Valparaiso Now

08/31/2026

It's getting HOT again. As a reminder, here are the cooling centers. Please remember to check on others. To sign up for the Valparaiso Police Department CARE program which checks on residents during harsh weather, visit tinyurl.com/VPDcare. For the full release, visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1601

08/31/2026

The City of Valparaiso is working with artist Alex Suarez to create two unique legacy benches at Kirchhoff Park. Alex has been researching the history of Valparaiso and gathering ideas from the community through surveys and engagement events. The first round of illustrations are inspired by the stories and history of our community—and we want to hear what you think! Take a look at the designs, learn more about the inspiration behind them and share your feedback through the survey: https://forms.gle/nPmEtbZGieUWDaNt6.

08/27/2026

More to celebrate as Kirchhoff Park has reopened in a big way! The Valpo Parks RePLAY initiative upgraded 10 city parks that are now favorite play spaces.

08/26/2026

Following the recent storms, many residents and businesses are hiring tree contractors, electricians, roofers and other restoration contractors. For your own safety, the City of Valparaiso reminds you that 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, per city code. This ensures that the contractor you hire is insured and bonded.
𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 may ask the contractor for proof of registration or inquire with the City of Valparaiso by emailing [email protected].
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 may learn more and register by visiting:
https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/81/Contractor-Registration

08/25/2026

Until further notice, Porter County has announced that compost sites are unable to accept more organic materials. City crews are continuing with curb side brush/storm debris pick-up using an off-site staging area. Please see the new guidelines for the public site.

COMPOST SITE UPDATES, PLEASE READ 💚

Our compost sites are NEAR CAPACITY and cannot accept additional storm debris at this moment. To relieve that pressure, the County will be announcing additional drop-off sites as soon as possible where residents can bring storm-related vegetation.

COMPOST SITE UPDATES:

✨️ The Portage Compost Site will be CLOSED Wednesday, August 26th and Thursday, August 27th.

✨️ The Valparaiso Compost Site will be open but will not be accepting any organic materials starting Wednesday, August 26th through Thursday, August 27th.
The site will NOT TAKE BRUSH, YARD WASTE, LOGS. ETC related to the storm.
The site WILL be open for drop-off recycling, electronic, light bulb, and battery recycling.
THERE IS ALSO NO LOADING FOR MULCH THIS WEEK.

✨️ Boone Grove Compost Site is business as usual for the moment .

CONTRACTORS OR RESIDENTS: can contact either Duneland Materials (219-364-0030) or Crisman Sand Company (219-462-3114) for material dumping for a cost.

08/24/2026

If you have been affected by the recent storm, Indiana 211 can connect you with local resources.

08/24/2026

Valparaiso, we have weathered this storm together! While we believe power has been fully restored, we have always said we'd leave no one behind: IF you remain without power, please call our Customer Service line at (219) 462-6174 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

08/23/2026

As of Sunday, August 23, 2026, we are still working on behalf of the community. Here are updates:
• Per the survey and communications with NIPSCO, Valpo has less than 35 still wihout power.
• As part of mutual aid, ComEd is here in Valparaiso taking care of those that are still in need.
• Please continue to report your outage to NIPSCO via phone or online - Advise NIPSCO if you have a line down or near your house.
• Check your electrical panel to make sure it is not tripped. We have heard of cases in which homes were restored, but a tripped breaker prevented the homeowner from accessing.

08/22/2026

The City of Valparaiso map we created using your submitted outage addresses has helped NIPSCO to make significant progress in restoring power to Valpo, reducing the number to under 65, including all Valparaiso neighbors whether you're a City of Valparaiso customer or not. While the outages continue to decline, we realize this is little comfort to those who remain without power. Please know that we will continue to work with NIPSCO to assure all are restored. If you wish to confirm with NIPSCO that you are still without power, we recommend contacting them directly.