Good morning, Elkhart.

City of Elkhart Parks and Recreation dedicated a new playground at Geroldean Thursby Memorial Tot Lot on Thursday.

The park was bought by local neighbors in 1949 and donated in memory of a 4-year-old who lost her life after being hit by a vehicle, making it the fourth of six new playgrounds under the ASPIRE program.

The Elkhart Fire Department responded with ten vehicles to a building fire on the 900 block of 2nd Street Wednesday at 6:49 p.m.—heavy smoke was seen near the roof and EFD rescued a dog while later finding a cat safe, with the fire under control by 7:22 p.m. and no injuries reported.

The Bucket Shack will open at 1212 S.

Ironwood Drive in South Bend's River Park neighborhood. The new restaurant is run by the same family behind the Food Shack in Elkhart—they are hiring even though the opening date is not yet set.

Education officials signed several bills this week that affect schools statewide—one law raises the minimum salary for teachers across the Hoosier state.

Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office advises drivers to watch for horse-drawn buggies and slow-speed vehicles—after several recent crashes in Michiana—and urges motorists to take extra care on the road.

The St. Joseph County Department of Health detected West Nile Virus in a pool of mosquitoes in Clay Township and issued a public health advisory urging residents to use insect repellent and cover exposed skin.

Health officials said more infected mosquitoes will be found throughout the summer — residents should take precautions to reduce breeding sites.

The city broke ground on a new 250-unit multi-housing development called The Flats at Pinecreek on Parkway Avenue—this project will include workforce housing and local businesses such as restaurants, a small grocery and a drug store.

Rent will start at $900 with nearly half the units available for less than $1,200 a month as part of the Elkhart Aspire initiative to improve public safety, infrastructure and quality of life.

United Airlines announced Thursday that it will add 24 nonstop flights—nearly half serving Notre Dame matchups—for major 2025 college football games.

The new routes will link Newark/New York and South Bend, among others—providing scheduled flights for both home and away contests to help fans reach games.

Open House at Rosewood Villa

2-4 p.m. — 1916 Wild Rose Ln, Mishawaka, IN — $265,000 — Experience serene one-story living in a beautiful condo with an open concept layout.

The Little Mermaid

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — $17.10 – $32.55 — Experience the enchanting tale of Ariel as she navigates between two worlds in this captivating Disney musical adaptation.

Parade 5K Road Run

10 AM – 3 PM — Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds — Check the event for registration fees — Run with thousands of spectators along the Elkhart County Fair Parade route.

Banda Machos Live in Elkhart

9 PM – 1 AM — Concord Event Center — General Admission $50 — Experience the vibrant sounds of Banda Machos and Banda La Zeta for an unforgettable night.