News Briefs Week of 4/19/2021

Published by news@presspubli... on Fri, 04/16/2021 - 4:00pm

By:

Staff Writer

Cedar Point
hiring day
As Cedar Point gears up for the 2021 season, the park is hosting a local hiring day this Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cedar Point Recruiting Center, 2220 First St., Sandusky.
Applicants may attend any time during the event. Recruiters will also offer on-the-spot interviews for attendees.
The park continues to fill its 6,500 positions, including those in resort accommodations, housekeeping, restroom facilities, park services, ride operations, retail, games, food and beverage, maintenance, traffic operations, behind-the-scenes operations, security and more.
Many positions pay $12 to $16 per hour and offer flexible scheduling.
New and returning seasonal associates are also eligible for a $500 sign-on bonus when they join the team and begin working by May 31. The bonus will be available to active associates after they’ve worked a minimum of 100 hours by July 4.
Cedar Point also offers a referral reward for current, active seasonal associates who refer a friend for a position at the park. Once that friend is hired and actively working by June 15, and has worked a minimum of 100 hours, both associates will receive a $100 Cedar Point gift card.
Employee benefits include unlimited access to Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, complimentary tickets to share with family and friends, discounts on food and merchandise, associate-only events, professional experiences and more. On-site housing is also available for eligible associates for a nominal fee.
Apply at cedarpoint.com/jobs or attend the hiring day event. Cedar Point is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

African Safari
hiring associates
African Safari Wildlife Park, located in Port Clinton, is looking to hire more than 100 associates to join its 2021 Zoo Crew.
Full- and part-time positions are available, including food service, drive-thru safari attendants, cashiers, education programs staff, janitorial services, seasonal zookeepers, grounds/landscaping, maintenance and more.
Visit www.AfricanSafariWildlifePark.com/Employment for more details.

Meeting canceled
The Ottawa County Genealogical Society, which typically meets at the Ida Rupp Public Library, Port Clinton, has canceled its April 20 meeting.
Visit www.ocogs.org for more details.

Airport grants
U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) on April 7 applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) award of more than $30 million to Ohio airports to provide economic relief from COVID-19.
The Airport Coronavirus Relief Program was created through the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 relief package within the end-of-year spending agreement. Portman played a key role in negotiating the legislation through the bipartisan 908 Coalition, which proposed a $908 billion package that included this critical relief for airports and served as a basis for the final package.
Locally, Toledo Executive and Wood County Airport each received $13,000 in funding through the program.
“The aviation industry’s recovery is critical to our nation’s economy. During this pandemic, the sharp decline in air travel left the industry in an uncertain economic position,” Portman said. “I’m pleased to see this continued support for our airports as they ramp up services to meet the increasing demands of air travel as our country continues on the path to recovery.”

Reps give sponsor
testimony on rail
worker safety bill
State Reps. Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon) and Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) on April 14 provided sponsor testimony before the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee on House Bill (HB) 194, legislation requiring freight train operating crews to consist of at least two people.
“In my 40 years of experience in the rail industry, I have learned to never take safety for granted. I witnessed many tragic accidents that were due to poor timing or simple equipment failure,” Sheehy said. “Two alert and quick-thinking crew members are essential to avoid distractions, effectively deal with emergencies and safely operate the train to protect the safety of rail workers and the public.”
The lawmakers say passage of the bill will help cut down on operator fatigue, reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents, and improve the safety of rail workers and the general public.
“As the wife of a 50-year locomotive engineer, I worry constantly about him coming home safely; this is a dangerous job,” said Lepore-Hagan. “Maintaining two-person crews on all freight trains will cut down on accidents caused by mental fatigue and can save lives.”
The two-person crew legislation has been introduced in several General Assemblies, receiving several committee hearings but never making it to the governor’s desk despite widespread, bipartisan support. It was first introduced in the 131st General Assembly in response to several train accidents involving one-person crews.
HB 194 awaits further hearings in the House Transportation Committee.

Purple Heart Village
The Village of Gibsonburg will be officially designated as a “Purple Heart Village” by the Military Order of the Purple Heart during a special ceremony on Thursday, May 20 at 6 p.m.,
The purpose and meaning of the Purple Heart Village designation is to honor and remember military personnel wounded or killed in combat.
The Purple Heart, America’s oldest military medal, was first created by Gen. George Washington in 1782 and was then known as the Badge of Military Merit.
Gibsonburg will be the first community in Sandusky County be designated a Purple Heart community, and will become part of the National Purple Heart Trail. Visit www.purpleheart.org for more details.

Raffle for Wreaths
Wreaths across America – Ottawa County is conducting this raffle to raise the funds needed to purchase wreaths that will be laid on veterans’ graves in December.
This year’s raffle offers the chance to win one of three prizes:
• First prize – A Yeti cooler filled with spirits, valued at more than $800.
• Second prize – An Adirondack chair and side table, valued at more than $300.
• Third prize – A Put-in-Bay package valued at more than $200.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Portage Inn in Elmore, Rayz Café in Genoa, and Howie’s House of Brews in Oak Harbor, or from committee members Nathan Holman, Port Clinton; Kayleen Daup, Carroll Township; Shelley Schutte, Graytown and John Heminger, Genoa.
Tickets are also available at the Ottawa County Veteran’s office, 8444 W. SR 163, Suite 102, Oak Harbor. Winning tickets will be drawn on or about July 1.
Call Sara Toris at 419-898-2089 for more information.

Drug seizure
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers filed felony drug charges against an Ohio man after a stop in Sandusky County.
Troopers seized more than six pounds of cocaine April 7 worth approximately $90,000.
At 5:31 p.m., troopers stopped a 2010 Nissan Maxima with Ohio registration for a window tint violation on U.S. 20. Criminal indicators were observed and a patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed two backpacks in the trunk that contained the contraband.
The driver, Ricardo Pizana, 35, of Fremont, was incarcerated in the Sandusky County Jail and charged with possession and trafficking in cocaine, both first-degree felonies.
If convicted, he could face up to 22 years in prison and up to a $40,000 fine.
Road closing
Ottawa County has contracted for testing at the bridge on Nissen Road over Packer Creek starting April 21 and continuing through April 22.
The work will require a full closure of Nissen Road between Zwicker and Hellwig roads. Buses, emergency vehicles and through traffic will be prohibited and motorists are advised to use an alternate route.