Good morning, South Bend.

Voting is now open for the South Bend Tribune’s Community’s Choice Awards, which honor the best local businesses.

Voters who cast ballots in 25 or more categories will be entered in a $250 gift card drawing + voting closes at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 22.

A wide range of community events are scheduled for this week from car shows to theater productions and art exhibits.

Highlights include the Studebaker Museum Speaker Series and the Kamm Island Fest as well as various events across South Bend & neighboring cities from July 13 to 19.

Drivers in Mishawaka faced detours as the East 12th and Laurel Street intersection closed Monday for a 10-day construction project; eastbound traffic on 12th remains closed from Laurel to Campbell until November 25.

South Bend's Re-Entry Program and Animal Resource Center have partnered to help residents practice caregiving on 8-hour shifts with Tommy — a 16-month-old rescue dog learning basic tricks — while working toward his adoption and preparing participants to re-enter society.

6-year-old cat Shulker was featured as this week’s 2nd Chance Pet on 16 News Now at Noon.

The Humane Society of St. Joseph County invites locals to adopt him by visiting the shelter at 2506 Grape Road (574-255-4726).

The current owner of Cheers Bar and Grill said the restaurant has refreshed its menu + look in the past 7 years as it celebrates 45 years of serving the community.

This week, South Bend hosts a range of summer concerts.

Student musicians at IUSB will perform at the public library, and live shows are set at Howard Park, Merrimans’ Playhouse & Four Winds Casino South Bend, offering free and ticketed events from midday to evening.

A 1929 Duesenberg Model J Sports Sedan won Best of Show plus the Most Outstanding Duesenberg award at Studebaker National Museum's Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, July 11, while Friday featured the debut Concours d'Lemons crowned by a 1992 Geo Metro.

Entrants came from 16 states to compete in multiple classes.

West Nile virus is spreading early this year in Indiana as local experts advise residents to use EPA-registered repellents and drain standing water to lower infection risk.

They recommend extra care when spending time outdoors this summer.

Maria Mitchell launched nonprofit What About Willis in 2023 to help Michiana families board their pets while patients undergo cancer treatment+ the service offers crucial support so caregivers can focus on medicine during tough times.

USA Today Co journalists are spotlighting Indiana high school basketball teams that never won a state title since 1998, including South Bend Washington girls (who reached four state finals).

The series details key playoff moments and near-miss games that shaped local high school sports.

Michiana Kennel Club Dog Show

July 18-19 — 5117 Ironwood Rd. — Entry fees apply — Experience top-tier competition showcasing purebred Labrador Retrievers in an exciting canine event.

18th Annual Old Car Show

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — La Porte County Historical Society — Registration fee for participants — Celebrate vintage cars and community spirit at this festive auto showcase.

Pilot Explorers Summer Camp for Teens

One-week day camps — Bethel University — Registration required — Experience hands-on learning in STEAM subjects including art, theatre, and esports.

B-29 Superfortress Ride Experience

10:00–11:00 a.m. — Atlantic Aviation SBN — Ticket purchase required — Experience a ride on the iconic B-29 Superfortress, honoring veterans and showcasing aviation history.

Sequoia Rose at Tabor Hill Winery

2:30-6:30 p.m. — Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant — Ticket information not provided — Experience the unique musical blend of soulful vocals and intricate instrumentals by Sequoia Rose.

Bluey's Big Play

6-9 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience Bluey live in a whimsical theatrical adaptation with captivating puppetry.

21st Lube-a-Thon for Hospice

7 a.m.–6 p.m. — Tom's Car Care Center — $50 donation — Get an oil change and a car wash while supporting a great cause for hospice care.

Nature in the Arts at Lydick Bog

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Lydick Bog — Free entry — Explore the story of ancient glaciers and their impact on our landscape through an educational hike and volunteer workdays.