Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
With a Digital Only subscription, you’ll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 765-584-4501 or email business@thecr.com.
Get the News Gazette delivered straight to your door when you purchase a home delivery subscription.
As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 765-584-4501 or email business@thecr.com.
Sorry, no promotional deals were found matching that code.
Promotional Rates were found for your code.
Sorry, an error occurred.
do not remove
Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Welcome! We hope that you enjoy our free content.
Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading.
Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for signing in! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Checking back? Since you viewed this item previously you can read it again.
Areas of patchy fog early. Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 51F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..
Cloudy. Low 28F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: February 10, 2026 @ 2:55 am
RCU launching new grant program
A new grant opportunity will be available to Randolph County businesses.
Randolph County United is launching its Business Support Grant program, with applications available beginning Monday, March 1. An informational session will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the Randolph County United board room.
The grant program offers up to $25,000 for Randolph County businesses that have been in operation for at least 12 months, are in good standing and have not received funds previously through the county’s COVID-era revolving loan fund program.
Grants are for helping businesses prepare for potential future emergencies or shutdowns. Examples of eligible projects include implementing remote work tools, creating remote-friendly job roles and business continuity planning.
Exams offered
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
For more information, visit meridianhs.org.
Bank donated
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.
Hosting drive
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 McDonald’s 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.
To purchase
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.
Leader named
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.”
Launching program
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.
Grant cycle open
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.
For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.
••••••••••
Does your business have news to share? Email us at publisher@winchesternewsgazette.com to be included in our weekly business roundup.
We’re always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what’s going on!
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Clear skies. Low around 30F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Clear skies. Low around 30F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Areas of patchy fog early. Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 51F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Wind: SSW @ 10 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 61%
Wind Chill: 23°
Heat Index: 32°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 20°
Wind: SSW @ 10 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 63%
Wind Chill: 24°
Heat Index: 33°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 21°
Wind: SSW @ 11 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 65%
Wind Chill: 26°
Heat Index: 34°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 23°
Wind: SSW @ 13 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 74%
Wind Chill: 26°
Heat Index: 35°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 27°
Wind: SSW @ 13 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 71%
Wind Chill: 28°
Heat Index: 37°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 28°
Wind: SSW @ 13 mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 70%
Wind Chill: 30°
Heat Index: 38°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 29°
Wind: SSW @ 14 mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 71%
Wind Chill: 32°
Heat Index: 40°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 32°
Wind: SW @ 13 mph
Precip: 9% Chance
Humidity: 72%
Wind Chill: 36°
Heat Index: 43°
UV Index: 1 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 34°
Wind: SW @ 14 mph
Precip: 9% Chance
Humidity: 70%
Wind Chill: 39°
Heat Index: 45°
UV Index: 2 Low
Visibility: 7 mi
Dew Point: 36°
Wind: SW @ 13 mph
Precip: 9% Chance
Humidity: 67%
Wind Chill: 42°
Heat Index: 47°
UV Index: 2 Low
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 37°
Wind: WSW @ 12 mph
Precip: 9% Chance
Humidity: 67%
Wind Chill: 43°
Heat Index: 48°
UV Index: 2 Low
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 38°
Wind: WSW @ 12 mph
Precip: 21% Chance
Humidity: 64%
Wind Chill: 44°
Heat Index: 49°
UV Index: 2 Low
Visibility: 3 mi
Dew Point: 38°
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: