Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
Good morning, Valparaiso.
🏘️ Community
Bartholomew Funeral Home, founded in 1892 as a coffin maker, has grown into a 24-hour service that supports families in Valparaiso.
The business has evolved with time — shifting from horse-drawn carriages to modern air transport — while staying dedicated to community care.
Josh Schoon was appointed to the Valpo Parks Foundation Board of Directors for 2026.
He will guide local park investments and public projects, drawing on his leadership at Berglund Construction.
💼 Business
Cafe Farina opened on the Porter County Courthouse Square in downtown Valparaiso, giving locals a new spot to meet and enjoy a meal.
The cafe adds to the area's growing mix of dining options.
🎓 Education
Valpo student-athletes delivered strong academic achievements last fall as the Department of Athletics reported 306 athletes posting at least a 3.0 GPA and 45 earning perfect 4.0s.
The semester average climbed to 3.353, reflecting improvements over previous terms.
WHS held a food drive that raised $1,339 to support local families, with seniors contributing $525.
The school will host a winter formal on Jan. 17 at (Aberdeen Manor) while new principal Ryan Kruszka outlines plans to improve the school environment.
Local community members will gather at the university on Monday, Jan.
19 for a Martin Luther King Day convocation at the Chapel of the Resurrection from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The event will feature speaker Ragen Hatcher (a three-time graduate and local legislator) and will honor MLK award recipients.
📰 Real Estate
Hobart Council approved ordinances for a proposed $11 billion Amazon data center on a 700-acre site across from a residential area, sparking debate among residents over health+environmental concerns.
The project may create over 400 permanent jobs and could begin construction this spring.
🏈 Sports
Hebron High School (Home of the Hawks) will induct its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class on Friday, Jan.
16 during the basketball doubleheader against Westville; the ceremony is set between the varsity girls' game, which tips off at 6:00 p.m., and the boys' game.
🎉 Valparaiso Events
Submit an event →
Veterans of Comedy
7-10 p.m. — Art Theater — $25 General Admission — Enjoy a night of laughter hosted by Alex Ortiz with featured performances from Zako Ryan, Kirk Mchenry, and Robert Day.
Bad Momz of Comedy
7-10 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the amazing Bad Momz of Comedy as seen on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
Vision Book Workshop
5:30 p.m. — Cooks Corners School — Free entry — Create a vision for your life through collaging images and affirmations.
Art: Paint and Pour
5-7 p.m. — Valparaiso Public Library — Registration required — Create a funky painting while enjoying your favorite beverage in a relaxed atmosphere.
PCMGA Gardening Show
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — $10 entry, children under 12 free — Celebrate your love for gardening with door prizes and community spirit.
Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics Course
6-10 p.m., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — MAAC Foundation - First Responder Training Campus — Registration required — Enhance your firefighting leadership skills with essential strategies and tactics.
🏠 Valparaiso Real Estate
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💼 Valparaiso Job Board
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📣 Valparaiso Announcements
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