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As the first quarter of the 21st century wraps up this December, so does another unpredictable year on Put-in-Bay. Here’s a streamlined look back at 2025.
January opened with the best gift for island ice anglers: solid ICE. LifeFlight memberships also became free for all island residents. Excellent ice conditions continued through February, leaving freezers full of fish by the time it melted.
In March, the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy closed on the $1-million-plus purchase of the 11-acre Duff Vineyard. April brought the Citizens Research Group’s report on local government issues. May’s highlight was the spring play “Clue” at the Patrick Myers Community Stage. Cool, wet weather moved high school graduation indoors to the gym instead of the Monument steps.
Two milestone birthdays brightened spring—Mary Ann McCann’s celebration at the Ice House and Annie Parker’s relaxed 93rd at home on Catawba Avenue.
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When Deputy Gary Allred left the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, he was required to give up Storm, the island’s K9 officer. Islanders were upset the dog couldn’t stay with Allred. The Sheriff said Storm would eventually return with a new handler after retraining.
June’s weather improved slightly. SNL alum Molly Kearney performed at the Boathouse for Pride Week, and island artist Phil Gerstner, former owner of Retrospect, passed away. Saunders Resort’s Dolores Kowalski also received long-overdue recognition, officially joining the Cleveland Central Catholic High School Class of 1951 after leaving school decades before to help her family.
July saw the old Chocolate Café give way to the new “Sous le Chèvre.” The third July weekend again fueled the island’s enduring reputation for rowdy summer crowds. The Rattlesnake Island “Snakes” notched their first-ever softball win.
August brought the towering World’s Largest Rubber Duck, drawing huge photo ops, and a boat fire at the Boardwalk gas dock—thankfully contained before turning disastrous.
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In September, Historical Society members elected four new board members. Police Chief Jim Kimble announced he was no longer chief. Islanders mourned historian, musician, and avid ice fisherman Jeff Bykowski. The Village learned it could finally purchase K9 Storm after a three-month kennel stay, thanks to community fundraising. Residents at a community meeting voiced strong support for ending downtown paid parking. Dave Zavagno also shared plans for next year’s “Declaration 250” celebration.
October’s federal government shutdown halted Monument access, and the lower plaza will remain closed for two years. The Historical Society held its Crown Hill Cemetery Walk, and Ohio Edison began replacing the underwater electric cable between South Bass and Middle Bass.
November brought major projects: repaving Airport Road and removing DeRivera Park’s B-Dock to prepare for a new one. With tight 2026 finances, Village Council voted to continue paid parking next season.
In December, longtime Township Trustee Matt Miller will attend his final meeting after an impressive 35 years of public service.
Finally, Miller Boat Line’s Jake Market estimated island visitation was down about 10% this year—a sentiment many share. Here’s hoping for a stronger 2026.
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please visit the Put-in-Bay Gazette subscription form. This piece of Put-in-Bay journalism has been provided to putinbayohio.com courtesy of the Put-in-Bay Gazette, Put-in-Bay’s only local newspaper. Visit their website putinbay.news for more information and to subscribe!
