Widman named to lead Jay-Randolph (11/28/06)

A rural Portland woman has been named executive director of Jay-Randolph Developmental Services, Inc.

Ruth Ann Widman, who has worked for the organization since 1989, will begin her position on Jan. 5. She is replacing Anita Young who is retiring.

Widman is a graduate of Portland High School and holds a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Ball State University. She is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She and husband Dale have a son, Zach, who resides with his wife in Bloomington.

Widman has served as developmental department head, director of organizational quality and assistant director at JRDS. She has taught in the Jay School Corporation and served as executive director of the Youth Service Bureau, Inc., Portland.

She currently serves on the John Jay Center for Learning board of directors, the Jay County Hospital Foundation, and is a member of the executive committee of The Portland Foundation's Women's Giving Circle. Widman also is a member of the local and state ARC, Arts Place Inc., the Jay County Historical Society, Headwaters Heritage and the Plant, Hoe and Hope Garden Club.

50 years

Miracle Lanes, Fort Recovery, has reached its 50th anniversary.

The bowling alley opened in July of 1956. It was owned at that time by Joe Remaklus and Harold Knapke.

No special celebrations have been planned to mark the anniversary.

Tyson posts loss

A fiscal fourth-quarter loss has been reported by Tyson Foods, Inc.

The Springdale, Ark., company posted a net loss of $56 million or 17 cents per share for the quarter, which ended Sept. 30.

The loss has been attributed to higher grain costs and a supply-and-demand imbalance, The Wall Street Journal reported this week.

There is a Tyson Foods in Portland.

Income rises

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has reported an 11.5 percent increase in net income in the fiscal third quarter.

The income rose despite slow sales, which are expected to continue in the fourth quarter.

Company officials have said that high energy costs weigh on customer demand, but early holiday price cuts should keep profits growing.

There is a Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Portland.

Improvements outlined

Tyson Foods is working to generate additional revenue by developing products quicker, forming new joint ventures and creating a renewable energy division.

Eight senior company executives recently made presentations on the strategies at a special luncheon in New York City.

"This is an opportunity for analysts and investors who follow our stock to meet key members of our management team and learn more about the steps we're taking to transform Tyson into an even more competitive, successful company," Tyson CEO Richard L. Bond said in a press release.

Company officials plan to open a new research and development facility to speed up product development. The new facility is expected to open in 2007 in Springdale, Ark.

Tyson officials also expect to complete two joint venture transactions in South America in 2007. They also are looking at ways to turn animal fat into biofuels.

Aerial

inspections planned

Indiana Michigan Power employees will use helicopters to inspect high-voltage lines this weekend.

The inspections will be done on a line that is located on the northeast side of Muncie, as well as a line near Kokomo. The Muncie line goes to the area of Royerton and Wheeling Pike.

The inspections could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Finalists announced

The five companies in the running for the 2006 Opportunity for Indiana Business Plan Competition have been announced.

Competing for the $25,000 prize are Solstice Medical, Identity Alliance, Valpo Orthopedic Technology, Innovation Mapping and Blue Bean RFID.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 1.[[In-content Ad]]