Good morning, Valparaiso.

Sean Ryan, a 42-year-old Valparaiso man, died in an apparent drowning at Long Lake on Labor Day when he did not resurface after entering the water and was recovered near lily pads at about 7:02 p.m.—emergency responders attempted CPR before he was rushed to a hospital and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources began investigating.

NITCO, a locally owned Internet provider, launched a new promotion at the end of August that saved customers $20 per month for six months on its fiber-to-the-home and cable service and included no installation fees and free Wifi+—helping new subscribers and DSL users get faster, unlimited data.

A 29-year-old man from Valparaiso allegedly shot himself during a chase with Chesterton police early Monday—authorities reported the incident occurred amid the police pursuit.

On September 3, Indiana American Water representatives presented a $15,000 grant check from the American Water Charitable Foundation to the Dunes Learning Center in Porter to support environmental education for local youth.

The grant will help fund scholarships for school programs + show INAW’s commitment to protecting the region's natural resources.

INDOT closed State Road 8 between County Roads 300 East and 450 East in Porter County for a bridge deck overlay project that began on Tuesday, September 2 and will continue through mid-October—motorists must use the detour via State Road 49—U.S. 30—U.S. 421.

Porter County Health Department, with partners from Valpo Parks, Valparaiso Fire Department and the Zac Mago Foundation, installed the first SaveHeart Station last month at Central Park Plaza — near public restrooms — and will add more units at Expo Center, Old Fairgrounds Park, Thomas Centennial Park and Founders Square to improve emergency response to sudden cardiac arrest.

Porter County officials installed SaveHeart stations—automated external defibrillators—in public spaces in Valparaiso last month, starting at Central Park Plaza in downtown.

Additional devices will be placed at high-traffic sites including the Expo Center and Old Fairgrounds Park to improve response in sudden cardiac arrest incidents.

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.

South Shore Roller Derby

5 p.m. — William E Urschel Pavilion — Exciting roller derby action — Experience the thrilling season opener of Northwest Indiana's premier roller derby league.

Bonfire: Tribute to AC/DC

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $25-$50 — Get ready to rock with BONFIRE, the Midwest’s premier AC/DC tribute band delivering an electrifying show.

Valpo Brewfest

1-4 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Food and beverage available for purchase — Celebrate craft beer with German style brews, tasty bites, and live music.