Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Elkhart. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Elkhart County joins over 60 local hunger relief organizations to feed more people during Hunger Action Month—this collaborative effort provides food along with protein-rich items and fresh produce for those struggling with rising costs. ABC 57
- ➤ Legendary coach Muffet McGraw asks residents to sign up as neighborhood food drive captains for the Meals with Muffet Food Drive on Sept.27th to support the Food Bank of Northern Indiana amid rising food insecurity—volunteers will coordinate food pick-ups of non-perishable items for timely delivery. 16 News Now
- ➤ Charlie Garner Sr.—a 102-year-old World War II veteran from Syracuse—took an Honor Flight to Washington DC and reflected on his service as he honored his legacy. 16 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Fashion Farms in Ligonier will close at the end of 2025 after a recent fire damaged most of its restaurant, which had just celebrated 50 years. This fall the family-run farm will host its final Pumpkin Fantasyland from October 1 through Halloween—owners will tear down the damaged section before selling the property. ABC 57
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is using his new Eyes on Education website to publish teachers’ social media posts that justify or celebrate Charlie Kirk’s killing—such as a Riley High School post that stated it is 'only fitting'—while an Elkhart teacher’s comment has prompted the local school district to remind staff of proper online conduct amid free speech concerns. ABC 57
- ➤ Dr. Jeanette McCullough, at-large president of South Bend Community School Corporation, was elected Region 2 Director on the Indiana School Boards Association board at Monday’s Delegate Assembly — the meeting also approved the ISBA budget, legislative priorities and foundational statements for 2026. ABC 57
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wild 9-banded armadillos were spotted in our area, with sightings in Elkhart County near Millersburg and nearby LaPorte County, and the Indiana DNR said their movement north reflects climate change as they burrow to survive harsh winters—prompting officials to ask locals to report future sightings. WSBT
- ➤ A wind farm is being considered in southern Saint Joseph County after the UKA group sent letters to local residents about a possible project on 5,000 acres—county officials now say they are seeking more details before any agreements are made. WSBT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Braun answered a question from Joshua Short about Senate Enrolled Act 1—a property tax relief measure that passed earlier this year. 16 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Paul Judge from Corewell Health says that warm weather is keeping pollen levels high, which may extend fall allergy symptoms. He advises using over-the-counter medicine and filtered air at home—if COVID-like symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted. 16 News Now
- ➤ Dr. Adam Dell, a former US Air Force Health Commander, leads a free 12-week trauma recovery group at RETA in downtown Elkhart that uses cognitive processing therapy to help adults overcome trauma. The closed group program is open to all adults and will begin a new session at the end of next month—offering key mental health support. WSBT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Four families broke ground on new homes at 3115 Homer Avenue in Elkhart—each family has completed homeownership and financial literacy classes and put in sweat-equity hours as they begin construction with Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County in partnership with Lippert. ABC 57
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Notre Dame will face Purdue this Saturday as a decrease in rain chances may improve game conditions for the Irish—earlier matches had wet weather that affected play. The cloudy skies are expected to hold off rain for ABC57 Kickoff from 10 to noon. ABC 57
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Monthly Euchre night at Brentwood at Elkhart Independent Living
Your Local Independent Living is hosting a monthly Euchre night that is open to the public! We will have snacks, raffles, and a grand prize of a $100 gift card for the winning team! We will be hosting on the 2nd Thursday of the month starting on August 14th, beginning at 6pm! Please call 574-262-1626 for information
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Curbside Concerts: Jake Miller and The Midwest Heat
7-9:30 p.m. — Elkhart Public Library - Downtown — Free entry — Enjoy country and western music under the stars with Jake Miller and friends.
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New Paris Indiana Community 250th Anniversary Block Party
10 AM-7 PM — Sunnyside Park — Free entry — Celebrate 250 years of community spirit with fun, local vendors, and activities.
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Coffee Hour
9-11 a.m. — Owls Club — Free entry — Enjoy a hot drink while meeting new friends or catching up with familiar faces in a casual setting.
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Lunchtime Live: Kimball Organ Concert with Celia Weiss
11 AM – 1 PM — The Lerner Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy virtuoso performances on the historic Kimball Organ by local favorite Celia Weiss.
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Coffee Hour
9-11 a.m. — Owls Club — Free entry — Meet new friends and catch up over a warm drink in a relaxed cafe setting.
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Scrambler Lineup Demo Day
10 AM – 3 PM — Elkhart Triumph — Free entry — Experience thrilling test rides on Triumph's iconic Scrambler lineup and receive a complimentary gift for the first 20 riders.
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Waggin' in the Woods
2-5 p.m. — Elkhart Environmental Center — Free entry with pet supply donation — Celebrate furry friends with a day of activities, vendors, and a pooch parade.
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Coffee Hour
9-11 a.m. — Owls Club — Free entry — Connect over coffee in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for meeting new friends or catching up with old ones.
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World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby
7-8:30 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — $49.90 – $100.90 — Experience the dazzling Broadway-style ballet showcasing the glitz and glamor of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel.
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Hometown Jams: Starship and Foghat Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — $52.49 – $125.69 — Experience an unforgettable night of classic rock anthems from Starship and Foghat.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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