Meijer donates to Second Harvest

A local business recently made a donation to support a local food bank.

Meijer donated $70,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana.

The contribution will go toward distributing health food to communities in the area, including in Jay, Randolph, Blackford and Delaware counties.

“Meijer’s commitment to helping us feed our community is not just a donation; it brings hope and sustenance to thousands of individuals and families all over East Central Indiana,” said Bekah Clawson, president and CEO of Second Harvest, in a press release. “This gift is a testament to Meijer’s purpose of enriching lives in the communities it serves, and we are deeply grateful for their support.”

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.

Fair scheduled

Jay County Chamber of Commerce announced that the 2024 Jay County Career Fair is scheduled for Sept. 12 at Jay County Junior-Senior High School.

Additional information about the event will be provided in the coming months. Businesses that would like to be placed on the list to participate should call the Jay County Purdue Extension office at (260) 726-4707.

Advice offered

CenterPoint Energy recently offered safety tips as part of its observance of National Safe Digging Month.

Anyone who plans a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least two days prior to their work in order to have underground utilities located for free. Such projects include building a fence, planting trees, installing a deck and placing a mailbox.

“By taking the time to call 811 prior to starting their digging project, our customers and communities are taking a critical first step in helping keep everyone safe,” said Centerpoint vice president of field services Chasta Martin in a press release. “No matter how shallow the digging project, everyone can help prevent safety incidents and potential loss of service for their fellow community members by having underground utility lines located.”

In talks

Motherson Sumi and Leoni are in talks about possibly combining the two companies, Reuters reported.

Motherson Sumi, the parent company of MSSL Wiring of Portland, has bought several companies in recent years and has been looking to make an acquisition in Europe. Reuters reported that a deal with Leoni, a German company, would be worth more than $1.14 billion.

Former CEO dies

Former NextEra Energy chairman and CEO James L. Broadhead died Wednesday at the age of 88.

Broadhead led the company from 1989 to 2001 when it was known as Florida Power and Light Group. He previously served in roles with GTE Corporation and St. Joe Minerals Corporation. He was a member of the boards of directors for Delta Air Lines, the Pittston Company, New York Life Insurance Company and a trustee emeritus of Cornell University.

“Jim Broadhead altered the trajectory of our company, was a leader in our industry and he helped make Florida a better place to live and work,” said NextEra Energy chairman, president and CEO John Ketchum in a press release. “He was an incredible businessman, leader, mentor and friend to so many of our team members, both past and present. Jim changed our company’s culture for the better and we will continue to carry his legacy forward.”

NextEra owns and operates Bluff Point Wind Energy Center in southern Jay County and northern Randolph County.

Named to board

Advance Auto Parts on Thursday announced the appointment of A. Brent Windom, Gregory L. Smith and Thomas W. Seboldt to its board of directors.

The appointments are in connection to a cooperation agreement with Third Point LLC and Saddle Point Management.

“We are pleased to welcome Brent, Greg and Tom to the Advance Auto Parts board,” said board chair Gene Lee. “These directors’ automotive industry and supply chain experience will help us progress in our plan to return the company to profitable growth. With new management in place, important strategic actions underway, and an enhanced board, we are confident that Advance is on the right path to create significant long-term value for shareholders.”

Leeward launches

Leeward Renewable Energy’s Horizon Solar has started operations in Texas.

The 200-megawatt solar project in Frio County, Texas, will provide energy to Verizon Communications. It is the company’s second solar project in Frio County, joining the 200-megawatt Morrow Lake Solar.

“LRE is pleased to have completed another successful project that will provide our longstanding customer, Verizon, with renewable energy,” said Omar Aboudaher, LRE’s Sr. Vice President, Development. “None of this would have been possible without the supportive, wonderful community in Frio County, who welcomed our team and this project.”

Leeward is planning Rose Gold Solar just north of Dunkirk. The company recently approached Jay County Council about adjusting its timeline for the project because of delays with the grid interconnection process.

School tops rankings

Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs received the most No. 1 speciality rankings in the 2024-25  U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate School rankings released last week.

The O’Neill school ranked No. 1 among public institutions and No. 2 among all colleges and universities in the category of public affairs graduate programs. It marked the eighth straight year in which the school has been ranked first or second nationally.

“This year’s rankings again demonstrate that graduate programs across the university have earned their rightful place among the nation’s best,” said IU president Pamela Whitten in a press release. “The impact of our dedicated faculty and the excellent graduate programs offered on Indiana University’s campuses is unmistakable. Through their students and alumni, these programs strengthen the vitality of Indiana, our nation and the world through a commitment to transformative research, bold innovation and a desire to improve communities.”

Airport is No. 1

Electronics Hub recently named Indianapolis International Airport as No. 1 in North America and among the top 10 worldwide for its wifi connectivity.

The organization based the rankings on review of international airports on Skytrax.

“Wi-Fi connectivity is a significant factor in airport customer experience, from the travel journey showing boarding passes to app-driven self-check-in, along with people striving to stay connected while traveling or to help pass the time for entertainment purposes,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director, in a press release. “IND has made providing that connectivity a priority, and it shows in how people rate Indy’s airport.”