Ohio Senate honors three for lake rescues

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate honored three state parks employees from northeastern Ohio for their life-saving efforts during a wind storm last year.

Mike Grammer, assistant park manager at Mosquito Lake in Cortland, and Al Campana and Barb Neill, park employees at Lake Milton, received framed resolutions and a standing ovation by lawmakers prior to Wednesday’s floor debate on the state’s transportation budget.

Grammer, Campana and Neill were working on Sept. 14, when the aftermath of Hurricane Ike swept across the state, bringing 40-50 mph winds and 4-6 foot waves on the two lakes, officials said.

Grammer rescued a distressed boater at Mosquito Lake, while Campana and Neill saved two others at Lake Milton. A third boater died in the latter incident.