Good morning, Valparaiso.

Residents are urged not to use metal-coated balloons outdoors because they can hit power lines—causing power outages, fires, and injuries.

Officials advise tying balloons to heavy weights until they are deflated to prevent them from drifting into dangerous areas.

First Financial Bancorp announced it will acquire Westfield Bancorp for $325 million, paying 80% in cash and 20% in stock.

The deal adds Westfield Bank’s $2.2 billion in assets and will expand First Financial’s presence in Northwest Indiana—strengthening local banking options.

Since its launch in 2019 the IT Grant Program has awarded $67,000 to local nonprofits to help upgrade outdated technology.

Eligible 501c3 and 501c4 groups can apply for up to $3,000 in tech products and services from July 1 to August 31.

A Porter County judge sentenced Ryan Krajewski to six years on probation for making bomb threat calls to schools in Porter County in January 2023—Krajewski pleaded guilty to five counts and must serve conditions including 90 days of house arrest, restricted electronics use, ongoing mental health treatment, and 250 hours of community service.

Today, Ivy Tech welcomed its new president, Dr. Marty Pollio, at the Valparaiso campus where he hosted a community listening session as part of his 100 Days of Listening, Learning and Leading plan to engage local students, faculty, staff, and employer partners.

Pollio began visiting campuses on July 1 and has already been to Sellersburg, Lawrenceburg, Evansville, and Terre Haute (his visits aim to align Ivy Tech’s goals with evolving workforce needs) as he prepares to lead the college.

Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 103 into law Friday at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point so IDEM will work with the EPA to end biennial vehicle emissions testing for Lake and Porter counties.

The law aims to show testing is unnecessary and could cut roughly $6 million in annual costs—an effort state lawmakers have long pursued.

School starts in six weeks and Associated Pediatricians in Valparaiso is offering well checks — covering required immunizations and sports physicals — to help ensure students are ready for class.

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.

July Bike Night

6-9 p.m. — Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso — Free event — Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with live music, food, drinks, and diverse motorcycles.

Sandbergs Towing School Bus & Combine Derby

5-9 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — VIP tickets available — Experience thrilling school bus and combine derbies in an exciting local event.

Daisy Adventurer Day Camp

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Camp Butternut Springs | Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana — Registration required — Dive into nature and craft activities with new friends at this fun-filled junior camp.

Valpo Corn Roast Festival

5-10 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Ticket required — Enjoy endless locally-grown corn while supporting community charities with live music and food trucks.