JMH Foundation awards heath care scholarships
The Johnson Memorial Hospital Foundation has awarded 26 scholarships totaling $29,670 to aid financial costs for Johnson County residents pursuing a career in a health-related field.
The 2023 recipient of the Freda P. & Millard R. Montgomery Registered Nursing Scholarship is Josie Ochsner, a Greenwood graduate. Ochsner will receive $1,500 per semester for the duration of nursing school not to exceed four years.
The Katie Robards Memorial Scholarship has awarded $1,000 to six students pursuing health careers: Sarah Bartlett of Franklin, Avery Burress of Trafalgar, Savannah Ponsler of Bargersville, Alyssa Reed of New Whiteland, Libby Roembke of Morgantown and Hailey Williams of Franklin.
The Johnson Memorial Hospital Guild High School Health-Related Scholarship has awarded $1,000: Logan Britt of Trafalgar, Abigail Henderson of Franklin, Hailee Peckinpaugh of Edinburgh, and Abaigeal Wiggam of Greenwood.
The Johnson Memorial Hospital Guild Continuing Education Health Field Scholarship has awarded $1,000 to Alison Kentros of Franklin and Dana Nokes of Mooresville.
The Johnson Memorial Hospital Professional Development Scholarship awards funds in varying amounts to any full or part-time employee at Johnson Memorial Hospital that is in good standing. These funds are designed to cover single, short-term professional development. The 2023 recipients of the scholarship include: Brooke Ahrens, Nicole DeBaun, Megan Dupi, Amy Engle, Katy Howe, Nichole Kirby, Dianna Pierce, Desiree Shadley and Brenda Wilkerson.
Duke Energy to purchase solar power
Duke Energy is expanding its Indiana solar energy resources and is entering an agreement with renewable energy developer Ranger Power for up to 199 megawatts of solar power to serve the equivalent of roughly 35,000 homes.
The company has filed a request with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to approve the agreement. Pending regulatory approval, the energy generated from Ranger Power’s Speedway Solar facility will be sold to the company under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Construction on the 1,700-acre facility located south of Gwynneville in Shelby County began in March 2023. It’s expected to reach commercial operation by September 2025.
Under the company’s most recent Indiana Integrated Resource Plan, Duke Energy is proposing to add 2,218 megawatts of solar power, 450 megawatts of solar with energy storage and 6,200 megawatts of wind energy. These new investments in renewable energy are in addition to the continuing operation of the company’s Crane solar plant in southern Indiana, the recent expansion of its Markland hydroelectric plant and additional solar and wind power the company purchases.
Franciscan oncologist retires after 45 years
Radiation Oncologist Peter Garrett, MD, whose 45-year career included leading Franciscan Health’s cancer program in Central Indiana for the last two decades, joined colleagues at Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indianapolis on Tuesday, June 20, to celebrate his retirement.
“It is impossible to put into words the impact Dr. Garrett has had on our oncology program. He has left an indelible mark on our program through the countless lives he’s touched over his career,” said Terri Ruff, VP and Chief Operating Officer at Franciscan Health Indianapolis. Our oncology program has become nationally recognized under Dr. Garrett, and we are grateful for his steadfast and thoughtful leadership.”
A native of Ottawa, Canada, Garrett worked first at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and left in 1984 to practice in Indianapolis, first with Methodist Hospital, and then Franciscan Health in 2000.
In March 2002, Garrett was appointed medical director of Cancer Services, and chairman of the Cancer Committee, where he contributed to the tremendous growth of Franciscan Health’s oncology services during his 23 years with the program, seeing patients at both Indianapolis and Mooresville cancer centers.
Upon his arrival in Indianapolis in 1984, Garrett joined Cancer Care Group, the largest radiation oncology group in the state, and has served on the staff of 14 different hospitals during his tenure. Garrett led his 100th and final Cancer Committee in May.
