Geauga County Maple Leaf 5-09-2024

Thursday, May 9, Vol. 30 No. 19 • Chardon, www.geaugamapleleaf.com

$1.25

Thompson

New Police

By Ann

ees were especially diligent when choosing Jeremy Jesenovec as the township’s new police chief.

sworn in as chief May 1 during a regular trustees meeting with no comments from residents in the au dience, said Trustee Erwin Leffel in a phone interview May 2.

police hired by the trustees in the last few years and was a candidate for the part-time job when the for mer chief, Mitchell Kaspy, was hired in 2023.

New Well for Auburn Fire Station OK’d

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Too much salt in the water at Auburn Township fire station led trustees to vote 2-1 May 6 in favor of drilling a new, deeper well at an estimated cost of $36,875.

Auburn Township Fire Chief John Phillips gave a brief history of the well that supplies the station. First built in 1977, the original well was 101 feet deep.

The water was sufficient, but quality was poor, so a reverse osmosis system was installed to provide pure water, he said.

When the station was enlarged in 2011, the well could not provide sufficient water, so the existing well was drilled down another 30 feet,

See Auburn • Page A3

Legendary Viking History Makes a Stop in Burton

By rose nemunAitis editor@kArlovecmediA com editor

The spirit of the Vikings swept through Burton Village last weekend.

Viking Fest: A Celebration of Norse Culture and Heritage welcomed its inaugural two- day celebration May 4-5 at Century Village Museum.

“I believe that teaching history is important, especially to the younger generations,” said Stefanie O’Connor, Geauga County Historical Society and Century Village Museum curator, archivist and grant writer. “It teaches how different cultures influence the values that we have now and teaches our children.”

Event highlights included a Viking encampment, Norse mythology and legends, storytelling demonstrations, Viking battles

and demonstrations, live music and performances, craftsmanship and artisan vendors, a traditional Vikings feast and children’s activities.

“I would like attendees to be able to take away learning the history of a different culture,” O’Connor said. “Viking culture started around A.D. 800 into the 11th century. The Vikings had a profound impact on early medieval history. Vikings were seafaring people originally from Scandinavia (present-day Denmark, Norway and Sweden).”

Best known as highly-skilled warriors, Norwegian Vikings crossed raging seas to conquer territories and were known for their courage.

Viking Fest visitors embarked on a journey through time as reenactors delved into the rich history and traditions of the legendary warriors known for their courage.

Adam Poplar said he and his daughter, Emily, had a great time.

“It’s so cool,” Emily, 3, said, as she made her way through one of the first attractions.

“I think next year, I’m going to have a costume,” Adam said. “Emily loved riding on the train and she even got to take a picture with the Vikings.”

O’Connor expressed excitement about bringing a new event to the area.

“Century Village is going in a good direction in teaching new cultures and history to the people in our community,” she said. “In order to be able to know our history today, we must look at the past to teach our future generations.”

Century Village Museum board member Jenny Hynst-Brede sparked the initial idea for the festival.

See Vikings • Page A4

Author Warns of Dangers of Misinformation at LWV Luncheon page A11

Kenston Superintendent Provides Updates On Staffing, Materials page A5

Daycare Center Repurposes Landmark School In Middlefield page A15

Obituaries page A12

Sports pages B1-B2

Sheriff’s Sales & Legal Notices start on page B9

Classifieds start on page B11

See Chief • Page A5

Auburn from page A1

which met the building requirements, Phil lips said.

However, the chloride levels have been increasing, said fire company secretary Keith Blaser. Water at the fire station has 2,000 parts per million of chloride while neighbor ing properties' chloride levels are around 200 ppm, he said, adding it has been determined the road department salt dome is not respon sible for the problem.

Blaser said the likely cause is the contin ued use of water softener salt in the fire de partment system.

The salt that is removed from the water winds up in the department’s septic system and drains into the ground, where it may be finding its way into the well, he said, adding most residents use softeners.

Two well drillers have been consulted. One recommended drilling to the aquifer at 340 feet, another said good water may be found at 240 feet, Phillips said.

It may be possible there is a fracture in the casing, so road salt and water softener salt are infiltrating the well, Blaser said.

The solution could be to insert a sleeve inside the casing, but the casing is not large enough for that, he said.

Checking for a crack with a camera would cost about $1,500, Blaser said.

The water softener system has required increasing amounts of salt over the years, with the department spending about $6,000

install bigger water storage tanks, but a new well seems the best solution.

“I’m not happy with the amount of money it's going to cost, but we’ve looked for options. We’re batting zero here,” he said.

Trustee PJ Cavanagh questioned the

wants to see information on comparable wells in the area.

Trustees Mike Troyan and Gene McCune voted in favor of a new well. Phillips said he will provide the information he has on comparable wells.

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Vikings from page A1

“My goal with our Viking festival was to make it not only fun, but educational in a non-boring way,” Brede said. “Everyone on site had something to offer to reach this goal from our Viking clan, Locheirelag, to the speakers and vendors. Although Vikings and pioneers are definitely not from the same time era, they do have many things in common. Personally, I find the crossover an interesting grouping.”

Viking battles and combat demonstrations showcased the legendary warriors’ martial prowess and tactics with audience members having an opportunity to immerse themselves in history.

A huge draw led visitors to the far end of the grounds for Fields of Valhalla near the Locheirelag encampment, which featured a Combatant’s Keep full metal combat demonstration and Viking battlefield fights.

Thomas Nader, of Wilmington, N.C. — founder of Combatant’s Keep and member of American Jousting League — gathered listeners near the grassy fields to explain the histo-

ry behind the relationship of man and horse during this time in history.

“What the mounted games portion of the shows is about is showing the audiences what knights with horses can actually do, of how maneuverable and how dexterous a horse is and what the knights can do with weapons from horseback,” Nader said. “This area is gorgeous. It’s about helping and maintaining a historical site.”

Fellow jouster James Fortner, of Moss, Tenn., said jousting is something they would do to “keep their skills up off wartime making for better skills in the battlefield.”

Families gathered around, snapping pictures of the historic-clad warriors in time.

“I can say that the event was a definite success,” Brede said. “Everyone had a great time. The weather did play some tricks on us. Unfortunately, for the safety of all, we had to shut down some of the entertainment on Sunday. The rain did not stop the event in any way. In fact, it pushed people to stay in one place long enough to learn more. People were engaging with full interest with the Vikings and vendors. There are big plans for next year. Till next year, Skål.”

GPH Frustrated at Excessive Public Records Requests

By Allison Wilson editor@kArlovecmediA com

Geauga Public Health officials voiced frustration April 24 regarding complications caused by an excess number of public records requests the department has received in recent months.

“As I’ve said from the beginning, I’m a huge proponent of public records because that’s how you keep your government in check,” said Health Administrator Adam Litke during the board of health’s regular meeting. “(However), these things do have a cost.”

Litke said a lawyer has to check over every request to ensure they aren’t breaching the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

“The reality, though, is the budget has to change as these requests come in because I didn’t budget for continued requests of this nature,” he said, adding a recent request featured six or seven different bullet points.

“It’s gonna add up. And there’s texts,

emails and communications, something like that, for both (Geauga Public Health and Lake County General Health District), so it’s going to take a while,” he added.

At the time of meeting, it wasn’t known how many documents the request would entail. A budget for the request could not be listed until the department knew the number of records.

A previous request of around 9,000 documents cost the department around $5,000, said GPH’s legal representative, Bryan Kostura.

“Last year, we had the one (request) that was 100,000 records, and that was about $50,000,” he said.

The cost may vary depending on how much review is necessary and what is being requested.

“As soon as we get the records request in, we reach out, acknowledge it and then we have to maintain that relationship with the requester and keep them informed of what’s going on throughout the entire process, so

SCREENSHOT- GEAUGA ADP

Health Administrator Adam Litke explains the kinds of records asked for in a recent public records request at the April 24 Geauga Public Health meeting.

that they don’t think that we’re sitting on our hands,” Kostura explained. “Because that’s the last thing GPH is ever doing, is sitting on their hands. They are actively working on these requests.”

Kostura described some of the steps required to fulfill a records request.

“It depends upon, really, what is the amount of review that’s necessary. Because there are certain things that are not considered records,” he said. “So, automatically you have to review all of the documents that come in and say, well, what are records under the Ohio Revised Code and what are not records.”

Once the non-records are removed, documents must be reviewed for redacting to avoid issues such as HIPAA or attorney-client privilege violations. A rationale for ex-

cluding records must also be provided, he said.

“I’m certainly in favor of turning over documents and keeping everything in the sunshine,” said board member Carolyn Brakey. “The problem is that it does take a lot of time, and we have statutory functions to carry out as a health department and we are unable to carry those out when you are replying to these requests.”

Brakey was also not thrilled at the cost.

“I mean, to hear there’s a $50,000 cost to taxpayers from one public records request is pretty shocking,” she said.

Litke noted he is commonly asked why the department doesn’t handle requests by themselves. There can be a few reasons for this, he explained.

As a person often named in the requests, he does not want to accidentally withhold anything and as an individual, and he does not know the intricacies of HIPAA, he said.

“The last one we did (in house) shut the health department down for most of the day,” he said. “And that was to save costs.”

Some of the requests have been the same person asking for the same documents multiple times over, Brakey noted.

The related legal costs and fluctuating number of requests have made it difficult for Litke to budget accurately, he said. Kostura added the numbers were low in November and December of last year, but picked up in January and February.

“I would love to say I can account for it, I can’t,” Litke said. “I can’t account for it. I have nothing that would tell me what to expect.”

The Last Viking Hoard, pictured by their long boat, welcomed visitors to the first annual Viking Fest May 4-5 at Century Village Museum.

of Combantant’s Keep, readying the horses to entertain audience members during a jousting demonstration.

Troy BZA Denies 3 Zoning Variances for Preston

By Allison Wilson editor@kArlovecmediA com

Troy Township Board of Zoning Appeals denied Preston Real Estate Holdings three variances at its April 29 meeting.

The company was seeking variances for lot coverage, yard setback and buffer zone at its property on 14330 Main Market Road, the site of Preston Collision’s second location. Maximum lot coverage in Troy is 30%, with Preston seeking 61.58%.

Brian Schultz, of PREH, explained Preston’s plans for the lot.

“There were some old trailers back there used for storage. Obviously, we removed them. We’re wanting to put that under an actual roof,” he said. “So, that’s what we’re looking to do, just add on where there were some old trailers and expand the building.”

The area would be used for a new paint booth, Schultz said, adding the addition would be almost the exact dimensions of the

old trailers — 45 feet long, 30 feet across.

“Is this an additional spray booth to what’s existing already?” board member Richard Had Jr. asked.

Schultz confirmed, saying it would be used for higher-roofed vehicles, such as Amazon trucks. The extension would not increase the number of employees.

The fire department reviewed the plans and gave approval, said Zoning Inspector Joe Orlowski.

An audience member asked if the new location would cause an increase in traffic, something Schultz did not believe would be an issue.

Resident Scott Rutherford also brought up the issue of trash blowing into his yard from the site.

“Since you guys have taken over the location, I guarantee you that I’ve picked up trash out of your lot that’s blown into my yard several times a week,” he said. “Several times a month, maybe I’m exaggerating a lit-

tle bit. My next concern would be, if you can’t keep the trash and the trash comes through, where’s my guarantee those hazardous chemicals and paint fumes and pollution are going to be kept inside of the building?”

Schultz said the paint booth is a sealed unit and previous owner Ken Zwolinski added that very little product is wasted in paint booths like that.

Rutherford also questioned a survey Preston did of the property.

“We have mentioned a couple of times the trailers that used to be behind the property, they have now been moved,” he said. “And the property’s been cleaned up back there. Then you put a fence up and then you surveyed the property. The fence is actually on my property.”

The issue with the fence had only been brought to Schultz’s attention earlier that day, he said.

There was also some confusion expressed over the location of one corner pin.

“I’m going to get with Rudy Schwartz, who I believe was the last one to go out

there,” Schultz said when asked if there were plans to re-pin the lot. “I’m going to take it upon myself to look into that, I know that’s what Mr. Preston is going to want as well, to find out where that corner actually is.”

Schwartz said when he had gone out looking earlier in the day, he could find one corner pin but not the other.

Board member Robert Wood asked if the business has plans to grow at the Troy location.

The company will be bringing down some people from the Burton location and trying to alleviate some of the congestion in Burton, Schultz replied, adding to the best of his knowledge, it will be a separate entity.

“There’s no projection to grow it beyond that,” he said.

The board voted no to the lot coverage variance, with board member Ryan Mayoros giving the sole “yes” vote. As the other two variances hinged upon the first one, they did not go through. Preston will have 30 days after the approval date to appeal the decision.

Kenston Superintendent Provides Updates on Staffing, Materials

By BriAn doering BriAn@kArlovecmediA com

Kenston Schools Superintendent Steve Sayers once again updated the board of education on the district’s rightsizing plan during a work session May 6.

Sayers said staffing plans for Kenston Middle School and High School are 99.9% finished.

“Of course, you never know what happens over the course of summer,” he said. “Sometimes, you have unexpected openings. But, as it stands right now, we are in a very good place.”

The building consolidation process would essentially begin at the end of the school year and run through the end of July, Sayers said during a special Kenston Schools Board of Education meeting March 4.

Under the superintendent’s recommendation, the school board passed a resolution

Chief from page A1

Kaspy came on board after former Police Chief Christopher DiDomenico was fired for allegedly impersonating a police officer and trying to access a law enforcement database. DiDomenico pleaded not guilty July 29 to four felony and four misdemeanor charges related to carrying out his duties without the proper certification.

Kaspy resigned in August, citing the need to focus on his family following the passing of his wife, and trustees began a search for his replacement.

“We did our due diligence,” Leffel said, adding Jesenovec was one of five people trustees interviewed for the job and his back ground was thoroughly checked.

Jesenovec entered the position well aware of the issues the township has faced.

“In recent years, the Thompson Police Department has encountered significant leadership challenges and scrutiny that have led to terminations, resignations and even criminal charges,” he said in a letter emailed to the Geauga County Maple Leaf. “I want to assure the community and its stakeholders that integrity and professionalism are at the core of my approach.

“With a background check having already been completed by the Geauga County Sher

to restructure school buildings and address future planning needs Oct. 16, 2023.

The plans will take the district from four to three school buildings through consolidation, with Kenston Intermediate School closing and those fourth- and fifth-grade students shifting to Kenston Middle School, while eighth-grade students shift to Kenston High School.

Sayers highlighted what updates and changes will be made to physical spaces inside the middle school and high school once the 2023-24 school year is completed.

Eighth-grade materials will move out of KMS and into storage from June 3 to June 7; summer cleaning and all classroom moves within KMS will be completed by July 19; furniture and materials from Kenston Intermediate School will be moved to KMS; eighthgrade materials will be moved into KHS classrooms from July 22 to July 26; and all

teachers will be permitted into school buildings to set up their classrooms by Aug. 1, Sayers said.

“Predominantly, most of the work is occurring in the middle school. We have made arrange ments, we have contracts with moving companies and other con struction work that will be hap pening in our restrooms,” he said. “In terms of a timeline, the time line has been established and we are right on track. We are going to be moving a lot of desks from KIS to the middle school because those desks are in better shape than what we have at the middle school.”

School board Vice President Jennifer Troutman asked Sayers if the district will be selling or recycling the desks no longer in use.

“Some of our desks are frankly not in very

building just two houses north of Robison Tractor Sales on Thompson Square.

The old building on the south end of the square will be sold or demolished once all the records and furnishings have been moved,

The new chief will also be seeking candidates to fill out the department’s ranks, he said.

Jesenovec became familiar with the Thompson community when he applied for the job in 2023, he said in an interview May 2.

Although he was hesitant to apply a second time, people in Thompson urged him to do so, he said.

In his letter, he spells out his intentions as chief in the small town.

“I am committed to fostering a transparent and cooperative relationship with the media and the community. My aim is to transcend the traditional role of law enforcement leadership by being an accessible and engaged leader,” he said. “Participating in town events, cultivating meaningful relationships and collaborating with residents are key components of my vision. I seek to become not just a leader, but a trusted friend and ally to the community, fostering mutual respect and collective responsibility while ensuring Thompson's safety and preserving its unique

When interviewed, Jesenovec said he will be keeping his current job at CIA while spending his “off hours” in Thompson getting

good shape and some of them (have) little or no value. There have been attempts made to see if anyone is interested in (buying) some of our desks and most of them are just not worth much,” Sayers replied. “The better ones we will probably place into storage just so we have some spares and backups.” The impact of the rightsizing plan is expected to reduce expenses by approximately $1.3 million annually and the district’s goal is to become more efficient without compromising its educational programs, Sayers said.

“When we started this process, we wanted to make sure that it was about efficiency,” he said. “I want to thank our administrative team for their leadership over the past several months. We have had a lot of moving parts to put together a lot of pieces to the jigsaw puzzle.”

squared away at the new office.

That will include working with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation on an audit of all the evidence from crimes now housed in the old station, he said. Over the years, Jesenovec said he has experience teaching courses and training, as well, and has a “robust social media” presence, which he intends to use to keep the community informed about department operations.

“I look forward to developing strong relationships with local news outlets to ensure the community is kept informed of news and events that affect our lives,” he said.

Sayers

County Offices Upgrade Weapon Detection Technology

By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com

Geauga County offices have joined two area school districts in upgrading campus se curity via the ZeroEyes system, which uses artificial intelligence to detect the presence of a firearm even if only 0.1% of the weapon can be seen by cameras.

During a demonstration April 30 at the Geauga County Office Building on Raven wood Drive, ZeroEyes Vice President of Edu cation and Local Government Solutions Brett Handell said the AI system, which already operates in Berkshire and Chardon school districts, piggybacks on an existing network of security cameras.

If a weapon is detected, the software sends an instant alert to the company’s team of human monitors in its ZeroEyes Operation Center, based in Honolulu. The team then, within two seconds, assesses whether the threat is real and immediately notifies law en forcement and any other relevant personnel.

Handell said security and first responder notifications go out as early as five seconds after a weapon has been detected.

Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder, who also oversees information technology through the county’s Automatic Data Pro cessing department, said the technology started in schools.

“Schools, as you know, are big targets for people for a variety of nefarious reasons,” he said. “This product was developed by ex-military and ex-law enforcement, and it's a detection-only product.”

Walder said the ZeroEyes system does not look invasively at a person or notify whether they are legally carrying a concealed weapon.

ADP Chief Deputy Administrator Frank Antenucci said the county got a good deal on the system, which will cover the office building, Geauga County Engineer’s Office and the dog warden, as well as county offices on the square and the exterior of the courthouse.

The cost for the service is about $73,000 per year, he said.

Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand said the technology was in use over the previous weekend during the Geauga County Maple Festival and immediately notified law enforcement of a false positive when two teens were captured aiming toy weapons at each

tive, but right along with that came a picture of what the ZeroEyes (monitors) saw,” he said. “So in our email, we could see exactly what they saw and determine that it was two kids with toy guns.”

Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus said the app accompanying the ZeroEyes program tracks the weapon as it passes other cameras, meaning a person brandishing a weapon can be easily located.

Although initially skeptical of the technology, Niehus said his experience during the maple festival convinced him of its worth.

“Needless to say, in the few experiences that we've had, I've become a believer in this,” he said. “When you see the distance that this camera was from where these young people were at and (consider) it was still able to recognize that, hey, yeah, they are in possession of something that looks like a firearm.”

Handell said the company was founded by former Navy SEALs who, after returning from multiple tours in the Middle East and receiving Ivy League educations, were shocked into action by the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High

adelphia-based company hires former law enforcement and military personnel who can not only identify, but articulate, a threat with a calm demeanor during a high-intensity situation, Handell said.

The ZOC in Honolulu provides the two most valuable pieces of information they can: time and situational awareness, he said.

“And what I mean by situational awareness is the exact location of a threat,” he said. “What do they look like, what type of weapon they have and, most importantly, how much time has elapsed since they were underneath each camera with that firearm.”

Handell referenced the detection of toy guns during the maple festival.

“We get a detection for a Nerf gun, or an airsoft gun, and it's clearly non-lethal,” he said. “We still want to keep you in the loop, but we don't want to cause a chaotic situation.”

Forensic studies of the actions of mass shooters have shown most brandish their weapons, in sight of a camera, for up to several minutes before committing to their act of violence. That is valuable time, Handell said.

In a live demonstration, Joe Birli, who is

“Needless to say, in the few experiences that we’ve had, I’ve become a believer in this. When you see the distance that this camera was from where these young people were at and (consider) it was still able to recognize that, hey, yeah, they are in possession of something that that looks like a firearm.”

— Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus

in charge of information technology physical security for the county, accompanied GCSO Sgt. John Copen to the currently empty board of elections space in the basement of the county office building.

The pair were spotted immediately by cameras, but once a prop gun was detected in Birli’s hands, text and email notifications began pouring into law enforcement and county officials in the room.

Handell said the ZeroEyes system is built on high-quality modeling of weapons in multiple configurations and positions.

“A lot of people ask us about when it's a dark setting, like, when it's nighttime or when you're in a dark room,” he said. “We work just as well in a dark setting as we do a normal bright setting. So, I think you can see, the proof is sort of in these detections here.”

Birli’s prop weapon was detected immediately, even behind a darkened pane of glass.

“We’re very much reliant on camera quality,” Handell said, adding ZeroEyes ran multiple tests on different cameras around the county’s properties.

“You guys have some unbelievable cameras here,” he said. “I will say (Birli has) done a pretty dang good job with that.”

County Office Building IT Space Secured

By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com

After almost two years of storing computer and electronics equipment in a portion of a third-floor conference room in the Geauga County office building on Ravenwood Drive, the county’s Automatic Data Processing department’s information technology operations will soon be moved into formal office space.

The IT department, which had worked out of the Opera House building on Chardon Square, needed a facility that could house its high-tech equipment. But, the buildings on the square are in bad shape, Geauga County Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri said during a commissioners’ work session April 30.

"In the city of Chardon up at the square, you've got buildings that are old, dilapidated buildings, that scored Fs, as far as what the rating was from our architect, scored Fs, and

we knew we had a problem,” Spidalieri said, adding commissioners listened to elected officials who did not want to move off the square.

“What we're basically doing is we're putting Band-Aids continuously on fatal wounds up there and we're continuing to spend money,” he said.

Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder, who oversees ADP and its IT staff, said plans were discussed to give them room in the building over the past two years, but for some reason, were never implemented. The ADP board had approved plans to move the department’s operations to a space in the building a year ago, he said, but conversations that had taken place regarding other solutions did not result in action.

“Clearly, there (were) conversations over the last two and a half, three years that space was an issue and a variety of different initiatives began, but I don't know why they never

concluded,” he said. “I have no explanation. It was never really relayed to me as to why those initiatives never were fulfilled. Consequently, we just stayed in an idle mode in the location we're at.”

As a result of the work session, a previous deadline of April 26 for ADP to move out of their corner of the conference room was rescinded.

ADP employees will be allowed to remain in the space until commissioners work with other offices — likely Geauga Public Health — to acquire and modify a suitable space for the department in the county office building. At their meeting May 7, Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri brought the topic up to GPH Administrator Adam Litke, who was not present at the April 30 meeting. Litke said the question of whether GPH can give some space to ADP will be brought before the board of health at their next meeting May 22.

SUBMITTED

CHS Artist Honors Dvorak Courthouse Commitment

painted a one-of-a-kind hardhat, commissioned by Infinity Construction, to recognize Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak’s history as a

and commitment to

stAff rePort

Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak was gifted a special hard hat May 2 to commemorate the expansion of the historic county courthouse on Chardon Square.

The hard hat, commissioned by Infinity Construction, was painted by Chardon High School junior Makenna Rose, under the tutelage of CHS art teacher Erik Hauber.

Makenna’s artwork celebrates the building, as well as acknowledging Dvorak’s history as a bricklayer.

Joe Daugherty, of Infinity Construction, said he reached out to the school to paint a hardhat to recognize Dvorak, but Makenna took it a step further and created a work of art.

“(Dvorak) is putting a lot of effort into this project. It’s a pet project for him,” Daugherty said in an interview May 3. “He comes to every single meeting we have, every week.”

bricklayer

the historic renovation of the county courthouse on Chardon Square.

Chardon High School junior Makenna Rose, center, created a special hard hat for Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak, right, to wear when he visits the historic county courthouse on Chardon Square, which is currently undergoing an expansion and renovation. The pair are pictured with CHS art teacher Erik Hauber May 3.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Disease Caused about 2/3 Of Civil War Soldier Deaths

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA.com

By the end of the American Civil War, as many as 851,000 soldiers were dead, ac cording to the book “Civil War History,” by J. David Hacker, which Kent State University Press published in 2011.

Hacker, a demographic historian at Bing hamton University in New York, studied the national census figures from that time and wrote previous estimates of 720,000 dead may be too low by about 20%, said Molly Ser gi, a full-time KSU history instructor.

Sergi spoke May 3 at the Geauga Eco nomic Leadership breakfast at KSU – Geau ga about the effects of the Civil War on the U.S. population.

Her focus was on the historic figure of Emily Nash, a professional mourner who lived in Geauga County and kept a journal in which she recorded the deaths of hundreds during her career, Sergi said.

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“The journal was referenced as the death record in Geauga County. It is not simply 450 pages of handwritten accounts,” she said, noting the journal is housed at the Chardon branch of the Geauga County Public Library.

She credited the late local historian, Teeter Grosvenor, for typing up the pages of poor grammar and spelling to preserve Nash’s journal.

“(The original) is very hard to read. She used every scrap of paper,” Sergi said. “It’s a wonder the journal survived.”

Nash began her career as a mourner during the Age of the Beautiful Death, becoming a member of the local circle of mourners as she came of age, visiting the homes of individuals in their final moments, observing and recording their deaths, Sergi said.

“It was very important in America to watch people die,” she said.

In the process, Nash detailed numerous diseases that carried Geauga residents off, including diphtheria, dysentery, tuberculosis, typhoid scarlet fever, smallpox and cholera. She survived the epidemic of black measles, which may have been caused by an infection of the liver.

“She was shocked by the amount of chol-

era,” Sergi said, adding life expectancy in the U.S. fell as settlers moved west from 1790 to 1860, introducing disease as they traveled. The war exasperated that trend.

During the Civil War, many diseases were brought to communities by soldiers on leave. Ohio sent the largest army to fight for the North and sanitary conditions in the military camps were dreadful, causing the spread of any disease, she said.

Epidemics, such as the one in Cincinnati that killed an estimated 60,000 residents between 1849 and 1851, were common because Americans did not know how disease spread, how to treat it or the need to isolate those infected, Sergi said.

Hacker’s figures dealt only with the military casualties of disease, she noted.

Civilian casualties from disease could have pushed the total closer to a million, she said, adding the census showed the U.S. had about 21 million citizens in the north and nine million in the south, so the loss was significant.

“It’s mind boggling. Many deaths could have been prevented with sanitation,” Sergi said.

Geauga County was lucky to have a physician, Dr. Erastus Goodwin, who worked with Nash over the years, but many of the women used homeopathic treatments for disease so a doctor was rarely called.

“Women were quite knowledgeable about disease,” Sergi said.

Nash outlived four husbands, dying in 1888 and only in her later years did she come to understand how valuable her scribbled notes may be to history.

“Nash was doing an incredible service,” Sergi said.

Bainbridge to Utilize Capital Project Reserve Funds

riAn doering @kArlovecmediA com

Bainbridge Township Fiscal Officer Janice Sugarman shared details on the creation of capital project reserve funds after Bainbridge Township Trustees Michael Bates, Jeff Markley and Kristina O’Brien passed a resolution May 6.

Sugarman explained the setup of the reserve funds for the general fund, police and road departments after the township conducted a reserve study.

“Those will be for capital projects. By setting up these funds, it’s a great way to make sure we are prepared for anything that happens in the future,” she said.

and bridge fund, we’d like to collect the same amount, but we are putting in $250,000 right now. Then, for the police reserve funds, we’d like to collect almost $2 million,” she said.

She explained the township doesn’t have a reserve fund for the fire department at the moment because there is no extra money to put into it.

“When we pass this (2.75-mill) levy, then we will look at their situation and decide if we can have a reserve fund at that point and we are hoping to be able to do that,” she said, noting the Geauga County Budget Commission has been requesting the township to set up these funds for awhile.

“The auditor, (Chuck Walder), does recommend it and in our case, he’s been recommending it to me for a few years. I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to get on board,” she said. “The budget commission will look at your numbers and will let you know if they think it’s a good idea. I see the value in it and

Author Warns of Dangers of Misinformation at LWV Luncheon

By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA

When the League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 — a year after the passage of the 19th Amendment that granted most women in the U.S. the right to vote — its main goal was to teach 26 million newly-eligible voters how, where and when to use their rights.

In Cleveland, that included inno vations like a nonpartisan candidate questionnaire and practice voting booths, which were adopted by LWV groups nationwide.

During her introduction of author and guest speaker Barbara McQuade, Ohio LWV Executive Director Jen Miller said the organization contin ues to serve its intended function of educating voters on their rights and responsibilities, as well as to ensure ballot access for all people, including minori ties, students and people with disabilities.

“(Also) important to us is election security and election integrity,” she said. “Part of that, for the last several years, has been making sure that Ohioans have a better understanding as to all the safeguards that we have around our elections. I'm really pleased to be here with all of you to talk about this issue of disinformation and how that is polluting our political environment and polluting our elections.”

Miller introduced McQuade as a former U.S. attorney, University of Michigan Law School professor, NBC News legal analyst and the New York Times bestselling author of “Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America.”

In her comments to the crowd of over 100, who gathered over a catered lunch at the Munson Township Hall, McQuade explained the difference between disinformation and misinformation.

“Disinformation, in my view, is the deliberate use of lies or deception or misleading language to manipulate people,” McQuade said. “Misinformation is kind of its unwitting cousin, where we read something, or believe it because we hear it so many other times (that) we begin to believe it's true.”

McQuade said one major problem is that some people choose to spread mis- or disin-

izing times, people care more about their political tribe than they care about any single issue and that, I think, is a very dangerous thing.”

While some may be fooled by obvious untruths coming from both sides of the political spectrum, McQuade said, others operate in a “post-shame world,” where truth matters less than power.

One strategy used by political leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, McQuade said, is to spread constantly-changing information — true or not — in an effort to exhaust the public.

“In Russia, it has been very much part of Putin's strategy to cause people to become exhausted by disinformation and conflicting claims, so that people feel like they just can't keep up,” she said. “One day, he might tell the public that missiles were fired from Russia, the next day, he might say those very same missiles were actually fired from Ukraine. And then the day after that, maybe he says those missiles came from NATO.”

McQuade said that style of communicating with the public is deliberately inconsistent and designed to confuse and exhaust the public by creating the idea there is no such thing as truth.

supposed to be a government of, by and for the people — then we are ceding our power to people who are willing to play these games. And I think we need to stand up to that by educating ourselves about issues, and making sure we are exercising our power in an informed way.”

In the U.S., McQuade said, one problem with public discourse is so much of it takes place on social media, where an individual’s identity can be obscured or even falsely replicated through hundreds or even hundreds-of-thousands of bot accounts.

“In democracy, it's one person, one vote. Online, it's more like one person, one hundred thousand votes,” McQuade joked. “I think there's some differences there (on social media) that ironically are allowing us to be exploited because of our fervent desire to protect our right to free speech.”

People aiming to misinform the public have tools on social media that don’t exist elsewhere, McQuade said, noting online advertisements do not need to include the standard disclaimers made in television and radio ads.

“On television ads and radio ads … a candidate must reveal that they're paying for it,” she said. “You know, ‘I'm Joe Biden and I approve this ad,’ or whatever it is … and that is

required for television and for radio. It is not

Closing that legal loophole could prevent bad actors from artificially promoting a third-party spoiler candidate without violating First Amendment rights, McQuade said.

In an interview prior to the event, McQuade said her goal in writing the book was to allow ordinary readers — not legal experts or politicians — to understand the tactics of disinformation that are used to stoke divisions in society. Those divisions are especially stark along cultural lines, including issues concerning gay and transgender people, gun ownership, climate issues and immigration.

“And I think when we're aware of these tactics, we can recognize them and avoid being manipulated by them. Because at the end of the day, what we really care about is good government in society, about advancing social progress, about using our government to solve problems,” she said. “And instead, I think that people who engage in disinformation are pitting us against each other on

McQuade’s talk, including a question-and-answer session, can be viewed in its entirety on the LWV-Geauga YouTube page.

Marcelyn Ellen Owen

Marcelyn Ellen Owen, age 90, peacefully passed away on May 1, 2024, at David Simpson Hospice House in Cleveland.

She was born to Robert R. and Gladys (nee Scheuerman) Winchell, of Chagrin Falls, and raised in Cleveland. Marcelyn was a graduate of James Ford Rhodes High School.

During the Korean War, James Owen bravely served his country. During his tour of duty, he lost his leg to a land mine. After a year at a rehabilitation hospital and then returning home, fate led him to Leimkuehler Prosthetics, where Marcelyn Winchell worked. Their meeting blossomed into a profound love, and they were wed on April 24, 1954. Together, they built a beautiful life in South Euclid, where they raised their three daughters and worked together for the family business at Jim Owen & Son Moving & Storage Co.

Marcelyn was a true fashionista, always impeccably dressed and perfectly manicured, cherishing her acrylic nails. She had a passion for shopping, delighting in thrift store finds, and she adored cardinals. Her compassion extended to others through her volunteer work at Dorothy's Porch.

Marcy, better known by the nickname “Moosie,” treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for whom her love knew no bounds.

She is survived by her three daughters, Lisa Perry, of Mayfield Heights, Leigh (Timothy McNichols) Owen, of Brecksville, and Laurel (Raymond) Szafraniec, of Chardon; grandchildren, Sean Perry, Christian (Mary) Perry, Shannon (Terrell) Majors, Macie McNichols, Tyler (Kaitlin) McNichols, Riley McNichols, Raymond “RJ” (Kat) Szafraniec, Kevin (Meaghan Beech) Szafraniec and Carrie (Kyle) Burdock; great-grandchildren, James Perry, Julianna Perry, Austin Szafraniec, Raelyn Szafraniec, Hadlee Burdock and Rhianne Burdock; and sister-in-law, Dessy Winchell, of South Australia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, James Owen; and brother, Robert R. Winchell.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon Township.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and cherished memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com, where Marcelyn's spirit continues to shine brightly, a beacon of love and light to all who knew her.

Earl G. Lucas

Obituaries

py for the successes of others. He was never envious.

cial to him. He was a generous man with a good heart.

Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Earl G. Lucas, age 92, a 62-year resident of Chardon Township, died on May 2, 2024.

He was born on June 15, 1932, to John Henry and Dorothy (nee Silvis) Lucas in Brookville, Pa.

After graduating from Mentor High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a PFC during the Korean War.

On Oct. 11, 1958, he married Irene Neuman in Eastlake, setting up housekeeping in Mentor, before moving to Chardon Township in 1962.

Earl and his wife attended the Chardon Baptist Church. He worked as a machinist for many years, retiring from Citco Diamond Tools.

He was an avid hunter, with his first deer antlers still hanging in the living room, and always had the “best” breed of dog, the beagle, with him.

Irene and Earl both like riding motorcycles, she on her Honda and he on his Harley-Davidson.

Survivors are his wife, Irene; two sisters, Barbara Holt, of North Carolina, and Ellen Fisher, of Orwell; and many nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.

Donations are suggested in Earl’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

The family will receive friends from 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Chardon Baptist Church, 363 Wilson Mill Road, Chardon. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Larned Cemetery in Chardon Township.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.

Robin Valentine Lambert

Robin Valentine Lambert passed away in 2024 and was born in Cleveland in 1952. He resided in Pepper Pike his entire childhood and part of his adult life. For many years he lived in Burton with his mother and brother.

Robin attended Orange Schools, where he made numerous friends.

He was extremely clever and could build anything he could dream up.

Robin’s hobbies were many. He loved anything piston-powered and collected and built numerous Harleys for himself and his many friends.

He worked in numerous positions from truck driver to overseas facility repairs for General Electric. His work-related travels took him to Japan and other far away locations, but he always came home proclaiming that home is the best place to be.

Robin always had a kind word for everyone he met and everyone instantly liked him a lot and walked away with a smile. He was quick witted and able to make everyone laugh. He had the ability to be sincerely hap-

Robin cared deeply for his family, always working to help his parents as they aged. In his later years, he was a committed caregiver for his infant great niece.

He will be missed by his brother, Richard; sister-in-law, Mary; and nieces, Elizabeth and Grace. He will also be missed by his many great friends and all who knew him. He was a genuine lovable guy. So many people are glad to have had him for a friend.

Robin was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Lambert; and nephew Scott Lambert.

Galen Thomas Palmisano

Galen Thomas Palmisano, aged 72, passed away May 1, 2024, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Chardon Township.

He was born Feb. 26, 1952, in Lincoln Neb., to Salvatore and Louella (nee Carlson) Palmisano. He was the second of three children.

When Galen was 4, the family moved from his mother’s homeland in Nebraska to his father’s homeland in the greater Boston area, eventually settling in Concord, Mass. Galen fondly recalled the adventures of a boyhood spent outside in woods and wetlands as well as Sundays spent at Grandma and Grandpa P’s surrounded by their large Italian family.

After a year of college in Durango, Colo., Galen spent time in the Army as well as building radomes, which are large geodesic structures that house radar, both in the U.S. and Europe. His father and brother were Marines and Galen always maintained a great respect for those who serve(d) our country in the armed forces.

Home base remained the Concord area until his mid-30s, when he met and married Debbie Parks in 1987. When they were expecting their first child, they moved back to Debbie’s hometown of Shaker Heights and lived with her mother for two years until they purchased a home in Burton Township. There they raised three children, Sam, Max and Maria, who still reside in the area. Galen and Debbie divorced in 2005 and he lived and worked in Newbury Township the remainder of his life.

Galen drove semis for Kuhnle Brothers for many years. He was an excellent driver and often trained new hires. He enjoyed driving and the people he met. He felt that through his travels, he kept a finger on the pulse of the nation.

Galen loved animals and his kids remember sheltering orphaned lambs, chickens, a fawn and numerous dogs and cats. In his later years, he cherished his feline companions.

He enjoyed music, loved to dance and was a surprisingly good guitar player. He loved riding his Harleys. He was a member of Whitetails Unlimited and enjoyed collecting and shooting guns. He collected watches and eyeglasses.

Galen loved any adventure that left him with a good story with which to regale friends at his favorite watering holes. Celebrating holidays and birthdays with family was spe-

The family is grateful to the owners, staff and patrons of Madrick’s Tavern who offered Galen much care, compassion and camaraderie over the past year.

Galen is survived by his children and former spouse, as well as his grandson, Ashton, and sister, Elaina Satterfield (Paul), of Jacksonville, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Doug, of Groton, Mass.

All are invited to share memories at Newbury Community Church, 14916 Auburn Road, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 3 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., following the memorial, the celebration of Galen’s life will continue at Madrick’s Tavern, 10760 Kinsman Road, Newbury.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.

Jill Taylor McGrath

Jill Taylor Mc Grath passed away on Dec. 21, 2023, due to COVID-19. She was born Dec. 6, 1941, to the late George and Kathryn Taylor (nee Tiebout).

Jill was prede ceased by her siblings; twin brother, Jack; and older brother, Bob.

She is survived by her loving husband of 12 years, Cliff McGrath; five children from a previous marriage, Debbie, Jennifer, JD, Kim and Megan; four stepsons, Daniel, Mark, Christopher and David; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins.

Jill and Cliff shared a beautiful life together, splitting their time between their winter haven on Marco Island in Florida and their summer retreat in Chardon.

Jill had a profound love for the Florida coast, where she found joy in walking the beach and sharing the beauty of her surroundings with visiting family and friends. She was an avid decorator, and her artistic talent shone brightly in their condo, which was a testament to her exquisite taste and attention to detail.

A gracious hostess, Jill delighted in welcoming guests into their home, showcasing her culinary skills with delicious meals and fun desserts, often featuring fresh fish caught by Cliff. Her love for outdoor dining by the water was something she enjoyed sharing with visitors, creating lasting memories for all.

Jill looked out for her twin brother Jack throughout his life. A few years before he passed, Jill and her cousins shared a special time with him during a visit to Colorado, which remained a cherished memory.

Growing up, Jill, her brothers and parents spent many vacations at the family farm in Warren, Pa. “The farm,” originally purchased in 1841, was the family homestead where generations of relatives, including Jill’s aunts, uncles and cousins, spent many wonderful days together filled with fun and relaxation.

Jill is loved and will be greatly missed.

Basista Family Celebrates 50 Years at West G Plaza

By BriAn doering BriAn@kArlovecmediA com

Tom Basista finds it hard to believe how quickly the 50 years his family has owned West Geauga Plaza in Chester Township have flown by.

After looking through photographs collected over the years and recalling changes made to buildings, signs and people, Basista recently reminisced about past tenants who have come and gone.

“The times have changed a lot, which brings on new challenges and customers who I think are more demanding,” Basista said in an interview May 2. “I am grateful that we have been able to weather the storms over these 50 years. This is definitely not a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday job.”

West Geauga Plaza — on the corner of state Route 306 (Chillicothe Road) and state Route 322 (Mayfield Road) — is a community shopping center with over 30 stores, according to the plaza website.

Basista’s family has donated countless hours and funds towards making Chester a better place to live and do business, he said, adding his family’s mission will continue.

“I look forward to seeing our merchants thrive and to (filling) up our vacant spaces with new energetic entrepreneurs. My motto has always been, ‘If you do well — meaning the merchant — then I do well,” Basista said.

He touched on how his family acquired the plaza in 1974.

“My father, Dr. R. Edward Basista, was an orthodontist by profession, but was also introduced to real estate at a young age — supposedly going around helping his grandmother collect rent. The real estate interest stayed with my father as an adult and he would spend time on the weekends driving

around looking for land in what he thought were promising areas,” Basista said. “He happened to drive through Chesterland and somehow heard that the shopping center was possibly available to purchase.”

Basista’s family are lifelong Clevelanders who grew up on the east side of town. His father was a first-generation United States citizen, he said.

“Over the years, many of my family members and extended family have been involved in the business. Most notably is my older brother, Ron, and my wife, Cathy,” he said. “Our success has truly been a family effort.”

Basista said the family has continued to make improvements to the plaza every year to keep it in good shape.

“When my brother, Ron, came on board full time around 2002, he did a tremendous job putting in place systems to make sure the property was kept in good shape,” Basista said. “I do not see any additions happening in the future, as the Chesterland market is already over-saturated with commercial space.”

Out of all the businesses that have come and gone, Basista always remembers Revco, also known as CVS, which left the plaza in 2004.

“That left a big void at the shopping cen-

ter. Revco was our third-largest tenant by square footage and provided a lot of foot traffic at the north end of the shopping center. It has proven to be a difficult space to lease back up,” Basista said. “For a few years, the West Geauga Senior Center occupied part of that space, but then they moved to the (Bessie Benner) Metzenbaum Center.”

Basista recalled celebrating the grand opening of the North Wing building in 1990, when local TV celebrities "Big Chuck" Schodowski and "Little John" Rinaldi were hired as a draw for the event.

“They arrived hanging onto the back of an antique fire engine. When Big Chuck saw me, he noticed the resemblance between myself and Little John — other than I was taller,” he said. “On the spot, Big Chuck jokingly offered me a job to fill in for Little John in case Little John had to be away.”

Basista said the event also had a dunk tank, where then-Chester township police officer Mark Purchase — who later became police chief and now township administrator — ended up volunteering to be dunked.

“The well water was extremely cold and the dunk tank was in the shade,” Basista said. “Even some of our merchants could not resist the opportunity to get me wet. It was a fun time.”

He noted Chester Township is a special place because of the people who live, work and volunteer there.

“I came from Cuyahoga County, so coming out to Geauga County (was) a whole different vibe,” he said. “The people I have met in Chesterland over the years have been great. I am very grateful for the friendships and advice of Joe Weiss, Pat Mula and Mark Purchase, who have known me since 1988. The many service organizations in town do a great job and deserve more credit."

Miniature Cellar Owner Set to Retire After 18 Years

By BriAn doering BriAn@kArlovecmediA com

The prospect of retirement has been very emotional for Miniature Cellar Dollhouse and Miniature Store Owner Rosemary Macedo nio, who started her business from scratch over 18 years ago.

But, being able to do what she loved — de spite initially having no knowledge of the re tail business — allowed the 70-year-old Ches ter Township resident to forge friendships that will last long after her shop doors close.

“I have loved what I do and, more impor tantly, have made some very good friends among my customers and vendors,” she said in an interview May 6. “On the other hand, it is time to retire and move on to other things.”

The vision of opening her own store came after Macedonio battled cancer in 2002.

“I was a lawyer for 23 years when I got cancer. After my treatment, I realized that life is too short to keep doing something that I didn’t have a passion for, so I retired and thought, ‘What’s next?’ Having been involved in miniatures for several years by then, I decided to open the store,” Macedonio recalled.

a small basement of a house on Mayfield, which is now torn down, and she had been asking me to join her in the space, so there we were, sharing 600 feet of a cellar,” Macedonio said. “Needing some guidance, I called the two major distributors of dollhouses and miniatures and asked them to suggest an opening inventory.”

She noted the space had black mold and sent her to the hospital after six months.

“We moved to a 1,400-square-foot store in West Geauga Plaza and four years later, we moved into a considerably larger shop where the store is today,” she said.

Macedonio said the people love to shop in places like Chester Township because it’s personal.

“It’s a small town and everyone knows each other,” Macedonio said. “It’s small businesses and people who have a stake in what they’re doing.”

then after the store closes.

“If I were to work at home, I would go a little crazy and I’d make my husband a bit crazy, as well,” she said. “So, the discipline of having an outside location is a good idea.”

The Miniature Cellar, at 12652 West Geauga Plaza, has sold a full range of dollhouses; dollhouse kits; dollhouse furniture and accessories; artisan miniatures and dollhouse building, electrical and decorating supplies in both one-inch and half-inch scale, according to the store website.

“I decided to open the store because the

store that I had been patronizing seemed to be losing interest and its inventory was shrinking. I made the decision on Labor Day 2005 and the doors opened the following Oct. 15,” Macedonio said. “The location was more for convenience since I live here. I really didn’t have any goals other than to pay my bills, help customers and have fun.”

Macedonio explained how the store ended up where it currently sits today.

“Eileen Green, (owner) of Intensive Care Doll Hospital (and Doll Shop), was then in

Macedonio said most of her fond memories have stemmed from long-lasting friendships and funny moments, especially involving children.

“For example, a little girl, maybe 4 years old, couldn’t contain her excitement and ran around the store saying, ‘Look! It’s a birdcage,’ or, ‘Mom, there’s a chair!’ This went on the whole time she was there,” Macedonio said. “I should have filmed her for a commercial.”

Macedonio hopes to find a small space in town she can use as a studio to continue to make miniatures and have classes now and

SUBMITTED BY TOM BASISTA

From left, an honored West Geauga Plaza owner Tom Basista stands with his brother, Ron Basista, right, after receiving a proclamation from former Ohio Sen. John Eklund for the Chesterland Chamber of Commerce Business Persons of the Year Award in 1995.

Michael Maguire.

Rotary Fishing Event Reels in Smiles at Wildlife Preserve

By rose nemunAitis editor@kArlovecmedi

Fishing platforms bustled with anticipa tion the morning of May 3 at Geauga Park District’s Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve in Munson Township.

The waters were ready, as a host of com munity members hoped to make the day about much more than just fishing.

“We look forward to ending our school year with this beautiful event at Walter C. Best,” said Ashley Brzozowski, Berkshire Schools vocational coordinator and interven tion specialist teacher. “It is an excellent op portunity for our students to participate with local first responders and volunteer groups. The joy the students and volunteers alike share at that first catch

Geauga County Rotary clubs celebrated another successful annual fishing event for children with special needs. The event was founded in 2012 by Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak, member of Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club, in partnership with The Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure and Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve.

Matt Rambo, of Russell Township, joined Burton-Middlefield Rotary about four years ago and said he specifically chose Burton-Middlefield because of its reputation for service projects in the county.

“This particular project that Rotary does is by far the most fulfilling,” Rambo said. “Today, I was tasked with helping the kids to bait hooks and cast lines. It’s a simple thing for myself and the other volunteers to take a few hours on a Friday morning. Seeing the pure joy the kids experience at catching a fish or seeing their classmate/friend catch a fish is more than worth it.”

Dvorak and volunteers convened under the pavilion to begin the day with a prayer, as they awaited safety forces, about 45 participating students and additional school staff to roll in.

“Thank you for today, bringing us some sunshine and doing a little bit of God’s work today,” Dvorak said.

Arriving students were whisked away to their docks in golf carts, but the biggest question remained — who would, at each platform, catch the first fish?

Sixteen-year-old Sydney Rohl reeled in a sunfish to a host of well-wishing peers and volunteers across the lake at dock five.

She may not be old enough to play the Ohio State lottery, but it was equivalent to hitting it big at her dock.

“I love fishing,” Rohl said, smiling. “I got one … I don’t want to catch anymore.”

Volunteer Sam Cregar assisted in watching Rohl reel in her fish.

Rohl was one and done for the day, but the cheers just got started for the group’s 13 total catches.

Nancy Santilli, ESCWR’s event organiz-

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club’s Jeff Huntsberger helped Pobuda reel in a fish at the annual Rotary fishing event May 3 at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve in Munson Township.

er, said they are honored to be part of this annual event.

“The annual fishing felt collaboration aimed at uplifting special educational students in this inclusive and empowering event within our community,” Santilli said. “This is a safe and joyful space for students to engage in a fun outdoor ac tivity fostering their sense of belonging and well-being. We are grateful to all of the re markable create a lasting positive impact for our stu dents.”

Adam Henry, son of the late Geauga County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Chip Henry, is one of the co-creators of the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure.

“The Chip Henry Institute provides re sources for youth programs that promote skills and experiences leading to the life-long pursuits of exploring and enjoying the great outdoors,” Henry said. “In this case, The Chip Henry Institute es to the Rotary club that puts on the Special Needs Fishing event each year, which includ ed the number of fishing rods and more.

“This morning was a fantastic reminder of how important it is to get kids outside en joying nature,” he added. “Today, we were blessed with perfect weather and coopera tive fish. Almost every child had the thrill of catching a fish, many for the first time in their lives. The pride and joy in their eyes as they reeled in their catch is priceless.”

Henry, who has volunteered at the event for the past decade, said it remains one of his favorite mornings each year.

“I am deeply grateful to Jim Dvorak, our local Rotary clubs, all the volunteers and the participating schools for making this event possible,” he said. “Their continued dedication brings this wonderful experience to life, enriching our community and the lives of its youngest members.”

ing to cast their lines, reeling in their catches and enjoying the camaraderie of the event,” Litke said. “None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our Rotary club volunteers. Their time, pa tience and enthusiasm truly made the day un forgettable for everyone involved. Everyone helped create a welcoming and supportive environment where every student could ex perience the joy of fishing. We saw smiles all around, from the students proudly showing off their catches to the volunteers patiently offering guidance and encouragement. It was a heartwarming display of community spirit.”

Brzozowski said each year is even more fun than the last and she appreciates the practice of catch and release, letting all fish return safely to their habitat, which teaches respect for wildlife.

“We all had an incredible amount of fun,” she said. “The laughter, excitement and curiosity from the students and volunteers was

truly infectious. Everyone, including myself, are definitely looking forward to next year’s trip. It's always a highlight of our school year.”

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

The Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure provided fishing poles for the annual Rotary fishing event for children with special needs May 3 at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve in Munson Township.

Daycare Center Repurposes Landmark School in Middlefield

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

All Around Children celebrated the grand opening of its newest child daycare facility in Middlefield Village May 8, giving new life to an old structure.

With seven other centers in the greater Cleveland area, AAC purchased the former Cardinal Schools building on East High Street when the district started consolidating into two buildings.

Last year, the family-owned business began renovating the landmark structure that includes a full gym.

AAC founder Munna Agular said in an interview May 7 the central location of the building made it an ideal spot for working parents to drop off and pick up their children all year around.

Middlefield had been on the AAC radar for some time.

“Putting up a new building would have been easier, but it made sense to repurpose this one. It serves the community better to repurpose it,” said Munna’s son, Hersh Agular.

Its proximity to the district’s elementary school and convenience for the local and commuting workforce made the spacious school a good choice, he said.

Renovating it to fit AAC’s purpose was more complicated, but considerably less expensive than building a new center, Munna said.

AAC provides childcare for infants and toddlers, and instruction for those in preschool and pre-kindergarten, as well as be-

fore and after school care for children up to 12 years old, Munna said.

The classroom educators are qualified through the state’s Child Development Program and receive ongoing training and credentialing support, he said, adding staff is on site from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Hersh said the mid-sized business has grown to meet demand with his mother, Archana, handling human resources and his sister, Divya, involved in daily operations.

The Middlefield center is administered by Ashley Dean and has 12 employees. Munna said he is hiring and will need 30 employees when the facility is fully enrolled.

high school diploma to meet CDP requirements, he said.

“We expect to grow with demand,” he added.

AAC has larger centers in Cleveland, Stow, Strongsville, Canton and Bedford Heights, where a new administration building was erected, Munna said.

Overall, ACC has about 200 employees and it is growing, and a new center in Collinwood is due to open in August, he said.

“We expect to hire 200 more next year,” Munna said, noting the Strongsville AAC, which has 250 children enrolled, has a waiting list of parents wanting to sign up their children.

AAC did not spring into being overnight.

research at Case Western Reserve University and involved in building homes in the Solon area when the Recession began in 2008. When the dust settled, his parents owned a childcare center.

“They took over the business and learned from scratch,” he said, adding the couple did everything from marketing to hiring to emptying the trash, but the center made money.

“We went from 23 to 117 children in one year,” Munna said. “It made us more financially viable and opened more doors.”

He credited long-time associate Dennis Pfinniger, of Burton, with overseeing the renovation of the school.

“He found me this building,” Munna said. “Dennis has been with me for 26 years.”

AAC has moved the operation from the former Parkman Elementary School to Middlefield because they anticipate needing more space and because the location was out of the way for most commuters.

“We need to be convenient. Parents don’t want to drive 20 minutes out of the way,” Hersh said.

Middlefield Mayor Ben Garlich welcomed AAC during the ribbon cutting.

“The building they purchased is a prominent building in our village,” he said in a follow-up text. “You often see these buildings left vacant and go into disrepair and become a liability for the community. We are fortunate. Not only is the building not falling into that category, but, instead, has had value added, not only physically, but by providing a service that also brings value to our residents and employers.”

More information on AAC is available at www.allaroundchildren.com. has a total of

Candidates for employment must have a

Hersh said his father was doing cancer

S P O R T S

Bombers Defeat Badgers 7-0 on Senior Night

By AlAn KornspAn sports@KArlovecmediA.com

Usually a reliever for the Kenston Bombers, senior pitcher Jacob Maniawski got the call from Head Coach Joe Hritz to start the Senior Night game May 2 against the Berkshire Badgers.

After Maniawski threw a scoreless first inning, the Bombers offense scored five runs in the bottom of the first to take a 5-0 lead.

That would be all the runs the Bombers would need, as Maniawski pitched a complete game, 7-0 shutout.

In seven innings of work, Maniawski gave up only three hits and struck out 14 Badgers. He finished only one strikeout away from tying Kenston's all-time strikeout record for one game, set by current University of Akron baseball player Parker Munday.

After the game, Maniawski talked about his dominant performance on the mound.

“(I am) typically a reliever for the team, so when I got the opportunity to start today on Senior Night, I said I would give it my all,” Maniawski said. “That's what I did.”

In pitching a great game, Maniawski said his slider was his go-to pitch. He explained that he often threw the slider when he was

ahead in the count, causing many batters to swing early and miss the ball.

Coach Hritz said the coaching staff only planned to pitch Maniawski a few innings, but decided to keep him in as the game pro gressed. Maniawski did an excellent job of keeping his pitch count down, his coach add ed, throwing strikes and allowing his defense to make plays. This combination of pitching and defense kept the Bombers controlling

Thatcher Nets Two Goals as Tigers Defeat Lions

By AlAn KornspAn sports@KArlovecmediA com

Chagrin Falls girls lacrosse defeated the NDCL Lions on May 3 at C.S. Harris Stadium.

Leading the Tigers to a 5-1 victory was junior Emma Thatcher, who netted two goals.

Afterward, she said the Tigers did a very good job of moving the ball around on their offensive attack, particularly when they had to play a few players down.

“I think moving the ball and really looking for our best option really helped,” Thatcher said.

Chagrin Falls Head Coach KC White said that the Lion defense played a zone and did an excellent job defending the Tigers offense. In particular, White said that the NDCL goal ie played a great game.

As NDCL's defense was strong, Coach White said the coaching staff had the Tiger offense focus on controlling possession of the ball.

“Once we knew that the goals were going to be hard to come by, controlling possession was something that we felt like we had con trol over, so we were trying to hold the ball as much as possible,” Coach White said.

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Kenston’s Avery Siperke celebrates with teammates when he went hard on the first pitch he

5-1

Falls junior Emma Thatcher

Lacrosse from page B1

Despite the focus on ball movement and time of possession, the Tigers were still able to get many shots on goal.

Scoring first for the Tigers was senior Bailey Corto, who scored with 6:36 left in the first quarter.

The Tigers then added two goals in the second quarter: Thatcher early in the second period with 9:37 left, then junior Marie-Claire Holdren right before the end of the half.

Chagrin Falls' Lyla Breeden scored with 9:07 left in the third quarter to make the score 4-0. Then with 8.8 seconds left in the

third quarter, Thatcher scored her second goal of the game.

Post-game, Thatcher credited her teammates with putting her in position to score.

“I had a couple goals, but those came from great assists,” she said. “(I have) some great teammates who saw open players, and it kept continuing through the game, and we had great shots all around.”

With 10:38 left in the game, Ella Latore netted a goal for the Lions to make the final score 5-1.

In fact, Latore had a great week, as she led the Lions with four goals, including three in NDCL's 12-2 Senior Night victory over the Padua Franciscan Bruins on May 1.

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“It was our Senior Night, so it was a great game,” Latore said. “Tons of energy, tons of uplifting people up by us. It was amazing.”

Also scoring goals for the Lions against the Bruins were Macey Beers (2), Kathryn Keefe (2), Isabella Adair (1), Isabella Call (1), Ava Downing (1), Maggie Kane (1) and Hailey Karban (1).

Baseball from page B1

Senior Avery Siperke led the offense, going 3-4 with a double, triple and home run.

Siperke had the big hit of the game when he went hard on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Bombers a 6-0 lead. Post-game, Siperke said he was

“To be honest, I was trying to hit out,” he said. “I knew I needed a home run and a single for the cycle. I was trying to get the home

“I got my pitch, just let it rip. It felt good.”

Also having multiple-hit games were LA Mighton (2-4, double, triple, RBI), Bridger Bischof (2-2) and Jimmy Cerha (2-4, double, 2 RBI)

Although the Badgers lost this one, Berkshire's team has had a great season so far.

In fact, the Badgers currently lead the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) with an 8-1 divisional record.

Leading the way for Berkshire this season, both at the plate and on the mound, has been sophomore Patrick Brancel. For the season, he has a .553 batting average and a .683 on-base percentage.

Additionally, in 31 innings of work on the mound this season, Brancel has only allowed two earned runs while striking out 52 batters, including 13 in the Badgers' victory against Kirtland on April 30.

Bulletin Board

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

Perennial Gardeners Plant Sale

May 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland’s annual plant sale in the parking lot of Chester Town Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, features a large assortment of hanging baskets, perennials, natives, houseplants, herbs and annuals. Check out the Garden Shed and the boutique for unique items related to home and garden. Gift certificates are available now. Sale will be held rain or shine. For more information, email perennialgardenerschesterland@gmail.com.

Good Deeds Program

May 14, 6 p.m.

Geauga County Probate Court will present the Good Deeds Program at Adams Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township.

The free informational program is designed to inform individuals how to hold their assets while living to avoid the cost and time associated with the probate court process later. To register, call Cheryl at 440226-4928.

Genealogical Society Meets

May 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Kelli Bergheimer will present "DNA Basics: What Do We Get From Our Ancestors?” at the next meeting of the Geauga County Genealogical Society being held in the Bostwick room at Chardon Library, 110

E. Park St. The program begins after social time and a short business meeting at 7 p.m. Registration is required; visit www.gcgsoh. org.

Herb and Plant Sale

May 17 and 18

The Chagrin Valley Herb Society is holding its annual herb and plant sale at the Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. Hours are 1-3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds help to rebuild and maintain the herb gardens and tea house at the library.

Women’s Caucus Meets

May 17, 7 p.m.

The Geauga Democratic Women’s Caucus will meet at the Geauga Democratic Headquarters, 12420 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. Bring a friend and contributions for the HOLA Food Cupboard. For information, call 440-273-8200.

Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour

May 18, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Destination Geauga’s 20th annual self-guided tour of Geauga County with 25 participating businesses. Each stop offers either a discount, giveaway or sample to enjoy. Pick up a map of participating businesses and collect a stamp at each stop.

Auburn Township

Large Item Trash Drop-Off Day

June 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Auburn Township residents may bring their items to the Adam Hall Community Center, 11455 Washington St. No hazardous waste, building products, household garbage or yard waste will be accepted.

Nominal fee of $7 per car and small truckloads and $10 per large truckload will be

charged. A maximum of eight truck tires, on and off rims, per household will be accepted for free.

Senior residents qualify for free item pick-up service on May 30 and 31. Seniors must first preregister with the Geauga County Department on Aging at 440-279-2130. Call the Auburn Administration Office with any questions at 440-543-7028 or visit www.auburntownship.com.

Geauga Park District

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

World Migratory Bird Day

May 18, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a bird sit at Troy Wetlands. Sit for as little or as long as one likes to help tally spring bird life with Naturalist Linda Gilbert.

Troy’s combination of wetlands and forest provides a habitat for a great variety of birds, and its boardwalks and viewing platform give visitors fantastic vantage points to see all there is to see. Participants school-aged and older should bring a chair, binoculars and a camera. Check the website before coming out in the event of heavy rain or storms that result in cancellation. Signs will be posted en route to the observation deck.

At the end of the tour, head to Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, for the finale with music, food and a chance to win prizes from local businesses. One must have at least 10 stamps on the map to be entered to win. Drawings begin at 4 p.m. For more information and the list of participating businesses, visit www. destinationgeauga.com or call Kathy at 440632-1538.

Container Gardening

May 18, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteer Kathie Bottger for “Container Gardening - Think Outside the Pot” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. She will provide instructions, demos for planting, suggested plant varieties, design and color combinations and show how repurposed items become garden art.

Registration is required; call 440-8344656. For more information, visit geauga. osu.edu.

Auburn School Alumni Reunion

May 19, 2 p.m.

The Auburn School Alumni 116th Reunion will be held at Adam Hall on Washington Street. The event is open to anyone who attended Auburn School for any period of time as a teacher, student, staff member or other capacity from 1933 to the 1990s.

By reservations only, contact Patti Phillips at 440-343-0054 or Jake Trethewey at 440-991-7432 by May 12.

Civil War Encampment

May 25 and 26

Geauga County Historical Society presents a Civil War Encampment on the grounds of Century Village Museum in Burton. The event features authentic reenactors, sutlers, battles and a special live musical performance. For information and tickets, call 440-834-1492 or visit centuryvillagemuseum.org.

Holiday Polka Party

May 27, 1-7 p.m.

A Memorial Day polka dance party will be held at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland. Enjoy ethnic food and live music featuring the orchestras of Don Wojtila and Frank Stanger. Open to the public. For information, call 330-318-3004.

Help for Mental Illness

NAMI Geauga offers mental health support groups and classes for families and persons affected by mental illness. There is no charge to participants. All offerings are 100% peer led and meet in person or on Zoom.

Check out NAMI’s calendar online for the latest listings: www.namigeauga.org.

Leadership Geauga Presents Check to Foundation for Geauga Parks

SUBMITTED

Leadership Geauga presented a $10,025 check to the Foundation for Geauga Parks on May 2. The donation was made possible through the 2024 Emerald Ball’s “Call to the Heart” portion of the live auction held March 1. From left are Janice Sugarman, Leadership Geauga board president; John Lateulere and Melissa Capretta, Leadership Geauga board members; Meredith Ashkettle, executive director of Leadership Geauga; Danielle Martincic, Emerald Ball committee member; Lee Imhoff, Leadership Geauga’s 2024 Emerald Leader; Christine Davidson, Foundation for Geauga Parks executive director; Erin Stevenson, Foundation for Geauga Parks administrative associate; Eric Sukalac, Foundation for Geauga Parks board president; and Amy Murfello, Leadership Geauga marketing and outreach manager.

Hambden Veteran Shares ‘Life is Good’ Motto

By rose nemunAitis editor@KArlovecmediA com

Memorial Day, the last Monday of the month, marks a solemn time to honor veterans who died in service to the nation.

The day’s meaning is extra poignant for United States Army veteran and distinguished area safety forces veteran Mike Warner.

Warner served as Hambden Township Fire Department’s fifth fire chief from 1976 – 1995 and went on to become fire chief of Concord Township and Lake County Sheriff’s Office captain of central communications administrator.

He retired in August of 2021, but never slowed down in his involvement in the community.

Despite the difficult memories he carries, including two tours in Vietnam, his mission is to share his personal motto: “Life is Good.”

Warner presented his inspirational autobiographical “Life is Good” talk April 4 inside Hambden Township Hall, which included an hour’s worth of life lessons highlighting the importance of building and sustaining relationships.

Warner grew up in Chardon and never forgot his roots.

“The theme of my talk comes from a friend of mine,” he said. “He died of a few years ago. No matter how bad life was for him, he’d say, ‘Hey, life is good.’ He had cancer, but whatever he said was life was good. I’ve taken this theme on.”

This adage became even more real after Warner survived a life-threatening motorcycle crash on Memorial Day 2021.

“Like thinking of all the times I should have died in combat and in fires, the close calls,” Warner recalled, before describing that fateful day.

It was a clear, sunny day in Northeast Ohio when he was riding his motorcycle

motorcycle and I ended up on the Hambden Line,” Warner said. “I remember seeing the two deer running fast toward me. I remember thinking this is going to hurt. According to the deputy, I was able to give him Becky’s (his wife) phone number, but I have no recollection of the conversation. My first memory is being loaded into the squad. They let

ing, “This is tight.”

“I had helped load patients into the helicopter, but never as a patient…I remember the flight medics and how good they were with patient care, as were our medics from Concord and Hambden,” he said.

“I was so impressed with the care given to me at the crash, the flight, the emergen-

cy room downtown, ICU (Intensive Care Unit), the trauma floor, all the doctors and technicians, and the people who called or told Becky how they were praying for me,” he said. “It was very humbling, after all the years of working as a first responder. I am very blessed. Becky and my sons, Joe and Rick, were with me the entire time I was at UH (University Hospitals) Cleveland.”

After the crash, several first responders told Warner they all thought he was dead.

See Life is Good • Page B5

Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office April 26 to May 2, 2024.

ANIMAL PROBLEM

April 26

7:53 a.m., Old State Road and Burton Windsor Road, Middlefield. Sheep loose on Route 608 going towards Burton Windsor on right hand side. Upon arrival, property owner was fixing the fence after returning the sheep to its pen.

ASSAULT

April 26

1:05 p.m., Water Street, Arby's, Chardon. Two people crossing at the cross walk as a car pulled out. Car almost hit them and the female crossing the street threw her sandwich at the car. Both parties wanted nothing done.

CITIZEN ASSIST

April 29

6:36 p.m., Overture Drive, Newbury. Caller put two new batteries in smoke detector it won't stop beeping. Fire department will handle.

May 2

11:38 a.m., Moss Woods Drive, Burton. Caller needs to speak to a deputy in reference

to multiple issues. Complainant advised lasers are being shot in his house at night and they are giving him skin cancer and constipation. Advice given.

May 2

4:35 p.m., Henning Drive, Chardon. Neighbor now has a camera mounted on tree that is pointed directly at our house. Neighbor to the north placed a camera on a tree pointed at the caller's residence, but on his property. Advice given. Caller will have his dad talk to the neighbor.

CITIZEN DISPUTE

April 28

5:17 p.m., Short Court Street, Chardon. Female in white T-shirt and skirt is the caller. Juveniles cussing at her over ride line. In front of the Crazy Surf. Juveniles all walked away female had multi-colored shorts on. Caller advised she said something to them for cutting in line and they became very inappropriate.

JUVENILE PROBLEM

April 27

4:18 p.m., E. Park Street, Chardon Public Library, Chardon. Six to eight males that keep coming in the library and vandalizing things. They are standing in front of the library. They have been asked to leave

about four times. At one point they surrounded the female and were being confrontational. They are about 14 years old.

ROAD RAGE

April 26

12:04 p.m., Route 422, Auburn. Easbound blue sprinter van threw a glass bottle out his window and hit caller's vehicle. Passing Shaw Road now, caller is in a black Subaru sedan and is behind the vehicle. Van possibly pulled into parking lot across from the Gulf Station. Caller advised he pulled into the Gulf Station and the van followed him in there. Caller advised he was threatening the caller . Van left. Caller disconnected as deputy was on scene. Observed damage to complainant's vehicle. Unable to make contact with the other party involved. Will continue to attempt. None of the incident was recorded. Follow up needed.

SUSPICIOUS

April 27

10:03 p.m., Kinsman Road, Anytime Fitness, Newbury. There was a male sitting in a chair not working out. Appeared to be watching the caller. Male started to approach the caller and then went toward toward her belongings. He did not take anything. She just feels its strange that

he was sitting there and not working out. White male, jeans and green shirt, older, glasses and a bald spot. Caller is now leaving the gym but male is still there. Male was waiting spouse who was in locker room. Male had workout bag with him.

April 29

12:56 p.m., Old State Road, Claridon. Next door neighbor is leaving flowers on her porch and she is creeped out by him. Neighbor leaving flowers was asked to stop and stated he would.

THEFT

April 29

9:44 a.m., Cornelia Drive, Aquilla. Thinks someone took his hand gun from truck. Firearm located under driver seat. No crime occurred.

April 29

2:05 p.m., Newcomb Road, Middlefield. Theft on Saturday $2.20 teeth gel. Theft of Dentemp pain relief valued at $2.20.

3:16 p.m., Newcomb Road, Middlefield. Female hid four cat food items in a chip box valued at $1.59 a piece and a case of cat food valued at $3 under the chip box and left the store without paying for those items. Total value of the theft was $9.36. Report taken.

Life is Good from

“This is when I realized that I was given another chance and I should work to help make a difference for others,” Warner said.

He now serves as this area’s Combat Vet erans Motorcycle Association chaplain and volunteers with a host of other organizations.

A Look Back on the Good

It all started in Chardon for Warner, who was born at the former Corey Hospital and eventually lived in Hambden Township.

“I raised my children here,” he said. “Back in Chardon … I delivered (news)paper. What did it do for you? It builds relationships and grows your community. Find a way to build relationships.”

After graduating from Chardon High School, Warner enlisted in the U.S. Army and left for basic training Aug. 2, 1968, serving two tours in Vietnam and eight months in Germany, and earning the rank of sergeant.

In Vietnam, he served as a radio man, driver, personal bodyguard and security, and also served from August 1978 to February 1987 in the Ohio National Guard.

Warner was grateful to make it home, as so many did not.

“When I think about the ones who didn’t make it home, it’s up to us who make it home to remember the ones who didn’t return,” he said.

In his PowerPoint, Warner clicked on a black and white photo of his kindergarten class and pointed out students he still keeps in contact with.

“This guy right here — retired CHS football coach Dick Bellamy, he instilled in us teamwork,” he said.

Warner relayed the story of discovering his old football jersey for 50 cents at a garage sale and how meaningful it was to be part of that Hilltoppers championship season with

(coach) made sure we kept our grades up and got along. If you didn’t follow rules, there were consequences.”

He shared, as a young boy, a photo of him wearing a deputy sheriff’s badge.

“What’s so ironic, when I left Concord, I went to Lake County Sheriff’s Office and worked as a captain,” he said. “It’s kind of ironic, who would have thought I’d be a deputy sheriff.”

Hambden Township Trustee Dave Johnson said it was fantastic to see and hear Warner’s presentation.

“Very interesting, and since he was born and raised here, it made it more meaningful to me,” Johnson said.

Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak said Warner’s message really hit home with him.

“It is the basic things my parents and

Volunteering

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals

The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal drivers in Newbury Township on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The meal routes start at the Chardon Senior Center, 470 Center St., Building 8, Chardon.

The Home Delivered Meal program delivers warm, nutritious lunches between the hours of 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, to homebound senior citi-

zens 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.

grandparents instilled in me,” Dvorak said. “Love God, and your family and your country. Don’t do anything that would embarrass your mother. Work for the common good and in a team atmosphere and you’ll never be wrong.”

Warner believes his Life is Good presentation is about more than just his life experiences and lessons. It’s also about how relationships and people have made a difference.

“Not sure how much time I have left on earth, but I want to use my past experiences to maybe help someone struggling with (post-traumatic stress disorder) or other issues, so they have a chance to go on helping others. It was great seeing old neighbors and friends. My life is good and it is because of my faith in God and he has given me another chance to make a difference.”

Chester Government Update

The Chester Township Board of Trustees held a special public meeting with department heads, their administrative assistants and the fiscal office on the morning of April 18. There was discussion about budgets, financial tracking and how best to communicate between departments and the fiscal office to ensure efficient and accurate reporting and timely expense tracking.

The April 18 regular meeting began at 6 p.m. with the swearing-in of a new police officer, Richard Myers, and trustees welcomed Myers to the team. Additionally, Chief Craig Young informed trustees that Chester Police Officers Anthony Insana and Steven Ettinger were selected as the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year through the Geauga County Bar Association. The board is grateful for the efforts and sacrifices the township police officers make every day.

Mara McClain, of Sedgwick, the township’s third party administrator under the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation program, explained options available for BWC insurance. With Chester’s improving workplace safety, the township has the option of remaining in the pooled group retro program that is shared risk or switching to the conventional group rating program, which may have some recognized cost benefits, but different levels of risk. More discussion will follow in upcoming meetings.

A public hearing to permit the use of electronic signs was conducted. There were no public comments received, and the trustees approved the Z-2024-2 as recommended by the Chester Zoning Commission and the Geauga County Planning Commission.

Next, Jim Ptacek, of Larsen Architects, provided some preliminary drawings of the proposed roof replacement project for the southern garage of the Chester Road Department. A specification will be developed and sent out for public bid.

With the addition of electronic signage to the zoning resolution, the trustees approved $32,931 to Daktronics for an outdoor dual-screen electronic message center for the town hall monument sign and $3,500 to Electolite for the installation. Township Adminis-

trator Mark Purchase had been researching options for several months, and this product, with a five-year warranty and functionality, was deemed the best option.

There was a motion to accept the bid from Karvo Companies for the asphalt resurfacing of County Line and Old Mill roads. The project cost is estimated at $1,275,000 of which $736,000 is Chester Township’s responsibility. It is a joint project with the Village of Gates Mills, so expenses will be shared. In addition, the township has received $250,000 in grant funding and a loan amount of up to $150,000, depending on the final cost of the project, in Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding to support the project.

In fire department business, the board approved the hiring of part-time firefighter/ paramedic Donovan Ferguson and $7,393 to Lexipol for an annual subscription for department policies.

A resolution was passed confirming Chester Township’s support for the American-250-Ohio program celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The board also recognized Isabel Gracon as the recipient of the Girl Scouts Gold Award.

The township received a Lifepak 15 Heart Monitor/Defibrillator from the Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital and trustees appreciate the generous donation.

A motion to approve the installation of irrigation systems by Innovative Companies for $5,325 was approved for the Parkside Park corner of state Route 306 and U.S. Route 322 and the gazebo. The area is currently undergoing renovation in coordination with the Perennial Gardeners.

After a brief executive session, the board met in public session and approved a $300 bonus to zoning/BZA administrative assistant Kathleen McCarthy for her valued help in onboarding and training Kimberly Bican, the new township board of trustees administrative assistant. Trustees welcome Bican to the township and are excited to have her join.

Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee

Family Celebration

May 19, 5-7 p.m.

Join other families to celebrate Pentecost - the birthday of the church - with crafts, games, dinner and birthday cupcakes at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St. Email cjones@chardonumc.org for more information.

Cardinal Schools

SUBMITTED

Miss Gail, from Geauga Soil & Water Conservation District, reviewed the water cycle and prepared several games for the second-graders to participate in during a recent visit to Jordak Elementary School. Students got to take home their own beginner red oak tree.

SUBMITTED

Jordak Elementary School students (l to r) Vanessa S., Addison C., Emberlyn L., Olivia F. and Andi F. will represent Cardinal at the 2024 Ohio Choral Directors Association (OCDA) Treble Honor Choir at Capital University on June 24.

OCDA Treble Honor Choir

Jordak Elementary students Vanessa S., Addison C., Emberlyn L., Olivia F., Andi F. and Harper T. have been selected to represent Cardinal at the 2024 Ohio Choral Directors Association (OCDA) Treble Honor Choir on June 24. They will rehearse with other

nominated singers from all over Ohio at Capital University in Bexley, culminating in a final concert at the end of the day. The extraordinary opportunity will be led by guest conductor Elizabeth Hainrihar, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Wittenberg University.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX

Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191

Case No. 19-F-000234

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. NICOLAS LINDIC, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 04-150703 - 3.57 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 04-150703 – 14716 ASPEN HILLS LANE, BURTON TOWNSHIP, OH.

Description: “As Geauga County has adopted a permanent parcel number system, it has been determined that publication of the complete legal description is not necessary to provide reasonable notice of the foreclosure sale to potential bidders. The complete legal description can be located in the Court’s file located at the Geauga County Clerk of Court’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the Geauga County Courthouse, 100 Short Court, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

Last known owner: NICOLAS P. LINDIC, 14716 ASPEN HILLS LANE, BURTON, OH 44021.

MINIMUM BID: $26,053.69

Whereas, such judgment orders such real property to be sold by the undersigned to satisfy the total amount of said judgment; Now, therefore, public notice is hereby given that Scott A. Hildenbrand, Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, will sell such real property at public auction, for cash to the highest bidder of an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against each parcel at 10:00 o’clock A.M. at the door of the Court House in the City of Chardon, Ohio on THURSDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF MAY, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel.

Public notice is hereby given that all such real property to be sold at public auction may be subject to a federal tax lien that may not be extinguished by the sale, and purchasers of any such real property are urged to search the Federal Tax Lien index that is kept by the County Recorder to determine if notice of a federal tax lien has been filed with respect to any such real property.

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to Geauga County Local Rule 13, the required deposit for this offering shall be $300 or 10% of bid, whichever is greater. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash if Purchase Price is $300.00 or less. If more than $300.00 Purchase Price is to be paid in accordance with the Rule of Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, governing Sheriff’s Sales. SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX

Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191 Case No. 23-F-000304

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. BRUCE H. COCHRAN, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 02-291500 - 9.65 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 02-291500 – 8740 WASHINGTON STREET, BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, OH.

Description: “As Geauga County has adopted a permanent parcel number system, it has been determined that publication of the complete legal description is not necessary to provide reasonable notice of the foreclosure sale to potential bidders. The complete legal description can be located in the Court’s file located at the Geauga County Clerk of Court’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the Geauga County Courthouse, 100 Short Court, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

Last known owner: BRUCE H COCHRAN AND BRENDA L. COCHRAN, AKA BRENDA L. SAMPLE, 8740 WASHINGTON STREET, CHAGRIN FALLS, OH 44023.

MINIMUM BID: $33,781.15

Whereas, such judgment orders such real property to be sold by the undersigned to satisfy the total amount of said judgment;

Now, therefore, public notice is hereby given that Scott A. Hildenbrand, Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, will sell such real property at public auction, for cash to the highest bidder of an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against each parcel at 10:00 o’clock A.M. at the door of the Court House in the City of Chardon, Ohio on THURSDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF MAY, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel.

Public notice is hereby given that all such real property to be sold at public auction may be subject to a federal tax lien that may not be extinguished by the sale, and purchasers of any such real property are urged to search the Federal Tax Lien index that is kept by the County Recorder to determine if notice of a federal tax lien has been filed with respect to any such real property.

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to Geauga County Local Rule 13, the required deposit for this offering shall be $300 or 10% of bid, whichever is greater. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash if Purchase Price is $300.00 or less. If more than $300.00 Purchase Price is to be paid in accordance with the Rule of Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, governing Sheriff’s Sales.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX

Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191 Case No. 23-F-000470

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. WALTER W. BATES, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 23-267600 - 0.07 acres; 23267700 - 0.07 acres; 23-267800 - 0.07 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 23-267600 – VACANT LAND ON ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.; 23-267700 – 14681 ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.; 23-267800 –VACANT LAND ON ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.

Description: “As Geauga County has adopted a permanent parcel number system, it has been determined that publication of the complete legal description is not necessary to provide reasonable notice of the foreclosure sale to potential bidders. The complete legal description can be located in the Court’s file located at the Geauga County Clerk of Court’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the Geauga County Courthouse, 100 Short Court, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

Last known owner: WALTER W. BATES AND EILEEN BATES, 14681 ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY, OH 44065. MINIMUM BID: $5,246.46

Whereas, such judgment orders such real property to be sold by the undersigned to satisfy the total amount of said judgment; Now, therefore, public notice is hereby given that Scott A. Hildenbrand, Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, will sell such real property at public auction, for cash to the highest bidder of an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against each parcel at 10:00 o’clock

A.M. at the door of the Court House in the City of Chardon, Ohio on THURSDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF MAY, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock

A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel.

Public notice is hereby given that all such real property to be sold at public auction may be subject to a federal tax lien that may not be extinguished by the sale, and purchasers of any such real property are urged to search the Federal Tax Lien index that is kept by the County Recorder to determine if notice of a federal tax lien has been filed with respect to any such real property.

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to Geauga County Local Rule 13, the required deposit for this offering shall be $300 or 10% of bid, whichever is greater. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash if Purchase Price is $300.00 or less. If more than $300.00 Purchase Price is to be paid in accordance with the Rule of Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, governing Sheriff’s Sales. SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX

Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191 Case No. 23-F-000273 CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY, OF SUZANNE M. GORDON, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 22-001700 - 3.51 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 22-001700 – 13115 HEATH ROAD, MUNSON TOWNSHIP, OH.

Description: “As Geauga County has adopted a permanent parcel number system, it has been determined that publication of the complete legal description is not necessary to provide reasonable notice of the foreclosure sale to potential bidders. The complete legal description can be located in the Court’s file located at the Geauga County Clerk of Court’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the Geauga County Courthouse, 100 Short Court, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

Last known owner: SUZANNE M. GORDON AND RICHARD J. BOROS, 13115 HEATH ROAD, CHESTERLAND, OH 44026.

MINIMUM BID: $8,330.14

Whereas, such judgment orders such real property to be sold by the undersigned to satisfy the total amount of said judgment; Now, therefore, public notice is hereby given that Scott A. Hildenbrand, Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, will sell such real property at public auction, for cash to the highest bidder of an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against each parcel at 10:00 o’clock A.M. at the door of the Court House in the City of Chardon, Ohio on THURSDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF MAY, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel. Public notice is hereby given that all such real property to be sold at public auction may be subject to a federal tax lien that may not be extinguished by the sale, and purchasers of any such real property are urged to search the Federal Tax Lien index that is kept by the County Recorder to determine if notice of a federal tax lien has been filed with respect to any such real property.

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to Geauga County Local Rule 13, the required deposit for this offering shall be $300 or 10% of bid, whichever is greater. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash if Purchase Price is $300.00 or less. If more than $300.00 Purchase Price is to be paid in accordance with the Rule of Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, governing Sheriff’s Sales.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191 Case No. 23-F-000678

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, SPOUSES, IF ANY, OF KAREN A. KERRETT, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 01-054110 - 5.00 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 01054110 – VACANT LAND ON TAYLOR MAY ROAD, AUBURN TOWNSHIP, OH.

Description: “As Geauga County has adopted a permanent parcel number system, it has been determined that publication of the complete legal description is not necessary to provide reasonable notice of the foreclosure sale to potential bidders. The complete legal

description can be located in the Court’s file located at the Geauga County Clerk of Court’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the Geauga County Courthouse, 100 Short Court, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

Last known owner: KAREN A. KERRETT, 769 SHERWOOD DRIVE, AURORA, OH 44202.

MINIMUM BID: $11,996.87

Whereas, such judgment orders such real property to be sold by the undersigned to satisfy the total amount of said judgment; Now, therefore, public notice is hereby given that Scott A. Hildenbrand, Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, will sell such real property at public auction, for cash to the highest bidder of an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against each parcel at 10:00 o’clock A.M. at the door of the Court House in the City of Chardon, Ohio on THURSDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF MAY, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel.

Public notice is hereby given that all such real property to be sold at public auction may be subject to a federal tax lien that may not be extinguished by the sale, and purchasers of any such real property are urged to search the Federal Tax Lien index that is kept by the County Recorder to determine if notice of a federal tax lien has been filed with respect to any such real property.

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to Geauga County Local Rule 13, the required deposit for this offering shall be $300 or 10% of bid, whichever is greater. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash if Purchase Price is $300.00 or less. If more than $300.00 Purchase Price is to be paid in accordance with the Rule of Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, governing Sheriff’s Sales. SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 19-F-000343

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: CHEMICAL BANK, Plaintiff vs. MARK E. CANNELLA, ET AL., Defendants In pursuance of a Second Pluries Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga. sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 6th day of June, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 20th day of June, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Newbury to wit:

A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024, OR Volume 887, Page 119

SHORT LEGAL DESCRIPTION: S/L 9 KIMBERLY ESTATES #1

Said Premises Located at: 11121 KIMMERIDGE TRAIL, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH. Permanent Parcel Number: 23-196250

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

Said Premises appraised at ($225,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($150,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Maureen Zink Delaney, attorney May9-16-23, 2024

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 22-F-000315

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff vs. ANTHONY CARTER, AKA ANTHONY M. CARTER, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 6th day of June, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 20th day of June, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Montville to wit:

Situated in the Township of Montville, County of Geauga and State of Ohio and known as being part of Original Lot No. 4, in Section No. 19, within said township and bounded and described as follows:

Beginning at a 1” iron pin in a monument box found at the centerline intersection of Hautala Road and Clay Street (60 feet wide); Thence N 00 deg. 39’ 34” W along the centerline of said Clay Street a distance of 1324.63 feet to a 1” iron pin in a monument box found at an angle point therein; Thence N 00 deg. 45’ 00” W continuing along said centerline a distance of 1664.73 feet to a point, said point being a northwesterly corner of a parcel of land conveyed to D.W. Smith and M.B. Savage as recorded in Vol. 629, Pg. 524 of Geauga County Records and Deeds, said point also being the southwesterly corner of the parcel herein described and the principal place of beginning of this survey. Thence N 89 deg. 00’ 35” E along a northerly line of the said D.W. Smith and M.B. Savage parcel and passing through a 1/4” I.D. iron pipe found at 29.18 feet and also passing through a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set at 30.00 feet a total distance of 425.00 feet to a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set, said point being a southwesterly corner of a parcel of land conveyed to J. and J. Rabatin as recorded in Vol. 701, Pg. 735 of Geauga County Records and Deeds, said point also being the southeasterly corner of the parcel herein described. Thence N 00 deg. 45’ 00” W along a westerly line of said Rabatin’s land a distance of 200.00 feet to a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set, said point being a southeasterly corner of a parcel of land conveyed to J.G. and M.J. Rabatin as recorded in Vol. 968, Pg. 680 of Geauga County Records and Deeds, said point also being the northeasterly corner of the parcel herein described. Thence S. 89 deg. 00’ 35” W along a southerly line of said Rabatin’s land and passing through a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set at 395.00 feet a total distance of 425.00 feet to a point on the centerline of the aforesaid Clay Street, said point also being the northwesterly corner of a parcel herein described. Thence 00 deg. 45’ 00” E along said centerline a frontage distance of 200.00 feet to the principal place of beginning on this survey and containing 1.9513 acres of land as surveyed by Delmar B. Kosie and Associates (Robert L. Kosie, Registered Professional Land Surveyor No. 8167). Bearing are to an assumed meridian and indicate angles only, date June 27, 2008, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.

Said Premises Located at: 10525 CLAY STREET, MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP, OH. Permanent Parcel Number: 20-050700 DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover. Said Premises appraised at ($325,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($216,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Tamara Gurchik, attorney

May9-16-23, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000105 – First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood, Plaintiff vs. Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen, et al., Defendants Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen whose last and present place of residence are unknown; Jan Doe 1, Name Unknown, Spouse of Brianna M. Allen, if any whose last place of residence was 610 Canterbury Road, Bay Village, OH 44140: and whose present place of residence is unknown; Jan Doe 2, Name Unknown, Spouse of Alek Allen, if any whose last place of residence was 15340 Valentine Road, Thompson, OH 44086: and whose present place of residence is unknown, will take notice on February 14, 2024, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F000105 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, alleging that Defendants, Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen, Jan Doe 1, Name Unknown, Spouse of Brianna M. Allen, if any, and Jan Doe 2, Name Unknown, Spouse of Alek Allen, if any have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below:

P.P.N. 20-048650

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 9398 Morgan Rd., Montville, OH 44064

A Copy of the full legal description may be obtained from the County Auditors Office.

The Petitioner further alleges that by reason of default of Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996 for the benefit of Brian J. Allen (Deceased) in the payment of a promissory note, according to its tenor, the conditions of a concurrent mortgage deed given to secure the payment of said note and conveying the premises described, have been broken, and the same has become absolute. The Petitioner prays that Defendants named above be required to answer and set up their interest in said real estate or be forever barred from asserting the same, for foreclosure of said mortgage, the marshalling of any liens, and the sale of said real estate, and the proceeds of said sale applied to the payment of Petitioner’s claim in the proper order of its priority, and for such other further relief as is just and equitable.

DEFENDANTS NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE THE 20 DAY OF JUNE, 2024.

BY: Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., L.P.A., Daniel C. Wolters (#0076521), 1100 Superior Avenue East, Suite 1100, Cleveland, OH 44114. Tel: (216) 771-6500, Fax: (216) 7716540. email: courtnotices@weinerlaw.com Apr18-25 May2-9-16-23, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

23-M-000466 – U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2, Plaintiff vs. John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., et al., Defendants John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Unknown heirs of Linda French, AKA Linda K. French, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Name(s) Unknown, the Unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, beneficiaries of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson and their unknown spouses and creditors; and, the unknown spouse of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, will take notice that on August 8, 2023, U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2 filed its Complaint in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, assigned Case No. 23-M-000466 and styled U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2 vs. John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William

French, Jr., et al. The object of, and demand for relief in, the Complaint is to foreclose the lien of Plaintiff’s mortgage recorded upon the real estate described below and in which Plaintiff alleges that the foregoing defendants have or claim to have an interest:

Parcel number(s): 02-230900, 02-231000, 02-231100, 02-231200, 02-231300

Property address: 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

The defendants named above are required to answer the Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publication of this legal notice. This legal notice will be published once a week for three successive weeks.

By Richard J. Sykora, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, 614-220-5611, RSykora@manleydeas.com

Apr18-25

May2-9-16-23, 2024

LEGAL

NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-M-000268 – BTE Properties, LLC, et al., Plaintiff vs. Township of Parkman, Ohio, et al., Defendants

The unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, executors, administrators and/or assigns of Simon and Nancy Perkins, whose identity and address(es) cannot be ascertained with the exercise of reasonable diligence, and upon whom service of summons could not be made, will take notice that on April 16, 2024, BTE Properties, LLC and ABC Development LLC (“Plaintiffs”), filed a Complaint to Quiet Title, Case No. 24-M-000268 in the Court of Common Pleas for Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, seeking to quiet title to approximately 2.63 acres of land, located at the intersection of Nelson Road and U.S. 422 (Main Market Road), in the Township of Parkman, County of Geauga and State of Ohio, known as Geauga County Permanent Parcel No. 25-002900 (the “Property”). Specifically, Plaintiffs pray for judgment declaring invalid and unenforceable the following restriction, related to a portion of the Property, contained in a Deed issued by Simon and Nancy Perkins on or about June 7, 1843, and recorded June 8, 1857, in Volume 54, Page 241 of the Geauga County records; and restated in a Deed dated January 22, 2018 and recorded January 22, 2018, in Volume 2046, Page 1060 of the Geauga County records: that “… said [Parkman Township] Trustees and their successors in office shall hold said land for the inhabitants of said Township to use as a public square or commons unencumbered by any building or structure whatever except railing of a public walk.”

The unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, executors, administrators and/or assigns of Simon and Nancy Perkins shall take further notice that they are required to answer the Complaint to Quiet Title within twenty-eight (28) days after this publication. By: Douglas M. Eppler (0087018), Attorney for Plaintiff, ABC Development LLC, Walter Haverfield LLP, Suite 300, 1500 W. 3rd St., Cleveland, OH 4411. Telephone No. (216) 7811212; and Joseph H. Weiss, Jr. (0007894), Attorney for Plaintiff, BTE Properties, LLC, 8228 Mayfield Road Ste. 6b-1, Chesterland, Ohio 44026 Tel: 440-729-7278. Apr25 May2-9-16-23-30, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

SALE OF REAL ESTATE

In the State of Ohio, County of Geauga, Case No. 23-F-000382 - Freedom Mortgage Corporation, (Plaintiff) vs. Shyrell Mabe, et. al, (Defendants)

In pursuance of an Order of Sale directed to me in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public online auction the following described real estate:

Property Address: 16965 Leggett Rd., Montville, OH 44064

Legal Description:A full legal description of the property may be obtained at: www.buddybartonauctions.com.

Parcel Number: 20-050100

Said Premises Appraised: $198,000.00

Minimum Bid: $132,000.00

Location of Sale: Online Bidding at www.buddybartonauctions.com.

Bidding Open Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Bidding Closes Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM

2nd Provisional Open Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM

2nd Provisional Close Date: Wednesday. June 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of $5,000.00 is due by wire transfer within 48 hours upon conclusion of the auction. Funding must take place within 30 days of confirmation of sale. A 5% Buyer’s Premium shall apply. The auction is subject to postponement and cancellation.

Ross Barton III, Private Selling Officer, info@buddybartonauctions.com, 330-4641375 May2-9-16, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000121 – Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022RTL1 Trust, Plaintiff vs. Robinson Properties LLC, et al., Defendants Robinson Properties LLC whose last place of business is c/o Isabella Robinson s/a, 2246 Lynn Park Drive, Toledo, OH 43615 but whose present place of residence/business is unknown will take notice that on February 20, 2024, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F-000121 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, alleging that the Defendant(s) Robinson Properties LLC have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below: Permanent Parcel Number: 12-015930; Property Address: 14284 Chardon-Windsor Road, Chardon, OH 44024. The legal description may be obtained from the Geauga County Auditor at 231 Main Street, Suite 1-A, Chardon, Ohio 44024, 440-279-1600.

The Petitioner further alleges that by reason of default of the Defendant(s) in the payment of a promissory note, according to its tenor, the conditions of a concurrent mortgage deed given to secure the payment of said note and conveying the premises described, have been broken, and the same has become absolute.

The Petitioner prays that the Defendant(s) named above be required to answer and set up their interest in said real estate or be forever barred from asserting the same, for foreclosure of said mortgage, the marshalling of any liens, and the sale of said real estate, and the proceeds of said sale applied to the payment of Petitioner’s Claim in the proper order of its priority, and for such other and further relief as is just and equitable.

THE DEFENDANT(S) NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE THE 13 DAY OF JUNE, 2024. BY: REIMER LAW CO. Donald Brett Bryson, Attorney at Law, Attorney for Plaintiff-Petitioner, P.O. Box 39696, Solon, Ohio 44139. (440)600-5500 May2-9-16, 2024

BID NOTICE

Chardon Post Renovation Ohio State Highway Patrol 530 S Center St. Chardon OH 44024

Bids Due: 10:00 AM local time 05/17/24 local time through the State’s electronic bidding system at https://bidexpress.com EDGE Goal 5% of contract Domestic steel use is required per ORC 153.011

Estimated cost $525,000.00

Pre-Bid meeting at location: 05/01/24 at 10:00AM

More Info: A/E contact Dan Bauer, 330836-2343 X 208, dbauer@fmdarchitects. com,https://bidexpress.com

Project consists of General, Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC trades Apr25 May2-9, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE Geauga County

Sealed bids will be received at the office of the Board of County Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive Suite 350, Chardon Ohio, 44024 for the:

GEAUGA COUNTY 2024-2027 COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING HVAC MAINTENANCE

GEAUGA COUNTY MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 1:45 p.m. (local time) on May 29, 2024, at which time the bids shall be opened and publicly read at 2:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers, Room B303. Printed specifications may be obtained from the Geauga County Maintenance Department, 13211 Aquilla Road, Chardon Ohio, 44024, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. An electronic set of specifications may also be requested via email to msieracki@geauga.oh.gov, or by calling Matt Sieracki at (440) 221-9928. There will be a mandatory contractor pre-bid meeting at 9:00 a.m. on May 14th, 2024, at the Geauga County Office Building located at 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon Ohio, 44024. A copy of this legal notice will be published in the Geauga County Maple Leaf and posted on the Geauga County’s website. Go to bocc.geauga.oh.gov/public-notifications/bid-openings/ and click on the project name to view this legal notice. Envelopes containing the bid and other required documents shall be sealed and clearly marked: “BID – GEAUGA COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING HVAC MAINTENANCE, Attention: Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive Suite 350, Chardon Ohio, 44024.” The successful bidder is required to furnish a

bond for the faithful performance of the contract in a sum of not less than One Hundred percent (100%) of the total bid price for the complete work, said bond to be that of an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio meeting the requirements of the O.R.C. Section 153.57.

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or guaranty in the amount of 100% of the total amount bid, or a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order in an amount not less than 5% of the total amount bid. The bid bond or guaranty must be submitted as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and its performance properly secured.

The bid bond or guaranty shall be issued by an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio and said company shall have local representation. The bond or guaranty shall meet the satisfaction of the County Prosecutor.

The Geauga County Commissioners reserve the right to waive any informalities and to reject and or all bids received or any part thereof. BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GEAUGA COUNTY

Christine Blair, Clerk May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF RETIRE/REHIRE

West Geauga Local School District

The Board of Education of the West Geauga Local School District hereby gives notice that Steven Sloane (Bus Driver) and Richard Schultz (Custodian) will be retiring from employment with the District effective May 3, 2024 and July 1, 2024, respectively, and are seeking re-employment to their same positions with the District after such retirement. The Board of Education will hold a public meeting on the issue of re-employment of the aforementioned individuals at its regular meeting on June 24, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Board Office Community Room to consider such re-employment of Mr. Sloane and Mr. Schultz with the District. Karen Pavlat, Treasurer/CFO May9, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

Hambden Township

The Hambden Township Trustees are giving notice of its intent to sell unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use township personal property by internet auction starting on May 23, 2024 and ending on June 6, 2024. The auction item is a Ford F550 Dump Truck. A full description of this item will be provided on the Hambden Township Website www.hambdentownship. com beginning May 9, 2024 and GovDeals auction site beginning May 23, 2024. Michael Romans, Fiscal Officer May9, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

Hambden Township

The Hambden Township Trustees are giving notice of its intent to sell unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use township personal property by internet auction starting on May 23, 2024 and ending on June 6, 2024. The auction item is a 2009 International 7400 Dump Truck. A full description of this item will be provided on the Hambden Township Website www.hambdentownship.com beginning May 9, 2024 and GovDeals auction site beginning May 23, 2024. Michael Romans, Fiscal Officer May9, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads Newbury Township, Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Newbury Township Board of Trustees digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on May 24, 2024 and read publicly at 10:05 AM local time at the above address.

The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $1,350,000.00.

Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing).

Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio

Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening.

All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Bids may be held by the Newbury Township Board of Trustees for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Newbury Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Newbury Township Board of Trustees.

This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/ BY THE ORDER OF THE NEWBURY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lindsay Pollock, Fiscal Officer May9, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

Geauga County

Sealed bids will be received at the office of the Board of County Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, Ohio 44024, for the:

GEAUGA COUNTY

2024-2027 “SOUTH” HVAC

MAINTENANCE

GEAUGA COUNTY

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 1:45pm (local time) on May 29, 2024, at which time the bids shall be opened and publicly read at 2:10 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers, Room B303. Printed plans and specifications may be obtained from the Geauga County Maintenance Department, 13211 Aquilla Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024-1068, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. An electronic set of plans and specifications may also be requested via email to msieracki@geauga.oh.gov, or by calling Matt Sieracki at (440) 279-1759.

There will be a mandatory contractor pre-bid meeting at 12:00 p.m. on May 14th, 2024 at the County Home located at 13211 Aquilla Road, Suite A, Chardon Ohio, 44024.

A copy of this legal notice will be published in the Geauga County Maple Leaf and posted on the Geauga County’s website. Go to bocc.geauga.oh.gov/public-notifications/bid-openings/ and click on the project name to view this legal notice.

Envelopes containing the bid and other required documents shall be sealed and clearly marked: “BID – 2024-2027 “SOUTH” HVAC

MAINTENANCE Attention: Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

The successful bidder is required to furnish a bond for the faithful performance of the contract in a sum of not less than One Hundred percent (100%) of the total bid price for the complete work, said bond to be that of an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio meeting the requirements of the O.R.C. Section 153.57.

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or guaranty in the amount of 100% of the total amount bid, or a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order in an amount not less than 5% of the total amount bid, as required by R.C. 153.54. The bid bond or guaranty must be submitted as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and its performance properly secured.

The bid bond or guaranty shall be issued by an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio and said company shall have local representation. The bond or guaranty shall meet the satisfaction of the County Prosecutor.

The Geauga County Commissioners reserve the right to waive any informalities and to reject any or all bids received or any part thereof.

BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GEAUGA COUNTY

Christine Blair, Clerk May2-9, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Asphalt Resurfacing of Section A of White Road

Burton Township, Geauga County, Ohio

Bids will be received by the Burton Township Board of Trustees digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00AM local time on May 24, 2024 and read publicly at 10:05 AM local time

at the above address.

The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $225,000.00. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing).

Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submittal original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practica-

ble, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce. Bids may be held by the Burton Township Board of Trustees for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Burton Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Burton Township Board of Trustees. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/ BY THE ORDER OF THE BURTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Katie O’Neill, Fiscal Officer May9, 2024

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week of April 29, 2024.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Pamela L. Lutz, 10226 Widgeon Drive, to Jamie E. and Kristen M. Lukas, $355,000. (1.60 acres)

Martha Vucsko, 9794 Broadway Drive, to Michael C. Lombardy and Alexandra Noernberg, $330,000. (0.36 acres)

Brandon and Keli Gerber, 10505 Taylor May Road, to Edwin and Cindy King, $150,000. (3.33 acres)

William P. and Kathleen C. O’Donnell, 92 Signal Hill (Unit 19A), to Elizabeth Ann and Daniel Charles Gray, $450,000. (0.00 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Margaret Lee Porter, 17658 Walnut Trail (Bldg. 7 Unit F), to Kristin E. Opaskar, $272,000. (0.00 acres)

VPC Development LLC, Tulip Lane (s/l 20), to Frank J. Ricaurte, $335,000. (3.14 acres)

CHARDON CITY

North Hambden LLC, 201 N. Hambden St., to ARC Resoures LLC, $325,000. (0.33 acres)

Marcella Mukavetz and Albert L. Macy, 115 Cedar Glen, to Ryan W. Nash, $306,000. (0.17 acres)

Gary William Glasscock and Sandra Hodder (trustees), 438 North St. (Unit 13A), to Blue Bonnet Properties LLC, $90,000. (0.00 acres)

NVR Inc., 101 High Fox Drive, to Svete Family Limited Partnership, $450,000. (0.20 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Todd B. Dyckes, 8950 Ranch Drive, to REO Investments LLC, $50,000. (2.00 acres)

James and Tiffany L. Tanno, 9040 Wyandot Road, to David A. Steigerwald and Jacqueline Steigerwald, $380,000. (1.00 acres)

GBC Real Estate Partnership, 8844 and 8834 Mayfield Road, to Tierra Associates Limited, $2,650,000. (38.25 acres)

Marilee D. Biel (trustee), 7516 Apple Blossom Lane, to Milan Tropf, $387,500. (1.01 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Christophger and Marcy Nelson, 11020 Copperleaf Drive, to Ryan C. Campbell, $615,000. (3.36 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Luxenbeerg Properties MV LLC, East High Street, to Leeah Fisher, $12,000. (0.02 acres)

David A. and Joanne S. Bokal, Weathervane Drive (s/l 100), to Phyllis Jean Jones, $36,000. (0.28 acres)

NVR Inc., 15225 Timber Ridge, to Keith A. and Renee L. Knight, $363,600. (0.21 acres)

Middlefield Parkway, 15227 Timber Ridge, to NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

Susan Ann Dinishak, 10987 Plank Road, to Scott and Samantha Wagner Galippo, $385,000. (8.25 acres)

TSW Innovations LLC, 16415 Joann Drive, to Korrin Spurlock, $300,000. (1.73 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Abigail Starr Niehausen and Brian Joseph Niehausen, 11718 Basswood Road, to Brain E. Davidson and Samantha Szhuhay, $315,000. (0.38 acres) Mark E. Avsec, Mary C. Feldkircher (trustees), 11990 Epping Trail, to Travis and Taryn Sammons, $805,000. (5.05 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Brayton Bendlak, 14347 View Drive, to Sumersaete Group LLC, $99,200. (0.32 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

Tushar Amin, 16268 and 16260 Main Market Road, to Platinum Investment Realty LLC, $250,000. (1.07 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Christopher Nightwine and Catherine Davidson, 15914 Fernwood Road, to 15914 Fernwood Road LLC, $316,500. (0.31 acres) Hannah M. Prengler, 15300 Fedeli Lane, to Cory Hans Epprecht, $350,000. (6.25 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Steven B. Blair, 48 Maple Hill Drive, to Andrea L. and Bernard V. Apshago, $275,000. (1.23 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Derek J. Lowell, Grove Road, to Marissa and Nicholas DiSanto, $40,000. (3.53 acres)

John J. and Mary E. Schmucker, 14979 Patch Road, to Rudy R. Schmucker (TOD), $310,000. (3.22 acres)

Help Wanted

Normandy Products in Middlefield has immediate openings on all shifts for Press Operators, Material Handlers, Mold Setters, and Process Technicians. Our highly competitive pay rates start at $17/hour for Press Operators with and additional $1/hour for 2nd and 3rd shift. We offer a complete benefits package including paid vacation and sick time in your first year. We are safety focused, and provide on the job training. Apply now at jobs.crh.com.

JOB POSTINGS

CARDINAL LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

The district is seeking Temporary, Seasonal, & Casual Workers for Summer 2024

The district is seeking casual labor employees for summer maintenance work within the Cardinal Local School District Up to 29.5 hours/week - June 3rd through August 2nd Pay is $10.45/hour

CANDIDATES:

Please apply by visiting the Board Office or call Dave Krebs at 440-313-8369 or 440-632-0261 x6001 or email at dave.krebs@cardinalschools.org

AUTOS & PARTS

For Sale: Truck Cap by Swiss: 6’ Fiberglass custom, off a 2014 Chevy short bed. Like new $550. 440-785-6877.

For Sale: 2008 Chevy Impala, 148k miles, runs and drives, needs work; $1,100. 440-313-1178.

FOR RENT

Warehouse or storage building: Washington St. near Rt. 44 in Auburn. 32X56, 12X12 overhead door, concrete floor, electric, and additional parking. $790/month. 12-month lease. 440-552-0228.

Office Space in Chardon: second floor, Main Street, approx. 535 square feet. $600/month, includes HVAC and water. Call 440-285-2247.

EVENTS

Dorothy’s Porch Free Rummage Celebration, Lutheran Church, 10621 Aubrun Road, Chardon. May 30-31, 9a2p. Clothing, household items, bedding, etc.

Classifieds

FOR SALE

Porta potty; $100. Sofa: floral design, very good condition; Free. Call 440-655-9999, leave message, will call you back.

All items in Middlefield: Large recliner, floral loveseat, large TV stand, Rollator walker mobile commode, antique desk with attached bookcase. Call 440-5524115.

Celli Spading Machine: NYP-130, will spade 51” wide up to 12” deep. Has had very little use, only on a vegetable garden; $4,000. 440-548-2414.

Fan: 30”inch pedestal with mister; $100. Black English saddle, no stirrups; $50. 440655-9999, leave message, I’ll return your call.

Rhubarb, picked fresh. Burton/Troy area. Call 440-8341177.

Pub Table: 42” round, cast aluminum, with 4 swivel chairs, 4 cushions and umbrella. Excellent condition; $350 firm. 440-223-6056.

Solid Cherry Corner Desk: like new, 78” tall, 48” depth, 64” wide, paid $2,250, asking $1,480/OBO. Antique French round marble table w/4 chairs, $1,600/OBO. 440-338-3563.

Antique wood window panes. Multiple sizes. $10 each. 440-313-6581.

Howard Rototiller: 42” wide, for compact tractor. Cat 1 three-point hitch. $1,800. 440-487-2955.

1987 Crestliner Saber Open Bow Fishing Boat w/trailer: welded aluminum, 22.5 long 8 ft. beam, 305 200 hsp. Bow mount trolling motor with many updates, fish finders, marine radio, dual batteries with charger, mooring cover, helm cover. Big boat, plenty of seating. Runs great. $13,500. 440-228-6287 text/call.

Antique Tinning Tools: Seth Peck & Co. brass top turning machines, 1830-1480’s; Marshalltown No.18 Lennox throatless shear, 1912; creasing swedge, 18301840’s. Call 4440-553-5292.

Used Solar Electric Fence: 1.25-acre t-pole fence with 4 treated wood pole corners with two 10ft gates. Includes 45 7ft T-poles with 7 wire stands, insulators, tighteners, IntelliShock 120 Solar Fence Charger and assortment of extra insulators, wire and tools. Less than 4 years old. Pics Avail or see in Chagrin Falls. New $2,100, sell $900. Call 216 409-9593.

2013 Can-Am Spyder RTS/SE5: circuit yellow, mint condition, new tires, his/hers heated saddle seat upgrade, all maint. by dealer, 10,000 miles; $11,200. 440-346-2255.

Firewood: Seasoned Hardwood. Average length 17”. Free delivery within 10 miles of Chardon. 4’x8’x17” $120. Fresh cut firewood discounted now. 440-6875404.

Cultivator: 9-inch electric front tine Mantis; $200. 440554-5731.

Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, Chesterland OH, Chapel Mausoleum, Double Glass Niche; $7,500. 440487-9131 after 5pm.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Second Hand Treasures. A unique shopping place. Something for everyone! Weekly Sales: Thursday, Friday, Saturday. 9a-5p. Many $1 bargains. 9098 Old St Road, Rt.608, Chardon.

Trunk To You Garage Sale & Craft Fair: Sat. 5/18, 9a-1:30p. Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Rd, Chesterland. Support the Metzenbaum Foundation and score some great deals! Questions? 440-729-9406 x2502.

PETS & ANIMALS

Wanted: Bobwhite quail. 440-321-8152. Sammy needs an indoor home! Large, handsome, black & white 6-yr old cat. Very sweet. Loves being petted & brushed. Neutered, vaccinated. Rebecca 440321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: Surprise! More kids are trying pot in states where it’s legal. Ask them if they know its dangers. Help them understand.

RENTAL WANTED

Healthy quiet Christian female seeking Christian woman’s home to rent a quiet room and private bath in Chardon area. I am waiting for my subsidized senior unit to open within 3 to 9 months or maybe a bit longer. I have good references. No smoking. No pets. 619-709-0069 or g.laurel@icloud.com.

SERVICES

Top Shelf Construction LLC: Decks, Garages, Trim interior and exterior, Remodeling. Jonathan Fisher, 330-4423995, topshelfconstrunction@yodermail.net.

Precision Exterior Renewal Solutions: Insured. Tree trimming, shaping, storm damage/clean up. Trash and waste removal. Window, gutter and chimney cleaning. Etc. Etc. Senior, Veteran and First Responder Discounts. Call Mitchal for your Free Estimate at 440-622-2049. Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message. Albert’s complete tree service, land clearing, firewood, excavation and sewer work. 440-687-5404.

Experienced landscaper looking for lawns. My service includes cut, trim and blow. Call or text Frank at 440635-7774.

Did you know Karlovec Media Group prints business cards? Prices start at only $30 for 500 (B&W, 1-sided, no bleed). Call 440-729-7667 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com. Experienced housekeeper, will help clean, do laundry, and more, in Geauga county. 440-313-1804.

WANTED TO BUY

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

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