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Kelleys Island News
By Leslie Korenko
We say goodbye to August which was, weather-wise, more like September with cooler temperatures. Homecoming was beautiful, until about 2 p.m. The wind kicked up, and it rained, then there was mist, drizzle, a storm, then sunshine, more storm, and finally sunshine like it never happened. All this in about 40 minutes! Great food, loads of fun, and the entertainment was super. A good time was had by all that took shelter under the pavilion.
The VFW has been doing a lot of entertaining; the latest was a music fest on Sunday evening with a hot dog roast. About 60 people finally got to hear the Coyote Man do his presentation (it was stormed out once before). As always, Audubon meetings have great food (we do love our potlucks) and really interesting programs.
Did you catch the new Lake Erie Love sign by the West Bay? Perfect photo-op. Work has started on the airport – involving new lights, striping and plane and car parking areas. We’re working with line marking companies to ensure that there are enough floor markings for easier navigation.
The Planning Commission turned down a request for storage of long-term golf cart rentals at a residence next to Peepers (the application was for a Conditional Use permit for a Home Occupation). It was a little confusing to determine exactly why they turned it down, but it seemed like all their concerns were dealt with except the Mayor’s assertion that there were already too many golf carts on the Island and that, maybe, like Put-in-Bay, the Village should put a moratorium on adding new ones.
Camp Patmos has begun a fund-raising campaign to raise $200,000 to restore their dock.
The KI Audubon Club celebrates 30 years. Upcoming events include: 9/3 Glacial Glimpses tour, 9/17 Feathers & Foliage, 9/21 Meeting (with Tom Bartlett as the speaker) and a birthday party celebrating their 30 years. 9/9 is Treasure Island day and 9/16 the KI Wine Co. hosts Winefest, with entertainment, demonstrations and local crafters. Remember to check the Chamber website for more details, events and activities.
Special election results: with 353 registered voters – 177 (50.14%) ballots were cast with 57 (32.2%) voting for and 120 (67.8%) voting against Issue One. And here is the slate for the November election. All seats are uncontested: Kelleys Island mayor – Ron Ehrbar; Kelleys Island treasurer – Lisa Klonaris; Kelleys Island council (2 seats) – Gary Finger, Scott Stevenson.
COUNCIL
The Police Dept. had 4 reports (info and fraud), 1 arrest, 4 traffic violations (OVI/3 underage driver), and issued 3 warnings. There were 2 accidents. EMS was busy with 23 runs and 27 clinic calls. Metrohealth, working with the EMS, are creating a WAAS approach for the airport, which is basically a 3-dimensional GPS map of the landing field that will allow a helicopter to land in lower visibility conditions. The Clerk’s office passed its audit for the years 2021-22 with flying colors. The Village is moving forward with the purchase of a 13.46 acre parcel between the airport and the Quinn Preserve, contingent on receiving Clean Ohio Conservation Public Funds. This would be considered an extension of the Quinn Preserve. The listed sale price is $524,900. Council passed the ordinances increasing Zoning Permit Fees and square foot fees and application fees for permits (most doubling in price). The new fee structure for the Transfer Station was also passed, with a discount for auto pay. The seasonal occupancy discount has been deleted. All these will be on the Village website.
News From Other Islands
Middle Bass
Historic Lonz Mansion Renovation
The historical Lonz Mansion that sits immediately to the east of Lonz Winery is scheduled for renovation by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Officials say the property will be a state museum dedicated to the Lonz family downstairs and offer four or five B&B-style room rentals upstairs. Officials envision it as an island getaway for wedding parties. The ODNR expects to finish restoring the mansion sometime in 2026 with $5 million funded by the Ohio General Assembly for the work. Guests at a fundraiser on the Lonz property in August got a look at what the mansion will look like when work is completed.
Kelleys Island
Stanley – Kelleys Island’s Wild Turkey
Last year, Stanley, a beloved wild turkey with a vibrant personality that both islanders and visitors enjoyed seeing as he strutted his stuff around the island, was murdered by someone with a bow and arrow. Kelleys Islanders were up in arms about it. The West Bay dedicated a sunset canon celebration in his honor, and one person posted “There is a special place in hell for the bow hunter.” After the investigation was completed by the ODNR and the KIPD, Stanley’s remains were offered to the KI Historical Association who gladly took him in. The association had his remains taxidermied and had a protective enclosure made for him and he will go on permanent display at the Museum. Stop by and see him.
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