I think I’ve known Rob Hickman since he was a patrolman for the Port Clinton Police Department. He learned a new skill long ago as a police dog handler and trainer. He is a man I have considered a friend for quite some time.

Rob made it official on Monday that he is formally retiring from the position of Chief of Police. Best of luck and safe travels to Rob and his wife, Roseann. Also, best of luck to new Port Clinton Police Chief David Scott.

Speaking of law enforcement, this will be a long weekend coming up. Independence Day weekend has traditionally been the peak of the season for area visitors. Please expect the traffic to be very busy just about everywhere. Take your time wherever you go.

Kris McKarns from Southwest Ohio was selected from among 138 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for MWB Consulting LLC on Page 5A in last week’s Beacon. So, congratulations Kris, 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.

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring the bell for the “Christmas in July” Red Kettle Campaign.  This community event will take place on July 23rd and 24th from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. There will be several kettle sites set up with bell ringing volunteers needed at each site. The sites involved are: Twin Oast and Friendship Food Stores (both Port Clinton and Catawba locations).

All proceeds will help support The Port Clinton Salvation Army Service Center. If you are interested in ringing the bell for “Christmas in July” or would like to make a donation please contact Director, Maureen Saponari – 419-732-2769, 1834 East Perry St.,  Port Clinton, Ohio  43452 or Maureen.saponari@use.salvationarmy.org.

The Salvation Army-Port Clinton Service Unit is also accepting applications and donations for the “Tools for School Program.” The Port Clinton Service Center “Tools for School” program will assist all school aged children in Ottawa County that are in need of school supplies and book bags for the 2021-22 school year. Applications are available at The Salvation Army Office, United Way, The Sutton Center, Community Support, JFS and all Ottawa County Libraries.

There’s no doubt that Lake Erie is the Walleye Capital of the World, with amazing catches this spring and summer and a Division of Wildlife forecast for outstanding walleye fishing in the years to come. Gov. Mike DeWine will again bring homage to the Shores & Islands brand with his annual Governor’s Fish Ohio Day in Port Clinton on Thursday, July 8, with dignitaries and writers enjoying plenty of speeches, and a walleye fishing adventure.

DeWine is reportedly bringing his grandkids again, a hardy fishing crew who have shown off their fishing skills while on past Lake Erie fishing trips.

The Marblehead Merchants Group will celebrate Christmas in July on Saturday, July 24 from noon to 7 p.m. There will be a wide variety of sales by the local merchants, and plenty of food and refreshments available along Main Street.

Walleye Bite Dinners? A local favorite, delectable walleye will be available at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Marblehead on Thursday, July 1 and Thursday, July 22. The big church is next door to the historic Marblehead Lighthouse.

Carry-out dinners will be available for $12 from 4-6 p.m. Call 419-702-7004 to place an order by noon the day before the Walleye Bite Dinners come out of the oven. Baked goods and raffle tickets for gift baskets that support church activities are also available.

One of the best annual events on Catawba Island is coming up July 10. It’s the annual Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department’s Chicken Barbecue. It’s really good!

Congratulations to my nephew and 1988 Port Clinton High School graduate Chip Schaffner for winning his class and possible overall championship at last weekend’s Cleveland Race Week. His boat, FALL LINE, was first in every one of their races through Saturday. A former deckhand of mine and another Port Clinton grad, Chip Bodie, was also on board.

Otterbein Senior Life residents enjoy some time together on the front porch while listening to the Toledo symphony.