At 7:24 a.m. on Tuesday morning, 101-year-old Dr. Darrell “Hab” Hablitzel, one of the most beloved folks in Ottawa County, passed away. He’s pictured here at Port Clinton Yacht Club with Jon Waters, the former director of the Ohio State University Marching Band.

“Hab” probably knew Woody Hayes personally, as he had season tickets probably starting right after WWII, where he served. I used to holler “Hey Hab” loudly whenever I saw him, because in 1985, I grumbled at him after a Green Island Race at Port Clinton Yacht Club, and he called me on it!

I acknowledged him that way every time I saw him for 35 years. He always laughed and yelled “Hi, John” back. He was the probably the kindest man I have ever met. His passing leaves a gigantic hole in our community. Thank goodness two of his three sons, Mike and Mark, followed him at his dentistry practice. Both sons have left a mark on the community, as well. Funeral information is pending at Gerner, Wolf, Walker.

Hmmm, slow news week! If you think you are exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough and shortness of breath), please call your primary care provider. Do not travel to a health facility. Do not go to your nearest emergency room unless it is an emergency situation, then please call the ER first to tell them of your arrival at 419-734-3131 Ext. 3602. Only patients meeting certain criteria will be tested. For general questions regarding COVID-19, please call 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).

At his recent press conference, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced several new measures designed to protect public health and to limit the potential for COVID-19 transmission. Effective immediately and until further notice, Lake Erie Shores & Islands will be temporarily closing its welcome centers at 216 East Water St. in Sandusky, and 770 SE Catawba Rd., in Portage Township. May I suggest you log into www.thebeacon.net . We are going to try to help as much as we can to keep you informed of event cancellations as we get them.

The annual Oak Harbor Athletic Boosters’ Reverse Raffle has been rescheduled for Friday, May 30 at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. Tickets are now available at $75 with extra meal tickets available for $25.

Paula Young was chosen from among 98 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for Arter Home Furnishings on Page 8A in last week’s Beacon. So, Paula wins our weekly $25 gas card graciously donated by Friendship Stores. Each week we hide Wylie Walleye in an ad and our readers, when one of them finds him, can either bring in a contest entry cut out of the paper or log onto our website … www.thebeacon.net … and let us know where he is, thus entering, and possibly winning our weekly contest.

The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus will continue their tradition of Lenten Fish Fries each Friday during Lent, including Good Friday. Due to the coronavirus situation, the food will be available on a drive-thru basis only. The fish fries are held at the Denny Bergeman Hall at 109 E. Perry St. in downtown Port Clinton from 4 to 7 p.m.

The fish fry includes a generous serving of hand-breaded fish, French fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, applesauce, and a variety of desserts. The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Pop or bottled water will be available for $1. For more information visit their website at: www.kofc1750.org .

The Port Clinton K of C will also host Pancake Breakfasts at Denny Bergeman Hall on March 15, April 26 and May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The remaining Saint Joseph/Marblehead Knights of Columbus Fish Fries have been canceled.

The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s scheduled Business After Hours scheduled for tonight (Thursday, March 19) has been postponed. Also, the April 16 Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Awards Banquet has also been postponed, as well as the Lunch and Learn event on March 25 at Camp Perry.

Immaculate Conception School’s annual “Escape to Margaritaville” Auction scheduled for this Saturday, March 21 at the School Gym has been postponed.

Chamber of Commerce Job Fair: Otterbein employees, Sue O’Donnell and Kim Jones attend the annual job fair at Port Clinton High School.  Students from both Danbury and Port Clinton were given the opportunity to speak with local businesses about job opportunities.

I realize that Telltales is shorter than normal this week do to the Coronavirus situation. Again, please log into www.thebeacon.net for updated local news and information.