Community News Archives for 2020-01

Indiana State Department of Health launches effort to help prevent child fatalities

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has launched a new pilot program aimed at reducing serious injuries to children caused by abuse or neglect with support from a new federal initiative.

 

Through the Child Safety Forward grant, ISDH has partnered with the Indiana University School of Social Work to conduct the pilot program in Clark, Delaware and Grant counties. Working through the local Child Fatality Review teams, ISDH will also collaborate with the Indiana Department of Child Services to help identify cases for review.

 

The U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime is providing $750,000 over three years and assistance from experts in addressing child maltreatment injuries and fatalities. ISDH is one of five agencies nationwide that has been awarded a federal grant to reduce and prevent child abuse or neglect deaths and injuries.

 

“It’s vitally important that we do everything we can to protect children,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “This grant boosts our efforts to protect Indiana babies and children by helping community partners identify risk factors, improve response systems and ultimately keep more kids safe.”

 

The initiative will:

  • Engage the local Child Fatality Review teams to examine cases from 2014-18 to understand the risk factors and circumstances that contributed to the tragedies.
  • Conduct a needs assessment to identify areas of opportunity for improved services and response.
  • Recommend plans for intervention for a more coordinated response that can help strengthen services and prevent future incidents.
  •  

“If we understand the caregiver stress factors that put children at risk of abuse or neglect, we can take steps to intervene before a life is lost,” said DCS Director Terry Stigdon. “I am encouraged by the opportunity to collaborate with the Indiana State Department of Health to improve outcomes for those we serve.”

 

The national Alliance for Strong Families and Communities is a Washington, D.C.-based strategic action network that works to achieve a healthy and equitable society. The Alliance will provide technical assistance and coaching, including case evaluation, digital mapping and safety practices.

In 2018, 65 child fatalities were determined to be a direct result of abuse or neglect. Delaware, Clark and Grant counties have injury deaths among children that are above the state average.

 

Child Fatality Review was established by legislation in Indiana in 2006. Participation in Child Fatality Review was voluntary until 2012, when changes to Indiana law mandated regional teams and placed Child Fatality Review under ISDH.

Ag Outlook set for Feb 3

The Purdue Extension-Shelby County Office will be hosting an Ag Outlook Meeting on Monday, February 3rd starting at 11:30 AM in the Shelby County Extension Office Education Room. Purdue Ag Economist Michael Langemeier will present his forecast for Agriculture in 2020.

 

A lunch sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America will be provided.

 

Dr. Langemeier offers these thoughts before his arrival:

“Where is U.S. agriculture headed in 2020? Will low crop prices finally “turn the corner” and begin to recover, or are we locked in a period of low-for-long? Have the markets already factored in the trade deals?”

 

Indiana’s crops and the eastern corn belt had a rugged start last spring but most regions recovered. This program will discuss the latest local and national USDA yield estimates along with price prospects and potential marketing strategies for corn and soybeans.

 

Farmers have been trying to push costs per bushel lower. How much progress have they made and what are the prospects for lower input costs in 2020? How can crop farmers adjust to tighter, or even negative margins?

 

How will acreages shift among corn, soybeans, and wheat in 2020? What farm and agribusiness management strategies will work best in the current economic environment?

 

We have a new Farm Bill. What are some of the preliminary impacts as it is rolled out? What option should I pick to best benefit my farm?

 

What about land values and cash rents? How much did they change in 2019 and what might be the direction for 2020 and beyond?  What will be the drivers to watch?”

 

This program is free but we ask that you please register ahead of time so that we can plan the meal. Space is limited to the first 25 registrants.  You may e-mail shelbyces@purdue.edu or call the Extension Office at 317-392-6460 if you plan to attend.

Union Savings & Loan hires Kaci Bennett for new Rushville branch

Union Savings and Loan Association is proud to announce that Kaci Bennett has joined the USLA team as the Branch Manager of their new Rushville bank.  The new office is under construction on SR 3 and US 52 on the south side of Rushville, and will be open for business in early 2020.

Kaci has 12 years experience in banking, with 6 of those in Rushville, and also extensive experience in the insurance industry.  As Branch Manager, Kaci will be able to assist customers with all kinds of financial needs, from deposit accounts to auto, personal and home equity loans.

A resident of Rush County since she was 4 years old, Kaci is a 2005 graduate of Rushville High School, and married to Todd Bennett.  She has 3 children, Conner, William, and Molly, who keep her busy with sporting events and activities. She also volunteers for the Rushville Food Pantry.

“We are extremely happy to have Kaci as our Rushville Branch Manager,” says President Melissa Myers.  “We always place a priority on hiring local individuals who are involved in the community. Kaci is a great addition to our staff who will help us serve Rush County residents.”

To contact Kaci, call USLA’s Connersville office at (765) 825-2171 (where she is training for Rushville), or email her at kbennett@uslabank.com

National Pie Day Freebies and Deals 2020

If it weren’t for Charlie Papazian, we wouldn’t have National Pie Day to celebrate. Papazian, an American nuclear engineer, teacher and an absolute pie lover, declared Jan. 23 (his birthday) to be National Pie Day. And we should all be thankful for that.

Pies are delicious, we can all agree. From pumpkin, to pecan, to apple, to all sorts of different kinds, everyone can find something that they truly love. So to celebrate this delicious holiday, we’ve rounded up the best deals and freebies available at your favorite restaurants and bakeries. Plus, we surveyed 1,000 Americans (via Google surveys) to find out their favorite pie and broke it down by state. And last but not least, we’re sharing an apple pie recipe from one of our favorite bloggers.

National Pie Day Survey Results

a graphic of America

a map of the United States with each states

National Pie Day Deals & Freebies

Disclaimer: Please read all coupon details and call your local restaurant to make sure the offer is eligible for your location.

Bakers Square: Get $2 off whole pies for National Pie Day. The deal runs from Jan. 20 to Jan. 23. You can also get a free slice of pie every Wednesday with any entrée and beverage purchase.

Coco’s Bakery Restaurants: Get a free slice of pie every Wednesday when you purchase an entrée after 11 a.m.

Grand Traverse Pie: Get a free slice of pie with any purchase on National Pie Day.

Kohl’s: Kohl’s has a variety of pie pans, dishes and slicers. Go here to see the retailer’s latest promo codes.

Marie Callender’s: Get an appetizer, two entrees and two slices of pie for $25 when you order from their Pair & Share menu.

O’Charley’s: Get a free slice of pie with the purchase of an entrée.

Shari’s: Get a free slice of pie when you join the Shari’s Cafe Club and a free slice on your birthday. Also, get a free slice of pie with the purchase of an entrée every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sur La Table: Sur La Table has a variety of pie pans and dishes. And use this code to get 15% off any order plus free shipping with email sign up.

Target: Find everything you need to bake a pie at home, from pie pans to ingredients. And get free 2-day shipping on select items over $35.

Village Inn: On Wednesdays, the chain offers a free slice of pie with the purchase of a dine-in entrée. And, get $2 off any whole pie for National Pie Day between Jan. 20-23.

Walmart Grocery: Order frozen pies or all the ingredients you need to make your own pie via Walmart Grocery. Get $10 off on orders over $50.

Impossibly Easy Apple Pie recipe by Melissa Johnson

Ingredients:

  • 2 refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp. sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 1/2 lbs. golden delicious apples [or Granny Smith apples], peeled, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten with 2 tsp. water
  • 4 cups Breyers® Natural Vanilla Ice Cream
  • 1 pouch Breyers™ Caramel Flavored Ice Cream Sauce

Instructions:

  • Line 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust. Leave edges overhanging; chill until ready to use.
  • Combine 1/2 cup sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt in large bowl. Add apples and lemon juice and toss to coat. Arrange apples in prepared pie crust, mounding in center. Place second crust over apples and press gently to adhere to lower crust. Fold overhanging crust over; flute edge and cut a small hole in center to vent. Chill 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Brush pie with egg wash. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Place on baking sheet in the lower third of the oven. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake additional 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until apples are tender, filling is bubbling and crust is golden. Cool on wire rack before serving.

For more delicious recipes like this one, visit Melissa’s blog Best Friends For Frosting.

Indiana to accept tax filings starting Jan 27

If you want to get your 2019 income taxes done and over with, you'll soon be able to file them with the state.

 

The Indiana Department of Revenue will start accepting tax filings on Monday, January 27.

 

Once you get the paperwork done, don't rush to submit it -- make sure the form is complete and correct or your tax return will likely be delayed, IDOR said Thursday.

 

The deadline to file income taxes is Wednesday, April 15.

Century and Half Century award application deadline February 10

The Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Indiana businesses that have remained in operation for 50 to 100 plus years and have demonstrated a history of community service.

 

Indiana companies that have been in operation for 50 to 99 years and meet program criteria are eligible for the Half Century Award. Indiana companies that have been in operation for 100 years or more and meet program criteria are eligible for the Century Award. Award winners will receive a commemorative certificate and be recognized at a ceremony at the Statehouse.

 

Each business must have had continuous operations in Indiana for at least 50 or 100 years by December 31, 2019. Companies that have been in business for more than 50 or 100 years are welcome to apply for an award.

 

In 2019, the Chamber joined Chamber members at the Governor's celebration of Indiana businesses. Sandman Brothers, Inc. was recognized with a Century Award celebrating 100 years in business. The Cancer Association of Shelby County, Runnebohm Construction Co. and MHP Foundation were each recognized with a Half Century award.

 

A company may only receive Century or Half Century business recognition from the State of Indiana one time. Half Century Award recipients may later qualify for a Century Award. By completing an application the company certifies that it has not previously received the award for which it is applying.

 

The following link to the application and criteria for these awards can be found here: https://iedc.in.gov/programs/century-and-half-century-awards/apply

 

The Shelby County Chamber would like to celebrate our Indiana-based member businesses at this event in 2020. The event will be hosted at the Statehouse in March/April of 2020. Participants will be notified of the date and time 6-8 weeks in advance. Let’s have a great showing to honor the organizations that have achieved these member milestones.

 

Application acceptance begins in January. Applications are due by February 10, 2020. Please let the Chamber know if you have questions or need assistance.

Health officials offer tips to prevent birth defects

Birth defects are the second-leading cause of infant deaths in Indiana, and about 2,500 Indiana babies are born with birth defects each year. Congenital malformations, such as cardiovascular, chromosomal, central nervous system and musculoskeletal defects, contributed to about one in five infant deaths in Indiana in 2018.

 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb has made having the lowest infant mortality rate in the Midwest by 2024 a top priority of his administration. To help accomplish this, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is joining with leading prenatal health organizations during National Birth Defects Prevention Month in January to increase awareness of five critical tips to reduce the chances of having a baby with a birth defect.

 

“While we can’t prevent all birth defects, we can increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby by helping her to be healthier when she conceives,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. 

 

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network’s awareness campaign theme, “Best for You. Best for Baby,” aims to raise awareness of these five tips:

 

  1. Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.
  2. Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine. There are often benefits to continuing treatment throughout pregnancy. Discussing a treatment plan before a pregnancy allows a woman and her healthcare provider to weigh the pros and cons of all options to keep mom and baby as healthy as possible.
  3. Become up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot. Having the right vaccinations, like the influenza and Tdap vaccines, at the right time during pregnancy can help keep a woman and her baby healthy.
  4. Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk for several serious birth defects and other pregnancy complications.
  5. Avoid harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and exposure to alcohol can cause significant birth defects. Smoking during pregnancy can cause dangerous chemicals to damage the placenta and/or reach the baby’s bloodstream, and the opioid epidemic has led to a sharp increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome, premature birth and drug withdrawal in developing babies.

 

ISDH encourages health advocates as well as the general public to be active participants in National Birth Defects Prevention Month, which is also supported by experts from the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, March of Dimes, Teratology Society and MotherToBaby.

 

The complete 2020 NBDPN Birth Defects Prevention Month information packet, including this year’s primary prevention tips, is available online at www.birthdefects.in.gov. All materials can be printed, electronically conveyed or added to websites for distribution as needed. Additionally, resources are available through the ISDH Liv app, a mobile application for women who are pregnant, parenting or planning to be pregnant. It is available for Apple and Android users by searching for Liv Pregnancy App.

 

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.

2019: Businesses plan 27,000+ new Hoosier jobs with record-high average wages; Shelby, Hancock, area companies

Today, Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced the end of a third consecutive, record-breaking year for economic development in Indiana, with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) securing 296 commitments from companies to locate or grow in the state. Together, these businesses plan to invest more than $8.44 billion in their Indiana operations and create up to 27,137 new Hoosier jobs with average wages of $28.60/hour – marking the highest annual records for capital investment and average wages since the IEDC was established in 2005.  

“I’m excited to announce yet another record-breaking year for economic development in Indiana as we work every day to ensure that Hoosiers have the best place possible to live, work and play,” Gov. Holcomb said. "As a state, we have worked tirelessly to create a nationally ranked, pro-growth business climate, and the results have solidified Indiana's reputation as a global destination for business, creating high-quality career opportunities for Hoosiers in the process."

These 27,137 new positions are expected to offer average wages of $28.60/hour, or nearly $59,500 annually, which is above the U.S. average wage and 21% higher than the state’s average wage of $23.01/hour (BLS, 2018). Moreover, of the 296 commitments made, 216 have committed average wages at or above the county average wage, and 56 are between 80-99% of the county average wage. 

Businesses announcing the largest growth commitments, based on the number of new jobs or capital investment planned, in 2019 were:

Growth Trends: 

  • NEW TO INDIANA: The IEDC, in partnership with local communities, secured 80 commitments from businesses in 2019 to establish new operations in Indiana. Of these, 18 were new companies committing to locate startup operations in Indiana, and 62 were companies already established and headquartered elsewhere in the U.S. or around the world; together, they plan to invest $2.04 billion and create up to 9,141 new jobs in Indiana.

    Commitments include: Arizona Isotopes (Arizona-based, Miami County), Energizer Holdings Inc. (Missouri-based, Johnson County), Great Lakes Lamination (startup, Elkhart County), Grinds (California-based, Hamilton County), LifeNet Health (Virginia-based, Hendricks County), PerceptIn (California-based, Hamilton County), Sequel Wire and Cable Company (startup, Marshall County), Sims Bark Co. (Alabama-based, Jackson County), and Opus Packaging (Michigan-based, Boone County).
     
  • FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: Indiana is home to more than 1,030 foreign-owned business establishments that together support 203,000 Hoosier jobs – a number that continues to grow. In 2019, 38 foreign-owned businesses headquartered in 17 countries and territories committed to locating or growing in Indiana. Together, these firms plan to invest $3.1 billion in Indiana and create up to 6,022 new jobs, accounting for 22% of the total new jobs committed in 2019.  

    Commitments include: BraunAbility (Sweden, Hamilton County), Cormo USA (Switzerland, Rush County)DOT America (Germany, Whitley County), Greenleaf Foods, SPC (Canada, Shelby County), Indiana Wheel Corporation (China, Marshall County), Ingram Micro Services (China, Hendricks County), Magna Powertrain (Canada, Delaware County), Marbach America (Germany, LaPorte County), Multimatic (Canada, Allen County), OSR Inc. (Japan, Bartholomew County), Saab (Sweden, Tippecanoe County), SDI LaFarga (Spain, Allen County), Sullair (Japan, LaPorte County), and Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers (Japan, Hancock County).
     
  • LIFE SCIENCES: In 2019, the IEDC secured 43 commitments (+60% from 2018) from life sciences companies to locate or expand in Indiana. Together, these businesses plan to invest more than $968 million (+89% from 2018) and create up to 3,631 new jobs (+94% from 2018) in Indiana.

    Commitments include: Abbott (Hamilton County), Catalent (Monroe County), Expert RN|MD (Marion County), Hill-Rom Services (Ripley County), LifeNet Health (Hendricks County), Mach Medical (Whitley County), Micropulse Inc. (Whitley County), Nexxt Spine (Hamilton County), and PharmaCord (Clark County).
     
  • MANUFACTURING: This year, 160 manufacturers committed to investing more than $5.3 billion to grow their operations here and create up to 14,433 new Hoosier jobs with average salaries above the state’s average wage. These job commitments, which account for 61% of the total 27,137 new jobs committed in 2019, represent growth plans across a number of manufacturing sub-sectors, such as automotive and RV, steel, food and beverage, hardwoods and machinery.  

    Commitments include: Allison Transmission (Marion County), Auto Truck Group (Allen County), Cummins Inc. (Bartholomew County), Common Collabs (Starke County), Creative Works (Morgan County), Franke Plating Works (Allen County), GCI Slingers (Boone County), LightUpToys.com (Clark County), Magna Powertrain (Delaware County), Poynter Sheet Metal (Johnson County), SDI LaFarga (Allen County), and SoChatti (Marion County).
     
  • TECHNOLOGY: In 2019, 44 tech and tech-enabled firms committed to growing in Indiana, planning to create up to 3,851 new jobs (accounting for nearly 15% of the total jobs committed) with average annual wages exceeding $76,000 for new positions. 

    Commitments include: ActiveCampaign (Marion County), Accutech Systems (Delaware County), Anvl (Hamilton County), LHP Engineering Solutions (Bartholomew County), MetaCX (Marion County), and Zotec Partners (Hamilton County).
     
  • SMALL BUSINESS: Along with these 27,137 committed jobs, the IEDC also works to support entrepreneurs and small businesses through the Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Indiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). In 2019, the Indiana SBDC assisted in 406 new business starts and in the creation of 4,360 new jobs. Additionally, the Indiana PTAC registered 312 new clients and helped secure more than $162 million in federal government contracts that allowed businesses to grow and create 433 new jobs for Hoosiers.

IEDC incentives offered for these 296 commitments are conditional, meaning a company must create new jobs or provide workforce training in order to be eligible to receive incentives, and are based on new payroll for Hoosiers in order to protect taxpayer money while simultaneously attracting high-wage jobs and new investment to the state. The IEDC offered an average incentive of $0.21/new payroll dollar committed in 2019. 
 
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov

 

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