Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
Good morning, Valparaiso. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local beer fans will gather on Saturday, November 22 for the 10th annual La Pour Brew and Wine Fest at the historic Civic Auditorium. VIP entry begins at noon and general admission runs from 1-4 p.m.—the event will feature local and regional brews, live music, and food. PanoramaNOW
- ➤ Taylor Jones is a respected funeral director and community advocate from northwest Indiana who began her career in 2010 after the loss of her cousin, became licensed in 2014 and joined Geisen Funeral Home in 2019. She supports local families by volunteering with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Mommy’s Haven, Meals on Wheels and the Phoenix Center—efforts that help others find hope. NWI.LIFE
- ➤ Lisa Cronin moved to Valparaiso in 1999 to get better education and community support for her daughter Courtney—who has a cognitive disability—and to create a welcoming home where they host neighborhood child care and dinners. She became active at Calvary Church—getting involved in children’s ministry and local events—and continues to enjoy bike rides, tennis, and annual family trips to Disney World. Valpo Life
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lubeznik Center for the Arts is hosting a two-day Sip & Style event on November 22-23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. when nine regional vendors will offer handmade wearables and a cash bar for visitors. Valpo Life
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ IU Northwest School of Nursing celebrated 60 years of training local nurses—over 5,000 graduates have helped shape Northwest Indiana healthcare while the school continues to expand its programs from associate to advanced degrees. The milestone marks a long-standing local commitment to quality education and community care. Valpo Life
- ➤ On November 7, Valparaiso University students taught Junior Achievement lessons at Parkview Elementary, delivering interactive sessions on financial literacy, career exploration, and entrepreneurship. The visit was part of an expanding partnership with Junior Achievement of Chicago’s Northwest Indiana Division and Valparaiso Community Schools that brought smiles to local learners and volunteers. Valpo Life
- ➤ Purdue University Northwest announced a new specialty license plate that will help fund student scholarships when purchased from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles starting January 2026 (with $25 of the $40 fee supporting the scholarship fund). The plate features the school’s gold and black colors and official logo, letting supporters show school spirit while aiding higher education. NWI.LIFE
- ➤ The Duneland School Board approved $1.2 million for education and operating referendum funds last Monday—money that will be used to upgrade lighting in school facilities. NWI Times
- ➤ Duneland School Corp is proposing a two-year contract that would give teachers a $3,000 raise each year—district officials will review the proposal soon. NWI Times
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gabis Arboretum will host a guided wildflower hike on November 15th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Purdue Northwest & admission costs $10 per car load with free entry for members while registration is suggested. PanoramaNOW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At the November 10 meeting, City Council passed a redistricting ordinance and discussed environmental safety for fueling stations while also updating plans to transform the old McGill property into a public recreation center. The new Valpo REC at Lafayette St is set to include sports courts and community spaces and will be completed by the end of 2027 — further public engagement is planned. PanoramaNOW
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Healthy Family Day at Valparaiso YMCA
9 a.m. - noon — Valparaiso Family YMCA — Free entry — Explore resources and activities for a healthier family lifestyle.
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Wreath Making Class
12:00 PM — Trailyard by Shady Creek Winery — Materials included — Create a festive wreath for the holiday season.
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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.
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Watercolor Painting Class
Afternoon — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — All supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a relaxing watercolor session amidst nature.
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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.
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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.
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Holly Jolly Vendor Market
10 AM — Porter County Fairgrounds — Free admission — Discover local artisans and food trucks at this festive vendor market.
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Cocktails & Canvas: The Jolly Snowman
6-8 p.m. — SmokeTown Blues, Valparaiso, IN — Ticket includes a free drink — Enjoy a fun painting night complete with professional guidance and creative flair.
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Holidays with HealthLinc Valparaiso
4-6 p.m. — HealthLinc Valparaiso — Free — Enjoy holiday crafts, snacks, and a no-cost photo with Santa while wearing your festive pajamas.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
~ Henry Ford
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