Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – With University of Iowa women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark expected to go to the Indiana Fever with the first-overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft on April 15, the choice is not only a boost for the Fever’s roster—it is also expected to mean a significant economic impact for Central Indiana. According to a study conducted by Dr. Michael Hicks from the Miller College of Business at Ball State University, Ms. Clark’s addition to the Fever roster is expected to bring an estimated 26,000 more fans to Fever games throughout the…

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, Ind. – Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County secured an Early Years Initiative grant which focuses on new, enhanced, or expanded programs and projects as well as projects that influence healthy brain development and the development of physical, social-emotional, and cognitive skills in infants and toddlers (birth to age 3). The Muncie-Henry County CareerLink team, in collaboration with the Early Childhood Education Department, is offering a free eight-week skills training class called “Skills for Parenting in the Early Years”.  This class will include: Safe sleep Pediatric first aid and CPR How to select high-quality childcare Mental health for…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE,IN—The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees has approved raises for its teacher again, raising the minimum annual salary for all first-year teachers to $51,500 while also bumping veteran salaries based upon performance evaluations. All current, full-time certified teachers in good standing who are rated “highly effective” will receive an additional $2,000 while those classified as “effective” will get an additional $1,000. “It pleases us to be able to grant those compensation adjustments,” MCS Board President James Williams said. “We’re pleased with the work of our faculty and staff, and all that they do for our…

Preschool registration for 4-year-olds also available By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will be holding kindergarten roundup at all six of its elementary schools Thursday, April 11 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to register their 5-year-olds for the 2024-25 school year while getting a first-hand look at classrooms and having questions answered directly by teachers and administrators. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to be eligible for kindergarten. Kindergarten roundup will coincide with open enrollment for all grades, preschool through 12th. Preschool openings are limited with…