Northern Indiana is full of people working hard every day to make their communities a better place. Since 2011, GreatNews.Life has been putting the spotlight on the people spreading this positivity in the Region with our Life in the Spotlight series. New articles are published every Wednesday, so be sure to check back often to learn more about the stories of great people doing great things in Northern Indiana.
Amy Armstrong has a huge heart for serving the Portage community. She loves spending time with people and organizing events in Portage. Armstrong works as an administrative assistant at the Portage Chamber of Commerce and also works for Portage Parks...
For Portage High School social studies teacher and track and cross-country coach Abagail Trzeciak, a clear vision has led to a life that has fallen nicely into place. “I could never see myself doing anything different,” Trzeciak said, noting that...
Katie Brehmer, who juggles working with being a wife and a mother to four boys, is a superhero mom. Brehmer and her husband Tim have four sons: 10-year-old Robert, 7-year-old Camden, 4-year-old Rudy and 1-year-old Brio. She loves talking about her...
Erin Vanni was a little girl with her nose in a book, her thoughts in the clouds, and a pen in her hand. She dreamed of becoming a writer and she would become that and so much more. After cancer took her mother’s life and her father committed...
Growing up in Hebron, Jessie Howe loved playing out fiction and fantasy in the country surrounding her rural home. Today, she has turned that into her day job as the Scenic Charge Artist for the Theatre at the Center, building and painting the worlds...
“I think most people are exactly where they want to be,” said Colleen Hojnacki. This phrase certainly rings true for her, as she finds herself in a career that she loves, surrounded by people who support her, enjoying life to the fullest. As a...
For Patricia Ireland, life has been about finding ways to share knowledge and truth. Born and raised in Porter County, she has called Portage home for more than 35 years. “I like the stores and restaurants that we have. I don’t have to go far. I...
In life, we all seek people we can relate to, often searching for mentors who can guide us through life’s muddy waters. As a School Resource Officer (SRO) for Portage High School, Mike Steege fills that role for more than a few young students....
Janet Clem, Director of the Community Building at Bonner Senior Center, has been positively impacting the lives of local seniors for nearly 30 years. Clem moved to the senior center from the Portage Township Trustee’s Office back in 1992, and has...
“Be kind. Keep other people’s feelings in mind. Do what you can to give back.” Amanda Watson is a devoted mother, Girl Scout troop leader, and Cub Scout den leader, and kindness is just one of the qualities she teaches her troops. When...