Good morning, Valparaiso.

Simko Signs’ Mike Moreth won $1,000 at Currie Motors Ford of Valpo’s Early Bird Raffle drawing on August 7—organizers from the dealership and the Valparaiso Lions Club said the fundraiser benefits the local low vision community and paves the way for a grand prize drawing on October 16.

Laura Peart is a behavior specialist at Valparaiso Community Schools who helps kids with focus, anxiety, or aggression by working closely with teachers, staff, and families—she is also finishing her graduate studies in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Her work ensures each student feels safe and supported at school.

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest announced registration is open for its 2025 Innovators Awards Luncheon where winners will be inducted at 11:30 a.m. CST on Oct.

29 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville—marking its 20th year of celebrating local creativity. The event highlights innovators from across the region and offers individual tickets at $50 and table sponsorships for $600.

At a packed Monday night meeting, the City Council overrode the mayor’s veto on ordinance No. 8 that shifts control of the Human Relations Council from the mayor to the council with a 5-2 vote; the meeting also featured a Youth Council swearing in.

The City of Valparaiso swore in a new class for the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Youth Council as announced by Mayor Jon Costas, giving students the opportunity to learn about government and build leadership skills.

The council meets monthly and will begin with a Youth Retreat on August 16 — a key step in fostering civic engagement.

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.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival (46th Annual)

2-8 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate 46 years of popcorn fun with a parade, vendors, music, and family-friendly activities.