Reporter's Notebook: What's that thing on Water Street?

SANDUSKY — A new dome-like structure recently popped up on East Water Street in front of Volstead Bar. Appropriately named the Igloo Bar, as it debuted this winter, Volstead's proprietor Ryan Whaley explained the purpose for such an outdoor shelter. "The idea here is that people can rent it when the bar is open," said Whaley, noting how the separate space can satisfy requests coming from customers seeking to social distance from other parties. "People can be with their own pod and get the service that they normally would from our bar." Nikki Lloyd, the co-owner of Volstead Bar, and her spouse, Robin, decorated the igloo's interior, which is heated. The Lloyds also own and operate several businesses in downtown Sandusky. "One of the things that's great about it is it's encouraging more people to come downtown during rough times without having to go inside if they aren't comfortable," Whaley said. "We welcome folks to bring food from other restaurants to enjoy inside the igloo." — Andy Ouriel