By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

The walls of the new Sleep Inn hotel could barely contain the excitement of the Galion community when a ribbon cutting was held Friday afternoon.

Over and over again were expressions of delight as the community found a new piece of the hotel they enjoyed, from the swimming pool and the dining area on the first floor to the spotless and welcoming rooms throughout the building.

“I think it’s a great addition to not only Crawford County, but also to Galion itself,” said Sleep Inn and Suites General Manager Eric Pittman. “I think it’s going to bring in a lot of people, whether it be corporate people or transient people. It’s just going to be a great opportunity for this town. It’s something we need.”

The $5.5 million Sleep Inn is a 62-room, four-story hotel at 6696 Brandt Rd. in Galion. It features an indoor pool, fitness room, board room, and hot breakfasts. The hotel will also offer a shuttle service that will be available 24 hours a day.

“We have the most amazing staff on the planet,” Pittman added.

The Sleep Inn employs 17 full and part-time employees.

Brenda Kocher walked through the doors of the hotel and quickly fell into conversation with one of the employees Pittman praised. Kocher is part of MKB Farms, a family farm operation that rented and farmed the ground the hotel is now on.

“I’m happy to see that it’s being used for something that other people can make a profit on,” Kocher said. “I guess it’s just the times we’re in. It’s close to (U.S.) 30 so it’s bound to happen . . . It’s kind of sad, but on the other hand, it’s progress.”

“Unbelievable,” said Galion Chamber of Commerce President Joe Kleinknecht. “I’ve literally waited on this for probably 50 years because I was born and raised here. This is fantastic. It’s really something we can showcase, something we can proud of.”

His praise did not stop there. He added that the workforce at the Sleep Inn hotel and its parent company, Choice Hotels, were the best people to work with.

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