CENTERBURG – A roadway disaster has left the owners of a local restaurant and bar in a medical crisis.
According to an email from Heart of Ohio Days organizer Candy McCracken to the Mount Vernon News, the accident occurred on the night of June 25.
Jason and Teresa Harter, owners of 1834 Midway Tavern in Centerburg, had spent the day operating the beer garden at the Heart of Ohio festival. As they were traveling in an open vehicle back to their establishment at 1:30 a.m. to close it, the car had not gone more than 2 miles when the driver suddenly lost control and rolled over multiple times.
Teresa Harter was thrown from the vehicle, initially suffering multiple cuts and bruises. Later, doctors discovered she had three broken ribs, a collapsed lung and fluid in her lungs. Her first stop was an urgent care center, which sent her to Riverside Hospital by ambulance. After surgery to repair her ribs, she is home now but still very weak. Her two daughters are staying with her.
Jason Harter, however, suffered the more serious injuries. When the vehicle rolled, his left arm was pinned beneath it, mangled and crushed. One of the Harters’ employees was behind them and stopped, trying unsuccessfully to call 911. Meanwhile, another passerby, put them in his car and sped to Grady Hospital in Delaware. Doctors immediately started a transfusion and sent Jason Harter to Riverside in Columbus. Upon arrival, they began another transfusion. Due to the nature of his injuries, doctors feared they would be unable save his arm.
More than a month after the accident, Jason Harter has undergone 16 surgeries, some only a day apart. Some surgeries were spent removing debris, sand, stones, dirt, etc., to avoid infection. Doctors have begun to rebuild his arm, which must be done in stages. Nerves must be reconnected. Bones rebuilt. Muscles, tendons and ligaments all must be reconnected. He is facing more surgeries over the next few weeks.
The Harters have only basic insurance, and fundraisers have been set up to help defray their medical costs.
Donation jars are in many area businesses.
There will be a family-friendly event from noon-4 p.m. Saturday to be hosted by Bloomfield Meadows at 650 State Route 314, with Ty Barnes playing guitar and singing, kids' games at 2 p.m. and a 50-50 drawing. Pulled pork, baked beans, cole slaw and desserts for donation.
Adult events will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24 and 25, at 1834 Midway Tavern, 29 N. Clayton St. Centerburg. Friday night, starting at 6 p.m., will feature the band Edge of 17, a Stevie Nicks tribute, featuring Centerburg's own Melissa Gerren Boggs. Saturday bands all day, starting at noon. Brian Panke from noon to 2 p.m., Tim Oliver from 2 to 4 p.m., Alan Carl Band at 8 p.m. There will be auctions of many prizes, 50-50 drawings and more.
A GoFundMe page also is set up at gofund.me/965ff728. If you would like to help or have questions, call Candy McCracken at 740-501-6144.
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