New Walking Loop Linking Town and Parks Nears the Finish Line
Kalida, OH · September 30, 2026
Fresh wet concrete along the curb signals another busy morning for the village walking loop. With overcast skies keeping things temperate from dawn to dusk, it is a comfortable Wednesday to tackle the outdoor to-do list.
The Lead
Crews across the village are entering the homestretch this week on the Kalida Pedestrian Loop, an ambitious $1.6 million infrastructure initiative backed by the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The project delivers more than 16,400 feet of brand-new, five-foot-wide concrete sidewalks alongside a dedicated pedestrian bridge spanning Plum Creek on State Route 114.
For generations of local walkers, cyclists, and families heading to ballgames, navigating the narrow berms along Route 114 and Northland Drive meant dodging heavy farm equipment and commuter traffic. The connected loop safely links the village core, schools, the public library, and Four Seasons Park without requiring pedestrians to compete with trucks on the roadway.
ODOT and village officials expect contractors from Helms and Sons to wrap up paving and boardwalk connections by late October, leaving only final signage and landscaping for late autumn.
Local Pulse
Commissioners Fund Patrol Fleet Upgrades Countywide Safety County leaders allocated over $138,000 Tuesday to purchase two replacement patrol sport-utility vehicles for road deputies.
Wildcat Volleyball Win Streak Snapped on Road Schools The varsity squad fell at Miller City Tuesday night, closing an impressive twelve-match unbeaten run across September.
Today's Outlook
- High 75°F · Low 54°F — Overcast
- Mild overcast conditions make a light layer easy to shed by early afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
Preschool Story Time & Dramatic Play Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 10:00 AM · Free Morning books, songs, and sensory play stations for early learners.
Harvest & Wine Pop-Up The Vintner Collective, Findlay, 4:00–7:30 PM · Free Seasonal sips and local artisan goods along the indoor market floor.
Fall Bird Migration Walk Adventure Park, Defiance, 5:30–7:30 PM · Free Guided evening trail walk spotting regional songbirds during peak migration.
Tomorrow
- Preschool Story Time Leipsic Branch Library (305 W Main St), Leipsic, 10:00 AM · Free
- Kids Art Hub Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 6:00 PM · Free
- Family Paint Party Kalida Branch Library (301 N 3rd St), 6:00 PM · Free
Friday
- Youth Volleyball Practice Kalida High School Gymnasium (301 N 3rd St), 4:30–6:00 PM
- The Little Mermaid Musical Donnell Theater at MCPA (200 W Main Cross St), Findlay, 7:00 PM · Paid
- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Freed Center for the Performing Arts (500 W College Ave), Ada, 7:30 PM · $20
Spotlight & Story
- Blanchard River
- Winding across Putnam County toward the Auglaize, this 103-mile waterway inspired the barbershop favorite "Down by the Old Mill Stream." Most motorists crossing its bridges overlook the quiet shallows where Johnny Appleseed once floated canoes loaded with fresh orchard saplings.
Kalida Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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