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Hey Elkhart County, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Bug night, free garden admission, and a movie in the park + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Nature fun for families: Bug Night will return to Cobus Creek County Park on August 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Catch insects, build a bug craft, meet insect-eating animals. $5 cash per vehicle -- see what’s planned for Bug Night.
Investing in student futures: Lake City Bank awarded $25,000 in scholarships to 24 Elkhart High School students with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis after Money Masters classes on financial literacy and management -- read the full story.
Tribal investment milestone: Mno-Bmadsen, the Pokagon Band’s investment arm, completed an eight-year plan, acquiring the remaining 46% of Mno-DREK, which includes Walerko Tool and Engineering in Elkhart and Michiana Global Mold in Mishawaka -- see the full takeover plan.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Upgrade your hair game: From precise color and curly cuts to extensions, waxing, makeup and bridal prep, FIX Aveda Concept Salon keeps Elkhart County looking sharp. For next-level reset, try their Yume Head Spa, the only certified experience in Michiana, blending soothing Japanese scalp rituals with seriously healthy-hair results.
Shine without the clasp: Chained Melody custom-fits permanent jewelry that’s welded on for a seamless look, with 70+ chain styles in sterling silver, 14k gold filled, and 14k gold. They also offer certified hollow-needle piercings with implant-grade titanium, a build-your-own Charm Bar, and natural-looking Glazed spray tans when you need instant summer.
Dance, sip, repeat: The Arena Nightclub keeps Elkhart buzzing with strong beats, cold drinks, and the surprise MVP...authentic Mexican tacos. If your week needs a reset with good music and better flavor, rally the group and make it a night.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🌿 Elkhart County Resident Complimentary Garden Admission @ Wellfield Botanic Gardens | Tuesday (8/4) at 10:00 AM – If you've been waiting for a sign to finally enjoy Wellfield without opening your wallet, Tuesdays are it. Elkhart County residents stroll in free, up to ten bucks a head, with proof of residency, of course. Nonresidents, enjoy the scenery, and the usual admission.
🎸 Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters @ Goshen Brewing Company | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:00 PM – Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters bring roots rock to the lawn as part of the free Wednesday Music Series, so your budget can stay in its sweatpants. Porch-swing energy with a tighter groove, guitars that twang, harmonies that hit, and smug joy of midweek fun.
🏛 Board of Public Works and Safety | 2026 Meetings @ Goshen Police & Courts Building | Thursday (8/6) at 4:00 PM – Sorting street closures, contracts, and water and sewer realities, the Board of Public Works and Safety, led by the Mayor and four appointees, keeps Goshen humming. Most Thursdays at Police & Courts on E. Jefferson, it is open to the public and live-streamed, drama free.
🎬 Movie in the Park @ Ullery Park | Friday (8/7) at 6:00 PM – Bring the crew to Ullery Park for the series finale, a free outdoor showing of Hoppers. Pack blankets or lawn chairs, claim your patch of grass, and let concessions handle dinner while City departments mingle, answer questions, and prove they do leave the office.
🧺 Elkhart Farmers Market @ Kardzhali Park | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – Grab your tote and stroll to Kardzhali Park downtown for the Elkhart Farmers Market, back all season with fresh produce, baked goods, and local makers. We come for the tomatoes, stay for the coffee, live music, and the neighborly catch-ups we pretend aren't gossip.
👨 Dad Group @ Goshen Public Library | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Bring your mini-me, your travel mug, and that “we slept eventually” vibe to a free, low-key dad hang with Nest and Grow Co. No sign-ups, no speeches, just other dads swapping wins, fails, and snack recommendations. Leave lighter, kids included.
🏥 The Birthplace Hospital Group Tour @ Goshen Hospital | Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 PM – Expecting, curious, or just nostalgic for that new-baby wing smell? The Birthplace at Goshen Hospital is offering free, 30 to 45 minute group tours, registration required, with visitor restrictions in play. Rooms come first, so your peek behind the curtain may be rescheduled.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Elkhart County report Weather forecastToday — High: 83°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. South wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 84°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 8%
Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 60%. This house is wildThis custom all-brick Highland Woods estate offers more than 6,000 finished square feet on rolling hills, with over $800,000 in recent updates. Stone fireplaces, a showstopping kitchen with hidden butler’s pantry, and a wine room set the tone. The primary suite feels spa-worthy, while the private tree-lined yard, new deck, and heated three-car garage add everyday luxury.
Take a peek inside → |
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