ServSafe scheduled for next week

ServSafe training is held at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Additional sessions are set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 29 and Nov. 26.

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.

Doctor joins

Dr. Brittney Vogel has joined the Mercer Health Medical Group staff at its Celina Pro location.

Vogel will provide medical care for patients of all ages.

 “I am passionate about working together with my patients to determine their health goals and then figuring out how to get there,” Vogel said in a press release. “I am excited for the opportunity to provide care to the Mercer County community.”

INDOT hiring

Indiana Department of Transportation will host winter seasonal hiring events this month.

The hiring events will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. Applicants must have a commercial driver’s license in order to be considered for employment.

Hiring events include one at the INDOT office at 17105 S. Brookville Road, Indianapolis.

Job fairs set

The United States Postal Service will host job fairs across the state this month.

Post office personnel will be available to provide information and answer questions about positions. (Applications are accepted online only at usps.com/careers.) The area job fairs, all of which are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, are as follows:

•Portland — 119 S. Meridian St.

•Dunkirk — 123 W. Commerce St.

•Lynn — 116 S. Main St.

•Decatur — 213 Court St.

•Bluffton — 205 S. Main St.

•Ossian — 106 S. Ogden St.

IU Health sells

IU Health last week announced the sale of its health insurance business to Elevance Health.

Through its plans, IU Health provides Medicare Advantage plans to 19,000 individuals in 36 counties, Fierce Healthcare reported. It also has 12,000 fully insured through its commercial plan.

“Acquiring IU Health Plans reflects our dedication to elevating quality and expanding our product offerings,” said Dave Mull, Medicare market president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, in a press release. “This strategic step aligns with our health equity goals, providing comprehensive access to high-quality care and timely interventions.”

Elevance Health is the parent company of more than a dozen state Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.

Jay School Corporation employees were insured through IU Health for two years before the school board decided last month to switch to Physicians Health Plan.

Lilly expanding

Eli Lilly and Company on Thursday announced plans for a $1 billion expansion of its manufacturing location in Limerick, Ireland.

The new facility will be used to increase production of biologic active ingredients. The Indianapolis-based company also unveiled its new $800 million facility expansion in Kinsale, Ireland.

“These investments will boost the production of some of our medicines, helping millions of people with diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease live the healthiest lives possible,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, in a press release. “We won't stop there — these state-of-the-art facilities will also be equipped to support our promising pipeline molecules of the future.”

Bottle introduced

Ardagh Glass Packaging – North America recently introduced a new 500-milliliter bottle in clear glass to its portfolio.

The new bottle will initially be available in limited quantities.

“Ardagh Glass Packaging continues to evolve its portfolio of American-made glass bottles on the BOB site to meet the demand of craft brewers and beverage producers,” said Rashmi Markan, Ardagh vice president for beer and beverage, in a press release. “The new 500ml Celebration bottles in flint complement a wide variety of beverage brands who are interested in larger-format bottles, offering brand differentiation with a trusted, sustainable glass bottle that fully protects the flavor of their beverage.”

Partnering

Dollar General has announced a partnership with World Central Kitchen in support of the response to Hurricane Francine.

The partnership started Thursday, a day after Hurricane Francine made landfall. World Central Kitchen deployed the Dollar General-supported Rapid Response Field Kitchen, which can provide up to 3,000 hot meals and 1,500 per day for communities that are difficult to reach.

“With more than 20,000 stores in communities across the country, Dollar General is committed to being there for our neighbors, especially in times of crisis,” said Denine Torr, Dollar General’s vice president of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, in a press release. “We are honored to partner with WCK to deliver nourishing meals to provide hope in our hometowns when they may need it most. We hope today’s activation makes a positive difference for our Louisiana neighbors and others WCK will serve in the future.”