FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2026
PAULDING – Village leaders from across Paulding County gathered Thursday evening for the quarterly Mayors and Village Council meeting, continuing their collaborative work to strengthen local communities and coordinate countywide initiatives.
County Engineer Scott Strahley opened the meeting on behalf of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce and Community Redeveloping Paulding (CoRP) committees, providing an update on plans for the upcoming Paulding County America 250 Celebration. The Ad‑hoc America 250 Committee is working to expand this year’s John Paulding Days into a two‑day event scheduled for July 10–11.
Day one will continue to feature the traditional parade and fireworks, with new efforts to increase parade participation from county businesses and encourage children to decorate bicycles and ride in the parade under the America 250 theme. Strahley emphasized that the celebration is intended to be inclusive of all communities across the county.
Each village shared its preliminary America 250 plans, and a countywide schedule of events will be compiled and released to the public in the coming weeks. In conjunction with the celebration, America 250 commemorative banner signs will be available for purchase. Villages, residents, and businesses interested in securing a banner may contact the Paulding County Engineer’s Office for details.
During the meeting, leaders were informed that the county has been awarded a $50,000 grant for a Land Development Study, which will support forward‑thinking discussions on growth, land use, and future development opportunities. Representatives from Antwerp, Cecil, Grover Hill, Haviland, Latty, and Oakwood were present to discuss the grant, along with special guest Scott Sands from the Office of State Auditor Keith Faber.
Speaking on behalf of the Paulding County Engineer’s Office, Strahley outlined long‑term plans to assist the Auditor’s office and eventually assume responsibility for countywide GIS mapping. The transition aims to improve consistency and accessibility of mapping resources, including the addition of sewer, water, internet, and gas utility layers. Enhanced mapping will support future development discussions by providing clear visibility of existing infrastructure. The county also expressed willingness to coordinate line‑locating services for villages without current mapping.
Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey provided updates on ongoing economic development efforts, including the county’s recent $638,000 Brownfield Grant award from the Ohio Department of Development and continued progress across multiple residential and commercial Land Bank projects. Copsey noted that several projects from the previous funding cycle are nearing completion and that a new project list has been prepared for the 2026–27 application. Copsey also encouraged communities to identify additional homes or lots that may qualify for the Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) Grant, which supports the rehabilitation or construction of affordable residential properties.
Village leaders concluded the meeting by sharing updates on community challenges and successes. Participants highlighted the positive momentum occurring throughout Paulding County and reaffirmed the value of these meetings as they continue to build collaboration among the county communities.
