To say the Indian Lake area has been looking forward to the total eclipse on Monday, April 8, would be an understatement. Being right next to the center line of totality, community leaders knew this would be a major event and a boon to the economy.
For over a year they planned. They created a Facebook page, T-shirts and specially made eclipse glasses. They scheduled activities, not just for the afternoon of the eclipse, but for the weekend leading up to it.
Companies and restaurants normally closed on Mondays would be open. The school district announced students would stay home.
Then a tornado blasted past the lake on March 14 … and everything changed. With extensive damage to houses, businesses and land, the eclipse became an afterthought. Everyone’s gaze was, instead, focused on rescue, recovery and rebuilding.
But you can’t reschedule an eclipse. It’s coming, as are the thousands of skywatchers who will head this way in a matter of days.
At a relief planning meeting on Monday, April 1, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman asked Amber Fagan, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce president, what was going to happen on the eighth.
She froze, shook her head, then replied, “It’s our next disaster.”
In fact, government representatives for Logan County and Indian Lake find themselves stuck between wanting visitors to support the numerous local stores and restaurants that will be open while, at the same time, knowing the area isn’t nearly ready for business-as-usual.
And there are other concerns.
“Your cell phone probably won’t work,” Fagan said. “We’re still in active cleanup, and it is not going to be safe. If you pull off the side of the road south of the lake, there’s still debris. You puncture a tire, and you might not be able to call for assistance.”
Joe Antram, Logan County commissioner, agreed, adding they would simply ask people to use common sense.
To prepare for the inevitable, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office will work 12-hour shifts for the long weekend. They’ve divided Logan County into four quadrants. The Indian Lake quadrant will have the strongest law enforcement presence.
In the meantime, you can find out what restaurants and businesses will be accessible over the weekend by visiting the Indian Lake Chamber Facebook page.
And Indian Lake State Park, which reopened on Friday, March 29, recently released their schedule of events, including games, crafts, science projects and food trucks, also on Facebook. This will all take place at Old Field Beach, 11252 State Route 235, Lakeview.
So, should you go to Indian Lake to see the total eclipse of the sun? Yes, but be prepared.
Use caution. Plan ahead. Utilize parking lots and definitely patronize local stores. And remember you’re heading into a community still dealing with devastating loss.
