Franciscan Health breaks ground on St. John medical office building
Franciscan Health recently broke ground for a new medical office building in St. John, according to a release.
The two-story, 82,881-square-foot building is being built by Tonn and Blank Construction at 10323 Wicker Ave. It will house an ExpressCare,
primary care and specialty physician offices, diagnostic imaging, CT, MRI, ultrasound and laboratory services, the release said.
A Franciscan Health medical office building with the same footprint and services broke ground recently in Valparaiso. Both of the new medical office buildings’ construction projects are scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026.
Valparaiso businesses plan Pink Friday event
Downtown Valparaiso will be participating in the nationwide Pink Friday small business shopping experience Nov. 22, according to a release.
Pink Friday is a small business spin on traditional Black Friday shopping and reminds consumers to shop small and local first this holiday season, the release said. More than 25 local businesses are expected to participate that day, the largest shopping day of the year.
Valparaiso Events has compiled a list of participating downtown retailers and restaurants, including their Pink Friday promotions,
available on the website at https://www.valparaisoevents.com/event/pinkfriday.
New conservation officer coming to Porter County
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Law Enforcement held graduation ceremonies recently at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis for 23 new conservation officers, including one from Porter County.
Conservation Officer Matt Tholen, the 2023 James D. Pitzer Officer of the Year, administered the oath of office to the recruits, which
included Garrett Mobley, who will work in Porter County, according to a release.
The new officers represent the 41st recruit class of conservation officers, making them members of the oldest state law enforcement
agency in Indiana, the release said.
Ivy Tech Lake County names alum and supporter of the year
Ivy Tech Community College’s Lake County campus and the Ivy Tech Foundation recently presented their Distinguished Alumnus and
Benefactor Awards during a ceremony in Indianapolis, according to a release.
Each of Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses nominated a graduate and a donor for the Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards, which the Ivy Tech
Foundation administers annually, the release said.
Rebekah Arevalo was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. She is Valparaiso University’s assistant vice president for Hispanic
Serving Institution Initiatives, chief of staff and board liaison. Also recognized was Powers Health with the Benefactor Award, which
applauds the generosity of donors and volunteers, whose support enables the Ivy Tech Foundation to bridge financial gaps, the release said.
Valparaiso Legion raises $12K for VNA Hospice NWI
The Valparaiso American Legion Riders Post 94 held its inaugural Forever Our Heroes ride on recently with nearly 50 riders who stopped
at Legion posts in Michigan City, Kingsford Heights and Kouts, raising $12,500 for VNA Hospice NWI in recognition of its We Honor Veterans
program, according to a release.
The American Legion Riders began in 1993 in Garden City, Michigan, and now has more than 110,000 riders in over 2,000 chapters in three
countries, the release said. The Charles Pratt American Legion Post 94 is dedicated to the memory Sgt. Charles A. Pratt of Jackson Township
who was killed in combat on Nov. 3, 1918, in France. Post 94 is located at 4 Monroe St. in Valparaiso.
For more information about VNA Hospice visit, vnanwi.org or call 219-462-5195.
Dunes Learning Center honors partnership
Dunes Learning Center recently honored Union Township schools for its longstanding commitment to environmental education excellence,
according to a release.
“The Green Apple Award is presented during our annual fundraising gala, A Dunes Affair,” Executive Director Heather Hahn Sullivan said.
“This year we chose to honor the incredible teamwork of 5th grade teachers in two elementary schools, John Simatovich and Union Center,
who bring kids to Dunes Learning Center each year to immerse them in nature as they learn about local history and the environment.”
Contributions by supporters who attended A Dunes Affair provide scholarship funds that make the experiences possible for more than half of the students who participate in an environmental education program on Dunes Learning Center’s campus in Indiana Dunes National
Park, the release said
VU Police to get communications upgrade
The Valparaiso University Police Department (VUPD) has been named a 2024 grant recipient by Firehouse Subs, according to a release.
Through the grant, the VUPD will receive eight Kenwood mobile radios, four portable radios and accessories valued up to $31,583, the release
said.
For the past 19 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind the restaurant’s Public Safety Foundation supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide, the release said.
