Rivalry Clash in Van Wert as First Quarter Wraps
Kalida, OH · October 26, 2026
Thick river fog is cloaking the fields this morning, but things will move quickly once the school bells ring. It is a big Monday across the village, with tournament stakes high and the first nine weeks winding down tomorrow.
The Lead
A packed autumn weekend gave local sports fans plenty of ground to cover. Saturday saw the cross-country squad test their conditioning against northwest Ohio’s best at the district meet in Columbus Grove, while the marching band traveled up to Maumee for an evening under the stadium lights. Now, the momentum swings directly onto the hardwood tonight.
At 6:00 PM, the varsity volleyball team takes the court at Van Wert High School for an OHSAA Division VI district semifinal clash against familiar Putnam County League rival Ottoville. The two programs know each other’s tendencies down to the inch, ensuring a loud, packed gym on neutral ground. Win or lose, the student section will not have much time to recover: the first academic quarter officially wraps up tomorrow afternoon, bringing report cards and a quick transition into the second grading period.
Local Pulse
Pavement Striping Underway Along Route 224 Roads Flaggers are directing traffic between the villages as crews install permanent striping and raised reflectors through midweek.
Red Ribbon Week Kicks Off Districtwide Schools Elementary and high school classrooms launch awareness activities today encouraging healthy lifestyle choices through Friday's scheduled quarter break.
Today's Outlook
- High 71°F · Low 41°F — Fog
- Take it slow through the morning commute before milder afternoon sunshine breaks through.
What's On Around Town
Today
- Ohio Goes to the Movies: Beetlejuice Putnam County District Library Ottawa Location (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 5:00 PM · Free Spooky seasonal family screening of the 1988 supernatural comedy classic.
- Division VI District Volleyball Semifinal Van Wert High School (10708 State Route 118), Van Wert, 6:00 PM · Paid Wildcats battle county rival Ottoville for a ticket to the finals.
Tomorrow
- Teen Spooky Fest Putnam County District Library Ottawa Location (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 5:00 PM · Free
- Family Paint Party Putnam County District Library Leipsic Location (305 W Main St), Leipsic, 6:00 PM · Free
Wednesday
- Author Talk: David Fierst Putnam County District Library Ottawa Location (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 5:30 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Ottawa Street
- Surveyed in the 1830s as the muddy wagon route linking the original county seat in Kalida to the Blanchard River settlement, the street was christened for the Odawa people. It carried horse carts long before modern traffic followed the pavement east.
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