Jay native opens local law practice

Jay County native Gail Siegrist Dues opened a new law office in Portland recently.

Dues, who grew up a on a dairy farm in Jay County, is a 1995 Jay County High School graduate.

She received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Butler University in 1999 and her juris doctorate from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2002.

Dues has been appointed deputy public defender for Jay County.

She also practices cases through her private practice in personal injury, wills, trusts and estates, family law, real estate, business law and criminal law.

She currently lives in rural Jay County with her husband. She can be reached at her office, 124 W. Walnut St., just across from the Jay County Courthouse, or at (260) 726-2155.

New accountant

Bollenbacher and Associates LLC., Portland, recently hired a 2009 Indiana University graduate to its accounting staff.

Misty Hernandez, who graduated this year with a degree in accounting and management, was hired by the firm as an accountant. She is a Celina, Ohio, native and currently resides in Fort Wayne.

Associate publisher

The Winchester News-Gazette named a new associate publisher this week.

Kami Shinn was selected as the associate publisher for the Randolph County newspaper.

She had worked for the News-Gazette as a sales representative, moved onto other jobs and now returned.

Shinn has worked in several newspaper positions, but her expertise is in the field of advertising and marketing.

100 percent

Property House GMAC Real Estate, Muncie, received a 100 percent customer satisfaction rating from January through May.

An independent research firm compiled the results of a survey after completing a transaction. The Muncie branched received a perfect rating, while GMAC Real Estate garnered 94 percent satisfaction nationally.

The company works with homebuyers in area, including Jay, Delaware, Blackford, Randolph and Henry counties.

Smorgasbord closing

Welliver's Smorgasbord Restaurant, Hagerstown, announced Monday it will close.

The restaurant, which has been open since 1947, will close at the end of the month. For decades it had been a regional favorite for large gatherings.

About 50 people are employed there.

The owners stated the restaurant is in debt. It may remain open or reopen after closing as they owners are meeting with potential investors or buyers.

Countersuing

Former CEO of Marsh Supermarkets Inc., Don E. Marsh, is countersuing the company for $1.6 million in back pay after he was terminated in 2006. The countersuit alleges he was fired without just cause and is asking for the back pay.

The company sued Don Marsh in March, alleging the former CEO bankrolled vacation homes and travel expenses for himself, family and female employees.

The company said Thursday it stands by its allegations. CEO Frank Lazaran said "every effort to resolve the issues" had been made with Don Marsh.[[In-content Ad]]