Good morning, Valparaiso.

Kent Heating and Air Conditioning in Valparaiso announced winners of the Feel The Love program and will install free furnace and air conditioner systems in October for a veteran from Chesterton and a teacher from Wanatah—both had HVAC systems over 20 years old.

In Valparaiso, city officials and Valpo Parks announced a renewal of their agreement with Indiana Beverage to keep the naming rights for Central Park Plaza for another ten years.

Officials said the renewed partnership will support local recreation as the facility continues to be known as the Indiana Beverage Activity Center—reflecting a decade-long commitment.

Ray Kosinski, owner of ACE Catering in Whiting, started his business in 2001 by making pizzas and small event meals under the name Portside Grill and renamed it in 2002.

Today, he operates banquet halls in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana—assisted by his two sons and girlfriend—and he continues to follow his passion for the restaurant industry.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved NIPSCO’s plan to create a new subsidiary called GenCo—designed to build and own power plants for data centers while shielding existing ratepayers from extra costs—yesterday, and NIPSCO expects to add up to 8,000 megawatts of capacity under the new model.

Kathryn Cichocki, a Valparaiso Community Schools English teacher, resigned after posting a message celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death that sparked controversy during a Wednesday evening school board meeting at the high school auditorium.

The district said her personal post did not reflect its values and is reviewing similar social media posts from educators.

Missy Long—a local nurse, wife, and mother—was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in October 2023 after learning the news at a restaurant with her son, and she fought the disease with immunotherapy, six rounds of chemotherapy, and a mastectomy.

Today, she is cancer free, takes daily medication with monthly injections for the next five years, and credits her faith and family for her strength.

Dr. Rodney Guimont, MD, was appointed as Porter County’s new Health Officer less than a year ago and has worked to improve public health by engaging with community partners at events like the Health and Wellness Family Fair.

He is using Health First Indiana funding—tracking obesity, vaccination rates, and pediatric asthma—to boost health outcomes for local residents.

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.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Explore Valparaiso's haunted history on a spook-tacular walking tour with eerie tales and spirits.

Writing in the Woods Poetry Workshop

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Meadowbrook Nature Preserve — Free entry — Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with a creative poetry workshop led by local experts.

The Oogie Boogie Man Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — Tickets required — Unleash your creativity with a glow-in-the-dark Halloween painting experience.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Embark on a spooky walking tour exploring Valparaiso's haunted history and ghostly establishments.

The Boo Pumpkin Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Smoketown Blues — Ticketed — Experience a spooktacular painting session with friends or solo while enjoying delicious food.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Explore Valparaiso's haunted history with a spirited walking tour featuring chilling tales and eerie establishments.