Good morning, Valparaiso.

Surf Internet has been awarded $1,176,000 by the Indiana Connectivity Program to expand fiber-optic service to 245 grant-identified addresses across 16 northern counties—this funding along with a $5.8 million private investment will also cover about 2,500 nearby homes and businesses, and the company will work with residents through public meetings and direct outreach to complete consent forms before construction begins.

The Clean Grid Alliance objects to NIPSCO’s plan to form GenCo to build electric capacity for data centers — the group says this move would lead to a monopoly and harm competition by shutting out independent power producers.

A hearing on the proposal is scheduled today in Indianapolis at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Ivy Tech held its local commencement yesterday at 6:00 p.m. CT at the Valparaiso University Athletics Recreation Center on Union Street, where over 1,000 graduates earned nearly 1,700 degrees and certificates during 2024-2025.

Keynote speaker Dean Mazzoni from Franciscan Health Michigan City gave an address—officials said the ceremony celebrated the students' achievements and future plans.

Leanna Steverson finished her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at PNW and will begin her PsyD program this fall to become a clinical psychologist.

The Merrillville native is the first in her family to earn a college degree—she credits her mentors for boosting her confidence.

Washington Township Middle School’s Science & Social Studies teams won Class 4 state championships at the Indiana Academic Super Bowl-Jr. Division when the science team answered 21 out of 25 questions correctly and the social studies team scored 20 out of 25.

Their wins mark the school’s eleventh Science title and ninth Social Studies title while adding up to 26 academic championships in 20 years.

Ivy Tech Community College held commencement ceremonies on May 8, 2025, at its Lake County and Valparaiso campuses, where about 1,200 graduates at Lake County and over 1,000 graduates at Valparaiso earned more than 1,600 and nearly 1,700 degrees and certificates respectively (with Lake County’s event starting at 4:30 p.m. and Valparaiso’s at 6 p.m. CT). Both events featured key addresses, with Dr. Sue Ellspermann speaking at Lake County before her retirement and Dean Mazzoni representing Franciscan Health at Valparaiso.

U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan and U.S. Sen. Jim Banks sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright asking him to make a hydrogen hub a top project in Northwest Indiana.

They say the hub will bring billions in investment and more than 16,000 construction jobs—using BP’s refinery in Whiting to produce cleaner-burning hydrogen.

Mother's Day Brunch

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Journeyman at American Factory — Cost varies — Indulge in a delightful brunch buffet featuring sweet and savory dishes along with craft cocktails.

Mayor's Youth Council Color Fun Run

6-8 p.m. — Rogers Lakewood Park — Registration required — Enjoy a colorful 1.5-mile run with family-friendly activities and obstacles.

Arbor Lake Estates Neighborhood Garage Sale

1-7 p.m. — ValPLAYso — Free entry — Explore treasures in a family-friendly neighborhood garage sale with local charm.

The Early Summer Car, Truck & Bike Show

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — $5 admission, $20 swap meet space — Experience an exciting day filled with vehicles, vendors, and a beer garden before Memorial Day.

Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run

— 8 a.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a community-focused 5K to support suicide prevention efforts.

Beach Clean Up at Indiana Dunes State Park

Event Time — Indiana Dunes State Park — Free entry — Help keep our beautiful beaches clean while enjoying the summer sun.

Hometown Jams: Ian Munsick

5-6:30 p.m. — Northwest Health Amphitheater — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of live music with Ian Munsick hosted by Hometown Jams.

Vacation Bible School

2-5 p.m. — Liberty Bible Church — Free — Explore the bigness of God through games, crafts, and lessons at this fun-filled week for kids.

Serenity-Lily of the Valley Painting Event

2-4 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — No cost mentioned — Unleash your creativity in a serene setting while enjoying wine and painting.