STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN APP CHALLENGE
Registration is now open for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for middle- and high-school students in Indiana’s First Congressional District. An annual nationwide academic competition, students in grades six through 12 will compete against their peers in a challenge to create the best software application to represent our region at the House of Code reception in Washington, D.C., this spring. This competition is designed to promote innovation and engagement in STEM fields. All students must register for the competition and submit their work through the Congressional App Challenge website by noon ET on Oct. 26, 2026. For additional information, visit the official Congressional App Challenge website at www.congressionalappchallenge.us or email [email protected]. For additional questions, contact Drew Ficociello at 219-795-1844 or [email protected].
VALPARAISO SEEKS NOMINEES FOR RISING STAR AWARD
The city of Valparaiso is seeking nominations for extraordinary youth ages 10 to 18 to recognize in the Rising Star Award program. Created by the Valparaiso Mayor’s Youth Council, the Rising Star Award celebrates the abundance of responsible, intelligent and hardworking youth who contribute to the success of Valparaiso every day. The award recognizes benevolence, leadership, and perseverance, qualities the Mayor’s Youth Council deemed worthy of recognition. To nominate a Valparaiso resident for the Rising Star recognition, find the application at bit.ly/475VxDL. Applications are due by Nov. 16. Learn more about the Rising Star and the Good Neighbor recognitions on the Community Engagement page at www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/.
LAKE COUNTY ELECTION BOARD HOSTS STUDENT VOTING PROGRAM
The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration (LCBER) will host a high school open house, “Courthouse Rocks! Voting for Students,” on Thursday. All Lake County high school students – public, private, and homeschooled – are invited to this free non-partisan public event. Featuring hands-on activities and real-world examples drawn from local elections, the event aims to engage Lake County students and prepare them to participate in civic life. The event schedule includes early voting from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Any eligible student can cast their vote at the Lake County Government Center early voting site. “Learn About the Hoosier Hall Pass/Student Poll Worker Program” will run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. LCBER staff will host rolling informative sessions on Lake County’s Student Poll Worker program. Sometimes referred to as the Hoosier Hall Pass, this program offers all Lake County high school students a paid opportunity to get hands-on experience as a poll worker. After each presentation, staff will be on hand to help interested students complete their application and set up online training. “Voting 101” will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. LCBER Director Michelle Fajman and Assistant Director Lori O’Dea will offer a deep dive into how voting and elections work, featuring unique examples drawn from real Lake County elections. A live Q&A session will follow. From 11 to 11:30 a.m., students can visit with LCBER staff to ask questions about registration, voting and running for office, and enjoy surprise visits from county and state elected officials. The event is free to the public, but registration is required at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehIu9x3rL3YbpGoCKDPqoNNqFYQY-qsrg8BBwrPcEr7Y-Wsw/viewform?usp=header or by email at [email protected].
PURDUE EXTENSION OFFERS URBAN FARMING PROGRAM
Purdue Extension-Lake County Office is offering an eight-session in-person and hybrid series designed for current and aspiring urban growers. Participants will learn how to cultivate food safely and sustainably from planting to harvest in an urban setting through Purdue Extension’s Urban Farming Signature Program. Sessions will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. CT Oct. 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and Dec. 7 virtually via Zoom or in-person at Purdue Extension-Lake County, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. The program cost is $180 for the full eight-part series. Optional add-on: $52 DIY Home Hydroponics Kit and Worm Bin. Complete information and registration can be found at https://cvent.me/0rQOae. Registration deadline is Monday. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring dinner. At the end of the program, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion. For more information, contact Rebecca Koetz at [email protected] or 219-755-3240. Those in need of accommodations, have special dietary needs or are in need of an interpreter or translator to attend this program are asked to contact Rebecca Koetz at 219-232-8058 and [email protected] by Monday.
LATEX PAINT AND TIRE RECYCLING OCT. 17 IN VALPARAISO
The Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County will host a latex paint and tire recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. Participants are asked to enter at Gate 3. Residents can safely dispose of latex paint and tires only at this event. This is not a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. Residents can bring four tires under 20 inches for free. Tires over 20 inches are subject to a fee. Tires with or without rims are accepted. Over four tires under 20 inches are $3 each, 20-25 inches are $5 each, and over 25 inches are $15 each. Accepted payments are cash or check made payable to “Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County.” Items that are not accepted at this event are household hazardous waste items, electronics, grill propane cylinders and large containers more than 55 gallons in size. For additional information on district events, call 219-465-3694 or email [email protected].
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