"The perfect choice! Thank you for all you do all year long, Marsha! Congratulations on being chosen as the 2022 Master Elf! Looking forward to seeing you Saturday to flip the switch to LIGHT UP THE MAGIC!" - Mayor Jones

A message from Mayor Jones:
“As I sit here tonight reflecting on this Thanksgiving Day, I am reminded of all I have to be thankful for.
- I am thankful that I get to raise my family in a country where we can live freely because of the brave men and women of our military, many whom are spending their Thanksgiving away from their loved ones to ensure our freedoms.
- I am thankful to be the Mayor of this city. I am constantly humbled by the kindness, pride, and outpouring of love I witness from our citizens throughout the year. In times of joy and in times of sorrow, our citizens come together to show their support for one another. I am also thankful for all of the City of Elwood employees. As Mayor, I have a unique seat to be able to see the internal workings of the city day in and day out. It truly takes each and every one of these dedicated individuals working together to efficiently and effectively run this city each day. I am also thankful for all the men and women who serve on our city's boards and councils. Their leadership helps to ensure our city continues to move in the right direction.
- I am thankful for our first responders and front line workers who not only on Thanksgiving but on all holidays head to work to ensure that when we have a medical need or any type of emergency, they are prepared and ready to respond at a moment's notice. I am also thankful to the front line workers at our local nursing home and assisted living facility. These men and women ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens who can no longer live on their own so knowing they are in such caring hands is comforting.
- I am thankful for the businesses who have invested in Elwood who continue to provide services and opportunities for our city, and for the organizations and non-profits who go above and beyond to assist our citizens, encourage and support our youth, and who are constantly giving back to our community. Also, to the dedicated volunteers throughout the city who give their time, heart, and financial support to the various agencies and events, my heartfelt thanks.
- I am thankful for my family; my beautiful wife, Susie who takes extraordinary care of me, our four amazing children and our home all while working full-time helping mold and shape the lives and minds of young children in our community. I am so very thankful for our health, and I am thankful to have a deep faith in God.
As always, my family and I will continue to pray for peace, good health, and safety for you and yours. God Bless."

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday. It's crucial that we support our local businesses, so before you travel out of town to shop, please consider shopping local (and not just this Saturday but throughout the year). These small business owners have deeply invested in our community! They donate gift cards, services, goods, and monetary donations to fundraisers, events, and individuals throughout the year. They sponsor our youth teams and team dinners. They live, raise their families, shop, support other local businesses, and continue to invest in Elwood, so please stop by their businesses and see all they have to offer to help cross those special people off of your Christmas list. If you can't find just the right gift, buy a gift card. Also, while you're out shopping local, don't forget to stop for lunch at one of our locally owned restaurants! They offer gift cards too! Who doesn't love a gift card?!? #shopelwood #shoplocal #smallbusinesssaturday #fortheloveofelwood #elwoodpride

"Jaxson and Emerson,
Congratulations! I can't wait to flip the switch with you on Saturday to Light Up the Magic in uptown Elwood! Way to go on being chosen to be Elwood's 2022 Elves of Character! I am so proud of both of you!" - Mayor Jones