Good morning, Valparaiso.

A new guide lists 10 fun events for locals to celebrate Halloween in Northern Indiana.

The events include a trunk or treat at the Hammond Sportsplex today, a conference on Friday, and a pumpkin race at Middlebury on Saturday — offering family-friendly fun.

Future college students and their families will get free help filing the FAFSA at IU Northwest on Sunday, Nov.

9 from 2-4 p.m. — financial aid experts, including Spanish speakers, will guide them through each section of the form and enter completed evaluation forms into a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships — ensuring clear steps to secure financial aid.

Bonnie Albert remains a longtime educator and community volunteer who grew up in Brimsfield and taught math at Portage Township Schools while working with her church to support international missions; born in Gary, she continues to inspire local students and lead community efforts in Valparaiso (her lifelong work spans classroom teaching and volunteer service).

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest announced winners of the 2025 Innovators Awards—winners include Jose G.

Valtierra from Purdue Extension, Earthwise from Valparaiso, and Sean Liu, founder of PingCares. They will be inducted at the annual luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. on Oct.29 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville.

A study by Gary Advocates for Responsible Development found that Northwest Indiana’s steel mills released 6,133 tons of fine particulate matter and 480 tons of air toxins last year—factors linked to 514 premature deaths, more than 145,000 worsened asthma cases and 50,000 lost work and school hours. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Janet Seabrook said the findings call for green steel technology to improve air quality and protect community health.

Participants at IUN's fourth annual Walk Against Mental Health Stigma carried signs and wore green shirts on Tuesday to support mental health awareness—fostering community dialogue about mental health.

Shannon overcame her doubt with The 1st Mile Project and completed a 5K run that built her quiet confidence.

She will join the Miles with Misty Free Beginner 5K Training Program on October 18 at Fairgrounds Park—where meetups run every other Saturday at 9:00 a.m.—to continue her progress.

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

Open Meeting

12-8 p.m. — Fraternal Order of Eagles — Free entry — Monthly gathering for Chapter 102 with sign-in and meeting starting at 6:30 p.m.