Chesterland News 1-18-23

Your Community Newspaper Since 1967

West G Approves Alternative Tax Budget

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Prior to a regular monthly organizational meeting Jan. 9, West Geauga Schools kicked off the new year with a hearing on the district’s 2023-2024 tax budget.

Treasurer Karen Pavlat gave a detailed presentation to board members explaining the process for setting the district’s tax budget.

“(The budget) tells the county please levy these taxes. We need the revenue,” Pavlat explained.

“You had a memo explaining what the tax budget was, then our presentation and the actual alternative tax budget, which is what we prepare and send to the county.”

According to the memo, West Geauga’s 2023-2024 budget was reported in the district’s five-year forecast back in November and includes the following estimated revenue figures:

• General Fund: $26,922,425

• Emergency Levy Fund: $5,943,164

• Total General Fund (per forecast): $32,865,589

• Permanent Improvement Fund: $931,531

Pavlat showed board members the estimated taxes the district would like to be levied for 2024.

“In the general fund, we have $19.7 million and in the emergency fund is $5.9 million for a total of $25.7 million,” said Pavlat, adding the permanent improvement fund is based on 1 mill that yields $931,531.

“That is collected at 98% and based on historic figures that the county holds, that is kind of what we have had in the past,” said Pavlat.

Pavlat said the certified values for properties within the district total $950 million, which is a $9 million increase this year.

“We revalue all of the property every six years and then have an update in the third year,” said Pavlat. “Next year will be that update.”

Each calendar year, the adoption of the tax budget is required to take place prior to Jan. 15 and subsequently filed with the Geauga County Auditor’s Office by Jan. 20.

Board members approved a resolution to adopt the 2024 alterative tax budget.

Marching Band Rings in 2023 Overseas

By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmeDia com

West G moved closer to breaking that record as it defeated Orange and Copley in their tri-match Jan. 12.

In their first match, the Wolverines defeated Copley, 57-23.

The Wolverines then followed that up with another victory, defeating Orange, 61-14.

“I think they (the matches) went very well,” Wolverines Coach Carmen Russo said. “Copley, even though they didn’t have a full lineup, the wrestlers they brought were very tough.

“They definitely gave us some good challenges, put us in some tough positions. But we came out on top.

Russo said his team wrestled at a higher level of competition and intensity against Orange.

The West Geauga Wolverines wrestling team is on pace to set a school record for most wins in a season.

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The West Geauga High School Marching Band has returned from their overseas trip to London. Highlights of the trip included visiting Parliament Square, Covent Garden, Oxford, Windsor, Tower of London, Thames River, a rocking New Year’s Eve party and a concert performance in Cadogan Hall. The trip culminated with the London New Year’s Day Parade performance. The parade was broadcast worldwide for viewers to see the band perform the “West G Fight Song,” “I Love Rock N Roll,” “The Avengers” and “Uprising by Muse.” WGMB was proud to be selected as the parade finale playing the national anthem of the United Kingdom. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that students will never forget. Visit www.westg.org for more coverage and video from the trip.

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

With wins last week against Orange (61-14) and Copley (57-23) the West Geauga varsity wrestling team is on pace to set the school record for most wins in a year, said Head Coach Carmen Russo.

Town Crier

WGRC Youth Lacrosse Meeting

Jan. 18, 6 p.m.

West Geauga Recreational Council will hold a youth lacrosse program information meeting in the meeting room of the Geauga West Public Library. The meeting is for parents of kids in grades 1-8 who are interested in learning more about playing lacrosse. The program director will be available to answer any questions.

Outreach Spaghetti Dinner

Jan. 19, 6-7 p.m.

Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

LCGS Meeting

Jan. 26, noon

The Lake County Genealogical Society (LCGS) will meet on Zoom. Join for Following a short business meeting, speaker Cynthia Turk will present “Tree Surgery,” which is repair of a family tree that has gone awry. There will be a brief question and answer session at the end of the presentation.

Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more information and the invitation to the Zoom meeting. One does not need to be a member to attend the monthly meeting.

For more information about LCGS, call Cynthia at 440-951-0914 or Linda at 440-2556984.

Tween Hangout Paint Night

Jan. 27, 6-9 p.m.

West Geauga Recreational Council will host a hangout paint night for tweens ages 11-15 at the Metzenbaum Gym. Fee is $20 to create a winter gnome masterpiece. To register and pay, visit the event link posted on the WGRC Facebook page.

Maple 101 Workshop

Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to noon

Geauga County Park District Center and Geauga County Ohio State University Extension Office will present Maple 101 at the West

bottles of pure maple syrup. The program is designed not only for the hobby producer but also for the small producer.

The program is free, but preregistration is requested by Jan. 25.

For more information, call OSU Extension Office at 440-834-4656.

State of Geauga

Feb. 3, 8-10 a.m.

Geauga Growth Partnership, Kent State University at Geauga and Leadership Geauga will present their annual “State of Geauga” at the next Geauga Economic Leadership (G.E.L.) breakfast taking place at KSU Geauga, 14111 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. The panel will discuss and provide updates about the community.

To register, email info@geaugagrowth. com or call 440-564-1060.

GCRTA Meeting

Feb. 7, 11:15 a.m.

The Geauga County Retired Teachers Association will meet in the banquet room at St. Mary’s Church, 401 North St., Chardon. Gathering time will be followed by the business meeting at 11:30 a.m. and before a buffet soup and sandwich luncheon at noon.

Attorney Meg Pauken will present a program on elder law and answer questions. A 50/50 raffle and free lunch raffle will follow.

For reservations, send a check made out to GCRTA for $17 to Judy Miller, Treasurer, 17130 Kinsman Road, Middlefield, OH 44062 to arrive no later than Jan. 29. Let Judy know of any dietary restrictions.

Bring paper products or canned goods for the Geauga County Hunger Task Force.

Spring Fish Sale

April 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual spring fish sale will be held on the midway at the Geauga County Fairgrounds. Orders are currently being taken for fingerling-size largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill/sunfish mix, minnows, redear “shellcracker” sunfish and white amurs. Pond safety kits are also available.

To place an order, visit www.geaugaswcd.

Order deadline is April 7. All proceeds support the district’s education programs.

Mark Eckmon David Hancock

WGMS Boys Basketball

LaGatta and Stein Appointed To County Park Board

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Before 2022 came to a close, Geauga Park District Board of Commissioners made the decision to appoint two new members

On Dec. 22 and 29, Chester Township resident Lester LaGatta and Burton resident Franklin Stein were welcomed to the five-person board.

“We are excited to work with two new commissioners. They will provide new perspective on the parks and recreational services we provide our residents,” said GPD Executive Director John Oros in a follow-up interview.

LaGatta and Stein will replace outgoing commissioners Pat Preston and Mario Innocenzi and join Howard Bates, Ray Guarino and Jolene Carnabuci.

“I have a German Shepherd. I walk her in the park every day and I take walks. I love the parks. That’s the only reason that I have an interest,” said LaGatta. “I look forward to meeting all and working toward the … goals of the park and our citizens of Geauga County.”

LeGatta said he has dedicated his life to public service and is currently the chaplain and vice president of the Ohio Retired Police Chiefs Association.

“I’m a 50-year police officer. I’m a retired lieutenant commander from Cleveland Heights, the chief of police in Chagrin Falls and a special deputy in Geauga County for over 20 years,” said LeGatta. “I’m just trying to give back and trying to do things that are right and that’s why I want to be on the board.’

Geauga County Probate Court Judge Tim Grendell appoints the five-member board of citizens to govern the park district, without compensation, for three-year alternating terms, according to GPD’s website.

“I am looking forward to working with Lester LaGatta and Franklin Stein on the Geauga Park District board in upholding the mission of the parks to preserve, conserve and protect the natural features of Geauga County and to provide outdoor recreational experiences to our residents of every age, every ability and at all times of the year,” Carnabuci said.

Oros said he looks forward to a new perspective on the services the park district offers to residents.

“Judge Grendell has appointed competent commissioners that support our mission,” said Oros.

Attempts to reach Stein through the park district for comments were unsuccessful.

Federal Food Assistance Emergency Allotments Nearing End

staff report

After nearly three years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency allotments are coming to an end.

“Due to the global pandemic, SNAP (food assistance) recipients were receiving a ‘maximum allotment’ of food benefits for the past three years. This issuance will soon be coming to an end,” said Craig Swenson, executive director of the Geauga County Department Job and Family Services, in a recent email. “We are doing our best to get this information out to our clients, so they are not blindsided by this change, which will be happening effective March 1, 2023.”

In general, SNAP emergency allotments ensured all households received the maxi-

mum allotment for their household size. For households that were already eligible for the maximum allotment, they received an additional $95 per month, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Since the pandemic, households had received their normal allotment — i.e., the amount they are entitled to receive based on SNAP eligibility rules without emergency allotments — on their regular issuance dates from the 1st to the 20th of the month and their emergency allotments at the end of the month, according to the ODJFS.

Due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, states can no longer issue emergency allotments after February; therefore, SNAP households will receive only their normal allotments starting in March, according to ODJFS.

“It is important to remember that this is a federal program and that due to this being a federal law change, there are no fair hearing rights or fair hearing benefits on the ending of the SNAP emergency allotments. However, households may still request a hearing on their normal SNAP allotment amount,” said Wanda Ellis, deputy director of ODJFS’ Office of Family Assistance, in a statement.

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The West Geauga Middle School boys seventh-grade basketball team finished the regular season with an undefeated 12-0 record. Good luck in the upcoming conference playoffs.

A new trophy case constructed of wood taken from the old Newbury High School gym bleachers will display athletic trophies from the former school. The trophy case is located in the high school gym lobby.

Newbury Trophy Case at WGHS

West Geauga High School contains a new trophy case to house some of the awards earned by athletes in the former Newbury Local School District. When that district became a part of the West Geauga Local School District on June 30, 2020, the athletic trophies were gathered and stored by West Geauga. The trophy case is the first step in restoring some of the trophies to public view.

The new trophy case is constructed of wood taken from the old Newbury High School gym bleachers. The case is designed to look like bleachers being pulled out for

West Geauga Schools

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High school students in the Interact Club partnered with the Geauga West Rotary Club for the annual Salvation Army fundraiser. Students signed up for one-hour shifts to ring the bells. The clubs together raised almost $2,500 in one day for the Salvation Army.

seating, an obvious reference to the source of the wood itself. The designers and builders of the trophy case were John Cowles, Lester Byler and Bob Battisti.

According to Dr. Rich Markwardt, West Geauga superintendent, “The trophy case is a great way to showcase some of the major wins of the Newbury Black Knights. The fact that it reflects the old gym bleachers adds a unique sentimental element. When I asked Mark Richardson, our facilities manager, to have it built, I didn’t know quite what form it would take. It exceeded my expectations.”

The trophy case is located in the high school gym lobby.

West Geauga has a huge store of Newbury memorabilia. Some will eventually find its way to displays such as this one, perhaps on a rotational basis. Others, highlighting accomplishments in academics, athletics and the arts, will be on display in a video format.

Students Achieve Reading Goals

Westwood Elementary School second-grade students in Mrs. Regano’s class set personal goals for their recent reading as-

sessment. Every student in the class proudly achieved their goal. As a reward, the class celebrated with a pajama day, snack and movie. Congratulations to the students for continuing to work hard every day to improve their reading skills.

Kindergarten, New Student Registration

Registration for 2023-24 kindergarten and new students opens on Feb. 15. The registration process is online. Visit www.westg. org for information.

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Westwood Elementary School second-graders celebrate achieving their reading assessment goals with a pajama day, snack and movie.

“Just pleased with the win, 61-14 against Orange, a CVC rival,” he said. “Any time you can do that in the CVC, you have to be pleased as a coach.”

In the first match against Copley, the Wolverines got victories from Caden Kaleal (pin), Christopher Paradise (6-3) and Brian Denamen (pin).

“I think I did really well in the match,” Kaleal said. “Went out there and saw him kind of going fast, but I tried to slow him down and make him wrestle my match, and that’s what I did, and pinned him down.”

Paradise also talked about his victory over his Copley opponent and his main strategy for the match.

“It was a pretty good match,” he said. “I lasted the whole time. I ended up winning.”

Paradise said his main strategy was to stay focused and to breathe well.

In their 61-14 defeat of Orange, 10 West G wrestlers won individual matches: Kaleal (pin), Matthew Obranovich (pin), Daniel Donofrio (3-2), Brian Denamen (pin), Quentin Artino (pin), Nicholas Donofrio (pin), Ethan Bartlett (pin), Nasir Levy (pin), Zack Metz (pin) and Zander Joltin (11-0).

“(My match) started off with a takedown,

got a reversal, (then) the period ended,” Bartlett said. “Second period, got up right away, took him down, (then) he got another reversal on me.

“Went to the third period. He let me up and (I) took him down, and we went into this weird scramble, and (I) got him stuck on his back and pinned him.”

Metz also described his match.

“I felt like when he pushed into me, I could just get that slide-by really easily, so I felt like that was the correct decision,” Metz said. “When I realized I could just get him in the slide-by, I could just throw him, and honestly it was over from there.

“I knew he didn’t have a way out after I got him in a headlock.”

After the tri-match victories, Coach Russo discussed the various things his team is striving for this season.

“We are doing very well,” he said. “We are 12-4 now after tonight. We have nine more dual meet matches, and we have our sights

Geauga West Library

13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Visit www.GeaugaLibrary.net.

Winter Reading

Jan. 1 - Feb. 28

The Winter Reading Challenge returns for another snow-filled year. Sign up and complete a reading or activity log each week to be entered into a prize drawing, which will take place at the end of the event.

Storytimes

Join for a storytime that is sure to engage, connect and inspire children. A variety of dates and times to choose from for targeted age groups are located on the website’s programs calendar.

Switch Showdown

Jan. 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Youth in grades 3-5 will compete against each other on Nintendo Switch games.

Microsoft Excel Basics

Jan. 26, 2-3 p.m.

Learn the basics of Excel to start 2023 off on the right foot.

Ohio Ice Age

Jan. 26, 7-7:45 p.m.

Presented by the Geauga Park District, attendees will learn about the glacial landforms that preserved numerous animal remains throughout Northeast Ohio, including a mastodon found in Geauga County.

Puzzle Exchange

Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bring in a jigsaw to exchange for a new one. No registration required.

Book Group

Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

Join a discussion of “Dictionary of Lost Words” by Pip Williams. No registration required.

Obituaries

Lynn L. Patchin

Lynn L. “Skip” Patchin, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 6, 2023.

Born Dec. 9, 1940, in Middlefield, he was a longtime Chester Township resident.

Skip began his career with Geauga Radio and TV in 1965, working as a salesman and a TV service technician.

He loved riding motorcycles with his wife, Cathy, and was often found taking his dogs for a walk.

Skip is survived by his wife, Cathy (nee

Wenzlik); sister, Nancy R. (Gary) Temple; brother-in-law, Thomas Wenzlik; niece, Jennifer (Michael) Steidl; nephew, Brandon (Julie) Wenzlik; great-nephews, Caleb and Owen Steidl; and great-nieces, Kate, Anna and Claire Wenzlik.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Alberta (nee Hubbard) Patchin. No services will be scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Skip’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Online tributes and condolences at www. GattozziandSon.com.

set on 20 wins, which would be the record for the most wins in a single season for Wolverines wrestling.”

The Wolverines return to the mat Jan. 18 as they host a tri-match against Edgewood and Hudson.

Dog License Tags On Sale

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Dog owners are reminded to the deadline to purchase 2023 dog licenses is Jan. 31. Tags will be issued with an “O” ring.

Licenses purchased on or before Jan. 31 are $15 per dog. A $15 penalty is added to all licenses purchased after the deadline.

There are two other options for registration available – a three-year tag for $45 and a lifetime tag for $150.They are available at the auditor’s office and online.

Checks should be made payable to Charles E. Walder, Geauga County Auditor.

The dog registration system has been

modified to include rabies vaccination information. A space is provided on the registration form.

Residents are able to purchase their dog licenses on the auditor’s secure website: www.auditor.co.geauga.oh.us. A fee per transaction will be assessed.

Owners of new dogs may purchase their tags any time during the year at the auditor’s office, at any of its outlying agents or by mail.

Send the application and $15 fee to Geauga County Auditor, Courthouse Annex, 231 Main St., Suite 1A, Chardon, OH 44024.

For more information, call 440-279-1600.

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions for the coming two-week period, unless otherwise noted. These are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: Jan. 18, 6 p.m., Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services, at 13244 Ravenna Road, Munson; Jan. 19, 9:30 a.m. – Geauga County Commissioners, 6 p.m. – Destination Geauga, annual meeting at Mary Yoder’s Amish Kitchen, 14743 North State St., Middlefield; Jan. 25, 5 p.m., Board of Health, Ste. B303. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Chester Township: Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 1, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: Jan. 19, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 2, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: Jan. 23, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Free Tax Preparation Help Available

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Free tax preparation help is available to low-income families and individuals in Geauga and Lake counties for the 14th consecutive year. Lifeline will help families and individuals meet their filing obligations, find credits they may not know about and protect them from unnecessary costs.

Lifeline uses volunteers trained and certified by the IRS through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA volunteers provide free income tax assistance to low-income, elderly and disabled people.

Free tax preparation is available to res-

idents who meet Lifeline’s federal income guidelines. Clinics are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, by appointment only, through April 18.

Clinics are held at Lifeline’s Painesville office at 8 North State St., Suite 300; at the Perry Senior Center in Perry; at the Wickliffe Family Resource Center; and at Lifeline’s Geauga Office at 12375 Kinsman Road Building H in Newbury Township. Call 440-6394420 to schedule an appointment.

For more information, please contact Katrina Graves at 440-354-2148, ext. 231 or at vita@lclifeline.org.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Dec. 30, 2022, and Jan. 6, 2022, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Timothy A. Dipadova, 11910 Caves Road, to Mark Joseph and Kayla Marise Nellen-

bach, $360,000. (1.50 acres)

Gail M. Petersen (trustee), 7236 Sherman Road, to Grandview Unlimited LLC, $240,000. (2.70 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Vincent F. and Pamela J. Mazza, 7809 Fairmount Road, to Keybank National Association, $152,200. (1.67 acres)

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals

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The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal (HDM) drivers in Chester Township on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The meal routes start at the West Geauga Center, 8090 Cedar Road, Chester Township.

The HDM program delivers warm, nutritious lunches between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, to homebound seniors in the community.

The department on aging is looking for area agencies, organizations, church group and individuals 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license who are interested in volunteering for this program.

Training includes filing volunteer paperwork and a short orientation about the program. Volunteers can deliver meals on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or as needed/ substitute basis.

To sign up, or for any questions, contact Nathan Gorton at 440-279-2138 or email NGorton@co.geauga.oh.us .

AUTOS & PARTS

$CASH$ for Junk Vehicles. Free towing. 440-679-7293.

FOR RENT

Chesterland 2 bedroom home for rent, 2.5 acres, available now. $1,400/mo. Call Peggy 440-554-5524.

Room for Let, $600, Russell. Call for details 440-338-5201.

FOR SALE

For Sale: RC toys - airplanes, cards, trucks, boats, drones, helicopters - some new with remotes. 15 total, $300 all. 440313-1178.

West G Band jacket Drumline, wool/ leather, size medium with extra long arms, take off name and patches, only $25. call/text 440-668-8768.

Grandfather clock, curio cabinet, marble-top table, dry sink, tea cart, couch, love-seat, cabinet, bench, cedar chest, small table. 440-632-9675.

Solid oak homemade china hutch. 4 doors with pretty textured glass. Good condition. $350 obo 440-632-1415.

Mattress Topper: Queen size, “My Pillow” brand, Paid $300, asking $150. 928205-3945

Antique clocks, many; Oak crank wall phone $369; Humpback chest $79; Wooden rocking horse $79. Kids spring rocking horse, $49. 440-338-3563.

Classifieds

PETS & ANIMALS

4-year-old 52” gelding pony, started in cart. Green broke. $1,595. Middlefield, 440-313-1804.

Sheltie female, 2.5 years old. A little shy, outside dog. $50. 330-697-2388.

Four wonderful cats need indoor homes. Nine & 10 years old, abandoned by owner. They’re fixed/vaxxed. Call Rebecca 440-321-2485

Jack Russell Puppies: born Nov 8th, 1 male, 2 female, $250/OBO. 440-834-8579.

Self-care stalls: 4 large box stalls, small indoor arena, groomed pastures and paddocks. Hawks Nest Farm, Newbury, 440564-7363

REAL ESTATE

We buy Houses and Land. Any condition or situation. Fast, friendly, local. Westwind Property Solutions. Text/call Wayne today at 330-269-9595.

SERVICES

Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.

Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.

WANTED TO BUY

Will pay cash for sports cards & collectibles. Entire collections or individual cards. Organized or unorganized. Call or text Rich at 440-552-0691.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-3138331.

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, minibikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440413-3119.

Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.