Kayla Belec

Close your eyes and think of the first four restaurants you want to visit once the pandemic restrictions begin to lift. Chances are, you pictured each restaurant’s signature signage (in addition to your favorite meal). For instance, I’m craving...

Experience is the greatest teacher, and students in the Building Trades class at La Porte High School (LPHS) can attest. Before the COVID-19 pandemic caused Governor Holcomb to issue a stay at home order to the state of Indiana, the class had its...

A second generation financial advisor and a managing partner at Oak Partners, Inc., Mario Ruiz had a unique tool at his disposal when he decided to pursue his industry: observation.  Ruiz’ father, Fred, founded Oak Tree Financial Services in...

Starting a new job can be intimidating, even when it’s one deemed perfect for you. From the time Currie Motors Ford of Valpo reached out to Cody Thiel for an interview to the day he stepped through the doors to fill his new role of porter...

With safety measures escalating to prevent the spread of COVID-19, businesses across Northwest Indiana are adjusting to the ripple effect that is making its way through society. Regardless of the changes still to come, the business community has...

The Impact One of the sharpest memories that Barbara Gederian Muckel recalls in her time as Executive Director of Dream Chasers NW Indiana Chapter involves being enveloped in a hug so fierce, it lifted her feet off the ground. “Thank you so, so...

Peyton Ostertag isn’t likely to ever forget her 12th birthday.  With the coronavirus pandemic causing schools to shut their doors and rely on e-learning, people to self-quarantine and social distance from one another, and everyone to generally...

Don’t judge a book by its cover—or its title. Like its title suggests, CertaPro Painters of Northwest Indiana specializes in interior and exterior painting for homes and businesses. What some people don’t realize is that the company offers so...

Editor’s Note: The story below represents the overall resident experience at StoryPoint in usual times. The staff and residents there are taking all recommended precautions for social distancing at this time and are looking forward to resuming...

In the wake of state regulations relating to COVID-19, dozens of local businesses have made the difficult decision to cease operations altogether until the dust settles.  As many of the establishments are local favorites, the news is sure to...