-Brought to you by North Coast Wireless – The local choice for reliable broadband internet solutions!

If you have an upcoming event and would like to be featured on the Country Calendar please click here to email.

The Ohio Department of Health wants to urge the community to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a Cold, Flu, and COVID-19

If you’re feeling sick, call your doctor first before going in.
Learn the different symptoms at http://www.Coronavirus.Ohio.gov

 

From The Erie County Health Department:
You can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home and wash your hands often with soap and water. If you begin to experience any flu-like symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or cough, you must self-quarantine for 14 days. This is critically important for anyone working in health care settings. We all must do our part to slow the spread and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. For more information, call the Erie County COVID-19 information center at 567-867-3243.

 

Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Services (ODJFS), which is responsible for unemployment compensation benefits, has been struggling to deal with the volume of Ohioans trying to apply for unemployment comp benefits.

If you need to file an unemployment claim, go to http://www.unemployment.ohio.gov.  A step-by-step guide to file your unemployment claim is available in the upper right-hand corner of the page.  Your benefits are retroactive to when you became eligible.  If possible, file claims during non-core business hours.

 

The Vermilion Chamber has created a new page on our website dedicated to COVID19 news, merchant info, restaurant info, churches, food pantry, senior citizens services, Vermilion School kids on lunch program etc.
https://vermilionohio.com/covid-19-latest-news/
After you click on the link…click on the picture Vermilion, OH COVID-19 Community Guide Resource Guide and that will get you to all the information.

 

Victory Kitchen “We Walk In Faith, Not Fear”
At this crucial time of the COVID 19 Panademic, Victory Kitchen is still standing strong to be the helping hands to those in need in the community.  They are providing Hot Meals for Breakfast and Lunch, prepared fresh daily for patrons to take home. Along with the hot food, they are providing  food bags (1 per Adult & 1 per Child).
If you would like to make a donation, monetarily or product please call 419-627-8732 and speak with a staff member.
Thank you for your continued support and God Bless!

 

The Mercy Flu clinic is now open to serve patients experiencing any flu-like symptoms
Hours there are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 8pm, Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 am to 5 pm.
Before heading to the Flu Clinic to be triaged, please call the Mercy Health Hotline phone number at 888-700-9011.
Symptoms Treated:
*Fever       *Muscle/Body Aches     *Headaches     *Fatigue/Tiredness        *Sometimes Vomiting & Diarrhea
If you have flu like symptoms or think you have the flu PLEASE DO NOT go to any Mercy Health Physician Practice.
Virtual visits are also available with a primary care physician.  Please call 440-988-3705 to schedule your visit.

 

CLI in Norwalk has received a shipment of disinfectant, and is offering it to seniors and others in need in our community.  Anyone interested in learning more, contact John Schwartz at john@clisupports.com  CLI appreciates the support the Huron County community has given over the last 20 years, and they want to be here for others in our community now.

 

Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the Huron County Treasurer’s Office will be closed to the public until further notice.
Anyone wishing to make real estate or mobile home tax payments are advised to do the following:
Mail your payment to Huron County Treasurer 16 East Main St. Norwalk, OH 44857
Drop your payment in the secure night drop, located inside the front door of the office, to the right. It is accessible 24/7.
Log on to the Huron County Auditor’s website: huroncountyauditor.org and click on the link that reads:” Pay Real Estate and Mobile Home Taxes here”. You will be re-routed to the Lexis Nexis Vital Check Landing Page. You will be guided through the payment instructions.
They will be open 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to answer your phone calls at 419.668.2090.
Questions can be emailed to: treasurer@huroncountytreasurer.org.

 

Effective Monday, March 23, 2020 the Huron County Recorder’s Office will be closed to the public until further notice.
Unless due to extenuating circumstances we will maintain regular business hours of Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.   The public may contact us by phone: 419.668.1916.  Requests may also be submitted by Email:  huronrecorder@gmail.com.
Documents for recording may be submitted by mail to:  12 E Main Street, Suite 100, Norwalk, OH  44857.
Our online index is available on our website:  http://huronrecorder.org/
I appreciate your patience and cooperation at this difficult time.

 

The Ohio Department of Health has opened a call center to answer questions about Coronavirus.
The center is staffed by licensed nurses and infectious disease experts.
The call center is open 7 days a week from 9am-8pm at 1-833- 4-ASK-ODH
That number again is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH

 

Effective March 18th, the Erie County Office Building at 247 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, will be closed to limited public access.
All the doors will be secured on the north end of the building, the South entrance on Washington Row will be remain open and visitors with appointments or essential business to transact will be admitted on a limited basis.  If you have business to transact, please contact the office you are visiting to ensure an orderly flow.

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio needs your help now more than ever.  With the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be an increasing need to provide food for those in our community.  You can help by donating or volunteering.  Your donations will help get food into the hands of those who need it.  And volunteers are needed to sort and re-pack food, help on-site distribution, work in the office, and more.  Please go to https://www.secondharvestfoodbank.org/  to donate online and learn more information.

 

SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Ohio Development Services Agency is preparing to submit an application in the coming week to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency.

Non profit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

In order to complete the state’s application, businesses impacted by the current public health crisis should immediately send their contact information to BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.gov. Additional information on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

 

Firelands Regional Medical Center has implemented visitor restrictions.

If you have a cough, chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, or believe you have the flu and do not need emergency care, do not come in. Visitation is restricted to healthy immediate family or immediate support person 18 and over.

 

To protect patients and staff, Fisher Titus Medical Center has implemented visitor restrictions             

For more information visit FisherTitus.org   

 

The Red Cross has announced an urgent need for blood donations

Eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to give soon. 

They do ask to postpone your donation for 28 days if you’ve traveled to China, Iran, Italy and South Korea or If you’ve been diagnosed or in contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19

Schedule your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org

 

The Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services urges all community members to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health during these times of uncertainty.  The Board remains open to serve the public and connect those in need to community resources.

If you or someone you know is struggling to cope with stress and isolation, dial the Huron County Support Line at 567-743-7155, the Huron County Crisis Hotline at 800-826-1306 or text 4HOPE to 741741 to be connected with a crisis counselor. You may also call the Board directly at 419-681-6268.

 

The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Erie and Ottawa Counties urges all community members to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health during these times of uncertainty.  There are no restrictions currently for the Board to close.  Therefore, the Board will remain open to serve the public and connect those in need of community resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope with stress and isolation dial the Crisis Hotline of Erie and Ottawa Counties at 800-826-1306 or text 4HOPE to 741741 to be connected with a crisis counselor. You may also call the Board directly at 419-627-1908.

 

Erie MetroParks will be cancelling all programs through the month of April 2020. Facility reservation will also be suspended, and indoor facilities will remain closed to walk-in traffic during the month of April. Erie MetroParks will refund any existing reservations. The situation will continue to be monitored and reevaluated as new information becomes available from state and
local officials. Erie MetroParks staff will continue its work of conserving natural resources while connecting the community with nature through education and exploration. During this period of precautionary social distancing, The Great Outdoors remains open. The park district includes over 3,000 acres and more than 30 miles of trails in every corner of Erie County. Erie MetroParks encourages individuals to explore the parks, get some fresh air, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world.
For specific inquiries, please see the contact information below.
Facilities & Reservations: (419) 625-7783 x221
Programs: (419) 625-7783 x223
For the most current status of Erie MetroParks program cancellations and park closures, please visit:
eriemetroparks.org/bulletins

 

The Huron County Chamber of Commerce has postponed their Membership Breakfast, scheduled for March 26, and their Annual Banquet on April 9th.  The Chamber will remain open for business, but will reduce hours of operations. They ask that you call ahead – 419-668-4155

 

Norwalk First United Methodist Church    Free Kids Lunches   11:00 a.m.-Noon
Norwalk  First United Methodist Church 60 W. Main in Norwalk, OH
First come, first served.
Come in the Main Street entrance and stay in your car for pickup!

Be Strong Uniforms & Learning Center is offering FREE meals.
Stop by at 55 Benedict Avenue in Norwalk during store hours to pick up a meal for your family.
While supplies last. Go to Be Strong Uniform‘s Facebook page or website for more details.

			APRIL
	3rd	Fri	City of Norwalk- Compost Facility The City Compost Facility, located on Austie Shadle Drive by Baines Park, will open for the season on April 3, 2020.  The facility is open through Nov. 29th on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. City residents can take extra yard waste to the compost pile.  Residents can drop off yard waste and brush.  Residents can also pick up leaf compost when available at no charge. Anyone using the compost facility must show proof of city residency, such as a valid driver’s license. Compost facility is for residential use only, not commercial use.
	6th – 10th	Mon- Fri	City of Norwalk- Limited Spring Trash Pickup Limited Spring Pickup  will be held the week of April 6th, 2020 on residents’ trash day. Households will be allowed to set out three large items or nine extra trash bags (no larger than 33 gallon) for pickup at no additional charge on their normal trash day during this week.  One large item is equal to three bags, so residents may set out one item and six bags, or any equivalent combination. The pickup will be limited to household items only including: mattresses; couches; tvs; etc.  This does not include construction or remodeling debris (carpet, lumber, drywall).  Items with Freon can only be collected if properly tagged that the Freon has been removed.  The household items are restricted to items that two sanitation employees are able to lift. Further questions can be directed to the Norwalk Sanitation Department (419) 668-7122.  The City of Norwalk reminds you not to litter and thank you for doing your part to keep our community beautiful.
			May
	1st – 3rd & 8th – 9th	Fri. – Sun.	It Should Been You – Harlequins Community Theatre – Wayne St., Sandusky – Friday and Saturday – 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm The Bride is Jewish, the Groom is Catholic.  Her mother is a force of nature.  His mother is a tempest in a cocktail shaker.  And when the bride’s ex-boyfriend crashes the party, the perfect wedding starts to unravel faster than you can whistle “Here Comes the Bride!”  harlequinstheatre.org
	1st * 2nd	Fri.-Sat.	The Wizard of Oz – The Hirt Theater – Bellevue, Ohio This classic take in which a Kansas farm girls travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home.  This is a one-hour adaptation tailored for young performers!  bellevuearts.net
	4th – 8th	Mon – Fri	City of Norwalk Spring Brush Pick up The Spring Brush Pickup will be held on the week of May 4, 2020.  Residents on dedicated City streets may place cut brush on the curb for pickup on their regular trash day.  Brush is to be stacked neatly with no roots, stumps, or soil attached.  Branches are to be no longer than six feet; entire large trees or bushes will not be picked up.  No more than one pick-up truck load will be collected from a residence and brush will only be collected once. Weekly Curbside Yard Waste Pickup also begins on the week of May 4, 2020 on resident’s regular trash day.  Residences are allowed two cans or two bundles of yard waste per dwelling.  Cans must not be more than 33 gallons in size and not weigh more than 40 pounds.  Cans must be clearly marked “yard waste.”  Bundles must be tied, be less than 4 feet in length and weigh less than 40 pounds. Further questions can be directed to the Norwalk Sanitation Department (419) 668-7122.  The City of Norwalk reminds you not to litter and thank you for doing your part to keep our community beautiful.
	5th	Tues	Sandusky Bonsai Club 6:30pm Show Planning Meeting The 1st Tuesday of every month the club meets at Osborne Metro Park in the John G. Frost Center.    New Members are welcomed!
	7th	Thurs	Vermilion Community Prayer Gathering at Noon Victory Park at the Gazebo (Corner of Ohio Street & Main Street Vermilion, OH) Hosted by the Vermilion Ministerial Association and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce.
	9th	Sat.	Kids Day at Hayes – Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Library & Museums – Fremont – Time TBA Kids can enjoy a Victorian tea.  This is an interactive educational series for kids through age 12.
	16th	Sat.	International Museum Day – Merry-Go-Round Museum – Sandusky, Ohio 10am – 4pm – FREEFree admission, $1 carousel rides in celebration of International Museum Day.
	16th	Sat	The Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky has been holding its Yellow Rose Auction for the past 21 years. Due to coronavirus concerns, the auction – scheduled for May 16 – is cancelled. Instead, a Virtual Zonta Raffle will be held to raise the funding to continue supporting the programs and projects that benefit women and children within our community. While our community faces the effects of COVID-19 and disproportionate challenges, Zonta will continue its role of providing service and funding to assist women and girls achieve healthy and purposeful lives. The Virtual Zonta Raffle consists of a maximum of 300 raffle tickets to be sold with the Grand Prize a choice of a $6,500.00 AAA Gift Card or $5,000.00 in cash; 2nd Prize $150.00 in cash; 3rd Prize $100.00 in cash. The Grand Prize will be drawn first, then the 2nd and 3rd Prizes. Tickets are $50.00 each. To order a ticket or tickets, please mail a check payable to Sandusky Zonta, P.O. Box 1222, Sandusky 44871-1222. You may also drop off a check at Tone, Grubbe, McGory & Vermeeren Law Offices, 1401 Cleveland Road, Sandusky 44870 – a mail slot is available for drop off. You may also order tickets via email at president@sanduskyzonta.org. The ticket stub(s) will be mailed back to you. Zonta is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Virtual Zonta Raffle winners will be drawn on Saturday, May 16 – the date of the Yellow Rose Auction that was to be held. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact: Diane McNutt 419.433.4057 or jdmcnutt@bex.net; Donna Jaskolski 419.515.0995 or president@sanduskyzonta.org
	19th-21st	Tues.-Thurs.	Perry Education Days – Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial – Put-In-Bay, Ohio  Hands-on educational experience for students to learn about the War of 1812, life during that period in the United States and life on board the U.S. vessels.  An open invitation is extended to the first 3,000 students.  School teachers should contact the Park to enroll their class.
	21st	Thurs.	Fused Glass Sun Catcher – Schedel Arboretum & Gardens – Elmore, Ohio – 6-8pm Artist Jill Groves will demonstrate how to create these decorative sun catchers out of glass!  You will create your own design and take it with you after they are fired! No experience necessary.  All materials will be provided by the instructor.  Participants are welcomed to purchase a glass of wine or snacks at the gardens!
	28th – 30th	Thurs.-Sat.	Genoa Homecoming – Genoa Veteran’s Park – Genoa Ohio Good ‘Ol fashioned fun!  Amusement rides all weekend.  Grand Parade on Friday evening, home run derby, pie-eating contest and other family activities on Saturday.  Fireworks Saturday night.  Thursday 5-10pm, Friday 5pm-12am and Saturday 12pm-12am.