Nicole “Nikki” Martinez, an English Language Arts (ELA) eighth grade teacher at Fegely Middle School, has invested her life in education. As a first generation college graduate, Martinez felt empowered from her former teachers. She overcame...
What’s recently happened? It’s been a long school year for the teachers of Portage Township Schools and it’s finally time to give credit where credit is due. Teacher appreciation week happened during May 6 through May 10 this year, and the...
This weekend’s all about learning something new, having fun, and getting outside with your community! From worship events to artist talks to color runs, whatever you’re looking for this weekend, you’ll find it in the Region. Take a look at our...
From aspiring zookeeper to dedicated middle school teacher, Eric Schmiedl’s career path took him on an unexpected journey. For the past eight years, he’s been teaching Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses at Willowcreek Middle School, but before...
Mother’s Day is quickly approaching! Luckily, the Region is packed full of fun things to do with the whole family to let them know that you care. From special brunches to opportunities to get out and meet your neighbors, there’s plenty to be...
First Lieutenant John Gorski, Army veteran and a volunteer at Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Hospice NWI in Valparaiso, has dedicated himself to caring for the needs of others. For the past three years, he has worked closely with VNA Hospice...
For the last two school years, Sergeant Matthew “Matt” Johnson of the Portage Police Department has been stationed at Fegely Middle School as the school resource officer. Becoming a school resource officer wasn’t always his plan, though....
May is here, and with it comes a host of fun activities! From car shows to concerts, the Region is alive, and no spring showers are going to ruin the mood. Join your city in celebrating everything that makes it unique, and take the chance to get out...
Gary resident LaKenya Mackey-Ellis beat breast cancer not once, but twice. It would start when Mackey-Ellis went for a routine mammogram where she found out she had breast cancer. She was diagnosed for the first time on June 17, 2017. “I was pretty...
Sophia Anasis, the band director at William Fegely Middle School, fell in love with band early in her schooling. Ignited by a passion for teaching, Anasis seeks to lead the next generations of band students. “I think band really teaches...