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

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,”

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

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

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...

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

It will transform your company and employees By Erika Willitzer (Sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County ) One of my friends...

By Erika Willitzer (Article Sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County) I have three daughters, and all had a similar experience when...

(By Erika Willitzer, Executive Director of Defiance County Economic Development) Over the last two months, I’ve been asked over 100...

Defiance County Economic Development has been on a mission the last two years to raise enough funds to put up Four Mega American Flags,...

By Erika Willitzer with Defiance County Economic Development – Column sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County. The landscape of...

Hicksville, OH — Vancrest Health Care Centers has officially opened its newest senior living facility in Hicksville, Ohio, marking a major milestone in healthcare and community development for Defiance County. The brand-new 64,000-square-foot facility, located at 601 Defiance Avenue , replaces the former Hickory Creek nursing home and offers a full continuum of care—including skilled nursing, assisted living, a specialized ventilator unit, and short-term rehabilitation servic

One of the largest food service companies on the planet is expanding in Hicksville. Here's the official announcement: "Hicksville, Ohio – April 2, 2024 Nemco Food Equipment Announces 40,000 Square Foot Expansion to Hicksville Manufacturing Facility Nemco, a leading innovator in food preparation and warming equipment for the foodservice industry, is excited to announce a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility located in Hicksville, Ohio. The expansion, encompassin

(By Executive Director - Erika Willitzer) Age is just a number! This age-old saying holds true for the young minds of today. Often,...

Defiance County is like a blank canvas for artists with hundreds of stories waiting to be told. Some of those stories are being told with...

Lessons Learned from One Encounter with Rev. Jesse Jackson (By Erika Willitzer – Executive Director of Defiance County Economic...

HICKSVILLE, OH — APT Manufacturing Solutions has announced a major expansion of its headquarters in Hicksville, Ohio, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to reshoring American manufacturing. Expansion Highlights 15,000-square-foot addition to its existing facility Fourth expansion in five years , driven by rising demand for automation and robotics Construction led by Spyker Contracting , another Defiance County-based business Expa