I was sorry to learn of the recent death of Jerry Kallenbach, who managed the local Uhlman’s Store in downtown Port Clinton for many years. I remember in the early days of The Beacon that Jerry was a tough nut to crack. His son was the Corporate Marketing Director in Bowling Green and a super nice guy. His Daughter Sally was a longtime family friend.

Jerry was always super nice to me even though he didn’t buy many ads. When he said no, he always had a pleasant smile on his face. He was also one of the regulars of the 10 o’clock coffee group at Mayhew’s with Denny Bergeman, Frank Dubbert and Clarence Muggy.

Popular duo Steve and Lisa Ball return to the Musical Arts Series in Port Clinton this Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. This first-ever outdoor Musical Arts concert will be held in Lakeside Chautauqua at the Steele Memorial Bandstand, 100 Kenton Row, to allow social distancing. The Balls will present Appalachian Roots Music of the Carter family, a traditional American folk group who recorded between 1927 and 1956.

Their music had a profound impact on bluegrass, country, southern gospel, pop and rock, and the folk revival of the 1960s. The program details, in story and song, the life and recording career of this famous family, who continue to leave their mark on American music. From the formation of the trio, their audition at the “Bristol Sessions,” to their wide popularity, their songs were based on music from the middle of the nineteenth century, many of which were recorded by A.P. Carter from the descendants of British families living in hills around southwestern Virginia.

Season ticket holders of the 2019 to 2020 Musical Arts Series will be welcomed free of charge to Lakeside upon presentation of one of their season tickets. Others will be admitted to the normal Lakeside gate admission. Wearing of masks and social distancing will be practiced.

JoAnn Seaman of Ashland, Ohio was chosen from among 138 entries who found Wylie in the ad for Vein and Body Specialists on Page 6A in last week’s Beacon. So, JoAnn 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.

The Port Clinton Lions are having a Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 11a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Lakeview Park (Ash Street side). Price is $10 which includes: Chicken, coleslaw, baked potato, roll/butter, and water. Drive through service only. Tickets can be purchased from any Lions Club member or during the day of the event.

The boat basin at Dempsey Fishing Access dredging began last week and is scheduled to be completed by mid-November. During the project, the boat ramps will be closed on Monday through Friday to all vehicle and boat traffic. The ramps will reopen for use each Saturday and Sunday.

Built-up sediment will be removed to ensure boating access will not be disrupted when Lake Erie returns to normal or lower water levels. Barges with cranes will be digging in the boat basin to remove approximately 14,500 cubic yards of silt.

Boaters looking for a public access ramp are encouraged to visit Mazurik Boat Access located at 8957 East Northshore Blvd., Lakeside.

Downtown Port Clinton will have another Art on Main Street today (Thursday, Aug., 27) from 5-8 p.m. at a half-dozen locations, to help provide social distancing. There are nine artists selected to have exhibits, setting up at Friendship Park, Erie Dearie Park, the Big Green Chair Space, Underwood Park, the Key Bank parking lot and the Warbler Mural. Downtown retail shops will also be open for late night shopping and dining.

St. Paul Lutheran Church is holding its annual Pork Chop BBQ this Sunday, Aug. 30. The event will be held at the church at 9789 W. Oak Harbor Southeast Rd. Tickets are $10 and includes two pork chops, homemade parsley potatoes, cole slaw, bread, homemade pie, and a beverage. Serving time will be from 11 a.m. until sold out. This year only drive thru service will be offered.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting any church member or calling the church at 419-898-0908. There may be a limited number of tickets available the day of the event.

Port Clinton’s Tony Paolini will be promoted to the rank of Tae Kwon Do master on Thursday, Aug. 27, at about 12:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Adams Street Gazebo. The certification will be presented by legendary Tae Kwon Do Grandmaster Choon Mo Yang from Columbus.

It’s time to stock your ponds! Area pond owners have the opportunity to stock their ponds with fish through the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District Fish Sale Program. This is a convenient, low-cost way to stock a pond or add to its population. Fish orders will be accepted until Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Fender’s Fish Hatchery will bring its tank truck, with aerator, on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 1-3 p.m. the SWCD office to distribute the fish orders. Individuals who order fish will be notified, reminding them of the pick-up time and date.

You will need to bring your own container, filled with pond water. A trash container (with a plastic trash liner) serves as an ideal container. A clean 5- to 10-gallon (clean) can handle 100 fish. For more information or an order form call 419-898-1595 or email beki.hineline@ottawaswcd.com.

On Friday, Sept. 18th, from Noon to 6 p.m. the Knights of Columbus will again partner with the American Red Cross to conduct a Blood Drive. The drive will take place at the Denny Bergeman Hall, 109 E. Perry St., Port Clinton. Everyone that donates blood will have it checked for COVID-19 antibodies. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code PCKOC. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Karla, the activities Director for Otterbein Senior Life in Marblehead, works to ensure that Otterbein’s residents that want to vote are registered for the upcoming election.