Inside the New Highway Facility Built for Winter Roads
Kalida, OH · October 20, 2026
A stubborn blanket of morning fog is hugging the fields today, but conditions will clear up nicely by this afternoon.
The Lead
The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 has officially completed work on its new Putnam County highway maintenance facility along North Locust Street in Ottawa, replacing an aging depot that served local roads for nearly half a century. Built to replace the cramped 1979 shop on Perry Street, the modern complex provides dedicated service bays, expanded material storage, and ample room to maneuver the mammoth plow trucks responsible for clearing state routes through Kalida and neighboring townships each winter. Highway crews transitioned operations to the site in late August, and district officials are now inviting area residents to step behind the scenes before snow season arrives. ODOT will host a dedication and public open house next Monday afternoon, offering equipment tours and refreshments at the garage.
Local Pulse
Boys Golf Team Finishes Fifth at State Schools The Wildcats carded a 635 at the Scarlet Course, securing fifth place statewide in the Division III championship.
Junior Class Launches Annual Fruit Fundraiser Community Orders placed through students or the school office fund upcoming junior prom festivities and senior class graduation trip expenses.
Today's Outlook
- High 67°F · Low 36°F — Fog
- Allow extra travel time through early fog and keep a light jacket handy.
What's On Around Town
Today
Origami Pumpkin Workshop Pandora Branch Library, Pandora, 5:00 PM · Free Fold decorative paper jack-o'-lanterns for seasonal autumn home displays.
Teen Interactive Movie: Halloweentown Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Parkway), Ottawa, 5:00–6:30 PM · Free Screening of the Disney classic with interactive props for middle and high schoolers.
Evening Family Story Time Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Parkway), Ottawa, 6:00–7:00 PM · Free Bedtime picture books and dramatic play for infants through age five.
Tomorrow
Pears Watercolor Painting Class Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Parkway), Ottawa, 5:30–7:30 PM · $10
Sectional Volleyball Final: Ottoville vs. Temple Christian/Continental Kalida High School Gymnasium, 6:00 PM · Paid
Thursday
Photo Tour of Fort Jennings Fort Jennings Branch Library, Fort Jennings, 5:30 PM · Free
Children's Art Hub Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Parkway), Ottawa, 6:00–7:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Plum Creek
- Drivers crossing State Route 114 easily overlook the winding creek skirting Froggy Park before meeting the Ottawa River. Early surveyors named the tributary for the dense wild plum thickets lining its banks, where native tribes gathered each autumn to harvest fruit.
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