Valparaiso Clerk Treasurer

08/08/2020

Valparaiso Now

While our services have continued uninterrupted throughout
COVID-19, Valparaiso City Hall will reopen to the public on Monday, Aug. 10. Please enter through the Napoleon Street entrance, Monday-Friday 8:30 to 4:30 and masks are required. For those who have enjoyed services online, by phone and by mail, we continue to offer and encourage those services. For full details, visit: http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/7754/Press-Release-Valpo-to-Reopen-City-Hall

08/07/2020

08/03/2020

Matt Murphy for Valpo

All of our City Transit services are back in action and offering FREE service through Aug. 31, 2020. We're taking special measures to keep things clean, giving you safe options for travel around the city, to the South Shore Line and to Chicago downtown. For details, visit ValpoTransit.com

07/31/2020

Here are the unapproved minutes from the July 24, 2020 Board of Works meeting.

07/24/2020

Congrats guys and welcome to the City family!

Valparaiso Police Swear-in Three New Officers

**We understand the concerns that have been expressed regarding no masks being worn in this photo. Please understand that masks were worn by those in attendance at today's ceremony and were briefly removed for photos to be taken by the department and family. We share in the concerns that have been presented and will do our best to be part of the solution. Thank you as always for your community partnership and welcoming our newest members.**

The Valparaiso Police Department welcomed three new members today, with the swearing-in of Dustin Fish, Steven Augustine, and Jeffery Humphrey Jr. The event took place in the renovated chambers of Valparaiso City Hall, with the oath provided by Mayor Matt Murphy. The ceremony was conducted with social distancing guidelines in place, but still well attended by current Valparaiso officers, staff, friends and family. Part of the services were conducted via a virtual meeting, as newly appointed Patrolman Humphrey was unable to attend due to a medical precaution.
Dustin Fish is a 2016 graduate of Wheeler High School, and holds a B.S in Criminal Justice from Indiana University. Dustin is also an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy graduate, completing his training in 2019. Dustin joins VPD after having served as an officer with the Indiana University Police Department in Bloomington.
Steven Augustine is a 2013 graduate of lake Central High School and has began studying Criminal Justice at Indiana University Northwest. Steven joins VPD after having served as Jail Office with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department since 2015. Steven is scheduled to attend the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy when the session starts next week.

Jeffery Humphrey is a 2015 graduate of George Rogers Clark High School and began taking courses at Purdue University Northwest. Jeffrey joins VPD after having served in the United States Army Reserves. Jeffrey has served as a Transportation Specialist and was Honorably Discharged in 2019. Jeffrey is scheduled to join Steven at NILEA during the next session.

Congratulations to Patrolman Fish, Patrolman Augustine, and Patrolman Humphrey!

07/23/2020

Here is the agenda for the Monday, July 27 City Council meeting. Citizens are able to watch the meeting via livestream on our Valparaiso Now page or our City website http://ci.valparaiso.in.us/1684/Watch-City-Meetings.

07/22/2020

Here is the agenda for the July 24 Board of Works meeting. Citizens are able to watch the meeting via livestream on our Valparaiso Now page or our City website http://ci.valparaiso.in.us/1684/Watch-City-Meetings.

07/22/2020

Valparaiso Fire

We're out to alarm Valpo!!

Working smoke alarms save lives. Make sure to test your smoke alarm monthly. If you live in Valparaiso or Center Township and your smoke alarm doesn't work or you don't have one, contact Community Risk Reduction at 219-548-4849 or email [email protected]

07/22/2020

Valparaiso Now

UPDATE: We’re listening! In response to the interest in Valpo’s 15-minute parking spots for carryout pickups, we’re EXPANDING this program, adding more spots to support local businesses. Stay tuned for new spots and signage. Downtown Parking Enforcement Will Resume on Aug. 3
The suspended parking that was initiated at the start of the COVID 19 pandemic to facilitate carry-out pick up will expire on Aug. 2 as activities have begun a return to normalcy. The City and VPD thank thank the community for the continued cooperation and partnership as we Lift Up Valpo.

07/21/2020

Valparaiso Police Department

Valparaiso Police Department

Valparaiso Downtown Parking Enforcement Set to Return

The City of Valparaiso and Police Department have decided that daily, downtown parking enforcement will return on August 3, 2020. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, this enforcement has been set aside to aid in access to our beautiful downtown, providing various parking options for entry into restaurants and businesses. As activities have started a return to normalcy, parking needs have increased and are initiating calls for enforcement to be resumed. If any changes are presented by Governor Holcomb, or his Executive Order, alternate considerations may be taken. The City of Valparaiso and Police Department thank you for your cooperation and continued partnership, as we work together to improve our community.

07/17/2020

Please find attached information regarding Cooling Centers for the anticipated heat wave.

07/15/2020

Congratulations Captain Joe Hall!

Sgt. E.J. Hall, Appointed Captain of Support Services

Effective immediately, Sgt. E.J. Hall, has been appointed to the Captain of Support Services. Captain Hall will maintain his current assignment, as he has been serving as the Commander of Support Services since November 1, 2018. His duties have included: Public Information Officer, CALEA Accreditation Manager, Community Policing and Engagement Coordinator, Records Supervisor, and Social Media Manager. With this new appointment, Training Manager and the Officer assigned to Community Services will be included within the Support Services Division, under the command of Captain Hall.

Captain Hall is a 2004 graduate of the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University, with a concentration in Law Enforcement Operations and Administration, completed the Police Executive Leadership Academy, and is currently attending Police Staff and Command through Northwestern University . Captain Hall also serves as a certified instructor through the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board, and is a Crisis Negotiator for the Porter County Emergency Response Team. Captain Hall has been a member of the Valparaiso Police Department since 2006, and served our agency as a K9 Handler, Field Training Officer, and Patrol Sergeant, prior to his initial appointment.

Congratulations Captain Hall!

07/13/2020

Here is the agenda for tonight's City Council meeting. Citizens are able to watch the meeting via livestream on our Valparaiso Now page or our City website http://ci.valparaiso.in.us/1684/Watch-City-Meetings.

07/06/2020

Valparaiso Now

On the heels of a successful 4th of July celebration, the City of Valparaiso has decided to suspend the Popcorn Festival for 2020 out of concern for public safety. The event will return and Valparaiso Events continues to offer the biweekly Valparaiso Market, Summer Concerts and more -- modified for social distancing. Here are complete details:
http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/7706/Press-Release-Valpo-Suspends-Popcorn-Fest-for-2020
To learn more about the Popcorn Panic, visit ValpoParks.org.

07/06/2020

Valparaiso Now

Valparaiso Now

Hooray for Valpo! The 4th of July was a great day for our community and we're so grateful to all who made it the joyous and safe day possible, including our partner, Family Express, @Valpo Parks, Valparaiso Events, Valparaiso Police Department, Valparaiso Fire, Public Works, city staff, volunteers, and all who attended the daylong celebration.

07/02/2020

Valparaiso Now

Because all of the July 4th festivities are outdoors, events will continue as planned. The day was designed to allow for social distancing and safe ways to enjoy the 4th.

07/01/2020

Valparaiso Fire

Congratulations to Battalion Chief Steve Jacobs, Captain Donald Edgecomb, and Lieutenant Eric White on your promotions! Welcome to the Valparaiso Fire Department Probationary Firefighter Spencer Guerrero! #bestjobever

06/29/2020

Valparaiso Now

Lift Up Valpo! This vibrant campaign by Valparaiso Events reminds us to work together to lift each other -- shop local, dine local, share local. Please share your local recommendations as we know we have the very BEST right here in the Vale.

06/25/2020

Valparaiso Now

VALPARAISO CITY UTILITIES FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING PROGRAM
The Valparaiso City Utilities will begin unidirectional flushing of water mains starting Monday, June 29, 2020. Unidirectional flushing improves overall water quality and sustains the integrity of our water distribution system. The north side of Valparaiso will be flushed via Evans Avenue and Harrison Blvd. as a dividing line. Flushing will be between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. The flushing program will take approximately eight (8) weeks to complete.
The Utility apologizes for any inconvenience system flushing may cause; however, the City and its customers benefit through the maintenance of water quality and fire protection capability.
In the event you experience discolored water, please run the cold water in the bathtub for 5-10 minutes. If the problem persists or if you have any other questions, please call Customer Service Center at (219) 462-6174.

06/25/2020

Valparaiso city attorney appointed to the Northwest Regional Development Authority

Valparaiso city attorney appointed to the Northwest Regional Development Authority

The RDA has been a major player for projects in the Region, including the Gary/Chicago International Airport runway expansion and the local Lake Michigan shoreline enhancements.

06/24/2020

Valparaiso Police Department

As the 4th of July quickly approaches, please remember to abide by the local City of Valparaiso Ordinance when using fireworks. Please be safe and enjoy your celebrations.

06/23/2020

Valparaiso Now

We're so pleased to partner with Family Express to host the 4th of July Freedom Celebration! FREE tickets to the fireworks at Urschel Field will be available while supplies last at a ticket event at the William E. Urschel Pavilion, 63 Lafayette St. on June 24 from 6 pm until “sold out.” Please bring proof of Valparaiso address and be aware that there will be a 6-ticket limit per address.
The fireworks may also be viewed beyond the ticketed area and will be live-streamed so others may enjoy remotely. For complete details and information about tickets, visit http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1701/4th-of-July-Celebration

06/18/2020

Valparaiso Now

Unveiled! This intersection of Locust and Erie is one of two intersections being transformed with art, thanks to a Neighborhood Improvement grant awarded to the Banta Neighborhood Association. The neighborhood invited Central Elementary students to submit designs and chose muralist Pete Cortese for the painting, with the help of the Valparaiso Creative Council. Look for the second intersection's artwork coming soon! Kudos to student artist Henry Durnell whose art was chosen. For more information about how your neighborhood can apply for a Neighborhood Improvement Grant, visit http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1636/Neighborhood-Improvement-Grant

06/18/2020

Due to a lack of agenda items, the June 22nd City Council Meeting has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting will be held July 13, 2020 at 6:00pm.

06/16/2020

Valparaiso Now

Today, Mayor Murphy, Fire Chief Chad Dutz and Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper were at Valparaiso Fire Station #1 to dedicate a Baby Box. The Baby Box is a place where a mother in crisis can legally, safely and anonymously surrender a newborn. Also on hand were Linda Znachko of He Knows Your Name, Monica Kelsey of Safe Haven Baby Boxes and Debra Fray from the Trustee Board.
Our thanks to the local grandmother who funded the Baby Box, along with the Center Township Trustee's office. Also thanks to the Safe Haven Baby Box organization and to the Valparaiso Fire Department for their dedication and training to support this important initiative -- another lifesaving mission by our city's first responders.

06/12/2020

Valparaiso Now

Valparaiso Now

To reward our community for all the sacrifices over the recent months, Valpo is hosting events for the 4th of July -- in a safe and responsible way. To learn how to get tickets and participate in the parade, visit http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1701/4th-of-July-Celebration

06/11/2020

Valparaiso Police Department

The Valparaiso Police Department has been accredited through CALEA since 2010. We are currently scheduled to obtain our 4th accreditation award in July, after having completed our annual review and on-site assessment.

06/10/2020

Valparaiso Now

Valparaiso Now

Valparaiso Transit has resumed its ChicaGo Dash Express Bus to Chicago with 2 buses daily and the Transit Connect Service to the South Shore Line. The V-Line intra-city bus also continues with a modified schedule. We look forward to adding more buses as ridership resumes and are offering all transit services for free through the end of June. For schedules and details, visit ValpoTransit.com

06/07/2020

One of our many wonderful officers we have working for VPD. What a beautiful photo. 💙

Thank you to Kaye Frataccia for sending in this beautiful image from the rally downtown today. We are better together.

Valparaiso Police Department

06/06/2020

Due to a lack of agenda items, the June 8th City Council Meeting has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting will be held June 22, 2020 at 6:00pm.

06/05/2020

Valparaiso Police Department

Valparaiso Police Department

Roadway Closure
Due to the assembly taking place June 6, 2020 in Valparaiso, a temporary road closure will take place. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Washington Street will be closed from West Street to Lincolnway. This closure will conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. Please seek an alternate route, if you must travel through this area during these times.

06/04/2020

Valparaiso Now

Valparaiso Now

Mayor Murphy is on the TRAIL -- the Creekside Trails! Check out this new park by Valpo Parks, which adds to more than 20 miles of pathways in Valparaiso. We have lots of room to spread out and get outside in Valparaiso. For more information, visit ValparaisoParks.org

06/04/2020

Valparaiso Now

Mayor Murphy has released a statement from the City of Valparaiso regarding recent national events and Valpo's focus on equality and fairness. Here's a link to the entire thought: http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/7664/Press-Release-Mayor-Matt-Murphy-Statement-on-Equality

05/29/2020

Valparaiso Police Department

Valparaiso Police Department

Community Alert -VHS Commencement Concludes with Salute to Seniors

The Valparaiso Police Department will be assisting Valparaiso Community Schools with their class of 2020 graduation ceremonies this Sunday, May 31st. The ceremonies will include a ‘Graduate Parade” that will leave Valparaiso High School at 11 a.m. The route will take students south on Campbell St, east on Lincolnway, north on Morgan Blvd. to Calumet Ave., west on Glendale Blvd., north on Campbell St, and back into VHS. Ceremonies will further include a virtual commencement at 3 p.m., followed by the “Salute to Seniors” at approximately 5 p.m. The salute will include the use of fireworks, being shot from four points within the city, in a timed and sequential order. This will include 20 loud discharges as well as a grand finale that will be seen from the various locations.

We hope that the prior knowledge of this celebration can alleviate some of the stress that is often associated with loud, surprising noises. The “Salute to Seniors” is scheduled to last approximately two minutes.

The Valparaiso Police Departments congratulates the graduating class of 2020 on a job well done!

05/29/2020

Valparaiso Police Department

A Message From Chief Jeffrey Balon

Recently, there have been requests for my comment regarding the use of force incident by police that has gained national attention. I want to assure all citizens in Valparaiso, that the Valparaiso Police Department administration will not tolerate excessive use of force by our police officers. Our officers receive de-escalation, and implicit-bias training. Each use of force incident must be documented and reviewed by police administration, and we have policies in place that forbid excessive use of force by our officers. To assist with transparency, our officers are equipped with body worn cameras, and they activate the device prior to a call for service.

The Valparaiso Police Department focuses on transparency, training, and hiring good people. It is also very important the Valparaiso Police Department administration sets the culture of the department, and insures officers have a clear and precise understanding of our expectations.

Diversity, inclusion and community engagement has always been important between police and all citizens, but now more than ever. It is important to us that no group or individual feel targeted or excluded. Our officers work diligently to assure all citizens are provided professional and responsive service.
We are very proud of every officer and have no doubt they do their best every day.

Sincerely,
Chief Jeffrey Balon