Wednesday, January 20, 2021
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Volume 52, No. 18
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CHESTERLAND NEWS Local Officials: D.C. Trip ‘Peaceful’ Riot Left 5 Dead, Extensive Damage to U.S. Capitol Complex By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com
SUBMITTED
On Jan. 6, Chardon resident Mario Innocenzi, who sits on the Geauga County Park District Board of Commissioners, joined a group of about 55 people from the county to attend a rally and march headlined by President Donald Trump. Innocenzi condemned the violence that later took place in the Capitol, which left five dead, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer.
At about 2:40 a.m. on Jan. 6, Mario Innocenzi opened a Facebook Live broadcast. “Good morning, patriots,” Innocenzi said. “Just want to let you guys know that we are packing up, getting all set up to get to D.C. this morning.” Innocenzi, who lives in the Chardon area and operates barber shops in Parma and Middlefield, is founder of the Geauga County Conservative See Protest • Page 4
West G Hires Expert to Assess Newbury Campus By Diane Ryder editor@geaugamapleleaf.com
feasibility of the township using the property for a community center, renting the schools’ facilities, At their Jan. 11 organizational including an auditorium, gyms and meeting, the West Geauga Schools commercial kitchen, to various Board of Education voted unani- groups, with possible township ofmously to enter into a contract with fices and the return of a branch of David Hollister, managing director the Geauga County Public Library. of real estate consulting Task force members firm Newmark of Clevemet with a project manland, to conduct a formal ager to tour the buildings evaluation of the buildings and conduct a preliminary and grounds of the former assessment of the physical Newbury Schools. plants’ overall condition. The 40-acre property, They spent months rewith two main buildings, a searching possible tenants newly renovated stadium, Markwardt and visiting other commuball fields, a bus garage, nities that have repurposed former sewer system and 7 acres of wet- school buildings and reported their lands, was transferred to the West findings to trustees. Geauga district on July 1, 2020, In December, trustees unanwhen Newbury Schools became imously decided to begin discuspart of West Geauga Schools. sions with the West Geauga school In August, Newbury Township board about their possible purchase Trustee Bill Skomrock appointed of the property, located near the five community leaders to an ad- center of the county in the commervisory task force to research the cial heart of Newbury Township.
Monday, the school board, which has not made any commitments to the trustees, decided to hire Newmark to determine the schools’ conditions and the property’s value. “Phase One will be an information gathering process, which will cost about $2,000 and will determine things like the presence of asbestos and the condition of the bus garage,” Superintendent Richard Marquardt told the board. “Phase Two will be more detailed and will include an environmental study, wetlands study and other more complex issues. For example, we know there is at least one underground tank on the property.” Markwardt said the first phase study should be completed within a month. “Because the wetlands study is dependent on the weather, Phase Two may take another month after that,” Marquardt said. “And the environmental study will influence
the determination of the property’s highest and best use.” He estimated the studies would be complete sometime in March, depending on weather conditions, because data on the wetlands must be conducted when there is no snow or excessive spring moisture. “It will be a fluid process, but it seems like a good timeline,” board member Chet Ramey said. “It seems pretty ambitious,” board member Dan Thoreson added. Marquardt said the wetlands study is of key importance because wetlands regulations could determine whether the property can be used by some entities. “I think we’re doing the right thing,” Thoreson said. “We shouldn’t sell the property without the buyer knowing what’s on it. It’s wise.” The resolution to go into a contract with Hollister and Newmark passed unanimously.
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
West Geauga Schools In-Person School Resumes
Students returned to school buildings on Jan. 11 for in-person classes. District leadership decided to conduct classes remotely for the week following the winter break. The decision was designed to impede spread of COVID-19 by keeping active cases from returning to school in the wake of the holidays. Athletic competitions are underway, and the district will continue to livestream home events on YouTube. Lindsey Elementary School’s Attitude, Citizenship and Effort (ACE) Awards presentation was livestreamed as well.
Lindsey Holds Spelling Bee
Students at Lindsey Elementary School participated in the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Jan. 13. One student winner from each fourth- and fifth-grade classroom competed in the school spelling bee. Chromebooks and headphones were used for the bee to accommodate social distancing and safety protocols during the competition. Individual school building winners will compete in the district spelling bee on Jan. 26.
JIM KISH – WGLSD
Congratulations to Lindsey Elementary School’s ACE Award winners.
Senior Sports Recognition
Seniors on the West Geauga High School swimming and gymnastics teams were recognized last weekend prior to their competitions. Senior swimmers Rebecca Whitmer, Emily Vash, Payton Trentanelli, Lilia Hornbeck, Michael Elias, Catelyn Chase and Josh Burdecki were honored on Jan. 9. Senior gymnasts Allie Ange and Maddie Shenkel were honored on Jan. 10.
JIM KISH - WGLSD
Senior gymnasts Allie Ange and Maddie Shenkel were honored prior to their competition on Jan. 10.
Athletes were escorted by their parents while past accomplishments and future endeavors were announced. Congratulations, seniors.
JIM KISH - WGLSD
Lindsey Elementary School student and district qualifier Owen Dahlhofer gets ready for the spelling bee.
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Town Crier Free Food Distribution
Jan. 21, 12-6 p.m. United Way has partnered with Dave’s Market and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging and will be holding a drive-thru food distribution at Christ Presbyterian Church in Chester Township. Visit www.areaagingsolutions.org, click on Programs and Services and then Food Insecurity to register.
Outreach Spaghetti Dinner
Jan. 21, 6-7 p.m. Christ Presbyterian Church offers free outreach spaghetti dinners the third Thursday of each month. Dinners are drive-thru only. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Jan. 25, 1-7 p.m. American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. To register, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- 733-2767. Walk-ins are welcome.
CVWC Offers Scholarships
The Chagrin Valley Woman’s Club will offer $1,500 scholarships to seniors from Chagrin Falls, Kenston, Orange, Solon and West Geauga high schools who will begin their freshman year of college or technical school in the fall of 2021. The criteria for awarding the scholarships include financial need, academic achievement, community involvement/ service and work experience. Interested students should contact their guidance department for more information.
GEL Breakfast
Feb. 5, 7:30-9 a.m. Geauga Growth Partnership, Kent State University at Geauga and Leadership Geauga will present “State of Geauga” at the next Geauga Economic Leadership (G.E.L.) breakfast. Join the Zoom webinar to hear lessons learned in 2020 and how different sectors of the community have adjusted due to COVID-19. To register, email info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.
Spring Fish Sale
April 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation
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Chesterland News
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, white amurs and yellow perch. Pond safety kits are also available. Visit www.geaugaswcd.com or call 440834-1122 to obtain an order form and instructions regarding fish pickup. Order deadline is April 9. To guarantee, send a completed order form with payment to Geauga SWCD, PO Box 410, Burton, OH 44021, or call the office to pay by credit card. All proceeds support the district’s education programs.
Curtain 440 Auditions Curtain 440 is accepting auditions for all ages for three shows for its hybrid spring season. Shows will be rehearsed primarily over Zoom from late January into March and filmed in person. The group will meet a few times before filming. The shows will be released virtually in April. Final in-person rehearsal and filming will be at Celebration Lutheran Church in Chardon. Audition forms and videos must be submitted by Jan. 23. Visit www.curtain440.com for information, including a list of the shows and how to audition.
Community Meetings Chester Township: Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 3, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. (Meetings are open to public, but seating limited to 10. Trustees, fiscal officer and department heads, if in attendance, are practicing social distancing.) Russell Township: Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 3, 2:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. (Trustees have opted to resume their regular meeting schedule but has changed the location of future meetings to the Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road. Meetings will be held in the Town Hall until further notice. The location is changed to the Town Hall to better accommodate physical distancing advisories.) West Geauga BOE: Jan. 25, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
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Protest from page 1
Club. In his video, he said he was on his way to meet a bus that would take a group of patriots to the nation’s capital to let their voices be heard. About 55 people from the Chardon area joined him. Last summer, Geauga County Juvenile Probate Court Judge Tim Grendell appointed Innocenzi to the Geauga Park District Board of Commissioners. Innocenzi also stepped into the public eye when he took a large role in Geauga Cares4U, a charitable organization Grendell and his wife, state Rep. Diane Grendell, set up during the Republican primary last March to provide relief for those suffering the impacts of COVID-19 closures. On Jan. 6, Innocenzi and his group — which included Chester Township Trustee and former Geauga County Commissioner and county Tea Party president Skip Claypool — joined a rally headlined by President Donald Trump at the Ellipse, a park near the White House, and subsequently marched down Constitution Avenue toward the U.S. Capitol complex. At the rally, Trump repeated claims about the validity of the Nov. 3, 2020, election he lost to President-Elect Joe Biden. He urged Congress and Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the results of an election he claims were fraudulent. However, no court has found evidence to support those claims. “Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us. And if he doesn’t, that will be a sad day for our country because you’re sworn to uphold our Constitution,” Trump said before asking the crowd to walk to the Capitol complex to “cheer on” those in Congress who were joining his challenge. “Say a prayer for all of us patriots going to D.C. Make sure there’s peace, and no violence, and just let our voices be heard,” Innocenzi said as he drove toward the waiting bus in the early morning. Unfortunately, the mob that later stormed the U.S. Capitol had other ideas. The violence left five dead — including a United States Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, 42, and four rioters. Pipe bombs were found near the headquarters of both the Republican and Democratic national committees. Authorities also discovered a truck stocked with explosives and weapons a few blocks from the Capitol complex. Many in the group were afterward identified by journalists, social media users and federal authorities as members of various online Trump-supporting extremist groups, including several who self-identify as followers of the Q-Anon conspiracy theory, which claims Trump is secretly fighting an international sex-trafficking cabal run by, among others, Democrats and prominent members of the media. National media showed some in the crowd sported pre-printed shirts with the slogan “MAGA Civil War January 6, 2021” and a gallows, complete with rope noose, was erected in front of the Capitol complex. At one point, the crowd chanted “Hang Mike Pence.”
‘What We Saw Was Peaceful’
Innocenzi, in a phone interview the day after the attack, again said he did not support the violence that took place. He said at one point he heard bangs and saw smoke as part of the Capitol police response to the attack on the Capitol complex. “I started getting calls from my kids, you know what I mean, saying, ‘Hey dad, there’s
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Innocenzi Says FOX 8 Video ‘Taken Out of Context’ Claypool Unaware of Violent Comments, Not Ashamed of Marching for Trump By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com On Jan. 8, Ed Gallek, a reporter with Cleveland’s FOX 8 News, challenged Mario Innocenzi’s claims he was focused on a peaceful march by playing comments Innocenzi made in a since-deleted live video posted on Facebook. “We’re going to Capitol Hill right now. Descend on our senators and Congress, to make them change the vote. I say we just rush the Capitol,” Innocenzi is heard saying in the video. Someone near Innocenzi is then heard saying three words – “start assassinating people.” Innocenzi replies, “Right.” When asked about his comments by Gallek, who played only the last section of his Capitol Hill comment in his news segment, Innocenzi repeated his claim he did not condone the violence that took place. He told Gallek he didn’t hear the assassination comment, either. In a phone call Jan. 11 with the Geauga County Maple Leaf, Innocenzi said at 60, he was the youngest in the group he accompanied to the rally. His slow-moving group included ladies using canes who could barely walk, he said. “It was a joke because — if you’d have seen us — we couldn’t rush to the toilet, we’re so slow,” Innocenzi said. “And again, if I would have even thought about that — who knew what was going to happen several hours later? I’m ex-military, I love my country. I’m a God-fearing, country-loving patriot. I went there only to show support for a free and fair election, not to cause problems, not to be a jerk. None of that.” Innocenzi said he has received numerous death threats, and threats to shut down his business, since the airing of the FOX 8 segment. He reiterated he would not approve of anyone talking about assassination and he didn’t hear the comment — which he thought came from someone in the backall kinds of riots going on,’” he said. “Well, I’m right there, there’s no riot going on. Just a handful of goofballs, knuckleheads making a nuisance out of theirselves — from where we were standing, you know.” He was never closer than about 200 yards to the building, Innocenzi said, adding he grew alarmed when he saw people climbing on scaffolding set up for Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration. In a Facebook video, Innocenzi can be heard complaining about people throwing fireworks near the Capitol building. He said in a phone interview Jan. 7, as he and his group, which included several elderly people, made their way back to buses, they met up with others who used their phones to show them some of the scenes of violence inside the Capitol complex. “They showed us, you know the shooting and all that stuff that went on at that point. I said, ‘Okay, we gotta go!’ And we just went back to our buses,” he said. “I hope they get arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. They had no business in that building.”
SCREENSHOT FROM FOX 8
Mario Innocenzi was asked to defend comments made in a Facebook livestream while marching in Washington, D.C. Jan. 6. The full video can be viewed at www.geaugamapleleaf.com.
ground of his video — until Gallek played it. Chester Township Trustee Skip Claypool, who also appeared in Innocenzi’s video, had another theory about Innocenzi’s video. “I listened to the audio and if you listen to it carefully, the voice that says something about an assassination or whatever, sounded like it was added to me. It didn’t sound like natural audio. And so — I’m very suspect of all of that,” Claypool said during a Jan. 11 phone call. Claypool did not explain when he believed the audio was added. During the full 17-minute video, Innocenzi also tells those watching he plans to “start taking care of business” when he returns to Geauga County, starting with the Geauga County Republican Party, chaired by Nancy McArthur, who sits on Chardon City Council. Innocenzi calls out those his group refers to as “Republicans in Name Only.” “Your party chair’s gotta go, gotta clean house and start over,” Innocenzi says. “Too many RINOs and never-Trumpers in it.” He encourages everyone, Republican or Democrat, to work in their local parties to make change starting at home. In a Jan. 11 email sent to members of In a phone interview Jan. 11, Claypool also condemned the violence and said he believes it was caused by “Antifa,” a loosely-organized left-wing group whose name is an abbreviation of “anti-fascist.” “There was an element, but it wasn’t part of our (group), that were trying to gin things up. It was not part of our group,” Claypool said. “I don’t know who they are. Some people say Antifa, some people say Black Lives Matter.” While he takes conspiracies with a grain of salt, Claypool said he thinks there was a violent element “intentionally injected” into the otherwise peaceful effort to challenge the result of the 2020 election. “What you have to be careful of is to send the message that people like me and Mario and all the old farts … down there are the kinds of people that would beat up a policeman. That is not true,” Claypool said. As of Jan. 11, a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice said 13 individuals have been charged so far in D.C. federal court related to crimes committed at the Capitol.
the Chesterland Rotary Club that the Maple Leaf obtained, Claypool said news coverage of Innocenzi’s comments is sensationalizing the moment. “I stress I was not close to him or part of the conversation. I was not aware of the film or his comments until called by Fox 8,” Claypool said. In the email, he said he is not ashamed for having exercised his fundamental rights and participated in the march last week. “I served in the military to defend those rights,” he said. “I am very disturbed by what I am seeing by media, large corporations and some in our government. Many of the actions I am seeing I saw in communist China years ago when I traveled there on business. I literally saw a person shot for no cause. … You should be very concerned regardless of your political leanings.” Both Claypool and Innocenzi said Jan. 11 they had not been contacted by law enforcement since the event, with Claypool adding such contact would be “silly and ridiculous.” “Trust me, the FBI’s got way more on their plate than worrying about a 70-yearold trustee who is going down to walk down Constitution Avenue ... and carry a flag,” he said. “I don’t think they’re worried about me.” Approximately 40 were charged in Superior Court, the DOJ said. Those arrested include Alabaman Lonnie Coffman, owner of the truck containing explosive devices found a few blocks from the Capitol. Richard Barnett — who was photographed with his feet resting on the desk of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and outside the building brandishing a piece of her mail — was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public money, property or records. Jacob Anthony Chansley, a horn-wearing, face-painted, spear-wielding 33-year-old who was photographed near Pence’s chair in the U.S. Senate chambers, was also arrested Jan 9. Chansley turned himself into the FBI as he drove to Arizona after the attack. According to a DOJ court document, “Chansley stated that he came as a part of a group effort, with other ‘patriots’ from Arizona, at the request of the President that all ‘patriots’ come to D.C. on January 6, 2021.” See Capitol • Page 5
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
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Campus News Lindsey Kulp, of Chester Township, was named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University for the fall semester. Jess Fenander, of Chester Township, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor of arts in Spanish with a minor in Latin American studies and sociology/anthropology.
SUBMITTED
Chardon resident and Geauga County Park District Commissioner Mario Innocenzi, left, and Chester Township Trustee Skip Claypool traveled to Washington, D.C. Jan. 6 to take part in a rally and march in support of President Donald Trump’s claims the 2020 election was fraudulent.
Capitol from page 4
‘An Indelible Stain On Our Democracy’
Inside the Capitol complex, lawmakers were rushed out of the building when it was breached by a mob of protesters. While the U.S. Senate was not convened, members of the House were on the floor in the process of certifying state electoral votes. Some were trapped in a viewing gallery in the House chambers as Capitol police barricaded the door of the chambers and stood with their guns pointed outwards. Others were waiting in the House Speaker’s lobby — directly outside the House chambers — when a violent group of attackers began smashing windows in an attempt to reach them. Graphic video published online shows the moment when U.S. Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, 35, attempted to climb through the broken window. Babbitt, draped in a Trump flag, was shot by a Capitol police officer firing from inside the Speaker’s lobby. Due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of House members on the floor, Congressman Dave Joyce (R-Bainbridge Township) said he remained in his office in a separate part of the Capitol complex. Joyce asked his office staff to work from home due to concerns raised in recent security briefings about protests scheduled for the day, according to his office. When a colleague was forced to evacuate their office, Joyce said he opened his office to the lawmaker and their staff. The group huddled in Joyce’s office for roughly six hours, with the door locked, window blinds drawn and cell phones silenced. While the congressman awaited word from his daughter, who works in another part of the Capitol complex, notifications came of multiple explosive devices found around the city, he said. Late in the night, once Capitol police cleared the Capitol complex, the House and Senate chambers resumed their debates. Joyce voted against the objection to Arizona’s electoral votes, ensuring they would be certified. After that vote, Joyce was told the Senate
was unlikely to sign onto any other objections, so he took his daughter home to safety. He said he was unable to return to the Capitol in time to vote against objections to the electoral votes due to roadblocks and police activity following the chaos that had occurred earlier in the day. In his weekly newsletter Jan. 10, Joyce said what occurred that day “will forever be an indelible stain on our democracy.” However, he added, he was proud Congress pressed forward in its Constitutionally-mandated certification of electoral votes, in spite of the chaos. “By doing so, we proved to the American people that truth, law and order, and democracy triumphed while falsehoods, violence and chaos failed,” Joyce said. He went on to list facts related to Trump’s claims of fraud surrounding the election. The election was not stolen, Joyce said, adding while some credible reports of fraud need to be investigated, Biden’s margins of victory were too wide to change the outcome of the election. Trump had the legal right to address allegations of fraud and irregularities in court, but the President and other elected officials lied when they led their constituents to believe objections to the electoral votes presented to Congress on Wednesday could reverse the election results, Joyce said. “I say all this as someone who voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and who voted for his re-election in November. But each time the people of Ohio’s 14th Congressional District elected me to represent them in Congress, I swore an oath to God to uphold the Constitution,” Joyce said. “I consider that oath both a great honor and a great responsibility and I refuse to be bullied into violating it by threats of my political demise.” Joyce said he objects to unconstitutionally inserting Congress into the center of the presidential election process, which would not only delegitimize the Electoral College, but also steal power from the people and the states. “I am proud to have stood with those who upheld our Constitution on Wednesday so, as Abraham Lincoln said, ‘that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.’” Read Joyce’s full statement online at www.geaugamapleleaf.com.
Alison D’Alessandro, of Chester Township, earned dean’s list honors at University of Kentucky for the fall semester. Alison is majoring in mathematics. Nicole Piccirillo, of Chester Township, graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor of science in applied science in allied health.
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Chesterland News
Police Blotter Chester Police Department Year End Report / 2020 Â Incidents & Arrest Report
Total
911 Problem
49
Abandoned Vehicle
7
Aircraft Problem
1
Alarms / Residential & Business
304
Animal Problem & Dog Bite
110
Assist Fire & Rescue
816
Domestic Violence & Assault
60
Assist Motorist, Citizen, Agency & Messages
203
Burglary
8
Business Check & Extra Patrols
81
Child Abuse, Neglect, Custodial & Juvenile Complaints
47
Fingerprinting
23
Community Education / Relations
16
Protection Orders & Violations
14
Civil Complaints
27
Deceased Person
2
Disorderly Conduct
4
Drug & Alcohol Offenses, OVI's & Intox Persons
32
Escorts & Transports
15
Elder Abuse
1
Explosions, Fireworks, Noise & Weapons Complaints
110
Flooding
2
Forgery, Fraud & Identity TheftÂ
49
Harassment, Menacing & Threats
39
Hate Crime
1
Hazzardous Spills
1
Health & Sanitary Conditions
1
Indecent Exposure
1
Lost & Found Property
69
Vehicle & Residential Lockouts
175
Loitery, Vagrancy & Soliciting
10
Littering & Illegal Dumping
5
Missing Person
7
Information Reports
86
Parking Problem
15
Damage to Property
65
Pursuit
1
Property Watch
42
Sex Offenses
2
Road Rage
5
Repossession
3
RV / MC & ATV Complaints
29
Arrest & Search Warrants
33
Crisis Intervention
14
Suspicious Person & Circumstance
381
Motor Vehicle Accidents
223
Traffic Stops & Enforcement & Control
1,583
Traffic Hazard & Disabled Vehicles
313
Tobacco Problem
0
Theft & Vehicle Theft
90
Tresspassing
16
Open Buidling or Residence
14
Utility Complaint
54
Vandalism, Criminal Damage & Mischief
18
Welfare Checks
105
Total Incidents
5,382
Criminal Physical Arrests
177
Citation & Misdemeanor Violations
749
Felony Investigative Violations
38
The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Chester Township Police Department Dec. 29, 2020, through Jan. 14, 2021. CITIZEN ASSIST Jan. 9 5:08 p.m., Chillicothe Road. Caller is having issues with a co-worker that keeps threatening him. This is an ongoing issue. Company is not doing what is necessary to correct the situation. FRAUD Jan. 6 6:24 p.m., Willow Hill Drive. Caller having trouble accessing Facebook. She thinks she was scammed. She called the number it said to call and they advised they wanted Google Play cards. Jan. 13 5:45 p.m., Mayfield Road. Caller believes someone stole her identity. They tried to take out a loan in her name. SHOOTING Dec. 29 7:09 p.m., Chester Brook. Male shot himself in the hand with a 9 mm. Accidental. Just returned from the shooting range cleaning the gun. Sustained injuries to his fingers. SUSPICIOUS Jan. 4 11 a.m., Mayfield Road. Found two bottles on her property that appear to be urine. Report only. 6:10 p.m., Mulberry Road. Political sign up at intersection. Caller is upset that it is past the election. Northeast corner TRUMP sign. Jan. 6 11:25 a.m., Wilson Mills Road. Would like to speak with an officer for a suspicious piece of mail. Piece of mail was from Jehovah Witness and not deemed suspicious. VANDALISM Jan. 8 10:41 a.m., West Geauga Plaza. Caller says Ace Hardware was vandalized and he has video. Report to follow.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Chesterland News
SWCD Holds Conservation Poster Contest Submitted The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has proclaimed April 25 through May 2 as Stewardship Week, marking the 66th year of the national event. In celebration, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a poster contest. The theme is ““Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities.” The purpose of the contest is to encourage in youth a connection to the important benefit of protecting the soil and water resources. The contest is open to all students from public, private and home schools. Posters
must measure 14 inches by 22 inches. Digital posters will be accepted. All posters must be submitted to the Geauga SWCD office at 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, on or before May 22, or emailed to emailed to Katie Nainiger at knainiger@geaugaswcd.com The Geauga SWCD is offering a first and second place prize in each category: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. The first place winners in each category will move on to the area competition, where they will then have an opportunity to move on to the state competition and then national. For information, contact Geauga SWCD at 1-440-834-1122 or www.geaugaswcd.com.
Letters to the Editor Thank You, Road Dept. I want to commend the Chester Township Trustees for recognizing our road department for their contribution to the community during one of the most treacherous snowstorms in the recent history of our township. The men and woman of the Chester Township Road Department did more than
just their respective jobs, they risked their lives. They made it possible for other front line teams to do their jobs. On Dec. 1, 2020, the Chester Township Road Department were our first responders and we thank them for their service. Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts Chester Township
Fitness Report
Knee Pain? Physical Therapy Best Option to Avoid Surgery By Dr. Adam Cramer, DPT The knee is one of the most used joints in the body that can easily take the repetitive stress of day to day use. When the knee is pushed beyond it’s limits or turned in a direction it isn’t meant to it can cause pain and injury. When this happens, physical therapy is the best first option for treatment.
What can be done about knee pain?
For many, the first step following a knee injury is to consult with a surgeon even though they prefer not to have surgery. Yet these professionals specialty is surgery and they have never made anyone walk again themselves. So if you’re having difficulty with walking because of pain then consult a specialist who focuses on im- Cramer proving walking and reducing pain themselves such as a physical therapist who should be the first point of contact. By consulting with a independent physical therapist there is no conflict of interest like in orthopedic surgical groups and hospital systems. Independent physical therapists focus only on cost-effective low risk physical therapy treatment and not high cost high risk surgical procedures. No referral is needed for physical therapy in the state of Ohio and your medial insurance will cover the cost of treatment. MRIs and x-rays are not needed to diagnose knee injuries especially when we all have abnormalities within our joints and imaging can produce false positives resulting in unnecessary surgeries. Steroid injections and other injections offered by orthopedic surgeons have demonstrated ineffectiveness with not properly addressing the functional limitations (lack of motion and strength) that
an individual with knee pain has. Based on evidence steroid injections can actually deteriorate tendons, promote cartilage loss and create bone fractures under the cartilage in your joint.
Physical therapy for knee pain
All of these invasive procedures mentioned above do absolutely nothing to correct the underlying problem in the first place, it’s just treating the symptoms. The underlying problem with most joint pain is lack of motion and strength. It’s quite simple, if you work at improving how well you move, you will move better, plain and simple. Cartilage in joints is like a sponge, when it is used it will soak up all the nutrients around it while getting rid of waste products in the joint that can degenerate cartilage further. Movement is the key. By focusing on the structures that make us move, such as muscles, you will undoubtedly move better with less symptoms. When the knee is stressed through exercise it promotes strength of it, blood flow increases, oxygenation and ultimately healing. Physical therapy treatment for knee pain will include hands-on treatment to promote blood-flow, healing and range of motion. Dry needling will help reduce pain while promoting healing and muscle contraction. Therapeutic exercise will promote strengthening and stabilization of the knee joint to reduce excessive shearing/rotational forces that can lead to further damage of the joint. You will have a thorough understanding of how to maintain and treat your symptoms independently. By seeing a Doctor of Physical Therapy first with you will reach your goals fast avoiding surgery all together. Dr. Adam M Cramer, PT, DPT is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of MyoFit Clinics in Ashtabula, Chardon & Middlefield, Ohio. Call 440-286-1007 www.MyoFitClinic.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Chesterland News
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Obituaries Alicia Reinhart
Alicia Reinhart passed away on Oct. 31, 2020, at the age of 84. She was born in Monterrey, Mexico, on Dec. 16, 1935. Alicia studied piano at age 5 and by age 16 she learned all Mozart piano sonatas, performing some of them on the radio in Monterrey. Alicia studied at the University of Kansas, where she studied with professional concert pianist, Angelica Morales von Sauer. She also expanded her repertoire at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Alicia Reinhart was a member of the Cleveland Music School Settlement from 1961-1968. She was also the chairwoman of the Ohio Music Teachers Association from 1986-1988, director of Buckeye Competition Committee, and she performed as chairwoman of the Junior Fortnightly Musical Club. She will be lovingly remembered as the spouse of William H. Reinhart; devoted mother to Victor, William Paul, Kristen (Robert) and Glen (Julie); and cherished grandmother to Alexander, Mathew, Logan and James. Alicia also was the great-grandmother to adorable Steven. We appreciate the many heartfelt messages of love for Mom. Alicia is missed dearly for her charm, grace, generosity and her passion for music. Private memorial services will be held in the spring.
Rosa Jeannette Krause
Rosa Jeannette Krause, age 88, died Dec. 12, 2020, from complications of a recent stroke. She was born in Amsterdam, on March 21, 1932, in The Netherlands and moved with her family to the United States at age 7. Subsequently, Rosa lost many remaining family members in the Holocaust. She grew up in Beverly Hills, Calif., where her father was a dentist to movie stars and her next-door neighbors included Allen Reed (the voice of Fred Flintstone) and Luella Parsons. She graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1950 and attended Elizabeth Taylor’s first wedding to Nicky Hilton. Rosa married William Otto Krause in 1952. After traveling together during his years in the U.S. Navy, they settled in Chesterland to raise a family. She also built a career in Chesterland as a trusted and precise bookkeeper for small businesses. While a Chesterland resident, she was very civically engaged as a member of the
Chesterland Historical Society, the League of Women Voters and President of the PTA at Westwood Elementary. She also helped establish Chesterland’s first ambulance service, encouraged the local government to get roads paved, and petitioned the phone company to give the township local phone numbers to Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs, which had previously been long-distance. Upon retiring, Rose moved to Sparks, Md., to be with her grandchildren. Rosa had a quick wit and spoke candidly of her beliefs. She was an avid card player and Silver Life Master in Bridge, often playing in tournaments; in her later years she continued to play online with people from around the world. Rosa had a lifelong passion for classical music and enjoyed playing beautiful music during peaceful afternoon visits with her grandsons when they were young. Throughout her life she was proud of her Dutch heritage and made several trips to visit the country of her childhood. Rosa was preceded in death by her parents, Bella Lelie (nee van den Bergh) and Dr. Herman L. Lelie; and also her ex-husband, William Krause. She had a very close and loving relationship with two of her aunts, Josephine Sjouwerman and Henrietta Smets, with whom she was reunited after World War II, and whom she grieved losing in the 1980s. She is survived by her children, Andrew William Krause (wife, Noreen) and Anita Louise Krause; and her grandchildren, Jason Andrew Krause and Ethan Bennett Krause, to whom she will always be remembered as Oma. She is also survived by her siblings, Jeannette Folsom and Arthur Lelie, and his five children, Tammy Skinner, Leah Webster, Judy Ferguson, Herman Lelie and David Lelie. As Rosa’s health declined in her final year, she told her family and close friends that she was determined to live long enough to see Donald Trump defeated. He reminded her too much of what her family had escaped over 80 years earlier. Her stroke hit her only days before the election, but she regained her consciousness and wits for a precious few days after the election results were final. She said she was relieved beyond words when her son told her of Trump’s defeat. When she asked for more specifics, her son lied, telling her it was a landslide defeat because he could not bear to break to her the news that almost 75 million fools of her beloved adopted country had voted for “Stupid Hitler,” as she sometimes referred to him. A private online celebration of Rosa’s life took place in the days following her death.
Joseph Frank Sprinzl Sr.
Joseph Frank Sprinzl Sr. passed away on Jan. 2, 2021. He was born on June 12, 1927, in Cleveland, and was a resident of Chester Township since 1959. Joseph loved and prayed daily for his family and friends. He was a devoted Catholic and a member of Saint Anselm Church, and was active with Young of Hearts. He was also a member of the West Geauga Senior Center. Joseph was a proud member of the Carpenter’s Union for 65 years. He was the past treasurer of Carpenter’s Local Union 404. Joseph’s love for woodworking and carving has brought great joy to many people’s lives. He and Lena loved to travel and play cards.
Joseph was married to Lena (nee Schadenfroh) for 65 years. He was predeceased by Lena and they leave four children, William Sr. (Linda), Thomas (Paula), Arthur (Karen) and Joseph Jr. (Jennifer); grandchildren, Terry Seiffert (Nikki), William Jr. (Amy), Heather (Jason) Nightingale, Jeremy (Shiying), Jocelyn (Thomas) Caffarel, Janelle and Joseph Sprinzl III; great-grandchildren, Gino, Nico, Lena, Vaughn, Ingrid, Madelyn, Emily, Alexander and Catherine. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Altmeyer); brother, Richard; and sister, Rosemary Colak. Contributions in Joseph’s memory are suggested to the Church of St. Anselm (stanselm.org). Private family services. Interment All Souls Cemetery, Chardon. Online condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Help Wanted Stop in on Thursday, Jan. 28 until 8 p.m. for an evening hiring event! Just bring 2 forms of ID to apply! We are located at 220 Center Street, Chardon. 440-285-5627.
MANCAN IS NOW HIRING
Farm help in Huntsburg. 440-636-5747.
GENERAL LABOR AND SKILLED TRADES IN LAKE, GEAUGA, CUYAHOGA AND ASHTABULA COUNTIES To apply, stop into the office Monday - Thursday, 9am to 3pm. Be sure to bring 2 forms of ID. A resume is encouraged.
220 Center St. Ste B-2 Chardon, OH 44024 440-285-5627
Classifieds
Tree Service/Land Clearing company seeking
CLASS A TRUCK DRIVER/OPERATOR (Class A CDL required)
Full-time position with benefits. Experience a must. Must have valid Drivers License and pass drug screen. Loaded with Winter work and overtime. TOP PAY commensurate with experience. 4% 401k match, paid holidays, paid health insurance, and paid vacation. Vision and Dental coverage also available. Join the Midwest Land Clearing team! (440) 338-5005 Mary or email marydigeronimo@vancurentreecare.com
Equal opportunity employer – Drug Free Workplace
Tree Service looking for:
20 words for $10 What a bargain!
Climbers and Residential/Line Clearance Foreman $40 to $65,000 per year.
karlovecmediagroup Advertising Office 8389 Mayfield Road, B-5 Chesterland, OH 44026 Fax: 440-729-8240
Editorial Office 101 South St. Chardon, OH 44024 Fax: 440-285-2015
To advertise in the Classifieds, contact the advertising department at 440-729-7667 ext. 500 or email your ad directly to ads@chesterlandnews.com
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT NOON PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE All classifled line ads run in The Geauga County Maple Leaf on Thursdays, and in the Chesterland News and Middlefleld Post on the weeks each newspaper is published. The Chesterland News and Middlefleld Post are published every other week on opposing weeks.
Fully paid Individual Health Benefits, Paid Vaca�on, Paid Holidays, Year-Round Work, O.T., Dental & Eye coverage available, 4% 401k match, Bonuses.
Equipment intensive:
4 22-50 ton Cranes, 5 Log Trucks, Sennebogan, 89’ Backyard Li�, 75’ buckets. 440-338-5005 Mary Equal opportunity employer – Drug Free Workplace
D Here is my ad. The per week cost is $10 for the first 20 words, plus 25¢ for each additional word.
0 I am a PAID MAPLE LEAF SUBSCRIBER entitled to 20 WORDS or less FREE each week. (Words over 20 will be billed at 25¢ per word.) NO BUSINESS ADS. Please include subscriber number _ _ _ _ (found on mailing label)
0 I would like to be a MAPLE LEAF SUBSCRIBER and advertise for FREE. Enclosed is
$45 for an in-county 12-month subscription (subscription rate valid through 12/31/21).
Write Your Classified Line Ad
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Number of weeks to run ad: Free Subscriber Ads can run a maximum of four weeks, then MUST be renewed. INFORMATION FOR OFFICE USE BELOW THIS LINE - WILL NOT APPEAR IN PRINT
NAME ADDRESS Cl1Y STATE ZIP PHONE EMAIL PAYMENT INFORMATION
Make checks payable to "Karlovec Media Group." Credit card charges will appear as "Daily Legal News."
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NAME ON CARD BILLING ADDRESS CARD# SIGNATURE
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www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Service Directory
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Chesterland News
Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS
PETS & ANIMALS
Cash for Junk Vehicles: running or not, classics/big trucks/etc., free removal, call/text Zac 440-679-7293.
Gypsy – young-adult female tabby needs new indoor home. Prefers to be an only cat. Very social, very sweet, spayed, vaccinated. 440-321-2485.
FOR RENT
REAL ESTATE
For Lease Burton: Small Gatehouse apartment on our farm. 1 bedroom. AC, large attached garage, laundry hook ups. Smoking prohibited. $650 per month. 440-221-0649
Updated, move in ready 2bdr condo, Chardon’s Colonial Park. Hardwood, new carpet & tile & floors. 77,900. Appt. 440-632-8334.
FOR SALE
SERVICES John’s Plumbing: Affordable and reliable. Water heaters, toilets, faucets, drain cleaning, gas lines, sump pumps, well tanks. 440-285-0800. Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 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 8am and 4pm, 440813-4272. No answer, leave message.
WANTED CPAP Sleep Machine. One Year Old. Cost $1,100. Sale $650. 216-218-6211.
MASTER PAINTERS
Family owned & operated since 1976
INTERIOR - EXTERIOR
• Cedar Siding Stained • Vinyl Aluminum Refinishing • “Cool” Roof Coatings
“Do It Right The First Time” Call Eric 440-729-2646
www.masterpaintersinc.com
ask@masterpaintersinc.com
Two Used JL Audio 12W6v2 Subs, Two Used Pioneer Mono PDX-M6 Amps. All Wiring Included. Excellent Condition. Priced To Sell. $300. Text 440-552-4400. Snowblower 45” Troy Bilt. Good Runner. Too Much For Old Guy. $450. Chainsaw 20” STIHL. Make Offer. 440.286.3295. Vermont Castings, free standing, vent free natural gas stove. 440-632-5145. Brown eggs from free range hens, no antibiotics, no hormones. $3/doz. Local beef & hay St Rt 608 Claridon. Some deliveries available. 440-636-5747 Vintage Withington toboggan 8ft with pad, DeWalt 1-3/4 hp motor table saw w/ extend table, mobile base excellent condition, 440-834-1850. Humpback chests, $89; Glider/Rockers new $675 asking $69, $98; antique French round marble top table, 4-chairs $1,400; 4 old captains chairs $190 oak. 440-338-3563.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES If you need to have a moving sale or estate sale call Kathy Willis at 440-8403226, partial estate buyouts also.
Steel gas cylinder cabinet/locker to store 2 industrial propane tanks, call 440-729-4134 or email SLW4134@att.net if you have a cabinet.
WANTED TO BUY Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), tackle boxes, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee at 440-313-8331. Wanted ‘65-‘67 Mustang Convertible, and other muscle cars needing repair, call/ text 440-832-1465. Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, January 20, 2021