DEFIANCE, OHIO — In March 2026, the City of Defiance was named one of the Intelligent Community Forum's (ICF) 2026 Smart21 Communities of the Year. It marks the third time in four years that Defiance has earned this distinction, following previous recognitions in 2023 and 2024 — a level of consistency achieved by very few communities of Defiance's size anywhere in the world. The Smart21 list recognizes just twenty-one communities worldwide each year, selected through a data-d

When I was in my 20s, I worked for Federated Media in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I co-hosted the morning show on 97.3 WMEE alongside a talented broadcaster named Steve Kerrigan. It was the first job I truly loved. By Erika Willitzer – Defiance County Economic Development Steve and I poured everything we had into that show. The hours were long, the work was relentless, but together we helped make our program the number one morning show in the market. When we were told that we'd both

A Northwest Ohio company specializing in welding services and machine maintenance has announced plans to expand operations at its Defiance County facility. Arc Solutions, Hicksville, OH Arc Solutions, a family-operated company, will invest more than $6 million and add 65 new jobs to meet increased customer demand. Earlier today, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit for the advanced manufacturing firm. Company President Denny Vetter credited the cur

Luke Moffatt- President of Nemco, and Cassie Moffatt- Marketing Manager at Nemco, accepting the Proclamation commemorating Nemco's 50th anniversary from Defiance Co. Commissioners. The 50th anniversary is called the golden anniversary because the metal is strong, lasting and valuable. The words also accurately describe Nemco Food Equipment. Nemco, located on Meuse Argonne in Hicksville, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. In June, the company honored the milestone wi

Defiance County Economic Development outlines the site’s current status, long-term potential, and commitment to transparency and responsible planning. The conversation is about ensuring Defiance remains competitive for future investment while maintaining responsible development standards and protecting community interests. DEFIANCE, Ohio - The discussion surrounding the Elliott Road site is not about advocating for a specific data center project. While the Community Improveme

I appreciate the passion I have seen from community members who want to protect Defiance’s future, our residents, and our resources. That passion speaks to the pride people have in this community, and it is something I deeply respect. When it comes to data centers or any major development project—I strongly believe the right approach is to build and maintain a framework that protects both our community and our future opportunities. One of the primary reasons Defiance has expe

Statue at Defiance Public Library with quote plaque "The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers." - Terri Guillemets Outside Defiance Public Library sits a statue of a young child smiling upwards while beneath it is a quote from author Terri Guillemets – “The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.” The warm embrace of volunteers has long enveloped Defiance County. They touch everything around the county, and the residents who volunteer bring more than

Executive Director Column About AI - - - Toy Story 5 Says It’s About Toys… But It’s Really About All of Us Feeling Replaceable! At first glance, Toy Story 5 sounds like another classic Pixar adventure—funny, heartfelt, and full of familiar faces. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang are back. And this time, the toys are facing a shiny new rival: technology. That might sound like a kids’ movie problem. It’s not. In my role as Defiance County Economic Development Director, I see t

Buckeye Trail signage at Defiance Reservoir Park. History, heritage and hiking all await. Among the wonderful reasons to get out and move this summer is the Buckeye Trail, which meanders through Defiance County as it winds its way around the state. “The Buckeye Trail is an incredible asset to the City of Defiance,” said Ryan Mack, Defiance City Administrator and hiker. “It connects our community to one of Ohio’s most treasured outdoor resources while showcasing the natural be

ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital, 1200 Ralston Ave., Defiance, OH ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital is hitting a milestone in 2026. The hospital is celebrating its 125th anniversary – having started in 1901 after local doctors came together to provide medical care to the Defiance community. Three years later, they opened a brick hospital on Hopkins Street allowing the hospital to continue to grow with the community. “From its beginnings as a small brick hospital built

Defiance Public Library There’s a lot more than books at the Defiance Public Library System (DPLS). In the last few years, the library district has added several non-book services including the museum pass program, Library of Things, Lit Kits, notary services, the MakerSpace, craft exchanges and much more. “We’ve absolutely seen an increase in awareness over the past few years, but some community members have yet to discover all we have to offer,” noted Taryn Lawson, communic

You know that feeling when you’re around someone who just makes everything feel a little lighter—supported, cared for, hopeful? That was Darrell Handy, and sadly, he passed away unexpectedly recently. Darrell Handy Darrell was a longtime community leader in Defiance and the surrounding area—someone who made a lasting impact everywhere he served. Throughout his career, he wore many hats: working at Titan Tire in Bryan, serving as Executive Director of the Defiance Area Chamber

Laurie McCann One face has been a constant of faith and service in the Defiance healthcare field for as long as many people can remember. Laurie McCann, community relations manager, is celebrating 50 years at the Defiance Clinic/Mercy Health Defiance. She said it’s hard to put into words how she feels about reaching this milestone. “I feel humbled, grateful and deeply honored,” she uttered. “Defiance Clinic/Mercy Health has never been just a workplace – it has been a ministry

March is both Women’s History Month and Women in Manufacturing Month. Several women have helped shape manufacturing in Defiance County to what it is today. Kenyotta Stantz, human resource business partner at Balchem; Ashley Wilhelm, human resource manager at Johns Manville; Melanie Hinkle, human resource manager at Sabre Industries, Lisa Thiel, manager regional human resources at Mayville Engineering Co.; and Jackie Filipovich, controller at B&B Molded Products, have all work

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – March 16, 2026 – CSX Corporation (NASDAQ: CSX) today announced its latest group of high-ranking properties to receive CSX Select Site designation under the industrial development program. Twenty-one sites across 10 states have earned a gold, silver, or bronze rating based on an evaluation of a wide range of site characteristics. CSX worked with more than 30 communities to gather information and identify top candidates for the CSX Select Site program, whic

Ezekiel "Zeke" Tracy, Executive Director, Defiance Main Street & Visitors Bureau There’s a new face in downtown Defiance. Ezekiel "Zeke" Tracy is the new executive director of the Defiance Main Street and Visitors Bureau (formerly known as the Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau). Tracy took over the position after Kirstie Mack stepped down in September. “Our office has had huge success, with (marketing and operations manager) Lori Hagerman leading the way on different

The Defiance County Economic Development office is pleased to announce that Defiance County, Ohio will be featured on the nationally distributed public television series Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, debuting in March 2026, and will run throughout the year. Hosted by acclaimed actor Dennis Quaid, the program spotlights communities across the country that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership. The Defiance County segment highlights the county’s str

This column first ran over a year ago, but with the recent passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, I felt moved to share it once more. My brief encounter with him shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time, and it left me with three lessons that have guided every chapter of my career: 1. Don’t judge first impressions. 2. Always stand up for what you believe in. 3. One person truly can make the world better — Rev. Jackson proved that. I was 19, working at