It was officially over this week in 1945 when the Japanese formally surrendered to end World War II . . . 75 years ago. Considering all of the nationwide protests, I think it’s appropriate to observe this event of historical significance with reverence.

Had it not been for the sacrifice of the men and women who fought in that war, there is a very good chance the people carrying on today wouldn’t have the right to assemble for any reason.

Ottawa County Auditor Jennifer Widmer has announced she is waiving collection of the Real Estate Assessment fees for the second half tax settlement. Townships, Municipalities, Schools, and other taxing entities will keep over $437,000 for local use.

“I believe that the more local the government, the more efficient the use of taxpayer dollars. I’m glad to offer a small bit of good news to these subdivisions at this time,” said Widmer.

Kim Miller of Marblehead was chosen from among 131 entries who found that Wylie wasn’t hidden in anybody’s ad in last week’s Beacon, because we forgot to put it in. So, Kim 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.

Another victim of COVID-19. I learned at the monthly board meeting of the Port Clinton Yacht Club of the cancellation of this year’s Green Island Race on Labor Day weekend and the Snow Flurries Regatta in early October.

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will celebrate the scouting experience in downtown Port Clinton on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Scout Day, the scouts will feature a Campfire Lunch at the Meals on Madison (M.O.M.) area. Hot dogs, fries and soft drinks will be available.

The Battle of the Roundabout will be the topic of a virtual online meeting by the Ohio Department of Transportation on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. While ODOT thinks a roundabout intersection is the cat’s meow, and will prevent accidents, at the Marblehead Peninsula intersection of State Route 163, North Shore Blvd. and Englebeck Rd., many Danbury Township trustees and residents don’t  agree.

The online location of the virtual meeting is: https://transportation.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odot/projects/projects/109637 or call 855-925-2801, code 9509.

Travel soccer teams have been all the rage for local kids in recent years, but the COVID-19 pandemic will shut down the popular East Suburban Soccer League (ESSL) fall seasons. Local coaches are considering other options for kids to play soccer locally without having to travel. For those parents whose kids have already signed up for the ESSL, stay tuned.

Bishop Daniel Beaudoin from the Northwestern Ohio Synod (NWOS) will be Guest Preacher on Aug. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 900 S. Jefferson St. Port Clinton, The congregation at Peace Lutheran invites surrounding communities to join them for an Outdoor Parking lot service on this special Sunday.

This year, Peace Lutheran Church is celebrating its 125th Year. Due to social distancing you may stay in your vehicle or are welcome to bring your lawn chairs (weather permitting) and stay in family groups and 6 feet apart from others. If you have any questions call the church office at 419-732-3800.

With everything going on in our world these days it can be hard not to have negative thoughts. While there are some things we can’t change, what we can do is change the way we look at things. Join the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce for their Virtual Business Over Breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 13 and learn ways to stop negative thoughts and cope with stress. This event is free and you will receive credit for attendance towards the chamber’s Annual Dinner tickets. Please email chamber@oakharborohio.net or call the office at 419-898-0479 to RSVP by Aug. 10.

“You Otter be at Otterbein” Ollie the Otter was caught enjoying the raised garden bed at Otterbein Senior Life in Marblehead.