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CHESTERLAND NEWS Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967 Second Delisio Brother Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ Staff Report Kevin Delisio, 39, of Chester Township, pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony; kidnapping, also a first-degree felony; and aggravated menacing and assault, both first-degree misdemeanors, during his arraignment Dec. 18 at the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas. Kevin and his brother, Ronald Delisio, 42, also of Chester, reportedly assaulted a Kevin Delisio tow truck driver who was repossessing a vehicle Oct. 22. According to a press release by Chester Police Chief Craig Young, the driver was forcibly removed from his vehicle by two assailants, one of whom was armed with a gun. “Two individuals exited the vehicle and confronted the operator, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The armed suspect pointed the firearm at the tow truck driver and demanded the immediate release of the repossessed vehicle,” Young said. Kevin posted his $100,000/10% surety bond Nov. 1 and is out of jail. Maximum possible penalties for aggravated robbery and kidnapping include a prison sentence of 3-11 years, with an additional amount added via the Reagan Tokes law. As 11 years is the maximum, Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke said, five and a half years could be added for a total of 16 and a half years in prison. Kevin could also face a fine of up to $20,000. The felony charges have the addition of a three-year firearm specification for brandishing. Menacing and assault, if convicted, could each carry a possible 180 day jail sentence and a fine of up to $1,000. Kevin’s case was assigned to Paschke. His bond was continued, with an addition of pretrial release. “What that means is that you’re required to be in contact with our probation department once a week,” Paschke said. “That can be either in person or by phone, as they direct.”
Emotions Run High As Cirino Gets 6 Months Jail
By Jamie Ward jamie@karlovecmedia.com
Lou Cirino, a once celebrated teacher and coach, was sentenced to six months in Geauga County jail Dec. 27 for a relationship he had with a student in 2009 and 2010 while working at West Geauga Schools. In a packed, emotional courtroom, Geauga County Common Pleas Judge David Ondrey heard from the victim and Cirino’s wife, Christi, before he sentenced Cirino on a gross sexual imposition charge, a fourth-degree felony. Cirino will have to register as a Tier 1 sex offender for the next 15 years. “You were in a position of authority and trust,” Ondrey told Cirino. “One of the things I’ve had to consider is deterrence for other young school officials, whether male or female. They need to understand the seriousness of upholding their obligation to refrain from inappropriate behavior.” “The collateral damage of sentencing is significant,” the judge continued. “Your wife and children don’t deserve to have to suffer, but it’s the victim I must consider.” Cirino’s laywer, Joseph R. Klammer of Mentor, asked Ondrey for no jail time. Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz asked for an 18-month prison sentence. The day marked an end to a year-long staggering fall from grace for Cirino, a 2002 West Geauga graduate. Strongsville police began investigating him last December after he had been removed as the Mustangs football coach. “I’m embarrassed, I’m disgusted,” Cirino, 41, told Ondrey as he read from two sides of a sheet of paper. “Unfortunately we are all here because of the pain and harm I caused another person. I’m sorry to her family, a family I knew for 20 years.” Cirino said he had remained friends with the victim until a year ago. “I never knew until recently how much she had been suffering,” he said. “And that pains me. As a young man, I was highly emotional to a lot of things that had
JAMIE WARD/KMG
Lou Cirino, former West Geauga teacher and coach, enters Geauga County Common Pleas Court before he received a six-month jail sentence for gross sexual imposition, a crime he committed 15 years ago against a student.
happened to me.” “I’m sorry,” he continued. “To my family and friends, I want to say thank you, and I love you. I’m sorry for the pain and shame I brought to our family. To my three children at home …” Cirino said, his voice breaking. “I left them today, not knowing what was going to happen. That’s why I said the Our Father 8,000 times. It says: Forgive us our trespasses. I’m asking the victim and her family and the court to forgive me for my trespasses.” There were more people in the courtroom to support Cirino, many of them wearing red as a show of support. When Cirino’s wife, Christi, spoke to Ondrey, there were many people on Cirino’s side in tears. “I’ve been trying to wrap my head around what is currently happening to me,” Christi said. “I’ve been grieving the life I once knew while trying my best to lighten the heaviness that is consuming my heart and my entire being.” Christi said she’s had to get a job since Cirino’s arrest and asked the judge not to sentence Cirino to any jail time. “I knew the life we tried to build for our family would never be the same again,” Christi said, sobbing. The Cirinos have three young children. “I know the man that I married is a good person and that what happened 15 years prior doesn’t define
him completely, and he has worked continuously to build himself in the years following,” she said. When the victim finally rose to speak, there was a defiant tone and a defiant stare as Cirino leaned forward, his head down. “I stand here today vindicated from the layers of manipulation, lies and deceit that this man built up for decades, and is still attempting until today — within our communities, students and families,” she said. “As mentors, teachers, coaches and adults, it is our duty to guide and lead youth in the right direction.” When the prosecution asked for the maximum penalty, Flaiz detailed a grooming process that started when the victim was 12, as Cirino was a friend of the family. The victim was 17 when the incident occurred, Flaiz said. “The defendant didn’t steal a dirt bike,” Flaiz said. “This is a felony sex offense. It’s really one of the worst forms of conduct. He was put in a position of authority over children and he leveraged that position to victimize a child. That’s why we’re here.” “It’s wrong now, it was wrong 15 years ago,” Flaiz said. Upon release, Cirino’s freedom will be contingent on his compliance with community control. A violation would cause him to face a prison sentence up to 18 months.
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Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Chesterland News
Community Meetings Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions for January 2025. Chester Township: Jan. 8, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Jan. 13, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Jan. 22, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. Russell Township: Jan. 9, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees; Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Jan. 22, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. West Geauga BOE: Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., tax budget hearing and organizational meeting followed by regular meeting at 7 p.m. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
Town Crier Fairmount Winter Session
Registration is open for classes and workshops in art, dance, music and theatre at Fairmount Center for the Arts in Russell Township. Classes begin Jan. 6 and are available at two locations: 8400 Fairmount Road in Russell Township and 101 Main St., Suite 105 in Chardon. For more information, or to register for classes, visit www.fairmountcenter.org or call 440-338-3171.
Bloodmobile
Jan. 7, 12-6 p.m. American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767 to make an appointment.
Genealogical Society Meets
Jan. 14, 7 p.m. Retired GCPL genealogist Cheryl McClellan will present "Growing Your Family Tree
in 2025: Setting Goals" via Zoom at the next meeting of the Geauga County Genealogical Society. The program begins after a brief business meeting. Registration is required; visit gcgsoh.org.
West Geauga Kiwanis Meetings
Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m. West Geauga Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at the Chesterland Baptist Church, 12670 Chillicothe Road. Join for a free dinner and learn how Kiwanis serves local students and the community. Learn more at wgkiwanis. org.
Beyond Plastics
Jan. 22, 7-8:30 p.m. Concerned about plastic pollution? Join the local chapter meeting of Beyond Plastics at Geauga West Library to connect with others and explore solutions to make a difference. For information, contact Kevin at hickpryman@gmail.com and visit beyondplastics. org.
Geauga Public Library Geauga West Branch 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www. geaugalibrary.net.
Classifieds 440-729-7667 25 words for $15
Geauga Shutterbugs
Jan. 2, 6-8:30 p.m. Connect with the Geauga Shutterbugs for a friendly conversation about photography. Registration is not required.
Library Led Discussions
Jan. 8, 7-8 p.m. Discuss “Miss Benson's Beetle” by Rachel Joyce. Registration is not required.
Ohio Sports Trivia Night
Jan. 9, 7-8 p.m. Test one’s Ohio sports knowledge against fellow fans to see who knows their Browns,
Bengals, Guardians, Cavs and Buckeye trivia the best.
Winter Reading Program
Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Geauga County Public Library’s annual Winter Reading Program is back. Sign up and track one’s reading all winter for a chance to win a great prize.
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the week of Dec. 16 and period Dec. 2326, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only. CHESTER TOWNSHIP Florian Bremec, 12155 Chillicothe Road, to Samuel Karkoska, $380,000. (1.59 acres) Dane J. Lipovec and Laura A. Taylor, 11380 Peach Tree Drive, to Brandon Kerch and Hayley Brodt, $469,500. (4.45 acres) Michael and Kayleigh Rooks, 12781 Caves Road, to Kyle Spisak, $240,000. (1.20 acres) Ann M. Lowry, Robert A. Fry, and William K. Fry, 8636 Mulberry Road, to Arnold J. Penska and Arnold J. Penska Jr., $254,500. (1.00 acres) Janet L. Ditmer Zelenak, 12400 Chillicothe Road, to Nicholas Gallo, $310,000. (1.06 acres) Michael A. Tricarichi, Michael A. Tricarichi Jr. and Randy Hart (trustees), 12830 Kingsway Drive, to Ann and Frank Buda, $600,000. (3.00 acres)
Mary Elizabeth Tropf (TOD), 9062 Cedar Road, to Logan J. and Jenny Gillen, $290,000. (1.93 acres) Joan M. Stebbins, 7850 Mulberry Road, to Efrain Marin, $340,000. (1.00 acres) Justin Trivisonno, 8850 Wilson Mills Road, to Frank B. and Karen M. Komar, $1,300,000. (22.42 acres) RUSSELL TOWNSHIP Kathleen Mary McGarry and Diane Marie Paprocki, 13508 Chillicothe Road, to Makad 13508 LLC, $60,000. (2.56 acres) Jason and Nicole Wise, 9552 Kinsman Road, to Joel Zarley, $350,000. (1.50 acres) Insana Homes Ltd., 7922 Thornapple Drive, to Andrew Passalacqua and Taylor Ross, $360,000. (1.54 acres) Daniel J. and Christina L. Goodall, 14131 Caves Road, to Lara Pagendarm Winter and Mark E. Shafer Jr., $408,000. (1.65 acres) Margaret Robey, 7315 Johnston Drive, to Mark E. Graham, $699,000. (1.50 acres)
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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Chesterland News
Geauga Park District For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Free Snowshoe Borrowing
The park district’s free snowshoe borrowing program continues at The West Woods. First-come, first-served snowshoe borrowing is still free for Geauga County residents at The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. Borrowing can take place any time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and last up to two hours. One must be at least 18 years old to check out a
pair; anyone younger must be accompanied by an adult. Youth sizes are available. Snowshoes may not leave The West Woods except for registered programs. Residents may also add their names to the park district’s call/email list for spontaneous naturalist-led snowshoe excursions and/or Learn to Snowshoe programs to be notified when weather conditions are just right. Programs may be any time day or evening at any park depending on weather conditions. Borrow the park district’s snowshoes or bring your own.
Classifieds FOR RENT
REAL ESTATE
Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. $975/mo. Call 440-2210649.
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
FOR SALE
SERVICES
Pfaltzgraff Dinnerware: service for 8, plus lots of accessories, Heirloom pattern, $150. Cabela’s stuffer motor, $75. Flame D’Amore crystal, call for info. 440-4886190. Free Piano: Baldwin, VGC. 772-571-3966. We have no room for it. Ladder jacks $50. 12-foot expanding plank $100. Mantis Tiller $200. Hitch Carrier Tray $100. Hand-held electric leaf blower $50. 440-554-5731. New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $125 each. George 440-336-5044. Firewood: mixed hardwoods, 4’x8’x16-inch pieces, $135. Delivered within 15 miles of Chardon. 440-6875404. Benelli Super Black Eagle 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, 26” barrel, EC, $1,300. 440-564-1172. Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706. FREE CUT FIREWOOD: Cherry, Maple, Walnut. 440-3383563, in Russell. Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, Chesterland OH, Chapel Mausoleum, Double Glass Niche; $8,000. 440487-9131 after 5pm. New Nitro 101”x12’ Crossover Snow Mobile Trailer: all aluminum construction, rear ramp door, side door, ski guides, $6,500/obo. Text 440-478-2218.
Will do housework, cleaning, laundry, and elder care. Experienced with references. 440-313-1804.
8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026 Phone 440-729-7667 OFFICE HOURS FAX 440-729-8240 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. ads@karlovecmedia.com Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday editor@karlovecmedia.com Closed Wednesdays Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher John D. Karlovec, Editor Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter Allison Wilson, Staff Reporter Emma MacNiven, Staff Reporter
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WANTED TO BUY
Barn homes needed for a number of fixed & vaxxed semi-feral cats whose elderly caretaker was evicted. Help us help them. Rebecca 440-321-2485 1-yr old Nigerian dwarf/pygmy cross, wether $150. Full grown black Muscovy ducks, $20 each. 440-3218152.
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HELP WANTED
PETS & ANIMALS
karlovec
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331. Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392. 4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal. Motorcycles wanted to buy, running or not. Call Steve 440-488-7924.
The Chesterland News and newspaper journalism are critically important and essential in protecting the vibrant community in which we live. The Chesterland News stitches the communities we serve together. From news to in-depth articles on topics that deeply affect the community, the Chesterland News strives to bring you complete coverage. The cost of publishing this newspaper — editorial, printing, mailing and other production costs — is accomplished primarily through the support of generous advertisers. These advertisers are community leaders who understand the value of a stronglocal newspaper. We appreciate each and every one of them. To help us continue to invest in the community, we invite readers to show their support through a voluntary newspaper
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, January 1, 2025