The Van Wert County Courthouse

Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2024

Submitted information

Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative is planning $4 million in investments focused on system improvements that will directly increase the co-op’s service reliability. This year begins a new four-year construction work plan addressing system growth, proactive maintenance, and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) improvements to reduce outage duration.

To continue investing for the future, the co-op will implement a rate adjustment due to rising costs. Effective on the bills received in May, the average residential member using 1,200 kWh a month will see a monthly increase of $26.45, depending on their usage and home circumstances.

PPEC’s costs of doing business have increased substantially since the co-op’s last rate increase in 2018. PPEC is not-for-profit and has held off this increase for six years to minimize the impact on members; however, since 2020, average equipment costs are up 40-60 percent. The PPEC Board of
Trustees – elected by the membership – approved these new rates after the co-op’s third-party Cost-of-Service Study. Members wanting additional information can visit www.PPEC.coop/2024RateAdjustment or watch the PPEC Annual Meeting Broadcast at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 23, online at PPEC.coop, on Facebook, or on YouTube.

PPEC linemen replace a pole. Photo submitted

To maintain the high standard of service PPEC members expect, highlights of the 2024 work plan include:

  • A budgeted 25 miles of old copper line rebuilds across Ohio and Indiana to reduce outage minutes.
    Installing and upgrading new sectionalizing equipment for improved reliability, system durability, and reduced outage time. More than $100,000 is budgeted for these improvements, which will automatically isolate faults and segment PPEC’s electrical system, resulting in smaller outages affecting fewer members.
  • Upgrading equipment in the Baseline substation and maintenance for Antwerp, Cecil, Roselm, Latty, Columbus Grove, and Convoy substations. This will improve service reliability and extend the lifespan of these substations, raising their performance.
  • Installing 150 RF meters to complete PPEC’s smart metering system upgrade. This provides members with improved energy data to monitor usage trends and help make more informed decisions through their online SmartHub account.
  • A new feature coming in April: SmartHub users will receive a new “Home Energy Analytics” tool providing the energy breakdown of each home appliance and projected bill estimations with custom tips to help you reduce your electric bill.
  • Testing 4,000 poles in Crane, Emerald, and Auglaze townships in Paulding County and Delaware, Defiance, and Highland townships in Defiance County through contractor Osmose. Poles are tested on a 10-year rotating cycle; any that fail the test will be replaced.
  • Underground line extensions into new subdivisions (like Kennebec) in New Haven, Indiana. This is the co-op’s fastest-growing area. PPEC saw 202 new services in 2023, with nearly 100 upgrades. · PPEC’s right-of-way tree trimming and vegetation management contractor, Mint City Utility Services, will work in the Antwerp, Cecil, Roselm, and Latty areas.
  • Installing animal guards at various substations to help reduce animal-caused outages.
    Purchasing two new trucks, a digger derrick, and a bucket truck. These are replacing trucks that have reached the end of their duty cycle and will be less prone to mechanical issues. Less time in the shop means more time on the job. These new trucks also have additional features that allow crews to work more safely and efficiently.
  • Executing an electric vehicle study to see the forecasted impact on PPEC’s grid. Members considering an EV should complete the form online at www.PPEC.coop/EV.
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POSTED: 03/04/24 at 4:40 am. FILED UNDER: Business

Counseling Offices of Susan Burchfield and Jules Krizan has announced a name change to Van Wert Counseling Office. Van Wert Counseling Office counselors have over 100 years of combined counseling experience and pride themselves in establishing a safe place where individuals or couples can confidentially go to share the stresses of life, realize their ability, and learn and work well. To schedule an appointment, contact our office at 419-238-1000 or email info@counselingofficevw.com. Pictured are (front row): Susan J Burchfield MS LPCC-S and Jules Krizan MA LPCC-S. Back row: Sarah White M Ed LPC, Britany Inkrott LPCC, and Katlyn Short MSW LISW. Not pictured is Lydia Farley M Ed LPC. Photo submitted

POSTED: 03/04/24 at 4:39 am. FILED UNDER: Business

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On Tuesday, February 20, the Board of Directors of Citizens National Bank officially named Eric Faulkner as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank. Faulkner has been acting President of the bank since 2019. He replaces Mike Romey in the role of CEO.

Eric Faulkner

Faulkner began his banking career at CNB in 2009 in Columbus, heading up the loan participation program. He’s currently a member of the Banker Advisory Board (BAB) for The Graduate School of Banking (GSB) in Wisconsin. He serves as a member of the CBAO Legislative and Regulatory Committee and also the Education and Training Committee, in addition to being a CBAO Board Director. Additionally, he is a member of the ICBA Bank Innovation and Solutions Committee. He’s actively represented the bank through participation in the OBL and CBAO lobbying efforts at both the state and national levels. In August, 2018 he completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, having been voted president of his class, and also received a certificate of executive leadership.

The transition to the CEO title has been a gradual one for Faulkner as he worked closely with the Board over the past five years to help shape the vision for the bank in years to come. Under his leadership, the bank recently surpassed $1 billion in assets, marking a milestone for the bank.

Faulkner received his Bachelor of Science in marketing as well as his Master of Business Administration from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia. He resides with his wife and two children. With offices in Bluffton, Celina, Defiance, Elida, Findlay, Lima, Springfield, Van Wert and Toledo, CNB has been serving the communities of West Central Ohio since 1920.

POSTED: 02/27/24 at 10:12 am. FILED UNDER: Business

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Financial Advisor Eric Hurless of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Van Wert has received the Chartered Financial Consultant, or ChFC, designation.

The course of study to earn the ChFC includes the following topics:

Eric Hurless
  • Planning for business and individual retirement needs
  • Tax-sensitive investment strategies
  • Risk management and insurance
  • Estate and gift-tax strategies
  • Contemporary applications for financial strategies

In addition to the education and examination components of the certification, Hurless will be required to complete a professional recertification program each year, including an ethics questionnaire.

“At Edward Jones, we do more than just invest assets. We invest in our knowledge so we can have a positive impact on the whole financial picture for our clients,” Hurless said. “I plan to carry what I’ve learned in studying for the ChFP immediately into the work I do helping clients achieve their goals.”

Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s more than 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.9 trillion in client assets under care at the end of December 2023.

POSTED: 02/26/24 at 1:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Business

VW independent staff/submitted information

OHIO CITY — Ohio City is welcoming two new businesses to the Village this Saturday, March 2. The grand opening for Pierce Bookkeeping and Bookstore, 501 W. Jefferson St. will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a grand opening for Danny’s Bar & Grill, 120 S. Main St. at 11 a.m.

Special discounts will be given on certain books at Pierce, and a 50-50 drawing, door prizes and drink specials will be offered at Danny’s, along with a live band from 8-1.

POSTED: 02/26/24 at 10:13 am. FILED UNDER: Business

VW independent staff/submitted information

First Federal of Van Wert has announced the launch of a second location in Van Wert. The branch will be located at 820 N. Washington St. and will provide customers and community with increased convenience and accessibility.

“The Board of Directors are excited to bring an additional location to better serve the community,” Chairperson Pat Jackson said. “It reinforces the commitment to our current customers and the desire to earn new customers.”

First Federal of Van Wert President and CEO Brian Renner said this significant investment, coupled with an evolving marketplace, has positioned First Federal to be the premier community bank in Van Wert County.

First Federal of Van Wert is building a new branch on N. Washington St. Photo submitted

“It’s an exciting opportunity for First Federal and the Van Wert community,” Renner stated. “We dedicated many hours of research, and we listened to our customers. There’s a demand for a locally owned and operated bank to help Van Wert continue to prosper.”

“First Federal is dedicated to our core belief to help the community thrive,” he added. “We’re demonstrating our commitment to Van Wert by building this second location.”

The branch, which will be located on 1.5 acres of land at the site of the former Van Wert Inn, will be a fully functioning banking facility with state-of-the-art equipment.

“As we’ve done with our Fox Road location, the new branch will be designed towards helping our customers with all of their banking needs,” Renner said. “We’ll have modern banking conveniences in addition to the standard banking products and outstanding customer service.”

“We like to think that our actions confirm our commitment to the Van Wert community,” said Thad Eikenbary, Commercial Loan Officer. “To First Federal, commitment means engagement, promise and pledge. Those are exactly the actions we are taking by adding this branch location.”

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POSTED: 02/16/24 at 4:55 am. FILED UNDER: Business, News

VW independent staff/submitted information

The much-anticipated Van Wert Area Economic Development’s Business Boot Camp 2024 has started. This immersive journey for aspiring and established entrepreneurs focuses on igniting business growth, knowledge sharing, and fostering community development.

The first of the three-part series – Entrepreneur Workshop was held this past Saturday. The workshop gave attendees insights, resources, and best practices crucial for business success. It featured a diverse panel of local business professionals and community development organizations. Sponsoring community partners are Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, Main Street Van Wert, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, and Van Wert Forward.

Panelists address those in attendance at last Saturday’s Business Boot Camp. Photo submitted

Panelists were:

Cooper Clouse, Speed Pro Machine
Thad Eikenbary, 1st Federal of Van Wert
Stacey Baer, Shultz Huber & Associates
Keri McClure, Keister & Baker
Marie Miller, The Marketing Junkie
Michelle Gunter, Bee Gee Realty
Adam Anspach, Advanced Insurance Group

The panel covered legal considerations, financial strategies, marketing insights, and community resources.

The next series is Business Planning and Coaching Sessions.

Continuing the momentum, the Business Boot Camp will feature free business planning and coaching sessions throughout March and April. Partnering with Northwest State Community College, the sessions will cover essential aspects of business planning, including state and federal requirements, crafting effective business plans, marketing strategies, and financial planning.

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POSTED: 02/15/24 at 4:42 am. FILED UNDER: Business, News

Van Wert’s newest coffee place, Bigby Coffee, opened on Friday and treated customers to free coffee from 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. The new Bigby is at 10280 Ohio 118. This week is Grand Opening Week at Bigby’s, with buy one get one free on Wednesday, a free swag cup with purchase while supplies last on Thursday, and 50 percent off “Bragels” on Friday. Photos submitted

POSTED: 01/08/24 at 4:33 am. FILED UNDER: Business

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KALIDA – Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. is proud to be recently selected as an AE50 award recipient for the innovative design of its new Equalizer SP grain cart tracked undercarriage.

The Equalizer SP track features a 50-inch wide x 128-inch long footprint for over 88 square feet of ground contact for maximum flotation. For maintaining maximum ground contact while travelling, this extra-long long track design features patent-pending cambering of the end wheels with 20 degrees of front-to-rear movement along with 9 degrees of side-to-side movement in addition to the cambering action of the central mounting pivot. The mid wheels can pivot up to 16 degrees from front-to-rear for further maximizing ground contact over rough fields and roads. With the addition of horizontally mounted urethane springs for added suspension, vibration is minimized for reducing machine fatigue and enhancing operator comfort.

Unverferth Manufacturing was selected as an AE50 award recipient for the design of its new Equalizer SP grain cart tracked undercarriage. Photo submitted

The award-winning track is available as an undercarriage option on the largest Brent double-auger grain cart models 2598, 2098 with 2,500 and 2,000 bushel capacities respectively, and the 2,000 bushel Unverferth dual-auger model 2020. It is also standard with an auto-greaser for lubrication of pivot points, minimizing daily maintenance. The original Equalizer tracked undercarriage design earned a spot on the 2015 AE50 awards for its patented central pivot that features side-to side and front-to-rear cambering for maximizing the footprint.

This annual award is sponsored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for celebrating 50 product innovations in the areas of agricultural, food, and biological systems. AE50 competition entries are submitted each fall by companies around the world with up to 50 of the best products chosen by a panel of international engineering experts. The judges select products that will best advance engineering for these industries.

Unverferth Mfg. Co., Inc. is a world-class, family-owned manufacturer and marketer of tillage, seed, hay- and grain-handling equipment along with pull-type sprayers, fertilizer applicators and agricultural dual, triple and specialty wheel products. Unverferth Manufacturing has four manufacturing locations; Shell Rock, Iowa, Kalida and Delphos, Ohio and Lexington, Nebraska.

POSTED: 01/08/24 at 4:33 am. FILED UNDER: Business

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The much-anticipated Business Boot Camp 2024, previously known as LAUNCH!, promises an immersive journey for aspiring and established entrepreneurs, offering a three-part series focused on igniting business growth, knowledge sharing, and fostering community development.

Entrepreneur Workshop (February 2024)

Kicking off the series on February 10, the Entrepreneur Workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Truland Equipment, 10305 Liberty-Union Rd, Van Wert. This workshop will empower attendees with insights, resources and best practices crucial for business success.

Featuring a diverse panel of local business professionals and community development organizations, attendees will gain invaluable knowledge spanning various business facets. The panel will cover legal considerations, financial strategies, marketing insights, and community resources. Community development resources are from Van Wert Area Economic Development, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert, and Van Wert Forward. Attendees can anticipate a detailed agenda closer to the event, promising an engaging and enlightening session.

Business Planning + Coaching Sessions (March and April 2024)

Continuing the momentum, the Business Boot Camp will feature business planning and coaching sessions throughout March and April 2024. Partnering with Northwest State Community College, the sessions will cover essential aspects of business planning, including state and federal requirements, crafting effective business plans, marketing strategies, and financial planning. Registration for these sessions will be available at the Entrepreneur Workshop or by contacting VWAEDC at 419.238.2999.

Pitch Your Plan to Win (May 2024)

Concluding the series in May 2024, the ‘Pitch Your Plan to Win’ segment will allow entrepreneurs to present their innovative ideas to a panel of local judges and potential investors. Winners across industry categories – Retail/Food & Beverage, Other Services, and Skilled Trades—will receive cash prizes and other incentives to support the launch or expansion of their businesses. Collaborating with Van Wert Forward, an exclusive downtown space at a discounted rate will be offered for the Retail / Food & Beverage category.

For more information and updates on Business Boot Camp 2024, contact Van Wert Area Economic Development at 419.238.2999.

POSTED: 12/22/23 at 11:41 pm. FILED UNDER: Business, News