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Tsunami Express Car Wash announced on Tuesday it has closed the acquisition of 53 Take 5 Car Wash locations, including one in Van Wert, from Whistle Express Car Wash, marking a major step forward in Tsunami’s Midwest expansion strategy. With this acquisition, Tsunami Express grows its operations to 74 locations across nine states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
“These locations are a strong fit for our growth strategy,” said Chris Schuldt, CEO of Tsunami Express Car Wash. “They expand our footprint into high‑priority markets and allow us to quickly introduce our premium Tsunami experience to new communities.”
As part of the acquisition, Tsunami Express will rebrand all acquired locations and invest in its signature Tsunami CleanTech experience including best-in-class equipment, premium amenities and enhanced member experience.
POSTED: 09/09/25 at 10:49 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
Leland Smith Insurance Services has teamed up with Goodville Mutual Casualty Company to make a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice, Westwood Behavioral Health Center, in recognition and support of the ongoing and significant efforts of Westwood Behavioral to make a positive, lasting impact on the health and well-being of families in the Van Wert, Mercer, and Paulding counties.
Westwood Behavioral Health Center, is a private, non-profit whose mission is to provide a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health care services. These are provided through prevention, intervention, counseling, case management and referrals to appropriate levels of service in a client-centered environment, in a manner that enhances the quality of life and promotes human dignity.
“We believe that some of the conditions we address are preventable and that all are treatable with the appropriate support services and support systems,” Leland Smith Insurance Services said in a press release. “The Center continuously strivesto evaluate, improve, and maintain the quality of client care, in anticipation of changing community needs.”
We’re grateful to Goodville for helping us raise awareness of this local, charitable organization and shine a light on how these critical services benefit our local community,” said Randy Myers, Agency Founder, Leland Smith Insurance Services.
Established in 1984, Leland Smith Insurance Services has grown from a single entity to a large agency with small agency values comprising many branches. Based in Ohio, our operating license also covers insurance services in Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. At Leland Smith offers a wide range of insurance services covering home, auto, life, farm, business, senior products, long-term care, and disability.
Founded in 1926 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Goodville Mutual insures homes, autos, farms, commercial businesses, and churches in eight states. Goodville Mutual makes its products available to members through professional independent insurance agents.
POSTED: 09/05/25 at 2:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Van Wert Counseling Offices is pleased to welcome Megan Chiles, MSW, LISW, to its clinical team.
Megan began her career in social work in 2021 and has been providing therapy services since, working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings, including schools, crisis intervention, and outpatient care.
Megan uses a warm, empathetic, and strengths-based approach. She believes in creating a safe and collaborative therapeutic space where healing, growth, and insight can flourish. Her clinical practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness strategies, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)—a trauma-informed modality designed to help clients process and resolve distressing experiences quickly and effectively.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Huntington University and a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She is passionate about helping others build stronger relationships and develop tools for long-term emotional wellness.
Van Wert Counseling Offices looks forward to the positive impact Megan will have on clients and the local community.
POSTED: 08/13/25 at 9:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
Officials at First Federal of Van Wert have announced Monday, August 18 as the date the bank’s second location will open its doors for business.
The branch is located at 820 N. Washington St. and will offer the same banking products and services that are offered at First Federal’s Fox Road location, plus some new technology to better serve customers.
“The employees and board are thrilled with the branch and what it will provide for our community,” said Brian Renner, President/CEO at First Federal. “We are excited for this chapter in the long history of First Federal.”
First Federal will hold a private preview for invited guests on Friday, August 15. There will be an open house for all community members from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, August 16, followed by normal business hours grand opening day on August 18. Light refreshments will provided by Convoy Road Coffee Roasters.
“As a local community bank, we believe in the future of Van Wert,” Renner said. “By opening a second branch location, we are showing our commitment to the community that we want to see Van Wert thrive.”
“We are excited to continue to invest in Van Wert,” Administrative Officer Terra Bonifas added. “The Van Wert community remains our priority as we continue to grow and offer an easier and more convenient banking experience for our customers.”
First Federal was first organized on January 9, 1893. In 1997, the back moved to its Fox Road location. In 2021, the institution added on to the Fox Road branch while also remodeling the interior to better assist customers.
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Alexander & Bebout, Inc., northwest Ohio’s experienced, professional, design-build partner, will host a special 60th anniversary open house from 2-7 p.m. at the Alexander & Bebout office, 10098 Lincoln Highway, Van Wert.
Serving both residential and commercial clients since 1965, Alexander & Bebout, Inc. has built a reputation for delivering high-quality construction solutions across northwest Ohio. The firm takes pride in turning blueprints into reality and in helping clients build teams, dreams, and futures.
The open house is Alexander & Bebout’s way of saying thank you to the community that has supported them for the past six decades. Everyone – past clients, local businesses, community members, friends, and family – is welcome to stop by and celebrate with us. The event will feature:
- Office and design studio tours showcasing Alexander & Bebout’s newly remodeled space
- Complimentary drinks and snacks
- Raffles and giveaways
- A chance to meet the Alexander & Bebout team and learn more about what the firm does.
POSTED: 07/31/25 at 8:00 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
Citizens National Bank (CNB) has announced the promotion of Bain Wannemacher to assistant vice president. In his current role, he has been responsible for facilitating home purchases and refinances, home equity, and other retail loan lending.
He started his career in insurance and supply sales and had a six-year stint as a business owner.
“I am excited to continue my role with the top-notch team here at CNB,” Bain stated. “I have always appreciated the way CNB puts its customers first and makes an impact. I look forward to my continued involvement in the community, working with realtors, and helping customers navigate the process of homeownership.”
Al Saylor, Van Wert Market President, states, “We are pleased at how quickly Bain has learned the process and excelled,” Van Wert Market President Al Saylor said. “He has a real passion for working and being part of the community. His experience in insurance and business ownership has proven to be a great addition to the team. I look forward to seeing his continued work with our customers, walking them through the home-buying process, as well as beginning the process of learning other types of lending.”
In his free time, Wannemacher spends time with his wife of six years and their daughter, as well as golfing and working out. Those interested in reaching out to Wannemacher to begin their home purchase or get pre-approved can call 800.262.4663, ext. 533.
POSTED: 07/30/25 at 7:58 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
PAULDING — Paulding Putnam has partnered with the Village of Payne to bring free public Wi-Fi to community spaces and fiber internet access to Payne residents and businesses, including those who are not electric members of Paulding Putnam.
Through this partnership, Paulding Putnam will provide public internet of 1gig upload/1 gig download speeds at no charge to the following locations:
- Payne Fire Department
- Village of Payne Offices
- Payne Village Water Works
- Payne Community Park
- Buckeye Park
“This is about more than internet — it’s about access, connection, and community,” said Randy Price, President and CEO of Paulding Putnam. “We’re proud to support Payne with public Wi-Fi in parks and public buildings, and to offer high-speed fiber service to all homes and businesses in the village.”
“It’s been an honor to partner with Payne Mayor Lora Lyons,” said Nick Eltzroth, Chief Operating Officer. “Her forward-thinking approach will have a lasting impact on the village. Our goal is to help create communities where everyone—students, grandparents, local leaders, remote workers, and neighbors from all walks of life—has the access they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”
Internet service available to all Payne residents
Paulding Putnam is bringing fiber internet service to the village, and everyone is eligible to sign up, even if they do not have electric service from Paulding Putnam. Residents will soon receive letters with plan and pricing details. Information is also available at www.PPEC.coop/fiber, where residents can view packages and submit their interest.
(more…)POSTED: 07/25/25 at 8:51 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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MIDDLE POINT — Horror, comedy, and nostalgia fans, get ready – Butch Patrick, best known as “Eddie Munster” from the classic TV series The Munsters, is coming to Van-Del Drive-In on Wednesday, July 23, as part of the Munster Go Home Summer Scream Series, a thrilling drive-in movie tour celebrating the 60th anniversary of Munster, Go Home!
This one-of-a-kind summer event features a special screening of the cult-classic film Munster, Go Home! along with an unforgettable in-person appearance by Butch Patrick himself. Butch will also be showcasing his legendary coffin car, “Dragula”—as built by Hollywood car customizer George Barris—as well as “Eddie’s Chopper,” a custom Munster-themed motorcycle.
In addition, Butch will be filming interested fans for a sequence in an upcoming Summer Scream Series movie scene. Fans will have the chance to meet Butch, take photos with the Dragula and Eddie’s Chopper, get autographs, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of TV’s most iconic families.
Adding to the fun, the event will feature:
- A chance to be in a scene or work behind the scenes on The Summer Scream Series Film Production
- A Scream Queen Contest, where fans can compete for the title of “Best On-Screen Scream”
- Classic car and motorcycle displays
- Local sponsors highlighting outstanding businesses and community favorites
“I’m excited to hit the road and bring this event to drive-ins across the country,” Patrick said. “It’s a great way to celebrate the legacy of The Munsters and connect with generations of fans young and old who love monsters, movies, motorcycles, hot rods, and good old-fashioned drive-in fun.”
The event will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Van-Del Drive-In on Lincoln Highway in Middle Point. The screening will begin at dusk.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of The Munsters or introducing a new generation to the spooky-fun family, this is the perfect summer night out for all ages.
POSTED: 07/20/25 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Van Wert Counseling has announced a significant and exciting development in the life of the practice.
Longtime team member Katlyn Short, MSW, LISW-S, has officially assumed ownership, marking a new chapter in the organization’s continued mission to provide exceptional mental health services to the community.
Ms. Short has been a dedicated member of the Van Wert Counseling team for many years. Her clinical expertise and commitment to compassionate care make her well-positioned to lead the practice into its next phase. This transition ensures continuity in service and reaffirms the practice’s longstanding values of integrity, professionalism, and client-centered care.
Former owner Susan Burchfield, MS, LPCC-S, will remain actively involved in the practice, continuing to offer counseling, mediation, and therapeutic services. Her ongoing presence provides stability and support during this transition.
Van Wert Counseling is a trusted private practice offering a broad range of therapy services, mediation, and an online parenting course. The clinical team also includes Sarah White, M.Ed., LPC, Britany Inkrott, MA, LPCC, and Stacy McAdams, MSW, LISW-S, each bringing unique strengths and a shared dedication to the wellbeing of individuals and families throughout the region.
Under Ms. Short’s leadership, Van Wert Counseling remains steadfast in its mission to deliver accessible, high-quality mental health care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
POSTED: 07/17/25 at 8:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
PAULDING — Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (now known as Paulding Putnam) proudly introduced its bold new brand during its annual Member Appreciation Day event on July 12, celebrating the cooperative’s history and future. With over 1,200 members, families, and guests in attendance, the event marked a major milestone in Paulding Putnam’s 90-year legacy of service.
The new tagline — “A Legacy of Power. A Future of Connection.” — honors the cooperative’s strong foundation while signaling its forward-thinking direction. Based on last year’s member survey, the co-op simplified its name to the familiar “Paulding Putnam,” uniting both its electric and internet services under one trusted name. The updated logo now tells the full story: a lightning bolt stretching between the two Ps represents the co-op’s electric roots, while a cable swoosh symbolizes its future with fiber internet.
“A new service deserved a new brand to unite our electric and internet offerings as one,” said Samantha Kuhn, Paulding Putnam’s Marketing and Communications Manager. “We listened to our members and created a fresh identity that reflects where we’ve been — and where we’re going. Two essential services, one trusted cooperative.”
“After 90 years of powering homes and farms, our mission has grown beyond electricity,” added CEO Randy Price. “This new brand captures who we are today — a member-focused, technology-driven cooperative ready to connect our rural communities to the future with high-speed, reliable fiber internet.”
Paulding Putnam announced the launch of its lifestyle-based fiber internet plans designed to meet the unique needs of each household. Once service becomes available, each member will be able to choose from six tailored packages, ranging from casual browsing to ultra-connected smart homes, parental controls, gaming, and home offices. Pricing and plan information can be found online at www.ppec.coop/fiber.
Currently under construction are areas of Paulding and Putnam counties, including Paulding, Blue Creek, Latty, Washington, and Monterey Townships. These areas are expected to go live with fiber service within the next 3-6 months. Members may see contractor ITG out in the field or at their home, installing mainline fiber cable in marked Paulding Putnam vehicles.
(more…)POSTED: 07/16/25 at 12:56 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
