Good morning, Valparaiso.

On August 4, the Crossroads Chamber hosted its Annual Golf Outing at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville with Franciscan Health as title sponsor.

Rick Peltier and local business leaders joined breakfast, a team tournament and contests — strengthening networking and support for local businesses.

GreatNews.Life built a new consolidated news platform that joins its five network databases from Lake, Porter, La Porte, St Joseph, and Elkhart counties into one website for local positive news.

The upgraded site uses fresh technology and improved SEO (75,000 published stories and over 1 million photos) to help readers easily find inspiring local stories.

Northwest Indiana's beach season is thriving as the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center has welcomed over 156,000 visitors so far this year—boosting hotels, restaurants and local shops with an expected record impact on the economy.

Schools in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties are preparing for the first day of classes—local districts have announced their start dates for the new term.

Officials expect these plans to ensure a smooth beginning for students and teachers.

Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence is enrolling for free and low-cost non-credit courses in business, finance, health, and technology that will be held from August 11 through September 26 at local venues — registration deadlines vary for each program so interested learners should sign up soon.

In Valparaiso, Porter County Aging and Community Services announced Toni Modglin as its new executive director as she brings 25 years of nonprofit experience and will work to expand programs such as door-to-door transportation and a Hygiene Bank that supplies essential personal care items.

Tony Johnson, a Valparaiso native, is entering his fourth year at Portland State as a Division I punter after a standout career at Valparaiso High School and junior colleges in California.

He credits his multi-sport training+camps in Alabama and Nevada with shaping his game as he works toward his NFL dream.

Zao Island Finale

10 p.m. — Zao Island — $25 per student, $15 per adult — Enjoy a night of unlimited attractions including go-karts and laser tag for middle and high school students.

Paint Your Pet

6-8 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — No experience necessary — Create a unique masterpiece featuring your beloved pet while enjoying delicious wine.

Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics - District 1

6-10 p.m. & 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — MAAC Foundation - First Responder Training Campus — Course fee applies — Enhance your fire officer skills with strategic and tactical training sessions over several weeks.

Brewski Fest 2025

5-10 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Join in for a day filled with great beer, good music, and awesome vibes.

Marrakesh Express - a CSNY Experience

8:00 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $40-$80 — Experience soaring harmonies and timeless classics in a tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Late Summer Car, Truck, & Bike Show and Swap Meet

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Porter County Expo Center — $5 entry — Enjoy a lively car and motorcycle show along with a vibrant swap meet the weekend before Labor Day.

Hayden Coffman Concert

5-11 p.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Entry Details Unavailable — Experience a night of fantastic music in the new amphitheater.