Kirtland Chronicle 4-05-2024

Kirtland Temple Sold to Latter-day Saints

City Expected to Become International Destination

By Sherry G newS@karlovecmedia

The Community of Christ Church’s recent $192.5 million sale of the iconic Kirtland Temple and transfer of assets, manuscripts, documents and artifacts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is good news for Kirtland’s economic forecast.

The sale also included signifi cant historic buildings in Nauvoo, Ill. — such as the Smith Family Home stead, Mansion House and Redbrick Store — and may establish Kirtland as an international destination.

The status upgrade would in crease tourism to the area that would likely be far more than pre-pandemic numbers, which topped 70,000 visi tors per year to the temple and the historic complex, said Nathan John son, stake president of the Kirtland Ohio Stake.

“The historic Kirtland visitors

See Temple• Page 2

of

the Kirtland Temple since the early 1900s. The temple, originally called “The House of the Lord,” was

by followers of Joseph Smith Jr.

Kirtland Baseball Starts Season Undefeated at 4

By alan kornSpan SportS@karlovecmedia com

The Kirtland Hornets brought a three-game winning streak to Coulby Park on March 29 against the Wickliffe Blue Devils.

After scoring 29 runs the previous day against the Maple Heights Mustangs, the Hornets took an early 9-0 lead against the Blue Devils.

However, unlike the day before, the Hornets' opponent made a great comeback, scoring eight runs in the final two innings.

Kirtland hung on for a 9-8 victory as starting pitcher Gino Blasini returned to the mound to close out the game.

Afterward, Head Coach Luke Smrdel provided his thoughts about the final inning.

“We know this is a great team we were playing against,” Smrdel said. “We've played them for many years, (and) we've played them in the tournament. Now they're part of the conference.

“We knew this was a must-win

game. At the end there, when it rains it pours. It started going the opposite way, so I went back to Gino, and luckily he came in and got the job done.”

Before Blasini came in to get

the save, he started the contest on the mound throwing a scoreless first inning and striking out two of the three batters he faced.

Then, in the top of the second inning, the Hornets scored five runs.

First, the Hornets loaded the bases and scored on an RBI single by Carter Luzar. The next batter, Max Paul, singled driving in Blasini.

Nate Chuko then drew a walk, which drove in a run to make the score 3-0.

The Hornets scored their final two runs of the inning when Trip Thaler drove in a run on a sacrifice fly, then Paul scored on a passed ball to make the score 5-0.

After scoring a run in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Thaler, Jack Turk was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to give the Hornets a 7-0 lead.

Kirtland then scored its final runs as Luzar singled to drive home two.

For the contest, Luzar led the Hornets offensively as he went 2-2 and had three RBI. In addition, Lucci Cantini was 2-4.

On the mound, Blasini followed up his excellent pitching performance against the Blue Devils on

Baseball• Page 3

SHERRY GAVANDITTI/KMG

Community

Christ, formerly known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, owned

built

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Kirtland’s Gino Blasini went 2-0 with 1.57 ERA and struck out 21 batters. He even got a save.

from page 1

center tracks visitors received to the historic site,” he said, adding the potential increase in tourism would be tangible.

Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter holds similar expectations for Kirtland businesses and the community.

“We’re sure that there’s going to be many more visitors to Kirtland for years to come and with that, we’ve got an obligation to accommodate those folks, be it restaurants, shopping, etc., to enhance their experience,” Potter said. “With that comes an opportunity for our businesses to keep those dollars — that would otherwise go to surrounding communities — here in Kirtland.”

He added he’s already had discussions with the city’s economic development department about how Kirtland can help accommodate the influx.

“We congratulate LDS for their acquisition and we thank Community of Christ Church for all they’ve done all these years,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for the City of Kirtland and for the church itself.”

Johnson has been part of LDS, a worldwide faith founded by Mormon prophet

He explained LDS is locally organized into congregations called wards or branches, and a group of those is organized as a stake. The Kirtland stake is one of 10 congregations in Geauga, eastern Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula counties and Johnson is the ecclesiastical leader for the church in those areas of Northeast Ohio.

“The sites in Kirtland and Kirtland Temple in particular are of deep religious significance to our church and to the whole world because of the things that happened there,” Johnson said, referring to eyewitness accounts of seeing Jesus Christ and prophets at the temple in the early days of the church.

He acknowledged the sale, which has been in the works since June 2021, is bittersweet, though.

“While we are very excited about this transition in stewardship, it’s a little bit tempered because we’re friends with and love the members of the Community of Christ, who have been caring for the temple for the last hundred or so years and doing a wonderful job,” he said. “While we are celebrating, this is also a time of mourning for our dear friends and we are being sensitive to those feelings. We don’t see this as a hostile takeover, but more of a change of stewardship.”

In a joint statement from LDS and Community of Christ March 5, Stephen M. Veazey, president of Community of Christ — which is headquartered in Independence, Mo. — said the Kirtland Temple will remain a historic building and the transfer underscores a long-standing effort to preserve its religious and cultural heritage.

He added the exchange of assets is significant for the church.

“Through funding from increased endowments, Community of Christ will have greater capacity to pursue our mission priorities around the world…” Veazey said in the statement.

Russell Nelson, president of Utah-based The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, thanked Community of Christ for caring for and preserving the historical treasures.

“We are committed to doing the same,” he said in the joint statement.

The temple and related historic buildings reopened to the public March 25 for free, year-round tours.

Scott Barrick, historic sites leader for the Ohio Historic Sites Church History Department, said he always knew of Kirtland’s importance and the significant role it played in the history of the church.

“We have shared histories that go back to 1838, when the early leaders fled for their

own safety,” said Barrick, who currently lives down the hill from Kirtland Temple. “We’re a bit sad, though, as many friends were impacted by the sale.”

Author and historian Karl Anderson still holds tight to his passion for Kirtland and the temple, and filled two books with his research and insight.

He said he was surprised by the sale, but insisted the church would be maintained beautifully and be a mecca, or pilgrimage, for many people throughout the world.

Anderson was an ecclesiastical leader of the church.

“I was involved from the beginning in the development of historic Kirtland. I was an official in the church, at least through 2005, and was deeply involved in the development of the restored village,” Anderson said. “I have deep gratitude for their willingness to share the temple and their attitude was that the temple belonged to all people. I know it’s a shock to members of their church and I have nothing but sympathy and gratitude for the wonderful job they’ve done all these years.” Anderson said he had his own spiritual experience at the temple.

“It’s best not to talk about it other than to say the temple is what we call a house of the Lord,” he said. “I can certify that to be true.”

Joseph Smith Jr., for 25 years.

SHERRY GAVANDITTI/KMG

Historical artifacts, such as these, are on display throughout the Kirtland Temple.

SHERRY GAVANDITTI/KMG

Scott Barrick, historic sites leader for the Ohio Historic Sites Church History Department, relays the story of a miraculous vision of Jesus had by Joseph Smith Jr.

A Note from the Mayor

I’ll start this month by congratulating Kirtland Public Works Director Joe Fornaro for being selected one of the top 10 public works directors in the country. I may be partial, but I can think of no one more deserving than Joe to receive such a distinguished award. Joe exemplifies hard work, dignity and honor in not only his profession, but in his personal life. Joe works tirelessly on behalf of our residents and as a matter of fact, it is Joe that instituted his department’s motto, “Our Residents Come First.”

Staying with the theme of pub lic works, I’d like to thank Kirtland City Council for passing a city bud get that includes $2.5 million in road funding. Over the last four years, we’ve worked with our finance di rector and council to responsibly manage city debt. Our commitment to aggressive debt payments allows us to issue short-term notes to fund another season of road paving and repairs.

Here at city hall, we recognize that stra tegic utilization of our debt capacity is only a temporary solution to paying for fixing roads. The way to put the road funding question behind us, once and for all, is to have a dedicated source of funding. Over the next weeks and months, we will continue to have the discussion discerning what the best mechanism to finance future road funding might be. And with that, what should be put to the voters in November.

er a road levy that affects property tax or an income tax adjustment is the best source of funding for our road program. I lean heavily toward a charter amendment that dedicates a portion of an adjusted income tax to fund our roads. The main reason is that a levy will disproportionately affect our fixed income senior population; whereas, income tax does not affect seniors’ retirement income and is paid by folks that live in Kirtland, as well as those who live outside Kirtland, but drive our roads to work in our city. Regardless of the approach, I look forward to the thoughtful conversations related to road funding that will be taking place over the next few months.

Prior to closing, I want to thank my wife, Jeni Potter, for her extraordinary volunteerism. Year after year, Jeni spends hundreds of hours each year coordinating the Shamrock Shuffle & Shenanigans 5K and organizing and overseeing an entire week of Safety Town for Kirtland’s youth. This type of volunteerism is not uncommon in Kirtland, but I’m not sure I thank Jeni enough for all she does for the city.

In closing, thanks to everyone for their patience during road, bridge and sewer construction season. Please continue to use caution as we pass through any construction areas around town.

The fundamental question will be wheth-

Baseball

from page 1

the March 25 with another stellar performance on March 29.

In his two games against the Blue Devils, Blasini was 2-0 with a 1.575 ERA while striking out 21 batters.

In the Hornets 7-2 victory March 25, Blasini pitched a complete game, striking out 10 Blue Devils.

After the 9-8 victory on March 29, he outlined his approach: to go out, throw strikes, and trust his defense to make the plays.

“If they hit it, I know I have a great defense behind me, so I don't really get too down on myself if I give up a hit or not,” Blasini said. “I just go out and throw strikes.”

In addition to the excellent pitching the Hornets have received so far, they also have been hitting the ball.

Leading the Hornets offensively on March 25 were Thaler (2-3, 3 RBI), Tyler Turk (2-4, 1 RBI), Luzar (2-4, 1 RBI), and Jack Turk (2-4).

On March 27 against the Jefferson Area Falcons, the Hornets came from behind,

Thank you, Mayor Potter

scoring two runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to take a 7-6 lead, and holding the Falcons scoreless to get the victory.

The next day, Kirtland defeated the Maple Heights Mustangs 29-0. In his first varsity start, sophomore Drew Thaler threw a no-hitter and struck out nine.

Drew Thaler said he felt very confident, especially after the Hornets took a big early lead. He also felt he had good command over his pitches.

“My fastball really got them going, and my slider finished them off,” Drew Thaler said.

Added Coach Smrdel, “It was the first innings Drew has pitched on varsity for us in his career. The big thing is, he came in, he threw strikes, he pounded the zone. Everything was right there. He made them hit the ball, and our defense helped him out behind him.

“That's when no-hitters happen. You just keep pounding the zone, you don't throw too many pitches and get ahead of batters, and he did a great job with that.”

After their 4-0 start, the Hornets would return to the field April 1 to face John Marshall at the historic League Park.

Lake County Genealogical Society Meets April 25

The Lake County Genealogical Society (LCGS) will be meeting via Zoom on April 25 at 10 a.m. Anyone who is working on their family tree or is interested in historical and genealogical research is invited to join us. Following a brief business meeting, guest speaker Shelly Bishop, an Ohio-based genealogist and president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association for Professional Genealogists, will present “Avoiding an Ancestor Identity Crisis.” Bishop will demonstrate the use of seven strategies to help solve identity problems to keep your research on track. She is the owner of Buckeye Family Trees and specializes in Ohio genealogical research. She is also a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine, National Genealogical Society Magazine and other publications. Visit the LCGS web site at www.lcgsohio.org to learn more about the group and to obtain the email address to contact them for in invitation to the Zoom meeting. It is not necessary to be a member of LCGS to attend this monthly meeting.

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Help Support the Kirtland Chronicle & Local Journalism

The Kirtland Chronicle and newspaper journalism are critically important and essential in protecting the vibrant community in which we live.

The Kirtland Chronicle stitches the communities we serve together. From news to in-depth articles on topics that deeply affect the community, the Kirtland Chronicle strives to bring you complete coverage.

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As always, we greatly appreciate the support you give us, whether it’s financially or simply by continuing to be a loyal reader of the Kirtland Chronicle.

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Mayor Kevin Potter

Kirtland Community Gardens Open for Rent

The Kirtland Community Gardens are now open for rent. Each of the garden beds measures 4 feet by 8 feet. The area is fenced for deer protection and there is a water supply. There is also a shed to store your garden tools.

The beds rent for $20 per season. The gardens are located across from the Kirtland Temple. For rental contact, email patriciaballo@hotmail.com or 440-256-1341.

Garden Club Plant Sale May 9-11

The Garden Club of Kirtland will hold its annual plant sale May 9-11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until sold-out.

There will be a wide selection of perennials, annuals, herbs and vegetables.

The sale will be held in the garage across the driveway from the Kiwanis Rummage Sale at Pumpkinville on state Route 306.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark Celebrates Total Solar Eclipse

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is hosting a free day April 8 filled with excitement leading up to the Total Solar Eclipse.

The event will feature hands-on experiments, interactive activities, music, planetarium shows and more to build your anticipation to the total solar eclipse.

For about four minutes in mid-afternoon

April 8, the day will darken into night, stars will emerge and animals will think dusk has fallen early.

Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided for guests in attendance while supplies last. Parking is limited. Food vendors will be on site. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy.

Weather in April in Northeast Ohio is unpredictable, so please dress accordingly.

Staff report

EARL LINABURG

Families viewing the last solar eclipse at Penitentiary Glen Reservation.

How to Safely View the April 8, 2024, TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks any part of the Sun. On Monday, April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will be visible in North and Central America, as well as parts of Europe and South America. All 50 U.S. states (excluding most of Alaska) will have a chance to see at least a partial solar eclipse. In a narrow track across Mexico, the U.S. from Texas to Maine, and Canada from Ontario to Newfoundland, the Moon will completely cover the Sun’s bright face, producing a spectacular total solar eclipse.

Protect Your Eyes

• Looking directly at the Sun without proper eye protection is unsafe EXCEPT during the brief total eclipse phase (“totality”). This happens ONLY within the narrow path of totality. At all other times, it is safe to look directly at the Sun ONLY through special purpose the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun.

• If you Sun’s

• Outside complies with the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Instructions for the Safe Use of Solar Filters and Viewers

• Always inspect any instructions

expert advice from an with your back to the other, creating a crescents. and be https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety.

This safety information has been endorsed by the American Astronomical Society, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Optometry, and the American Medical Association.

Kirtland Schools Update

Spring has arrived and we are excited for all that the last grading period of the school year has to bring.

I would encourage you to attend one of the performances of “Moriarty’s Revenge,” by our Drama Club. Performances take place Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 27 at 3 p.m. All performances are in Hornet Hall and tickets are $7 at the door.

We are also hosting our annual Senior Citizen Appreciation Night on Thursday, April 25. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. in the KHS Cafeteria and the play will follow. Please contact the community center to register at 440-2564711.

The Electric Hornets First Tech Challenge (FTC) Team of Daniel Booth, Sam Gordon, Sean Kats, Tabitaha Blankenship, Knox Crisci, Bo Garth Famularcano, Ben Brandal, Charlie Burrows, Sarah Fisher, Emily Zivko and Faith Blankenship competed at the state championship competition March 9 where they battled with 36 opposing teams for a chance to compete in the national competition.

With only one event remaining, the Elec-

tual state champion. The Electric Hornets were set to win that match, but an error by their partner school with only a few seconds left caused a 50-plus point swing and a shot of likely being in the top four or five teams, and a shot at the final round. The team finished in 16th place.

Coach Mike Rudder went home with the Compass award, an award given to recognize the best coach/mentor of all the participating teams. Congratulations to our FTC team and Coach Rudder.

mances in Power of the Pen competitions.

Early in March, Sara showcased her writing talents at the regional tournament, held at Shaker Heights Middle School, securing a commendable 9th place finish. Her creative flair and dedication to the craft were evident as she competed alongside a pool of talented writers.

By Chad VanArnhem, Superintendent

The Kirtland Middle School First Lego League (FLL) team competed at the state competition in Troy, Ohio. Congratulations to the Hungry, Hungry Hornets team of Alden Bradshaw, Naomi Blankenship, Will Cihula, David Blankenship and Mason Picard for winning the Best in Presentation Award at the state Lego League Tournament. Great job Hornets!

State qualifier Sara Garvin, a seventh-grade writer from Kirtland Middle School, continues to have impressive perfor-

Adding to her list of accolades, Sara Garvin clinched a remarkable 2nd-place finish at the Power of the Pen Lake Erie District Tournament. Not only did Sara excel individually, but the entire seventh-grade team also made their mark by securing a 4th-place finish in the competition. Their collective success is a testament to their hard work, creativity and passion for writing.

Congratulations to Sara Garvin and the entire seventh-grade team for their outstanding performances, and best wishes to Sara as prepares to compete at the Power of the Pen State Competition in Columbus in May.

Kirtland Key Clubbers attended Ohio Key Club District Leadership Conference (DLC)

to celebrate a year of service and the installation of the new board. Kirtland Key Club earned many honors. Kiera Fortney was installed as secretary-treasurer for the Ohio District; Drew Duncan earned Distinguished Club President and $1,000 Key Club International scholarship; Marin Haupt won the DLC Pin Design Contest.

The club won first place for K-Family Project, first place for Service Project, and first place for Digital Poster Contest. The club also earned recognition for Key Club International Week and Teacher’s Appreciation Week programs. They had a great time celebrating service leadership.

Congratulations to our Kirtland Kiwanis Students of the Month for April. They were Achilles Rockower, Kimmy Gruden and Brianna Juday.

Lastly, our Kirtland students continue to give back and help others. KHS recently had a volleyball tournament in which $1,100 was raised for the United Way. Principal Puskas also took a pie to the face to help with the fundraising efforts.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kirtland 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

April Adult Clubs:

Color Me Calm

April 16 • 2:30 p.m.

Come relax and color with us. We supply the coloring pages, pencils and music. Feel free to bring your own supplies if you like. Just sign up and show up. Registration requested.

Cookbook Club

April 16 • 6:15 p.m.

Bring in a dish from the cookbook “Smitten Kitchen Keepers.” Don’t forget your place setting and beverage. Sign up for more information.

No Pressure Book Discussion

April 22 • 1:30 p.m.

Join us in the Community Room to talk about books . . . any books you've read recently that you want to recommend to others.

April Adult Special Events:

Edible Book Festival

April 6 • 2:30 p.m.

Make an edible book for our first ever Edible Book Festival. The rules are it must be entirely edible — and it must represent a book. It does not need to be shaped like a book or be a cake. Be creative and have some fun. The "books" will be admired, judged and then eaten.

Bring in your piece by 2:30 p.m. April 6. The age categories are 0-15 and 16 and up. The prize categories are as follows for each category: Funniest, Most Unique, Most Realistic and one Grand Prize.

Bookbinding Workshop

April 15 • 5:30 p.m.

Local artist Anne Rose will teach the art of book binding in this workshop as attendees craft their own journals. The program lasts approximately 90 minutes and all supplies are provided. Cost is $10 per person. Space is limited.

British Baking: Scones

April 23 • 6 p.m.

Scones are on the menu! You can sample and take a scone or two home, too. Learn how to make this beloved treat of England and Devonshire creme to top it off. The cost is $10 per person.

“To Tea or Not to Tea”

April 29 • 6 p.m.

Did you know that the tea you are drinking may not be tea at all? Join Tea Sommelier Patricia Dennison and learn about the dif-

ferences between tea and tisanes (botanical infusions). Samples of blends using flowers, roots, spices and fruits will be served. Sign up is required, as space is limited. Registration required.

Cyber Safety

April 30 • 5 p.m.

Join Mat Everman of the Center for Internet Security as he discusses how to be diligent and safe online. Short, individual appointments are available now to sign up for after his talk.

April Youth Programs

Stories and More: Rain!

April 12 • 10:30 a.m.

Families with children age 5 and under, enjoy story time, then explore activities that revolve around the same theme. In April, we will focus on rain. Please register.

Diana Yount Collection Jewelry Activity

April 13 • 10:30 a.m.

Diana Yount of the Diana Collection will lead kids ages 8 - 14 in a jewelry-making activity. Please register every adult and every child attending.

Joe Fornaro, Tree Talk

April 19 • 3 p.m.

In honor of Arbor Day, Joe Fornaro, certified arborist, will speak about trees. This program is for families and all ages. Please register every adult and every child attending.

LEGO

April 20 • 10:30 a.m.

you have completed your creation with our bricks, we will place it in on display for all to see! The Kirtland High School Robotics Team will also visit and give a demo at 11:00 am, so plan to spend some time with them. Please register.

Jeff Miller, Children’s Author

April 27 • 3 p.m.

Jeff Miller, author of the young adult novel “Rare Birds,” will lead kids grades 4 through 7 in a discussion about reading, writing and the publication process. Please register every adult and every child attending.

Weekly Events:

Lapsit

Tuesdays • 10 a.m.

Bounces, rhymes, one book, scarves and shakers, geared for families with children under the age of 3. Meet outdoors on the courtyard, weather permitting. No need to register.

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. Meet outdoors on the courtyard, weather permitting. No need to register.

Kiwanis Students of the Month

The Kirtland Kiwanis “Students of the Month” for April 2024 are fifth-grader Achilles Rockower, of Kirtland Elementary School, eighth-grader Kimmy Gruden, of Kirtland Middle School, and 11th-grader Brianna Juday, 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.”

Kiwanis Korner

By kathy talty

Kirtland Kiwanis celebrates spring by being very busy. Builders Club made 12 Easter Baskets for lots of great kids. The Kiwanis Club and friends helped at Greater Cleveland Food Bank labeling cans of peas for two hours, which totaled to 11,728 pounds of peas.

Key Club and K-Kids are celebrating Earth Day by adopting animals at the Penitentiary Glen Park. The funds the students raise provide the opportunity for the stu-

dents to meet and learn about their furry and feathery friends, as well as helping them.

The Kirtland Kiwanis Club, along with the Kirtland P.T.A., have been busy helping to fund improvements with the sound system in the Hornet Hall at the Kirtland Elementary School. We look forward to enhanced acoustics for the future choir and play productions.

At the Ohio District Key Club Convention this mid-March, our Key Club members celebrated a year of service and the installation of a new board. Kiera Fortney was installed as secretary-treasurer for the Ohio District, Drew Duncan earned distinguished club president and $1,000 Key Club International scholarship, Marin Haupt won the DLC pin design contest. The club was also recognized for Key Club International Week and Teacher’s Appreciation Week programs. Thank you, Meriah Duncan for your fantastic guidance and leadership as the academic advisor for the Key Club.

The Kirtland Kiwanis had the great opportunity to join Shauna and Scott Barrick, directors of the Historic Kirtland Village and Temple for a wonderful tour of the of the newly-restored historic house of Joseph and Emma Smith. Joseph and Emma arrived in the Kirtland area around 1831, where Joseph was commanded to receive God’s law, share His gospel and build a temple for learning, worship and revelation. Building for their house and the Kirtland Temple began in 1833. Their house was finished in 1834 with large windows facing south. They could view the progress of the temple’s construction, which was completed and dedicated in 1836. Interestingly enough, Kirtland means “church land” in Old English.

Lastly, a lovely quote from our Kirtland Kiwanis president, Jerry Bartels, “Be the person you needed as a child.”

From left, “Students of the Month” Achilles Rockower, of KES, Kimmy Gruden, of KMS, and Brianna Juday, of KHS.

Hornets Basketball Players Participate in CVC All-Star Game

By alan kornSpan SportS@karlovecmedia com

The Kirtland basketball program celebrated a successful season as four Hornets were selected to participate in Chagrin Valley Conference All-Star games at Berkshire High School.

Representing the Hornets boys on March 18 were senior Nick Barisic and junior Vince Carriero.

Also, Emily Ridgeway and Kristiana Katic represented the Hornets girls on March 20.

Barisic and Carriero played for the Valley Division All-Stars against the Lake Division All-Stars. In an extremely high-scoring game for such highly skilled players, the Lake Division All-Stars defeated the Valley Division All-Stars, 143-127.

In the first half, Barisic had two 3-pointers, then added a 3-pointer and a two-point field goal in the second half to total 11 points.

Carriero added a 3-pointer and a twopoint field goal in the second half, contributing five points.

Afterward, both talked about representing Kirtland's program.

“It was a good way to celebrate everyone's hard work at the end of the year,” Barisic said. “I think it's a good thing that they put on at the end of the year to bring everyone together.”

Added Carriero, “I just think it's fun playing with the guys you play with twice a year all year … just talking to everybody and playing with them.”

Post-game, Hornets Boys Head Coach

Shawn McGregor talked about the great seasons Barisic and Carriero had.

Of Barisic, McGregor said: “He had a great senior year. A lot of big shots he made for us, and the leadership he gave us, really helped us throughout the year to get to where we wanted to be.”

He also said Carriero helped the Hornets play an up-tempo style of basketball by running the point.

“Vince does an excellent job of pushing the pace,” McGregor said. “He can score the basketball and he's a great finisher around the rim.

“Defensively, he puts a ton of pressure on the basketball and makes it difficult for teams to get into their sets.”

As for the girls CVC All-Star game, while close, the Chagrin Division All-Stars ultimately defeated the Valley Division All-Stars, 87-82.

Both Ridgeway and Katic played well and contributed to both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. In fact, Katic was one of the leading scorers for the Valley Division team, scoring 11.

“It was definitely just fun to play with other people from the conference and against them,” Ridgeway said.

Katic also said it was a nice way to celebrate players' successes without the pressure that occurs during the season.

“It was really fun to have fun and relax on the court,” she added.

Both are excited to work on their games during the off season in order to come back even stronger for their senior year.

Kirtland Temple Open For Public Tours

Staff report

The historic Kirtland Temple reopened for public tours March 25 under the new direction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Public tours will begin at 10 a.m., Monday through Saturday, from the temple’s Visitor’s Center, located at 7809 Joseph Street, in Kirtland. Tours are free and will run every half-hour, with the last tour departing at 4 p.m. Sunday tours will run from 1-4 p.m.

For the first time in decades, tours will include the third floor of the temple, which housed the office of the faith’s founder, Joseph Smith, according to a March 22 news release.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased the Kirtland Temple from the Community of Christ Church on March 5. Discussions leading to the sale of the temple began between the two churches in June

2021, the release stated.

The Kirtland Temple, dedicated by Joseph Smith in 1836, marked the beginning of temple worship among Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently operates 188 temples worldwide.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the Kirtland Temple was the site of heavenly visitations from ancient prophets, apostles and Jesus Christ, himself, the release stated.

The planned Cleveland Temple — announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson in April 2022 – will be located in Independence. No groundbreaking ceremony date has been announced.

The Kirtland Temple will remain a historic building and will be operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of its historic sites located just down the hill from the temple.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Visitors walk through a garden outside the visitor center before a tour of the Kirtland Temple, which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now operates.

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