Six-Figure Grant Boosts Middle School Wellness Programs

Kalida, OH · September 21, 2026

Sunday’s museum exhibits gave way to a damp start across the county, with village council meeting tonight to set the autumn agenda.


The Lead

Putnam County youth prevention programs received a major boost this weekend as Pathways Counseling Center secured a $127,591 grant from Ohio’s statewide opioid settlement distribution. The targeted funding expands substance use education directly into local classrooms, aiming to reach students in at least 75 percent of the county's middle schools, including classrooms right here in the village.

Rather than standard assembly lectures, the initiative funds dedicated curriculum resources and on-site specialists trained to spot early behavioral risks and destigmatize mental health discussions before students enter high school. School administrators often note that middle school represents the critical window where proactive peer support yields the greatest lifelong impact. Program directors are meeting with district superintendents over the coming weeks to finalize classroom schedules ahead of winter semester rollouts.


Local Pulse

  • Rail Replacement Closes State Route 15 Roads Crews shut down the crossing near Continental for five days starting today, rerouting drivers via State Route 613.

  • Museum Showcases Historic Faith and Quilts Community Kalida’s county museum welcomed regional visitors Sunday for Ohio Open Doors, highlighting century-old congregations and family textiles.


Today's Outlook

  • High 62°F · Low 58°F — Drizzle (36% chance of precipitation)
    • Keep a light rain shell handy for damp sidewalks and passing midday drizzle.

What's On Around Town

Today

  • Children's Storytime Kalida Branch Library (301 N 3rd St), 10:00 AM · Free Picture books and dramatic play stations designed for early learners.

  • Wings and Rings Car Nite Wings and Rings (1939 Roschman Ave), Lima, 5:00–8:00 PM · Free Classic cars, door prizes, and food drive donations benefiting local families.

  • Village Council Meeting Kalida Town Hall (110 S Broad St), 7:30 PM · Free Bi-weekly public session reviewing municipal infrastructure and regular civic business.

Tomorrow

  • Morning Storytime Fort Jennings Branch Library (655 N Water St), Fort Jennings, 10:00 AM · Free
  • Teen Interactive Movie: The NeverEnding Story Ottawa Branch Library (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 5:00 PM · Free
  • Evening Family Storytime Ottawa Branch Library (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 6:00 PM · Free

Wednesday

  • Preschool Storytime Ottoville Branch Library (150 Park Dr), Ottoville, 10:00 AM · Free
  • Happy Daz Car Cruise-In Happy Daz (802 S Cable Rd), Lima, 5:00–7:30 PM · Free

Spotlight & Story

  • St. Michael’s Campanile
    • Soaring 135 feet above Broad Street, the brick bell tower built in 1926 is structurally freestanding rather than attached to the church nave. It remains one of only two detached Italian-style campaniles standing anywhere in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo.

Kalida Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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