Before going onstage for Walleye Madness last Wednesday night, we had a marvelous dining experience at the New Year’s Buffet at The Island House. I ran into retiring Judge Paul Moon, and his only comment was “Isn’t it great to see this place hopping again?” There is more good news for downtown Port Clinton. I told you a couple of weeks ago about making a road trip to Green Springs and Papa Jimmy’s. Now, it is my understanding that Jim Kleinhans is bringing Papa Jimmy’s to Port Clinton and will be doing the food service at Slater’s Pub (formerly the Tin Goose Saloon). Last Sunday, we had breakfast at Second Street Diner, and it was packed. And there was Bob Underwood, behind the snack bar! In addition, several new businesses, including a new western restaurant, are locating there. What a difference having the Island House back and running has made.

Ok, it is New Years, so it is time once again for The Great Swami (otherwise known as your slightly cynical editor of The Beacon) to predict what Ottawa County will look like in the year 2019, 10 years hence. It’s a little dark, for which I apologize, but times are pretty dark right now. So, let us look into our crystal ball, and see…
 
  January 2018 – The 24th Annual Walleye Drop takes place in the abandoned parking lot of the old Wal Mart Store in Portage Township. The event used to be held in downtown Port Clinton, but new Mayor Dr. Glen Chapman decided it was a frivolous event intended only for tourists. Besides there were plenty of other “festivals” that could be held downtown.

My thanks to all of those who contributed their time, talents and resources to the 2008 United Way in Ottawa County campaign. As most of you realize, this has been a difficult year economically, not just here but just about everywhere. I am particularly proud of the generosity of Ottawa County citizens, both individual and businesses, who grasped the reality of what many folks in our communities are facing this year, and will probably continue to face in 2009. Chris Galvin, Joan Bryden and the entire staff of helpers and volunteers with United Way in Ottawa County deserve to take a bow for all that they did. When Lucas and Wood Counties were unable to reach their goals this year, Ottawa County proudly stood up and was able to say, “We Did It”.  

Stephanie Lowe, executive director of Ottawa Residential Services, Inc., is committed to helping low-income families or disabled residents find affordable and decent housing. Ottawa Residential Services owns a number of rental properties that are leased out to eligible residents, as determined by a case manager. Stephanie is also a member of the Housing Collaborative, a group that meets monthly to exchange updates and best practices, and her husband Bill is chair of the Ottawa County Housing Authority through his position as director of the Ottawa County Transportation Authority. Together, through their dedication to decent and affordable housing, Stephanie and Bill LIVE UNITED. .