACEK (R)
Author
of SB 11
under. He believes “with access to social media, [suicide is] a direct correlation” — a correlation that strikes deep as a father himself.
According to research published by The University of Utah in 2023, there are signs that social media usage, especially by teenagers, can negatively contribute to mental health.
“Social media is a tool. It’s a source of entertainment, but when people use it maliciously, it’s just not the plan,” Bohacek said.
Bohacek said he understands people might oppose the bill because of the practicality of making this a law.
“I don’t think anybody disagrees [that] we’ve got social media problems [that are] hurting our kids. It’s just the practicality of how to regulate it,
and it’s not easy to figure out,” he said.
One of the senators who opposed SB 11 was Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. (D) District 4.
“My vote against SB 11 was due to the rushed nature of the bill’s language and the lack of comprehensive studies to evaluate its potential impacts,” Pol said. “I am particularly concerned about requiring all users to authenticate their age.”
Pol said he proposed two amendments that would address some of the previously voiced concerns about the bill.
“These amendments [are] aimed to clarify the bill’s definitions and grant the attorney general a clear cause of action for addressing violations under this bill. Ideally, this legislation would have been referred to a study committee to thoroughly
analyze its potential risks and benefits,” he said.
Pol wants the public to know that he supports addressing kids’ use of social media but still has many concerns about this bill. He believes public involvement is critical.
“Too often, constituents learn about impactful policies only after they have passed. My goal is to change that by bringing legislation directly to the people, hearing their opinions and bringing their voices to the Senate floor,” he said.
Bohacek summarized the bill’s future and what can be expected to happen.
Bohacek said he believes if the governor signs off on the bill following its anticipated approval from the Senate and state house, there will be some litigation with it.
This bill also elicits many thoughts on how social media can damage younger kids.
A first-year animation major at Ball State University, Brayden Estes, said he believes too much social media consumption at a young age has a direct link to poor body image and depression. He believes that some users might be too young unless the account can have parental supervision.
“I think the government should do everything in its power to protect our county’s youth by regulating the content available to them,” Estes said.
However, Estes pointed out how easy it is to lie about one’s age online, suggesting users must submit a photo of a valid driver’s license with all social media accounts.
Assistant professor of economics at Ball State Nathanael Snow said he read a book called “The Anxious Generation,” which discusses how the use of social media has increased anxiety among teenagers.
Applying knowledge from the book, Snow is concerned about how smartphones affect peoples’ lives. In his classes, Snow said he allows students to give their phones up for the period and collects data regarding which students maintain better grades.
Despite his concerns and practices in the classroom, Snow said he believes SB 11 is taking some of the power from school boards and parents in communities.
He said the bigger question should be, “What level of government is most appropriate and most effective?”
SB 11 was referred to the House Jan. 27. The bill can be monitored on the Indiana General Assembly website.
Contact Shelby Anderson via email at sanderson9@bsu.edu.
Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek (R) of District 8 poses for a headshot. Boaheck represents the LaPorte, Marshall and Starke areas. INDIANA SENATE REPUBLICANS, PHOTO PROVIDED
Indiana Senator Liz Brown (R) of District 15 poses for a headshot. Brown represents Allen County. INDIANA SENATE REPUBLICANS, PHOTO PROVIDED
Indiana Senator Chris Garten (R) of District 45 poses for a headshot. Garten represents Clark County. INDIANA SENATE REPUBLICANS, PHOTO PROVIDED
Women’s Golf
expect expect
‘We truly to win’
The Cardinals suffered a loss to topseeded Omaha on the final day at Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont, Fla. Sophomores JJ Gregston and Jenna Estravillo and junior Sarah Gallagher took home individual wins. Gregston shot four birdies in her final seven holes to take home a win in the top slot and to pace the Cardinals.
Women’s Tennis
Sophmore pair wins MAC Doubles Team of the Week
Ball State’s No. 1 doubles team consisted of sophomores Sarah Shahbaz and Isabel Tanjuatco. The pair went 2-0 during the week, picking up wins against Eastern Illinois University (6-1) and Oakland University (6-1). The Cardinals won both matches (6-1, 5-2) and are now 2-1 on the season.
Soccer Cardinals finish runner-up at Rust Buster Match Play
Josh Rife accepts position at Indiana University
Ball State soccer head coach Josh Rife accepted the women’s soccer head coaching position at his alma mater, Indiana University. During his time with the Cardinals, Rife accumulated an overall record of 49-38-22. This past season was the first time Ball State did not make an appearance in the Mid-American Conference tournament since 2021.
Freshman catcher DJ Schuemann throws the ball during practice Feb. 11 at First Merchants Ballpark Complex. Schuemann was a three-year letter winner at Mt. Vernon High School. ANDREW BERGER, DN; JULIAN BONNER, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
The Cardinals
are
beginning
the season and looking to win the MAC for the second time in three years.
Logan Connor
Associate Sports Editor
The Ball State baseball program is one with a storied success steered by Rich Maloney, who is in season 19 of his head coaching tenure.
Maloney began coaching at Ball State in 1996 before he left for a 10-year stint at the University of Michigan. Since returning to the university in 2013, Maloney-coached teams have never finished outside of the top three in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
“Some teams in the league have only had one 30-win season in a long time,” Maloney said. “We expect to win. We truly expect to win. We talk about it. We have a high standard, a high bar.”
Maloney is just 12 wins away from eclipsing 1,000 wins as a head coach.
“I’ve surrounded myself with a lot of great staff members and coaches who come and go,” he said. “A lot of them are out there coaching, and my coaching tree is doing pretty darn good.”
During Maloney’s tenure, Ball State has had six first-round picks and one player go number one overall.
“We’ve recruited very good players with high upsides,” Maloney said. “We develop players, but I’m just as big on developing the person. When [a player] leaves college, he can be productive in society. That’s why we do what we do. We’ve been able to be successful because we’ve identified good talent.”
‘Keep it simple, stupid’
Roster turnover, players getting drafted, and now, the transfer portal, and name, image and likeness may have made things a bit more complicated in collegiate sports, but Maloney continues to believe in the system and culture he has developed.
“We’re very peculiar in details. So, some of my guys would say I’m anal,” he said. “I believe in ‘keep it simple, stupid.’ I don’t believe in doing anything real radical. I just have a system that we drive home, and we drive home, and we drive home, and drive home, and drive home, and then drive home again, and then again, and again and again.”
The recurring success — six MAC West Division titles, five overall MAC titles, and two MAC Tournament titles — come down to one simple vision, Maloney said: believe.
“That’s always been our motto. It all starts with you got to believe. The guys have to believe in their coaches, their teammates, themselves and, for me, my faith,” Maloney said. “To me, that leads to success and are the disciplines of life.”
Maloney holds his players to the same standard he holds himself to. Attention to detail, perfecting the basics and staying simple are engrained in his players.
“It’s challenging,” junior first baseman Blake Bevis said. “Coach [Maloney] pushes us to be the best and to perform at the maximum of our ability. He’s going to be nit-picky at times, and I love that
I think [we] just need to be as consistent as possible through the ups and downs of the season. Every team has highs and every team has lows. The best teams can respond to the lows and not let them dwell.”
- BLAKE BEVIS, Junior first baseman
about him. He holds a set standard that gets the best out of us in everything we do.”
The players who have been around his program understand the standard, but the transfers he has pulled in were quick to learn Maloney’s coaching style.
“Coach Maloney talks about a lot of things that most coaches don’t,” senior pitcher and Indiana Wesleyan transfer Drue Young said. “He focuses a lot on the little things. He always tells us that we have something or somewhere to improve, and I think that’s been awesome.”
The Pitching Staff
Maloney said he has had the privilege of some high-level pitchers coming through his program. From Bryan Bullington to Zach Plesac or Merritt Beeker, the Cardinals have had high-end arms in the system.
Although most of the rotation is yet to be set, the Cardinals have 2024 MAC Freshman Pitcher of the Year Keegan Johnson heading the staff.
“I can tell you this: Keegan Johnson’s a horse.
He won Freshman Pitcher of the Year last season, and he’s a bonafide horse. He’s an amazing talent,” Maloney said.
Johnson, coming off his freshman campaign, still has things to work on. He has spent the offseason trying to build his offspeed and improve on the mechanics.
“I’ve pretty much thrown every changeup grip in existence,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to find something that works for me, and that’s just part of it. I’ve been working on mechanics, getting stronger and trying to get faster.”
Another arm that could see more innings this spring is senior Jacob Hartlaub. Although Hartlaub’s stats do not jump off the page, he has the size, potential and arm talent to be a top pitcher in the MAC.
“He got up to 99 this summer, and he was throwing more 94-96 in the fall,” Maloney said. “But now the question is, can he do it in between the lines, and rise and miss enough bats? Can he throw enough stuff to create swing-and-miss? So, he would be a big one.”
The Ball State baseball team runs drills during practice Feb. 11 at First Merchants Ballpark. For Maloney, reaching the NCAA tournament has been circled on the whiteboard every season he has been at the head of the program. ANDREW BERGER, DN; JULIAN BONNER, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Transfer additions, although not many, will have an impact on the Cardinals. Senior pitchers Garrett Harker and Drue Young are projected to be two impact pieces.
“[Harker] is hungry, and he’s got something to prove. We tried getting him a few different times, but we never did land him. He’s been at two programs now, and finally, we got him,” Maloney said. “… Drue has come in and done a nice job. [He’s] fit right in because he’s just a quality guy who works hard and believes in himself and has something to prove.”
The Position Players
Spearheading the runs batted in (RBI) charge over the last two seasons has been Bevis. Bevis led MAC first baseman in home runs and RBIs while being 12th in the conference in runs scored.
“I’ll be a guy that drives in runs,” Bevis said. “That’s my job in the lineup. Whether that be the home run total that I’m looking to achieve or just getting on base, I’m trying to do my role that helps the team win, and that role is to drive in as many runs as I can.”
Baseball is a game of failure, even Hall of Famers had batting averages of .300. Being consistent and staying high, even during the lows, separates the good teams from great ones, Bevis said.
“I think [we] just need to be as consistent as possible through the ups and downs of the season,” Bevis said. “Every team has highs and every team has lows. The best teams can respond to the lows and not let them dwell and forecast the rest of the season.”
The old saying goes, “Defense wins championships,” and that rings true with the players Maloney has recruited he said.
“John Colligan, who is a freshman outfielder, won’t be in the starting lineup, but he’s going to come in [the] late game for defensive purposes,” Maloney said. “He’s been phenomenal in the outfield, making plays like a big leaguer. He truly is a ball player.”
The End Goal
For Maloney, reaching the NCAA tournament has been circled on the whiteboard every season he has been at the head of the program. They have been able to win the conference, but the tournament push has been the summit of the climb.
The team was picked by MAC coaches Feb. 12 as the No. 1 team in the pre-season poll.
“There hasn’t been a year that we didn’t expect to be in the NCAA Tournament,” he said. “We’ve only been there one time, but we’ve won all those MAC regular season championships. So, about every fourth year we’ve been able to win a championship, which is something we’re proud of.”
Maloney said it will be another winning season for Ball State baseball. The MAC continues to improve, Ball Diamond continues to shine and the production on the field is not going anywhere.
“If fans come out to the games, they’re gonna see a beautiful ballpark and see a team playing to win,” he said. “There are a lot of good teams, and the MAC has had a lot of great players over the years, and this year will be no different.”
Contact Logan Connor via email at logan. connor@bsu.edu or via X @_loganconnor.
Some teams in the league have only had one 30-win season in a long time. We expect to win. We truly expect to win. We talk about it. We have a high standard and a high bar.”
- RICH MALONEY, Head coach
Junior Ty Davis throws the ball during passing drills during practice Feb. 11 at First Merchants Ballpark Complex. Davis played three years at Marietta College before transfering to Ball State for this upcoming season. ANDREW BERGER, DN; JULIAN BONNER, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
‘Eagle Pride’
‘Eagle Pride’
Delta defeated Yorktown girls’ basketball by a score of 61-44.
Zach Carter Sports Editor
When she took the Delta girls’ basketball head coaching job ahead of the 2023-24 season, Ty’Ronda Benning knew she could improve the program.
“I had all these visions, and I had all these goals that I tried to pursue,” Benning said. “I told them at the beginning of the season my personal goal was to win the sectional and the regional. I believed we could do it.”
In only her second season, she kept good on her promise, leading the Eagles to something no Delta team has done since 1993: a sectional championship victory. Ahead of the title game against rival Yorktown Feb. 8, she told the team that defense would be the game’s name.
“At the end of the night, somebody’s gonna win and somebody’s gonna lose,” she said. “I told my girls, the team who plays the best defense is gonna win this game. The team who has the most energy is gonna win this game.”
The blue and gold defeated the Tigers 61-44 at the Connersville Spartan Bowl, lifting their first sectional championship trophy in 32 years.
“I think it all comes back to Eagle pride, the community, the coaches [and] the players,” Delta athletic director Tilmon Clark said. “It takes everybody, so it’s really cool to see everybody excited … That’s really what it’s all about.”
The contest between the two Delaware County rivals began with the Eagles jumping to a 4-0 lead. Though Yorktown battled back to only trail 7-5 a few moments later, the Eagles began to turn up the pace.
At halftime, the Eagles led 29-14, and after the break, nothing changed.
Though Delta’s defense showed up, so did their offense. Junior Olivia Marshall turned up the heat from the 3-point line, hitting three consecutive shots in the third quarter. All of a sudden, the Eagles led the Tigers 38-19.
Though the Tigers (17-7) found some success in the fourth quarter, they could not complete the comeback. In the end, the Eagles led the entire game.
Delta junior Jillian Barr led the Eagles with 31 points, a season-high. Behind Barr was Marshall with nine points. For Yorktown, Lilly Sylvester and sophomore Olivia Conklin each had 16.
“I was literally five years old the last time that Delta had won a sectional [title],” Benning said. “… We all knew that we had the opportunity [and] that everything’s in our favor.”
Delta will face Maconaquah in the regional at Wes-Del Middle/High School. The game will start Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary. carter@bsu.edu or via X @ZachCarter85.
GAME STATS
61-44 was the game’s final score. 31 points were scored by the Delta Eagle’s leading scorer, junior Jillian Barr.
32 years since last sectional championship title
Source: Zach Carter, DN Sports Editor
Anti-Valentine’s Day
Campus Community
David Owsley Museum of Art After Hours is hosting an evening event to “embrace your inner cynic” Feb. 13 from 5-8 p.m. The Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration is advertised as a place to meet your future ex, is free to attend and open to everyone. There will be refreshments, games, crafts, a cash-bar and a live storytelling competition.
My Emo Valentine
Be Here Now will open their doors for an “Emo Valentine’s Party” Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. with music starting at 10 p.m. Entrance fees are $10 for those 21+ and $15 for people ages 18-20. They will be playing “emo classics,” such as songs from My Chemical Romance and Paramore. DJ KEIFERGR33N will also be taking requests all night.
Community
Walk a Mile
Muncie Mission Ministries is holding their annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes event Feb. 15 with the opening ceremony starting at 9 a.m. The event is intended to raise money for people without homes with a walk from the Muncie Fieldhouse to the Muncie Mission. They’re nearing their fundraising goal of $150,000, and walkers who raise over $200 will earn a free sweatshirt.
The resident store cat for Roo’s Holistic Pet Supplies, Cleo, walks across the shop floor Feb. 7 in Muncie, Ind. Cleo is known and loved by many of the customers that she greets. ANDREW BERGER, DN
The
goal of Roo’s
Holistic Pet Supplies
is to provide healthy items to Delaware County pets.
Zach Carter Sports Editor
Hailey Perkins and her wife, Amber Corduan, were at an Ohio dog show in 2018. That night, around two in the morning, a tornado hit the fairgrounds where the event occurred. Luckily, no pets or their owners were injured. However, the booths where the two had their pet products were hit.
After getting everything back in place, the pair listed their products at a reduced price in an attempt to make ends meet.
“Everyone took pity on us and bought a bunch of stuff,” Perkins said.
But admidst the chaos following the tornado’s aftermath, Perkins had an idea. She looked at Corduan and said she wanted to open a pet store.
“She looked at me and laughed and said, ‘OK,’” Perkins said. “And then two days later, I signed a lease and opened a pet store.”
Their store, Roo’s Holistic Pet Supplies, sits at 3333 N Everbrook Lane in Muncie and has been in business since 2018. While the an unfortunate situation kicked off the idea of the store, the “holistic” pet supplies started long before that.
Corduan owned a Whippet nicknamed Roo, who was diagnosed with leukemia. While she wanted to see if the natural and holistic items would help, the veterinarians told her it wouldn’t work.
“[Corduan] was pretty determined,” Perkins said. “She had talked to these nutritionists, so she did it.”
After implementing a natural diet, Roo went into remission and lived to be 15 years old.
When customers come to their store, Perkins said they are typically going through something similar and want to find answers to help their pet. Because of that, the store was named after Roo.
Perkins is originally from Shelbyville, Indiana. She attended Ball State first as a music major, but graduated with a major in residential property management. Having groomed dogs since she was 15, she began working at American Pine Acre Kennels, where she met Corduan, the kennel’s owner. Eventually, they sold the kennel to focus on Roo’s.
“Don’t open a pet store to make money,” Perkins said. “You do not make money on this, but you open it for the passion.”
They also have a store in Shelbyville, Kentucky. The location is run by a friend while the two take care of the Muncie store. According to customers, the holistic products, as well as the way the staff runs the business, makes Roo’s different from other pet supple stores.
Hannah Buchanan is a Muncie local and owns a two-year-old German Shepard named Catey. She said Catey is allergic to a lot of different ingredients, so Buchanan started to take a “natural route” when it came to Catey’s diet and general
care. Roo’s has become the No. 1 spot for her.
“[Roo’s] could sell anything at the end of the day and say it’s a good product, but they actually do research on all the ingredients,” Buchanan said. “They actually care.”
The holistic ingredients, including their raw protein selection, are something Perkins and Corduan take pride in.
“What’s happening in the [pet food] market is people are paying premium prices for crappy products,” Perkins said. “So, you go to the grocery store right now, and you look at their shelves, and you’re gonna buy a bag of dog food for $60. That bag of dog food costs $3 to make … You come in here, my bag of dog food is $63. It costs them $45 to $50 to make. There are actual ingredients. There is muscle meat, not byproducts … it’s real food.”
But Perkins understands that even though the food may be better for the pet, their owners may not have the funds to spend the extra money. That’s why she’s tried to find ways to help cut back on costs.
“Not everybody has the financial means to buy better dog food, and almost all of their dogs’ or cats’ health issues are coming from poor quality pet food,” she said. “So, we do have a lot of programs in place. We have a pile of food that we can give out to people.”
While Perkins and Corduan try to focus on the health angle, there are other things they’ve attempted to incorporate with the store, including their pet cat Cleo, who greets customers.
Going forward, Perkins and Corduan aim to get their own building, as they have moved three times in the past eight years since opening.
However, there’s been one dilemma with other locations: They’re not in Muncie.
“I graduated with 22 job offers all over the country, and I said no to all of them,” Perkins said. “That might have been really stupid, but I said no to all of them because I like Muncie. I really like the community here, and we want to see what we can build.”
The couple have tried to make their impact in the area. They host dog classes weekly, are on the animal control board and wash the Muncie Police Department’s canine units.
But whatever they end up doing, their end goal is to help their customers — both two-legged and four-legged. Their employees are on the same page.
“A lot of times, we have people that go every direction without results. They are at their wit’s end and don’t know what to do,” Roo’s employee Kenna Parsons said. “It means so much to give them the peace of mind and the help they need.”
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary. carter@bsu.edu or via X @ZachCarter85.
A selection of different dog foods sit for sale Feb. 7 at Roo’s Holistic Pet Supplies in Muncie, Ind. The ingredients in the food they sell are something owners Haily Perkins and Amber Corduan take pride in. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Dogs belonging to Roo’s employees sit behind a gate Feb. 7 at Roo’s Holistic Pet Supplies in Muncie, Ind. Due to natural dog food costing more, owner Haily Perkins said she has tried her best to cut back on costs. ANDREW BERGER, DN
A selection of pet collars sit on display Feb. 7 at Roo’s Holistic Pet Supplies in Muncie, Ind. The stiore is named after owner Hailey Perkins dog, Roo, who lived to be 15. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Symbols of affection
Being both appealing and symbolic, many consider jewelry to be a tangible expression of affection or use it to serve as a reminder of a cherished relationship.
Claddaugh ring
A Claddaugh ring is a traditional piece of Irish jewelry depicting two hands with a heart in the middle and a crown on top. The heart signifies love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty. Wearing the ring on your left hand with the heart facing outward means engaged, and if it’s facing inward, it means married. On the right hand, an outward facing ring conveys someone is single, while inward means the individual is in a committed relationship.
Diamonds
Diamonds are a very hard and durable stone, so it is traditionally used in engagement and wedding rings as a symbol of eternal love and commitment.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is considered to be a symbol of unconditional love. The stone can vary in shades of pink and has connotations with ancient Greek and Roman mythology, as Aphrodite and Venus were often depicted wearing crystal.
Garnet
Garnet has been considered a stone of love throughout history “likely because of its red, romantic hue.” In ancient and medieval times, the red stone was commonly used in medical practices involving the heart.
Moonstone
Moonstone has been a common wedding gift, especially in India, as it is closely associated with love and romance. Some examples of Indian and European folklore said two people wearing moonstones on the night of a full moon would fall in love.
JESSICA BERGFORS, DN ILLUSTRATION
ELLA HOWELL, LIFESTYLES AND COPY EDITOR
Source: Gatsby Jewelry, Irish Family History Centre
The Pri¢e of Healing
Second-year journalism major Jayden Vaughn poses
Jayden
Vaughn
Associate Opinion Editor, “The Community Chronicle”
Jayden Vaughn is a second-year journalism major and writes “The Community Chronicle” for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
My journey with bilateral femoral anteversion is a strange one.
At the age of nine years old, I was no stranger to leg pain. Whenever I walked, wherever I went, pain followed closely behind me. It was just as familiar as my own shadow — another constant in my life. It got so bad that I could barely go to the store with my family because my legs hurt from walking down the aisles.
I thought it was normal. It was my normal.
However, all of that changed when one day my mom noticed that there was something wrong with the way that I walked. That began the long and tedious process of getting diagnosed with a condition that was most common in infants, not children who were about to hit double digits.
From that day on, it was a constant battle of trying to get a doctor to tell me something I didn’t already know. One doctor diagnosed me as being a girl — shocking, right? — and another doctor diagnosed me as being lazy.
I thought that I was going crazy. I thought that my pain was all in my head.
Then, my luck seemed to change when I was around 11 years old and was brought to Shriners
Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. There, I met an orthopedic surgeon who gave me one of the greatest gifts of my life: a proper diagnosis.
I had bilateral femoral anteversion, otherwise known as “knock knee” or “pigeon toe,” a condition where your femur bones turn inward and cause your legs to be crooked. After years of dealing with unexplained leg pain, I finally had an answer. I had proof that my pain was real.
The next steps that I needed to take were a struggle. Although I was given physical therapy
exercises, they only aggravated me or did nothing to help. I was waiting for results that were never going to show, and the lack of progress was making me lose more and more hope with each exercise I forced myself to do.
Surgery was the last thing that my family wanted to put me through. Oddly enough, I was the one who agreed to it right away.
My options were simple: have double leg surgery to correct my anteversion or risk being wheelchair-bound by the time I was 25.
So, on Halloween 2018 when I was 13 years old, I had a double bilateral derotation osteotomy. Essentially, I had my femur bones drilled in half, turned straight and had metal rods placed down my legs in order to keep them in position.
When I woke up after that procedure, I had metal in my legs from my hips to my knees.
I’d basically won the fun fact lottery. My recovery was one of the worst experiences of my entire life. I had to learn how to walk all over again, and most days, I thought I never would. Every time I tried to take a step, I would be reminded that my bones were literally drilled in half and only being held in place by screws and bolts.
I was bedridden and forced to use crutches, a walker and wheelchair if I wanted to go anywhere. Not to mention that the physical therapy exercises were a different kind of agony.
It was a long two months. Not being able to do the most basic tasks without help from my family and friends frustrated me to no end. There was no school, no nights with friends and no thrilling teenage experiences.
I think that I was scared of healing. No matter how much I wanted to recover, I was terrified to take the necessary steps. I was stuck in the mentality that I would never get better, and day after day, I fell deeper into my negative thoughts. It wasn’t a linear process, and to this day, it remains the most challenging time in my life. But a lifetime without pain was worth a few months of misery. Now, all I have to show for those months is a row of scars down my legs.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I had a wonderful family and amazing friends who were by my side the whole time.
I was waiting for results that were never going to show, and the lack of progress was making me lose more and more hope with each exercise I forced myself to do.”
can’t afford health care and will neglect their health or postpone necessary appointments because of the cost. Furthermore, roughly 41 percent of adults claimed they have debt due to medical bills. If we look at that number closer, it gets significantly worse.
According to the Peterson RFF Health System Tracker, nearly 20 million people have medical debt, resulting in the total amount of medical debt in the United States being over $220 billion. That same article states that even though debt expands across all demographic groups, people with disabilities, poor health, lower-income households and those who are uninsured are more likely to have medical debt.
If I think about it, I’ve been surrounded by surgeries my entire life. Growing up, my little brother had to have multiple surgeries, and our dad has had more than twenty throughout his life. It doesn’t take long for the prices to add up.
Standard hospital trips, according to Debt. org, average over $13,000 per stay, and simple surgeries can cost as much as $100,000. That’s not to mention the various tests and examinations that happen once you walk through the doors of a hospital.
Every time I tried to take a step, I would be reminded that my bones were literally drilled in half and only being held in place by screws and bolts.”
I was even luckier than I thought because my family didn’t have to pay for it.
Shriners Hospital is a nonprofit organization that thrives off of donations. Unfortunately, not every hospital is like that, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have access to a hospital like Shriners.
Health care is already expensive enough. According to research done by KFF, approximately 47 percent of the United States
I am forever grateful for the gift that I was given at 13 years old. Because of my surgery, I was able to be a teenager without consequences and restrictions. Even better, I didn’t have to feel guilty about a bill hanging over my family’s head. Health care is something that everyone is entitled to. Life-changing surgeries are something that everyone should have available to them, and they shouldn’t cause a strain on their financial situation in the process.
Contact Jayden Vaughn via email at jayden. vaughn@bsu.edu.
Gymnastics scores season high Gymnastics scores season high
Ball State turns in its best team score of the season despite loss to Central Michigan.
The Ball State gymnastics team celebrates after a beam performance against Central Michigan Feb. 9 at Worthen Arena. Ball State hit their season-high score during the game. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Junior Zoe Middleton strikes a pose at the end of her floor routine against Central Michigan Feb. 9 at Worthen Arena. Middleton had the highest floor routine score of the night. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Sophomore Ava Molina performs her beam routine against Central Michigan Feb. 9 at Worthen Arena. The Cardinals scored 48.875 on the balance beam. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Senior Cai Afalla performs her floor routine Feb. 9 against Central Michigan at Worthen Arena. Central Michigan won with an overall score of 195.750. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Crossword & Sudoku
28 Free speech advocacy gp. 29 Didn’t rush
30 Music producer Gotti 34 Bio or chem
36 Hit show letters
38 “Pushing Daisies” actress Friel
39 Legal dept. staffer
41 Intl. crude cartel
42 SAT section
43 Copies made with see-through sheets
44 Grafton’s “__ for Malice”
49 Warm and comfy
50 “OMG, no more details!”
52 Knack
Oates soul ballad
6 Blizzards, e.g.
7 Gift for writing?
8 “Yikes!”
9 Actor’s alert
Track with malware, say
“Same here!”
Fuzzy pollinators
Concave navel 14 Slides after braking
__ culpa 23 Show to a seat, slangily
__ David 26 Apex predator in the ocean 27 Evasive
53 Very soon now
55 Oohed and __
56 Water bill statistic
57 Spanish folk hero
58 NPR host Flatow
61 “Beat it!”
62 Bandleader Puente
63 Imitation flakes in a clear globe
66 Guadalajara gold
67 Univ. near Harvard
68 Univ. senior’s test
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