Life in the Spotlight

There are so many beautiful things about the Region–the Dunes, the lake, the trails–but perhaps what’s even more beautiful are the connections being formed between one another every single day. Jerry Czarnecki may be a new face in Northwest...

People are constantly learning new things about themselves. Whether it’s something as big as realizing that parenthood isn’t so hard or as small as realizing you don’t like a certain type of food anymore, these revelations are important, and...

We’ve all heard the crazy tales of people going out into the world and making a difference, but sometimes the simple close-to-home stories are the most meaningful. Paula Prickett has spent most of her life working hard to provide nutritious,...

People who are willing to give a helping hand and show kindness to others are who make the Region such a special place. Tom Cotner is one of those kind, giving people, and he’s had an immeasurable impact on the lives around him.  Cotner grew...

Life is full of curveballs, and sometimes the best thing a person can do is take a chance. Nobody knows this better than Fernando Lopez Jr., a graphic designer who forged his own path when faced with adversity. Lopez’s early life was spent in the...

Everyone knows that doing what you love can be difficult. No one knows that better than Jim Peters, a lifelong sports writer. After losing his job due to the pandemic, Peters was literally days away from having to get a job at a grocery store....

Portage High School senior Alexandria (Lexi) Cline has never given up on anything, especially when it comes to volleyball. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Cline has become one of the most recognized volleyball players in the Region....

The Region is full of talented people actively pursuing their dreams. For some people, that means working multiple jobs, and for others, that means doing what they love on the side. However, for Lou Samaniego Jr., a local musician, songwriter, and...

Many people believe that to become successful in the film industry, a person has to pack up their entire life and head out to the West Coast. However, people like Alex Srednoselac, a freelance video producer and editor who’s lived in the Region his...

There are so many kindhearted people in the Region who give back to others and make their communities a better place. What’s really special, though, is when a person comes up with new and exciting ways to have an impact. Brandon Boyer, club...