Good morning, Valparaiso.

On Saturday, July 11, Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center hosted its renamed Slow Down Dinner at The Center at Donaldson’s Cana Hall — about 100 community members enjoyed fellowship with meditative movements, awards to supporters, and a fundraising goal of $10,000 that was exceeded.

Crew Carwash is hosting its 17th Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 60 locations across Indiana, Minnesota, and Illinois, with 50% of select wash proceeds donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters to support youth mentorship programs.

South Shore crews have nearly finished installing the new overhead wires damaged in last month’s derailment, and full service will soon resume.

New owners have revived Pat's Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Valparaiso after it closed earlier this year, and the longtime institution will soon welcome customers again.

Four Winds Casinos hosted a Queen tribute on July 10 at Silver Creek Event Center in New Buffalo and will host Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs on July 17, a DJ set on July 31 at C Bar, and Keanu Reeves with Dogstar on August 28.

Yesterday, a local podcast featured Dr. Arrick Jackson (Chancellor of Indiana University Northwest) as he shared his leadership journey and advised listeners to be curious.

He explained how early responsibilities helped shape his approach.

The Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest has announced its 2026 speaker series with five notable speakers scheduled from Sept.

13 to Dec. 6 at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex+ located on the Westville campus+ featuring Pulitzer Prize-winner Jon Meacham and sports broadcaster Pat Hughes.

Andrean High School announced that classes will resume on the scheduled return date after the building suffered tornado damage weeks ago — school officials say repairs are underway for a smooth reopening.

Gov. Braun helped keep veteran unemployment low with a 1.7% rate in 2025 as JVSG career services linked veterans with local employers.

The state showed promise in supporting veterans through targeted job placement efforts.

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.

Valpo Kiwanis Corn Roast Festival

All day event — Central Park Plaza — Entry details not provided — Celebrate local agriculture with delicious corn and community spirit.