Valparaiso Now

10/23/2026

The October session of the Mayor’s Youth Council highlighted the importance of public safety departments. Valparaiso Fire Department and Valparaiso Police Department shared a behind the scenes look at their departments and offered hands-on demonstrations.

10/22/2026

🍂 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐨'𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. Valparaiso City Services crews will rotate through the city's four collections zones. You may identify your zone at bit.ly/3W0hySm.
Residents can help keep leaf collection running smoothly by following these guidelines:
🍁 Rake leaves to the curb area within the public right-of-way, not into the street. Leaves placed in city streets can block drainage, cause flooding and contribute to property damage. Placing leaves in the street also violates City ordinance.
🍁 Keep leaf piles free of debris. Crews cannot collect piles containing rocks, sticks, garbage or other debris.
🍁 Keep leaf piles clear of obstacles. Avoid placing leaves near parked vehicles, mailboxes and other obstructions.
🍁Bag leaves after December 4. After curbside leaf collection ends, residents should place leaves in biodegradable lawn bags. Off-season pickup by brush trucks is available by appointment only.
For more information about fall leaf collection or other Public Works services, visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1652/Yard-Waste-and-Leaf-Pickup or contact Valparaiso City Services Customer Service at (219) 462-6174.

10/20/2026

🗳️ A REMINDER that on Mid-Term Election Day (November 3), rides on the V-Line intracity bus are FREE! 🚌
📍 Check bus routes and schedules at valpotransit.com and find your voting center locations at https://www.portercountyin.gov/172/Vote-Center-Locations

10/19/2026

Our Valparaiso Fire Department shares how to make your home or workplace safer with a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan.

❤️ BE “READY TO RESPOND” THIS OCTOBER AND BEYOND! ❤️

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen anywhere, at any time. Being prepared can save lives!

A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) helps workplaces, schools, and households prepare for a coordinated response when sudden cardiac arrest occurs.

A CERP provides:
✅ A structured approach to CPR and AED training
✅ Clear emergency response protocols
✅ A coordinated response to sudden cardiac arrest
✅ Tools to help reduce death and disability

Don't wait until an emergency happens to make a plan. Take steps today to help protect your employees, coworkers, family, and community.

📋 Access the CERP template and learn how to get started:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d5f4c99dea3b4f67942255c4aef3ae0e

📧 Questions? Contact [email protected]

Be prepared. Be ready. You could save a life! ❤️



Valparaiso Now
Valparaiso Police Department

10/15/2026

🏡 The City of Valparaiso is inviting neighborhoods to apply for the 2027 Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, which helps neighbors bring their ideas to life through projects that enhance their neighborhoods and strengthen community connections.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 (𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 $𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝) 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕. Since the program began in 2018, the City has funded 159 projects in more than 47 neighborhoods, resulting in more than $2.2 million in neighborhood improvements. Grant-funded projects have included neighborhood signage,
playground equipment, gathering spaces, tree plantings and pollinator gardens. Pictured is a game-table and gathering spot recently created by the 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝, with support from a Neighborhood Improvement
Grant. Read the full release at https://ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/12206/Press-Release-Valpo-Invites-Neighborhoods-to-Apply-for-2027-Improvement-Grants

10/13/2026

🍂 Fall is a great time to plant trees! 🌳
Jessee-Pifer neighbors came together to plant together, with support from a Neighborhood Improvement Grant. Certified Arborist Matt McBain began the day with a planting demonstration for volunteers. Learn more about which trees are best to plant in our area and how to be reimbursed for qualifying tree purchases at https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DLR2TkhaV/
Learn more about Neighborhood Improvement grants at https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1636/Neighborhood-Improvement-Grant

10/12/2026

📰 It’s time for the latest City Talk! 💙

The newest issue of the City of Valparaiso’s City Talk newsletter is landing in local mailboxes, and it’s packed with stories about the people, places and progress that make Valpo special!

✨ Inside this issue:
🤝 How our community came together in the aftermath of the storm that rocked our region
🌳 The reopening of Kirchhoff Park by Parks
🚲 What you need to know about Valpo’s new e-bike safety ordinance
👮 Highlights from Valparaiso Police Department Valparaiso Police Department’s National Night Out
🙌 A warm welcome to the newest class of the Mayor’s Youth Council

From neighbors helping neighbors to exciting things happening across our community, there’s plenty to catch up on!

📖 Haven’t received your copy yet? Read the latest issue online:
https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/12140/CityTalk_Vol5_2026?bidId=

10/09/2026

Columbus Day is celebrated as a federal holiday on Monday, October 12, but the City of Valparaiso and Valparaiso City Services continue UNINTERRUPTED. Expect trash pick up services on your usual schedule.

10/09/2026

🚒 We congratulate the firefighters recognized last night and honor our extraordinary Valparaiso Fire Department who makes our city safer. 🚑

10/09/2026

🎃 Valpo, it’s time to get SPOOKY! 👻

Trick-or-treat hours in Valparaiso are set for 5 to 8 pm on Saturday, October 31! 🍬

🧡 Stay safe, Valpo! 🕸️ Light up your costumes, use sidewalks and crosswalks, carry a flashlight or glow stick, and watch carefully for little ghouls and goblins crossing the streets.

Have a spook-tacular Halloween! 🦇🎃