Mercer Health awards Poeppelman

A local graduate has been awarded a scholarship to pursue a medical degree.

Mercer Health Medical Staff recently announced that it has selected Cassandra Poeppelman to receive its 2025 Mercer Health Medical Staff Scholarship.

Poeppelman, a Fort Recovery High School graduate, is pursuing a doctor of medicine degree with graduation from Boonshoft School of Medicine expected in May 2029. Her undergraduate research has included exploring respiratory control and developmental physiology.

The scholarship awards $2,000 annually to a medical school student who “has shown a strong connection to Mercer Health or the surrounding communities.” 

“We are pleased to recognize a first-year medical student who is committed to returning to serve this community,” said Dr. Jeff Otte, chief of staff at Mercer Health. “It is encouraging to see local talent investing in the future of rural healthcare, and Mercer Health is proud to support her early clinical development.”

Also, Chartis named Mercer Health as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country. It was the fourth time in the last five years that it has earned the recognition.

For more information about the scholarship, visit mercer-health.com/scholarship-program.

Board adds

Jay County Chamber of Commerce recently announced a list of new board members.

Newly named to the board are Mark Leavell, Rebecca Thornburg, Aaron Helm, Kimbra Reynolds, Jodie Wendel, Afton Ridgway, Michele Goldman, Lindsay Hardyman and Tracy Gross. They join returning board members Josh Stewart, Zach Chenoweth, Randy Stephen, Seth Scott, Shauna Runkle and Dru Hall.

The chamber also welcomed new members Inner Sanctum Piercing & Tattoo, Grandma’s Favorites, Elle & Em Boutique and the Town of Bryant. The chamber will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Inner Sanctum, 326 S. Main St., Dunkirk, at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8.

Hospital adds

Adams Memorial Hospital has installed a new MRI scanner.

The hospital in Decatur now has a Siemens Magnetom Altea 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner as well as a new scan room, technologist’s room and equipment room. The new equipment has been in use since Nov. 11.

Restaurant donates

Regional McDonald’s owners and operators recently delivered holiday-themed socks and festive treats to the Ronald McDonald House at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

The visit coincided with the launch of Round Up for RMHC in the McDonald’s app, which allows customers to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“We’re grateful for the continued support from McDonald’s Owner/Operators, especially during the holidays,” said Jenifer Veatch, CEO of RMHC of Northeast Indiana, in a news release. “Their visits bring comfort, smiles, and a sense of togetherness to families who are going through an incredibly difficult time.”

Bowen names

Bowen Health has opened new clinics offering mental health care, psychiatric services and substance abuse resources in Fort Wayne and Kokomo. 

The new locations are at 1313 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne, and 2312 S. Dixon Road, Kokomo.

“We believe that it won’t take long for you to see what the Bowen difference is,” said president and CEO Dr. Rob Ryan in a news release. “Number one is relational. When you come here, we want to know you by name when you walk in the door. And then there is convenience. Just because you may live in a rural community doesn’t mean you have to forgo the care you need because it’s only available in a larger city. We are so thankful to be part of the Howard County family.”

Also, Ryan has been appointed to the American Hospital Association’s Committee on Behavioral Health.

Bowen Health serves northeast Indiana including Jay, Blackford, Delaware, Adams and Wells counties.

Agreement filed

Indiana Michigan Power filed a joint settlement on its expedited generation resource plan last week with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

If approved, the plan would create a procedure and timeline for Indiana Michigan Power to seek approvals for new energy generation resources. The agreement also involves Amazon Data Services.

“I&M is focused on providing reliable, affordable power to all our customers,” said Steve Baker, I&M’s president and chief operating officer, in a news release. “The ability to acquire the resources we need at competitive prices is important to helping us achieve that goal.”

Organization created

The Indiana Center for Business Ethics has been launched to support businesses in the state.

The non-profit organization works to provide research and education while also partnering with organizations on business ethics. An initial study showed that organizations with ethical practices have greater employee retention, improved employee engagement and better reputations.

The information from the study will be used to help organizations with improving communication, training and leadership.

For more information, visit indianabusinessethics.org.

Association awards

The Indiana Builders Association presented honors recently during its Hoosier Excellence Awards.

Among the awards were:

Remodeler of the Year — Provision Builders owners Jen and Will Miller, New Carlisle

Don Cassidy Associate of the Year — Nick Prentice, chief operating officer of Builders Association of North Central Indiana

Settlement reached

Dollar General has agreed to a payment to settle claims that it overcharged customers.

The retail chain will pay at least $15 million to settle the claims, The Guardian reported. The settlement involves multiple states that allege shoppers were charged higher prices than were posted on the shelves.

It follows a $1.55 million agreement reached earlier this month to settle similar claims in Pennsylvania.

Members added

Ardagh Holdings S.A., the parent company of Ardagh Group, has named Galdino Claro and Richard Navarre to its board of directors. It also appointed Todd Brents as its interim chief financial officer beginning Jan. 1

Claro is an independent consultant who has served for companies including Sims Limited and Harsco Metals and Minerals. Navarre is the retired chairman, CEO and president of Covia Corporation. Brents is a senior partner who leads finance practice with Beckway.

Ardagh owns and operates glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.

Partner named

Subway has appointed Cheong Oh SW as master franchise partner in South Korea.

Cheong Oh SW will support operations of existing Subway locations in the country while also assuming responsibility for expansion, management and development. He has operated Domino’s Pizza in Korea since 1990.

“We are pleased to welcome Cheong Oh SW as our master franchise partner in South Korea,” said Joseph Hsu, president of Subway Asia Pacific, in a news release. “Their leadership and expertise will help drive the next chapter of growth for Subway, strengthening our position as the leading sandwich destination and meeting the growing demand in the market.” 

Courses scheduled

Indiana Chamber of Commerce has several programs coming up.

General Occupational Safety and Health Administration courses will be held beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Also, the Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo will be held from Feb. 23 through 25. It will feature a variety of speakers as well as more than 60 educational sessions. Actor, author and host of “America’s Got Talent” Terry Crews will speak about mental health. Motivational speaker Tim Page-Bottorff will also lead a session on improving safety.

The courses and expo will be held at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Conference Center in Indianapolis.

For more information, visit indianachamber.com.

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