Good morning, Mishawaka.

The Centre Township branch of the St. Joe County Public Library will re-open ahead of schedule on September 2 after nearly completing a $1.5 million renovation that began in November — the updated library features energy efficient lights, new carpet and paint, and an outdoor story trail. A ribbon cutting will be held on September 9 from 4–6 p.m. to celebrate the improvements.

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana announced its August food distribution events that will give pre-boxed food at drive-thru sites from August 4 to August 23—each location in Starke, North Judson, Elkhart, Marshall, Kosciusko, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties will serve 150 households except the St. Joseph site which will feed 200. Food will be given out on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Embassy Coffee in Mishawaka partnered with Corvilla to create job opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities by hiring two new baristas for its coffee shop at University Crossing Shopping Center.

The shop will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.—offering a supportive work environment for its new hires.

Taylorville—an unofficial Taylor Swift tribute band—will perform at 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 1 at Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave, Mishawaka while gates open at 7 p.m.; tickets cost $10 per person and children age five and under enter free.

Indiana homeowners face rising home insurance premiums due to extreme weather events — inflation and higher construction costs fuel the increase.

Some owners of older or historic homes have seen steep hikes and now have fewer coverage choices for the future.

Education leaders worry as only 51.7% of Indiana’s Class of 2023 enrolled in college—a steep drop from nearly 60% before the pandemic that may weaken the workforce as local employers like General Motors and Amazon Web Services rely on skilled graduates.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education released 2023 college data showing a 21% drop in public university enrollment with 7,398 fewer students and a rate of 51.7% compared to the national average.

The report noted that state support fell from 0.61% of GDP in 2010 to 0.48% now, and experts worry this lower funding will make the economy suffer.

The Budget and Finance Committee of the Mishawaka Common Council will hold a budget process review meeting on August 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Board of Public Works & Safety Room at City Hall — a Baker Tilly presentation will follow at 3:00 p.m. via livestream.

In the Heat of the Night Wrestling Event

7-10 p.m. — Holiday Inn Mishawaka - Conference Center — $15-$20 — Enjoy a family-friendly night of pro wrestling action with local favorites and exciting newcomers.