Wrestlers Dominate on Way to CVC Title
By AlAn KornspAn sports@KArlovecmediA com
West Geauga's Wolverines wres tling team dominated the Chagrin Valley Conference Championships on Jan. 24 and 25 at Berkshire High School, winning the Chagrin Divi sion championship for the second year in a row.
Just how dominant were the Wolverines?
They scored 240 points, while their next closest competitor, the Crestwood Red Devils, only amassed 103.
In showing their strength on the mat, the Wolverines placed in 11 of the 14 weight classes.
Leading the Wolverines were individual CVC conference cham pions Zander Joltin (126-pound champion, third CVC title), Brian Denamen (165-pound champion, second CVC title), and Blake Welk er (215-pound champion).
Four Wolverine wrestlers finished as CVC runners up: Caden Kaleal (120-pound weight class), who also earned his 100th career victory, Danny Sizler (144-pound), Austin Wheatley (175-pound) and Nasir Levy (190-pound).
Four additional Wolverines also made the podium: Chris Paradise (138-pound weight class, 4th place), Quentin Artino (150-pound, 4th place), Gradi Zerokata (157-pound, 6th place) and Maveric Milnar (285-pound - 6th place).
After repeating as CVC champions, West Geauga Wolverines Head Coach Joe Joltin said he was thrilled with how the Wolverines wrestled.
“I am so proud of the boys,” Coach Joltin said. “They work so hard and they're very deserving. Sev-
en guys in the finals, 11 guys placing overall. It's just phenomenal.”
Heading into the CVC championship, he had reminded his wrestlers to take a process-focused approach in their matches.
See Wrestling • Page 3
Zoning Inspector Focusing on Future, Land Use Plan
By emmA mAcniven mAcniven@KArlovecmediA com
Chester Township Zoning Inspector Chris Alusheff is spearheading efforts to create a Land Use Plan committee to lay out goals for the township’s future.
The committee would comprise one Chester Township Board of Zoning Appeals member, one township Zoning Commission member, one township trustee member and other stakeholders in the community, he said during the Chester Township Trustees meeting Jan. 23.
The plan will take 18-24 months to complete, Alusheff said, providing trustees with a document list-
SUBMITTED
ing its details.
“(The Land Use Plan) is designed to provide community between boards, make informed changes to zoning regulations and provide reference and informed decision-making on large-scale projects,” the document said.
Alusheff will present more information about the Land Use Plan to the public at upcoming trustees
meetings, he said.
In other business, Chester Township Administrator Mark Purchase announced he will be launching a newsletter titled, “The Gateway,” in upcoming issues of the Chesterland News to spread awareness of events and news in Chester. It will also be available at the Chester Township Town hall, at businesses around the community
and at events.
“We're looking at maybe doing this tri-annually, so every four months, so that we can cover all of the events,” Purchase said.
The township will seek feedback from community members after the first newsletter to gauge if it was helpful and find out if there is anything else they’d like added to it.
Trustees also approved a collective bargaining agreement for 2025-2027 between the Chester Township Trustees and the International Association of Firefighters Local 5331.
Trustees will meet again at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the town hall.
“The Gateway,” Chester’s upcoming newsletter, will soon be placed around town and in copies of the Chesterland News.
Dog License Tag Deadline is Jan. 31
Dog owners are reminded the deadline for 2025 dog license tags is Jan. 31. Licenses purchased on or before Jan. 31 are $15. A $15 penalty is added to all licenses purchased after the deadline. Checks should be made payable to Geauga County Auditor.
Owners of new dogs can purchase their tags any time during the year at the auditor’s office, at any of its outlying agents, or by mail.
Applications and licenses are also available at www.auditor.geauga.oh.gov. A transaction fee will be assessed.
Send application and $15 fee to Geauga County Auditor, Courthouse Annex, 231 Main St., Suite 1A, Chardon, OH 44024.
The Geauga County Auditor’s Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the auditor’s office at 440-279-1600 ext. 1614 or direct line 440-279-1614.
Geauga Public Library
Geauga West Branch
13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www. geaugalibrary.net.
Library Led Discussion
Feb. 5, 7-8 p.m.
Discuss “Call Your Daughter Home” by Deb Spera. No registration is required.
Valentines for Seniors
Spread a little extra love and appreciation
by stopping by the library branch any time to make a valentine or two for Geauga County’s homebound seniors. Card-making materials will be provided. Completed cards must be returned on or before Feb. 5 to be included in the program. No registration is required.
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.
Community Meetings
Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions for February 2025. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.
Chester Township: Feb. 5, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: Feb. 3, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Feb. 6, 2 p.m. –Board of Trustees, 7 p.m., – Board of Zoning Appeals; Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 26, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
West Geauga BOE: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
Police Blotter
The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Chester Township Police Department Jan. 13-23, 2024.
HARASSMENT
Jan. 15
1:22 p.m., Lynn Drive. Caller hired someone to plow her driveway for the winter and she found out he does not work for the company he claimed. She has gotten most of the money returned but made a post about it on Facebook and now he and his dad are threatening the caller to
get the post taken down. Caller would like to speak to an officer. See report.
9:12 p.m., Sperry Road. Caller would like her sisters to be told not to call her anymore. They have not made any threats, just will not leave her alone.
THEFT
Jan. 12
10:42 a.m., West Geauga Plaza Drive. Needs to make a report for a theft that happened Friday. They have video.
Town Crier
Free Community Dinner
Jan. 29, 5-6:30 p.m.
Mayfield United Methodist Church is hosting dinner at the church located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. Carryout is available.
Free Community Lunch
Jan. 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All are welcome to attend a free community lunch presented by the Women’s League of St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township.
Food Pantry Open
Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to noon
The food pantry at the Chester Christian Center church is open to anyone in the community in need of food. One does not need to be a member of the church to attend.
The church is located at 11815 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.
WG Kiwanis Pancake Breakfasts
Kiwanis Club of West Geauga is hosting its 72nd annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts the first four Sundays in March at West Geauga High School. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. Volunteer individually or as a group.
For more information, call Les Scott 440221-0112 or email wgkiwanis@me.com.
Young of Heart
Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m.
Geauga Young of Heart will enjoy a Valentine’s Day party at at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Decorate a Valentine’s box and bring it with Valentine’s cards. The cutest box will get a prize. Snacks and beverages are provided.
The group will see a movie at the Aurora Atlas Movie Theater at 11 a.m. on Feb. 11. Call Kimber at 440-668-3293 for information.
A trip has been planned to the Tulip Festival in Holland, Mich., on May 6-8. Included are Veldheer’s Tulip Gardens, Dutch Village, an evening revue show and tours of Holland, DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware Factory, Windmill Island Gardens and DeZwaan windmill and more. Call Kimber or Kit at 216-5434442 to reserve a spot.
Annual dues are payable now. Meetings are canceled if the West Geauga Schools are closed because of weather.
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.
Kindness Sewing Circle
Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
NPower Services launches its new Kindness Sewing Circle at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon. The monthly gathering is open to people of
all abilities and provides a creative space for participants to craft fabric projects that benefit others in need.
In collaboration with Sew4Service and Celebration Lutheran, the free event will take place on the first Friday of each month through May 2.
Anyone interested in participating may email Anne Marie Wolfe at AnneMarie@NPowerServices.com or register online at www.npowerservices.com.
Fortify Geauga Citizen Training
Feb. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fortify Geauga will provide citizen training on central committee basics for current central committee members, those interested in running for county central committee and citizens interested in learning about the structure of the county GOP.
A meal will be served before the meeting. For information and to RSVP, visit www.FortifyGeauga.com.
LCRTA Lunch Meeting
Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m.
The Lake County Retired Teachers Association will meet at its new location at Mama Roberto’s, 8658 Mentor Ave, Mentor.
Social time will be followed by the program at 11:30 a.m. and buffet style lunch. Robin Echols Cooper will perform a live dramatic performance of Stagecoach Mary.
LCRTA will collect items for End 68 Hours of Hunger. Contact Karen Sawitke, 9399 Ridgeside Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 for reservations by Jan. 31.
For more information, visit lakecountyrta.weebly.com.
Genealogical Society Meets
Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
Sally Fells, a retired product manager for Ancestry Library Edition will present "Ancestry Library Edition: Roadblock Busters Every Researcher Needs (and It's Free)" via Zoom at the next meeting of the Geauga County Genealogical Society. She will take experienced Ancestry Library Edition users to a new level while reviewing basics for beginners.
The program begins after a brief business meeting. Registration is required; visit gcgsoh.org.
Spring Tree Sale
Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is holding its spring tree sale. The sale offers a streamlined selection of both bareroot seedlings and 1-3 gallon container trees and shrubs. Rain barrels are also available.
For more information, tree descriptions and to place orders, visit geaugaswcd.com. Order deadline is April 7. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The tree sale pickup dates are April 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton. Questions? Call 440-8341122.
Chesterland Historical Village
Dear Village member,
The village membership committee, in collaboration with the treasurer, is implementing a streamlined process for the payment of annual dues. Starting this year, all dues will be payable in January to simplify the process for all parties. Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and support this new approach.
With the new year underway, attention turns to the upcoming schedule of events planned by the program committee. The 2025 schedule, as outlined in the recent newsletter, highlights several anticipated activities, including "Pie Night" on April 7. Hosted by the board of trustees, this event will feature a variety of delicious pies and provide an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new members. The community is invited to participate and enjoy the gathering.
Warm wishes are extended for a safe winter, with hopes of seeing many at Pie Night in April.
PJ Koach, Evie Bayzath and Judith Schwed
Chesterland Historical Village
Wrestling from page 1
“(I told them), let's go out, let's wrestle our style of wrestling, our brand, how we like to do it at West Geauga,” Coach Joltin said. “The points will come, and the wins will come, but we got to handle the business on the mat.”
Taking this message to heart, the Wolverines certainly demonstrated their style to the rest of the field.
Tops among them were their three individual champions, Zander Joltin, Denamen and Welker.
To win the 126-pound weight class, Zander won four straight matches.
After a first round bye, he pinned opponents from Berkshire and Beachwood to advance to the semifinals.
In the semifinals, he had his closest match of the tournament against Mekhi Davenport from Trinity.
Zander defeated Davenport 4-3, winning the match with an escape just 26 seconds into the overtime period. Then he dominated the finals match, earning a 16-2 major decision over Perry's Landon Rusnak.
Wrestling in the 165-pound weight class, Denamen claimed the second individual title of the tournament for the Wolverines.
After a first round bye, he won his first two matches over opponents from Orange and Edgewood with two second-period pins.
In the semifinals, Denamen defeated Dominic Palmisano from Geneva to punch his ticket to the finals.
Denamen then got his third pin of the tournament, defeating Bobby Shinault from Lakeside to win his title.
Winning West G's final individual title of the tournament was sophomore wrestler Blake Welker.
After two straight byes to start the tournament, Welker defeated opponents from Crestwood, Harvey and Madison to win the title.
The finals match was a bit of redemption for Welker, as he had lost earlier in the season to Madison wrestler Chase White.
“Blake Welker got pinned by that Madison kid earlier in the year,” Coach Joltin said. “Him just coming back and learning from that, growing, and wrestling a great finals — and keep pushing pace — (allowed him) to do a phenomenal job. I'm so proud of him.”
In addition to West G's three champions, Hawken wrestler Will Greenberg claimed the CVC title in the 285-pound weight class.
For the first time this year, the CVC also held a CVC girls wrestling tournament, where two Geauga wrestlers won individual titles: Chagrin Falls wrestler Savannah Brent in the 140-pound division and Cardinal wrestler Brooklyn Whitely in the 120-pound division.
“I had a lot of good matches today, pretty good competition out there” Whitely said. “Overall, I had a pretty good day.”
8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5
Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Phone
FAX 440-729-8240 ads@karlovecmedia.com editor@karlovecmedia.com
Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter Allison Wilson, Staff Reporter Emma MacNiven, Staff Reporter
Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher John D. Karlovec, Editor Deadlines
Clay Karlovec, Sales Representative
Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative Regina Swinerton, Classifieds
Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor
Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design Emma McGuire, Paginator
• Editorial submissions are printed as space is available, at the publisher’s discretion, and may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. All submissions are due by noon on the Friday prior to the Wednesday publication date for consideration for that edition.
• Email all editorial submissions to editor@karlovecmedia.com.
• The space reservation deadline for paid advertisements in that week’s Chesterland News is 4 p.m. on the Thursday prior to publication. Late ads may be accepted at the discretion of management.
• Email advertising requests and questions to ads@karlovecmedia.com.
Circulation
• The Chesterland News is distributed for free to homes and businesses in Chester Township. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.
• Copies are also available at rack locations within Chester township.
• Produced by the Chesterland News, LLC.
• In case of error, we will re-print that portion of an advertisement that was in error. Notification of error should be made within three days of published date.
• The Chesterland News, LLC assumes no responsibility of error contained in any pre-printed material delivered with the paper as an insertion therein.
• The Chesterland News, LLC reserves the right to reject or revise any advertisement or news item for publication. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinion of those signing them and not necessarily that of either the Chesterland News, LLC, its affiliates or its advertisers. All letters submitted are subject to editing, and none will be returned.
• The opinions and representations contained in advertisements are those of the advertiser. They have not been verified by the Chesterland News, LLC, nor should they be construed to represent the position or viewpoint of this newspaper or its publisher.
• Under no circumstances will any record filed in the county be suppressed at any time for anybody, except by order of court.
Help Support the Chesterland News and Local Journalism
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
subscription. If you value strong community journalism, please consider helping us with a voluntary subscription. The amount is entirely up to you. Simply complete the subscription form in this edition or call 440729-7667 ext. 500.
For any donation of $45 or more, we’ll even toss in a free gift in appreciation:
1. FREE one-year online-only subscription to the Geauga County Maple Leaf, a six-time winner of Ohio Newspaper of theYear, OR
2. Five FREE 25-word classified ads over the next year.
As always, we greatly appreciate the support you give us, whether it’s financially or simply by continuing to be a loyal reader of the Chesterland News.
Jeff and John Karlovec
Wolverines Experience, Balance
By rich Kelly sports@KArlovecmediA com
Win-loss records don't always tell the entire story about how a season is going for young athletic teams.
The West Geauga Wolverines are having a fine basketball season so far this winter, paced by standout player Landon Lear.
The Harvey Red Raiders are talented, but don't have that super player to rely on — until recent weeks, as they, too, work on building teamwork.
When the teams met Jan. 24 at Harvey High, the experience edge went to the Wolverines, who overtook the Red Raiders' only lead of the night after the opening basket to claim a tough 82-68 Chagrin Valley Conference victory.
After Harvey's Armani Hall found Chase Goines for a back-door layup in the first minute, West Geauga's Lear found teammate Colin Whiting for a 3-pointer from the corner.
The game was close the entire way, but with only one senior coming off the bench, the Red Raiders never led again, and dropped to 2-12 on the season.
West Geauga seniors Lear and Whiting were aided by fellow seniors Shawn Leonard and Jason Renner, and played well within their skill sets as their team improved to 12-4 on the season.
A key to that success for Wolverines Head Coach Micah Young may have happened roughly three weeks earlier, a disappointing home loss to neighboring Chardon.
"That loss to Chardon really cut into us deeply," Coach Young said. "That matchup is always a tough night, and we didn't play nearly as well as we normally do. That loss helped us to refocus on what we're doing, and we've played much better since then.
“Tonight our ball movement was much better, and we hit shots that we didn't in that Chardon game. Our defense has been tighter, too. Tonight, we scored 82 points against some very good athletes, so I'm happy with how things are going again."
As a player who can score in a hurry from anywhere on the court, Lear led the point parade with 23 in this game, but ball distribution also came into serious play as the Wolverines hit on 33 of 56 shots from the floor with 20 assists, seven of those by Lear.
Cooper Paskowski hit the nets for 22 points with five assists, Colin Whiting tallied 17 and four assists, and Finn Keenan hit for 10 points as well. Ryan Mobley and Renner each snared six rebounds as West Geauga's defense kept the junior-loaded Red Raiders from gaining momentum.
"They always are loaded with speed and athletic ability, so slowing them down is important," Lear said of the game plan against Harvey. “We knew if we could slow them
down defensively, we could eventually break down their defenses and score on them, and tonight we had good balance and played with confidence, and that's how it played out.
“It was important for us to put that Chardon game behind us because they are a natural rival we get up for, and we didn't play well that night — but we have since then, and it's going well for us.”
Deontae Ware has stepped up for Harvey lately, and had a big night in this game with 22 points. Armani Hall also tallied 22.
In the third period, Lear hit on all six shots he took, and the Wolverines hit on 11 of their 13 shots, to push their lead from 4945 to 60-49, and the Red Raiders just did not have the energy to respond.
West Geauga's experience edge is looking better and better as the season moves along toward tournament action.
West Geauga’s Colin Whiting had 17 points and four assists in his team’s 82-68 win over Harvey.
Free Tax Preparation Help Available
Free tax preparation help is available to low-income families and individuals in Geauga and Lake counties for the 16th 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 residents 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; Painesville United Methodist Church, 71 N. Park Place; the Perry Senior Center in Perry; the Wickliffe Family Resource Center; and at Lifeline’s Geauga office at 12375 Kinsman Road Building H in Newbury Township. Call 440-639-4420 to schedule an appointment.
For more information, contact VITA site coordinator Heather Martucci at 440-3542148, ext. 231 or vita@lclifeline.org.
Obituaries
Randy Hvizda
Randy Hvizda was born June 9, 1963, in Cleveland, beloved son of Paul Hvizda Sr. and stepmother, Dorothy Hvizda (nee Larned).
He passed away Jan. 21, 2025, at home in Chester Township.
Survivors are his longtime partner, Mary Lou Ice; son, Adam Hvizda; daughter, Amber Katulu (Pete); siblings Judy Thurmond, Kevin Hvizda, Paul Hvizda Jr., Roxann Massey, Brenda DelZappo and Paulda Long; stepbrothers, Albert, Don, David and Dennis Lawrence.
He was predeceased by siblings Penny Cogar, Joe Hvizda and Keith Hvizda.
Randy served in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War.
He was an electrical engineer and
worked as an IT administrator for most of his career. He was a jack of all trades, that could build an addition, replace engines and repair anything. He co-owned MGR Power Equipment Service in Chesterland for several years.
Randy lived life to the fullest. He loved the outdoors, golf, muscle cars and football, and was a lifelong Steelers fan.
He was a loving and caring person who would go out of his way to help people.
He was always teasing and making wisecracks and tried to find the fun in everything. He was loved by a host of family and friends.
A celebration of Randy’s life was held Jan. 26, 2025, at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gattozziandson. com for the Hvizda family.
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the week ending Jan. 10, Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Janice Campana Gilchrist (TOD), 11287 Winding Brook Lane, to Kevin and Michelle Straka, $410,000. (5.14 acres)
Timothy James Helton, 12601 Hovey Drive, to Brandon J. Cain, $275,000. (0.69 acres)
Pearl Property Management Group LLC, 12447 Chillicothe Road, to Ronnie Galloway and Victoria Velez, $192,000. (0.25 acres)
Allen Brescic, 12633 Ward Drive, to Richard L. Adimulapu, $425,000. (0.50 acres)
Quail Creek Renovations LLC, 11505 Willow Hill Drive, to Jason and Erin Fawley,
$425,000. (1.52 acres)
Eloise A. Cavalier (TOD), 8268 Maple Drive, to Opendoor Property Trust I, $266,600. (1.00 acres)
Matthew I. Anzells (trustee), 9402 Wilson Mills Road, to James Patrick Jenks II, $240,000. (2.63 acres)
Giuseppina R. Fuller, 12691 Opalocka Drive, to Robert P. Mladineo and Rebecca S. Frazier, $335,000. (0.74 acres)
Amy and Alexander Battles, Mulberry Road, to Amy J. and Robert J. Rogish Jr., $227,400. (35.53 acres)
Kevin J. Straka, 12212 Norton Drive, to Matthew Jason and Erica Oriani, $315,000. (1.02 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
Daniel Tonelli, 7884 Dines Road, to Corey and Sara Furman, $357,000. (7.00 acres)
Performing On the Mat
West Geauga’s Grace Hederstrom performed Jan. 24 at Cleveland Public Auditorium to compete in the High School Challenge.
Geauga Park District
For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
People’s Choice Top 10 Trail Hike
Feb. 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
Big Creek Park
Join park district naturalists for a guided tour of Big Creek Park’s Mountain Bike Trail. Meet in the Deep Woods Lodge parking lot to hike about 1.5 miles of primitive trail over hilly terrain.
Wild About Winter Nights
Feb. 1, 6-9 p.m.
Big Creek Park, Maple Grove
Meet in the park for a new special event to discover all the fun that a winter night provides, celebrating the special season with hot chocolate, s’mores, owl hikes, luminary-lit trail for self-guided hiking winter astronomy, snow games/snowshoeing (weather dependent) and bonfire – great for the whole family.
Coffee With The Birds
Feb. 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
West Woods Nature Center
Join Naturalist Renell for some close-up bird viewing and identification of winter birds at the feeders while enjoying a hot beverage. Additional sessions are Feb. 10 from 10:3011:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Giants Among Us
Feb. 2, 3-4 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District has been sponsoring Geauga County’s
BIG TREE Contest since 2016. Join Geauga SWCD’s Gail Prunty on a unique indoor adventure to meet some of the biggest trees in the county, learn how to measure a big tree, hear stories of their past and celebrate the benefits and joy they bring.
Orienteering 101
Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Join the introductory level program presented by the Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club to provide the basics on how to navigate one’s way through the woods using a map and compass in preparation for the TWW-O Classic 2025 Race in March.
Snowshoe Call Lists
Sign up on the park district website to receive alerts for naturalist-led Learn to Snowshoe or snowshoe outings. 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.
For those not interested in attending a scheduled program, the park district offers a free snowshoe borrowing program at The West Woods for up to two hours whenever there are at least four inches of snow on the ground. Come to the lobby of the nature center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Snowshoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Borrowing can take place any time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and last up to two hours, with all snowshoes returned by 4 p.m. One must be at least 18 years old to check out a pair; anyone younger must be accompanied by an adult.
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
AUTOS & PARTS
2007 Ford Focus: wheels with 4 lug nuts, mounted snow tires, used only one season, $200/OBO. 440431-6944.
FOR RENT
Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. $975/mo. Call 440-2210649.
FOR SALE
Chainsaw: Stihl MS251c, like-new $200. Stihl 028AV
$175. Chicago Electric 151 MIG $200. King 1200CFM dust collector $500/OBO. Electric EEI drain opener, self-feed, like-new. 440-272-5736.
Firewood: mixed hardwoods, 4’x8’x16-inch pieces, $135. Delivered within 15 miles of Chardon. 440-6875404.
Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total (2 double lots): Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $8,000 each dbl. 440-729-0070.
Ladder jacks $50. 12-foot expanding plank $100. Mantis Tiller $200. Hitch Carrier Tray $100. Hand-held electric leaf blower $50. 440-554-5731.
Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.
Benelli Super Black Eagle 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, 26” barrel, EC, $1,300. 440-564-1172.
B&G Mother’s Day Plates. large wooden rocking horse, copper kettles, many aquariums, clocks, kerosene lamps, pottery jugs, electric log splitter. Inquire 440338-3563.
New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $125 each. George 440-336-5044.
Total Exercise Glide Bike: 20’x46”, low impact full body, like rowing; 440-834-8416.
HELP WANTED
Driver wanted for construction crew. Must be able to pull trailer. All local work. Call David Miller 440-478-9703.
PETS & ANIMALS
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.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE fact: “Dabbing” is heating high THC and inhaling fumes. Causes psychosis and nausea! Very dangerous. So WHY?
REAL ESTATE
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
SERVICES
Need help organizing or clearing your clutter? Organizer Sharon can help! Charging by the hour. Call/text 440668-8768.
Will do housework, cleaning, laundry, and elder care. Experienced with references. 440-313-1804.
WANTED TO BUY
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.
Wanted: 4-ft metal lathe. Retired guy seeking new hobby. Cash paid. 440-313-1178.
Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
KMG Prints Business Cards
Prices start at $35.62 for 500 Black & White, 1-Sided, No Bleed
