Good morning, Valparaiso.

Alicia Harden, assistant director at Hilltop Neighborhood House, leads programs offering childcare, food, and support for local families.

Harden, whose early hardships inspired her career in preschool education, brings together volunteers, donors, and community members + strengthens local ties.

Mixsawbah State Fish Hatchery plays a key role in breeding salmonids and now is raising funds to replace nets with a reservoir that will improve fish transfers in La Porte County - the initiative is supported by the Port vs- Port fishing tournament between La Porte County and Michigan City.

Valpo student-athletes logged over 4,000 community service hours during the 2025-2026 academic year, working with groups such as Opportunity Enterprises, Dayspring Women’s Shelter, and local schools *among others* to support Northwest Indiana.

Athletic Director Laurel Hosmer praised their efforts as setting a strong example for youth.

At the All About the Girls Part 11 event yesterday, Denise Carpenter delivered opening remarks that explained her personal connection with this year’s theme and energized the crowd for a spectacular celebration.

Footloose, the stage adaptation at the Memorial Opera House, opens July 24 and runs through August 2 with its next show on July 25 from 7:00 to 9:45 p.m. The production features high-energy dancing & an iconic 80s soundtrack.

Gary/Chicago International Airport celebrated the completion of a new $12 million hangar for Wingtip Aviation on Jul.

17. Officials and project partners praised the facility (consolidating operations and boosting local economic growth).

Kankakee Valley REMC launched the Junior Board program in 2022 to help high schoolers learn leadership skills and work on local projects.

Students like Juliana Cook have led fundraisers + state house visits that boost community service and build real-world skills.

Eric Plath from Troop #998 was named Eagle Scout of the Year at the American Legion Conference in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 11.

His Eagle Project at Paul H. Douglas Center will host an open house on August 15 from noon + 3 p.m. for community members.

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.