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Volume 29 Number 44
www.thebeacon.net
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Hearing held on health of lake By JOHN SCHAFFNER Publisher Five members of the Ohio House of Representatives, led by Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Dave Hall, descended on the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Visitor’s Center in Portage Township on Friday for a special public hearing. What they got was an earful on the causes and possible cures for the massive algae bloom that covered the Western Basin of Lake Erie last summer. The cause of the problem was simple and unanimous: phosphorus. How-
ever, the solutions may come much harder. Along with Hall were State Reps. Dennis Murray (who announced this week he would not seek a third term), Randy Gardner (who announced that he would run for the vacant State Senate Seat he formerly held), Rex Damschroeder and Catherine Clyde from Portage County. They heard from an array of witnesses for more than 2 hours, but perhaps the most compelling came from Dr. Jeffrey Reuters, director of the Ohio Sea Grant program. Reuters outlined a number
of things in Lake Erie that need fixed: • Sediment bringing phosphorus into the lake • Harmful algal blooms, partially caused by excess phosphorus • Aquatic invasive species that exacerbate the problem • The dead zone in the center of the lake north of Cleveland • The unusual recent weather which he believes has caused more storms and warmer lake temperatures Reuters gave the panel a little history lesson. In the mid-1960s, there were extraordinarily high
phosphorus levels in Lake Erie, especially the Western Basin, and the lake was nationally known as “The Dead Lake.” After the Cuyahoga River caught on fire in 1969, measures were taken to limit phosphorus coming into the lake. By the early 1980s, the lake was cleaned up and this area became the Walleye Capital of the World. However, in 1985, phosphorus levels began to rise again. In the ’60s, the phosphorus came mostly from factories and power plants. Now, the primary cause of phosphorus in the lake is fertil-
izer run-off from farm fields surrounding Lake Erie and its tributaries, particularly the Maumee River. Reuters believes that we need a 50-66 percent reduction in phosphorus running off into the lake. The big issue is, how can agricultural interests around the Lake reduce the loads of phosphorus on their land used for fertilizer and still remain productive? Reuters noted that the heavy rains we received last spring certainly impacted the size and scope of
See LAKE 7A
PHOTO BY VALERIE WITTE
Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester presents the Citizen of the Year award to husband Dennis Tester at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Lou Wargo, who also received the honor, was not present.
Citizens of the Year At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester announced the Citizens of the Year. Dennis Tester and Lou Wargo were honored for their countless contributions to various city projects dating back to 2003. The mayor said the pair has helped with improvements to Lakeview Park and Derby Pond, the Port Clinton fireworks display and fire levy passage and a number of Texas Hold’em tournaments. Though Wargo was unable to attend the meeting, Dennis Tester, the mayor’s husband, was on hand to accept the honor. “It was awesome and it was well deserved for both of them,” the mayor said of the presentation. “It’s not every day you can kiss the citizen of the year.”
PHOTOS BY ANGIE ADAIR ZAM
HOLIDAY TRADITION LIVES ON Waldo Peppers hosted “Nate’s Annual Santa Bruch” on Sunday to benefit Ottawa County Job and Family Services and the Salvation Army. Donations of non-perishable food and toys were accepted at the door. Lauri Gray, who worked for Nate’s Restaurant and has been part of the breakfast tradition since 1991, was on hand Sunday to work the door and sell raffle tickets. “We are continuing the tradition in Nate’s memory,” she said. Crafts were donated by Jody Geyer, owner of Jody Did It in Marblehead and former Nate’s employee, for raffles to bump up the proceeds. “She’s a very talented person,” Gray said.
By JOHN SCHAFFNER
Tell Tales
More than 400 items collected on Mitten Tree We did it — we broke the 400 mark for donations to our Mitten Tree! We collected 182 pairs of gloves and mittens, 130 hats and 101 scarves for a total of 413 items to help keep heads, hands and hearts warm this winter. The good folks at the Salvation Army picked up the last load last Friday so our tree is now empty. Once again, we had many handmade items this year so there is no doubt that our donors really put a lot of time and heart into this wonder Christmas tradition. Thanks to one and all. nnn
Tonight there will be a little bit more on the line when Port Clinton plays at Oak Harbor
INSIDE RECORDS 2A • Heated Boat Storage • Mini Storage • Business Units
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in boys’ basketball. There will be a special drawing during the second quarter and at halftime, some lucky contestant will have a chance to make a lay-up, a free throw, a 3-point shot and a halfcourt shot to win a free 2-year lease on a Ford Escape from Tri Motor Sales in Oak Harbor. If you get this on Wednesday or early Thursday, you might want to call Tri Motors to register at 1-800-336-2931. nnn
Linda Mulvey from the Lorain area was selected as our “Find Wylie” winner. She found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for Nor’Easter Cove on page 5B last n
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week. Linda wins a $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, just drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center, or hit the Find Wylie icon at www.thebeacon.net. nnn
Cathy Allen will continue her annual gift-wrapping service until Friday, Dec. 23, when she will be at the Ottawa County Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to do last-minute wrapping for those late shoppers. Cathy will wrap gifts and provide the paper and ribbon in return for a donation to the Ottawa County Museum. Shoppers who have more than n
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The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will have the final Business After Hours tonight (Thursday, Dec. 15) at Bruno’s Pizzeria at 726 N. Main Street in Marblehead. As usual, there will be plenty of refreshments plus lots of prizes. nnn The Oak Harbor Vocal Music Department will present the annual Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. “Come and
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CATAWBA MINI STORAGE Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 Monday - Friday
10 gifts to be wrapped should call Cathy ahead of time at 419260-3949 to make arrangements for pick up and delivery.
4789 E. Muggy Rd. Port Clinton, OH
www.catawbaministorage.com
See TELL TALES 6A n
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