Free dental exams available for kids
Meridian Health Services will offer free dental exams for children next week.
Free dental exams will be available for children up to 18 years old from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at participating Meridian locations.
The exams are part of Give Kids a Smile in partnership with the American Dental Association. They include polishing, cleaning and fluoride application.
Those interested are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling (866) 306-2647.
Participating locations include:
•406 W. Votaw St., Portland
•110 N. Tillotson Ave., Muncie
•308 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond
•911 N. Western Ave., Marion
First Financial Bank announced last week that it gave a total of $4.6 million to charitable causes in 2025.
The bank also reported 16,307 volunteer hours from its employees.
“Our team is proud of our ongoing focus in helping our neighbors thrive so our communities can grow, because this is what makes First Financial stand out,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial, in a news release. “These are impressive results and position us to make an even greater impact in 2026.”
First Financial, which is based in Cincinnati, has locations in Portland, Fort Recovery, Union City and Hartford City.
Menards stores are holding a pet supplies drive through the end of March.
Supplies needed include food, treats, feeders, collars and beds. Items collected will be donated to local humane associations.
Donation boxes will be near the doors at Menards locations, including in Muncie, Richmond and Celina, Ohio.
Impact clears $1.7 billion
McDonald’s released its Economic Impact Report last week showing that the company generated more than $1.7 billion in total gross domestic product impact in Indiana.
The report, in partnership with Oxford Economics, said McDona’ds had a $927 million direct contribution to the state’s grain farming industry. The company said it generated more than $532 million in federal, state and local tax revenue.
McDonald’s employs 28,100 people statewide.
The restaurant also reported that it purchased $66 million in products, including 33 million eggs, in 2024.
Eli Lilly announced Monday that it will buy Orna Therapeutics.
The companies said Lilly will buy the therapy developer for up to $2.4 billion. Orna, which is based in Massachusetts, has been working on new cell therapies in the area of genetic medicine.
“Experiments to date suggest that Orna’s circular RNA platform may deliver more durable expression of therapeutic proteins and therefore unlock treatments that are not feasible with current RNA or cell therapy platforms,” Lilly said in a news release.
Lilly, a pharmaceuticals firm, is based in Indianapolis.
America’s Newspapers Foundation has named Greg Watson as its executive director.
Watson previously served as chief marketing officer for the organization. A Miami University (Ohio) graduate, he spent nearly 20 years with Gannett.
He will work alongside new programming and training director Sara Willard and new director of communications and engagement Cindy Durham.
The new roles represent a restructuring for the organization, which focuses on advocacy and policy leadership for the newspaper industry.
“This structure makes us stronger and more effective,” said Dean Ridings, president and CEO of both organizations. “Advocacy remains essential. But newspapers also need practical programs, strong leadership pipelines and credible research. This approach allows us to deliver all three with greater focus and accountability.”
Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Wellness Council of Indiana is working with Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health to launch Recovery at Work.
The new program is a statewide training series designed to help employers build supportive workplaces for those struggling with substance use disorder. The two-part training sessions will be held in seven counties.
The training sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions in Allen County will be held April 8 and 29. Sessions in Marion County are slated for September.
Applications are open for CenterPoint Energy Foundation’s grants supporting non-profit programs and initiatives focusing on literacy, STEM and workforce development.
Grants are available for non-profit organizations located in CenterPoint’s service area. Priority is given to programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.
The deadline is Feb. 13.
••••••••••