EXHIBIT 99


DCB FINANCIAL CORP.
                                                                            NEWS
                                                                         RELEASE


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       CONTACT:
Wednesday, December 12, 2001                John A. Ustaszewski
                                            Chief Financial Officer
                                            (740) 657-7000



                      DCB FINANCIAL CORP. ANNOUNCES REDUCED
                       FOURTH QUARTER EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)


DELAWARE, OHIO - DCB Financial Corp. (OTC: DCBF) announced today that it expects
earnings for the quarter ending December 31, 2001 to approximate $600,000, and
earnings for the year ending December 31, 2001 to approximate $4,400,000. This
represents a decrease of 43.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2000, and a
decrease of 4.8% compared to the year ended December 31, 2000.

The anticipated reduction in earnings for the quarter stems from additional
noninterest expenses of approximately $1,200,000 in the fourth quarter,
primarily representing noncash accounting charges for changed estimates in the
valuation of certain prepaid expenses and other assets, and the disposition of
fixed assets.

Before these charges, the Company's earnings for the fourth quarter would have
approximated $1,400,000, with record earnings for the year of approximately
$5,200,000, an increase of 32.7% over the fourth quarter of 2000 and 12.4% over
the year ended December 31, 2000.

Larry D. Coburn, President and Chief Executive Officer, explained, "After
thoroughly reviewing certain fixed and other asset accounts, we are taking a
conservative approach to accurately reflect the remaining value of these asset
amounts on the balance sheet. We have a high level of confidence in the strength
of our financial reporting, and we are excited about the prospects for the
Company in 2002."

ABOUT DCB FINANCIAL CORP.

DCB Financial Corp. operates as holding company for The Delaware County Bank &
Trust, a $500 million full service community bank that operates 16 banking
centers in Delaware, Franklin and Union counties, Ohio.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release may be deemed to include forward-looking statements such as
statements relating to financial goals and business outlook. Actual results
could differ materially from those indicated by these statements due to a
variety of factors, including those related to the economic environment in the
market areas in which the Company operates, credit risk management,
asset/liability management and the availability of and costs associated with
sources of liquidity.