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Moss On The Rock - August 2026
Native Tree Sale
The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy (LEIC) is taking orders for native trees for fall planting on the islands. They are offering Quail Ridge Specimen Trees (Call for Price—CFP) and Woodland Native Trees ($20 each). Buying and planting native trees provides critical habitat for birds, butterflies, moths and other wildlife. These species depend on native plants for food and shelter. Proceeds support LEIC land preservation and restoration programs. Don’t miss these fantastic options to beautify your yard. Be sure to order ahead to ensure availability. A delivery day will be scheduled in September, including a Middle Bass pickup option. Questions? Contact Lisa Brohl at (419) 366-2087 or leiconservancy@gmail.com.
Museum Board Elections
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society will hold its annual meeting and elect several board members on Saturday, September 19th, at 2 p.m. at the museum. Please come and show your support for the hardworking board members who are up for reelection.
Great Lakes Islands Alliance Summit
The Great Lakes Islands Alliance (GLIA) will host its seventh Great Lakes Islands Summit on Mackinac Island, Michigan, October 4–7, 2026, and you can attend. This periodic gathering brings together leaders and community members from island communities across the Great Lakes to share ideas, build relationships and explore solutions to common challenges. The Summit will feature local perspectives from Mackinac Island residents, along with several days of structured discussions, networking and collaborative learning. Programming will include breakout sessions on topics such as tourism and marketing, island economics and advocacy, historic preservation and local planning. A unique guided boat tour around the island will feature narration by a local expert discussing how the community protects its natural and cultural features while balancing the environment and economy. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in field-trip experiences focused on housing development, environmental stewardship and essential infrastructure systems, offering practical, place-based insights. If you are interested in attending, visit the GLIA website for everything you need to know.
2026 putinbayohio.com’s Best Places To Stay!
- Island Club Rentals (islandclub.com) – 216-898-9951
- Commodore Resort (commodoreresort.com) – 419-285-3101
- Bird’s Nest Resort (birdsnestresort.com) – 419-285-6119
- Put-in-Bay Condos (putinbaycondos.com) 216-898-1105
- Victory Station Hotel (putinbayvictorystation.com) 419-285-0120
Pleads Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity
Colton Smith, 21, the Michigan man accused of the fatal Put-in-Bay bar shooting at Mr. Ed’s in July, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. A grand jury indicted him on charges of murder, two counts of tampering with evidence and other weapons charges. He will undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if he is competent to stand trial. A competency hearing has been set for October 30th. Meanwhile, Smith remains in the Ottawa County Jail, unable to post his $1.6 million bond.
FAA Grant for PIB Airport
The Put-in-Bay Airport recently received a federal grant to allow officials to carry out a study. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, announced the $96,700 award for the Put-in-Bay Township Port Authority to conduct an airport-wide obstruction survey. According to a news release from Kaptur’s office, the funding “will help the airport conduct an airport-wide obstruction survey for the purpose of collecting detailed aeronautical and environmental data. Comprehensive data will make landing and takeoff safer and can help with future airport planning.”
PIB Named Ohio’s Prettiest Town
Architectural Digest recently named Put-in-Bay its choice for “Ohio’s Prettiest Town.” The interior design and architecture magazine selected what it considers the prettiest town in every state, highlighting communities known for their scenery, architecture and cultural appeal. Architectural Digest described Put-in-Bay as a “recreational paradise” during the summer.
Brown Bag Lunch Series
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society is hosting a free “Brown Bag Lunch Series” this fall, and everyone is welcome. First of all, don’t be confused by the name. A free light lunch will be provided, so there is no need to bring your own brown bag lunch. The first talk will be Tuesday, September 22nd, when Russ Brohl will discuss “Life as a Great Lakes Captain.” The second, on Wednesday, October 7th, will feature Paul Ladd discussing the history of the mailboats on the islands. On Tuesday, November 10th, Billy Market will discuss the history of Miller Boat Line. The date for the December lunch is still to be announced, but it will feature an open forum with stories about Christmas on the island. The lunches all begin at 11:45 a.m. at the museum. For more information, stop by the museum, call (419) 285-2804 or email info@leihs.org.
Annual Conservancy Meeting 2026
The annual Lake Erie Islands Conservancy meeting will be held on Sunday, September 20th, at 2 p.m. at Heineman Winery. We will provide grilled food (hamburgers, brats and veggie burgers), iced tea and lemonade. Wine will be available for purchase. Heineman’s new Cedar Woods Red and Sauvignon Blanc are delicious! Please bring a side dish or dessert to share and your own table service. RSVP to Lisa at (419) 366-2087 or leiconservancy@gmail.com. We will be electing board members and reviewing another successful year while enjoying food and friendship.
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Brigadier General Mark Scheid
Whenever Dave Frederick sees a military man, he tries to solicit him for membership in the island’s local American Legion Post 542. So, when he met Brigadier General Mark Scheid at the Voyage for Veterans event at Catawba Island Club on Wednesday, August 19th, he presented him with an application, which he dutifully filled out and signed. Dave was excited, but unfortunately, as they talked, the General informed him that he already belongs to his local Post in Tiffin. Dave’s disposition quickly became somber! So, Dave will just have to wait for the next Brigadier General who speaks at a local veterans luncheon.
Twp. Public Hearing Concerns Fences
The Put-in-Bay Township Trustees will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th, at 8:45 a.m. at the PIB Township Hall, located at 624 Trenton Avenue, regarding proposed changes to the Zoning Rules and Regulations Resolution concerning fence regulations, including fence types, permitted heights and installation requirements. The Put-in-Bay Township Trustees’ regular meeting will immediately follow the public hearing. During the regular meeting, the Trustees will consider and vote on the recommended zoning changes presented by the Put-in-Bay Township Zoning Commission. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide comments regarding the proposed changes.
Strongmen Anchor Lift Demonstration
After two days of competition in Port Clinton and Sandusky, some of the world’s strongest athletes will head to the island to enjoy a well-deserved day of fun with their family and friends. While they’re here, you can catch them in action on Monday, September 7th, between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. during Anchor Lift Demonstrations at Miller Marina. Come welcome the Strongman Champions League athletes to Put-in-Bay and see their incredible strength up close!
New Ambulance Rocks!
Members of the PIB EMS were on hand the morning of Tuesday, August 25th, to show off their new ambulance. And when we say “new,” we mean brand new. The gasoline-powered 2027 Ford ambulance was built in Indiana and had fewer than 1,000 miles on it when it arrived at Put-in-Bay. The new rig is a much-needed update for the two older ambulances here on Put-in-Bay, with one almost 20 years old and the other 27 years old. The 1999 ambulance will be taken to North Bass for service there. The PIB Township Trustees purchased the new ambulance for right around $160,000.
Coyotes On The Islands
Jo Thompson is interested in documenting coyotes in Ohio, including the Lake Erie Islands. She is writing a book about coyotes, and one chapter includes an original analysis of coyote genetics that suggests—at least preliminarily—that Canada is a major population source for Ohio coyote ancestry. She is interested in any photos of coyotes using Lake Erie as a migration route, either on the ice or swimming. If possible, she would like to use high-resolution photos in her book, with full credit, to illustrate what is happening. Jo can be contacted at lukuru@gmail.com if you can help her.
2026 Stone Laboratory Open House
The 2026 Annual Friends of Stone Lab Open House, brought to you by the Friends of Stone Lab (FOSL), will take place Saturday, September 12th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Transportation to the island leaves from the Stone Laboratory Research Docks on Peach Point, 878 Bayview Avenue, Put-in-Bay. This free event is open to the public, and no registration is required.
Military Women To Visit PIB
The Northeast Ohio Women Veterans Unit 21 is honored to announce that it will host the Military Women Across the Nation National Convention on Put-in-Bay September 20th–23rd, 2026. This convention is a significant event that brings together women who have courageously served in our nation’s military. It provides a unique opportunity for veterans to connect, share experiences and celebrate their service. Our goal is to create an environment that fosters camaraderie, honors achievements and encourages continued support for military women across the country.
OhioMeansJobs On-Site Services
OhioMeansJobs staff will be available for on-site services this fall and winter from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays, October 23rd, November 20th, December 4th and December 18th. Individuals needing assistance with unemployment or RESEA services are encouraged to stop in. Appointments are preferred and can be scheduled by emailing omjottawa@gmail.com or calling Monica Metcalf at (419) 707-8615.
OCIC Visits Nature Center
The Ottawa County Improvement Corp. recently stopped by the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center to check up on activities taking place at the Put-in-Bay site. Officials caught up on “all things happening at the wildlife center, including education, conservation and connecting residents and visitors with the natural side of island life,” according to a corporation statement. The center also shared its mission, which is “to promote conservation of and education about the flora, fauna and lands of the Lake Erie Islands ecosystem. We work hard to support and promote this mission with everything we do.”
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!