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Discover the Village of Arcadia, Ohio: A Hidden Gem in Hancock County
Welcome to Arcadia, Ohio, a charming village in Hancock County that blends small-town warmth with a rich historical tapestry. Nestled at the heart of Northwest Ohio’s Great Black Swamp region, The Village of Arcadia, Ohio, spans just 0.58 square miles but offers a vibrant community spirit and serene rural lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for information about Arcadia, OH 44804, or exploring the heritage of this Village of Arcadia, this guide provides everything you need to know about this Tree City USA.
A Brief History of Arcadia, Ohio
Founded in 1833 by pioneers Ambrose, David, and Ephriam Peters, Arcadia, Ohio, was incorporated in 1859 and named after Arcadia, Greece, evoking visions of pastoral beauty. The village flourished with the arrival of railroads in the 19th century, fostering businesses like hotels, mills, and a coal-gas plant. Today, The Village of Arcadia, Ohio, preserves its historical charm through community pride and events that celebrate its roots, making it a must-visit for history buffs exploring Arcadia, OH 44804.
Geography and Environment of Arcadia, OH
Located along State Route 12, the Village of Arcadia sits at an elevation of approximately 770 feet, surrounded by fertile fields and the Upper Blanchard River Watershed. Its flat, loamy landscape, part of the Great Black Swamp, supports agriculture and contributes to the village’s designation as a Tree City USA. Residents of Arcadia, Ohio 44804, enjoy a peaceful, green environment with open countryside views, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat in Hancock County, Ohio.
Community and Lifestyle in The Village of Arcadia, Ohio
With a population of 564 (2020 census), Arcadia, Ohio, is a diverse, family-friendly community (96.1% White, 1.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% other races, 1.5% multiracial) with a median age of 35. Known for its dog-friendly atmosphere and well-kept surroundings, the Village of Arcadia fosters a tight-knit community where neighbors gather at the Town Hall for council meetings every second Monday at 7:00 PM [https://villageofarcadia.com/]. Whether you’re relocating to Arcadia, OH 44804, or visiting, you’ll find a welcoming vibe that defines small-town America.
Recent News and Events in Arcadia, Ohio
The Village of Arcadia, Ohio, has faced notable challenges, including the resignation of its entire police department in early 2025, with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office stepping in to ensure safety (contact: 419-424-7202). The Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department provides reliable fire protection, reinforcing community resilience. In April 2025, the Arcadia School District proposed a non-recurring operational referendum to address funding needs, a historic move for Arcadia, OH, that sparked local discussion. The tragic disappearance of local resident Dallas “Tim” Critchet in 2019, later found deceased near railroad tracks, remains a poignant moment in the village’s recent history, reflecting the community’s unity in times of crisis.
Why Visit or Move to Arcadia, OH 44804?
The Village of Arcadia offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit that makes it an ideal destination or home. From its agricultural roots to its Tree City USA status, Arcadia, Ohio, provides a peaceful escape from urban life. Explore local landmarks, attend a council meeting, or connect with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for community updates. For those considering a move, Arcadia, OH 44804, boasts affordable living and a supportive community, perfect for families and retirees alike.
Connect with The Village of Arcadia, Ohio
Stay informed about Arcadia, Ohio, by visiting the official village website or contacting the Town Hall. For local history, check archives at The Courier, or join community discussions on platforms like Nextdoor, where residents praise The Village of Arcadia for its cleanliness and friendliness. Whether you’re researching Arcadia, OH 44804, or planning a visit, this hidden gem in Hancock County awaits.
About Arcadia, OH
The Village of Arcadia, Ohio, is a charming small town in Hancock County, settled in 1833 by pioneers Ambrose, David, and Ephriam Peters. Incorporated in 1859, this historic village, named after Arcadia, Greece, grew with the arrival of railroads and once thrived with businesses like hotels and a coal-gas plant. Today, Arcadia boasts a population of 564 (2020 census), with a diverse community (96.1% White, 1.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% other races, 1.5% multiracial) and a median age of 35. Spanning 0.58 square miles, this Tree City USA offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with a rich heritage, perfect for those seeking quaint, small-town living.
Arcadia Public Water System:
Overview
EWG’s drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency – Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). The Village of Arcadia purchases their drinking water from The City of Fostoria, OH. For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 – June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards. Source: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=OH3200903
Contaminants Detected
Bromodichloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 9.05 ppb
No Legal Limit
151x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb
Chloroform
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 44.6 ppb
No Legal Limit
112x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.4 ppb
Chromium (hexavalent)*
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 0.186 ppb
No Legal Limit
9.3x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.02 ppb
Dibromoacetic acid
Potential Effect:
This Utility: 0.600 ppb
No Legal Limit
20x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.03 ppb
Dibromochloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 3.07 ppb
No Legal Limit
31x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb
Dichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 15.4 ppb
No Legal Limit
77x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.2 ppb
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 22.4 ppb
Legal Limit: 60 ppb
224x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)*
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 20.7 ppb
No Legal Limit
345x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb
Nitrate*
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 0.899 ppm
Legal Limit: 10 ppm
6.4x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm
Nitrate and nitrite*
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 0.899 ppm
Legal Limit: 10 ppm
6.4x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 56.8 ppb
Legal Limit: 80 ppb
378x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.15 ppb
Trichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer
This Utility: 6.28 ppb
No Legal Limit
63x
EWG’s Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb
Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.
*This water utility buys or otherwise receives some or all of its finished water from Fostoria City. Tap water results marked with an * are from the supplying utility.
† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.
Arcadia Geography
The Village of Arcadia, OH, is nestled in the heart of Hancock County, covering a compact 0.58 square miles of flat, fertile land typical of Northwest Ohio’s Great Black Swamp region. Situated at an elevation of approximately 770 feet, the village features a landscape of open fields and scattered tree cover, earning it the Tree City USA designation. Arcadia lies along State Route 12, with the Upper Blanchard River Watershed nearby, contributing to its rich, loamy soils ideal for agriculture. Surrounded by townships like Washington and Cass, the village’s geography supports its small, rural charm, offering residents and visitors a serene, open countryside setting.
Arcadia, Ohio Emergency Services:
The Village of Arcadia, OH, relies on local and regional services for law enforcement and fire protection, tailored to its small, rural community of 564 residents (2020 census). Law enforcement is primarily handled by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, as the village lacks a dedicated police department following the resignation of its entire police force in early 2025. The Sheriff’s Office provides emergency response and general law enforcement services, with support from nearby agencies like the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office for emergency calls. For fire services, the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department serves Arcadia, offering fire protection and emergency response. Equipped with modern firefighting equipment, the department collaborates with regional partners to ensure community safety. Residents can contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 424-7202 for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies, and the Washington Township Fire Department can be reached through the county’s emergency dispatch for fire-related incidents.
History of The Village of Arcadia:
The Village of Arcadia, OH, a small community in Hancock County, has seen relatively few headline-grabbing events over the past century due to its size and rural nature. However, several significant news stories and developments have emerged, reflecting its historical and cultural context:
- Early 20th Century Growth (1920s–1930s): Arcadia’s history as a railroad hub brought modest prominence in the early 1900s. The village, incorporated in 1859, saw economic activity peak with the operation of businesses like hotels, mills, and a coal-gas plant, as noted in local historical records. While not a singular “news story,” this period of growth shaped Arcadia’s identity as a self-sustaining rural community, with infrastructure developments like the railroad making local headlines.
- Tree City USA Designation (Ongoing): Arcadia’s recognition as a Tree City USA, due to its commitment to urban forestry, has been a point of pride and occasionally covered in regional news. This status highlights the village’s efforts to maintain green spaces, a notable achievement for a small town of 0.58 square miles, celebrated in community updates and local media.
These stories, while not always nationally prominent, reflect Arcadia’s evolution, from its early days as a railroad-driven village to modern challenges in governance and education. Limited media coverage of small towns like Arcadia means many events are documented in local archives or regional outlets rather than major news sources. For further details, checking Hancock County historical records or local newspapers like the Findlay Courier could provide additional context.
The Disappearance of Dallas “Tim” Critchet: Arcadia Ohio’s Search for Answers
The Disappearance of Dallas “Tim” Critchet: A Small Town’s Search for Answers
In the quiet village of Arcadia, Ohio, a community of just 564 residents (2020 census) was shaken by the mysterious disappearance of Dallas “Tim” Critchet, a 38-year-old local, on July 19, 2019. Known for its tight-knit, rural charm in Hancock County, Arcadia became the center of a somber search effort that drew attention from regional media and united residents in a quest for answers. While the case ultimately concluded with a tragic discovery, the details surrounding Tim Critchet’s fate remain limited, leaving lingering questions in this small town.
Tim Critchet was last seen on July 19, 2019, in the Arcadia area or walking along rural roads near County Road 254, County Road 109, or Washington Township Road 281. According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Tim failed to show up for his evening shift at work, prompting concern from family and friends. Described in missing person reports as a white male, 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, Tim was a familiar figure in the community. His sudden absence sparked immediate action, with the Sheriff’s Office issuing a public alert and coordinating search efforts.
The case gained traction through local media, with outlets like WTOL and WFIN covering the story. A family-run Facebook page, dedicated to finding Tim, became a hub for updates and community support, rallying residents to assist in searches across the village’s 0.58-square-mile landscape and surrounding fields. Arcadia’s flat, fertile terrain, part of Northwest Ohio’s Great Black Swamp region, posed challenges with its open fields and wooded patches, but volunteers persisted. The community’s response reflected Arcadia’s close-knit spirit, where neighbors, bolstered by the village’s Tree City USA pride, came together to support one another.
Weeks later, the search took a devastating turn. A body found along railroad tracks west of Arcadia was identified as Dallas “Tim” Critchet, as confirmed through the family’s Facebook page. The exact date of the discovery and the cause of death remain undisclosed in available records, leaving uncertainty about whether foul play was involved. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, which had taken the lead on the case, provided no public statement in the sources indicating a homicide investigation. The lack of detailed information fueled local speculation, but no evidence has surfaced to classify Tim’s death as a murder.
The loss of Tim Critchet, son of Dallas Critchet Sr., who passed away in 2024, deeply affected Arcadia. The village, historically shaped by its 19th-century railroad roots and small-town resilience, was no stranger to challenges, but this tragedy hit close to home. The case highlighted the limitations of law enforcement in small communities; Arcadia’s own police department, which later disbanded in 2025, relied heavily on the Sheriff’s Office even then. For residents, Tim’s disappearance and death underscored the vulnerability of rural life, where isolation can complicate searches and investigations.
Today, the story of Dallas “Tim” Critchet remains a poignant chapter in Arcadia’s history. While the family’s Facebook page and local media coverage have faded, the memory of the community’s efforts endures. For those seeking closure, contacting the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 424-7202 or checking archives in The Courier may offer further insight. In Arcadia, where the Upper Blanchard River Watershed flows nearby and fields stretch under open skies, the unresolved questions about Tim’s fate serve as a reminder of the strength and sorrow of a small town bound by shared loss.
