Good morning, Valparaiso.

Today, the Valpo Chamber held its 41st annual Salute to Leadership event at Aberdeen Manor to honor local businesses and community leaders with awards.

The event celebrated 2025 success and signaled plans for growth in 2026.

Memorial Opera House will host Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music from May 8 to 24 as the musical weaves love, wit and romance in period Sweden+ Tickets cost between $27 and $60 and are available online.

South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has partnered with Purdue University Northwest to give tourism students hands-on experience working on a proposal to revitalize the Indiana Welcome Center this semester in Northwest Indiana.

The project strengthens ties between higher education and local tourism development.

Eight Purdue University Northwest faculty members received Board approval yesterday for academic promotions set to begin the 2026-27 school year, with changes effective Aug.

17 — awarding tenure to those promoted to associate professor.

Gov. Mike Braun suspended the 7% fuel use tax for 30 days on Wednesday, Apr.

9 to help ease high gas prices, and he said the relief could save drivers roughly $50 million + officials will be watching for price gouging as the tax break takes effect.

Valparaiso City Services will begin unidirectional flushing of water mains on Monday, April 13 to boost water quality on the North side.

The 6-8 week program runs from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with overnight shifts (customers will be notified).

New Beginnings Clubhouse has expanded behavioral health recovery services by removing its waitlist and adding an Education and Workforce Empowerment Center that offers digital literacy, GED preparation, and job readiness training + strengthens community care through referrals from Regional Health Systems. The facility supports adults with recovery and community reintegration.

Hanover Central junior Benjamin “Ben” Hall signed a sponsorship deal with Centerline Athletics (a family-focused pickleball apparel company) after reaching out with coaches’ recommendations at events.

The athlete, who competes nationally with the APP Academy, plans focused training in Florida after his January 2027 graduation and will study exercise science.

Bob Modesto, who built the Valpo tennis program into a record-setting team during his seven-season tenure, announced he will retire at the end of the spring season after a 36-year coaching career.

A retirement celebration is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at Beacon (Bell Cafe) following the home match against Drake.

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].

The American Revolution

Showing and facilitated discussion of segments of Ken Burns' The American Revolution documentary in celebration of our 250th year as a country. April 22, 2026, 3-5 pm, VU Union ballrooms. Free admission and light refreshments served.

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'.