Some Good News Michiana

It’s the start of the week, we are through the negative temps, sort of! Let’s kick this week off! https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/business/market-basket/2024/01/12/up-mall-in-mishawaka-has-new-food-and-shopping-options-on-the-way/72178979007/ In Mishawaka, The removal of holiday decorations at University Park Mall marks the annual retail shift into Valentine’s Day, Easter and warmer weather to come with most stores already offering discounts on winter attire, even though the area was expected to get its first real winter blast this weekend.  But as merchandise is shifting for the season, mall personnel have been busy working to bring in new tenants to the regional shopping destination.  Miniso, a Chinese-based retailer that describes itself as “a value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products,” should be opening soon at the far end of the mall’s Food Court, across from Forever 21.  The chain opened its 100th store in the United States last year and operates more than 6,000 worldwide. The local store, which will occupy 4,285 square feet, is expected to open before the end of the month.  Meanwhile, Lovesac plans to move into a permanent 1,500-square-foot storefront adjacent to Vo’s Coffees after operating a kiosk at the mall the past couple of years. Christian Carlson, the mall’s director of marketing and business development, says the store should be ready to open in March.  Lovesac designs, manufactures and sells furniture that’s designed to evolve with the lives of its customers. The space at UP Mall apparently has been one of the company’s top performing kiosks since it opened.  https://www.abc57.com/news/new-housing-developments-coming-to-the-city-of-south-bend Reported by ABC57 in South Bend - Three new developments are set to transform the area near Four Winds Field in the City of South Bend. First, the Diamond View Apartments will offer 60 affordable housing units, catering to tenants with incomes at 80% or less of the average median income. Ryan McMonagle, Chief Financial Officer at Real America, hopes that these projects will revitalize the downtown area. "The residents that we're targeting, some with the LITECH, side we have community integration, 12 of the units will be set aside for residents with intellectual disabilities,” said McMonagle. Real America is partnering with the Logan Center to offer community resources for the Diamond View Apartments. Additionally, the area will feature two buildings known as the Stadium Flats, each comprising 45 units at market price. “On the market rate side, we're looking to get the family that is looking to move downtown and get involved in the city downtown,” said McMonagle. Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity for the city, says the administration is focused on bringing more affordable housing to the area. “It's really exciting to have a dense project like this and really provide needed housing for residents particularly in downtown,” said Glavich. This project has been in the works since 2021. The city says the project took a while to get underway because Real America wasn't granted the tax credits for affordable housing until January of 2022. The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Hope you’re staying warm in this below zero weather–let’s talk about some great things happening here in Michiana. https://www.facebook.com/groups/437273369791339/?multi_permalinks=2457619961089993&ref=share The Miss America competition continues tonight!Local Maya Schuhnect of Buchanan represents the entire state of Michigan in this competition. As shared on Facebook by Tee Ray: “Tonight is the Crowning of a New Miss America.  Michiana is being represented by; Miss Michigan Maya Schuhknect of Buchanan! The graduate of Michigan State University and now former Miss Spirit of the State was crowned Miss Michigan 2023 on June 17, 2023, at the Frauenthal Theatre in Muskegon. Her winning talent was speed-painting a portrait of the late Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginesburg. She will represent the state of Michigan at Miss America tonight January 14, 2024. Let’s wish her Well and Good Luck!” The finals night for Miss America is Sunday, January 14 at 7 p.m. You can watch the competition for free here: https://watchmissamerica.com/programs/finals24 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=336544205943581&set=a.102252279372776 Local football players plunge out into the cold to dig out their neighbors, friends, and family. In Middlebury, Northridge High School Football players  Shared on Facebook by Hoosier Prep Gridiron: “Northridge football players were out clearing driveways and sidewalks in the community today as winter weather passes thru the community”

It’s the weekend! Let’s hit it and have some fun! Looking for a fun way to enjoy the snow before it freezes out? There’s a few places to go sledding in your local area with some fun hills waiting to be found! Two Favorites within Elkhart County Parks near Elkhart, Goshen, and Middlebury are Ox Bow Park and Bonneyville Mill. Both are known for multiple sledding hills. George Wilson Park in Mishawaka features 54.3 acres of rolling hills, lush tall trees, a playground and scenic views of Mishawaka and South Bend.  The park has a disc golf course and excellent snow tubing hills in the winter months.  Cost is $4 per person and you can rent snow tubes for $3 a piece. Lastly, Baugo Creek County Park has snow tubing hills as well. Admission is the parking gate fee plus $5 per person which includes the snow tube. Learn about George Wilson Park here: https://mishawaka.in.gov/things-to-do/parks-and-recreation/parks/ For other sledding or tubing opportunities within St Joseph County Parks, check out: https://www.sjcparks.org/556/Public-Innertubing Or follow St. Joe County Parks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjcparks/ https://www.facebook.com/middleburyin/posts/pfbid0DYr5vzBtkwSggtvdTQBhKBVQ98xXHv1acD4heHUKKioChSo7UBW6p3ZzSfVRjJuql The town of Middlebury took a chance to highlight their dedicated team on social media as they overcame obstacles to keep their town’s snow plows on the road. Share by the Town of Middlebury on Facebook: “Middlebury, we are so fortunate to have a great team of dedicated employees in our Public Works Department!!  Earlier this week during the snow storm, our large 2005 snow plow truck had mechanical issues. Middlebury has 3 large plow trucks, and it makes things more challenging when one truck is out of operation.  Our crew made several calls and got the needed parts ordered and the parts came in at noon today. A couple of the guys worked hard and got the truck back on the road this evening. While many of us are in our warm homes, the Public Works Department is out in the cold getting our streets cleared. Our team will be working until around 9pm tonight, and then head home to get some rest.  They will be back at it again around 2:00-3:00am tomorrow morning. They are a great team and take pride in keeping our streets cleared. If you get the opportunity, please say ‘Thank you!’ to them.”

Welcome to Friday! Here’s Some Good News to help push you through today: https://www.elkharttruth.com/features/goshen-college-announces-plans-for-mlk-celebration/article_cc24d8f1-873e-5690-8bc5-4a0909ebbd95.html Reported by the Elkhart Truth — Goshen College is set to host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan. 13-15. This year’s theme, “Black Housing and Unsung Sheroes, Champions of Change in Elkhart County,” will focus on key issues surrounding housing and honor individuals making a difference in the local community. The keynote speaker for the event is Cyneatha Millsaps, executive director of the Center for Community Engagement at Goshen College. Millsaps, a seasoned leader with a diverse background, will shed light on the values and ideals that characterized King’s work. The three-day celebration on campus will include a series of public events, starting with a poetry reading by Allison Joseph at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, in Umble Center. Joseph is a poet who directs the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Sunday, Jan. 14, will feature a sermon delivered by Millsaps at 9:30 a.m. at College Mennonite Church during the worship service. On Monday, Jan. 15, the celebration will continue with a convocation featuring a message by Millsaps at 10 a.m. in the Church-Chapel, followed by a reception. The afternoon will include a 2:15 p.m. documentary film screening of “What Happened at Benham West: African American Stories of Community, Displacement and Hope,” in Umble Center with a question-and-answer and reception to follow. The documentary collects elders’ stories of Elkhart’s predominantly African American Benham West neighborhood and documents the process of the city’s eventual clearing of the neighborhood. More information: goshen.edu/mlk https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/01/08/oscar-mayer-wienermobile-job-opening-driver/72119869007/ Think you're a hot dog driver? Here's a potential job opening for you: driving the Wienermobile. Oscar Mayer wants to hire a dozen "Hotdoggers," for year-long full-time jobs driving its iconic 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels. If you relish the chance, you can apply through Jan. 31 on the Oscar Meyer website to be part of what will be the 37th class of Hotdoggers who drive the Wienermobile, which first hit the road in 1936. Drivers travel and maintain one of the six Wienermobiles, traveling an average of 20,000 miles, visiting more than 20 states and handing out 250,000 Wiener Whistles during the year, the company says. They also create content for the brand’s social media channels. “The title of a Hotdogger is a rare and coveted position unique to those seeking adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Ed Roland, ‘Top Dog’ and senior manager of brand communications for Oscar Mayer at Kraft Heinz, in a statement. “Statistically speaking, more people have visited space than driven the Wienermobile! We take pride in welcoming the next class who will continue to uphold the tradition of sparking smiles and bringing buns of fun to fans across the U.S.” Here's some of the recommended qualifications for the job of Wienermobile brand ambassador: Strong communications skills and social media savvy. A bachelor's degree, preferably in public relations, communications, journalism or marketing. A love of hot dog puns is a helpful condiment. Applicants can expect a base salary of $35,600, according to the job listing. Other benefits include a weekly allowance of $150 (or $7,200 for the year) for meals and personal travel, 18 days of paid time off, a full health benefits package, and 100% of hotel expenses covered.

Happy Thursday! Hope you’re kicking BUTT this week! https://www.facebook.com/elkhartcounty4hfair/posts/pfbid0APGDhMvLooYEbeZiajpNPKdH3aNndzuozfmJpAjQhUHyQzwNrs7hHE2xGWHU7Ub6l Posted today by the Elkhart County 4H Fair in Goshen, IN they shared on Facebook:“At our first ever Holiday Lights Drive Thru event, we created an opportunity for Elkhart County 4-H Clubs to participate in a friendly competition.  Each of the participating clubs created and designed one of a kind light displays to represent their club. We left the voting to the public, and let you all pick our 2023 winner.  Our Light Committee was happy to present the Electric Clovers 4-H Club as the winner at our board meeting last night. Congratulations to the Electric Clovers 4-H Club, thank you to all of the clubs that participated, and thank you to all of you for voting!” https://abc57.com/news/buchanan-native-wins-preliminary-talent-award-at-miss-america Shared by ABC57 -- Last night, Buchanan's own Miss Michigan was awarded a preliminary talent award for her speed painting at the Miss America competition. Maya Schuhknecht, Miss Michigan 2023, is a Buchanan native and graduate of Buchanan High School. During the preliminary talent competition, Schuhknecht was awarded one of three talent awards out of 51 competitors. This award comes with a $3,000 scholarship. The finals night for Miss America is Sunday, January 14 at 7 p.m. You can watch the competition for free here: https://watchmissamerica.com/programs/finals24

We’re partway through the week! Let’s just forget the weekend forecast at this point! https://www.wndu.com/2024/01/11/timeless-treasure-clock-atop-elkhart-county-courthouse-still-ticking-154-years-later/ Reported by WNDU - The Elkhart County Courthouse is a mid-19th century landmark in the heart of Goshen. 3 Generations of clock experts continue to care for the clock in downtown Goshen. At the top of that iconic structure is a distinct marker — a big timepiece was made by Boston’s E. Howard Clock Company in 1870. 154 years later, that clock is still ticking. Blake Eckelbarger, a well-known Goshen DJ with his own syndicated radio show, might seem like an unlikely caretaker for the way-cool clock. But both his grandfather and his great-grandfather performed the same duty for Elkhart County. Blake is at once the clock’s caretaker and a student of its history. He speaks cheerfully about the E. Howard Clock Company’s durable timepiece. “They engineered their timepieces they say to last 200 years,” Eckelbarger said. “It’s about 154 years old now, and it’s had a little help along the way. But basically, it’s still working as it started. So basically, other than some maintenance and keeping it lubricated and that sort of thing, it really still continues to work.” https://www.abc57.com/news/east-race-market-opens-in-downtown-south-bend SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- East Race Market opened in downtown South Bend Wednesday, with an official ribbon-cutting set for Thursday. It serves as a full-service grocery store. "It's really convenient for us because it's halfway in between the south side and downtown, but I know that people that live kind of closer to here have to go farther out," said shopper Amie Dworecki. "So, I think they're really going to appreciate having something here." East Race Market is owned and operated by David Matthews of Matthews, LLC on the first floor of the 300 East LaSalle apartment building. Originally planned as a Martin's, Matthews had trouble finding a grocery partner to move in. "We just couldn't find a grocer to come in and do it for us," Matthews said. "So, then it's like, okay, we're going to have to solve this problem. Let's solve it." Eventually taking on the task himself. "The big challenge for a small-format store is how are we price competitive with the big-box retailers?" Matthews said. Matthews LLC bought shares in a Wisconsin food wholesaler, expanding their market to the Hoosier state, now supplying food for the East Race Market. Indianapolis Fruit is supplying produce, and local vendors can fill in the rest of the gaps. The store holds about 4,000 items on its shelves but has the capacity to hold roughly 15,000.  For more information on this story, visit the full story here in the show notes below: https://www.abc57.com/news/east-race-market-opens-in-downtown-south-bend

It’s Taco Tuesday! Who else is tired of the snow already? This week you can see an indoor RV Show and apply now to be Casey’s Gas Station Chief Pizza and Beer Officer https://www.wndu.com/2024/01/10/valley-rv-camping-show-returning-century-center-this-weekend/ Reported by WNDU: If you’re looking for a new RV for your next adventure on the road, you should head to the Century Center in South Bend this weekend! The 49th annual Valley RV & Camping Show will be the first opportunity of the year for most people to see the latest RV models at discount prices. A wide variety of RVs will be on showcase, including motorhomes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers, and travel trailers. Dealers will also be on hand to answer your questions. Whether you’re looking for an entry level RV or a big fifth wheel, experts say there is something at the show to fit every budget and camping style. “This show is a great place for buyers to compare features, floorplans, and RV types from a wide variety of manufacturers,” says Matt Rose, show director. “With so many dealers all in one place it’s also a great place for buyers to negotiate their best price. Many of these RVs are priced at 20% to 25% below MSRP.”. The show opens Thursday, Jan. 11, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 14. It will be open at the following hours on the following days: Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and kids 15 and younger free.  Check out their site here for more information: https://rvshows.org/valley-rv-camping-show/ https://www.abc57.com/news/national-pizza-chain-is-recruiting-a-chief-pizza-and-beer-officer Casey’s pizza, which has multiple locations in Elkhart, is conducting a national search to find candidates to fill a position the company is calling Chief Pizza and Beer Officer. The new position comes in ramp up to National Pizza Week Jan. 14-20. "This prestigious and mouth-watering position will serve as the utmost authority on sampling, researching and pairing Casey’s pizzas with the best beer combinations," said Public Affairs Officer Maddie Federici. "The ideal Chief Pizza and Beer Officer candidate has clear communication skills and a high motivation to eat tasty pizza and responsibly drink ice-cold beer." The person who accepts the position will also be responsible for creating social media content and attending public events to promote Casey’s.The company says a few of the job requirements include: Be a proven professional: someone who LOVES to eat Casey’s pizza and drink beer.  Have pizza stamina: strong enough to continue eating pizza even when you’ve eaten it every day for a month. Have task prioritization and goal achievement: finding and creating the best possible pizza and beer combinations for our guests.  Have leadership skills: Lead a team of one (you) of highly motivated pizza and beer lovers.  Be a beacon of integrity: willing to undergo a background check. Be of legal age: you’ll be consuming beer responsibly, so you’ll need to be 25+ years old. Reside somewhere in Casey’s Country: Our 17-state footprint across the Midwest and South. The benefits of the position include job supplies like receiving pizza and beer from Casey’s stores, branded glassware and other items, coverage of travel costs for position duties and a negotiable compensation package. You can find the application for the position here: https://www.research.net/r/cpbo

Let’s hop in this Monday and start this week off right! https://www.elkharttruth.com/features/miss-elkhart-county-named-first-runner-up-in-state-fair-queen-contest/article_275394a5-9a81-5f40-9b2a-7a11748bbbfc.html Reported by the Elkhart Truth: Maya Narayan, Miss Elkhart County 2023, finished as first runner-up Sunday in the 65th Indiana State Fair Queen pageant at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. Narayan, a 2023 graduate of Goshen High School, is a 10-year 4-H member and a lifelong fairgoer. She’s attending Western Michigan University to double major in music theater performance and biochemistry. She’s participated in 4-H Goshen Go-getters, 4-H Junior Leaders, talent competitions and 4-H Share the Fun. She is the daughter of Sharath and Lisa Narayan. https://wsbt.com/news/local/student-from-south-bends-riley-high-school-receives-the-posse-foundation-scholarship-full-tuition-purdue-university-opportunity-select-south-bend-indiana# Reported by WSBT: For the third consecutive year a student from South Bend's Riley High School is receiving the Posse Foundation Scholarship. It provides a full-tuition scholarship to Purdue University. Marcus Henderson is a senior at Riley High School and one of the recipients of the Posse Scholarship. He'll spend the next four years at Purdue University, studying psychology. Marcus is active in many clubs and athletics at Riley and is excited for this next chapter. “I’m really excited I’m really blessed this is an opportunity that not many get to have so for me to be able to be one of those. It’s a big thing for me. I’m proud of myself and just thankful for all those that help me to get here,” says Marcus Henderson, Senior at South Bend's Riley High school. Ten public high school students from Indiana are chosen for the scholarship. Marcus says it's all about going to college together. “It’s all about working together and building relationships and networking and so this group of 10 is supposed to make all of us stronger, makes all of us more likely to be successful in college,” says Henderson. Principal Shawn Henderson has been at Riley for seven years and says it’s an amazing feeling having three students selected for this award, but this year the feeling is a little different. “He’s created his own path. He’s built great relationships, and he has an amazing Relationship with the other posse recipients in 2022 and 2023 but as a father, it’s man it’s a lot of emotions right so you’re just excited and happy for him because he’s reaching his goals,” says Shawn Henderson, principal at South Bend's Riley High School. Principal Henderson also says having three students selected says a lot for Riley and South Bend. “I think it speaks volumes for what we’re doing as a community as a city Of South Bend. You know this is not a Riley thing Riley ‘s not the only school that has a posse recipient at Riley Adams high school also has a posse recipient, but it just reflects and shows with the great things that South Bend public schools are doing,” says Shawn Henderson.

Time to kick off this BEAUTIFUL Sunday with some slight snow and some good news right here in Michiana https://wsbt.com/news/local/matt-reum-meets-rescuers-upgraded-good-condition-crash-bridge-truck-reunion-fisherman-porter-county-mishawaka-indiana# In continuation of a previous story, Matt Reum was rescued after 6 days trapped in his car and had a chance to finally thank his rescuers. Reported by WSBT, an update on the Mishawaka man who survived after being trapped in his truck for six days after crashing it off a bridge on I-94 in Porter County. Matt Reum has been upgraded to good condition at Memorial Hospital. Monday, he got a private reunion with his rescuers and the chance to thank them in person. Reum crashed his truck on December 20th. He was rescued six days later when two fishermen found him trapped near a creek the day after Christmas. https://www.wndu.com/2024/01/08/mother-2-kids-2-pets-rescued-elkhart-house-fire/ Reported by WNDU with a story in Elkhart: a mother, her two children, and two of their pets are recovering after being rescued from a house fire over the weekend in Elkhart. Crews were called just before 8:15 a.m. Sunday to the 900 block of Franklin Street. When they arrived, they found heavy fire coming from the house and people calling for rescue from a second story window. Firefighters say a woman and two children were rescued, as well as a dog and a cat. The woman and children were taken to the hospital to be evaluated while the cat went with a family member and the humane society took the dog for evaluation and boarding. According to officials, everyone is reportedly in good condition. However, another cat and a rabbit have yet to be accounted for. No firefighters were injured in the blaze. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. Meanwhile, WNDU 16 News Now has verified a GoFundMe for the family that was created by another family member. “My niece and her babies lost everything they owned,” says Jessica Simmons. “They have nothing. Anything will help her get back on her feet.” The GoFundMe’s goal is $5,000. If you’d like to donate, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nieces-house-fire https://www.goshennews.com/news/sunnyside-overpass-gets-the-green-light/article_24e00e96-ae62-11ee-9062-cf6f2d76a65c.html For those ready for better traffic flow in Elkhart within the Dunlap area, the Sunnyside overpass gets the greenlight to move forward. Elkhart County is one step closer to an overpass in Dunlap. Elkhart County Commissioners agreed to sign the contract with Norfolk Southern Railroad and the Indiana Department of Transportation to fund the cost of construction. The agreement only defines the terms of finances, closure dates for Sunnyside Avenue Crossing and C.R. 13 railroad crossing, and future responsibilities for maintenance, but it’s a crucial step in the project, with INDOT planning to open bids for the project in March, according to Elkhart County Highway Department Engineer Charlie McKenzie. Elkhart County will be responsible for maintenance of the Sunnyside overpass, per the agreement.

Let’s kick off the weekend with an upcoming celebration for MLK, a Special Olympics fundraiser, and $30k raised by disc golf https://www.visitsouthbend.com/event/celebration-for-a-king/4516/ Coming to South Bend in Jan 9th, The South Bend Symphony Orchestra unites with local churches to celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join the Symphony’s Woodwind QuintetHosted by Symphony Board President Dr. Marvin Curtis, alongside a community choir directed by Turrell O’Neal for a series of three events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. https://wsbt.com/news/local/special-olympics-fundraiser-pancake-breakfast-sheriff-police-fire-department-food-money-donations-kids-children-sports-new-buffalo-township-berrien-county-michigan Berrien County first responders host Special Olympics fundraiser The Berrien County Sheriff's Office and the New Buffalo Township Fire Department joined forces and hosted a delicious fundraiser. The community was able to enjoy a stack of pancakes and support a great cause. This was the second annual pancake breakfast hosted by the fire department, but the first year the sheriff's office joined in. All of the proceeds of the event will go toward the Special Olympics of Michigan. New Buffalo Township Fire Assistant Chief Michael Plis said, "Just joining the community, bringing everybody together. Trying to give the Special Olympics a little extra help with putting those kids in the Special Olympics and supporting them financially." Last year, they were able to serve around 700 people and raised just over $2,000. https://www.abc57.com/news/maple-city-ice-bowl-hosts-disc-golf-charity-event The Maple City Ice Bowl, a disc golf tournament based out of Goshen, raised more than $26,000 for The Window Inc., a food pantry that provides meals and clothing for families looking for support. The need for The Window's services has nearly doubled since the pandemic and the pantry now serves an average of more than 900 families per month.  Each disc golfer in Saturday morning's tournament donated a minimum of $50 to The Window Inc. to participate.  The total for the entire event is expected to continue to rise as the Ice Bowl nears their goal of raising $30,000. 

Who’s ready for a fantastic Friday? Join us for more fun ways to experience the outdoors this weekend AND a heartfelt story about distance love during WW2. https://www.elkharttruth.com/news/warmer-than-average-winter-weather-brings-out-ice-skaters/article_46250a6a-2d2f-5028-98b9-67f63f0766c3.html In Downtown Elkhart, temperatures are expected to stay above freezing and get into the high 30s over the weekend. According the National Weather Service, snow is expected with new accumulation of less than a half-inch. The warmer-than-average temperatures have not put a strain on business at NIBCO. With many out on winter break, the outdoor ice rink has been a popular recreational activity, organizers said. Weather permitting, the ice rink will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. and again from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Next week the rink will go back to being open Friday through Sunday only. Admission is $3 for children and $5 for adults. Skate rental is $3. https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/2024/01/05/swiss-valley-ski-snowboard-area-opens-for-the-season-with-snowmaking/72120991007/ Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area has announced that it will open for the season Saturday, Jan. 6, thanks to a hard push this week with snowmaking.  The resort said to expect limited terrain this weekend, though it plans to keep adding to it as more snow can be made.  “To guarantee an opening, we focused very heavily on a few specific areas,” it explained in its announcement.  Specifically, it will open the “Easy Over” beginner slope that’s served with rope tows, while it’s also working now to add a variety of features. The resort will also open the slope dubbed “Swiss Miss,” which is served by its Quad 83 chairlift. That’s one of the first intermediate slopes that slide down from the rentals building.   https://www.goshennews.com/news/a-love-to-last-a-lifetime/article_ce1886ec-a65f-11ee-9011-37722cba07d5.html In Goshen, a 100 year old woman reflects on the her the love story with her late husband that started while he was serving back in world war 2.Vanessa Padilla from Goshen News wrote this beautiful article. Let’s check it out:

Weather reports share snow is coming our way this weekend and next week–are you ready for the snow? https://checkout.roller.app/ironworksplaza/products/booknow#/sessions Ready to enjoy the outdoors this weekend? Downtown Mishawaka’s Ironworks Ice Rink run by the City of Mishawaka offers ice skating, curling, ice bikes and even ice bumper cars! Daily, they offer 90 minute skating sessions in between each session, they take a 45-minute break for the Zamboni to resurface the ice rink.For curling, you book by teams of 2 for an hour a piece and the cost is $15.Ice Bike rides are 15 minutes a piece and cost $8. https://morriscenter.org/event/movies-at-the-morris-the-super-mario-bros-movie/ Movies at the Morris continue in January coming up on January 14th. Movies at the Morris is a fan favorite as the Morris Theatre shows free popular movies that have been recently released outside of traditional theaters.Tickets are required at the door, however registering for tickets are free at the link in the show notes below. https://www.potawatomizoo.org/event/winter-days-2024/2024-01-06/ Winter Days at the Potawatomi Zoo are happening this weekend on Jan 6th and 7th from 12 to 3 pm.The train and concessions will be open along with several winter operational exhibits across the zoo.Zoo members can enter for free and admission for adults are $7.50 each.

With changes in weather coming up, check out some of these fun ways to get out of the house! https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/2024/01/03/swiss-valley-and-michigan-ski-resorts-hope-to-open-with-snowmaking/72082615007/ With outside temperatures hovering below freezing, Michiana area ski resorts are ready to make some snow. Swiss Valley Ski Resort in Jones, MI and Timber Ridge near Kalamazoo are ready to make the flakes fly.Staff were hoping to finally open this weekend but temperatures may hold them back from that. Mike Panich, manager at Swiss Valley, shares they would love to be open as soon as possible but may only have limited runs available. Snow had originally been built up at both resorts however, mid-December temperatures melted the snow. https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/2024/01/03/swiss-valley-and-michigan-ski-resorts-hope-to-open-with-snowmaking/72082615007/ Pool Kayaking returns to Elkhart this Sunday, Jan 7th at Concord High School.  The East Race Whitewater Kayak Club hosts an annual indoor series to allow kayakers time in the water to practice or develop new skills from mentors.  You can join in on certain Sundays throughout the season from 3:30 to 5:15. Anyone can join in this Sunday by bringing a $15 donation and their kayak to the Concord High School pool area. https://www.elkharttruth.com/hometown/community-foundation-awards-eight-scholarships/article_ea33fafc-5d8a-5568-b300-3b264f149256.html The Community Foundation of Elkhart County awards 8 scholarships to local high school students. Three students were selected to receive the 2024 Lily Endowment Community Scholarship for Elkhart County. These students receive full 4-year tuition at an state university or college within Indiana.  Recipients are: Jenna Harlan of Fairfield High School Kennedy Troyer of Northridge High School Cesar Vela of Goshen High School These students were selected from a pool of nominees made by local high schools and finalists were selected based on  academic achievement, extracurricular, civic involvement, career goals, an interview, and an essay. Jenna Harlan, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholar from Fairfield, said, “This scholarship really opens up a lot of opportunities for me. I had been struggling knowing how I was going to fund college, how I was going to get there. I have been applying for other scholarships, but now I can go to my dream school. I feel like all of the work that I put in was all leading up to this and it was really rewarding.” Five additional students were selected to receive $5,000 per year towards tuition. Students selected were:Nathaly Araujo Vera, Jimtown High School Sage Borkholder, Concord High School Ethan Henriquez, Northwood High School Jayden Schlabach, Bethany Christian School Ella Troyer, Elkhart High School

Join in today for Tuesday's uplifting stories! https://www.elkharttruth.com/sports/concord-grad-brenneman-loves-swimming-for-irish/article_43217129-bde1-5ada-aa4a-a6a9ba845365.html Notre Dame University swimmer and former Concord High School Grad Grace Brenneman broke the school record this past November for the 50-meter freestyle. After swimming for Concord High School and graduating in 2022, Brenneman went on to swim for the University of Notre Dame.  Brenneman, now a sophomore, competed in the Ohio State Fall Invitational in November and posted a time of 25.97 and set the new school record for the 50-meter freestyle. Brenneman shares:“It’s great to swim at Notre Dame and it was great to see that result. It means a lot to me. It’s a stepping stone towards qualifying for the Olympic trials. I’m not under the cut, but I’m definitely a lot closer than I was before.” https://www.elkharttruth.com/news/new-term-begins-for-city-elected-officials/article_085c1697-2095-5fd0-a9aa-6cd579ba2845.html On Monday, The City of Elkhart officially brought in the next term of elected officials including Mayor Rod Roberson for his second term. City Judge Charles Grodnik swore in Roberson as well as Clerk Deb Barrett and common council members including: Arvis Dawson, Alex Holtz, Tonda Hines, Aaron Mishler, Chad Crabtree, David Henke, Dwight Fish, Brent Curry and LaTonya King. https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/south-bend/ Murder Mystery Dinner comes to South Bend in January and February. For those looking for a unique spin on date night with their spouse or game night with the family, a new spin on the murder mystery interactive show comes to the Embassy Suites near Notre Dame.  Tickets are $70 and include dinner with this interactive show. The next shows are January 13th and 20th. Here’s what you can expect: The Dinner Detective is very uniquely different from traditional murder mystery dinner theater! Anyone in the room can end up being a part of the show, and the action happens throughout the entire room. Throughout the night, a crime will occur, hidden clues will be revealed, and our Detectives will help everyone try to crack the case. In the end, we have a Prize Package awaiting the Top Sleuth who provides the best answer before the killer is unmasked! PLEASE NOTE: Prop guns, loud simulated gunshots, and/or short lighting blackouts may be used as part of the performance! You can learn more on their website: https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/south-bend/

Happy New Year--tune in for city mayoral updates and a special origin story! https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-james-mueller-sworn-second-term-oath-office-politics-democrat-elected-official Today, South Bend’s Mayor James Mueller and other elected officials were sworn in today at the Century Center in Downtown South Bend. James Mueller is now in his 2nd term for the City of South Bend and had a chance to share a public address after being sworn in. James Mueller shares how working together within the city will make the community stronger and shared his passion and optimism for the city during the next few years under his leadership. He shared:"Bold, deliberate public action will be necessary to get us where we need to go, the kind of action that's already underway with historic investments across our city. We are stronger together, and only together will we rise," -Mayor James Mueller, City of South Bend https://www.goshennews.com/news/goshen-mayor-officials-sworn-in-at-meeting/article_491e9794-a50e-11ee-addd-7fbfb4819e23.html In the city of Goshen, Mayor Gina Leichty was sworn in to officially begin her duties as an elected official. She was selected through caucusing earlier this year as interim Mayor. Mayor Gina Leichty is the first elected female mayor in Goshen. Before adjourning, Leichty, who is the first female mayor of the city, expressed her gratitude to those who had taken part and assisted with the campaign season. https://www.facebook.com/inspirationalspeakercharlieadams Charlie Adams recently shared this insightful story within a Facebook post, siting the origin story of the new movie “the Boys in the Boat.” The post from Charlie shares a story shared with him from David Hoffert from Warsaw Community Schools. Charlie shares: “The Boys in the Boat” is an incredible and heartwarming story of teamwork and the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Ryun and I had a chance to see the movie version yesterday with a special knowledge of Joe Rantz. In fact, most likely the book or movie would have never been made without my history students in 2006.  As a teacher, I loved to introduce my students to people who lived the history and could share from their experiences. That included hundreds of the Greatest Generation of the Great Depression. Many of my summers as a history teacher were spent traveling the country doing historical interviews with research grants.  In 2006, my students were studying Jesse Owens and Berlin Olympics. They asked if there was anyone still alive that could tell them about being at the Olympics. We did a quick internet search (revolutionary for its time) and came across a little known participant (Joe Rantz) in Washington state who won a gold medal as part of the 8 man rowing crew team. We put together a letter and sent it away.  A few weeks later later we receive an incredible letter and packet from Joe and his daughter Judy. Joe was in hospice care and his daughter used this request and opportunity from students to collect of his thoughts and experiences before it was too late. My students (and I) felt privileged to learn from these experiences. Joe passed away in 2007.  A highlight was sharing with Joe’s daughter that that initial letter had gone full circle as “The Boys in the Boat” became class read in our middle schools.  Was so much fun watching the movie knowing Joe Rantz’s story might have been lost to history without some students in Warsaw Community Schools. By the way…..In case you have not read the book or watched the movie…..do, as you will be inspired and reminded why teamwork makes the dreamwork!" - David Hoffert Warsaw Community Schools Supt

It’s the final day of 2023!  Show Notes https://www.elkharttruth.com/news/goshen-swears-in-new-kid-mayor-council/article_55aedd22-32c9-53d6-ab75-271443024ae0.html Newly elected Kid Mayor Lincoln Tolin and five other elementary school students took a modified oath of office during the council meeting Monday.  The oath the students took commits them to “support and be a voice for the City of Goshen fourth-graders” to the best of their ability. Wendy Clark, program coordinator said:“The program goes along with the state academic standards for fourth-graders. Each kiddo who wants to participate has to choose an issue that is pertinent to Goshen that is important to them,” she said at the Nov. 13 meeting, as the finalists were preparing to give their speeches to council. “And then they have to think about a solution that is feasible for a fourth-grader to accomplish.” https://www.wndu.com/2023/12/26/new-dinosaur-museum-south-bend-nearing-completion/ The Indiana Dinosaur Museum in South Bend is set to open in a few months.WNDU reports work on the buildings is wrapping up, with work on the exhibits just beginning. At this point, it’s hoped the museum can open in April, or May at the latest.  The museum hired a world class dinosaur sculptor to produce a replica of “Juliette,” who is the inspiration for the museum. She is a duck-billed dinosaur who was museum founder Mark Tarner’s first rare find as a paleontologist. Juliette is unique in that she was found with some 13 feet of skin on her tail. The project also includes moving the South Bend Chocolate Museum to the dino museum site at U.S. 20 and the Bypass, and the opening of a new South Bend Public House restaurant. https://www.wndu.com/2023/12/27/mishawaka-man-found-alive-after-crashing-truck-i-94-being-trapped-6-days/ A local Mishawaka man survives a car wreck after being trapped under a bridge for 6 days. 27 year old Matthew Reum of Mishawaka is now being treated at South Bend’s Memorial Hospital after being found by fishermen.Matt shares that he was pinned inside the vehicle and had to maintain a clear head and hope that someone would find him. The way the vehicle crashed, it was hidden from sight under a bridge. Matt is currently recovering from his injuries and shares how grateful he is to be alive. Matt Reum’s GoFundMe Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/matt-reum-with-medical-bills-recovery

Join in on this beautiful Saturday for Some Good News! Show Notes https://wsbt.com/community/hometown-living/the-fire-ice-festival-returns-to-downtown-goshen For First Fridays in Goshen, the community brings back the fire and ice festival. This coming Friday, join in from 5 to 8 pm in Downtown Goshen the celebration for bonfires and ice cravings. This year, Miller Poultry has sponsored the ice throne for photo ops. Other ice carvings include figurines and a full-sized ice sleigh. Local businesses are open and available including some of my favorites: Biebs & Ash Smashburger, Jojo’s Pretzels, The Electric Brew, Goshen Brewing Company, and more! In connection to our story coverage from yesterday on Faith Mission, we also had a chance to catch up with Jovan Carson, Food Services Director at Faith Mission. Check it out.

Join us on this journey every day as we discover inspiring stories inside our great community together  Show Notes https://www.wndu.com/video/2023/11/23/faith-mission-serves-thanksgiving-meals-hungry-elkhart/ Every single day throughout the year, Faith Mission in Elkhart serves around 100 people through their meal offerings. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, they step up to include delivered meals serving around 500 on each of those days.Back on Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to talk with one of the volunteers, Bart Matos. During our conversation, it became clear he loves giving back to Faith Mission because not too long ago in a former life, he was a resident there. https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/12/21/north-pole-for-families-of-sick-children-at-beacons-hospitals-ronald-mcdonald-house/71979121007/ The Ronald McDonald House at Beacon Children's Hospital in South Bend provides Christmas gifts to families with sick children. Playrooms at the Ronald McDonald House are filled with gifts for children of all ages Families can gather free gifts for their hospitalized child and their siblings. The program has been running since 2017 and is set up the week before Christmas Various organizations, corporations, and individual donors contribute to the gift program. The goal is to ensure that every child in the hospital during the holidays has gifts to open on Christmas morning. This initiative aims to bring a sense of normalcy to families facing challenging circumstances due to illness. https://retailwire.com/portland-international-airport-welcomes-therapy-llamas/ Portland International Airport Welcomes Therapy Llamas Portland Airport in Oregon welcomed a pair of therapy Llamas to help ease the stress of travelers Beni, Prince, and their handlers meandered through the terminals and brought some supreme joy Portland Airport shared on Facebook: “We took an unconventional approach to helping travelers manage holiday travel stress and it got a lot of love. It was wonderful to see the smiles these Therapy Llamas brought to PDX visitors and beyond! A big thank you to @rojothellama’s Beni and Prince.”

Welcome to Some Good News Michiana! Join me on this journey as we uncover uplifting stories about our local community right here in Michiana. Tune in daily for our morning show on positive news stories, lessons in life, and what makes people great as we discover this resilient community in Michiana together. Want to contribute an article or story? Drop me an email at: [email protected] Thanks for being a part of this inspiring journey! - Jordan Cox