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Volume 8, No. 9
Friday, April 1, 2028
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CHRONICLE ONICLE ND KIR TLA
Wolfe Resigns on Eve of Recall Vote Former Ward 1 Councilwoman Slams Mayor, Council Members as Ward 1 councilperson effectively immediately,” City of Kirtland Law Director Matthew Lallo wrote in Voters in the City of Kirtland’s a March 8 letter to Lake County Ward 1 were denied an opportunity Board of Elections Director Ross to decide the fate of embattled Coun- McDonald. D cilwoman Kelly Wolfe, as she abruptTLAN “As you know, the recall election R I K ly resigned her position on the eve was to occur today, and the only of the March 8 recall election. question on the ballot was whether She had served Ward 1 resi- Mrs. Wolfe should remain on coundents on council since 2019. cil. Due to her resignation from that “Late last night, the City of Kirt- position, it is my opinion as the law land had received a written corre- director for the City of Kirtland that spondence from Kelly Wolfe where- the election is now moot.” Lallo said the city has begun the in she resigned from her position
By John Karlovec john@karlovecmedia.com
Police Chief Raises Awareness Of Car Thefts, Increased PD Visibility By John Karlovec john@karlovecmedia.com During Kirtland City Council’s March 21 meeting, Police Chief Brian McCallister addressed the recent spate of car thefts and breakins in the city, and how his department is responding. “Mostly the side streets off of Hobart were targeted,” McCallister told council members, including Raccoon Hill, Rockwood and Shadowbrook drives. Two cars were stolen — in addition to multiple break-ins — March 14, including one on Ledgewood, and keys were left in each, he said. “One was recovered,” he said. “We were able to swab for trace DNA off the vehicle and we’ll get that submitted to the crime lab.” McCallister said he has asked patrol to increase visibility in the area at night and to increase traffic stops so law enforcement is more visible on the road as people pass through the city. “Just be very proactive in everything we’re doing, just turning over every stone we can while we’re out See Police • Page 8
process to cancel the election. “Based upon the foregoing, we kindly ask the board of elections to formally cancel and close this election as it is no longer necessary to proceed,” he said. Wolfe drew the ire of residents and city officials after casting the lone dissenting vote last August not to terminate then-Police Chief Lance Nosse following a two-day administrative hearing process. During the investigation of Nosse, it was learned Wolfe was involved personally with Nosse.
Ward 1 residents then embarked on a campaign to recall Wolfe for alleged violations of her oath of office, misconduct, misWolfe feasance, malfeasance and moral turpitude, and multiple conflicts of interest. At city council’s Dec. 20 meeting, Eagle Road resident Frank Lyon submitted to Clerk Denise Roelle recall petitions 294 Ward 1 registered voters had signed to See Wolfe • Page 4
CHRONICLE
Hornets Tradition Continues To Run Deep on Diamond By Rich Kelly sports@karlovecmedia.com It will never be argued that a school team’s success has no effect on the student body or community. Things have been going pretty well for Kirtland’s teams for a long time, with winning playing a huge part in developing positive attitudes among the its community and teams — and this baseball season should be no different for Kirtland Hornets Head Coach Luke Smrdel and his well-blended team of experienced athletes and newcomers. Following last year’s 19-9 season, the Hornets return with a star-studded cast of players who have enjoyed success via hard work in other Kirtland sports. Factors indicating future success are a team’s ability to put the ball into play, catch the ball and make smart plays. And if their early actions in a scrimmage against a Brush team on March 22 are any indication, even in inclement weather, the Hornets are in for another fine season on the diamond. Smrdel, who teaches for Euclid Schools while coaching at Kirtland, has once again shown how positive thought, even in the heat of action, is what builds character and enthusiasm on a team. See Hornets • Page 6
Community Garden Beds Ready to Rent The Kirtland Community Garden beds are available for renting. The Kirtland Kiwanis has revamped some of the beds, added three new beds and there is a water supply and shed for garden tools. The garden, across the street from the Kirtland Temple on state Route 306, is fenced in to protect it from deer. Call Pat at 440-256-1341 or email the gardenclubofkirtland@gmail.com for more information.
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Trip Thaler will be one of the top Hornets in a Kirtland rotation that helped the team finish 19-9 last season. Thaler pitched some scrimmage innings seen above against Brush before the snow put a temporary halt on Kirtland’s season.
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Kirtland Chronicle
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Friday, April 1, 2021
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A Note from the Mayor Time and time again, I reflect on the Pizza, Down the Block, Tavern Six, Greg Kesgreat community we are blessed to call home. sler, Synergy Salon, Mind and Body Infusion March 27 embodied and personified that, Therapies, Lake Metroparks, JMAR Conalmost beyond words. Wow. Kirtland’s first tracting, NovaCare, Kirtland Library, Fiona’s, Shamrock Shuffle and Shenanigans went off The Sams Team, The Well, Dr. Emily Butler, in just about the coldest and blusteriest con- Tim Misny, Fungry Food Truck, The Shizz, the Raishart Family, Murphy’s Irish Dance, ditions imaginable. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the sight of Harmony Yoga, Tim Reed, GCXC, Just One More, the Noonan Family, Kirtmore than 150 runners and walkland Football Moms, Grazia-Rensi ers leaving the starting line in near Team, the Whittaker Family, Dr. white-out conditions as a snow-covBailey, the Meyer Family, Ayers ered bagpiper pumped the air with Well Drilling, Campbell Plumbing, mystical tunes giving encourageLozar Home Repair, DiMarco & ment to the daring participants. Associates, Eric Ziegler-Edward It was a sight to behold and a very Jones, DeJohn Funeral Home, Kirtproud moment for our city. land Youth Soccer, SME, the DavidAn effort like this takes a village son/Davis Family, Faith and Beauty of willing and hard-working volunMayor Salon & Spa, the Martinez Firm teers. Four months ago, I floated Kevin Potter and David Askew (St. Baldrick’s the idea of a March community event to my wife and several others I knew Day). Thank you! As I run out of space in this month’s ediwe could depend on. I had no idea they would pull off what they did this past Sunday. Jeni tion, I close with a few upcoming dates. The Potter, Megan Lallo, Shannon Green, Katie city sponsored Easter Egg Hunt will take Zielaskiewicz and Jen Dennison, your hard place April 9 at 10:30 a.m. in front of city hall. On April 30, the Mayor’s Action Network work made our city proud. Thank you. None of this would have happened with- Spring yard cleanup is available for seniors out a special commitment from our city ser- and veterans. And of course, brush pickup vice department, the Kirtland fire and police throughout the month of April (Ward 2, week departments, and our city administrative and of April 4; Ward 1, week of April 11; Ward 4, community center staff. Additionally, coun- week of April 18; Ward 3, week of April 25). Additionally, I’ve asked city council to join cilmen Haymer, Fenstermaker, Smolic and Ziegler braved the elements to make the day me in engaging our community in an open conversation about the future of our city’s a success. Thank you to all. An event of this magnitude could not be road funding. We will soon be announcing a accomplished without all hands on deck. Led city-wide forum inviting our residents to colby Kirtland Kiwanis and at the risk of leaving laborate on determining an appropriate longsomeone off the list, the following groups (in term road funding solution for the city. Stay no particular order), families and businesses tuned. Hoping by the time this reaches you, responded to an early February community-wide call to action: Kirtland Schools, Mr. Spring will have sprung! Harvey and the Kirtland High School Art DeThank you, partment, Kirtland High School volunteers, Mayor Potter Evan Dures (event logo design), Angelo’s
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Kirtland Chronicle
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Wolfe
from page 1 support Wolfe’s removal from council. Wolfe was to obstinate to resign, arguing she had “broken no laws” nor “violated any ethics.” “I hope any and all of you who have been harassing me about resigning have nothing 0-plastered all over social media after various records requests from the Kirtland Police Department and other communities around us have been served,” said Wolfe, according to a statement Eagle Road resident Thomas Booth Jr. read into the record at the Dec. 20 council meeting. But all that changed in a Monday night letter Wolfe sent to Council President Jeffrey Ruple. Wolfe wrote: “It has been clear to me since Nosse day 1 that I was not wanted or welcome as a member of Kirtland City Council. I was vocal about not wanting our City to lose our dispatch and this immediately put me on the opposite side of the Mayor. From that moment forward I was treated disrespectfully by the Mayor and certain members of City Council past and present. I was the last to be informed of any decisions and eventually not even told about meetings that concerned my ward. “Over the past 8 months as my personal life has been dragged through the mud for all to see, I sat on Council with many hypocrites who I can only imagine are hoping what is in their personal lives does not get publicized. Simple public records requests from the KPD or other surrounding communities would certainly show many former and current City Council members are not fit for public office. And yet they sit there and judge me. “I am appalled at those who invited the former Police Chief over to their houses, provided alcohol and drank with the Chief, and permitted him to drive all the while he was demonstrating signs of having an alcohol problem. It was totally ok then....and then they were the ones to vote against him without offering him a second chance and assistance in dealing with his disease. Not one of them came to his defense and asked him if he had a problem or needed help. “Again, they provided alcohol, consumed it with him, let him drive home and they still sit on Council. And you know who they are. Yet nothing will happen to them. Or to the other Officers who drank alcohol at the police station. And yet you all sit there and
threw the former Chief into the lion’s den as if he wasn’t a person who deserved help or the respect he earned dedicating 28 exemplary years to the City of Kirtland. “And it WAS a witch hunt! The Mayor had it out for Chief Nosse because he was well-liked and respected in this community — unlike the Mayor who only had half the city supporting him. The Mayor just can’t handle those who have their own opinions and do not agree with him or his agenda. He will look at you with a smile on his face all the while planning to stab you in the back! You can ask any of the previous department heads what that feels like (Catania, Martz, Richards and Keifer)! “My decision to support the Chief during the suspension hearing was not based on personal matters but on the fact that he deserved to be treated with the respect of his position until matters were decided on — something I believe all City employees deserve. I did not receive any personal gain from this decision. “Again, as far as I have been made aware, NOTHING had happened to the other officers that broke the same department rules. That doesn’t seem fair or just to me. One department member is fired and nothing happens to the other 3! My only wish is that the entire community one day sees who the Mayor and those council members really are! “So after much consideration, and the fact that it has been clear since day 1 that I was not welcome or wanted as a member of Kirtland City Council, as of today, as you are reading this, I am hereby submitting my resignation, effective immediately. “I am not the type of person to hold a grudge and lord knows I have every reason to in this situation but I just want you to know that I wish nothing but the best for all of you in your personal and professional endeavors. “God Bless the good people in this community. I wish you the best of luck! “Respectfully, “Kelly L Wolfe” According to Lallo, city council must approve within 30 days, by a majority of the remaining members — at least four out of six — a new candidate who resides in Ward 1. “This means that they have until April 6, 2022, to fill the vacancy,” Lallo told the Kirtland Chronicle.
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Kirtland Resident Hosts Foreign Exchange Students for Nearly 2 Decades By Donna Robinson editor@karlovecmedia.com It was in 2004 that Jane Lyon hosted her first foreign exchange student and she hasn’t looked back since. The 36-year Kirtland resident has not only hosted students for the last 18 years, she has been instrumental in the American Field Service program — an international secondary school exchange, volunteer and intercultural learning organization — and is currently serving as sponsored coordinator under area team President Sandy Caporossi. Lion’s interest in AFS started at a presentation at Kirtland High School, where she was asked if she would be interested in hosting students from other countries. Since then, she has welcomed exchange students, ages 16 to 18, from all over the world. They’ve included: Takumi Ishisaki from Japan 2007-2008, Mark Arenz from Germany 2009-2010, Samuel Treceno from Spain (Canary Islands) 2010-2011, Filipe Braga from Brazil 2013-2014, Iqra Sohail from Pakistan 2015-2016, and Muhammet Garajayev from Turkmenistan. Their ages ranged from 16-18. Students accepted for the program range from 15 to those turning 18 while on program, she said, adding, “A student cannot be 18 when applying.” Currently, Lyon is liaison and sponsored program coordinator for 15-year-old Muhammad Luqman Hayat (called Luqman) from Malaysia. Lyon is his resource for his YES Program, where students come from countries with a significant Muslim population. He arrived in January as a semester student and is living in Eastlake and attending Willoughby Eastlake North High School on a scholarship for the YES Program, she said. “All host families and students are assigned a liaison during the exchange year,” Lyon said. “A liaison is a registered volunteer with AFS, usually someone who has hosted before. However, being a liaison is a great way to get your feet wet and see how the hosting process works. In that situation, we would assign a brand-new liaison with an experienced host family. The liaison is the first person after the host parent/parents in the chain of communication for the organization.” Kirtland High School has been a welcome supporter of the program, Lyon said, adding
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Muhammet Garajayev from Turkmenistan is one of several foreign exchange students Kirtland resident Jane Lyon has hosted as part of the American Field Service program. During the program, each student shares a presentation about their home country and culture with fellow students during their stay in the U.S.
most recently, a student named Jonas, from Germany, stayed with a family in Kirtland and spent the fall semester at Kirtland High School. “The administration and staff at the schools are very positive to work with. Mrs. Prosuch is the school counselor at the school,” Lyon said. “She helps them with scheduling classes and keeps tabs on them during the year. The teachers through the years have been very enthusiastic and supportive. Students have said they are surprised by the openness of the teachers and the relaxed atmosphere.” “I have heard them say they like how the school is a central part of the community,” she added. “Switching classes is often a new concept for them. They are used to staying in the same room all day with the teachers coming to them. Often, they are with the same students in class until they graduate.” Lyon said she and her foreign exchange students have learned a lot from one another. “In general, I think they learned about life in America. They arrive with ideas of how they think it is going to be,” she said. “These
ideas are often from TV and movies that they have watched. Living day to day in an American home, they are immersed in the culture and the language. They are able to share their culture with us also. We have been to visit two of our students. The students grow and learn a lot about themselves. They have made lifelong friends from Kirtland and from around the world. Our student, Samuel, from Spain, said every major event in his life so far has been tied to AFS.” Lyon said Samuel had a unique connection as his mom was an AFS student 30 years prior to his exchange year. “She attended high school in the Pittsburgh area. We were able to travel to PA to meet Samuel’s host ‘grandparents,’” Lyon said. “They, of course, knew all about him because they remain in close contact with his mom/their ‘daughter.’ They had many stories to tell him and many pictures to share. Samuel is usually the first one to call us on birthdays and holidays. He has been back to visit a few times and makes time to see his mom’s host family, too.” Lyon said all the students she’s hosted
over the years have been special. “Different kids, different countries/cultures, with different traditions, languages… but teenagers all the same,” she quipped. “One of my students was Iqra, who was different for us because she was a girl — we had only hosted boys — and our first Muslim student. It was a wonderful learning experience for our family and for her. She recently graduated from college in Karachi with a degree in nutrition. She filled our home with joy. She gave 100 percent to whatever she did. She was determined to learn how to play basketball. The coach and team embraced her and it was a wonderful experience. I don’t think she ever made a basket, but she played her heart out.” There are currently 33 active volunteers/ host families in the program, Lyon said, adding some are on the leadership team called the Northeast Ohio Area Team, which is divided into chapters. Kirtland is part of the Mentor Chapter. “We meet monthly. Since the pandemic, See Host • Page 10
Kirtland Chronicle
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KHS Student Wins Computing Award Kirtland High School student Nikolena Samac has received the Affiliate Honorable Mention NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC). The award, powered by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), recognizes ninththrough 12th-grade women for their computing-related achievements and interests, as part of an effort to encourage a diverse range of students to choose careers in technology. Award recipients were selected from more than 3,500 applicants from all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. overseas military bases and Canada for their outstanding aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Each recipient will receive recognition and prizes; induction into the AiC Community of more than 22,000; access to resources, scholarships, and internship opportunities; and more.
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KHS student Nikolena Samac recently was recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology.
Friday, April 1, 2022
Hornets from page 1
“We’re a bit younger this season than we have been in the past,” he said between innings of the Brush scrimmage, where the Hornets built a solid 7-2 lead after two-plus innings before a certain senior reporter began to feel the chill in his old bones and left for a warmer climate, the car. “I see a great deal of potential in these kids. “We have a nice mix of seniors who know what winning takes to achieve, along with younger kids still in the early learning stages of the game. If it all develops well for us — if we make the simple plays that are routine — the little things along the way will add up to us winning a lot of games. The kids have to have fun while learning, too, and these kids are so coachable, it’s just a load of fun to coach them.” The Hornets should also have a solid pitching staff to put on the field each time out. Their starting rotation will consist of Trip Thaler, Pierce Boyd, Gino Blasini, Aaron Fortuna and Mason Rus. If those names sound familiar, that’s because this crew has been part of the football powerhouse residing in Kirtland. But they are so close personally that they’ve also stuck together on most of the other Hornet squads schoolyear-round. Each has grown in each sport, and the way this group put aluminum to baseball during this scrimmage’s start was encouraging. “You could see we still have a couple of things to work on,” Smrdel said, referring to a dropped fly ball in the outfield in the second inning, after the Hornets opened scoring with a four-run first frame, that led to a pair of unearned runs. “That said, I feel very confident in our team as a whole. Our pitchers, with Mason Rus most likely being our guy at the back end of the bullpen when we need him, are going to be solid. We have some kids who can really hit the ball. We have decent overall team speed, but the key will be our senior leadership. “Guys like Gage (Sullivan), Pierce (Boyd), Jonathan (Withrow), Mason (Rus), they just stay so positive all of the time. They don’t
BILL FUGATE/KMG
Gino Blasini will play multiple positions and pitch for the 2022 Hornets. Balance is an important part of the season, said Kirtland Head Coach Luke Smrdel.
get down, and they always try to lift the kids when things go sour. We have a nice blend of kids on this team. They care about each other, so I think it’s going to be a fun season — if we can get out on the field to play. Our first regular season game in on March 28 against Crestwood, so I hope we can get to play it.” Beside the aforementioned staff on the mound, Luke Chuko will be the main starter behind the plate. Giving a solid unit some comfort on the infield should be Withrow at first base, currently injured Tommy Gogolin at second base, Thaler at shortstop, and Boyd at third. The outfield will see Rus in right, Sullivan in center, and a rotation of players from other positions in left field including Matthew Kahley; Will Bates, also is solid at second base; Fortuna, when not pitching; and Gino Blasini. These guys are capable of being plugged in anywhere on the field, so balance this season will important. To show how the Hornets can set things up in their lineup in a hurry, in the bottom of
this scrimmage, with two outs, Sullivan drew a walk. Then, without wasting any time in the cool afternoon air — much as he did on the football field, preparing for a college career on the gridiron of John Carroll with his brother, Mason — he used his long strides and ability to control his body to steal second base. Boyd followed on the very next pitch with a bloop single onto the soggy grass of Kirtland City Park for a single, Sullivan raced home easily for the first run of the game, and three more consecutive hits brought home another trio of runs, giving the Hornets a quick lead. After Brush scored twice in the top half of the second, three more Hornets runs, based on timely hits and taking advantage of Arcs miscues, put Kirtland firmly in the driver’s seat, a position the school knows well in most sports. This year’s Hornets will look to manufacture runs when needed and focus on having fun every moment — a time-tested equation for another solid season.
Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, April 1, 2021
Hornets Nest Experience Expected to Give Softball an Advantage By Mason Cole sports@karlovecmedia.com After focusing on developing young talent in recent seasons, the Kirtland Hornets softball team is prepared to make a leap in 2022. The Hornets have had players with great potential in recent years, but lacked the experience needed to reach the ultimate goal. Now, with 15 returning from last season, Kirtland Head Coach Jamie Kamensky believes her team is in position to compete at a high level. “We know exactly where we need to get to and we know how to get there now,” Kamensky said. “We’re seeing a lot right now in the preseason that we haven’t been able to see in the past. Compared to previous teams, we’re in a very good situation right now.” On the field, Kirtland will be led by a group of seniors including Giana Cantini, Morgan Carmosino, Reilly Greenlee and Malia Becker. The Hornets appreciate the value that senior leadership adds to their team. Becker believes her team has shown its readiness as she enters her senior season. “Starting off practices, we’re just so much more prepared than we have been in the past,” Becker said. “We didn’t lose anybody last year, and a lot of teams did, so that’s something we cherish. We’re excited because everybody has experience, everybody has been on varsity — so it’s nice that everybody knows what’s going on.” Becker is expected to be consistent at second base. Starting alongside her in the infield will be sophomore Giana DiFranco, who emerged as a breakout star at shortstop last season. Kirtland believes Becker and DiFranco can be a dynamic duo. “Becker is the heart and soul of our team,” Kamensky said. “She’s going to be the voice; she’s going to drive us. And DiFranco is going to be the quiet leader, she’s going
to be the more fluid one in the field. I think both of them in our middle-infield bring a lot, they will just be that glue in the middle that we need.” Leading at pitcher will be Giana Cantini, who played a huge role last season, throwing nearly every pitch for her team. As recipient of an All-Ohio honorable mention in 2021, Cantini can guide the Hornets with confidence. “Personally, I feel very confident,” Cantini said. “I think that we’re going to do good this year. I think that everybody is more confident. Our team used to be really young; now we’re older and we’ve seen what high school softball is like. We’re all a little bit more positive and excited about this year.” Unlike in years past, Kirtland has depth available at the pitcher position outside of Cantini. Sophomores Megan Reed and Moira Balcersky, as well as freshman Kennedy Boyd, will all develop as pitchers this season. Cantini believes having more players competing at her position will benefit her team in 2022 — and in years to come. “We have more pitchers and I think that, since I’ll be gone next year, that’s really important for our team to be developing these pitchers,” Cantini said. “Once we get later into the season, I think that there’s a chance that they could get in their first varsity games. … It’s really uplifting for the younger girls on our team.” Featuring depth and experience throughout, Kirtland believes it is in position to compete at a higher level in 2022. Kamensky and the Hornets have set goals they believe they can reach. “Our number one goal is to compete for the title in our conference,” Kamensky said. “I think we give ourselves a very good shot, especially with what has graduated in the past from other schools. (Our goal) is ultimately to get back to where we were last year and beat it.”
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From left, “Students of the Month” Annie Urban, of KES, Larkin VanLoan, of KMS, and Hannah Stroberg, of KHS.
April Students of the Month The Kirtland Kiwanis “Students of the Month” for April 2022 are fifth-grader Annie Urban, of Kirtland Elementary School, eighth-grader Larkin VanLoan, of Kirtland Middle School, and ninth-grader Hannah Stroberg, of Kirtland High School. The Kiwanis sponsors the “Students of the Month.” The principal and staff chose one student from each school to be recognized. Each student has their picture taken, receives a certificate and a T-shirt that says “Student of the Month.”
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Police
from page 1 there,” McCallister said. “I do want to remind residents to make sure you’re locking your doors, taking your keys in at night and hiding your valuables and bringing them in the house. These were crimes of opportunity where car doors were left open, keys were left in vehicles, valuables were left where they can be seen.” Other communities similarly were targeted March 14, including South Russell, Chagrin Falls and Willoughby Hills, he added. “It’s not 1948 anymore, I guess,” Council President Joe Smolic said.
Department Reports
In other department reports, Fire Chief Anthony Hutton said he did not have a formal report, but mentioned one of the department’s engines, a 2002 American LaFrance is out of service for several weeks. He said the city service department should be able to handle the repairs in-house. “Other than that, looking forward to the budget passing so we can get to recruiting more part-time firefighters, you know the part-time pay increase,” he added. “Hopefully we’ll be able to recruit some people in.” Public Service Director Joe Fornaro said crews have been busy with the warmer weather, already completing about 2,600 feet of ditching. He told council the city’s brush pick-up program — weather permitting — will begin in Ward 2 on April 4, in Ward 1 on April 11, in Ward 4 on April 18 and finally in Ward 3 on April 25. City Engineer Doug Courtney updated council on the Old Town sewer project, including negotiations with three property owners for easements. He said the formal
public hearing for the project is expected to be held sometime between June 15 and July 10, probably toward the end of that range, with construction to begin in early 2023. Mayor Kevin Potter said a letter will be sent to Old Town residents providing them an updated project timeline. “We’ve had some good phone calls with a couple of the residents,” said Potter, noting as a result of project timing changes some residents needed more time to make decisions regarding things like lot splits, parcel mergers and deed restrictions. Courtney also said the city’s 10-year street plan was submitted to council in early March and invited members to contact Fornaro or him with any questions. Potter said the plan would be posted and available to residents once the city budget passes. Courtney explained the plan would be updated annually to reflect roads completed and any anticipated changes in the future. A preconstruction meeting was held for the Parks Farm subdivision project on Billings Road. Those in attendance included Carol Parks and her team, Lake County Stormwater, Soil and Water, health department. The project commenced in mid-March and should extend until mid-September, Courtney said. Kirtland Community Center Director Teresa Szary reported more than 100 people were fed at the annual Slyman’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In addition, the outdoor pickle courts are full every day it’s sunny, she added.
Mayor’s Report
Potter recognized Kirtland High School senior Will Davidson, who competed in the state wrestling tournament in Columbus last month. “Tremendous feat, obviously. It’s been a lot of fun to watch his progress and success over the many years here,” Potter said. “So,
congratulations, Will, and obviously wish him a lot of success in his future.” Davidson has committed to wrestle locally at John Carroll University. Potter also thanked the department heads and Louis Slapnicker, in particular, for their hard work in the budget process. “In terms of a process, in terms of communication, in terms of really delivering a product that is not only easy to understand and to follow, but the finance committee meetings that Louis headed up, I think were a tremendous value to all of us,” said Potter. Another economic development meeting will be scheduled sometime in April, with the goal of creating a 10-year comprehensive plan. Potter also said $1.35 million would be appropriated from the city budget for road work. “We’ve got a lot of work to do (on the roads). I am proposing we all come up with a date to have a community forum,” Potter told council. “I’ll talk to the schools and see if we can get the use of one of the gyms over there, to bring the community out and just have a frank conversation — here’s what we know in terms of the cost, based on today’s prices, based on today’s road conditions, and then here’s our potential sources of funding — and bring the community into that conversation, to check their pulse on what the ability is for us to put something on the ballot next fall.” Finally, Potter thanked those residents who completed the survey regarding internet and broadband service, and fiber-optic infrastructure in the city.
Public Comment
Locust Drive resident Sharon Vyskocil asked whether residents still had the ability to submit a suggestion to city officials online and have it assigned a number to confirm receipt.
Friday, April 1, 2022
She was told on the homepage of the city’s website, under the photo, there is a “Citizen Requests” tab that allows visitors to request information, submit requests for service or submit comments for review.
Ordinances & Resolutions
Council read and passed the following ordinances and resolutions on third reading, despite only four or the seven members being present: • Ordinance No. 22-O-12 providing for the issuance and sale of $3.603 million of notes, in anticipation of the issuance of bonds, for the purpose of retiring, together with other funds available to the city, the city’s outstanding (i) street improvement notes, series 2021, dated April 21, 2021, and (ii) various purpose notes, series 2021, dated June 16, 2021, and declaring an emergency. • Ordinance No. 22-O-14 setting the appropriation for the year 2022. • Resolution No. 22-R-15 authorizing transfers of funds and declaring an emergency. • Resolution No. 22-R-16 (standard allowance of revenue pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and declaring an emergency. Members also read into the records the following ordinance and resolution: • Ordinance No. 22-O-19 (second reading) extending the agreement for economic development consulting services between Edward J. Eckart and North Shore Associates LLC, and the City of Kirtland, and declaring an emergency. • Resolution No. 22-R-21 authorizing participation in the ODOT road salt contracts awarded in 2022, and declaring an emergency. Council’s next scheduled regular meetings are April 4 and April 18 at 7 p.m.
Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, April 1, 2021
Kirtland Public Library The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about any of these programs or to register, please call the library at 440-256-7323 or visit www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.
Meet the Author
April 13 • 7 p.m. Meet Janice Mitchell, the author of “My Ticket to Ride: How I Ran Away to England to Meet the Beatles and got Rock and Roll Banned in Cleveland (a True Story from 1964).” The first wave of Beatlemania hit when Mitchell was 16. Discouraged with her life in Cleveland, she and a friend decided to run away to London and meet the Beatles. It was fun while it lasted; eventually the two were apprehended in London and sent home. This program is free and seating is limited, but please register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library.
Learn How to Discuss Hot Topics Without Getting Burnt
April 19 • 5:45 p.m. Rediscover the art of making a point without making an enemy during Dinner and a Dialogue at Kirtland Community Center. This special event will be led by Ted Wetzel, author of “Is America Broken?” He’ll show how people can discuss polarizing issues and have different opinions without demonizing people who disagree. Wetzel will demonstrate the 5-chair method of civil discourse, where five audience members with different opinions can have productive discussions on controversial subjects. Dinner and a Dialogue is hosted by Kirtland Public Library and Mentor Public Library. The event costs $20 to attend, and that ticket price includes a meal. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Kirtland Community Center is located at 7900 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland. Registration is encouraged, though limited tickets may be available at the door. RSVP at Kirtland.lib.oh.us. Those with questions can call Mentor Public Library at 440-255-8811 or Kirtland Public Library at 440-256-READ (7323).
No Pressure Book Discussion
April 25 • 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join us for a conversation about books. You don’t have to read a specific book, just read and share your thoughts. Bring your lunch if you like.
Let’s Talk About It
April 25 • 7 p.m. Read and discuss “The Exiles,” by Christina Baker Kline. This is a virtual discussion. Contact Jane Carle at the library, 440-2567323, if you would like to join.
Meet the Author
April 27 • 7 p.m. Kathryn McKendry, author of “One Year on Broadway: Finding Ourselves Between the Sand and the Sea.” This is the story of McKendry’s relationship with a Broadway show, “Once on This Island.” The show had
such an impact on McKendry and a friend that 25 years after they first saw it, they became the producers of the Tony award-winning Broadway revival. Come hear about her experience. This program is free and seating is limited, so please register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library.
Used Book Sale
May 7 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Used book sale in the Book Cellar. Lots of books to choose from – something for everyone. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library. Price: $4 per grocery bag and $7 per larger bag. Cash only.
YOUTH PROGRAMS Lapsit
Tuesdays • 10 a.m. Bounces, rhymes, one book, scarves, and shakers, geared for families with children under the age of 3.
Storytime
Wednesdays • 10 a.m. Enjoy great books, rhymes, songs, and surprises with your child. This storytime is geared for families with children age 5 and under.
SPECIAL EVENTS The Floor is Lava
April 8 • 10:30 a.m. Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to expel some winter energy in a game called “The Floor is Lava,” run, jump and play while learning about volcanos. Please register.
Kirtland Easter Egg Hunt
April 9 • 10 a.m. to 12 noon The City of Kirtland will be holding its Easter Egg Hunt on the city hall grounds. There also will be activities in the library.
Peeps Taste Test
April 13 • 3 p.m. Youth in grades 6 and up, have you noticed the many flavors of marshmallow Peeps? Try out a few of the interesting ones that we have found. Please register for this program.
LEGO Club
April 15 • 10:30 a.m. Families, spend an hour creating with the library’s LEGO brick collection. Once you have completed your creation with our bricks, we will place it in our display case for all to see. Please register for this program.
Ozobots
April 23 • 10:30 a.m. Kids in grades K-5, come try out our tiny robots called Ozobots. Since they follow commands based on color, you can use the library’s markers to create a trail and they will follow it. Different colors are different commands. Come learn what they mean. Please register for this event.
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Kiwanis Korner By Jim Porter Over $18,000 in scholarships will be awarded to Kirtland Schools residents this spring. Scholarships are funded by donations to the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation, a 501C3. For more information, contact Jeff Bailey at 440-256-8150 The club presented special scholarship funds to Allesandra and Brennan Braud for Outstanding Community Service. They created the program that provided a mobile home for a Kirtland vet who needed a safe place to live earlier this year. A playground project at the Kirtland Community Center will receive funds from the recent Shamrocks and Shenanigans event at Kirtland City Hall. The playground, estimated to cost $30,000, will be enjoyed by the families of the many young soccer and baseball players who use the fields and by grandchildren of senior
center members. The playground will be installed by the Kiwanis Club as soon as funding is complete. You can contribute at KirtlandKiwanis.org and click on the DONATE button Spring projects will include the Kiwanis Rummage Sale at the Red Barn in Pumpkinville June 2,3,4, Community Garden clean-up April 30, Memorial Garden cleanup and Arbor Day May 21, The Strawberry Festival June16,17,18, Earth Day April 23, city-wide painting project June 23,24 and repair projects at Community Park. If you are not a member, you are still welcome to help in any of these projects. For information, contact Rick Blum 440-525-0617. The club welcomed new members Pam Cancelli and Bill Stiles, bringing the membership to 68. Membership is open to all who enjoy being part of a community service club. For information, contact Rick Fox at 215-952-6496
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, April 1, 2022
Kirtland Kiwanis 2022 Scholarships Kirtland Kiwanis scholarships are awarded each year, prior to the beginning of the fall term, to the persons determined by the Scholarship Committee to be the most deserving. The scholarships are available to graduating seniors, who are residents of the Kirtland School District. More information is available at www.kirtlandkiwanis.org.
Kirtland Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarships are available to a graduating senior, who is a resident of the Kirtland School District. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship application. The applicant must also be pursuing a degree at an accredited college. The award is $1,500.00.
Key Club Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 Students who are currently or in the past been members of the Kirtland Kiwanis Key Club are eligible for the Key Club scholarship. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship application. A separate Key Club application is not needed to be considered for the Key Club scholarship. The award is $1,500.
The Helping Hand Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarships are available to a graduating senior, who is a resident of the Kirtland School District. The Scholarship Committee looks for students who have true financial need and a desire to achieve a higher educational goal. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Helping Hand Scholarship application. The award is $1,500.00.
Carol Bradac Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarships are available to a graduating senior, who is a graduate of the Kirtland School District. The Scholarship Committee looks for students who have true financial need and a desire to achieve a higher educational goal. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Helping Hand Scholarship application. The award is $3,000.00.
John Bodmer Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarships are available to a graduating senior, who is a graduate of the Kirtland
Host
from page 5 we have been meeting on Zoom. Despite not seeing everyone in person, we have found that the Zoom meetings work well because we can get more volunteers to participate,” Lyon said. “Our area team covers Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. At our February Zoom meeting, we had a guest joining us from New York State. He was an exchange student with AFS in 1964 to Australia and graduated from Willoughby South in 1965.” Lyon and others are ramping up for the 2022/2023 hosting season. “Applications are available now. We are always looking for host families,” she said. “It is a wonderful experience. All the volunteers
School District. The Scholarship Committee looks for students who have true financial need and a desire to achieve a higher educational goal. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Helping Hand Scholarship application. The award is $1,000.00.
Vocational Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarships are available to graduating seniors who are a resident of the Kirtland School District and having attended vocational school or planning on attending a trade school or pursuing a career in the trades. This includes those going for licensure exams. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Vocational Scholarship application. The award is $1,000.00.
Al Raymond Vocational Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarships are available to graduating seniors who are a resident of the Kirtland School District and having attended vocational school or planning on attending a trade school or pursuing a career in the trades. This includes those going for licensure exams. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Vocational Scholarship application. The award is $1,500.00.
George Dolovacky Vocational Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarships are available to graduating seniors who are a resident of the Kirtland School District and having attended vocational school or planning on attending a trade school or pursuing a career in the trades. This includes those going for licensure exams. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Vocational Scholarship application. The award is $1,000.00.
The Naughton Lakeland Scholarship
Deadline April 11th, 2022 The scholarship is available to a graduating senior who is a resident of the Kirtland School District and enrolled to attend Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. They will be selected from the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation LaVerne and James Naughton Lakeland Scholarship application. The award is $1,000.00. would agree that hosting has changed their lives which is why we continue to volunteer. It makes you look at the world in a different way. The exchange students themselves are the best recruiters for the program. There are guidelines that we need to follow. All exchange programs are monitored by the United States Department of State.” While the COVID pandemic impacted the program in various ways, participants are hoping to soon get back to in-person monthly meetings with students and families, Lyon said. “The students always enjoy getting together with the other exchange students from the other countries who are attending other schools,” she said. For information about hosting and going on an exchange, visit afs.org.
Friday, April 1, 2021
Kirtland Chronicle
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Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS $Wanted Junk Vehicles$ Call 440-6797293
EVENTS SNPJ Music Fest & Craft Show: Saturday, May 22 - Craft show 11a-5p, Music noon-10p. $15 at gate, $10 advance. snpjfarmkirtland.com 440-283-9373.
FOR SALE 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 Marketplace Mall in Middlefield is looking for vendors, retailers, artisans and crafters with unique and quality merchandise. Call 440-313-8147 for more information.
HELP WANTED
NOW HIR ING
SERVICES Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.
CLASSIFIEDS 440-729-7667
WANTED TO BUY Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.
Freelance Writers
Print writing experience preferred and must be able to cover Kirtland government meetings, features and local events. Also looking for writer to cover Kirtland High School sports. Email resume to: editor@karlovecmedia.com
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, April 1, 2022