This has been a difficult summer. Too many good friends and local leaders have passed on. The latest is Joy Roth. She was always something of a whirling dervish when it came to community affairs. She led the way in helping to establish the Ottawa County Community Foundation which has assisted innumerable people and community groups.

Whenever she volunteered for a function or program, it always got done . . . and when it was, there was Joy with that infectious smile on her face. Our hearts go out to her husband, Jeff, and their kids.

We are also saddened to learn of the passing of Dolly Thayer. She and her late husband Norm were driving forces in several businesses and business locations in and around Port Clinton. Our hearts go out to their daughter, Val, and the rest of her family and friends.

We just learned Tuesday morning that the Hershberger Building in downtown Port Clinton has been purchased by a local group of investors. The purchase includes the building that houses Slater’s and the large parking lot behind, and the white house to the east of the parking lot. As many will remember, the primary building used to house the A&P Grocery Store downtown.

Andy Aranyosi was chosen from among 141 entries who found Wylie in the ad for Ciao Bella on Page 6A in last week’s Beacon. So, Andy 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.

We went to breakfast on Sunday morning at the Port Clinton Elk’s Lodge. They have had to make a number of serving adjustments due to the pandemic, but the food was great and the fellowship was even better.

Port Clinton Service Department workers are investigating a few small sinkholes around town. Workers are trying to determine if the sinkholes are being caused by broken water or sewer lines. Sinkholes were reported in the Erie Gardens area, East 6th Street and East 11th Street.

A belated “Happy Birthday” wish to one of my community “moms” out there. Best wishes to Paulette Weirich of Oak Harbor. She became my unofficial mom back in the 1970s when we watched her sons Phil and Steve wrestle for the Rockets.

Mayor Mike Snider will not consider signing an order to require wear face coverings in Port Clinton, despite the summer crowds now showing up. Snider says that the Port Clinton Police Department simply does not have the manpower to respond to violations of such an order.

“I was happy to go to a local grocery store this past weekend and see that 70% to 80% of the shoppers were wearing masks,” said Snider Monday morning. “A week ago, it was just the opposite.”

An early report from hotels and motels around the area has belayed fears that the cancellation of the National Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, which were to begin this month, would result in a lot of empty rooms. That doesn’t seem to be the case, with occupancy rates very good despite the various closings. A lot of rooms are being booked right now by visiting fishermen, who are eager to get in on the outstanding Lake Erie walleye fishing. Last week, a crowd of tournament bass anglers made the scene for the three-day FLW Toyota Series tournament based in Sandusky.

The Live Entertainment listings have returned to The Beacon, appearing in this week’s Summer on the Lake section. It is important that bars, pubs and restaurants hosting live entertainment throughout the summer season help The Beacon and Lake Erie Shores & Islands to obtain the necessary information. To have a music or live entertainment listing posted by Lake Erie Shores & Islands and The Beacon, email live entertainment details to Olivia@shoresandislands.com

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring the bell for the “Christmas in July” Red Kettle Campaign. This community event will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, 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 Unit. 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, Maureen.saponari@use.salvationarmy.org or in person at The Salvation Army, 1834 East Perry St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 or

Also, the Salvation Army-Port Clinton Service Unit is also accepting applications and donations for the “Tools for School Program.” The Port Clinton Service Unit’s “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 coming school year. Applications are available at The Salvation Army Office, United Way, The Sutton Center, Community Support, JFS and all Ottawa County Libraries.

Bon Voyage into retirement for Pastor Jim Lehman at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton. In my 50-year media career here, I think I can only remember two pastors at St. John Lutheran Church — Harry Holzaepfel and Jim Lehman.

Otterbein Independent Living residents relax and enjoy each other’s company as they sit by the fire pit after taking their afternoon walk