Good morning, Valparaiso.

Retired local couple Scott & Tina Kleppe, longtime supporters of United Way NWI, served as a donor match during a recent Giving Tuesday to spur over 150 donors to help meet essential needs like food, housing, and healthcare in the community.

The Art of Murder interactive dinner theatre runs Jan.

23 & 24 at The Hub NWI, where visitors can enjoy dessert theatre with crafted mocktail tickets on Friday or a buffet dinner theatre with local dishes on Saturday (tickets must be purchased online by Jan. 20).

Lake Central students won in Broadcast News Production at a regional competition at Kankakee Valley High School and will advance to state in March, potentially leading them to Florida.

The school held Freshman Parent Night on Jan. 21, where 19 volunteers gave tours to help parents learn about school opportunities.

IU Northwest partners with Parker Dewey to offer regional employers grant-funded micro-internships that help complete professional projects without financial risk.

Business leaders can join the webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 1:00 p.m. CST to learn more.

PNW has announced Deno Yiankes' induction into its Alumni Hall of Fame — he will be honored for his leadership and service at the 10th Anniversary Gala on May 29 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary.

The Indiana Department of Education is awarding $15 million in Career Coaching Grants to 21 organizations statewide to help students explore career options after graduation.

Local recipients include the Center of Workforce Innovations + Northern Indiana Educational Service Center, Governor Braun said.

Students from northern Indiana competed at Taft Middle School in Crown Point on Jan.

17 during a Science Olympiad that tested their skills in over 20 STEM areas. Local sponsors assisted the event, and awards were given to top teams from both middle and high schools.

Indiana lawmakers approved a measure on Thursday in Indianapolis to form a stadium authority near Wolf Lake as they work to lure the Chicago Bears, while Illinois officials plan to fund needed improvements in Arlington Heights + lawmakers continue discussions.

Franciscan Health will offer a Produce Prescription Program to help residents manage chronic diseases.

More details will be shared at local health centers soon.

Northwest Health will offer public lunch-n-learn seminars for American Heart Month in February — the sessions will help community members learn about heart health best practices.

Boone Grove High School's Varsity Boys Wrestling team earned second place at the GSSC tournament Saturday at Lake Station Edison as all 12 wrestlers reached the podium.

The team will prepare for a regular-season meet on Jan. 24 while basketball, cheer and dance teams gear up for PCC Week events starting Jan. 19.

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.

Galentine’s Day Party

7-11 p.m. — Social Goat — Exciting event — Celebrate friendship with a fun Galentine’s Day party featuring a western twist.