News Briefs

Voting equipment testing
The Ottawa County Board of Elections will conduct a public test of voting equipment on Monday, Oct. 7 at 3:30 p.m.
The test will be held at the Board of Elections office, located in the Veterans Memorial Building at 8444 W. SR 163, Oak Harbor.

Quilt guild to meet
The Maumee Bay Country Quilt Guild will meet Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 6:45 p.m. at the Northwood Church of God, 2375 Curtice Rd. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Gretchen Schultz, well-known Toledo area quilter, quilting teacher and former quilt shop owner will discuss the history and use of feed sacks in quilts. Attendees are invited to bring any feed sack quilts they have to share. Visitors and new members are welcome. The visitors’ fee is $10 and yearly membership is $35.

‘Unscripted: Hope Rises’
Women’s Conference
Northwest Ohio Women's Ministry will host its second Women's Conference, “Unscripted: Hope Rises!” Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Intersection Church 1640 S. Coy Rd., Oregon. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Women from across the Midwest will gather together for a pampered day of spiritual renewal, encouragement, nationally recognized speakers and an opportunity to connect sister-to-sister.
Karen Culler, president, described this year’s conference as world-class. “So many across our community, nation and world are struggling, depressed, and overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness. Our conference will minister to those dark places with a fresh infusion of God’s grace, encouragement, inspiration and remind us that we have an unshakeable reason to hope,” she said.
This year’s conference will feature Nichol Collins, a former drug dealer, addict and gang member, who spent 20 years living life as a transgender male in Los Angeles before encountering Jesus, whom she credits as transforming her life. Collins’ mother, Yevette Fisher, will also be on hand to share her experience during that 20-year period and how she was inspired to write the book, “Devil, Let My Baby Go!”
In addition, Robyn Dykstra will share her journey of abuse at a young age, and her ensuing addiction and life as a Playboy Bunny until God rescued her from a life headed for destruction. Gratitude Performing Arts will perform for attendees.
The event will also feature praise and worship, swag bags filled with goodies, vendors to browse and more.
Early bird registration (through Oct. 1) is $35, and the fee is $49.99 after that date. Catered lunch will be available for $10.
Visit nwowomensministry.org for more information.

Texas Star on stage
The Pemberville Freedom Historical Society will welcome Texas Star to the stage of the Pemberville Opera House Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Texas Star’s musical roots include time in Country as well as Christian music. Their truly unique sound appeals to fans of many genres. Their members have performed and recorded with legendary artists such as the Oak Ridge Boys, Gatlin Brothers, Aaron Tippin, Charley Pride, Lee Greenwood, Jason Crabb, Carman and many others.
Tickets are $15 and are available at the door and in advance at Beeker’s General Store, 226 E. Front St., Pemberville or by calling Carol at 419-287-4848. The Pemberville Opera House is located at 115 Main St.
For more information, visit pembervilleoperahouse.org.

Diabetes Get-Together
The next Magruder Diabetes Get-Together will be held Thursday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. in the Magruder Conference Center, 615 Fulton St., Port Clinton.
These free get-togethers are for anyone dealing with diabetes or pre-diabetes, including family and friends. The topic for October will be “Understanding Food Labels.” Certified diabetes care and education specialists lead the discussions.
RSVP is not required. Call 419-732-4047 or email tstadler@magruderhospital.com for more information.

Library closed
through October
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library's Oregon Branch will remain closed through October following a plumbing failure that happened in August.
Management is working with insurance and restoration companies on mitigation efforts, including carpeting, drywall, painting, and electrical work.
Voting at the Oregon Branch on Nov. 5 will still occur as the meeting room at the front of the building was not impacted by the flooding.

Jury duty scam
reported in
Wood County
The Wood County Court of Common Pleas is warning residents about a recent surge in fraudulent phone calls targeting county citizens. Scammers are attempting to convince individuals they have missed jury duty and must make immediate payments to avoid legal penalties.
“These callers claim to be court officials, using the names of our elected judges and fabricated case numbers in an effort to defraud citizens,” said Court Administrator Brandy Hartman. “If you receive a suspicious call asking for payment, hang up and report it to the proper authorities.”
The court will never request payment over the phone for missed jury duty.
Additionally, individuals summoned for jury duty in Wood County will not be provided with case numbers or directed to any location outside of the courthouse.
If you believe you’ve been contacted by one of these fraudulent callers, report the incident to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 419-354-9001.
“Unfortunately, these scams are not new,” Hartman added. "We hope by sharing this information we can encourage our community to remain aware and cautious."
The court welcomes anyone receiving a jury summons or other jury communications to verify its legitimacy by contacting the jury office at 419-354-9620