Good morning, Valparaiso.

The Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council honored five community and industry leaders with Service to Labor awards to recognize their contributions in building and construction.

United Way Northwest Indiana launched its free tax filing service My Free Taxes to help locals complete their tax returns.

The service is now available for anyone needing support during tax season.

Kevin Nuppnau ended his eight-year service as Valpo Parks director on Jan.

30, thanking community members for their support and urging confidence in the parks' future as a safe, vibrant space for play and connection. He remains available to help where needed.

Valpo Parks is partnering with Mom’s Club to continue the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 14 at Central Park Plaza.

The event for children (ages 2 to 8) will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and requires pre-registration with a $10 fee per child.

Brew Box will open its new coffee shop and hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce at 1 p.m. on Feb.

12 at historic Bank Calumet tower.

Tech Credit Union announced the appointments of Steven Minchuk (a longtime union leader from Merrillville) and Randy Palmateer to its Board of Directors to boost support for union families across Northwest Indiana and Illinois.

Purdue University Northwest professor John Durocher has been named a 2026 Fellow of the American Physiological Society for his work in physiology education.

He will use his new role to support regional initiatives and help further student success.

IU Northwest hosted a live court case during its annual Appeals on Wheels event on Friday, Jan.

30 at the campus where judges examined the Dede Bisel v. State of Indiana case and students learned courtroom procedures (the session reinforced civic awareness among young people).

Indiana State Parks Director Brandt Baughman led Indiana Dunes State Park for 13 years and described it as an outstanding training ground — his experience is expected to strengthen park services in his new role.

In 2025, Northwest Indiana Breast Care Center at Methodist Hospitals cared for over 12,000 women, provided breast health education for 5,000-plus women, and offered financial support for essential tests.

The center welcomed new breast navigator Dena Lopez (vital for patient care) and encouraged regular screenings to improve community health.

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.

Rural 1st Construction Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — The Pennsy Depot Banquet Room — Free entry — Connect with home building experts to create your personalized roadmap to a dream home.

Chanticleer in Concert

The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer will be in concert at the Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM. Chanticleer has been hailed by the Boston Globe as “breathtaking in its accuracy of intonation, purity of blend, of color and swagger of style.” Information and tickets at https://www.valpo.edu/about/bach-institute/performances/

Something Rotten

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $30-$60 — Experience a madcap musical journey where two playwrights attempt to outshine Shakespeare with a wild idea.