Life in the Spotlight

Ofelia Rowan is many things: a mother, a hard worker, and a crime show enthusiast. What really makes her stand out, though, is her kindness. In a world full of so much negativity and misfortune, Rowan is infinitely grateful for everything her family...

Some people like to have their whole lives planned out. They know what they want to pursue in life and where they want to end up. Other people, though, are more free-spirited. They go where life takes them and see what happens, and most of the time...

Born and raised in the Region, Brittany Hulen has planted strong roots in the community and is proud to call Northwest Indiana her home. “I’m proud of where I’m from, and I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else,” said Hulen. After...

Last year, Ashley Hlavac got involved with Portage Youth Basketball to help out and be a part of something bigger than herself. Today Hlavac is the equipment manager for the Portage Youth Basketball Board and newly added Portage Youth Dodgeball...

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...

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....