PAULDING — The Paulding County Carnegie Library (PCCL) Board of Directors and administrative team have officially advanced to the next phase of a major development initiative: the construction of a new Community Center on the site of the former library annex. This project marks a historic step forward for the 110‑year‑old institution, which has long lacked adequate space to host public programs and events larger than 20 attendees.
The new Community Center will be built on adjacent property formerly occupied by the office of Dr. Kirkwood Pritchard and, more recently, the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry and the Buy the Book store. The new facility is designed to serve as a flexible, modern hub for educational programming, community forums, scholastic instruction, bilingual training, emergency shelter needs, and expanded library and community events.
The project began to take shape in July 2023 when PCCL received an anonymous matching‑fund donation specifically designated for the development of a community center. This transformative gift enabled the library to begin working with the Paulding County Land Bank, Paulding County Economic Development, and the Maumee Valley Planning Organization to remove the aging existing structure and explore options for a replacement facility.
The previous annex, originally constructed as a physician’s office, has served many community functions over the decades—including OhioMeansJobs, ACE Academy, Caring & Sharing Food Pantry, Buy the Book, and library storage. In recent years, the building required significant repairs, prompting the need for a long‑term solution. Buy the Book has since been relocated to 108 N. Williams Street, where it now shares space at The Fuel Bar.
In September 2024, PCCL issued a Request for Qualifications for architectural services and selected Beilharz Architects of Defiance, Ohio. Over the following months, the library and design team collaborated to create a plan that incorporates advanced technology, flexible event space, and a layout that strengthens the library’s role as an anchor in downtown Paulding. The proposed design includes seating for approximately 100 people, kitchen facilities, office and meeting room space, and a dedicated retail area for the return of the Buy the Book store.
With the demolition of the former annex now complete, the project has moved into its construction phase. At the March 31 board meeting, Rupp Rosebrock was awarded the contract and will lead the build‑out of the new Community Center.
The new Community Center represents a once‑in‑a‑generation investment in downtown Paulding and in the future of the Paulding County Carnegie Library. Construction is expected to begin soon, with updates to be shared as the project progresses.
Paulding, Ohio — The Paulding County Fall Festival Board will host a Mother’s Day Brunch on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the OSU Extension Building in Paulding, inviting the community to celebrate local moms while supporting the continued growth of the Paulding County Fall Festival.
The brunch will feature a variety of offerings, including a waffle bar, fresh fruit, and parfaits, creating a welcoming and family-friendly environment for attendees.
This event serves as a fundraiser to support the Paulding County Fall Festival, scheduled for September 11–12, 2026, at the Paulding County Fairgrounds.
Following a successful inaugural year, planning is already underway for an expanded festival experience. This year’s event is expected to include several featured attractions, such as the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, a Bluegrass Jam & Scramble, expanded vendor participation, and additional family-friendly activities designed to bring the community together.
Funds raised through the Mother’s Day Brunch will directly support these efforts, helping ensure the continued growth and success of the festival and its offerings.
Community members are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance for the brunch. Vendors, sponsors, and organizations interested in participating in the upcoming Fall Festival can find additional information, register, or get involved by visiting:
https://www.pauldingcountyfestival.com/
For more information about the Mother’s Day Brunch, including event updates and ticket details, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/pauldingcountyfallfestival
Paulding, Ohio — Paulding County officially joined Ohio’s America 250 celebration this week with the planting of its Heritage Tree on the courthouse lawn, marking the beginning of local efforts to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
As part of the America 250-Ohio Heritage Trees: Planting History program, all 88 Ohio counties will receive a commemorative white oak tree to recognize Ohio’s role in the nation’s founding while preserving local history and investing in future generations.
Paulding County’s Heritage Tree was planted on the courthouse lawn, a location chosen for both its historical significance and its place at the center of the community. Built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse serves as a fitting home for a tree meant to symbolize both legacy and growth.
Paulding FFA Chapter Officers, Paulding County Commissioners, Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District representatives, and community leaders gathered for the ceremony.
One of the most meaningful moments of the event was the symbolic soil ceremony. FFA students collected soil from important places throughout the county—including farms, schools, parks, and other locations that help tell the story of Paulding County. Those soils were poured together at the base of the tree, representing the shared roots of the community and the future generations that will continue to grow from them.
White oak trees were selected for the Heritage Trees program because they are native to Ohio, adaptable to many soil types, and resistant to most common tree diseases. The tree serves not only as a symbol of history, but also as a long-term investment in environmental sustainability and community pride.
“This Heritage Tree is more than something we plant today—it is an investment in the future of Paulding County,” said Commissioner Mike Weible. “It reflects our appreciation for where we’ve come from and our commitment to the generations that will follow.”
Special thanks go to Anna Gurney and the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District for helping organize the ceremony and coordinate local participation.
This tree planting marks just the beginning of Paulding County’s America 250 efforts. Additional projects and celebrations are being planned throughout the coming year to honor local history, strengthen community connections, and celebrate the county’s role in America’s story.
For more information, please contact the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-399-5215 or pauldingchamber@gmail.com
Paulding, OH — The finish line is approaching, and the 2025–2026 Leadership in Action (LIA) class is calling on the community to help bring their project across it.
Leadership in Action (LIA) is the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership development program designed to deepen participants’ understanding of themselves, each other, and Paulding County… while taking meaningful action in our community.
This year’s cohort includes 14 individuals committed not just to learning about local challenges, but to responding to them.
After meeting with several county organizations, the class partnered with the United Way of Paulding County and selected the Paulding County Senior Center as their service focus.
The Paulding County Senior Center serves approximately 4,700 residents age 60 and older—nearly one-quarter of the county’s population.
In a rural community like ours, reliable transportation is essential. Many seniors must travel to Fort Wayne or Toledo for specialized medical care. The Senior Center’s wheelchair-accessible van helps make those trips possible, along with transportation to meals, appointments, and daily activities.
To help meet increased demand, the LIA class is working with United Way to raise $26,500 toward the purchase of an additional wheelchair-accessible van.
As the project enters its final stretch, the community has several opportunities to support the effort:
Pistols & Purses Raffle Tickets are $20 each for a chance to win 1 of 4 great prizes. Available at: • Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce • Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) • McDougall Firearms • Paulding Ace Hardware • Paulding County Senior Center
The raffle drawing will take place on May 13, 2026.
Community Lunch (Drive-Thru) May 2, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Paulding County Senior Center Free will donation Meal includes pulled pork, mac & cheese, coleslaw, cookie, and bottled water
Dine & Donate Night April 29, 2026 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill, Van Wert Mention the fundraiser and 15% of your bill will be donated
Direct Donations & Sponsorships Individuals and businesses can contribute at multiple levels, with recognition opportunities available through the United Way of Paulding County.
Community leadership programs like LIA have been shown to strengthen civic engagement, collaboration, and long-term community impact —and this project is a direct reflection of that mission.
The group encourages residents to get involved in any way they can—by purchasing a raffle ticket, attending an event, or making a donation.
For more information, contact the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-399-5215 or pauldingchamber@gmail.com
PAULDING, OH — The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce and Paulding High School are teaming up once again for Community Cleanup Day on Wednesday, April 30, 2026. The event brings student volunteers together with local Paulding businesses and organizations for a day of hands-on community improvement. In the event of rain, the backup date is May 1st.
Community Cleanup Day is a partnership between the Chamber and Paulding High School that has become an annual tradition. Local businesses and organizations sign up with a project — painting, landscaping, sweeping, pulling weeds, or whatever needs doing — and are paired with student volunteers who spend the day working alongside their staff and business representatives. The students gain real-world experience and give back to the community, the businesses get help with projects they’ve been putting off, and the whole community looks a little better by the end of the day.
This year, 20 sites have signed up to participate:
Students will be painting snow plows at the Paulding County Engineer’s Office, cleaning up gardens with OSU Extension and the Master Gardeners, freshening up Herb Monroe Park, helping the Fair Board, tackling landscaping at Divine Mercy Parish, deep cleaning at LifeWise Paulding, organizing at Limitless, and working at the VFW Post. Also on the list are the Paulding Recovery Clubhouse, First Financial Bank, Fuel Good Energy, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Keepsake Beads by EAW, the Village of Oakwood, Paulding Youth Ball Association, the Black Swamp Nature Center, First Presbyterian Church, and the Chamber itself.
Each site provides bottled water for volunteers, and most will be providing lunch for their student crews.
While the deadline to sign up as a participating site has closed for this year, businesses and organizations interested in future Community Cleanup Days are encouraged to contact the Chamber to be added to the list for next time.
“Community Cleanup Day is one of the things we’re most proud of at the Chamber,” said Jill Strahley, Executive Director of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a chance for students to get involved, for businesses to get a hand with projects they need, and for all of us to invest in making Paulding County a place we’re proud of. If you see students out working around town on April 30th, give them a wave — they’re doing good work.”
For questions about Community Cleanup Day, contact Jill Strahley at the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-399-5215 or pauldingchamber@gmail.com, or Shawn Brewer at Paulding High School at 419-399-4656 ext. 1145.
About the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce
The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce exists to exemplify leadership by positively reinforcing and representing our members and businesses in the communities we proudly serve. The Chamber connects businesses to the community and to each other through events, programs, and advocacy. Learn more at www.pauldingchamber.com or follow the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram.
More than 100 Paulding County bakers and makers are donating homemade goodies for the 2026 Sweet Shop, which will benefit the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry! The event will be at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 601 Flat Rock Drive in Paulding from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Cash and checks will be accepted. Also, card payments can be made online at the event.
The Sweet Shop will feature an array of pies, yeast and sourdough breads, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, cakes, chocolates and other candy, 30 types of cookies, snack mixes and more.
The following cottage bakers and bakeries are supporting the fundraiser by donating this year: Bean Creek Farms, Ciara's Cookie Corner, Farmer's Wife Cupcakes, Flour Baking Co., Grounded Coffee & Crumbs, Humble Heck Bakery, K&H Sweets, Kuntry Kakers, Mama Moos, Mom & Son's Bakery, Paulding County Senior Center, Paulding Exempted Village High School Nutrition and Wellness class, Sandy's Cakes, Setser’s Sourdough, Simply from Scratch, Sweet A.S. Cakes, and The Pink Flamingo Bakery.
The money raised from the event will go to the general operating budget for the pantry which will help to pay ongoing expenses, including buying food.
The Caring & Sharing Food Pantry’s purpose is to support Paulding County residents who are experiencing food insecurity. They are run entirely on donations of food and financial support from the local communities.
For more information about the pantry, volunteering opportunities and fundraising activities, follow the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry on Facebook. If you have questions about the event, please call the pantry, at (419) 399-9562 or send an email to info@caresharepantry.org.
Paulding, OH — November 22, 2025
The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to welcome C & C Treasures into the downtown business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 22, 2025. Located at 110 W Perry Street, the new storefront marks a meaningful milestone for owners Casey and Claude Partain, who have turned their long-time passion for antiques and unique décor into a full brick-and-mortar shop.
The grand opening drew steady foot traffic throughout the Shop the Village event, with shoppers excited to explore the store’s curated mix of antiques, collectible pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds. The warm community response made the opening weekend especially memorable.
Business Hours: • Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM • Holiday hours may vary
The Chamber congratulates C & C Treasures on their grand opening and invites the community to stop in, say hello, and discover what makes this new shop such a welcome addition to downtown Paulding.
Pictured are C & C Treasures’ owners Claude (left) and Casey (center) Partain and their son Scott (right)
Paulding, OH — November 21, 2025
The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce was delighted to celebrate the relocation of Hidn Treasures with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 21, 2025. Now located at 100 E Jackson Street, the shop has found a welcoming new home in the heart of downtown Paulding.
After opening in early 2024, Hidn Treasures made a thoughtful move downtown to enjoy better foot traffic on the courthouse square. Their new location maintains everything customers already love—an inviting space filled with creations from local makers including TK Prints, Michele’s Handmade Gifts, Kelley’s Creative Side, and many others.
Business Hours:
• Tuesdays: 11 AM – 2 PM
• Wednesdays: 11 AM – 6 PM
• Thursdays: 11 AM – 6 PM
• Fridays: 11 AM – 2 PM
• Saturdays: 9 AM – 2 PM
The Chamber congratulates owners Heather and Michael Sherburn on this exciting transition and encourages the community to stop in, browse, and support this hardworking small business as it settles into its new space.
Pictured left to right: Michele Bennett, Michael Sherburn, Heather Sherburn, Jill Strahley (back), Kelley Armstrong, Tera Domina, and Zaddick Sherburn.
Paulding, Ohio — November 2025— The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to share the success of this year’s Shop the Village, a day that brought small businesses, makers, and families together to celebrate local shopping and community spirit throughout downtown Paulding.
From the moment doors opened, the support was clear. Megan Sierra, Director of PC Workshop/Limitless, reported 450 transactions—triple their usual Saturday sales. Vendors and business owners across all locations shared the same message: shoppers showed up, and they showed up big.
Pictured: Shoppers at Limitless during Shop the Village. Photo Credit: Maumee Valley Network
“The energy throughout Paulding was great,” said Chamber Director Jill Strahley. “Every conversation we had reflected positivity and gratitude. Our businesses felt seen, supported, and encouraged by the community. That’s what Shop the Village is all about.”
Shoppers visited vendor hubs throughout town, including Studio 38, Grounded Coffee and Crumbs, the Paulding Eagles, Ace Hardware, Branch Christian Fellowship, and others. The day also highlighted local youth—both the Youth Business Showcase, and the NextGen Youth Artisan Market were buzzing with activity as young entrepreneurs shared their crafts and creativity with the community.
The first 150 shoppers picked up free Shop the Village tote bags at Grounded Coffee, which were gone before noon.
Pictured: Shoppers grab drinks at Deja Brew by Cassy while at Paulding’s Shop the Village event. Photo credit: Maumee Valley Network
As planning begins for Shop the Village 2026, the Chamber welcomes local businesses and vendors who would like to participate. “We’re already working on next year’s details,” Strahley said. “If you’d like to be included, reach out to the Chamber. We’d love to have you join us.”
PAULDING – Learn more about the Paulding Downtown Historic District by touring three business buildings at a free Progressive After-Hours on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Community Revitalizing Paulding (CoRP) is organizing the event, set to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Paulding County Area Foundation building on the south side of the square. The foundation will host the visit. The public is welcome to attend.
Following a brief presentation and refreshments, the After-Hours will proceed next door to the Small Business Innovation Center for a similar program. Paulding County Economic Development office will be the host.
The event will conclude at the retail store Limitless on the northwest the corner of the square. The Limitless staff will welcome guests.
Each stop will offer the opportunity to hear about the building’s fascinating history and past businesses, how CoRP secured historic district designation and about the building’s present occupants.
The first two After-Hours, in February and June, were big successes, each drawing more than 50 people to renovated buildings.
Members of CoRP’s Wednesday History Group, which researched all the district’s buildings as part of the historic district application process, is helping to coordinate this series of After-Hours. They are developing brochures for each of the three locations, containing vintage and new photographs with interesting information.
CoRP is raising funds to install two unique signs marking the Downtown Historic District, in spring 2024 by the National Register of Historic Places. The signs will make passersby aware they are entering the Historic District as they approach the downtown on U.S. 127 from the north and south.
CoRP is working with Ohio’s Sewah Studios, which creates the state historical markers, to design the two signs. Each metal plaque will measure 18 inches wide by 24 inches tall and be mounted on an aluminum post.The Village of Paulding has agreed to install both signs. The total cost for manufacturing and delivery is approximately $5,000. Donations will be accepted at the After-Hours. CoRP must have the funds before ordering the signs.
CoRP anticipates the signs will increase awareness of the new historic district, draw visitors to the community, attract new businesses and encourage interest in renovation and preservation. CoRP will host additional public events in the near future.
CoRP is a 501c3 nonprofit group. To contribute to the sign fund, donations may be sent to them at 101 E. Main St., Paulding OH 45879. For more information, contact CoRP at corpinohio@gmail.com.
Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.