It was during the peak of COVID when schoolteachers, Judy “Juju” and Jim “Jimmy” Jozwiak made the move from hosting an art studio in their home – previously known as Art and Soul – to the studio that is now known as The Painted Apple...
Like many wonderful chefs, Frank Cruz, the owner, and chef of Cisco’s Smokehouse in Portage did not intend to get into cooking. He was just good at it. “I've always been the guy who had to get behind the grill. We have a pretty big family...
One year ago Allen Neyhart and his wife, Christy, decided it was time to become serious about their dreams and invest in purchasing a restaurant. As of today this restaurant is well known as Benchwarmer’s; a family dining establishment based on...
Samantha Bean is the marketing manager of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. Bean has proven to be a key player in the organization, as she is responsible for marketing their extensive list of events and services: exhibits, education, classes, tours,...
With over 14 years of athletic experience, Taylor Burhans has always had a passion for sports. However, the sports industry involves many different lines of work, from being on the field to managing it, and everything in between. It wasn’t until...
Lisa Pina-Awosika is the general dentist and owner of Aurora Dental Wellness in Portage. While in school, Pina-Awosika knew she wanted to be a part of the medical field, and found her passion when someone came into her dental school knowing very...
"I’ve been a part of track and field for eight years. I stayed in the sport because it was something I started to love. Growing up, you couldn’t stop me from running around the house- ask my mom!” said two-time state finalist Da’Ja Jones....
"I would really like to thank my family for putting up with me through the years and rehabilitation. It was such a hard process, and at times I would get fussy with them, not realizing everything they have done for me. My parents made sure I had the...
This year Megan Ymans expanded her culinary abilities to the city of Portage by establishing a small business titled, ‘Nothing Fancy Eats and Treats’. Ymans’ small business creates all types of sweet treats and...
Lance Dawson took a chance on an up and coming business, Jimmy John's, in 2003. That chance took him places he never knew he would be able to flourish and succeed. Currently, Dawson is the owner of the Portage Jimmy John's and has been an owner of...
