Good morning, Elkhart.

Afternoon storms forced fair officials to clear the fairgrounds on Monday, July 27, but fairgoers soon returned and enjoyed the concert; the fair continues through August 1 (lightning prompted the brief shutdown).

Church Community Services is hosting its annual 'Stand Up for CCS' comedy fundraiser Saturday at the Goshen Theater in Goshen.

The event features local performer Corey Mann and national comedian Mike Vecchione to support community programs, with tickets at $35 and the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

Northern Indiana Clay Alliance is investing $1.5 million to transform a historic downtown Goshen building into an expanded community arts center guided by $300,000 from Indiana’s READI grant program.

The project is expected to open later this year.

Two major manufacturers will close plants in northern Indiana, affecting about 235 workers.

Forrest River will close Plant 63 in Bristol on Sept. 17 (loss of 105 jobs) while Owens Corning will begin layoffs at its Walkerton facility on Sept. 19, with final separations by Oct. 29.

Multiple school districts in Michiana will begin classes on varying dates starting Aug.

3 in Indiana, with later start dates in Michigan. Elkhart families should check with their local schools (for accurate start times and details).

Ivy Tech and Vincennes University are set to offer Workforce Pell Grants for short-term certificate programs in high-demand fields.

Ivy Tech plans to start its clinical medical assistant course by late October while Vincennes will launch its offering in January 2027 (courses must meet strict eligibility requirements).

A Facebook post from local business Dari Fair has sparked a community effort to support educators and nurses ahead of the new school year today.

Project Classroom Kindness invites residents to fulfill wishlist items and challenge others to help.

After severe storms Monday, nearly 1,700 I&M and over 17,000 NIPSCO customers remain without power today near the state line and in Northwest Indiana — I&M expects service to be restored by noon.

The IHSAA and the Colts announced that girls' flag football is now eligible as a sanctioned sport, opening the path for 108 high schools to field teams next school year—if at least 100 schools participate—with official sanctioning possible by May 2027.

Bluey's Big Play

6-9 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience Bluey in a vibrant live theatre adaptation with puppets.

Wyatt Marshall Live at Fruit Hills Winery

2-5 p.m. — Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard — Food available from Taste of Caribbean — Enjoy live country music from rising star Wyatt Marshall on the deck.

BBQ & Brew Fest 2026

4-10 p.m. — Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds — $80 adults, $45 designated drivers, $20 students, free for kids under 12 — Enjoy craft beer, burgers, and live music while supporting a great cause.

Leroy Robinson Southern Soul & Soul Music Festival featuring The Bar-Kays

7-10 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — $64 – $167.10 — Celebrate the legacy of Leroy Robinson with a night of Southern Soul and R&B featuring Lakeside and T.K. Soul.