Much thanks to the many people who personally congratulated us on the article published in last week’s Beacon (in Ottawa County Focus) regarding the start of our 40th year of publishing. My special thanks to all of the readers and advertising customers who have supported our mission over 39 years . . .

Help People Live Here Better! I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your investment and support.

We had a great time at two great events over the weekend. First, we attended Friday night’s dinner event at Resort at Erie Landing. Mike and Ginger Schenk have done an incredible job of developing that beautiful property. We also attended Ottawa County Transitional Housing Inc’s Gala on Saturday night. OCTHI is definitely doing great things in the community, helping so many struggling residents find new ways to move forward with their lives.

Bernadette Wise was selected from among 121 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for Howard Hanna on Page 3A in last week’s Beacon. So, congratulations to Bernie, the winner of 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.

Port Clinton City Schools are accepting nominations for teachers to receive the “Excellent Teacher Award.”  Nominations may be submitted by staff members, students, community members or anyone else wishing to nominate.  A panel of teachers, board member, administrator and community member will select up to three teachers from each building to be recognized. This will be a great way to recognize teachers for their commitment to the students and school community of PC. The nomination form can be found at www.pccsd.net, with a deadline of March 1.

It’s time to break out The Ohio State University’s scarlet and gray colors and join the fabled Jon “Big Nut” Peters at the 27th annual Scholarship Auction held by the Alumni Club of Ottawa County on Saturday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. The popular party is at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in Oak Harbor. The gala is $20, and promises dinner, silent and live auctions and a crowd of rabid Buckeye fans. The auctions include a full slate of OSU home game tickets, autographed jerseys and lots of other Buckeye-related prizes. Fans are urged to donate Buckeyes’ memorabilia, as well as items and services from local businesses to benefit Ottawa County high school graduates who attend The Ohio State University.

The free ELMS Community Meal is Thursday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, E. Second St., Port Clinton. Featured for carry-outs only is scalloped potatoes and ham, vegetables and deserts. The ELMS meals are provided by St. Thomas and Peace Lutheran churches.

The Port Clinton Middle School Builder’s Club and Student Council’s Military Appreciation Night that was cancelled Feb. 4 has been rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 18. All past and present military veterans are invited to the Port Clinton High School home boys basketball game against Edison, with the JV game beginning at 5:30 p.m., a special tribute to military personnel in attendance at 6:30 p.m., and the varsity game.

All present and past members of the military will be admitted free with a valid Military ID. Port Clinton Middle School student organizations will provide veterans with a coupon for the concession stand at the welcome area by the cafeteria.

The Humane Society of Ottawa County Board of Directors welcomed new member Terry Glovinsky at its recent annual meeting. Glovinsky, of Marblehead, and Barb Ayers, were voted in as a new members. Voters approved Crystal Cleary and Mary Anne Koebel for two-year terms, joining existing board members Lara Bischoff, Diana Hopkins, Marty Mortus and Sue Sradeja.

Congratulations to local Youngstown State University student Emily Wolf of Oak Harbor named to the Dean’s List for Fall Semester. She is majoring in Psychology.

The busiest of seasons for the Friends of Magee Marsh Gift Shop, located inside the Bird Center at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, is spring. That is when birders from around Ohio and the country make the scene to enjoy the Biggest Week in American Birding. To handle the crowds, more gift shop volunteers are needed from March through May when the gift shop is open.

A training session for volunteers will be held Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m. Reserve a spot for training day by emailing windbird@bex.net. The gift shop is scheduled to be closed June 1 through March 2023 for a complete makeover.