Life in the Spotlight

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....

"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...

This year at Portage High School (PHS), Teacher Leslee Kretz has made her mark by educating students on all aspects of Biology for 25 years. At PHS, Kretz is an administrator for the school’s new book club and the sponsor of the freshman class....

Assistant Director of Health and Wellness Steffani Dranchak accidentally stumbled upon a career in healthcare when she needed a job at 18 years old. Though she didn’t know it yet, her experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) was the...

Five years ago, Tiffany Alic and her husband Allen Alic took over ownership of one of Portage’s most well known restaurants: Cappo’s. Since those five years of ownership, the Alic’s have implemented new dishes, programs, and customers; but have...