News Briefs

Decoy show set for Aug. 10

The public is invited to attend the Maumee Bay Carvers Association 42nd Annual Decoy Show and Swap and Sell Meet, Aug. 10, at the Magee Marsh Visitor Center, 13299 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, rain or shine.
This free family-friendly event is a great opportunity to view beautifully carved decoys and shorebirds made by hand in the tradition of the American hunting style decoy. Last year in 2023,
carvers from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio entered over 50 decoys.
Carvers of all skill levels are encouraged to compete by entering their working decoys and shorebirds which will be judged and awarded cash prizes and medallions. Entries in three of the
contests, Lake Erie Singles, Pairs, and IWCA style Working Class are floated in a water-filled tank. The working shorebirds are stick-mounted on a base. There is a small entry fee for the competition.
Registration for carvers begins at 9 a.m. and judging follows registration.
A Sell and Swap meet will also be held. Bring your hunting items, decoys, carving items, wood supplies, etc., to sell or trade.
There is no cost and bring your own tables.
Admission to the show is free, and the newly renovated Magee Marsh Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center will also be open. The museum features decoys on display made by Ohio renowned carvers,
including “Buckeye” Joe Wooster. The collection is considered to be one of the most comprehensive displays representing Ohio decoy carvers.
Visit www.maumeebaycarvers.com for the rules and awards.

Pemberville project
awarded state loan

A project in Pemberville is among those receiving funding through the Ohio Department of Development.
The department announced last week it was releasing $724,540 to STOCP Investments, Ltd, to assist in financing the purchase of three single-story industrial manufacturing warehouse buildings at 4004 Scotch Ridge Road.
The buildings cover a total of 51,917 square feet.
The project is expected to cost a total of $966,054 and create four new full-time equivalent jobs and retain 14 existing jobs.
The funding is being provided through the Regional 166 Direct Loan Program.

City asking for
public’s input
Northwood city officials are encouraging residents to participate in a brief survey that will be included in the development of the city’s next Comprehensive Community Plan.
The city’s last comprehensive plan was developed in 2004.
Mayor Ed Schimmel said the purpose of the plan is to create a shared vision for the community while providing direction growth, revitalization and the implementation of priorities for the city.
The plan will include recommendations for municipal services and facilities, housing and neighborhoods, economic development, future land use, infrastructure, parks and recreation, transportation, and mobility.
Access to the survey started August 2. A link to the survey is posted on the city’s website https://www.northwoodoh.gov/. It can also be accessed by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthwoodPlanSurvey.
Students at Northwood High School will be able to take a student survey when they begin the coming school year.
Printed copies of the survey are also available at the municipal building, 6000 Wales Rd.
A 15-member steering committee expects the process to take about a year and to have a plan ready for adoption in the summer of 2025.
Reveille, a Bowling Green-based firm, has been assisting the committee, which includes representatives of business and residents.

Petitions rejected
due to lack of
signatures
The Ohio Attorney General's Office has rejected the summary of a proposed constitutional amendment titled "Homestead and Personal Property" for a lack of enough verified voter signatures.
The office received the petition on July 23, but the minimum-required 1,000 signatures of qualified Ohio voters could not be verified.
The appropriate county elections boards confirmed the shortage of verified signatures. Only 508 signatures were received.
The proposed initiative petition sought to limit the power of local governments and the state government from imposing property taxes.

Bakery opens
in Oak Harbor
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening with nearly 30 people in attendance was held Aug. 1 for Jake's Bakery, now open at 169 Mill Street in Oak Harbor.
The bakery offers a selection of homemade treats, including custom cupcakes, cookies, and cakes.
The bakery plans to expand its menu with new items in the near future. The bakery also features a rental space for hosting parties, showers, meetings and other special events. A highlight for children's parties is the "decorate-your-own" cookie or cupcake option.
Jake’s Bakery is open Thursday-Saturday from 7 a.m. -1 p.m.

Bike safety camp held
Together with the Friends of Ottawa County Parks, Hopfinger Zimmerman Memorial Park, the Ottawa County Health Department, and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the Park District of Ottawa County welcomed county children for lessons in bicycle safety, maintenance, repair, and maneuverability.
The annual Bike Safety Camp program was held July 31 at Hopfinger Zimmerman Memorial Park in Port Clinton.
The session also included tips on nutrition and exercise. Scout Troop 9370 of Oak Harbor brought its mobile archery unit for demonstrations and lessons, and Kona Ice of Lake Erie Shores & Islands served up shaved ice. Bassett’s Market donated 70 boxed lunches for campers and volunteers.
The annual Bike Safety Camp takes place each summer and is a free event open to Ottawa County youth ages 7-12.
To learn more about the Park District of Ottawa County, visit ottawacountyparksoh.org and follow Park District of Ottawa County on Facebook for updates.