Good morning, South Bend.

Kercher's Sunrise Orchard in Goshen is sorting and picking pumpkins for its U-Pick season, which will begin on September 20.

Owner Maureen Kercher said the dry summer has helped nearly 300 acres of diverse pumpkins grow—ranging from carving varieties to squash that can be eaten for Thanksgiving.

Construction is complete for Mishawaka Troop Town, a housing development for homeless veterans that held a Labor Day ribbon cutting.

The project includes four duplex tiny homes with each building divided into two 400 square foot units — housing eight veterans for up to two years — and is next to VFW Local 360 on East Jefferson, with community partners supporting a program to help veterans find permanent housing and work as first guests move in by Veterans Day.

A home on Arnold Street caught fire early Tuesday morning in South Bend, and a resident was taken to the hospital for breathing issues after waking to black smoke at around 3:15 a.m.—firefighters have not yet determined the cause.

On Sept. 1, six Holy Cross College Gateway Program students were hit by a vehicle in a crosswalk near campus at Indiana 933 and Dorr Road—three were taken to the hospital for minor injuries—while the driver cooperated with the investigation.

Nagomba White pleaded guilty to killing 12-year-old Josiah Small and using a deadly weapon in a shooting on Catalpa Street in October 2023 in South Bend—Amarion Cutler also pleaded guilty and will return to court next week while a judge takes the plea under advisement next month.

South Bend Schools changed its bullying policy last spring to cover bullying on and off school property—including online and in-person behavior—so that staff can enforce rules and keep students safe.

Board member Marcus Ellison said the update was made to stop problems before they grew and help students feel secure.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the federal NEVI program has restarted—removing language intended to help underserved communities.

Indiana groups, including voices from South Bend, warned that the new guidelines may leave Black neighborhoods with fewer EV charging stations and less economic opportunity.

Statewide high school polls show local teams are making strides—Mishawaka Marian Knights are now No. 1 in Class 2A girls soccer after key wins, while Concord Minutemen lead boys soccer and Penn Kingsmen remain the top girls golf team; local teams will face top opponents in upcoming matches next week.

Dermot Kennedy Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Notre Dame Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful folk-pop sounds of Dermot Kennedy live on stage.

Open House Event

2-4 p.m. — 52117 Tammy Dr — $340,000 — Explore a well-maintained 4-bed ranch home with a cozy sunroom and inviting backyard pool.

Football Hospitality Experience: Texas A&M Aggies at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

3:30-9:00 p.m. — Notre Dame Stadium — Not a game ticket — Cheer on the Fighting Irish during their home opener with premium hospitality close to the stadium.

Ghost Walk in South Bend

6-8 p.m. — Century Center — Ticketed event — Experience a lantern-lit ghost hunt through South Bend's most haunted landmarks.

Golf for Good 2025

8 AM – 4 PM — Juday Creek Golf Course — $75 per golfer / $300 per foursome — Enjoy a day of golf supporting Roma women and community uplift.

B. Rich Customs Bi-Annual Fashion Show

7-9 p.m. — Aloft South Bend — No Refunds — Witness the latest fashion creations from B. Rich Customs at their second bi-annual showcase.

Plant Sale & Swap

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Potawatomi Conservatories — $5 Adults | $3 Kids — Discover unique plants and swap gardening tips with fellow enthusiasts.

IXL Live: Classic Edition Workshop

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn South Bend — Free entry — Enhance your IXL skills with a hands-on workshop for educators.