Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Valparaiso. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Valparaiso awarded 14 new grants in its Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program totaling over $106,000 to support local projects such as tree plantings and entry beautification — applications for the next window are due by June 1. XROCK 103.9
- ➤ Center for Hospice Care’s Camp Evergreen offers a free day camp for youth ages 10 to 17 on Saturday, May 30 at Camp Alexander Mack in Milford and a free family workshop for children ages 6 to 12 on Saturday, October 25 at its Mishawaka campus—space is limited. Valpo Life
- ➤ Carrie Durnell has built a life of service by working as the secretary of the Women’s Association and co-owning Roots Market Café with her husband. She remains committed to supporting affordable housing at a historic home at 102 North Washington for disadvantaged women. Valpo Life
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A gourmet sandwich shop in Valparaiso has introduced duck fat fries and grown-up Happy Meals, offering a fresh twist on a childhood favorite for diners. The new menu mixes playful taste + culinary flair to create an upscale comfort food option. NWI Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest is partnering with InBIA to hold ICBI40 from Sunday, Apr. 12 to Wednesday, Apr. 15 in Chicago — the event will bring global entrepreneurs together to share best practices and support Northwest Indiana’s growing innovation ecosystem. NWI.LIFE
- ➤ Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions uses the Dean’s Annual Fund to offer global mission trips, research grants and advanced clinical training that boost student skills. The college plans to integrate wearable simulators and AI initiatives to modernize its curriculum. Valpo Life
- ➤ Students from local schools in Valparaiso and Chesterton debated data centers, energy use, and growth during recent school events. The debate examined how technology may shape our community’s future (including sustainability and economic impact). NWI Times
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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.
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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.
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Porter County Trading Card Show
9 AM – 3 PM — Porter County Fairgrounds — Entry details not specified — A collection-filled day for trading card enthusiasts to buy, sell, and trade their favorite cards.
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Annual Ringing in Spring 5K
Time TBA — Valparaiso Family YMCA — Cost not specified — Kick off the running season with NWI's largest springtime 5K run/walk.
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Debutants Performance
8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting debut of a duo turned lively performance group.
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Moellering Academic Panel on Spatial Sciences (MAPS)
Join us on Friday, April 17 for the Moellering Academic Panel on Spatial Sciences (MAPS), hosted by the Department of Geography, Meteorology, and Environmental Science and the Christopher Center Library at Valparaiso University. Geospatial technology powers everyday tools like weather forecasts, navigation, and deliveries, while also driving disaster response, disease tracking, deforestation monitoring, and urban planning. A panel of experts including Michael Goodchild, Marianne Cardwell, Stephen Aldrich, Ashley Poling, and Gang Shao will explore the real-world impact, ethics, and future of this rapidly evolving field.
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Echoes of Pompeii: A Pink Floyd Experience
8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $40-$80 — Immerse yourself in an authentic performance of Pink Floyd's legendary music with stunning visuals and an expansive ensemble.
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The American Revolution
Showing of clips of Ken Burns' The American Revolution with a panel of distinguished facilitators guiding discussion. This will be held at the VU Harre Union, Ballrooms A-C from 3-5p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited - reserve to [email protected].
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.
~ Tony Robbins
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