Harrison News-Herald e-edition 7/9/22

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Harrison News-Herald |

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Saturday, July 9, 2022

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2022

$1.25

The best kept secret in Flushing

The main road by the park office that leads into the 1,300-acre property winds around the rolling hills of Flushing.

BY CORNELIA GRACE Harrison News-Herald Reporter FLUSHING – Zion Retreat and RV Park has been around for 20 years and sits on 1,365 acres right by Flushing. The land used to be a strip mine which was abandoned sometime in the 1960s.The original owner of the land had used it to raise cattle but eventually donated it to The Zion Foundation which oversees the park. Brad Johnston recently started working at Zion but said he fell in love with the place after his first visit during an Easter service as minister of Flushing Christian Church. “I couldn’t stop talking [about it] when I got home,” he said. When he was offered a part-time job as the Marketing Representative he joked, “How much do I have to pay?” Now, several months later, he is all too happy to represent Zion with a smile and infectious laugh. Whenever he’s “had a day” he would say, “I come out here because it’s so quiet. Even when the park is busy, it’s quiet.” The park is silent in most areas due to the heavy greenery that surrounds almost everything. While some may know it as a Christian retreat center, the park is non-denominational. Their mission statement is, “Where faith, family, friends, and the great outdoors come together.” Everyone is welcome to camp or just spend the day. The park offers a wide variety of activities. Everything from swimming to

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Several park guests enjoy kayaking on one of the many bodies of water on the property.

This luxury cabin, like all rustic and luxury cabins alike, has its own firepit and grill available for guests to use. The entire park has wifi available for guests.

kayak rentals, catch-and-release fishing to a zip line, there’s something for every member of the family. A fun part of the swimming hole is the Aqua Zip: A zipline that takes you directly into the water! Guests can pay “by the zip,” pay a fee for an hour of unlimited zips, or rent it for parties and events. It’s open to the public on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nearby is the Noah’s Ark playground, which boasts a 1:7 replica of the famous Ark for children to play on that includes a slide. Events and large groups are also welcome to enjoy the facilities. The park has two different kinds of shelters available. There is Noah’s Landing Picnic Shelter which is an open air picnic shelter near the swimming hole and playground. There is also Zion Lake Pavillion which has a full kitchen where guests can enjoy either an open air experience by the water or relax inside with the AC or heating while still able to view the lake through the many glass doors that make up the “walls” of the shelter. There are 60 RV spots, cabins that are considered either luxury or rustic, as well as some rugged tent camping spaces. While the cabins that are considered rustic are smaller than their luxury counterparts, two of them have bathrooms and all of them have a microwave, minifridge, AC, and space heater. Johnston said that it’s common for all four of the rustics to be rented out together for groups. Hunters are normal guests in the winter when the cabin space heater would come in handy. Zion is open year round and there are some guests who leave their RVs at sites and utilize

them all twelve months. An important aspect of Zion is that it is very accessible. Nearly every building includes a ramp for wheelchair or walker use and there is even a walking path that is fully accessible. The park also works with the local Flushing churches to host Good Friday and Easter sunrise services. They have a Flushing Ministerial Association that helps connect them to the community. Zion also partners with local universities to use some of the many bodies of water for studies on fish and fish population. There are also seven oil wells on the acreage and because of this, the water on the property is tested regularly. It has always passed with flying colors, remaining some of the cleanest water in the area. Occasionally, Belmont County utilizes Zion’s lakes for diving training. These are just a few ways that the park remains community oriented and relevant to the world around them. For such a large place, it seems to Johnston that many people don’t know that Zion exists. “This is the best kept secret in Belmont County and it’s my mission to do away with that,” he said. Whether you’re looking for a day of family fun, a quiet place to escape the bustle of daily life, or a venue for your next big event, Zion Retreat and RV Park has everything you could need. Visit their website to start your next big adventure in the great outdoors https://www. zionretreatrvpark.com.

Jewett Council reviews village projects BY KRISTI TULLIS Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer JEWETT – Jewett Village Council discussed planned improvements for the village during its meeting July 6. First on council’s agenda was the dredging that will occur on the creek. Noting that this will be a high cost, Mayor Bo Bailie is determined to have this project done regardless. The current plan is for dredging to occur the distance just before Center Street on through Euclid Avenue. The council agrees that this needs to happen to avoid the flooding that has caused so much damage and acknowledges that until this is resolved it will be an ongoing issue. That said, Bailie said FEMA turned down monies to be awarded for residential and businesses damaged inside of the village, but there has been no update for the village to receive funds, per recent discussions with EMA Officer Eric Wilson. Mike McBee said quotes are still coming in

for bids on the dredging project. He is still in the process of completing the EPA’s sewer and water protection plan, which also coincides with the contingency plan. Since this was implemented in 2015, the village must report how requirements have been met regarding spills, leaks, chemicals, proper signage, and such. He also said hydrant flushing and cleaning of storm drains will be conducted simultaneously. Sidewalk repair will begin to be completed for a residence on E. Main Street. A drop-in drain will be inserted on Center Street to repair the damage that was done. Next up, Alice Hirschbach reported $25,813 was collected in payments. There were six accounts that were delinquent, but all accounts have since been paid. She plans to run weekly reports to avoid too much at one time. Also, water bills for the village will soon be due on a specific day of the week that will also allow for next-day payments. Moving on, the park committee reports quotes will be prepared for the next meeting for sawdust, mulch, and PVC

piping for a border to be installed under the playset equipment. Police Chief Ron Carter said there were a total of 31 calls and 45 traffic stops for the month of June. Last weekend brought seven phone calls that have all been resolved. It was also brought up that village property cannot be utilized by businesses without a lease. This issue will be resolved in upcoming meetings. There is also a concern about mold being inside the old schoolhouse. Dennis Hirschbach said village buildings must comply with the state of Ohio safety codes. As it stands, no one should be entering the building until this is taken care of, and the chains that lock the doors from the inside need to be on the outside. While these issues may not be seen as problematic, he emphasized it is imperative that the mandated safety codes are followed for government buildings in all JEWETT See Pg.- 2

Water plant named in former operator’s honor

Pictured at the dedication of the Cadiz Water Treatment Plant in honor of the late Water Superintendent Thomas Carter were, left to right, Jim Carter (brother), Tami Carter (widow), Kyle Carter (son), Kaci Carter (daughter), J.T. Carter (grandson), and Carly Carter (daughter-in-law). Photo provided

BY BONNIE RUTLEDGE Publisher CADIZ – The Village of Cadiz dedicated its Water Treatment Plant as a tribute to the late Thomas Carter, last Tuesday morning. Carter, a 37-year village employee, served in numerous roles including water and sewer superintendent and director of water and sewer utilities. Carter was proud to have a Class III license in water and wastewater, and was well-known in the state of Ohio for his knowledge in both departments. He was also the operator of New Athens and Harrisville’s wastewater systems. Carter lost his battle with cancer back in February, but his legacy continues on. Carter’s co-workers suggested the namesake months prior to the unveiling, and Village Council members embraced the idea and made it a reality. Village Administrator Brandon Ludwig reminisced about Carter’s broad knowledge base and his knack for on-the-job training. Ludwig explained how he benefited from Carter’s faithful work and noted that current employees at the water plant have all pitched in to fill the void. They just have to dig a little deeper for answers that Carter could have given with ease, Ludwig said. Ray Moore is now the water plant’s superintendent. John Migliore said Carter always made himself available day or night and will be missed as a faithful citizen. Carter’s daughter Kaci also spoke at the unveiling, describing her father’s desire for the water plant and Cadiz to be the best it could be — and how he left it that way — better. Carter’s son Kyle mentioned the overwhelming support extended from the community to their family. Carter’s reach extended far wider than Cadiz; his loss will continue to be felt throughout the state but his name will always stand in his honor on the place to which he dedicated so much of his life.

OBITUARIES

USPS Publication No. 236-080 One Section, 10 Pages Vol. 55, No. 9

740-942-4913 740-9 42-4913

Call now for mowing

Over 60 years of experience in Oil and Gas Katherine M. Knight Kimble, Oil and Gas Attorney

740-942-4054 | www.eques.law

Anna Belle Watson Elma Ross Patrick “PJ” Lishick Phyllis M. DeCaminada Betty Blood Paul Lynn


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Harrison News-Herald e-edition 7/9/22 by Harrison News-Herald Archive - Issuu