Good morning, Valparaiso.

A grant from the Center of Workforce Innovations will cover PPE costs for a volunteer firefighter starting Fire Academy training at Liberty Township Volunteer Fire in Porter County — a move that Fire Chief Brian Duncan says eases financial barriers to local career development.

The Salvation Army announced that NIPSCO donated $25,000 funded by the NiSource Charitable Foundation to help households hit by the June 11 tornado in Lake and Porter counties.

Around 30 NIPSCO employees volunteered on June 22 in Merrillville by assembling hygiene kits and distributing box lunches.

Residents gathered last Friday downtown for the free Valpo Car Cruise hosted by Currie Motors Ford, where dozens of vehicles, local food trucks, and a charity raffle supporting Valpo Lions Vision Care brought the community together.

NITCO announced the passing of owner Rhys Mussman, and the company is now led by his three daughters (fourth generation) as it continues to invest in faster broadband and reliable service for local customers.

Memorial plans will be shared later.

Indiana Dunes Tourism launched a free app today on the App Store + Google Play that offers interactive maps of beaches, trails, parks, and business listings to guide visitors.

Local groups like the Valparaiso Creative Council have used it to promote arts trails, including the Mural Walk.

Ivy Tech and Microsoft signed a memorandum to launch a Data Center Academy that will offer local students tech training and clear career pathways.

The partnership will align programs with workforce needs to boost future job opportunities in the community.

Ivy Tech and Microsoft signed an agreement to launch a Data Center Academy that will offer internships + hands-on training in digital skills.

The partnership is set to expand career pathways across Indiana.

The City of Valparaiso announced that several community organizations will operate cooling centers during this week’s heat wave; centers at the YMCA, Public Library, and Daybreak Resource Center offer relief for residents needing air conditioning.

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.

Footloose Musical

7 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $35 Loge, $20 Adults, $18 Seniors/Students/Military — A high-energy celebration of freedom and youth featuring iconic 80s hits.

CAIN Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Ticket info available — Experience a vibrant concert featuring CAIN in Valparaiso.

Trace Adkins Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unforgettable bass-baritone voice of country music star Trace Adkins live.