Geauga Maple Leaf 1-12-23

Middlefield Man Charged With Aggravated Vehicular Assault

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A Geauga County grand jury recently charged a Middlefield man with aggravated vehicular assault and vehicular assault, among other related charges, after he reportedly crashed his vehicle into another on Nov. 15 in Munson Township, seriously injuring the driver.

Charles Hutsenpiller Jr., 56, was allegedly driving westbound in a 2011 Chevy Tahoe on Wilson Mills Road around 4:55 p.m. while under the influence of alcohol when he veered over the center line and into oncoming traffic, striking an eastbound 2022 Hyundai

Kenston Deals with Flooding Aftermath

Water Damage Exposes Asbestos

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia Com

Chardon Schools isn’t the only district dealing with recent flood damage.

Frozen pipes at Kenston Intermediate School that burst over the holiday break caused significant water damage to the fifth-grade hallway and classrooms, Superintendent Steven Sayers said in a Dec. 29 letter to district parents.

As a result, the district closed KIS last week and used four calamity days for fourth- and fifth-grade students, resuming classes Jan. 9.

During the Kenston Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, Jeremy McDevitt, assistant

Geauga County’s Top New Dogs Ready to Serve

By rose nemunaitis editor@karloveCmedia Com

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office rang in the new year by adding two officers to the force.

While each has four legs and fur, and neither will ever hold a gun, K-9s Justice and Blue serve just as vital a role as their handlers, deputies Randy Primer and Travis Goodwin, respectively.

Justice, a 17-month-old German Shepherd, and Blue, an 18-monthold Dutch Shepherd, were born in Slovenia. Their breeds are known for their working ability, desire to cooperate with their handlers and, in some cases, their tenacity in fighting criminals.

The deputies and their K-9s recently completed a rigorous 10week training program and graduated from Excel K-9 Services on Dec. 30. They are certified

Charles Hutsenpiller Jr., 56, of Middlefield, was recently indicted on felony charges of aggravated vehicular assault and vehicular assault, an OVI and other related charges connected to a vehicle accident Nov. 15, 2022, that seriously injured a 22-year-old Chardon man.

By Cassandra shofar Cassandra@karloveCmedia Com

Hutsenpiller Jr.

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PIctured, from left, are Excel K-9 Services’ Paul Shaughnessy, Geauga County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Primer and Chief Deputy Thomas Rowan.

Chardon Board Hears Updates On Flooding

By amy Patterson amy@karloveCmedia Com

After one calamity day and two days of virtual learning, students returned in full to Chardon High School Jan. 9.

However, their classroom layout was adjusted to account for restoration work on portions of the building damaged by a burst water line Dec. 25.

In his report to the board, and again in a Jan. 6 communication to district families, Chardon Schools Superintendent Michael Hanlon said a new complication has arisen in the restoration process — the exposure of previously safely-contained asbestos in floor tiles damaged in some of the 12-14 classrooms impacted by the flood.

“Schools of the age of Chardon High School typically have asbestos-containing building materials,” Hanlon wrote in his update. “Our district removed the exposed, hazardous, ACBM years ago through abatement programs. However, undisturbed ACBM such as flooring tiles, the mastic securing them to the floor and other materials have remained in schools, as is the norm in any school district.”

The affected classrooms will be unusable for a significant period of time, not because of moisture, but due to the need for asbestos abatement, Hanlon explained.

Due to the location of the work, students will have to exit and re-enter the building to access some rooms, including the band and choir rooms, but will be supervised by staff at all times when outside the building.

An email from CHS Principal Doug Murray to families Jan. 9 reminded students to tread carefully through areas of the building which were previously dedicated to other purposes.

“The media center, at any given period, may have eight classes in session and students should not be walking through that

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superintendent for business operations and human resources, provided a timeline and update on the restoration process.

“What essentially happened is we had an extended power outage over the holiday break and that building is heated through a boiler system and the old-school 1960 (unit ventilators) that have hot water running through them,” McDevitt said. “When the power went out, the boilers were not operating. The water in the pipes froze and what happens when water freezes? It expands and all said and done, we lost about 13 of our heating coils.”

The pipes burst and water damaged the west-facing side of the fifth-grade hall, beginning on the second floor and traveling across the hall, affecting rooms on both sides and then, eventually coming down through the floor, he said.

“If you go back to the day before Christmas, we had high winds in record-low temperatures. The wind was hitting that wall. Everything on the east actually did not freeze,” McDevitt said. “Monday night into Tuesday after Christmas, it warmed up enough that the ice and the pipes started to thaw and we had water everywhere. It looked like a warzone to be honest with you.”

McDevitt said since that time, the school

space unless they are in one of the classes,” Murray said.

The district complies with all state and federal regulations regarding documentation and removal of asbestos when necessary and has a contract with a licensed hazardous materials abatement firm, SafeAir, for abatement, he said.

SafeAir’s plans include construction of an airtight isolation barrier between the portions of the school being used for instruction and the areas included in the abatement process, as well as a second barrier around the specific areas abatement work is taking place.

Special high-level filters will “scrub” particles before they become airborne, Hanlon

has been in cleanup mode and great progress has been made.

“I think the administrative team did a great job of getting the kids back in school as quickly as we did. We are ahead of schedule on the cleanup,” he said. “We’re hopefully less than two weeks away from being able to open that space back up.”

In a follow-up letter to parents Jan. 4, Sayers outlined the district’s plans for KIS students while restoration continues, including fourth-grade students and teachers being housed at Timmons Elementary School and fifth-grade students at Kenston Middle School.

“While remote-learning was discussed and considered, it was determined not to be the best course of action,” Sayers said in the letter. “We firmly believe that it is best educationally for students to learn in person with their teachers and classmates. We are committed to ensuring that Kenston Intermediate School is safe before anyone returns to the classroom.”

Similar to Chardon Schools, asbestos was discovered in the floor tiles, as well as in the adhesive as carpets were being removed, the superintendent said.

“During this process, we are working with a licensed/accredited asbestos remediation expert and sealing off the affected area to prevent contamination of any other spaces,” he said. “Once the abatement process is complete, the floors will be prepped for the installation of the new carpeting, new ceiling

school, with additions in 1953, 1957, 1964 and 1974.

Chardon voters have repeatedly opted out of updating the campus, with building bond issues failing in 1996, 1997, 2001, 2019 and again in 2021.

In an email, Treasurer Deb Armbruster said the district paid a $1,000 deductible for the insurance claim related to the flooding and repair costs are covered under the policy. There is not yet a total dollar amount assessed for the damage.

Earlier in the evening, Armbruster presented the 2024 tax budget to the board. The total district taxable valuation for 2021 was about $762 million, while 2022 total taxable valuation came in at around $771 million, she said.

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said, adding waste will be disposed of in compliance with state and federal regulations.

“The district successfully addressed similar challenges during window replacement at CHS last year and maintained a safe abatement process while students and staff occupied the building, using similar procedures and air quality testing protocols,” he said.

Air quality testing will continue in both the affected and unaffected areas of the building, he said.

In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned new uses of asbestos, preventing new asbestos products from entering the marketplace after that year. CHS was first erected in 1951 as an elementary

tiles will be installed and all furniture will be returned to the classrooms.” McDevitt said Monday night the full abatement of the building was completed Jan 6.

“I got the electricians, ceiling tile, all those folks back in the building. They worked Saturday and Sunday. They’ve been working long hours every day and like I said, we’re moving along well,” he said, adding all the porous surfaces in the classrooms were ripped out due to the concern of mold and mildew down the road.

“All the ceilings came out and all the carpet came out. We’ll continue to do air testing and make sure the environment is perfectly safe before our staff or our students return,” he said.

Thirteen classrooms will also need their heating units fixed.

“The coils were ordered. They have to come in. They have to be installed and the controls have to be reinstalled so it’s not just putting new carpet and ceiling in. There’s a lot of work still ahead of us,” McDevitt said.

The district’s insurance claim is going to be large and administrators will be dealing with the insurance company for the next few months, he added.

“We’ve been able to just keep the ball rolling and we’re in pretty good shape. The biggest challenge we’re going to have ahead of us is getting the stuff back into the rooms and teachers are going to have to come in. All of their stuff was boxed,” McDevitt said.

Ohio House Bill 920, first passed in 1976, caps the amount of levy money collected based on the millage at the time the levy was passed. This means Chardon Schools effectively collects only about 37 mills from residential property owners, although voters have approved about 80 mills in continuing levies over the past half-century.

The county’s tax schedule estimates about $30.7 million in anticipated tax revenue for 2024, Armbruster said, and the district’s numbers show the same amount.

In their annual organizational meeting that same evening, the board appointed Keith Brewster president and Guy Wilson vice president. Brewster was once again selected to represent the board at the annual Ohio School Boards Association conference and as OSBA legislative liaison, with Albright serving as alternate for both roles.

Brewster will also serve as the board’s representative on the Tax Incentive Review Council.

Board member C. J. Paterniti was absent from the meeting, while Wilson joined remotely due to illness and did not participate in voting.

“We threw out a lot that was saturated, but then there’s stuff we put in boxes that seem dry, but we don’t know what those boxes really look like when they open them up, so the teachers are still going to have some work ahead of them. But I think we’ll be in good shape here sooner than later.”

In other business, board members decided not to take action on placing a proposed 1.35-mill permanent improvement levy on the upcoming May ballot and instead place it on the November ballot.

“We had an extensive conversation in our administrative meeting last Tuesday. It was the consensus of our administrative team that the prudent course of action at this point would be to take a step back and postpone that PI levy,” Sayers said. “We understand the importance of the PI levy and what it means to the district. We thought the additional six months would be very beneficial.”

The levy, if passed, would generate approximately $1.3 million annually and would cost homeowners $47.25 annually per $100,000 property valuation, according to the district.

“Regardless of whether the levy was passed in May or November, the earliest that we would be able to collect that revenue would be January of 2024,” Sayers said. “I do anticipate a recommendation this summer. The first resolution would probably be June and the second resolution would probably occur at the July board meeting.”

Chardon High School students are adapting to a new layout, as classroom spaces have been adjusted and rearranged after a burst pipe led to flooding the night of Dec. 25. To offset the loss of about a dozen classrooms undergoing asbestos abatement, CHS staff have created new classroom space in the gymnasium, guidance counselor spaces and the library/media center, as seen above.

Parkman Township

Auditor to Explain Property Re-Evaluation Options

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

Parkman Township residents have been invited to a fact-finding meeting regarding their real property values and future taxes with Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Parkman Community House.

Walder said in a phone interview he would like the opportunity to explain the options to property owners who were forced by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to tie into the county’s wastewater treatment plant on U.S. Route 422 when it was built years ago.

The meeting may be common knowledge among Parkman residents.

“Residents connected to the (sewer) system should have received a letter of invitation; however, all residents are welcome to attend,” said the legal ad published by Parkman Township Fiscal Officer Denise Villers. “Contact me with any questions that you may have at 440-897-8761.”

Parkman Township Trustees plan to at-

tend the event, she wrote.

At a trustees meeting early in December, Walder said about 120 residents were entitled to a review of their property valuations.

Such reviews could result in a change in property taxes, which might help offset their sewer costs, he said.

Walder explained how his office has the statuary authority to tax-equalize a neighborhood’s property values that directly affect owners’ annual tax bills.

He said his intention is to create a neighborhood that includes those homes, so his office could begin the process.

The two-pronged process works because Walder and his staff were able to help the residents of Berkshire Heights in Chardon Township in 2022, he said.

In both cases, the OEPA required a wastewater treatment plant be built to handle sewage from homes in a specific area.

Construction, maintenance and operation of the sewage plant west of Parkman center, built almost a decade ago, is covered by user fees, not assessments, so each resident is

paying more than $80 per month with no end in sight, Walder said.

“You are being charged as a utility,” he said.

The process to receive tax relief would be the same as it was for Berkshire Heights residents, Walder said.

Those 100-plus Parkman residents around the intersection of Route 422 and state Route 528 who were forced to tap into the sewage lines would have their properties assessed by an independent contractor and appraiser sent out and paid for by the auditor.

The auditor could then reduce the values of those homes across the board, depending on the report, Walder said.

“You are paying too much (in taxes) because your values aren’t right,” he said, noting their property values do not take into account the sewer plant’s effect on their values. Following that appraisal, property owners could apply to the auditor’s board of revision, which has the authority to re-evaluate properties’ values. That new value may result in even lower tax bills, Walder said.

The board would interview the property owners individually to find out what improvements or maintenance they did not do because of the burden of the sewage bill.

Berkshire Heights residents received an average property valuation about 29% lower when they applied to the board of review — an average of 14% from the board of revision and 15% from the appraisals, Walder said.

As a result, their tax bills went down by varying amounts. The devaluation is good for five years, after which the values would be re-examined and could increase, he said.

The board of revision would listen to each property owner’s explanation as to why they have not been able to afford improvements or maintenance on their properties due to the increasing sewer rates, which would cause the value to decline, Walder said.

The Berkshire Heights homeowners’ interviews were recorded and can be viewed online, so Parkman residents who apply can see how the hearings go, and he and his staff would explain it thoroughly to them, Walder said.

Cocca-Fulton Reappointed to Planning Commission in Split Vote

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia Com

While Geauga County Planning Commission Chair Caterina Cocca-Fulton retained her seat following the county commissioners’ vote Jan. 5, it was not without controversy.

Commissioners Ralph Spidalieri and Tim Lennon voted yes to reappoint Cocca-Fulton to a three-year term and Commissioner Jim Dvorak voted no, due to a Dec. 13 memorandum she sent to the commissioners regarding the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s Community & Economic Development Strategy initiative.

A motion was made at the Oct. 13 planning commission meeting to end “any and all” involvement with the NOACA-led CEDS initiative and to limit all government-led initiatives to the Geauga County Economic Development Office, which passed unanimously with one abstention.

“The board did consider this on several occasions. The memo was sent to everyone on the board for review. There were changes made to the document by myself and the director,” said Cocca-Fulton in a follow-up interview. “The board had an opportunity to make suggestions, as well, so this is something that as the chairman, obviously I have a responsibility or had a responsibility for and it certainly is on behalf of the entire board.”

According to the Dec. 13 memorandum, Cocca-Fulton said the primary reasons for Geauga County to lead all economic development activity separate from the NOACA/ CEDS has to do with the potential harm that may result from any ongoing alignment with the NOACA policies as documented in the “Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2023-2028.”

Cocca-Fulton’s memorandum cited the following factors, which she deems detrimental:

NOACA is primarily a transportation planning organization and claims responsibility for air quality and water quality planning.

“Its charter was narrowly tailored, but we believe it is overreaching its charter,” said Cocca-Fulton. “Further, Geauga County has an economic development department.”

Cocca-Fulton said the NOACA/CEDS organization is controlled by Cleveland and Cuyahoga County by virtue of the number of seats held on the board.

“We believe that NOACA/CEDS board does not understand rural communities’ values, but focuses on Cleveland/Cuyahoga centric priorities and solutions,” said Cocca-Fulton. “It’s planning bias is urban-focused. The cultures of Geauga County and Cuyahoga County are different and our goals and objectives are very different.”

The key economic drivers and underlining principles are very different for Geauga County and NOACA/CEDS, which are counter to the best interest of Geauga County because it pushes urban-based approaches or principles throughout the regions, which is against Geauga County General Plan (2021), according to the memorandum.

“Many of the organizations serving as resources for the strategies developed have questionable records of success and do not align with Geauga County objectives,” said Cocca-Fulton, who said she was surprised to

learn of Dvorak’s dissenting vote.

“We have a good working relationship on the board,” she said, referring to her relationship with commissioners. “I don’t know why (the CEDS decision is) an issue.”

Dvorak believes Cocca-Fulton’s letter was an overreach.

“They want the commissioners to decide to pull away and back out, tell NOACA that we want out of the CEDS program,” said Dvorak. “If we would leave the CEDS program through NOACA, then the feder-

al government says, ‘OK, if Geauga County doesn’t want it, we’ll give it to Ashtabula or we’ll give it to Wayne County. I don’t want to take away the rights of our businesses to apply for funds if there is a great economic development idea. I just want to let it run through its course and hopefully in a couple of years or so, there will be funds available for our employers, job creators to apply for funds if there is a unique idea to establish and help jobs in our area, in our region in Geauga County — that’s why I voted no.”

BRIAN DOERING/KMG

From left, Geauga County Commissioners Jim Dvorak, Tim Lennon and Ralph Spidalieri kicked off 2023 with the reappointment of county Planning Commission Chair Caterina Cocca-Fulton on Jan. 5. The vote passed 2-1, with Dvorak voting no.

LaGatta and Stein Appointed to Park Board

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia Com

Before 2022 came to a close, Geauga Park District Board of Commissioners made the decision to appoint two new members

On Dec. 22 and 29, Chester Township resident Lester LaGatta and Burton resident Franklin Stein were welcomed to the five-person board.

“We are excited to work with two new commissioners. They will provide new perspective on the parks and recreational services we provide our residents,” said GPD Executive Director John Oros in a follow-up interview.

LaGatta and Stein will replace outgoing commissioners Pat Preston and Mario Innocenzi and join Howard Bates, Ray Guarino and Jolene Carnabuci.

“I have a German Shepherd. I walk her in the park every day and I take walks. I love the parks. That’s the only reason that I have an interest,” said LaGatta. “I look forward to meeting all and working toward the … goals of the park and our citizens of Geauga County.”

LeGatta said he has dedicated his life to public service and is currently the chaplain and vice president of the Ohio Retired Police Chiefs Association.

“I’m a 50-year police officer. I’m a retired lieutenant commander from Cleveland Heights, the chief of police in Chagrin Falls and a special deputy in Geauga County for over 20 years,” said LeGatta. “I’m just trying to give back and trying to do things that are right and that’s why I want to be on the board.’

Geauga County Probate Court Judge Tim Grendell appoints the five-member board of citizens to govern the park district, without compensation, for three-year alternating terms, according to GPD’s website.

“I am looking forward to working with Lester LaGatta and Franklin Stein on the

Geauga Park District board in upholding the mission of the parks to preserve, conserve and protect the natural features of Geauga County and to provide outdoor recreational experiences to our residents of every age, every ability and at all times of the year,” Carnabuci said.

Oros said he looks forward to a new perspective on the services the park district offers to residents.

“Judge Grendell has appointed competent commissioners that support our mission,” said Oros.

Attempts to reach Stein through the park district for comments were unsuccessful.

Newbury Trustees Increase Road Department Salaries

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

Following an executive session, Newbury Township Trustees voted to raise the hourly wages of road department employees during the Jan. 4 meeting.

Trustees Bill Skomrock said over the phone Jan. 8 the increases were necessary to maintain the township’s four road workers and add a fifth to the roster.

“We’re trying to hire another road person. We had to have a starting wage that’s competitive in the market,” he said, adding he had checked on salaries road workers make in other area townships.

Fiscal Officer Beverly Sustar said the wage planned for a new hire will be $20 an

Sheriff

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through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and North American Police Work Dog Association in patrol-related functions and explosive detection.

“These dogs will be at work almost every day and working hard for the citizens of Geauga County,” said Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand.

The K-9s are responsible for numerous callouts, criminal apprehensions, locating missing persons, narcotics seizures and public demonstrations. They’ve spent two and a half months with their handlers in training, learning obedience, tracking, building searching, area searching, handler protection, suspect apprehensions and explosive odor detection.

“It was difficult that we lost two K-9s at the same time, but we now go into the new year with a K-9 on each shift,” Hildenbrand said, referring to the unexpected retirement of K-9s Argo and Miner last summer due to medical issues.

hour with a $1 an hour raise after six months of employment.

The township will reimburse the cost of the new hire to take and pass the test to upgrade his or her class B to a class A license, she said.

Increasing wages for the new hire means everyone else in the department needed to receive an increase, Skomrock said.

“I understand these are significant raises. Do I want to spend that extra money? Heck, no,” Skomrock said, adding inflation was part of the reason raises were necessary. “I don’t want to lose people.”

Sustar said salaries for 2022 ranged from $20.13 an hour to $26.25 an hour and the 2023 salary range, from the first of the year, is $22 an hour to $26.75 an hour.

Justice and Blue join the division’s Sgt. Jake Smith, handler for K-9 Spirit, and Deputy Greg Borden, handler for K-9 Rotor.

Primer has worked at the sheriff’s office for 16 years and is excited to be on patrol duty with his new partner. He met Justice in October at Excel K-9 Services in Hiram Township, where owner/founder Paul Shaughnessy trains all the sheriff’s office K-9s.

“It is a wish come true being a handler at this stage in career,” said Primer, a law enforcement veteran. “I am a first-time handler and perhaps the oldest first-time handler in the state.”

Most canine handlers start earlier in their careers.

These K-9 unit positions are “one of the most sought after jobs,” according to Go Law Enforcement.

Justice lives with Primer and his family, and their two other Shepherds — Heidi and Gray Wolf.

The veteran deputy is no stranger to acting heroically.

Back in December 2017, Primer was credited with saving the life of a 2-year-old labradoodle who ventured out onto a family’s partially frozen pond.

“I am very proactive at the sheriff’s office. Justice will assist me in locating narcotics, criminal apprehension, tracking lost individuals and locating articles,” Primer said.

“Justice is here to serve the citizens of Geauga County. He is already the best partner and friend a deputy can have.”

Goodwin works patrol and is an explosive K-9 handler.

“Dogs have 225 million scent receptors in their noses (compared to a human’s 5 million),” according to the American Kennel Club. “These impressive animals come from generations of dogs specifically bred to per-

In the last 18 months, the road workers received a 3.5% raise and in September of 2022, they received a 7% raise, Sustar said.

The increases for the current four employees were based on merit and seniority, not a formula, Skomrock said.

“We winged it,” he said.

Road Superintendent Doug Zimperman asked the trustees several meetings ago to hire two new workers so the department could take care of maintenance and large projects in the township. Trustees agreed to do so if two qualified candidates applied.

Traditionally, during the first meeting of the year, trustees vote on board officers, appointments and liaisons, but only Skomrock and Trustee Greg Tropf attended the meeting. Longtime Trustee Glen Quigley was sick

with the flu, Skomrock said.

He and Tropf voted to maintain the status quo for 2023, he said.

Skomrock would continue as chairman and Quigley as vice chairman of the board of trustees, he said, adding if there were any issues, trustees would discuss them at the next meeting.

He also said he would be meeting with Mark Richardson, West Geauga Schools superintendent of maintenance, to discuss getting power restored to the bus garage on the former Newbury Schools property south of Oberland Park on Auburn Road.

The district would maintain use of two or three bays in the garage and the township, which is leasing most of the acreage for community athletics, would have use of the rest, Skomrock said.

form the complicated tasks that police dogs are required to accomplish.”

Goodwin has been with the sheriff’s office for a decade and prior to that, served in law enforcement in North Carolina.

Blue is Goodwin’s third K-9 partner.

“Both dogs were named by the McClelland family, as they were replaced in the name of the late Sheriff Dan McClelland using the money donated in his name,” Hildenbrand said. “We are honored and grateful for this.”

The late sheriff’s wife, Beverly, said naming the dogs was the fun part.

“All our kids and grandkids came up with ideas for the names,” she said. “We chose the names Justice and Blue in honor of Dan’s devotion to law enforcement in Geauga County.”

Goodwin added the family also chose the name after a crime-fighting K-9, Blue, in one of McClelland’s favorite sitcoms, “The Andy Griffith Show.”

“It has been exciting to be a part of such an amazing project,” Beverly McClelland added. “Dan would be so honored that his friends, coworkers and community united together to get K-9s that will keep us all safer.”

McClelland, who retired in 2016, was world-famous, making the Guinness Book of World Records for owning the smallest police dog, Midge, his K-9 rat terrier chihuahua.

The two were known to be inseparable in life and both died in April 2021 on the same day.

“As a family, we are humbled and proud that Dan’s legacy will be memorialized by these two dogs,” Beverly said.

Goodwin calls his job very rewarding.

“This is the best job,” he said.

The K-9 division is funded by donations. Those interested in donating can contact Smith at 440-279-2014. Checks can be made out to Geauga County Sheriff K-9 Fund.

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The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed two of its newest K-9 members to its unit — Blue, left, with handler Deputy Travis Goodwin; and Justice, with handler Deputy Randy Primer.

West Geauga Approves Alternative Tax Budget

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia.Com

Prior to a regular monthly organizational meeting Jan. 9, West Geauga Schools kicked off the new year with a hearing on the district’s 2023-2024 tax budget.

Treasurer Karen Pavlat gave a detailed presentation to board members explaining the process for setting the district’s tax budget.

“(The budget) tells the county please levy these taxes. We need the revenue,” Pavlat

explained. “You had a memo explaining what the tax budget was, then our presentation and the actual alternative tax budget, which is what we prepare and send to the county.”

According to the memo, West Geauga’s 2023-2024 budget was reported in the district’s five-year forecast back in November and includes the following estimated revenue figures:

• General Fund: $26,922,425

• Emergency Levy Fund: $5,943,164

• Total General Fund (per forecast): $32,865,589

• Permanent Improvement Fund: $931,531

Pavlat showed board members the estimated taxes the district would like to be levied for 2024.

“In the general fund, we have $19.7 million and in the emergency fund is $5.9 million for a total of $25.7 million,” said Pavlat, adding the permanent improvement fund is based on 1 mill that yields $931,531.

“That is collected at 98% and based on historic figures that the county holds, that is kind of what we have had in the past,” said Pavlat.

Pavlat said the certified values for properties within the district total $950 million, which is a $9 million increase this year.

“We revalue all of the property every six years and then have an update in the third year,” said Pavlat. “Next year will be that update.”

Each calendar year, the adoption of the tax budget is required to take place prior to Jan. 15 and subsequently filed with the Geauga County Auditor’s Office by Jan. 20.

Board members approved a resolution to adopt the 2024 alterative tax budget.

Geauga Public Health Considers 0.2-Mill Levy for May

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia Com

The Geauga County Board of Health held a special meeting Jan. 4 to discuss the possibility of asking voters to renew the health district’s 0.2-mill operating levy, as well as their ongoing search for administrative staff.

“The levy is coming up,” said Board President Richard Piraino. “We need to decide if we are going to put it on the ballot. We are hoping to put it on the ballot for 2023.”

Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder appeared before the board and said they must decide when to place the levy on the ballot and how it should be structured.

At 0.2 mills, the Geauga Public Health operating levy is the lowest millage in the county and is set to expire in 2023 with final collections taking place in 2024, Walder said.

He emphasized to the board the current levy has two advantages. First, it is a qualified levy, meaning it was established prior to 2013 and 12.5% of the total is funded by the state, while levies established in 2013 and later are funded 100% locally.

Second, it has a fixed millage rate, although the amount potentially collected varies with assessed property values.

“Most people look at qualified levies as something we want to nurture because they are not making them anymore and as soon as they go away, they’re gone forever,” said Walder.

The GPH levy generated about $613,000 in 2010 and roughly $645,000 in 2022, according to county records.

Walder said the GPH board will need to

decide whether to “restart the clock” with a replacement levy versus a renewal levy and said they may opt for a single “renewal and add” levy. That would maintain the required 12.5% state funding on the original 0.2 millage, while also requesting additional millage to fund GPH’s operating needs.

“You want to preserve the old levy integrity of the 12.5% coming from the state because that is not going to the reproduced,” said Walder.

He advised the board to consider the cost of placing a levy on the ballot, but emphasized the costs are shared by all candidates and issues appearing on the ballot.

In order for a levy to appear on the May 2 primary/special election ballot, the GPH

board must complete the required paperwork for submission to the Geauga County Board of Elections by 4 p.m. Feb. 1, which includes multiple GPH board votes.

The process also includes obtaining a certificate of need from Walder and the Geauga County Commissioners’ approval.

“Your window is you must have it at the board of elections 90 days before the election,” said Walder. “If you are doing it this first election period, you have to get on it right now.”

Walder said he reviewed GPH’s reserve fund and recommended an increase from $300,000 to $1,000,000, which he believes would be approved by the budget commission.

“I also know that you are looking at creating a reserve fund. I have reviewed it. I had a member of my staff review it, in addition,” said Walder. “We’ve made some recommendations to (GPH Administrator Adam Litke) that the reserve fund actually be increased. I’m recommending a million-dollar reserve and that’s based off of your fixed assets.”

In other business, board member Ashley Jones reported 24 applications were received and screened for the soon-to-be vacant administrator position and invitations for four initial Zoom interviews were extended to applicants.

Interviews will take place on Jan. 9 and Jan. 11 and will be scored against established criteria, with results to be shared with the board.

Federal Food Assistance Emergency Allotments Nearing End

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After nearly three years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency allotments are coming to an end.

“Due to the global pandemic, SNAP (food assistance) recipients were receiving a ‘maximum allotment’ of food benefits for the past three years. This issuance will soon be coming to an end,” said Craig Swenson, executive director of the Geauga County Department Job and Family Services, in a recent email. “We are doing our best to get this information out to our clients, so they are not blindsided by this change, which will be happening effective March 1, 2023.”

In general, SNAP emergency allotments ensured all households received the maximum allotment for their household size. For households that were already eligible for the

maximum allotment, they received an additional $95 per month, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Examples of EA benefits include:

• An individual normally entitled to the minimum allotment of $23 per month receiving an additional $258 per month for a maximum allotment of $281;

• A household of three normally entitled to $180 per month receiving an additional $560 per month to receive a maximum allotment of $740.

• A household of four normally entitled to $939 per month (maximum allotment) receiving an additional $95 per month, for a total of $1034.

Since the pandemic, households had received their normal allotment — i.e., the amount they are entitled to receive based on SNAP eligibility rules without emergency allotments — on their regular issuance dates

from the 1st to the 20th of the month and their emergency allotments at the end of the month, according to the ODJFS.

Due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, states can no longer issue emergency allotments after February; therefore, SNAP households will receive only their normal allotments starting in March, according to ODJFS.

“It is important to remember that this is a federal program and that due to this being a federal law change, there are no fair hearing rights or fair hearing benefits on the ending of the SNAP emergency allotments. However, households may still request a hearing on their normal SNAP allotment amount,” said Wanda Ellis, deputy director of ODJFS’ Office of Family Assistance, in a statement.

BRIAN DOERING/KMG

Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder lists a few options the county board of health could consider when renewing its 0.2-mill operating levy during a special meeting Jan. 4.

Titus Earns Key Role with Gary Sinise Foundation

By rose nemunaitis editor@karloveCmedia Com

Among his many roles, award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise is often known for his performance as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump.”

For nearly 40 years, Sinise has stood as an advocate on behalf of America’s service members.

“Gary Sinise embodies the characteristics of being a selfless, exemplary leader who impacts everyone he encounters,” said Barbara Titus, Geauga County business leader and nonprofit organization volunteer. “His passion and dedication ‘to always do a little more’ inspires me. In his words, ‘We can never do enough to serve and honor our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders and those in need.’ Gary is always seeking ways to do more for others.”

In 2019, Sinise asked Titus to serve on his board of directors for the Gary Sinise Foundation, founded in 2011, following her campaign to bring national associations, such as the National Wood Flooring Association and the Natural Stone Institute, into alliances with his foundation. The business helped obtain hardwood flooring, granite countertops and exterior stone cladding for Gary’s R.I.S.E (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) home projects at no cost.

R.I.S.E builds specially-adapted, smart-technology-based, mortgage-free homes for the nation’s most severely wounded veterans.

“As I participated in home dedications and met the heroes and families that support them, I fell in love with the soul-fulfilling hope you experience when you help someone in great need,” Titus said.

In November 2022, Sinise and Titus discussed the business needs of the foundation and Titus felt she might be well-suited to help.

The next month, Titus became the foundation’s vice president of operations/business.

“This role carries great responsibility with oversight of all aspects of the business, finance, budgeting, reporting and cost efficiency of the foundation and its employees,” Titus said, adding she works closely with executive leadership and guides them on understanding the need to run the foundation as a business, despite its nonprofit, charity status.

Titus has been driven to make a difference in Geauga County ever since she fell in love with the area as an adolescent.

“When I was in my early teens, my family came to Burton for a Sunday pancake breakfast,” Titus said. “While I’m not a big fan of pancakes or maple syrup — forgive me — I loved this little town and told them that I would live here after I graduated from college. Within one week of my college graduation, I moved into a little apartment right uptown. I have been here ever since.”

Titus currently serves as Geauga Credit Union president/chairwoman and on University Hospitals’ leadership council.

She earned the inaugural Women in Industry Award from the National Wood Flooring Association and has received Leadership Geauga’s Emerald Leader Award.

She also serves as the vice president of VALOR Retreat, a 501c3 charity that is building cabins and a lodge for veterans and their families to enjoy in Hocking Hills. They have completed the construction road and are in the process of selecting the first two cabin styles for construction, beginning in the spring.

The 22-acre farm is being prepped to allow handicap accessibility and the trails throughout the vast surrounding forest will be ready for visitors soon, she said.

“My work supporting our men and women that volunteer to go into harm’s way to protect our freedoms and our country feeds my soul,” Titus said. “Only 2% of our population stand up to take this oath, protecting the other 98%. Their sacrifices and the sacrifices their families make are many times unspo-

ken, but they are vast.

“Missed family events, birthdays, births, deaths and just time to regroup in peace — these opportunities are irreplaceable. The Gary Sinise Foundation and its entire team, many of them veterans or military spouses, understand the price of our freedom, which are borne on the backs, souls and spirits of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. I will fight for them and I am forever in their debt,” she added.

In Sinise’s book, “Grateful American – A Journey from Self to Service,” he said, “For those who have sacrificed for me, for those who have inspired me, … for those who have loved me and who I love, I hope to continue to make the most of that love, that support, that inspiration and that sacrifice for as long as I live. Because of these special Americans, I have been able to live out my dreams, succeed at my chosen career and turn that success into something positive for others.”

Local Artists Recognized For Rain Barrel Painting

Five talented artists were recently recognized for participating in the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s 2022 Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign.

The area artists painted rain barrels that uniquely reflect Geauga County’s natural, cultural, agricultural or historical resources, according to a press release by Carmella Shale, GSWCD director.

This year’s artists and their masterpieces included: “Dusk,” painted by Yvonne Delgado Thomas and purchased by Howard Bates; “200 Years,” painted by Bob Kolcum and purchased by Howard Bates; “The Goddess of the Wetlands,” painted by Julie Bell and purchased by Katrina Rischar; “Patchwork Geauga,” painted by Beth Halasz and purchased by Annie Rodewig; and “Edible Ohio,” painted by Florida Domanski and purchased by Gale Bartok.

“The sale of the barrels collectively raised $1,750 for the district’s community education programs and will help conserve thousands of gallons of water,” Shale said. “Thanks to all who participated in this year’s campaign — especially the artists, bidders and buyers.”

She also issued a special thanks to Ken’s Auto Body for protecting the barrels with clear sealant.

For more information on rain barrels or the program, visit geaugaswcd.com or call 440-834-1122.

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Gary Sinise Foundation Vice President of Operations/Business Barbara Titus and Gary Sinise formed a partnership in recent years to help provide support and better quality of life to U.S. veterans, both locally and throughout the country.

SUBMITTED

Rain barrel artist Beth Halazs, of Chardon, poses with the barrel she painted titled “Patchwork Geauga” while it was displayed in Geauga SWCD’s building during the Great Geauga County Fair.

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Barbara Titus enjoys time with Gary Sinise Foundation and R.I.S.E. home recipient Jason Ross and his father, George.

S P O R T S

Freshman Boosts Bombers Over Chardon

By mason Cole sPorts@karloveCmedia Com

After a slow start from both teams, the Kenston Bombers got a scoring boost from freshman guard Morgan Cicek that propelled them to a 37-28 win over the Chardon Hilltoppers on Jan. 7.

The first quarter was ugly for both the Bombers and the Hilltoppers. Chardon scored only seven points through the game’s first eight minutes, while the Bombers only scored one basket, a layup by senior Caroline Neimes.

Kenston Head Coach Kevin Hinkle believed that fatigue from recent games was part of the reason for his team’s slow start.

“I don’t think it was a lack of effort. It was a lack of execution,” Hinkle said. “I still think we were recovering. Some of our seniors were playing so many minutes the other night against Eastlake North in that overtime game — I think it took them a quarter to get their legs underneath them.”

Chardon Head Coach Erik Hoenigman said his Hilltoppers had planned to play with defensive intensity early in the game.

“We (planned) to defend,” Hoenigman said. “We’re going to do all the stuff that

Hot Hilltoppers Simmer the Huskies

By haley adams sPorts@karloveCmedia Com

Head Coach Chad Murawski’s Hilltoppers faced many uncertainties when his team came back from winter break.

After flooding took place in the high school, Chardon’s winter teams had no facilities to use, and a matchup against the Huskies that was originally a home contest for the Hilltoppers turned into a tough road test.

But in the end, Murawski’s group would not let a minor inconvenience get in the way of its season, claiming a 73-52 victory, improving to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in the Western Reserve Conference.

Chardon clung to an eight-point lead after the first quarter thanks to a two-headed monster made of senior guard Ethan Faber and center Kyle Palovich.

“Going into Tuesday night, we knew Cardinal had two outstanding players who could score in (Jake) Bean and (Troy) Domen,” Murawski said. “Our goal going in was to limit them to the best of our ability through our defense.”

Added Palovich: “We all had the mindset that we wanted to play, no matter what or where it is. We were ready to play this game, and we’re ready to play any game that comes in.”

The Hilltoppers continued to apply a lot of pressure on the defensive end, extending their lead to 10 early in the second quarter. Noah Gerlica knocked down two free throws to add to his team’s lead.

Cardinal attempted a three from senior Josh Soltis and picked up two offensive rebounds, one by Ethan Detweiler and another by Paul Gall. Domen attempted another three, but couldn’t connect.

After back–to-back missed threes by both teams, Cardinal Head Coach Jon Cummins was forced to call a timeout with 6:30 remaining in the second quarter. A transition basket for the Hilltoppers had Cummins attempting to figure out his team.

“We had three focal points for Tuesday night’s game — transition defense, limit them to one shot, and compete for 32 minutes,” Cummins said.

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Kenston freshman’s Morgan Cicek finishes this jump shot en route to 12 points in her team’s 37-28 win over rival Chardon at Kenston High School. The game was moved from Chardon High School because of water damage to the school over the holiday break.

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Chardon’s Ethan Faber attacks the hoop en route to 26 points in his Hilltoppers’ 73-52 victory over Cardinal. The game was moved to Cardinal High School due to water damage to Chardon High School over the holidays.

VIDEO: Kyle Palovich

Kenston State-Ranked Wrestlers Off to Great Start

By alan kornsPan sPorts@karloveCmedia.Com

Kenston state-ranked wrestlers Benjamin DiMarco and Sean Doyle were in action this week against Mayfield on Jan. 6.

DiMarco, wrestling in the 190 pound weight class, is currently ranked 10th in Division 2, based on the borofanohio.net rankings.

Doyle, wrestling in the 285 pound weight class, is currently ranked 18th in Division 2. Both gained victories against their Wildcats opponents in the Bombers’ dual meet with Mayfield.

DiMarco won his match with a quick first period pin.

“Just a couple of quick takedowns — wanted to get moving, then I pinned him in the first period,” DiMarco said.

Discussing his pre-match preparation, DiMarco emphasized the importance of preparing mentally and physically before competition, and how important a pre-match routine is to a successful wrestling performance.

“Just preparing the same for every match is really important for me, so getting a great warm-up, getting a good sweat in,” he said.

With high aspirations for his senior season, DiMarco is excited about working hard to reach his goals.

“I am looking forward to everything,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity to go from football and to go place at the state tournament. You know, I think I can do it. A lot of hard work needs to be put in.

“I’m starting to get back into the flow of things, wrestling every week, and it’s been really nice.”

Doyle, meanwhile, is also having a great season. In fact, along with DiMarco, he also placed first at the Al Pinter Memorial Tournament.

In the Mayfield dual, Doyle won his match with a major decision over his opponent.

“Just going into the match, my strategy was to go full steam, work my moves, work something new,” Doyle said. “We got a big week of wrestling (coming) up, and I wanted to work some of those moves today so I can implement them later on so they can be successful.”

Doyle described his win as a great yet difficult match.”It went all three periods, and props to the kid (from Mayfield) — he held in

quarter, including a play in which she got fouled while still making the layup. Her threepoint play, plus tough defense, helped Kenston gain momentum.

there the whole time,” he said. “He defended well, and it was really hard to turn him so I couldn’t get the pin, but it was still a good match.

“I would say it was a dominant match. I felt like I had control the whole time, could snap him down, take him down whenever I wanted. I was just working on a little bit of technique on top, that I need to perfect in the practice room so I can implement it in the match.”

So far, Doyle said he is pleased with the season and senses solid team cohesion. Like DiMarco, he also has high aspirations for himself.

“Great season, love the team. I feel like it

and her work ethic.”

Hinkle also thought that Neimes, who finished the game with eight points, helped with her aggressive play.

is a true family,” Doyle said. “And obviously I have been winning ... so obviously I am very proud of that. But hopefully in the upcoming weeks I can move that up and hopefully make a run at states.”

Also gaining victories for Kenston against Mayfield were Aiden Baran (113 pound weight class) and Leo DiPadovo (120 pound weight class).

The Bombers return to the mat Jan. 11 against Orange.

whether she would be able to play. She ended up scoring nine points for her team. Hoenigman appreciated the toughness that Landies showed.

we’ve been lacking to do, us and Kenston, to win games. And today, it was tough to get points. I thought at one point that 20 points would win the game.”

The Bombers regained their energy in the second quarter as they scored 15 points and entered halftime with a 17-15 lead over Chardon. After their sloppy first quarter, Cicek and the Bombers knew they had to change their mentality.

“We just realized that we needed to change things around,” Cicek said. “It’s the second half of our season, so we’re starting out fresh and we needed to get this win.”

Cicek scored five points in the second

“We realized that we needed to get some points up there,” Cicek said. “We needed to play harder, so I turned my defense on and got those steals.”

Cicek finished the match with a gamehigh 12 points, and Hinkle believes her impact went beyond scoring points for the Bombers.

“It wasn’t just the points she scored but the way she played the entire game,” Hinkle said. “Offensively, defensively, she hit a couple shots for us, got a spark, got to the rim, which is great to see. She struggled a bit the other night, so it was a great bounce-back for her. That was a testament to her character

“She was battling inside against someone a little bit bigger than her,” Hinkle said. “She was aggressive. Even though she missed some shots in the first quarter, she stayed aggressive.”

Though Chardon was ultimately unable to defeat the Bombers, the Hilltoppers saw strong performances from senior Anna Landies and junior Nicole Krakora.

Krakora hit three three-point shots, leading the Hilltoppers with 11 points. Landies was a bit under the weather and unsure

“Anna was a game-time decision,” Hoenigman said. “We thought we’d get one quarter out of her, but then she said, ‘I’ll give another.’ That is the kind of mentality she has: she’ll give another. It wasn’t by far her best performance, but by showing she was going to play through it and gut it out, I thought she did a great job.”

With the win, Kenston improves to a 6-5 overall season, 2-3 in the Western Reserve Conference. With the loss, the Hilltoppers’ overall record falls to 3-8, 2-3 in the WRC.

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

State-ranked Sean Doyle after a win against Mayfield. Doyle, wrestling at 285 pounds weight, is currently ranked 18th in Ohio.

Lions Split Pair Returning from Holiday Break

By alan kornsPan sPorts@karloveCmedia Com

The NDCL boys returned from holiday break for games on Jan. 5 and 7 against the Beachwood Bison and the Barberton Magic.

The Lions split the pair, losing to the Bison, 71-64, but roaring back to defeat the Magic, 78-53.

Over the two-game stretch, NDCL was led by junior standout guard Evan Dugger who averaged 24 points per game.

On Jan. 5, in a matchup of top area guards, NDCL junior Ethan Dugger (18 points per game) faced off against Beachwood’s Nathan Lurie (28 points per game).

In a close contest throughout, both led the way for their teams.

Fresh off a 41-point performance the previous day against the Lions’ fellow Crown Conference foe, Padua Franciscan, Lurie commanded the Lions’ attention on the defensive side of the court.

The Bison took a 20-15 lead in the first quarter as Lurie had seven points. Max and Noah Page both added three-pointers for the Bison.

Holden Kajfasz led the scoring for the Lions in the first quarter with four points, and Dugger connected on a three-pointer.

In the second quarter, the Lions were led by Connor Hernan with five points, and Noah Rogers with four points, as they trailed 32-28 heading into halftime.

“We started out not great in the first half,” said NDCL junior guard Ethan Dugger. “In the second quarter especially, going into the third, our intensity was really low.”

The contest remained close through

the third quarter, with Nick Santoro leading the way for the Lions with five third-quarter points.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Lions trailed 45-39.

That’s when the intensity for both teams picked up, and Dugger and Lurie led their teams down the stretch.

However, the Bison withstood the Lions’ comeback attempt and extended their lead to 14 points with Lurie scoring 13 of his 27 points in the fourth.

Dugger scored 11 of his 21 points in the fourth, as well, in an excellent effort to try to help the Lions overcome their deficit.

The Bison made seven three-pointers in the second half, and 10 for the game.

Although the Lions had five three-pointers for the game, Dugger felt that taking the ball inside was necessary as the game progressed.

“I noticed my three wasn’t really falling that much,” he said. “So you got to get buckets in some way to help the team out. So, you know, try to get to the free throw line, get around the paint.

“Got it going towards the end, but again, a little too late.”

NDCL scoring leaders for the game were Dugger (21), Connor Hernan (13), Jaxon

Also contributing to the scoring for the Lions were Brandon Smul (2) and Louie Muscatello (2).

The leading scorer for the game was Lurie, with a game-high 27 for the Bison.

For NDCL’s second game of the week, Jan. 7, the team traveled to Barberton to take on the Magic.

The Lions started slow and were down 20-12 at the end of the first quarter. However, they came storming back in the second quarter to take a 37-36 lead into halftime.

NDCL then came out strong in the sec-

Basketball

from page 10

The Huskies faced a 21-9 deficit out of the timeout, and finally scored with 5:35 remaining in the first half when Detweiler got to the rim, making the score 21-11. In getting key stops on the defensive end,

the Huskies had a chance to cut into the Hilltoppers’ lead halfway through the quarter. However, a double dribble violation and two missed field goals made the Huskies scramble on offense.

“Our ball pressure and defense was key to getting Cardinal uncomfortable offensively,” Murawski said. “Again, great job by Caleb Hewitt, Faber and Liebhardt, but also the

other players on the court for their help-side defense, rebounding and effort.”

With four minutes remaining, Faber got an open look on the floor and took it to the rim. Resiliency on the court continued the remainder of the quarter, when the Hilltoppers corralled three offensive rebounds, and a successful three from Sam Sulka extended his team’s lead.

After a turnover and a missed lay-up, Coach Cummins was forced to call another timeout with three minutes left. Out of timeout, power forward Paul Gall held position on his defender, where his teammate got him the ball.

Cardinal had slowly clawed its way back into the contest at the half, when a three by Josh Soltis pulled his team that much closer to pulling off the upset.

But the third and fourth quarters seemingly went to the Hilltoppers. Cardinal scored on each offensive possession in the first three minutes, but so did Chardon. After a five-second violation was whistled against the Huskies, Coach Cummins asked to take a timeout on his team’s next offensive possession. Detweiler then connected on another three with less than four minutes in the third quarter.

Forcing two turnovers on shot selections, Bean knocked down another three, and Cardinal trailed by 12 with 2:55 left.

Between Chardon’s defensive pressure and Cardinal’s complicated shot selection, with help from a Sammy Sulka three, the Hilltoppers pulled away in the third quarter, leading 55-40.

“We need to get back to the fundamentals of basketball,” Cummins said. “We need more patience in running our offensive.”

ond half, outscoring the Magic 19-9 to take a 56-45 lead into the fourth quarter, and continued to extend their lead as Dugger got a quick five points in the fourth.

With 4:36 left, the Lions opened up a 21-point lead, 68-47, when senior Hayden Dixon drained a three-pointer. Final score: 78-53.

Leading scorers for the Lions in their win over the Magic were Dugger (27), Dixon (12) and Connor Hernan (12).

The Lions return to the hardwood Jan. 13 for a Crown Conference game against Padua Franciscan, then play Kirtland on Jan. 14 as part of the Berkshire Hoopfest.

Despite the win, Murawski had some words about the conditions his team has faced.

“It’s really unfortunate we are unable to pass a levy for a new school,” he said. “We have amazing student-athletes who deserve nice, or even updated facilities, like those in surrounding communities. Two years ago we had our gym roof leak, canceling a home game. Last night, we had to have our home game at Cardinal because our old and outdated school had pipes burst, resulting in major flooding. Wednesday and Thursday, we are going to SPIRE (45 minutes away) to practice. Far from ideal, but this team is made up of a bunch of Hilltoppers; they will adapt and overcome this adversity.

“These kids play really, really hard, and they embrace the ‘underdog’ mentality and embrace hard work.”

Leading the way offensively for the Hilltoppers was Ethan Faber with 26 points. Kyle Palovich added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Liebhardt and Sulka added 10 and eight points, respectively. Sulka led the team with 12 rebounds, adding four assists.

“We just want to work hard at what we do,” Palovich said. “We want to get every rebound and work hard on every possession, because every possession counts. We want to work hard every single minute of the game.”

With the loss, the Huskies dropped to 4-5 on the season, still searching for their first conference title in over a decade. Bean led the way with 13 points, while Detweiler added 11. Domen finished with nine points and five assists. Paul Gall fell just shy of a double-double, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds.

Mangelluzzi (7), Rogers (6), Santoro (5), Kajfasz (4) and Brendan Hernan (4).

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Evan Dugger scored 21 points in his team’s 71-64 loss to Beachwood. The Lions are 4-4 on the season, going 4-2 on the road and 0-2 at home. The Lions start their Crown Conference schedule on Friday against Padua.

David E. Ward

David E. Ward, age 77, of Burton Village, died Jan. 2, 2023, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Claridon Township.

Born March 24, 1945, in Dayton, to Paul and Kathryn (nee Speer) Ward, he was a Burton resident since 1981.

Dave was employed by Pioneer Standard, until his retirement in 2001, when he joined his wife, Paula, and son, Brian, at Weidig’s Floral Shop in Chardon.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, having been stationed in Japan for four years. Dave enjoyed playing softball, golf and fishing, but his greatest joy was “hanging out” with his granddaughters.

Survivors include his wife, Paula (nee Weti) Ward, whom he married March 8, 1967, in Japan; children, Denise (Donald) Goff, of Newbury Township, and Brian (Deanna) Ward, of Burton; and granddaughters, Elizabeth and Sophia Ward.

He also leaves his sisters, Mary (Jerry) Remley, of Michigan, and Margaret (John) Bauer, of Miamisburg, Ohio.

To honor David’s request, in lieu of services, please spend quality time with your family.

Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www. burrservice.com.

Carol Ann Day

Carol Ann Day, 80, formerly of Middlefield, passed away Jan. 1, 2023, at Hospice House.

Carol was born on Nov. 18, 1942, in Teaneck, N.J., the daughter of Peter and Virginia (nee Chichester) Gordon Kemp.

She was a graduate of Fairlawn High School in New Jersey and attended Patterson State University, where she studied accounting.

She worked in accounts payable at Erico in Solon and Flambeau in Middlefield.

Carol volunteered at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

As a hobby, Carol and her late husband, had a Bison farm, “Daydream Bison Farm” in Middlefield.

She is survived by her children Tod (Kristin) Vander Maas, of Burton, and Tad (Cheryl) Vander Maas, of Troy Township; son-in-law, Scott Anderson; sister, Virginia (Charles) Latyak, of California, Md.; brother, Peter (Laurie) Kemp, of Fairlawn, N.J.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; step-children, Steve, Russ and Randy; and her loving companion, Paul Goske, of Boardman. Besides her parents, Carol was preceded in death by husband, Chester Arthur Day; and daughter Mary Anderson.

Per Carol’s wishes, there will be no services or calling hours.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Hospice House for their excellent care.

Donations may be given in Carol’s name

Obituaries

to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Youngstown, OH 44514.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To view Carol’s obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

Wayne Thomas Bifano

Wayne Thomas Bifano, age 84, of Chagrin Falls, died peacefully at his home of 49 years with Hospice care on Jan. 6, 2023.

He was born on June 25, 1938, to Angelo and Vera (nee Vesele) Bifano, in Cleveland.

Wayne spent his professional life as an educator, with degrees from Kent State University, John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University. He taught for Chardon, Solon and Independence public schools.

Wayne also worked as a librarian/media specialist in educational levels from preschool/kindergarten to graduate school.

Wayne retired after 40 years in formal educational work and then became interested in museum education. He wrote scripts and performed at historic sites: Hale Farm/Wheatfield Village and The Western Reserve Historical Society. At these venues Wayne role-played a lawyer, a minister, a Connecticut pioneer, a pilot, the Ice Cream Man and the Socialist reformer, Eugene V. Debs. He scripted some roles and, in other instances, interacted with visitors as a first-person interpreter, requiring him to improvise and interact with visitors in his designated time period.

In 2003, Wayne became an interpretive guide/historian at Lake View Cemetery’s historic site, The Wade Chapel. In many ways, this position was a return to Wayne’s family roots. His grandfather and father immigrated from southern Italy to work in this historic site as stonecutters.

The Wade Chapel is an architectural, technological, historical and spiritual gem. Wayne researched the history and backstory for the chapel, trying to fill in the blanks for visitors for 15 years. After being asked: “Is there a book that has all this information you’ve shared with us?” Wayne wrote a book, “The Wade Chapel: A Story of Art, Spirit, and Family.”

Wayne is survived by his wife, Martha (nee Price) Bifano; daughter, Laura Bifano; and son, Matthew (Maria Mercedes) Bifano.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; and siblings, Mildred Camp, Erwin Rabek and Vera Nichols.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m., at Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. (Parking lot is off Prospect Avenue).

A private interment will be held at Lake View Cemetery’s Community Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions be made to: Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110-2602; or to Trinity Cathedral/Out Reach Programs, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115.

Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www. burrservice.com.

Carol A. Sidley

Carol A. Sidley (nee Stevens), age 85, beloved wife of the late James; loving mother of Michael (Joy), Pam (Dean Gillispie) Sidley, Pat (Leanne), and the late Deborah (John) Petersen; devoted grandmother of Matthew, David (Stephanie), Michael (Leanne), Adam (Sarah), Christina (Jacob), Christopher, Andrew, Kaitlyn (Eric), Amanda (Adam), Amelia (Justin), and Alivia (Khari) and great-grandmother of 15; cherished daughter of the late Charles and Mary (nee Antolich) Stevens; dearest sister of Nancy Yoak and the late Carl Stevens; dear aunt and friend of many, especially the late Glenn Rayl.

Carol was born on March 19, 1937, in Cleveland. She dedicated many years to Geauga Savings Bank before serving as the treasurer of Ledgemont School District.

Carol loved the outdoors, whether she was tending to her flower gardens or camping with her family. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly and truly lived for her family.

On Jan. 1, 2023, this strong and loving woman passed away leaving her family missing her deeply.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Carol to Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory.

Celebration of Life Service on Jan. 12, 2023, at 11 a.m., at the funeral home.

Private burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Thompson Township.

Family received friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Carol at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland, 12811 Chillicothe Road, on Jan. 11, 2023.

Online obituary and guestbook at www. DeJohnCares.com.

and Terri (Dave) Combs, of Chardon; grandchildren, Nicole (Jon) Koch, Danielle (Joe) DeCaro, Dana (Fiancée Dan O’Reilly) Combs, Amanda (Ryan) Mitri; and great -randchildren, Gabriella, MacKenzie, Ethan, Jeremiah, Lucas, Joey, Julian and Reagan.

She also leaves her brother Louis (Myrna) Sheehe, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; brothers-inlaw Dick VanDevander, of Chardon ,and Bill Roberts, of Jefferson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Dennis Sheehe; and sisters-inlaw, Kathy VanDevander and Helen Roberts.

The family received friends Jan. 9, 2023, from 2-4:30 p.m., followed by a service at 4:30 p.m.

A private family burial will be held at Claridon Center Cemetery.

Arrangements handled by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www. burrservice.com.

Tracy McDaniel

Tracy McDaniel, age 44, passed away way to soon after a courageous cancer battle on Jan. 5, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her home.

She was born Sept. 7, 1978, to Nancy Mary Gordon Lorenz and the late Timothy Alan Kennedy.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jim and Dorris Gordon, and Lawrence and Helen Kennedy; and her husband’s grandparents, Edmund and Elizabeth Fredericks.

Barbara L. Roberts

Barbara L. Roberts (nee Sheehe), age 80, of Claridon Township, passed away peacefully Jan. 5, 2023, at Mapleview Country Villa in Chardon, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Aug. 10, 1942, in Indiana, Pa., to Louis W. and Velma M. (nee Huey) Sheehe, she was a lifelong area resident.

Barb graduated from Chardon High School in 1960, attended Bowling Green State University and received her teaching degree from Kent State University.

Barb was a dedicated and well-respected teacher for 38 years, having touched many live, at St. Mary’s School in Chardon.

Her many pastimes included sewing, baking, enjoying the outdoors, reading, golf and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barb will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 60 years, Donald Roberts; daughters, Kelli (Bill) Leonetti, of East Claridon,

She is survived by her broken-hearted husband, Michael, whom she married Jan. 8, 2005; daughter, Taylor McDaniel; mother, Nancy Mary Gordon Lorenz; brother, Scott Alan Kennedy; mother and father-inlaw, Tammy and Gene Reckart, of Southington; brother-in-law, Devin and Fiona Reckart, of Kent; sister-in-law, Tiffany McDaniel (Darren Burgy), of Southington; four nieces, Kaila (John) Welker, Kylee Lewis, Olivia Grow, Emily Kennedy; nephew, Corbin Kennedy; one great-niece, Kinsley Welker; and aunts, cousins and extended family and friends.

Tracy was a 1996 graduate of Chardon High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Mount Union.

Tracy was a creative person who enjoyed paddle boarding and riding motorcycles. She was a member of the V- Twin Motorcycle Club.

Tracy was also an animal lover, especially her dog, Lucy.

She leaves the legacy of being a great mom to Taylor.

One of Tracy’s favorite things were sunflowers. May you fondly remember Tracy with each sunflower you see as they look toward the sun, as Tracy always did.

Friends and family may share their online condolences at http://www.deansfuneralhome.com. Contributions can be made to the family to help with final expenses and medical costs.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dean’s Funeral Home Sebring, Ohio, 330-938-2744.

Obituaries

Nancy Lee Hart

Nancy Lee (nee Dakin) Hart, a 58year resident of Chardon, passed away on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at The David Simpson Hospice House with her loved ones at her side. She was 93 years and 20 days old.

Nancy was born Dec. 6, 1929, to Algie R. and Sue F. (nee Parry) Dakin, in Warren.

She dedicated her life to the service of others through her church and community affiliations, and in her careers with the Geauga County Treasurer’s Office, as secretary to the Republican Party, as an elected Chardon Village Clerk, and more than 40 years as a jury commissioner.

Nancy was a founding member of the Western Reserve Spinners and Weaving Guild, and a decades-long participant in the juried Chardon Arts Festival.

She was a faithful part of The Great Geauga County Fair volunteers and, as such, would set up her educational demonstrations of spinning, dying and weaving wool from its natural origin to completed project. She delighted in sharing and teaching her knowledge of this art form with students, friends and community. Examples of her intricate and unique weavings and specialized rug hooking talents can be found in homes, churches, wardrobes and establishments throughout Geauga County, across many state lines and in several foreign counties.

Nancy had a gift for drawing people together in fellowship. She initiated and hosted countless gatherings and meals throughout her life and, in so doing, shared warmth and caring and generated a genuine sense of community for many.

Additionally, she had a deep love and appreciation for nature and animals, and was rarely seen without one of her beloved dogs. She loved to garden and never met a plant or blossom she couldn’t make room for, always willing and eager to share starts of her robust plants with others.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra (Tim) Grimm, of Salem, Ohio; son Shawn Patton, of Sandusky; grandsons, Benjamin (Brittany) Grimm and Adam (Ann) Grimm; great-grandchildren, Eli, Lucas, Oliver and Ava Grimm. She also leaves cherished nieces and countless dear friends.

Nancy was preceded in death by her par-

ents; husband, Rev. David Patton; husband, William F. Hart, whom she married on March 31, 1973; son Eric Patton, and sisters, Jean, Marian, Lois and Sue.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 28, 2023, at the Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon.

Donations in Nancy’s memory are suggested to the Chardon United Methodist Church or The David Simpson Hospice House, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 or go to www.hospicewr.org.

Arrangements by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice. com.

Martha A. Vaccariello

Martha A. Vaccariello, age 98, of Chardon, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023.

She was born March 17, 1924, to the late Lester and Clara (nee Prunty) Buzzard, in Hazel Green W. Va.

Martha graduated from Harrisville High School. She was an assistant buyer and worked many years for The May Company and then later worked as the manager in the gift shop at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

She was also a former member of the Claridon Congregational Church.

Annette Emily Smith

Annette Emily (nee Lindquist) Smith, 81, of Newbury Township, peacefully passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.

On Dec. 29, 1941, Annette was born in New Haven, Conn., to the late Einar and Eleanor Lindquist. She graduated from West Haven High School in the Class of 1959.

Annette married the love of her life, Robert A. Smith, on Jan. 27, 1962. They shared 50 years together as husband and wife before he preceded her in death on Aug. 11, 2011.

For nearly 25 years, the couple owned and operated two restaurants: Mister Smiths’ Restaurant in Chagrin Falls and Stoney’s EastSider in Cleveland.

In later years, Annette spent much of her retirement working on crafts, playing games and spending time with her family and friends.

Left to cherish Annette’s memory are her three children, Richard Smith, Lisa Bice and David (Lori) Smith; five grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Hannah Bice, Benjamin Smith, Gabrielle Smith and Tyler Smith; her two sisters, Joan (Joseph) LaFrance and Susan (Tonis) Talviste; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private burial at Munn Cemetery in Newbury, with a Celebration of Life gathering at a later date.

Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

She will be greatly missed by her stepdaughters, Mary Lou Morgan, of Montville Township, and Donna Jean Vaccariello, of Chardon; daughter-in-law, Tammy Harte, of North Ridgeville.

Beside her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester Bambao; second husband, Francis (Bud) Vaccariello; son, Max Bambao; grandson, Ryan Bambao; and sisters, Clara M. Hadley and Betty Herberger.

The family would like to thank the owners and staff at Thistle House Assisted Living for the love and care they extended to Martha over the years she lived there.

Also, we would like to thank Hospice of the Western Reserve for their excellent care of Martha over the past weeks.

Per Martha’s wishes, there will be a burial of her ashes at a later date at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River.

Sly Family Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.

spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survived by her children, Tammy McIntosh (Troy M.) of Mentor, Lisa Scammahorn (Troy S.), of Painesville Township, Edward Thomas (Valerie), of Painesville, and Charles Thomas (Kirsten), of Painesville Township; grandchildren, Sean McIntosh, Austen Scammahorn (Morgan), Kyle McIntosh, McKenna Thomas, Maia Thomas, Lincoln Thomas and Lyla Thomas.

She also leaves behind three brothers, Larry Chapman (Patricia), of Chardon, Jack Chapman (Charlene), of Media, Pa., and Gene Chapman (Brenda), of Chardon; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff at The Lantern of Madison for the care and friendship they provided in her final years.

The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, with the funeral services to follow at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. The service will be live streamed from the funeral home’s website.

Donations are accepted at the Alzheimer’s Association and Traditions Health Hospice Care.

Arrangements are provided by Burr Funeral Home in Chardon.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

Fran Bemis

Fran Bemis (nee Bryant), age 76, of Hambden Township, peacefully passed away at her home on Jan. 6, 2023.

She was born May 30, 1946, to Thomas and Anna (nee Stiert) Bryant in Cleveland.

Linda Lou Thomas

Linda Lou Thomas (nee Chapman), age 75, of Madison, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2023, at The Lantern of Madison.

Born Aug. 4, 1947, in Chardon, to the late Raymond and Norma (nee Williams) Chapman, she was a lifelong area resident.

Linda graduated from Chardon High School in 1965 and received her degree from Dyke College, in 1966, in Cleveland.

Throughout her life, her many pastimes included sewing, resulting in many kids and grandkids Halloween costumes and even a beautiful homecoming dress. She was a skilled cake baker, making beautiful birthday cakes for family and friends over the years, ending her art in 2001 with her son and daughter-in-law’s wedding cake. She took up pottery in the 1980s, making lifelong lasting pieces for family and friends.

She enjoyed reading, dancing, a good glass of wine, a big bowl of ice cream and watching her favorite team, the Cleveland Indians. But more than anything, she enjoyed

Fran was a Cleveland native and graduate of Collinwood High School.

Her hobbies included gardening, decorating, taking care of animals and, most of all, spending time with her daughters, sons-inlaw and grandchildren.

Fran was a proud Buckeye and Browns fan.

She was the beloved wife of Bill; loving mother of Laura (Max) Johnson, Jessica (Joel) Moore, Amanda (Bob) Doberdruk; loving grandmother of Luke, Shai, Oliver, Abel, Ivy, Leo and Declan.

Surviving Fran are also her loving stepchildren, James (Courtney, Cashden, Carrson), Sarah (Jason, children - Amelia, Scott, Elizabeth) and Carey (William, children –Bridget, Will).

The family suggest donations be made in Fran’s honor to Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072, (www.rescuevillage.org)

A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2023.

Arrangements were made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www. burrservice.com.

Bulletin Board

The Maple

MLK Day Celebration

Jan. 16, 2 p.m.

Honor and celebrate the late Martin Luther King Jr. at Geauga County’s third annual ceremony being held at the Heritage House on Chardon Square. Speakers include Rev. Jess Peacock, of Chesterland Community Church; Chagrin Falls Park activist Dorothy Ann Watson; and public servant and event organizer Mary Briggs. Chardon Schools choir director Fritz Streiff will lead students in performing select music selections. Covid-19 protocols will be followed at the outdoor event.

Geauga Skywatchers Club

Jan. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join Geauga Skywatchers Club for “Make a Spectroscope” at Burton Public Library. Visit www.GeaugaLibrary.libcal. com to register.

Remediation of Blackbrook Creek

Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

Blackbrook Audubon Society welcomes Bill Zawiski, of the Ohio EPA, as he presents “Mentor Marsh Salt Fill Remediation: A Story Worth Sharing” at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland. Open to the public, program attendees are asked to bring their own mugs for coffee.

For more information, email blackbrookaud@aol.com. Programs cancelled due to weather are announced on the iAlert system.

Outreach Spaghetti Dinner

Jan. 19, 6-7 p.m.

Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals

The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal (HDM) drivers for the Burton, Chardon, Chester Township and Middlefield areas.

The HDM program delivers warm, nutritious lunches between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, to homebound senior citizens in the community.

The department on aging is looking for area agencies, organizations, church groups and individuals 18 years old or older, with a valid driver’s license, who

condense,

are interested in volunteering for the program. Training includes filing department on aging HDM 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, contact Nathan Gorton at 440-279-2138 or email at NGorton@co.geauga.oh.us.

Free Tax Prep Help Available

Free tax preparation help is available to low-income families and individuals in Geauga and Lake counties for the 14th consecutive year. Lifeline will help families and individuals meet their filing obligations, find credits they may not know about and protect them from unnecessary costs.

Lifeline uses volunteers trained and certified by the IRS through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA volunteers provide free income tax assistance to low-income, elderly and disabled people.

Free tax preparation is available to residents who meet Lifeline’s federal income guidelines. Clinics are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, by appointment only, through April 18.

Clinics are held at Lifeline’s Painesville office at 8 North State St., Suite 300; at the Perry Senior Center in Perry; at the Wickliffe Family Resource Center; and at Lifeline’s Geauga Office at 12375 Kinsman Road Building H in Newbury Township. Call 440-639-4420 to schedule an appointment.

For more information, please contact Katrina Graves at 440-354-2148, ext. 231 or at vita@lclifeline.org.

FGP Offers Scholarships

The Foundation for Geauga Parks (FGP) is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors who intend to pursue their education in fields of science, natural resource management or other related studies.

The scholarship application is available on the FGP website: www.foundationforgeaugaparks.org. The deadline for application is Jan. 31. Awards will be announced by March.

The Foundation for Geauga Parks’ Conservation Scholarship Program was established by the Foundation for Geauga Parks Trustees in 2022 to support students who demonstrate interest in educational pursuits that align with the FGP mission.

For more information, call 440-5641048.

Dog License Tags On Sale

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Dog owners are reminded to the deadline to purchase 2023 dog licenses is Jan. 31. Tags will be issued with an “O” ring.

Licenses purchased on or before Jan. 31 are $15 per dog. A $15 penalty is added to all licenses purchased after the deadline.

There are two other options for registration available – a three-year tag for $45 and a lifetime tag for $150.They are available at the auditor’s office and online.

Checks should be made payable to Charles E. Walder, Geauga County Auditor.

The dog registration system has been

modified to include rabies vaccination information. A space is provided on the registration form.

Residents are able to purchase their dog licenses on the auditor’s secure website: www.auditor.co.geauga.oh.us. A fee per transaction will be assessed.

Owners of new dogs may purchase their tags any time during the year at the auditor’s office, at any of its outlying agents or by mail.

Send the application and $15 fee to Geauga County Auditor, Courthouse Annex, 231 Main St., Suite 1A, Chardon, OH 44024.

For more information, call 440-279-1600.

Geauga Public Library

Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.

Winter Reading

Jan. 1 - Feb. 28

The Winter Reading Challenge returns for another snow-filled year. Sign up and complete a reading or activity log each week to be entered into a prize drawing, which will take place at the end of the event.

Register at GeaugaLibrary.Beanstack. org/Reader365 and complete a reading or activity log each week to be entered into a prize drawing, which will take place at the end of the event

Storytimes

Join for a storytime that is sure to engage, connect and inspire children. A variety of dates, branch locations and times to choose from for targeted age groups are located on the website’s programs calendar.

Book Groups

No registration required.

• Thompson, Jan. 22, 2 p.m., “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen.

• Virtual, Jan. 26, 7 p.m., “The Maid” by Nita Prose.

Puzzle Exchange

Jan. 21, 9a.m. to 5 p.m. • Chardon

Bring in a jigsaw to exchange for a new one.

Medicare 101

Jan. 21, 10-11:30 a.m. • Middlefield

Join Marcy Rosenthal, a licensed Medicare insurance advisor, for an educational program to learn the basics about out how Medicare works and what coverage options may be best.

Beyond Beginning Crochet for Adults

Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to noon • Thompson

Learn basic crochet techniques, from single crochet to half-double crochet, to take one’s textile creations to the next level.

Healthy

Sleep

Jan. 23, 3-4 p.m. • Bainbridge

Learn the differences between a healthy and a poor sleep routine and how to manage one’s sleep schedule.

Ethnic History of Cleveland

Jan. 24, 7-8 p.m. • Virtual

Log in to Zoom and join Tri-C Professor David Bernatowicz as he presents a narrative history of the many ethnic groups’ migration to Northeast Ohio during the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn where they worked, what neighborhoods they developed and their effect on Cleveland’s history.

Beginner Beekeeping Series

Jan. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Middlefield

Learn how to remove the stress associated with beekeeping during the final week of the library’s three-week comprehensive course on anything and everything related to beekeeping.

Microsoft Excel Basics

Jan. 26, 2-3 p.m. • Geauga West

Learn the basics of Excel to start 2023 off on the right foot.

Ohio Ice Age

Jan. 26, 7-7:45 p.m. • Geauga West

Presented by the Geauga Park District, attendees will learn about the glacial landforms that preserved numerous animal remains throughout Northeast Ohio, including a mastodon found in Geauga County.

Leaf Community Bulletin Board is a public service of the Geauga County Maple Leaf. Notices of nonprofit organizations, schools, and churches will be published without charge. The Maple Leaf cannot guarantee publication, and reserves the right to edit,

cancel, or refuse any notice at any time. E-mail submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

West Geauga Schools

Newbury Trophy Case at WGHS

West Geauga High School contains a new trophy case to house some of the awards earned by athletes in the former Newbury Local School District. When that district became a part of the West Geauga Local School District on June 30, 2020, the athletic trophies were gathered and stored by West Geauga. The trophy case is the first step in restoring some of the trophies to public view.

The new trophy case is constructed of wood taken from the old Newbury High School gym bleachers. The case is designed to look like bleachers being pulled out for seating, an obvious reference to the source of the wood itself. The designers and builders of the trophy case were John Cowles, Lester Byler and Bob Battisti.

According to Dr. Rich Markwardt, West Geauga superintendent, “The trophy case is a great way to showcase some of the major wins of the Newbury Black Knights. The fact that it reflects the old gym bleachers adds a unique sentimental element. When I asked Mark Richardson, our facilities manager, to have it built, I didn’t know quite what form it would take. It exceeded my expectations.”

The trophy case is located in the high school gym lobby.

West Geauga has a huge store of Newbury memorabilia. Some will eventually find its way to displays such as this one, perhaps on a rotational basis. Others, highlighting accomplishments in academics, athletics and the arts, will be on display in a video format.

Marching Band London Trip

The West Geauga High School Marching Band has returned from their overseas trip to London. Highlights of the trip included visiting Parliament Square, Covent Garden, Oxford, Windsor, Tower of London, Thames River, a rocking New Year’s Eve party and a concert performance in Cadogan Hall.

The trip culminated with the London New Year’s Day Parade performance. The parade was broadcast worldwide for viewers to see the band perform the “West G Fight Song,” “I Love Rock N Roll,” “The Avengers” and “Uprising by Muse.”

WGMB was proud to be selected as the parade finale playing the national anthem of the United Kingdom. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that students will never forget.

Visit www.westg.org for more coverage and video from the trip.

Students Achieve Reading Goals

Westwood Elementary School second-grade students in Mrs. Regano’s class set personal goals for their recent reading assessment. Every student in the class proudly achieved their goal. As a reward, the class celebrated with a pajama day, snack and movie. Congratulations to the students for continuing to work hard every day to improve their reading skills.

Kindergarten, New Student Registration

Registration for 2023-24 kindergarten and new students opens on Feb. 15. The registration process is online. Visit www.westg. org for information.

St. Helen School

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The St. Helen Busy Bees and Little Hornets preschool classes did a spectacular job bringing Christmas joy to their families and friends with their Christmas program in December.

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The West Geauga Marching Band performed in the London New Year’s Day Parade.

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The West Geauga Middle School boys seventh-grade basketball team finished the regular season with an undefeated 12-0 record. Good luck in the upcoming conference playoffs.

Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

22-F-000593 – WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC, Plaintiff, vs. DOUGLAS VESELSKY, et al. Defendants.

Unknown Heirs, Legatees, Devisees, Executors, Administrators and Assigns and their Spouses, if any, of Dennis Veselsky aka Dennis Veselsky aka Dennis J. Veselsky, whose last place of residence is unknown and whose present place of residence is unknown, will take notice that on October 12, 2022, a Complaint was filed in the matter of WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC. v. DOUGLAS VESELSKY, et al., Case No. 22-F-000593 in the Court of Common Pleas of Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Ste. 300, Chardon, OH 44024, seeking foreclosure and alleging that the Defendant(s) Unknown Heirs, Legatees, Devisees, Executors, Administrators and Assigns and their Spouses, if any, of Dennis Veselsky aka Dennis Veselsky aka Dennis J. Veselsky, have or may claim to have an interest in the real estate located at 15815 Chipmunk Lane, Middlefield, OH 44062 and known as Parcel Number 18-081130. A complete legal description of the property may be obtained from the Geauga County Auditor’s Office, located at 231 Main Street, Unit 1A, Chardon, OH 44024.

You are required to answer the publication within 28 days after the last publication of this Notice, which will be published once per week for six consecutive weeks, and the last publication will be made on January 26, 2023. In the case of your failure to answer or respond as permitted by the Ohio Civil Rules within the time stated, a judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC

By ALBERTELLI LAW PARTNERS OHIO, LLC, F. Peter Costello, #0076112, Mark R. Lembright, #0041545, Antonio J. Scarlato, #0073329, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 4807 Rockside Road, Ste. 200, Independence, OH 44131. (216) 588-1500; (216) 771-4334-fax; Ohcontact@alaw.net. Dec22-29, 2022 Jan5-12-19-26, 2023

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO 22-F-000459 – The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWABS Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-11, Plaintiff vs. James R. Cain, aka James Roger Cain, aka James Cain, et al, Defendants.

UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF JAMES R. CAIN AKA JAMES RODGER CAIN AKA JAMES CAIN, whose last known addresses are unknown and all of whose residences are unknown, will hereby take notice that on August 4, 2022, Plaintiff filed its Complaint in the Common Pleas Court of Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, being Case No. 22-F-000459 in said Court against JAMES R. CAIN AKA JAMES ROGER CAIN AKA JAMES CAIN, et al. praying for Judgment of $163,038.27 with interest at the rate of 4.25000% per annum from January 1, 2021, until paid and for foreclosure of a mortgage on the following described real estate, to wit:

PARCEL NO. 02-337700

STREET ADDRESS: 17785 Snyder Road, Bainbridge Twp, OH 44023

A COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PARCEL MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE COUNTY AUDITOR. and that Defendants be required to set up any interest they may have in said premises or be forever barred, that upon failure of said Defendants to pay or cause to be paid said Judgment within three days from its rendition that an Order of Sale be issued to the Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, to appraise, advertise, and sell said real estate, that the premises be sold free and clear of all claims, liens and interest of any parties herein, that the proceeds from the sale of said premises be applied to Plaintiff’s Judgment and for such other relief to which Plaintiff is entitled. Said Defendant(s) will take notice that they will be required to answer said Complaint on or before twenty-eight (28) days from the final publication run date or judgment will be rendered accordingly.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-11 Ellen L. Fornash, Padgett Law Group, 8087 Washington Village Drive, Suite 220, Dayton, OH 45458; 850-422-2520; OHAttorney@padgettlawgroup.com Jan5-12-19, 2023

documents are online at tgmaia.com. Contractors are required to register on the website in order to access Documents. There is no fee for Registration, but is required so that Addenda can be properly distributed. Documents can then be downloaded for free from the site.

Bidders must use the prepared forms provided therefore, as none other will be accepted. Each proposal must be accompanied by a bid bond in the amount of 100 percent or more of the price bid or a check for 10% of the Bid amount. The bidder to whom the contract is awarded will be required to furnish a performance and payment bond in the sum of 100 percent of the contract price.

The Owner reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities and to reject any or all bids, and to waive informalities.

Jan12-19-26, 2023

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE MEETING

Troy Township

Troy Township Trustees will be having an executive session prior to their regular Trustee Meeting January 17, 2023 at 6:00 pm to conduct interviews for the opening of an alternate position on the Troy Township Zoning Board of Appeals.

Jane Grudowski, Fiscal Officer Jan12, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Parkman Township

Parkman Township Trustees are hosting a public meeting with Geauga County Auditor, Chuck Walder, on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Parkman Community House (16295 Main Market Rd.) for the discussion of a possible resolution concerning the costs incurred by residents connected to the sewer system. Residents connected to the system should have received a letter of invitation; however, all residents are welcome to attend.

Denise Villers, Fiscal Officer Jan12, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following matters are the subject of this public notice by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The complete public notice, including any additional instructions for submitting comments, requesting information, a public hearing, filing an appeal, or ADA accommodations may be obtained at: https://epa.ohio.gov/actions or Hearing Clerk, Ohio EPA, 50 W. Town St. P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Ph: 614-644-3037 email: HClerk@epa.ohio.gov

Final Issuance of Renewal of NPDES Permit South Russell Veterinary Hospital, Inc. dba Crick 11423 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065

Facility Description: Wastewater-Semi-Public

Receiving Water: Unnamed road ditch at Kinsman Road ID #: 3PR00710*BD Date of Action: 12/30/2022

This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC. Jan12, 2023

tors, Administrators, Spouses and Assigns of Kent A. Smith, among others as Defendants, alleging that, Kent A. Smith, Deceased, is in default for all payments from February 3, 2016; that on June 3, 1996, Kent A. Smith, Deceased, executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed in which said Defendants agreed, among other things, to pay the Note and to comply with all of the terms of the Mortgage Deed hereinafter described, which Mortgage Deed was filed in the Recorder’s Office of Geauga County, Ohio on June 5, 1996, recorded in Volume 1054, Page 432, of the Geauga County Recorder’s Records, and Assigned to the Plaintiff on February 7, 2022, and recorded on February 14, 2022, in Instrument No. 202200996165, of the Geauga County Records, that, further, the balance due on the Note is $31,590.38 with interest at the rate of 11.2500% per annum from February 3, 2016; that to secure the payment of the Note, executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed to and thereby conveying, in fee simple, the following described premises: Situated in the State of Ohio, in the County of Geauga, and in the City of Newbury: Commonly known as 14712 Longview Dr., Newbury, OH 44065 and further alleging that the aforesaid Mortgage is a valid and subsisting first and best lien upon said premises after the lien of the Treasurer; that the Note is in default, whereby the conditions set forth in the Note and Mortgage have been broken, that the Mortgage has become absolute and that Plaintiff is entitled, therefore, to have the Mortgage foreclosed, the premises sold, and the proceeds applied in payment of Plaintiff’s claims; that the Defendants; Dieken Kenneth Smith; Jane Doe, Real Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse, if any, of Dieken Kenneth Smith and The Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Legatees, Executors, Administrators, Spouses and Assigns of Kent A. Smith, among others, may have or claim to have some interest in or lien upon said premises; that all of the Defendants are required to set forth any claim, lien or interest in or upon the premises that he, she, or it may have or claim to have or be forever barred therefrom; that Plaintiff’s Mortgage be declared to be a valid and subsisting first and best lien upon said premises after the lien of the Treasurer, if any, that its Mortgage be foreclosed; that all liens be marshaled; that the equity of redemption of all Defendants be forever cut off, barred, and foreclosed; that upon the sale of said premises the proceeds be paid to Plaintiff to satisfy the amount of its existing lien and the interest, together with its disbursements, advancements, and costs herein expended; and for such other and further relief to which is may be entitled in equity or at law.

Defendants are further notified that they are required to answer the Complaint on or before February 23, 2023 which includes twenty-eight (28) days from the last publishing, or judgment may be rendered as prayed for therein.

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF AMERICAN HOMEOWNER

PRESERVATION TRUST SERIES 2015A+

Submitted by: Adrienne S. Foster (0080011), Sandhu Law Group, LLC, 1213 Prospect Avenue, Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44115, 216-3731001, Attorney for Plaintiff.

Jan12-19-26, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SELL UNNEEDED, OBSOLETE, OR UNFIT TOWNSHIP PERSONAL PROPERTY

VIA INTERNET AUCTION

Resolution number 01092023-A adopted by the Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees on January 9, 2023 authorizing the disposal of unneeded, obsolete, or unfit township property, including motor vehicles, road machinery, car parts, equipment, tools, and office equipment or supplies by Internet Auction in accordance with O.R.C. section 505.10. Internet auctions will be conducted through www.govdeals.com with whom Bainbridge Township has contracted.

All items will be offered for sale “as is, where is” with Bainbridge Township making no warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind expressed or implied, as to the condition of said items.

Items will be listed for a minimum of ten (10) days.

This notice is posted on the website of township which can be found at www.bainbridgetwp.com. This notice and a link to the GovDeals website can be accessed by clicking on the designated tab GOVDEALS AUCTION.

SUBMITTED BY ORDER OF THE BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Janice Sugarman, Fiscal Officer Jan12, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Forfeiture Notice

Pursuant to O.R.C. 2981, the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office is seeking forfeiture of unclaimed property that was found or seized by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office between 1/1/22 and 12/31/22.

The following are the items: Shotgun, Cell Phone, Misc Tools, Sunglasses, Purse w/ Cash, Wallet w/Cash, Wallet w/Cash, Purse w/Cash, and Wheelchair.

Anyone claiming ownership in this property may contact the Geauga County Sheriff, Evidence Clerk at 440-279-2009 ext. 4313. Any item not claimed will be disposed of according to the Ohio Revised Code.

Jan12-19, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Middlefield Township Trustees SEALED PROPOSALS will be received at the Middlefield Township Hall, 15228 State Route 528; Middlefield, Ohio 44062 until 7:00 o’clock PM on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Trustees’ normal meeting, and at that time and place publicly opened and read aloud, for the New EMS Building. Someone will be at the Township Hall at 5:30 pm on the evening bids are due, and bids can be submitted early by contacting Trustee Paul Porter at paulporter482@gmail.com.

The principal items of work includes construction of A NEW EMS OFFICE AND GARAGE. The Architect’s estimate of probable costs for this work is approximately $850,000. Copies of plans, specifications and contract

PUBLIC NOTICE

Russell Township Park Board

That the Russell Township Park District, will be having a regular Park Board meeting on January 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Geauga West Public Library, 13455 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, Ohio 44026.

Dennis Suhay, Chairman Jan12, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO 22-F-000419 – U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF AMERICAN HOMEOWNER PRESERVATION TRUST SERIES 2015A+, Plaintiff vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, SPOUSES AND ASSIGNS OF KENT A. SMITH, et al., Defendants.

Dieken Kenneth Smith and Jane Doe, Real Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse, if any, of Dieken Kenneth Smith, whose last known addresses are: 1945 Yosemite Street, Denver, CO 80220; 5239 Lake Road W, Unit 405, Ashtabula, OH 44004 and 2910 W. Liberty Ave., Apt. 5, Dormont, PA 15216, and The Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Legatees, Executors, Administrators, Spouses and Assigns of Kent A. Smith, whose last known addresses are: Unknown, and who cannot be served, will take notice that on July 20, 2022, Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Foreclosure in REM, in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, located at 100 Short Court Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024, being Case No. 22-F-000419, against Dieken Kenneth Smith; Jane Doe, Real Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse, if any, of Dieken Kenneth Smith; The Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Legatees, Execu-

Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Dec. 30, 2022 to Jan. 5, 2023.

CITIZEN ASSIST

Jan. 3

12:09 p.m., Ascot Lane, Auburn. Would like to speak to a deputy about his 17-year-old daughter being given drug by a 24-yearold male. Daughter currently at school. Incidents did not occur in Geauga County. Police report already filed in Mentor and Mentor PD investigating. Caller requested advice on different options for dealing with the situation. Advice given.

Jan. 4

10:56 a.m., Merritt Road, Munson. Caller lives in Poland, Ohio. She responded to a yellow lab found dog in Geauga County. She believes it is her dog that was lost 10 months ago. After contact the person on Facebook about the dog, they told her she can see the dog. Now the person will not allow her to see the dog. She also has been in contact with the dog warden and GCSO advised caller it was a civil matter. Caller only knows the dog was located on U.S. 322 in Geauga.

CITIZEN DISPUTE

Jan. 3

11:39 a.m., Woodlawn Drive, Newbury. Neighbor is always shooting off fireworks and harassing caller. He would like to speak to a deputy. Neighbor is shooting what appears to be M80 fireworks in the early hours of the day. Deputy spoke to neighbor on Dec. 9 and warned him about shooting fireworks and he said he would stop. Caller videotaped the aftermath and smoke from the fireworks, and had the conversation of the neighbor admitting he shot off the fireworks. Will be sent to prosecutor.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Jan. 1

7:06 p.m., Woodin Road, Chardon. Male on scene being irate. Sister’s boyfriend. Male is yelling because caller told him to stop smoking weed inside the house. No weapons involved and no weapons on scene. No alcohol. Male went downstairs/outside. Male refuses to leave. Homeowner advised she wishes everyone can get along. Both parties refused to leave the home and were advised of owner’s wishes. Both parties advised to avoid further conflict with each other.

FRAUD

Jan. 3

6:34 p.m., Claridon Troy Road, Claridon. Caller claims someone on a dating website is trying to scam him with naked photos. Claims a male called him pretending to be a female’s father and saying caller would go to jail. Caller claims the female sent him naked photos and he’d like an officer to come out and take a report. Appears to be a scam trying to pressure the caller into paying $2,300 for receiving an unsolicited nude video. Advice given. No loss of funds.

HARASSMENT

Dec. 31

7:18 p.ml, Plank Road, Montville. Caller is having a verbal dispute over the phone with her fiancé. Canner sent a cease and desist order earlier today. Caller has not heard from fiancé since approximately 7 p.m. She also reports he owes her

$110,000, which she gave him, however, she states he stole the money from the federal government and wanted the information passed to the FBI. Caller advised the matter was civil and she would have to take fiancé to civil court; however, she disagreed. Caller further stated he has threatened her by stating he would kick her out of the house, which caller stated was a federal offense of intimidating a disabled person. Caller also states she has three scabs on her left leg from fiancé sitting on her approximately 3-4 days ago. Caller advised above information would be documented and deputy would attempt to make contact with fiancé. Contact later made and fiancé agreed to avoid speaking with caller for time being.

INFO REPORT

Jan. 1

10:21 p.m., Country Oaks Trail, Munson. Caller caught his 15-year-old daughter smoking pot. Caller says all of her friends were there smoking and he wants to file a report. Parents requested deputy talk with their daughter about impact of smoking marijuana and hanging around trouble-making friends. Parents wanted their daughter to understand the consequences of actions.

STABBING Jan. 5

12:33 p.m., Tavern Road, Burton. Caller advised her husband called her and said to call 911. Caller states her husband said he was stabbed. Caller believes her husband and son had an altercation. Male on 911 advising he was stabbed by his son. Male is driving to hospital, refusing to stop. Caller en route home but was advised to not enter the home. Son has a taser and a knife. Caller thinks he is not going to come out of the house. Son has mental issues and is there alone. He used a black boot knife, possibly harming himself now. Caller refusing to stop and meet with squad. Believes son is on drugs and alcohol. Guns in home but they are in a safe and son does not have access. Caller advising son tased husband first and then stabbed him in arm.

Son is 26. He threw garbage on caller’s car and husband asked him to clean it and then he got mad and pulled the taser out and they got into a fight on the ground and he pulled the knife out and stabbed him.

BVFD responding to stand by.

THEFT Dec. 30

7:35 p.m., Tavern Road, Parkman. Beside the ice box someone had a chain hooked to the money box and ripped it out of the ground and took the money. Large Suburban-type vehicle. Left northbound on 168. Hit ditch when left, approximately 5 minutes ago.

8:52 p.m., Newcomb Road, Middlefield. Backed up to the ice box and tore the money box off. Southbound on Newcomb toward Shedd, pickup truck left, still dragging the money box. Turned onto Bridge, 60 mph. Sparks coming from bottom, 69 mph. Northbound on Hayes from Bridge, speeds 77 mph. Northbound on Hayes, blew light at 87. 101 mph. No traffic, eastbound on Nauvoo. 77 mph, no traffic. North on Bundysburg, good road conditions, 90 mph. Eastbound on Burton Windsor. Went

dark, dark in color truck, lost sight of him. Dark, very dirty pickup, GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado 2017 or new box style, standard tailgate with plywood or drywall sticking out. White male driver, brown or black hair, short in stature.

Jan. 2

9:43 p.m., Zenith Drive, Newbury. Caller had someone staying at his house for a couple of weeks and came home to his house robbed. Caller’s girlfriend found money missing out of her bank account. Caller’s cards are missing out of his car and both his wallet and his girlfriend’s money in wallets are missing. Jewelry also missing, collective coins, possibly a duffle bag. Male could possibly be staying in Willoughby.

THREATENING

Jan. 5

3 p.m., Owen Road, Parkman. Complainant stated her son’s Facebook account was hacked and an unknown person was demanding $2,000 or photos and information would be leaked to his contacts. Complainant advised it was a scam and not to send the person money. Complainant already contacted Facebook and advised them about hacked account.

TRAFFIC CRASH

Dec. 31

2 a.m., Mayfield Road, Huntsburg. One elderly female in a GMC, possible crash. Arrested for OVI. Got ride home from her sister. See report.

Help Wanted

Classifieds

AUTOS & PARTS

$CASH$ for Junk Vehicles. Free towing. 440-679-7293.

FOR RENT

Room for Let, $600, Russell. Cal for details 440-338-5201.

FOR SALE

Mattress Topper: Queen size, “My Pillow” brand, Paid $300, asking $150. 928205-3945

Snowblower, 7hp 2-stage joystick control, Craftsman, $450. Woodburner, 2012, heats 2,500-sq-ft., 2-speed blower, very good condition. $1,000. 216-244-3767.

West G Band jacket Drumline, wool/ leather, size medium with extra long arms, take off name and patches, only $25. call/text 440-668-8768.

Grandfather clock, curio cabinet, marble-top table, dry sink, tea cart, couch, love-seat, cabinet, bench, cedar chest, small table. 440-632-9675.

Solid oak homemade china hutch. 4 doors with pretty textured glass. Good condition. $350 obo 440-632-1415.

For Sale: RC toys - airplanes, cards, trucks, boats, drones, helicopters - some new with remotes. 15 total, $300 all. 440313-1178.

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

HELP WANTED

PETS & ANIMALS

Sheltie female, 2.5 years old. A little shy, outside dog. $50. 330-697-2388.

Self-care stalls: 4 large box stalls, small indoor arena, groomed pastures and paddocks. Hawks Nest Farm, Newbury, 440564-7363

Four wonderful cats need indoor homes. Nine & 10 years old, abandoned by owner. They’re fixed/vaxxed. Call Rebecca 440-321-2485

Jack Russell Puppies: born Nov 8th, 1 male, 2 female, $250/OBO. 440-834-8579. 4-year-old 52” gelding pony, started in cart. Green broke. $1,595. Middlefield, 440-313-1804.

REAL ESTATE

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

SERVICES

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

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

WANTED TO BUY

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, minibikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440413-3119.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-3138331.

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

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

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Dec. 30, 2022, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Ann M. Shutack, 570 Mock Orange Lane, to Kevin and Kim Dyckes, $362,000. (0.00 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Andre L. and Danielle J. Burkholder, 16703 Brigadoon Drive, to Richard Matthew Lambo and Natalie Grandy, $579,900. (3.50 acres)

Diane J. Kramer, 9544 Crackel Road, to Elizabeth Doris and William Lee Hasty, $445,000. (5.00 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Canyon Ridge (s/l 351), to Kevin G. and Paula L. Doherty, $135,000. (0.25 acres)

Velva G. Martell, 17615 Haskins Road, to Aaron and Dallene Braun, $255,000. (1.50 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Hannah I. Sandham, 9815 Ravenna Road, to Matthew B. and Jennifer L. Gilmer, $325,000. (8.07 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Gail M. Petersen (trustee), 7236 Sherman Road, to Grandview Unlimited LLC, $240,000. (2.70 acres)

CLARIDON TOWNSHIP

Melissa T. Johnston, 11765 Claridon Troy Road, to Emily M. Daniels and Grayson R. Collins, $220,000. (7.13 acres)

Jeffrey D. and Pamella L. Taylor, 14255 Ensign Road, to James L. and Kristina M. Wengerd Byler, $145,000. (1.00 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Vanessa Skrant and Ronald Hall, 9685 Venus Road, to Matthew J. McFaul, $195,000. (1.00 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Jerry L. Preisler, 13069 Madison Road, to Daniel C. and Kathryn Johnson, $161,000. (2.00 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Vernon J. Miller (trustee), Georgia Road, to James A. Jr. and Linda H. Miller, $70,000. (12.15 acres)

Crist J. S. and Barbara Miller (TOD), 15630 Madison Road, to Jonathan R. and Rebecca N. Hershberger, $180,000. (2.38 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Martin R. and Kelly Riley (trustees), 12781 Ravenna Road, to Nathan D. and Stacey R. McGeehan, $3,000. (0.23 acres)

Martin R. and Kelly Riley (trustees), 12781 Ravenna Road, to Nathan Durst, $275,000. (4.00 acres)

Denise L. Watson and Brandon Samuel Soor, 12684 Auburn Road, to Corbin Anthony and Rachel Collins, $189,000. (1.50 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Fox Custom Carpentry and Remodeling LLC, 12079 Pekin Road, to Stephanie H. and Garrick Adams, $370,000. (3.75 acres)

Beverly J. Cline (TOD), 11106 Kimmeridge Trail, to Meredith Bennington, $134,000. (0.00 acres)

Nicholas and Stephanie Caputo, 9761 Bell St., to Edward S. Jr. and Janet H. Roberts, $295,000. (6.52 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Vincent F. and Pamela J. Mazza, 7809 Fairmount Road, to Keybank National Association, $152,200. (1.67 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Peggy A. and Gregory S. Sr. Dienes, 14302 Main Market Road, to Preston Real Estate Holdings LLC, $265,000. (2.00 acres)