Chesterland News 11-23-22

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DNA Match Solves 2015 Attempted Armed Robbery

By John Karlovec John@Karlovecmedia com

For seven years, the attempted armed robbery of the former Ches terland Pizza Hut had gone un solved. However, due to DNA evi dence collected in another crime, Chester Township police have identified the suspected armed gunman.

A Geauga County grand jury on Nov. 15 indicted Malachi R. Bell, 32, of Douglas Road, Wickliffe, and charged him with one count each of second-degree felony robbery and first-degree felony kidnapping in connection with the Aug. 16, 2015, crime.

“Detectives from Chester Town ship Police Department were able to solve this crime when the sus pect was arrested on a felony rape

charge in Cuyahoga County,” Geau ga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz told the Chesterland News. “His DNA was put into the state database and produced a hit. Confirmation testing linked the defendant to the robbery. He is currently in the Cuyahoga County Jail.”

An arraignment date has not been set on the new charges, added Flaiz.

A Pizza Hut driver was able to disarm the would-be armed robber after grabbing the suspect’s gun and chasing him out of the restau rant at 12720 Chillicothe Road, which Bada-Bing Chesterland! now occupies.

No money was taken and none of the four employees onsite were injured, and there were no custom ers on the premises.

A female employee first alerted

a Geauga County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher of a crime in progress when she called 911 before 8 p.m. Aug. 16.

“I walked in the door and there was a man with a gun,” she said, adding she turned around and went back to her car to call from the Giant Eagle parking lot.

ing and a white hat, the man added. Three calls followed as witness es informed dispatchers of the flee ing robber’s progress. The Pizza Hut manager also called 911.

“A man came in with a gun and tried to rob us,” she said. “My driver grabbed the gun and the guy ran out.”

Bell

She described the suspect as “black, skin ny, about 6 feet tall, with a fisher man’s hat.”

The next 911 call was from a man who saw the suspect race down Opalocka Drive.

“He’s on foot and running … literally by the police depart ment,” the caller said.

The suspect was in all dark cloth

“Our phones are lighting up,” the dis patcher told the manag er and several other calls were an swered as law enforcement started searching for the robber.

Multiple agencies, including the sheriff’s office, Ohio State Highway Patrol and police from South Rus sell Village, Kirtland and Kirtland Hills assisted in the search for the suspect.

Chester Couple to Appear in Religious Drama

By Brian doering Brian@Karlovecmedia com

Living in the heart of Ohio’s snowbelt, B.J. and Diana Kresnye, of Chester Township, are no strang ers to extreme weather conditions.

That experience came in handy when the couple got the chance to appear as extras in “The Chosen,” the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ.

The Kresnyes appear as two of about 2,000 extras during a scene featuring Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus, reciting verses from the “Sermon on the Mount.” The pair appear in a wider crowd shot, but the Kresnyes may also appear in some closer, in-depth scenes in the first episodes of the show’s new season, which premiers in theaters Nov. 18.

The filming, which took place last year in Texas, felt more like Ohio than the couple had planned, as record-low temperatures hit the Lonestar state in February 2021. With snow and ice making roads impassable and the state’s electric grid operator losing control of the power supply, millions were left without power.

“Barring any divine interven tion, we knew the weather was go ing to be a challenge,” said B.J., not

ing there was no way the director could change the filming schedule.

“‘The show must go on,’ as they say.”

Watching the series in a movie theater should be a lot warmer than the day the scenes were filmed, B.J. said, adding he and Diana spent al most six hours enduring 28-degree wind chills.

Diana said they wore nine lay ers of socks and rubber booties over their sandals and bare feet to brave the cold weather.

“We all called ourselves ‘The Frozen Chosen,’” said Diana. “Un der our first-century costumes, we were layered up. I even brought a thermos of hot chocolate that I hid in my straw bag.”

The Kresnyes discovered the crowd-funded show during the COVID-19 lockdowns in the spring of 2020.

“Ads about the show had popped up on my social media for months, but I ignored them,” she said. “Christian movies and TV shows have historically been low budget with bad acting. I couldn’t imagine an online show being very good.”

But that changed while the couple was in lockdown and began watching the series on YouTube. B.J. said the show — which is free and can be streamed via services like Amazon Prime — has writing, music and production value that rival anything Hollywood puts out.

It is the highest crowd-funded TV series or film project and has been watched in 180 countries, translated into more than 50 lan guages, and has nearly half-a-bil lion-episode views, Diana said.

“Because the show is not backed by Hollywood or any of the big studios, it relies on fans to pro vide the funding,” said B.J. “It’s a step of faith that the show’s direc tor, Dallas Jenkins, took — relying on God and His people to make the show possible.”

To date, fans like the Kresnyes

B.J. and Diana Kresyne, of Chester Township, encountered a long stretch of frigid weather while filming scenes as extras for an episode of the popu lar religious drama, “The Chosen.”

Town Crier

Free Community Dinner

Nov. 25, 5-6:30 p.m.

Mayfield United Methodist Church is hosting a soup dinner at the church located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. Carryout is available upon request.

Chesterland Winterfest

Nov. 26, 5:30 p.m.

The Geauga West Rotary Club and the Ches ter Township Trustees are sponsoring the annu al Chesterland Winterfest at the Chester Town ship gazebo in the park located at the corner of Mayfield and Chillicothe roads. Join community members for the park lighting display for the hol iday season. Enjoy free hot chocolate, hot cider, popcorn, seasonal music and a bonfire. It will be canceled in the event of heavy rain.

Audubon Monitors Mentor Marsh

Nov. 27, 8 a.m.

Accompany Blackbrook Audubon on their monthly Important Bird Area (IBA) walk at Men tor Marsh State Nature Preserve. Meet at the entrance gate to the utility pipeline access road by the intersection of Woodridge Lane and For est Road in Mentor Headlands. It will be a closed program with group birding together. For more information, email blackbrookaud@aol.com.

Dorothy’s Porch Giveaway

Dec. 1 and 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dorothy’s Porch, a free community give away of clothing for the family, bedding, household items, Christmas items, books and toys, will be held at Celebration Luther an church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.

Entrepreneur Success Breakfast

Dec. 2, 8-9:30 a.m.

Join Geauga Growth Partnership for its Entrepreneur Success Breakfast at Kent State University – Geauga, 14111 Claridon Troy Road, Burton. Ted and Beth Bunton, of Troy Chemical Industries, will share the story of how their businesses started, when they took the reigns and their growth in the manufacturing of specialty chemical products for various industries throughout the nation.

Breakfast and networking begin at 8 a.m. Free and open to the public.

For information or to register, call 440564-1060 or email info@geaugagrowth.com.

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Geauga West Rotary Club is hosting its 30th annual all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast with Santa at West Geau ga High School cafeteria, 13401 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Tickets are $8 per person at the door. Children 1 year and younger are free.

Take digital photos with Santa or bring a camera. Event includes Christmas music, face painting, games and special guests Ru dolph and Santa Claus.

Proceeds support Rotary community projects and local activities.

Holiday Pops Concert

Dec. 3, 7 p.m.

Snowbelt Musical Arts Association pres ents a holiday pops concert featuring the Lake Effect Concert Band with conductor

Greg Hillis at New Promise Church, 8671 Eu clid-Chardon Road in Kirtland. The concert is free; donations will be accepted. For informa tion, call 440-296-9610.

Geauga Skywatchers Club

Dec. 5, 6;30 p.m.

Join Geauga Skywatchers Club for a virtu al presentation of “The Galileo Mission to Ju piter.” The accomplishments of the mission, preparations for launch and an overview of the extended mission at Jupiter will be cov ered. Visit www.GeaugaLibrary.libcal.com to register.

GCRTA Holiday Brunch

Dec. 6, 9:15 a.m.

The Geauga County Retired Teachers As sociation will meet for its holiday brunch at the St. Mary Banquet Center, 401 North St., Chardon. After the business meeting, a tradi tional breakfast buffet will be served at 10 a.m. followed by a “Toys of Yesteryear” program presented by member Kathy Doyle. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a free lunch raffle.

Reservations are required by Nov. 26 by sending a check for $19 made out to GCRTA to Judy Miller, 17130 Kinsman Road, Middle field, OH 44062. Inform Judy know of any dietary restrictions.

All retired school personnel may join GCRTA. Consider bringing a newly retired person or guest to the meeting. Members are asked to bring paper products or canned goods for the Geauga Hunger Task Force.

Geauga County Job and Family Services will have the Sponsor-a-Family holiday pro

gram. To make a donation, send a check pay able to Special Services of Geauga County to Jobs and Family Services of Geauga County, P.O. Box 309, Chardon, OH 44024.

Fairmount Speaker Series

Dec. 11, 3-4 p.m.

Fairmount Center for the Arts continues its “Pull Back the Curtain” speaker series with “In Conversation: Chef Douglas Katz” at the center located at 8400 Fairmount Road in Rus sell Township. Join for a conversation about food, restaurants and travels with acclaimed Chef Katz, owner of Zhug, Amba and Chimi.

Light refreshments will be served. Advance reservations are recommended by calling 440338-3171 or visiting fairmountcenter.org.

Fairmount Winter Registration

Registration is now open for the winter session of dance, fitness, music, theatre and visual arts classes and workshops at Fair mount Center for the Arts. The session for preschoolers through seniors begins Jan. 6.

Current and prospective students are in vited to learn more about Fairmount’s offer ings at the Winter Warm-Up on Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees can tour the facility, meet instructors, see dance performances by the student Fairmount Dance Company and Hip Hop Crew performing groups and enjoy art-making activities.

For more information or to register for classes, visit www.fairmountcenter.org, call 440-338-3171. Scholarships and payment plans are available. Fairmount is located at 8400 Fairmount Road in Russell Township.

Young Returns to Lead Wolverines Boys Basketball

By alan KornsPan sPorts@Karlovecmedia com

Taking over this year as head coach of the West Geauga boys basketball program is former Wolverines point guard Micah Young.

Young was chosen as one of the best 10 players in Geauga County his senior season.

After graduating in 2017, Young previ ously served as a freshman and JV head coach, and varsity assistant, for the program, so the Wolver ines should benefit from the fact that he is already very familiar with many returning players he has previously coached.

“We return basically everyone from our varsity team last year, except two guys,” said Young.

“We got a lot of experience com ing back, a lot of guys that have played varsity minutes. We got some good younger guys coming up in the program, too. I am excit ed, a great group of kids, a lot of energy, very coachable.”

Coach Young said he is feel ing optimistic about the many strengths of his offense and de fense. He mentioned that offen sively, the Wolverines look to cap italize on their size down low and their excellent outside shooting.

The Wolverines will consis tently look to get the ball to their 6-6 all-CVC senior center, Jerry Kline-Ruminski.

“We want to get the ball in side to Jerry,” Young said. “He’s got great post moves. And obviously even if he doesn’t shoot it, it’s going to open up the offense for everybody else on the perimeter.”

Kline-Ruminski said he is pumped up about his senior season and contributing to the success of his fellow Wolverines.

“We have had a couple rough seasons for the past two years, but we really got it togeth er, and I think we are going to have a great season and shock a lot of people,” he said.

“This is a comeback season for sure. I think we all really worked hard, and the team’s go ing to expect more out of us, so I am pretty excited.”

On the outside, offensively, Young men tioned that we should watch for sophomore Landon Lear.

“He’s a sophomore, played varsity for us as a freshman last year — he can shoot the lights out,” Young said.

Likewise, Lear also feels ex cited to get started and see some

“I feel like we came together more as a team this year,” Lear agreed. “We practice a little bit harder, just more intense in prac

Also, on the perimeter, the Wolverines will return Andrew

“I am really excited for the season,” Prexta said. “I am a se nior this year. Just going to try to make the best of it.”

Overall, Coach Young has some goals the West Geauga boys will strive for offensively and de

“The key for us is (on offense) spacing and playing with pace,” he said. “(But) no matter how good or bad we are on offense, we’ve got to be a great defensive

“Good defense leads to good offense. If you can’t defend any body, you can’t beat anybody. It’s a very simple recipe to win basketball games. You defend, take care of the basketball, and you rebound the basketball. If you can do those three things well, you are good.”

As a former point guard, Coach Young’s strength will be teaching the Wolverines to

He was hired by former West Geauga Coach Jeff Javorek, who had a long successful run as a varsity coach.

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Chester Government Update

The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 19 began at 5:30 p.m. with an update from Chester Township Administrator Mark Purchase regarding the new website. Purchase is currently working with department heads to get their input on the department pages and going page by page on the current website to determine what information will be included in the new website. Trustee bios have been received. The data will be presented at a future meeting for trustee and public input.

Moving to new business, trustees approved road department expenses and then approved the disposal of old equipment with no value. The board then moved to not request a hearing for the approval of Burrito Xpress to obtain a liquor license. The D1 license will allow for the consumption of beer on its premises.

Fiscal Officer Patricia Jarrett then dis cussed the approval by the Geauga County assistant prosecutor to make the fourth pay ment to Allied Corp. for the 2021 resurfacing work which the board then approved.

Moving to the Chester Township Park, Trustee Joseph Mazzurco discussed the desire by the West Geauga High School to increase its use of the park ball field. Mazzurco will have

The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 3 began with an executive session regarding employee compensation fol lowed by motions to increase the wages of two part-time firefighters who had recently re-joined the department. Based on their years of service and experience, Fire Chief Bill Shaw recom mended the adjustment and the motion passed.

Township Administrator Mark Purchase provided updates on the township website, the land survey for consolidation of parcels at Fire Station No. 2, and the Miller-Dodson assessment of township-owned buildings and properties. Purchase has also been develop ing and updating storm water, grants, new hire and flag replacement policies that were approved by the board along with updated job descriptions and the organizational chart.

The board also took action to approve a new mobile carrier, AT&T Mobility LLC, which will save the township money and en able it to get updated cell phones. Monies remaining from the multi-community FEMA grant for radios were approved for addition al firefighting equipment and gear totaling about $123,000, with Chester’s share of about $18,000 being spent for new turnout gear that needs replacement.

Chester approved South Russell Mayor William Koons to serve as the designee at the NOPEC General Assembly meeting and also approved $1,018 to the Geauga County En gineer’s Office for the annual oversight and management of the township’s storm water pollution prevention plan.

Mary Lou Florentine, who has served as Chester Township’s administrative assistant for more than 10 years, was officially recog nized through a board motion as the town ship’s fiscal officer assistant reflecting her

discussions with the new coach to determine the sharing in the maintenance costs. Also dis cussed was the need to evaluate the stands at the park, which are needing either repair or re placement. The Chester Township Park Board is looking for grants to help in the replacement.

Then, after approval of various financial transactions, trustees had discussions on var ious township issues. There was a discussion on reviewing ways to combat the rising cost of health insurance, plans for the Veterans Day ceremony that is being led by the Chester Park Board, discussions regarding NOPEC and the fall vegetation management by First Energy. Pur chase then thanked Enzo and Joe Perfetto, from ENZICO, for the completed gazebo project and Phoenix Paint who did the actual painting.

Trustees then went into an executive session and upon re-entering, they passed a motion to advertise for an expiring Board of Zoning Appeals position since the current member will not be seeking to serve another term.

With no additional questions, the meeting was closed at 6:40 p.m.

Submitted by Craig S. Richter, Chester Township Trustee

new role and responsibilities in the township.

At the end of the meeting, another exec utive session was held to consider the pur chase of property for a public purpose. Upon re-entering public session, no actions were taken and the meeting was closed.

On Nov. 9, the board of trustees held a spe cial meeting to discuss fire department matters, including the purchase of a new pumper and some adjustments to the 2022 fund accounts for salaries and pension. Joining the public meeting by phone, Fire Chief Shaw explained that the current pumper is 30 years old and parts are becoming difficult, including the search for an exhaust manifold that needs replacement.

There is an opportunity to purchase a demo vehicle that has not yet been made available to the general sales staff of the com pany. The vehicle would be available around September 2023 when current wait time is about two years. The vehicle is a base model with a limited opportunity to add a few ex tras. It represents a savings of over $100,000 versus a new made-to-order pumper. Shaw recommended the purchase and the board approved up to $625,000 for the purchase. The old pumper will be sold and the 15-yearold unit serving as the primary will be ded icated as backup once the new vehicle ar rives. The township will receive a 4 percent discount by paying for the chassis and engine in early 2023 as the vehicle buildout begins.

Regarding fund accounts, some unantici pated labor expenses that were not part of the original 2022 budget, along with increasing the pension contributions because of a signif icant amount of overtime that full timers had been working, necessitated the adjustment.

Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee

St. Anselm School

Students Hear Orchestra Perform

Students in grades three to five at St. Anselm School had the opportunity to visit Sever ance Hall on Nov. 9 to hear the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra perform The Sounds of Water program. The students heard selections from Beethoven, Duke Ellington and Mendels sohn.

The highlights for the students were the themes from the movies “Jaws” and “The Pirates of Caribbean.” Students left with a greater appreciation of classical music and the cultural center that is Severance Hall.

Drama

from page 1

have “paid it forward” to the tune of $40 mil lion to fund the first three of seven seasons planned for the series, which B.J. said is dif ferent than what previous shows and movies have portrayed.

“First of all, there’s not a blond, blue-eyed guy playing Jesus,” said B.J. “The acting is superb, and we get to see Jesus from the view of his disciples.”

While the weather during filming was frig id, Diana said the couple’s Northeast Ohio history helped them prepare, at least a little bit.

“I’m almost 60 and my husband is 63. I grew up in Painesville Township and he grew up in Kirtland, so we’re somewhat acclimat

ed. But you’re not acclimated to standing out in the cold for seven hours,” Diana said. “Especially when you have these first-century costumes on, and you’re bundled up under neath so that you can try and stay as warm as possible. We couldn’t have our blankets, our winter jackets, even your glasses because they didn’t have glasses in the first century.”

Extras were asked to provide their own costumes, with the production team giving them detailed style guide videos and an on line booklet to explain what first-century clothes for men, women and children should look like.

“As we sat in the midst of those 2,000 other fans dressed in first-century garb, it was like we were there, hearing Jesus preach the words we’ve read so many times in the Bible,” said Diana. “It really was an amazing experience.”

LOST CAT

Missing 9-year-old male tabby with white patch of hair on his chest and green eyes. No collar, no chip. Neutered and has his claws. Missing from Chesterland area. Answers to “Tom Cat.”

SUBMITTED

St. Anselm School students in grades 3-5 recently visited Severance Hall to hear the Cleveland Orchestra perform.

Obituaries

Geraldine S. Peck

Geraldine S. Peck

(nee Komidar), affec tionately known as “Gerry,” died peaceful ly at her home in Ches ter Township on Nov. 11, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 84.

Gerry was born April 23, 1938, to her late mother and father, Eleanor (nee Stager wald) and William Komidar, in Cleveland, and is preceded in death by her brother, William “Larry” (Donna) Komidar.

Gerry married John D. Peck on May 14, 1966. She was a kind and loving soul, who in spired everyone she met. She was a lover of

all things beautiful and a devout Catholic who loved singing in her church’s choir.

An advocate for the pro-life movement, Gerry spent her career as a registered nurse, where she cared for the elderly in various nursing homes across Northeast Ohio.

Gerry was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, sweet words and compassion. She loved gar dening, camping with her children and always tried to make the world a better place for ev eryone she encountered.

Gerry is survived by her loving husband, John Peck, of 56 years; sister, Cheryl (nee Ko midar) Iannica; son John J. Peck (Carrie) Peck; son Daniel A. Peck; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and three beautiful grandchil dren, Lilah Peck, Lina Peck and Eleanor Peck.

Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, from 4-7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at the Church of Saint Anselm, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Ches terland. Interment at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.

Online tribute video and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

Larry E. Fowler

Larry E. Fowler, age 67, beloved husband for 41 years of Cheryl (nee Thomas); loving father of Daniel (fiance Dana), Ryan (wife Marissa) and Chelsea (husband Dal ton); cherished son of the late Lawrence and Mary (nee Markovich); dearest brother of Janet Brown (husband Gary), Annette Blashinskey (hus band Mike), Bill and the late Dennis (wife Deb), and Vernon; dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many. Survived by his canine com panions Rosco and Bernie.

Sally Lynn Sura

Sally Lynn Sura, age 67, passed away on Nov. 14, 2022.

She was a resident of Lyndhurst and Ches terland, and worked as a pharmacy tech for CVS. Sally enjoyed cooking, reading, cro chet, travelling to New York and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her par ents, Domingo and Irma Ramos; and sister, Maria.

Sally is survived by her loving husband, Michael; children, Deanna and Joseph; granddaughter, Mackenzie Elena; brothers, Dominic and James (Judy); nephews, JR. and Raymond; nieces, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Angela and Jai; brothers-in-law, Robert and John; lifelong friends Debbie and Craig Bishop; and her dogs, Oscar, Bailey and Draco.

Family and friends were welcomed Nov. 17, 2022, from 4-7:30 p.m., at Gattozzi and Son Funer al Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, where a funeral service was held at 7:30 p.m.

Donations can be made in Sally’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/. On line condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

Larry E. Fowler was born on Dec. 12, 1954, in Johnstown, Pa., and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Nov. 17, 2022.

He grew up in Willoughby and graduated from Willoughby High School in 1973. Larry and his wife Cheryl have lived in Chesterland since 1993.

He was a member of the National Nomad Club, the Northern Ohio Chevy Club and the Tri-5 Chevy Club.

Larry worked as a machinist with B & W Nuclear Power Company.

He enjoyed cars and going to car shows, playing golf and was an avid 300 bowler.

Larry loved traveling in his Nomad, lis tening to Rock N’ Roll and watching sports, especially the Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavs. He was social, intelligent, kind, had a great sense of humor. He was very hands on and could fix anything.

Larry was devoted to his family and his ca nine companions Rosco Bernie. He was loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at 11 a.m., at De John Funeral Home and Celebration Center, 12811 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland.

Burial following at Western Reserve Me morial Gardens.

Online obituary, guestbook and order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com.

Wolverines Look to Play Fast, Run Toward Title

By alan KornsPan sPorts@Karlovecmedia com

Athletic Director Brandon Stewart re turns to the sidelines for his second season as the West Geauga girls basketball coach this year — and if Stewart’s first year is an in dicator of what we should expect this season, fans of Wolverines basketball are in store for fun, fast-paced and exciting games ahead.

Last year after starting the season 5-6, the Wolverines put to gether a 14-game winning streak which culminated in an appear ance at the OHSAA district finals.

As the Wolverines focus on making another deep run into the playoffs, their leading athlete will definitely be NCAA Division I commit Alexa Hocevar. The se nior recently signed with Indiana University–Purdue University In dianapolis.

After averaging 16.5 points per game and being named AllOhio last year, Hocevar is very excited about her senior season.

“We have a good team coming (back); we’ve got great chemis try,” she said.

Hocevar emphasized the im portance of the mentality the Wolverines will bring to the floor each night.

“We’re just going to be very, very aggressive, and it’s very much a transition (offense), and we’re running up and down (fast),” she said. “Our goal is to be faster than our opponent, so we’re going to be running a lot, running a lot of quick offenses, and quick shots.”

Coach Stewart also discussed the excite ment, enthusiasm, mindset and pace of play that should define his team as it starts the 2022-23 basketball season.

“We’re really excited after last year when the team made a run to the district champi onship game,” said Stewart. “We have a lot of leadership coming back within our starting five. They have worked really hard this off season.

“The depth that we have com ing off the bench has been a pleas ant surprise for us. Now the goal is to go 1-0 and win that first game against Madison. There is really a one-game-at-a-time thing for us.

“Last year we didn’t get off to the best of starts, with a new coaching staff, and this year we are hoping to have a little more continuity and get off to a better start at the beginning of the year.”

Stewart also discussed what we should watch for on the of fensive side of the court for the Wolverines.

“Offensively our starting five, it starts with Alexa,” he said. “Al exa has been great for us. Now that she has the recruiting pro cess done and she is going to a great program at IUPUI, I think we are going to see a different player out of her. It starts at the top with her.

“And then with Ashlyn (Dray er), Haley (Ottman), Grace (Last er) and Maggie (Furst), that first unit, they do a really great job.

“I think we want to play fast offensively,

Real Estate Transfers

Casey S. Heath and Donna L. Shreeve, 7700 Wilson Mills Road, to Susan C. Landis, $577,500. (3.87 acres)

Leonard Lowe, 12845 Kenyon Drive, to Kathy A. Thompson, $225,000. (1.08 acres)

TOWNSHIP

Jocelyn J. Gharky, 11929 East Hill Drive, to Brickman Rebuild LLC, $200,000. (1.00 acres)

Adam B. Creps, 13161 Woodcrest Lane, to Victor H. Simha and Lynette M. Hodnicki, $330,000. (1.10 acres)

Brenda Radej, 12637 Chillicothe Road, to Linda M. Fioritto, $35,000. (0.37 acres)

David F. (TOD) and Christine Luciano (TOD), 12815 Kingsway Drive, to Justin Hol lis, $490,000. (3.90 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Mary M. Graeter, 14350 Hartwell Trail, to David Raymond and Valerie Stephanie Ar guin, $830,000. (2.23 acres)

Mary Ann Healy (trustee), 13930 E. Wil lard Road, to Kevin A. and Kelly M. Reed, $183,000. (1.50 acres)

Gary and Lois Fishback, 8880 Antelope Run, to Alexandra I. Chatman Williams and Stann Williams, $775,000. (3.25 acres)

Dragan Sugar, 8562 Fairmount Road, to Teldar Holdings LLC, $84,900. (1.44 acres)

Hocevar

Ottman

Students Learn About the FBI

FBI agents Mike Pinto and Dave Deitsch visited West Geauga High School to speak to a group of social studies students about the FBI as part of an in-school field trip. They have over 25 years of combined experience, one working the violent crimes task force in Washington, D.C., and the other working counterterrorism in the Middle East and Africa. Both agents shared a few personal stories and explained the process the agency uses to safeguard the home front. The high school is thankful to both agents for provid ing the students with a special opportunity.

College and Career Week

West Geauga eighth-grade students spent time envisioning their futures during College and Career Week. There were special events such as spirit days, videos and trivia contests, as well as a full day of presentations. Fea tured keynote speaker and West Geauga High School alumnus Michael Archiable spoke about his path and encouraged students to

pursue their interests.

Over 20 professionals filled classrooms to talk about their careers in an interactive small group setting and high school students form Excel TECC gave presentations on their programs. The eighth-graders were engaged and had a great day learning about so many different paths their lives could possibly take.

WGMS Celebrates GameCON

Middle school students enjoyed Game CON, which is the culminating activity of the three-year middle school technology program where students have been working on coding, 3D design and digital media editing. As stu dents progress through the program, more challenging and complex activities are added each year to build their skills in these areas. The GameCON requires students to code original games, design 3D prints based on the game and use Photoshop to make post ers, advertisements, logos, video game cov ers and more. This year, students were even able to print logo T-shirts with the school’s new garment printer.

SUBMITTED

Bureau of Criminal Investigation agent Dan Boerner recently spoke to students about his career during West Geauga Middle School’s College and Career Week.

Police Blotter

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Chester Township Police Depart ment Nov. 7-17, 2022.

ANIMAL PROBLEM

Nov. 1

8:25 a.m., Mulberry Road. Horse stuck on a gate. Horse cannot breath. Officer ad vised. Squad did not need assistance in freeing the horse.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Nov. 10

10:27 p.m., Cherry Lane. Caller advised his girlfriend assaulted him and left with 6-month-old baby in car driving erratically. Caller said his girlfriend tried to throw him to the ground and then slammed the trunk lid on him. She then proceeded to grab his arms and she locked the baby outside of the car. Then put the baby in the car and speed off. Male declined rescue.

DRUGS

Nov. 9

8:46 a.m., Chillicothe Road. Meet in main office at WGHS. Principal found student

with marijuana. Confiscated. Officer ad vised. See report.

FRAUD

Nov. 15

9:26 a.m., Mayfield Road. Someone is writ ing checks on their account. Overseas account attempting to write fraudulent checks.

POSSIBLE DUI

Nov. 10

9:53 p.m., Chillicothe Road. White car all over the road, westbound on 322. Male arrested for OVI and improper handling of a firearm.

TRAFFIC OFFENSE

Nov. 11

12:21 p.m., Aquilla Road. Eastbound on 322. Semi has almost caused several accidents, keeps going left of center. GCSO notified and checked for accidents. Turned north on Aquilla and went in the ditch. Driver is climbing out of the truck now. Towing called and already on scene. County engi neer advised of mess.

Community Meetings

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

Geauga County: Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners; Dec. 6 - 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners, 5:30 p.m. – Educational Service Center of West ern Reserve Board, at 8221 Auburn Road, Concord. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commission ers meetings are held in Suite 350.

Girls from page 7

and defensively we just want to hound the ball and pressure everybody as much as we can without fouling.”

Added Haley, “We want to be the best defensive team we can, whether that’s not doing stupid fouls, staying in front of the ball, rebounding — we are a tall team, we just (have to) stick to the fundamentals.”

Drayer also weighed in.

“We have new players coming in which will bring speed and length to the team,” she said. “Because we have fast players coming in, getting a lot of breakaways (will be a pri ority).”

West Geauga beat rival Chagrin Falls two out of three times this season.

After an opening loss in the regular sea son 36-35, the Wolverines won the next two, including a sectional finals game. West Geau ga went on to beat Perry in a 14 game win ning streak to end its season before falling to Salem.

Chester Township: Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission;. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, un less otherwise noted.

Russell Township: Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Dec. 1, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees; Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: Dec. 12, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

AUTOS & PARTS

2006 Dodge Dakota: 4-door, 6-foot bed, 4 wheel drive V8, power heated seats. 117,000 miles. $3,500. 216-456-7199.

2007 Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV, winch, plow, VGC, 450 miles, $4,000. 440-759-1221, leave message.

Motorcycles wanted to buy. Call Steve at 440-488-7924.

FOR SALE

Craftsmen 6” Joiner: model 113.206801, ‘80s model. Stand, user manual, knife setting tool. Belt needs aligned. $75. 440289-7312.

Fireplace: Vermont Castings free-stand ing, vent free, natural gas fireplace. $500. 440-632-5145.

GoGo Mobility Scooter, asking $500. Call between 8a-6p, 440-286-3380.

Spinning wheel, yarn winder, Royal 1900’s typewriter, Polyroyal-TRF radio, IRC-Kadette radio, Victrola oak floor model, table-top hand-crank paper-roll organ. 440-533-5292.

Burial Plots: (2) plots at Western Re serve Memorial Gardens, Old Rugged Cross sec. 179B, $2,000/OBO. Call 814-7962949 or 440-547-6759.

Cemetery Plots: Western Reserve Memo rial Gardens, in the Old Rugged Cross section, (2) lots and (2) vaults, bronze memorial. 440-853-8976.

Shop AVON at home or office. Delivery and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Bev Thompson Avon Independent Sales Representative Call: 440-708-8045 Visit my Web site: https://www.avon.com/ myavon/bthompson8804

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

REAL ESTATE

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

SERVICES

Booking interior, remodeling and paint ing projects now! Licensed, insured and bonded. Service Member discounts! A&J Construction and Restoration. Andrew 440-749-3764.

John’s Plumbing: Affordable and re liable. Water heaters, toilets, faucets, drain cleaning, gas lines, sump pumps, well tanks. 440-285-0800.

Elder Care Services: Mother-daughter team, will do in-home elder care & light housework. Certified w/references. 440313-1804.

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

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

PETS & ANIMALS

Wanted: Boarding for one horse, DecApril, need turnout, indoor arena, prefer self-care. 440-286-3840.

MISCELLANEOUS

WANTED

Wanted: Old milk cans, some rust okay. 440-693-4078.

WANTED TO BUY

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.

Lionel Trains, made before 1970. Yama ha Alto Saxophones, Trumpets, Clari nets. Selmer Saxophone MARK series (made in Paris). 330-402-8429, 330-5339361/press 8.

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

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Help Wanted

media group

karlovec Seeking Sales Rep

Karlovec Media Group is hiring account representatives to sell print and online advertising in and around Geauga County. Candidates must be able to manage time wise ly, meet deadlines and have reliable transportation.

All of our staff must be willing to work in a team environment to help grow our newspapers. The ability to understand and live with a dead line-driven business is a must.

The ideal candidate would have at least two years of sales experience. Submit resumes to editor@karlovecmedia.com