Good morning, Valparaiso.

NIPSCO will raise bills this winter due to new laws that let the utility charge extra fees before projects are built - homeowners may see increases up to 200% to 300% compared to the announced 16.74% hike.

Consumer groups say the changes force ratepayers to pay for costs upfront.

The Department of Athletics and Campus Recreation announced that Valpo Rec Kids Camp returns for summer and introduces a new Spring Break camp scheduled for March 23rd–27th on campus.

Registration is now open (visit the campus website or email for details).

Portage Township Schools will honor longtime coach Renee Turpa by dedicating the Renee Turpa Gymnasium at Portage High School today during halftime of the 7 p.m. boys basketball game with a 6 p.m. reception in the South Cafeteria.

The Society of Innovators released its free Spark Series, a season of 11 video lessons paired with discussion guides and classroom activities for teaching entrepreneurship and innovation, now available online for educators, students, and community groups (at Purdue Northwest’s portal).

Valparaiso will host a neighborhood workshop Tuesday, Feb.

17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Forest Park Welter Room on Sheffield Drive, where residents and neighborhood leaders can learn who to contact at City Hall.

Homeowners in Northwest Indiana can refresh their interiors with a professional paint job that boosts comfort and property value — Calumet Painting offers expert surface preparation and lasting results for those looking to update worn or outdated walls.

The service is available now for local residents seeking a quick home refresh.

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.

Pat Tomasulo Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Art Theater — Tickets start at $5 — Enjoy an evening with Chicago's top comedian and WGN Morning News host Pat Tomasulo.

Bubbles & Bites

11 AM - 4 PM — Valparaiso Events — $35 — Enjoy a food and drink crawl featuring sparkling mimosas and delectable bites in Downtown Valparaiso.

Paint Your Pet Painting Event

12-2 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — No experience needed — Unleash your creativity while painting a portrait of your furry friend.

Something Rotten Musical

2 PM — Memorial Opera House — $60 Loge, $30 Adults, $27 Seniors/Students/Military — Experience a hysterical journey of two playwrights competing to outshine Shakespeare with zany antics and catchy tunes.