Comments sought on OVG increase

Ohio Valley Gas customers are invited to comment on the utility’s proposed rate increase.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is reviewing the Ohio Valley Gas request and will fill testimony to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in mid-May.

For Jay County, the proposed increase would take consumer bills for $45.16 for 20 therms from the current $31.74, an increase of 42%. For 50 therms it would go to $79.24 from the current $79.24 (a 38% increase) and for 100 therms it would go to $136.05 from the current $100.54 (a 35% increase).

The company’s current base rates were approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in 2017.

Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so online at in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, by email at [email protected] or by sending mail to Public Comments, Indiana Officer of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Reusing pallets

US Aggregates and Asphalt Materials are partnering to build a program to find new ways to reuse pallets.

Asphalt Materials currently recycles pallets through an outside vendor. Instead, logistics are being worked out to transport them for use by U.S. Aggregates, which currently purchases about 4,600 pallets per year to ship from its Cloverdale location.

Both U.S. Aggregates and Asphalt Materials are owned by Heritage Construction + Materials.

DWD wins award

The Coalition on Adult Basic Education recently honored Indiana Department of Workforce Development with the State Innovation Award for its Adult Education Programs of Excellence initiative.

The effort was created to promote the success of adult education programs in the state and encourage administrators to align with existing standards and goals. In October,  Indiana Department of Workforce Development named 17 providers as the inaugural Indiana Adult Education Programs of Excellence. 

“DWD’s Adult Education team is committed to raising standards that benefit providers and adult learners,” said Richard Paulk, the department’s commissioner, in a press release. “The Programs of Excellence designation specifically shines a light on model providers who support Hoosiers as they move to the next level in education, training, and careers. These efforts lead to a stronger workforce more prepared and capable of advancing in their careers.”

Wajda honored

The National Association of Home Builders honored Indiana Builders Association CEO Rick Wajda recently as its 2023 State Executive Officer of the Year.

The award is “designed to recognize the accomplishments of an outstanding Executive Officer who has contributed to the NAHB Federation.” In addition to leading the state builder’s association, Wajda is chairman of the Indiana Builders PAC and serves as a spokesperson for the industry on housing-related issues.

“Building homes, enriching communities and changing lives are the key tenets of both NAHB’s mission and Rick’s drive in his daily work,” said National Association of Home Builders CEO Jim Tobin in a press release. “Exhibiting excellence throughout his career and remaining committed to furthering the work of NAHB and the broader industry, Rick Wajda is an unquestionably qualified recipient of this award.”

Menu expands

Subway is expanding its menu with four new wraps.

The restaurant will offer homestyle chicken salad, honey mustard chicken, turkey, bacon and avocado, and Cali caprese. They will all be served in new lavash-style flatbread wraps inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.

“Wraps have become an afterthought on restaurant menus with uninspiring choices and snack-size portions that leave you wanting more,” said Paul Fabre, Sunday senior vice president of culinary and innovation, in a press release. “That insight kickstarted the process of revamping Subway’s wraps. We spent over a year creating signature recipes with unique ingredients that bring out the best in our new lavash-style flatbread, and also fuel you up without weighing you down.”  

Aid offered

CVS Health on Wednesday announced improvements to its pharmacy tuition assistance program and a new scholarship for students enrolled in pharmacy schools.

The new CVS Health/American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Community Pharmacy Health Equity Award will provide $20,000 to 21 pharmacy students. Its tuition assistance program, which is for CVS interns, will offer $20,000 annually as well.

“As leaders in community pharmacy, we are committed to investing in the future of pharmacy, particularly to support the next generation of students with financial assistance and hands-on experience necessary to further their careers,” said Prem Shah, CVS executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer, in a press release.

Venture launched

Ardagh Glass Packaging - Europe announced Wednesday that the new solar installation at its facility in Irvine, Scotland, is now generating renewable electricity on site.

The solar array was installed on the roofs of two warehouses at the facility. It will generate 1.58 megawatts of power annually.

“This solar installation is another step forward in enhancing the sustainability of our operations at Irvine, as well as reducing the amount of electricity we take from the grid,” said AGP - Irvine plant director Graeme Shepherd in a press release. “It shows our commitment to decarbonising the glass containers we produce, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence.”

Ardagh has glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.

Training scheduled

ServSafe training will be held monthly at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland through June.

Training sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays April 23, May 21 and June 18. The certification course is open to all food service employees and emphasizes safe food- and beverage-handling practices to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.

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

Chamber hosting

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host its Indiana HR Conference and Expo April 30 through May 2 at Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The event offers a variety of workshops and sessions for HR professionals. Cara Silletto of Magnet Culture will be the keynote speaker on May 1.

“Human resources departments are at the heart of most employers’ operations,” said Indiana Chamber president and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders in a press release. “We’re pleased to partner with so many brilliant speakers and effective organizations to help Indiana’s HR staffers be the best they can be. As we continue to focus on how we can support talent attraction and retention efforts for businesses across Indiana, we hope this conference provides needed resources and best practices for those who attend.”

Scholarships offered

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is offering $10,000 in scholarships.

Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors preparing to enter college or a technical program and two $2,000 scholarships will got to students already pursuing a two- or four-year degree.

Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership, participation in school and community activities, academic honors, goals and aspirations, recommendations and work experience.

“Our scholarship program is an excellent way for us to give back to our members, invest in the future of the next generation and affirm our support for continuing education,” Edge CEO Tim Trotter said in a press release. “Edge is committed to supporting our membership, empowering our youth and fostering growth within our communities.”

To apply, visit voiceofmilk.com. The deadline is April 1.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (715) 584-7117.