The Daily Register is accepting nominations to be the ninth annual Distinguished Person of the Year.

The paper will acknowledge individuals who make a difference in the community but are not always recognized for their work.

"The Daily Register wants to point out the positives that are going on in the area, so we want to recognize the people making them happen," said George Althoff, Daily Register publisher.

Nominees must be Portage-area residents and active in the community. The individual also must represent the area to the highest tradition, meaning they have contributed a significant amount of time, talent and effort to assist the betterment of the community. Further, the nominee must be involved in an activity or service producing positive changes and lead by example.

The nominees and the winner will be announced in the Daily Register the week of Nov. 23. The winner will take part in Portage's annual Holiday Parade on Nov. 27.

The 2008 winner was Dr. Kevin Blau. The chiropractor supports the community by participating in the Divine Savior 5K run, St. Mary's Best Fest and the Portage Triathlon. He supports the Portage Park and Recreation Department, does scoliosis screenings at Portage schools and gives educational talks about the benefits of chiropractic care. He holds an annual food drive for the Portage Food Pantry, a school supply drive for the school district and a healthy baby drive with collections going toward the Columbia County Pregnancy Crisis Center. He also holds an annual Kids Day with free spinal, eye and dental screenings.

To nominate a distinguished man or woman from the community, pick up forms at the Daily Register, 1640 LaDawn Drive. They also are available in PDF format on the Daily Register Web site, www.portagedailyregister.com, when reading this story online. Forms also will be printed in upcoming issues of the newspaper.

Nomination forms should have attached to them one or more pages that describe the nominee's activities, family, a photo of the nominee if possible, and past/present volunteer and civic contributions.

All names of those who make nominations will be confidential. Forms must be returned to the Daily Register by Nov. 18.

For more information, call the Daily Register at 745-3500 or e-mail Julie Cutsforth at jcutsforth@capitalnewspapers.com.

Past award

winners

2008: Kevin Blau

2007: Sean Malone

2006: J. Robert "Doc" Curtis.

2005: Rich and Cheryl Heimerl

2004: Gil Meisgeier

2003: Fred Galley

2002: Eleanor Drury

2001: Bob Kaschinske