STATE TORNADO DRILL MARCH 10
The state of Indiana’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week has been designated as
March 8-14. There will be a statewide tornado drill at 9:15 a.m.Tuesday, March 10. The National Weather Service will issue a test tornado warning alert. This alert will be shared through the statewide Emergency Alert System. This alert will activate TV and NOAA weather radios. The word “test” may not show up on the TV alert via audio or visual. Wireless Emergency Alerts will not
be activated, so cellphone alerts will not sound. The Porter County Emergency Management Agency has chosen to participate by activating county sirens during the state test. County sirens will also be activated Tuesday at 11 a.m. for the regular monthly siren test, which means the county sirens will activate two weeks in a row.
Franciscan Health offers free joint pain seminar
Franciscan Health will host a free joint pain seminar at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Franciscan Health Fitness Center Chesterton, 810 Michael Drive. Orthopedic surgeon Neel Jain, an independent surgeon with Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute who has his practice at Franciscan Health, will present information about joint pain and treatment options, including robotic surgery. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. For more information and to register, call 877-888-1777 or register online at https://franciscanhealthcare.formstack.com/forms/joint_pain_seminar_chesterton.
FREE SCREENING ADDRESSES YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
The Crown Point Rotary Club, in partnership with Supporting Addiction Free Environments (SAFE) and the Crown Point Community Library, will host a free community screening of “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age” at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at the Crown Point Community Library, Meeting Rooms 2 and 3, 122 N. Main St. Doors open at 6 p.m. The film is a 59-minute documentary by physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston that explores the impact of screen time, social media, video games and internet use on children’s development and mental well-being. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the movie, as it is designed to spark meaningful conversations between adults and youth. Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a short panel discussion with local professionals. Register by calling 219-306-4593 or online at https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=3652&EventID=580537&PK=946903. For more information, visit www.crownpointlibrary.org.
CONCERT TO BENEFIT CANCER RESEARCH CENTER
The well-known Beatles tribute band American English is bringing its popular show to Theatre at the Center for a concert to benefit the Cancer Resource Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $45 and available at TheatreAtTheCenter.com or 219-836-3255. All proceeds go to the Cancer Resource Center, a program of Powers Health Cancer Research Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the quality of cancer care in Northwest Indiana and surrounding communities. All CRC services are offered free of charge to those affected by cancer. For more information about Cancer Resource Center and its services, visit PHCRF.com.
VALPO PARKS, MOM’S CLUB HOST EGG HUNT
Valpo Parks, in partnership with the Mom’s Club of Valparaiso, will host the Annual Easter Egg Hunt from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 14 at Central Park Plaza, 63 Lafayette St., Valparaiso. A springtime tradition for more than 25 years, the event is open to children ages 2 to 8. Tickets are $10 per child. In addition to the egg hunt held under the Urschel Pavilion, families can look forward to a fun-filled day featuring food trucks, a DJ, face painters, bounce houses and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. For questions, email Tracy Betustak at tbetustak@valpo.us. Registration and more information can be found at https://valpoparks.org/738/Great-Egg-Dash.
MASTER GARDENERS OFFER MARCH PROGRAM
Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for “Trends in Horticulture: The Power of Plants and Changing Garden Design” with Anna Ball at 6 p.m. March 16 at Purdue Extension – Lake County, 2293 Main St., Crown Point. Ball will share emerging trends in horticulture and how the growing influence of plants and evolving design ideas are shaping the future of gardens and landscapes. From home gardens to containers and public spaces, this program will offer fresh insights and inspiration for gardeners of all experience levels. Ball is chairman and CEO of the 120-year-old Ball Horticultural Company, which specializes in all aspects of horticulture, including breeding, biotechnology, production, and marketing of hybrid flower seeds, and other floriculture crops. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com to reserve a space or register at https://forms.gle/7GKyFEBkLBZvsiCG9.
CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY SEEKS APPLICANTS
The Valparaiso Police Department is seeking interested participants for the 2026 Citizens’ Police Academy. Designed for attendees to meet police officers and learn about their assignments, specialties and daily operations, the academy will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday from April 8 to May 20 at the Valparaiso Police Department, 355 S. Washington St. Several topics featured throughout the program include presentations on all agency divisions, training, public information, drone team, bike patrol, crash investigations, School Resource Officers, evidence collection, K-9 unit and traffic enforcement. To attend, email Captain E.J. Hall at info@valpopd.com by March 27 with full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number and T-shirt size. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Porter County.