Balon promoted to detective captain
Detective Sgt. Jeff Balon of the Valparaiso Police Department has been promoted to the rank of detective captain.
Balon is a 23-year veteran of the department, including 11 years as a detective. He holds a bachelors degree from Calumet College of St. Joseph in public safety management, and is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership Academy and School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.
He was previously a member of the Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force and held the position of assistant commander during his tenure there.
With the promotion to detective captain, Balon will supervise the investigations division of the police department.
Elvis show at Wheeler High School
Wheeler High School presents it’s eighth Elvis Presley show with renown Elvis tribute artist Doug Church and the rock and roll crooner Quentin Flagg.
The fundraiser for the high school drama department is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Tickets are $15 for VIP or $12 for general seating. For more information or to order tickets call Pat at (219) 759-1442.
Challenger hosts bowling tourney
The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana will host a corporate bowling charity challenge at the Superbowl in Crown Point on Wednesday, April 29. Participating organizations will create a team of four to five bowlers to compete for the championship, with proceeds benefiting the Challenger Learning Center in Hammond.
Organizations may choose from three levels of sponsorship: Shooting Star for $250 (sponsorship only); Mission to Mars for $650 (one team of bowlers); and To Infinity and Beyond for $2,000. Each sponsorship allows the opportunity to win awards and prizes and enjoy food and beverages. The Mission to Mars sponsorship includes pre-event advertisement as well as the company logo being featured on Challenger Learning Center e-blasts promoting the event. The To Infinity and Beyond sponsorship adds the sponsoring company’s logo to all advertisements leading up to the event, both print and web, and corporate recognition on a plaque at the Challenger Learning Center.
The Challenger Learning Center uses science, technology, engineering and math education to engage visitors of all ages. The space simulation programs, planetarium experiences, laser shows, hands-on space science and technology skill-building programs engage learners of all ages in activities that encourage teamwork while honing problem solving, communication and critical thinking proficiencies. The Stars and Strikes event will help the Challenger Learning Center fund missions that are available to school systems throughout Northwest Indiana.
For more information about Stars and Strikes or about the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, contact Becca Manis, executive director, at (219) 989-2007 or visit http://www.clcnwi.com.
Simply Amazing to host Easter open house
Opportunity Enterprises’ Simply Amazing Market is blooming with festive Easter baskets, candy, fudge and decorations this holiday season. This year, the Simply Amazing Easter Open House will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at OE’s main facility in Valparaiso. The Market employs OE’s amazing clients who prepare homemade fudge, popcorn, and package everything in house.
In collaboration with Purdue University North Central’s business ethics class, the market will also host an Easter egg hunt beginning at 9 a.m. and free pictures with the Easter bunny from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
OE is accepting gently used eggs or new egg donations. Donated eggs can be dropped off this week at the front desk at OE’s main facility or at the Simply Amazing Market at 2801 Evans Ave. in Valparaiso.
