As 2011 comes to a close, we are looking back at some of the most popular stories about all the good happening in this community!
We’ve shared over 900 stories in the PortageLife Community Section over the past year, with good news from organizations serving others, students excelling in academics, families growing closer, and so much more!
It’s never been easier to share your good news with us; all it takes is a quick note to share@portagelife.com to get started! We want to hear about the non-profit feeding needy families or the second graders reaching high scores in the spelling bee. Tell us about your church hosting a community get-together or share a fun outing that your family recently took!
In the meantime, take a look at some of the great stories that have made up the PortageLife Community Section in 2011!
State of Emergency Declared in Porter County
Right as 2011 kicked off, a serious snowpocalypse turned Porter County into a world of white, forcing life to slow down as we waited out the storm. While everyday activities were put on hold, many seized the opportunity to participate in winter fun, including sledding, snowball fights, and snow fort building! The weather didn't dampen spirits here but rather inspired some good family fun!
New Building on Central Expanding Education in Portage
Expanded educational opoprtunities in Portage will be made possible by the completion of the 31,500 square foot University Center on Central Ave. Ten classrooms and two laboratories will allow students from Indiana University Northwest, Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue North Central, and Valparaiso University to take advantage of a more localized destination with many of the amenities each campus has to offer. Set to open in 2012, the center will also act as a transitional tool, not only for current college students, but also for high school students taking college courses that can transfer to the college they plan on attending. This center brings optimism of growth and success to the city of Portage.
Alongside the excitement of growth and development, Portage experienced a heartbreaking loss when beloved Portage High School senior Gabe Myers passed away. A part of the Video Productions class at the Porter County Career Center, Gabe was making a name for himself as the color commentator for the sports broadcasts. His great love of sports shined through his work, along with his sense of humor and respect for others. Gabe will forever be remembered for his kindness, compassion for others, and his love of life.
A Portage Life in the Spotlight, Mr. Robert Parker
A fixture in the Portage Township Schools for many years, Robert Parker utilizes a unique teaching style, bringing enthusiasm and energy to his classes, making him much sought after. Parker's subjects, World History, US History, and Western Civilization, are not generally regarded as popular learning topics among students, yet his teaching style has earned him an Aces Award, selected by students, 13 different times.
Portage SWAT Team Trains for Excellence
It's good to know Portage is protected by a force that doesn't settle for less than their best. The Portage SWAT team trains every month, with a week long session once a year. During these sessions, the team engages in repelling and high ropes courses, as well as school simulations, shooting exercises and large room clearings, in an attempt to cover every possible situation they might come across.
Working to Serve the Needy in Portage
There's no proejct too great for the Portage Resale Shop. Dedicated to making sure "no one should have to sleep on the floor," the shop offers affordable clothing, furniture, and other items for the home, often times giving away items to those who cannot afford to pay. The shop also works with other agencies helping those in need, such as Gabriel's Horn and Housing Opportunities, in order to help people get back on their feet.
Quality Achievement in Portage Township Schools
Porter County has the reputation of being one of the highest academic achievement counties in the entire state. When compared with the county averages in testing, Portage Township Schools rank just as high in the level of achievement, clearly indicating that the quality of the teacher, quality of the school, quality of the students, and quality of parental support is high, all contributing towards a high quality school. Together these groups have enabled Portage Township students to achieve at such a high level!
Benefit Concert Raises Support for Family of Amanda Bach
Amidst another tragedy in Portage, the community banded together to support Amanda Bach's family during such a difficult time, through a benefit concert. 24 bands and 500 concert goers celebrated one of their own during the 8 hour show. Other local businesses also came together and showed their support through donations to the family.
Portage High School Students Making a Difference This Holiday
Portage students have banded together as a class to create and implement a service project this holiday season! 25 classes are donating needed items to shelters, purchasing gifts for angel trees, reading to children, raising money for children's hospital, adopting families for Christmas gifts and meals, and participating in many more projects! The season of giving is not lost on the hearts of the young!
Chief's Email - Fraud Alerts and Smart Phone Photos
Portage Police Chief Mark Becker has dedicated his time to informing the community of the latest scams and trends in crime, in order to make the community alert and safe. No matter what the latest scam is, if it does not feel right, it probably is not right and the Portage Police is here to help figure it out!