Connecting to Columbus

Two local leaders said it best when addressing the benefits of a more robust highway connection between Sandusky and Columbus. A topic of discussion for years, Greater Sandusky Partnership leaders Duff Milkie and Eric Wobser wrote about a $10 million state earmark for infrastructure analysis that specifically includes a study to shorten the trip and improve highway connections between those two cities. "Enhancing transportation infrastructure between Columbus and Sandusky holds immense potential for job growth, economic development and improved safety," Milkie and Wobser wrote. Anyone who's traveled to Columbus from the Sandusky area knows that the trip will take you through winding, often one-lane country roads that pass through a number of small unincorporated communities. Anything that can be done to improve the connection between the shores and islands region and the state's capital, we feel, can only be a benefit to the growth of our area. SOS at SotU Sue Daugherty, the director of Serving Our Seniors, stands next to a sign on Sept. 21, 2022, in Sandusky. Register photo/ERIN CALDWELL We could hardly find someone in our area more deserving of a special invite to Washington than Sue Daugherty, executive director of Serving Our Seniors. Daugherty attended President Biden's State of the Union address Thursday evening; she was invited to the event as a guest of U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo. "Congresswoman Kaptur has earned my utmost respect and admiration for her work representing the best interests of older Americans," Daugherty said. "I am honored, beyond words, to learn that she has selected me to be her guest at the State of the Union." In her role with Serving Our Seniors, Daugherty and her team work tirelessly to provide resources, assistance, informative seminars and more to those age 60 and better in Erie County. Kaptur, who last year spoke at a Serving Our Seniors event at BGSU Firelands about Social Security and Medicare concerns, rightly recognized Daugherty's work with the SotU invite. Celebration of health The Erie County Health Department has worked consistently toward connecting county residents with resources to improve their health. A Thrive Together event let Erie County Health Department staffers meet members of the community. Provided photo/ERIE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT A recent community event hosted at Sandusky Intermediate School, Thrive Together, is the latest example. About 500 people attended the event and more than half received free services there. "I think it was a victory. People were realizing we're here to help them monitor their own health," Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade said. We applaud the health department and its proactive efforts to encourage people to seek help and better their lives.