Valparaiso Now

09/04/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: Due to the Labor Day holiday observed on Monday, September 7, 2026, trash and recycle pickup will be delayed by one day. Monday's pickup will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's pick up is Wednesday, Wednesday's pickup will be Thursday, and Thursday's pickup will be on Friday.
Valparaiso City Services' offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. If you require assistance during this time, please call (844) 296-6810.

09/03/2026

Join us for a Neighborhood Workshop on September 30 to learn more about Mastering Meetings from Mitch Isaacs, President of the Shafer Leadership Academy. "Whether you're leading a neighborhood association, serving on a community group or simply want to make your meetings more effective, this workshop will provide tools you can put to use right away," said Community Engagement Director Maggie Clifton. Reserve your spot by contacting [email protected] or (219) 462-1161.

09/02/2026

If you were affected by the August 11 severe storm, help is available!
The Porter County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, is bringing multiple local, state, and federal agencies together in one convenient location to help residents and businesses affected by storm damage.

🚨 STORM ASSISTANCE ONE-STOP-SHOP 🚨
Were you affected by the August 11 severe storm? Help is available!
The Porter County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, is bringing multiple local, state, and federal agencies together in one convenient location to help residents and businesses affected by storm damage.
💬 Get answers. Learn about available assistance. And, for some programs, complete initial registration for assistance you may be eligible to receive.
📍 Woodland Park – Sycamore Room
2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage
📅 September 9–12
🕘 Wed.–Fri.: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
🕘 Sat.: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Representatives will be available from agencies including IDHS, FEMA, Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Housing Department, Indiana Department of Insurance, BMV, and more.
👉 If you experienced storm-related damage, stop by to learn about available resources and assistance—and get help taking the first steps toward applying.
Please share to help reach others impacted by the storm.

09/02/2026

As a reminder, the ChicaGO Dash and Valpo V-Line buses will not run on Monday, September 7 due to the Labor Day holiday. Service will return on Tuesday, September 8 and fares will resume for the V-Line service. Fares had been suspended to support storm recovery efforts for the community.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Nominate a Good Neighbor by October 30! You're invited to nominate individuals who demonstrate their volunteerism and commitment to the community by building a brighter future for Valparaiso. Good Neighbors may represent all age groups, interest areas and walks of life. To learn more and submit a nomination, visit https://ci.valparaiso.in.us/1863/Good-Neighbor-Award

09/01/2026

Note that the compost site has re-opened to Porter County residents. Proof of address is required.

COMPOST SITES TO REOPEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 28TH

The Portage, Valparaiso, and Boone Grove Compost Sites will REOPEN for Porter County residents ONLY at 8am on Friday, August 28th.

Starting Friday, August 28th, the compost site hours will resume Mon-Sat.

NEW INFORMATION !!

Going forward, we will be checking ID's and documenting the names + addresses from those who drop off materials at all of our compost sites.

Please be patient with us as this is a new system! Names and addresses MUST be legible.

We wanted to thank everyone for their patience this week while we sorted out the storm debris and made room to collect more! ✨️

We are sending our thoughts out to everyone during this time!

We are here to help as much as we can! 🩵

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.