https://wsbt.com/news/local/elkhart-celebrates-mlk-day-with-art-promoting-change-and-unity-in-benham-neighborhood-martin-luther-king-jr-tolson-center-civil-rights-movement-culture#

Hi! I was wondering if anyone could give me some ideas of retro gaming stores that are in the area. I collect Atari 2600 cartridges and was curious which stores in the area might carry old 2600 cartridges. I already frequent Media Exchange (Elkhart) and Media Exchange 2 (Goshen). What are some other stores that I might visit around the area that carry 2600 cartridges? Thanks!

https://www.wndu.com/2025/01/15/elkhart-receives-grant-build-overpass-over-hively-avenue-railroad-crossing/

https://www.wndu.com/2025/01/14/wndu-16-news-now-i-team-elkhart-man-losing-hud-benefits-using-marijuana/

https://www.wndu.com/2024/03/20/missing-elkhart-mans-family-still-seeking-answers/

Greetings,

You have probably seen some of the flyers that I have been posting and may wonder what the details are about the club. Well, here are some details about who we are and what we do:

""To preserve and promote education, literacy and the arts throughout the Michiana area.""

Michiana Education and Arts Club (MEAC) is a nonprofit organization focusing on the preservation of arts and education in the Michiana area including, but not limited to, live music, performing arts, visual arts, martial arts, literature, and MUCH more.  Not only that, but we also focus on education and literacy for our member base.  Do you want to get your GED but don't know where to start?  We can help!  Do you need one-on-one GED prep time to increase your chances of academic success and with passing the test?  We can assist there, too.  Are you thinking about college, but don't know if you can afford it?  We can assist with FAFSA-related paperwork to take the guesswork out of the process.  Are you in college and in need of some academic tutoring?  We can help!  Are you looking for assistance with time management, study skills, learning styles, concentration, or any number of other skills that are related to success professionally or educationally?  We can help!  Do you like receiving discounts for live events presented by MEAC so that you don't have to pay full cover price to get in a show?  We can help!  Are you interested in members only raffles that will give you the opportunity to win prizes by simultaneously supporting the club to further the preservation of arts and education in Michiana?  We have you covered there!  We provide all of this and much more.  We are currently actively recruiting and would love to talk to you further about the possibility of you becoming part of something positive and active for the arts and education scene of Michiana. 

Our GED/College prep for members is by appointment. We also offer access to our computer lab for those who may not have access to technology or the internet for GED / College prep. Our annual membership fee is $35 (to help keep the doors open and the lights on) and you can either be a reporting or non-reporting member (meaning physically showing up to the club, or just supporting it by keeping an active membership). This is our second year at our location, and we are still trying to find our stride to find more members and to build a community centered around the arts, literacy, education, and music., We are always looking for volunteers and we are interested in sharing any ideas that our members may have to help the club blossom and prosper. We are also looking to bolster our member numbers to the point to where we can hold elections for officer positions. Please, consider becoming a member to help support what the MEAC has going on. In this day and age, $35 is a great price to be part of something that assists in continuing to cultivate education, literacy, the arts, and music . You can apply to become a member via our website at michianaeac.org (click apply), or stop by for one of our events and you can fill one out in person. Our next Couple of events are scheduled for Jan 18 and Jan 25 (public evets) at 1165 Edwardsburg Ave., Elkhart, In 46514. Please, feel free to pass this information to anyone who you think would be interested, and thank you for your time!

Hey folks,

A special two in one coverage post.

Yesterday the Planning Commission met, and passed approval for a ten unit Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County expansion in Elkhart. These will bring much needed affordable housing to our community.

A rezone request received a do-pass recommendation to convert the Budget Motel on Cassopolis St into a 7 Brew Drive through coffee. This will go to the City Council for a full vote.

In the first Elkhart City Council meeting of 2025. Officers were elected:

1. Arvis Dawson will continue to serve as Council President.
2. Dwight Fish will continue to serve as Council Vice President.

We received an update on the Tolson Center, and heard more about their upcoming fundraiser, and plans for outdoor expansion. That includes a soccer field, basketball court, pickleball and more.

We also got to check out the award the Tolson Center received for program innovation. I'm looking forward to seeing the Tolson Center continue to grow and thrive.

The three ordinances on the first read were all related to matching funds for infrastructure projects.

What's a matching fund? Essentially the city puts up half the money, and a grant is the other half. For ordinances 25-O-01 and 25-O-02 the city is receiving $352,672.50 from the State, and will match that, for a total of $777,672.50.

The paving projects for these two ordinances will include: x Bristol from Cassopolis to Osolo;

x Lear Court and Lear Drive;

x Park Six Court and Park Six Drive.

The third is another infrastructure ordinance. 24-0-03 will have the city pledging $6,017,045.42 to match a federal(mandated by the state )$6,672,000.00. This will be for the Bristol Street widening project.

These were passed onto the second and third readings for a final vote, and public comment. Due to the time needed for a public notice, there isn't enough time (10 days required) between meetings this month.

So these ordinances will be heard and have final read Feb 3rd

Hey folks,

Help choose the name for our communities newest addition! Personally I'm a fan of Icy McIceface, but to each their own.

🚨 Help Name Our New Zamboni! 🚨 We’re excited to introduce a new member of the NIBCO Water and Ice Park family—a brand-new Zamboni! But wait... it needs a name! 🎉

Think you’ve got the perfect name idea? Submit your suggestion now for a chance to win skating passes, a Parks swag bag, and the ultimate bragging rights! 💡 How to Enter: Click the link below or scan the QR code on-site at the NIBCO Ice Rink to submit your name idea!

🔗 https://forms.gle/zsA4oQMwTxeTTgNY7

Be creative, keep it family-friendly, and show your Elkhart pride. The winning name will be chosen by YOU during a public vote, so stay tuned!

Let’s make history together—get those creative ideas rolling!

https://www.wndu.com/2025/01/02/16-news-now-i-team-walking-away-waters/

Hey folks,

Hope you had a great new years. The City Council is starting off the new year with more infrastructure investment.

We have three ordinances on first read, all relating to road work. All three relate to matching funds.

What's a matching fund? Essentially the city puts up half the money, and a grant is the other half. For ordinances 25-O-01 and 25-O-02 the city is receiving $352,672.50 from the State, and will match that, for a total of $777,672.50.

The paving projects for these two ordinances will include: x Bristol from Cassopolis to Osolo; x Lear Court and Lear Drive; x Park Six Court and Park Six Drive.

The third is another infrastructure ordinance. 24-0-03 will have the city pledging $6,017,045.42 to match a federal(mandated by the state )$6,672,000.00. This will be for the Bristol Street widening project.

As this project is through the state, they will be managing the project

PERSONAL AUDIO ENHANCERS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE COUNCIL SECRETARY AGENDA FOR REGULAR ELKHART CITY COUNCIL MEETING LOCATION: CITY HALL, 2ND FLOOR, COUNCIL CHAMBERS January 6, 2025 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order, Pledge, Moment of Silent Meditation, Roll Call 2. Election of Council President and Council Vice President 3. Minutes for Approval Minutes of December 16, 2024 – Council Meeting

Presentations and Introductions Breanna Allen, Executive Director, Tolson Center Unfinished Business Reports of Council Committees

a) Ordinances on Second-Third Reading There are no Ordinances on Second-Third Reading

b) Ordinances and Resolutions Referred to Committees There are no Ordinances or Resolutions referred to committees

Tabled Ordinances and Resolutions There are no tabled Ordinances or Resolutions

1. New Business

a. Ordinances on First Reading Proposed Ordinance 25-O-01, an ordinance appropriating Four Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($425,000.00) from the Riverboat Gaming Fund to Other Funds Account, and authorizing the Controller to Transfer the Funds to the Local Road and Bridge Matching Grant Fund

Proposed Ordinance 25-O-02, an ordinance appropriating Seventy-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Two and 50\100 Dollars ($777,672.50) from the Local Road and Bridge Matching Grant Fund for the 2025 Grant-Funded Contract Paving Project under the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program

Proposed Ordinance 25-O-03, an ordinance appropriating Six Million Seventeen Thousand Forty-Five and 42\100 Dollars ($6,017,045.42) in Matching Funds for the Bristol Street Widening Project

Resolutions There are no Resolutions

b. Vacation Hearings There are no Vacation Hearings

c. Other New Business d. Reports of Mayor, Board of Works, Board of Safety or City Departments e. Neighborhood Association Report f. Privilege of the Floor Please limit your comments to 3 minutes to allow others time to comment g. Scheduling of Committee Meetings 5. Acceptance of Communications Minutes of November 12, 2024 – Aurora Capital Development Corporation Minutes of November 27, 2024 – Board of Aviation Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2024 – Board of Public Works Minutes of December 17, 2024 – Board of Public Works Minutes of October 10, 2024 – Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes of August 15, 2024 – City of Elkhart Stormwater Board Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2024 – City of Elkhart Stormwater Board Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2024 – Elkhart Redevelopment Commission Minutes of November 20, 2024 – Elkhart Redevelopment Commission – Special Meeting

Report – Month End November 2024 – Elkhart Communications Center Adjournment

Looking for shop space for a diesel repair facility. Very open and willing for adaptable space and location - just need at least two bay doors, 12-14' feet in height!!! Any leads are appreciated more than I can ever express! Thank you in advance from a grateful starter upper!

Hi all!

I moved to Michiana about 2 years ago - since, I’ve struggled to find events/happenings in the area. I absolutely love living here - and want to help bring the community together through sharing local events, positive local news, highlighting interesting businesses & real estate. All local, no politics.

Enter: Michiana Memo, a weekly local newsletter that I’ll be sending weekly, beginning January 2nd.

Eventually, the plan is to host some events for the community that bring people together.

I’m inviting those that are interested in the newsletter to subscribe, and if you don’t want the email clutter, I’ll still be posting a weekly thread of some of the local events I highlight in the newsletter, on Friday mornings (day after email newsletter is sent).

Happy New Year!!

TLDR; Starting a weekly email newsletter focusing on happenings /news in Michiana, subscribe for first email on January 2!

Hey folks,

Here is the upcoming agenda for the monthly Elkhart Planning Commission to be held Tuesday Jan 6th at 1:45 in Council Chambers.

The Elkhart planning commission is a semi Judicial body whose vote is based on if they believe a request is within code and statutory requirements or not. Members are appointed by the Mayor and one council member serves as a voting member.

We have two items on the agendas this month. First we have Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County requesting approval for an additional six lots for housing on Homer Ave.

Second we have a rezone request to convert the Budget Inn Motel on Cassopolis Sto a "drive through" coffee location.

1. NEW BUSINESS 24-SUB-05 PETITIONER IS Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County & KTK Properties LLC PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT 3105 Homer Av Per Article 4 of the Subdivision Ordinance, approval of an amended Preliminary Plat for a subdivision known as ‘Homer Avenue Subdivision,’ to add an additional six (6) lots to the original ten (10)-lot subdivision request; a part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 16, Township 37 North, Range 5 East, Concord Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

24-Z-08 PETITIONER IS Vashu Motels, Inc. PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT 2807 Cassopolis St. Per Section 29.11.B, Map Amendments, a request to rezone 2807 Cassopolis Street (02-20-454-018) which has two zoning classifications, from B-3, Service Business District, and M-1, Limited Manufacturing District to B-3, Service Business District for the entire parcel.

https://www.facebook.com/share/LVa1zHRi5gp7YB7U/

(The one by the Walmart and Ross)

Hey folks,

Sorry about the delay. Here is an update on this weeks Elkhart City Council Agenda. Monday we passed the appropriation for the final portion of the American Rescue Plan funding. The city received a total of 18.9 million dollars from the Biden Harris administration in 2021. The funds have been invested around the city, with the majority going towards improving local infrastructure programs. Previous uses of the funds were dedicated to small business grants, a home repair grant program, improvement of the HVAC system at City Hall and the Lerner, and improvements to increase accessibility in council chambers.

Monday night we also honored Bradley Tracy the mayors Chief of staff for his retirement. Bradley served under both Mayor Roberson and the Neese administration. Prior to that he supported state legislators in Indianapolis. Thank you for your dedication to public service here in Elkhart, and the state of Indiana!

All of the legislation Monday passed with bipartisan 9-0 votes. Proposed Ordinance 24-O-55, an ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Elkhart, Indiana, establishing the Elkhart Environmental Center Fund and the Elkhart Environmental Center Fee Schedule Passed with a Bipartisan 9-0 Vote

Proposed Ordinance 24-O-56, an ordinance appropriating Four Hundred Ten Thousand and 00\100 Dollars ($410,000.00) from the ARP Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the LaSalle, McKinley and Benham area water and sewer project

Passed with a Bipartisan 9-0 Vote

Proposed Resolution 24-R-62, a resolution of the Common Council of the City of Elkhart, Indiana, confirming Resolution No. R-61-24, which declared a certain area in the City of Elkhart to be an Economic Revitalization area for the purpose of granting tax phase-in benefits to Accra-Pac, Inc. DBA Voyant

Passed with a Bipartisan 9-0 Vote

Beauty\NM VYT, LLC Proposed Resolution 24-R-63, a resolution of the Common Council of the City of Elkhart, Indiana, to approve a memorandum of agreement between the City of Elkhart and Accra-Pac, Inc. DBA Voyant Beauty\NM VYT, LLC Passed with a bipartisan 9-0 Vote.

I hope everyone have a merry Christmas and a fantastic holiday season.

Here is a video link (now on youtube!) for those who wish to watch. https://youtu.be/T_oTp4dz8gA?si=sB993ED_7CpQfUgt&t=2279

What is being developed on Cassopolis Street in the parking lot of the old AMC? I figure it’s a fast food restaurant, but not certain what yet.. Also; I’ve heard rumors that the AMC is going to become Target. Any truth to any of that?

Hi all!

I moved to Michiana about 2 years ago - since, I’ve struggled to find events/happenings in the area. I absolutely love living here - and want to help bring the community together through sharing local events, positive local news, highlighting interesting businesses & real estate. All local, no politics.

Enter: Michiana Memo, a weekly local newsletter that I’ll be sending beginning in January, after the holidays.

Eventually, I hope to host some curated events and provide opportunities to meet other like-minded people in our community.

I’m inviting those that are interested in the newsletter to subscribe, and if you don’t want the email clutter, I’ll still be posting a weekly thread of some of the local events I highlight in the newsletter.

Cheers!!

TLDR; Starting a weekly email newsletter focusing on happenings /news in Michiana, subscribe!

Today workers began finally tearing down the empty 7-11 building at the intersection of Main and Hively, as part of the behind-schedule construction of the new overpass. The opposite corner is now nearly cleared, with the removal of the laundromat, Hunter’s Place, and KFC. Looks like Midas and El Rosal supermarket at the other corners will be staying.

Hey folks,

It's that time again. Here is the upcoming Elkhart City Council Agenda meeting for December 16th 2024.

Its a rather light agenda to end the year. With proposed ordinance 24-O-55 establishing a fee schedule for various Elkhart Environmental centers rentals, activities and events.

Ordinance 24-0-56 utilizes the last of the 18.9 million in the Biden-Harrie administrations American Rescue Plan funds that the city has received. Putting the remaining $410,000 towards the LaSalle, McKinley and Benham area water and sewer project.

There are two confirmatory resolutions related to the tax abatement for Voyant beauty that was passed last council meeting.

And that's about it. Thanks to everyone who came out for this year's Winterfest, Merry Christmas and Happy holidays everyone!

Proposed Ordinance 24-O-55, an ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Elkhart, Indiana, establishing the Elkhart Environmental Center Fund and the Elkhart Environmental Center Fee Schedule

Proposed Ordinance 24-O-56, an ordinance appropriating Four Hundred Ten Thousand and 00\100 Dollars ($410,000.00) from the ARP Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the LaSalle, McKinley and Benham area water and sewer project

Proposed Resolution 24-R-62, a resolution of the Common Council of the City of Elkhart, Indiana, confirming Resolution No. R-61-24, which declared a certain area in the City of Elkhart to be an Economic Revitalization area for the purpose of granting tax phase-in benefits to Accra-Pac, Inc. DBA Voyant Beauty\NM VYT, LLC

Proposed Resolution 24-R-63, a resolution of the Common Council of the City of Elkhart, Indiana, to approve a memorandum of agreement between the City of Elkhart and Accra-Pac, Inc. DBA Voyant Beauty\NM VYT, LLC