INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever star rookie Caitlin Clark is officially a WNBA All-Star. Clark, 22, was named an All-Star on Tuesday night. She is one of the 12 players that will make up Team WNBA in Phoenix later this month.

She is averaging 16.1 points and 7.0 assists per game. After a slow start, the Fever are 8-13 and sit in ninth place in the standings. Clark’s growth has been an important part of Indiana’s turnaround, including their four-game winning streak in the middle of June.

Clark’s skill and popularity continue to draw big crowds. Over 20,000 fans attended the Fever’s game against the Las Vegas Aces Tuesday night, and every Indiana home game has drawn at least 15,000 fans this season according to Across The Timeline. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has been among those crowds more than once.

The number of people who show up to watch Clark alone puts pressure on her to play well, as does her own perfectionist personality. She wants to be the best, and some fans expected the Fever to be great this season.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James commented on Clark’s reality and how she can best manage it this season on the Mind The Game podcast. “My advice to Caitlin… Be a horse, Kentucky Derby. Put your blinders on. Go to work. Show up to work,” James began. “Punch your clock in. Prepare yourself. Work on your game, work on your craft. Keep your mouth shut and learn from the vets.”

James went on to celebrate that the WNBA is now using charter flights to get teams around and said that Clark will do a lot for the league. He is rooting for the Indiana rookie guard.

“I hope she (Caitlin) kills. I hope Aliyah Boston does amazing,” James said. Boston was the Fever’s first overall pick in 2023. “She’s a great talent. She seems like a great gal,” James added of Clark.

Clark, who is still just a rookie, is 17th in the WNBA in points per game. The All-Star guard ranks third in assists per night. She has been terrific and led the league in fan voting for the All-Star teams — Boston finished second.

James isn’t the only NBA star who has recently shared his opinions on Clark’s performance and stature. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant commented on the Iowa product and her popularity in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

“Caitlin’s just got to continue to show up every day. The WNBA is doing a great job of showcasing her. I see her games on ESPN every other day,” Durant said after noting that Clark will be on Team USA for the Olympics at some point in her career despite being left off of the 2024 squad.

“If she continues to keep getting better as a player, her production on the court gets better, then the league will grow,” Durant added.

Indiana started the season 1-8 and had a brutally challenging schedule. Since then, Clark, Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell have guided the team to a 7-5 mark. All three of those players will be All-Stars this season.

“I think it’s great when NBA players come [to games]. I think it’s great that they’re showing their support because I think Women’s Basketball is on the rise,” Boston said last week. “They want to see great basketball, and I think coming and watching us is a great example of that. It’s great.”

Clark, Boston, and the Fever next play on June 6 when they host the New York Liberty.

(WPTA) – Get ready for dazzling Fourth of July displays!

Communities all across northeast Indiana have planned fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day.

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Here’s a look at the times, dates, and locations where you can catch a show in 21Country:

• Albion fireworks display
  • Held at the Central Noble Schools Albion campus at dusk on Wednesday, July 3.
• Angola’s July 4th Celebration
  • A parade will be held in downtown Angola starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, followed by a hotdog giveaway, a skydiving display, and a petting zoo.
  • Fireworks will then be lit at dusk at Commons Park.
• Berne – Red, White, & Blue Festival
• Bluffton fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit from the WEG parking lot, just north of the Boys & Girls Club, at 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
• Columbia City fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk on Wednesday, July 3, at Morsches Park. Food vendors will be at the park starting at 5 p.m., and bounce houses will open at 6 p.m.  
• Decatur fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk at Riverside Park on Thursday, July 4. Before the big show, attendees can stop by for food from 5-9 p.m. and live music starting at 7 p.m. At 9 p.m., the American Legion Color Guard will honor fallen veterans with a ceremony. 
• Fort Wayne fireworks display
  • Fireworks are set to begin around 10 p.m., lit from the top of the Indiana Michigan Power building downtown on Thursday, July 4.
• Garrett Heritage Days
  • The fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. at Eastside Park on Thursday, July 4. A vendor fair, chalk walk, petting zoo, talent show, and many more events are planned throughout the day.
• Huntington fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be set off at dusk on Thursday, July 4, at the Huntington University cross-country trail
• Kendallville fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit from Bixler Lake on Thursday, July 4, at dusk
• Marion fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk on Saturday, July 6, at Silvershell Beach
• Markle fireworks display
  • Activities, live music, and food trucks start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, at the Markle Fish & Game Club Park.
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk.
• Nappanee Independence Day celebration
  • A parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at Nappanee Elementary School on Thursday, July 4. Fireworks will be launched from the Sledding Hill after sunset at Thompson Drive.
• New Haven fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk on Wednesday, July 3, at Lifeway Church, 7722 Moeller Rd. Free hotdogs, popcorn, and games will be offered starting at 7 p.m.
• Ossian fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk on Friday, July 5, at Archbold Wilson Park. Starting at 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy music, food trucks, beverages, and family-friendly activities before the show.
• Roanoke Fourth of July Fireworks and Family Fun Day 
  • Kids activities and music start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, at Roanoke Park. Fireworks will then be set off at dusk.
• Rome City (Sylvan Lake) fireworks
  • Fireworks will be lit on Saturday, July 6, at dusk from Sylvan Lake.
• Spencerville – Autism Awareness Firework Show
  • The event, planned for Saturday, July 6, at 7043 State Road 1, features a toned-down fireworks display for a more sensory-friendly experience. Fireworks will be lit at dusk.
• Warren fireworks display
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk on Sunday, July 7, at Warren Tower Park. 
• Wawasee fireworks display
  • The fireworks display will begin at 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, at Lake Wawasee.
• Wolcottville – Big Long Lake 
  • Fireworks will be lit at dusk on Saturday, July 6, from Big Long Lake.

Do you have a fireworks display to add to the list? Send an email to jazlynn.bebout@gray.tv with information.

Copyright 2024 WPTA. All rights reserved.

Want to explore southern Indiana’s natural beauty, but not so into sleeping on the ground? Love the outdoors, but worried about the high number of ticks this season? If you’ve been looking to spend a night in the woods but want some of the comforts of home, southern Indiana has more than just full-on outdoor camping or booking a night at the inn.

“Glamping,” also known as “luxury camping” or “yurting” combines the quiet and serenity of outdoor camping with the comfort of basic indoor amenities like an elevated bed, a solid floor, and a well-lit space. Plus, you don’t have to pitch your own tent.

Glamping can vary from more bare-bones canvas tents to “tiny cabins” accommodating a wide range of needs and experiences.

Connect with nature: Here are the best campgrounds (and parks) in south central Indiana

What is glamping?

“Glamping,” a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping,” is living and sleeping in a secluded, natural area (often a tent or dome) that combines the natural elements of camping with the basic comforts of home living. Among the most popular “glamping” sites are yurts, which are round, portable tents originating from nomads in Inner Asia.

Glamping has grown as a recreational activity in recent decades, first in popular safari sites in Africa and Thailand, and then in the U.S. in the 2000s and 2010s as the appetite for high-comfort camping grew.

If you’re looking to try it out for yourself, here are a five glamping experiences in southern Indiana.

Yurt in Madison with lots of room

Accommodates: Seven

Key amenities: Bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom with shower, heating and electricity

Average cost per night: $180

This two-storied canopy yurt (with a sunroof!) in Switzerland County sleeps up to seven and comes equipped with three beds (two queens), two adaptable couches (a futon and a double sofa bed), a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and a hot tub. The isolated yurt is also just 30 minutes from both Clifty Falls State Park and the Belterra Casino Resort.

Plus, the property has two goats, Blaze and Taffy.

Check out the listing on Vrbo.

‘Getaway’ Tiny Cabin in Brown County

Accommodates: Four

Key amenities: Bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom with shower, heating and electricity, basic toiletries

Average cost per night: $115-145 (25% off through August with code “SUMMER2024”)

“Getaways,” modular cabins built in the style of the viral “tiny homes,” have cropped across the U.S., strategically placed within an hour of major metros with the goal of helping people escape from the hustle of daily life. Equipped with “everything you need and nothing you don’t,” the tiny cabins come fully stocked with kitchenware, oils and seasonings, shampoo and conditioner, picnic tables and patio chairs, books and playing cards, a mini fridge, and of course, firewood and s’mores supplies. Plus, to encourage visitors to disconnect, each tiny cabin comes with a cell phone lock box.

The “Getaway” campground is about 10 minutes east of the Brown County State Park entrance off 135 South.

Check out getaway.house/brown-county/.

Sleeping Bear Tipis and Wagons in French Lick

Accommodates: Four

Key amenities: Cots, fire grate, picnic table, nearby bathrooms and showers

Average cost per night: $55-65

A more bare-bones (or bear bones?) stay, the tipis at Sleeping Bear Retreat in French Lick offer basic amenities like an elevated bed and clean bathroom facilities, while not straying too far from the original ideals of camping.

For those who need a little more comfort, Sleeping Bear also offers covered wagons — yes, like pioneer wagons — with electricity, air conditioning and heating.

Sleeping Bear’s campgrounds feature a shelter house, a giant chess board, catch and release fishing, a volleyball court and other outdoor activities. Sleeping Bear also hosts paintball games and manhunt games at nearby grounds. It’s also just west of the Hoosier National Forest, close to the Springs Valley State Fish and Wildlife Area and the Tucker Lake Dam.

Check out sleepingbearretreat.com.

Hilltop Dome in Vevay

Accommodates: Six

Key amenities: Bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom with shower, heating and electricity, washer/dryer, TV, wifi, kitchen appliances, hot tub

Average cost per night: $175 (plus Airbnb fees)

This mostly glass “geodome” on a 42-acre private property is about as premium as glamping gets, with a canopy bedroom, an outdoor patio, a hot tub, a full kitchen, pre-stocked books and board games, a living room with a TV, and more. The dome sits on top of a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding varied terrain.

The dome is within 15 minutes of Clifty Falls State Park, Madison and the Belterra Casino Resort.

Check out booking availability on Airbnb.

Camper RV in Poland

Accommodates: Two

Key amenities: Bedrooms, outdoor kitchen with grill, bathroom, outdoor shower, heating and electricity, TV, wifi

Average cost per night: $72 (plus Airbnb fees)

For those who have always wanted to spend family time in an RV but haven’t gotten the opportunity, this Coleman Lantern LT camper in Poland offers a classic camper experience, plus some extra elbow room with a spacious outdoor patio. The camper features a queen bed, bathroom and living room area, while the outdoor space adds patio seating, a grill, an outdoor shower, a drip coffee maker and a minifridge.

The Poland camper is only about 4 miles east of Cagles Mill Lake, built in 1952 as Indiana’s first flood control reservoir. The lake is abutted by two state recreation areas (SRAs), Lieber and Cataract Falls, which combined offer opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, swimming pools, waterslides, and scenic views of the falls.

Check out booking availability on Airbnb.

Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com. Follow him on Twitter/X at @brianwritesnews.