Valparaiso Now

12/28/2022

Just a reminder that there is a one-day delay in trash/recycling pick up this week and next due to the holidays.

12/26/2022

As part of the development along John Howell Drive, a new connection to LaPorte Avenue has been constructed by the developers of Panda Express. Called Express Way, the new roadway is a one-way, exit-only road to help improve circulation of the Laporte Center Subdivision, which includes Panda Express and Family Express. The new roadway opens on December 27, weather permitting. While John Howell can still be still used to exit the subdivision, using Express Way eliminates the need to turn back toward the Silhavy/Laporte Roundabout. The new roadway provides the opportunity to access the Silhavy/Laporte Roundabout to provide more destination opportunities.

12/23/2022

With the extreme cold (and snow) plus holiday closures, we are sharing emergency options for those seeking shelter. Each location states that no alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons or smoking are allowed in the buildings.
L͟i͟v͟i͟n͟g͟ ͟H͟o͟p͟e͟ ͟C͟o͟m͟m͟u͟n͟i͟t͟y͟ ͟C͟h͟u͟r͟c͟h͟ (1115 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso – across from Fairgrounds Park) is open as an emergency overnight warming center, 8:00 pm - 7:00 am, through Sunday night, Dec. 25. Anyone needing to escape the cold may arrive between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm to check in. Once checked in, there is no going in and out.
V͟a͟l͟p͟a͟r͟a͟i͟s͟o͟ ͟F͟i͟r͟e͟ ͟S͟t͟a͟t͟i͟o͟n͟ ͟#͟2͟ (2605 Cumberland Dr.) is open as a daytime warming center from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Friday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 25.
C͟h͟r͟i͟s͟t͟ ͟L͟u͟t͟h͟e͟r͟a͟n͟ ͟C͟h͟u͟r͟c͟h͟ (2610 N Campbell, across from Valparaiso High School) will be open day and night from now through at least Sunday morning, Dec. 25 for day and night shelter. Cots and bedding are available.

12/23/2022

2⃣0⃣2⃣2⃣ 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝘀 Valparaiso wins in Public Safety! This year the Valparaiso Fire Department added new apparatus to the fleet, completing a total replacement of all frontline equipment since 2016. Both the Valparaiso Police and Fire Departments led successful recruiting efforts this year, attracting hundreds of strong applicants – allowing the departments to choose the finest candidates. The City also earned an ISO Class 2 rating for fire protection, reflecting safety preparedness and putting Valpo among just 7 other departments STATEWIDE to be rated so highly.

12/22/2022

The City has announced the opening of 3 new downtown parking lots:
1. Morgan Boulevard South Lot – just south of Michigan & Indiana (access from Morgan Blvd.)
2. Morgan Boulevard North Lot – southeast corner of Morgan & Lincolnway (access from Morgan)
3. Lafayette Street East – expansion of lot at northeast corner of Lafayette & Jefferson
Each lot will offer 3-hour parking or all-day parking with a permit. Permits for 2023 parking are now available at City Hall.
For the online map, visit http://ci.valparaiso.in.us/953/Parking

12/22/2022

Due to the holiday closures of Valparaiso's traditional warming centers, Valparaiso Fire #2, located at 2605 Cumberland Dr., will be open as a daytime warming center from 7:00 am to 8 pm daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 23-25.

12/22/2022

Living Hope Community Church has announced an emergency overnight warming center...

With the extreme cold (and snow) heading our way, our building will be open as an emergency overnight warming center, 8:00 pm - 7:00 am, starting tonight and continuing through Sunday night. If you need to escape the cold, please arrive between 8:00 and 9:00 to check in.

We know there are lots of people in our community experiencing homelessness, living in tents and vehicles. We don’t know if we can hold them all, but we will hold what we can.

No alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons allowed. No smoking in the building. (And no going in and out during the night. Get your last smoke in before 9:00 pm!) Otherwise, as long as you don’t make a mess or cause problems with other guests, you are welcome.

Living Hope is located at 1115 Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso, just north of Evans Ave, across from Old Fairgrounds Park.

(We hear there may be other emergency shelters opening as well, both for overnight and during the day. We will update this post with details as we have them.)

- Fire Station #2 located at 2605 Cumberland Drive will be open as a warming center from 7am-8pm Friday, December 23, Saturday, December 24 and Sunday, December 25.

- Christ Lutheran Church (2610 N Campbell, across from Valparaiso High School) will be open day and night from 6 pm tonight (Thursday) until at least Saturday morning (maybe longer). For anyone looking for some place warm. Cots and bedding available. Telephone (219) 462-6660 (voice) if you have questions.

- See Katie’s comment below for a list of other warming centers around Porter County.

12/22/2022

Starting early this afternoon, Valparaiso is anticipating a major blizzard event potentially lasting 24-36 hours (Thursday through Saturday) accompanied by bitter cold and strong winds up to 55 mph that will affect day-to-day business for our City and residents. Valparaiso City Services will be working throughout the day and evening to handle this event.
For updated details regarding the national weather forecast for the Valparaiso area visit
https://www.weather.gov/media/lot/DssPacket.pdf
For information on Valparaiso’s major thoroughfares, critical areas and secondary streets visit
https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/7849/WINTER-EVENT-MAJOR-THOROUGHFARE-MAP

12/22/2022

2⃣0⃣2⃣2⃣ 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝘀 The City of Valparaiso celebrates businesses and nonprofit organizations with ARPA grants, added parking options and a Shop Valpo program to encourage us all to think VALPO first for goods and experiences.

12/21/2022

Valparaiso has published the 2023 Recycling Calendar, which includes every-other-week pickups for recycling (still every week for trash) to make the operation more efficient and respond to customer needs. For the full release, visit
http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/9060/Press-Release-2023-Recycling-Schedule

12/21/2022

2⃣0⃣2⃣2⃣ 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝘀 Valparaiso saw many upgrades to infrastructure and safety this year, including a resurfaced water tower to serve for years to come, improved roadway surfaces, miles of sidewalks and added safety features -- such as cross walks, radar-controlled signs, speed tables and a new traffic signal.

12/21/2022

NIPSCO is tracking forecasted winter storm weather with potential heavy rain, ice, snow and winds, expected to impact our area Thursday through Saturday. They are preparing crews and encourage customers to prepare. You may report any outages in one of 3 ways – on the NIPSCO app, online at NIPSCO.com/out or call 1-800-4-NIPSCO.

With winter weather and frigid temperatures in this week’s forecast, make sure you are ready to keep yourself and your family safe and warm in case of emergencies.

View our outage safety tips: bit.ly/3gcJuKx.

And remember, if you experience an outage, you can report it:

*On the NIPSCO app
*Online at NIPSCO.com/out
*By calling 1-800-4-NIPSCO

Note: Reporting outages by text is currently unavailable and messages will not be received.

12/20/2022

The Valparaiso Fire Department has maintained its prestigious Class 2 rating by the Insurance Service Office (ISO), one of just 12 fire departments in the entire state to achieve this standard or better. The rating reflects superior fire protection and translates to more affordable insurance rates for Valparaiso homeowners. Congratulations to the Valparaiso Fire Department and Valparaiso City Services for the accomplishment. For the full release, visit
http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/9055/Press-Release-Valpo-Fire-Department-Awarded-ISO-Class-2-Status

12/20/2022

City Administrator Mike Jessen and Director of Development George Douglas partnered with NIPSCO to support the Salvation Army’s annual bell ringing effort at Strack & Van Til today. Many thanks to all who contributed today and those who support community efforts like this year ‘round.

12/19/2022

The holidays are upon us! Spot this sign of cheer at the Art Walk at Cumberland Crossing, thanks to artist myrescuedogs.org (Martha Cares).

12/16/2022

PRO TIP: Gift cards to Valpo spots make excellent stocking stuffers! Score a gift for yourself by going to this original post by Valparaiso Events and commenting with your favorite Valpo spot to shop/dine - for a chance to win a gift certificate from the Valpo Chamber. Shop Valpo this season... and always!

for your last minute holiday gift needs!

Pro tip - gift cards to local restaurants make excellent stocking stuffers!

Comment your favorite local place to shop or dine (tag them if you can) for a chance to win a Valpo Chamber gift certificate, good at over 100 participating merchants and generously donated by the Valpo Chamber.

Contest closes and winner will be announced at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 18th. Each separate comment counts as a separate entry.

Happy Shopping! Valparaiso Now

12/15/2022

The City of Valparaiso has announced the completion of the NIPSCO work on Washington Street. The roadway has reopened for traffic.

12/15/2022

A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Samantha Burgett

A well deserved SPOTLIGHT on our hardworking Social Worker for the Valparaiso Police Department. Samantha Burgett is the only police social worker in the area and helps to find solutions that serve the Valparaiso community. Congratulations Sam and THANK YOU for your dedication.
https://valpo.life/article/a-valpo-life-in-the-spotlight-samantha-burgett/

Social Worker for the Valparaiso Police Department Samantha Burgett has been supporting the officers around her since September of 2021. Though she works in the Region now, she grew up and went to...

12/14/2022

Andrew McIntyre will become Valparaiso's next Chief of Police, effective January 1, 2023, announced Mayor Matt Murphy. McIntyre joined the Valparaiso Police Deparment in 2009 and has served in every sworn division. Mike DeHaven will continue to serve as Assistant Police Chief, a position he has held since 2017. For the full release, visit http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/9047/Press-Release---Valpo-Names-Andrew-McIntyre-Police-Chief

12/12/2022

The Valparaiso Police are urging the community to be aware of financial scams. Beware of apps asking for money or gift cards. Also beware of requests to mislead your banking institutions in withdrawing funds. Often these scams will begin by alarming the user that they need internet security or other services. If you have concerns about a possible scam, slow down. Do NOT provide funds or security information. Call Valparaiso Police at (219) 462-2135 for help or to report suspicious activity.

Community Alert—Financial Scams

Over the last few weeks, the Valparaiso Police have received several complaints of financial scams being utilized in the area. In multiple incidents, citizens are being asked to pay large sums of money to third parties in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, and mailed check payments, to protect themselves against hacked computer accounts or alleged illegal activities. Often, the initial contact is made through computer applications that prompt a need for software services that provide false contact numbers to aid in correcting the technical issues. Reports have further indicated citizens are being asked to lie to their banking institutions as to the reason they are withdrawing or transferring large sums of money. Please remember that such services will not take gift cards as payment, nor will they request large sums of money to protect you from illegal activities, and they will not encourage you to mislead your bank to obtain funds. Please do not engage with any sources of assistance that request you to do any of the mentioned behaviors and complete your own research when attempting to correct a computer issue or locating a contact number for a software company. Additionally, prior to using any new or unusual method of payment for services, or acting out of fear, please slow down and think about what you are being asked to do, then contact your local police department. Valparaiso Police can be reached at 219-462-2135 for any assistance, guidance, or to report any suspicious activity that may have occurred on your accounts. Please be safe this holiday season and take steps to ensure you will not be defrauded or coerced into unsafe financial actions.

12/12/2022

The City of Valparaiso has announced the closure of a portion of Washington Street for NIPSCO work to replace decorative light poles. The closure will include Washington Street from Monroe Street south to West Street on December 14-15 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, weather permitting. Detours will be marked, and flaggers will be stationed at each end to allow local traffic to access the area.

12/11/2022

Shop Valpo

Shop Valpo this season for unique gifts and experiences! When you support a local business, you're supporting your neighbors and your community. Valparaiso Events

12/10/2022

Creekside Trails provides a slice of nature in the heart of downtown Valpo

Mayor Matt Murphy and Assistant Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau lead a tour of Creekside Trails. Check out the article and then visit the trails! Valpo Parks https://nwi.life/article/creekside-trails-provides-a-slice-of-nature-in-the-heart-of-downtown-valpo/

Valpo Parks’ Creekside Trails have become a favorite for the outdoorsy types in Valparaiso and beyond. The trails feature tracks for mountain biking and hiking throughout most of the year, and Valpo...

12/09/2022

Shopping with a Firefighter!
Yesterday the Valparaiso Firefighters took a group of Valpo kids to Meijer and helped them pick out gifts to go under their own trees. Many thanks to all who partnered with Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124 to brighten the holiday for these local kids.

12/08/2022

Last night the Mayor’s Youth Council spent time with nonprofit leaders learning more about the important role they play in our community. They also volunteered at Hilltop Food Pantry, sorting donated items and gaining an understanding of the people served there. Many thanks to Hilltop Neighborhood House, The Caring Place, Inc. and Porter County Community Foundation for making this another meaningful session.

12/05/2022

This holiday season, we encourage you to SHOP VALPO! To make It even more inviting, the City of Valparaiso is making free parking available at the Porter County Parking Garage, located at the corner of Napoleon and Monroe streets -- just steps from Central Park Plaza. Free parking Is available from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am on weekdays and 9:00 am to 1:00 am on weekends, along with all declared holidays. The City of Valparaiso has leased this space from the Porter County commissioners, using the county’s parking garage during the hours when the Porter County Administrative Center is closed.

12/03/2022

Leaf Pickup has been extended to make an additional pass throughout the city, weather permitting. To view updates on where the crews are, visit tinyurl.com/ValpoProgress. To learn your zone, visit tinyurl.com/ValpoZones. To contact Customer Service, call (219) 462-6174. For the full press release, visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=914

12/01/2022

Join us in celebrating a few recently completed Neighborhood Improvement Grant projects! In 2022, the city teamed up with neighborhood groups to complete 38 improvement projects. Many thanks to the city departments and neighborhood volunteers for their efforts completing projects from the 2021 and 2022 grant cycles this season. To learn more about the program, and apply before the March 1 deadline, visit http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1636/Neighborhood-Improvement-Grant.

11/29/2022

Congratulations to the new and newly promoted members of the Valparaiso Fire Department sworn in last night. Pictured are Fire Chief Chad Dutz, new firefighters David Bittorf, Nebraska “Quinn” Draughter IV and Brett Wisenbaugh, newly promoted Captain
Danny Dever and Lieutenant Jozef Krowiarz, and Mayor Matt Murphy.

11/28/2022

Congratulations to Joe Baczynski! Mayor Matt Murphy has named him as Valparaiso's Good Neighbor for 2022. The award recognizes exemplary commitment to the community. Baczynski has been an active volunteer in Valparaiso since moving here in 1991. He is a former Marine who served in Vietnam who gives of his time to support veterans, children, seniors and the Valparaiso community. For more of his contributions and a list of all the nominees, visit http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/9028/Press-Release-Joe-Baczynski-Named-Good-Neighbor-for-Valpo

11/27/2022

Oh YESSS! Come on out to Central Park Plaza today, SUNDAY November 27, 5:00 to 6:30 pm to celebrate the Viking victory, meet Valparaiso's newest Good Neighbor and kick off the holiday season! Wear your green to show your VALPO PRIDE!

Join Valpo Parks and the city of Valparaiso in congratulating the VHS 2022 football team on a state win!

Well done fellas!

11/27/2022

Congratulations Vikings!

Congratulations Vikings!

11/23/2022

Mayor Murphy has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2023 due to another professional opportunity. He intends to continue leading throughout his term, moving the city forward. For the full announcement, visit: https://tinyurl.com/MurphyMessage

11/23/2022

So much to celebrate in Valparaiso! KICK OFF the holiday season with 2 NIGHTS of Winter Fest this weekend. Many thanks to Valpo Parks for organizing this extravaganza!

Even more to celebrate this weekend as we 𝙠𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛𝙛 the holiday season 🏈🎄💚

With so much of the community going to cheer on the Valpo Vikings Football team in Indy, the City & Valparaiso Community Schools wants to ensure all are able to enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree at Central Park Plaza. With that said, Valpo Parks has 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐃 a new school-spirited version of Winter Fest on Sunday. Take a look at the timeline below of the FULL weekend and be sure to 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄 to help us get the word out!

Winter Fest & Tree Lighting
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟓 𝐏𝐌 – 𝟕 𝐏𝐌
🎅 Photos with Santa
🍪 Free cookies & hot chocolate courtesy of 1st Source Bank (𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵)
🍿Food Vendors on Lafayette Street: Noak's Popcorn, German Roasted Nuts, High Voltage Café
⛸ Figure Skating Performances at 5 PM & 6:30 PM
🎶 Caroling with Valpo & Chesterton Choirs
🖥 BIG screen live streaming of Viking Football Game
🎄 Lighting of the NEW, bigger and brighter Christmas tree at 6 PM

VIKING Winter Fest & Tree Lighting
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟓 𝐏𝐌 – 𝟔:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌
💚 Celebration of VHS Football season with players, coaches, cheerleaders and Vikettes
🥪 Food Vendors on Lafayette Street: The Lunchbox and Big D's Eats
👱‍♂️ Mayor Murphy presentation of the Good Neighbor Award
🎄 (RE)Lighting of the Christmas tree
💃 Rockettes and Vikettes performances

11/22/2022

We encourage you to SHOP LOCAL and DINE LOCAL as we approach this SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! For a chance to win a Valpo Chamber gift certificate, click through to the original post and tag your favorite shopping buddy.

Shop local this weekend on Small Business Saturday for all of your holiday gift and celebration needs!

Tag your favorite shopping buddy for a chance to win a Valpo Chamber gift certificate, redeemable at over 100 local participating merchants. Each additional comment with a tag counts as a separate entry.

A winner will be selected at random on Friday at noon.

Happy shopping!
Valparaiso Now

EDIT: congrats to the winner Kim Kasarda! Thank you to everyone who tagged their shopping buddies! Keep your eyes peeled for another contest sometime in December.

11/22/2022

The City is so pleased to complete this raised crosswalk between Fairgrounds Park and the Boys & Girls Club - to provide a safer and more visible pedestrian crossing, plus aid in the calming of vehicle traffic.

11/21/2022

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, trash and recycling pick-ups will be delayed by one day for Thursday's Valparaiso City Services customers. THURSDAY's trash and recycling will be picked up on FRIDAY.
VCS offices will be closed Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th. You may call (219) 462-6174 x2 in the event of an emergency.

11/21/2022

Learn how to join one of the finest police departments around. Now accepting applications for Police Officers!

The Valparaiso Police are Hiring

The Valparaiso Police Department is accepting applications for Police Officer. Applicants must complete the application via PoliceApp.com or at www.valparaisopolice.org. The minimum requirements to be considered for this opportunity are, applicant: must be 21—40 years of age, hold a high school diploma or GED, be a United States Citizen, possess a valid driver’s license and have no prior felony convictions.

For more information about employment as a Valparaiso Police Officer, including a job description, log on to the Recruitment section of our website. A lateral transfer program (salary) is also available to qualified applicants; however, participation in the testing phase is mandatory for employment consideration.

All applications must be returned no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 23, 2022 to be considered for the scheduled agility/written tests. The current testing options are January (2023) 10th and 11th at 5:00 p.m., as well as January (2023) 14th, at 8:00 a.m. All testing will be conducted at the Valparaiso Police Department.

11/18/2022

Update: Evans Avenue is now open. However, it will be closed on Monday, Nov. 21 (between Calumet Avenue and Roosevelt Road) for one final time - for final safety and surface upgrades.

Evans Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Calumet Avenue and Roosevelt Road on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 16-17 from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, weather depending. This closure is required for storm sewer improvements.