Daily
Valpo
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Valparaiso. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jean and Joan, identical twins born in 1935 and raised in Gary, now live in Valparaiso and Chesterton while preparing to turn 90 on December 17. They recently held an 89 3/4 birthday party themed after Harry Potter—showing their humor and enduring family bond through decades of change. NWI.LIFE
- ➤ More than 2 million Hoosiers are expected to hit the road for Thanksgiving, setting a new travel record in Indiana. NWI Times
- ➤ Yesterday, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds Casinos donated $100,000 to Beacon Children’s Hospital from proceeds raised at the Four Winds Invitational held from August 1 to 3 at South Bend Country Club. The hospital will use the donation to purchase the NICU2Home by AngelEye Health platform that helps families communicate with clinicians during their baby's care. NWI.LIFE
- ➤ Kamryn Shtompil grew up in Portage and studied at Valpo’s Ivy Tech Community College before becoming director at Family House, where she has worked for seven years to ensure safe visitations for children. She leads a team and plans to expand outreach into Valpo and nearby areas—supporting strong family ties in the community. Valpo Life
- ➤ Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana launched its Auxiliary Board last month with Madison Hanna as president, and the board will help young professionals support local schools. The group plans to lead fundraising and school events — creating real opportunities for students in our community. Valpo Life
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rotary Means Business Northwest Indiana will host its next networking event in Valparaiso. The event will connect local business professionals (exact details have not yet been announced). NWI Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Indiana Landmarks and NICTD have partnered to award $50,000 for repairs and maintenance of the historic Spanish Colonial Revival depot that houses the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery—ensuring it remains a vital cultural site and flag stop on the South Shore Line. PanoramaNOW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Monday night, the Portage Township school board approved a two-year teacher contract that gives veteran teachers an average $2,000 raise per year and an extra $200 for educators with early literacy endorsements—raising the starting salary to $52,550 this school year and the top salary to $84,650, with further increases planned next year. The board also approved an energy-saving plan with two contracts worth over $2 million to install monitoring systems and upgrade lighting in schools, a move expected to save nearly $9 million over 20 years. Lakeshore Public Media
- ➤ The Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University was awarded a $300,000 capital grant and a $25,000 planning grant from Sacred Places Indiana to fund floor renovations. The funds, provided by Lilly Endowment and managed by Indiana Landmarks—aiming to restore a historic worship site—will help keep the chapel a cherished place since its dedication in 1959. PanoramaNOW
- ➤ The Portage Township School Board approved a two-year contract on Monday night that gives veteran teachers an average raise of $2,000 per year and also approved an energy saving plan. NWI Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Strack & Van Til introduced a new online dietitian program that allows Northwest Indiana shoppers to schedule free 30-minute Discovery sessions for personalized nutrition guidance—this service operates in partnership with Hy-Vee. Lakeshore Public Media
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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.
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The Caring Place 1st Annual Cookie Walk
Holiday tradition — Time not specified — Downtown Valparaiso — Ticket holders stroll to receive festive treats.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Valpo
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