COLUMBUS — Grange Insurance has recognized Verne Hart Insurance Agency as a top-performing independent insurance agency, earning the company’s prestigious Leadership Circle designation for excellence in 2018. The Leadership Circle designation is given to a select group of Grange’s highest performing independent agency partners who excelled in both business development and customer service during the previous year.

Walker Gottfried, who with his father and brother operate Ohio Family Farms of Upper Sandusky, was a panelist during the BASF-sponsored Science Behind event held in Orlando, Florida, the day before the opening of the 2019 Commodity Classic last week.

Craig Eldridge, M.D., J.D., is joining the medical staff at Wyandot Memorial Hospital to accept responsibility for the medical practice of Dr. Byron Morales as he transitions to medical affairs director. Dr. Eldridge is familiar with Upper Sandusky, as he was born and raised in Willard and played sports against Upper Sandusky High School in the days of the Northern Ohio League.

Payne and Brown Insurance has announced that Kayla Weaver has earned her Certified Insurance Counselor designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. To earn the designation, agents must have two years of experience in the insurance industry and must complete five courses — each consisting of 20 classroom hours and a comprehensive written exam.

Danielle Kreais, CPNP-PC, is offering walk-in office hours at Wyandot Memorial Hospital to care for children from newborn through age 17. The certified pediatric nurse practitioner will be available from 8-11 a.m. Tuesdays and 7-11 a.m. Fridays for new and existing patients to walk in for care without appointments.

SUNBURY — Family-owned and operated Washington Auto Parts, a 19-store automotive aftermarket store group in Central Ohio, announced it will be acquiring Principal Truck Supply, Inc. and will take over operations March 1. One of the largest independent distributors of automotive parts in Central Ohio, Washington Auto Parts was founded in Johnstown by Ken Washington in 1977, and now is co-owned and operated by his sons Mike and Bob Washington, along with third generation owners Matt and Corey Washington.

Byron Morales, M.D., has been appointed medical affairs director at Wyandot Memorial Hospital in its continuing efforts to strengthen commitments to quality and safety improvements. In this new role, Dr. Morales will serve as an administrative liaison between hospital administration and the medical staff and its elected leadership.

FREMONT — Vanguard Sentinel Career & Technology Centers has reported 64 students have qualified to advance to the SkillsUSA Ohio competition April 15-17 in Columbus by placing first, second or third in their skill competitions.

WORTHINGTON — Custom Glass Solutions, a leading glass fabricator focused on transportation applications, recently announced an expansion with its third facility in the state of Ohio. The 136,000 square-foot facility at 130 W. Jones Road in Fostoria will give CGS additional capacity for laminating and insulating glass production, assembly, and a new home for distribution operations.

FINDLAY — Recruitment is now underway to enroll participants in a Micro Business Development program offered by the HHWP Community Action Commission. The program consists of 11 sessions held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings, which begin Feb. 21 in the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce boardroom at 123 E. Main Cross St., Findlay.