Mt. Sterling is the last town some drivers pass through on your way to Deer Creek State Park. But ever since the Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued a toxin advisory for the lake, businesses in the town have taken a hit.
"Our business itself took about a 30 percent drop in sales right after the announcement came out," said Dairy Freeze assistant manager Rebecca Burns.
Down the street at Jewett's IGA, the parking lot is usually packed with campers and boaters. Inside the store, it's a ghost town.
"Our holiday weekends are always busy and since the story broke, it really hurt us," said John Milburn, beverage manager.
ONDR found high enough levels of blue green algae to issue a toxin advisory, which means that boating is OK, but visitors should avoid contact with the water.
Burns siad she thought it was bad enough with the advisory, but then she learned something else.
"There is a misconception that some people feel the park is closed and that the lake is closed and that is not at all the case," she said.
"The lake is open and has never been closed," said Steve Mitchell.
Mitchell should know. He runs the marina at Deer Creek. He said that if visitors are worried about the water, there are other things to do.
"There is multiple activities to do in the park -- shooting ranges, horseback riding and trails," said Mitchell.
The last test conducted on the lake showed lower levels, but ONDR requires at least two weeks of positive results before they will drop an advisory.
The businesses in Mt. Sterling are hoping the latest test results are better, so that their customers come back.
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