Good morning, Valparaiso.

Chloe Bartnicki, a licensed beauty instructor from Merrillville with a strong family—music tradition, is competing in Region Idol; she hopes her roots help her win a championship.

Region Idol finalist Miranda Ailani, known for balancing music and robotics, will compete tonight with four other finalists at Crown Point's Bulldog Park (contest details provided).

The event spotlights local talent and creative energy.

The Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation hosted an event at the new Grand Gardner Hotel in downtown (historic Gardner School) on July 15, celebrating sponsors, investors, and community partners who united to honor the city’s past and future.

The event showcased the hotel’s blend of timeless charm and modern amenities.

The Missouri Valley Conference announced that Valpo's Valley on ESPN production team, led by Corwin Leverich, was named Digital Video Production Crew of the Year for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The team, which includes students from the Department of Communication and Visual Arts, earned the award for the second time in four years + they stream athletic and special events to ESPN+.

State regulators earlier this year examined rising utility bills and the IURC is now proposing affordability measures to help control costs for customers+aiming to ease burdens.

The steps follow widespread public outcry and may set the stage for further action by major utilities.

Valpo Athletics announced that men's and women's basketball season tickets are now on sale for the 2026 to 27 season, offering new family friendly pricing, a bleacher mezzanine option, a Beacon Bonus that gives double vouchers to early buyers, and interest free payment plans due by Oct. 1 for home games.

Tri-Township Athletics will host its annual golf outing on Aug.

1 at Hamlet Golf Course (registration is 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start) to support local student‑athletes with team entries of $300 or player entries of $75, limited to 25 teams.

Two IU Northwest athletic administrators have been named to national leadership roles as Robyn Griffin becomes an At-Large member of the NAIA-SIDA Board and Anna Villanueva joins the NAIA R.I.S.E.

Committee (appointments take effect in July).

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.