Hosbach leading state association

A local health care provider is leading a statewide organization.

Dr. Edward Hosbach of Mercer Health was recently inducted as the president of the Ohio Osteopathic Association. During the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium in Columbus.

Hosbach, a primary care physician, works out of Mercer Health Medical Group offices in Fort Recovery and St. Henry. He has also been chief medical officer for EverHeart Hospice and the team doctor for the Fort Recovery and St. Henry high school athletic programs.

In 2022, the Ohio American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians honored Hosbach with its Distinguished Service Award.

Hosbach has also served as a Mercer County Health District board member.

Hosting drive

First Financial Bank is hosting a book drive at various locations.

The drive will run from May 5 through 31. It is part of an effort to support financial literacy.

Books can be dropped off at the following locations:

•112 N. Meridian St., Portland

•211 W. Pearl St., Union City

•101 W. Washington St., Hartford City

“In recent years, our book drives have collected thousands of volumes to foster improved financial literacy in our communities, and we’re proud to continue this campaign as another way to help our clients and communities thrive,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial Bank, in a press release.

More than 4,000 books were collected in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois last year.

Hosting event

Ball State University will host a public beam signing event for the new Center for Innovation and Collaboration from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1.

The new facility is part of the university’s Village revitalization project. Planned at 31,400 square feet, the building will serve as a hub for BSU programs beginning in fall 2026. It will include a prototyping studio, an immersive technology lab and various meeting and co-working spaces.

“I had a vision of our University providing a location like this one to facilitate greater interactions between our faculty, staff, and students and the people and companies in our community that want to engage with them,” president Geoffrey S. Mearns said in a press release. “When the Center opens, we will empower more people — our faculty and staff, students, graduates, neighbors and friends — to see themselves as innovators, in their own way.”

Thursday’s event is open to the public.

Director named

Bowen Health has named Brianna Myers as its new director for Jay, Blackford, Delaware, Adams and Wells counties.

Myers was one of six individuals named to management positions at Bowen. She has worked for the organization for eight years.

Bowen Health is a non-profit community health system that works with the underserved in Indiana. 

Alliance launches

The Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County is launching a new brand identity that will roll out through its communications, social media and print materials. A new website will also be launched later this year.

The organization, which works with businesses, investors and community stakeholders, intended to focus its new identity and new businesses and site selectors, existing businesses and local stakeholders.

“Our new brand is more than a new logo or color scheme,” said Traci Dutton, the organization’s vice president of economic development, in a press release. “It’s a reflection of who we are and the value we bring to the businesses, people, and communities we serve. We are focused on growing Delaware County’s economy in ways that are strategic, collaborative, and community-minded. Whether we’re working with a new business, supporting an existing company, or partnering on quality of place efforts, our mission is clear and consistent.”

New item introduced

McDonald’s has added McCrispy Strips to its menu.

The new item has been introduced at some restaurants already and will be available nationwide by May 5. It is the first new permanent menu item for McDonald’s since 2021.

Also being added is a new Creamy Chili Dip.

"Since stepping into my new role as a leader of the U.S. business this year, I've been excited for fans to get to experience our additional chicken offerings," said McDonald’s chief marketing and customer experience officer Alyssa Buetikofer in a press release. "The demand for chicken strips has been remarkable to see across the industry, so we knew we had to deliver something so craveable that it was worth the wait. We took our time, listened to our fans and created a product we knew they would crave. And the best part is we’re just getting started.”

Company suing

Eli Lilly is suing four companies for allegedly selling illegal copies of its weight-loss drug Zepbound.

Lilly, a pharmaceuticals firm based in Indianapolis, filed lawsuits last week against Mochi Health, Willow Health, Fella Health and Delilah and Henry Meds. Firms were allowed to sell copies of the drug during a shortage. Lilly alleges that the companies sold the drug after the shortage expired

"Anyone continuing to sell mass compounded tirzepatide is breaking the law and deceiving patients," Lilly said in a company statement sent to National Public Radio. "We will continue to take action to stop those who threaten patient safety and urgently call on regulators and law enforcement to do the same."

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