It was symbolic, but impressive none the less. On Thursday, August 30, the commander of the Brig Niagara, a direct descendent of Oliver Hazard Perry, was lowered onto a longboat with the “Don’t Give Up The Ship” flag draped over his shoulders (as has been depicted by historians) and was rowed by several Niagara crew members to board the USS DeWert, an Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigate docked in Cleveland Harbor.

It was an historic transfer of command from the direct descendants of the commander of the US Navy Fleet in the September 1813 Battle of Lake Erie to the commander of a modern US Navy ship. This event was the official opening of a number of ceremonies and activities that will commemorate the bi-centennial of the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813 that took place about 10 miles north of Port Clinton.

 The Ottawa County Historical Society Keeper’s House will sponsor a War of 1812 military encampment and bicentennial activities on Sept. 22 and 23 at the Wolcott Keeper’s Cottage at 9999 East Bayshore Road, Marblehead. The event will commemorate the first battle fought on Ohio soil during the War of 1812.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrols throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend. Overtime shifts will be scheduled in an attempt to promote safety among drivers, as well as to draw awareness to the other traffic on the roadways.
The Deputies will enforce all traffic laws, with emphasis on OVI enforcement.  The overtime is part of the National Alcohol Mobilization grant received by the Sheriff’s Office from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.

Since 1993, over $65,890.00 has been donated to United Way in Ottawa County by the National Bank of Ohio. NBOH has also had diaper and food drives, and time has been volunteered by NBOH employees.

United Way has partnered with the National Bank of Ohio in an effort to ignite a social movement, encouraging residents to give, advocate and volunteer to improve the conditions in Ottawa County.

United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities, to advance the common good. United Way 211 connected 1,262 Ottawa County residents to community resources in 2011.

The eighth annual Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 109 E. Perry Street, downtown Port Clinton, on Labor Day Weekend. This year the festival will begin on Friday, Aug. 31, at 5 p.m. The fun, food and fantastic polka music will continue Friday evening until 11 p.m. and from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2.