The Defiance Area Foundation has announced the creation of a new charitable fund, the A Walk in the Parks Fund, established by Jay and Chris Hanson to support parks throughout Defiance County.

The fund is designed to provide resources for any existing or future park in Defiance County, as well as public or private parks that are open and free to the public and meet Foundation guidelines. The fund will support maintenance projects, enhancements to park facilities, and the creation of new outdoor spaces that benefit the community.

Jay and Chris Hanson shared the inspiration behind the fund:

“Our family believes in supporting the Defiance community, where we have made a life together, raised our children, and created precious memories along the way. A Walk in the Parks is a fund that we have established to provide a path to give back for all who have enjoyed spending time at any of the Defiance area parks. This is an avenue to literally put the Defiance Area Foundation’s motto, Nelson Henderson’s famous quote into practice, to do something generous to benefit future generations. A strong parks system is just one of the many aspects of a strong community. We encourage anyone in Defiance County who cares about our outdoor parks to name A Walk in the Parks Fund in their estate plan.”

The Defiance Area Foundation expressed its gratitude for the Hanson family’s commitment to strengthening the community and preserving the outdoor spaces that enrich local quality of life. To give to the new A Walk in the Parks Fund at the Foundation, please visit https://defianceareafoundation.org/donate-to-a-fund

The members of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 continued their strong tradition of community support throughout the month of March, distributing charitable funds to local organizations and causes that make a difference close to home.

Through charitable gaming, including bingo and other approved activities. fundraising efforts regulated by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Post 5087 is able to generate funds that are then directed back into the community. These programs ensure that proceeds are used responsibly and for meaningful charitable purposes.

In March alone, Antwerp VFW Post 5087 contributed to a variety of local initiatives, supporting fellow veterans, community programs, and organizations serving area residents. Whether assisting those in need, helping youth programs, or backing local events, the post remains committed to strengthening the Antwerp community.

The ongoing efforts of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 reflect the heart of the organization: veterans continuing to serve, long after their time in uniform, by investing in the people and programs that make their hometown stronger.

Can an old dog learn new tricks. I guess after 80 years an old dog can still learn some new tricks. Making lists sounds like a good idea, which I seldom do, but there is something else I’m going to try.

All of my life I have had difficulty being organized. I have always accepted that I am just a disorganized person. I think I have found some ideas that might help. I find something I would like to put away, but every drawer, every countertop, and every cupboard, is filled to the brim. Nothing of any value, just STUFF.

I guess after living in the same house 50 plus years we have accumulated a few things, but are we hoarders. Some people just can’t get rid of anything, and it just piles up. Hoarding can be a disease. Nature does not like a vacuum. If you build a table or a countertop or a cupboard you better fill it up quick, because I guarantee it will get filled up. 

I have been accused of throwing things away that might be valuable. If I have something that someone might be able to use, rather than just let it hang there for eternity, let’s see if someone might be able to use it. Twice I have thrown away things inadvertently. I threw away our birth certificates while cleaning out a file cabinet and didn’t know they were there. We were able to get them replaced but it’s a pain. 

This year somehow I threw away our tax information. The only thing there is how much we made in interest and the bank can provide this, but it is a pain. I also threw away what we received in  social security, and that would be harder too replace. I’m going to make a call in the morning. 

We have a small plastic file cabinet. l took a new manila file folder and marked it 2026 tax info and told my wife when we get tax info to put it there. We had used a cardboard file folder before and I didn’t realize that my wife was still using it. The old file folder was on a porch and there was so much junk I couldn’t get  to the cabinets. There were tax returns from 2009. So I threw away the old tax folders but somehow she had put the new information in the old file folder and I wasn’t aware of it. 

Lately I have been trying to keep things in order. Even on a table or countertop in good order and clean. If you keep things clean, it is much easier than to mess things up and then have to clean them. If you have a family, each one should know where things belong and keep things tidy and clean up behind yourself. It saves much time in the long run. 

All her life my friend would never leave the kitchen with dirty dishes in the sink. I’m not saying you have to do this, but it is probably the easiest way if you’re not a fan of dirty dishes. Also if her bed is not made, she’s sick.

“That picture of our honeymoon, That night on Frisco Bay, Just give it away, Just give it away”.   George Strait

After his wife left she was not connected to those things anymore. On the day my father-in-law left his farm it nearly killed him. I feel like I’m not attached to our house, but I probably will feel bad when we have to leave. All of us will face that day. 

This was written on Easter 2026, and there is a new discovery, especially to me. Because Christ arose we need not fear death. Death is simply leaving this planet which we have absolutely no attachment to. We will miss seeing loved ones but only for a short time, and then we’ll be together again.

—James Neuhouser

A powerful tribute to the World Trade Center and the events of September 11, 2001, is taking shape locally through the work of Paulding resident Evan Huebner, whose detailed scale model project blends history, craftsmanship, and remembrance.

Huebner, a 2013 graduate of Paulding High School and a current security officer, spent the entire winter constructing the models as part of a USA 250th tribute. His goal, he said, is simple but meaningful: to preserve modern history for future generations.

The World Trade Center, originally designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, once stood as the largest office complex in the world. The seven-building complex featured the iconic Twin Towers—1 World Trade Center, completed in 1970, and 2 World Trade Center, completed in 1972—each rising 110 stories into the New York skyline. A third major building, 4 World Trade Center, was finished in 1977. The construction of the complex required more than 200,000 tons of steel, along with enough concrete to create a five-foot-wide sidewalk stretching from New York to Washington, D.C. The site also housed the world’s largest refrigeration plant, and the North Tower featured the well-known Windows on the World restaurant. At its peak, the complex welcomed approximately 50,000 workers and visitors daily.

Huebner’s model faithfully reflects the original towers, including their aluminum exterior and narrow vertical window design. The North Tower is represented at a height of 1,368 feet and the South Tower at 1,362 feet, scaled down to a model standing approximately two feet tall at roughly a 1:680 ratio, with a base measuring about 16 by 16 inches. Each of the towers’ 110 floors is carefully represented, capturing both the scale and presence of the originals.  

Adding a deeply meaningful element to the project, the base of the model incorporates pieces of original steel recovered from the World Trade Center itself. Huebner designed and 3D-printed a custom cover for the base, shaping it to resemble the original towers while preserving the historical material within. He also installed interior lighting that illuminates the model at regular intervals, further bringing the tribute to life.

The model also serves as a reminder of the immense loss suffered on September 11, 2001, when 2,977 people were killed in the terrorist attacks, including 23 New York Police Department officers, 37 Port Authority officers, and 8 emergency medical service personnel. Today, the footprints of the original towers remain as part of the National September 11 Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives and the courage displayed in the face of tragedy.

Huebner said the project reflects not only the physical structure of the towers but also the ideals they represented. Yamasaki once described the World Trade Center as a symbol of world peace and cooperation, embodying humanity’s belief in dignity and unity—values Huebner hopes to carry forward through his work.

Looking ahead, Huebner is already considering his next historical project: a model of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, another site of national tragedy.

Community members will have the opportunity to view the World Trade Center model in person, with upcoming displays planned at the Paulding County Carnegie Library and Guilford Realty in Hicksville during Heritage Days, with additional locations possibly to be announced.

Through careful attention to detail and a commitment to preserving history, Huebner’s work offers a meaningful local connection to one of the most significant events in modern American history.

By: MELINDA KRICK

35 Years Ago

From the Antwerp Bee Argus, April 17, 1991:

Desert Storm Troops Coming Home – Terra Schmidt of Paulding and Robert Scott are home. Martin Beck is joining his family this week. SPC Robert Phillips returns home this week.

The theme for the 1991 Antwerp Days Parade is “Our Past, Our Present, Our Future.” Shane Gaisford entered this theme in the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce’s contest at the elementary school. Second prize goes to Leslye Bowers and third prize to Brian Shuherk.

From the Paulding County Progress, April 17, 1991:

Members and guests of the Paulding County Home Extension Clubs observed their annual achievement night. Several club members will be recognized at the Ohio Home Extension Convention. The Latta-Wa Ladies Club will accept two state awards. Three Latta-Wa Ladies, Sharon McClure, Robin Farris and Kathy Denny, will receive recognition during the state cultural arts fair. Cindy Skiver of the Busy Neighbors Club and Virginia Cooper of the Everwilling Club also will be recognized for their skills.

Dortha Schaefer’s weekly column, “The Spice Rack,” is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Dortha started in April 1971 under the title “Making the Scene.” She estimates she has written at least 1,000 columns so far.

70 Years Ago

From the Paulding Progress, April 19, 1956:

Heavy property damage to rolling equipment and railroad right-of-way occurred when 44 loaded cars on an eastbound Nickel Plate Railroad freight train derailed in Oakwood last Thursday morning and piled up into a twisted pile of broken freight cars and assorted merchandise. The scene of the accident was approximately 200 feet east of the viaduct where the railroad crosses over Route 66. The train was being pulled by two steam powered engines with a total of 81 cars. About 500 feet of trackage and roadbed on the main line of the railroad was torn up just west of the Oakwood freight and passenger depot. Cars were stacked up three deep. Officials said the total property loss could run well over $500,000.

Rapid progress is being made on the new multi-million cement plant being built about 2 miles north of Paulding by the Consolidated Cement Corp. The construction is ahead of schedule, as the original announcement in August was that the plant was expected to be in operation in the fall of ’56. Many of the crews have been working around the clock in the construction of the mammoth plant, with the number of workers averaging from 150 to 200 men. When completed, the plant will have an overall length of about 1,200 feet.

Lloyd Parson, proprietor of Parson’s I.G.A. Market on the west side of the square, purchased the Nicelley Super Market, which was sold at public auction. The purchase price was $15,000. Mr. Parson plans to move his business to the new site, located at the north edge of town.

This weekend at the Paulding Theatre: “Bengal Brigade” starring Rock Hudson with the suspense thriller “Life in the Balance” with Ricardo Montalban. Starting Sunday: “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing” in Cinemascope and deluxe color starring Jennifer Jones and William Holden, and Paramount News and cartoon.

95 Years Ago

From the Paulding Democrat, April 16, 1931:

Paulding is now located on a new interstate highway, to be known as U.S. 127. Markers were placed along Route 9 last week, and already travelers are stopping at different places in town and asking what happened to Route 9. The new route will mean a great deal of difference in transient traffic for Paulding during the summer. People around Cincinnati will use the new Route 127 as the shortest and best route to northern Michigan.

From the Paulding County Republican, April 16, 1931:

The work of marking historically interesting points along Revolutionary trails in western Ohio is progressing. Through the efforts of the Ohio Revolutionary Memorial Association, 77 markers will be placed in Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance, Allen, Putnam, Hancock, Hardin and Wyandotte counties. The markers denoting [Gen. Anthony] Wayne’s march through Paulding County have been placed from the south side of the county until the route reaches the Auglaize River at or near Fort Brown. From Fort Brown north, the trail follows the river road on the west side of the Auglaize. Markers are placed in the villages of Roselms and Melrose and at other advantageous points. The site of the Charloe Indian village is among numerous other interesting places to be marked.*

The State Highway Department opened bids for constructing 12 miles of U.S. Route 24, in Paulding County. Included in the contract is a bridge over the Zuber Cut-off of three 50-foot spans. The concrete construction costs about $25,000 less than the macadam type and the state highway department will undoubtedly award the contract for concrete. 

135 Years Ago

From the Paulding County Republican, April 16, 1891:

The would-be funny paragraphs about the swamps of Paulding County must be laid away in their little bed. Paulding is coming to the front in great shape. Ten years ago she was considered a sort of annex to Defiance County but now she has the greater population of the two, and only falls a couple of thousand behind Putnam. – Putnam County Vidette

Last Tuesday night the “soiled doves” with which this town and community are cursed, together with their consorts, assembled at Holcombeville and engaged in a dance, during which two sisters got into a scrap. In the melee, Emma stabbed Mary with a knife, once in the head and once in the shoulder. Mary had Emma arrested on a charge of stabbing with intent to kill. The trial took place in Mayor’s Court Tuesday. After hearing the case, Mayor Knapp bound the miscreant over to the Common Pleas Court. She gave a bond of $200.

Scott was visited with a fire, which might have been worse. John Post’s and John McKinney’s saloons on the north side of Blaine Street are in ashes. Mr. Post saved a few things but Mr. KcKinney saved nothing. Mr. Post’s residence is about 30 feet north and nothing but the most heroic efforts of our citizens saved it. It took lots of work and water to save Mr. Moneysmith’s building and Mrs. Mount’s business room and dwelling.

*** Does anyone have photos of these Ohio Revolutionary Trail signs, or know of their locations today? If so, please email Paulding County History Museum at jphs454879@yahoo.com.

PAULDING – Community members, veterans organizations, and local leaders gathered on April 9, 2026, to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Paulding Veterans Memorial, a project years in the making that honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The memorial park is being created as a tribute to both past and present service members, recognizing their contributions to preserving the nation’s freedom. Organizers emphasized that the space is intended for the entire community, offering a place of reflection, remembrance, and appreciation.

The project began on April 6, 2023, when the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) initiated efforts to bring the memorial to life under the leadership of VFW member John Daeger. Early planning included an October 13, 2023 meeting with Tim Copsey to discuss the potential purchase of church property for the site. By February 1, 2024, both the Eagles and the VFW had each contributed $5,000 to kickstart fundraising efforts.

Momentum continued to build throughout 2024, with a press release issued on April 16 announcing the project, followed by a signed purchase agreement with the Paulding County Land Bank for the property. After approximately 16 months of planning and development, the VFW officially purchased the property on August 6, 2025, and initiated the acquisition of granite monuments the same day.

Those monuments were received on March 23, 2026, marking another key step forward. Just over two weeks later, the community gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony, signaling the transition from planning to construction.

Fundraising efforts have been strong, with $238,000 raised in cash donations to date. In addition, several in-kind contributions are expected to cover the cost of concrete work, significantly advancing the project toward completion.

Project organizers took time during the ceremony to recognize the many contributors who have helped bring the memorial to this stage. Special acknowledgment was given to memorial committee members, partner organizations, and donors whose financial and logistical support has been instrumental.

Key partners include Flat Rock Concrete, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2405, Homier’s Monumental, John Paulding VFW Post #587, Kauser Trucking Services, Inc., the Maumee Valley Planning Organization, the Paulding County Area Foundation, the Paulding County Economic Development Group, and the Paulding County Land Bank.

Organizers also expressed gratitude to families and community members who have supported the effort over the past three years.

With construction now underway, the Paulding Veterans Memorial moves one step closer to becoming a lasting tribute to the men and women who have served, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered for generations to come.

PAULDING – It’s time to make plans to attend Paulding County History Museum’s annual Spring Tea.

The tea will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Table hostesses will uniquely decorate each table, most with heirloom or collectible tableware.

Bring your friends and enjoy a delightful afternoon. Wear a hat, gloves or spring-themed accessories. Door prizes will be awarded for Best Decorated Table, Best Hat and Best Spring Tea Attire.

Guests will have an exclusive preview of a new exhibit showcasing two collections of vintage clothing, plus a new nursery room exhibit and displays of shoes from past eras, furs and more.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Ages 12 and older are welcome to attend. For more information about tickets, you can reach someone at the museum on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or by calling 419-399-8218 (leave message). Or, text 419-769-3993 or email jphs45879@yahoo.com.

A special Presidential Table has been added to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday. A seat at this table will include one copy of the county’s 1892 historical atlas, a booklet containing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and commemorative magnets. This table for eight will feature a vintage patriotic tablescape.

The museum is located at 600 Fairground Drive in Paulding, across from the fairgrounds.

Committee members include chairman Elizabeth Miller, assisted by Melinda Krick.

Updates will be posted on the museum’s Facebook page facebook.com/jphsmuseum.

The museum’s regular hours are Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

PAULDING, OH — The Paulding County History Museum proudly hosted the Ohio Local History Alliance Region 1 Meeting on Saturday, March 28, welcoming representatives from 11 counties for a full day of connection and celebration of local history.

A highlight of the day was the recognition of Crane Township Fiscal Officer Carol Razo, who received the Ohio Local History Alliance’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Local History Projects–an honor that reflects an extraordinary commitment to preserving and sharing local history.

Carol’s work is a powerful example of how local history connects communities across time and place. Through self-funded research trips spanning three states, she uncovered the long-overlooked story of Oliver Crane, the township’s namesake. Her research led to the creation of a full-color, hardcover commemorative book documenting 200 years of Crane Township history, and she played a central role in organizing a township-wide bicentennial celebration that brought the entire community together in a meaningful way.

While her efforts were supported by many, including the Crane Township Trustees and Fire Department, the Friends of the Paulding Park District, and the Paulding County History Museum, Carol’s vision, passion, and dedication were the driving force behind the project’s success. She was joined at the meeting by her husband, Art, and family members, whose support has been instrumental throughout her journey.

The meeting itself was a tremendous success, with attendees offering enthusiastic feedback on the museum’s major kitchen renovation. Guests also enjoyed guided tours led by Kim Sutton, who shared engaging stories that brought Paulding County’s rich history to life.

A special thanks to Puckerbrush Pizza for catering an exceptional meal that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The Paulding County History Museum extends its sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to preparing the museum during its renovation and ensuring the success of this event. Their continued commitment makes opportunities like this possible and strengthens the museum’s role as an institution for preserving and sharing local history. 

The museum’s President, Mel White, encourages everyone to mark their calendar and plan on attending the Annual Membership Meeting and program, which is being planned for Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. 

To stay up to date on museum news and upcoming events, follow the Paulding County History Museum on Facebook.

By: MELINDA KRICK

25 Years Ago

From the Paulding County Progress, March 21, 2001:

The Wayne Trace Raiders boys, fresh from a Division III regional championship, prepare to battle nationally ranked Akron St. Vincent St. Mary (featuring a student named Lebron James) in a state semifinal basketball matchup. Akron won the hard-fought game 56-50.

The local volunteer group “Friends of the Playground” is offering youngsters a chance to help design a new playground to be built at LaFountain Park in Paulding. Organizers Sue Thompson, Karen Moore, Linda Reineck and Kim Sutton are seeking donations, coordinators and volunteers.

Paulding County Hospital hosts an open house for its new maternal-child care unit, which can accommodate up to six mothers and nine babies.

50 Years Ago

From the Paulding County Progress, March 17, 1976:

Local resident Grover Hipp recalls the big 1913 Flood that impacted most of Ohio and much of Indiana. The greatest damage in our county was at Oakwood where the water was four feet deep on Main Street.

A petition with 171 signatures was presented to Paulding Village Council requesting that property owners within the village clean up their properties.

Ninety-three students participated in the annual Paulding High School and Jr. High School Science Fair. Winning Grand Awards for their projects were junior high students Scott DeGood, Blake Jeffery, Kevin Dix and Lisa Michael, and high school student Mike Phlipot.

The County Bicentennial Commission is making plans to celebrate the country’s birthday.

75 Years Ago

From the Paulding Progress, March 22, 1951:

A polio benefit auction brings in $823 for the local polio chapter. Auctioneers Paul Stouffer, Irven Shaw and Glenn Bair sold merchandise donated by local businesses and residences.

The general public and students of Paulding Village Schools have openly voiced their displeasure with school board members who voted against rehiring Coach Rex Burke.

Members of the Upper Maumee Naturalists Club hold their monthly meeting in Antwerp at the home of Otto Ehrhart. He is reported to have one of the largest all-round nature collections in Ohio.

Coming soon at the Paulding Theatre: “San Francisco” with Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy; “Square Dance Katy” and “Frisco Tornado” with an Our Gang comedy; a Saturday midnight show previewing the Sunday feature; a special Easter Sunday presentation, the color Western “Oh! Susanna” plus news and cartoon; and “Magnificent Yankee” with added short features.

From the Payne Reflector, March 22, 1951:

Payne to Have New Furniture Factory. Carl Hart, who operates The Payne Furniture Shop, has started preliminary production on several small furniture items such as storage hassocks and telephone stands. The new company, which will be known as Hart Manufacturing Co., will eventually employ about 50 people.

Coming to the Strand Theatre in Payne: “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” starring John Wayne; and “My Foolish Heart” with Susan Hayward, plus news and cartoon.

125 Years Ago

From the Paulding County Republican, March 21, 1901:

Mr. W.S. Hardesty is now busily at work on his book, Representative Citizens of Paulding County. The work will contain about 1,000 pages and will be embellished with portraits of about 300 of the county’s leading citizens.

Paulding County Sunday School Association will hold an annual convention at Haviland April 3-4. 

From the Paulding Democrat, March 21, 1901:

The Drs. Sherrard Bros. now have their new office completed at Oakwood, and it is the best arranged and equipped office you will find in the county. The operating department is up to date in every particular, and anyone wanting a leg or arm sawed off can be accommodated there in the most professional manner.

In the case of the State of Ohio vs. Mr. Smith, charged with using profane language, was tried in Probate Court last Friday. A jury trial was had and a large number of witnesses were heard. The jury found the defendant guilty and the court assessed against him a fine of $1 and the costs amounting to $38 in all.

Our bandstand needs a new coat of paint. Who will originate some kind of a scheme to have it done this spring?

Real estate is changing hands so frequently of late that one hardly knows their next door neighbor.

We have pretty good assurance that it will not be long until we have an electric railroad following the Miami and Erie Canal from Toledo to Cincinnati. This certainly would be a good route and be a great improvement in the country through which it passes.

ANTWERP — The Village of Antwerp has been awarded $2.3 million in state funding to support a major workforce housing development project that has been more than a decade in the making.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development recently announced $9 million in statewide grants aimed at encouraging residential growth and workforce housing, with Antwerp receiving one of only five awards across Ohio.  

Other communities receiving funding include Youngstown and Hamilton, each receiving $2.5 million, Lancaster receiving $1 million, and Warren receiving $851,000. The grants were awarded from a highly competitive pool of 48 applications requesting nearly $99 million in funding.  

The Antwerp project, now known as Antwerp Square, will create more than 100 residential building lots on approximately 90 acres of land located between Antwerp Local School and the US24 highway. The grant funding will help extend essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, and natural gas services needed to prepare the site for future home construction.  

Planning for the development began shortly after the completion of the US24 highway in 2012. Early efforts involved securing property options near the US24 and State Route 49 interchange through collaboration between the Antwerp, Payne, and Paulding County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) and the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office.  

Progress accelerated after Jane and Leo Stumphy donated a residential property that provided access from State Route 49 into the development area. Kauser Excavating removed structures and leveled the site, allowing PCED to secure a $350,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to construct an initial access road and drainage improvements.  

Over the years, additional partnerships helped bring the project together. Property sales from the Marlin family and Antwerp Community Church expanded the development area, while numerous meetings involving village officials, Carryall Township trustees, county offices, and investors helped consolidate the property into the village limits.

In 2025, two Powell, Ohio-based investment groups—BMJW Investments, LLC and MWB Investments, LLC—completed the land purchase and began preparing the site with surveys and environmental studies. Their planning confirmed the project met the requirement of at least 100 buildable lots necessary to qualify for the state grant.  

Another key step involved securing a second access easement for the newly acquired US24 frontage. The needed parcel was owned by Antwerp Community Church, but funding for the purchase was not immediately available. To help complete the acquisition, the CIC offered naming rights for the first access road. Local resident Sue Meyer stepped forward, allowing the roadway to be named Meyer Avenue and providing the funds necessary to purchase the easement property.  

Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey credited years of teamwork and persistence for bringing the project to this point. He noted that families, churches, investors, businesses, and local government officials all played roles in moving the plan forward, with as many as seven sets of attorneys involved during the process.  

“This award reflects years of teamwork among families, the church, county, township and village elected officials, businesses, the CIC, investors, and our PCED office,” Copsey said, noting that the recognition as one of Ohio’s top residential growth projects makes the long process worthwhile.  

With the state funding now secured, Antwerp leaders say the project is poised to attract new families, support workforce needs, and strengthen long-term population growth in both the village and the surrounding region.  

The development represents one of the most significant housing investments in the history of Paulding County and highlights the community collaboration that helped bring the long-planned project to life.

Rep. Klopfenstein Applauds Workforce Housing Grant Designated for Village of Antwerp 

COLUMBUS, OH – State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) today applauded the recent announcement by Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development that the Village of Antwerp in Paulding County will receive a $2.3 million grant to support the creation of workforce housing through the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program.

The Village of Antwerp is set to receive a $2.3 million grant to support the development of 345 workforce housing units through major infrastructure and roadway improvements. Funding will be used to construct new roadways, drainage systems, sanitary sewer lines, and water infrastructure needed to support a high-density residential development. 

“Workforce housing is critical for the continued growth of our communities. This investment in our community will help create more housing opportunities for families and workers in Paulding County while supporting the area’s economic development. I appreciate the support from Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development in helping make this project possible,” said Rep. Klopfenstein.

According to the press release, the Village of Antwerp has established a Priority Workforce Housing District and eliminated development fees to encourage new housing construction. These investments will create a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and multifamily units while helping address regional workforce housing demand. This project helps support housing demand created by investments from First Quality Tissue in Defiance. 

Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced last week that more than $9 million in grants would be provided to support the creation of workforce housing in five counties through the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program.