Klenke receives state award

A local healthcare official was honored with an award last week.

The Ohio Hospital Association presented Mercer Health CEO Lisa Klenke with its Leadership Award during its annual recognition dinner last week in Columbus, Ohio.

Klenke has worked in healthcare for more than 30 years, including 20 as Mercer Health’s chief nursing officer and a dozen as its CEO. She led the facility to an America’s Best-in-State Hospitals designation this year.

She also served for 16 years on the Ohio Board of Nursing, including a term as its president.

“Lisa’s leadership has profoundly shaped healthcare in our community,” said Mercer Health vice president of development marketing and communications Mindy Kremer in a press release. “Her dedication to ensuring quality care and fostering innovation is truly inspiring.”

Hosting update

Ball State University will host a community update on Village revitalization at 6 p.m Wednesday, June 4, in the Legacy Room at Cornerstone Center for the Arts.

The event will feature an update from BSU president Geoffrey S. Mearns. It will include details about the performing arts center and hotel scheduled to open in summer 2026, the Center for Innovation and Collaboration and apartments.

“These community events have been well attended, and I’m grateful for the strong interest in this project,” Mearns said in a press release. “With construction underway on several sites, we’re seeing real progress.”

Cornerstone is located at 520 E. Main St., Muncie.

For more information, visit bsu.edu/thevillage.

Certification earned

Adams Health Network announced last week that it has completed geriatric nursing education through the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders.

The program is designed to help healthcare organizations improve the care of older adults. It covers topics such as helping older patients with falls, confusion, immobility and medication management.

“This certification reflects our dedication to clinical excellence and our deep respect for the elderly members of our community,” said Chris Butler, chief nursing officer at Adams Health Network, in a press release. “Through NICHE, our nurses are empowered with advanced tools, continuous process improvement and evidence-based practices that promote dignity, independence, and quality of life for older patients.”

Grants awarded

Duke Energy recently made grants to three local economic development organizations.

The grants of $5,000 each went to East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance and Grant County Economic Growth Council.

The grant to the regional partnership will go toward creating a new website and marketing materials, as well as supporting attendance at conferences and sales trips to market and promote the region and interact with site consultants. The alliance will also develop a new website.

“This program gives our local economic development partners the tools they need to showcase the strengths of their communities — both at home and on the national stage,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy, in a press release. “It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping influence growth in the state to build competitive, thriving communities.”

Seeking nominees

Indiana Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for its annual awards.

Awards include the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year, NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year and Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year.

“We’re eager to recognize the impressive recipients that make Indiana such a great place —showcasing its brightest is always a highlight of our annual awards dinner,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO, in a press release. “There certainly is no lack of worthy individuals and communities around the state so we hope to receive many nominations for our slate of awards.”

Nominations can be made at indianachamber.com/annu alawards. The deadline is Friday, June 20.

Teaming up

The Indiana Fever has named Old National Bank as its official bank partner.

The partnership will include the Old National Bank Radio Network for broadcasting Fever games, a spotlight in the program and other branded products.

“We’re always looking for ways to support our fans and local communities, and Old National Bank shares that same passion,” said Fever president of basketball and business operations Kelly Krauskopf. “They have not only shown their support for women’s basketball but are committed to shining a light on small businesses that make Indiana special.”  

Old National Bank will also sponsor fan appreciation night on Sept. 9.

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.

Training offered

ServSafe training will be available at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.

An additional session is scheduled for June 24.

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.

Classes available

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host Forklift Safety: Train the Trainer from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.

The event offers in-person and virtual options and will be held at the Indiana Chamber Conference Center in Indianapolis. Participants will learn about training staff on forklift operation.

For more information, or to register, visit indianachamber.com.

Hosting drive

Menards stores are holding a pet supplies drive through the end of May.

Supplies needed include food, treats, feeders, collars and beds. Items collected will be donated to local humane associations.

Donation boxes will be near the next doors at Menards locations, including in Muncie, Richmond and Celina, Ohio.

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