It’s not everyday that you get to sit down with a cancer survivor, a military veteran, a change-maker in the community, or a thriving high school student and get a look into what it’s like to live in their shoes. By sitting down with the members of this Region, we’re able to learn a bit more about their experiences, and also what makes them so great to have around.
It’s special moments like these that we are particularly proud to share on the GreatNews.Life sites, including Life in the Spotlights, Survivor Series, Veteran Spotlight, Leadership Life, City in the Spotlight, Voices, and more.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 feature articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
Veteran Spotlight: Sean Steele
A simple approach can create a significant impact in the big picture. That was the case for Sean Steele, leading him into a career that has made up the bulk of his adult life.
Steele was born and raised in Michigan City. He played freshmen basketball before spending the majority of his high school career working.
#1StudentNWI: Embracing the Slicer spirit at LPHS
The by application courses at La Porte High School (LPHS) have recently opened.
The courses included are Welding (at New York Blower), Work Co-Op (seniors only), Cadet Teaching (seniors only), Weights (Strength and Conditioning, all grade levels), Radio/TV Broadcasting (grades 11 and 12), Building Trades (grades 11 and 12) and the Horizon Bank Slicer Internship (grades 11 and 12).
Cancer Survivor Series: Pamela “Pam” Barton
St. Louis, Missouri native Pamela “Pam” Barton had only moved to Hobart a couple months before her diagnosis. In the fall of 2022, she decided she would go in to see the doctor for a routine check up. Despite having little signs or symptoms, her exam came up abnormal, and she would later have a biopsy that revealed she had cancer. In October 2022, Barton was diagnosed with stage IB cervical cancer.
A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Bob James
Bob James, math teacher and retired football coach, is truly a driven individual. Whether he is guiding his team to victory on the football field or instructing his students on a particular concept in the classroom, James is ready to step up to the challenge at hand. He has sought to instill a similar work ethic within the players and pupils that he has mentored throughout his 30-year career.
#1StudentNWI: Michigan City High School’s Student Council has Wolfpack pride
Michigan City High School’s (MCHS) Student Council has been busy at work over the course of the past three months. Its biggest project of the year, the Canned Food Drive, took place in December, and its success was remarkable. Over the course of the event, Michigan City Area Schools collected 2.9 tons of food and $861 in donations. This event has made a massive difference in the community, and for this reason, this is likely where you have heard of MCHS’s Student Council. However, the group does much, much more.
A La Porte County Life in The Spotlight: Mark Marz
One Michigan City man keeps himself as busy as a bee. Mark Marz is halfway through his 40th year as a science teacher for Michigan City Area Schools. His day consists of teaching AP Chemistry and Physics, Honors Chemistry, with a few regular chemistry classes thrown into the mix. Alongside teaching, Marz is the department chair for science and sponsors a few school-related clubs.
A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Matt Wellsand
It takes a special kind of person to instruct and guide the young minds of tomorrow. Matt Wellsand, middle school and high school-level science teacher as well as the track coach at Tri-Township Schools, is very well-suited to the task.
A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Pete Xidias
Pete Xidias has spent most of his life in the Michigan City community. In the early 1970s, the Xidias family immigrated to Indiana from Greece, where they opened Apex Auto Care in 1983. The family has stayed committed to the community, running a shop that aims to keep employees and customers happy. Xidias is proud to have the opportunity to work as the Operations Manager at Apex and be involved in his community. He is grateful to work with and learn from his father and uncle.
A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Kris Halfacre
When Kris Halfacre stepped into the role of president of the Michigan City High School Athletic Booster Club, it wasn't just a position—it was a mission to restore a sense of pride and community that had begun to wane. In 2014 when her oldest daughter was entering high school, a lot of people were relocating to other districts. Reflecting on her journey, Halfacre recalls what initially inspired her commitment.
A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Dr. Clint Shireman
Dr. Clint Shireman of Shireman Veterinary Services is a dedicated professional committed to food animal medicine.
With experience in both hands-on care and community education, he plays a vital role in supporting animals.
Shireman's veterinary journey began at a young age, growing up in the livestock and agriculture field.
