Good morning, Valparaiso.

NIPSCO urged customers to protect their personal information during Cybersecurity Awareness Month by updating passwords and software— the company also warned people to be alert for phishing calls, emails, and texts.

Valparaiso will host a Fall Harvest Festival at Central Park Plaza on October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring activities like a Pumpkin Bounce House, pumpkin painting, and caramel apple dipping.

A Trick or Treat event will be held on October 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. throughout downtown, where local businesses offer treats & Valpo Parks provide free hayrides.

Latitude Commercial hired two new team members to boost its growth, with Julia Turner joining the Office Division as an Associate Broker after graduating from Purdue and Milo Trkulja joining the Industrial Division with over 15 years of logistics experience—both set to serve Northwest Indiana clients.

Wheeler High School held Homecoming Spirit Week from September 14-19 with themed dress-up days that boosted school spirit and raised nearly $1,500 for Riley Children's Hospital—students enjoyed lively competitions and creative festivities.

Today, the cross-country conference meet takes place on school turf—athletes will compete on the new facilities as they build on their season's success.

Indiana Dunes Tourism said that if Indiana Dunes National Park closed on October 1 due to a government shutdown, Indiana Dunes State Park stayed open and fully staffed for visitors to use its trails and beaches.

The agency will update information & the public can explore the park's 2182 acres of dunes, forests, and wetlands.

In Lake County, INDOT said pavement patching on I-65 between Central and 93rd moved to phase five after October 1 lane closures shifted three southbound lanes left—motorists lost access to U.S. 30 and some ramps will remain closed until November.

INDOT moved pavement patching work on I-65 between Central and 93rd avenues into phase five on October 1—overnight lane closures shifted southbound traffic as three lanes were reconfigured with the work zone set on the right.

The update also closed the counterflow lane from accessing U.S. 30 and temporarily halted ramps from 61st Avenue and Ridge Road until November.

Coach Misty launched a free beginner 5K training program to help locals prepare for the TurkeyTrot on Thanksgiving — the program starts Saturday, October 18 and offers three training schedules as well as biweekly meetups at 9:00 a.m. at Fairgrounds Park and Butterfield Pavilion.

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