The Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce held its Legislative Luncheon Thursday at the Fion Wine Room in Huntsville.
In front of a crowded room, the Chamber President, Amber Fagan, welcomed the group saying Indian Lake is open and ready for business as the upcoming holiday approaches. Fagan also said the area is excited to welcome tourists and locals to the best fireworks show the Chamber has hosted. She thanked the many businesses in attendance for their continued support throughout the recovery from the March 14th tornado. Fagan then introduced Chamber Treasurer, Rick Core. Core thanked those in attendance and spoke about how the Chamber is committed to helping its members be successful. He said they strive to help promote and asked for feedback about what the Chamber can do for its members. Core also echoed Fagan’s sentiments about the upcoming fireworks display, saying it will be the biggest and best display yet, and hopes the weather cooperates.
Dr. Rob Underwood, Superintendent of the Indian Lake School District, next spoke to the group. In his school update, he thanked the community for their support during the tornado recovery. the thousands of volunteers, countless dollars, and supplies were beneficial. Underwood said that more than 200 students were impacted in one way or another by the March 14th tornado. At the time just over 80 were homeless almost immediately. Underwood reported that even though living conditions changed for those students, many continued to attend school still. As required by law, the district provided transportation to and from school, with some students being in a van for upwards of two hours per day. 22 students remain displaced outside of the school district, and 32 students are still displaced however are in the district. Just over 130 of the original approximately 200 students have been able to return to their homes. 10 students reportedly have new permanent homes within the district, and only 8 students have withdrawn from the district. The district continues to help those who remain displaced. Underwood then updated the group on several projects the district is working on throughout the summer, including roof work and chiller updates.
Tim Little, from the Ohio Department of Transportation, District 7, spoke about different projects happening on roads in Logan County. Little also reported, that beginning Monday, the fencing along US 33 that was damaged by the tornado will be replaced. Talks at the state level are beginning about the possibility of a potential roundabout at the intersection of US 33 and State Route 274, say the project may happen in the coming years.
Josh Gardner from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources told the group that clean up of tornado debris in Indian Lake is ongoing. Things keep floating to the surface and have to be removed. While the milfoil weed is still present in the lake, it is contained to about 20 acres, where it was upwards of 1,000 in 2023. Weed harvesters continue to work around the lake and a dredge is working on the northside near Turkeyfoot.
Russells Point Police Chief, Joe Freyhof encouraged the group to continue the camaraderie that the community had in the days following the tornado instead of the current discord generated on social media. He encouraged solution-orientated conversations that would help solve problems, and to not just complain about the problem, but to be part of the solution.
Lastly, a local business owner, Jason Duff, encouraged the Chamber to continue down a positive path:
