Good morning, Valparaiso.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi will run several promotions at Four Winds Casinos in April including cash games like a $100,000 Final Fortune on April 4 and a $150,000 Spring Bling on April 12—plus buffet specials, senior day drawings and spa offers that run through April 30.

Guests at locations in New Buffalo, Hartford, Dowagiac and South Bend can participate by visiting promotional kiosks or playing slots, table games and live poker.

Plant Superintendent Gary Gray and Project Manager Don Schoenbeck—who began their careers at NITCO in the 1980s—lead projects from start to finish while working with government officials on budgets and plans.

They share decades of experience with their teams to help the family-owned company grow its communications network.

Valparaiso has been named a Tree City USA for 2024 for its effective urban forest management of over 10,000 trees that add more than $29 million in value to the community.

The city will host a tree planting event at Will Park at 10:00 a.m. on April 26—marking its 20th year of earning the honor.

INDOT will begin road work next week on region highways— the ramp from eastbound I-80/94 to southbound Ripley will close until the end of April for a bridge replacement, the intersection of State Road 149 and Robbins Road will close on or after Tuesday through July for a vertical sight correction project, and U.S. 12/Columbus Drive in East Chicago will have one lane per direction until late June for bridge repairs.

Valparaiso has been named a Tree City USA for 2024 by the Arbor Day Foundation for its effective urban forest management that includes over 10,000 trees and boosts the city's value by more than $29 million.

The city will hold an Arbor Day tree planting event at 10:00 a.m. on April 26 in the College Hill neighborhood at Will Park + it is funded by a Neighborhood Improvement Grant.

Powers Health and Orthopedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana will open a new Joint & Spine Center in Crown Point this spring.

The 11,000-square-foot center at 201 101st Ave will offer hip and knee replacements, minimally invasive spine procedures, and robotic-assisted surgery while serving as a regional hub next to rehabilitation and cancer care centers.

On-Site Tour at Brookdale Valparaiso

An opportunity for residents to explore colorful activities, nutritious dining, and exceptional senior living services at Brookdale Valparaiso.

Ringing in Spring 5k

8:00 – 9:30 AM — Valparaiso Family YMCA — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the 32nd anniversary with a community-focused run/walk for a good cause.

Kids Closet Sale

8 AM-12 PM — Butterfield Family Pavilion — $3 cash only — Explore gently used kids' items at this treasure trove for families.

Open House at Brooks at Vale Park

5-7 p.m. — 3103 Whispering Brook Lane — Free entry — Explore this stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in the desirable Brooks at Vale Park subdivision.

Fight Like a Girl Women's Self-Defense Course

5:30-8 p.m. — MAAC Foundation - First Responder Training Campus — Cost not specified — Empower yourself with essential self-defense skills taught by local police instructors.

South Shore Orchestra String Quartet at Blackbird Cafe

3-4:30 p.m. — Blackbird Cafe — Free entry — Experience the beauty of live classical music in an intimate setting.