Kellys Island News

Kellys Island News

Kellys Island Dock Repair

August is a month filled with exciting Kellys Island News events. August 4th is the Make-a-Wish poker run and Arts & Crafts Show at the Kellys Island History Museum. August 5th has the Make-a-Wish benefit swim and Cops and Bobbers, and at 11:00, stop by the Glacial Grooves for the dedication of Beatty Park. The circus comes to town on August 6-7th, and on August 8th, the KIAC Audubon holds Nature Camp (so be sure to sign up). Council meets on August 7th

August 10th is a free day for Seniors at the Erie Co. Fair. KILA hosts Homecoming on August 10-11th (yes, two days now). Come to the Audubon Pot Luck presentation on August 16th. On August 18th, KIHA holds its Murder Mystery Masquerade benefit. The next day August 18th, celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Zion Methodist church and literally pig out at the Kellys Island Police Dept. 3rd annual pig roast.

Early September has a few surprises, too: September 1st, The Island Singers present their show at Kelley’s Hall, September 2nd, Take in Glacial Glimpses (Audubon Club), and get your vehicle sparkling clean at the KIPD Car Wash. 9/8 is Treasure Island Day and the Butterfly Fest/yard sale at the Kellys Island History Museum. Events pop up regularly, so check the Chamber and the post office bulletin board for additional activities and Kellys Island News.

Kellys Island Ferry Interruptions

One item that came up in the Mayor’s meeting was – What should the village do when the ferry strands so many people on the Island? Is it the Village’s responsibility to provide emergency shelter? Why isn’t information shared by the ferry at the Island dock? Several suggestions were tossed around, including having the Chamber office staffed for a couple of hours during these events to answer questions and direct people to accommodations, the airport, etc.

Another simple suggestion was that a mobile, lighted sign be placed near the dock advising people that the ferry has stopped running when it is anticipated to start up, and essential contact info such as Griffing Island Airlines (to fly off), the island. During the last event, the Kellys Island Wine Co offered discount pizzas to those stranded. It was great PR and
brought in a lot of people.

Kellys Island Mayors Meeting

Mayor Cooper held a coffee and donut meeting for the community to bring up ideas, questions, and concerns. About 20 people attended. ALERT SYSTEM – This system has been down for a while due to circumstances beyond the Village’s control. The facilitator is now updating the system so that the 128 people who signed up will begin to receive notices of importance (like waterline disruptions, long-term electric outages, road closures, etc.).

You can sign up for this service at www.KelleysIsland.us under Village News. Erie Longbrake is chairing a Coastal Management Committee to assist homeowners in finding solutions to the high water situation along their shoreline.

Airport plans are moving slowly forward. Before the State releases land to the Village, the Village must come up with a suitable land swap. The Mayor brought us up to date on telecommunications issues (Frontier may be exploring fiber optics, and Hancock Wood is looking at a system). You can keep up with those updates under Village News on the website. Chris Arnold asked the community for project ideas that KILA can undertake. One person wanted the Village to install a public swimming pool.

Kellys Island News Council Notes

Minutes from each Council meeting are online at www. KelleysIsland.us. Thanks to Erie County, we may have some additional recycling opportunities, including possible scrap tire and electronics events. The season is well underway; EMS had 165 runs, and the Fire Department. had two runs. Our thanks to the Brecksville Fire Department for donating 17 sets of turnout gear to our Fire Dept. The old (unusable) gear
will be donated to EHOVE for use in training.

The Police Department had 25 reports, 395 phone calls, one arrest for assault, and issued 18 tickets (speeding, disorderly conduct, parking, OVI). They issued 15 warnings, and there were two accidents. The drug box is in place, and several deposits have been made already. The transfer station reports that there is one last unpaid account, and it is going to court.

Check the Village website for updates on Frontier and their plans to improve internet service, which may include adding ‘booster’ sites on the east and west sides of the Island to improve internet speed. The Cemetary will see some repairs of the most damaged monuments and is considering applying for a grant for a historic marker for the site. Serving our Seniors is looking into expanding its transport services (to Dr. appts) to include the Island. Wouldn’t that be great!