5 things to know for Monday: Life in south-central Elkhart, Elkhart teachers face health insurance hike, more

Oct. 26--Good morning, Elkhart County! Expect a sunny start to the week. The National Weather Service predicts clear skies and a high temperature of 61 degrees. Keep up with weather throughout the day at The Elkhart Truth's weather page.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: LIFE IN SOUTH-CENTRAL ELKHART

The Elkhart Truth launched a three-part series Sunday that aims to dispel misconceptions about south-central Elkhart, highlight the people who live there and paint a true picture of everyday life in the neighborhood.

In part one, you'll meet a woman whose friends were hesitant about attending a baby shower she organized for a friend because of where she lives. You'll also learn more about how residents deal with the threat of violence and how many don't want to get too close to their neighbors because they believe they're better off if they keep to themselves.

See scenes from everyday life in the neighborhood and watch residents share their thoughts about living in south-central Elkhart. You can also join the conversation online.

A'dreanna Brown, 7, left, high fives with New Generation Child Care Ministry worker Terrie Lee after a play during their first softball game in the lot north of Washington Gardens Thursday, July 2, 2015. (Jennifer Shephard/The Elkhart Truth)

ELKHART TEACHERS FACE DOUBLE-DIGIT HIKE IN HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS

As Elkhart Community Schools teachers continue to ask for better pay, they could soon see a double-digit increase in health insurance premiums.

The Elkhart School Board will consider changes to the district's health and dental insurance extended benefits at its regular meeting Tuesday. At that same meeting, members will consider a new teacher contract after negotiations stalled over teacher pay.

REPORTER TO DISCUSS SOUTH-CENTRAL PROJECT IN LIVE ONLINE FORUM AT NOON MONDAY

The Elkhart Truth reporter Tim Vandenack will field questions from readers about the special project on south-central Elkhart in a live online forum from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday. Head to www.elkharttruth.com to ask questions.

Vandenack has spent the last few months on the streets of the south-central neighborhood and talked to dozens of people for "Down But Not Out," a three-part series on life in Washington Gardens and the surrounding area.

EDITORIAL: SOUTH-CENTRAL ELKHART'S PROBLEMS ARE CITY'S PROBLEMS

When there's a problem that doesn't directly affect you or your family, it's easy to look the other way.

And if you're not one of the estimated 5,300 people living in south-central Elkhart, it would be easy to ignore problems like a poverty rate triple that of Elkhart County and a significantly higher than average concentration of shootings and reports of gunfire.

But these are not just south-side problems. They are Elkhart's problems. And the entire community must work together to elevate the quality of life in Washington Gardens and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Alex Addison, 6, hangs from a clothes line post in between apartments at Washington Gardens Thursday, July 2, 2015. Addison lives in the apartment with his grandmother and twin brother Alan. The boys mostly play at a nearby park, but do get outside when their grandmother is with them. (Jennifer Shephard/The Elkhart Truth)

SECTIONAL DEFEAT ASIDE, ELKHART MEMORIAL DECIDEDLY MORE COMPETITIVE THIS SEASON

The Crimson Chargers may have lost their sectional game, but the football team kept scrapping throughout.

Despite a 2-8 season in their first year under Coach Scot Shaw, the Elkhart Memorial team took down a four-win Warsaw team this year and had less severe defeats than the past three years.

Shaw described the season as "something to build on, and we're certainly going to build on it for next year."

Memorial's Micah Johnson (11) just steps past NorthWood's Jacob Chupp (4) as he heads up field on a run play during second half action at Memorial Friday, Oct. 2, 2015. (Jennifer Shephard/The Elkhart Truth)

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