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News From Other Islands
Kelleys Island
Good Sense of Humor
Kelleys Island Police Chief Shawn Craig has a sense of humor. A Ziploc bag of pot was found at Memorial Park one day at the end of July. He posted a photo of it and then wrote, “if its yours, come and identify it” thanks, Chief Craig.
Long Point to be Auctioned
Long Point at the northeast corner of Kelleys Island is scheduled to be auctioned off on September 18th. There are three parcels, one with a home. Dutton Real Estate Auctions with Keller Williams Commercial – Legacy Group Realty will be the exclusive agents for the selling of the Long Point property. There will be on site and online bidding. Inspections of the property by prospective bidders will be on Saturdays from Noon until 3 p.m. starting on August 28 thru September 11th,
Middle Bass
Rooting Adelaide On!
The Middle Bass General Store opened early on Friday, July 30th, to watch Adelaide Aquilla perform at the Olympics in Tokyo. The Watch Party started at 6 a.m. with Irish coffees, Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas and breakfast pizza by the slice! Unfortunately Adelaide did not advance to the final round, but she did place 20th out of 32 shot put throwers. Way to go Adelaide!
A Very Busy Saturday!
For those on Middle Bass Island on Saturday, August 7th, there will be plenty of activities.
The first thing going on is the J.F. Walleye’s 5K Run, number ten in the race series. Check in at 8 a.m. and run the Walleyes 5k course. Everyone is welcome to join in this event and walk/run the course.
After that you can join the Put-in-Bay Township Park District as they host the 6th Annual MBI Poker Kayak Day! Sign-in begins at 12 noon at the Middle Bass Island State Park, which is also the first stop. For more details and registration information, please visit us at lakeerieislandsconservancy.org or https://bit.ly/3tcE7A5.
The Middle Bass Volunteer Fire Dept. is holding a fundraiser pig roast at Lonz Winery Pavilion at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the Middle Bass General Store.
At the Middle Bass Island Yacht Club, Schützenfest 2021 will be taking place from 4 to 9 p.m. Members will be able to enjoy the Schützenfest games and gorge themselves with Red Wurst, Hot Dogs, Veal Loaf, Sauerkraut, Homemade German Potato Salad and “Desserts to Share” brought by those who want to bring them. This is a BYOB event, so bring your favorite German Bier.
Barbershoppers
Don’t forget to attend the Barbershop Quartet Show on Saturday, Aug. 14th, at 1:30 p.m. at the Lonz Winery at the MBI State Park.
Island Grind
The front room of The Press House behind the Lonz Winery patio is now the home of Island Grind, a specialty coffee shop that is open 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week serving Espresso, Frappes, Fresh Breakfast Sandwiches and more. There’s also internet and air conditioning. Jane Wolnik and Rhemington Lorms are making lots of fancy treats, one being a chocolate covered strawberry frappe!
Pelee Island
Preserves Exchange
The Pelee Island Preserves Exchange is scheduled for Sept. 18th. Those who can food can trade their jams, jellies, pickles and more at the exchange. Goods must be clearly labeled and shelf stable or must indicate refrigeration, etc. All baked goods must be able to be frozen as well. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, even the island’s southern friends now that there is hope the border will be opening.
Ferry Service
Ferry service from mainland Canada has been crazy this season. An unexpected crew shortage on the new $40-million Pelee Islander II which started running in 2019 meant the 61-year-old Pelee Islander replaced the new ferry every other week, diminishing ferry service to the island from the Canadian mainland. The original Pelee Islander carries about half the capacity of the Pelee Islander II which, when COVID-19 is not an issue, is up to 399 people. The newer vessel can carry four tractor-trailers and 16 cars, or 34 cars when there are no tractor-trailers. Everyone on the island is being affected by the reduced capacity, especially farmers who need to transport equipment and harvested crops.
There’s good news however. Mayor Durocher and members of council announced in July that Pelee Twp., the Ministry of Transportation and the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) had reached a solution which enabled the OSTC to run the new Pelee Islander II for full service starting July 19th.
Golf Carts Approved for Pelee Island
PI Mayor Raymond Durocher said that Pelee Island is the first municipality in Ontario to pass a bylaw allowing use of golf carts on public roads. Golf carts were officially permitted on Tuesday, July 28th, for use with a valid licence and a permit from the Township of Pelee Island. Carts are subject to the same rules of the road as regular vehicles, but don’t need to be registered, have a licence plate or auto insurance. The vehicles cannot be operated from December to March, and no passengers under the age of eight are permitted.
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