As the old year winds down, many individuals think about what they would like to do in the new year, and hitting the gym is on the top of many lists.  Defiance County has the right gym to meet any needs or resolutions. Here’s a look at some of the gyms and fitness centers the county has to offer.  Defiance Area YMCA , 1599 Palmer Dr., Defiance “We want our community to know that the YMCA exists to strengthen every person who walks through our doors in body, mind and spirit,”

My favorite Christmas movie? Hands down — Elf with Will Ferrell. One year, I was watching it with my three daughters, and we got to the part where Buddy the Elf is heading to New York to meet his biological dad. Just before he leaves the North Pole, a deep-voiced Narwhal pops out of the icy water and says, “Buddy, I hope you find your dad!” I turned to my girls and said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if Narwhals were real?” Cue the laughter. “Uh, Mom… they ARE real.” I was defiant. “O

President Trump recently proposed a 50-year mortgage, and it’s already stirring up debate—from Wall Street boardrooms to coffee shops in Defiance County. Shared via Truth Social, the idea casts him as a modern-day FDR—who popularized the 30-year mortgage—suggesting this new term could unlock homeownership for more Americans. But is it a game-changer for rural communities, or just another headline? A 50-year mortgage would stretch payments over five decades, lowering monthly c

Defiance County is a place of quiet beauty and vibrant community, no matter the season. Winter hushes the landscape under a blanket of...

Defiance County Released the 2024 Community Health Assessment: What does the health of Defiance County residents look like? POWER...

Defiance, OH — August 21, 2025  — Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. has officially opened its newest liquid fertilizer production plant in Defiance, Ohio, marking a major leap forward in sustainable agriculture for North America. Photo by Tessenderlo Kerley Strategically built on a 50-acre site, the advanced facility will manufacture key crop nutrients—Thio-Sul®, KTS®, and K-Row 23®—to support growers across the U.S. and Canada. This expansion not only boosts cross-border access to hi

Whenever I walk into a local restaurant or business, people don’t recognize me as the Economic Development Director for Defiance County....

It could happen with the help of AI. Earlier this month, I was invited to attend the 2025 Jacket Summit at Defiance College. The Summit...

A leading full-service mechanical contracting firm has announced plans for a new facility in Defiance, Ohio, to meet increased demand and significant growth opportunities within the industry. (News Release From RGP) Titan Mechanical has purchased a new facility that will add 30,000 square feet of fabrication space. The company is investing more than $3 million and creating 24 new jobs, allowing it to have a larger footprint in the western corridor of the 17-county region. Ti

Economic development is the lifeblood of a thriving community, driving prosperity, job creation, and overall quality of life. I remember...

There’s always room for pie … especially if it comes from Bud’s in Defiance. For more than 85 years, Bud ’s Restaurant has been providing...

Defiance County’s Economic Development recently announced the latest round of small business grant winners, proudly sponsored by Premier...

Just mention the sculptured wooden bar, friendly atmosphere or maybe a Tom & Jerry and everyone in Defiance knows what’s being talked...

(By: Erika Willitzer – Defiance County Economic Development) In any community—be it a neighborhood, workplace, school, or...

If your question isn't listed, please email: Erika@DefianceCountyED.com Where is the Mega Site? First Quality wants to site their next...

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef today announced that First Quality Tissue, a leading manufacturer of hygiene, paper, and packaging products, will build a new ultra-premium towel and tissue production facility in Defiance, marking the largest singular investment and job-creation project in Defiance County history. First Quality Tissue Midwest, LLC will invest

(By Erika Willitzer, Defiance County Economic Development) Recently, a young woman contacted the Defiance County Economic Development...

Defiance County recently played host to a potential new business scouting our area for their next facility. But instead of coming in with...

The Four Flags of Freedom project has finally been completed in Defiance County, Ohio, and stands as a powerful and moving tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country with honor and courage. Four towering 120-foot flagpoles hoist enormous 30'x60' flags, each one a stirring symbol of the sacrifices made by our local veterans. As you drive past this awe-inspiring monument, you can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and respect for those who have given

When I interviewed for the role of Executive Director at Defiance County Economic Development, I was asked a pivotal question by the...