Elkhart County

Health Departments across the country are working hard to get information about the coronavirus out to people to help slow the spread of the disease. But what if all the modern methods of communication, from the internet down to phone and radio aren’t an option?

There’s a sizable community of Amish people in Elkhart County. The County Health Department does have ways to communicate with them even during normal times. 

The City of Elkhart announced it’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic Friday. Mayor Rod Roberson signed an executive order this morning putting some changes in place.

Lacasa cut the ribbon on a new office located in downtown Elkhart Thursday. Lacasa is a local community outreach organization and is celebrating 50 years in Elkhart County. 

Elkhart County is moving forward in the planning process to consolidate County Courts into one location.

The plan is to eliminate the Elkhart and Goshen courthouses and instead  have all the County’s courts in one space.

“Both buildings are old," County Commissioner Mike Yoder said. "And especially the building in Elkhart has become a maintenance dollar blackhole, it’s not a good work environment for our employees, and there’s no way to meet current Indiana Supreme Court guidelines for security.”

A traveling Smithsonian exhibit that highlights rural America has made a stop at the Elkhart County Historical Museum. 

“Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” It’s an exhibit that’s travelling around the country to educate visitors about rural communities.

Elkhart County residents gathered at the Lerner Theatre Wednesday night for something called “The Big Event.” It was a chance for people to show their pride in Elkhart .

The Vibrant Communities Organization hosted the event. It’s an initiative that aims to highlight all the good things about Elkhart County and continue to make improvements.

Elkhart County officials opened bids Monday for a contract to demolish the former juvenile detention center in Goshen. 

The old county jail is connected to the juvenile detention center. The old jail has been empty for about 14 years but the juvenile inmates were recently transferred to a new center that opened in Elkhart.

Friday morning United Way of Elkhart County officially merged with United Fund of LaGrange County in hopes to have a greater impact on the entire community. 

United Way is a national nonprofit that tries to create solutions for health, education, and financial stability.

Some families in Michiana will soon have extra support thanks to a program through Goodwill Industries.

The Nurse-Family Partnership Program is specifically for low-income, first-time mothers in Elkhart, St. Joseph and LaPorte counties. Registered nurses with the program will do home visits throughout a pregnancy and until a child’s second birthday.