The Indian Lake Development Corporation (ILDC) held their annual picnic on Friday, Sept. 13. And while guest speakers covered a range of topics, from pickleball to the Aug. 14 standoff, the main focus was on rebuilding and reviving the area following last spring’s tornado disaster.
“This picnic is a way for us to show our appreciation to every- one who helps us do what we do,” Randy Sullivan, head of ILDC volunteers, explained after the meeting.
Rachel Kubic, ILDC president, started the event, which was held in the multi-purpose room at Indian Lake State Park. ILDC has several “big things” in the works, including a new $50,000 shelter at Chippewa Park and a $330,000 six-court pickleball complex at Old Field Beach.
“What would this do for our area?” Charlie Strete, who’s helping with the pickleball project, asked. “We see people from all over at our courts. They stop at a coffee shop before, then get a sandwich in the afternoon. They’re all contributing to our economy.”
Both the shelter and the courts are being funded through large grants, the ILDC, plus corporate and individual donations.
After lunch, Kubic introduced Rob Underwood, Indian Lake Schools superintendent.
“We’re still getting calls from people wanting to help our kids,” Underwood said. “I feel really good about where we’re at.”
The district saw 209 students affected by the tornado with 83 completely homeless. Twelve students switched to another district.
One area where the schools were fortunate was in regard to facilities — wind and water damage led to replacing old and rundown roofs along with flooring and a front facade from 1968.
Attendees also heard from Dustin Wickersham about the watershed and tree projects.
From dredge planning to shoreline stabilization, the group is working to make the lake clean and healthy.
Still, Wickersham admitted, it will take millions of dollars to dredge the lake and millions of dollars to prevent sediment from coming in.
As for trees, a plan is underway to replace the beautiful, mature trees the area lost due to the March 14 storm.
They’ve now raised over $17,000 for the project.
“It’s Lakers helping Lakers,” Wickersham said.
“That’s what makes our community special.”
The annual watershed project meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Lighthouse at Indian Lake on Orchard Island Road.
Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds took time to go over several subjects, starting with the response to the tornado.
“We were so inundated we almost had too many people,” he stated.
Dodds then lamented the difficulties schools are facing, calling it “ridiculous” what’s happening, mostly on social media, and saying it’s “virtually impossible” to know where the problems are initiated.
As for the immigration issues in Springfield, Dodds said, “Our government has failed us, especially the Biden administration.” He added, “And it’s slowly heading our way.”
Dodds provided attendees with additional information regarding the day-long stand off on Aug. 14.
“This was a planned event,” he began. “He shot into that neighbor’s house to get us there.”
Once inside the home of the suspect, Holley Tolliver, law enforcement discovered four four-to-six-foot deep foxholes, connected by tunnels.
Tolliver used a gas mask and was heavily armed. “I figured we’d kill him because he didn’t want to come out,” Dodds said.
After hours of trying to negotiate, officers returned fire, eventually wounding the suspect.
As a result, Tolliver has had several surgeries, and the department will most likely have to pay that bill.
Several of the speakers mentioned the importance of passing the children’s services levy in November. The levy, which lost by eight votes in March, is an “absolute must,” according to Dodds. Without it, budgets will be cut, leading to layoffs.
“Please, please, please vote for that,” Dodds said.
Friday’s other speakers were Amber Fagan, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce president; Jeff Reed, Honda Government and Industry Relations; Barbara Taylor, deputy district director for Congressman Jim Jordan; Joe Freyhof, Russells Point Police Department; and Josh Gardner, state park representative.