Good morning, Valparaiso.

UChicago Medicine, Valpo Athletics and Valpo Parks celebrated the completion of the Community Court Rehabilitation Project at Will Park earlier this week with a ribbon cutting that featured community partners and a stop by the Valpo Velvet Ice Cream truck.

Valpo Athletics, Van Wagner and UChicago Medicine will select a park for next year's project and fans will nominate and vote at basketball games—adding safe play spaces in our neighborhood.

South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority hosted its 19th annual R.O.S.E. and R.I.S.E.

Awards ceremony at Horseshoe Hammond Casino on September 25—honoring 12 R.O.S.E. and three R.I.S.E. winners from 40 finalists—while planning a 20th celebration for next year.

LaPorte County Parks manage over 600 acres at sites including Bluhm, Creek Ridge, Luhr, Red Mill and the recently established Sebert Woods, with current projects enhancing trails and park areas.

The department plans a sixth park on a three-acre Rolling Prairie property—its master plan draft is expected soon while funding comes mainly from park fees and a local foundation.

Harvest Tyme Family Farm—an agritourism destination in South Lake County—kicked off its annual fall festival today.

On September 25, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority honored 15 hospitality heroes at Horseshoe Casino Hammond during its 19th annual R.O.S.E./R.I.S.E. awards ceremony—each winner received a glass-encased rose and a prize package valued at over $1,500.

Forty finalists, chosen from more than 80 nominations, enjoyed luxury transportation and relaxation events in Crown Point and Schererville before the ceremony.

Zaxby's Chicken will soon bring its chicken tenders to Valparaiso — the fast-food chain plans to expand its service to local residents in Porter and Lake counties.

Oktoberfest returns to Bulldog Park on Oct.4 at 183 S.

West St. from noon to 10 p.m. and will offer free activities such as contests, live music, food vendors, a beer garden, face painting, children’s games and hayrides—local performers and vendors ensure a festive day for all.

Lake Central High School held its annual club fair on September 10 during Pathways to Excellence hour—where clubs like debate, robotics, and Environmental Club were showcased along Main Street.

The school now prepares for its Homecoming dance today from 6 to 9 p.m.—following high AP test scores and teacher awards from earlier in the year.

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.