Good morning, Valparaiso.

Valpo Parks has partnered with Sports Facilities Companies to redevelop the former McGill Factory at 909 Lafayette St into a year-round indoor recreation and enrichment campus called Valpo REC.

The project will issue an RFP for a design-build firm by mid-July and is expected to open in Fall 2027—offering spaces for sports, events, rentals and educational programs—meeting local demand.

Carl Vaughn, 31, drove his car into two men minutes after being punched outside Longshots Sports Bar in 2019—he was sentenced to 9 years in prison for the incident.

Jonathan Canning, an experienced curator from Great Britain who worked at top U.S. museums, is the new executive director of South Shore Arts & Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

He was selected from over a dozen candidates to lead the organizations in business management & planning exhibits that will broaden community art programs.

Today, Lakeshore Public Media announced it is cutting back on local programming and reducing staff after a 40% state funding cut and potential federal funding elimination threaten its operations—forcing the station to eliminate local daytime hosts and news gathering that have served Northwest Indiana for years. President Chuck Roberts said the move will reduce locally produced shows and impact community service if federal support is not restored.

On June 13, Porter County Health Department held its second annual Health and Wellness Family Fair at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso—over 35 vendors and local partners provided free screenings, immunizations, and fun activities for children.

The fair also featured a Salvation Army-backed canned food drive that offered raffle prizes to kids who donated food.

Valparaiso University sold its land to Project Neighbors — the organization plans to build four duplex homes on the purchased parcels, according to executive director Carmen Vincent.

Fairytale Fest

Evening — Haven Hollow Park — Free entry — Experience an enchanting evening of fairytale magic with costumes and fun activities for children.

Roxx Fest 2025

12:30-6:30 p.m. — On The Roxx — Check website for ticket info — Experience the ultimate outdoor rock concert with eight legendary bands in Northern Indiana.

Braden Fiske Public Autograph Signing

1-2 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Meet local NFL star Braden Fiske and get his autograph at this exciting event.

Annual Vintage Market and Vino

Time TBA — Four Corners Winery — Free entry — Explore unique handmade crafts while enjoying fine wine at the annual vintage market.

Camp Funset - Prehistoric Park

Various times — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Cost TBA — Explore a world where dinosaurs and mammoths inspire creativity and fun during summer camp.

Neighborhood Garage Sale Extravaganza

9 a.m. — Whispering Sands Manufactured Home Community — Free entry — Explore over 30 homes participating in this vibrant community garage sale.

Annual 4th of July Parade and Festival

10 a.m. — Founders Square — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a parade, family games, and a spectacular fireworks show.

Shakespeare in the Park - Shakespeare in Love

8 p.m. — Northwest Health Amphitheater — $20 reserved seating — Celebrate the finale of Chicago Street Theatre's 70th season with a unique Shakespeare performance in Central Park.

Estate Property Auction in Valparaiso

7-9 p.m. — 482 Grove Avenue — Online bidding open — Bid on a charming 1938 estate home in the heart of Valparaiso, perfect for investors or end-users.