Good morning, Valparaiso.

Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Eric LaBorde serves as business agent for Plumbers Union Local 210 where he handles dispatching, jobsite visits and member disputes—he has 26 years of plumbing experience and was an apprenticeship instructor for five years.

He also supports local groups and works with union members to secure better wages and benefits.

Timber Mountain Training Services in Lowell, founded by Nate Fetcko five years ago, trains aggressive and reactive dogs at its new 1,800-square-foot facility on Westmeadow Place near the Avery Dennison factory — using a wolf-dog hybrid as a calm role model.

The family-run business offers balanced training for obedience, socialization and behavior modification while working with local shelters to help dogs find new homes.

A new WorkOne office will open in Porter County inside the Portage Township Trustee’s Resource Center at 3484 Airport Rd—this partnership between the Center of Workforce Innovations and Trustee Brendan Clancy will help job seekers access employment services and training programs.

Valparaiso Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor earned the Certified Public Finance Administrator designation from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States & Canada and received additional certifications as a municipal clerk.

She joined the office as Deputy Clerk-Treasurer in 2012 and was elected as Clerk-Treasurer in 2019.

Northwest Indiana is hosting a series of youth sports events from July 15 to 20 that draw over 6,500 athletes and visitors with an estimated impact of $10.5 million.

The schedule includes the National Softball Association Northern World Series in several venues, Babe Ruth League tournaments at Crown Point and Schererville, a USSSA Fastpitch event at Cedar Lake Girls Softball Complex and the Illinois YMCA Swimming Championships at Lake Central High School in St. John — boosting local tourism and economic activity.

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.