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CONVOY — The Zoning Board of Appeals for Tully Township gives notice that a public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 23, at the Tully Township Hall 6278 Mentzer Rd, Convoy, to consider a conditional use permit and zoning variance for Trevor Gibson (Gibson Ground Control LLC), property address: 3165 Lare Rd, Convoy, OH 45832.
Proposed conditional use: To operate landscaping business of Gibson Ground Control LLC at 3165 Lare Rd, Convoy, which is currently zoned as agriculture/residential.
Proposed zoning variance: To build a barn that would differ from current zoning regulation setbacks.
POSTED: 02/10/26 at 3:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation reported a strong increase in participation following Saturday’s Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, with attendance growing from seven participants last year to more than 20 attendees this year.
The workshop served as the kickoff to 2026 Business Boot Camp, a free six-week program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners develop a strong, actionable business plan.
Saturday’s workshop featured a panel of local professionals and business owners who shared practical guidance and real-world experience with attendees. Panelists included Rob Slusser of GreenWay Bank, Alex Brown of Truitt Law Offices, Amber Davis of Red Oak Realty, Kyle Strawn of Leland Smith Insurance Services, Stacey Baer of Shultz Huber + Associates, Inc., and local business owners Mike Lichtle of Laudick’s Jewelry and Shana Mosier of TAG Clothing.
“The turnout we saw this year is a clear sign that interest in entrepreneurship is growing in Van Wert County,” said Brent Stevens, executive director of VWAEDC. “Business Boot Camp is about giving people the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to turn ideas into viable businesses, and we’re excited to build on this momentum as the full program begins.”
The 2026 Business Boot Camp courses will be held at Northwest State Community College’s Van Wert campus on E. Sycamore St. from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from March 3 through April 7. Each session will go in-depth on key considerations needed to craft a strong, competitive business plan.
Participants will have the opportunity to submit completed business plans to the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation by April 17, with final presentations scheduled for April 21. During the final presentations, participants will compete for a range of prizes designed to support new or expanding businesses.
Prizes for the 2026 Business Boot Camp from generous sponsors and community partners include cash awards, a free Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce membership, free booth space at a Main Street Van Wert event, and one month of free rent in a downtown Van Wert space provided by the Van Wert County Foundation.
Anyone with an interest in starting or growing a business in Van Wert County is encouraged to register for the free, six-week Business Boot Camp by calling the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation at 419.238.2999.
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KALIDA — Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc. is excited to announce its Air Command Section Control System, designed for Unverferth Pro-Force dry fertilizer spreaders, has received the prestigious AE50 Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
The AE50 Awards recognize the year’s most innovative products in agriculture, food and biological systems — honoring advancements that demonstrate exceptional engineering achievement and meaningful impact in the markets they serve. Unverferth’s Air Command Section Control technology was selected as one of approximately 50 award recipients by an expert panel of engineers for its ability to enhance application accuracy and help producers maximize efficiency and input savings during fertilizer application.
“Air Command was engineered with real-world field challenges in mind, giving operators greater control and accuracy with every pass across the field and noticeable savings on fertilizer costs,” said Larry Unverferth, president of Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. “Being recognized with an AE50 Award reinforces Unverferth’s commitment to practical innovation directly benefiting today’s farmers.”
Air Command Section Control enables operators to automatically manage four independent spreader sections, helping maintain accurate application control in irregular fields and around waterways, ditches and field boundaries by following a programmed coverage map. Using pneumatic redirection, Air Command provides greater control over material flow and delivers true independent section shut-off without the added cost and complexity of extra conveyor belts or movable spinner platforms. By improving placement accuracy and limiting overapplication, the system helps maximize efficiency and minimize fertilizer waste without sacrificing crop performance.
Unverferth will be formally recognized during ASABE’s annual Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference Feb. 8–11 in Louisville, Kentucky, where honorees from around the world will be acknowledged for advancing the future of agricultural engineering.
POSTED: 01/27/26 at 9:35 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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The Board of Directors of First Federal of Van Wert has announced the promotion of Terra Bonifas to chief administrative officer.
Bonifas has over 10 years of banking experience. She joined First Federal in June, 2020 and served in the lending department before moving into the administrative area.
Bonifias is a graduate of Lincolnview High School and Ohio University. She is active in the community as she serves as a c-chair for the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Committee, secretary for the Lincolnview Athletic Boosters, and treasurer of the Van Wert Rotary Club and the Van Wert Rotary Foundation. She also volunteers for Career Connections and serves as a mentor for the Van Wert County Foundation Learn and Return program. She and her husband, Kirk, reside in rural Van Wert and are the parents of two sons, Madden and Brooks.
“Terra is a tremendous leader,” First Federal President & CEO Brian Renner said. “She has done a wonderful job with every challenge that she has encountered in her time at First Federal. Terra shows dedication and commitment to her team at First Federal and the Van Wert community. We are excited to see Terra continue to grow in her role at First Federal.”
First Federal of Van Wert is a locally owned and operated institution and has been serving the Van Wert community since 1893. First Federal serves the Van Wert community with two locations – 679 Fox Rd. and 820 N. Washington St.
POSTED: 01/18/26 at 9:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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LIMA — For the ninth consecutive year, Superior Credit Union is providing down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. Through their internal program SuperiorFirst, Superior will provide 250 first-time homebuyers a grant of up to $2,000 to purchase their first home.
Superior Credit Union and the Superior Foundation teamed up to provide $500,000 to fund the SuperiorFirst Program. These funds are available January 20.
In 2025, Superior was able to help 200 members purchase their first home with SuperiorFirst. One of those borrowers was the Hise family.
“We decided we wanted to buy a house. [Superior] made us feel comfortable always,” the family said. “This was our first time buying a house and they explained everything really well with no questions or judgement and it was fast.”
“Purchasing your first home can be overwhelming,” said Phil Buell, President and CEO. “We’re delighted to provide funds that help create home ownership opportunities for our members. Purchasing your home generates long-term wealth and we are committed to helping members realize their dream of owning their home.”
Superior Credit Union is the mortgage leader in West Central Ohio, offering a range of products from conventional and adjustable-rate mortgages to construction, FHA and VA loans. Interested members can find more information on SuperiorCU.com.
About Superior Credit Union Superior Credit Union, Inc., headquartered in Lima, Ohio, is a member-owned financial cooperative that serves more than 100,000 members at 25 Western Ohio offices, including one in Van Wert.
POSTED: 01/18/26 at 9:49 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff
Rumors have been around for some time and now it’s been confirmed – Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert is being sold.
In a letter to members, it was noted that after 30 years of ownership, Central Insurance has decided to sell the property to Defiance-based KCC Investment Properties, The Compound, sometime early this year.
The letter, which was signed by Craig Bracken, Willow Bend Director of Facilities and Property Management, and Gary Cooper, The Compound, states The Compound brings a wealth of experience in managing a portfolio of golf courses: Auglaize Golf Club, Harvest Moon Golf Course, and Eagle Rock Golf Club, along with several restaurants: Sweetwater Chophouse, Fired Stone Tavern, The Winery at Harvest Moon, Forked Crick Brewery and The Crick Entertainment Center.
“We are committed to working closely with one another to ensure a smooth transition,” the letter said. We both share a commitment to the property and the community and will continue to build on the foundation Central established. We believe this transition will serve the best interests of Willow Bend and the community, ensuring it remains a place of connection and enjoyment for years to come.”
The sale price and other information about the transaction was not readily available.
VW independent staff/submitted information
GREENVILLE — Spirit Emergency Medical Services is once again investing in the future of emergency medical care by offering a paid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification class beginning February 23. This accelerated, boot-camp–style course is designed to prepare motivated individuals for a rewarding career serving their communities in just six weeks.
Spirit EMS began offering EMT education programs in 2017 and has since helped dozens launch EMS careers, including 19 new EMTs successfully trained and nationally registered in the past year alone. Spirit EMS conducts its in-house EMT classes in partnership with Four County Career Center, with instruction led by Paramedics Josh Henry and Crystal Horne.
Classes run Monday through Friday in an intensive, hands-on learning environment. In addition to classroom instruction, students complete clinical experience both in the hospital setting and on Spirit EMS ambulances, ensuring real-world exposure and confidence upon graduation.
Spirit EMS owners Brian K. Hathaway and Aaron Guthrie have made education and workforce development a core priority for the organization, with a goal of offering at least four EMT classes each year. To make this opportunity accessible, Spirit EMS pays students while they complete training. Graduates who successfully obtain their National Registry EMT certification commit to a one-year employment agreement with Spirit EMS—helping sustain the paid training model while keeping skilled caregivers in local communities.
“This program changes lives,” said Spirit EMS President & CEO Brian K. Hathaway. “Not only are we strengthening the EMS workforce, but we’re providing people a pathway to a respected, meaningful, and stable career helping others.”
“At Spirit EMS, we believe in investing in people. When we train new EMTs, we aren’t just teaching skills—we’re building confidence, creating opportunity, and preparing compassionate professionals who will care for families in their greatest time of need,” Spirit EMS Vice President Aaron Gutherie added. “We are incredibly proud of the success of this program and the dedicated men and women who have come through it.”
Spirit EMS operates multiple EMS stations across western and northwestern Ohio, including Van Wert, and remains deeply invested in the communities it serves.
Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 2, and classes will begin on Monday, February 23.
Those interested may message Spirit EMS on Facebook with questions and can submit an application online at www.spiritmedicaltransport.com.
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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The Board of Directors of First Federal of Van Wert has announced the promotions of Sheila Tumbusch, Stephanie Phillips, and Ashley Metzger. Tumbusch was promoted to senior mortgage loan officer, Phillips was promoted to loan officer/lending manager, and Metzger was promoted to branch manager of the 820 N. Washington St. location.
Tumbusch was promoted from loan officer to senior mortgage loan officer. Throughout her banking career, Tumbusch has received professional certificates in Management and Consumer, Commercial, and Real Estate Lending from The American Bankers Association and Wright State Lake Campus.
“With over 38 years of experience in banking, Sheila brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to helping our community achieve their homeownership goals,” says Brian Renner, President & CEO. “Sheila is another example of a First Federal employee dedicated to helping customers and the Van Wert community thrive.”
Phillips was promoted from branch manager to loan officer/lending manager. She is a graduate of Lincolnview High School and the Ohio State University Lima campus. Stephanie and her husband, Justin, reside in rural Van Wert along with their two children.
Phillips is active in the community as she is a member of the Van Wert Service Club, Young Professionals Club, Main Street Van Wert, and she is the Van Wert City Council Clerk. She also leads the Cougar Leaders Leadership program and assists with Career Connections.
“We’re proud of the development of Stephanie,” Renner said. “She did a wonderful job with the opening of our branch and we’re excited to see her continue to grow in her new role. Likewise, we’re very excited to see Ashley manage our branch location. She brings a wealth of experience and energy. We look forward to seeing her thrive in her role.”
Metzger brings more than 15 years of leadership, banking, and customer service experience to the role, and looks forward to applying her strengths to First Federal. She was born and raised in Van Wert and remains actively involved as the secretary for the Van Wert Cougar Pride Athletic Boosters.
(more…)POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:43 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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NEW BREMEN – Crown Equipment, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, today announced that Alex Dicke will join the company in March, 2026 as senior vice president. He will be the fifth generation of the Dicke family to serve as a senior executive for the company.
Dicke will succeed John Tate, senior vice president, who has announced his retirement after more than 35 years with the company.
“We’re pleased that Alex will be joining the executive leadership team at Crown,” said Jim Dicke III, president, Crown Equipment. “He will play an important role in working with the rest of our senior leaders to continue to grow our global business.”
Alex Dicke joins Crown from Abercrombie & Fitch in Columbus. He is a graduate of the Wake Forest University School of Business.
Crown produces a broad range of forklifts, batteries and chargers, as well as automation solutions and fleet management technologies, and warehouse solutions products and design services.
The company’s global headquarters is located in New Bremen, with regional headquarters in Australia, China, Germany, and Singapore. Its employees number more than 20,300 worldwide.
POSTED: 12/17/25 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Bridgemill Private Wealth to Van Wert with a ribbon cutting and grand opening in Van Wert, marking the firm’s official launch as a new resource for personalized financial guidance in the community.
Founded by Van Wert native Gabe Pollock, Bridgemill Private Wealth is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses pursue their long-term financial goals with tailored strategies and attentive service. Pollock is joined by advisors Ryan McCracken and Gavin Cross, who bring extensive experience and a shared commitment to client-focused financial planning.
“We’re excited to open our doors in Van Wert and to invest in a community where we grew up and believe in,” said owner Gabe Pollock. “Our team is passionate about building lasting relationships and helping clients feel confident about their financial futures.”
The ribbon cutting event brought together local leaders, clients, friends, and community members to celebrate the firm’s opening and its commitment to serving Van Wert and the surrounding area.
For more information about Bridgemill Private Wealth or to schedule a consultation, contact Bridgemill Private Wealth 13699 Jennings Road Van Wert, 419.413.4420.
POSTED: 12/04/25 at 9:51 am. FILED UNDER: Business
