Good morning, Valparaiso.

Craig Beatty is now the full-time preacher at CrossPointe Christian Church after returning from nine years as a missionary and a diesel salesman job.

He moved back to Chesterton with his family (he has four children) to serve a community that values his sincere ministry.

Local community members can attend Ivy Tech Community College's 22nd annual Spring Fundraiser on March 13 at Aberdeen Manor on Ballantrae, featuring a 1940s Mystery dinner event.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner, raffles, auctions & live mystery entertainment to support student financial aid.

Boone Grove schools celebrated a busy week as the varsity girls bowling team won a state championship, the dance and cheer teams earned top spots at a local event, and the boys basketball team prepares for a conference game tomorrow (the choir also sends ensembles to state).

On Monday, Feb. 23, residents visited Porter County Expo Center for an interactive workshop run by Elevate Porter County that showcased updated county growth trends — the event offered data on housing and demographics to guide future planning.

Valpo invites residents to shape its future at Map the Vision night on March 18 at Harre Union at Valparaiso University; the interactive event from 5:30 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. will guide updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan for neighborhoods, transit and community spaces.

The Valparaiso Police Department invites community members 18 and older to join the 2026 Citizens’ Police Academy starting April 8 at 6:00 p.m. and concluding on May 20 with graduation+ applications must be submitted by March 27 via email to Captain E.J.

Hall.

Franciscan Health Michigan City is hosting the free QPR Suicide Prevention Course Tuesday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Legacy Campus (301 W.

Homer St.) with registration required by March 24.

Erin Livingston, a local office manager who recovered from Stage IV colon cancer after chemo and surgery, is now on maintenance treatment and plans to explore clinical trials in Houston to continue her recovery & share hope with others.

Her journey, punctuated by faith and community support, inspires many locally.

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/

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.

Sewing Class: Machine Set Up and a Small Project

5-7 p.m. — Valpo Creates Center — $40.00 — Discover the fundamentals of sewing in this hands-on beginner course with provided supplies.

ASEE Illinois-Indiana Section Conference

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Valparaiso University — Free entry — Connect with engineering educators to share ideas and best practices.

The Wizard of Oz - Ruby Cast

2 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket information available — Experience the magical journey of Dorothy and friends in this faithful stage adaptation of the classic film.