Nominations sought for 2016 torch relay

Nominations are now being accepted for Indiana Bicentennial torchbearers.
In connection with the state’s bicentennial in 2016, a torch relay will touch each of Indiana’s 92 counties over a 2,300 mile journey.
The event will begin on Sept. 9, 2016 in Corydon, the state’s first capital, and will end with a celebration on the grounds of the Indiana Statehouse on Oct. 15 in Indianapolis.
The Indiana Office of Tourism Development is seeking nominations that recognize Hoosiers with records of exceptional public service, excellence in their profession, acts of heroism or volunteer service.
“Being selected as an Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torchbearer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Hoosiers,” Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann said in prepared statement.
The nomination period ends Dec. 31, 2015, and the online nomination form is available here: http://www.indiana2016.org/torchrelay/nomination-forms/.
Once all the nominations are collected, a juried process will be used in each county to select torchbearers.
Nominees must be current or former residents of Indiana or be nominated in honor of a current or former resident. Nominees must be at least 10 years of age.

Lost alumni
The Portland High School class of 1975 — the school’s final graduating class before the opening of Jay County High School — is trying to locate alumni in advance of the group’s 40th reunion at the PHS Alumni Banquet in June.
Class organizers are looking for Soussan (Amini) Frost, Patrick Arnold, Tileena (Price) Banta, Vicky (Case) Moore, Lana (Denise) Chittum, Ruth Cox, Sara Dreiman, Marijo Fraze, Michael Havens, Deborah (Jellison) Hernandez, Kevin King, George Lambert, Jeffrey Lewis, Joyce Liverman, Sandra (Lowe) Robbinson, Michael Myers, Diana Nichols, Ermelina Reyes, Rebecca Schwartkopf, Kenneth Shope, Karla Snyder, Charla Walton, Marsha Wilson, Michael Wolford, Lewis Brown, Anita Delacca, Chris (Grapner) Dugan, Michael Lewis, Miriam Shaneyfelt, Robbin Silverman, and Allen Simmons.
Anyone who knows how to contact those individuals should contact Deb (Peden) Tipton at (260) 729-2806 or Deb (Clifton) Shreeve at (260) 703-0205. There is also a Facebook page for the PHS class of 1975.

Imel graduates
Joseph W. Imel, Portland, received his bachelor of science degree in industrial technology at Purdue University College of Technology-Richmond’s 47th commencement ceremony this week.
A 2011 graduate of JCHS, he minored in computer and information technology and earned an associate of science degree in mechanical engineering technology. He is the son of Rick and Debra Imel, Portland.

Rev It Up time
Mercer Health’s weight management center will hold a 9-week weight management program in June called Rev It Up.
The program focuses on behavior modification. It begins on Wednesday, June 10. Classes will be held at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Mercer Health West Campus in Coldwater, Ohio.
For more information, phone (419) 678-8446.

Placing flags
Members of Dunkirk American Legion Post No. 227 will be putting flags on graves at I.O.O.F. Cemetery at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
Organizers of the event say the group could use any help available.

Reception reminder
Just a reminder that there will be a reception in honor of longtime banker Jim Meinerding from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 22, at First Merchants Bank, 115 W. Main St., Portland, and earlier the same day from 9 to 11 a.m. at the First Merchants location in Winchester.
There will be a presentation to Meinerding at 3 p.m. Friday.