The 2020 Census deadline was moved up by federal officials to last Wednesday, Sept. 30. A U.S. District Judge in California nixed the move, pushing the end date back to Oct. 31, as originally scheduled. Perhaps that will give Ottawa County residents the urge to finally check in, and lift the county out of last place for compliance among Ohio’s 88 counties. Ottawa County has a response rate of only about 50% so far. Ohio’s statewide response rate has been about 70%. Local officials are quite anxious, since 2020 Census numbers will help to draw congressional districts and distribute federal dollars.

Local United Way officials are reminding parents to sign up their kids who are 5 years old and younger for the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. They’ll get new books for kids each month, and at no cost. If you can, support the cause by donating to United Way in Ottawa County at 419-734-6654. Studies show that early literacy leads to better education and training. The books are selected by a panel of early childhood literacy experts.

Karen Gerwin from Fremont was chosen from among 119 entries who found Wylie in the ad for Colin’s Welding on Page 5B in last week’s Beacon. So, Karen 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.

I received notification last week that my blood donation at the K of C blood drive earlier this was the 48th unit of blood that I have given over the years. That equates to six gallons! I hope I may have saved a few lives with my donations over the years.

Orchard Bar & Table, 3266 NE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton is swinging open its doors to United Way’s Great Pumpkin Fest, a family fun event from 11 a.m. top 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. The pumpkin explosion includes pumpkin painting, cookie decorating and games for the kids. All activities are free. Donations that are made will help Ottawa County families. For information, check United Way’s Facebook page or call 419-734-6645.

The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce is holding an Oak Harbor Apple Festival Virtual Baby Contest. Entrants can submit their photo at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce to enter their little one between now and Friday, Oct. 16. Family, friends and the public can back their favorite baby by paying $1 per vote.

On Friday, Nov. 13 the top boy and girl with the most votes will be the winners! Winners will receive a crown, sash and a 30-minute portrait session courtesy of Kelly Lindsay Photography. The contest is open to Ottawa County area babies and toddlers under age 3. All net proceeds go towards Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Community Events.

Cooper Stine, former student and athlete at Port Clinton High School, is one of 52 student athletes to continue their football career at Baldwin Wallace University. Head Coach Jim Hilvert, who is in his fourth season, returns 39 letter winners.

Stine was also among nearly 600 first-year students welcomed to the Baldwin Wallace University campus this fall who earned over $10.2 million in merit scholarships. Stine earned a $21,000 President’s Scholarship based on outstanding academic achievements in high school.

The Put-in-Bay Browns Backers will hold their 6th annual Draft Day 5k on the island on Sunday, Oct. 11, with the fundraiser starting at 10 a.m. at DeRivera Park. Masks and social distancing are a must for runners and walkers. Race day registration is at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grill on Delaware Avenue.

Contact Kelly Mohn for details at 419-341-2976 or leibb43456@gmail.com. Entry includes lunch, T-shirt and a goody bag. The Browns-Colts game broadcast from FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland will follow at 4 p.m.

Otterbein Senior Life resident Flora Crawford enjoys a slice of a home baked pie.