Garbacz leaves journalism field

A former local reporter has left the journalism field.

Steve Garbacz, who worked at The Commercial Review from 2008 to 2012, ended an eight-year run with KPC News on Saturday.

He left his role with the company to take a job in public relations.

Garbacz was executive editor for KPC News, which operates a group of daily and weekly newspapers in northeast Indiana. He was based at The News Sun in Kendallville.

After leaving The CR in late 2012, Garbacz served as a reporter for The Daily Journal (Franklin) for about three years before moving to The News Sun as a reporter in 2015. He became assistant managing editor two years later and then executive editor for KPC Media’s north newspapers in 2019.

Under his leadership, The News Sun won the Hoosier State Press Association award for general excellence in Division III last year. He won three individual awards, including first place for best business story.



EverHeart offering

EverHeart Hospice announced last week that it will be offering hospice education to the public and healthcare organizations.

Tina Douglas, EverHeart’s clinical and community educator, will lead the hospice education program. It will include free nursing continuing education for healthcare organizations and general hospice education for community groups.

“Many people have the misconception that hospice is only for someone in their final few days of life,” said EverHeart marketing manager Jennifer Overholser in a press release. “However, people can receive hospice at home for many months, sometimes even years. Starting hospice sooner allows patients more time to enjoy benefits such as Music Therapy and Chaplain support that are offered by EverHeart Hospice.”

EverHeart provides service in 10 counties, including Jay County in Indiana and Mercer County in Ohio.



Supporting Kart

Area businesses will be participating in Kate’s Kart’s annual ice cream social fundraiser.

On June 24, two dozen businesses will either have specials or donate a percentage of their sales to Kate’s Kart, a not-for-profit organization that provides books for hospitalized children.

Volunteers from the organization will also be handing out Kate’s Kart items at participating businesses.

Portland’s Tutti Frutti and Dunkirk’s Living in Joy Cafe will participate in the fundraiser.



Ardagh building

Ardagh Glass Packaging – UK is in the process of building an “efficient furnace” to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from the glass production process.

Ardagh, which operates glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester, is installing the furnace at its plant in Doncaster, England. It makes use of a more efficient melter to reduce gas consumption and carbon emissions.

An Industrial Energy Transformation Fund grant is funding part of the project.

“Ardagh Glass Packaging – Doncaster’s Efficient Furnace project will improve efficiency at the facility while reducing its carbon footprint,” said AGP – UK operations director Greg Methven in a press release. “The grant support provided has been a key enabler in upgrading the project from a standard cross-fired furnace to more energy efficient, end-fired furnace technology.”



Seeking nominations

Indiana Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for its 2023 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year Award.

The award goes to an Indiana community for “significant contributions to its local business climate and overall image during the past year.” The award will be presented at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Nov. 14 in Indianapolis.

“It will be exciting to once again honor a community that’s taking charge in promoting prosperity and enhancing the quality of life of its residents,” said Indiana chamber president and CEO Kevin Brinegar in a press release. “I’m always amazed to see the different strategies used, many of which can be replicated by others.”



Home sales drop

Indiana Association of REALTORS (IAR) reported recently that home sales dipped in April.

According to the association’s data, 6,170 homes were sold in Indiana in April, down 19% from the previous year. Also, fewer homes were available for sale, with inventory dropping by 30% over the last two months. (New listings in April were down 20% from 2022.)

“Inventory isn’t as tight as 2021 or early 2022 but buyers should be prepared to be decisive if they find the right home,” said IAR president Lynn Wheeler in a press release. “We continue to see fewer new listings hitting the market with most current homeowners locked into lower mortgage rates and moving more cautiously.”



Airport certified

Indianapolis International Airport has recently became a KultureCity certified facility.

KultureCity is a not-for-profit focused on “sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities.” As part of the certification, Indianapolis airport staff received training to recognize airport patrons with sensory needs and how to handle sensory overload situations.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the world as fully as possible, and travel is one way that we do that,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director Mario Rodriguez in a press release. “Our community partnership programs like KultureCity, Soaring for Autism and other dedicated efforts are opportunities to provide excellent customer service to everyone, including those with disabilities and sensory conditions.”