Good morning, Valparaiso.

Centier Bank promoted Brian O’Meara to Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer on July 7 at its Merrillville Headquarters—he now leads marketing, digital sales, customer experience, community relations, call center and strategic planning teams to support growth and local service.

Steven Hochstetler started Ruger's Quality Lawns with a passion for lawn care and a focus on family values.

The business provides mowing, trimming, blowing and garage clean-ups in Michiana and nearby communities and plans to add more services in the future.

Dominick Travis, a rising local musician at Indiana University, toured Spain with the Chicago Youth Symphony and performed at the Sarasota Music Festival in June.

He credits early lessons for his growth and plans to audition for more festivals as he begins his sophomore year while enjoying parks and tennis.

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, located just outside Valparaiso, will host five family-friendly concerts from July 17 to Sept.

25 — the 2026 Acorn Concert Series features tribute bands to Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews and Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan.

Indiana Dunes National Park warned visitors to stay off Mount Baldy dune after residents ignored signage during a recent holiday weekend to view fireworks + urged respect for the protected landmark.

Center for Hospice Care offers round-the-clock end-of-life care at two Medicare-certified facilities in Mishawaka and Elkhart where staff deliver personalized support and comfort (including 24-hour visitation and pet access) to help patients and families during critical moments.

Cassie Eaton, a veterinary assistant at McAfee Animal Hospital, has rediscovered her spark & honed her skills in easing pet anxiety.

She often places IV catheters, builds bonds with animals, and earned Fear Free certification in 2020.

McAfee Animal Hospital welcomes new customer care rep Christine Robinson, who joined in July 2025 and now greets clients, answers calls, schedules appointments and connects pet owners with care.

She works in a busy family-style clinic ensuring smooth communication among staff and clients.

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.

Flo Rida Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energy of Flo Rida’s live performance in Valparaiso.