Mercer Health awards scholarships

Three local students were among the recipients of scholarships from a health care organizations.

The Medical, Educational and Development (MED) Foundation of Mercer Health announced $20,000 in scholarships for high school students, including for Fort Recovery’s Allison Knapke, Trevor Heitkamp and Megan Evers.

Knapke plans to study nursing to become a nurse practitioner at Ohio State University. Heitkamp will pursue a degree in biochemistry at Roberts Wesleyan University and Evers plans to study radiographic imaging at Rhodes State College.

“We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 MED Foundation Scholarships and to highlight each of their educational journeys,” Deb Hemmelgarn, MED Foundation and volunteer services director, said in a press release. “We are proud to support the goals of these aspiring students in our community who aim to contribute to the future of health care.”

The recipients were selected based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, volunteerism and plans for higher education.

Book drive set

A bank with local branches will hold a drive in an effort to help improve financial literacy.

First Financial Bank’s book drive is scheduled for May 6 through 24 at various area locations.

The bank will accept donations of books at its locations at:

•112 N. Meridian St., Portland

•211 W. Pearl St., Union City

•101 W. Washington St., Hartford City

Following the drive, books will be delivered to area schools, libraries and non-profit organizations in the community.

“This will be a fun drive for everyone involved, and we’re looking forward to filling every one of these book bins,” said First Financial chief corporate responsibility officer Roddell McCullough in a press release. “Reading and financial literacy often go hand in hand, so this is an opportunity to team up with the community to help our neighbors improve their financial wellbeing.”

 A list of recommended books on finance will be available in each financial center. First Financial also offers tools and resources at bankatfirst.com. 

Manager named

First Bank of Berne recently named Jayde Ketring as its new agribusiness banking manager.

Ketring, who works out of the bank’s Bluffton branch, started her career in seed sales before shifting to banking. She is a graduate of Purdue University and Southern Wells High School.

“I am fully confident that Jayde will lead First Bank of Berne’s agribusiness division to new heights of success,” said First Bank of Berne president and CEO Kent Liechty in a press release. “Her expert understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the agribusiness industry are essential to our ability to help clients achieve financial goals and sustainably grow their operations.”

Hatchery granted

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced funding last week for 23 clean energy projects, including $534,225 for Berne Hi-Way Hatchery.

The business will use the grant to purchase and install a 489.72 kilowatt solar array. It is expected to save nearly $64,000 in energy costs annually.

“Clean energy is not only important for the well-being of our planet, but it is also crucial in ensuring the prosperity and sustainability of rural Indiana. By investing in clean energy projects, we are not only protecting the environment but also creating new opportunities for our communities,” Dr. Goodin stated, “These projects not only provide clean energy solutions but also create jobs and stimulate local economies.”

Hosting walk

Adams Health Network Foundation will host March for Mental Health from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 3, in support of Adams Behavioral Health.

The walk is three quarters of a mile around Adams Memorial Hospital. It is intended to raise awareness to break the stigma with mental health needs.

Hosting seminar

Indiana District Export Council, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Northeast

Indiana Regional Partnership will host a seminar May 8 regarding business opportunities with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The event will feature Ted Osius, president and CEO of U.S. ASEAN Business Council and Scott Glaze, chairman and CEO of Fort Wayne Metals. Tickets are available at indianadec.org.

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. Tuesday 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.

Lilly acquires

Eli Lilly and Company announced plans last week for Lilly to acquire a manufacturing facility from Nexus Pharmaceuticals.

Lilly is purchasing a facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. It will expand the company’s global parenteral (injectable) product manufacturing network.

“The acquisition of this state-of-the-art facility underscores our unwavering commitment to growth and innovation, and we look forward to welcoming talented new Nexus colleagues to Lilly from the Pleasant Prairie facility,” said Edgardo Hernandez, Lilly executive vice president and president for manufacturing, in a press release. “We are investing boldly to serve our patients, to meet product demand and to build capabilities for our robust pipeline of the future.”

Meetings scheduled

The Indiana Office of Energy Development will host a series of meetings as part of the process of planning, designing and implementing a federally funded home energy rebate program.

The office will be seeking public input on the rebate, for which implementation is planned for the fall.

A virtual kickoff meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. (Register by visiting in.gov/oed.)

In-person meetings will be held at four locations around the state in May and June. Meetings include 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, in Indianapolis, and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in Fort Wayne. (Specific locations have not yet been announced.)

“We are seeking engagement with Hoosiers across the state so that we can reach as many qualified applicants as possible when these programs are made available,” said Ryan Hadley, executive director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development. “Input is a critical element to ensure we develop a robust and well-run program.”

A virtual closing session will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 27.

Adding option

Greater Indiana and Southwest Michigan McDonald’s locations have added the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy sandwiches to their menu.

The sandwich features Southern-style fried chicken, Cajun ranch sauce, bacon and pickles on a toasted potato roll. It will be available for a limited time.

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