Chester Firefighters Climb Key Tower In Fight for Air Competition
By Emma macNivEN macNivEN@karlovEcmEdia com
Three Chester Township firefighters ran a different kind of fundraising marathon March 2 — up 57 floors at the Key Tower in downtown Cleveland.
They did it during the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air competition, coming in third place out of the 26 fire departments who participated.
Lt. Martin Neary, Mike Gibson and Jason Beltran raised $560 for the organization, which advocates for lung health.
They participated in full gear with self-contained breathing apparatus and finished in 15 minutes.
“Our guys have been training for a while together. They've been working out at the station and off-duty to prepare for this,” Fire Chief Andrew Nagy said. “They work together to raise some funds for the competition. We're very proud of them.”
Firefighters and first responders around Northeast Ohio climbed
Key Tower’s 57 floors for the 15th annual Fight for Air Climb.
The skyscraper, built in 1991, is the tallest building in Ohio and has appeared in a number of movies, according to the Key Tower website.
Neary said his team didn’t hesitate to participate, even though they are not as young as a lot of the competitors in the climb.
They were pleased with the outcome, he said.
“It felt good (to get third place) because we're older, but we set out to do that and perform pretty well because it's a vital part of our job to be physically fit,” Neary said. “So, we took that as the opportunity, as motivation to kind of keep our training going throughout the year. And then, it's just kind of a fun day, kind of a fun event. There's a lot of brotherhood involved between the other departments or other fellow firefighters.”
Neary said the same three men will likely participate again at next year's air climb.
“Hopefully, we can win it next year,” he said.
Several Solid Innings a Winner for Wolverines
By rich kElly sports@karlovEcmEdia com
So far in this young spring season on local ball diamonds, the West Geauga Wolverines have dealt with big innings, both on the good side and the sour side.
April 4, in conditions that polar bears might love, the Wolverines once again had several solid, if not huge, innings. They also dealt with a huge inning for the Warriors. But West Geauga got the better of things with solid innings in claiming a 14-9 non-conference victory.
Fresh off of a trip to warmer weather in Myrtle Beach, the Wolverines are now home and dealing with normal spring weather along the shores of Lake Erie. Their experiences were very good, even when they came up short on the scoreboards, but the big innings
still are in play for them as they now move to 3-2 on the season.
"The trip to Myrtle Beach was really great for us as a team," West Geauga Head Coach Brett Munn said. "Just like today, though, we had to deal with a big inning that didn't go our way. Down at Myrtle Beach, we had games where we gave up eight, four, and another one with four that stung us. Today, they (Edgewood) hit us with a seven spot early. We've played some good ball so far, but we need to try to avoid those big innings. The competition here in the CVC doesn't allow for many innings like that if you want to win games."
The Wolverines got in the first big offensive thrust of the game right away. Senior centerfielder Elijah Gudger sent a 1-1 pitch from Devin Sanchez to the gap in right center
Baseball• Page 6
Edgewood.
MICHAEL KELLY/KMG
Jackson Remaley was the starting pitcher for the Wolverines 14-9 non-conference win over
Rosamond Morton
Rosamond “Rosebud”, “Nana” Morton, age 98, a 72-year resident of Munson Township, passed peacefully on March 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.
She was born May 14, 1926, in Owensboro, Ky.
Obituaries
Rosebud was an executive secretary at TRW, Inc. for 26 years. Prior to that, she was a secretary at several other manufacturing companies.
Nana was an avid gardener. She could often be found in her garden caring for plants and enjoying the birds and wildlife. She was still pulling weeds while sitting in a chair up until last summer.
Nana enjoyed attending the Cleveland Jazz Festival and Cleveland Pops into her 90s and she also loved shopping and quiet evenings at home reading.
Rosebud was a true matriarch who leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unwavering strength. Family was the cornerstone of Nana’s life and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved. Nana had a gift for bringing joy to others, always sharing a joke, a warm smile or a moment of laughter with family and caregivers alike. Her kindness and humor created a home filled with warmth and love.
More than anything, Rosebud instilled in her family the importance of a positive attitude, encouraging them to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
She is survived by her sons, Craig A. (Bonnie) Morton, Bruce D. (Wendy) Morton and Brian D. Morton; daughter, Leslie (Richard) Nering; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family, friends and neighbors.
Nana is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Walter M. Morton; and daughterin-law, Ann “Anna” Morton.
Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where a prayer service will follow at 1 p.m.
Interment at Maple Hill Cemetery in Munson Township.
Memorial donations in Nana’s name may be made to WomenSafe at www.womensafe.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gattozziandson. com for the Morton family.
Terry Blackley
Terry Blackley, age 65, passed away on March 23, 2025.
Born Oct. 20, 1959, in Cleveland, Terry lived in Moran, Wyo., for 10 years be fore moving to May field Heights a year ago.
Terry had a lifelong passion for travel and the outdoors which was reflected in both his career and his hobbies. He worked in manage ment in the travel and entertainment industry, dedicating years to creating memorable ex periences for others before retiring in 2024. When he wasn’t working, Terry could often be found on the golf course, casting a line while fly fishing or embarking on cross-country road trips to explore new places.
Above all, he cherished the time he spent in nature, especially in the mountains he loved so much.
Terry is survived by his children, Amanda (Michael, Madeleine, Rhys) Brzeczkowski, Matthew Blackley, Grace (Samuel) Blackley; siblings, Andrew (Deborah) Blackley, Ann (Jon) Waldmuller, Patrick (MaryBeth) Blackley, Mary (Charles, deceased) Rogers, Michelle (Dennis) Malone, Timothy (Ellen) Blackley, Michael (Denise) Blackley and Robert (Susan, deceased) Blackley; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death his parents, Andrew and Agnes Blackley; and former wife, Kathryn Koehler.
Family and friends gathered for a prayer service, visitation and a reception April 6, 2025, at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland.
Private interment at a later date at Chester Township Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gattozziandson. com for the Blackley family.
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Happy Tails to Hold Annual ‘Purr-pose’ Benefit May 4
staff rEport
Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary will be hosting its third annual “Purr-pose” benefit May 4 in support of the nonprofit, mostly cage-less, nokill shelter.
The event — held from 2-5 p.m. at the Banquet Center of St. Noel in Willoughby Hills, 35200 Chardon Road — will include a family-style dinner, silent and Chinese auctions, a 50-50 raffle and will feature singer Bobby Leach.
Cost is $75 per person and registration will begin at 1:30 p.m., according to a Happy Tails press release about the event, which added reservations are due by April 27.
Donations of cat food and kitty litter brought to the benefit would be appreciated, but aren’t required, the sanctuary said in the release.
The dinner, served at 2:30 p.m., will feature beef, chicken, salmon and pasta entrees (vegan options available with advance notice).
Other items include salad, vegetable side dishes, desserts, coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer and more, according to the press release. Sponsors of the benefit are Gail Linda Kopp, Mary Treanor, and Patty Engel and Matt Willingham, of Charity Rx.
“We heard ‘rave reviews’ from the people who attended our last two events at St. Noel’s Banquet Center and we’re pleased to hold our annual event there again,” said Happy Tails President James Harris in the release. “Our attendees can enjoy a tasty dinner while helping the sanctuary. We have some adoptable cats, but we are committed as well to caring for senior and special-needs cats, most of whom will spend their lives in our facility or in our foster homes.”
Checks or money orders to attend the
at 440-759-0076 or email HappyTailsCatSanctuary@gmail.com
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending March 21, March 28 and April 4, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Karen E. Kieselbach (TOD), 12796 Opalocka Drive, to Emmet D. Hodder and Elizabeth M. Gorse, $265,000. (0.50 acres)
Zachary Farmer, 8444 Lincoln Drive, to Alexandra and Samuel Paros Jr., $303,000. (1.03 acres)
Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (trustee), 13241 County Line Road, to Sarah Armstrong (trustee), $557,500. (5.67 acres)
Takako and Hiroaki Harasaki, 7760 Puddingstone Drive, to Lindsey Elizabeth and Innocenzo Martino, $455,000. (3.04 acres)
Dolce Vita Properties LLC, 12441 Harold Drive, to Mary and Bruce Legge, $310,000. (1.02 acres)
Richard J. Sulc (trustee), 13278 Hickory St., to Matthew J. Stewart, $265,000. (1.01 acres)
Eastern Suburban Properties LLC, 8624 Mayfield Road, to Egle Ellie Janusauskaite, $211,500.
Janusz W. Ostrowski, Heath Road, to Janusz W. Ostrowski, $45,000. (17.90 acres) Marko Bjelopera (trustee), 12090 Privacy Lane, to Nicholas A. and Elizabeth C. DiFranco, $500,000. (3.00 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
JKW Property Group LLC, 13777 Fox Hills Drive, to Emily F. and Christopher J. Ringler, $450,000. (1.40 acres)
SUBMITTED
Two of the “special needs” cats available for adoption from Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary are Ziggy, top and Shelley. Shelley, about 2 years old, is a spayed, long-haired, friendly female. Ziggy, about 3 years old, is a neutered, shorthaired, friendly male.
Letter to the Editor
What the Heck is Going on in the Park?
I just returned to town and saw that there was a proposal on the agenda of the Board of Trustees April 3 meeting from the Geauga County Planning Commission to change the Chester Township Park from a "Township Park" zoning district to a "R: One Family Residential" zoning district.
Thankfully, the proposal was tabled.
The Chester Township Park land was given to the "Inhabitants of the Township" by David Hudson in his will dated Feb. 10, 1811, to be used by them for the purpose of a Public Square in perpetuity and "never to be en-
closed or transferred."
The Chester Park Board has successfully maintained the park with the approval and financing from the Board of Trustees for many years.
I would like to know the reasoning behind this proposal. Why did the county planning commission propose the change?
I understand at the meeting there was no basis stated for this request. This will be discussed at the trustees’ meeting on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
Please consider attending and find out what is going on.
Linda Barnes Gifford Chester Township
West Geauga Schools
Seniors
Water Resources Rate Reduction Program
Geauga County Seniors, age 60 years of age and older, can apply for assistance with their water or sewer bill. Seniors who qualify must have an income of 175% Federal Poverty Level or less and receive a bill from the Geauga County Department of Water Resources (GCDWR) for water or sewer.
Call the department on aging at 440279-2130 for more information and/or to determine eligibility. The application period runs from April 1 through May 30.
SUBMITTED
The West Geauga High School Academic Challenge team bested its opponents to win a recent episode that aired on March 22.
Academic Challenge Victory
On the episode hosted by News 5's anchor Rob Powers that aired on March 22, West Geauga’s Academic Challenge Team brought home the victory plaque with a final score of West Geauga 555, Orange 465 and Vermilion 450.
The team of Hayden Makuch, Parker Pacifico and Mason Towey surged ahead
in the final Grab Bag round to cement the win. Tristan Morgan, Matilda Tumada and Morgan Savage were team alternates. Mrs. Cindy O’Janpa coached the team. Eve Carty served as production assistant. Dr. Markwardt, friends and family members cheered the team on to victory.
The broadcast can still be viewed on the news5cleveland.com website, episode 12.
GPH Establishes $300 Fee for Septic Violations
By allisoN WilsoN WilsoN@karlovEcmEdia com
The Geauga County Board of Health voted in favor of establishing a $300 fee for septic system violations as part of their operation and maintenance program March 26.
The meeting marked the first vote and reading of the resolution for the fee. Two more readings will follow.
The O&M program is a state-required, but not state-funded, program mandating health departments to ensure the proper maintenance and function of septic systems under their jurisdiction.
GPH’s rollout of the program is ongoing. Homeowners with a home sewage treatment system must obtain and renew an operation permit and must submit evidence of their system receiving the minimum maintenance it requires as part of the program.
Homeowners who do not comply with the O&M program requirements — i.e. they do not do the required maintenance or any maintenance on their septic system — will be charged the fee, Environmental Health Director Dan Lark said.
Baseball from page 1
to open festivities. With the heavy rains of late, however, as the center and right fielders for Edgewood converged toward that gap where the ball seemed heading for the fence, the ball hit the ground with a quiet plop and stuck in its landing area.
Few folks will catch Gudger under any circumstances, but he easily cruised into second for a double. Tyler Fink then sent a squibber off the end of his bat toward the hole between first and second. The first baseman saw, as he moved into position, the ball hit the ground and kick away, just out of his reach, into short right field. Fink stole second, and with one out, Bryce Vidovic sent a screamer right at the shortstop. Oddly, the ball seemed an easy play, but the glove did not agree, trickling off to short center field.
Two runs were home, and Evan Sustin lined a single to left to plate another pair of runners, and the Wolverines had a 4-0 lead. They then added three more runs in the
The law requires the health department to do compliance inspections on systems to make sure they’re not creating a public health nuisance and the fee will recoup costs to the department in such a situation, he explained.
“Hopefully, we never have to charge this fee. Our goal is for the homeowners to call the septic tank pumper or service provider to do whatever is the appropriate service for their septic system,” he said.
The fee covers inspector time, mileage and administrative time, Lark said.
For the past 20 years, GPH would check septic system maintenance under its for sale of property program and the system failure rate in Geauga County was 41%, Health Administrator Adam Litke said.
Lark noted 10% of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems had been noncompliant, discharging raw sewage into ditches or waterways.
GPH officials have seen systems fully turned off while doing inspections, Litke added.
“We don’t necessarily want to charge these fees. We have the lowest in the state that we’re aware of,” he said. “This noncompliance fee is hopefully enough that people
second, with a throwing error on the infield plating one and Mitch Mikolay drilling a double to right center that nearly corkscrewed the right fielder into the mud.
In the bottom of the second, however, the Warriors' really big inning showed up as a trio of Wolverines errors and a pair of twoout, two-run hits plated seven Warrior (2-2) runs to tie the game.
To that point, none of the 14 runs scored were earned, but that quickly changed in the fourth frame.
Jackson Remaley was hit in the elbow by a pitch. He stole second in a hurry, and Mikolay broke the tie with a line single to left.
Still, starting pitcher Remaley was inconsistent at times, and Edgewood tallied twice to take a 9-8 lead in the bottom of the fourth.
Geno Measel walked and took second on a questionable balk ruling from the base umpire, and Zane Naylor delivered him with a line double to left-center. A sacrifice fly to right delivered Naylor to gain the lead for the Warriors, but Coach Munn brought Mikolay to the mound in relief for his team, and — firing a mix of sharp slow curves and then, in
don’t want us to do it.”
Homeowners will have multiple chances to get into compliance before they are hit with the fee, board member Lynn Roman added.
The inspections are an alternative to referring noncompliant individuals to the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, as the projected number of violations would overwhelm them, Lark said.
Individuals with an NPDES system sign a contract with the Environmental Protection Agency promising to do certain things, but previous health boards have not enforced that contract, Litke said.
“I think it’s important for the people in the audience to understand, when we say, ‘The job wasn’t being done,’ it wasn’t this group of people,” Roman said. “It was 17 years ago, long before this group of people were in.”
The process of turning things around has been difficult, board member Mark Hendrickson lamented.
Any additional money generated from the program will go into a fund to help low-income people in Geauga offset costs, Litke said.
the last inning, a hot fastball — Mikolay did not allow another Edgewood base hit while fanning eight, and a four-run fifth inning, their second of the day. West Geauga would hold onto that lead firmly.
Nick Colella singled, moved up on a sacrifice bunt from Finn Keenan, took third as Gudger drilled a single to left off of reliever Logan Dragon, and Fink delivered with his third of four hits on a liner to left center. Remaley plated another pair with a single to left, down the line, and Austin Kanieski drove home the fourth run of the frame with a liner to left, giving the Wolverines a 12-9 lead.
Fink's fourth hit scored Gudger again in the sixth frame, and Fink pulled a true Houdini effort by avoiding getting caught in a pickle play to reach third, from where he scored the final run for the Wolverines on a hit by Vidovic.
"I had a rough time with my fastball in Myrtle Beach," Mikolay said. "I've been working on my breaking ball, though, and today it was really working well.
“I just want to be more confident throwing it, and I hit the corners on both sides well today. Then I just finished up with a good fastball."
Every player reached base at least once for West Geauga. Fink had his four hits, Gudger added three, both of them tallied three runs, along with Vidovic, and Mikolay, beside pitching hitless relief, drove home three as well.
Gudger, at the top of the lineup, ignited things.
"I've just been trying to get a good piece of the bat on the ball when I hit," the speedy senior said. "We feel we have a good team here this year. We like to play for each oth-
The intent is not a money grab, he added.
A Munson Township resident in the audience said she was told in 1998 that getting maintenance work done on her system once every three to four years would be frequent enough.
With only two people in the house, yearly maintenance seems too frequent, she said.
As someone who has been regularly maintaining her system, it feels like she is being penalized for someone else’s misdeeds, she added.
Lark said state code currently recommends yearly maintenance for her type of system and Health Commissioner Ron Graham said recommendations have changed over time.
He and Lark have talked about offsetting costs for people who consistently take care of their systems, Litke added.
With Geauga’s program in year two of its rollout, it is something they are keeping in mind, he said.
Lark said he is currently looking at all O&M-related fees, as the department reassess fees each year.
er all the time. South Carolina was a great opportunity for us to bond and learn about playing as a team, so I'm feeling a lot better about our season right now."
That second inning for Edgewood was frightening, so if West Geauga can stop those big innings, the team should continue winning a majority of its games.
Notre Dame Student Places at State Tournament
State Tournament this season.
Ryan Federico, a Chester Township resident and sixth-grader at Notre Dame Middle School, placed fifth place in the OAC Grade School State Tournament the weekend of March 22-23. He wrestles for Lake Wrestling Club. He also qualified for the OAC Junior High
