Good morning, Elkhart.

Elsie, a therapy dog, joined the staff at the Elkhart County Courthouse to ease anxiety for children and teenagers during court appearances.

Officials say the four-legged companion offers comfort during stressful trials + jury duty sessions.

Notre Dame has announced a nearly $40,000 state grant to develop an AI coaching platform that will offer nonstop support to low-income microentrepreneurs in northwest Indiana.

The platform will deliver personalized guidance via smartphone anytime.

Notre Dame announced a nearly $40,000 state grant to create an AI coaching platform that will give low-income entrepreneurs personal guidance.

The platform is designed for microentrepreneurs in northwest Indiana and will be available 24 hours—accessible by smartphone.

St. Joseph County Department of Health issued a health advisory after West Nile virus was found in a mosquito pool in Penn Township, following a previous detection in Portage Township earlier this month; residents are advised to protect themselves by using insect repellent and reducing standing water (see official guidelines).

After a summer of heat & heavy rain troubled local gardens, Ginger Valley salesman Greg Leyes advised gardeners to adjust watering practices and plant perennials now so they build strong root systems before winter arrives.

Local garden centers offer additional advice.

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.