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Donald Traxler, a retired educator, received the Northwestern Ohio Education Association’s District Service Award-Retired. Traxler is retired from a multitiered career in education, having taught from the elementary to the college levels. He...... Full story

Joseph Young has been hired for the position of retail manager at Lima’s Cracker Barrel location. He has been with the company since September 2006, most recently as retail manager in Richmond, Ky. As retail manager of the Lima Cracker Barrel...... Full story

Edward Jones has ranked highest in investor satisfaction for the sixth year out of the past eight, by J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study. The study measures overall investor satisfaction with full service...... Full story

Jennifer Cataline has been named the director of the Hancock County Center for Safe and Healthy Children. Cataline is a 1989 graduate of Findlay High School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1995 from The University of Findlay. She...... Full story

Craig J. Hohenbrink has completed the requirements for certification as a Certified Safety Professional. This certification is awarded to individuals who meet academic standards, satisfy professional safety experience requirements and have passed...... Full story

Joan Knight has been hired by Holiday Inn & Suites as the assistant general manager. She has more than eight years of hotel experience. Knight attended Ohio Northern University. Holiday Inn & Suites is located at 803 S. Leonard Ave., Lima....... Full story

Jack Rodabaugh has been promoted to the Night Shift Warehouse Supervisor for the Omaha, Neb., location. Rodabaugh has been with K&M Tire for five years. During those five years, he held roles as a first shift warehouse employee, a route driver...... Full story

Kendra Kuba has recently obtained the Certified Public Accountant certification. Kuba joined the team at M.A. Hoops 7 Associates in 2010 as an intern and has since become a full-time staff member. She earned her bachelor of science in business...... Full story

Josh Looser received the second place trophy in the Service Technicians’ category in the 2012 United Association State Apprenticeship Contest held April 24 through 26 in Dayton. There were 45 apprentice plumbers, pipefitters, welders,...... Full story

St. Rita’s Medical Center has been verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the Verification Review Committee, part of the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons. This achievement recognizes the trauma center’s dedication...... Full story

Stolly Insurance Agency Inc. has been recognized by Auto Owners Insurance Co. for being in the top 10 of all Ohio agencies for property and casualty insurance premium growth in 2011. ... Full story

Christina Ryan Claypool won $10,000 for a first-prize finish in the 27th annual Amy Writing Award. There were more than 700 submissions. Claypool is a Christian speaker, freelance journalist and the author of several books, including “Seeds...... Full story

Cornerstone Alliance Inc., a physician-hospital organization and joint venture of St. Rita’s Medical Center, was recently awarded in credentialing and recredentialing by the National Commission of Quality Assurance. The National Commission of...... Full story

Kettle Creations, a manufacturer of mashed potatoes and side dishes, and First Financial Bank were recognized by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. John Klausing, chief financial officer of Kettle Creations, and Kent Phares,...... Full story

John and Catherine Fortman, of Fortman Insurance Services Inc., have opened their second location at 115 N. Main St., Bluffton. Managing the Bluffton office will be Branden Fortman and Dale Metzger. Fortman is licensed in health and life, with 13...... Full story