Former Landfill Nears Clean Bill of Health After Thirty Years
Kalida, OH · October 28, 2026
Caravans heading west to Van Wert for the district volleyball clash tonight can leave the heavy winter coats behind. It’s an easy, mild October afternoon to get chores squared away before the evening gym rush.
The Lead
Thirty years after the gates closed at the old Putnam County landfill, county officials are moving closer to putting the site’s post-closure era behind them. Commissioners met this week to review the latest environmental monitoring results, which show that liquid runoff—known as leachate—has cleared of contaminants, essentially testing as ordinary rainwater. With the discharge stabilized, the county is preparing to submit final monitoring documentation to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to conclude mandatory testing oversight. To ensure runoff remains manageable across the acreage, commissioners also evaluated a biological soil-decompacting treatment from Maxwell Earth System designed to improve local ground absorption. Formal certification from state regulators will determine when the county can fully retire its specialized environmental monitoring budget for the property.
Local Pulse
Peony Festival Opens High School Scholarship Applications Schools Local high school seniors can obtain application packets from the guidance office through mid-winter to compete for college aid.
County Considers Joint Electric Rate Purchase Plan City Hall Commissioners are teaming up with neighboring municipalities to lock in collective electricity rates before anticipated regional utility hikes take effect.
Today's Outlook
- High 74°F · Low 49°F — Overcast
- Mild afternoon warmth gives way to evening chill, so keep a light jacket handy.
What's On Around Town
Today
Author Talk with David Fierst Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Parkway), Ottawa, 5:30 PM · Free Meet the local author and attorney for an evening book discussion.
OHSAA District Volleyball: Kalida vs. Arlington Van Wert High School (10708 State Route 118), Van Wert, 6:00 PM · Paid Cheer on the Wildcats in the regional tournament round.
Tomorrow
- Hand and Foot Canasta Edwards-Gamper Memorial Library, Leipsic, 3:00–5:00 PM · Free
- Downtown Ottawa Trick-or-Treat Downtown Ottawa, Ottawa, 6:00–7:00 PM · Free
- Art Hub: Grades K–5 Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Parkway), Ottawa, 6:00–7:00 PM · Free
Friday
- Fall Fest Taylor Automotive (3785 Speedway Dr), Findlay, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM · Free
- Blithe Spirit Fort Findlay Playhouse (300 W Sandusky St), Findlay, 8:00 PM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- 105 West Main Street
- Once the quiet site of the On the Square Café, this downtown storefront was transformed in 2019 into Putnam County's first craft brewery, 1820 BrewWerks. Today, it pours ales brewed with local grains alongside monster 30-inch pizzas.
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