Good morning, Valparaiso.

Valpo Parks and the City of Valparaiso will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, April 15th at 4:00 p.m. at ValPlayso Park under the Family Express Shelter (1400 Glendale Blvd) to start work on the rePLAY initiative that will add six new pickleball courts; city and parks officials along with partners Berglund Construction, V3 Companies, and Hasse Construction will mark this project as a key upgrade planned to finish by year’s end.

Purdue University Northwest will name Richard Sévère as dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences effective July 1—he served as associate dean at Valparaiso University.

He will lead a college that offers more than 20 programs designed to help students learn and succeed.

Ivy Tech held its third annual Ivy Tech Day on April 8 — a 24-hour day of giving that began at 12:01 a.m. — to support over 200,000 students across 19 campuses, including more than 11,000 at the Valparaiso campus.

The event helped students prepare for future jobs in Indiana.

Wheeler High School has begun its spring sports season with softball, tennis, track and field and baseball; the softball team lost its first home game to Andrean but later won 12-2 over Washington Township — showing a quick rebound.

A fish fry from 4-6 p.m. on Friday followed by a play and a prom on May 2 are planned as the school welcomes new athletic director Rylee Kruck.

Students and staff at McCullough Academy returned to school on Tuesday after a tornado damaged the roof nearly three weeks ago and forced a temporary relocation.

Purdue University Northwest announced after a national search that Richard Sévère will join as dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences effective July 1.

He recently served as associate dean at Valparaiso University and will lead more than 20 academic programs.

NIPSCO from Merrillville reminds homeowners and professionals to call Indiana811 at least two full business days before beginning any outdoor digging projects during National Safe Digging Month in April—this step is crucial even for small tasks like planting a garden or installing a mailbox to avoid injuries and utility interruptions.

Franciscan Health’s VASIA program is offering free training sessions for those who want to serve as court-appointed guardians for elderly and incapacitated adults.

The seven weeknight sessions excluding Fridays will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Franciscan Health Dyer Medical Pavilion South, 2150 Gettler St., starting April 21 and ending April 30 + accepted volunteers must complete required initial and annual continuing education.

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.

A Paris Stroll Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — SmokeTown Blues — Ticket required — Enjoy a creative painting session while sipping cocktails and indulging in great food.

Tri Kappa Iota Bingo Night Fundraiser

10:30 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. — 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso, IN — Ticket required — Enjoy Bingo games with cash prizes and support local charity while indulging in a variety of appetizers.

VNA Stroll for Hospice

12-4 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a family-friendly stroll to support hospice care with food, music, and activities.

Forever Plaid Musical

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic musical filled with classic barbershop harmonies and delightful 1950s pop hits.