The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded an 8-million dollar loan to North Western Electric Coop to help upgrade electric service in Northwest Ohio. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown announced the award, which will benefit more than 6,000 electric customers in Defiance, Henry, Paulding and Williams Counties. The money will help the coop expand and improve its electric service in the region. The project is also expected to attract and create more jobs at rural companies in the 5-county area.