Good morning, Valparaiso.

United Way Northwest Indiana will host Day of Caring on August 1, starting at 8 a.m. with breakfast at Avalon Manor in Hobart—presented by NIPSCO; volunteers from five counties will complete projects at schools, nonprofits, and public spaces while using a new Volunteer Portal to find year‐round opportunities.

Jenny Lee, a lifelong resident of Valparaiso, enrolled in Ivy Tech’s Human Services program to follow her interest in mental health—completing internships at South Haven Elementary and Opportunity Enterprises.

After earning her associate degree in May 2024, she transferred to Valparaiso University to study social work further.

Avionah Widner graduated from Wheeler High School on June 8—earning recognition for her skills in gymnastics and wrestling before a wrestling injury ended her season.

She is now focusing on her nursing studies at Loyola University Chicago after receiving an academic scholarship—and she plans to visit Mexico this summer while staying connected to Valparaiso.

Students at Morgan Township High School celebrated graduation on June 4 and the band left on June 5 for a New York trip to visit Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial Museum—an experience that offered both learning and memorable moments.

The Porter County Fair will run from July 17-26 and will feature local 4-H exhibits, musical acts, and community events that promise to draw many residents.

Indiana American Water has shared water conservation tips on its website to help residents save water this summer—advice includes watering only when needed, using rainwater when possible and installing smart irrigation controllers like the Orbit B-hyve to avoid waste.

Franciscan Health is now using the AI-powered Ceribell System at local and Chicago’s South Suburbs hospitals to catch dangerous seizures fast and help doctors choose treatment.

The system was first used in Michigan City in January and later added in Crown Point, Olympia Fields, Dyer and Munster + it gives a quick EEG reading in less than 5 minutes, which may cut ICU stays and hospital transfers.

The Breast Care Center at Methodist Hospitals in Northwest Indiana offers personalized breast health evaluations and has partnered with Fighting Pretty+ Laini Fluellen Charities to support women battling breast cancer.

Fighting Pretty helps provide Strength & Beauty Kits to patients while Laini Fluellen offers care packages and educational seminars for early detection.

The Breast Care Center at Methodist Hospital today offers personalized breast evaluations in Northwest Indiana and has partnered with Fighting Pretty and Laini Fluellen Charities to support women fighting breast cancer.

Fighting Pretty’s Strength and Beauty Program gives one kit for every 10 dollars donated while Laini Fluellen Charities provides care packages and educational seminars to help patients through treatment.

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.

Ludacris Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — PIT $60.00 Standing Only — Get ready to Roll Out with Ludacris at the Porter County Fair.

Valparaiso Wine Festival

5-10 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — 21+ event — Enjoy an evening of wine tasting with over 100 varietals from 20+ vendors alongside live entertainment.

Open House at 149 Westchester Lane

3-5 p.m. — 149 Westchester Lane — $559,900 — Explore a stunning 6-bedroom home with exceptional amenities in a desirable lake community.

Zach Top Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience Zach Top's authentic country sound at this local favorite event.

ASHLYN Concert at Porter County Fair

12:45-6:45 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Tickets available at the door — Enjoy an afternoon of live music from local vocalist Ashlyn amidst the fair festivities.

ASHLYN at Porter County Fair

2-8 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Experience live music from vocalist Ashlyn, a rising talent from Northwest Indiana.