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North Bass Wants You!
The school board on North Bass hasn’t had a student in its school for almost two decades, and during the time, hundreds of thousands of real estate tax dollars have been multiplying each day as the island’s population drops. To counter the reduction, board members have announced a program that would pay families to move to remote North Bass to repopulate the island and fill the empty seats in the schoolhouse.
The plan calls for families to commit to living on North Bass for at least a decade during which they will be paid $10,000 each year with school money. New families with young children are especially welcome. The program represents one of the most comprehensive relocation packages available in the United States today.
One islander remarked that anyone wishing to take advantage of the program should know the positive things about living on North Bass. First and most important is the small teacher to pupil ratio. It’s zero teachers to zero students as of March 31st, 2025. Other benefits include lack of traffic and pollution, plus views of Canada where residents have universal health care.
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, participants receive access to a free outdoor recreation package which includes year-round access to the island’s magnificent North Bass Island State Park. The program also provides complimentary co-working space memberships, ensuring that remote workers have professional environments to maintain their productivity. This community-building aspect helps newcomers integrate seamlessly into their new surroundings while maintaining their career trajectory.
Those interested in the program should be aware of the limited access options, the lack of reliable cellphone and internet service, plus there are no stores and shopping malls. There is access via the Lake Erie Islands Water Trail which offers paddling opportunities and access to the island’s natural areas. Residents must paddle by canoe or kayak to Middle Bass Island where there is ferry service to the mainland.
For those considering the move, the program requires a commitment to living in peace and quiet. This requirement ensures that participants truly become part of the local fabric rather than simply taking advantage of short-term benefits. The North Bass Island School Board’s investment in new residents demonstrates its dedication to long-term community growth.
Renaming Kelleys Island
The national media neglected to report that President Trump, along with his changing the names of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Mt. Denali to Mt. McKinley, also renamed Kelleys Island to Cunningham’s Island after Sophie Cunningham, an ardent supporter of the President. Apparently, Kelleys Island’s name change was not newsworthy enough to be reported on in the mainstream media, but the BaySette does.
When asked why he was changing the name, Trump said, “My former White House Chief of Staff, John Kelley, doesn’t deserve to have an island named after him after the nasty remarks he made about me after resigning during my first term in office.”
Sources report that no one on Kelleys Island was given advance notice of the unexpected name change. However, since the island voted “Red” in 2024, islanders will reportedly begin using the new name soon and no protests are expected.
And Now With April Fool’s Out Of The Way, Actual Kelley’s Island News
Kelleys Island News By Leslie Korenko
Spring is here! Birds and people are coming back to the Island and Spring flowers are shooting up really fast. The ferry started running on March 24th, and many businesses are opening for weekend events. The last VFW potluck was March 23rd. At the end of February, Tom Bartlett counted 30 Eagles on Long Point. What a comeback. It is not unusual to see them flying by or perched in trees waiting for prey. It looks like we have some O-Possums on the Island. One dead one was spotted on Division Street near the cemetery and one N side resident found foot prints on her snowy deck (they look like hand prints from a large baby), and one was seen crossing Titus Road. We now look forward to the annual invasion of midges, Mayflies and tourists.
COUNCIL NOTES
The next Council meeting is April 12th at 10 am. Check the Village website for info on how to attend online. Council met for the first time since last December. Just a handful of people attended the meeting in person and several took advantage of the online link to attend remotely. Next time you are in Kelley’s Hall, look up at the two huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. What a nice touch. Last month I noted that Officer Jack Wade had served over 10 years. What an understatement. It turns out that it is closer to 30 years serving the Island. This winter the EMS crew had six runs. The Fire Dept reported that the new radios are online. The Water Dept. currently has three Class 3 backup licenses. They are advertising a full-time opening for a Distribution and Plant operations person. The announcement will remain open until April 30th. The Village is meeting with the Ohio EPA to discuss funding sources for the sewer plan. The Police Dept did house checks on 35 houses, checking for leaks and potential problems or damage. Interviews have been conducted and they expect to bring on board six returning officers and three new hires. Ordinances and Resolutions passed include housekeeping certifications for tax valuations for two renewals and one replacement tax levy, and adoption of annual appropriations. One last ordinance was passed, for the City of Sandusky for the ‘review of building plans and specifications, and providing building inspection service to establish and maintain building department services for commercial, residential and public buildings in the Village…” While passed, the ordinance will not take effect until the City of Sandusky secures all their approvals and adopts the agreement through their own legislation. This means, any alterations to a building or construction on a lot must meet village requirements. Sandusky will process the permits and do the inspections. Work not done as described in the permit will be halted and the owners fined.
New Owners at The Village Pump
Gary and Jackie Finger are excited to announce the sale of the Village Pump on Kelleys Island to Marie Casey and Dave Rudiger. They would like to thank each and everyone of you for their 41+ years of ownership! Thank yous go to their staff, their customers and their island family for supporting their customers. The Fingers will continue to help at The Village Pump to lesser roles and they will continue to own and operate The Village Peddler and Bay View Cottage Rental. They wish Marie and Dave the best of luck and know they will be welcomed as the new owneers with open arms by Kelleys Island and the staff. Gary and Jackie wish that they were not growing old and could have kept the Pump legacy going through eternity. They are excited about their new chapter and sad as well.
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