Geauga Maple Leaf 1-19-23

Thursday, January 19, Vol. 29 No. 3 • Chardon, www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.00

Crowd Mocks NOACA Climate Action Plan

By aNN WishaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com

Although rumors that North east Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency volunteers had to be es corted to their car after their Jan. 10 presentation were exaggerated, the scene at Middlefield Public Li brary was at times chaotic as audi ence members jeered, laughed and spoke over a virtual slideshow on climate change.

At least three village police of ficers were visible standing at the back of the room, but no serious security measures were needed, ac cording to an officer on the scene.

“I walked out with them and stayed while they loaded their be longings,” said Middlefield Village

Middlefield Village

Council Approves Geauga-TV Funding

By aNN WishaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com

Despite reservations from some members, Middlefield Village Council agreed Jan. 12 to continue funding local station Geauga-TV in 2023.

Village Mayor Ben Garlich noted the $26,000 the village pays G-TV comes from a set fee every cable customer pays Spectrum that passes through the village first. It is up to the council to decide if the funds go to G-TV or are kept in the coffers for other uses.

“I think there is value there,” Garlich said of the nonprofit station owned and operated by Dave Jevnikar, of Chardon.

Council member Sam Morrow said he did some checking and the

Kenston, NDCL Talents Shine In Regional Art Competition

By Rose NemuNaitis editoR@kaRlovecmedia.com

Mara DuBay’s effort to capture her best friend, Sara Strongosky, preparing to lead their high school dance team in an acrylic portrait was not only one of the most chal lenging pieces she’s ever worked on, but one she’s most proud of.

The Kenston senior garnered a gold key award, as well as the Sue Wall Painting Award, from the Cleveland Institute of Art for her painting titled, “Showtime.”

“Because I wanted to try my hand at painting portraits, my first thought was to paint Sara because she is such a close friend,” DuBay said. “I chose to portray her in volvement in the dance team due to its relevance and importance to her, just like art’s importance to me. Out of all the pieces I complet ed this year, I was the proudest of this piece as it was my first acrylic portrait and took the longest to complete.”

Dubay also received a silver key award for a colored pencil piece titled, “Main Squeeze,” as well as two honorable mentions for an ink piece called, “Fear Factor,”

2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. The Sue Wall Painting Award — named for a wellknown Cleveland painter and CIA

and comes with a $100 prize. An opening reception Jan. 14 in the Reinberger Gallery at CIA

A virtual presentation by NOACA leadership drew an unruly audience Jan. 10 at the Middlefield Village Public Library meeting room. Several uniformed police officers were on site to provide security while the agency’s proposed climate action plan was laid out.

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school benefits more from G-TV coverage than the village does.

“In 10 years, (G-TV) videotaped 140 events (in the village),” Morrow said, adding 111 of those events were school-related and 25 recordings were of events that occurred in the village, such as parades or presentations.

“That’s $3,000 per event — kinda high,” Morrow said. “Nine events a year doesn’t hack it.”

Council President Scott Klein said many village residents enjoy watching high school sports and elementary school plays on G-TV.

“I watch it on election night and used to watch it when my kids were in school,” he said.

Kim Breyley, on the village economic development committee, who also serves on the board of directors for the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce, said Jevnikar responds to requests for coverage when called.

Village Administrator Leslie Gambosi-McCoy said G-TV records festivals in the village.

“There’s a lot going on,” she said.

The nonprofit is a small organization and the number of events that can be covered is limited, Garlich said.

“You can’t ask them to do 85 events next week. G-TV doesn’t have the horsepower,” he said, recommending the agreement with G-TV be renewed for 2023.

According to the nonprofit’s website, “G-TV is funded by the cable subscriber fees from residents in Chardon Township, The City of Chardon, Middlefield Village and Munson Township. Our cable channels serve those communities and the Cardinal, Chardon and Notre Dame schools with two great channels of bulletin board and video services.”

G-TV also saves videos of its recordings from the last two decades.

Jevnikar wrote in a January 2022 letter to the Maple Leaf:

“G-TV is funded solely by cable subscriber fees in those communities who desire and support great local programming — programming about and for those communities. Those fees are intended for local programming. No other utility pays local governments like cable television does. No other utility has cable channels.

“To be clear, what makes G-TV programming special isn’t the technology or expertise we have. What makes it special are the subjects we cover — local organizations, school events, students and others. It’s important to the parents, grandparents (and) families in your community.”

Viewers can access G-TV through their Spectrum Cable Box — Channels 1020 (community) and 1025 (schools) — or can live-stream programs from the Middlefield website.

In other business, council voted to hire Newmark V&A’s Hospitality, Gaming and Leisure Group, with offices in Cleveland, to

analyze market demand and feasibility for a hotel in the village.

H&LA Hotel and Leisure Advisors of Cleveland also submitted a proposal.

Council was split on which organization to hire, but Garlich and Gambosi-McCoy said they preferred Newmark. Garlich said their proposal had “less fluff and more nuts and bolts.”

Both proposals were addressed in November to Shawn Neece of Renew Partners LLC in Montville Township and, based on the scope of work, both would charge the village $12,000 for the study.

The analysis should provide information investors need to decide if Middlefield Village can support a boutique hotel, Garlich said.

One concern the council discussed was the recent number of people buying homes and turning them into short-term rentals, such as those advertised on the Air B&B website.

Legal counsel Luke McConville said if a proliferation of vacation rentals becomes a problem, the village can take action to place limits on the number allowed in the village and can require they be owner-occupied.

Also, homeowners’ associations may be able to regulate such rentals, he said.

Early in the meeting, council held a hearing on rezoning two parcels south of the Walmart Superstore from residential to commercial. A yet-to-be-named pet store is interested in building on one of the lots. No one commented during the hearing.

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440285-2015 or email editor@geaugamapleleaf. com no later than Monday noon. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: Jan. 19, 9:30 a.m. – Geauga County Commissioners, 6 p.m. – Destination Geauga, annual meeting at Mary Yoder’s Amish Kitchen, 14743 North State St., Middlefield; Jan. 25, 5 p.m., Board of Health, Ste. B303. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Auburn Township: Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Jan. 26, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: Jan. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Village: Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 1, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All trustees meetings are held at Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road, unless otherwise noted. All Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings are held at Town Hall, 13930 Mayfield Road.

Montville Township: Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.

Munson Township: Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Newbury Township: Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. (Note: A majority of Newbury Township Trustees may be at each township board or committee meeting, but no decision requiring township trustees approval will be considered.)

Parkman Township: Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: Jan. 19, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Zoning Commis-

sion; Feb. 2, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m., meeting/ work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.

Kenston BOE: Jan. 24, 6 p.m., work session. All meetings held at Auburn Bainbridge Room at Kenston High School, 9500 Bainbridge Road, Bainbridge.

West Geauga BOE: Jan. 23, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Artfrom page 1

in Cleveland showcased hundreds of winning pieces, as students from Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties gathered to receive their awards and connect with fellow artists.

“Even just being able to see my art in a gallery alongside other talented artists is a big honor for me,” DuBay said, adding she is grateful for all the support she received from teachers and family members as she has learned and developed as an artist.

The senior plans to further her art edu cation next year in college as an illustration major with a concentration in concept art.

“Art has opened the door for many amaz ing experiences,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to paint and sell commissioned pet portraits and am currently working on illustrating a children’s book for a local com munity member. Overall, through continuous learning and practice, I have developed a skill and passion that I know will be life-long.”

DuBay was one of 1,443 students from 68 schools who submitted a total of 3,195 en tries in the art and writing categories. She was also one of five students from Kenston whose work was recognized. Combined, Kenston students earned a total of four gold key awards, six silver key awards and nine honorable mentions for their art submissions.

This year’s competition had the highest number of participating schools and educators than ever before, according to CIA, which celebrated its 43rd year as regional affiliate.

“For the past 100 years, the awards have honored the exceptionally creative ways in which American teenagers tell stories, share their perspectives and challenge us to see the world in a new light,” said Valerie Temple, CIA’s director of continuing education and community outreach. “This is a landmark year in the history of the scholastic art and

This image, titled “Unspoken Words,” by NDCL senior Krista Duffy, is a darkroom double exposure.

“Duffy shot two separate images on 35mm film and took both of those negatives into the darkroom and combined them both onto one single darkroom print with admiring precision,” said her photography teacher, George Yaniga.

writing awards, which celebrates 100 years since the awards were established by Maurice R. Robinson, the founder of Scholastic Inc., in 1923.”

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin once again held its own in the art category with 34 students garnering 45 awards — up from 36 awards in 2022.

The district tied with Hathaway Brown in Shaker Heights for the most students awarded in the art competition, according to CIA. Twelve were gold key awards, 14 were silver key awards and 19 were honorable mentions.

NDCL photography teacher George

Yaniga believes submitting their work is incredibly positive for his students because it allows them to showcase their dedication and efforts in a competitive environment.

“We hope our students gain a sense of pride, accomplishment and resolve, regardless of being recognized or not in the competition,” Yaniga said. “We are so tremendously proud of the recognition our students received, but we also expect all of the students, win or not, to maintain a strong sense of accomplishment, resolve in making high-quality work and pride in their craft.”

NDCL senior Paige Fisher led her school

with four awards, including two gold keys for her photo submissions titled, “epiphany” and “that’s when.”

She credited Yaniga, whom she’s had for all four years, for giving her a safe space to grow her passion.

“Without such a passionate teacher, I would not be where I am today,” she said. “Being given the opportunity to participate in the scholastic art and writing competition is truly a blessing, but to win is the icing on the cake. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to be recognized for these awards. My art is an expression of who I am, and for that expression to be acknowledged is truly incredible. This expression is meaningful to me in ways that words cannot describe. Not only is my art being seen, but I am being seen as an artist. I think that is all anyone with a passion for art truly wants.”

NDCL senior Krista Duffy also nabbed two gold key awards for her photo submissions, titled, “Unspoken Words” and “Holy Ground.”

“It feels very exciting,” Duffy said. “A lot of time and energy went into creating the photos, so having them validated and picked from a large number is very rewarding.

This expression means that I can visually communicate my emotions. It allows me to understand a unique way to process the world around me.”

She thanked Yaniga for creating an atmosphere where expression and creativity are nurtured — a goal Temple also shares in.

“I hope these students are getting creative sparks from the world around them, the events of their personal lives, the people they meet and all the interesting things they are learning both inside and outside of school,” Temple said. “Inspiration is all around us and it’s amazing to see the ways these students are already harnessing their creativity and translating their ideas into impressive works.”

Chester Fire Chief Shares Annual Department Report

By BRiaN doeRiNg BRiaN@kaRlovecmedia com

Chester Township Fire Department made history last year, answering the most calls for assistance it ever has.

In its annual report to residents, Fire Chief William Shaw said the department, as well as EMS, saw a total of 1,505 calls in 2022.

“The department saw increases in both EMS runs (4.6%) and fire runs (29.5%),” said Shaw. “This reflects an 11.65% increase from 2021.”

The department also experienced a significant change in personnel in 2022.

“There were three resignations of fulltime personnel and 13 resignations of parttime personnel,” said Shaw.

To offset those losses, the department hired three full-time and 11 part-time personnel members, many of whom were former employees.

“This dedicated group of people provided 38,702 hours of protection and service for the community,” said Shaw. “The hours worked by our staff ensured we had personnel at the fire station 24 hours/day every day of the year.”

Shaw said many of the department’s fulltime personnel are paramedics and firefighters in other area communities.

“You are protected by a combination of full-time and part-time personnel,” said Shaw. “The full-time personnel work the traditional firefighter shift — 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off duty. Part-time personnel work as they are able.”

Just as important as having the proper staff available for incidents, sufficient training must also be conducted to ensure the competency of those serving the community, he said.

“As the demands of the fire service in-

crease, so does the need to continually train for the challenges that lie ahead,” Shaw said.

In 2022, department members completed 1,912 hours of training at no additional cost to the township.

“While many of our part-time staff receive training at their full-time fire jobs, it is still important for all Chester Township Fire Rescue staff to train on our equipment, medical protocols and operational policies, so we achieve the safety and efficiency desired,” the chief said.

He said emergency medical services account for many of the department’s calls.

“As in years past, most of our patients seen were 65 years old or greater and transported to (Cleveland Clinic) Hillcrest Hospital,” Shaw said.

The department was also well-prepared for fighting fires, having saved over $1.2 million in property.

“We were able to limit losses from a fire to an estimated $93,250,” said Shaw. “This amount represents 7.72% of the value of the property that suffered fire incidents.”

While the department experienced significant transitions in 2022, they were able to move ahead with many improvements, including a refurbished training room and second floor of the fire station, a new ambulance and putting in an order for a new pumper truck expected to be delivered in late 2023.

The department also negotiated contracts with both part-time and full-time employees and promoted two full-time personnel to lieutenant.

Shaw said it was an honor and privilege to serve as fire chief during the past year.

“The dedication and professionalism of our staff is shown every day in all they do for you and our community,” Shaw said. “I am proud of our organization and the commitment to serve you.”

Shaw said as the department looks forward to 2023, there will be two renewal levies on the ballot, a 1.8-mill levy in May and a 2.75-mill levy in November.

If passed in May, the 1.8-mill continuous fire and EMS levy would cost homeowners $37.06 per year per $100,000 property valuation and yield $522,063 annually, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. As the auditor’s office has not yet received a request for revenue certification for the 2.75-mill levy, it could not yet provide a calculated cost.

Shaw said he is hopeful the residents of Chester Township would continue to support the fire department.

“These levies are crucial to our ability to maintain a prominent level of service,” Shaw said. “I am hopeful that you will continue with your important level of support so we can continue our mission of protecting and serving you and your family.”

NOACA

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Officer Matt Spitler the morning of Jan. 12. “There was no indication I was protecting them.”

It was standing room only for the onehour virtual production. About 100 residents filled the room and some gathered in the hallway to listen and comment during the presentation and after.

Police Chief Joe Tucholsky said NOACA contacted him the week before the event requesting an officer be on hand. Spitler said he was the only officer hired for the evening and the others just stopped in to chat and see what was going on.

During the presentation, NOACA Director Grace Gallucci introduced the agency’s Climate Action Plan and Joe McDonald, director of strategic planning for the agency.

He talked about the need for the CAP to protect infrastructure investments by improving the air quality of Northeast Ohio.

The region may suffer from climate change, such as increased precipitation, drought and unusual temperature fluctuations.

The water cycle balance could be disrupted because of climate change.

“We need to be prepared for disruptions and mitigate those disruptions,” McDonald said.

Speaking virtually, it was unclear whether he was aware of the catcalls, laughter and applause from the audience.

McDonald said the agency had sampled 2,500 adults across Cleveland and Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties to determine how they feel about climate change and if they felt their efforts could help.

“There is a sentiment in the region that we are not prepared for climate change,” he said, adding it is not known how specific weather patterns will develop.

“(The survey) lets NOACA know there is a need for a long-range planning effort,” McDonald said.

The distribution of the survey was based on population, he said. Geauga County is the least populated area in NOACA.

“I never got a survey,” shouted someone in the audience.

The virtual presentation provided a platform by which participants could text their responses to NOACA’s questions and those texts were shown up on the screen.

McDonald noted personal opinions would not be engaged and answers from all five counties were being presented simultaneously.

The first question asked how action to mitigate climate change could affect residents’ qualify of life. It resulted in about 150 responses that ranged from, “Still looking for the science” to possible improved water and air quality.

Tim Kovach, NOACA’s air quality planner, said an air quality inventory would be used to set a reduction target in the CAP.

Currently, it appears Cuyahoga County is responsible for about 64% of greenhouse gas emissions, with Geauga County contributing about 3.2%. The three other counties were at 10% or less, he said.

Reforestation, which aids in cleaning greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere, is a partial solution and Geauga has the best record, Kovach said.

“How would you reduce your carbon footprint?” the audience was asked.

Responses included planting more trees, installing solar power and geothermal heating and cooling systems, traveling by train and working from home.

Other responses were to leave NOACA,

NOACA Answers Questions, Explains Mission

Danielle Render, director of public affairs, responded to an email requesting information about the Jan. 10 virtual presentation of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s climate action plan.

NOACA was asked to verify its hiring of a police officer for security at the Middlefield Village Public Library, provide the amount of public interaction at the other four venues and respond to the texted comments from the event’s participants questioning how the CAP relates to the agency’s mission.

Render’s response was as follows:

“It is customary to have security and even additional police forces at our community meetings if large crowds are expected. We work with each venue to develop protocols and as security sees fit, will expedite what is needed for a successful event. We do not speculate or respond to rumors.

“There were a total of 458 participants from the online and in-person session. The listening session is the first of many community meetings that will be hosted throughout the region over the next several months to get feedback from residents about the climate action plan. This was our opportunity to share data and findings of the CAP development since we began in early 2022. There is more to relate. The

buy a private jet and, “If I stopped breathing, that would reduce my carbon footprint.”

Gallucci broke in to say more train travel is a realistic option.

“Think about what we could do in the transportation realm to minimize greenhouse gas emissions,” she said, referring to the plan to increase regional rail transportation by 2050 and to support power availability for electric vehicles.

“NOACA is looking at ways to keep E-vehicles powered,” she said.

During the second segment of the program, Katie Moore, NOACA’s manager of environmental planning, provided steps to climate resiliency that would help the region reach its reduction targets.

Chief among the public’s concern for the environment were water and wastewater management systems, ecological systems and transportation systems, she said.

When the survey was collated, the questions most often asked were about Lake Erie.

“What does that mean to the lake? We saw that over and over again,” Moore said. “Lake Erie seems to continue to dominate this poll.”

She said that flooding and changing seasonal conditions were other concerns, with drought coming in last.

When the crowd was asked which segments of the population are most vulnerable to climate impacts, answers ranged from poorer communities to the elderly, children and wildlife.

Other responses included taxpayers who are forced to pay for NOACA, meteorologists and Chicken Little.

Gallucci closed the presentation by saying she was impressed with everyone’s enthusiasm.

“We had about 300 attendees from all locations. This is not just our plan, it is your plan,” she said. “There are folks on many sides of this debate. We will see where we will end up together on the CAP. Those of you who are still skeptical, that’s OK. We want to engage with you and develop a plan that works for everyone.”

session was essentially preparing the community to participate for the remainder of the process.

“We saw many responses on both sides of this debate on climate action plan development and everything we do we know will make a difference. Even if one person changes their behavior, we have an improvement in air quality — that is a positive change.

NOACA is Northeast Ohio’s metropolitan planning organization, where both transportation and environmental planning include the reduction of carbon emissions for a better quality of life. As a public organization serving the counties of and municipalities and townships within Cuyahoga,

Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina (covering an area with 2.1 million people), NOACA is designated or recognized to perform the following functions:

• Serve as the MPO, with responsibility for comprehensive, cooperative and continuous planning for highways, public transit, and bikeways, as defined in the current transportation law;

• Perform continuous water quality, transportation-related air quality and other environmental planning functions;

• Administer the area clearinghouse function, which includes providing local government with the opportunity to review a wide variety of local or state applications for federal funds;

• Conduct transportation and environmental planning and related demographic, economic and land use research;

• Serve as an information center for transportation and environmental and related planning and;

• As directed by the board, provide transportation and environmental planning assistance to the 172 units of local, general-purpose government.

“The listening session was a great start and we look forward to hearing from all of our residents as we further develop the climate action plan.”

More information about the CAP is available on the NOACA website, Gallucci said.

Resident Skip Claypool, a member of the Geauga County Planning Commission and the local tea party, attended the NOACA presentation and offered his take on the CAP and NOACA in general.

“Citizens in Geauga County do not like this urbanized organization pushing its ideas to our rural area,” he said in a phone call Jan. 12. “They want to change our lives.” He maintained NOACA is supposed to help its member counties with roads and bridges, not climate change.

SUBMITTED

Geauga residents have been encouraged to attend the NOACA board meeting held in Cleveland the morning of Jan. 20. In addition to this flier, which was submitted to the Geauga County Maple Leaf, the Geauga County Tea Party announced those interested can purchase tickets for a bus reserved to take the group downtown Friday morning.

a resolution during its Jan. 17 meeting authorizing Deputy Director Matthew McCue to execute the community recreation/conservation project pass-through agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the expansion project.

“This resolution gives Matt McCue au-

McCue said in an interview after the meeting he was very pleased GPD is receiving the funding for capital improvements at Holbrook Hollows.

“The South Franklin Street access was part of the original master plan for the park developed in 2017. It will give a second ac-

ditional access to Holbrook Hollows and the proposed Solon to Chagrin Falls trail that will run along that portion of the park.

“Construction is likely to begin by June 2023 and should be completed late in 2023,” he said.

Park commissioners also passed a resolu-

we can see where our bids come in,” said Oros. “To see where they shake out.”

Commissioners also approved a request to advertise for bids for aggregate stone materials for planned annual trail maintenance and phase II improvements at Veterans Legacy Woods.

Winter Weather Water Woes Hit Old Village Hall in Chardon

By amy patteRsoN amy@kaRlovecmedia com

As the regular meeting of Chardon City Council opened Jan. 11, City Manager Randy Sharpe highlighted an important anniversary for the city.

“January 11th of 1833, the General Assembly of the state of Ohio passed an act to incorporate the town of Chardon,” Sharpe said. “So – 190 years ago.”

A summary of the city’s history at www. chardon.cc says around that time, Chardon – then a frontier town – grew to include the quintessential characteristics of a New England town, including a church and courthouse, as well as a central public green.

About 75 years later, Old Village Hall was built at the southeast corner of the square. The building, which originally housed municipal offices, now hosts tenants like Mountain Road Cycles and Sweets on the Square.

Real Estate Tax Bill Due Date Extended to Feb. 15

staff RepoRt

Geauga County Treasurer Christopher P. Hitchcock announced this week the first half 2022 real estate tax bill due date has been extended to Feb. 15, 2023.

“Taxpayers deserve to be given as much notice as possible to plan payment of one of the largest bills they receive every year, their real estate tax bill,” Hitchcock said. “As the tax bill mailing depends on numerous factors outside our control, I have already asked the Ohio Department of Taxation and received permission to extend the tax collection due date to Feb. 15, 2023.”

He added, “These days we just aren’t able to assure taxpayers that the tax duplicate will be certified by the state in time for the bills to be printed, sorted, stuffed

and sealed in time for mailing the day after Christmas, but we will continue to try to make it happen regardless the obstacles.”

Hitchcock said for those residents who cannot wait to receive their bill in the mail, upon certification, duplicate tax bills will be available on the county website, http:// www.geaugatax.com, or by calling or coming to the treasurer’s office on Chardon Square.

Payment may be made in cash, money order, check or credit card (1-855-7823909) or www.geaugatax.com. There is a convenience fee for using the credit card service.

For those who are unable to make full payment, taxpayers are also reminded there are several payment programs available. For information, call the Geauga County Treasurer’s Office at 440-279-2000.

Sharpe told council the historic building was damaged from the same severe cold spell that caused pipes to burst in Chardon High School overnight Dec. 25.

A burst pipe at Old Village Hall caused the building’s boiler to overheat and burn up, leading to damage in tenant spaces, he said.

“An insurance claim has been filed, the clean-up and restoration is underway as we speak,” Sharpe told council, adding two tenants – Village Trends Boutique and Lake Erie Video – exercised a clause to terminate their leases.

“So, those spaces will be renovated and then we’ll see where we go from there,” Sharpe said.

Mayor Chris Grau, who, along with his brother, Jeff, owns Lake Erie Video, said they had great cooperation from city staff, including Community Development Administrator Steve Yaney. Lands and Buildings Supervisor Mike Butt was at the building until midnight Dec. 26 helping set up the new furnace, Grau said.

“His dedication and the whole crew’s dedication for the last two weeks has been fantastic,” Grau said. “We appreciate that.”

Additional damage hit the Park Avenue Trailhead, where a toilet froze and burst, he said, adding repairs are also underway at the park.

Sharpe told council Chardon Fire Chief Larry Gaspar has stepped aside to a new role as assistant fire chief. Gaspar, who has been chief for 24 years, explained in a social media post Justin Geiss, previously assistant fire chief, would be stepping into Gaspar’s boots.

“Chief Geiss is very capable, energetic and willing to make the change. Under his

leadership will come continued professionalism and new ideas in the ever-changing fire and emergency medical services profession,” Gaspar said.

Recent loud blasts at Best Sand/Covia led Sharpe to have a conversation with plant manager Tony Madormo about the company’s process and safety planning.

“He was very helpful, very willing to talk and give information,” Sharpe said of Madormo.

Sharpe said the company monitors the blasting process — carried out by a contractor — extensively and keeps records of all noise complaints.

Madormo discussed possible ways to notify residents of an upcoming blast and invited council to witness a blast sometime in the spring.

“One of the things (Madormo said) is atmospheric events definitely impact how the noise is heard, if you will, at ground level,” Sharpe said. “If it’s a cloudy day, the clouds keep noise in. And if it’s cool, the same thing.”

Council member Debbie Chuha broke the news of a letter from the Chardon VFW stating their wish to put off, for now, any further conversations regarding a proposal to hang banners honoring veterans around the city.

A letter to the city from the VFW said the project had come up against too many roadblocks for a small, nonprofit group to take on. Grau told Chuha he would be happy to meet with the VFW if they would like to discuss the project further.

Council approved the city’s contract with Geauga-TV for 2023, with Grau abstaining and a “no” vote from Meleski.

GPH Postpones Putting Levy on May Ballot

By BRiaN doeRiNg BRiaN@kaRlovecmedia com

After much consideration and many back-and-forth conversations, Geauga Coun ty Board of Health members decided not to place a 0.2-mill operating levy renewal on in May during their Jan. 11 meeting.

“My problem with going for a levy this session for the deadline of the first week of February for filing is like trying to solve a math problem,” said board member Dr. Mark Rood. “We know pretty well what ‘x’ is, but we won't know what ‘y’ and ‘z’ are until after the filing deadline. I find it very difficult to commit that we will bring something before the voters in May when we don't have enough information to know how much we need as a millage of the levy to be and won't know that until after the filing deadline in February.”

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

“We have, as (County Auditor Chuck) Walder said last meeting, more bites at the apple available to us. For instance, we could go on the November ballot,” Rood added. “It, to me, makes more sense for us to wait until we can say to the voter, ‘This is how much millage we need for the levy and this is why.’

I have a very hard time knowing the answer to the how much and the why at this moment, therefore, I'm opposed to putting the levy on the ballot for the spring election.”

Rood said the board has a lot of work to do to be able to make their argument in a successful way for the voters.

Board member Lynn Roman said she was also not in favor of putting the levy on the May ballot.

“I'm not sure what ‘x,’ ‘y’ and ‘z’ is in your mind, but until we have a plan for what we're going to do to complete this work, I don't think we have any good numbers that we can put together to suggest one,” said Roman. “If somebody came to me and asked me, ‘Why a levy?’ I wouldn't have any good information right now to tell them.”

Board member Ashley Jones added all the uncertainty has to be prioritized and handled first.

from its contract with GPH as of Jan. 31. As a result, Adam Litke, who has been serving as administrator for both health districts, and Dan Lark, who has been serving as environmental health director for both districts, would return to working solely for LCGHD.

Roman said three of four possible candidates for Litke’s position were interviewed and the fourth candidate would be interviewed on Jan. 12.

“We did the tradition of asking questions, we have it documented so we know where we think people rank. After asking questions, we did tell them the state that we were in

Jones said all of the candidates that have been interviewed are very qualified.

“I was pleasantly surprised with the pool that we had,” said Jones. “I’m not sure who Lynn’s favorite is. I think I do have a person in mind.”

Jones added the number of candidates for the position has increased to 27, but they would pursue the initial pool of candidates that were chosen.

“We're still continuously reviewing those that come in, but still feel that the four that we chose to interview are truly the most qualified,” Jones added.

Grendell Disciplinary Hearing Date Set For June

By amy patteRsoN amy@kaRlovecmedia com

A hearing date has been set for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell, who last November was charged with four counts of misconduct by the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct.

Grendell is set to appear before a three-member panel comprising Highland County Court of Common Pleas Judge Rocky Coss, Wooster attorney Peggy Schmitz and Columbus attorney David Hardymon.

The hearing date has been set for 10 a.m. June 21-23, and June 26-30 as needed, at the

Moyer Judicial Center on South Front Street in Columbus.

Hardymon, who will chair the hearing panel, held two teleconferences with the parties Dec. 13 and 20. His Dec. 20 order set ground rules for the hearing established during those conferences, including that witness lists and expert reports be submitted on or before April 26; depositions and other discovery completed on or before May 24; and exhibits exchanged on or before May 31.

“The parties may make a joint recommendation regarding sanction; however, the panel is not bound to accept any recommendation

regarding sanction,” Hardymon said. “The panel will make a sanction recommendation based on the totality of the record, applicable case precedents and standards established by the Supreme Court that govern the administration of professional discipline.”

Two charges in the Ohio Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel complaint involve the custody cases of two families who appeared in Grendell’s court during the COVID-19 pandemic. The third and fourth charges concern a dispute with Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder, and testimony the judge gave to an Ohio House committee in

support of a bill introduced by his wife, state Rep. Diane Grendell.

Grendell answered to the charges Nov. 30, responding directly to each point made in the 61-page ODC complaint.

On Dec. 16, lawyers representing the ODC submitted an amended complaint, addressing some issues raised in Grendell’s response, including the removal of the names of minors identified during descriptions of the two custody cases in question.

Both the complaint and Grendell’s answer can be found online at www.geaugamapleleaf.com.

Munson Trustees, FD to Study Need for Fire Levy

By aNN WishaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com

Munson Township Trustees and fire department officials came away from their workshop Jan. 10 aware they have more work to do before asking township residents to vote for an additional fire levy.

Trustee Andy Bushman said in a phone interview last week Fire Chief Mike Vatty presented the department’s staffing plans and what they would do with additional funds.

“We got a lot of information. We had a great dialogue,” Bushman said. “I think the township has some questions and I think the fire department has some questions.”

The workshop was the result of a plan made in December when department Treasurer Rich Ferlin told trustees the department needs an additional stream of revenue to increase full-time personnel from 13 to 15

to meet the demands of 24/7 staffing.

Placing an additional fire levy on the May 2023 ballot as discussed in December is unlikely, due to time constraints, Bushman said over the phone, adding he wants voters to understand the reasoning behind the levy, something that can’t be done in a hurry.

“If we try to put it on the May ballot, it looks like we are trying to hide something,” he said.

Also, the percentage of residents who vote in a May election is traditionally much lower than in a November election and that can skew the results, Bushman said.

Trustees would like to see how Munson’s staffing needs and operations compare to those of Chester and Bainbridge township fire departments, he said.

There is no question the number of emergency medical service calls has increased over the last three years, he said.

Munson FD’s EMS calls increased from about 1,100 three years ago to 1,400 in 2021 to about 1,600 in 2022.

“We’re an aging population. Call volumes are going to increase,” Bushman said.

COVID-19 patients are adding to the EMS calls and sometimes overlap with other medical emergencies.

“They are getting more and more double hits and triple hits,” he said.

Mutual aid with surrounding fire departments provides backup for neighboring townships.

“If somebody’s ambulance is down, our first responders will (take the call),” Bushman said. “That is one of the strengths of Geauga County.”

The department recently added one fulltime first responder and, if there were two more on the roster, with part-timers filling

where needed, it would ensure consistent coverage, he said.

This last year, Munson had 250 calls for mutual aid from surrounding departments who are unable to answer calls in their coverage areas often due to staffing shortages, Ferlin said during the December meeting.

He proposed the department needs a battalion chief for every shift, as well as an officer and several firefighters. That requires 15 full-time employees, he said.

Many of the current part-timers work for one or even two other fire departments and may be hard to fit into Munson fire department’s rotation.

“What you are looking at is a scheduling nightmare. When you try to find part-time people to fill those schedules, you can’t because there aren’t any,” Ferlin said. “We are running out of people. We need help.”

New Leaf Program Continues to Redefine Success

By amy patteRsoN amy@kaRlovecmedia

Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Carolyn Paschke’s docket shows new leaves can bud even in the dead of winter.

Paschke celebrated the achievements of three new graduates of her drug court –dubbed the New Leaf Program – Jan. 12 at the Heritage House in Chardon. The pro gram began in June 2019 and currently has 22 participants.

All three graduates, Steven Andersen, Joshua Bruening and Matthew Fioritto, worked the program after multiple run-ins with law enforcement and after struggling with addiction.

Paschke said the first drug court in the nation — which started in Dade County, Fla. — celebrated its 30th anniversary last summer, and while drug courts have since evolved and changed, they have become one of the most documented and studied criminal justice in terventions available.

“(The New Leaf Program has) stringent data reporting requirements, … and we have the benefit of 30 years of understanding of some of the things that work with these type of programs,” Paschke said, adding partic ipants are expected to show up, to tell the truth and to try their best.

“Basically, if you can comply with those three things, you're going to be successful in this program,” she said. “And let's face it –(if) you do those things, you're going to be successful in most areas that matter.”

But doing those three things isn’t as easy as it sounds during the 16- to 24-month pro gram, which includes six phases with differ ent goals and requirements, Paschke said.

Participants must report to status hear ings with the treatment team on a weekly basis to start, eventually tapering to month ly meetings. Participants are tested for sub stances multiple times, sometimes randomly, and must maintain contact with a probation officer.

Participants in the program are highneeds and high-risk, meaning, they risk reoffending and they often have many issues to address along with their substance use.

“They're also required to address their medical and dental needs, which a lot of times when they come to us, they've been neglecting those things,” she said. “They're

his bike here all the time,” Paschke said. “Sometimes, you need to leave really early. Sometimes, it was really cold, but you know what? He got here.”

Paschke said Bruening now has his license, as well as an apartment, a steady job and is working on his relationship with his daughter.

Bruening took the mic to express his gratitude to the treatment team, including

in recovery groups, the judge said.

Andersen said two years ago, he was down and out and unhealthy, and he could not thank the treatment team enough for bringing him back up to where he is now. His remarks then pivoted to representatives from the Bainbridge fire and police departments.

“The gentlemen standing in the back, sitting down back there — you know, if it weren't for you guys, I'd probably not be standing here today at all,” Andersen said, adding while he may not recognize each one, he recognizes the impact of what they do.

Fioritto found a unique outlet during his tenure in the New Leaf Program — raising chickens.

“Every week when he came to drug court, I'd ask him about those chickens, and for a while, he had them in his basement,” Paschke said. “But, he did build a chicken coop for them and now I think those chickens are pretty well taken care of.”

Fioritto said working with the New Leaf treatment team has allowed him to find a little bit of happiness each day that he wasn’t able to find before.

“If it wasn't for you guys, I probably wouldn't be here. Probably wouldn't be alive,” Fioritto said, adding the reason he was able to open up to treatment was because of the people around him in the program.

“So, if anybody's out there struggling with anything, whether it be substance abuse, mental health, whatever – just get help,” he said. “It doesn't make you a weak person, it

They want to know who was in your program and who made it through. Who made it here to graduation? Who didn't have a new case? Who didn't relapse or struggle?”

Potts said answers to those questions don’t tell the story of a person’s entire journey and while the program’s public graduations are fun, they don’t define success because success looks different for everyone.

That day’s graduates didn’t give up even when they faced challenges, and the fire they had to carry them through the program will help in the future, too, he said.

“Tomorrow is another day and there's going to be another challenge that we're going to have to meet,” Potts said. “Maybe we don't make the best decision on that day. But maybe we're able stop, think, look and then say, ‘Hmm – what is it that I need to do to get back on track? What is it that I did wrong, and then I can correct and fix?’”

Completing the program doesn’t mean life may not be tough for graduates, he added.

However, success is when a person makes a wrong decision, but knows how to get back on track, he said.

“I can honestly say that when I look at our people, whether they make it to graduation or not, I am confident to say that I know that something has been instilled in them and maybe they can make a different choice when something hard comes up,” Potts said. “Yes, this part of the journey is finished, but they're going to continue to be a part of us. They're going to continue to grow. They're gonna continue to be successful.”

Voices Unite for MLK Day on Chardon Square

By Rose NemuNaitis editoR@kaRlovecmedia.com

Dorothy Ann Watson has lived most of her adult life in Geauga County, raising her five children and a host of grandchildren.

Life’s been good, but there have also been struggles.

“I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his “Where Do We Go from Here?” address Aug. 16, 1967.

Watson, an African American woman who has a deep appreciation for the man she never met, headlined an event Jan. 16 inside Chardon Square’s Heritage House about the American civil rights leader’s messages and the indelible marks they left on her.

Geauga County’s third annual MLK Jr. program — organized by community member Mary Briggs — honored and celebrated the man and his message by bringing together Watson, Rev. Jess Peacock of Chesterland Community Church and members of Chardon schools’ choirs for what would be King’s 93rd birthday celebration.

King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and was assassinated in 1968.

It is said that in 1979, singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder called King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, to tell her about a dream he had of a song, which he eventually penned and released in 1980 as “Happy Birthday.”

Watson asked participants to join in singing Wonder’s song.

“That there ought to be a time that we can set aside to show just how much we love you,” the lyrics said.

Watson shared how the Civil Rights Movement affected her life and its impact on the standard she chooses to live by.

“We are here to celebrate the birthday of a great civil rights leader, Reverend Dr. Luther King,” Watson said. “We all remember and are familiar with the ‘I have a Dream’ speech. But there are other great events, such as his marches (and) fights for equality, which is what the whole Civil Rights Movement was all about, making sure that all like me, as the Constitution

says, are created equal. Be that as it may, it was then and now a struggle to see equal justice for all, especially people of color.”

Chardon’s Kim McCloskey, who sat alongside one of her daughters, applauded Chardon for doing a great job bringing people together with their community events and setting examples of service for younger generations.

Chardon Schools Choir Director Fritz Streiff led students in song with “Lift Every Voice,” “MLK” and concluded with “We Shall Overcome.”

“I feel it’s so important for us to understand our history,” McCloskey said, who had another daughter singing in the choir ensemble of student volunteers.

“I feel really good and I feel like I was supporting the community,” said choir member

Streiff said he appreciated the opportunity to perform for the community as the gift of song can be a vessel for connection.

“My hope is that we can represent the spirit of MLK’s messages of perseverance, peace, unity and hope through the music we share at this event,” he said.

Next, Peacock took the podium to share his thoughts.

“Not to bury the lead, but I am not a person of color,” the reverend said. “I know, shocking. But because of that, I feel a little wonky standing up here on MLK Day to speak. But since I am here and since Dr. King wrote that quote, ‘White Americans must recognize that justice for Black people cannot be achieved without radical changes in the structure of our society,’

I wanted to take this opportunity to talk a little bit about racial justice, one white person to, well, a bunch of other mostly white people.

“Today, we have an opportunity to advocate for and embrace possibilities for real change, for building new communities that look different from the current dominant norms,” he said.

Watson added the impact of the Civil Rights Movement has molded her into the person she is today.

“It has helped me to never forget who I am and that … things are possible,” she said, adding she recently created a nonprofit scholarship program for interested youth living in her Chagrin Falls Park community called, “We’re Bridging the Gap.”

“This is why today’s birthday celebration means so much to me,” Watson said.

Rachael Exum, who took part in her day off from school.

Chardon Schools Choir Director Fritz Streiff leads singers during Geauga County’s third annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Jan. 16 inside Chardon Square’s Heritage House.

Embarrassing Extremists

Geauga County Planning Commission has issued what has to be one of the most bizarre extremist letters on record.

With foolish and specious reasoning, they’re encouraging the county commissioners to reject the return of transportation tax dollars already paid by Geauga citizens.

An organization called the Northeast Ohio Coordinating Agency (NOACA) distributes these already collected tax funds for projects. If Geauga County were to opt out, the money would not return to us in Geauga. The money would simply be distributed to the surrounding counties. We would lose thousands of dollars annually.

Sadly, an extreme group is willing to throw away our tax money because of a radical ideology. At a public meeting in Middlefield on Jan. 10, hosted by NOACA, one planning commission member jumped up at the beginning of the meeting and hollered “we need for NOACA to get the hell out of Geauga County.” The disruptive behaviors, including jeering and name-calling throughout the meeting made it impossible to listen to the presentation.

These behaviors were shameful. But the most shameful of all occurred at the end of the Middlefield meeting.

After the meeting, it was deemed necessary for law enforcement escort the NOACA presenters safely to their cars.

We can only hope that the county commissioners will ignore this group who embarrass Geauga County and throw away our tax dollars simply in service of their strange ideology.

David Partington Munson Township

Inaccurate, Unsupported Statements

Mrs. Byler’s letter to the editor, “It’s Time for Parents to Fight,” from Jan. 5 raises a few issues that need a response.

First item: There is an “ongoing attack on . . . a schoolboard member because he was concerned about dress code not being followed.” This statement is simply inaccurate.

Letters to the Editor

The dress code is now and has always been enforced at Chardon Schools. That’s not to say that students don’t test the dress code — they always have — and sometimes they escape penalty for it, but that is far different from the assumption there is no enforcement.

Fortunately, our administration’s first priority is to keep kids in school, so a first response is to have students put on a flannel shirt or a pair of sweats and get back to class. If the infraction continues, the level of enforcement is increased. But, the dress code is — and has always been — enforced in Chardon Schools.

As far as the “ongoing attack” on the board member, that is also not accurate. The board member in question has created controversy and division, and people who disagree with his tactics have spoken up.

Next item: Byler’s assertion the school board is averse to upholding “good moral standards.” Are the personal morals of board members actually being questioned here? Or is it the morals of school personnel?

Later she argues that parents’ concerns are being “ridiculed.” By whom? When did this happen? Whose moral standards will we set as our guide? And how will these standards be enforced?

It seems that parents and schools would best benefit by working together to solve problems instead of making accusations and creating doubt. Mrs. Byler questions “morality,” but doesn’t give any concrete evidence of lack thereof, just vague references that lead to fears and further doubts.

At the end of her letter, Mrs. Byler says, “We all know adult children who no longer speak to their parents . . . Because there comes a time when parents stop placating every demand from their children. We need to get back to parenting.”

Is Mrs. Byler actually advocating that we “parent” our children to the point that they (as adults) no longer speak to us? Is that the way to avoid the moral decay she talks about? At best it’s a confusing argument.

Our schools are charged with our most precious possessions: the children of our community. They come from loving families, but also from families with all kinds of problems that can include illness, alcoholism and divorce, among many other things. Schools work to meet the needs of all of these stu-

dents and all of their different problems. These are ongoing issues that are not easily solved, but have been dropped on public schools along with feeding hungry kids, providing transportation and counseling their mental health.

In the last 2-3 years, public schools have been bombarded with people suddenly questioning curriculum, books and teachers themselves. Most Chardon teachers have master’s degrees and all of them, by law, must continue their education.

Chardon Schools are educationally in the top 10% of all schools in Ohio. Yet, when they are called “experts” by a board member, their competence is called into question. Chardon has already lost excellent teachers who have simply had enough.

Teachers are exhausted and our state legislature is creating legislation that would take their licenses if they teach “divisive concepts.” Teachers are leaving the profession and college students are not entering the field. A real shortage is already here — and yet — instead of supporting our schools and teachers, too many people continue to attack them.

Board members who work to create trust and support of the educational community are what we need, not people who try to mandate their personal morals and create issues where there are none.

Children are born to love and be loved; as they grow, they will push boundaries. How else do they find the boundaries they need to live and be part of society as mature adults?

Children are born curious and want to learn; they need to explore.

Children are capable of making wise decisions; they need to be aware of options and choices.

Children need to know history, science and literature; as they grapple with complex issues, they learn to find answers not only for themselves, but hopefully for a better future for all of us.

Children need to explore controversial, age-appropriate topics; then they can come to their parents and educators for discussion and clarification.

Children need schools where they can learn from other children from different backgrounds and cultures; then they will learn to appreciate and respect differences.

Children need kind and gentle adults in their lives who teach them to understand the rules, but also — and most importantly — to follow their dreams.

Madelon Horvath, former Chardon teacher and board member

Rosalind Kvet, educator and proud mother of two PhD grads from Chardon Carolyn Morrow LISW

Sally Yocum, former Chardon educator

New Board Members Needed

Did you catch the last West Geauga School Board meeting? After all the official business was completed, past board President Kathy Leavenworth brought up changing the meeting frequency to once per month and adding a “working session or what-have-you” in the second meeting’s place. She has already discussed it with Treasurer Karen Penler and current board President Ben Kotowski is eagerly on board.

While these working sessions are subject to the Ohio Open Meetings Act, they typically

do not include public comment and historically have been held at 4 p.m. So here we a have a board that already has a reputation for being unresponsive, out-of-touch and secretive cutting the only public participation we have available to us in half, all while getting ready to ask us for two levies which includes $50 million to $80 million to build a new school.

Additionally, a 4 p.m. meeting will limit public attendance since so many of us work or have young children at home. One has to ask themselves, “Why now?” Would it not be prudent to keep the public involved when such important decisions are being made?

Could this change have been suggested because they don’t want our input or so they can operate without public oversight? This would not be surprising, since most rarely answer emails and never have discussions with the public during meetings, unlike other school board meetings I have attended.

This is just more proof that we need a new board. These members don’t value those who elected them. They could not care less what we have to say or what we want. If they did, they would at least keep the status quo. If they really did, they would respond to commenters directly during meetings.

Remember this come May when they ask you to vote for a levy and again in November when three members are up for re-election.

Please take a moment and contact the board and superintendent to let them know that we want to be heard and to keep the meeting schedule as is:

Ben Kotowski, ben.kotowski@westg.org

Christina Sherwood, christina.sherwood@westg.org

Dr. William Beers, william.beers@westg.org

Mary-Michelle Coleman Walsh, mcolemanwalsh@westg.org

Kathy Leavenworth, kathy.leavenworth@westg.org

Richard Markwardt, richard.markwardt@westg.org

Anthony Zaffiro Chester Township

Get Out of NOACA

RE: NOACA meeting at Middlefield Library. I did not see our County Commissioners at the meeting last night (Jan. 10). This was disappointing.

Geauga residents were openly dismissive toward NOACA, as we should be. They are operating way outside their mandate. They are supposed to make decisions about how to apply our tax money to transportation projects. But their climate action plan is nothing but redistribution of our tax money into Cuyahoga nonsense projects.

Our county is woefully underrepresented on the NOACA board. With only three voting members on a board of four dozen people, there is no hope of effective representation.

I hope our Commissioners understand we want out of NOACA. Geauga residents do not accept unscientific climate panic and “equity” as an excuse for NOACA to usurp the duties of our duly elected representatives.

Commissioners need to stand up for Geauga and pursue a plan to untether us from the money-sucking greed of the Cuyahoga Equity Endeavor known as NOACA.

Tiffanie Broadbent Newbury Township

Letters to the Editor

Safe & Effective. Or is it?

It’s not just medical treatments. Safe & Effective might be applied to any number of today’s major issues. Public schools, the U.S. border with Mexico, Arizona elections, D.C. politics, and yet, we find ourselves broken into two camps; skeptics and those who oppose the skepticism. Analysis of such issues is taboo, if you listen to the Left, media and establishment Republicans.

We now fall into two distinct categories of people. One routinely says things like, “I’ve done my research and here are my sources, I’m open to debate.” And the other side steadfastly and adamantly refuses to discuss or debate, insisting instead that the Critical Thinker is a horrible person for challenging a person, issue or doctrine.

People who challenge school boards over lurch-to-the-left practices are billed as “domestic terrorists.” Anyone questioning Covid-19 shots, the shuttering of small businesses or mask mandates is billed as a threat to society. Trying to get to a family wedding or visit grandparents became “a danger to society” at some point. Anyone not buying into the Green New Deal are called “climate deniers.” People opposed to the antagonistic division of Critical Race Theory now called “white supremacist.” Concern over Environmental, Social, & Governance (“ESG”) became “hateful and exclusionary.” A review of the manipulative origins and foundation of Social Emotional Learning (“SEL”) makes the speaker a terrible person. Not wanting cross-dressing men reading to children became “anti-LGBTQ.” And the list goes on. Those who apprise themselves of facts and circumstances, and their rights are now fair game, it seems, for attacks of all sorts.

This trend is not Democrat or Republican, it is a fundamental doctrine of what I call “Leftism,” and it’s not contained in any one country or region. This sudden onset dumbing-down has hit the world in virtually all walks of life, roughly overnight. Questioning what we are told is Strictly Forbidden!

On my way into a Geauga County Republican Party Central Committee meeting yesterday, 7 Jan. 2023, an established member of the Republican Party loudly criticized me for suggesting that she should think for herself. She is my elder, by probably 30 years, yet her purpose in scolding me was clear; we should not expect our colleagues to apply Critical Thinking or challenge whatever we may be told. Free will and individual accountability should be shunned, was the message I got from her. We should, she was prepared to insist, not apply ourselves. Do not learn the rules or laws, don’t study the bylaws, don’t assert your rights, just follow orders and someone will tell you when you should rubber-stamp. Do not, in other words, trust your eyes and ears, but instead proceed in unthinking fashion.

I’ve seen this before — school boards,

where truth and investigation seem to have no place.

But a great and interesting thing is happening. That trend is reversing. Caring people are signing up for school boards and Critical Thinking is making a resurgence in places like your local Central Committee.

Jonathan Broadbent Newbury Township

On The Job

Chesterland Police Chief Craig Young is on the job.

This is a really tough time to serve in law enforcement. I’m proud of Chesterland residents and the support they give to our first responders, police, fire, EMS and the service department.

And I want to commend Chief Young for the above and beyond job he is doing for us. This past year, he made a really great move by hiring Jeffrey A. Sherwood. Law enforcement professionals tell me it takes two years, sometimes longer, to hire seasoned, highly skilled police officers. Sherwood is a great and welcomed addition to the Chester Township Police Department.

Not many communities enjoy the safety and support that we receive from Chief Young and his team. We appreciate them and feel truly blessed.

Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts Chester Township

RePlay For Kids Makes Toys More Accessible

By kRistiN lefeBeR editoR@kaRlovecmedia.com

Christmas may be over, but the feeling of Santa’s workshop was alive and well at Mont ville Plastics & Rubber in Parkman Township Jan. 13 during its service day with RePlay for Kids.

Every quarter, the manufacturer that pro vides custom plastic extrusion and injection molding, shuts down for the day, bringing workers from all three shifts together for staff development and activities.

Annually, Montville spends one of these afternoons giving back to the community.

This year, the employees worked to adapt toys for children with disabilities to assist RePlay for Kids, an organization that increases the availability of toys and assistive devices for children with disabilities.

They repair existing devices, adapt mainstream toys, design new devices, and educate families and clinicians, according to their website.

“Our quarterly is really about creating bonding experiences for the employees,” said Tracie Roberts, vice president at MPR. “They can give back to the community in a zero-cost way. It’s a fun activity to do together — to build.”

Paul Basel, vice president of sourcing and procurement, added, “It’s a great opportunity for team building — to work together to accomplish a goal. Plus it’s a new experience with soldering and hand-eye coordination. They get to end their day with toys.”

Simple, mainstream electronic toys can be rewired to attach a universal jack, which can then be connected to an alternative on/ off switch that meets the abilities of the toy recipient — those who may not have the fine motor skills to activate the toys. This is done by stripping and soldering wires inside the toy to the wires of the universal jack, Wardega explained.

“It’s not just about having the perfect toy,” said Natalie Wardega, assistant director for RePlay. “It’s about education about children with disabilities and toy adaptation.”

At the Montville event, employees could choose between rewiring a small Tickle Me Elmo doll or a crawling baby toy. If adapted correctly, these toys can then be attached to a large button or switch. When the button or switch is triggered, the Elmo will talk or the baby will crawl.

RePlay had stations set up where the Montville volunteers could test their toys.

“It’s funny to watch. Who you think would get them to work is sometimes the person who doesn’t,” Basel said.

Tony Fisher, a second-shift supervisor who has worked for Montville for 16 years, has adapted toys for RePlay before. He said the last time he did it, it was easy, but this year, it took him a few attempts.

“It’s not frustrating — I just want to get it to work,” Fisher said of the Elmo doll in his hand.

Therapists use the toys volunteers like Fisher adapt to teach cause-and-effect relationships to persons with disabilities. This assists them in learning how to use wheelchairs and other adaptive devices in the future, Wardega said.

“It’s something we can do with the employees and it’s truly amazing building together,” said Roberts. “It’s a great cause.”

KRISTIN LEFEBER/KMG

Tony Fisher, a 16-year veteran of Montville Plastics & Rubber, works with Natalie Wardega, assistant director of RePlay for Kids, to get his Elmo doll adapted for use by children with disabilities.

KRISTIN LEFEBER/KMG

Montville Plastics & Rubber, located in Parkman, hosted a service day on Friday in order to adapt toys for persons with disabilities for RePlay for Kids, a nonprofit that serves 20 counties in Ohio.

RePlay

from page 12

RePlay provides services in 20 different counties in Ohio, said Wardega. For example, in Geauga County, they work with Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Center, and host over 100 workshops annually both in RePlay’s

creative space in Solon and at locations like Montville. RePlay brings all the equipment and supplies needed, including the soldering irons and mats, tools bags and printed or QR code instructions. The volunteers typically donate the toys, and at this event, Montville donated 50 toys to be adapted.

This year, RePlay gave away over 2,000 toys and adapters.

S P O R T S

Cardinal Spoils Berkshire’s

A 36-point blowout in front of the home crowd in the new gym

By Rich kelly spoRts@kaRlovecmedia

The new school year in the Burton com munity has been a rousing success.

With a spectacular new campus as its showcase, the administration has done great work to share it with everybody in the area.

This past Saturday and Sunday, 26 high school teams came to take part in the first Hall of Fame Hoopsfest in the high school gym.

Action was fast and thrilling, and as Sun day’s games wore down, setting up the public introduction to this year’s inductees to the Burton/Berkshire Athletic Hall of Fame, an ticipation was building for the weekend’s fina le, Cardinal vs. Berkshire, running nearly an hour late due to stoppages in play.

After the halftime induction, Berkshire’s boys team continued to have issues getting the ball into the basket and dropped a 58-22 contest to their neighborhood rival.

The Huskies’ Jake Bean hit his first four shots of the game to open a 9-2 lead, and the demolition never stopped as everything the Badgers did turned to flames — all except for putting the ball into the basket. Paul Gall led the balanced attack for Cardinal (8-5) with 15 points, Troy Domen added 13, and Cardinal dominated throughout.

“We’ve been working on putting bodies on bodies to rebound better,” Huskies Coach Jon Cummins said. “Today we did a really good job all night long. The kids were ready to play, even with a late start.”

Berkshire Coach Joe Montanaro agreed, reluctantly.

speeds

be ready for

in our league,” he said. “Tonight

didn’t defend well, we didn’t play good fundamentally. Give Cardinal credit for just beating us in every facet of the game.”

HOF Weekend

Badgers Induct 7 Into Hall of Fame Post-Pandemic

By Rich kelly spoRts@kaRlovecmedia com

The hall of fame efforts, cancelled the last three years due to the pandemic, nonetheless honored a very distin-

Robert Pence (1948) excelled in everything he did during his days as a Burton Maple Leaf. He went on to serve his country in the military before a career as a horse racing leader. Sadly, he was not able to see his efforts to full appreciation, as he passed from pancreatic cancer in June 2013.

Travis Porter (2008) was born into a wrestling family of historic proportions in Geauga County.

Porter also played some pretty good football for Berkshire High. Wrestling was his passion, though.

Jack Hastings tried, leading Berkshire with 11 of its 22 points, but the big problem came with putting the ball into the basket.

The Badgers hit on just eight of 44 shots while being out-rebounded as well, 33-17.

They are better than that. It just can’t be pinpointed whether the significant delayed to their game had anything to do with their loss.

Still, the long day was a definite success for all in the new palace called Berkshire High.

He was state champion at 215 pounds as a senior, and was a threetime state qualifier. Local honors were numerous, and he had plenty of family competition on the mats; six family members placed at the state levels, with uncles Chip (1987) and Brian (1979) claiming state titles to provide his inspiration.

“Wrestling was my whole life back then,” Porter said after being honored.

“I’d wake up in the morning, head to practice early before school, then go back to practice after school to improve myself.” Regarding the current new digs for the Berkshire community, he spoke with pride.

“I think we just need to work harder in practice at game

to

this competition

we

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Cardinal’s Paul Gall, right, blocks Jack Hastings in the Huskies 58-22 rout of their rival Berkshire on the Badgers Hall of Fame Night. Gall, who also added 15 points, and his teammates held Berkshire to 8 of 44 shooting on the night.

Wolverines on Pace for Record-Breaking Season

By alaN koRNspaN spoRts@kaRlovecmedia

The West Geauga Wolverines wrestling team is on pace to set a school record for most wins in a season.

West G moved closer to breaking that record as it defeated Orange and Copley in their tri-match Jan. 12.

In their first match, the Wolverines defeated Copley, 57-23.

The Wolverines then followed that up with another victory, defeating Orange, 6114.

“I think they (the matches) went very well,” Wolverines Coach Carmen Russo said. “Copley, even though they didn’t have a full lineup, the wrestlers they brought were very tough.

“They definitely gave us some good challenges, put us in some tough positions. But we came out on top.

Russo said his team wrestled at a higher level of competition and intensity against Orange.

“Just pleased with the win, 61-14 against Orange, a CVC rival,” he said. “Any time you can do that in the CVC, you have to be pleased as a coach.”

In the first match against Copley, the Wolverines got victories from Caden Kaleal (pin), Christopher Paradise (6-3) and Brian Denamen (pin).

“I think I did really well in the match,” Kaleal said. “Went out there and saw him kind of going fast, but I tried to slow him down and make him wrestle my match, and that’s what I did, and pinned him down.”

Paradise also talked about his victory over his Copley opponent and his main strategy for the match.

“It was a pretty good match,” he said. “I lasted the whole time. I ended up winning.”

Paradise said his main strategy was to

stay focused and to breathe well.

In their 61-14 defeat of Orange, 10 West G wrestlers won individual matches: Kaleal (pin), Matthew Obranovich (pin), Daniel Donofrio (3-2), Brian Denamen (pin), Quentin Artino (pin), Nicholas Donofrio (pin), Ethan Bartlett (pin), Nasir Levy (pin), Zack Metz (pin) and Zander Joltin (11-0).

“(My match) started off with a takedown, got a reversal, (then) the period ended,” Bartlett said. “Second period, got up right away, took him down, (then) he got another reversal on me.

“Went to the third period. He let me up and (I) took him down, and we went into this weird scramble, and (I) got him stuck on his

back and pinned him.”

Metz also described his match.

“I felt like when he pushed into me, I could just get that slide-by really easily, so I felt like that was the correct decision,” Metz said. “When I realized I could just get him in the slide-by, I could just throw him, and honestly it was over from there.

“I knew he didn’t have a way out after I got him in a headlock.”

After the tri-match victories, Coach Rus-

so discussed the various things his team is striving for this season.

“We are doing very well,” he said. “We are 12-4 now after tonight. We have nine more dual meet matches, and we have our sights set on 20 wins, which would be the record for the most wins in a single season for Wolverines wrestling.”

The Wolverines return to the mat Jan. 18 as they host a tri-match against Edgewood and Hudson.

from page 14

“I’m not sure, but there was talk 15 or so years ago about new buildings,” Porter said. “This project got going back then, but putting it all together took a lot of time. But this place sure is a beautiful setting. This en tire process in wrestling has been my whole family life, and it could not have come to this point without whole community support.”

Sarah Zeleznikar (2007) was honored for a superb softball career for the Badgers. She was forced to leave the ceremony early and missed out on her introduction in front of a huge crowd.

Meghan Wright (2011) excelled on both the volleyball and basketball courts for Berk shire. She earned first team All-Ohio honors in both sports before moving on to Siena Col lege on a full ride volleyball scholarship. To day she works as an oncology therapist at Ra diation Oncology, supporting cancer patients.

Tim Goff (2012) terrorized opponents on the basketball courts for four years at Berk shire. He then took his talents to Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia where he was a captain on the team for three years while earning a degree in marketing. He now resides with his wife, Alexa, and family pooch Lady May in Westerville, where he is an advisor for Payne and Brown Insurance.

Goff’s experience in Burton left a lasting impression.

“This honor just brings me full circle in

tions of family living here in Burton, so this community will always be home for me and my family. Even though I’m now living outside of Columbus, which is a different atmosphere than a small town like Burton, this just means so much for me to be proud of, and this new school building is just such a great thing for the whole community to be proud of as well. It’s fantastic, just as good as many college campuses.”

Berkshire’s volleyball and basketball courts alike. She, too, earned All-Ohio honors and led her teams to stellar seasons. Her college career took her to Slippery Rock and Cleveland State, then to higher degrees in finance at Belmont University. Now her masters degree in sports management has taken her to Nashville, Tennessee, where she puts her community values learned in Burton to work in the Nashville area.

on the gridiron and tracks of the area. He earned many honors, capped with a state title in the 400 meter run in 2015. After studies at Kent State in pre-medicine/biology, he now attends the University of Toledo College of Medicine, where he hopes to earn his MD certificate this spring. He plans to go into further studies in pulmonary/critical care activities. He still loves to run as well.

Carmen Russo.

Seniors Lead Bombers to Victory Over Rival Tigers

By alaN koRNspaN spoRts@kaRlovecmedia.com

Kenston’s girls basketball team traveled cross-town Jan. 11 to face their rival Chagrin Falls Tigers.

In a close contest throughout, the Bomb ers pulled away in the final minutes to claim the game, 37-27.

“Just ecstatic and proud of our girls, that we could escape here with a W playing in a tough gym,” Bombers Coach Kevin Hinkle said. “Really happy with how we executed. We had some seniors step up, (and) some other players gave us some great minutes.”

The Bombers were led throughout by se niors Brooke Pagon and Hanna Busby.

Pagon led the Bombers with 16 points, while Busby added seven.

“Brooke and Hanna do a great job,” Hin kle said. “Brooke always plays some (great) minutes. She wants to have the ball in her hands at the end.

“Hanna does a lot of things that don’t always show up in the stat sheets. Both lead by example. Both are hard workers and great kids. I was really happy with the way they performed today.”

Pagon scored all of the Bombers’ first-quarter points as the two teams were tied 6-6 at the end of one.

The second quarter continued similarly to the first, with both teams playing very tough defense.

Kenston took the lead, 10-8, on a clutch three-pointer by junior Alexis Black with 3:35 left in the second quarter. The Tigers regained the lead, 11-10, but the Bombers had one last second-quarter possession. Run-

ning a motion offense, they played for the last shot, and Busby found freshman Morgan Cicek open for a catch-and-shoot three-point buzzer-beater to give the Bombers a 13-11 lead going into halftime.

“That nice three by Morgan heading into halftime really gave us a nice little boost of confidence,” Hinkle said.

During his halftime speech, Coach Hinkle emphasized staying focused on the process.

“I said keep doing what your doing: making it tough for them,” he said. “We told them to just keep executing, keep doing the game plan.”

The Bombers responded by taking a

Hawks Steal Win From Lions

By Rich kelly spoRts@kaRlovecmedia com

Both the Hawken Hawks and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Lions girls basketball teams are building special identities this season.

The process doesn’t always show up in victories. But when the teams clashed Jan. 9 at NDCL, defense was the storyline: the Hawks used 13 steals on defense to thwart the Lions on offense for a 52-36 victory.

“This is a defining win for us this year,” Hawken Head Coach Brittney Matuschek said. “You can also say it’s a statement win because we played good team basketball that focused on our defense. That’s where we want to be strongest, and the girls really stepped up tonight. We’ve been waiting for a really competitive game. NDCL is always tough, so this win shows how we are coming together more.”

Beside the 13 steals, the high pressure floor coverage for the Hawks (5-7) pushed the Lions into another 17 unforced turnovers.

The Lions had only 27 shots in the game while struggling for consistency, hitting on 10.

They were deadly from the foul line, though, hitting on 15 of 19 for the game.

Aubriana Hills scored six points in the opening quarter to spark the Lions to a 1413 edge.

Her 16-point night included an eight of 11 effort from the line.

Hawken’s defense was tight when the Lions tried to go to the basket, though, especially to forward Ava Baeslach. She did score

seven to go with six rebounds, but getting the ball inside to her was too big a task.

Carmen Cicerini led the defense with five steals, Lizzie Kent added five, and Kate Bollinger, the only remaining varsity starter from last season’s Hawken team, chipped in with three thefts.

“Our offense is getting better now,” Bollinger said. “At the same time, we’re working hard to make defense , which is a tradition here, our main focus. This was a big game because you know you always will get a battle from NDCL.”

Finishing plays also came up huge for Ma tuschek and company. Of their 10 first half baskets, nine had assists, and for the game, of 19 successes from the floor, 13 had recorded helps. That is a winning ration. Cicerini had six assists, Bollinger had 4 to add to the mix.

Balance in the scorebook was evident.

Eight Hawks scored, with Bollinger’s 13 the only double digit effort. They were sharp from long range too, hitting on seven bombs. The capper in the game came at the final buzzer when Mila Grossman got a pass on the right wing and had the ball in midair as the horn sounded. It hit nothing but net.

NDCL Head Coach John Kamkutis made no excuses as his team falls to 3-7 on the season.

“Our last game with Lake Catholic was a big game for us,” he said. Asked if his girls may have had a letdown from that emotional contest, which his team fell by only five points, the emotions of his team’s recent schedule may have played a role.

“We’ve had a busy week,” he said. “We

25-19 lead into the fourth quarter, and they outscored the Tigers 12-8 in the final eight minutes, with Pagon hitting a three and the Bombers converted nine free throws to get the victory.

“Coming into this, we knew they had a 12-game winning streak,” Pagon said. “We wanted to defeat them. It’s a rivalry. We came in strong, our coach believed in us, and we executed today.”

Morgan Cicek (5 points), Emily Kratzert (4), Alexis Black (3) and Amy Jarmolowicz (2).

The Tigers were led by Kate Bartlett (8 points), Abby Coy (6), Lilly Stukus (6), Elana McGinnis (4) and Jenna Santamaria (3).

Both teams have a busy week ahead.

NDCL’s Aubriana Hills scored six points in the opening quarter to spark the Lions to a 14-13 edge. Yet her 16-point night (8 of 11 from the free throw line), was not enough as Hawken beat the Lions 52-36.

had tough games on Wednesday and Saturday and played well,” he said. “The bottom line tonight was that we didn’t take care of the ball as well as we want to. It’s been like that all season , there just hasn’t been the consistency you need to control the ball. Much of it is also the need to just be more mentally strong in our approach. We played tonight without our point guard (Melissa Greenlee), who sprained her ankle. That means other girls need to step up, and our effort tonight was good, but still needs work.”

The 16 points Hills scored was the only double digit effort, but the battle of the boards was even for the mostpart. As younger Lions get into the fold of action, their efforts will show more in outcomes. Sophomore Emma Clayton was big on the boards in extended action with 11 rebounds , including six on the offense glass.

That means more shot opportunities.

That’s where taking care of the ball comes in, and the Hawks put those steals to good use to stop the Lions attacks.

Chagrin Falls, ending the Tigers’ 12-game winning streak. Black had three points, while Busby added seven.

VIDEOS: Highlights, Coach Hinkle, Busby and Pagon

Chardon

Enrollment 2023-24

Chardon Schools looks forward to opening registration for parents and guardians with children entering prekindergarten or kindergarten in the 2023-24 school year. Beginning Feb. 1, parents and guardians can initiate the enrollment process online and learn about required documents via the district’s registration page at www.chardonschools.org.

A child must be 5 years old by Aug. 1, 2023, to enroll in kindergarten for the 202324 school year. Information is forthcoming regarding a kindergarten orientation event and will be posted to the registration web page.

Questions regarding the registration process can be directed to the board office at 440-285-4052.

Community Invited to Science Fair

Chardon Middle School invites the community to join the school at its annual event celebrating the work of CMS students in the arts and sciences. The 2023 Science and Fine Arts Fair is an open-house format event that will be held on Jan. 25 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the second floor and in the cafeteria of the school building, 424 North St. The event will

showcase the work of young scientists and artists in grades 4-7.

Community members are encouraged to attend the opportunity for an up-close view of the school’s judged science fair featuring a display of over 100 student-created exper iments, research projects and investigations and a gallery showcasing seventh-grade stu dents’ visual artwork.

Donations to Veterans Non-Profits

Munson Elementary School presented $1,345.77 in checks in January to non-prof its Geauga County Veterans Food Pantry and Sub Zero Mission. The charitable actions are a direct result of the generosity of Munson students and their families who contributed to the school’s Penny Wars drive held Veter ans Day week this past November.

Penny Wars, one of several annual veter ans-honoring events organized by the school, had record-breaking success this school year, with classrooms collectively raising a whop ping $2,691.55 for the two local non-profits.

First-grader Cody Mills and his family alone contributed well over $250, making him the school’s highest donor to the service project.

A Jan. 12 school assembly hosted the

Kenston

Kindergarten Parent Meeting

Information night for incoming kindergarten parents will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 for children entering kindergarten in August. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2023. Information about kindergarten and the registration process will be shared in-person.

Kenston Conversations

Kenston residents are invited to join Superintendent Steve Sayers on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at Kenston Intermediate School for “Kenston Conversations.” It is an opportunity to meet Sayers, enjoy a cup of coffee and talk about Kenston in an informal setting.

KMS Presents

“Matilda, Jr. the Musical”

Kenston Middle School will be presenting Roald Dahl’s “Matilda, Jr., The Musical” on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Kenston High School, Robert A. Lee Auditorium.

Rebellion is nigh in “Matilda Jr.,” a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination. Based on the children’s book by Roald Dahl, author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach,” “Matilda Jr.” tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a young girl

with astonishing wit, intelligence and special powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents, but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing; however, the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school pupils’ saving grace.

The cast and crew is comprised of: Brooklyn Alexander, May Bryan, Brooke Carlson, Anya DeWitt, Eleana DeWitt, Jane Eibler, Grace England, Hannah Fladger, Elyssa Gatto, Thomas Hart, Claire Heiman, Mira Jarzembek, Amelia Jenson, Skye Jerina, Brynn Johnson, Pearl Johnson, Georgia LeFeber, Zoe LeFeber, Sofia Macias, Charlie McBride, Ian McCallin, Collin Menary, Thea Ness, Sadie Petrash, Jillian Plavcan, Zach Radefeld, Colin Reed, Iva Samidan, Kiefer Schatz, Ali Schmidt, Rhys Serquina, Adelaide Sharp, Juliana Shumaker, Sam Spencer, Madeleine Stice, Charlotte Syslo, Molly Thomas, Payton Timmons, Kate Tobin, Maya Tobler, Will Turner, Daphne Uhlir, Rob Wenger, Corinne Wilson and Jack Zaranec.

General admission tickets are $10 and are available online at kenstonlocal.orgKenston Box Office.

Lynn Algeri, pantry supervisor Pam Wiech and IT/communications representative Chris Larker. Third-grader Ethan Ovanic had the honor of awarding Ms. Algeri and Ms. Wiech with Munson’s presentation version of the

try serves approximately 4,000 meals each month to veterans, their families and families of deceased veterans.

Munson looks forward to awarding the second check to Sub Zero Mission at a later date.

Lobaugh helped prepare the writers for the competition. The school congratulates Natalie, Maddy and Ella for representing St. Helen.

basic concepts like the alphabet, numbers, animals, short phrases and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lynn L. Patchin

Lynn L. “Skip” Patchin, age 82, passed away peaceful ly at home on Jan. 6, 2023.

Born Dec. 9, 1940, in Middlefield, he was a longtime Chester Township resident.

Skip began his career with Geauga Radio and TV in 1965, working as a salesman and a TV service technician.

He loved riding motorcycles with his wife, Cathy, and was often found taking his dogs for a walk.

Skip is survived by his wife, Cathy (nee Wenzlik); sister, Nancy R. (Gary) Temple; brother-in-law, Thomas Wenzlik; niece, Jennifer (Michael) Steidl; nephew, Brandon (Julie) Wenzlik; great-nephews, Caleb and Owen Steidl; and great-nieces, Kate, Anna and Claire Wenzlik.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Alberta (nee Hubbard) Patchin. No services will be scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Skip’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Online tributes and condolences at www. GattozziandSon.com.

Jack Lee Schinness

Jack Lee Schinness, age 86, of Munson Township, peacefully passed away on Jan. 10, 2023, at his home.

She was born Jan. 15, 1936, to Warren and Lucille (nee Wilson) Schinness, in Cleveland.

On Oct. 11, 1958, he married Sandra Jane (nee Hamley). They were together 63 years.

After many years working as a sales engineer, after retirement, he found his true passion at Community Care Ambulance. He so loved meeting new people along their travels throughout many counties in Northeast Ohio.

Jack spent many years at Alpine Valley teaching his children and grandchildren to ski. For over 30 years, he coached many in baseball and softball for Munson Township’s summer leagues.

A lifelong resident of Munson Township,

Obituaries

he was honored in 2011, by receiving an award for Notable Resident of the township from the Board of Trustees.

He and his wife, Sandy, were members of St. Luke Episcopal Church.

A member of the Berney’s Division, together they enjoyed Civil War reenacting, traveling throughout the area. Most recently he enjoyed being a member of the Emerald Necklace MG Register, touring in his 1978 MGB.

He took great pride in watching his family grow, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his children, Scott Schinness, of Arizona, Kelly (Eric) Weisenburger, of Norwalk, Ohio, Craig Schinness, of Cleveland, Todd (Kathy) Schinness, of Concord Township, Sean (Jeanette) Schinness, of Chardon, Adam “O.J.” Schinness, of Arizona, Ethan Schinness, of Kenton, Ohio, and Cadie (Rob) Forrester, of Chester Township; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded by his wife; and parents.

The family receive friends Jan. 17, 2023, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

The funeral service was held Jan. 18 at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road, Munson. Interment followed at Fowlers Mill Cemetery in Munson Township.

In lieu of the flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Geauga County Historical Society - Century Village, 14653 E. Park St., Burton, OH 44021.

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

kindness, compassion and love for everyone she met.

In her memory, a funeral mass will be held Jan. 21, 2023, at 2 p.m., at the Guardian Angles Catholic Church, 1676 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley. Following the mass, the family will receive guests from 4-6 p.m. for hor d’oeuvres and drinks at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn. Dinner will then be served at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society (https:// donate3.cancer.org/) in memory of her daughter, Adele.

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

Leila C. Conley

Leila C. “Billy” Conley, age 85, of Newbury Township, peacefully passed away Jan. 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her home.

She was born Feb. 28, 1937, to Dale and Gertrude (nee Pray) May, in Cleveland.

She married Paul H. Conley on April 23, 1977, at the Geauga County Historical Society in Burton. They made their home in Newbury, where Billy loved entertaining, having gatherings and spending time with her friends and family. She especially enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays.

Lucy Marie Calabrese

Lucy Marie (nee Mihalek) Calabrese, age 96, of Chardon, died peacefully at Chardon Healthcare Center, on Monday morning, Jan. 9, 2023.

She was born Nov. 5, 1926, to John and Gertrude Mihalek, and with her husband, Frank, made her home in Chardon.

Spending most of her life as a homemaker, she raised three boys, Dale, Terry and Mark. She worked at Conley’s and the Yum Yum Tree in Chardon.

Most of all, Lucy enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nancy Elaine Pengel

Nancy Elaine Pengel (nee Demeter), age 90, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2023, surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 18, 1932, to John and Elizabeth (nee Uveges) Demeter.

Nancy is survived by her loving sons, Jeffery Pengel and Thomas (Shannon) Pengel; proud grandmother of Nicholas Pengel and Noah Pengel; loving aunt of Dean Eppley, John (Jennifer) Lis, James (Melinda) Lis; and many, many friends.

She is preceded by her parents; beloved husband, Raymond Pengel; daughter, Adele Baker; sister, Luana Lis; and and niece Mary Lis.

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of

She is survived by her sons, Terry (Debra), of Chardon and Mark (Alma), of Orwell; six grandchildren, Eric, Jessica (Aaron) Bable, Rebecca (Nate) Johnston, Lydia Calabrese, Chris (Lisa) and Melissa Calabrese; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her husband Frank; brothers, Bobby (Corky) and Mickey (Marilyn); as well as her son Dale (Audrey) precede her in death.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

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

She loved eating Chinese food for Christmas, which was a family tradition that began with her father. Taking photos of her family was her passion, and making many photo albums of memories to be shared was her favorite hobby.

She is survived by her husband, Paul H. Conley; sons, David Portman, of Troy Township, Jeff Portman, of Newbury, Scott Souvey of Newbury, Russell (Missy) Conley, of Hambden Township; daughter, Heather (Tony) Costanzo, of Strongsville; grandchildren, Kyle Portman, Ashley (Joel) Tomlinson, Brandon Portman, Rusty (Shelby) Conley, Amanda (Luke) Pierce, Isabella Costanzo, Sam Costanzo, Gabby Costanzo; great-grandson, Aiden Tomlinson; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Betty and Barbara.

The family suggests donations be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 or www. hospicewr.org.

A visitation for friends and family will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2023, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A time of sharing your memories of Billy will follow at 7 p.m.

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

Notices should be sent in writing to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 44024-5166 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com.

Obituaries

Eli L. Miller Sr.

Eli L. Miller Sr. went home to be with the Lord, whom he dearly loved, on Jan. 14, 2023.

He was born in Deep Creek, Va., on Nov. 20, 1936, to Levi A. and Lizzie Ann Miller. His parents moved to Deep Creek to start an Amish Settlement in the 1930s. He was the eighth of 13 children. He lived his life around the Middlefield area since the age of 4 years old.

Eli worked for Sunny Acres, Johnson Plastics, Johnson Rubber and retired from Burton Rubber Processing, where he had worked 30plus years.

He was a jack of all trades and a very talented handyman. He loved beekeeping and remodeling homes in his younger days, and clock repair in retirement.

He was a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle.

Eli is survived by his second wife, Rebecca R. (Norris) Miller (married April, 1 2001); daughters, Tina Miller (Jason Powell), of Sarasota Fla., Mary Ann (Ronald) Gingerich, of Burton; son, Eli L. (Michelle) Miller Jr., of Middlefield; eight grandchildren, Clayton Gingerich, Halle (Gingerich) Miller, Chad Miller, Nancy (Holmes) Claudio, Shelby (Miller) Burgess, Alec Miller, Mary Katherine Holmes, Matthew Miller; and brother Ivan L. Miller, of Garrettsville.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Judith (nee Kolmorgan-Parker) Miller (married Nov. 25, 1959), whom he dearly loved; parents, Levi A. and Lizzie Ann; brothers Andy, Allen, Albert, Melvin, Elmer, John, Daniel; and sisters, Sarah (Mahlon) Byler, Mary (Mose) Miller, Ada (Ervin) Troyer and Betty (Ray) Hershberger.

Calling hours will be held at 9 a.m., with the Memorial Service at 11 a.m., on Jan. 21, 2023, at Restoration Chapel, 14890 Burton-Windsor Road, Burton Township.

Burial to follow the services in Mapleview Cemetery. Pastor Rod Edwards will be officiating.

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

Robert C. Fraedrich

Robert C. “Bob” Fraedrich, age 87, of Chardon Township, died unexpectedly Jan. 15, 2023, at Universi ty Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

Born Aug. 12, 1935, to Robert H. and Martha (nee Kirste) Fraedrich, in Cleve land, he has been an area resident since 1962.

After graduating from Collinwood High School, Bob enlisted in the Ohio Army Na tional Guard. He proudly served for eight years. He worked for 35 years before his re tirement from Nela Park, General Electric as an electrician.

Bob enjoyed fixing cars, trucks and trac tors; he loved camping and attending The Great Geauga County Fair and 4H horse events with his children.

The swimming pool he built provided years of fun for his family.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen (nee Bowers) Fraedrich, of Chardon Township; daughters, Linda (Lance) Little, of Mantua, and Ruth (Rob) Peluso, of West Farmington; grandchildren, Lindsay Little, of Mantua, Logan (Kait) Little, of Willoughby, and Landon (Kerra) Little, of Great Falls, Mont., Shaina (Ken) Mabe, of Marion, John Michael (Jamie) Fraedrich, of Philadelphia, Pa., Scott Fraedrich, of Kirtland, and Selena Roush, of West Farmington; and great-grandchildren, Connor and Caleb Pratt, Lily Little, Brent Minadeo, Lukas, Penelope and Jason Mabe, Maria and John Michael Fraedrich.

Bob also leaves his brother, Richard (Christine) Fraedrich, of Chagrin Falls; and uncle to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will host a Celebration of Bob’s Life on Feb. 4, 2023, receiving friends from 2-4 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. The Celebration will start at 4 p.m.

The family suggests donations to the Geauga County Veterans Services, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Ste. #260, Chardon, OH 44024.

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

GGP Continues to Prepare the Workforce of the Future

suBmitted

Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) hosted the Career Exploration Open House on Jan. 12 at Kent State University Geauga Campus, co-hosted by OhioMeansJobs - Geauga County. The annual event highlights opportunities for high school students as they consider future career paths.

Over 50 students and parents attended to connect with over 20 Geauga County businesses, learn about paid internship opportunities and prepare themselves for their future career through the 4 E’s: Education, Employment, Enlistment and Entrepreneurship.

The evening began with extraordinary student/employer networking where students were encouraged to talk to each business about their future career goals. This was followed by an introduction to GGP’s Summer Incubator Program by the Youth Workforce Program Manager Maggie Carpenter and an energetic speech from GGP Incubator alumnus, Brendan White, a graduate of Cardinal High School and a manager at Troy Chemical Industries.

To conclude the event, students attended breakout sessions to learn more about the 4 E’s. These sessions were led by local industry leaders to discuss what students can expect on their future path, obstacles

they may face, and how to overcome these challenges.

The event also included a buffet dinner from Chipotle along with six different raffle baskets full of materials to jump-start the students’ careers and their next steps in education, employment, enlistment or entrepreneurship.

Sponsors for the event included Solon Manufacturing Company, OhioMeansJobsGeauga County, and BioSolutions.

Geauga County businesses that attended the event include:

Auburn Career Center, Company 119, Duramax Marine, LLC, Exscape Designs, LLC, Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Geauga Growth Partnership, Geauga Mechanical Company, Geauga Park District, Great Lakes Cheese, His Daughter, Kent State Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center, Lakeland Community College, Leadership Geauga, Montville Plastics & Rubber, National Polymer, OhioMeansJobs - Geauga County, Ohman Family Living, Ravenwood Health, Solon Manufacturing Company, Ten10 Design LLC and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

To learn more about Geauga Growth Partnership’s Youth Programs or apply to the 2023 Summer Incubator program, visit GGPYouthWorkforce.com, email info@ geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.

East Geauga Kiwanis

Chardon Rotary Student of the Month

Chardon Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for January is Notre Dame Cathedral Latin senior Lauren McGraw.

Lauren McGraw is a diligent and compassionate student. She has enrolled in nearly every honors, AP and College Credit Plus course offered at NDCL and currently holds a 4.27 cumulative GPA.

In terms of leadership, Lauren is a captain of the cross country team and earned first team all-conference honors this school year. She has also served as a student ambassador, participating in various activities from speaking at junior high schools as well as giving tours of NDCL to

prospective students and families.

Lauren has also been active in the Campus Ministry department, specifically through NDCL’s newer Labre Ministry program, preparing and serving food to the homeless in Cleveland. She is also very involved at her home parish of St. Mary’s in Chardon. When Lauren was younger, she attended the vacation bible school program and served as one of the counselors in 2022. Lauren works part time during the school year as a hostess at the Bass Lake Tavern & Inn.

Lauren plans to attend The Ohio State University in the fall.

Health & Wellness

Family First Council

Jan. 23, 1:30 p.m.

Geauga Family First Council meets the third Monday of the month at the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services building located on 13244 Ravenna Road in Chardon. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information, please contact Tim Kehres, Geauga Family First Council coordinator, at 440-285-1201.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive sponsored by Chagrin Valley Jaycee’s at Bainbridge Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge Township.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767 to make an appointment.

FA Twelve Step Meetings

Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m.

Obsessed with food, weight or dieting? Join every Wednesday for a Food Addicts Twelve Step meeting at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road, Chardon. Meetings are open all. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins. For more information, call 440-897-2936 or 440-227-4879 or visit www. foodaddicts.org.

Life Recovery 12 Step Meeting

Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.

The open group for men and women meets weekly at Horizons Christian Assembly, 14920 White Road in Middlefield and welcomes anyone struggling with grief, alcoholism, addiction, depression, co-dependency or any other habit that lessens the quality of life. Learn more at www.Horizons4you.com/LifeRecovery.

Bulletin Board

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.

Woodland Wednesdays

Jan. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.

The 2023 Woodland Wednesdays series kicks off with a virtual program, “Love Your Trees, Lower Your Taxes.” Featured speakers Leah Curtis, policy counsel and senior director of member engagement, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and David Thomas, Ashtabula County auditor, will review the Ohio Forestry Tax Law (OFTL) and the Current Agriculture Use Value (CAUV) programs available to landowners with qualifying property.

The online program is free, but registration is required by Jan. 24; call 440-8341122 or email gprunty@geauga.oh.gov. For more information, visit geaugaswcd.com.

LCGS Meeting

Jan. 26, noon

The Lake County Genealogical Society (LCGS) will meet on Zoom. Join for Following a short business meeting, speaker Cynthia Turk will present “Tree Surgery,” which is repair of a family tree that has gone awry. Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more information and the invitation to the Zoom meeting. One does not need to be a member to attend the monthly meeting.

For more information about LCGS, call Cynthia at 440-951-0914 or Linda at 440255-6984.

Maple 101 Workshop

Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to noon

Geauga County Park District Center and Geauga County Ohio State University Extension Office will present Maple 101 at the West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. The beginner class takes participants through the entire process of making maple syrup, from tree ID to successfully producing bottles of pure maple syrup. The program is designed not only for the hobby producer but also for the small producer.

The program is free, but preregistration is requested by Jan. 25.

For more information, call OSU Extension Office at 440-834-4656.

State of Geauga

Feb. 3, 8-10 a.m.

Geauga Growth Partnership, Kent State University at Geauga and Leadership Geauga will present their annual “State of Geauga” at the next Geauga Economic Leadership

(G.E.L.) breakfast taking place at KSU Geauga, 14111 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. A panel of community leaders will discuss and provide updates about the community.

To register, email info@geaugagrowth. com or call 440-564-1060.

Chardon VFW Pancake Breakfasts

Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon

Chardon VFW Post 6519 will be serving its annual pancake breakfasts every Sunday Feb. 5 through April 2 at the post located at 752 Water St. in Chardon. Breakfast features three flavors of pancakes, French toast, eggs made to order, bacon, sausage, ham, home fries, toast and beverages. Call 440-285-3699 for takeout orders.

GCRTA Meeting

Feb. 7, 11:15 a.m.

The Geauga County Retired Teachers Association will meet in the banquet room at St. Mary’s Church, 401 North St., Chardon. Gathering time will be followed by the business meeting at 11:30 a.m. and before a buffet soup and sandwich luncheon at noon.

Attorney Meg Pauken will present a program on elder law and answer questions. A 50/50 raffle and free lunch raffle will follow.

For reservations, send a check made out to GCRTA for $17 to Judy Miller, Treasurer, 17130 Kinsman Road, Middlefield, OH 44062 to arrive no later than Jan. 29. Let Judy know of any dietary restrictions.

Bring paper products or canned goods for the Geauga County Hunger Task Force.

Valentine Lasagna Dinner

Feb. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 will host a lasagna dinner complete with salad, garlic bread and dessert at the post located at 752 Water St. Donation is $15. Only 72 tickets are available; call 440-285-3699 for reservations.

Spring Fish Sale

April 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual spring fish sale will be held on the midway at the Geauga County Fairgrounds. Orders are currently being taken for fingerling-size largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill/sunfish mix, minnows, redear “shellcracker” sunfish and white amurs. Pond safety kits are also available.

To place an order, visit www.geaugaswcd.com.

Order deadline is April 7. All proceeds support the district’s education programs. Questions? Call 440-834-1122.

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

East Geauga Kiwanis recently gave a book to every first-grader at Jordak Elementary Schools to emphasize the importance of reading in their education. The students were very appreciative of the gift.

Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Jan. 6-12, 2023.

911 PROBLEM

Jan. 9

12:06 a.m., Main Market Road, Parkman. Text to 911. 2011 KIA Sorento, dark black tint, no tag, going down 422 heading to Cleveland. Person in passenger seat is in danger. Texter says no weapons. No intoxication. Driver trying to take phone. Caller got into car willingly until she found out driver was trying to set her up. Driver keep turning the music up. Texter had her family call and say they need her and she kept going. No weapons, driver has mental problems. Driver scared of the dude she talked to and they are headed to his house. Deputies pulling car over. They will take you. TCSO called to located texter, told mother she was forced into a vehicle by another female. Parties separated for the night. Driver issued a criminal summons for drug paraphernalia.

AGENCY ASSIST

Jan. 10

3:03 p.m., Madison Road, Montville. JFS removed three children from this home recently and one of the minors told the JFS worker her father “grows big marijuana plants” in the shed behind their home. They would like a call from a deputy.

CITIZEN ASSIST

Jan. 9

3:23 p.m., Bean Road, Munson. Caller would like to make a report on someone using her son’s name to file tax returns. Caller already reported incident to feds and wanted incident on file. IR given along with additional advice.

CITIZEN DISPUTE

Jan. 11

12:57 p.m., Kinsman Road, Newbury. Issues with an employee causing damage to a customer’s property. Employee is on his

way back to the office to be reprimanded. A worker took a truck and equipment to Cleveland to trim trees for the power lines. Worker did not go to location, but instead went to the west side of Cleveland to do a side job, private work with the company truck and equipment. Employee got the truck stuck in yard and called foreman to pull him out. Employee drove the truck back to the shop and left it in back. Left the business without speaking to the owners.

DISABLED VEHICLE

Jan. 6

9:44 p.m., Thwing Road, Kirtland. Observed disabled vehicle on Thwing. Two juveniles were in the vehicle and a 14-year-old female had her pants pulled down. No sexual act was observed. Driver stated he was lost and female was on her period. Both parents were contacted and female’s parent elected to pick her up.

FRAUD

Jan. 11

10:47 p.m., Old State Road, Parkman. Son is receiving threatening texts from a female he met through a mutual friend. People texting are advising he must send $700 to them immediately or they are going to post bad photos of him on social media. No threats made. Advice given.

HARASSMENT

Jan. 12

7:38 p.m., Burton Windsor Road, Burton. Caller stated his fiancé’s ex-boyfriend was contacting her through various forms of social media. Caller advised his fiancé would have to be complainant. Caller then stated ex-boyfriend to a Facebook message he had sent to him a few weeks ago. Requested IR at this time.

SUSPICIOUS Jan. 6

10:19 a.m., Butternut Road, Burton. Four Black males have entered the church re questing prayer and money. Caller walked

Geauga Park District

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

A Quilt Show To Remember

Jan. 20, 7-9 p.m.

A Meet the Artist opening will take place West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. Artist Deb Berkebile’s collection of 10 quilts, titled “Earth in Three Bands: R, G, B,” explores satellite imagery and “false-color” artist depiction of remote-sensed satellite images from geographical information systems (GIS). She will give a presentation about her artistic process at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. No registration required.

The exhibit will remain on display daily through April 30, with the exception of Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Is It Spring Yet?

Mark the calendar to stop by The West Woods Nature Center for Bring In Your Garden Tools on Jan. 26, anytime between 1-3 p.m., and naturalist Chris Mentrek will lead

guests in a pre-spring maintenance session. Receive help cleaning, sharpening and spruc ing-up hand tools.

Common Yard & Garden Weeds is slated for March 26 from 1-2 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center, where former park district naturalist Judy Barnhart, now president of the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio, will help identify some of those pesky weeds popping up in gardens or yards and help in the identification process. The presentation will also call out families of weeds that are notori ous for becoming aggressive, noxious or even aggressive. Registration is required.

Lunch & Learn

Jan. 25, 12-1 p.m.

Join naturalist Karie Wheaton for a virtu al Lunch & Learn lesson about Winter Arm chair Birding.

Future programs, all requiring registration, are All About Maple Sugaring on Feb. 8 and 22, and Spring Wildflowers on March 8 and 22. A Zoom link to participate will be emailed before the program.

outside to act like she was getting the mail so she could call. She just said they are making her nervous. They are leaving; no money exchanged. They didn’t do anything. Nothing criminal took place. Male in question has been doing this at multiple churches in the Geauga County area.

Jan. 8

5:45 p.m., Butternut Road, Burton. Caller states two Black males in their 20s keep disrupting church and they are now calling members asking for money. Males are now telling members they are racist because there are no African American members. Caller does not want them contacted, just wants the incident on record. Caller advised males began wandering around during the service and were calling people racist. Caller did not want anyone contacted so the matter doesn’t get worse. Caller advised to call back if males return and continue to cause issues.

Jan. 10

4:18 p.m., Leggett Road, Montville. Unknown white male, about 5 foot 10, unkept, clean shaven opened the door to the home. 16-year-old male pulled the 9mm on him and the male left in an older green Honda Civic. Son has firearm put away and caller’s father is home with him now. Caller on way home from Madison. Vehicle just seen parked in Hartsgrove. Caller called back and states male is in her Facebook friends and her son has confirmed him as the male. ACSO will attempt to located vehicle in question. Fictitious plates. Ashtabula was out with subject and vehicle Jan. 7.

THEFT

Jan. 6

4:37 p.m., Auburn Road, Auburn. Caller needs to make a report for theft that occurred earlier today. Caller saw on his camera that a female took several items from his garage. Deputy advised. See report.

7:04 p.m., Kile Road, Claridon. Caller stating there are several items missing from her house. Believes someone stole the manual to her furnace. Deputies located it for her.

Jan. 9

6:24 p.m., Kenny Drive, Hambden. Caller came home to find her EZ 380 missing from safe, does not have serial number. Caller advised the pistol was stolen from her safe by her ex.

TPO VIOLATION

Jan. 12

6:39 a.m., Merritt Road, Munson. Inmate in the Geauga County Jail here for a pending felony CPO violation trial violated the CPO by sending the protected party a letter from the jail. Jail advised to block further letters. Call clear for felony charges.

VANDALISM

Jan. 6

8:11 a.m., Campton Ridge Drive, Chardon. Caller would like to report his Christmas mat at his front door was cut in half and turned around. Does not need to see a deputy. Extra patrol requested.

West Geauga Youth Qualify for State Wrestling Tournament

Chesterland second grader and first-year wrestler Weston Penzenik qualfied for the state wrestling tournament in March. Weston wrestles at 58 pounds for the West Geauga Rec Council Youth Wrestling team. Weston traveled to Perrysburg to wrestle for the state qualifying spot. Weston placed fourth in the tournament earning him a spot in the state championship.

Legal 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

Copies of plans, specifications and contract 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

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.

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

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Quotes

Notice is hereby given that Geauga County Job and Family Services is soliciting quotes for two (2) new OR certified pre-owned vehicles: (2) compact sport utility vehicles.

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF QUOTES: 3:00 pm on Friday, February 03, 2023.

Project Location: 15560 Matfield Rd, Huntsburg Twp

Final Approval of Plans and Specifications Chesterland Retail Properties 12430 Eugene Dr, Chesterland, OH 44026

Facility Description: Public Water System ID #: 3000045 Date of Action: 01/06/2023

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

Detail Plans for PWSID:OH2876970 Plan:3000045 Regarding New Well Site.

Final Issuance of Sewage Holding Tank Management Plan Munson Twp Scenic River Retreat Facility 10900 Mayfield Rd, Chardon, OH 44024

Facility Description: Holding Tank Permit Receiving Water: No discharge to waters of the state ID #: 3MH00024*CM Date of Action: 01/11/2023

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

Final Issuance of Sewage Holding Tank Management Plan O’Reilly Land Company 14555 Ravenna Road, Newbury, OH 44065

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.

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, Executors, 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, Adminis trators, 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

Copies of the Request for Quote and vehicle specifications are available in person, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at, or by mail request to, Geauga County Job and Family Services; Attn: Paul Reiman; 12611 Ravenwood Drive; PO Box 309; Chardon, Ohio 44024. E-mail requests may be sent to Paul. Reiman@jfs.ohio.gov with “Vehicle RFQ” in the subject line.

All quotes must be received on time and in compliance with the instructions contained in the RFQ. Geauga County Job and Family Services reserves the right to reject any or all quotes and to waive any irregularities in the quote.

Jan19-26, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT TO SELL UNNEEDED, OBSOLETE, OR UNFIT TOWNSHIP PERSONAL PROPERTY VIA INTERNET AUCTION

Resolution number 2023-2, adopted by the Russell Township Board of Trustees on January 9, 2023, authorizes 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 Russell Township has contracted.

All items will be offered for sale “as is, where is” with Russell 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 township website which can be found at https://russelltownship.us. This notice and a link to the GovDeals website can be found by clicking on the tab entitled GovDeals Auction on the township website OR by going to https://russelltownship.us/issues-topics/govdeals-auction.

BY ORDER OF THE

RUSSELL

TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Karen Walder, Fiscal Officer Jan19, 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 Sewage Holding Tank Management Plan West Geauga Commons Joint Recreation District-West Geauga Commons Restrooms 14070 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty, OH 44072

Facility Description: Wastewater-Holding Tank ID #: 3MH00028*CM Date of Action: 01/09/2023

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

Final Issuance of Renewal of NPDES Permit Munson Elementary 12687 Bass Lake Road, Chardon, OH 44024

Facility Description: Wastewater-School or Hospital Receiving Water: Butternut Creek tributary ID #: 3PT00140*CD Date of Action: 01/09/2023

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

Final Issuance of Permit to Install Heritage Hills Campground, LLC Facility Description: Wastewater ID #: 1512797 Date of Action: 01/10/2023

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

Project: Highland Acres RV Resort WWT & SS Collection Improvements - Install 10,000 GPD WWTP to service RV resort with 250 licensed sites

Facility Description: Wastewater-Holding Tank ID #: 3MH00019*CM Date of Action: 01/11/2023

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

Final Issuance of Sewage Holding Tank Management Plan Kyle Vanboxel 13770 gar hwy, Chardon, OH 44024

Facility Description: Wastewater-Holding Tank ID #: 3MH00090*BM Date of Action: 01/11/2023

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

Draft NPDES Permit Renewal - Subject to Revision New Hope Christian Fellowship 11051 E Washington St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

Facility Description: Schools and Hospitals Receiving Water: UT to Bridge Creek ID #: 3PT00124*DD Date of Action: 01/18/2023

Final Approval of Plans and Specifications Laleure Vineyards PO Box 738, Parkman, OH 44080

Facility Description: Public Water System ID #: 3000184 Date of Action: 01/12/2023

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

Detail Plans for PWSID:OH2876974 Plan:3000184 Regarding New Well Site. Jan19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Passage of Ordinances & Resolutions Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Chardon, duly passed and/or adopted the following legislation:

ORDINANCE NO. 3231 - AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT/AGREEMENT WITH INSURANCE PARTNERS AGENCY, LLC. FOR THE PROPERTY, INLAND MARINE, EDP, CRIME, BOILER AND MACHINERY, AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY, COMPREHENSIVE MUNICIPAL LIABILITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT LIABILITY, PUBLIC OFFICIALS LIABILITY, UMBRELLA EXCESS LIABILITY, AND CYBER AND PRIVACY LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of January, 2023.

RESOLUTION NO. 2-23 - A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY WAIVING THE OBLIGATION TO INSTALL SIDEWALKS ALONG THE PROPERTY FRONTAGE LOCATED AT 310 PARK DRIVE AND TEMPORARILY WAIVING THE OBLIGATION TO INSTALL SIDEWALKS AS PART OF THE SEVENTH AVENUE EXTENSION PROJECT AT 310 PARK DRIVE & 401 PARK DRIVE.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of January, 2023.

RESOLUTION NO. 3-23 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CABLE TELEVISION LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCESS PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT WITH GEAUGA LOCAL CABLE ACCESS CORPORATION.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of January, 2023.

RESOLUTION NO. 4-23 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY UNNEEDED, OBSOLETE OR UNFIT FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES BY INTERNET AUCTION SALE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of January, 2023.

The complete text of these ordinances and resolutions may be viewed or obtained at the office of the Clerk of Council, 111 Water Street, Chardon, Ohio, during regular business hours.

By order of the Council of the City of Chardon, Ohio.

Amy Day, Clerk of Council Jan19, 2023

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE Village of Middlefield Notice is hereby given that during the Council Meeting held on January 12, 2023, The Village of Middlefield passed the following legislation:

Resolution 23-01 - A Resolution Requesting the Geauga County Auditor to Provide Tax Advances for the 2023 Collection Periods, and Declaring an Emergency.

Resolution 23-03 - A Resolution Terminating a Certain Pledge Agreement from Glen Valley Farms, LTD. And Instructing Lake National Bank to Release Funds in the Amount of $42,993.26 from the Pledge Account in the Name of Glen Valley Farms, LTD., and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 23-102 - An Ordinance Authorizing the Promotion of Police Officer Paul Esposito from Part- Time Officer to Full Time Offi-

cer, Subject to a One- Year Probation, Establishing Wages Retroactively to January 1, 2023, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 23-103 - An Ordinance Employing Thomas J. Lee as Special Counsel for the Village of Middlefield for 2023, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 23-104 - An Ordinance Rezoning 2 Parcels of Land on Springdale Avenue from “R-2”, Two Family Residential “ to “GC, General Commercial,” and Declaring an Emergency.

The Complete Text Of These Resolutions And Ordinances May Be Viewed Or Obtained At The Office Of The Fiscal Officer, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield, Ohio During Regular Business Hours.

Cindy Detweiler, Administrative Assistant Jan19, 2023

Classifieds

AUTOS & PARTS

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

FOR RENT

Chesterland 2 bedroom home for rent, 2.5 acres, available now. $1,400/mo. Call Peggy 440-554-5524.

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

FOR SALE

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

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.

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

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.

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

Jack Russell Puppies: born Nov 8th, 1 male, 2 female, $250/OBO. 440-834-8579.

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

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

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

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

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Jan. 6, 2023, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Mtm Real Estate Investors LLC, 18995 Auburn Road, to Manuel Valadez and Martha Villanueva, $250,000. (5.17 acres)

Steven L. and Priscilla Colbert, 17556 Indian Hills Drive, to Allison E. Doerner, $308,700. (1.50 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Council on Aging of Volusia County Inc., 17029 Snyder Road, to William K. Flanagan and Jane S. Hogan, $450,000. (3.00 acres)

Robert C. and Caron L. Entwistle, 17531 Merry Oaks Trail, to Hadden Connor Robbins, $420,000. (0.55 acres)

BURTON VILLAGE

Jasr LLC, Colony Lane, to Burton Insurance Agency Inc., $50,000. (4.00 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Judith L. Brickman and Nancy J. Painter, Chardon Road, to Jason Allen and Kristina Marie Goodner, $248,900. (2.00 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Timothy A. Dipadova, 11910 Caves Road, to Mark Joseph and Kayla Marise Nellenbach, $360,000. (1.50 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

William A. and Lorena L. Fisher, 16151 Nauvoo Road, to Freeman M. and Miriam R. Miller, $290,000. (5.00 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

Phillip III and Courtney Zannella, Morgan Road, to Jessica Gersin, $300,000. (21.00 acres)

Wilmington Savings Fund Society (trustee), 9280 Morgan Road, to Kurt Dahlhausen, $80,000. (2.00 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Madeline J. Bir (TOD), 11580 Fowlers Mill Road, to William A. Henslee, $300,000. (11.93 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Kimberly R. Blazek (trustee), 15882 Arbor Trail, to Shane Eversole, Angela Powell, and Susan K. and Glenn W. Frohring, $470,000. (3.72 acres)

Davet Investments LLC, Woodlawn Drive (s/l 97-99), to Angelique N. Mick, $105,000. (0.21 acres)

PETS & ANIMALS

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

4-year-old 52” gelding pony, started in cart. Green broke. $1,595. Middlefield, 440-313-1804.

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

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

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

Help Wanted