KELLEYS ISLAND
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Volume 28 Number 40
www.thebeacon.net
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
Standard Mail U.S. Postage Paid Port Clinton, Ohio Permit #80
B-C-S considers school closings By ANGIE ADAIR ZAM Editor The Benton-Carroll-Salem school board is considering making some big changes. During board’s regular meeting Oct. 26, a work session with school administrators was held to discuss potential school closings. According to the board, a reduction of facilities is being considered because of reduced student
enrollment, increasing operating costs and the opportunity to reduce facility maintenance costs while maintaining or improving educational quality. “We need to make sure we can maintain the programs we have,” said Superintendent Diane Kershaw. “We worked really hard to get to excellent and we want to remain excellent.” But with dropping enrollment,
Kershaw says the district isn’t using its facilities to the fullest; empty and under used classrooms aren’t efficient. “We’ve lost 200 students over the past five years,” said school board President Ron Overmyer. “This gives us the opportunity to combine the students in fewer buildings … reducing operating costs and maintenance costs.” The board recently laid out six
scenarios — though both Kershaw and Overmyer say nothing is certain. The possibilities at this point are: 1. Maintain facilities as they are today; 10.1 mil levy 2. Close outlying elementary building; 9.5 mil levy 3. Close two outlying elemen-
See SCHOOLS 2A
For questions: B-C-S board meeting • 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at the Oak Harbor High School Media Center. The Rocket Rumor Mill • http://www.bcs.k12.oh.us/
CASA
Two stars take top spot in dance off Ottawa County CASA supporters were treated to the third annual Ottawa County Stars Dance for CASA Saturday night at the Port Clinton Elks Club. Ottawa County Municipal Court Judge Fritz Hany and his partner, Port Clinton Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester won the contest by raising the most money for their dance to “Born to be Wild.” The judge’s choice award went to Kami Sayre and her partner Timothy Nyman of Black Tie Dance Studio. A sold-out crowd of nearly 240 people enjoyed dancing by local celebrities paired with professional dancers. Other locals and their teachers were: Mark Coppeler and MaryAnn Snider of The Ballet School; Jamie Beier Grant and Hank Fox of Class A Performing Arts; and Angie Adair Zam and Craig Olzsewski of Black Tie Dance Studio. Tester agreed to dance with Hany when last-minute schedul-
PHOTO BY GEORGE KREJCI
SIGN OF THE SEASON The Coast Guard nears the Catawba marker buoy to pull it up just before sunset. Send in photos of what you see going on around Ottawa County for publication in The Beacon or online at www.thebeacon.net. Email Editor Angie Adair Zam or post them yourself on The Beacon’s Facebook page.
EDGEWOOD MANOR
Soldier gets long overdue honor
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Note from the editor: I was approached by Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester to be a part of this year’s event. Thanks first go out to her for being so “convincing.” The dancing was fun, the event was a blast and it all helped a worthwhile cause. I am humbled to be able to help.
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A local man was honored this Veterans Day with an award he earned decades ago. Raymond Twining, now 85, was given the Bronze Star for his efforts in World War II. He is a resident at Edgewood Manor in Port Clinton where state and local officials joined residents, staff and guests Thursday to honor those who serve. “To all the veterans who are here today, thank you for what you do and what you’ve done,” said State
For more Ottawa County Veterans Day coverage, visit www. thebeacon.net
Thanks also go out to my pro partner Craig Olzsewski who spent hours putting together our disco-themed dance.
Lt. Col. Barbara Herrington-Clemens presents Raymond Twining with his Bronze Star at Edgewood Thursday.
And thanks finally to all those who donated on my behalf. I — and CASA — appreciate the support. ~ Angie Adair Zam
PHOTO BY ANGIE ADAIR ZAM
See VETERAN 2A
By JOHN SCHAFFNER
Tell Tales
Condolences go out to family dealing with loss My condolences go out to the family of Natassia Ramirez, most especially to “Boo” (her mom) and “Digger” (step-dad). She was laid to rest last weekend following another tragic accident on Ohio 53 south of Port Clinton. This is, of course, the second year in a row we have had a tragedy like this right before the holidays, having lost Jonathan Pope last year on Christmas Eve, in almost the identical location. I spoke with Lori Waite, who
INSIDE RECORDS 2A
suffered her own loss earlier this year. Lori told me “God determines the time of your death the day you are born.” Natassia and Jonathan are now both our Guardian Angels. nnn
There will be a very special chicken and ribs barbecue this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the family of Melissa Beaver Matousak, who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. It will be n
BEACON BITS 4A
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held in front of Uncle Fatty’s Tattoo Studio at 80½ Jefferson St. in Port Clinton. A half chicken dinner is $7.50 and a half slab of ribs is $10. nnn
Congratulations to our Find Wylie contest winner this week: Lisa Ohlemacher, of Sandusky, who found Wylie in the ad for Playmakers’ Civic Theatre on page 4A. Lisa wins a $20 gift/gas card from Friendship Convenience Stores.
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HOLIDAY 10A
We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, if you find him, just drop us a note at our office at Beacon Place on Southeast Catawba Road or click on the Find Wylie icon at www.thebeacon.net. nnn
The Port Clinton High School Football Awards program will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, in the school cafeteria. All Redskin football players in grades 9-12 will be recognized for their accomplishments. n
SCHOOLS 1B
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The Marblehead Volunteer Fire Association is having its annual Feather Party this Saturday at the Fire Station. Doors open at 7 p.m. There will be lots of food, fun, door prizes and raffles. nnn
Nor’Easter Club is holding a special Craft Show from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. Proceeds from the crafters goes to the
BUSINESS 5B
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CLASSIFIED 7B
Model Home Hours: Thurs - Sat. 11-5 Sun. & Mon. 11-4 Tue. & Wed by Appointment