Fine issued in death

The Indiana Department of Labor has proposed fines against a Geneva business for alleged violations of the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Act in conjunction with the death of a Monroe teenager in May during work at a Wabash Township egg production facility.
A $12,500 fine was proposed by the DOL for alleged violations by Henry Graber Construction, 4362 E. 900 South, Geneva, during work at Hoosier Pride (Egg) Farms, 7188 N. State Line Road, Bryant.
Walter E.L. Schwartz, 16, Monroe, was killed when a skid loader backed over him during construction of a new barn at the facility.
The alleged violations include a non-functioning reverse signal alarm on a skid steer operated by an unqualified employee; lack of accident prevention, safety and health programs; failure to identify and alleviate a variety of hazards; and lack of employee instruction on avoidance of unsafe conditions regarding motor vehicles.

Renovations possible
The former Blackford County Hospital building may be the site of future development.
Rob Cleveland, executive director of the Blackford Economic Development Corporation, said the building may soon be home to a senior housing complex.
Herman & Kittle, Indianapolis, has expressed interest in converting the old hospital facility, located at 503 E. Van Cleve St., Hartford City, into a senior housing complex.
The vacant building is now owned by a newly formed Blackford Development Corporation, which allows it to apply for grants addressing various problems, making it more attractive to possible buyers.
Cleveland said this project is not a guarantee, but that he and others are working to make it become a reality.

Conference speaker
Local entrepreneur Glynn Barber is among the featured speakers at the Urban and Small Farm Conference this weekend at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis.
The theme of the conference is “Growing the Good Food Revolution.”
Barber, who is chief executive officer of Muncie-based Victus DeAqua, is now involved in both aquaculture and aquaponics.
He’ll be speaking on raising Australian Red Claw crayfish in an aquaponics environment.

Co-founder retiring
Patricia Miller, co-founder of Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley Inc., will be retiring, effective Oct. 31, officials announced late on Thursday.
In March, the company, which makes handbags, luggage, accessories and home décor items, reported fiscal 2012 earnings of $57.9 million on sales of $460.8 million.
Miller, who co-founded the company with friend Barbara Baekgaard 30 years ago, will continue to be a director on the company’s board.

Chamber of Commerce breakfast
The Jay County Chamber of Commerce will be offering a networking breakfast on Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Dunkirk Elks Lodge, 1026 S. Main St. Speaker Rob Weaver will present “How We Do It,” a program focusing on how the Jay County fair gets nationally renowned entertainment.
The program will also feature an update on 2013 events and future plans for the fair.
The cost for the breakfast is $5.

ASG luncheon
A luncheon for the Alliance for Strategic Growth Inc. Personnel Committee will be held Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the ASG Inc. corporate office, 122 E. Main St., Muncie.
ASG operates WorkOne offices throughout the region, including one at 107 S. Meridian St., Portland.
ASG asks for attendees to inform Stephanie Goodman of any special dietary requirements no later than Wednesday. She can be reached at (765) 282-6400 Ext. 114.

Anchor Glass sold
Anchor Glass, which has a plant in Winchester, was recently purchased by Ardagh Group, a glass and metal company based out of Luxembourg.
Ardagh purchased Anchor, which was the third largest glass container manufacturer in the U.S., for $880 million. The sale closed at the end of August.
Ardagh chairman Paul Coulson said the purchase increases the company’s glass business by nearly 50 percent and is a significant step in developing U.S. operations.[[In-content Ad]]