Happy weekend, Porter County! In today’s happening-today edition: Stadium funding plan, a dog-friendly pup crawl, and a high dunes hike + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Porter County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Dealership expansion continues: Performance Brokerage Services announced the sale of Valparaiso’s Grieger’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to Garber Automotive Group, marking Garber’s 26th franchised dealership and its second location in Indiana -- check the dealership sale details.
Funding plan takes shape: After the Chicago Bears announced plans to advance a Hammond stadium project, financing would direct over $1B to infrastructure and add a 1% food-and-beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties -- see the stadium funding plan.
New perks at the pump: Valparaiso-based Family Express launched a $14.99-per-month beverage subscription, adding to its standout espresso lineup and premium Metz Luxury Tea similar to a Four Seasons experience -- explore the new drink subscription.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Plan a dunes campout: Round up the crew for a reunion, troop night, or just communal s’mores this week at Dunbar Group Campsite, a tent-only, hike-in spot in Indiana Dunes National Park with room for up to 30 and a quick walk to Dunbar Beach. Sunset bonus included.
Seafood night, solved: From fresh fillets and their crab cakes to cooking classes and customizable catering, McGowan & Sons makes weeknight dinners and backyard hangs dramatically easier. Pop in for provisions, plan a private party, then pretend you totally did it all yourself.
Weekend upgrade alert: Skip the same old errands and give yourself a local reset at Sand Creek Country Club. It’s the kind of polished, close-to-home escape where you can get outside, see familiar faces, and remember why living in Porter County quietly outshines a road trip.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛍 Solstice Sidewalk Sale @ Pieces of Jayde (Valparaiso) | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – This solstice sidewalk sale at Pieces of Jayde is the garage sale you actually want to browse, minus awkward driveway small talk. Expect closet cleanouts and staff stashes, with Judy Blue jeans, tops, shoes, craft supplies, and those metal chickens your wall secretly wants.
🛠 Fix-It Fair - June 2026 @ Porter County Public Library System (Valparaiso) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats watching a wobbly lamp get a second life, and your ego a boost. At Porter County's Fix-It Fair, volunteers and pros tackle sewing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, clocks, and small furniture, all free, while you learn. Bring 1-2 items, patience, and quiet eco-glow.
🐶 13th Annual Lakeshore PAWS Pup Crawl 2026 @ Central Park Plaza (Valparaiso) | Saturday (6/20) at 5:00 PM – Ready to trade your bar crawl for a Pup Crawl? Downtown Valpo and Central Park become a parade of good dogs for the annual Lakeshore PAWS stroll, where you support local rescues, catch up with neighbors, and, if you plan ahead, early bird is $30.
📚 Summer Reading Celebration Party @ Barnes & Noble (Valparaiso) | Saturday (6/20) – Think your summer peaked at the farmer’s market samples? The first Summer Reading Celebration Party gives young bookworms their moment with crafts, giggles, and wholesome chaos, while grown-ups enjoy air conditioning, nostalgia, and the pride of raising readers who beg for one more chapter.
🎣 Father's Day Fishing @ Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest (Valparaiso) | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Nothing says Father's Day like a quiet sit by the arboretum's North Pond, a thermos of coffee, and the noble art of not catching much. Bring your own gear for catch and release, where bluegill, perch, and bass are mostly tiny, cooperative panfish.
🎨 Acrylic Painting @ Program Center at Sunset Hill Farm (Valparaiso) | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – Sunday on Sunset Hill means brushing off the to-do list for a two-hour, guided acrylic class with Susan, where you actually finish something and take it home. Each month spotlights a fresh technique, suitable for anyone 10 and up, attention spans optional.
🥾 High Dunes Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park (Chesterton) | Sunday (6/21) – Trade the treadmill for real hills and join a Naturalist for the High Dunes Hike at Indiana Dunes State Park. Expect sweeping lake views, tales of shifting sands and stubborn settlers, and a calf workout you will feel tomorrow, plus the inevitable pocketful of sand. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Porter County report Weather forecastToday — High: 77°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 32%
A chance of rain showers before 7am. Sunny, with a high near 77. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 72°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 82%
A chance of rain showers between 7am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. East southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 90%. This house is wildThis like-new Chesterton ranch pairs magazine-worthy designer style with easy, low-maintenance living. It offers 3 bedrooms, a finished basement for extra hangout space, and exceptional storage throughout. A newly fenced backyard adds a private outdoor escape, while the Duneland School District, downtown shops, dining, and the Indiana Dunes sit just minutes away.
Take a peek inside → |
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