Good morning, Valparaiso.

Brian Rock, founder of Doughnate nonprofit, is giving out free pizzas to people in need due to delayed SNAP benefits—he started the service to support local residents facing longer wait times.

Every October, Indiana Beverage partners with local distributors and MillerCoors to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for children with serious illnesses.

Sales consultant Zachary Swanson said the Belmont stores use friendly competition and creative promotions—such as donation buttons—to boost contributions that support lifesaving treatment and research.

Urschel Development is converting the historic Gardner School built in 1899 into the Grand Gardner Hotel at 354 W.

Jefferson Street near downtown Valparaiso. The boutique hotel will open early in 2026 with 58 rooms, a rooftop breakfast bar, spa services, and a speakeasy — a move that preserves a community landmark and offers regional engagement.

Site Selection Magazine ranked Indiana and Illinois among the top 10 states for business climate—citing strong infrastructure and economic competitiveness.

For three years, Ivy Tech’s life coach Ms. Racheal Bennett has helped students build coping skills and manage stress in weekly 45-minute sessions—she also led a mental health fair on October 10 to connect students with vital community resources and support services.

Tri-Township Schools teachers received a $5,000 retroactive raise after the school board ratified a new collective bargaining agreement on November 6—officials said the deal marks one of the largest pay increases in district history.

The agreement also includes membership in the Porter Trust for affordable health, vision and dental coverage.

Morgan Township Middle/High School released its Q1 Honor Roll on November 6—recognizing students for their strong academic work during the first quarter.

The list highlights top performers and sets a benchmark for future school awards.

Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana hosted its fifth annual Lend a Shoulder Day on November 4 at four Diocese of Gary schools, including Nativity of Our Savior Catholic School, to celebrate student achievements (volunteers and educators built connections during the event).

Executive director Dan Kozlowski said the day highlighted classroom visits, student projects and other activities that showed the organization's support for local education.

Chesterton High School recognized 1189 students on its three honor rolls for the first nine weeks — 293 on the Honor Roll, 324 on the High Honor Roll, and 572 on the Principal’s Honor Roll — after disqualifying those with failing grades or fewer than four attempts.

The school also named 326 seniors as part of its strong academic performance this term.

Powers Health invites the public to donate this holiday season to support cancer research— or to help fund scholarships for students studying healthcare.

The donations honor loved ones and boost local health efforts.

Associated Pediatricians is hiring Medical Assistants for its Valparaiso office on both full-time and part-time schedules.

Applicants must enjoy working with children and have completed a medical assistant training program — the positions offer competitive pay and include day shifts with rotating weekends.

Porter County Sports & Trading Card Show

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Tables available — Browse 100 tables of sports cards, trading cards, collectibles, and memorabilia!

Healthy Family Day at Valparaiso YMCA

9 a.m. - noon — Valparaiso Family YMCA — Free entry — Explore resources and activities for a healthier family lifestyle.

Wreath Making Class

12:00 PM — Trailyard by Shady Creek Winery — Materials included — Create a festive wreath for the holiday season.

Pink Friday Sales Event

9 AM – 7 PM — Hungry Hound Boutique & Grooming — Free entry — Discover amazing deals while supporting your local pet boutique this Pink Friday.

Watercolor Painting Class

Afternoon — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — All supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a relaxing watercolor session amidst nature.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Nov 28 – Dec 21 — Chicago Street Theatre — Family-friendly show — Experience the heartwarming story of A Charlie Brown Christmas brought to life on stage.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

7-9 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticketed event — Experience the whimsical journey through Willy Wonka's magical factory with Charlie Bucket and friends.

Holly Jolly Vendor Market

10 AM — Porter County Fairgrounds — Free admission — Discover local artisans and food trucks at this festive vendor market.