Good morning, Valparaiso.

Crossroads Chamber held its 6th annual Business Excellence Awards on March 12 at the Dean and Barbara White Center, recognizing nine NW Indiana businesses + leaders for their innovation and community service.

Kristina Fry of United Way and volunteer Jess Martinez-Garcia were among those honored.

Surf Internet expanded its fiber network since 2020 to serve more than 42,000 homes and over 250,000 addresses in northern Indiana.

The Elkhart-based firm plans further growth in 2026 to boost connectivity in local communities — including Valparaiso.

Indiana Dunes Tourism held its annual State of the Indiana Dunes event on March 19 at its visitor center in Porter, sharing tourism achievements, Indigenous Cultural Trail updates, accessibility upgrades, and future plans like the Sand + Steel initiative.

Local businesses, including FLUID Coffee, provided refreshments.

Dr. Benjamin Tonagel is set to join Duneland School Corporation as Assistant Superintendent for the 2026-27 school year on July 1.

He brings over 20+ years of education leadership experience and local awards that highlight his commitment to student success.

UnitedHealthcare will sponsor the Fight for Air Climb on April 12 at Chicago’s Prudential Towers to support lung health, as teams, including locals from Valparaiso, climb indoor stairwells to raise funds and awareness for respiratory research (a nod to our concerns about air quality).

Boone Grove High School's Varsity Dance Team won the IHSDTA State Championship in Pom Dance, their first in over 20 years, after top-three finishes at every competition since December (including a regional contest at Lake Central).

The school also celebrated academic milestones and will head into spring break.

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.

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.

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.

Debutants Performance

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting debut of a duo turned lively performance group.

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.

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.

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].