Chesterland News 5-10-2023

Kotowski: Criticism Has Been Constructive West Geauga Board Discusses Parent/Teacher Safety Concerns

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Following weeks of input from parents and the community, West Geauga Schools officials weighed in on how to improve safety and communication April 24.

Board Vice President Christina Sherwood said she has been meeting with parents over the last several weeks, as well as people who have reached out with concerns.

“I have four pages of notes from all of them, but most of them were fairly consistent. One of the most consistent messages that I got was that our communications need to be improved,” Sherwood said.

Concerns from parents poured in after an incident April 3 involving West Geauga Senior Brandon Michael Morrissette, who was arrested for bringing a handgun to school with reported

Grand Jury Indicts Morrissette on 3 Felony Counts

By cassanDra shofar cassanDra@karlovecmeDia com

A Geauga County grand jury indicted Brandon Michael Morrissette on three felony counts, in cluding attempt ed aggravated murder, posses sion of a deadly weapon and in ducing panic.

Morrissette, 18, of Lyndhurst, was arrested April 3 after bringing a 9mm handgun with three loaded magazines to West Geauga High School with reported plans to shoot multiple students.

The indictment was filed in Geauga County Common Pleas Court May 2 and served to Morrissette at the Geauga County Safety Center, where he has remained since his April 12 arraignment in Chardon Municipal Court. Morrissette was arraigned in Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke’s courtroom May 8.

The attempted aggravated murder charge, which carries three specifications, is a first-degree felony; and the possession of a deadly weapon and

plans

to shoot multiple students.

Sherwood said some teachers told her they felt comfortable and more in the loop during the April 3 incident, while others did not quite know what was happening.

“This was specifically to our ‘shelter-in-place’ policy. The middle school seemed to have gone a little bit sideways because some people handled it differently,” Sherwood said. “Some of it was ‘We’re not really sure what we’re supposed to be doing’ and some of it was, ‘We’re in a music room and we obviously can’t conduct music right now, so we’re just going to kind of hang out.’ It felt more like a lockdown than a shelter-in-place.”

Board President Ben Kotowski said he spoke with students and one of them told him their teacher did not know how to handle the situa tion.

“I think this is a place where we could re ally make a very simple improvement. When a

BRIAN DOERING/KMG

Board Vice President Christina Sherwood discusses safety and communication issues raised by parents on April 24.

Safety• Page 10

Lacrosse Team Ends Season Early Then Changes Course

By Jamie WarD Jamie@karlovecmeDia com

After the West Geauga boys lacrosse team decided to end its season before playing its last two scheduled games, the school re versed course on May 8 following a backlash from some parents, scheduling a final game for May 10 against Orange.

The Wolverines were winless at 0-10 this season.

"There have been a lot of frus trations this season for a lot of different reasons and none of that solely falls on any one person on the team or coaches on the staff,"

Stewart wrote in an email to par ents and players. "Coach (James) Weir and his staff were focused on making this the best possible experience of these student-athletes as possible and I truly believe they have given their best effort to do that."

Stewart based his decision on meetings with several players, and several other emails. Based on that feedback, Stewart said the team would not play its May 12 scheduled game with Cleveland Heights and the first round playoff game.

"Our seeding would have put us against one of the top teams in Division and I did not think that was going to be fair to anyone involved," Stewart wrote.

The team previously played Orange April 28 and lost 14-8 at West Geauga High School.

"Based on the overall feedback from the players, a majority of the kids I have spoken with, it wasn't

my decision in the end," Stewart said. "It's what the kids asked for."

Stewart said the team's coaches were frustrated with the decision, and wanted more input, but ultimately did not have the final say.

But an email from High School Principal Ryan Patti said the

Morrissette

The West Geauga boys lacrosse team cut its season short two games before the end after the athletic director met with some players. The Wolverines were 0-10. The team is seen here during the closest match of the season, an 8-7 overtime loss to Keystone.

Morrissette from page 1

inducing panic charges are both fifth-degree felonies, according to the indictment.

During Morrissette’s arraignment in which he was ordered to remain in jail without bail, Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said Morrissette took “a substantial step” toward committing aggravated murder in that he planned out his crime and brought a firearm to school.

“But for school administration and law enforcement involvement, the defendant would have carried out his crime to its conclusion,” Flaiz told Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica.

Court records show that when inter-

viewed by Chester Township Police Chief Craig Young and Capt. Jeff Sherwood, Morrissette admitted he planned to open fire on students in the school library and chose that location because of the large number of students who would be there at that time.

Morrissette was arrested the morning of April 3 as a result of fellow student Casey Orloski, 17, discovering a 9mm bullet in the men’s bathroom and alerting school resource officer Nick Iacampo, who conducted an immediate investigation that identified Morrissette as the suspect.

Found in Morrissette’s book bag was a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun with three loaded magazines. He also had a lock bladestyle knife secured to the exterior of his pants.

Geauga Park District

Meet The Artists

May 12, 7-9 p.m.

Experience nature-inspired plein air watercolors, large studio landscapes and oil-on-canvas paintings at The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. The exhibition opens with a special Meet the Artists event featuring attendance by presenting artists Melissa Harris and Daria Nosova. It will remain free and open to the public through July 28. Harris’ collection, “The Lay of the Land,” includes plein air and studio landscapes, while Nosova’s collection includes a range of nature-inspired work.

World Migratory Bird Day Sit

May 13, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a bird sit at Sunnybrook Preserve in Chester

Township. Come anytime between 6:30 and 11:30 a.m. and sit on the observation deck with Naturalist Linda Gilbert to record all the birds seen or heard during the time period. Bring binoculars, a chair, a camera and dress for the weather. Check the website before coming out for cancellation notice in the event of heavy rain or storms.

Touch-A-Truck

May 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get an up-close look at the vehicles and equipment of Geauga Park District at The West Woods. The tractors, trucks of all sorts and construction equipment that are used to keep the parks in tip-top shape will be parked for handson discovery for kids of all ages. Shuttles run from overflow parking at ASM International.

The Zoom link can be found in the News section on the district website www.westg.org or under Events by clicking May 24 Federal Funding Update.

Acts of Kindness

The acts of kindness continue at Lindsey Elementary School as the organization chosen last week was The Weils Nursing Home. Students focused their kindness through the optional activity of wearing their most colorful outfit, and “action” of drawing a picture and/ or writing a card to a resident at the nursing home.

Students worked throughout the week on writing thoughtful letters and inspirational messages and coloring pictures. Mrs. Lachman’s third-graders have been learning about poems in class and used it as an opportunity to practice with each student creating a special poem for a resident. The students are so excited for the residents at The Weils to receive their mail. Lindsey’s Acts of Kindness continues next week with another organization. Stay tuned for more updates on this project.

District Receives State Funding

On April 25, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the recipients of the latest round of Ohio’s K-12 School Grant Safety Program. The West Geauga Local School District is pleased to be awarded $200,000 of state funding to support physical safety and security upgrades in all four of our buildings.

The additional funding affords the district an opportunity to offset costs associated with physical security. Use of the funds is closely monitored by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) with specific guidelines in place for spending. The West Geauga Board of Education and administration will be determining the best use of the funds as allowed

rounds of grants. West Geauga previously received $200,000 in round two, which helped to fund safety initiatives such as new bus radios, additional handheld devices and radio base stations in all buildings.

This recent grant through round five is the second time West Geauga has been awarded. In 2019, West Geauga also received a separate Safety Intervention Grant through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation that funded new cameras at the high school. The district will continue efforts to seek opportunities, such as these grants, to offset costs associated with school safety and other initiatives.

WGHS Mock Car Accident

As prom season approaches, seniors at West Geauga High School are reminded of the deadly dangers of impaired driving through the annual drunk driving mock accident. The staged scene is complete with real cars, student actors and first responders portraying it as a real-life event. The damaged car remains displayed in the high school parking lot as a reminder to everyone to be safe and drive sober. Thank you to the Chester Fire Department for organizing the event.

WGHS Psychology Field Trip

Students in Mr. Rader’s high school Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology class had an opportunity to take a field trip to the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology at Akron University. It is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum that opened in 2018 and is the only psychology museum in the country. Students have been busy preparing in the classroom for their AP end of course exam, which will earn them three college credits with a passing grade. The field trip was a perfect opportunity to review content, as many of the exhibits represented in the museum will be on the exam.

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Douglas Robertson

Douglas Robertson, age 90, passed away peacefully Jan. 9, 2023, at his home.

Born May 3, 1932, in Cleveland, he was a Burton resident for several years before moving to Russell Township 57 years ago.

Doug was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Korea as a Classified Directions Decoder.

He was a graduate of West Tech High School and received degrees from Hiram College and Kent State University.

When at Hiram College, Doug played football, basketball and his best sport: track. He was later awarded a lifelong leadership award from Hiram College in 2001.

Doug went on to become a teacher and principal with West Geauga Schools for 33 years, retiring in 1989. Before becoming principal, he was assistant varsity basketball coach and assistant football coach at the high school, winning the conference basketball title during his last coaching season. He enjoyed his years at West Geauga, especially

Obituaries

his years at Chester school and was very sad when it closed.

During the summer, Doug coached his daughter’s softball teams and helped them with their 4-H horse projects. He volunteered at Hiram House Camp and served on the board for many years. He was also helpful in taking in many rescued animals that included horses, dogs, cats, ducks and one little Pygmy Goat.

Doug was a proud member of Community Church of Chesterland and the American Legion.

He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and family, and planting and harvesting a large vegetable garden.

Doug is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara (nee Irwin); daughters, Denise (Norm Deets) Robertson, Kimberly (Brenda Moore) Robertson and Bobbi Jo (Jeff) Roshitsh; grandchildren, Kyle Roshitsh, Kaley Roshitsh, Norman Deets; and pets, Winston the dog, Oliver the cat, the barn kittens and horses, Splash and CC.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hazel (nee Misch) Robertson.

Please join us on Friday, May 27, 2023, at 3 p.m, at Hiram House Camp, 33775 Hiram Trail, Moreland Hills, to celebrate the life of

Doug Robertson. All are welcome to this celebration of love, music, and food. For more information, call (330) 348-1939.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GattozziandSon. com for the Robertson family.

Reverend Roy J. Rackley

Reverend Roy Joe Rackley, of Chester Township, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on March 6, 2023, at the David Simpson House of the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a director/supervisor for the Job Corps. In 1963, he helped found J.E.N.A (Jesus Everlasting Now and Always) Church in Houston and was the minister and spiritual leader of the church.

He continued in this capacity and also functioned as a Spiritual Lecturer until 1983. Starting in 1988, he became a monthly speaker at Unity Church of Beaumont, subsequently pursuing ordination and becoming the full time Spiritual Leader during this time.

In 1991, Rev. Roy began the process of becoming a licensed and ordained Unity Minister. He completed the training for Licensed Unity Teacher and applied for and was accepted into the Field Licensing Program and was ordained in 2001.

He served as Minister of the Unity of Southeast Texas from 1992-2007. He was also a member of the UWM Field Licensing Ministry Team, from 2002- 2008, and was a prolific volunteer for many causes throughout his life.

After moving from Texas in 2007, he began serving as the Minister of the Unity Church of Christianity in Chesterland and proudly led the church’s ministry for the past 16 years.

Rev. Roy was born on Dec. 6, 1938, to Florence Virginia and Walter Weldon Rackley in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Weldon and Jack; daughterin-law, Ann Allen; and foster son, Larry. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of his Life will be on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Unity Church of Christianity, 7887 Chalet Drive, Chesterland, beginning at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Reverend Roy’s name to Unity Church of Christianity.

Rita Carla Fonticella

Rita Carla Fon ticella, age 63, went home with the Lord on April 23, 2023.

Rita is the daugh ter of the late Ronald and Diane, and was born on July 25, 1959.

Rita graduated from West Geauga High School and contin ued to reside in Chesterland for most of her life.

In addition to her parents, Rita is preceded in death by her sister, Rhonda.

She is survived by her brother, Ross Fonticella (wife Jacqui); two nephews, Carl and Jay; dear friend Sharon; and many more friends who loved her.

Rita was devoted to her faith and spent a lot of time reading the Bible, worshiping and discussing her faith with her mother and friend Sharon.

She enjoyed spending time with her mother, who was her best friend, up until her passing.

Rita helped with the food pantry, community dinners, has been a liturgist for her church family and community. She was active in Scenic Hills Senior Center with various exercise classes, bingo, health fairs and parties. She was active in Geauga County at the senior center as a volunteer and for a while as an employee.

Rita enjoyed going to the movies, reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

She had a beautiful heart and will be missed deeply.

Services have taken place at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home.

Rita has been laid to rest at Chester Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Rita’s name to the Scenic Hills Senior Center in Logan, Ohio.

Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $100 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Lacrosse

from page 1

school wanted to end the season on a better note.

After communicating with parents, Patti said finishing the season was in the best interest of the student-athletes.

"Many factors influenced Mr. Stewart's recommendation to end the season earlier," Patti wrote. "While I understand his rationale, it is my decision to complete the season."

Some parents of players — who were mostly kept out of the decision until it was made — were not happy with the original decision.

One mother emailed administrators the

morning of May 8: "I also want answers to what is actually happening? If there was a concern or safety issue why were the parents not informed? How is it that there was no communication or meeting for athletes, parents and coaches?"

She continued: "I am upset that I pay for my child to play, pay for additional equipment to play, and I pay to watch, but this decision was not ours to discuss or make about ending the season early. I want my money back! We DON'T QUIT!"

Stewart wrote in his email it wasn't his job to worry about wins or losses. But rather his job to "make sure they have a positive experience and come away from this with memories that will last a lifetime with their friends."

Community Meetings

Chester Township: May 17, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; May 18, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 24, 7 p.m., Park District, at Geauga West Library . All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: May 18, 6 p.m., Board

of Trustees; May 24, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. West Geauga BOE: May 22, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Geauga West Library

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

Community Cookbook

To honor its 60th anniversary, GCPL is looking to its patrons to help compile a celebratory cookbook full of 60 different recipes.

A limited supply will be handed out at the anniversary party being held Aug. 12 at Veterans Legacy Woods in Newbury Township.

Container Gardening

May 27, 10 a.m. to noon

Work together with other library patrons to create, plant and maintain Geauga West’s new container gardens.

Police Blotter

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Chester Township Police Department April 21 through May 4, 2023.

AGENCY ASSIST

May 1

7:28 p.m., Caves Road. Check the park for GPD due to recent smash and grab in metro parks. Chagrin River Park on Reeves Road just had a smash and grab. Suspect is a white male wearing a red hat and dark glasses. Male is reported to have an eccentric walk. Checks OK. No person found walking in the park.

BURGLARY

May 1

6:10 a.m., Hunting Ridge. Caller states someone broke into his truck again overnight. Looks like the neighbor’s vehicle got hit, too. Caller has cameras. See report.

CITIZEN ASSIST

April 26

2:22 p.m., County Line Road. Check caller’s open garage for a stack of money possibly left sitting on a white bench. No assistance needed. Clear.

April 29

3:52 p.m., Opalocka Drive. Complainant came in asking for assistance in handling illegal dumping at the Cambridge Commons Plaza. Subject in question was spoken to and advised. Complainant just wanted subject spoken to, no charges at this time.

EXTRA PATROL

April 27

10:54 a.m., West Geauga Plaza Drive. Will be behind the BMV reference the call about Chase Bank. Male is going to different Chase Bank locations trying to withdraw $20,000 and believes he has stolen credit

cards. He went to Aurora, Twinsburg and Solon branches and are anticipating he will be coming to this location next. They were unable to get an ID on him.

INFO REPORT

April 21

7:49 a.m., Pear Tree Drive. Caller has guineafowls and he is preparing to get rid of them due to some recent neighbor complaints. Caller said it might take a couple weeks until they are gone, but wanted it documented he is attempting to move them out. Cleared.

THREATENING

April 21

11:29 a.m., Chillicothe Road. Giant Eagle pharmacist threatened by a customer and would like to file a report. Male upset about medication not being filled on time. Pharmacist requested male trespassed from property. See report.

TOBACCO PROBLEM

April 21

9:20 a.m., Chillicothe Road. WGHS juvenile student caught on school grounds with a vape. See report.

1:23 p.m., Chillicothe Road. WGHS juvenile student caught on school grounds with a vape. See report.

TRAFFIC STOP

April 27

8:21 a.m., Mayfield Road. Grey Ford E150, one occupant, returning on a green GMC. Male arrested on bond violation warrant. Three additional traffic charges were issued for expired license, plates belonging to another vehicle and expired registration.

Perennial Gardeners Plant Sale

The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland’s annual plant sale takes place May 13, the day before Mother’s Day, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale is held rain or shine in the Chester Township Town Hall parking lot, 12701 Chillicothe Road. A large assortment of hanging baskets, perennials, natives, house plants and annuals will be available. Attendees can also shop the Garden Shed and Boutique for unique home and garden items. Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted. Plant sale gift cards are available; call Linda at 440-338-8644. Profits from the sale enable the club to continue to plant and care for the bandstand and corner park located at Chillicothe and Mayfield roads; offer scholarships to students pursuing education in horticulture; provide educational programs at monthly meetings for members; and support many other gardening activities in the community.

Geauga Dems Hot Topic

May 11, 7 p.m.

The Geauga Democratic Party will discuss its hot topic, “Abortion and Reproductive Care with Preterm,” at the party headquarters located at 12420 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. A speaker from Preterm, an independent, non-profit abortion clinic in Cleveland, will discuss the need for safe and legal abortion and provide updates on the proposed reproductive rights amendment.

The event is free, but donations to Preterm are appreciated.

Attendees may also sign the petition at the event or when its office is open on Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.; Thursdays, 4-7 p.m.; or Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NEOCAG Meeting

May 13, 9:15 a.m.

The NorthEast Ohio Computer-Aided Genealogy Society, Inc. (NEOCAG) monthly meeting will be held online via Zoom.

Genealogist Cynthia Turk will present “Citations: Will You Get A Ticket or an Award.” The presentation begins at 9:45 a.m.

Meetings are open to the public and visitors are always welcome.

For more information and registration, visit www.neocag.net or email webmaster@ neocag.net.

Geauga Dems Collect Signatures

May 13

The Geauga Democratic Party will be collecting signatures for the reproductive freedom petition at the Bainbridge Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at 5192 Chillicothe Road in South Russell Village from 9 a.m. to noon.

CWC Lunch and Program

May 17, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join Christian Women’s Connection for a catered lunch and program at Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge Township.

Learn how The Backyard Feeding Station can help homeowners achieve happy birds and backyard wildlife. Featured speaker Shirley Davidson will share her “Unforgettable Memories of the Girl Who Can and the Woman Who Can’t.” To RSVP by May 11, email cwcchagrin@gmail.com or call/text 440-2131205.

Outreach Spaghetti Dinner

May 18, 6-7 p.m.

Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and

Chesterland Historical Village

Annual Meeting and Pie Night

The Chesterland Historical Village will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. May 11 in the Olde Town Hall at the village located at the corner of Caves and Mayfield roads in Chester Township. Hear a review of plans and events for the year. The evening’s agenda includes “Pie Night,” where guests will enjoy dessert provided by Patterson’s Farm.

Town Crier

dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Community Volunteer Fair

May 19, 2-6 p.m.

Nonprofits from across Northeast Ohio will come together at Lakeland Community College for a Community Volunteer Fair to highlight the variety of volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved across the region. The goal of the fair is to connect people 16 years and older with local nonprofit agencies that fit their interests. Agencies participating will have booths set up and staff on-site to share information about their organization and volunteer opportunities available.

Free and open to the public, the fair will take place in the H-Building Atrium.

Nonprofit and government agencies interested in participating in the fair must register in advance. To register, contact Cristen Kane at cristen.kane@lakecountyohio.gov.

Gardening 101

May 20, 10 a.m. to noon

Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ free Gardening 101 series continues with “Harvesting and Preserving Your Bounty” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Master gardeners Mirko Antloga and Deb Miller will cover when and how to determine vegetables and fruits are at optimum ripeness and how to preserve for both short and long-term storage.

Registration is not required but is appreciated. Contact Wendy Ward at 440-834-4656 or email ward.714@osu.edu.

Veterans Memorial Day Service

May 21, 3 p.m.

Russell Township Historical Society and trustees will hold their annual veterans Memorial Day service at Briar Hill Church located at the southwest corner of Chillicothe and Fairmount roads. Refreshments will be served.

Vendors Wanted for Craft Show

June 4, 12-4 p.m.

The Chesterland Historical Foundation will be hosting its annual Arts and Crafts Show. Vendors are welcome to sign up for $15 per 10-foot wide space outside on the Greens.

There will also be six 6-foot tables with two chairs available inside for $20, on a firstcome basis. Outside vendors must provide their own table, chairs and canopy tent. Interested parties may contact Rosemary Balazs

at 440-364-4941 for more information and an application.

Afternoon of Storytelling

June 4, 2-6 p.m.

Join for an afternoon of storytelling at Artisan’s Corner Gallery, 11110-6 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. Author and historian Dan Rager will weave stories of the Maple Leaf Route and The Interurban Railway from a bygone era. Enjoy strolling through the gallery while enjoying fine wines and hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Buckeye Chocolate and DS Cakes & Sweet Café.

Donation of $80 per person benefits Maple Leaf Community Residences, a nonprofit

providing housing for special needs. For reservations, visit MLCR.org/events. For more information, call 440-279-4444.

Grant-In-Aid Program

The Omega Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society of women educators in Geauga County, is offering a grant-in-aid to a female student who is entering her junior or senior year in college and is majoring in education. The applicant must be a graduate of a Geauga County high school. Deadline for completed applications is July 17. Interested applicants should contact Mrs. Deborah Hofstetter, Grant-in-Aid Committee, Delta Kappa Gamma, P.O. Box 313, Chardon, OH 44024.

the teacher said they were uncertain what to do and that is not good leadership in a position like this,” Kotowski said. “Even if the teacher is not certain, I think it’s very important the teacher projects a certain amount of confidence. That’s something which we could change very easily.”

Sherwood said everyone was in reaction mode that day and some things got missed.

“We’re just trying to figure out how not to do that if there’s something that we need to communicate to all four schools at the same time,” Sherwood said.

She then addressed the issue of the phone systems — specifically, the public address system and the district’s cell phone service.

“It doesn’t look like there was a plan B for when (the phones were down,) and we have had several instances this year where our

phones were down. I think that’s been an issue that we’re looking into, because our phones should never go down,” Sherwood said, adding she and school Superintendent Richard Markwardt have been in contact with people regarding the district’s cell phone service.

“Especially as it relates to Westwood (Elementary School) because that seems to be like a particularly evil spot for cell service, which makes it hard for us to communicate to our teachers with cell phones,” she said. “We’re going to be looking into what’s called Bi-Directional Amplifiers, which should help boost the cell phone coverage in those specific dead zones. We are going to be talking about where our vulnerable spots are more closely in the coming weeks so that we can identify where those boosters would be most effective.”

Sherwood reiterated the district has already been in communication about increasing police presence — another concern raised by parents.

“They know that we have a school resource officer in the high school, but I think

they’re feeling like we need to address our vulnerable spots, which is all of our buildings,” Sherwood said. “I know that we are looking at approving that hopefully soon and get it done as quickly as possible.”

Sherwood said there will also be two Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate-trained officers in the Chester Township Police Department and one of them will be the district’s school resource officer.

“We’ll have the ability to have an ALICE trainer in our district that can help train our teachers in different protocols and the other one will be working with the police department,” Sherwood said. “They will do the training together, but one of them will definitely be our SRO.”

Markwardt said the district has not done as much active shooter training and/or training related to a person with a weapon in the building as he would like to see.

“It’s something that we thought would not happen. I know that we had a neighboring school district that had a situation like this in

the last 10 years, but it’s something that no one really wants to think will happen,” Markwardt said. “That was something I had raised with the police department earlier this year, something that I felt was imperative that we do. The events of April 3 underscored the need for that, but prior to this time, I don’t think that was something that was as considered as some of the other types of threats.”

Shelter-in-place and lockdown protocols could be included in ALICE training, Markwardt.

“One of the things people think when they see ALICE is that it goes in a series of events and it does not,” Markwardt said, referring to ALICE as a list of choices with strategies that are options for school staff to help themselves and students stay safe.

“You never know which of the letters is going to kick in first. I’ve had quite a bit of training in ALICE from my prior work experience, but I don’t think our staff here has,” Markwardt continued, adding some staff members have come from other districts who do a more thorough job of incorporating ALICE into their threat training.

Board member Bill Beers said he has brought up the policy of backpacks in classrooms to Markwardt several times.

“I know that in the past, they were not allowed and at some point, somebody made a decision to allow them back in. When a decision like that is made — which is clearly safety-oriented — we need to have some way to ensure that it is not overturned in the future,” Beers said, adding the policy used to be no backpacks, trench coats and other garments in the classroom that could hide weapons.

Kotowski said all of the criticism that has transpired in the aftermath of April 3 has been constructive.

“It’s not taking away from the fact that we were very successful in the efforts of the district in averting a tragedy,” he said.

Markwardt emphasized what resident Becki Gierman said during the public participation portion of the meeting — that every situation is unique.

“One does not have the option of analysis paralysis in a situation like this. You have to act decisively. You have to act immediately. In this case, our administrators did exactly in my mind what they should have done,” Markwardt said. “We didn’t have a single kid get injured or killed in this. The possibility was very real — the danger was very real.”

Seniors

Young of Heart

May 19, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Snacks and beverage are provided. Dan Karl will entertain the group with his keyboard, guitar and vocals.

A trip is planned to Niagara Falls, N.Y., Aug. 15-16 to the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino to see Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff. Also included is the Niagara Power Project, the Made in America Store and a winery. Cost is $255, or $261 for nonmembers.For more information, call Nancy at 440-729-9684. Technology & Resource Fair

May 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Geauga County Department on Aging is hosting a technology and resource fair at West Geauga Senior Center, 8090 Cedar Road, Chester Township. There will be handson education and how to use smart phones, apps, Bluetooth connectivity and more. The free event includes speaker series, vendor tables, individualized technology help and lunch. Call 440-279-2163 to register.

County Commissioners Grant 5% COL Increase

By amy Patterson amy@karlovecmeDia com

Geauga County Commissioners approved a 5% cost-of-living increase for all employees under their hiring authority May 2.

Two additional 3% COL increases will go into effect in 2024 and 2025.

The raise, which will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023, is an attempt both to offset increases in inflation and to stabilize department budgets, Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri said.

“When I came here approximately 11 years ago, every year it’s been a challenge of always trying to figure out percentages of increases,” he said. “Do we increase, do we not increase? How do we do this?”

Having to determine wage increases each year also puts department directors and elected officials in a pinch when looking for new employees, he added.

“When they’re hiring people, (they have) to say, you know, here’s what you’re coming in with at X number of dollars with no guarantees for next year, no guarantees for the following year,” he said. “And it’s just, in the times that we’re in right now, hard enough to hire employees and find employees.”

Spidalieri said the three-year approach is similar to the way bargaining units operate, with negotiations to lock down a percentage increase over a specific period of time.

“In September, when we have our budget hearings, the directors and elected officials could come in with those numbers already in place for the appropriations,” he said. “We could then move forward to put those in for the following year.”

Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz told commissioners he requested a salary increase for his department in a letter April 24. With the annual budget due soon, Flaiz said he was eager to hear a decision.

“I appreciate that you set some certainty for the next two years because each year, (salary appropriations are) getting later and

later, and I don’t know how I’m supposed to do my budget,” Flaiz said at the meeting.

In his letter to commissioners, Flaiz outlined his reasons for asking for the salary increase.

First, the county asked for his department’s budget to be submitted by May 10, he said.

“It is difficult for me to submit an accurate budget when the issues of raises is outstanding,” Flaiz said in his letter. “Additionally, yearly cost of living adjustments to salaries is needed to keep our office competitive in the job marketplace. Prosecutor’s offices all over the state are having difficulty hiring and retaining talent.”

Flaiz said other counties, especially those larger than Geauga, have responded by increasing their pay. “Cuyahoga County, for example, has starting assistant prosecutor pay that is $20,000 more than our current starting salary. Without regular increases, our office will fall further behind,” he said.

Ohio’s inflation rate for the previous month was 5.5% and 6.4% over the previous year, Flaiz said.

“Thus, even at 5%, our employees will not be keeping up with inflation,” he said.

In addition, the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Water Resources were both granted a 5% increase effective Jan. 1, 2023, he said.

“The law enforcement professionals in this office should be treated no differently,” he said of his employees.

At the May 2 meeting, Spidalieri said the COL increases will — if taken in small bites and in an organized way — take a lot of the guesswork and suspense out of the annual budgeting process.

“And we’re not going to have to be in a situation every year that this weighs on all the directors’ shoulders, elected officials’ shoulders to say, where do we go,” he said.

Commissioners Tim Lennon and Jim Dvorak agreed with Spidalieri and the motion to approve the scheduled increases was passed unanimously.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is

list

area

estate transfers for the weeks ending April 21 and April 28, 2023, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Daniel A. III and Ann C. Hoynes, 7363 Hillendale Road, to Jacob A. DiDonato and Kirsten Pagendarm Winter, $366,500. (1.50 acres)

Bruce and Tanya D. Randau, Mulberry Road, to David Duffy, $140,000. (5.62 acres)

Todd M. Benenati (trustee), 11683 Sherwood Trail, to Thomas C. Benenati, $300,000. (5.11 acres)

Eastern Suburban Properties, 11840 Sperry Road, to Anthony Leicher, $1,400,000. (4.35 acres)

Michele McDonald and Bernardino and Terri Ann Pezzente, 8559 Carmichael Drive, to Eugene Jr. and Teona M. Johnson, $265,000. (1.26 acres)

Gerald J. and Deborah M. Spuzzillo, Mayfield Road, to C & G Financial Center LLC, $475,000. (2.86 acres)

JN Revival LLC, 9046 Cedar Road, to Mark Ange, $129,900. (3.00 acres)

Richard M. Rakich, 12150 Shiloh Drive, to Kodi Waclawski and Paige Zombory, $250,000. (2.16 acres)

AUTOS & PARTS FOR RENT

Burton Ranch Condo: 2/BR, 2/Bath, AC, laundry, 2-car attached garage. No pets/smoking. $1,600/month. Includes snow plowing, lawn, trash. 440-221-0649.

CHESTERLAND: 3-bedroom ranch, 2.5 car garage, family room, fireplace, laundry room, central air, gas heat, West Geauga schools. No pets. Available July 1, showing in May. 440-465-2340. $1,500/mo.

Auburn Twp: Studio Apt. No Smoking. No Pets. Heat, trash, lawncare, snow-removal included. Quiet Country Setting, Kenston Schools. $760/Month. 440-336-3537.

Rental Home: Berkshire Schools, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, laundry, family and living rooms, basement, large garage. No pets, non-smoking. 440-313-8711.

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

FOR LEASE: 120x60 arena barn with pastures for agricultural use or storage and grounds for nursery/landscape operation. Newbury. 440-564-7363.

FOR SALE

NEW Panasonic cordless phone, still in box, 2 additional handsets, can expand. White w/blue trim. 440-2239471. Also Wanted: Level/Transit.

Maple Syrup for sale: 1 gal. $38; Half gal. $22; 1 quart $13. 14899 Hayes Road, Middlefield. 440-632-9651.

2 Lawn Tractors: Cub Cadet 1100, non-running. Craftsman 15HPOHV w/catcher. Make offers. 440-474-9605.

Motorcycle helmet, saddle bag, chaps, jacket, vest, gloves; all XL, like new. $600. 440-285-3114.

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

Western saddle $500. Honda push-mower $300. (8)Fishing poles and tackle $200/for all. 845-987-0079.

Enclosed Cargo Trailer: 20ft, w/ramp door, insulated walls, ceiling lights, windows; ready for conversion or work. $7,500. 216-403-9191.

‘84 Venture Royale, 41,500 miles, excellent condition, $2,500. Also 6,000 watt generator, used 30 hours, $275. 440-729-1624.

Dried Gourds: Various Sizes and Shapes. Finished Birdhouses or Make Your Own Crafts. Nice Gifts. $5-$15. 440352-6953.

Dark Blue Futon, like new, $80. 440-635-6607. His & Hers Golf Clubs: bag and cart included. $75 each. 440-632-0060, leave message.

Tools: Craftsman Table Saw $100. Delta Bench Drill Press $100. Both for $175. 440-226-0187.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

May 12-13, 9a-4p. 14855 Orchard Ave, Middlefield. Books, puzzles, plus sized clothing, chairs, stools, carpet, TV, glassware.

May 18,19,20 9a-4p. 16920 Hazy Morning Dr, Middlefield. Fantastic Deals! Household items, decorations, refrigerator, chest freezer, lots more!

May 9,10,11 8a-8p. 16925 Farmington Rd, West Farmington 44491. Old civil war books, lots of stuff. More in the neighborhood.

HELP WANTED

Mary Yoder’s is hiring Cashiers and Kitchen Staff. Call 440-632-1939 and ask for Kathy for more information.

Care Giver Needed: around the clock or split shifts, in Chesterland. Able to operate Hoyer. References required. Wages, R&B. 440-339-0519.

Looking for 4-6 experienced campers, preferably friends, to camp on my farm 5/1/23 to 9/1/23 in exchange for 20 hours of light work per month. Text 330-691-7649. Applicants will be vetted.

Busy Cooking School looking for 2-3 evening and weekend dishwashers. Part-time, flexible schedule, $12-14 per hour. Call (440)729-7340 or stop by to apply. 8700 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026.

Get started at Junction Auto! Porters needed. Washing cars, Maintaining lot, customer shuttle. Pay starts at $16 with past hires promoted to service, bodyshop, and sales. Apply at 12423 Mayfield Road, Chardon.

PETS & ANIMALS

MS Kennels on the Farm, LLC offers in-home pet care. Call 440-636-2421.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: Vaping is Not “harmless” water vapor! Don’t start! Addiction happens!

REAL ESTATE

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

Lot for sale. Thompson Township. Buildable. 1 acre. Wooded, scenic, quiet side street $15,900. 440-289-0708.

LOT FOR SALE: .34 acre lot, Bainbridge, Lake Lucerne amenities! Gas, electric, sanitary sewer & well-water all available. $99.9k. 440-596-2608.

SERVICES

RM Roofing & Construction: Specializing in metal roofs, siding, pavilions, decks, garages and some remodeling. Call Ray at 234-830-1404.

Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440813-4272. No answer, leave message.

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440313-8331.

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. Level/Transit 440-223-9471.

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