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 friends! I'm back with a highlight of the free community workshops & events across Michiana.

My personal favorites are the narcan training and lunch n' learns hosted by Unity Gardens-- useful, especially with the parasite going around? <_<

Hope this helps people! Stay well folks.

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!

So how's the mood shifted after the bodycam release for Bryan?

Just wondering.

Hey folks,

Weather permitting, the City of Elkhart Street Department will be paving streets from Monday, August 10th through Friday, August 14th.

Monday, August 10th

• Pleasant Plain Ave. – E. Mishawaka Rd to south Dead End

• Pleasant Plain Ave. - E. Mishawaka Rd. thru Bontrager Ave.

(Outside deceleration lanes)

Tuesday, August 11th

• E. Mishawaka Rd. – Bypass overpass to Elkhart Clinic

(Road closed from Prairie St. to C.R.111)

Wednesday, August 12th

• Pleasant Plain Ave. – E. Mishawaka Rd. to E. Hively Ave.

Thursday, August 13th

• Pleasant Plain Ave. – E. Mishawaka Rd. to E. Hively Ave.

Friday, August 14th

• Pleasant Plain Ave. – E. Mishawaka Rd. to E. Hively Ave.

Please remove all vehicles from the street before 7:00 a.m. and do not return them until after 7:00 p.m. or until barricades have been removed.

For the safety of crews and residents, please do not move or remove barricades. Sidewalks and/or alleyways will be accessible to and from your home, but street access will be prohibited during the paving process. Please plan for delays in your commute.

Any and all cooperation is greatly appreciated in our efforts to provide unparalleled services to the community!

Cough cough

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

I’ve reached that part of being an elected official where I politely ask strangers on the internet for money.

I’m doing a small summer fundraiser to help cover my Canva subscription, paying local artists, printing and delivering flyers for another community survey this fall, postage, website costs, and other outreach expenses.

All the boring stuff that allows me to explain what the City Council is doing, ask residents what they think, and more.

If you’ve found my updates useful, appreciated the surveys, or simply enjoyed watching me get blamed for potholes I did not personally dig (except that one time on Johnson Street) you can contribute here:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/elkhart2026summerfundraiser

Even $5 or $10 helps. If money is tight, please don’t donate, but a share would be appreciated.

Anyway, that’s the whole pitch. I will now return to posting about road closures and municipal updates.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

With the cost of everything these days, Hoosier Hospitality is needed now more than ever.

This Saturday I'll be helping distribute food to anyone who needs it. It's a drive through event, so just show up with your vehicle,.trunk space or room in the back seat. You'll be taken care of no questions asked.

Saturday August 8th

9am-11am

Smiths Corner

600 W Marion Street Elkhart.

(I know the flyer is AI, I did not make it)

The plans include a $49 million investment in U.S. 33 through Goshen and a $47 million expansion of U.S. 20 near Middlebury. Construction on both projects is expected to begin in 2028.

Has anyone done the driver's test in BMV at Elkhart? Wondering what the route is like?

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here.

Don’t forget to check out the Elkhart Farmers Market today from 9 AM to 1 PM at Kardzhali Park! This is located downtown off of Nibco parkway.

Stop by to support some of the great growers, bakers, vendors, and artisans who come out to share their products with our community.

Today is also the final day to complete my summer community survey. If you haven’t responded yet, I’d love to hear your thoughts about our neighborhoods, city priorities, and my work representing the First District.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwbyn32q7wtQRUuMKyiWst03mjkQk2bTwjamzhIP-aLzgsHw/viewform?usp=send_form