Good morning, Valparaiso.

Annette Forrester grew up in Valparaiso—attending Boone Grove High School—and spent her twenties traveling and serving as a missionary before returning when her sister was diagnosed with cancer and her daughter was born.

For nine years she has driven for the East Porter County School Corporation—bringing kindness and care to students each morning while enjoying the many local outdoor opportunities.

GreatNews.Life launched Michiana.Life in 2024 and spent the past year highlighting the stories, people, and events that shape our region—school successes, local celebrations, and inspiring moments.

The recap covers key local stories reported until September 30.

KV REMC celebrated its annual Member Appreciation Day at the Porter County Fairgrounds on September 25, drawing a large crowd for a cornhole tournament, live music, and prize giveaways.

Member-consumers also participated in the annual Business Meeting where new board directors were elected as the cooperative prepares for another successful year serving rural communities.

Bishop Noll Institute will host a gratitude concert on November 8 featuring an exclusive acoustic performance by Jon Foreman — lead singer of Switchfoot — with a cellist and drummer to honor donors and teachers.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with buffet dinner and bar service from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and tickets cost $75 to support the school’s mission.

Valparaiso University reported a data breach last month that exposed sensitive information (social security numbers, driver's licenses, state IDs, and financial details) and is investigating the incident while advising those affected to check their accounts.

Councilwoman Barbara Domer has proposed an ordinance to form a nine-member citizen advisory commission to guide municipal redistricting in Valparaiso—she will present the draft and gather community input at a public forum Thursday at 6:00 p.m. with a council vote scheduled for Oct. 13.

The Valparaiso Police Department is offering free gun locks at 355 Washington St.—available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—to help residents store firearms safely and reduce the risk of theft and accidental shootings.

Mayor Jon Costas and Police Chief Andrew McIntyre say the program is part of an ongoing effort to prevent unsafe firearm storage.

Lake County Surveyor Bill Emerson Jr. received the Excellence in Stormwater Management Award on Sept.

10 in French Lick—his work leads a 600-mile drainage system in Lake County.

Powers Health now offers a 90-minute minimally invasive procedure called DETOUR—designed to help patients with PAD reduce leg pain and improve mobility—with a one-day hospital stay and lower infection risk.

Doctors say the DETOUR system offers a less invasive alternative to traditional bypass surgery for those with long, complex arterial blockages.

Valparaiso University student-athletes logged over 2,200 community service hours during the 2024-25 academic year by volunteering with local groups such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, and local schools—showing strong community impact.

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.

Toastmasters, public speaking

Public speaking tips and enjoying stories at Valparaiso Library, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm