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Volume 29 Number 43
www.thebeacon.net
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Free rent to new businesses BY ANGIE ADAIR ZAM Editor If you drive through downtown Oak Harbor, you will notice a couple of the empty buildings have a free rent sign in the window. Sound too good to be true? Well, it actually isn’t. Adam Snyder, of Snyder Real Estate and Rentals, is offering free rent to new businesses interested in opening up in downtown.
“The buildings are completely remodeled and ready for business,” Snyder said. “All they have to do is put their computer down and start doing business.” The landlord — who owns 80 rentals in the area — said with tough economic times, he’s really willing to work with people. “To me, it’s not about the money, it’s about bringing new business into town,” he said.
Agreements for the rent-free spaces will be set up on a case-bycase business and will depend on a number of factors including the type of business. Snyder said the two spaces available downtown are in renovated and in mint condition but if somebody wants something else, he has other options available. “With the economy these days, people are a little hesitant to start
Oak Harbor Downtown Committee The Oak Harbor Downtown Committee — a new group working to revitalize and improve the downtown — is looking for new members. Those interested can call the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-898-0479. up a business,” said Valerie Winterfield, executive director of the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce. “I think this is a won-
derful idea.” For information on the free rent offer, call Snyder at 419-8984339.
Students collecting food for holidays Lady Lakers
After the parade, The Fostoria Lake Plains Chorus toured sang Christmas carols in and around city businesses and the elves from Frederick Insurance — Lori Madison, Brooke Araguz, Linda Sorg, Emma Madison and Darla the 8-month-old lab puppy — gathered in front of the decorated office on Second Street.
The Danbury Lady Lakers are looking for some help. The ladies will be collecting non-perishable food items at the Laker boys’ basketball games on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10. The teams are home both nights and face Emmanuel Christian on Friday and St. Mary’s on Saturday. Junior varsity starts at 6 p.m. with varsity games following. All items collected with go to the local food bank.
Community Christmas Port Clinton’s Community Christmas drew crowds to downtown Saturday for a parade, doggie costume contest, kids events and more. According to Laura Schlacter, president of the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and program manager of Main Street Port Clinton, 20 businesses participated in the parade along with the fire and police departments and of course Santa. She said the office has already gotten calls from businesses interested in participating next year. Winners were: • Grand Champion —Oak Harbor Apple Festival • First — WPCR PortClintonRadio.com • Second — The Compassionate
PCHS Future Teachers The Port Clinton Music Department and the Port Clinton High School Future Teachers of America Club are teaming up to support families in need in Ottawa County. Those attending the Holiday Concerts are asked to bring a non-perishable food item. All of the items collected will be donated to the Holiday Bureau of Ottawa County through the Salvation Army. Toiletries such as soap, shampoo or paper products are also being collected. The Port Clinton City Schools Holiday Concerts are scheduled for the following dates: • Middle School Bands and Orchestras — 7 p.m. Dec. 7 • High School Band, Orchestra and Choirs — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 All concerts are held in the Port Clinton High School Performing Arts Center and are free to the public. The students and staff welcome the community to the concerts and thank you in advance for your donations.
Friends • Third — First National Bank Also downtown were holidaythemed ice sculptures created by EHOVE students, caroling by the Fostoria Lake Plains Chorus and kids activities at various businesses run by Santa’s “elves” — DECA students from Port Clinton High School. We were really trying to get families downtown, and of course get people to patronize downtown businesses,” said Schlacter. “We were very pleased.” Humane Officer Dennis Hammond from the Humane Society of Ottawa County served as the judge for the doggie costume contest. All
See CHRISTMAS 9A
By JOHN SCHAFFNER
Tell Tales
Mitten Tree filling up for second time Last Friday, the Salvation Army cleared the decorations on The Mitten Tree in our foyer here at The Beacon. They picked up 88 hats, 86 pairs of mittens and gloves and 65 scarves. However, we have once again filled up The Mitten Tree, and are still taking donations. Salvation Army makes their final pickup for Christmas on Friday, Dec. 9, so hurry. And as always, we thank you for your holiday generosity. nnn
Oh, the strange ways we communicate nowadays!!! I received a photo on Facebook from Matt Montowski, Catawba Township
Trustee. It was a picture of the sign in front of the Township building on Cemetery Road letting everybody know that the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department is a drop off site for non-perishable food items for the Holiday Bureau.
entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center, or hit the Find Wylie icon at www. thebeacon.net. nnn
After seven long years of being victimized by a gentleman’s wager, Municipal Court Judge Fritz Hany finally got some revenge. Following Michigan’s win over Ohio State, local attorney Ernie Cottrell had to wear a Michigan Tie for a week. Hany said that he considered that OSU tie as a “noose around his neck!” Somehow, he or some other troubled Michigan fan got Mike Snider to
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Vince Overmyer, of Fremont, was selected as our “Find Wylie” winner this week. He found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for Tank’s Meats on page 8A last week. Vince wins a $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ve hidden Wylie again this week. If you find him, just drop off an
INSIDE OTTAWA COUNTY 2A
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See TELL TALES 7A
SCHOOLS 6A
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HEALTH 7A
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Local attorney Ernie Cottrell had to wear a Michigan tie for a week.
NORTH COAST LIVE 10B n SPORTS 1B
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