Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of September.
Good morning, Valparaiso.
🏘️ Community
The Valparaiso Fire Department continues its Out to Alarm Valpo program that offers free smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation for residents in Valparaiso and Center Township.
Fire Chief Chad Dutz said the program—launched in 2015 and partnering with local agencies—has already made hundreds of homes safer.
🎭 Culture
Valparaiso University will host a series of free music and theatre events this fall, with performances starting on September 12 at Duesenberg Recital Hall by alumnus Jared Coller ’18.
The schedule—featuring concerts, choral shows, and theatre productions through November—will be updated with additional holiday events soon.
🎓 Education
Local school officials are planning next year's budgets with less tax revenue and rising costs brought by a new state law.
Districts such as Lake Central, Tri-Creek and Whiting will seek new referendums and cost-saving measures—officials say these steps are needed to keep essential programs running.
Valparaiso High School began its new year with Freshman Orientation on August 12, where students toured the building, signed up for clubs, and picked up their yearbooks.
The traditional Popcorn Festival will feature a parade starting at 10 a.m.—and students are getting ready to join in activities like flag football and working at local shops.
Purdue University Northwest is inviting nominations for the 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame awards to honor high-achieving graduates from its Hammond and Westville campuses—nominations are due Nov.
7 and the inductees will be celebrated at the 10th Anniversary Gala on May 29 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
🏥 Health
Franciscan Health will host a virtual diabetes prevention program online starting Oct.
1 at 6 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Central—designed to help delay type 2 diabetes through CDC-recommended lifestyle changes. Participants must be 18 or older with prediabetes and a BMI over 25, and the year-long program costs $99 with 16 weekly sessions plus six monthly follow-ups.
🏈 Sports
Midwest Sundowners RC Airplane Club of Wheeler will host the Pylon Races on Saturday, September 13 at Wheeler Flying Field with free spectator admission and parking–hamburgers will be served starting at noon.
Pilots will race 10 laps around three pylons in various classes, including electric power, as they compete for the fastest time without cutting the course.
🎉 Valparaiso Events
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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.
Field Station Frenzy Trail Run & Walk 5K
8:15-11:00 a.m. — Indiana Dunes National Park Chellberg Farm — Cost info not listed — Enjoy a fun and scenic trail run or walk through the beautiful Indiana Dunes.
🏠 Valparaiso Real Estate
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📣 Valparaiso Announcements
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