BOND is part of KoBold investment

A firm founded by a former Jay County resident was part of a major investment.

BOND Capital, co-founded by Jay County High School graduate Mary Meeker, was part of a $200 million investment round recently for KoBold Metals.

The California company explores for metals, including copper, lithium and cobalt, by utilizing artificial intelligence. The company now has more than $1 billion in investments to help it develop copper reserves in Zambia.

BOND was part of the investing round along with the Bill Gates-led Breakthrough Energy Ventures and capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

Career day set

Purdue Extension will host its inaugural Jay County Career Fair on Sept. 7 at Jay County Junior-Senior High School.

Businesses are being invited to participate in the event that will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the school’s auxiliary gym. Representatives will get to speak with students about their fields, share education advice and provide tips about local opportunities in their industries.

Those interested in taking part should contact Allison Keen at [email protected]. For more information, call (260) 726-4707.

Offering cups

Scooter’s Coffee is celebrating National Dog Day on Saturday by offering free pup cups.

Dogs who visit Scooter’s with their owners Saturday will receive a free pumpkin spice pup cup. The first 15 at each location will also receive a bandana.

“We know how much dogs mean to our customers, and with the upcoming launch of the Scooter’s Coffee fall menu and popular pumpkin offerings, we wanted to provide something special for our pup friends to celebrate National Dog Day,” said Scooter’s Coffee chief community officer Bill Black in a press release. “It’s always fun to see our customers’ Pup Cup photos, and we look forward to seeing how their dogs enjoy the new Pumpkin Spice Pup Cups.”

Classes scheduled

John Jay Center for Learning is continuing to offer ServSafe training.

The courses for those in the food-service industry are scheduled for Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30 and Nov. 27. Each runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at John Jay, 101 S. Meridian St., Portland.

For more information, call (260) 729-5525.

Collecting supplies

First Financial Bank is holding a cleaning supplies drive at its 112 N. Meridian St. location in Portland.

The bank will accept unopened and unexpired cleaning supplies at all of its locations from Aug. 21 through Sept. 1. Donations will be delivered to local organizations to help community members in need.

“First Financial has always recognized the importance that housing plays on our overall well-being, and we are excited to be working collaboratively with our communities to ensure that after our neighbors get into their dream home, they can keep it just as beautiful as it was on move-in day,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial Bank, in a press release.  

Construction complete

Leeward Renewable Energy on Thursday announced the completion of construction on its Oak Trail Solar Project.

The facility near Moyock, North Carolina, has begun commercial operation. It will produce 100 megawatts of energy annually.

“We are pleased to achieve commercial operation at Oak Trail Solar to help support Verizon’s sustainability goals,” said Leeward CEO Jason Allen in a press release. “Oak Trail Solar is another example of how LRE seeks to meaningfully contribute to the communities where we live and operate. Our engagement goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and the generation of clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and community members. At Oak Trail Solar, we are committed to doing just that while preserving and protecting the environment.”

Leeward is developing Rose Gold Solar north of Dunkirk.

Eli buys

Eli Lilly and Company completed its purchase of Versanis Bio last week.

Through the deal, Versanis shareholders could receive up to $1.925 billion. The purchase includes the weight loss drug Bimagrumab, which was considered the top asset of Versanis.

"Combining our current incretin portfolio, including Tirzepatide, with activin receptor blockers such as Bimagrumab, could be the next major step in innovative treatments for those living with cardiometabolic diseases, like obesity," said Dr. Ruth Gimeno, group vice president for diabetes, obesity and cardiometabolic research at Lilly, in a press release. "The wealth of knowledge that our new colleagues from Versanis will bring to Lilly will propel our research and development efforts forward, ultimately benefiting patients around the world."