Good morning, Elkhart.

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County approved $3.6 million in grants for local nonprofits—dividing funding among projects for kids and families, career pathways, and placemaking to support community life.

The community will enjoy a safe trick or treat event at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Oct.

26 from 3 to 4 p.m. Children 18 or younger can collect candy in the east parking lot (rain date is Monday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 5 p.m.).

Adrian and Ashton are 17-year-old twins with special needs who want to be adopted together—hoping to join a family that can meet their unique needs.

Since 2007, the 16 Quilt Gardens have brought quilting, gardening and art to Elkhart across six cities and will expand to 17 sites in 2026—Project manager Janis Logsdon said the gardens will reopen Saturday, May 30 and invite volunteer support.

NIPSCO warned that customers should prepare for higher heating bills this winter due to rising natural gas costs—residential bills are expected to increase about 16% or roughly an extra $18 per month.

The company added that additional energy assistance programs are now available to help vulnerable households.

Wilson Elementary School in Elkhart unveiled a new playground yesterday— the updated space gives students a modern, safe area for outdoor play.

St. Joseph County Parks officials broke ground on Anderson Trail County Park in Granger on Wednesday afternoon — crews began work on the 115-acre lot that will include a playground, sand volleyball court, two trails, and two ponds with a fishing pier, with plans to open the park to the public at the beginning of 2027.

Hollie Carlson, program manager for the City of Elkhart’s Lead Hazard Control program, told WNDU News Now at Noon that parents can reduce lead exposure in children during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week—families are urged to follow safety guidelines to keep homes safe.

A commercial egg laying facility in LaGrange County reported a bird flu case on October 22nd that affected over 19,000 birds—marking the sixth outbreak in LaGrange and Elkhart counties in the past week.

Experts said the virus usually spreads through wild or migratory birds, although dairy cattle can also transmit it.

Doctors are using AI to help find breast cancer by giving radiologists a second look at screening images—Professor Andrew Maidment said the tool better distinguishes harmful cancers from benign lumps and may cut down on extra biopsies.

It also guides decisions for additional tests for patients with dense breast tissue.

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

Japanese Tea Tasting

2-3:30 p.m. — Apothica Teas — Free entry — Explore a variety of premium Japanese teas with expert guidance and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Coffee Hour

9-11 a.m. — Owls Club — No cost — Meet new friends or catch up with old ones over a hot drink in a cozy cafe setting.

Trick or Trap Halloween Party

9 PM - 2 AM — The Arena Nightclub — Free entry — Elkhart's BIGGEST Halloween party featuring DJ STICKY BOOTS and a costume contest.

Southern Soul Blues Festival

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — VIP packages available — Celebrate an electrifying night filled with soul and blues featuring legends and rising stars.

The Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

7:30-10 p.m. — Blue Gate Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable tribute to The Beatles with note-for-note renditions and dynamic performances.

Dusty Slay: The Night Shift Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with stand-up comedian Dusty Slay sharing his unique southern charm and relatable humor.

95.3 MNC Noise with Jimmy Failla

3-7:30 p.m. — Northern Indiana Event Center — Starts at $55.20 — Enjoy an evening of laughs and entertainment with special guest Jimmy Failla.

Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Lerner Theatre — $22.60 – $44.75 — Experience a comedy dog spectacular with talented rescue pups that will leave you howling with joy.

Midland Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Lerner Theatre — $42.20 – $319.50 — Experience a night of classic country music with Midland and special guests, featuring high-energy performances and unique sounds.

The Snow Queen Ballet

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Lerner Theatre — $49.25 – $100.80 — Experience the enchanting story of Gerda's quest to save Kai from the Snow Queen's spell set to classic music.