Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Good morning, Valparaiso. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Indiana American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation provided nearly $700,000 in statewide support in 2025. Their contributions came through grants, donations, and volunteer work to assist over 100 local organizations. Valpo Life
- ➤ REAL Services will host the Diamond Gala’s 30th Age of Excellence award ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 6 in northern Indiana to honor those offering compassionate care. The event will feature keynote speaker Chris Singleton & live and silent auctions. Valpo Life
- ➤ GreatNews.Life founder Chris Mahlmann interviewed Deann Patena, President and CEO of the Crossroads Chamber, yesterday to discuss her journey from hospitality work to leading regional growth + community development. The interview reveals how her early career shaped today’s local initiatives. NWI.LIFE
- ➤ Goodwill Industries of Michiana will host six Stand Down events to support military veterans with food, clothing, healthcare and job counseling from May 16 in Kosciusko County to Oct. 24 in Marshall County + a session at Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso will run from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Valpo Life
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor welcomed the first ocean vessel of the international shipping season when the Ocean7 Ranger arrived earlier this month carrying equipment for upgrades at U.S. Steel Gary Works. Its arrival ended a 69-day winter closure (a record for Great Lakes shipping) and opens new global trade opportunities. Z107.1
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ In Fall 2025, IU Northwest art students exhibited international collaborative projects at Himmelblau Gallery in Finland, working with peers from Canada, Mexico and Japan through the INTAC program. The students showcased work themed Home Is a Feeling that reflected personal connections to their homes. Valpo Life
- ➤ Washington Township Middle School Team Black won the 21st WTMS Academic Invitational on Saturday, April 11, beating Ben Franklin Green 75-65 with strong scores in Science and Social Studies. Participating schools will compete in the IASP Academic Super Bowl-Jr. on May 2 at local middle schools. Valpo Life
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ IDEM is offering free well water testing to eligible homeowners who complete an online survey by June 1; selected participants will have samples collected between June+October. Participation is voluntary and results will be shared directly with homeowners. Z107.1
- ➤ On April 8, the Legacy Foundation held a crime and public safety forum at Innsbrook County Club in Merrillville. Peter Sormaz from the Schererville Police Department shared key statistics and discussed how community groups can work together to keep everyone safe. NWI.LIFE
- ➤ The City of Valparaiso invites students entering their junior year (fall 2026) to apply for the Mayor’s Youth Council, which will have 20-24 members for the 2026-27 school year. Mayor Costas will host an information session on April 30 at 2:45 p.m. at the VHS Media Center and applications are accepted until May 29. Valpo Life
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Eligible Valparaiso homeowners can apply online for a free well water test offered by IDEM. The survey due by June 1 will help schedule sample collections from June — October to assess groundwater quality. XROCK 103.9
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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].
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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.
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Valparaiso Community Conference
10 AM – 3 PM — Harre Union — Free entry — Enhance local knowledge and explore opportunities to engage with the Valparaiso community.
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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.
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Harlem Wizards Game
Evening — Valparaiso High School — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a night filled with tricks and hoops from the World-Famous Harlem Wizards.
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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'.
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A Little Night Music
8-11 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $60 • Loge, $30 • Adults, $27 • Senior/Student/Military — Experience a romantic musical journey through love, longing, and regret with Sondheim's enchanting score.
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