BRINKHAVEN — Wanting to see their village return to the way they remember it years ago, long-time Brinkhaven residents Dorothy Elliott and Betty Lou Dailey called for an informal meeting with the Knox County Commissioners and Brinkhaven Mayor Gary Worster on Monday.
The main topic of their discussion was to inquire about the possibility for funding to construct a pedestrian bridge across the Mohican River in town. “We’ve lost a lot of history in Brinkhaven — a hotel, a dam and also a bridge,” said Elliott, in referring to a pedestrian bridge which spanned the river and allowed access to the local cemetery. “We used to walk to the cemetery before the bridge was taken out (2005).”
“It’s not as safe anymore walking across Route (Ohio) 62,” said Worster, noting how village residents now have to walk across the highway to reach the cemetery on the other side of the river.
Knox County Commissioner Allen Stockberger informed the group of funds that are at times available through Community Development Block Grants, but added there is no funding available at this time.
“We can look at the next grant cycle to pursue options for funding such a project,” said Stockberger.
“We have our own problems in our little village,” said Worster. “We have asked for things at certain times, and it often seems like we get pushed aside.”
“We need some time to work on this,” said Commissioner Theresa Bemiller, assuring them the commissioners will explore all options, including meeting with Knox County Engineer Jim Henry to get his input as well.
“I think we’re doing pretty well for our little village,” said Worster. “We have a lot of community pride.”
