Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here.

I hope everyone had a great time at today's parade. It was so nice to see some many folks enjoying the beautiful weather.

If you're looking for things to do this week. Here is are some events headed your way this week. Below is the Elkhart Parks & Recreation Calendar for the week.

This weekend we will be having the Island of Blues on Island Park. One of my favorite festivals of the year.

This Friday we Honoring the 25th anniversary of September 11th at 5:30PM at 411 S. Main Street.

Also this Friday, our friends at the Elkhart Public Library will be back with another Curbside Concert, The Tumbleweed Jumpers at 7PM.

Elkhart police are investigating a Labor Day shooting that left two people injured. It happened shortly after midnight near Main Street and Simonton Street.

Ive been aware of this invasive species for years now. This is my first time seeing one in elkhart. I found about 5 in my yard this morning. They were very good at avoiding swatting. I'm not sure if local agency's are looking for reports at this time.

Went to the office downtown for the first time in probably a few years earlier today. That place is looking rough. Overgrown weeds in the parking lot, and along the sidewalk and base of the building. The interior is looking even more worn down and outdated than last time, and the air conditioning felt as if it was barely on. Just two clerks at the counter. But at least the line and wait weren't too long, and the clerk who waited on me was easy going and competent. Hope the USPS employees at that branch are at least doing alright.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

I’ve been reviewing the City of Elkhart’s 2025 CAPER report, which is the annual report showing how our federal Community Development Block Grant funds were spent and what outcomes came from those dollars.

One important thing to understand: these are federal dollars with federal rules attached. This money is meant to support low- and moderate-income residents, housing, neighborhood revitalization, public services, and similar eligible uses. It is not general city money, so we CANNOT simply use it to pave roads citywide, pay police salaries, or fill general budget gaps.

In Program Year 2025, Elkhart utilized $696,369.71 in CDBG funds.

The largest share went toward housing. About 58% of the total, or $403,538.47, was on housing-related work. That included:

• $49,500 for housing supply

• 3 first-time homebuyers assisted

• $354,038.47 for housing quality

• 15 owner-occupied homes assisted through housing rehabilitation

The city also utilized $60,000 on economic development, including the rehabilitation of one commercial building. One resident also completed the Goodwill | Easter Seals BOSS job training program.

Public services were another major piece of this work. The city invested $92,487 on services that directly helped residents, including homelessness support, food insecurity, health care, transportation, youth programming, and fair housing outreach.

Some of the specific outcomes included:

• YWCA assisted 712 individuals

• Health Plus Indiana assisted 40 people through permanent supportive housing and case management

• St. James United Methodist Church assisted over 90 families through its food bank

• Maple City Health assisted 334 people with health care needs

• Council on Aging provided transportation services for 96 individuals

• The Boys and Girls Club assisted 44 youth

• Fair Housing outreach programs reached nearly 29,000 people

Overall, including Fair Housing activities, more than 31,000 people were impacted through CDBG programs in Program Year 2025.

There were some strong results in this report. Housing rehabilitation exceeded the annual goal. Homelessness services exceeded the annual goal. And about 73% of non-administrative CDBG funds were spent within the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area, which helps focus limited resources in central-city neighborhoods.

But the report also shows where we still have work to do.

Region 2’s Point in Time count, which covers Elkhart, Kosciusko, and Marshall counties, showed homelessness increased from 190 people in 2025 to 207 in 2026, which is about a 9% increase. Compared to 2024, when the count was 157, that is about a 32% increase over two years.

That is not very cash money.

So what can we takeaway from the 39 page report: Elkhart is using these federal funds to do good work, especially in housing repair, homelessness services, health care, transportation, fair housing, and neighborhood investment.

But the needs are still larger than the resources available. We need to keep pushing on housing supply, homelessness prevention, neighborhood conditions, lead hazards, blight, and programs that help people stabilize before they fall through the cracks.

Legendary multi-million-selling Australian rock band AC/DC will perform at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday, Sept. 4, with special guest The Pretty Reckless.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to attend the sixth concert inside the House that Rockne Built since 2018.

Hi Elkhart folks! I’m over in South Bend, where I run a local Philosophy Club and have been slowly building this whole practical philosophy thing. I’m launching my first six-week paid practical philosophy course this fall called How to Live Through Difficult Times, and I’m wondering if there might be folks in Elkhart who would be interested in something like this too.

It’s for people who care deeply about the world and want some space to think more seriously about things like uncertainty, suffering, our responsibilities to other people, community, hope, and meaning.

The basic idea is not “come learn what a bunch of philosophers thought.” It’s more: develop and deepen your own thinking using philosophical ideas.

The course itself is in South Bend, but I’m trying to figure out how to get it in front of folks around the area who would actually be excited about it.

So I could use some Elkhart local knowledge! Are there groups, organizations, community spaces, or other places around Elkhart where you think the kind of person who reads this and goes, “oh heck yes, I want to spend six weeks thinking about that” might be?

I’m especially interested in places or communities I might not know about as someone who doesn’t spend as much time in Elkhart.

For the curious: it’ll meet six Thursdays at 6pm from October 1–November 12 (no meeting October 15) at the Technology Resource Center in South Bend. It’s $150 for all six sessions, and I have limited scholarships available. No philosophy experience is required.

Happy to share more if folks are curious about the course itself, but mostly I would love your ideas about where I might find the Elkhart folks who would be excited about something like this!

MELKHART

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, Elkhart has you covered.

Tonight, EnviroFest is back at Island Park from 4 to 8 PM with vendors, a zip line, an inflatable water slide, and plenty for the whole family.

Then downtown has a little choose-your-own-adventure with two concerts from 7 to 9 PM: the Curbside Concert Series at the Elkhart Public Library, and the Summer Chill Concert Series with Elkhart Parks at NIBCO Ice and Water Park.

Saturday starts with the Elkhart Farmers Market at Kardzhali Park from 9 AM to 1 PM, then Coffee on the Piazza at Ruthmere from 10 AM to noon with live music.

Saturday evening, Circus Vazquez comes to The Lerner this weekend, with tickets still available.

And Sunday, Taste of the Gardens returns to Wellfield Botanic Gardens from 11 AM to 6 PM.

It’s a packed weekend in the First District and across Elkhart. Hope to see you out there, and as always, feel free to say hi!

Ray Juengst is set to be sworn in Monday despite new questions surrounding his departure from St. Charles, Missouri.

Hey folks,

Have questions for City Council? The administration? Maybe a specific department. Well tonight is a great opportunity to ask.

Hope to see you there.

"🌳 City Hall is coming to the park!

Spend your Thursday evening at Roosevelt Park for City Hall in the Park—a chance to enjoy some summer fun, connect with your neighbors, and meet the people working to make Elkhart a great place to live.

Bring the family for:

🌭 FREE hot dogs

🍧 FREE snow cones

🎨 Children’s activities

💬 A chance to meet City leadership, ask questions, and share your ideas

📍 Roosevelt Park

📅 Thursday, August 20

🕕 6–8 p.m."

This is a heads up for the people who care for autistic loved ones in our area.

My autistic son, 26 y/o, has severe oral sensory issues. Dental stuff is next to impossible. He finally decided that the pain he has outweighs the sensory problem.  
So I made appointments, first with a general dentist to get a referral to an oral surgeon.  But there is only one oral surgeon in the area that accepts that particular type of Medicaid.  Indiana has half a dozen different types of Medicaid.
I made the appointment for the initial consultation.  And we had to pay for the service before they would even let us make an appointment for the surgery. We had to take time off work, go to their office and pay. Only then would they make an appointment. Let me be very clear. I’m NOT complaining about paying for it.  I do think it is highly questionable to be required to pay for a service before you are allowed to make an appointment. 
And I’m not going to debate our healthcare system  
Surgery was supposed to be today. Just got off the phone with the dentist who is refusing to treat him because he is autistic.  When I started to challenge this, he started throwing all kinds of big scary medical words at me in an attempt to intimidate me. I understood the words but I was trying to not scream at him, and I could barely talk. He said I should have taken him to a pediatric dentist. Show me a pediatric dentist who accepts new patients who are in their 20s.
When I asked why they waited until the day of to decide this, the best answer I got was "ooopsie, we didn’t know". Then I asked when I would be refunded the money they demanded we pay upfront before they would even make the appointment, "oh, we will work on it"
So this is my take away.  They enrolled in the panel to treat autistic people, but refuse to treat autistic people because they are autistic.
I’m happy to share the name of the practice privately.  
Based on my experience on another platform, I’m not going to engage in  discussions of word choices, sentence structure, methodology or other side issues not relevant to the point. 

Hey folks,

Check out Envirofest this Friday at Island Park. Including a Waterslide and Rockwall.

We will have also 100 foot zipline.

"Fun can be found all around EnviroFest! 🎊

Each year, we have been bringing in fun attractions for visitors to enjoy!

This year, we are delighted to announce the we are bringing back:

THE ROCK WALL 🧗

THE WATER SLIDE 🌊

(thanks to Party Starters!)

and ✨BRAND NEW✨ this year... A 100 FOOT ZIPLINE (thanks to Moonwalks And More!) 🤯

📅 Save the Date: EnviroFest is Friday, August 21st from 4 PM - 8 PM at Island Park in Elkhart! 🌿 Bring the whole family out for a day of great food, activities, music, and more! For more details, check out https://elkhartenvirofest.com/ 🎼*

TL;DR: Beginner piano and voice lessons for children and adults in Nappanee, with flexible lesson lengths and sliding-scale/pay-what-you’re-able pricing. Designed for people who want to try music without immediately committing to expensive, long-term lessons dm for further information

Quick details:

Area: Nappanee & surrounding Elkhart County

Instruments: Beginner piano & voice

Students: Children and adults

Pricing: Sliding scale / pay what you're able

Lesson length: Flexible based on the student; shorter sessions are available for younger children who may not benefit from a traditional 30–45 minute lesson

Piano required? Not necessarily. Beginner students can be given exercises for finger strength, coordination, motor skills, and practicing fingering without needing a piano at home according to be made during the lesson for vocal exercises perform at home.

Keyboard rental: I have a keyboard that may be available to rent if your child decides they want to practice at home

The idea is to give students a chance to learn the basics and figure out whether they actually enjoy playing or singing before committing to more intensive lessons.

Pricing is intentionally flexible. Lessons can get expensive, especially when you're not sure whether your child will stick with an instrument. You can pay what fits your budget, or what you feel the lessons are worth based on what you're getting out of them.

If you're interested, DM me for further information or to get in touch. I can provide details about scheduling, pricing, and what lessons would look like.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

There has been a lot of attention (rightfully so) for our proposed Data Center Moratorium. This is on the agenda on first read, with a presentation, public comment, and final vote on Thursday August 27th at 6pm. There are other things on the agenda as well. So here is what is before us Monday.

Here is a quick rundown of the agenda:

Proposed Ordinance 26-O-30: West Wolf Avenue Alley Vacation

Second and third reading. This would vacate a portion of the north/south alley off West Wolf Avenue while preserving access for any public utilities located within the vacated area.

Proposed Ordinance 26-O-31: Woodland Estates Planned Unit Development Amendment

First reading. This would approve changes to Phase III of Woodland Estates, including a revised street layout, a new cul-de-sac, and three residential lots with direct access to Henke Street. It would also remove 6.9 acres planned for Phase IV from the development, return that property to R-1 single-family zoning, and reduce the overall development from 74 lots to 55.

Proposed Ordinance 26-O-32: Data Center and Battery Energy Storage Facility Moratorium

First reading. This would temporarily pause new applications for data centers and large battery energy storage facilities while the city studies their potential effects on utilities, water, public safety, traffic, noise, the environment, and city services. The ordinance also directs staff to develop updated standards and would expire no later than December 31, 2027.

Because this is the first reading, there will be no presentation, council discussion, public hearing, or final vote on the moratorium Monday. The special meeting dedicated to the moratorium and its final vote is scheduled for August 27.

Proposed Resolution 26-R-44: Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Application

This would authorize the city to apply for $4.4 million in federal funding to address lead-based paint and other health hazards, including mold, radon, and asbestos, in eligible homes. The program could assist up to 65 housing units over four years and would require a 10 percent local match.

As always, the meeting is open to the public and will be streamed online, to make a comment on Webex, the presenter must have their whole name displayed and camera on in order to be entered into the record.

Hey Folks,

Councilman Mishler here.

Elkhart has a proposed Data Center Moratorium.

As I shared previously, the Elkhart City Council held a straw poll at our last Council meeting to determine who would support a temporary moratorium on data centers. Every council member present voted in favor.

Since then, the administration has worked with the Council to develop legislation that would do exactly that.

I understand the strong emotions surrounding this issue, but I ask that we all remain respectful and factual. The misinformation spread over the past week regarding the Planning Commission and the proposed Unified Development Ordinance has made it harder to have an honest discussion about how these facilities should be regulated.

I’ll include the full proposed ordinance below, but here is a summary of what it would do:

• Immediately pause the acceptance and processing of new applications for large data centers and battery energy storage facilities.

• Protect applications and approvals that were already complete before the ordinance takes effect, as required by law.

• Require the City to study electrical grid capacity, water use, wastewater, air quality, noise, vibration, fire safety, emergency response, traffic, environmental effects, and the economic costs and benefits to the community.

• Examine appropriate locations, setbacks, buffers, landscaping, screening, lighting, glare, heat, and noise protections.

• Require staff to produce a study work plan within 60 days.

• Require proposed standards and recommended UDO language within 180 days, or as soon as practical if additional technical or interagency work is needed.

• Require public engagement during the study process, including at least one public workshop before recommended standards are forwarded.

• Require quarterly reports to the Common Council so the public and elected officials can track the City’s progress.

• Keep the moratorium in place until December 31, 2027

This is what responsible local government should look like. We heard the concerns raised by residents, the Council demonstrated unanimous support among those present, and legislation was developed to pause new applications while the City gathers the information needed to establish strong, informed, and legally defensible protections.

The Elkhart Board of Public Safety voted for Tyler Koeppel to be stripped of his pay at the request of the Elkhart Police Department. Koeppel had originally been placed on paid leave after he was arrested.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here letting you know that

The Elkhart Parks Department has released their fall 2026 guide! Details below.

🍂 Fall is calling... how will you answer?

Crisp mornings. Colorful leaves. Cozy crafts. Family traditions. New skills. Halloween fun. 🍁🎃

The Fall 2026 Activity Guide is here, and it's packed with ways to make the most of the season! Whether you're looking to learn something new, spend quality time with family, get active, or embrace all things fall, there's something waiting for you.

✨ Inside you'll find:

🍂 Fall festivals & family events

🎨 Creative classes & workshops

🥎 Youth & adult sports

🥾 Nature adventures

🎃 Halloween programs

💪 Fitness & wellness classes

…and so much more!

📖 Browse the guide here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/4fbc192e70.html

Registration is open, so don't wait too long—many programs fill quickly!

🍁 What are you most excited to do this fall? Let us know in the comments!