Talk About Oak Harbor: No facts behind business rumor
Rumors have been flying for a while regarding something replacing Bill’s Auto and Towing Co. at the corner of Water and Locust streets in downtown Oak Harbor.
I have heard a few variations on the story and decided to ask business owner Bill Edge.
He told me he has received no offers from anyone to purchase his building. He added that the persistent rumors have hurt his business because fewer customers are making service appointments.
I enjoyed talking to Bill and hearing his thoughts on the traffic situation at the very busy intersection. I never considered a four-way stop, but Bill thinks that would move traffic along at a better pace. He pointed out that he has a great view of how traffic is moving when he has some downtime.
Collections for schools
School is just around the corner.
I see ads for school supplies and clothing in many places. This can be a stressful time for young families. The budget might already be tight. School fees, new shoes and sports fees add to that strain.
There are numerous collection points for school supplies and back packs.
The United Methodist Women are collecting socks and underwear for distribution to families with school-age children to give parents a little bit of breathing room. Anyone who wishes to donate to this cause can bring their items to the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through August.
Donations also will be accepted on Aug. 13 during regular food pantry hours, 10 a.m. to noon.
People wishing to send a check should make it payable to United Methodist Women and send it to Oak Harbor United Methodist Church, 360 E. Ottawa St., Oak Harbor, 43449, Attn. Darlene F.
Medication drop-off box at village police station
This is a reminder to those who have expired or no-longer-needed medicines: The Medication Take Back Collection offers a locked steel container available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is just inside the Oak Harbor police station at 146 Church St. I recently took some expired medications there. The steel container is similar to a mailbox. To use, simply pull the lid down, insert the medicine into the circular opening and close the lid. The medicine drops into the body of the box.
Please make use of this. It is important that medications not be flushed down the toilet or thrown away in any other irresponsible manner.
Grandchildren moving overseas
Speaking of school starting soon, three of my grandchildren will be starting at a different school in a different city in a different country.
The family is relocating to a suburb of Tokyo, Japan. The move is not a permanent one. They expect to be overseas for two to four years.
Right now, my husband and I are dealing with grandchild overload as we care for all four while their parents look for a house for the family and handle details of the move.
The time difference is challenging to me. Tokyo is 14 hours ahead of our time. This is yet another opportunity to see another part of the world. I never guessed my children would present us with so many interesting travel destinations.
Life can be very challenging, but it hasn’t been boring.
Linda Hartigan’s column appears each Wednesday. Call her at 419-898-1645.