Chesterland News 8-30-2023

C H E ST E R L A N D N EWS

Hayyal Ighneim tells Fox 8 News he ran over his pet cat by accident and then ran it over twice more to end its suffering.

Animal Cruelty Case Bound Over to Grand Jury

By John karlovec John@karlovecmeDia.com

A Chester Township man accused of knowingly running over his cat will have his case bound over to a Geauga County grand jury.

On Aug. 16, Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica found there is probable cause to charge Hayyal Ighneim with cruelty to a companion animal, a fifth-degree felony punishable with a maximum sentence of 6-12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Ighneim was present in court last Wednesday with his attorney, Kenneth Myers, after electing to go forward with his preliminary hearing to determine if there was probable cause that a crime had been committed and that he committed it.

Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz called Geauga County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jon Bilicic — the investigative officer — to the stand. Bilicic testified a sheriff’s deputy

Chester Township Unity Day Draws Families from All Over

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

The first Chester Township Unity Day brought out a steady stream of families from around Geauga County and lots of active youth to enjoy the summer weather Aug. 27.

Children and adults alike explored fire trucks and ambulances from Chester and surrounding townships while Chester’s ladder truck proudly flew an American flag.

Obituaries page 3

Iacampo Charges Dropped; More Could Come page 6

Classifieds page 8

ty Days,” he said. “With the storms that tore through here on Thursday, it’s refreshing to have a beautiful, sunny day to celebrate the people of this great community.”

Young also thanked West Geauga Schools Superintendent Richard Markwardt for collaborating on the location.

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Members of the West Geauga High School band played the National Anthem and a few other numbers designed to unify groups from Newbury Township, the Chester area and West Geauga Schools.

cher, treasurer of the West Geauga Chamber of Commerce, referring to Newbury being included in the footprint of West Geauga Schools after the districts joined in 2020. The chamber, he said, is workign on outreach to businesses to the east. “We want to bring something to the community,” he said, listing some of the businesses in all three townships – Newbury, Chester and Russell – who sponsored Unity Day in the parking lot of West Geauga High School.

Chester Police Chief Craig Young took the microphone to thank a variety of individuals who helped organize the event.

“I can say without hesitation that the relationship between the West Geauga Schools, this community and our safety forces is unlike any I have seen anywhere. To have the leadership of a school district so committed to getting things accomplished when others just sim-

See Unity Day • Page 7

Budget Commission Recommends Reserve Funds for Township

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

The Geauga County Budget Commission expressed concern for Chester Township running hot on their budget during its hearing on Aug. 21.

County Treasurer Christopher Hitchcock said the township’s general fund was in strong condition

but pointed out low police, road and bridge funds.

UPDATE: A Geauga County grand jury has handed up a one-count indictment charging Hayyal Ighneim with prohibitions concerning companion animals, a fifth-degree felony. See Unity Day

“My concern is your estimated ending cash balance for 2024 is $323,000,” Hitchcock said, adding that the estimated cash balance for a road and bridge fund should be $500,000. “You are telling the taxpayers and the public you are only going to have $300,000. The same is true in the police fund.

Karlovec Media Group is hiring commissioned account representatives to sell print and online advertising in and around Geauga County, specifically in the eastern part of the county and in the Amish community. Candidates must be able to manage time wisely, meet deadlines and have reliable transportation.

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Your actual expenditures are in the millions and you are telling the public and us that you are only going to have $140,000.”

Hitchcock said to township trustee Craig Richter the township will have a difficult time getting voter support for the additional 1.5 mill police levy.

“I realize that,” Richter said.

Master Gardeners at the Fair

Aug. 31 to Sept. 4

Visit the Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ interactive booth display “What Good Are Bugs?” located in building 9 at the south end of the fairgrounds at the Great Geauga County Fair.

There will be kids activities as well as MGVs on duty to help answer gardening questions.

Young of Heart

Sept. 1, 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.

Speaker Rose Marie Gattozzi, from Gat-

Town Crier

tozzi & Son Funeral Home, will discuss final arrangements.

A Christmas trip has been planned for Dec. 12-14 to Lancaster, Pa., which includes “Miracle of Christmas” at the Sight and Sound Theatre, “The First Noel” variety show at the American Music Theatre and Holidays at the Mount Hope Mansion dinner theater and more. For reservations, call Nancy at 440-729-9684.

FGP Explorers Series

Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for “Playing Tag for Science with Monarch Butterflies” at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve, 11620 Ravenna Road in Chardon.

For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440-5641048.

Holiday Polka Party

Sept. 4, 1-7 p.m.

A Labor Day polka party will be held at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland. Enjoy ethnic food and live music featuring the Eddie Rodick Band and Frank Stanger Band. For information, call 330-318-3004.

Dorothy’s Porch Giveaway

Sept. 7 and 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dorothy’s Porch, a free community giveaway of clothing for the family, bedding, household items, books, toys, stuffed animals and holiday decorations, will be held at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.

Effective Aug. 1, 2023, for-profit and nonprofit organizations or groups will need to purchase a paid advertisement for an event anytime tickets are sold, a fee is charged or a freewill donation is taken. If an organization or group does not wish to buy an ad to promote their event and connect with our readers, Karlovec Media Group will print a simple liner-type ad identifying the event, date/time/place and a number to call for more information. E-mail submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

This and That Sale

Sept. 7-9

St. Mark Lutheran Church Women’s League will host its annual This and That rummage sale at the church located at 11900 Chillicothe in Chester Township.

A preview sale will be held Thursday from 4-7 p.m. with a $5 admission. The sale continues with free admission on Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Call the church at 440-729-1668 with any questions.

Ribbon Cutting Event

Sept. 7, 6-8 p.m.

Join for an open house and ribbon cutting at vino_type, 8389 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township. A cash bar will be available.

Geauga Skywatchers Club

Sept. 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join Geauga Skywatchers Club for “Upcycled Record Solar System Art” at the Geauga West Library in Chester Township. Learn about the planets while painting the solar system on an old record.

No experience is needed. All materials will be provided. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net to register.

LCRTA To Meet

Sept. 12, 11 a.m.

The Lake County Retired Teachers Association (LCRTA) will meet at the Mentor United Methodist Church, 8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Cathi Weber will present “Haunted Willoughby,” a collection of ghost stories at 11:30 a.m.

A chicken club or grilled vegetable wrap lunch will follow the program. All newly retired teachers are invited to attend. Visit lakecountyrta.weebly.com for information and to RSVP by Sept. 1.

Genealogical Society Meets

Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Geauga County Genealogical Society presents “Geauga County’s Historical Societies,” a presentation by representatives of six Geauga County Historical Societies describing their collections and how to access

the information. The meeting will be held in the Bostwick Room in the Chardon Library at 110 E. Park St. Socialize with fellow genealogy researchers and the program presenters at 6:30 p.m. The 7 p.m. business meeting will be followed by the program from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration is not required. Visit www. gcgsoh.org for information.

Lions Club Meeting

Sept. 12 and 26, 7-8 p.m.

Chesterland Lions Club holds meetings the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Lions Shed located on the east side of the West Geauga Board of Education building. The club always welcomes new members.

Fall Fish Sale

Sept. 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is taking orders for its annual spring fish sale that will be held on the midway at the Geauga County Fairgrounds. Pond safety kits are also available.

For a list of available fish and to place an order, visit www.geaugaswcd.com.

Order deadline is Sept. 8. All proceeds support the district’s education programs. Questions? Call 440-834-1122.

Junk in the Trunkfest

Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sell items from one’s trunk or bring a tent or table at Junk in the Trunkfest held in conjunction with Auburn Township’s annual community picnic at Auburn Community Park, 17484 Munn Road, Auburn Township. Vendors must preregister by Sept. 13; call 440-543-7028 or visit www.auburntownship. com.

Fairmount Fall Registration

Registration is open for Fairmount Center for the Arts fall session of art, dance, fitness, music and theatre programs. Classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels begin Sept. 6.

For more information or to register for classes, visit www.fairmountcenter.org, call 440-338-3171.

Geauga Park District

For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Chagrin River Bird Quest

Sept. 8-9

Bird enthusiasts are challenged to a 24hour birding marathon. The park district in partnership with Greater Cleveland Audubon Society and Blackbrook Audubon encourage area residents to assemble a team and join in on the Chagrin River Bird Quest Birding Challenge.

Begin by registering with the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland at www.clevelandaudubon.org under Bird Quest, then come to The West Woods Nature Center on Friday from 4-6 p.m. During team check-in and final registration, pick up maps, checklists and T-shirts – all free materials – and talk strategy with teammates and naturalists.

Participants will then spend the next 24 hours birding. Visit the Audubon’s website

for challenge rules.

Then, on Saturday from 4-7:30 p.m., return to nature center to turn in checklists for judging and enjoy refreshments, awards and door prizes.

A Race Like No Other

Oct. 7

Register is open for Geauga Park District’s second annual Space Race at Observatory Park in Montville Township. Run, jog or walk as many laps as one can from 4-6 p.m. on the Planetary Trail. Each completed .85mile lap will propel runners through the solar system. All 16 possible laps are just over a half marathon.

Space is limited, with race T-shirts guaranteed for the first 250 to register. Everyone who completes at least one lap will earn a Space Race finishers medal plus a ribbon recognizing how far they went and which planet they reached. Awards will also be given to the top three male and female finishers.

Community Meetings

Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions for September. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Chester Township: Sept. 6, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Sept. 11, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees . All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: Aug. 30, 6 p.m.,

Board of Trustees; Sept. 7, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees; Sept. 11, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Sept. 21, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: Sept. 11, 7 p.m., regular meeting; Sept. 26, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals

The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal drivers in Chester and Russell townships on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The meal routes start at the West Geauga Senior Center, 8090 Cedar Road, Chester Township. The Home Delivered Meal program delivers warm, nutritious lunches between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, to homebound senior citizens in the community. The department on aging is looking for area agencies, organizations, church and individuals 18 years old or older, with a valid driver’s license, who are interested in volunteering for this program. Training includes filing department on aging Home Delivered Meal volunteer paperwork and a short orientation about the program.

Volunteers can deliver meals on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or as needed/substitute basis. To sign up or for any questions, please contact Nathan Gorton at 440-279-2138 or email at NGorton@co.geauga.oh.us.

Obituaries

Mary Ann Kowalsky

Mary Ann Kowalsky, age 82, passed away Aug 21, 2023, at David Simpson Western Reserve Hospice House after a battle with cancer.

She was born April 3, 1941. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and son, Timothy.

She was a homemaker and sold her crafts at many shows. She loved bingo.

Mary Ann leaves behind a long-time, loving companion and many friends.

Private burial at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chester Township.

GEAUGA WEST LIBRARY

440-729-4250. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Visit www.GeaugaLibrary.net.

Book Group

Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

Discuss “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. No registration is required.

Geauga Shutter Bugs

Sept. 7, 6-8:30 p.m.

Join the Geauga County-based photography club and meet like-minded individuals who love to discuss the hobby and share their photos. No registration is required.

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A Chester Township man accused of knowingly running over his cat will have his case bound over to a Geauga County grand jury.

On Aug. 16, Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica found there is probable cause to charge Hayyal Ighneim with cruelty to a companion animal, a fifth-degree felony punishable with a maximum sentence of 6-12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Ighneim was present in court last Wednesday with his attorney, Kenneth Myers, after

electing to go forward with his preliminary hearing to determine if there was probable cause that a crime had been committed and that he committed it.

Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz called Geauga County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jon Bilicic — the investigative officer — to the stand. Bilicic testified a sheriff’s deputy was called to the Jennings at Notre Dame Village Apartments in Munson Township after a maintenance worker reported finding a dead cat in front of a dumpster behind the complex.

Flaiz played a surveillance video in court that showed Ighneim back up to the dumpster in his SUV at 11:07 a.m. Aug. 1. He is seen exiting the vehicle and opening the rear liftgate. The cat apparently gets out of the back of the SUV and goes under the vehicle. Ighneim is seen looking under the SUV before getting back in the driver’s seat. He drives away, running over the cat, which is

seen laying on the road, writhing in distress. He then backs up behind cat — twice —and runs it over again with the right front tire before leaving shortly before 11:10 a.m.

To help the public identify the driver of the SUV, Bilicic testified he made a Facebook post of the SUV — which had a distinctive black stripe down the middle of the hood — and the man standing outside it. Four days later, on Aug. 5, Ighneim showed up in his SUV at the Country Fest Cleveland 2023 being held at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton.

“There were some off-duty deputies working and he drove into the gate, past the deputies in that vehicle,” Bilicic said, adding the deputies then approached and questioned Ighneim.

“He admitted that it was him on the video. He went there to drop the cat off, kind of get rid of the cat,” he said, whereupon Ighneim was arrested and charged with prohibitions concerning companion animals — Goddard’s Law.

On cross examination, Myers had Bilicic elaborate on what his client had told deputies.

“The cat was urinating throughout the house, it was older, and he wanted the animal to live out its life out there (country) or for someone else to find it and take of it,” said Bilicic.

Bilicic also said Ighneim told deputies he did not run over the cat on purpose, but that it had run under the tire and accidentally was run over. Once that happened, Ighneim explained the cat was struggling and in distress, and needed to be euthanized.

Bilicic said what was depicted on the video formed the basis to charge Ighneim with a felony, despite his claim it was an accident.

“He backed in all the way in front of the dumpster, which was kind of odd, through our investigation, and the cat was under the vehicle when he drove away. So, putting all of those considerations into the case, that’s why,” he told Myers.

“The court has heard the evidence,” Stupica said. “The court finds that there is probable cause that a felony has been committed, that Mr. Ighneim was the person to have committed it, and this will be bound over to the court of common pleas of Geauga County for presentation (to the grand jury).”

Outside the courthouse Ighneim told Fox 8 News he did not mean to kill his cat.

“In this particular case I did have an elderly cat, she was dying. I wanted her to live her last days in freedom. Probably a Disney fantasy, probably naïve, I found what I thought was a nice place where she might be able to find rodents, live by a stream,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to hide what I was doing, I was just trying to find her the best possible home for her last days.

“Unfortunately, she ran under my back tire. When I saw that, in my rear view mirror, that she was writhing and twitching, I was devasted, and I did not have another mechanism for euthanasia, I did not have a way to help her, and so I used the only mechanism that I had at my disposal and I ended her suffering.

“Unfortunately, it’s being charged as a felony, but I have zero criminal record, nothing more than a speeding ticket. And I’m terribly sorry about all this, and I’m pro-PAWS (Public Animal Welfare Society), I’m pro-animal life, I’m pro all of those things and my record demonstrates that.

“This was a horrible mistake. I’ve paid for it in terms of legal fees, my reputation has been damaged, I got people mad at me that don’t even know me, and I really just want all this to end. I’m willing to do what’s right for the justice system, for the people, for animals, for anybody who’s involved in this case, but I don’t think I’m a felon.”

He added, “This whole thing is a giant tragedy, a huge misunderstanding, and I want to make it right.”

When asked why he did not seek medical attention for his cat after he ran it over the first time, Ighneim said “every second” he would have had her in his hands or in his truck would have “prolonged her suffering.”

“I couldn’t let her suffer, even one second longer, than she needed to suffer,” he added.

Amy Beichler, executive director of PAWS Ohio, was in court Aug. 16 and believes Ighneim should face a felony charge.

“Animals are not disposable,” she told Fox 8 News after the hearing. “Do the humane thing and take it to the vet and have it humanely euthanized. Give it death with dignity. This, on this tape, this is death with torture.”

Ighneim from page 4

“This was a horrible mistake. I’ve paid for it in terms of legal fees, my reputation has been damaged, I got people mad at me that don’t even know me, and I really just want all this to end. I’m willing to do what’s right for the justice system, for the people, for animals, for anybody who’s involved in this case, but I don’t think I’m a felon.”

– Hayyal Ighneim

Wolverines On the Pitch Look to Keep Head Up Early

By rich kelly sports@karlovecmeDia com

Season opening athletic events never are dull. As a new school year is upon us, athletes are ready to go.

Two high-powered girls soccer programs matched up Aug. 16 when the West Geauga Wolverines visited the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Lions — and as if there was need for more excitement, the junior varsity game had come down to one Lions goal with only 53 seconds left to forge a 1-1 tie, which got everybody even more amped up.

The varsity contest was just as tightly contested.

The teams battled back and forth early on, with the Wolverines having a slight upper hand in attacking. Then, with 11:23 gone, NDCL sophomore forward Dria Duqum broke free down the left sideline near midfield, eluded two defenders, and put a shot home from close range to break the scoreless tie.

She repeated the action again with less than two minutes left before halftime. In a big display of speed, she got into very close range before being stopped by Wolverine keeper Michaela Platt, a junior. The ball instantly caromed right back on Duqum, though, and she got her foot between two defenders to tip the rebound back for her second goal, providing a 2-0 halftime lead.

By this time, the Lions, with nine senior starters on the pitch, had taken ball control of the game, and the lead looked better as the teams played into the second half.

“I’m really happy we won this game,” Duqum said. “It’s really great for the seniors that we

Budget from page 1

The police levy would begin collection in 2024 and would help increase longevity and retain current department employees and staff.

The 1.5 mill additional levy, if passed, would generate an estimated $623,000 per year and would cost homeowners $53 per year per $100,000 property valuation, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

“You are going to have to make a really strong case. Otherwise, you are going to be in an emergency fund situation,” Hitchcock said.

County Auditor Chuck Walder said he found Chester is the second-largest township in Geauga County but ranks 10th in total certified funds, after conducting a statistical study of all entities and ranking them by different metrics.

“With your general fund, you are ranked

were able to get this win in our first game.”

Duqum’s first score slowed the Wolver ines’ fine ball control. With changed momen tum, things stayed that way until the last 10 minutes of the contest.

That ball control happened in midfield ac tion, which kept senior Hailey Pray involved most of the time. Closing in on loose balls just ahead of West G rushes, she got the ball either left or right with precision.

“This was our first day back in school,” Pray said. “The way the JV game ended, and then Dria’s goals, really had us pumped up in the game. The biggest thing for us is to build a good team bond in every practice and every game.”

Coach Rick Sirl, in his first game heading the Lions program, agreed.

“Everybody was really amped up today,” he said, recovering from an ice-water shower on the field after it was all over. “In a new sys tem, playing a new style for our first game, we played well. Both teams are very good, and for a while we kind of lost the script on what we wanted to do, but it worked out well for us.”

West Geauga Head Coach Cassidy Lewis is also in her first year at the helm of her solid program, having taken over as head coach just a few days before the match. While disappointed, she saw many positives.

Early ball control was huge, but as things slowed for a while, it took a big moment with 31:09 gone in the second half to boost her team back up. Adison Cook drilled a corner kick from the left corner, and freshman forward Amelia Zaffiro drilled it home to create the final score.

“We had a good first 10 minutes or so, but you can’t go 0-for-6 shooting to keep momentum,” she said. “It happened again late in the game until we

second — which makes sense, you are the second largest township and you are the second highest levied,” Walder said.

Chester, he said, ranks second on road and fire funds, per capita.

“If you look at per capita, you fall down to third per capita for the general fund. You fall to sixth for both road and fire,” he said. “It’s cheaper to live in Chester than it is in Bainbridge, per person. That’s not a bad thing, but that explains why you’re running out of money in certain funds.”

Walder said he would propose to have reserve funds to help the township levy properly and save accordingly.

“Where I am worried for you is if you have systematic upset, a roof collapses or a building wall falls, you have nothing to draw from,” he said. “The last thing you want to be able to do is explain to your residents why you didn’t save for a roof that you knew would fail after 25 years. You don’t want to have that conversation.”

scored, but you have to find results more often when you get opportunities like we had.”

Zaffiro and fellow freshman Eva Borz had big games in their first varsity game.

“This is a lot faster than club soccer,” Zaffiro said. “It’s a lot more physical, a lot faster, and for me, I’m learning a new position on the field. But this was a lot of fun to play in. NDCL is a very good team.”

Borz also had a huge hand, or foot, in the game. One factor in NDCL’s favor was speed on the front line, but Borz will catch up in that manner as her game grows.

“As a team, we’re kind of young,” she said. “We’re coming together more as a team as we go along. We had a solid game, but we’re doing better.” Season openers can’t get much better than this contest.

BILL FUGATE/KMG

The West Geauga girls soccer team has had a difficult start to the season after an abrupt head coaching change and 0-4 record. In a game against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin the Wolverines players, from left, Katelyn Simmelink, Amelia Zaffiro, Faelynn Beckrest and captain Kailey Wulfert fell in its closest contest, 2-1.

Iacampo Charges Dropped; More

Lake County Investigation

‘Ongoing,’ Prosecutors Say

By amy patterson amy@karlovecmeDia com

Sexual battery charges have been dropped against Chester Township police of ficer and former West Geauga Schools School Resource Officer Nicholas Iacampo, who appeared before visiting Judge Mark Wiest in Chardon Munici pal Court Aug. 18.

“This (dismissal) is based on a supreme court case, State v. Mole, from 2016 that ruled that the specific (Ohio) Revised Code section that the defendant was charged under, in particular, the (A)(13) subsection, was ruled to be facially unconstitutional,” said Wiest, who retired last year from the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas. “Therefore, there’s a motion to dismiss.”

Although he did ask to amend a minor typo graphical error in the state’s filing, Lake County Assistant Prosecutor Adam Downing told Wiest the motion to dismiss speaks for itself.

“I do inform the court that this is still an ongoing and active investigation, so charges may still come,” he added.

Iacampo’s case was taken by the office

ing the case. Regarding the 2016 Mole ruling, he said the decision by the state supreme court cannot be challenged unless it involves a constitutional issue, in which case the U.S.

Court on a third-degree felony charge of sexual battery against the 16-year-old.

An investigation conducted by a Lake County sheriff’s detective found Iacampo engaged in sexual conduct with a minor who at the time of the incident was 16 years of age. The conduct allegedly took place in the parking lot of the Church of the Blessed Hope on Wilson Mills Road in Chester Township, according to law enforcement sources.

“Furthermore, the accused admitted to the offense while speaking with detectives,” the detective stated in a complaint filed with the court.

The complaint against Iacampo cites a violation of Ohio Revised Code section 2907.03, which states, in part, that no person shall engage in sexual conduct with another if

Writing for the majority, then Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor noted other provisions of the sexual battery statute, such as those that apply to a teacher, a cleric or a mental health provider, require an occupational relationship with the minor, while the peace officer provision applies even when there is no occupation-based relationship between the peace officer and the victim.

“We are investigating all of the facts, and once we get all of the facts, we will make a determination as to whether or not other charges will be filed,” Coulson said.

Iacampo and his defense attorney, Ian Friedman, declined to comment after the hearing.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Aug. 11 and Aug. 18, 2023, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Grandview Unlimited LLC, 7236 Sherman Road, to Jeanine and Gregory Lee Caldwell, $525,000. (2.70 acres)

Kenneth Dean, 8700 Carmichael Drive, to Chandra L. Wozniak, $280,000. (1.03 acres)

Lucia and Adelio Di Franco, 8362 Sharp Lane, to Dmitrii V. Revnivtsev and Tatiana S. Strelnikova, $220,000. (0.56 acres)

Jean M. Napoli (trustee), 7160 Hunting Ridge, to Sean Michael Mcgrath and Nicholas

Alan Watts, $1,315,000. (3.68 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

John B. Reed (trustee), 14416 Spring Valley Drive, to Curtis A. Von Derlippe, $180,000. (1.55 acres)

Linda M. Dicker (TOD), 13710 Fox Hills Drive, to Tyler J. Hackleman, $280,000. (1.55 acres)

Henry C. Kassigkeit (trustee), 7174 Kinsman Road, to Colleen L. Fritz, $550,000. (2.41 acres)

Wade Park Properties Ltd., Dines Road, to Lisa Ann Meyer, $500,000. (8.87 acres)

Manos Eliades and Louiza Iordanidou, 8275 Belle Vernon Drive, to Manos Eliades, $154,400. (3.00 acres)

Unity Day from page 1

ply say it can’t be done is unique.”

He praised his officers’ commitment to the community and their selfless sacrifice .

“I consider myself very fortunate to work alongside our officers and very fortunate to be a law enforcement leader in Geauga County,” he said. “We talk about our core values a lot – integrity, professionalism, teamwork, innovation, respect and, perhaps most important of all, empathy. These values are not only the cornerstone of this agency, I feel they are values that are shared by our residents. This community is value-driven, has a deep pride in our country and its traditions and strives toward doing the right thing.”

He urged visitors to connect with their first-responders parked along the driveway.

Chester Township Trustee Ken Radtke, a member of the chamber, said the chamber has been working very hard to create a day of unity for the district. He recognized Rachel Kalina, Lindsey Greene, Tonya Peto and chamber President Steve DiFranco for their efforts.

Children chased bubbles, jumped and laughed in the bounce house and squirmed their way through another inflated gymnastic course.

Dozens of booths offered a variety of services and some tasty baked goods. Parents took pictures of toddlers on huge earth-moving equipment.

Gazing across the parking lot at the happy crowd, Jim Metcalf, vice president of the Kiwanis Group of West Geauga, said they welcome new members. The club meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Eddie’s Fruit Farm during the summer.

“Give us a call,” he said.

TORREY MCNEAL/KMG

Some sights as the West Geauga Wolverines played their second home game at Howell Stadium Aug. 25 in 49-14 loss to rival Kenston. The team will travel to Aurora High School Sept. 1.

AUTOS & PARTS

2010 Ford Ranger: for parts, 108,000 miles, $1,500/ OBO. Text 440-591-9554.

FOR RENT

Burton Ranch Condo: 2/BR, 2/Bath, AC, laundry, 2-car attached garage. Less than a mile from Burton square. Private Patio, Vaulted Ceilings. Wonderful private setting surrounded by hundreds of acres of conservation land. No pets/smoking. $1,550/month. Includes snow plowing, lawn, trash. Senior discount. 440-221-0649.

FOR SALE

Western Reserve Memorial Garden New Mausoleum

2 inside Niches: with free weekday openings &closings, and Chapel service. Paid $4,674.60, will sell for $$3,800 or make offer. 440-729-1135.

Antique claw-foot cast iron bathtub, EC $300. 440313-6581.

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

SOFA: curved (Arhaus), three stand-alone sections, removable cushions, scatter pillows, some discoloration. Dark gold. Asking $250. Call or text 216-403-2312. FREE Poole piano. You move. Chesterland. 440-6357183.

Hardwood Lumber, live edge, multiple species. Planing and cutting available. 216-990-0947.

Fresh cut firewood to your desired length. Split or rounds delivered, Oak & Maple. $50-$80 per 4x8 stack. 440687-5404.

16” Chain Saw w/12 chains, $250. 3-Fishing Rods w/2 tackle boxes & fishing stuff, $60 for all. 440-554-5731.

Daylilies: over 450 varieties, $8 to $10 per large clump. Call 440-543-9303 or 440-570-1377.

Mini horse harness, GC $350. 2 hickory rockers $85/ each. 2 big roasting pans $7/each. Cedar chest, mint condition $95. 440-313-1804.

Glider Rocker: in good shape, $50. Middlefiled. 440632-9189.

His & Hers Golf Clubs: bag cart included, clean. $75 each. Great Deal! 440-632-0060, leave message.

Vintage Wood 9-pane windows: Two are 33” x 26”. One is 6-pane 27” x 26”. $20 each. 440-478-2408.

Solid Wood Furniture: Corner kitchen cabinet, dry sink, dresser w/mirror, night stands, twin &full bed, rocking chair, lighted secretary. 440-729-9197.

Beautiful rhubarb for sale, large bunch $5, Near Troy/ Burton. 440-834-1177.

ANTIQUES: Humpback chest, pitcher &bowls, copper kettle, clocks, sewing cabinet, wood rocking horse, wood crank wall phone, wood rockers. 440-338-3563.

Tonneau Cover: Roll up, off of 2019 F150 ext cab. Used less than 2 years. Asking $250, paid $500. 440-2275468.

Beautiful handcrafted Amish queen sized bed frame. Must see! Includes two nightstands, $350. Nordic Track treadmill, $300. Call 440-214-2646.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Free Garage Sale items. Lots of stuff. Sept 1-2, 9a-4p. 18071 Tilden Rd, Troy Twp, close to Rt.422.

Sales: Many miscellaneous items! Thurs. Fri. Sat. 10a-4p. 9098 Rt. 608 Old State Rd., Chardon. Rain or Shine.

Sept 1-2, 9a-4p, 14140 Caves Rd, Novelty. Golf clubs, kitchenware galore, shelving units, tables, mirrors, gardening, kitch&bath hardware; crib, changing table, playpen, etc; kids books, toys, and racks of like-new clothes (Gap, Hanna Andersson, OshKosh), and much more.

HELP WANTED

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

Mary Yoder’s Amish Kitchen is hiring kitchen staff. Call 440-632-1939 and ask for Kathy for more information. Now accepting bids for residential concrete driveway. Call 216-401-6526 for address.

Grand Valley Tree Service offering complete tree removal, trimming, cleanup and lot clearing. Free Estimates. Fully Insured. 440-307-0996.

T&F Transports & Removal, LLC. We offer comprehensive removal, courier & transportation services. Same day delivery! Prompt and reliable pick-ups and deliveries to your home, office, warehouse, or jobsite. We have the ability to transport/pick up or remove items big or small. Let us do the heavy lifting! Scheduling/Contact: 440-841-6491, Frank Primiano.

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.

PETS & ANIMALS

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

Kittens available for adoption, 5-6 months old, fixed & vaxxed, feleuk/FIV negative, & need indoor homes. Call Rebecca 440-321-2485.

Purebred Beagle puppies: great with children, shots and dewormed; $75/each. Dutch Rabbits: $5/each. Bantam Hens: $5/each. Bantam Roosters: free. 440321-8152.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: We’re lucky! No forest fires here! CLEAN AIR! Don’t ruin your lungs by vaping.

REAL ESTATE

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.

RENTAL WANTED

Modest home with extra storage space, minimum 2-car garage. I will repair if it needs work. 440-687-5404 or rhwent20@gmail.com.

SERVICES

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

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