A steady humming sound didn’t lull anyone to sleep during the Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Oct. 8.
Rather, several residents asked if the village can do anything to moderate the low-frequency noise that comes from the KraftMaid Cabinetry facility on state Route 608 and interrupts the sleep of residents living nearby.
“It’s that low frequency. It permeates the walls. It’s a constant woo-woo-woo,” said Heather Baker, who lives on Kenwood Avenue near the industrial park where KraftMaid produces cabinets for parent company Masco Corporation.
Baker said she doesn’t hear the noise so much during the day, but at night, it is very noticeable and she has trouble sleeping even when she uses sound-canceling earphones.
Commission member Jim Lindberg, who also lives on Kenwood,
See Middlefield • Page 6
DDC Clinic Celebrates Opening Of Family Heart Center
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
The rarefied atmosphere of cardiogenetics took on some human faces during the DCC Clinic’s grand opening of its Family Heart Center Oct. 10 in Middlefield Township.
DCC Clinic hosted the event and the ribbon-cutting in a tent be-
City of Chardon
Crosswalk Concerns Top Agenda
hind its lower level, at 14567 Madison Road, welcoming individuals with histories of heart disease and experts in the cardiogenetics field.
Thursday was the first of a three-day program that started with the Cardiogenetics Scientific Summit in Beachwood, followed by the event at the Middlefield Township clinic where heart disease
among the Amish is studied.
Cardiomyopathy and other genetic disorders show up in a variety of cultures.
Lindsay Davis, Miss Ohio of 2011, spoke about her experiences dealing with her own hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition that has led her to advocate for
pages 18-19
page 20
B Amy@kArlovecmediA com
Although no serious incidents have yet occurred, parents and community members have grown increasingly concerned about the safety of students crossing streets
way to and from Park Elementary School.
Kevin Smith, a resident and parent of a Chardon third-grader who attends Park, asked Chardon City Council Oct. 10 to consider
Chardon • Page 4
Kurzinger Takes Plea Deal
stAff rePort
Former Geauga County De partment of Water Resources Net work Administrator Mike Kurzing er accepted a plea deal Oct. 9 in the Geauga County Court of Com mon Pleas.
Under the deal, Kurzinger plead ed guilty to a misdemeanor count of conflict of interest in a public con tract.
Last August, Kurzinger plead ed not guilty to three counts of hav ing an unlawful interest in a public contract, a fourth-degree felony, and three first-degree misdemean or counts of conflict of interest.
Last Wednesday, Judge David Ondrey sentenced Kurzinger to a year of monitored time and to pay
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 are not legal notices.
Geauga County: Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m., Board of County Commissioners; Oct. 21, Family First Council, Ste. B167-168; Oct. 22, 9:30 a.m., Board of County Commissioners; Oct. 23, 5 p.m., Public Health, Ste. 301. 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: Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.
Bainbridge Township: Oct. 17, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.
Burton Township: Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chardon City: Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.
Chester Township: Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Claridon Township: Oct. 21, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. 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: Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.
into custody unless he violated the terms of the agreement.
The case against Kurzinger arose after the FBI and local law enforcement executed a search warrant in May 2023 in Kurzinger’s office in the county administrative building on Ravenwood Drive, as well as in the home and office of Joe Camino, an outside information technology vendor for GCDWR.
In an indictment filed in July 2023, a grand jury found Kurzinger, on multiple occasions, “did solicit or accept anything of value that is of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence upon the public official or employee with respect to that person's duties” — a violation of state law.
The range of time during which Kurzinger allegedly received gifts ranges from May 1, 2008, to April 12, 2022, “in a continuing course of criminal conduct,” the indictment said.
Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said at the time an outside company, CSJ Technologies Inc., owned by Camino, was paid $423,771 for IT services between 2008 and 2022. According to Cleveland.com, Camino has not been charged with a crime.
mission, special meeting. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.
Newbury Township: Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless noted.
Parkman Township: Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: Oct. 17, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting; Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
South Russell Village: Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m., Park Committee, discussion of park master plan and controlled burn; Oct. 24, 7:30 a.m., Streets Committee, special meeting to discuss budget. All meetings are held at Vil-
lage Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Cardinal BOE: Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.
Chardon BOE: Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at Ira A. Canfield Building, 428 North St., Chardon, unless otherwise noted.
Kenston BOE: Oct. 21, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at Kenston High School Auburn Bainbridge Room, 9500 Bainbridge Road, Bainbridge, unless otherwise noted and will also be livestreamed.
West Geauga BOE: Oct. 22, 3 p.m., Finance Committee, in Professional Development Conference Room. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
karlovec group
8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Phone 440-729-7667
FAX 440-729-8240
ads@karlovecmedia.com
Phone 440-285-2013 FAX 440-285-2015
editor@karlovecmedia.com
Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher
John D. Karlovec, Editor
Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor
Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor
Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter
Amy Patterson, Staff Reporter
Allison Wilson, Staff Reporter
Clay Karlovec, Sales Representative
Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative
Regina Swinerton, Classifieds
Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design
Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor
Emma McGuire, Paginator
Submissions and Deadlines
• Editorial submissions are printed as space is available, at the publisher’s discretion, and may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. All submissions are due by Monday at noon for consideration for that Thursday’s edition.
• Email all editorial submissions and questions to editor@karlovecmedia.com.
• The space reservation deadline for paid advertisements in that Thursday’s Geauga County Maple Leaf is the preceding Friday by noon. Late ads may be accepted at the discretion of management.
• Email legal notices and questions to legalads@geaugamapleleaf.com.
• Email advertising requests and questions to ads@karlovecmedia.com.
Subscription Rates (valid through 12/31/24)
Weekly Issue (in Geauga County)
One year: $55 • Two years: $100 Senior Citizens one year: $50 Single copy: $1.25
Weekly Issue (outside Geauga County)
One year: $65 • Two years: $120 Weekly Issue (snowbird/seasonal address) One year: $65
Online Only (No Mailed Copy) $55 NewspaperandOnlineSubscriptions are Non-Refundable. YoucanviewtheRefundPolicybyvisiting: www.geaugamapleleaf.com/refund-policy/ orbyusingthe“More”menuonthewebsite.
•Geauga County Maple Leaf is a newspaper of general circulation published weekly. Contains general, legal, real estate, insurance and commercial news.
•Geauga County Maple Leaf (USPS 011-535) is published weekly by Geauga County Maple Leaf LLC. 8389 Mayfield Road, Ste. B5, Chesterland, Ohio 44026. Periodicals postage paid at Chardon, Ohio 44024. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH 44024-5166. Subscribers should notify the publisher in writing of address changes or unsatisfactory delivery.
•Under no circumstances will any record filed in the county be suppressed at any time for anybody, except by order of court.
•Attorneys placing legal advertisements are responsible for payment.
•The publisher is not responsible for errors in advertisements after first publication if not advised by the advertiser.
IV Fluid Shortage Impacts Local Hospitals
stAff rePort
The impact of Hurricane Helene can still be felt, even in Northeast Ohio, with University Hospitals, MetroHealth Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic releasing a joint statement regarding a nationwide IV fluid shortage last week.
The shortage hit after medical equipment manufacturer Baxter was forced to close its North Cove facility due to damage from Helene. As of Oct. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had added Dextrose 70% IV solution, Lactated Ringers IV Solution and Peritoneal Dialysis Solution to the drug shortages database.
Chardon
from page 1
allowing the private purchase and public installation of a set of safety flags for public use at crosswalks on the square.
The safety flags would be installed on either side of each crosswalk. Those wishing to cross could take a reflective flag from one side, use it to increase their visibility while in the crosswalk and then deposit it in the receptacle on the other end of the crosswalk, Smith explained.
“Students and parents alike — we run the risk of being injured every day while crossing the street to walk our families to and from the school, to the playgrounds, to the library and the small businesses around the square,”
“Health systems nationwide, including Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth and University Hospitals have been impacted by the current shortage of IV fluids, irrigation fluids and certain types of dialysis solutions. We have developed mitigation strategies to address the shortage and remain committed to providing care to all patients,” the local hospital systems said.
When reached for further comment, UH-Geauga Medical Center provided more details on how they’re combating the shortages.
“We developed mitigation strategies to address the shortage and remain committed to providing care to all patients,” UH Media
Smith said. “Vehicles are known to continue through these crosswalks regardless of waiting pedestrians or people who are already within the crosswalks. And, many of the vehicles that pass through are so big — utility trucks, pickup trucks — that visibility over the hoods of the vehicles is little to none, especially when it comes to school children.”
Smith said he has nearly been struck within the crosswalks and has witnessed other close calls that could have been worse with school children involved.
Smith said 100 residents had signed a list — not a petition, he clarified — indicating their willingness to donate toward the flag system.
Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus said there had not been any serious incidents around the square involving children.
The last pedestrian struck in the city was
Relations Manager Ansley Kelm said in an Oct. 11 email. “We are purchasing as much of the available impacted products as possible, along with contingency products that we expect to become unavailable as this shortage continues. Our supply chain teams are also leveraging relationships with other suppliers and healthcare facilities.”
Clinical leaders across UH’s health systems are prioritizing critical patient needs, exploring alternative sources of fluid and medication, and eliminating waste where possible to conserve resources, Kelm added.
A press release from Baxter Oct. 14 addressed the shortage, among other things.
“As a global supplier of IV fluids and peri-
the fatal incident involving a child on Park Street in 2016, he said.
However, council member Andy Blackley said the city’s safety committee should review Smith’s proposed system and Niehus agreed.
Blackley offered to arrange the next committee meeting to fit Smith’s schedule so he could present the flag system there.
Some members of council raised questions, including Heather Means, who said while the idea is solid, she did some research and has concerns about the specific flag system in question.
There are different thoughts about whether the system is effective, partly because drivers can sometimes be distracted by a pedestrian using the flag, she said.
“Some communities have had success, some haven't,” Means said. “The flags get stolen. That's the number one thing — the flags get stolen and that's reported by every single community. So … you have to keep replacing the flags, people take the flags. Sometimes, the flags all end up on one side because people are crossing.”
After the 2018 reconfiguration of Chardon Schools’ buildings, Park now houses grades one through three, rather than kindergarten through fifth grade. In the past, fifth-graders volunteered as crossing guards for younger students, including council member Deb Chuha, who said she served in the role when she was a student.
But, Blackely said he is concerned younger children, even third-graders, may not have the level of training to use the safety flags correctly.
“I certainly — I would not want my third-grader out there waving a flag around and depending upon the goodwill of somebody coming through there in a two-story F-250,” Blackley said, adding he was glad Smith brought up the topic.
Later in the meeting, Chardon resident Bill Hess voiced his objections to the looming construction of a new Meijer store on Water Street at the western entrance to the city.
toneal dialysis (PD) solutions, we have activated our global manufacturing network to help support patients and customers in the (United States). We are ramping up production at these sites and will use air and other methods of transportation to get products to the U.S. as quickly as we are able,” they wrote.
Per the release, the FDA has authorized temporary importation from five international Baxter facilities in Canada, China, Ireland and the United Kingdom. While conservation efforts remain essential, Baxter’s goal is to return to 90% to 100% allocation of certain IV solution product codes by the end of 2024.
“We have a Sheetz, Chardon Oil, Marathon, GetGo and BP a mile away — gas stations — that will be now six. And, we have Giant Eagle, Heinen's, Walmart, Marc's and Aldi grocery stores. We have five right now, (Meijer) would make six,” Hess said. “ I don't think we need another gas station and another grocery store in the city of Chardon.”
Hess said, however, he understood the owners could do what they want with the property within zoning laws.
“To deny somebody a reasonable use of property zoned for that purpose would put the city in some hot water,” Blackley said.
Law Director Ben Chojnacki said the city has limited power under the Ohio constitution to restrict the use of private property.
The city has limited authority and can only restrict or impinge upon how people use their private property if it will negatively affect the health, safety and welfare of the community, he said.
“Meijer and the property owner came to the city and followed the procedure and made a showing that they are not going to disrupt the health, safety and welfare of the community through their use of the property. Therefore, it's their right to do what they want,” Chojnacki said.
“I mean, if somebody else comes and wants to build another gas station and another supercenter, and then somebody else comes and wants to do it again, then somebody else wants to do it again,” Hess countered. “I mean — when does it stop?”
“It stops when people stop wanting to do that on their property,” Chojnacki replied.
Means added with the new housing developments going up, there are potentially hundreds of new people moving to the city in the next five years.
“These are local people who own the property who have sold it. We … don't get to tell people what to do with their own property,” Means said. “So, if it's not your thing, don't go there, but other people are going to be really excited that it's there.”
Middlefield Village Mayor Ben Garlich and council member Sam Morrow went headto-head at the village council meeting Oct. 10 debating the wisdom and financial impact of allowing a cannabis dispensary in the village.
“I’ve been approached by different entities. My feeling is we don’t want a dispensary in our village,” Garlich said, proposing council pass an ordinance put on the agenda as a first reading last Thursday.
It reads: “An ordinance amending codified ordinance Section 1153.11 to prohibit adult use cannabis dispensaries throughout the village and declaring an emergency.”
Morrow said he would like council to study the options before taking action.
Council enacted a moratorium several months ago on the matter, but that moratorium is due to expire by the end of the year. If action is not taken to ban dispensaries, it will open the door to the sale of marijuana products in the village.
The councilman argued that, based on the numbers published by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control, the village could see as much as $171,000 in revenue as a host community.
“Adult use recreational marijuana has a 5.75% state sales tax and a 10% excise tax with 36% of that 10% going back to the host communities where the sale has been made,”
DDC
from page 1
Lindsay’s Law.
“MYBVC3 is prevalent among the Amish. It runs in my father's family. My older brother has it,” she told the crowd Thursday evening. By undergoing genetic testing, individuals can find out if they have a congenital heart defect and avoid the danger of a heart attack, she said.
Clinic Director Eli Miller credited her for her work across the country.
“Lindsay’s Law (is) legislation protecting children from sudden cardiac arrest,” he said. “She has championed legislation requiring CPR training mandates in high schools in several states. She also works to represent patient interests for the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, while advocating policy change at state and federal levels.”
Davis lectures internationally and creates materials to help make complex medical information easier for patients to understand. She has edited and authored academic publications such as Open Heart BMJ and articles on heart health for USA Today and Sports Illustrated, Miller said.
Recently, she published, “Lindsay’s Big Heart,” a children’s book on HCM, working with a cardiologist and children’s psychologist. Also helping to cut the ribbon was the Mast family from Little Rock, Ark.
Maria Mast said in an interview her son, now 17, was diagnosed with a heart defect when he was just over 6 months old and had a heart transplant.
Mast lost a baby girl at age 2 months to a heart defect, so after her son was born, she contacted Dr. Heng Wang, now the DDC
Morrow said, adding $98.3 million was spent in Ohio in the first 60 days of recreational cannabis sales in the 124 licensed districts in the state.
Police Chief Joe Tucholski said his experience weighs against permitting a dispensary in Middlefield.
As a law enforcement officer in Ashtabula, he said he was connected to hundreds of individuals with drug problems.
“Most had marijuana as a gateway drug. If you have a store that sells dope, any Amish driver can get it and sell it to kids,” Tucholski said.
The law allows 12 cannabis plants per household, Morrow said, urging the moratorium be kept in place until Dec. 31 so council could discuss it further rather than pass the ordinance as an emergency measure at the November meeting.
“You can talk all day — it’s not a positive for the village,” Garlich said. “I’ve seen dispensaries in other areas. The element that comes in there is not a positive for your village. I appreciate your point — we will have that vetted over the next three months.”
Village Fiscal Officer Nick Giardina noted if there is an uptick in crime when a dispensary goes in, the village may have to hire another police officer at a cost of about $100,000 with wages and benefits.
There are no public sales of cannabis products from the Green Leaf Ohio medical marijuana processing plant and 75,000-squarefoot greenhouse on state Route 528.
clinic medical lab director, and surgery was recommended for her son.
“I didn’t expect him to make it,” she said.
Wang said the infant's heart transplant was made possible thanks to research by the organization.
“There is a real need for local patient care and education,” he said.
The Family Heart Center in the lower level of the clinic has equipment for diagnosing heart problems for entire families, as well as community space where mothers and grandmothers who have children with heart disease can gather to receive information and support each other, said Joan Leach Brace, who has been involved with diagnosing and treating heart issues since 1998.
“Dr. Holmes Morton was treating a different but similar disease (GM35 Syntheses deficiency). We took four families to him. He told us we’d have to work with physicians and to start a clinic closer to home,” she recalled.
She and her husband, Scott Brace, president of the DDC Clinic Board of Directors, helped open a clinic in Geauga County that has a growing Amish population.
Brace said the clinic works closely with the Geauga Birthing Center in Middlefield, collecting umbilical cord blood in search of genetic heart disease in newborns.
“We have identified many rare conditions,” he said, noting the study screens adults and children and has identified about 250 diseases. “Cleveland Clinic and (University Hospitals) are partnering with us.”
Wang said people are drawn to be tested out of concern for genetic disorders leading to heart problems, but the clinic’s atmosphere and the new center are especially welcoming.
“The Family Heart Center provides affordable and accessible services,” he said.
General Election Tax Levies
5 City of Chardon (4 PCTs) as of 9/5/2024- Tax Levy - 7 mills -Renewal and increase of 1.5 mills equaling 8.5 mills - Fire collecting $1,434,000 annually - amounting to $213 for each $100,000 - 3 years -commencing in 2024, first due 2025
7 Village of Burton (1 PCT) - Tax Levy - 2.25 mills -Renewal -Fire and EMS collecting $71,000 annually - amounting to $57 for each $100,000 - 4 years -commencing in 2024, first due 2025
10 Village of Middlefield (2 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2 mills -Renewal -Police collecting $199,000 annually - amounting to $51 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
11 South Russell Village (4 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2.75 mills -Renewal -Police collecting $425,000 annually - amounting to $51 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
12 Auburn Township (5 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 0.65 mill -Additional - Streets, Roads, and Bridges collecting $262,000 annually - amounting to $23 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2024, first due 2025
13 Bainbridge Township (9 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2 mills -Renewal - Streets, Roads, and Bridges collecting $1,079,000 annually - amounting to $38 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
14 Bainbridge Township (9 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2.75 mills -Additional - Fire and EMS collecting $2,262,000 annually - amounting to $96 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2024, first due 2025
15 Burton Township (3 PCTS) as of 9/5/2024- Tax Levy - 1.25 mills -Renewal - Fire and EMS collecting $112,000 annually - amounting to $24 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
16 Chardon Township (4 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 1.25 mills -Renewal - Fire and EMS collecting $233,000 annually - amounting to $36 for each $100,000 - 3 years -commencing in 2024, first due 2025
17 Chester Township (9 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 1.5 mills -Renewal - Streets, Roads, and Bridges collecting $306,000 annually - amounting to $15 for each $100,000 - CPT -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
18 Chester Township (9 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2.5 mills -Renewal - Streets, Roads, and Bridges collecting $937,000 annually - amounting to $57 for each $100,000 - CPT -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
19 Chester Township (9 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 0.5 mill -Renewal - Police collecting $118,000 annually - amounting to $6 for each $100,000 - CPT -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
20 Chester Township (9 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2.5 mills -Renewal - Police collecting $345,000 annually - amounting to $16 for each $100,000 - CPT -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
21 Hambden Township (4 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 0.25 mill -Renewal - Parks and Recreational Purposes collecting $32,000 annually - amounting to $5 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
24 Huntsburg Township (2 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 1.5 mills -Renewal - Streets, Roads and Bridges collecting $97,000 annually - amounting to $27 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2024 first due 2025
25 Montville Township (2 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2.4 mills -Renewal - Fire and EMS collecting $100,000 annually - amounting to $37 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
26 Munson Township (6 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 0.65 mill - Renewal - Fire and EMS collecting $112,000 annually - amounting to $9 for each $100,000 - CPT -commencing in 2024 first due 2025
27 Munson Township (6 PCTS) as of 9/5/2024- Tax Levy - 1.75 mills - Renewal - Fire and EMS collecting $425,000 annually - amounting to $34 for each $100,000 - CPT -commencing in 2025 first due 2026
29 Thompson Township (2 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 1.75 mills -Renewal - Fire and EMS collecting $102,000 annually - amounting to $41 for each $100,000 - 4 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
30 Troy Township (2 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 4.5 mills -Renewal - Fire and EMS collecting $238,000 annually - amounting to $76 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2025, first due 2026
SCHOOLS
2 Berkshire Local School District (13 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 2.5 mills -Renewal - improving school sites collecting $439,000 annually - amounting to $22 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2024, first due 2025
3 Kenston Local School District (15 PCTS) - Tax Levy - 1 mill -Additional - general permanent improvements collecting $1,196,000 annually - amounting to $35 for each $100,000 - 5 years -commencing in 2024, first due 2025
Stoddard Talks State of the Schools, Future Goals
By BriAn love editor@kArlovecmediA com
The name of the game was “progress” for Berkshire Schools as Superintendent John Stoddard rolled out the district's achievements during his “State of the School” address Oct. 14.
During the Berkshire Schools Board of Education meeting in the high school auditorium at 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Stoddard began his presentation by celebrating all the district achieved during the 2023-2024 school year.
Specifically, he highlighted student achievement, a financial overview of the district, enrollment trends, programs and initiatives, and missions and future goals.
Under student achievement, the district achieved a four- out of five-star rating on its state report card, compared to its 3.5 rating from the previous year, Stoddard said, adding the district also saw improvements in the “progress” and “graduation rate” categories compared to the previous year.
Stoddard also pointed out the district’s “performance index” trends, from “advanced plus” to “limited.” This year’s score, which measures student’s academic achievement using each level of performance of Ohio’s state tests, was 85.9.
“The performance index accounts for the performance of every student,” Stoddard said. “Not just whether they scored ‘proficient,’ but from everyone who takes a test. Each test is assigned an achievement level. Based on the test scores, the higher the test score, the higher the achievement level.”
The index showed that, since 2020, the performance of students has increased from 67.1% to 85.9%.
“We have increasing achievement levels each year,” Stoddard said. “That’s always been our goal — to increase.”
Stoddard said he hopes to see a continual decrease in the “limited” scores and more students advance and score higher.
“We want to climb as high as we can climb,” Stoddard said. “But, we are apt to celebrate the accomplishments that we have achieved and the fact that, each year, we are increasing that progress a little at a time.”
Financial Snapshot
The district’s financial overview compared estimated numbers from May to the year-end actual numbers, showing the district’s beginning balance at $4,416,373.
Revenue went up slightly compared to
ing to Stoddard’s presentation.
Costs decreased, totaling $21,628,298. Annual surplus totaled $354,238. The total cash balance remaining for the district following the end of the year is $4,062,135, according to the presentation.
“The district financial overview was $87,199 less than anticipated because the carryovers were larger than expected,” Stoddard said. “There is a reason we get the Auditor of State Award every year. It’s because Beth (McCaffery), our treasurer, is in the top tier of all treasurers in the state of Ohio. She does a great job with this type of financial forecasting. What we do is sit down and find ways to reduce deficit spending as much as we can every year, whether that be cutting back on supplies or whatever we have to do to get there.”
Meanwhile, enrollment numbers have remained consistent with previous years, totaling 1,378 for the 2024-2025 school year. The district saw enrollment trends circling 1,329, 1,359, 1,397 and 1,362 for the previous four school years.
“When looking at our open enrollment numbers, we’ve been accepting fewer students over the last several years,” Stoddard said. “This year, the number has increased to 213. The reason being is, once we’re at capacity, we are going to accept fewer. Our enrollment is strong and we are the only district in the county with a positive trend line.”
Middlefield
from page 1
said he understands the noise measures 75 decibels, which is very high.
“We need to take a closer look,” he said
He recommended the village ask KraftMaid to study the problem and report their findings and possible solutions.
“Have them review what the source of that low frequency hum is,” he said, adding members of his household are disturbed by the hum and have trouble sleeping at night.
Village Mayor Ben Garlich, who also sits on the commission, said any decibel measurement needs to be taken between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. when traffic doesn’t interfere.
The commission debated if the issue can be addressed through the zoning code.
Future Planning
Highlighting the clubs and initiatives the district has undergone, Stoddard talked about the Berkshire Early Childhood Center, which currently houses 32 students and consists of various programs, starting with “Cubs,” which focuses on the students who are “at the most risk.”
Those students will be served in-house, he said, adding the second program, “Explorers,” sees a mixture of students with special needs and regular education, where peers will serve as role models for those with special needs.
The final one, “Buddies,” is a regular preschool program, Stoddard said.
The center offers students additional programming, including “The Creative Curriculum for Preschool,” which aims to prepare students for success in school and life.
Additional programming is using “Footsteps 2 Brilliance,” which is a preschoolthrough-third-grade literacy course that utilizes mobile technology for academic success, the superintendent said.
To house these programs, Berkshire will soon begin construction on completing a pre-K building, which is scheduled to finish by early December.
“Our plan is to move the programs there during the Christmas break,” Stoddard said. “Eight classrooms, a reception area and two
“I have reservations if it should remain there. Is this really a zoning matter, or maybe a nuisance?” asked commission member Dave Dietrich.
The village zoning inspector is a part-time employee and adding investigation of noise violations to his workload is impractical, Dietrich said, adding enforcement through the zoning code would be a “slow go, from a legal perspective.”
Village Solicitor Luke McConville said if the hum was classified as a criminal nuisance, the legal system might be more accommodating.
“It might give you an entree into municipal court,” he said.
Dietrich said using the zoning code to control noise has other drawbacks.
“There is zero case law from the zoning perspective in this county. I think it’s a
Berkshire Elementary School was also recently honored with the PBIS Gold School from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, which recognizes tier systems of support, family and community engagement and a positive school climate, Stoddard said.
Berkshire Middle School and Berkshire High School also garnered the Ohio PBIS Bronze Award, he said.
When touching on stakeholder engagement, Stoddard referenced the district’s 2024-2027 strategic plan.
“We just finished it,” Stoddard said. “We want to give a big thank you to the people involved in the planning process. We had over 35 committee members, consisting of teachers, administrators, parents, community members, representatives from all five townships.”
With this new plan, Stoddard hopes for the district to honor its core values of “Character and Integrity,” “Community Relationships,” “Career Readiness,” “Trust,” “Excellence,” “Respect” and “Accountability.”
“These are the guiding principles that shape our behavior, decisions, actions,” Stoddard said. “They serve as a compass to help us determine right and wrong. Guiding us how to interact with others.”
nuisance-related matter under law enforcement,” he said, adding village legislation would need some teeth in order for a noise resolution to be enforced.
Speaking from the audience, village council member Sam Morrow said he understands the hum comes from the Cefla finishing machine that runs when the finish is being applied to the cabinets.
Baker said the noise significantly increased in January.
“Sometimes, I wake up and think there is a helicopter hovering over my house,” she said.
Garlich said efforts are being made to solve the problem.
“It’s taking longer than anyone wants,” he said.
A call to KraftMaid last week requesting more information was not returned.
Kenston Asks Voters to Support Reworked PI Levy
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
Voters in Auburn and Bainbridge townships can expect to once again see a permanent improvement levy for Kenston Schools on their ballot come Nov. 5.
The 5-year, 1-mill levy would cost homeowners $35 per year per $100,000 property valuation and collect $1,196,000 annually, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.
A similar five-year, 1.35-mill permanent improvement levy failed last November, with a vote of 4,683 against and 4,410 in favor.
“I think really the county reappraisal had more to do with it than anything else, just the fear that went along with how much they thought the reappraisal was gonna go up and influence taxes,” Superintendent Bruce Willingham said of the failure.
Homeowners were afraid they wouldn’t be able to calculate how much the levy would actually cost them, he said.
Treasurer Seth Cales agreed.
“I think I fielded 76 calls last November for the PI levy and that was the number one question, is ‘How is this going to impact me exactly,’” he recalled.
As Kenston had never had a PI levy on the ballot before, Cales also believes an unfamiliarity with what it entailed played a role.
“There was a lot of uncertainty — well what can you use it for? Where do those funds go towards? So, I think there was an educational aspect … you still get those questions, but, largely, (people) are much more comfortable,” he said.
The word “permanent” in “permanent improvement” refers to the capital improvements that can be made with the levy dollars, Willingham said.
It can be used for anything with a lifespan longer than five years and costing more than roughly $5,000, and cannot be used for salaries, wages and benefits.
“Its main focus is on capital improvement, upgrades, routine maintenance, safety, things like that,” he said. “In our district, we have a campus, so maintaining our campus roads are like a small city. So, there’s a lot of asphalt work that has to be done, that’s a yearly type of thing to maintain.”
Other maintenance items include HVAC systems, roofing and windows. The money can also be put toward aging equipment on campus, such as floor machine washers, bus lifts, ovens and playground equipment. In terms of safety, the district is looking to implement ZeroEyes, an AI software able to detect guns.
In the past, around $575,000 per year has been transferred from the general fund to be used for permanent improvement purchases, Willingham said. With inflation, that number is now around $1.2 million, causing the need for the levy.
The ask is based on the need, Cales said.
“It is a very small levy overall in comparison to historical asks,” he said, noting the district had tried to go smaller while still being able to meet its needs. The five-year term allows it to act as a test run, showing the district’s transparency and accountability.
The millage and amount is based on how much the district has spent on PI on average, Willingham said.
“Our goal is to really push an operating levy or any other money ask as far away as we possibly can. There’s districts in our area that are asking for very large millage increases. We are not doing that, we are trying to be as fiscally responsible as we can,” he said.
Willingham used a car’s upkeep as an analogy. The district isn’t trying to buy a new car, they’re trying to maintain the one they own, he said.
A five-year facility plan is currently in the works, Willingham said, adding he has been working with Cales alongside the district’s maintenance supervisor, bus supervisor, food service and technology departments.
Safety and security are the first priority being looked at right now.
Geauga Senior Trash Pickup Days
“We’ve had unfortunate school shootings already this school year across the country, so that’s something that we’re actively focusing on,” Willingham said.
The superintendent also listed outdated equipment in the buildings as a safety issue, including old playground equipment. Recently, the school endured an unexpected $40,000 cost at Timmons Elementary School due to a compressor. Aforementioned old machinery such as floor scrub bers are also a consideration.
“With the age of our buildings, it’s hard for me to say specifically what I’ll do at this point because those other supervisors are in the process of putting those lists to gether so we can prioritize them, but those are some of the things that have already come up,” he said.
Willingham expects transparency from the district when it comes to PI costs.
“In my previous district, I never really had any issues regarding permanent im provements because of the transparency with which it was communicated,” he said. “So, that’s my goal for Kenston as well. I’ll share what our prioritizations are for the year, what the cost is for those, where they fit within the budget of our PI, and once those are accom-
plished, we then share that out.”
It would be a process the community can expect to see and hear every year, he said. Should the levy fail, the district’s backlog of projects would still need to be addressed, Willingham said. The money would just have to come from the general fund.
“That’s gonna make us take a really hard look at district finances,” he said, noting the district is still in the process of its rightsizing plan.
“There may be some drastic cuts and changes if this doesn’t pass because we won’t have an option at that point,” he said.
Projects like roofing, HVAC, food service and bus maintenance are not optional, he said.
“When you take money out of the five-year forecast, quickly we’re gonna have to come back to the community and say, ‘Okay, now we need an operating levy,’ which does focus on positions and salaries and benefits and all those things, where that’s not our ask right now,” he said.
Further information about the levy is available on Kenston’s website, kenstonlocal. org. These include an FAQ, a link to submit questions, and a link to a map that shows the estimated monthly cost for each property.
The 2024 Geauga County Senior Trash Pickup Days concluded on Oct.
senior households having unwanted items removed from their garages and yards. Josh Burton, special project coordinator for the Geauga County Department on Aging, headed up the senior trash pickups. A big thank you to all the road crews, volunteers and GDA employees who helped make this past year a success.
Willingham
Two Candidates Vie for Common Pleas Judge Seat
Two candidates are vying for an open Geauga County Court of Common Pleas judge seat in the Nov. 5 general election.
Matthew Rambo is running against Mary Jane Trapp for the seat, which commences Jan. 1, 2025.
The Geauga County Maple Leaf sent election questionnaires to both candidates. Below are their responses.
Legal/Judicial Background
Employment since graduation from law school, including dates employed, your position and the nature of the practice or activity:
Rambo: January 2006-May 2006; Staff Attorney, Court of Claims of Ohio; May 2006-March 2013; Magistrate, Court of Claims of Ohio; June 2013-September 2013; Reviewer, Major Legal Services; September 2013-June 2018; Staff Attorney, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court; June 2018-September 2019; Associate, Collins & Scanlon LLC; September 2019-July 2022; Associate, Freeburg & Freeburg LLC; July 2022-Present; Partner/Member, Freeburg & Rambo LLC.
Trapp: Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge, 2/10/19 to present & 2/9/07 -2/8/13; Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan, Of Counsel, 2013-2014 & Principal, 2015-2019-Appellate and trial advocacy in all areas of complex civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts & mediation; Apicella & Trapp, Managing Partner, 1986-2007-General Civil and Criminal Trial and Appellate Practice with an emphasis on complex tort, small business, child custody, and probate litigation; Stein, Trapp, & Associates, Cleveland Ohio, Partner, 1981-1986-General Civil and Criminal Trial and Appellate Practice.
Membership in civic, community (church, school, alumni), professional (state and federal bars and administrative bodies) organizations:
Rambo: Geauga County Bar Association, member; Ohio State Bar Association, member; The Ohio State University Alumni Association, life member; Burton Middlefield
Eleventh Appellate District
Education:
A.B., cum laude, Mount Holoyoke College; J.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Nondegree advanced education: Dwight D. Opperman Institute of Judicial Administration, NYU School of Law, Advance Appellate Judge Training; National Center for State Courts, Judicial Leadership Academy
Campaign Website: https://www.maryjanetrapp.com
Rotary, member; Youth Protection Officer; Red Tulip Project of Geauga, board member; Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Chagrin Falls Aerie 2436, member; Ducks Unlimited, volunteer committee member; Whitetails Unlimited, volunteer committee member
Trapp: Past president, Ohio State Bar Association; past president, William K. Thomas American Inn of Court; officer, Geauga County Bar Association; co-chair, Ohio Jury Instructions Editorial Board; Service on nine Supreme Court of Ohio commissions, committees and task forces; Ohio Judicial Conference & Council of Chief Judges State Courts of Appeal, Executive Committee; fellow, Litigation Counsel of America; past board member, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland; Geauga County Agricultural Society; past president, Columbus School for Girls Alumnae Association; St. Anselm/St. Francis parishes.
Endorsements (provide links to the endorsement where possible):
Rambo: Geauga County Republican Party; Buckeye Firearms Association.
Trapp: Plumbers Local 55 COPE; American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Power in Action; United Auto Workers Northeast Ohio CAP Council; Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council.
Age: 45
Current Occupation/Employer: Attorney - Freeburg & Rambo LLC
Education: The Ohio State University - B.S., Electrical Engineering (2002), J.D. (2005)
Campaign Website: https://www.ramboforgeauga.com/
the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas as the pinnacle of my legal career, one that will provide me the opportunity to serve the legal community and Geauga County as a whole.
Trapp: With the impending retirement of Judge (David) Ondrey, I was asked by community leaders to come home to Geauga County to serve as a trial judge rather than an appellate court judge.
These leaders want a judge with extensive experience as both a judge and a litigator who has civil and criminal jury trial experience. They want a judge with a proven track record of legal scholarship, fairness and impartiality, and administrative efficiency. I am driven by a commitment to ensure the safety of our families, expedite the resolution of legal matters, and safeguard a fair and impartial judicial system.
Have you previously run for a seat on a court in Geauga County, or one that serves Geauga County? Please include the year, the seat and the outcome of the election.
Rambo: 2018 - Geauga County Common Pleas Court, General Division, general election - unsuccessful
Current/past bar association ratings, including organization name & year (provide links where possible):
Trapp: While Ohio does not have midterm evaluations of its judges, I was the only 2010 Supreme Court of Ohio candidate to receive a perfect, 4.0 rating from the non-partisan Judicial Candidates Rating Coalition — “Judge4Yourself.com.”
In 2012 and 2018, I received “Highly Recommended” ratings from all bar associations in the Eleventh Appellate District that conduct ratings, some by historically high margins — 2012 Geauga County Bar 95% favorable and 2018, 95% favorable, 2012 Lake County Bar, 97.6% Highly Recommended. List your judicial experience (courts & years):
Rambo: Court of Claims of Ohio, magistrate: May 2006 - March 2013.
Trapp: Eleventh District Court of Appeals judge, term commencing Feb. 10, 2019, and ending Feb. 9, 2025; presiding and administrative judge, 2021-2022; Eleventh District Court of Appeals judge, term commencing Feb. 9, 2007, and ending Feb. 8, 2013; administrative judge, 2008-2009; presiding and administrative judge, 2009-2011.
I have also served as a visiting judge on the Supreme Court of Ohio and on the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth appellate districts by assignment of the chief justice.
Q & A
Why are you running for a seat on the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas?
Rambo: I am seeking to be a judge out of a strong desire to serve the community that I love and in which I have chosen to raise my family and to do my part to ensure that it remains such as my children grow.
My experience as a magistrate, working in the court of common pleas and practicing as a private attorney will allow me to smoothly transition to the common pleas bench. I view the opportunity to serve as a judge on
2020 - Geauga County Common Pleas Court, Probate & Juvenile Division, Republican primary - unsuccessful
Trapp: Eleventh District Court of Appeals, 2004-not elected; Eleventh District Court of Appeals, 2006-elected; Supreme Court of Ohio, associate justice, 2010-not elected; Eleventh District Court of Appeals, 2012-not elected; Eleventh District Court of Appeals, 2018-elected.
What specific, non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Rambo: While in law school and until 2013, I worked in the Court of Claims of Ohio as a staff attorney and magistrate and worked closely with many different judges to resolve cases. I served as a staff attorney to two judges of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court from 2013-2018.
That experience provided me in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the common pleas court, as well as the responsibilities and requirements of being a judge. Since 2018, I have been in private practice as an attorney and appeared in a wide variety of courts and jurisdictions throughout the State of Ohio.
Trapp: I have over 30 years’ experience as trial and appellate advocate focused on complex civil, criminal and domestic relations litigation, including service as a guardian ad litem for children in the parents’ divorces.
I have tried over 45 major jury trials and well over 150 bench trials and numerous arbitrations and over 60 district and Ohio Supreme Court appeals. I have practiced before state and federal administrative agencies and local boards of zoning appeals. I have served as a mediator and arbitrator, and I am a published author and judicial educator.
If applicable, state the approximate number of trials, appeals or contested hearings over which you have presided as a judicial officer — including as a magistrate — during each of the past five years.
Trapp: Over 1,000 appeals, one original action two-week trial and over 500 opinions.
Candidates
If applicable, describe any experience serving as an arbitrator or mediator.
Rambo: I have participated in the Geauga Bar Association's Settlement Day as a mediator for the past three years.
Trapp: I served as a private and court-appointed mediator and arbitrator for over 30 years. The cases spanned a wide variety of matters from consumer, business contract and employment disputes, construction litigation, complex tort claims, insurance coverage disputes, and probate and real estate matters with claim size ranging from $25,000 or less to more than $14 million. I had a mediation settlement rate of over 90%.
Briefly describe your philosophy of the judicial role, the qualities that are most important for the role and the greatest challenges to the role.
Rambo: I would describe my judicial philosophy as one of restrained independence. Judges must be free from political and other outside pressure in making their decisions.
However, every judge comes to the bench with their own worldly experience that influences their rulings. Judges should be restrained to interpreting the law as written, informed by the principals of judicial restraint and respect for the separation of powers of government.
Judges should not make law. Too often, courts are results-oriented and use flawed reasoning or interpretations in order to make a law fit into the result that it thinks are fair or just. That is not a judge’s duty.
Rather, a judge’s duty is to act upon the law as written, not as they think it should be. Judges are required to be objective in interpreting laws as written by the legislature, regardless of outcome. While judges can and often do provide an important check on power by striking down laws that unconstitutionally violate an individual’s rights, constitutionally valid laws should be applied as written.
Trapp: People want a fair, open and balanced justice system in which to resolve disputes and protect their rights. The public wants judges who will follow the law and the constitution; impartial judges, not legislators in black robes, and my record demonstrates my commitment to those ideals.
Without fear or favor, I approach each case with an open mind dedicated to making the right decision rather than a decision predetermined by a personal or political agenda.
My family taught me the value of hard work, dedication to your life’s calling and perseverance. My teachers taught me the value
* The Geauga County Bar Association conducted a poll of its membership regarding contested and uncontested candidates for the upcoming Nov. 5, 2024, General Election. A total of 68 ballots were received, which represents 49% of the Geauga County Bar Association. Candidates were asked to complete a candidate questionnaire. The GCBA believes the information requested would help members give the public thoughtful and accurate ratings of candidates. Candidate questionnaire responses are available from the GCBA upon request. Scores are based on a weighted vote tally: 80-100% - Highly Recommended; 60-79% - Recommended; 40-59% - Minimally Qualified; 20-39% - No Opinion; and 0-20% - Not Recommended
of critical and independent thought and to recognize that we are citizens of a greater whole with an obligation to improve it with our words, our acts and our deeds, and to embrace learning as a life-long endeavor with real value.
My church taught me the importance of faith, justice and charity, and the most influential people in my life taught me that my reach should always exceed my grasp. I challenge myself each day to grow intellectually and always remember the tremendous impact judges have on people’s lives.
Assuring equal access to the judicial system is one of the greatest challenge.
Have you ever been the subject of a formal disciplinary proceeding as an attorney or judge? If so, please give the particulars and the result. Include formal proceedings only.
Rambo: In 2020, during the Republican Primary for judge of the Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court, a grievance was filed against me and my campaign regarding statements made in campaign literature.
A hearing was held and shortly thereafter, the panel that heard the matter issued a decision finding that the grievance was frivolous in nature and filed "solely for the purpose of obtaining an advantage for a judicial candidate."
But, I am most proud of my work during the foreclosure crisis. I successfully encouraged the establishment of pro bono foreclosure mediation in all five counties I serve, which brought homeowners and lenders to the table to save homes or resolve a mortgage in default.
What do you consider your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
Rambo: I have experience sitting on the bench as a magistrate, working for judges and practicing in front of courts of various jurisdictions. I have seen the judicial and legal process from all angles and I believe this gives me valuable insight into the workings of a court and the practical considerations of the practice of law.
I am even-tempered, thoughtful and considerate. I have a strong sense of fairness and will strive to see justice done in every case.
Trapp: My deep and strong roots in the study and practice of law on both sides of the bench. My career has given me invaluable years of experience as a judge scrutinizing decisions of trial courts, coupled with a rich tapestry of life experiences and a robust background as a litigator.
This, combined with my unwavering passion for the law and legal reform and an unequaled work ethic are my strengths.
The grievance was dismissed and the complaining party was ordered to pay costs.
See Kimberly Laurie v. Matthew Charles Rambo, Case No. 2020-006.
Trapp: No.
Briefly describe a case or a legal issue on which you worked, of which you are particularly proud, or which is reflective of your legal ability, work ethic, judicial philosophy or temperament.
Rambo: In the past three years, I have taken on three separate cases of consumers being preyed upon by an unscrupulous HVAC contractor. Two of these cases involved clients that were most likely considered "easy prey" because of their socio-economic status.
I was successful in reaching positive resolutions for all three clients and am proud that I was able to help these particular clients stand up against such predatory behavior.
Trapp: For its scholarship, I am proud of my opinion in Greene v. Cuyahoga County that upheld the constitutionality of the new form of government in Cuyahoga County.
As for weaknesses, I find it hard to turn off and relax. I took up batch cooking during COVID as a way to step away from my work, eat healthy meals and explore my more joyful and creative side.
State any other information you regard as pertinent to your candidacy.
Rambo: Justice Kavanaugh stated “a good judge must be an umpire — a neutral and impartial arbiter who favors no political party, litigant or policy.” Crediting Justice Kennedy, he explained that “judges do not make decisions to reach a preferred result. Judges make decisions because the law and the constitution compel the result.”
He concluded that an “independent judiciary is the crown jewel in our constitutional republic” and that “an independent and impartial judiciary is essential to our constitutional republic.” I could not agree more.
Trapp: When partisan labels take precedence over substance, overshadowing a candidate's experience and character, we risk transforming judges — intended as guardians of our constitutions and the rule of law — into mere politicians donning black robes.
SOURCE: GEAUGA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP POLL
SND Celebrates 150 Years of Ministry in America
By rose nemunAitis editor@kArlovecmediA com
The Sisters of Notre Dame have a long and rich history of bringing goodness to the world.
Their ministry began in 1850 in Germa ny with two teachers, Hilligonde Wolbring and Elisabeth Kühling, who cared for poor and neglected children whose families were unable to provide for them, said Carrie Hig ginbotham, SND USA’s director of mission advancement.
The growing congregation of SND was committed to education, caring for women and children, and carrying on God’s love, she said.
Forced to flee religious persecution in Prussia, a small group of sisters arrived in Cleveland in 1874, establishing their first min istry at St. Peter Parish, Higginbotham said.
After 85 years, SND moved in 1960 to 13000 Auburn Road, marking this year’s SND’s 150th anniversary celebration — where they continue to serve in ministries of education and spiritual growth.
Chardon is home to their tranquil and rolling campus, where promises made to serve God bloom at the SND National Pro vincial Center, also the home of Notre Dame Elementary, Middle and Cathedral Latin schools.
By 1924, more than 650 sisters were serving in numerous locations in Ohio and Kentucky, with a reputation for providing an exceptional Catholic education, Higginbotham said. Also in 1924, some SNDs were sent to Los Angeles, Calif., to begin ministering on the west coast.
Over the decades, from each location, the sisters extended their education, healthcare and faith formation ministries throughout the USA and to new international missions, she said. Today, there are more than 1,600 sisters serving in 17 countries across the globe.
For their 150th anniversary in Chardon, the SND celebrated with each other and connected via Zoom with others in various countries, engaging in activities related to the founding of their congregation in Germany, including games, contests, special food, sharing fond memories and a history program.
They gathered in the cemetery placing carnations on each grave and visited St. Peter and St. Stephen Churches, where they first ministered after arriving in the New World.
The Chardon region is one of four regions that make up SND USA and comprises their main campus on their Munson Township property and other smaller affiliated campuses with 215 sisters ranging in age from 30 to 96.
A group of sisters recently reflected on when they were called to serve God and their love for their Geauga County home.
Sister Regina Alfonso – 1946
“I think the knowledge of that calling came to me gradually when I was in high school at Notre Dame Academy,” Alfonso said.
She appreciates the beauty and peacefulness of the natural surroundings in Geauga.
“What I love best about my ‘retirement’ years is the chance to spend as much time crocheting stuffed animals for refugee children and other needy children,” she said.
Sister Virginia Turner – 1952
“During my junior year in high school, I discerned that God was inviting me to become a Sister of Notre Dame,” Turner said.
After teaching elementary school for about 60 years in Cleveland and its suburbs, Washington, D.C., and Florida, Turner spent
See Ministry • Page 11
Sisters raking straw off the new grass on a lake built on Bean Road
Sisters serving at an annual chicken barbecue
Ministry from page 10
five years in Rome, Italy, working in their Motherhouse on various computer tasks.
“In 2003, I came to Notre Dame in beautiful Geauga County,” she said, adding for the last 20 years, she’s been involved in various ministries in their schools on this “beautiful property.”
“I love the setting of our home — the rolling hills, the streams, the wildflowers, the many kinds of trees, the woods and the trails,” she said. “Most of all, I love interacting with some of the more than 1,100 students from preschool to 12th grade that come to our campus every day. All these blessings make me grateful every day for my life as a Sister of Notre Dame here in beautiful Geauga County.”
Sister Jean Hoelke – 1953
Hoelke’s calling to become a SND became clear toward the end of her senior year in high school.
She said Geauga County is fascinating in its vibrant growth and has experienced it on many levels — education, economic, religious, cultural and political.
“I recall that CTS (Cleveland Transit System) could not provide busing to the (Notre Dame) Elementary School students in some areas due to unpaved roads,” she said. “Soon after, Ohio legislation provided transportation for those who lived a designated driving distance from the school.”
Sister Nancy MacDermott – 1955
“As a senior at Notre Dame Academy on Ansel Road, I knew I wanted whatever the sisters I knew had,” MacDermott said. “There was simply something good about them.” She loves the “wild areas” in Geauga County.
Sister Louray Noll – late 50s
Noll taught school for a couple of years, then became a nurse, working mostly for her community. During the summers, she recalled enjoying gardening vegetables and flowers for the sisters to enjoy.
“Many things have changed over all of these years as we grow in service and work with today’s world,” she said. “I am grateful for the gift of service and caring for our sisters. We grow and journey together.”
Sister Mary Lisa Novak - 1958
“As far back as I can recall, I always liked belonging to, being part of a group like the Brownies, Girl Scouts, 4-H,” Novak said. “I had many and varied experiences with my new friends, had fun with them and learned to be about doing good for others with them.”
In the eighth-grade, Novak was asked if she ever thought of being a nun. That led her to a new group of friends in high school sharing some inclination toward religious life.
In her senior year, she started the formal process to become a SND.
“I realized just how special it is to be a SND here in Geauga County when I was a member of the Leadership Geauga Class of 2013,” she said. “What a diverse and memorable group of women and men. They were all part of the population and workforce that make Geauga County ‘click.’ I couldn’t get over the variety of occupations that were absolutely needed to make Geauga County a place you could call ‘the neighborhood.’”
As an educator, Novak finds it thrilling to run into former students who remember her and reminisce about fond memories.
“One couldn’t believe I was still alive,” she said. “Not only have these students grown up into fine women and men, but they witness to me that by the grace of God that our SND mission is being effectively lived.”
Sister Helen Burdenski – 1960
“When I was about 8 or nine 9 old, I knew that God was calling me to religious life, but I didn’t encounter the SNDs until I attended St. Stephen’s High School on the West Side of Cleveland,” Burdenski said, of the school that closed in 1971. “I was attracted to the sisters’ spirit of joyfulness, their interest and concern for each and every student, as well as their rich spirituality.”
By serving on the faculty of Notre Dame College for 38 years, she said she is blessed to know more than one generation of many different families.
“In retiring after 49 years of full-time ministry as an educator at the high school and college levels, and 12 years of volunteering with Hospice of the Western Reserve, it is really special to be enjoying life in Geauga County with the same wonderful SNDs that I started out with when we were young.”
Sister Mary Barbara Knuff - 1961
“Being a SND is special in itself. But, being a sister in Geauga County is receiving the privilege of being in a ‘thin place,’” Knuff said, referring to the spiritual atmosphere of a location that makes it easy to connect with God as though there is no barrier between heaven and earth. “And, I am in that ‘thin place’ every single day in Geauga County.”
Sister Mary Antonee Pfenning - 1963
Pfenning returned to St. Stephen High School, the day after graduation, and one sister she was very close to gifted her a holy card saying, “Love God and do as you will.”
“That was the inspiration I needed to clarify my mind that I wanted to enter the convent and become a sister of Notre Dame,” she said.
She loves the county’s weather, their
beautiful tree-filled property and the students at NDA, NDCL and SN schools where she ministered most of her religious life.
Sister Julia Surtz - 1963
Surtz had the idea that she wanted to devote her life to God sometime in high school and called living in Chardon a real gift.
“This is God’s country,” Surtz said. “I feel close to God when I look at the sky and our beautiful land. There is nothing better than watching the sunrise and the sunset. I like walking the paths — so much beauty.”
She is thankful for a whole lifetime of fond memories as a SND, including making prize-winning maple syrup for 25 years at the Great Geauga County Fair.
“The best thing about making my syrup was I knew spring was around the corner,” she said.
Sister Kendra Bottoms - 1966
In her sophomore and junior years at NDA, Bottoms heard God’s call through her biology and French teachers.
“I am an African American and in the early days, people were wary of inviting and accepting people of color to enter the community,” Bottoms said. “My junior year, my French teacher was open to risks and agreed to help me enter.”
Sister Janet Helphre - 1968
Helphre decided to enter SND after meeting many sisters around town — from Geauga Community Hospital, church, in stores, or at the Geauga County Maple Festival after she graduated from Chardon High School.
“I am full of gratitude for all of the good relationships over the years and would never of had it any other way,” she said.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Sisters in 1977 — picnic behind Notre Dame Academy
Sister Daniel with students at Notre Dame Elementary School (on east side of Auburn Road)
Sister Karla Bognar with NDA students in the 1970s
Sister Marthe Reinhard, long-time principal at NDA
Sister Mary Ann Brewster and John Berk
Commissioners Pass Resolution Clarifying ARPA Fund Use
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
The Geauga County Commissioners met in special session Oct. 10 to address issues with transfers from the American Rescue Plan Act fund that could impact the completion of the county courthouse project.
In August, commissioners passed a resolution to allow some departments financed by the county’s general fund to pay payroll out of ARPA funds, which meant the county could save enough to pay $10 million toward the courthouse renovation project.
However, Finance Director Adrian Gorton first raised a problem with that resolution at the commissioners’ Oct. 8 meeting and brought them up to speed Oct. 10.
“I was going through and I was taking
a look at all the payroll accounts going into year end and I did notice that in addition to the payroll funds in the general fund that had been transferred over to ARPA, looks like the auditor is allowing departments that have funds that were included in the resolution to also take payroll from their other funds out of ARPA,” he explained. “Which is gonna cut us a little short, likely, of the $10 million in the general fund for the transfer to the capital reserve fund phase two for the courthouse project.”
The problem, according to Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder’s office, is the original resolution did not limit the use of ARPA funds for payroll to departments under the general fund, as Gorton said commissioners intended.
Several departments were using the ARPA
fund for payroll since August, Gorton said, including the Geauga County Automatic Data Processing board’s project services fund and real estate assessment fund, the certificate of title administration fund under the Geauga County Clerk of Courts, the Geauga County Engineer’s road department fund, the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office victim witness and delinquent tax fee funds and the delinquent tax fee fund under the Geauga County Treasurer’s Office.
“Money technically was not disbursed to these funds,” Gorton said.
Instead, the payroll obligations were transferred to the ARPA fund, meaning money that would have been used for payroll was offset by the federal dollars.
“(Money is) basically allowed to accumulate because most of these funds accumulate money from fees and different stuff, similar to what was going to happen in the general fund,” he said, adding the amount accumulating in those funds will become an unappropriated balance which can supplement a department’s accounts.
With over 70 days passed since the resolution allowing ARPA use for payroll, Gorton estimated the amount taken from ARPA to be nearly $1 million overall.
“We’re looking at the better part of a million dollars that’s probably been spent so far out of the $10 million in ARPA funds that were in funds I believe that … you guys intended to be paid for,” he said.
Gorton said based upon prior communications with the auditor’s office and prosecutor’s office, the original resolution was meant to transfer payroll obligations of the general fund to ARPA.
However, after recent communications, Gorton said commissioners would need to modify or pass a resolution explicitly limiting ARPA to the general fund and discuss whether or not the money already disbursed to other funds should be returned.
Commissioner Tim Lennon agreed it was his understanding the $10 million in ARPA funds would be used for general fund payroll. Gorton replied he had communicated that to both the auditor’s office and Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz’s office.
Gorton had not heard back from Walder’s office on the issue until the day of that meeting, he said.
Emails between employees of the commissioners’ office and Walder’s office show the county was told their August resolution made no mention of any transfers, or of a construction fund. And, in an Oct. 9 email, Walder told commissioners' staff that while it appears they now believe there was an issue with their August resolution, no concerns were raised previously.
“As my duty regarding resolution 24-144 is ministerial, I am required to follow it as passed by the board of county commissioners,” Walder said Oct. 9. “If you believe that their resolution is at odds with your intent,
you may want to reach out to your legal counsel regarding changing the resolution going forward. Regardless, I must follow the plain, unambiguous language of the resolution as passed by the board (of commissioners).”
Another email sent to commissioners’ staff the morning of Oct. 10 said the county was told the funds remaining would roll over as a cash carryover into the county’s general fund on Jan. 1, 2025.
Gorton said while payroll is in the normal purview of the auditor, it is part of his job to check occasionally, especially near the end of the year.
“I wish I had caught it sooner,” he said.
Two new resolutions were presented to commissioners, one limiting the use of ARPA funds for payment of government services provided only by the general fund, the other doing the same while also requiring the return of funds paid outside the general fund by compulsion of the auditor.
The difference between the two is a line at the end, which Gorton read aloud.
“Any salaries and benefits that are or have already been paid with ARPA money from funds outside the general fund shall be compelled by the auditor to return those funds to the ARPA fund within 30 days of the date of this resolution,” he said.
As long as action is taken now and future transfers only apply to the general fund, Gorton said he believes he can find the million needed to transfer the full $10 million to the capital reserve fund.
Commissioners passed the second resolution specifying the general fund and requiring return of the distributed money. However, staff at Walder’s office said Oct. 14 they were not sure a resolution passed by commissioners can legally compel action by the auditor.
Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri expressed his frustration at the communication leading to the transfers.
“This is not what was intended,” he said, adding commissioners have made a lot of commitments and good-faith positioning to work with these elected officials.
“I would hope that they’re going to do the right thing because I just feel that this — if this was done in a manner that was basically trying to pad some of these accounts so that they would have additional dollars moving forward in surplus to be able to use for whatever they want to transfer to the following year, I think that that is not what we’re supposed to be doing with taxpayer dollars,” he said.
As long as he’s been there, the $10 million was meant to be used to offset salaries so the county would have the needed amount for the courthouse project, he said.
Lennon agreed, and said the original resolution was clear.
“I think our original resolution was pretty clear as to what the intent was,” he said. “And I’ll just say it, I think it’s disingenuous as to what’s happened.”
S P O R T S
a football at the end of a game from the losing team.
Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz and Chester Township Police Chief Craig Young said the alleged conduct is not criminal in nature and no criminal investigation is underway.
An emailed response from Rosati’s lawyer states: “While we have not been present-
See Rosati • Page 17
Kaltenbach, Krupp Lead Bombers To 31-14 Victory Over Beavers
By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
After a scoreless first quarter against the Riverside Beavers on Oct. 10, Kenston showcased an explosive second-quarter offense featuring the passing of quarterback Lucas Kaltenbach and the receiving of wideout Dylan Krupp.
This offensive chemistry between the two seniors helped lead the Bombers to 24 unanswered second-quarter points and a 24-7 halftime lead.
The team's touchdown in the second half, and stout defense allowing only a late second-half touchdown from their opponents, ultimately defeated the Beavers, 31-14.
“We knew this was a must win game,” Kaltenbach said after the game.
“We treat every WRC game like a conference championship, because it
is. You can't win if you drop one. And we knew how big this one was, we knew how good they are. This was the biggest game of our season.”
In order to keep the Bombers motivated and focused after trailing 7-0 at the end of the first quarter, Kenston Head Coach Jeff Grubich gave his team a message of encouragement between the first and second quarters.
“(I told them) we just got to keep fighting, we just got to keep clawing away,” Grubich said.
Not long thereafter, the Bombers got on the scoreboard with a 6-yard touchdown run by Kaltenbach, and kicker Grady Kucharson converted the extra point to tie the game, 7-7.
With 6:17 left in the first half, Kaltenbach scored his second touchdown of the quarter on a 4-yard touchdown run.
Kaltenbach then added his third touchdown of the second quarter, a two-yard touchdown run, with 2:03 left in the half to give the Bombers a 21-7 lead.
Not content on going into halftime with a 14-point lead, Kenston made a key fumble recovery with only 31 seconds left in the half.
After the game, Kaltenbach said he was
After the Beavers turnover, Kaltenbach quickly drove the Bombers down the field and into field goal position with five seconds left in the half. Kucharson then split the uprights on a 37-yard field goal to give the Bombers a 24-7 lead heading into halftime.
Rosati
TORREY MCNEAL/KMG
Kenston senior Dylan Krupp, left, and junior Andy Fender celebrate during the Bombers’ 31-14 win over Riverside.
For Whom the Bella Tolls
By rich kelly sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
The Chagrin Falls Tigers girls soccer team has been to the top of the totem pole with state titles, and the Berkshire Badgers are working their way toward such levels. It’s only fitting that the teams should end their regular season preparations in a contest, and they played on the turf at C. S. Harris Stadium Oct. 7 with the idea of getting ready for stiff post-season action.
In a tight battle from start to finish, the Tigers rallied late in the second half to claim a thrilling 3-2 decision, both teams relying on their star players to come through, which they did.
Kelly McCandless tallied both Berkshire goals on the night, but the game-winner came from senior forward Bella Radomsky of Chagrin Falls, who enjoyed a hat trick of terrific shots.
The Tigers had an edge in overall speed on the night, but the skill sets of the young Badgers kept the contest scoreless until the 38:19 mark of the first half. A controversial officials call in front of the box by Badgers keeper Liv Masink led to a penalty shot for Radomsky. The shot was awarded after a consultation among officials, and Bella sent the kick home to break a scoreless tie.
To that point, the Tigers regularly got down the sidelines to attack, but the Berkshire defenses were equal to the task every time. Several scrums in front of the net led to great saves from Masink, and the Badgers also were able to put some pressure on Tiger keeper Izzy Pribanic — but she, too, was equal to the task.
Then, with nearly seven minutes gone in the second half, McCandless battled for a loose ball near midfield, gained control on a breakaway right down the middle, and depos ited the ball into the net to tie the score.
Fourteen minutes later, she did it again, anticipating passes across the field. She went in after breaking through a trio of defenders with magnificent footwork and control to score for a 2-1 Berkshire lead.
At the 29:54 mark of the second half, Mia Buno found Radomsky with a crossing pass to the left of the box, and the senior forward did a quick hip turnaround and sent the ball home to knot the score again at 2-2.
McCandless promptly untied the score with the game-winner with 35:52 gone as she headed home a corner kick from Buno, and the Tigers (8-5-4) did a fine job of playing keep-away thereafter to secure a tough win.
Berkshire Head Coach Ian Patterson was upbeat for his team after the match.
“There’s good reason why we schedule tough teams in the regular season,” he said. “That’s what you do if you want to get better, you play tough teams. I think the teams we play in the CVC are as tough as any team. There’s good reason why Chagrin and other CVC teams have won state titles, and that’s what we are shooting for as well. We played very well tonight, and I’m proud of how the girls got the job done.”
“Chagrin Falls is really a tough team to play,” she said.
Chagrin Falls Head Coach Joe Ciuni appreciated the effort his girls provided and paid the Badgers compliments as well.
While the Tigers are a team loaded with experience, the Badgers are still in their youthful stage. Freshman Emma Rucinski played a large role in this game, getting to the ball to set up action for her team, and her as-
“Berkshire is really a quality team,” he said. “You need to play good defense against them, and tonight we did a great job. In a tight game, too, your top players have to step up, and Bella Radomsky really did for us with her hat trick. “
Stats don’t always tell an accurate story. The Tigers got off 27 shots on Masink, 12
shots on Pribanic, leading to six saves, sever al of the spectacular variety.
The Tigers had more overall team speed, but the Badgers knew how to cover for it and get into position to defend all night long.
Chagrin hosts Coventry in the start of tourney action this week, while the Badgers (8-5-4) host Newton Falls at Great Lakes Cheese Stadium.
Whether hard work leads to a state title this year is unknown, but with a young roster to work with, Coach Patterson has the potential to reach the top in girls soccer soon.
Second Quarter Spurt Propels Toppers to Win
By mA sPorts
Trailing the Wildcats late in the second quarter, the Hilltoppers scored twice within 20 seconds to take a lead they would not re linquish in their 31-7 Western Reserve Con ference win over Mayfield.
Senior linebacker and halfback Beckett Dotson provided the spark his team needed on Senior Night with just 1:15 left to play be fore halftime.
Following a 24-yard Sam Sacerich field goal, the Wildcats (3-5, 1-2 WRC) had the ball on their own 30 and decided to throw it in stead of take a knee.
Mayfield senior quarterback AJ Rogers Jr. tried a screen to the left, but Dotson jumped up, hurdled a Wildcat and picked off Rogers.
The interception proved to be momen tum-changing as, two plays later, Dotson hauled in a 32-yard touchdown reception from junior quarterback Drayton Allgood to give Chardon (5-2, 2-1 WRC) its first lead of the night, 10-7, less than a minute before the half.
“They had already run a few screens, so
See Hilltoppers• Page 17
Huskies Overwhelmed By Warriors VS
By rich kelly sPorts@kArvelocmediA com
The Cardinal Huskies gave it their best, but it seemed like every time they blinked, the speedy Warriors of Fairview High were running away or right through them, and their opponents claimed a solid 56-20 victory in Chagrin Valley Conference football.
Cardinal had issues from the start, but it wasn’t until early in the second period that the wheels fell off the Huskies' cart. Fairview continuously had speedy players making big plays as the Warriors scored three touch downs in the second and third periods each to blow the game wide open.
The Huskies worked hard, just could not keep up.
Cardinal got the opening kickoff and was stopped, but a penalty gave them a first down on that first drive. Another punt came short ly later, and on the fourth play from scrim mage on their first possession, the Fairview quarterback hit Savijan Harris along the right sideline and outraced the secondary to the end zone on a 54-yard scoring play.
Following an interception of a Cam Cimi nello pass, which stopped the next Huskies drive after a pair of first downs, the defense stiffened, forcing a punt.
On their next possession, starting on their own 20 yard line, Cardinal (1-7) had Ciminello hit Dominic Naples on the first play for a 16-yard gain, but the ball was pried loose and, four plays later, after Harris recovered the ball, Burke Lowry found J. R. Beato on a 27-yard pass play for the second score of the night.
LaMarcus Clark went 17 yards, and Beato took another pass from Lowry from 30 yards out, to open a 28-0 lead just before halftime.
It was Senior Night for the Huskies in their last home contest of the season.
Proof of their massive mindset to never let up, Cardinal came back and scored 39 seconds before halftime on a 40-yard pass play from Ciminello to Mason Thistlewaite. He
had to break a pair of tackles before breaking away to the end zone.
Beato caught another long pass, this play going from 60 yards out, to start the third period, but Landon Gallagher took a Ciminello pass from 27 yards out to answer, and the battle to avoid a running clock seemed in full gear.
Within 46 seconds of each other, Clark again scored on runs of 50 and 38 yards to bring the running clock. Again, Ciminello hit Thistlewaite, this time from 69 yards away. But a Lowry rush of a single yard with 9:07 to play accounted for the final scoring of the night.
Cardinal Head Coach Rich Turner knew his team was outmanned to begin with.
Late in the first period, on the last play of the quarter, Reese Soltis made a spectacular play to drop Clark for a loss, but a high ankle sprain resulted, forcing Soltis to the bench.
The Huskies have lacked depth all season, and could not afford to lose Soltis. They were now out-athleted, but their hearts battled to the very end.
Fairview rolled up 561 yards of offense, with Lowry throwing for 313 and four scores.
Clark gained 174 on 13 carries and a trio of touchdowns, too. Beato completed a huge night with seven catches for 150 yards and three scores, as Lowry was sharp, hitting on 15 of 22 passes.
Cardinal hunkered down in the second half and played some power football. Chaise Harris powered his way to 89 yards rushing on nine tries, and Ciminello, who was under constant pressure when he dropped back to pass, still hit on 12 of 29 passes for 208 yards and a trio of scores.
Thistlewaite is only a freshman, but
showed great hands, great footwork in breaking tackles, and speed as he caught four passes for 122 yards and two scores for the Huskies.
Heading to the final two games of the season, at Chagrin Falls this week and then at Kirtland, the road looks tough.
Cardinal may well come up short on the scoreboards, but these athletes stand toe to toe with anybody in willingness to play hard on every play.
“We knew this would be a tough night because of Fairview’s speed,” Coach Turner said. “Then, when Reese went down with his high ankle sprain, it became a matter of working on building character more again. The kids are trying their very best, and that is a positive lesson they will need for the rest of their lives, they know it — so we’re just going to keep playing.”
The Huskies take the field before a 56-20 loss to Fairview. The Huskies are 1-7 with games left against Chagrin Falls on Oct. 18 and Kirtland on Oct. 25.
Bombers Score Off Corner Kick to Win WRC Title for 2nd Year in a Row
By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
For the second year in a row, the Kenston Bombers boys soccer team has won the WRC Title.
In order to win this year, the Bombers needed to defeat their rival, the Chardon Hill toppers, Oct. 8 at Kenston Stadium.
The home team scored off a corner kick in the 48th minute after a scoreless first half.
That would be the only goal the Bombers would need, as a 1-0 final score earned them the WRC Title.
In the weeks leading up to the match, Kenston Head Coach Michael Coney said his team was playing excellent soccer.
In fact, Coney called the Aug. 29 match against Lake Catholic's Cougars the turning point of the season.
Although the Bombers lost 5-1 to the Cou gars, one of the top teams in the state, they outscored the Cougars in the second half.
Gaining confidence from that second half, the Bombers have been unbeaten since Sept. 7 and compiled a 7-0-3 record.
Kenston has achieved success this season by focusing on playing possession soccer — and against the Hilltoppers, the Bombers did not change their approach.
“Coming in, the main game plan was kind of like what it always is,” Coney said. “We possess through the middle. We’re a high possession team; our midfield is our strength. We want to get the ball out to the wings through the midfield, go outside to inside to outside, and then look to drive in.”
In the first half, Coach Coney said Chardon did not allow the Bombers to execute their game plan optimally, defending the Bombers’ midfielders in particular.
But in the second half, the Bombers made
to better help maintain possession, he said.
“We played a little more over the top (in the second half) to try to put them under duress,” Coney said.
After the adjustment, the Bombers scored early in the second half off a corner kick to take their 1-0 lead.
Coach Coney said that it was nice to see the Bombers score in this fashion since they have not scored many goals this season on set plays or corner kicks.
“It was great to finally get one on a corner kick,” he said. “We've only got a couple this year, we had zero last year.”
After the game, Josh Koltas talked about scoring the game-winning goal.
“Grady (Flynn), one of our senior captains, he played a really nice corner ball to the front post,” Koltas said. “I was on the keeper and I just put it in, I tapped it in front of him.”
season, compiling a 13-3-1 record. Coming into the game, they'd been unbeaten (12-0-1) since Aug. 22.
Two days after winning the WRC title, Kenston ended its regular season with an 8-0 victory over the Benedictine Bengals.
Leading the Bombers against the Bengals were Andrew DiBernardo (7 points - 3 goals, 1 assist), Grady Flynn (6 points - 2 goals, 2 assists), Aiden Caspell (4 points - 2 goals), Ethan Gaskin (2 points - 1 goal), Jack Purcell (2 assists), Aidan Insana (1 point - 1 assist), and Ryan Flynn (1 point - 1 assist).
Although the Hilltoppers did not win the conference title, they also had an excellent
Bombers from page 13
very pleased with this portion of his Bombers' performance.
“In the second quarter we played the most complete football we have all year,” Kaltenbach said. “We got out of our own way, everything was clicking.”
In particular, in the second quarter, the chemistry between Kaltenbach and Krupp was evident. Kaltenbach completed multiple passes to Krupp that were critical in moving the Bombers down the field and into the red zone.
Krupp said two of the long passes he caught during the second quarter to set up Bombers touchdowns came on a post route over the corner.
“The big route that I ran, I ran a post route over the top of the corner, used inside
Leading Chardon this season were Anthony Cantania (38 points - 15 goals, 8 assists), Evan Medved (25 points - 10 goals, 5 assists), Alex Monkiewicz (16 points - 7 goals, 2 assists), Dylan Schneier (16 points - 4 goals, 8 assists), David Williams (12 points - 5 goals, 2 assists), Andrew St. James (12 points - 3 goals, 6 assists), Will Monkiewicz (7 points - 3 goals, 1 assist), Conner Foley (5 points - 2 goals, 1 assist), Luke Vucetic (5 points - 2 goals, 1 assist), and Ivan Medved (3 points - 3 assists).
The Bombers would next hosted the Nordonia Knights in the first round of the OHSAA Division III Playoffs on Oct. 16, as Chardon hosts the Copley Senior Indians.
leverage,” he said.
The 12-yard comeback route was also highly effective against the Beavers, he added.
“I ran a 12-yard comeback route, and that's kind of my and Lucas’s bread and butter,” he said. “We got a lot of chemistry, so he knows where I am going to be, I know where the ball is going to be — it's just a great thing to see.”
Kaltenbach also completed four passes to receiver Charlie Thompson, including a 15yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to make the score 31-7.
For the contest, Kaltenbach was 16-23 for 196 yards with three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.
Leading the Bombers receivers were Krupp (eight receptions for 136 yards) and Thompson (four receptions for 41 yards).
The Bombers next take the field Oct. 18 when they travel to face the Willoughby South Rebels at home.
Hilltoppers
from page 15
I was expecting it,” Dotson said. “Originally, I was planning on going up and making the tackle. When I saw the ball soar, went up and got it.”
He credited his quarterback for recognizing in the huddle that Dotson would be open on the play.
“Drayton called it,” Dotson added. “We get the play call and he said ‘I’m gonna see you on the corner.’ I was ready for it, and when I saw I was open, I was ready for the ball.”
Dotson was needed more on the offensive side, as senior halfback and defensive back Gavin Wroblewski was moved to safety following a season-ending injury to senior Chad Prince.
Chardon Head Coach Mitch Hewitt called the play of Dotson incredible.
“Couldn’t happen to a better kid,” Coach Hewitt said. “He’s been our one captain week in and week out. He was overwhelmingly voted by the team and he showed up tonight. I’m really proud of him.”
Before Dotson’s two plays, Mayfield was up 7-0 and seemingly in control of the game.
“That’s what we lacked two weeks ago at Kenston,” said Coach Hewitt of his team’s intensity and urgency. “It was them (Kenston) making the big play right before the half.”
“We needed to face a little adversity and respond,” said senior halfback and defensive back Caleb Hewitt. “In the two losses we had, we had adversity in the beginning and we didn’t respond, so I think it was really good how we responded.”
On Oct. 10, the Toppers showed they learned their lesson.
“I’m proud of this team,” Coach Hewitt said. “You want to come out every game and be up by 30 as fast as you can, but the reality is that there’s growth that occurs when you’re put in these positions. The discomfort is what allows someone to grow.”
Chardon began to wear the Wildcats down in the second half and finally got some scoreboard separation late in the third.
To create it, Caleb Hewitt took a jet sweep, turned the corner, and then showed his elite speed as he outraced the secondary 38-yards into the endzone to put the Hilltoppers up, 17-7.
Overall, Caleb paced the rushing attack with 100 yards and one score. He also hauled in two passes for 19 yards.
“I’m proud of him,” the coach Hewitt said of his son. “He never comes off the field, and that’s hard to do. He’s literally on every special team, every snap in the game. He sprints on every play. You don’t stand anywhere on our offense and you don’t stand as a boundary corner. He’s not running, he’s sprinting. I’d love to see how many miles he puts out in a game, but it’s a lot more than I could.”
On Chardon’s next possession, Allgood increased the lead to 24-7 with a 38-yard touchdown run.
A Mayfield punt gave the Toppers the ball
Rosati
from page 13
ed with the specific allegations made against Mr. Rosati … our initial investigation yields that this matter is nothing more than the cliché of a few disgruntled parents and players who are unhappy about playtime and roles on a football team. This has resulted in an
on their own 25 yard line, and Dotson capped off the night with a 75-yard touchdown run to make it 31-7.
“The o-line blocked great, and they were getting stronger as the game went on,” said Dotson, who also credited Caleb Hewitt with a great block to help create a big hole.
Near the end of the run, Dotson admitted he was nervous about getting caught from behind, but did not want to look behind him for fear of slowing down. The senior kept eyes on the prize and stayed ahead of the defenders by a few steps as he crossed the goal line.
It was a career night for Dotson on Chardon’s final home game of the regular season. He finished the game with 83 rushing yards and a score to go along with 32 yards receiving and a touchdown.
For most of the first half, the upstart Wildcats played nearly flawless football.
Mayfield controlled the ball in the first quarter, limiting Chardon to just three offensive plays, and kept up the pressure on the Toppers offense well into the second quarter.
“They took a trick out of our page and executed to perfection,” Coach Hewitt said. “They limited our possessions, and we snapped the ball over our head. It was a combination of shooting ourselves in the foot and them playing well.”
After giving up a touchdown on Mayfield’s opening possession, the Topper defense buckled down and limited the Wildcats. This was due to the constant pressure they put on Rogers, who took big hits throughout the night.
“I shook his hand after the game; he earned my respect,” Coach Hewitt said. “I thought we knocked him out of the game a few times and he kept coming, so kudos to him, it’s easy to tap out at that point.”
On the night, Chardon piled up 435 yards of offense, running for 367 and passing for 68. The Hilltoppers picked up 19 first downs.
However, the Toppers were penalized 10 times for 105 yards.
Mayfield was held to 161 yards of offense – 103 passing and 58 rushing. The Wildcats gained 11 first downs.
Allgood threw for 68 yards and a score. He also rushed for 98 yards and one touchdown.
After the game, reality began to set in for the seniors, who potentially defended the hill for the final time this year. Unless Chardon finished the year in the top eight in computer points in Division III, Region 9, they will play Week 11 on the road.
For Caleb Hewitt, this senior class means everything to him, and he would relish one more home game.
“I’ve played with a lot of these guys in first grade,” he said. “I’ve grown up with them. They are my best friends, the people I hang out with the most and the people I lean on when I’m down.”
“It’s been an honor; there’s been a lot of great Hilltoppers who played here, and I want to stamp myself as one of them and would like to get another home game.”
“We want to play here more,” echoed Dotson. “We love playing at home and would love to get one more chance to play at home.”
appalling attempted character assassination and witch hunt impugning Mr. Rosati’s stellar reputation and integrity as a teacher, coach, and leader in the community. These allegations will be defended to the greatest extent possible.”
The Wolverines have had a disappointing season at 2-6 this year.
The team plays two more games against Perry Oct. 18 and Orange Oct. 25.
ELECTION 2024: Letters to the Editor
Yes on Berkshire Issue 2
The Berkshire Board of Education has placed a Renewal Levy on the ballot for this November. You will see on it the ballot as Issue 2 – Permanent Improvement Levy.
This is not a new levy; in fact, it was first passed in 1989 and has been renewed every five years since then.
You may ask yourself why Berkshire would still require a Permanent Improvement levy now that we have a brand-new school? It is no different when you get a new car; the car requires routine maintenance to keep it safe and operating efficiently, that is the same case with the new school.
The passage of this levy is important to keep the new campus and facility safe and functional for years to come.
It is important to note that the renewal of this levy will not increase taxes. Per $100,000 of market valuation, it will cost $22 per year. For example, a $250,000 home would continue to pay $55 per year.
Our new school has created a wonderful learning environment for our students while being a source of pride for our community. Let’s keep it that way by voting YES on Issue 2.
Tracy Jemison Burton
Demetriou for State Representative
I am writing in support of Steve Demetriou for State Representative.
Even though Steve is new to my district, I have followed his past years in the Ohio State House. Steve was a primary sponsor on the Innocence Act, which would help to keep children from accessing obscene or inappropriate material on the internet.
He was a co-sponsor of the Safe Act, which required schools to uphold Title IX protections for female athletes.
He fought to expand school choice, delivered property tax relief for veterans and seniors, and provided public school teachers a pay raise.
Steve is a West Point graduate and Ohio native. He served in Afghanistan and now wants to serve the residents of Ohio. It takes a lot to door knock for a candidate and I have done this for Steve because I truly believe he is the best person to address the serious issues facing Ohioans.
On Nov. 5, vote for Steve Demetriou, State Representative.
Elsie Tarczy
South Russell Village
Issue 1 Language Misleading
The ballot language for Issue 1 is misleading at best — and very close to lying. It says that Issue 1 would repeal the constitutional protections against gerrymandering that were voted for in 2015 and 2018. It suggests there’s no transparency and voters will lose their rights. Hogwash!
What protections do we have now? The current redistricting committee ignored our current law when they didn’t follow six rulings by the Ohio Supreme Court when it said
the district maps that were approved were unconstitutional. The committee, and the legislature, ignored the rulings and played political games to run the clock out so there wouldn’t be time to have constitutional maps. They repeatedly drew maps that favored themselves and didn’t follow the law. Voters had no recourse except to petition to change the way our maps are drawn. That’s Issue 1.
We can expect more of the political shenanigans if the politicians who want to stay in control continue to draw the maps to protect their self-interests rather than the voters. Issue 1 will take the map drawing out of the politicians’ hands.
Vote Yes on Issue 1 because politicians have repeatedly shown they can’t be trusted.
Janet Carson Bainbridge Township
Demetriou Works
For All of Us
I would like to take a moment to tell you about an exceptional young man who has been the State Representative for District 35 for the past two years. His name is Steve Demetriou.
Steve has accomplished a great deal since he has been in the House. He sponsored legislation that protects property owners from squatters; children from on-line pornography; and all of us from deep fakes and false digital images.
Steve has had legislation passed and signed into law that adjusts the homestead exemption to match inflation costs. It expands the exemption, providing further property tax relief to seniors and veterans who qualify.
And more recently he co-introduced the E-Check Ease Act which will ease the unfair E-Check burden. Only residents in seven counties in the entire state of Ohio, all in Northeast Ohio, are mandated to have their cars E-Checked. Steve is trying to right this wrong.
Please vote for Steve Demetriou for State Representative in District 35. He has been working hard for all of us. Return him to the House so he can continue to do the right thing for all of us.
Sharon C. Gingerich
Former Geauga County Recorder
Re-Elect Sherrod Brown
I support U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and I urge Ohioans to vote for him this November.
Senator Brown has always fought for Ohio and, unlike many politicians who become creatures of Washington, he actually lives in this community. I still have the photo
of when my daughter and I ran into Senator Brown at Holden Arboretum (wearing a Tribe hoodie and sweatpants) and I remember the call from my dad when he spotted Sherrod at Costco (waiting in line for the rotisserie chicken).
Senator Brown fights for common sense solutions and is laser focused on real issues. Thanks to Sherrod’s hard work, seniors on Medicare now only pay $35/month for insulin, and over 100,000 pensions for Ohio workers have been saved.
He also worked with Republicans to crack down on Chinese-made fentanyl, and overdose deaths in Ohio are now down 31%.
And I am grateful that Senator Brown stands with Ohio women and opposes a nationwide abortion ban—unlike his opponent.
Senator Sherrod Brown works to earn our trust and our vote. He is on our side and fights for Ohio. Re-elect Sherrod Brown to the U.S. Senate.
Melissa Yasinow
Bainbridge Township
Yes on Issue 2: Not a New Tax
Please support the Berkshire Renewal Permanent Improvement Levy. It is not a new tax, since it has been renewed every five years since 1985.
It is a continuing commitment to keep our public schools safe, healthy and technologically advanced.
Further, it keeps our grounds and parking maintained, our diesel tech program supported, and provides for new programs, all in an effort to keep Berkshire Schools as the best public school system in the region, and perhaps the state.
Each year the levy raises $439,000 which would otherwise have to come from the general fund, hurting our district’s overall budget. I repeat, it is not a new tax.
Please keep our public educational system the state of the art. Thank you for your support.
Don Hornak Burton Township
Election Letters Policy
Karlovec Media Group welcomes and encourages letters to the editor as well as residents' opinions and endorsements related to primary, special and general elections.
• Letters must be signed with the writer’s real name, address and a phone number where you can be reached with questions and for verification. (Only the name and city are published.)
• We reserve the right to edit all submissions for accuracy, taste and grammar. We reserve the right to condense letters for space purposes.
• Letters should be no more than 350 words in length. While we occasionally will run a longer letter of strong local interest as a featured letter, election-related letters are not eligible for feature letter treatment.
• Letters will be published as space permits. If more letters are received than can be published in any issue, we will publish a representative sample.
• Letters pertaining to the election MUST include an endorsement. Letters attacking a candidate without endorsing another candidate, letters repetitive in content or in poor taste will not be published. Accusations made against a candidate that are not easily verifiable will require accompanying documentation.
• The Letters to the Editor section is not a battleground for repeated arguing between opposing candidates or proponents/opponents of particular issues. The whole point of publishing local letters to the editor is for members of this community to have conversations with each other, not hurl canned talking points across the aisle. Rebuttals are welcome; successive volleys are not.
• Letters to the Editor supporting or opposing a candidate will be accepted. However, we will not run letters with deliberate or vague negative remarks or references about an opponent or another candidate.
• No letters from candidates will be accepted. This leaves the space open for residents to comment on the candidates as well as non-election issues of community interest. However, candidates are allowed to respond in letters, to editorials, news articles and columns in which they are the primary focus.
• In all other cases, opinions of the candidates may be published in a PAID advertisement. Candidates wishing to publish paid advertisements should call 440-729-7667 ext. 500 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com
• Letters are due no later than 5 p.m. Friday for publication in the following week's edition. The final deadline for election letters will be published prior to the election date. Candidate endorsement letters will not be printed in the issue prior to the election.
• Letters from candidates in response to letters specifically critical of them will be accepted for publication in the immediate issue prior to the election date.
• Writers may submit one election letter regarding an issue and one about a political race, for a total of two letters during the acceptance period. All letters must include the writer's name, address and daytime and evening telephone numbers. If the letter is published, only the name and town will be used in the paper.
• We do NOT publish form letters or letters written to other publications.
• With regards to statewide or congressional races, only letters from Geauga County residents will be published.
These above policy applies only to election-related letters. The rules for general, non-election letters are separate and still apply during this period.
Unless otherwise noted, columns on the editorial page reflect the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Karlovec Media Group, its newspapers or employees.
ELECTION 2024: Letters to the Editor
Misinformation Surrounding
Chester Police Levy
I still vividly remember my first week as a police officer in Chester Township, not because of a specific event or memorable call, but because of the people who live here.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with great organizations and incredible individuals, but Chester Township is different. It was the first time I truly felt like a part of a community. The bond between this police department and the residents it serves is something special.
When I think about the fabric of America, I am reminded why communities like Chesterland are so essential. Our residents are passionate about their rights and freedoms, and deeply value what they’ve worked hard to build.
It’s a community that recognizes the importance of supporting those who have sworn an oath to protect and defend those values. The members of this police department work 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the sole purpose of protecting and defending the rights and property of our residents.
I’ve never been prouder to serve as a police officer and it’s because of this remarkable community. Serving as your Chief of Police is the greatest honor of my professional career.
As many of you are aware, the police department is seeking your support in the upcoming renewal levies. It’s crucial to address misinformation circulating on social media and provide our residents with the accurate facts surrounding these levies.
First and foremost, voting to support your police department will NOT increase your taxes. These levies were initially passed in 1982 and 1991 and have consistently been
supported by the community.
A common misconception is that last year’s property tax revaluations will impact funding for safety forces. This is simply not true. The police department does not receive additional revenue from these revaluations. Our funding comes exclusively from levies our residents vote on and these revaluations do not increase the funds we receive. Any suggestion otherwise is misinformation.
Another question raised by many is why these renewals are becoming continuing levies. This is an important point. The levies on the ballot have been in place for 44 and 33 years, and every time they are up for renewal, taxpayer dollars are spent to hold elections. By making these continuing levies, we eliminate the need for repeated elections, saving money that can be better spent on essential safety services. Additionally, it provides longterm, stable funding for our police department’s operations, ensuring that we can continue serving the community effectively.
Most importantly, securing funding through continuing levies creates a stable work environment for our officers. In a time when recruitment and retention in law enforcement is challenging nationwide, offering job security through reliable funding is essential. It’s difficult to attract and retain quality officers if their employment depends on the outcome of levy votes.
With the elections approaching, I want to sincerely thank you all for your continued support. Our department remains committed to our core values and mission, and we will not tolerate any actions that compromise those values. We will continue working diligently to provide the best possible service for our community.
Chief Craig T. Young Chester Township Police Department
Louis Murphy Represents Us
Sarah Fowler Arthur does not represent us. She voted to make it harder for us to amend Ohio’s constitution, a policy rejected by her constituents in the August special election last year.
Nearly 54% of her constituents voted in favor of reproductive freedom last November, and the day after the election, she signed a letter vowing to ignore the majority.
Never having attended public school herself, she wants to micromanage public educators while channeling public funds to private schools. She became a national embarrassment by proposing changes to the teaching of the Holocaust and then followed it by insensitive comments in a spectacle so egregious
that her own party didn’t support her. She voted against preventing child sexual abuse twice. That bill, known as Erin’s law, is so popular among Republicans and Democrats alike that it’s now law in 39 states, including Ohio, no thanks to Sarah Fowler Arthur.
I am excited to vote for Louis Murphy. We can expect fresh ideas from his education and experience.
When my company has job openings, we cannot find enough qualified Americans, so I want public money to fund public schools. He believes in funding public education and will support our rights to reproductive freedom.
Let’s elect as our representative someone who will actually represent us and wants to work for us, Louis Murphy!
Nicole Price Russell Township
Letters to the Editor
Irish Music Session
Thank you, Morgan Cavanaugh, owner of Chardon's Molly's Irish Pub, for hosting Geauga County's and Chardon's first traditional Irish music session!
The session was organized by Tom and Laura Sterlekar and attended by at least 10 musicians, including fiddle, Irish drum (bodhran), pennywhistle, flute, accordion, mandolin and electric piano players.
The place was packed with enthusiastic listeners. There were several singers
adding to the controlled raucous also. All are welcome to play or come and listen while tasting fermented liquid products and pub food. Great atmosphere. The session is every second Wednesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 13 is the next session.
Of course, Molly's is open as listed on the attachment: Molly's Irish Pub in Chardon - Restaurant reviews. Come and be a part of Geauga's musical history!
Sheldon Firem
Hambden Township
Janis A. Janecek
Janis A. Janecek, 87 of Chardon, passed away Oct. 7, 2024, in Cleveland. She was born Oct. 12, 1936, in Burton.
Janis attended Kirtland High School and graduated from Pawling High School in Pawling, N.Y.
She worked as a legal secretary for over 30 years, and was a devoted attendee of Grace Church.
Janis loved spending quality time with her family, cooking large meals for family gatherings and watching Cleveland sports teams.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter Cheri Lory; sons, Steve Janecek and Jon Janecek; grandchildren, Dan (Laura) Lory, Nicole (Geoff) Root, Kim (Jim) Smalley, Matt (Courtney) Janecek, Nick Janecek and Josh Janecek; and brothers, Jeff, Greg and Doug Cline.
Janis was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Cline and Fern Gwinn Webster; daughter Sandi Coakley; and sister, Laurie Webster.
Visitation and funeral services were held Oct. 15, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com
Betty Ann Palazzo
Betty Ann Palazzo, age 90, passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2024, with her loving family by her side.
Betty was born Nov. 14, 1934, to Peter I. and Elizabeth (nee Schmidt) Goertz in the small town of Goessel, Kan., where she was raised Mennonite.
After graduating from high school, she met the love of her life, Antonio F. “Tony” Palazzo, in Chicago. She and Tony married on June 7, 1958, in her hometown of Goessel.
In the early 1970s, Betty and Tony settled in the Chardon area, where they raised their children, became devoted members of the Chardon United Methodist Church and made lifelong friends in the community.
Having a deep compassion for others, Betty chose a career in nursing. She was a member of the first graduating class of Lakeland Community College’s Nursing Program.
Betty dedicated her career to caring for patients at Euclid Hospital, where she served as head nurse, and later the residents
Obituaries
at Heather Hill in Munson Township, from which she retired in 1995.
Betty loved horseback riding and in her younger years participated in rodeos. Her exceptional sewing skills made her a talented quilter. She loved the outdoors, having traveled to nearly all the national parks, and cherished tending to her flowers and birdwatching at home.
She is survived by her children, Diane (Craig) Grove, Steve (Laura) Palazzo and Joanne Palazzo; grandchildren, Joseph (fiancée, Katherine Behnke) Palazzo, Michael (Shelley) Palazzo, Kate (Zach Dunnigan) Grove and Dylan Grove; great-grandchildren, Addison and Anthony Palazzo; brother Emory Goertz; sister Caroline (Mark) Dietz; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Leo Goertz and Harry Goertz; and sister Helen Pope.
A Celebration of Life remembering Betty will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
John Leffel
Jack “Jack” Leffel, age 76, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed away on Oct. 5, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born the son of Erwin and Antoinette Leffel on June 1, 1948, in Cleveland.
Jack is survived by his wife of 20 years, Elaine (nee Blankemeyer) Leffel; his two chil dren, Benjamin Leffel and Jacob Leffel; sib lings, Erwin "Koko" Leffel and Mary Lou (Lou is) Masitto; and many nieces and nephews.
He is pre-deceased by his parents; and sister-in-law, Lynne Leffel.
Vegas and Aruba.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jack's name to the Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43214 (https:// www.ohiohealth.com/locations/hospice/kobacker-house).
Twyla Miller
Twyla Miller, age 65, passed away peace fully on Oct. 9, 2024. She was loved by many.
Twyla was born Jan. 5, 1959, to James E. and Betty Jane (nee Hinkle) Miller at the Huron Road Hos pital in East Cleveland. She lived at Metzenbaum in Chester Township and considered it her home since 1977. She will be missed by all who knew her.
and three great-grandchildren. Vincenzo also leaves his brother Giacomo (Carmela) Licata and sister, Carmela LaPerna, both of Sicily. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Giuseppe; brother, Angelo; and brother-in-law, Pietro LaPerna.
The family received friends and held services on Oct. 14, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Burial followed at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Information, condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Mary I. Shamakian
Twyla loved her music, Hank Williams Sr. (not Jr.!), and other country jams. She loved to have a book in her hand and used to enjoy flipping through her magazines.
Twyla was a lover of all foods, snacks, singing and dancing, not to mention going shopping and spending time with animals.
She also loved having an annual Christmas party each year and seeing Santa was always her favorite.
Jack was a beloved high school teacher for over 30 years in Cleveland Heights Schools, where he shaped the minds and lives of countless students with model rocketry, science, math and humor. His wonderful ability to spread smiles and laughs earned him the nickname "Happy Jack'' among his friends, family and colleagues.
After retirement, Jack joined the prestigious Muirfield Village Golf Club as a locker room manager, where he was celebrated as a conscientious attendant to members and professional Memorial Tournament golfers.
Jack loved Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and jazz music, spending time and sharing laughs with friends everywhere, and with family at home or on vacations to Niagara Falls, Las
Twyla enjoyed being outside and arts and
Twyla is survived by her brother, Mark Miller, of Linesville, Pa.
She was preceded by her parents.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, from 10-11 a.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., with burial immediately following at Brownwood Cemetery in North Bloomfield.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Vincenzo Licata
Vincenzo Licata, age 85, of Hambden Township, formerly 50-plus years of Mayfield Heights.
Born July 29, 1939, in Licata, Sicily, he came to this country in 1967, when he met his lovely wife and married her at Christ the King Church in East Cleveland.
Prior to coming to Cleveland, Vincenzo served as a barber in the Italian Navy and then became a barber in Switzerland. He then had his barber shop at Cedar & Green for 52 years. Vincenzo was cutting hair at a young age, following his father.
Vincenzo was a family man, especially spending time with his grandsons. He also kept close ties with his family in Italy.
He is survived by his wife, Almerinda (nee DiFranco) Licata; daughter, Silvana (Scott) Kostura, of Hambden; grandsons, Joseph, Gabriel and Scott (Tessa) Kostura;
Mary I. Shamakian, of Highland Heights, died on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Kemper House.
She was born in Lumber City, Ga., on Sept. 8, 1931, to Joseph and Rose (nee Novak) Zbasnik, moving to Cleveland with her three sisters and five brothers in 1936. Mary attended Jane Addams High School and worked in several jobs as a photographer assistant, seamstress for Richmond Brothers, a press operator and for Charles Chips. She married her husband, Robert Shamakian, on Sept. 30, 1950. He preceded in death on November 20, 1994.
Mary was proud of her over 20-year career as a cake decorator for Hough Bakery. She took art and drawing classes after work, learning to create all the characters and scenery to meet the requests of the customers.
After retiring, Mary enjoyed exercising and swimming, especially when the men would give up before her when swimming laps!
Survivors include her sons, Arthur (Carol nee Groh), of Painesville, Robert (Laurel nee Serrajian), of Streetsboro, and George (Lisa nee Brammer), of Highland Heights; grandchildren, Mara Shamakian Thrush (William Thrush), of South Russell Village, Dylan (Lorella Luezas Shamakian, MD), of South Russell, Elissa Petrozzi, of Painesville, Brian (Karen Habe), of Hambden Township, Greggorey Shamakian, of Highland Heights, and Kimberly Shamakian, of North Canton; great-grandchildren, Sammy and Vincent Petrozzi, Benjamin and Charles Shamakian, Clara and Conor Thrush, and Emil and Astrid Shamakian.
A celebration of life was held at Steele Mansion, 348 Mentor Road, Painesville, on Oct. 16, 2024.
Graveside interment will be held at Fowler’s Mill Cemetery,12399 Fowler’s Mill Road, Munson Township, on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon and Johnson Funeral Home in Painesville. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Geauga Public Library
Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Include an email and phone number when registering for programs to receive updates about all programs. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.
Storytimes
Join for a storytime that is sure to engage, connect and inspire children with their imagination. A complete list of upcoming storytime programs is available to view on the website’s programs calendar.
Inside Circle
Oct. 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m. • Chardon
Join NPower Services and RockAbility members and use music therapy techniques to develop rhythm and melody skills. No registration is required.
Discussion Groups
No registration is required.
• Virtual, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m., “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
• Virtual, Oct. 24, 7 p.m., “Eternal” by Lisa Scottoline
• Middlefield, Oct. 29, 7 p.m., “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride
Yoga: The Science of Stretch
Oct. 17, 7-8 p.m. • Thompson
Bring a yoga mat and a small pillow and discover yoga’s mental and physical benefits.
How the Civil War Changed Fashion
Oct. 19, 2:30-3:30 p.m. • Virtual
The Civil War altered the fabric of American life, but it also affected the fabric of American fashion.
Website Navigation Basics
Oct. 23, 2-3 p.m.
• Geauga West
Learn how to easily navigate the internet with trained library staff, then stay and practice the skills on a provided computer.
Bulletin Board
Fascinating Fungus
& Mushrooms
Oct. 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Middlefield Join the Geauga Park District to learn about fungi and mushrooms and their critical role in our environment, medicine and more.
Halloween Bash
Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to noon • Chardon
Children ages 18 months to 5 years old with a caregiver will join favorite librarians in their Halloween costumes for some not-soscary games, activities and crafts. No registration is required.
Trunk or Treat
Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m. • Bainbridge
Travel around the library’s parking lot and fill trick-or-treat bags full of candy. Best-decorated car wins a prize, so be sure to come in style. No registration is required.
Effective Aug. 1, 2023, for-profit and nonprofit organizations or groups will need to purchase a paid advertisement for an event anytime tickets are sold, a fee is charged or a freewill donation is taken. If an organization or group does not wish to buy an ad to promote their event and connect with our readers, Karlovec Media Group will print a simple liner-type ad identifying the event, date/time/place and a number to call for more information. E-mail submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com
Annual Fall Budget Bin
Oct. 17-20
Solon PTA’s 60th annual Budget Bin consignment sale at Parkside Elementary Gym, 6848 SOM Center Road in Solon, offers area shoppers a wide array of bargains on everything from clothing and toys to household goods and books.
Community sale days are Oct. 17, 3-8 p.m.; and Oct. 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last chance bag day is Oct. 20, 12-2 p.m. All bags are $10 each.
For more information on donating or consigning, email ptabudgetbin@gmail.com
Outreach Spaghetti Dinner
Oct. 17, 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.
Free Fresh Produce
Oct. 19, 9-11 a.m.
Cleveland FoodBank sponsors a free fresh produce giveaway to lower income Geauga County residents at Newbury Community Church, 14916 Auburn Road. Please bring ID and bags.
Sign Pickup
The Geauga County Republican Women’s Club will have signs available for pick-
up every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 400 Water St., Chardon. For more information, contact Joanie Windnagel at 440-339-6894.
Geauga County Republican Party Headquarters is located at 100 Center St., Suite 160, Chardon. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chili Cook-Off & Chinese Auction
Oct. 19, 3-6 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church will host a chili cook-off and Chinese auction at the church located at 12686 Bass Lake Road, Munson Township. Parking is available behind the church by the basement entrance.
Annual Turkey Dinner
Oct. 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Huntsburg Congregational Church hosts its annual turkey dinner at the church located at 12435 Madison Road, Huntsburg Township. Eat in or carry out. Call 234-6009592 for information.
Trunk
or Treat
Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m.
Geauga County Sherriff’s Office will host its annual Trunk or Treat at 12450 Merritt Road, Chardon. The event is free.
To ensure every child leaves with a full bag of treats, candy donations for the event may be dropped off in the lobby during normal business hours. For more information, call Jackie Tryon 440-279-2070.
Halloween Night Out
Oct. 25, 6 p.m.
Friends of Loss Team Geauga County hosts the second annual Halloween Night Out at Century Village Bond Building, 1465 East Park St. in Burton.
The adults only event includes a gourmet buffet, bar, trophies for best costumes and more.
Visit www.friendsgeaugalossteam.org to purchase tickets.
Century Village Speaker Series
Oct. 27, 2-4 p.m.
Step into history as Carane Ladd, Linda Retych and Tina Nicolo present “Mourning Clothes & Customs” at Century Village Auburn Church, 14653 East Park St., Burton. Cost is $5 per person. Children 6 and under are free.
Call 440-834-1492 for information.
Meet Us In The Garden
Nov. 2, 10 a.m.
The OSU Lake County Master Gardener Volunteers hosts its final Meet Us in the Garden session at the library’s main branch, 8215 Mentor Ave.
Join for “Putting the Garden to Bed” to learn about fall clean-up, pruning, composting, soil testing, amending the soil and mulching for winter.
The session is free, but registration is required by Oct. 19. Visit mentorpl.org or call 440-255-8811.
Navigating the Health Care System
Oct. 28, 10-11 a.m. • Bainbridge
Learn how to navigate the healthcare system while discussing what happens during a trip to the hospital, from admission to discharge, to alleviate stress and worry about one’s next visit.
Liberty or Death: Patrick Henry
Oct. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. • Chardon
Listen as Patrick Henry Jolly, fifth great-grandson of Patrick Henry, contextualizes and performs his ancestor’s “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech in character.
A Ghoulish Affair
Oct. 30, 7-8 p.m. • Virtual
Join on Zoom to learn how Victorian-era Americans celebrated Halloween and helped shape the holiday everyone knows and loves today.
Geauga Park District
For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Hike Adventurously
Naturalists plan three challenging hikes this season for those adventurous spirits who enjoy stretching their legs in the most unique habitats and situations.
Explore Beartown Lakes Reservation in the dark, letting your sense become enhanced, during Nature at Night on Oct. 25, from 7-8:30 p.m. No registration is required.
Spend three hours hiking 5-6 miles on muddy trails with stream crossings and big hills at Swine Creek Reservation, exploring as many trails as possible and making nature observations as we go, during The Big Hike at Swine Creek on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Then, on Nov. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., sign up for the second annual 16.6mile Buckeye Trail LONG-Haul Hike. Shuttle service from Headwaters Park’s Route 608 parking lot to the starting point at Big Creek Park will be provided. Then participants hike back to their vehicles.
Pet Blessing
St. Helen School celebrated its annual pet blessing on the feast of St. Francis. Students at the school brought their cher-
Notre Dame
ished pets for a unique blessing ceremony. Animals of all kinds joined the event, including pigs, rabbits, dogs, birds, lizards and more.
NDCL
Top Workplaces 2024 Award
For the sixth consecutive year, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School has been named a winner of the Top Workplaces Award by The Plain Dealer. Earning the Top Workplaces 2024 honor is a prestigious distinction, with only 212 employers in the Plain Dealer's broad distribution region making the list.
The Top Workplaces list is determined solely by employee feedback, collected through an anonymous third-party survey conducted by Energage, LLC, a leading provider of employee engagement technology. This survey evaluates 15 critical culture drivers essential to organizational success, such
as alignment, execution and connection.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
“This recognition would not be possible without our team of dedicated faculty and staff, whose passion and commitment make Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin a great place to work every day in a school like no other,” commented Principal Jodie Ricci. “Congratulations to our outstanding NDCL team.”
SND Chicken Barbeque
The Sisters of Notre Dame recently hosted their annual chicken barbeque. They had a fantastic turnout with approximately 3,000 visitors. As always, Sr. Donnalee’s handmade jelly and jam were one of the highlights. Sr. Michelle and Sr. Mary were also busy selling ice cream to the many vis itors.
Thank you to the Sisters and all of the volunteers who worked hard to make this event so special.
Sr. Mary Donnalee Resar showcases jars of her homemade jelly and jam to sell at the Sisters of Notre Dame annual chicken barbecue.
cream table at the Sisters of Notre Dame’s annual chicken barbecue.
ELC Student Rides Fire Truck to School
On Oct. 4, Chardon Early Learning Center student Madison Hamilton cruised into school alongside Chardon Fire Department Chief Justin Geiss on ladder truck 3349. Madison was greeted with excitement by her classmates and teachers, who awaited her arrival on the front lawn of the Early Learning Center.
She got to take part in the exciting experience because she was the top school seller during this year’s Bubble Run fundraiser. The top classroom sellers - Madison Horvath, Ava Martin, Charlie Thomas, Gunner Styers, Eva Pitts, Connor Corrigan, Kaliopi Fuller, Burke Whitehouse, Lucas Fedorko, Levi Doering and Elliot Nelson - won a special pizza lunch with their teachers. Students also received a $10 gift card to King Kone for every $100 they donated.
Ultimately, CELC raised $14,912 through the fundraiser. Thank you to all who participated in the Bubble Run.
Tackle Project Delivers
Chardon Hilltopper football players recently baked and then delivered 165 cookie decorating kits to Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. The cookie kits were assembled in partnership with D is For Delicious.
Since 2019, CHS football players have raised $46,420 for various philanthropic initiatives, supporting several local organizations through the Tackle Project.
“We do one project every month of the football season and added Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine Prom, which is held every year in February,” Mrs. Kim Vujaklija, Tackle Proj-
Truly awesome.”
On top of delivering the cookie kits, Tackle Project members also got to hear from an art therapist and psychologist at the clinic, who spoke to them about mental health and life after sports.
“They emphasized the importance of finding a passion after sports are over. That hits home a lot with the senior boys and all the boys who are injured. Men’s mental health is often not talked about, and I think they did a great job of shedding some light and inspiration in finding purpose after high school,” Mrs. Vujaklija said.
Up next, the Tackle Project will collect canned foods to donate to the Geauga County Veteran Food Pantry.
everyone’s favorite, the West G fight song. The West Geauga High School National
Society hosts its annual Halloween
on Oct. 30 from 5–7 p.m. at West Geauga
The event features
nity to attend. Admission is free. Donationsries are encouraged and appreciated.
Honor
Hangout
High School.
fun
Legal Notices
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 16-M-000876
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: ESTATE OF NIGEL BRUCE LANG, SR., MARTIN A. KLAMMER, ADMINISTRATOR, Plaintiff vs. CEDRIC ARRINGTON, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 7th day of November, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 21st day of November, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Thompson to wit: Parcel 1:
Situated in the Township of Thompson, County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and known as being part of Lot 4 in said Township and is bounded and described as follows:
Beginning in the center line of Thompson-Leroy Road where same is intersected by the center line of Leroy Center Road; thence along the centerline of Leroy Center Road North 70 degrees 01’ West a distance of 334.51 feet; thence, by a line which bears South 19 degrees 59’ West a distance of 345.34 feet to the North line of land now or formerly owned by John and Mary Miller; thence, along the north line of said Miller’s land South 88 degrees 52’ East a distance of 268.44 feet to the center line of said Thompson-Leroy Center Road North 37 degrees 16’ East a distance of 270.84 feet to the place of beginning and containing 2.00 acres of land as surveyed and described by Fullerton and Kerr, Registered Engineers and Surveyors, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Permanent Parcel No. 30-033600
Parcel 2:
Situated in the Township of Thompson, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: Known as being part of Lot 4 in said Township and is further bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at the intersection of the center line of Leroy Center Road with the West line of Thompson Township, Geauga County, same as being the east line of Leroy Township, Lake County. Thence along the west line of said Thompson due South (at 31.92 feet passing through an iron pipe stake in the southerly line of said Leroy Road) a distance of 694.01 feet to an iron pipe stake at the northwest corner of land in Thompson Township now or formerly owned by John and Mary Miller. Thence along the north line of said Millers’ land South 88 degrees 52’ East a distance of 949.82 feet. Thence by a line which bears North 19 degrees 59’ East a distance 345.34 feet to the center of said Leroy Center Road, Thence along the center of Leroy Center Road North 70 degrees 0l’ West a distance of l,136.05 feet to the place of beginning. Containing l2,068 acres of lands as surveyed and described by Fullerton and Kerr, Registered Engineers and Surveyors, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways, except 6.30 acres of land sold by Administrators or Executors to Mary Mele recorded in Volume 578, Page 1023, Geauga County Records office.
EXCEPTION from Volume 578, Page 1023 is bounded and described as follows: Situated in the Township of Thompson, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: Known as being part of Lot 4 in said Township is further bounded and described as follows: Beginning in the centerline of Leroy Road with its intersection with the west line of Thompson Township, said line also being the east line of Leroy Township; Thence due South along the west line of Thompson Township a distance of 694.01 feet to a point which is the northwest corner of J. Miller property as recorded in Vol. 210, Page 131 fo Geauga County Record of Deeds; Thence South 88° 52’ East along the north line of said Miller’s land a distance of 349.56.feet; Thence North 19° 59’ East a distance of 539.29 to the centerline of Leroy Road; Thence North 70° 01’ West along the centerline of Leroy Road a distance of 568 feet to the place of beginning, containing approximately 6.30 acres of land, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Permanent Parcel No. 30-033700
Said Premises Located at: 15322 THOMPSON ROAD, THOMPSON TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 30-033600, 30-033700
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall
be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($60,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($40,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio
Martin A. Klammer, attorney Oct10-17-24, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 21-F-000608
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO SKY BANK, Plaintiff vs. RANDY A. REED, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Alias Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 7th day of November, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 21st day of November, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Chardon to wit:
A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024, OR Volume 1558, Page 360
SHORT LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 17 TR 2
Said Premises Located at: 9584 AUBURN ROAD, CHARDON TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 06-062550
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($275,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($183,334.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Maureen Zink Delaney, attorney Oct10-17-24, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 23-F-000661
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE OF CIM TRUST 2023-NR2, Plaintiff vs. WILLIAM BIENIAS, JR., ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Alias Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 7th day of November, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 21st day of November, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Bainbridge to wit: A copy of the complete legal description
can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024.
Said Premises Located at: 9266 KINGSLEY DRIVE, BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, OH.
INSIDE APPRAISAL COMPLETED
Permanent Parcel Number: 02-385500
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($225,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($150,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio
Robert R. Hoose, attorney Oct10-17-24, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 24-F-000105
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF LAKEWOOD, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BRIAN J. ALLEN, TRUSTEE OF BDBA TRUST, AKA BRIAN J. ALLEN, TRUSTEE OF THE BDBA TRUST UNDER TRUST INSTRUMENT DATED APRIL 25, 1996 FOR THE BENEFIT OF BRIAN J. ALLEN, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 7th day of November, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 21st day of November, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Montville to wit:
Situated in the Township of Montville, County of Geauga and State of Ohio and known as being part of Original Section No. 6, 7, 14 and 15 within said Township and bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at a 5/8” iron pin found at a centerline P.I. (Station 32+99.37) of Morgan Road (60 feet wide).
Thence S 01° 02’ 52” E along said centerline tangent and centerline a distance of 226.69 feet to a point. Said point being a Southeasterly corner of a parcel of land conveyed to R.D. and D.F. Primer as recorded in Vol. 882, Pg. 1217 of Geauga County Records and Deeds. Said point also being a Northeasterly corner of the parcel herein described and the principal place of beginning of this survey.
Thence S 88° 44’ 40” W along a Southerly line of said Primer’s land and also along a Southerly line of a parcel of land conveyed to Kim-Sean Corp. (G. Peterson President) as recorded in Vol. 861, Pg. 1078 of Geauga County Records and deeds and passing through a 5/8” iron pin with cap bearing “Kosie 5276” found at 29.39 feet a total distance of 2432.34 feet to a 5/8” iron pin with cap bearing “Kosie 5276” found on the Westerly line of said Section No. 6. Said point being a Southwesterly corner of the said Kim-Sean Corp. parcel.
Thence N 00° 55’ 01” W along a Westerly line of the said Kim-Sean Corp. parcel, being the Westerly line of said Section No. 6, a distance of 407.61 feet to a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set. Said point being a Southeasterly corner of a parcel of land conveyed to Happy Hunting Ground, Ltd. as recorded in Vol. 1163, Pg. 1007 of Geauga County Records and Deeds. Said point also being a Northeasterly corner of the parcel herein described.
Thence S 88° 50’ 0l” W along a Southerly line of the Happy Hunting Ground, Ltd. parcel and also along a Southerly line of a parcel of land conveyed to C.W. and G.A. Wolf, D.P. and L.R. Crookshanks and P.J. Van Jura as recorded in Vol. 1530, Pg. 283 of Geauga County Records and Deeds and passing
through a 5/8” iron pin with cap bearing “R.L.S. 4195” found at 928.01 feet a total distance of 1404.07 feet to a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set. Said point being the Northwesterly corner of the parcel herein described.
Thence S 00° 55’ 06” E along an Easterly line of the said C.W. and G.A. Wolf, D.P. and L.R. Crookshanks and P.J. Van Jura parcel and also along an Easterly line of a parcel of land conveyed to E. and J.A. Nelson as recorded in Vol. 1716, Pg. 1648 of Geauga County Records and Deeds a distance of 741.75 feet to a point. Said point being a Southwesterly corner of the parcel herein described.
Thence N 89° 04’ 54” E along a Northerly line of the said Nelson parcel and also along a Northerly line of the following parcels of land: A. and P. DiFranco, Co-Trustees (The DiFranco Family Trust Vol. 1539, Pg. 907) and K.E. Kangas, Trustee (K.E. Kangas Rev. Trust Vol. 1261, Pg. 1011) of Geauga County Records and Deeds and passing through a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set at 550.00 feet and also passing through a 5/8” iron pin found at 1641.53 feet a total distance of 2484.97 feet to a 1” iron pipe found. Said point being a Northeasterly corner of the said K.E. Kangas parcel.
Thence S 00° 13’ 04” E along an Easterly line of the said K.E. Kangas parcel a distance of 425.37 feet to a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set. Said point being a Northwesterly corner of a parcel of land conveyed to H.D., II and M.W. Stoltz as recorded in Vol. 694, Pg. 160 of Geauga County Records and Deeds. Said point also being a Southwesterly corner of the parcel herein described.
Thence N 88° 26’ 23” E along a Northerly line of said Stoltz’s land a distance of 608.38 feet to a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set. Said point being a Southwesterly corner of another parcel of land conveyed to H.D., II and M.W. Stoltz as recorded in Vol. 1721, Pg. 1447 of Geauga County Records and Deeds. Said point also being a Southeasterly corner of the parcel herein described.
Thence N 01° 02’ 52” W along a Westerly line of said Stoltz’s land a distance of 150.00 feet to a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set. Said point being a Northwesterly corner of said Stoltz’s land.
Thence N 88° 26’ 23”E along a Northerly line of said Stoltz’s land and passing through a 5/8” (diameter) x 30” (long) iron pin with yellow plastic cap bearing “Kosie P.S. 8167” set at 720.00 feet a total distance of 750.00 feet to a point on the centerline of the aforesaid Morgan Road. Said point being a Northeasterly corner of said Stoltz’s land. Said point also being a Southeasterly corner of the parcel herein described.
Thence N 0l° 02’ 52” W along said centerline a frontage distance of 614.65 feet to the principal place of beginning of this survey and containing 53.8195 acres of land as surveyed by Delmar B. Kosie and Associates (Robert L. Kosie, Registered Professional Land Surveyor No. 8167). Bearings are to true North using NAD83 (October 2004). Be the same, more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Said Premises Located at: 9398 MORGAN ROAD, MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP, OH. Permanent Parcel Number: 20-048650
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover. Said Premises appraised at ($750,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($500,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Kim M. Hammond, attorney Oct10-17-24, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
Case Number 23-F-000745 - Government Loan Securitization Trust 2011-FV1, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Delaware trustee and U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Co-Trustee, Plaintiff, vs. Edward T Conklin, et al., Defendants.
The Defendant, Edward T Conklin, whose current addresses are unknown, will take notice that on December 21, 2023, the Plaintiff, Government Loan Securitization Trust 2011-FV1, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Delaware trustee and U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Co-Trustee, filed its Complaint in Case No. 23-F-000745, in the Court of Common Pleas of Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, seeking a foreclosure of its mortgage interest in the real property located at 14777 Ashwood Drive, Newbury, OH, 44065, Permanent Parcel No. 23-021050, (“Real Estate”), and alleged that the Defendant has or may have an interest in this Real Estate.
The Defendant, Edward T Conklin, is required to answer the Plaintiff’s Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last date of publication of this notice. In the event that the Defendant, Edward T Conklin, failed to respond in the allotted time, judgment by default can be entered against them for the relief requested in the Plaintiff’s Complaint.
By Carrie L. Davis (0083281); Michael R. Brinkman (0040079); Yanfang Marilyn Ramirez (0074242); Aaron M. Cole (0091673), Attorney for Plaintiff, Reisenfeld & Associates, LLC, 3962 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227. voice: 1-513-3227000; facsimile: 513-322-7099. Oct3-10-17, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
SALE OF REAL ESTATE
THE FARMERS NATIONAL BANK OF CANFIELD, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO GEAUGA SAVINGS BANK VS. FRANKLIN LEE
SMITH, JR., et al.
By Order of the Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, Case No. 23-F-000612, Rudy Kiko, the Court-Appointed Private Selling Officer, will offer for sale on the date and at the place set forth herein the real property described below (the “Real Property”).
Online Auction Dates: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – 12:30 pm
Legal Description: Full Legal description of property can be found as an attachment on the sale page on the kikoauctions.com website. Property Address: 12349 Clay Street, Huntsburg, Ohio 44046
Permanent Parcel No.: 16-042900
Terms Of Sale: Appraised value of the Property is $120,000. Bidding is to begin at 2/3 of appraised value per court order. Therefore minimum bid must be $80,000. A 10% deposit is required on auction day; balance due within 30 days of sale confirmation. The Property is sold in its AS-IS condition. If a second sale is required, in accordance with O.R.C. §2329.26 (A)(2)(v), that sale shall be held on November 22, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.
A 10% buyer’s premium will be added to the highest bid to establish the purchase price. Any desired inspections must be made prior to bidding. All information contained herein was derived from sources believed to be correct. Information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.
Notice to Lienholders: Pursuant to O.R.C. §2329.152(B)(2), each judgment creditor and lienholder who is a party to the foreclosure action may submit a “Remote Bid” on or before 4:30 p.m. on October 29, 2024 by email to rudykiko@kikocompany.com or by facsimile to 330-453-1765.
Russ Kiko Associates, Inc. Auctioneers. 330455-9357. 2722 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, Ohio 44718.
Attorney Joseph Spano for Plaintiff 6 Federal Plaza Central, #1300 Youngstown, OH 44503.
Oct10-17-24, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Sale of Real Estate GEAUGA COUNTY
Foreclosure Auction
Case# 23-F-000683 - Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC vs Reffett, Heather, et al.
The description of the property to be sold is as follows: Property Address: 8401 SUMMIT DRIVE, CHAGRIN FALLS, GEAUGA, OH, 44023; Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 02-013600 & 02013500
Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on November 12, 2024, at
10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.
Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third-party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time.
Provisional Sale date: November 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $10,000 to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.
Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 23F000683 into the search bar. Oct17-24-31, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
Case No. 24-F-000515 - Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, Not In Its Individual Capacity, But Solely As Owner Trustee Of CSMC 2019-RPL5 Trust, Plaintiff vs. Gerald McGill, as the real Estate beneficiary of Joseph A. McGill, et al., Defendants.
Kathleen McGill, AKA Kathleen Wolf, as the real Estate beneficiary of Joseph A. McGill, whose last known address is 3153 Landmark Drive, Unit 223, Clearwater, FL 33761, John Doe, Name Unknown, the Unknown spouse of Kathleen McGill, AKA Kathleen Wolf (if any), whose last known address is 3153 Landmark Drive, Unit 223, Clearwater, FL 33761, will take notice that on August 12, 2024, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, Not In Its Individual Capacity, But Solely As Owner Trustee Of CSMC 2019-RPL5 Trust filed its Complaint in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, assigned Case No. 24-F-000515 and styled Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, Not In Its Individual Capacity, But Solely As Owner Trustee Of CSMC 2019-RPL5 Trust vs. Gerald McGill, as the real Estate beneficiary of Joseph A. McGill, et al. The object of, and demand for relief in, the Complaint is to foreclose the lien of Plaintiff’s mortgage recorded upon the real estate described below and in which Plaintiff alleges that the foregoing defendant has or claims to have an interest:
The defendant named above is required to answer the Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publication of this legal notice. This legal notice will be published once a week for three successive weeks.
By Ann Marie Johnson, Attorney for Plaintiff, MDK Legal, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, 614-220-5611, AMJohnson@mdklegal.com Oct17-24-31, 2024
NOTICE OF BRANCH ESTABLISHMENT
Notice is hereby given that The Middlefield Banking Company, having its main office at 15985 East High Street, Middlefield, Ohio 44062, has filed an application with the Chicago Regional Office of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) requesting permission to establish a branch upon a tract of real estate located in Westerville, Ohio, north of Altair Parkway, between N. Cleveland Avenue and Kepler Crossing, being a part of tax parcel number 317-333-01-003-010.
Any person wishing to comment on this application may file his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director of the FDIC at its Chicago Regional Office, located at 300 South Riverside Plaza Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606-3447. All comments must be received not later than November 1, 2024. The non-confidential portions of the application are on file at the Chicago Regional Office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request. Oct17, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
GEAUGA COUNTY
The Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads –Sections E-F of Clay Street and Section A of Leggett Road, Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on November 1, 2024 and read publicly at 10:05 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $1,075,000. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid
directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening.
Bids may be held by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/. BY THE ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christine Blair, Clerk Oct17, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE GEAUGA COUNTY
The Construction of a Salt Storage Building, Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 local time on November 1, 2024 and read publicly at 10:05 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $775,000.00. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Mer-
ritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening. Bids may be held by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/. BY THE ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christine Blair, Clerk Oct17, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF BURTON
A Village of Burton Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 5:30 PM in the Village Office. The Board will review a variance request from: Mr. Paul D. Demko, 13483 Kinsman Road for construction of 1 story individual family homes, one-two and three bedrooms. Lynn McCollum-Arnold Deputy Administrative Assistant Oct17, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Auburn Township Notice is hereby given that the Auburn Township Records Commission will conduct a Public Hearing for the purpose of reviewing the Auburn Township Schedule of Record Retention and Disposition at 7:00 PM, Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Township Administration Building, 11010 Washington Street, Auburn Township, OH 44023. BY THE ORDER OF THE AUBURN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
Daniel Matsko, Fiscal Officer Oct17, 2024
AUTOS & PARTS
2007 Dodge Dakota SLT: silver, automatic, 6-cylinder, 6’6” bed w/liner. Call for details 440-223-9471.
WANTED: Winter Storage for car in Chesterland area. Nov 1-May 1. $300 cash. 440-729-3382.
2008 Nissan Xterra: Nice, MUST SEE, 134k, Winter Ready, Well Maintained. Also, 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster: 10k, Great Shape. MAKE OFFERS 330-858-3213.
Howard Rototiller: 42” wide, for compact tractor. Cat 1 three-point hitch. $1,800. 440-487-2955.
FIREWOOD for sale: $165 per cord. 440-338-5201. New white triple track storm windows: (7) 30-1/4 x 591/4, $125 each. 440-336-5044.
Portable Generator: Briggs gasoline engine. 5,500 continues wattage. 8,500 peak. Runs Great. Supplies power for 14 hrs on a tank of gas. $500/OBO. 216956-6478.
Crocks: Lg20 $200, Lg15 $150. 2 jugs $150/each. Can send pics; all in good condition. Also Shed: VGC, 10x14, you move; $2,500. 440-655-9999, leave message. Hitzer Coal Stove, GC, $750. Honda Generator: 5500 watts, $275. 440-636-6370. Also, New Dog House: light gray metal, $95.
Oak Dinette Set: 48” round table, 24” leaf, 4 chairs, $350. Oak Dining Room Table: 60” long plus 24” leafs, $200. 440-286-3208.
Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.
Full Electric Hospital Bed: rails, mattress and remote. Used for 3 days. ProBasics brand. $200. Call 440-3131411.
Second Hand Treasures. A unique shopping place. Something for everyone! Weekly Sales: Thursday, Friday, Saturday. 9a-5p. Many $1 bargains. 9098 Old St Road, Rt.608, Chardon.
HELP WANTED
Help Wanted: Brush hogging small pasture, Chardon area. 440-286-3840.
PETS & ANIMALS
Barn homes needed for semi-feral cats, as their elderly caretaker is being evicted. All cats are being fixed & vaccinated. Rebecca 440-321-2485.
For Sale: 8 little Banties; $2 each. Wanted: 1 American Rooster. 440-632-1505.
Kunekune piglets for sale. Born 7/25. AKKPS registered. Boars and gilts. Call or text 440-223-9023.
FREE facts: vapes are cheaper now and more potent! And flavored to addict young people! Warn them now!
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne 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. Albert’s Complete Tree Service: 45+yrs experience! Competent in all aspects of Arboriculture, Forestry and Land Clearing. Also, Firewood, Excavation and Sewer Work. Free Estimates. 440-687-5404.
Classifieds
Licensed Caregiver: will care for elderly or special needs individuals in Geauga County. 440-313-1804.
Did you know Karlovec Media Group prints business cards? Prices start at only $30 for 500 (B&W, 1-sided, no bleed). Call 440-729-7667 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com.
Driving for the Amish: will take you to work, school or other rides. Call Debbie 440-228-4760.
North Coast Property Solutions: Insured. Senior, Veteran, and First Responders Discounts. We offer: Tree Trimming/removals; Storm Damage, Debris, Trash Removal; Gutter Cleaning; Window Cleaning; Chimney Cleaning, Etc. Call Mitchal at 440-662-2049 for your next project, you won’t regret it.
WANTED TO BUY
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.
The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Oct. 4 to Oct. 10, 2024.
ASSAULT
Oct. 4
9:28 p.m., Kinsman Road, Zeppes Pizza, Newbury. Female was jumped by two people in the parking lot. She is messed up pretty bad. She is inside with employees. She was choked and having pain in the abdomen. The two that assaulted her have left the scene. No visible injuries. She will be on the patio area.
BURGLARY
Oct. 4
7:29 a.m., Auburn Road, Chardon. Home invasion in process. Male is headed to the neighbor's house. Male entered the home, yelling for the complainant's brother. Male is tall, slender 6-feet tall, balding. Wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes and a black or navy long sleeve shirt. Complainant states she was sleeping, and the male entered from the front door. He yelled into the house, "I am looking for
my brother.” Suspect arrested for burglary. See report.
CITIZEN DISPUTE
Oct. 4
12:15 p.m., Hale Road, Burton. Homeowner is reporting that a neighbor is dumping raw sewage on their property and the smell is so bad that he is unable to leave windows open.
FOUND PROPERTY
Oct. 7
6:47 p.m., Route 422, LaDue Causeway, Auburn. Caller is parked on 422 on the Causeway. He found an old shotgun. The shotgun is in the water but close enough to grab it. Parked near the construction. Deputies recovered a shotgun that was in LaDue Lake. See report.
PROPERTY DAMAGE
Oct. 7
2:44 p.m., Auburn Road, Newbury. Would like to speak to deputy regarding piece of property they own up the street that neighbor keeps digging on. Reported that
she owns the property on Dora Drive. Stated she owns the parcel with a pond on it. She reported that a neighbor has been trespassing on to her property with excavating machines and was digging on her property. She also reported that the unknown male started draining the pond with pumps. Deputy attempted to make contact with the male but no one was home. The incident is under investigation. See report.
SUSPICIOUS
Oct. 8
7:27 p.m., Bascom Road, Hambden. Caller advised a drone is flying southwest of the caller's address. Caller advised it didn't fly over his property. The caller wanted it documented her observed a drone. The drone did not fly over his property and no further action was requested.
8:37 p.m., Bascom Road, Hambden. Caller advised last night a drone was flying over and hovering over the caller's house, caller advised the drone is now over his field
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week of Oct. 7, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
AQUILLA VILLAGE
Mary A. Briggs, Aquilla Boulevard (s/l 2H), to James and Michelle Brett, $100. (0.07 acres)
Mary A. Briggs, Cuyahoga Boulevard (s/l 22H), to James and Michelle Brett, $1. (0.04 acres)
Mary A. Briggs, Aquilla Boulevard (s/l 3H), to James and Michelle Brett, $100. (0.07 acres)
AUBURN TOWNSHIP
Angela M. Nines Ladd and Mark E. Ladd (co-trustees), to Brenton J. and Abigail R. Ellis, $425,000. (2.51 acres)
David J. Jr. and Emily K. Zagorski, 16780 Snyder Road, to Stanislav Tsiperson and Christina Woods, $760,000. (1.76 acres)
Steve Hall, Woodland Avenue (s/l 459), to Lorenzo Lynch, $600. (0.06 acres)
Ruby Hall, Lorain Street (s/l 1319-1322), to Annie K. Langford and India D. Mitchell, $9,000. (0.24 acres)
Steve Hall, Medina Street (s/l 1339-1340), to Annie K. Langford and India D. Mitchell, $2,600. (0.12 acres)
Steve Hall, 16679 Lorain St., to Annie K. Langford and India D. Mitchell, $100. (0.12 acres)
Stephen Hall, Lorain Street (s/l 13231324), to Annie K. Langford and India D. Mitchell, $500. (0.12 acres)
Roberta S. Barber, 8715 Taylor May Road, to Shane K. Herendeen, $295,000. (4.00 acres)
Ryan M. Miller, 8050 Bainbrook Drive, to Alexander Shahidian, $700,000. (0.52 acres)
BURTON VILLAGE
Burton Developers LLC, 14750 Rapids Road, to Englebrook Construction Inc., $120,000. (0.43 acres)
CHARDON CITY
NVR Inc., 211 High Fox Drive, to Ryan and Kelly Dudziak, $457,900. (0.17 acres)
CHARDON TOWNSHIP
Steven and Lisa M. McKimmy, 11488 Clark Road, to Anne Mary Granchi (trustee), $365,000. (1.00 acres)
Joseph P. Bolan Jr., 12195 Catalpa Drive, to Stephen T. Sertz, $154,000. (5.01 acres)
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Jerome P. Flesher, 13140 Chillicothe Road, to Jerome A. Flesher, $8,800. (2.51 acres)
HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP
Ann M. Mesick, 9364 Bascom Road, to 9364 Bascom LLC, $145,000. (9.78 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP
Melvin C. and Elizabeth Y. Miller, 17760 Peters Road, to Robert A. and Ruthie M. Miller, $337,000. (8.27 acres)
William W. and Kathryn R. Byler, 13670 Bundysburg Road, to Daniel C. and Martha A. Byler, $375,000. (7.24 acres)
NEWBURY TOWNSHIP
Julia D. Elliott and Clayton Jeffery May-
nard, 11230 Morningstar Court, to Pamela Reeves, $300,000. (0.85 acres)
Erika A. and Richard J. Mulligan, 14735 Munnberry Oval, to S. Anthony and Dorothy Laurinaitis, $455,000. (2.12 acres)
SDCL LLC, Dora Drive, to Lauren and Joshua I. Luoma, $120,000. (9.81 acres)
Albert J. Laufer (trustee), 11232 Bell St., to Curt Alan and Jessica Lynn McCamon (co-trustees), $2,495,000. (126.21 acres)
PARKMAN TOWNSHIP
Denise R. Wellman, 16731 Farmington Road, to Robert J. York, $101,000. (2.58 acres)
Robert J. York, 16731 Farmington Road, to Wayne V. and Esther M. Hershberger, $218,000. (2.58 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
Estate of James B. Davis, 14771 Hillbrook Lane North, to Katie O. and Thomas C. Smith, $627,000. (2.32 acres)
Michael Novak (successor trustee), 7615 Hunters Hollow Trail, to Caroline E. Reider, $525,000. (5.28 acres)
Andrew and Chelsey Line, 8290 Music St., to Michael Gruse Jr. and Rebecca In-
or possibly the neighbor's house. Complainant wanted it documented a drone was flying over his house the past two nights. He stated the drone sounded like it may have been at window level when he heard it the previous evening. Advice given.
Oct. 9
5:37 p.m., Merritt Road, Sheriff's Office, Munson. Complainant reported suspect out of rehab and he contacted Akron Chidlren's Hospital posing as an uncle so he can spend the night in the hospital with his ex-girlfriend, who was spending the night there with her 15-year-old niece. Report completed.
THEFT
Oct. 4
2:58 p.m., Hunt Road, Huntsburg. Caller would like to make a report that people keep stealing the Kamala Harris signs, one which was over $200. Two $50 Kamala signs taken. Caller does not know who took them. Advice given to put out cameras.
wood, $599,000. (8.32 acres)
George G. Head (TOD), 14060 W. Willard Road, to Michael J. and Diane M. Joyce, and Felix and Karen Marie Gruenewald, $266,000. (1.62 acres)
SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE
Theresa Bidwell (trustee) and Emily J. McLaughlin (TOD), 5241 Maple Springs Drive, to Brittan M. and Matthew G. Leiser, and Michael and Anne Mawby, $280,000. (1.35 acres)
Brittan M. and Matthew G. Leiser, and Michael and Anne Mawby, 5241 Maple Springs Drive, to Brittan M. and Matthew G. Leiser, and Michael and Anne Mawby, $280,000. (1.35 acres)
THOMPSON TOWNSHIP
Carol D. Radigan and Roxanne R. Kozlovich (co-trustees), 16730 Thompson Road, to Arianna Dawn Killing and Jacob Daniel Priem, $20,000. (0.73 acres)
Carol D. Radigan and Roxanne R. Kozlovich (co-trustees), 16740 Thompson Road, to Arianna Dawn Killing and Jacob Daniel Priem, $270,000. (0.75 acres)
