BY JOHN SCHAFFNER

The robins are back. I am happy to report that the Spring Equinox takes place at 11:28 a.m. this Monday, March 20. Welcome Spring!

Erin go Braugh! Yes, Friday is St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy!

Congratulations to George Bergman for his recognition by both the Sandusky Bay Conference and the Benton-Carroll-Salem School District. Back in my broadcasting days, I remember doing many of George’s high school matches when he wrestled at Cardinal Stritch when they had a serious rivalry with Oak Harbor.

Congratulations to Cynthia Zunk of Graytown selected from 198 entries who found our friendly fish hiding in the Beacon House ad on Page 5A in last week’s Beacon. Cynthia wins our weekly prize of a $25 gas gift card provided us by the Friendship Stores throughout the area.

We will continue to hide Wylie each week in an ad. To enter the contest, look for the link on our website, www.thebeacon.net.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $1.9 million Airport Terminal Grant to Put-in-Bay Airport for terminal renovations. This award funds a portion of a project to replace the more than 55 year old terminal building. The new terminal building will be an approximately 2,500 square foot, single-story building and will include a public area, baggage room, mechanical room and two restrooms.

Caitlynn Noble of Oak Harbor performed in the University of Findlay’s Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble concert, “Danzon,” last Sunday, March 12. The performance washeld in The Winebrenner Building at the University of Findlay. Both bands performed music from around the world and throughout history inspired by dance. The bands were under the direction of Wes King, Director of Bands at UF.

The free ELMS Community meals sponsored by Peace Lutheran and St. Thomas Episcopal churches will be tonight (Thursday, March 16) starting at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on E. Second Street in Port Clinton. They will be serving meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable and dessert. Carryout only.

Gabby Santos Toscano of Genoa has recently joined the local law firm of Kocher and Barney in Port Clinton. She was sworn into the Bar late last year. Welcome!

The Ottawa County Genealogical Society will be meeting this Tuesday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ida Rupp Public Library. Their Speaker will be former Common Pleas Court Judge Paul Moon and the topic will be “My Genealogical Connection with Benajah Wolcott.” Marblehead Lighthouse Keeper, Benajah Wolcott, and his genealogical tie to this early Ottawa County settler. The public is welcome to attend.

It’s Lent. That means the Port Clinton Knights of Columbus will be holding its Friday Fish Fries starting this week at the Denny Bergeman K of C Hall on E. Perry Street. They will serve from 4-6:30 p.m. every Friday. Dinners are $14 or drive-through for $12.

Oak Harbor High School will be hosting a series of Summer Employment Job Fairs. In order to introduce students to all we have here in Ottawa County, Oak Harbor High School will be hosting Mini Job Fairs on Friday, April 14 and Friday, May 5. The job fairs will take place during lunch periods (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) in the Auditorium lobby. There will be tables set up to showcase Ottawa County employers and introduce career opportunities to students.