Good morning, Valparaiso.

Local communications provider NITCO received over 150 new Google reviews in recent months, raising its Hebron office rating (3.6 to 4.2) and its Rensselaer office (2.9 to 3.8).

Senior VP Tom Carroll said the positive feedback shows strong community trust in NITCO services.

The Grand Gardner Hotel (built in 1899) is featured in a photo tour that highlights its ongoing renovation and community connection.

The event shows how the historic landmark is coming back to life in the heart of town (a symbol of local renewal).

Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus boosted the region’s income by over $84.8 million and supported more than 1,176 local jobs during fiscal year 2024-2025, per a Lightcast report & campus leaders believe the impact will grow as the community develops.

Indiana Dunes National Park closed the Mount Baldy Access Site from late March — mid-June near Michigan City for a sand management project that moves about 40,000 cubic yards of sand to protect parking and sanitary facilities and keep visitor access safe.

Powers Health became the first in Indiana to use the new SEISMIQ IVL system for treating complex PAD with a procedure that uses acoustic pressure waves (using a balloon catheter to break up hardened calcium) at Community Hospital in Munster.

Steiner Homes, a family-owned luxury builder based in Valparaiso with nearly fifty years of experience, manages custom projects across Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties using traditional craftsmanship and modern methods; it offers pricing and financing with a 12-year buy-down plan for six-month builds — supporting the region's luxury market.

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.

2026 Valparaiso University Jazz Fest

The Valparaiso University Department of Music presents the 2026 Valparaiso University Jazz Festival, with four days of events that take place Wednesday, April 22, to Saturday, April 25, in the University Theatre, located in the Center For The Arts, 1709 Chapel Drive. Each day will include workshop presentations by professional jazz artists, performances by area high school jazz ensembles, and nightly featured concerts.

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].

Valparaiso Community Conference

10 AM – 3 PM — Harre Union — Free entry — Enhance local knowledge and explore opportunities to engage with the Valparaiso community.

Divine Vines Comedy Night

7-9 p.m. — Anderson's Winery and Vineyard — $10 Presale, $15 Day of Show — Enjoy a night of laughter with top-tier comedy in a scenic winery setting.

Harlem Wizards Game

Evening — Valparaiso High School — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a night filled with tricks and hoops from the World-Famous Harlem Wizards.

Glass Flower Cocktails & Canvas

12-2 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — Priced per participant — Unleash your creativity while sipping cocktails and painting a vibrant 'Glass Flower'.