Submitted Information Putnam County, August 1, 2024 — The United Way of Putnam County held its much-anticipated annual Back-to-School Drive on Thursday, August 1st, at the ESC Building, providing crucial support to families across the county. This referral- based event is designed to assist children from all Putnam County schools, offering backpacks and supplemental school supplies to those in need.
Submitted Information Kalida’s Pioneer Committee has chosen Addelyn Heitmeyer, daughter of Brian and Courtney Heitmeyer, as the parade theme winner. For the 152nd Pioneer Days festival, this year’s theme is Family and Friends coming together to build a strong future for our community for years to come.
CONTINENTAL - Shirley Mae Sarka, 85 of Continental died 4:20 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Meadows of Kalida. She was born November 25, 1938, in Leipsic to the late Charles and Blanche (Schmidt) Winkle. On October 8, 1960, she married Alfred Sarka, who preceded her in death on February 18, 2020. She is survived by a son: Scott (Kelly) Sarka of Continental; 2 granddaughters: Brianna (Brett DeSote) Sarka and Christina (Zach) Brobst; 3 greatgrandchildren: Paisley, Penelope and Baby Girl Brobst, arriving in November; a sister: Donna Bracken of Van Wert; 2 nephews and a niece. Shirley is preceded in death by 4 sisters-in-law: Mildred Sarka, Pauline Sarka, Inez Sarka and Bertie Sarka; 2 brothers-in-law: Earl Sarka and Larry Bracken; and 2 nephews: Dave and Daniel Sarka. Shirley retired from the Putnam County ESC where she had been an intervention specialist aide. She was a very active member of Christ United Methodist Church, Continental and a member of the Progress thru Parenthood CCL. Shirley was a part of a very special group of ladies that met each Friday at the Main Street Boutique for coffee and conversation. Shirley was rarely seen without a smile on her face. She was the most loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and truly looked forward to and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley’s funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Christ United Methodist Church, Continental with Pastors Monica Kleman and Chuck Schmunk officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental and again for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Homecare and Hospice or Christ United Methodist Church, Continental. Online condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.
GLANDORF Robert Francis “Bob” Duling, 82, of Glandorf, passed away at 1:35 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Charlene Otto, age 60, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at her home in Columbus Grove. She was born April 5, 1964 to Toby and Virgie (Gipson) Golden in Jackson, Michigan.
OTTAWA—Itwasaclean sweep for Putnam County golf teams Monday at the Patrick Henry Invitational. Ottawa-Glandorf, Miller City and Leipsic took Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 18 team invitational at the Pike Run Golf Course.
On Saturday, August 17, three Vietnam War veterans, Kenneth Bendele, Virgil Dreffs, and Don Nelson, will be meeting again and flying together in a Huey at Fort Fest 2024. Decades ago, the three men had been involved in the same story of a particular Huey “slick” that had suffered some damage out in the field, and then returned back to base for an emergency landing.