A state health official may be doing more than just dodging sewage permits at his summer home on Kelleys Island, according to lawsuits filed by his neighbor.

Martin Tremmel, assistant director at the Ohio Department of Health, is accused of failing to obtain permits to build a fence and a pool at his $466,000 island property.

The Erie County Health Department recently cited Tremmel for failing to obtain a permit to improve the septic tanks at his home.

Court documents show it isn't the first time he has allegedly failed to secure a permit before making changes at his property. A months-long battle over an unfinished fence on his property has now reached federal court.

Tremmel and his wife, Joyce, both of Columbus, plan to build the fence so it reaches a breakwall near their lakefront property, according to court documents. They say it will keep tourists from wandering onto their land.

Read more in Monday's Register or e-paper