Good morning, Valparaiso.

Nathan Hand and his wife Kimberly have run Toasted S’mores in Lowell for two years and share their inspiring journey as they cope with their son Jimmy’s rare TRNT1 (an extremely rare genetic condition) after his return to Riley Children’s Hospital from Philadelphia; the community has offered vital support.

Wendy Aragon, a local advocate for children with special needs, uses her experience to lead community events and support programs like Penguin Project—a theatre group that empowers participants—and organize a community garden at Butterfly Park.

Her work builds bonds among families in Valpo.

Lakeshore Public Media got a matching grant of ($50,000) from Legacy Foundation to produce the documentary series Lake County: Horizons and Traditions, set to air on lakeshorepublicmedia.org and WYIN in Spring, which will showcase diverse local community stories.

Golazzo Pizza Co. opens in Valpo with Italian-style pizza like that from the old country.

The new restaurant offers classic recipes and a warm local feel.

TradeWinds honored outstanding employees, volunteers, clients & community partners at its annual awards luncheon at Briar Ridge Country Club on Wednesday, spotlighting local Northwest Indiana success stories.

Valparaiso Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Everwise Credit Union, will offer free family-friendly concerts downtown starting with Cosmic Velocity on July 9 and ending with Michael McDermott & The Arsonists on Aug.

27, featuring acts from Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland.

New job postings are available online for Northwest Indiana job seekers.

Residents can browse listings now to explore various career opportunities in the region.

Oak Partners and Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana have brought a stock market program to St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point.

Two eighth-grade classes learned investing basics and tracked virtual $3,000 portfolios in a hands-on competition.

Valparaiso’s Ivy Tech welding program has doubled enrollment over five years and upgraded its lab with a new ventilation system and updated booths (including ADA-compliant ones), setting students on course for technical careers.

Dual enrollment and job offers underscore its practical training, earning the program a state award.

Purdue University Northwest honored 1,834 undergrads on its spring 2026 Dean’s List for meeting grade point requirements + domestic and international students were recognized for their academic success.

Kotys Wealth Professionals explain that starting to invest early lets money grow faster, as shown when a small yearly deposit builds nearly $850,608 through compounding — proving that patience now can beat larger, later deposits.

Their example advises local residents to plan their investments wisely.

Over 1,400 acres of forest will join the state parks system, expanding protected green space in northern Indiana.

The decision aims to boost conservation efforts and give locals more access to outdoor recreation.

SAND + STEEL Art Fest 2026

7 p.m. - 4 p.m. — Ice Rink at Central Park Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant local art scene with a three-day festival showcasing creativity and talent.

Kyndred Live Vendor Market & Concert

1-6 p.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Free admission — Explore delightful local vendors before enjoying an evening concert.

Golden Hour Railway Garden

6-8 p.m. — Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest — $10 per carload — Experience locomotives and nature harmonizing as the golden hour paints the garden.

Valparaiso 4th of July Celebration

5 p.m. — Urschel Field — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show.

Finding Nemo JR

Fri-Sun, Jul 10-12 — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a delightful underwater adventure performed by talented young artists.

Valpo Food Truck Fest & Car Show

11 a.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Free entry — Enjoy a variety of food trucks and admire classic cars at this family-friendly fest.

Group Bike Ride: Red, White, & Blue

Starts at 9 a.m. — Foundation Meadows Park — Free entry — Enjoy a community bike ride through Valparaiso's scenic pathways.

Valpo Esports Summer Camp

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Harre Union — Limited spots available — Dive into competitive esports and enhance your gaming skills with expert guidance.

Valparaiso Wine Festival

Summer evening — Central Park Plaza — Ticketed event — Wine flies when you’re having fun at the Valparaiso Wine Festival with live entertainment and food.

Max McNown Concert

7-10 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Tickets available — Experience heartfelt melodies from singer/songwriter Max McNown.