State police offer forensic services programs
The Indiana State Police (ISP) will offer a new program targeted toward those interested in seeking a career in forensic services. The ISP Crime Scene Investigations Internship Program is an observational, experiential program designed for college students pursuing a career in forensic science. Additionally, the ISP Forensic Laboratory is hiring a biology intern and a chemistry intern (one each). For more information and applications, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/indianasp. Applications are due Feb. 22.
Save the Dunes releases third volume of ‘Living in the Dunes’ series
Save the Dunes has released “Living in the Dunes: A Homeowner’s Landscaping Guide for Bird Conservation in Indiana’s Coastal Communities,” the third installment in its popular Living in the Dunes native landscaping guide series. This new volume focuses on birds and the important role Northwest Indiana plays in supporting them. Printed copies of the guide will be distributed to community destinations throughout Northwest Indiana and shared at Save the Dunes programs and events. A digital copy can be found on the Save the Dunes website https://savedunes.org under Resources. More Information on the blog: https://savedunes.org/living-in-the-dunes-volume-3/.
Valparaiso to host neighborhood workshop
To promote neighborhood engagement and foster stronger connections within the community, the City of Valparaiso is hosting a Neighborhood Workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Forest Park Welter Room, 1155 Sheffield Drive, Valparaiso. This interactive workshop is designed for both established neighborhood leaders and residents who want to get more involved in their neighborhoods. The topic, “Who to Call at City Hall,” is designed to help residents understand how to access city resources through common neighborhood scenarios, providing clear guidance on whom to contact and what to expect when working with the city. To participate, RSVP by contacting Maggie Clifton at City Hall, 219-462-1161 or email MClifton@Valpo.us. View the full agenda at https://tinyurl.com/ValpoWorkshops. The Community Engagement Department will host a Neighborhood Workshop every other month in 2026. To view the full list of topics, visit the Community Engagement page at valpo.us.
Edgewater Health offers diabetes program
Edgewater Health will host the Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP), a workshop designed to help individuals with pre-diabetes or diabetes, as well as their relatives and caregivers, gain a better understanding of diabetes self-care. The eight weekly guided sessions will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday from Feb. 18 through April 8 at Edgewater Health, 1100 W. Sixth Ave., Gary. For more information, contact Natali Alvarez at nalvarez@HVUSA.org or call 219-516-3206.
Purdue Extension to host Food Safety for Older Adults
Join Linda Curley, Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences educator, for Food Safety for Older Adults from 10 a.m. to Noon Feb. 19 at Purdue Extension’s Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. This complimentary educational program is designed to help older adults stay confident in the kitchen and protected from preventable food-borne illnesses. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2026Feb19FSOA. For more information, call 219-755-3240 or email lcurley@purdue.edu.
Call out for artists for Sand + Steel Art Fest
Art vendor applications are now open for the 2026 Sand + Steel Art Fest to be held June 26-28 at Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso. In addition to art vendors, the event will feature a free South Shore Orchestra concert and interactive creative experiences. To apply, visit https://www.valparaisoevents.com and click on Sand + Steel Art Fest. Deadline to apply is May 22.
