Hosbach nominated for state honor

A local doctor has been nominated for a state award.

Dr. Edward Hosbach II of Mercer Health Medical Group in Fort Recovery and St. Henry is a nominee for the Ohio Hospital Association’s Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award.

“Dr. Hosbach is recognized by peers for his commitment to the profession, by his community for his dedicated service and by his patients as a genuine, compassionate caregiver,” reads his nomination letter. “In addition to his practices in Ft. Recovery and St. Henry, Dr. Hosbach has served as Chief Medical Officer for EverHeart Hospice for the past 33 years, team doctor for Fort Recovery and St. Henry high schools and a board member for the Mercer County Health District. He is an active member and past president of the Ohio ACOFP (American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians). In 2022, Dr. Hosbach was awarded the Ohio ACOFP Distinguished Service Award … A patient of Dr. Hosbach summarizes by saying, ‘He has a big, joyful heart.’”

Hosbach was inducted into the Fort Recovery Hall of Fame last year. His volunteer work includes time with the Fort Recovery Local Schools athletics department, Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce, Fort Recovery Friends of the Arts and Fort Recovery Historical Society.

Cutting the ribbons

Jay County Chamber of Commerce will host ribbon-cutting ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Jay County Historical Museum and noon Thursday at CrossRoads Financial Federal Credit Union.

In addition to the ribbon-cutting for upgrades at the museum, there will be a short presentation about changes that have been made at the facility. The museum is located at 903 E. Main St., Portland.

The ceremony at CrossRoads will be to celebrate the installation of its new ATM. The credit union is located at 1102 W. Votaw St., Portland.

Firm donates

Cargill recently donated $30,000 to the Grand Event Center project at Mercer County Fairgrounds.

The funding will go toward developing the new venue to serve for events and gatherings. For details, visit MCGrandEventCenter.com.

"We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from Cargill, which will play a vital role in advancing the Grand Event Center project,” said Mercer County Fair manager Cara Muhlenkamp in a press release. “With Phase 1 completed, this contribution propels us towards Phase 2, as we continue to raise sponsorship dollars to realize our vision for this community space."

LIFT to meet

The Next LIFT Jay event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, in the John Jay Cafe, 101 S. Meridian St. Portland.

Licensed mental health counselor Brooke Aker will be the guest speaker.

Registration is $18 for chamber members and $23 for non-members and includes a meal. To register, go to jaycountychamber.com or visit the chamber’s Facebook page.

IYI hosting

Indiana Youth Institute will host a Coffee and Connections event in Portland in June.

Outreach manager Dawn Huff of Indiana Youth Institute will be available from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 112, in room 203 at John Jay Center for Learning. She will have information about resources Indiana Youth Institute has available for those who work with youth.

Attendees will also be provided free coffee from Bizy Dips.

To register, visit bit.ly/FuelJay. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Programs ranked

The Broadcast Education Association recently ranked Ball State University among its top 10 for creative achievement in its rankings for excellence in media.

BSU’s College of Communication, Information and Media placed seventh out of more than 90 institutions in the Broadcast Education Association 2024 Top Winning Overall Programs. It was second for Top Winning Sports Programs and eighth for Top Winning Documentary Programs.

“Our students continually impress me,” said Suzy Smith, department chair and associate professor of the department of media. “The faculty of the Department of Media are very proud of the work our students do, and this recognition from the Broadcast Education Association shows that our students are among the best of the best.”

Grants announced

Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently announced more than $10.6 million in grants to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.

Each year, the foundation awards grants to schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to help implement or expand existing literacy programs. Among the programs receiving grants in Indiana were Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Indiana; Amigos, The Richmond Latino Center; Whitewater Adult Education of Connersville; and Marion community Schools.

“We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, in a press release. “We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives …”

Named director

The board of directors for Visit Muncie has selected LaShanta Vaughn as the organization’s new executive director.

Vaughn joins Visit Muncie, formerly known as Muncie Visitors Bureau, after serving as director of sales at Horizon Convention Center in Muncie. She was previously Horizon’s sales manager.

Brand launched

CVS last week announced the launch of its new Well Market brand.

The new brand features snacks, beverages and groceries, beginning with 40 items. The existing Gold Emblem and Big Chill product lines will also become part of the Well Market brand.

“Our goal at CVS Health is to be the most consumer-centric health care solutions company,” said CVS chief merchandising officer Musab Balbale in a press release. Through this repositioning and expansion of our food and beverage portfolio, we are doing more by providing new nutritious options our customers crave. From the easy-to-understand packaging to the delicious snacks themselves, our customers can feel great about consuming Well Market products as part of their individual wellness goals.”

Drive ends Friday

A bank with local branches will hold a drive in an effort to help improve financial literacy.

First Financial Bank’s book drive is scheduled through May 24 at various area locations.

The bank will accept donations of books at its locations at:

•112 N. Meridian St., Portland

•211 W. Pearl St., Union City

•101 W. Washington St., Hartford City

Following the drive, books will be delivered to area schools, libraries and non-profit organizations in the community.

“This will be a fun drive for everyone involved, and we’re looking forward to filling every one of these book bins,” said First Financial chief corporate responsibility officer Roddell McCullough in a press release. “Reading and financial literacy often go hand in hand, so this is an opportunity to team up with the community to help our neighbors improve their financial wellbeing.”

 A list of recommended books on finance will be available in each financial center. First Financial also offers tools and resources at bankatfirst.com. 

Adding item

McDonald’s has added the Grandma McFlurry to its menu.

The new item features vanilla ice cream with a blend of syrup and crunchy candy pieces. It will be available for a limited time.