Fitness video games offer grown-up workouts, family fun

With many new game system consoles and video games making their way into homes in the region over the holidays, you may have the makings of a good workout sitting right in your entertainment cabinet.

OFFBEAT: Essany halts his latest late night TV gig amid dispute

Valparaiso TV talk show host Michael Essany told me Thursday he has ended his Northwest Indiana-based Chicagoland late night television show "Seven on Ridge" because of staff and contractual disputes.

OFFBEAT: Illness prompted Essany's TV talk show hiatus

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Former 'Biggest Loser' contestant Crozier gets makeover before cameo on finale

Courtney Crozier, 23, of Valparaiso, poses for a "before" photo prior to her free makeover at Vanis Salon & Day Spa in Schererville. A former "Biggest Loser" contestant, Crozier will return to the NBC reality TV series set for a cameo appearance in the Season 13 finale.

Former 'Biggest Loser' contestant Crozier gets makeover before cameo on finale

SCHERERVILLE | When "Biggest Loser" contestant Courtney Crozier returns to the hit NBC reality TV series for a live broadcast of the finale, she wants to be seen on camera because of her new look — not her weight.

Kevin Coppinger and Courtney Crozier are Owners of the New Yo Amazing Frozen Yogurt

In March, Kevin Coppinger and Courtney Crozier unveiled Yo Amazing Yogurt Shoppe in Valparaiso.

OFFBEAT: 'Biggest Loser' star has famous help with yogurt biz

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'Biggest Loser' star daughter from Valpo launching Frozen Yogurt Shop

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Valparaiso students jump to break world record

Flint Lake Elementary students jumped at the chance Wednesday to help break a Guinness world record. Students in first through fifth grades did jumping jacks for a minute as part of the "Let's Jump!" event sponsored by National Geographic kids magazine.

Students jump to break world record

VALPARAISO | Flint Lake Elementary students jumped at the chance Wednesday to help break a Guinness world record.

OFFBEAT: Whoopi Goldberg eager to bring life of Moms Mabley to broadway and big screen

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

'Biggest Loser' duo featured Saturday at bridal shop event

HOBART| The Valparaiso mother and daughter who were on the "Biggest Loser" TV show will be at a meet and greet event at a local bridal shop from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

'Biggest Loser' mom-daughter team falls short of winning 'second chance' money

Marci and Courtney Crozier, of Valparaiso, failed to shed enough extra weight during their return to the region after months as contestants on NBC's reality TV show "The Biggest Loser."

'Biggest Loser' mom a winner on Mother's Day

Both her daughters were out of state this Mother's Day weekend, but it was no biggie for "Biggest Loser" contestant Marci Crozier of Valparaiso. She used to be a workaholic, putting in 12-hour days, but life at home is more balanced now.

'Biggest Loser' participant to speak April 27 in Hobart

HOBART | BRIDGES Development Foundation and Friends of Arc BRIDGES are hosting the eighth annual Buds and Blossoms - Evening with Marci Crozier on April 27 at Avalon Manor, 3550 E. U.S. 30.

Biggest motivation: 'Biggest Loser' contestants encourage others

SCHERERVILLE | Tears welled in Marci Crozier's eyes as she talked about the support Northwest Indiana showed as the nation watched her compete to lose more than 75 pounds.

Mom and Daughter Biggest Losers

Marci (left) and Courtney Crozier are mother and daughter contestants from Northwest Indiana competing against other teams for Season 11 of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" airing at 7 p.m. CST on Tuesdays.

Rose Baxter achieves her goal in Omni 41's Biggest Loser competition

The Biggest Loser competition at Omni 41 Health & Fitness Connection in Schererville resulted in a collective loss of 1,300 pounds off the frames of over 150 participants. The 12-week program, which ran from June to August, was "phenomenal" for participants like Rose Baxter, 45, of Highland: