ASHTABULA — The Ashtabula Lighthouse soon will get a floating access ramp and dock, thanks to the sale of special license plates.
The Ashtabula Lighthouse Restoration and Preservation Society will receive a $15,000 grant from the Lake Erie Protection Fund to build the dock out at the lighthouse. Work will begin the first week in August. The money in the fund comes from Ohio residents who purchase the special Ohio Lighthouse license plates.
“Our small group of dedicated volunteers is trying to save the Ashtabula Lighthouse, and now today, we can smile just a little more,” said Joe Santiana, president. “This will be the first real step in the restoration process for our group.”
Last year, the group made eight trips out to the lighthouse to evaluate the structure and plan future work.
“Then as the fall weather hit Ashtabula Harbor,” Santiana said. “Any additional work that we might have wanted to complete ended.”
Vice President Lloyd Bogue said the group did not want to take it easy and wait out the winter weather.
“We met several times last fall and also many times during the winter at my home — which just happens to sit on the edge of the Lake Erie shore,” Bogue said. “At every meeting, sitting just down the coast a short ways, we could see the ice covered lighthouse waiting for us to return.”
Several possibilities for funding were discussed at these meetings and applications were filled out by secretary Lorna Greicius.
Treasurer Debbie Santiana applied to First Energy. Santiana’s husband, Joe, dropped in on the Ashtabula Township Lowe’s store to talk to the manager and filled out its grant application. All the while, Bogue contacted possible grant writers and other foundations for information and applications.
The fruits of their labor began to pay off March 19, when the Lake Erie Commission in Sandusky met at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ottawa County and approved four applications for funding. The Ashtabula Lighthouse Society was one of those applications. The estimated cost: $35,500. A bid was submitted by Con-o-lift Floating Dock Systems to build the project.”
The dock will be “U” in shape with a multi-level gangway that floats with the rising waves. The dock will be built on the sheltered, west side of the lighthouse. This system will provide easy access to those working on the restoration of the building, as well as future workers and visitors.
“Now we need to somehow come up with the other $20,000 to complete the project,” Debbie Santiana said. “The Ashtabula Lighthouse Restoration and Preservation Society has the money has enough to complete the dock project, but by doing this. It will clean out our present savings.”
Members worry this withdrawal would cause an undo hardship on the organization. Anyone who would like to help may call Joe Santiana (440) 224-0750 or Lloyd Bogue at (440) 466-5045.
A fish fry fundraiser is planned for July 26 at Lake Shore Park.
Local News
Ashtabula Lighthouse gets grant for floating dock
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
