Good morning, Mishawaka.

Community groups this week host affordable meal events including Soup Night at the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA on Feb.

3, Burger Night in Galien on Feb. 5 & Valentine’s Brunch at a local VFW on Feb. 14, offering a variety of dining options for residents seeking a break from cooking.

The Potawatomi Zoo hosts Winter Days events every Saturday and Sunday through March 15, offering animal encounters from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last entry at 3:30 p.m. and concessions plus a train ride (weather permitting).

PopiCon held its 4th annual gaming convention at Century Center in South Bend — showcasing interactive sessions, competitions, and local fan gatherings — as a lively addition to our regional gaming scene.

Faith groups are urging local leaders to fund a community information platform to boost coordination among mental health providers after Oaklawn’s crisis center eased emergency responses.

The proposal, discussed at a Sunday meeting with 450 community leaders, asks for a combined $100,000 investment (including a $60,000 grant).

Melinda Myers advises that after winter and before spring growth, local gardeners remove raspberry canes that bore fruit last summer and thin plantings to three or four canes per foot + add supports for better air flow.

This careful pruning can reduce pests and disease while boosting both summer and fall harvests.

Notre Dame's baseball team will open its 2026 season on Feb.

13 in Boca Raton, Florida, against Florida Atlantic University as sophomore outfielder Jayce Lee (a former Saint Joseph standout) builds on his freshman success.

Notre Dame women's basketball starter KK Bransford returned Sunday, Feb.

1 after missing 12 games because of a knee injury and helped strengthen the team in a contest against Stanford. She averaged 9.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in nine outings this season.

IHSAA confirmed on Feb.

1 that volunteer wrestling assistant coach Chris Fleeger is under investigation by New Prairie Union School Corporation for a potential rule violation & details remain unannounced.

Voting is now open for the South Bend Tribune Athlete of the Week poll today until Feb.

5, 11:59 p.m. ET — one vote per hour is allowed for 17 nominees from 13 local schools.

Notre Dame football is set to hire Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as defensive backs coach with co-defensive coordinator duties with Chris Ash — a hire intended to boost the team’s pass defense after losing three defensive coaches last fall.

2026 AVMPS 10-13U Premier Club

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Mishawaka Fieldhouse — Entry fee required — Engage in exciting youth sports competition at a premier event in the community.

Candlelight Valentine's Day Concert

6:30-7:30 p.m. — South Bend Scottish Rite — Tickets available — Enjoy a romantic evening with a candlelit atmosphere and love-inspired music.

Aurinko Ballet: Cinderella Ballet

7:30 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — $20 – $35 — Experience highlights from the enchanting Cinderella ballet alongside contemporary dance performances.