Good morning, Mishawaka.

The Salvation Army Indiana Division is urging locals to donate by Dec.

31 to support food assistance, shelter, and utility help for families facing winter hardships statewide (2024 saw nearly 2.6 million meals delivered).

On Friday morning, shoppers lined up outside University Park Mall for post-Christmas sales and families took advantage of deals to continue a holiday tradition (with some coming from nearby areas).

Michiana hosts many New Year’s Eve events on Dec.

31 with options for families at Noon countdown at St. Joseph’s Silver Beach Carousel (10 a.m. to noon) and lively parties at venues in South Bend and Mishawaka where residents can enjoy live music, dancing, dinner, and a champagne toast.

South Bend International Airport activated overflow parking to handle rising holiday travelers and urged arriving two hours early to allow extra time to park (ensuring enough time to clear security) this weekend.

The Indiana BMV urges drivers to plan ahead and use a designated driver or rideshare when celebrating New Year's Eve to stay safe on the roads.

The reminder comes as data shows December drunk driving deaths are high.

Health officials say that winter viruses including flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus are causing illness in our community as cases rise.

They advise residents to get flu shots and take proper precautions since treatment varies for each virus.

Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauth (a mainstay on the line) declared for the NFL Draft on Dec.

26, leaving his team without a key offensive lineman needed for the upcoming season.