Spirit

NEW BREMEN — Innovation has always been a key part of the success formula at Crown Equipment Corp. It’s a focal point that has been emphasized even more as the New Bremen-based company builds toward the future, officials said. The...... Full story

LIMA — Phillip Osmon started at Hofeller, Hiatt & Clark in 1966 at the age of 21. In 1980, he bought a small share of the store from the owners at that time, Frank Wellman and David Lammers. When Lammers eventually left, Osmon bought a larger...... Full story

LIMA — Hofeller, Hiatt & Clark has been a fixture in downtown Lima for 103 years. The store, started by Maurice Hofeller in 1898, was originally located on the Public Square. Hofeller arrived from Chicago in 1897 at the age of 20 to manage the...... Full story

LIMA — To make a difference in their communities, area churches are throwing open their doors beyond the Sunday morning sermon to serve those in need.“I don't think you can drive down any street in any town without seeing church signs...... Full story

ANNA — Ask auto plant workers what they like about their job, most will mention the paycheck and not a lot else. Some might bring up the benefits or hours or even the camaraderie of workers. Marvin Beverly is the rare plant employee that will...... Full story

BLUFFTON — A need to double its square footage surely is a good sign for Bluffton Hospital. “This is a pretty good size project for Bluffton Hospital and the community,” said Bill Watkins, chief administrative officer. “It is...... Full story

LIMA — Bob Laman remembers the grass field before the crown jewel of Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services was built at the corner of Shawnee Road and state Route 117. He remembers helping to lay sod as the finishing touches were put on...... Full story

LIMA — In this economic climate, municipal governments make news often with details about drastic cuts and last-resort mass layoffs of police officers and firefighters. Treading water might be considered an accomplishment.At the city, however,...... Full story

LIMA — After Sept. 11, Shelley Scarberry was working for the city of Lima Utilities Department and also serving in the Air National Guard when she was called up to Afghanistan. She didn't know it, but she was pregnant.After serving in...... Full story

LIMA — The location and owners have changed, but Bill Timmermeister can follow the history of Lima Auto Mall back at least 101 years.“Records get a little fuzzy when they get back to a certain place. I have an inkling there was some...... Full story

LIMA — When Naomi Cardwell stopped by DeHaven Home & Garden Showplace almost 23 years ago on a job hunt, she didn't expect that she would still be working there come 2011.“I was going to business college,” she recalled. “I...... Full story

ANNA — It says something about the state of Honda's Ohio operation that, when asked about their biggest move over the past year, their P.R. guy pauses. This in a year when the company announced a $70 million expansion at its Russells Point...... Full story

VAN WERT — Chrissy McHugh and Kirk Heck got profit sharing bonuses last year from their employer, Kennedy Manufacturing. It's the first time in recent memory the tool-box maker has been able to do that, and it's a far cry from 2007 when the...... Full story

VAN WERT — Kennedy Manufacturing Co. celebrates 100 years in business this year. Four years ago reaching that milestone didn't seem likely.The company started in 1911 by railroad engineer Howard Kennedy was ready to shut down in 2007. Kennedy...... Full story

LIMA — Lisa Altenbach has been working at the Kewpee on Bellefontaine Avenue for 30 years. John Shaw's been there for 20. Such longevity is uncommon in a lot of businesses, especially fast food, but not at the Kewpee. Scott Shutt, whose...... Full story

LIMA — The business is more than 125 years old, but The Lima News' business model is a whole new frontier.The past two years have seen some of the biggest changes in the newspaper industry's long history. The rise of new media platforms, the...... Full story

COLUMBUS GROVE ­— Brent and Curt Shafer never thought the pizza business they bought 30 years ago would expand to include Pizzeria stores in five different communities.“I was a senior and Brett was out of high school and attending...... Full story

LEIPSIC ­— Mike Potthoff said he always makes his pizzas like he is making them for his grandmother, a blue-ribbon winner cook.“I would want her to think I had baked the best pizza possible,” said the manager of the Leipsic...... Full story

LIMA — Treat customers and employees with integrity. Innovate. Give back to the community.That's been the formula for 60 years at Chief Super Market Inc., the family-owned chain of 12 grocery stores that includes four Rays Supermarkets in...... Full story

LIMA — Losing his dad to lung cancer, Bruce Parkins had a decision to make. “I thought, I can either muddle the rest of my life in my dad's death or I can make his death meaningful,” said Parkins, a registered respiratory therapist...... Full story