The following piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.
Moss on the Rock
PIB Airport Gets Federal Grants
Put-in-Bay Airport is among the recipients of a $19 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant for Ohio airports for improvements, updates and safety. Put-in-Bay Airport was awarded $124,800 to acquire snow removal equipment. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also awarded the Put-in-Bay Port Authority an additional economic relief grant of $12,480 during the pandemic. These funds are available through the CARES Act.
Summer 2020 Algal Bloom Slow in Coming
Although Lake Erie’s 2020 summer algal bloom is growing along the Ohio shoreline and moving as far east as Sandusky and the Lake Erie islands, the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration bulletin shows its toxicity — while slightly on the rise — remains relatively low for now.
An animated graphic NOAA produced for the most recent bulletin showed the bloom was expected to reach and move beyond South Bass, Middle Bass and North Bass islands to Canada’s Pelee Island by the weekend of August 21st through 23rd. Scums of algal bloom around the islands are nowhere as thick as last season.
Pelee Ferry in the News
There was a recent article in the Windsor Star that dealt with passengers riding the ferries from mainland Ontario to Pelee island not wearing mandated masks on the 90-minute ride. One quote in the article read, “And, yet, there are still passengers who argue it’s their right not to wear a face mask while aboard. She said a small minority continues to be abusive and verbally confrontational when reminded by crew.”
After the story was posted online, one comment was “Couple of ‘man (or woman) overboard’ should solve the problem!”
What a List
South Bass Island made the Insider internet list of 19 gorgeous islands in the US that you can drive to. What is impressive is that South Bass Island was linked with other very well-known islands. Here is list: Mount Desert in Maine, Orcas Island in Washington, Kodiak Island in Alaska, Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, Jekyll Island in Georgia, South Padre Island, Block Island in Rhode Island, Sanibel Island in Florida, Chincoteague Island in Virginia, Coronado Island in California, Hilton Head Island in SC, Tybee Island in Georgia, Washington Island in Wisconsin, Shelter Island in New York, Nantucket in Massachusetts, the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Amelia Island in Florida and Drummond Island in Michigan.
Man Found Dead at SBI State Park
A 51-year-old Medina man was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot at the South Bass Island State Park on Thursday, August 20th. The unresponsive man was found on the porch of a park cabin by a park maintenance worker in the morning according to Put-in-Bay police. The police also found a handgun and shell casings at the scene. The PIBEMS confirmed he had died. Police did not release the victim’s name.
Campers in the area told law officers they thought they heard fireworks the previous night, but didn’t notify police at the time. Police did not suspect foul play involving others, according to their press release. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will still investigate the incident because it took place in a state park.
Chamber President Steps Down
The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced that Caiti Bolyard has stepped down from being its board president. Director Peter Huston praised her dedication and leadership saying, “We wish her well in the next chapter in her life, being a mom. Congratulations to Caiti and Austin Bolyard, who are new parents-to-be.”
Caiti’s seat will be open at the end of September. There has never been a more important time to get involved and be part of the leadership for the greater island community of residents, businesses and visitors.
Teaching Positions at PIB School
A recent memorandum is from Put-in-Bay School Superintendent Steve Poe read. “Anyone interested in a teaching position at Put-in-Bay School should email a cover letter stating areas of interest, resume/credentials, copies of current certifications, and three references to: spoe@put-in-bay.k12.oh.us. Specific, available teaching assignments will be posted as they become available.”
Cop Accuses Cop of Sexual Assault
The Ottawa County Sheriff Department is conducting an investigation after a Put-in-Bay police officer accused a former Put-in-Bay police officer of sexual assault.
A female officer accused a male officer of sexually assaulting her on July 5th. The allegations were reported to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office two days later.
The officer who was accused of assault resigned from the department the week after the accusation according to Put-in-Bay Mayor Jessica Dress.
Sheriff Steve Levorchick said the department won’t be releasing the names of the officers involved because the investigation is ongoing and no charges have yet been filed.
Memorial Bricks at PIBYC
Put-in-Bay Yacht Club will once again be selling memorial bricks for its sidewalk. What a great way to remember your loved ones, friends and icons or a thank you to your favorite person or commodore. Every time you or anyone else walks up to the club it will make you smile. The bricks are $100 each and orders will be taken until October 1st with the plan to have them in place for next season.
Food for Thought
Jenni Stoiber recently started selling canned tomato goods due to an abundance of fresh tomatoes in her garden this year. The tomatoes were on the plants the day before canning and were grown with the addition of water only. Her seasoned tomato sauce, great for pasta, soup and lasagna, was sold out in just a few hours after her first post online. She also had roasted tomatoes in olive oil that sold out by the end of the same weekend. All proceeds from the sale of Jenni’s canned goods will be donated to the Pugh family to help with medical costs. Since the goods sold out so fast Jenni is hopeful to have some more cans ready to go when more tomatoes are ripe in her garden.
This piece of Put-in-Bay journalism has been provided to putinbayreservations.com courtesy of the Put-in-Bay Gazette, Put-in-Bay’s only local newspaper. Visit their website putinbay.news for more information and to subscribe!
