Geauga County Maple Leaf 10-22

Leaf Thursday, October 22, 2020 Vol. 27 No. 42 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.00

Chardon Cardinal Schools Benefits Suing From Parkman CARES Funds County over Location of Offices

Inside This Edition

By Ann Wishart

ann@geaugamapleleaf.com

By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com

The City of Chardon is suing Geauga County Commissioners regarding the county’s plans for a roughly $30 million project to build new offices in Claridon Township, according to a press release issued Oct. 15.

The city said the project raised questions about the commissioners’ intent to keep their offices in the county seat, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and “citizen expectations.”

“Chardon has served as the county seat since the early 1800s,” the press release said. “As the county seat, there are specific See Lawsuit • Page 5

Claypool Urges Commission to Fire Envision LLC

By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com Geauga County Planning Commission member Skip Claypool said Oct. 15 he is “extremely unhappy” with Envision Group LLC’s work to update the county general plan and he wants to halt the job and discharge the company.

Claypool said the consultants the commission hired last year Claypool are going in the wrong direction with the plans they have, to date.

“What (the plan) is doing fits what NOACA (Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency) wants See Planning • Page 7

Townships across Geauga County are being flooded with waves of federal CARES Act funds intended to help them keep the coronavirus from spreading among officials, employees and residents.

Some township trustees and fiscal officers have spent hours trying to figure out if the needs of the townships can meet the parameters of the restrictions put upon the funds.

As explained in several trustees’ meetings, each township has to justify its spending to the Ohio Office of Budget Management.

The main conditions are that the expenditure must be linked to preventing the spread of the coronavirus, the item bought must not have been a previously budgeted township expense and the township must spend the grant funds See Cardinal • Page 4

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Jordak Elementary School Principal Mike Chaffee takes the temperature of a student before she is allowed to enter the building.

Big Creek Opens County’s 1st Public Mountain Biking Trail

By Rose Nemunaitis editor@geaugamapleleaf.com Your parents might have been onto something when they told you to go outside and ride your bike.

The mental and physical benefits are plentiful and if you’re a mountain cyclist, the adrenaline pumping thrill of exploring nature has recently become more accessible in Geauga County.

The county’s first single-track mountain bike trail was added to Big Creek Park in Chardon thanks to a partnership with Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association, which developed and laid out the trail with the help of Geauga Park District’s in-house construction crew.

“A single-track mountain bike trail at Big Creek Park is a great See Trail • Page 6

facebook.com/geaugamapleleaf @geaugamapleleaf

Single Edition $1.00 ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Mike Ryba, Cleveland Mountain Bike Association treasurer, said CAMBA’s partnership with all area parks is a great example of what can be accomplished when citizens form a group and that group works with area land managers to achieve mutual goals.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

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GCPL Unveils New Thompson Library karlovec

By Kathy McClure editor@geaugamapleleaf.com Beautiful fall sunny days in Ohio have been the recent backdrop for tours of the new Geauga County Public Library branch in Thompson Township.

With construction, paving and plantings behind them, GCPL administrators and staff invited area residents and patrons to see the newest branch of the library system.

Thompson Library is slated to open to the public Oct. 29 and is located just north of the Thompson Township square at 6645 Madison Road (state Route 528).

Upon arrival, patrons and guests are greeted by breathtaking vaulted windows at the front and back. The light bathes the interior with a cheery glow as the library opens to an expansive children’s section with bright reading areas and gathering space.

The entry corridor, or “showcase,” of the building invites guests to a coffee station, information desk, self-checkout and copy/fax area. The contemporary look of the interior with its LED lighting panels and streamlined cabinetry offers clean lines and simple structure.

Most of the furniture is on casters for easy rearranging to accommodate special programming and traffic flow. Two study rooms offer a quiet, glass-enclosed space for small conferencing.

Many of the gently used items were repurposed from the closed Newbury library branch.

The Francis Spatz Leighton Reading Room is of special significance to the residents of Thompson. This nationally renowned author and former resident bequeathed a significant sum of money to her beloved town.

As stated in her will, it was very important to her Thompson’s children understand the wealth of knowledge that comes from reading, literature, nature and the cultural arts. She enjoyed playing in the woods and longed for children to gather together, share stories and become familiar with surroundings both near and far.

To that end, the reading room is situated on the wooded side of the building overlooking nature. GCPL Director Ed Worso outlined preliminary plans to bring in art competitions. as well as nature exhibits, possibly in conjunction with the Geauga Park District.

“They (architects) wanted to plant $17,000 worth of trees, but we said, ‘We have trees,’” he said, adding future plans include

Trick or Treat

• Bainbridge Township: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

• Burton: Oct. 31, 5:30-7 p.m.

• Chardon: Oct. 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Chester Township: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

• Huntsburg Township: Oct. 31, 5-7:30 p.m.

• Middlefield Village: Oct. 31, 5:30-7 p.m.

• Munson Township: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

• Parkman: Oct. 31, 5-6 p.m. Use caution; there are no traffic cross guards.

group

Editorial Office 101 South Street P.O. Box 1166 Chardon, Ohio 44024 Phone 440-285-2013 FAX 440-285-2015 info@geaugamapleleaf.com Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday - Friday Advertising Office 8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026 Phone 440-729-7667 FAX 440-729-8240 ads@geaugamapleleaf.com Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Closed Wednesday

KATHY MCCLURE/KMG

The adult section of the new Thompson Library with one of its majestic windows flooding the room with light. Conversation and study tables dot the space.

work on the grounds with the hopes of enlisting help from area organizations.

The library has a multi-media conference room, complete with computer adaptive conference seating. The room capacity is 108.

An old school bell hangs over the entry door to the conference room as a reminder of the history of the site — Thompson Library sits atop land formerly occupied by Thompson School, which originated in the late 1890s.

The 5-acre property took three years to acquire and lots of hard work, particularly on the part of Thompson residents Erwin and Lynne Leffel.

“It takes a year of planning, a year of design and a year of construction, and we met sometimes in 8-hour sessions to get it right,” Worso said, adding the new branch encompasses 8,500 square feet.

New library Manager Kevin Barton has a hard time hiding his enthusiasm about the branch opening later this month.

He said all the staff members from the former Thompson Library Station at Ledgemont Elementary School will be brought over to the new venue to manage the collection of just under 40,000 items.

The library in Thompson and the new branch in Bainbridge Township were made possible by a county-wide $24 million bond issue.

Improvements were also made to the

Geauga County Mascot “Rascal the Racoon” is a regular visitor to the Thompson Library along with the many other branches in the county. He often holds court in the children’s section as seen here in Thompson.

Middlefield Library branch and money is held in reserve to make improvements to the Chardon branch. Bainbridge is slated to open by year’s end, Worso said.

Following the completion of these projects, Worso said he would focus on capacity building, which is his forte’.

Thompson Library’s hours of operation starting Oct. 29 are Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Halloween Trick or Treat Residents wishing to have their homes visited are asked to leave a porch or outside light on. Children are asked to stop only at homes with lights on.

To view the Ohio Department of Health’s guidance for celebrating Halloween amid Covid-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov and click on the Responsible RestartOhio tab.

karlovec

• Russell Township: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

• South Russell Village: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

Trick or Treat Alternatives • Munson Fire Department: Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m.

Drive through the scary fire station bay while ghosts and goblins hand out candy bags to the kids. The family-friendly event is free to Munson residents.

• St. Mark Trunk or Treat: Oct. 31, 5:307:30 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran Church is hosting a trunk or treat event in the parking lot of the church located at 11900 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township. Cars will be spaced at least 6 feet apart. Bring pre-wrapped treats.

For information, call the church office, 440729-1668.

• Century Village Museum, Burton: Oct. 31, 4-6:30 p.m.

Halloween Lil’ Goblins Trick or Treat drive-through will be held on the museum grounds. Bag of treats will be distributed outside the museum buildings to those passing by in their cars. A scarecrow photo station will be available at the end. The event is free; donations are appreciated.

Correction

The last name of the real estate agent quoted in the story “Bonner Asks to Rezone Property” in the Oct. 15 edition of the Geauga County Maple Leaf was misspelled, the proper spelling is Sherry Hornak.

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 Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design Beverly Thompson, Front Desk 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.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Cardinal from page 1

by the deadline — Dec. 31.

If they are purchased, but don’t meet the regulations, the township must return the funds and pay for the items or services out of the township funds, said Claridon Township Trustee Jonathan Tiber, who said the township has been approved to buy computers, printers and ink for employees working from home because of COVID-19.

They have also justified the cost of a digital, monochromatic, permanent informational sign on township land along Mayfield Road, Tiber said.

“It’s not elaborate. It will reflect the character of the township and not be a huge distraction,” he said.

At a trustees meeting, Tiber said the sign can be used to keep residents informed about the coronavirus situation.

Sharing Wealth & Health

The grant restrictions rule out paving roads or mowing cemeteries, but there is an escape clause if officials want to be generous with CARES Act money they can’t spend.

Per Ohio House Bill 481, the grants can be passed on to school districts or fire departments associated with the township to be used for virus control, attorney Todd Hicks said Oct. 19.

“A governmental entity receiving CARES Act grants can grant a portion of those funds to another entity that provides public services provided the funds are used for (protective personal equipment) or other legitimate COVID-19 expenses,” he said. “The recipient of the grant must comply with all record

keeping requirements and can be audited.”

Recently, Parkman Township Trustees gifted a $12,000 thermal camera to Cardinal Schools that can scan the temperatures of up to 30 children at a time as they pass through the doors every morning.

“We are allowed to give back to the community,” Parkman Fiscal Officer Nina Reed said in a phone interview Oct. 19. “The trustees determined the school was in need.”

Specifically, each student and adult coming through the doors in the morning must have his or her temperature taken.

The process means, even with several people using forehead thermometers, delays were inevitable.

Parkman Trustee Roger Anderson credited Trustee Henry Duchscherer with the idea of sharing the CARES Act grant.

“He originally contacted the superintendent and asked what the school could use,” Anderson said.

Superintendent Bill Kermavner has a 20-member COVID-19 team to advise the administration on dealing with the virus, he said.

“They came up with some really clever ideas,” Anderson said.

The thermal camera is similar to those used at the Cleveland Clinic to make sure no visitor with a temperature gets into the facilities, so the team figured it would work for a school full of elementary students and adults, he said.

The thermal camera is more sensitive than the forehead thermometers.

“A kid could be wearing a football helmet,” and the camera would still read his or her temperature, Anderson said.

Reed said it will give an accurate reading through hats and sunglasses, as well, and is

PROCLAMATION AND NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

R.C. 3501 The Board of Elections of Geauga County, Ohio, issues this Proclamation and Notice of Election

A GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 (being the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November)

at the usual place of holding elections in each and every precinct throughout Geauga County or at such places as the Board may designate for the purpose of choosing the following officers: President/Vice President Representative to Congress (14thDistrict) State Senator (18th District) State Senator (32nd District) State Representative (76th District) State Representative (99th District) County Commissioner (1/2/2021 Term) County Commissioner (1/3/2021 Term) Prosecuting Attorney Clerk of Courts of Common Pleas County Sheriff County Recorder County Treasurer County Engineer County Coroner Justice of the Supreme Court (1/1/2021 term) Justice of the Supreme Court (1/2/2021 term) Judge of the Court of Appeals (11th District – (2/09/2021 term) Judge of the Court of Appeals (11th District – (2/10/2021 term) Judge of the Court of Common Pleas/Probate/Juvenile Division and determining issues in the following areas: Geauga County JFS – Children Services Property Tax Renewal Burton Village Townships of Auburn, Bainbridge, Burton, Chardon, Chester, Hambden, Huntsburg, Montville, Munson, Parkman, Thompson and Troy Chagrin Falls Exempted School District The Polls for the General Election will open at 6:30 A.M., and remain open until 7:30 P.M., of said day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO Ed Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22, 2020

Thursday, October 22, 2020

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Cardinal Schools will receive a thermal camera from Parkman Township Trustees who are buying it with CARES Act funds and donating it to the district. The camera can determine the temperatures of up to 30 individuals at a time. Cardinal Schools Superintendent Bill Kermavner said it will be used at Jordak Elementary School so students don’t have to wait outside to have their temperatures taken in the mornings.

not alarming to kindergarteners.

“It’s a lot less terrifying for the little kids,” she said, adding students will be glad not to have to stand outside waiting for their turns.

As they file quickly past, the camera images on the computer screen show those without temperatures have a green box around their heads while the student with a higher-than-normal temperature will have a red box, Anderson said.

The staff can pull that person aside and deal with the problem, he said.

The camera was purchased from Just Add Tech, Inc., in Newbury Township, Kermavner said.

Dan MacRaild said his company will be installing the camera in early November and will train personnel on its use.

The thermal camera focuses in on a person’s tear duct to measure his or her temperature and will recognize a person with an elevated temperature so school officials will be alerted if he or she returns to school before the quarantine period is over, MacRaild said.

More to Come

Another COVID-19-related delay is the cleaning of school buses between runs around the district, which extends from Parkman Township south of Middlefield Village to Huntsburg Township north of the campus.

Parkman Township Trustees purchased two sprayers, backup batteries and 100 gallons of expensive disinfectant to help school personnel clean buses much faster, Kermavner said during the Cardinal Schools Board of Education meeting Oct. 14.

All told, the trustees spent about $20,000 of CARES Act grant money on items the school needed.

Parkman has received about $80,000 in CARES Act money and Reed said she believes another round will be dispensed soon.

Making sure the money is spent according to the rules is a challenge.

Officials worry auditors may decide in the future the township has to pay the grant money back, she said.

“It’s a lot of money and it’s great. We love the grants, but it’s terrifying at the same time,” she said.

Bainbridge Man Charged with Engaging in Corrupt Activity Staff Report A Geauga County grand jury has indicted a local business owner who is accused of using his business to secure loans with forged documents.

Mark Hoehn, 68, of Bainbridge Township, was indicted on multiple charges, including one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony, two counts of theft from a person in a protected class, two counts of grand theft, three counts of Hoehn telecommunications fraud and 28 counts of forgery.

The top count in the indictment carries a maximum potential sentence of 11 years in prison.

Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said the charges stem from a three-month investigation Bainbridge Township police conduct-

ed into numerous financial transactions by Hoehn through his company, Odyssey Printware, located on Aurora Road.

“This was a cooperative effort spearheaded by the Bainbridge Township Police Department to stop a string of financial fraud from claiming more victims,” Flaiz said, adding the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and prosecutor’s office investigators assisted the Bainbridge detective bureau in the investigation.

According to the indictment, from Dec. 28, 2018, to March 11, 2020, Hoehn is accused of using his business, Odyssey Printware, to secure loans from an 86-year-old Bainbridge resident utilizing forged documents.

He also is accused of securing other loans for his business through a series of unauthorized credit card charges and forged documents that victimized two other area businesses, according to police.

Hoehn is scheduled to be arraigned before Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Carolyn Paschke on Nov. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Chardon Schools Transportation Director Resigns District Reports No New COVID Cases

By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com Chardon Schools Board of Education officially accepted the resignation of Michael Gatrell from his position as transportation director Oct. 19.

After a short executive session and no public comment, the school board approved a separation agreement from Gatrell, in which the district agreed to pay him a three-month severance in exchange for his resignation and an agreement not to seek employment with, nor contact anyone else employed by, the district.

The contract termination comes on the heels of a rocky start to the year for parents and students as bus routes — complicated by COVID-19 social distancing requirements — were delayed for weeks.

In an email after the meeting, Superintendent Michael Hanlon said the district is using Community Bus Services for transportation supervision.

“We will continue to evaluate the most effective manner to supervise the operations of our transportation department in the future,” Hanlon said.

New transportation routes should be added to the district’s Infinite Campus website later this week, Hanlon told the board Monday, adding the new routing program could be launched as early as Oct. 23. He encouraged parents to check the “Transportation”

Lawsuit from page 1

requirements defined by the Ohio Revised Code for the county government to have its office located in the county seat. People expect their county government to be located at and to operate at the county seat. This is the usual and normal course of county government as is the case in Ohio’s 88 counties.”

Chardon City Council has been seeking answers from the commissioners since December 2019, the city said, adding council requested in early September 2020 a written commitment from commissioners to maintain a fully staffed and operating office performing real governmental functions in Chardon, and to specify what departments will be located there after construction of the new county facilities.

“The commissioners’ answer, however, has been that they are apprised of the revised code’s requirements; that they intend to keep “an office” at the county seat; and that they owe the city no explanation as to what that means and what offices, operations and employees the commissioners intend to keep at the county seat,” the city wrote, adding — contrary to previous statements made in press releases and communications to the city — public records requests show the county commissioners’ offices in the drawing being located outside of the county seat.

On Sept. 16, Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz informed the city’s legal counsel the county is under no obligation to provide the City of Chardon any written commitment regarding the office of the commissioners.

“It has been stated time and time again in almost every discussion that the county

IC tab for updates.

The district is short by about 10 drivers and will no longer be using drivers from other school districts, as those schools have transitioned back into in-person instruction, Hanlon said.

Routes will be available first to local Chardon Schools drivers, with left over routes then assigned to CBS personnel as the district continues to look for more drivers.

Hanlon also told the board the district has had zero new coronavirus cases for students or teachers, whether on-site or remote.

“We’re generally seeing a positive impact with respect to the maintenance department and the work that they’re doing, the work of our students, the work of our staff and everybody basically doing what they can to minimize risk in the school setting,” he said.

To date, Hanlon said the district has had 43 students and two staff members in quarantine.

He said in a call last week with superintendents, health officials praised the efforts of schools and said contact tracing is not identifying schools as the major contributing source of viral spread.

However, community spread of the novel coronavirus is expected to increase, according to health officials, as people spend more time indoors during the onset of the seasonal cold and flu season, Hanlon said.

He said while the district initially planned to tie in-school instruction status to the color-coded Ohio Public Health Advisory map, after discussions with Geauga Health Commissioner Tom Quade, the district decided to use the state’s risk map in combination with has had with the city that the usual office of the county commissioners will remain in the county seat in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code,” Flaiz wrote.

In their suit, filed Oct. 15 in the Court of Common Pleas, the city asks the court for a declaration “that the usual office of the county commissioners must be maintained at the county seat,” as well as the staff and offices of the county administrator, including all staff who report to the county administrator, the offices of budget and management, human resources, procurement, communications, information technology, risk-management, records management and maintenance, community and economic development, and that the operations of all must be located at the county seat.

The city asks the same for county boards and commissions, including those of the county auditor, the county treasurer, the county recorder and the county archives.

County Administrator Gerry Morgan released a statement on behalf of commissioners, stating commissioners are aware of the lawsuit and have “time and again informed the city that the commissioners intend to follow the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code when it comes to the location of all county offices.”

Morgan said commissioners have included the city in plans for the new facilities over the past four-plus years, including providing extra funding in the R.L. Bowen contract to have discussions with the city regarding the county offices and withholding a final decision on new offices until the city could have R.L. Bowen review options for the county maintaining the offices on the square.

Morgan said commissioners also agreed to keep the offices currently on the square on the square rather than moving them to a new complex that would have been located on the

numbers being seen in the school district to make a decision whether to close buildings, or shift to every-other-day in-person instruction.

Any shift in plans will take effect the Monday of the week after the district, working with the health commissioner, decides a shift to a hybrid instructional model is necessary, he said.

“So far, (there is) no change in instructional model, but I think it bears everyone being cautious and aware that we could be seeing a change in model in the coming weeks or months if numbers continue to trend in the direction that they are,” Hanlon told the board.

He added the district can’t control the governor or some authority beyond the scope of Geauga County ordering schools to close.

Hanlon thanked Junction Auto Family and General Manager Cliff Babcock for the donation of a 2020 GMC, with a retail cost over $29,000, to be offered as top prize in a raffle to raise money for a new scoreboard at

Chardon Memorial Field.

Babcock approached the district with the donation, Hanlon said.

Board member Karen Blankenship said the money to replace the scoreboard is sorely needed. She said Dave Jevnikar, who broadcasts Chardon sporting events on Geauga-TV, spends hours browsing eBay and anyplace else he can find parts for the current scoreboard.

“And every summer, he’s out there on a lift trying to replace the lights or whatever electronics need to be replaced. So this is, you know, something that is needed at the field and it is used for a lot of sports, a lot of activities,” Blankenship said.

According to a district press release, tickets are $25 and the second-place winner will receive $500. The raffle closes Feb. 5, 2021, with the ticket drawing taking place during the Chardon Boys Varsity Basketball game that evening at halftime.

The board also extended congratulations to Chardon High School Assistant Principal Ryan Bandiera on his selection as Ohio’s Assistant Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.

“Ryan is an excellent member of the leadership team at Chardon High School and we are very proud of his accomplishment,” Hanlon said during his report.

District Treasurer Deb Armbruster reported the Ohio Department of Education issued a $500 check in Bandiera’s name to the school district, but Bandiera returned the money to be used for student needs.

“I thought that was pretty cool,” Armbruster said.

35 acres the county owns on state Route 44 at the southern boundary of the city.

“The new county office facility is being located such that it is convenient to all the citizens of the county and to provide efficiencies for residents who need county services and efficiencies to reduce the operational cost of the government,” Morgan said. “That has been the focus of the commissioners in the entire process and will continue to be their focus.”

For its part, the city said it would have preferred to avoid the legal battle.

“The city, however, must protect its citizens’ rights,” the press release said. “It cannot afford to wait until after the commissioners have created facts on the ground and then try to undo the harm after it has taken place.

The negative impact to the business community and the overall economic vitality of the city cannot be ignored.”

In an email, Chardon Mayor Dan Meleski said the lack of transparency from the county, combined with blueprints that contradict the county’s public statements, have created concern for the future of Chardon as the county seat and for the long-term negative impact on Chardon’s business community.

“City council has a responsibility and duty to act on these concerns and to protect its citizens’ interests,” he said. “We have filed legal action against the county to resolve the controversy and ensure that the county offices and operations remain at the county seat as required by law.”

Chardon Schools is raffling off a 2020 GMC Terrain, donated by Junction Auto Family, to help fund a replacement for the scoreboard at Chardon Memorial Field.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Thursday, October 22, 2020

Thompson, Montville Lukewarm on Fire District

By Kathy McClure editor@geaugamapleleaf.com Exploring the idea of a joint fire district between Thompson and Montville townships remains at a slow simmer.

To date, both communities and fire departments have assessed the topic of combining their districts, which was formally raised at an Aug. 13 informational meeting for the public.

Thompson Township Trustees have since created a memorandum of understanding to get the ball rolling in exploring the idea while Montville Township Trustees have only offered discussion thus far.

The two boards of trustees met last week to get a feel for where each stand on a possible cooperative arrangement. The discussion was prompted by the use of the former Ledgemont Elementary School on Burrows Road. It sits directly between the two communities and Berkshire Schools will cease using it once the new K-12 building in Burton Township is completed in 2021. A decision on ownership must be made by Jan. 1, 2021.

Both Montville and Thompson townships’ fire departments are covered for part of the day, with Montville having a duty crew coverage and a paid fire chief. Thompson is primarily a volunteer department. Neither department has 24/7 coverage with fire personnel staying at the firehouse.

Montville Trustee Randy Peterson said

Trail

from page 1 addition to our parks,” GPD Executive Director John Oros said. “The trail is geared toward new riders and youth. As an organization, Geauga Park District continues to look for creative ways to create unique opportunities for young adults in our county. This trail was built with them in mind.”

According to Forbes in July, “Mountain bike trail counts across the United States are showing increase of 100% to over 500% compared with the same time in 2019.”

It’s that kind of excitement CAMBA Treasurer Mike Ryba, designer of Big Creek’s new trail, loves to hear.

Nonprofit’s mission aims to create, preserve, promote, protect and enhance diverse and enjoyable trail experiences for mountain bikers throughout their territory, and an area of focus is on designing, constructing and maintaining the trails.

Ryba, of Hudson, said in some ways, his participation in CAMBA — formed in 2001 — all started with a ticket.

“I received a citation for riding my mountain bike on a hiking-only trail in Cuyahoga Valley National park in 2001,” Ryba said.

He joined CAMBA, got active in trail building, became their treasurer and has stayed active in both roles ever since.

“I really enjoy being outside and contributing to the enjoyment of the outdoors for others,” Ryba said.” Some years, I spend more time working on trails and supporting CAMBA than I do riding trails.”

The GPD approached CAMBA in August 2019 asking for their assistance in building a mountain bike trail at Big Creek Park.

After discussions, a plan was formed to use a “hybrid” approach to building the trails there.

“This means it would be a combination

his goal is to provide the best service for his residents. Thompson Trustees Erwin Leffel, Al Safick and Frank Sirna echoed that philosophy, agreeing a joint fire district is a way forward for the future.

A big sticking point for Montville trustees revolves around statistics regarding mutual aid between the fire departments. Currently — due to Thompson fire department’s lack of a paid duty crew — Montville’s department operates under an automatic mutual aid arrangement and comes to all of Thompson’s calls unless their aid is cancelled. Thompson fire department only aids Montville if they’re called to.

Thompson Assistant Fire Chief Dorothy Battles reported neighborhood calls between the two departments are almost an even number — 246 for Thompson and 267 for Montville — if you subtract the automatic mutual aid assistance.

Of the 114 times Montville was automatically called, their aid was only required 48 times, Battles said.

Staffing — whether full or part time, paid or unpaid — is a concern for all fire departments everywhere, said Chip Comstock, an attorney called in for consultation during the former information meeting.

“It is difficult to get volunteers without paid personnel,” Erwin Leffel said. “Youth just starting out want pay. We can’t always run because we don’t have the people.”

He conceded this may not be the right time of volunteer and in-house Geauga park employees building the trail,” Ryba said. “A few other experienced volunteers and I hiked the park several times to get a vision of what kind and how much trail was possible.”

Oros said it’s a great opportunity to recognize the GPD staff’s creativity in collaborating with the local mountain biking community.

“Together, they were able to build and design a terrific trail,” Oros said.

When it comes to designing a trail from scratch, Ryba did some scouting and trail design about six years ago with Summit County.

The new GPD trail brought particular enthusiasm, since he did most of the design by himself.

Ryba said experience has shown a mountain bike trail needs to be at least four to five miles long to get significant use and be worth the investment of resources.

The trail is 2.05 miles, with hikers sharing the space for just over a half mile. It is part of a total of five miles of mountain bike trail to be built at Big Creek.

Big Creek’s new trail is considered a “traditional” trail, with some modern touches Ryba shared during a recent walk along the path.

“Meaning there is minimal disruption of the natural resources, so the rider gets to see the best nature can offer,” he added.

Difficulty-wise, it is considered on the easy side of intermediate, he said.

More trail that will be added in the future will lean toward more an intermediate difficulty level, Ryba said.

“Another goal was to make the trail ‘fun at 5 and fun at 15,’” he said.

This means users would enjoy the experience whether they were going slow, at 5 mph, or fast, at 15 mph.

“It was clear that the natural beauty of the terrain would be its biggest draw,” Ryba said.

“I visited the park many times last winter to

to plan a joint district given the disparities.

“Montville is one of the top pay (departments) in the area and we still have trouble getting a duty crew,” Peterson said.

Thompson Township Trustee Frank Sirna added, “We have $3 million in equipment sitting in two places. That is not a wise investment without staffing.”

Safick pointed out a joint district would provide better equipment utilization, which does not necessarily mean a lot of savings, but does create better efficiency. He also suggested a pooled workplace might generate more staffing interest.

“I am for districting, but doing it the right way,” Montville Trustee Jim Marsic said, adding a better idea may be to include additional communities and departments besides just Thompson and Montville.

“There is interest in this whole area for districting,” he said. “Can we locate this in another area where more communities will join? Rosters from several departments would boost the impact.”

Using the Ledgemont Elementary School location may not be conducive to bringing many Geauga communities together, he said.

Both boards of trustees discussed having a main district location with satellite locations.

However, all agreed that would be expensive.

Battles was again asked to outline her thoughts on the Burrows school property and the proposed $500,000 renovation up for dis-

cussion. Both sets of trustees agreed although the original Berkshire Schools plan was to pay $340,000 for demolition of the school building out of original school funding, it appears Berkshire wants to reallocate those funds into another purpose for the school.

This includes money from the state and money from taxpayers, said Marsic.

If Thompson opts out of taking control of the building for $1, it will go up for auction for any purpose. Sirna said he is very dedicated to wanting to have control of how the building is used.

“We either get it and have control or it goes to auction,” he said. “If you want to look at eyesores, perhaps you’d like to look at some that we have in Thompson.”

A market study performed with funds from The Cleveland Foundation advised the building should be torn down before it was auctioned.

Leffel suggested a good solution for a fire district might be to request a portion of the grounds on the southwest side for a future plan, possibly a joint fire district. That would be easy for Thompson to maintain instead of undertaking the maintenance cost of an entire building and its ground.

Berkshire Schools is holding an auction Nov. 4 for its soon-to-be-vacated high school and elementary schools.

Montville trustees planned to take up discussion on where they stood at their next regular meeting Oct. 20.

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Big Creek Park adds a “Tree House” campsite tucked away within the woods. It is now taking reservations.

‘tweak’ the trail so that it would be great in either direction any time of year.”

Then, park management reviewed the prospective trail to make sure it met their goals and would be environmentally sound.

“In June, construction by the Geauga Park District started in earnest and many thanks to their professional crew who worked through some very hot days,” Ryba said.

His career in education as a high school teacher allowed him the time to work side by side with the GPD crew a number of days this past summer.

Matt McCue, GPD’s planning and operations director, and Daniel McConnaughy, GPD park planner, worked with Ryba.

“We’re really excited to work in cooperation with CAMBA and really appreciated all the time and expertise they volunteered,” McCue said, adding the members who helped did a “great job.”

“The pandemic has connected people with their local trails in dramatic fashion,” said David Wiens, executive director of the Colorado-based International Mountain Biking Association, in the Forbes article. “We are hearing about tons of new users, including lots of families getting outside together.

Families are mountain biking like never before and people of all ages, from all walks of life, are realizing the benefits of having great mountain biking trails nearby.”

Leroy Township’s Chris Pfeil has been mountain biking for 20 years and joined CAMBA to help support getting new trails built in the area.

“I like the new trail. It has some nice flowing sections and some short climbs,” Pfeil said. “I will be riding it often. It’s nice to have a new trail so close to my home. I also like that the first phase of the trail is beginner friendly, so I can take my son there.”

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 7

Consultants Help Guide Development Plans for County

By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com The biggest threats facing Geauga County’s economic development include a “brain drain” of young workers who move out of the area and a lack of sufficient workforce housing that could motivate them to stay, said a group of consultants at the Oct. 15 Geauga County Commissioners meeting.

Dennis Burnside, president of Juniper Solutions, said his team — which includes consultants from inSite Advisory Group, as well as Envision Group LLC — is “agnostic” on steps the county should take moving forward.

Their suggestions to promote economic development were partly formed by approaching the county as a site selection committee representing a business planning to relocate to the area.

“Everything we talk about today is through the prism of how a site consultant and, therefore, a corporation, a company, would look at Geauga County,” Burnside said.

Scott Pollock, senior vice president of Juniper Solutions, said businesses look for a single point of contact when site shopping, so the county should strengthen its economic development team — led by Executive Director of the Geauga County Department of Development Dave Favorite — and work closely with groups like Geauga Growth Partnership.

The team suggested the county create a single, consolidated list of available real estate properties and form a rapid response team to jump into action and provide information to businesses looking to move to the county.

“What we see with your peers in other counties and regions — there’s always a single point of contact for economic development when a company comes in. So, just having

Planning from page 1

us to do. It’s not a plan for a rural community,” he said, suggesting Envision be fired.

“We need to step back and see where we are going with the plan,” Claypool added.

Commission secretary/treasurer Gary Neola Jr. supported him, expressing concern about the role NOACA would have in updating the county-wide plan.

Claypool said the commission did not have time during the meeting last Thursday to have a conversation about the motion before voting on it.

“It needs to be discussed,” he said. “This is not going in a good direction, from my perspective.”

Commission chairman Charles Stevens said Claypool could rescind the motion or it could be tabled, per meeting procedure.

“You may have very legitimate concerns, but you have not presented them to the board in a way in which the board can take action.

The action is premature,” Stevens said, adding a special meeting could be set to have the discussion.

“Without (your) presentation, my recommendation would be not to take action today,” he said.

Claypool moved to table the motion, adding he believes Envision’s county-wide survey was written in such a way that certain impacts, such as conservation easements, are presented in a positive light while he is concerned about the negative affects conser-

AMY PATTERSON/KMG

Dennis Burnside, president of Juniper Solutions, presented a report to Geauga County Commissioners Oct. 15 of the county’s strengths and weaknesses relative to economic development. Although the county faces challenges in shortages of skilled workers and workforce housing, Burnside said it is, overall, friendly to businesses.

that clear, concise message of who to talk to, who to go to first, is important,” Pollock said.

Jennifer Syx, of inSite, emphasized the importance of a more thorough, polished look for the county website.

Her company is based in Ohio and, therefore, has a good idea of sites available throughout the state, she said.

But, if a site selection team is working on a nationwide search out of somewhere like Chicago, their first job is site elimination, Syx said.

“They’ve got a couple weeks where they’re just going to be (saying) ‘no, no, no’ and then drilling down to like a final 10, then a final four and then doing site visits,” she said.

A group doing that kind of work won’t wait weeks or months for a city or county to return with information about utility hookups or open building sites, she said. vation easements can cause.

The commissioner approved tabling his motion and a special meeting was tentatively set for Oct. 27.

Geauga County Commissioner Tim Lennon said a representative from Envision should be invited to the meeting to answer questions.

The county’s contract with Envision expires Nov. 13, but legal counsel said during the meeting, the contract can be suspended at any time by the commission’s vote.

Stevens cautioned the board about the purpose of the special meeting.

“I just don’t want it to get to be a debate,” he said, adding the board is interested in hearing Claypool’s concerns.

“I just don’t want to get into an argument over it,” Stevens added. “(The board will) listen and decide.”

In August, Envision provided the preliminary results from the survey. It showed most county residents who filled out a survey want to see the area retain its rural character and preserve its farmland, but they also support an expansion of broadband coverage and some economic development.

About 1,600 surveys were completed with most responses coming from the Chardon and Chester Township areas.

Nearly 70% of those who answered the survey, mostly via email, were opposed to more housing in Geauga County, but some agreed single-family detached homes, planned communities and housing for independent seniors would be acceptable, according to the summary.

Burnside said one challenge for Geauga County is a lack of available skilled labor.

However, the same problem exists in every community, he said.

The county scores high on “quality of place” measures like community safety and natural areas, Burnside said.

That was not always high on the list of concerns for relocating companies, but it has become much more important, especially for millennials who, spanning an age range from their early 20s to almost 40, are often looking to settle somewhere with a “Geauga County type environment,” he said.

While the county is good for business in terms of corporate tax rates and other costs, Burnside said housing stock is a big struggle for employers whose workers currently might travel in from Cuyahoga, Portage and Trumbull counties.

Pollock said the COVID-19 pandemic will likely be an opportunity for Geauga County as residents, companies and corporations flee urban core centers. However, that means the county needs to beef up its broadband access.

Commissioner Tim Lennon asked for input on how the county could respond to the need for better high-speed internet coverage, adding commissioners have received quite a few phone calls and emails on the topic.

Liszniansky said some counties in Ohio have worked through public-private partnerships to provide broadband access to resi-

dents, often at a profit to the county.

Envision Group LLC principal Emil Liszniansky told commissioners some clusters of higher-density housing — such as family-style developments or senior home communities — could address part of the need, but another option to draw employers is to provide last-mile transit services to workers from outside the county.

“I am sensitive to the connotations around transit or that we’re going to be running bus lines and people are going to be getting off and doing bad things in the city, in the county. That’s not what we’re talking about here,” Liszniansky said.

Using the example of a community on the outer edge of Pittsburgh, he said businesses in the area have a partnership through with the local transit authority uses a small shuttle to bring non-local employees directly to local businesses.

Many workers, especially in Middlefield, come from the Warren area, Liszniansky said, adding with unemployment high in the Mahoning Valley, last-mile transit could be a way for Geauga businesses to capitalize on adjacent population centers without government getting involved in paying for transit services or starting a big transit agency.

“It doesn’t stop at Walmart, doesn’t stop at McDonald’s, it doesn’t stop at subdivisions, it’s just last-mile service that these people transferring in from another system use,” he said.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 8

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Ohio House of Representatives 76th District

‘Data-Driven’ Engineer Takes on Diane Grendell

By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com State Rep. Diane Grendell (R-Chester Township) will face off against Democrat Garrett Westhoven Nov. 3 for the 76th district seat in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Grendell, 75, previously served in the Ohio House from 1992 to 2000 and sat on the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals for 18 years.

According to her campaign website, Grendell received a Juris Doctor Degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and was a judge advocate general officer in the Ohio Military Reserve.

She is a registered nurse and attorney with a business and psychology degree.

Grendell said she has been working hard passing bills during the legislative session. “(But) probably the biggest thing is helping my constituents. Sometimes I get 100 or 110 calls a day,” she said.

Westhoven, 38, is a software engineer who, on his campaign website, said he enjoys solving problems and using available data to make the best decisions possible.

Westhoven lists several topics on his campaign website he wishes to address in a “data-driven” manner, if elected, including election rights, healthcare, tax overhaul, gun control, education, marijuana laws, police reform, rural broadband and transparency in local government.

“My promise to the voters of Geauga and Portage counties is that if new or better data becomes available, I will modify my position on the issue to ensure it reflects the best available data,” Westhoven said on his website.

Grendell came under fire for receiving large amounts of in-kind donations to her primary campaign against Frank Hall. About $43,000 came from the House Republican Campaign Committee, which, at the time, was controlled by indicted former Speaker of the House Larry Householder.

Grendell

CARES Act funds can be used by townships and municipalities to assist small businesses with grants to help weather COVID-related closures.

The Ohio Office of Budget and Management confirmed to her office townships and local municipalities are able to set up their own “grant process” to assist local businesses.

Westhoven

In September, Grendell introduced her “Light of Day” Bill, which she said would get rid of “dark money influence” in Ohio political campaigns.

Coronavirus Response

Grendell’s May 2019 appointment to the 76th district seat, which was vacated by Rep. Sarah LaTourette earlier that year, has given the former healthcare professional a frontrow seat to Gov. Mike DeWine’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since April, Grendell has sponsored three bills related to the pandemic, including House Bill 763, introduced in late September, that calls for an end to the State of Emergency declared by DeWine in March.

“Government cannot protect us from every single one of life’s risks; we have to rely on the judgement and responsibility of individual Ohioans in the exercise of their personal liberties,” Grendell said in a press release for the bill.

During a virtual candidate’s night Oct. 15 by the Geauga County Democratic Party, Westhoven said he would like to bring his technical expertise to the State House and help lead Ohio to the 21st century.

Westhoven said speaking to viewers virtually is a “stark reminder” of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding while jobless claims are still high, the appropriate response is to help Ohio’s small businesses survive with loans for protective equipment and other COVID-related expenses.

“I’m running against someone whose solution to the problem is just open every-

thing up and it’ll all be fine, like the pandemic has gone away,” Westhoven said. “There’s a chance that that might have some shortterm impact, but all you have to do is look around various countries or various states, like North Dakota for instance, like, they’re running out of hospital beds right now and we thankfully haven’t had that.”

In a phone call Oct. 19, Grendell said she knows the risks of the virus, but emphasized the importance of keeping the economy open.

People who are at a higher risk should take common-sense precautions, she added.

“In Geauga County, no one has died since Oct. 1 and I think only three people have died — and they had other issues like bacterial pneumonia and COPD — since June,” Grendell said.

DeWine, she said, derives his authority from a law written in 1803 intended to quarantine sick people, not entire communities.

In a phone call Oct. 19, Westhoven said the response to COVID-19 is not just a question of deaths, it’s also a question of how many people need to go to the hospital or who suffer longterm heart or lung complications.

Businesses — especially in the hospitality sector — are suffering, he said, adding DeWine’s statewide mask mandate makes sense for a disease spread by talking, singing or being in close quarters with others.

“It’s not ideal — this is not a permanent solution, no one wants to do this,” he said. “I would love to go on a date with my wife again, but it’s not safe to do right now.”

In an email, Grendell’s office said federal

Rural Broadband

At the Oct. 15 forum, Westhoven said he is uniquely qualified to help modernize Ohio’s economy. He also emphasized the need for all county residents to have access to highspeed, affordable internet service, especially as children attend school online or parents work from home.

Grendell said she voted last month on a bill presented by State Rep. Rick Carfagna (R-Genoa Township) to expand rural broadband service, but said while more funding has been made available, the problem lies with internet companies not wanting to expand services in areas with low population density.

Westhoven said while the two agree on a need for broadband expansion, he questions its priority for his opponent.

“She mentioned (broadband expansion) once on Facebook and nothing’s ever happened with it again,” he said.

Westhoven also criticized Grendell’s social media posts related to the passage of her bill to extend valid concealed carry permits for those who could not renew on time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Millions of parents across Ohio are trying to figure out the best way to get their kids educated while they’re working from home,” Westhoven said. “We’ve got real big problems to solve and getting your concealed carry permit renewed is not something that’s a priority right now.”

Candidate websites can be accessed at www.dianegrendell.com and www.garrettwesthoven.com.

Russell Township Trustees View, Discuss Storage Garage

By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com

Jim “JP” Ptacek, a principal at Larsen Architects of Lakewood, presented drawings of a proposed garage for Russell Township’s fire and police departments to township trustees Oct. 7.

The clear-story, pole building to be located southwest of the police station on Chillicothe Road would provide about 4,800 square feet of storage space for two police vehicles, an Excursion, four trailers, a fire engine and three secure spaces for evidence. When not needed to secure large items, the two spaces will house two other police vehicles.

The roof of the east end of the building was pictured as higher to allow for the fire engine. Six overhead bay doors and one or two man doors were proposed.

Ptacek recommended a pre-engineered, steel-sided, insulated building with a simple framework and concrete floor.

By positioning the garage with the long sides on the north and south, two more bays could be added on the west end if needed in the future, said Trustee Gary Gabram.

The garage is not connected to the fire

or police department, partly because of cost.

Consultant Jim Dixon, a construction manager, said if the garage was attached to either station, a sprinkler system would have to be installed and would increase the expense of the building by about $50,000.

Trustee Jim Mueller said over the phone Oct. 11 when the current fire station was built storage space was a cost the township couldn’t afford and the same thing happened when the police station was built.

Estimated cost for the structure is $375,000 and will not require additional fundraising, he said.

“This is something that has been a long time coming,” he said.

At the meeting, Ptacek introduced Dixon, who has worked with Larsen, to explain the process of interviewing and hiring a construction manager. A construction manager works with trustees to make sure the project comes in on budget as a joint venture between the architect and the builder, Dixon said, adding the design and build process is faster and easier than past processes that often wound up in court when one or both sides of a contract were dissatisfied.

“This building is the fulfillment of what

ANN WISHART/KMG

Russell Township Trustees discussed the process of hiring a construction manager to build the 4,800-square-foot garage behind the township police station to store fire and police department vehicles. The drawing was presented Oct. 7 by Jim “JP” Ptacek, a principal at Larsen Architects in Lakewood.

we would have liked when we built the police station,” Mueller said.

The abandoned fire station on Chillicothe Road south of Kinsman Road has been a point of contention, with Mueller wanting to repair

the roof and save the brick structure and Gabram wanting to tear it down, since it is no longer large enough for modern fire trucks.

Mueller said the road department will be using the old fire station for storage.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 9

Auburn Warns about Tree Munson Township Cutting and Fence Removal Trustees Hear FD Priorities For CARES Act Funds

By Diane Ryder editor@geaugamapleleaf.com

Trees, fences and some landscaping along a stretch of Stafford Road might need to be removed before the end of the year in preparation for a major resurfacing project, Auburn Township Trustees announced Oct. 19.

“Unfortunately, the east and west end of Stafford Road between Messenger and (state Route) 44 has several trees, landscaping and fences in the right-of-way,” Trustee P.J. Cavanagh said at the Oct. 19 trustees meeting.

Cavanagh explained when the road was straightened about 30 years ago, it caused some of the right-of-way to drift.

Before the road is resurfaced next year, anything in the road right-of-way must be removed.

“Some residents are gonna be kind of harmed by it,” the trustee said.

Landscaping and fences that are in the path of the project will be removed and left with the property owner for re-installing,

Cavanagh said.

“Unfortunately, it’s gonna be significant,” he added. “When we did the same on Stafford from Munn to Auburn, the change was dramatic at first.”

He said residents along the affected stretch of Stafford Road will be notified by mail of the removals, which will be done in late winter.

In other discussion, Cavanagh announced a public hearing for proposed zoning amendment AUB2020-1, regarding short-term rentals such as Airbnb’s, will be held Oct. 22 at Adam Hall at 7 p.m. Attendees are requested to wear masks, said zoning secretary Jane Hardy.

Trustees also approved a $9,300 contract with Ayer Drilling for a water well at the township park to serve the covered pavilion that is nearing completion.

Trustees briefly discussed ideas for using COVID-19 grant money for improvements such as touchless faucets and sanitizing methods to prevent the spread of the virus.

Munson Residents to Vote On Fire Levy Changes

By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com

Munson Township voters will be asked Nov. 3 to increase their current 1.65-mill fire levy to 1.95 mills and change the levy term from five years to continuing.

The 1.65-mill levy presently yields about $394,800 annually and costs homeowners $54.97 per year per $100,000 property valuation, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office website.

The new replacement levy would yield about $487,722 per year and cost homeowners $68.25 annually per $100,000 property valuation.

If approved, it would be a net increase of $13.28 per year on a home valued at $100,000.

The current five-year levy has another year to run so, if approved, the 1.95-mill levy would not be collected until tax year 2021, which is collection year 2022, according to the auditor’s office.

Fire Chief Mike Vatty said the additional funds would allow the department to start saving money for a new tanker that costs about $400,000 to replace the current tanker, Vatty said.

Vatty also said he is planning for a slight increase in expenditures on payroll and health insurance for employees.

Burton Village Residents to Decide 3-Mill Street Levy

By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com Burton Village residents will be asked to pass Issue 1, an additional 3-mill streets levy on the Nov. 3 ballot.

In June, Burton Village Council voted unanimously to place the levy on the ballot on the recommendation of Rick Smigelski, street commissioner, who said in May the streets in the village are deteriorating.

The five-year levy would cost homeowners $105 per year per $100,000 property valuation and yield about $86,376 annually, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office website. If the levy passes, it would be collected starting in 2021.

Burton Mayor Ruth Spanos said the village streets committee will decide on priorities.

“We need to fix our roads,” she said in a phone interview Oct. 9.

North Cheshire Street, which runs through the village commercial area and in front of Berkshire High School, should be

high on the list, Spanos said.

Currently, there is very little money available for the village to contract work done on large projects that require expensive equipment.

“There’s only so much money in the general fund” that can be spent on roads, the mayor said.

The recently-completed reconstruction of Goodwin Street cost about $1 million and was made possible because of an Ohio Public Works Commission grant of about $300,000 and a 0% loan of about $350,000.

The proposed levy would allow the village to save money to make significant improvements to one street every three years with similar grants from the OPWC. “We’ll build up a little fund so we can do it and do it right,” Spanos said.

By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com With more than $250,000 in federal CARES Act funds to use or lose, Munson Township Trustees virtually discussed needs and timelines Oct. 13.

During the meeting, township Fire Chief Mike Vatty explained his list of priorities, including 20 pair of firefighting turnout gear, a new ambulance, a new command vehicle and an extractor.

Each firefighter should have two sets of gear so one is available while the first one is being sanitized, he said.

Each set costs $3,040 and will last 10 to 15 years, Vatty said, estimating the cost at $60,000.

The state-of-the-art squad (ambulance) is designed with COVID-19 patients in mind, he said.

They have solid surfaces that are easy to clean and ultra-violet light equipment to thoroughly sanitize the interior between uses. They cost, fully equipped, about $239,000, Vatty said.

A second command vehicle also meets the CARES Act qualification, he said.

In the last five years, the department has responded to multiple overlapping calls about 33% of the time. Even with a lower

call volume since March due to coronavirus concerns, the overlapping calls occur about 22% of the time.

A four-person command vehicle with a cap costs about $43,000, said Trustee Irene McMullen.

An extractor the department is considering will wash and disinfect one set of 45-pound firefighting gear, Vatty said.

Paired with a commercial-grade dryer, the price tag would be about $20,000. Upgrading the power source to 220 volts will cost about $3,000, Vatty said.

He also proposed installing automatic doors and lighting in the fire station to protect personnel and save electricity.

Road Superintendent Kirk Walker said the department’s list includes a new truck with tool box for about $55,000.

Trustee Andy Bushman said there may be another round of CARES Act money, but it’s not a sure thing.

McMullen said the township has a CARES Act fund balance of $267,283 and directed the department heads to submit formal quotes on the items by the next trustees meeting.

Those items requested must be ordered and delivered before January 2021 to qualify for CARES Act funds.

Task Force Tours Newbury Buildings

DIANE RYDER/KMG

Members of the Newbury Task Force met with potential project manager Jim Dixon and West Geauga Schools representative Sean Whalen to tour the former Newbury Schools buildings Oct. 16. The group hopes to assess the condition of the facilities to help determine whether it is feasible to repurpose the buildings for community use.

From left are: Bill Skomrock, Carole Drabek, Whalen, Dixon, David Gifford and David Lair.

GPH, UH and Fair Board Offer Mass Flu Vaccine Clinic

Staff Report

Geauga Public Health, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and the Great Geauga County Fair Board are collaborating to provide influenza vaccinations to Geauga County residents at a drive-up clinic on Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Geauga County Fairgrounds.

“Those receiving the vaccine will not need to leave their car,” said county Health Commissioner Tom Quade in a statement.

“They will be expected to wear face coverings to protect the staff working the event.”

He said the event may end prior to 4 p.m. if all the available vaccine doses have been administered.

“It is especially important to get the seasonal flu shot this year,” Quade said. “It will help to reduce the risk of getting the flu, as well as reduce risks of potentially more severe responses if someone were to become co-infected with the flu and the virus that causes COVID-19. We are fortunate to have such good partnerships and access to resources as we do here in Geauga County.”

UH-Geauga will be providing the flu vaccine doses, as well as some staff, the fair board is providing the space. GPH will be providing staff and other supplies, Quade said, adding GPH is testing this drive-thru model for possible application when a vaccine for COVID-19 eventually becomes available for the public at large.

Page 10

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Newbury Orders House Demolished – Again

By Diane Ryder editor@geaugamapleleaf.com After three years, miles of red tape and several false starts, Newbury Township Trustees formally ordered on Oct. 7 a derelict house at 14716 Portlew Road, Restful Lake, to be demolished.

“The time has come and gone,” said Trustee Glen Quigley. “We need to put an ad in the paper for somebody to tear it down.”

The house, built in 1940, has been partially demolished, by hand, by its current owner, William Nicolet, who purchased the property for $100 at a Geauga County Sheriff’s Office sale in October of 2018. It is listed on the Geauga County Auditor’s Office website as being in “unsound” condition, with a total market value of $6,000. The structure itself is valued at $1,100.

The township has been working since 2017 to get the property owner and the owner of another house next door at 11708 Portlew Road to either repair or demolish the two structures, which the county inspected and deemed “unsafe, unsecure and uninhabitable” after receiving several complaints from neighbors.

In April of 2018, trustees decided to order both structures to be demolished, but

by August of that year, they discovered the properties had changed owners, which made it necessary to begin the legal notification process again.

By August of 2019, trustees decided to give both property owners notice the build-

FILE PHOTO

After several delays and failed attempts, Newbury Township Trustees are finally moving forward on the demolition of the house at 11716 Portlew Road.

ings would be demolished by Sept. 18. Because Nicolet appeared to be taking apart, by hand, the building he owned, trustees also expressed serious safety concerns.

In July of this year, Quigley announced the township had missed some deadlines in notifying the property owners and would need to begin the required notification process over again.

In September, trustees invited the owners of both Portlew properties to attend their

Sept. 16 meeting to discuss the issue. The owner of 11708 Portlew Road attended and told trustees he was renovating his structure and it was now sound and secure. Trustees said they would watch his progress and allow him to continue.

However, on Sept. 14, the township received the following letter from Nicolet.

It read, in part: “Trustor, William Z. Nicolet, of 11716 Portlew Road, Newbury, Ohio 44065, here-

by responds and sends notice to trustees to decline of invitation and hereby does not consent to said trustees meeting and will be responding by certified mail effective date of 30 days of receipt of certified mail received.

“Now, Let me speak in ‘normal terms’ just so there is no ‘confusion’ or ‘interpretation’ of what you just read stated above. I will be responding to you, ‘trustees,’ by certified mail

by Oct. 12, 2020, in regards to my property/ estate. Furthermore, my legal representative, for phone calls only, called you, Mr. Quigley, this morning and left a message on your voicemail. My decline to your ‘invitation’ will not be ‘interpreted’ as consent to any lawful nor legal issues that shall arise in this matter.”

At their Oct. 7 meeting, all three trustees — Quigley, Greg Tropf and Bill Skomrock — agreed to move forward with the demolition as soon as possible.

“It is an uninhabitable, unsafe and unsecured property, going by the county’s definition,” Quigley said.

Skomrock asked Sustar to put together the right legal language to run a newspaper ad seeking quotes for the demolition of 11716 Portlew Road.

“Unless (Mr. Nicolet) contacts me for a hearing, I have no role,” Sustar said.

Quigley said he will compose the ad.

The demolition’s cost, plus any other related costs, will be added to the property’s tax duplicate.

Trustees unanimously agreed to run the ad and arrange for the demolition as soon as possible.

Cable Company Sends Hopeful Internet Coverage Message

By Diane Ryder editor@geaugamapleleaf.com Windstream representatives told Auburn Township Trustees Oct. 19 they would like to provide more cable and internet service to underserved portions of the township, but franchise agreements dating back to the mid 1980s prevent them from coming into some neighborhoods, particularly those on the east side of the community.

“Trustee John Eberly called and invited us to this meeting,” said Doug Nelisse, Windstream director of field operations for Ohio, during the Oct. 19 trustees meeting. “We know there is a big concern here about service intervals.”

For years, trustees have been bombarded with complaints about inadequate or intermittent internet service, particularly in rural areas that are served by Suddenlink.

“Suddenlink was the old Star Cable, in about six incarnations since the 1980s,” Trustee P.J. Cavanagh said.

The New York-based company serves rural areas in Auburn, Newbury and Troy townships.

Cavanagh said the township receives complaints from Suddenlink customers about inadequate band width, service that is frequently interrupted and repairs that can take several weeks.

The complaints have sharply increased this year, as COVID-19 has forced residents to work remotely from home, students to take their classes online and many to rely on cable TV for much of their entertainment.

Nelisse, a Bainbridge native, showed trustees a map of the township, pointing out his company’s service area, which is primarily in the more dense neighborhoods in the west of the community, adjoining Bainbridge.

Nelisse said Windstream has invested a large amount of capital in fiber optic lines and continues to expand in the area. The company’s new program, Kinetic, provides expanded internet service up to 5 gigabytes.

Currently, Windstream serves areas around Taylor May, Bartholomew, Quinn, Thorpe and Crackel roads, and the community of Taborville.

Cavanagh said the service areas are based roughly on the old landline telephone exchanges, with 834 being served by Suddenlink and the other two — 708 and 543 — being in Windstream’s territory.

“When are you going to come out to (state Route) 44 going north?” asked resident Jason Wein. “We have Suddenlink and it’s awful. Our kids can’t get online for school.

We’re desperate.”

Wein said he owns a business along Route 44 and his cable service is so poor, he can’t run his credit card machine.

“We just turned on 2,400 new households in Bainbridge,” Windstream consultant Debbie Neri told the trustees. “Our goal is 60,000 new customers on our fiber and we have 47,000 year-to-date right now. I feel for you, but we are regulated companies.”

Neri explained Windstream can only go into areas that do not have an exclusive contract with another cable company.

“I hope that will change,” she said.

Neri said the new cable lines and new technology can deliver much more service to customers, allowing for multiple devices to be connected simultaneously, the ability to stream entertainment without “buffering” interruptions and more reliable service.

“Can you expand into other areas?” Cavanagh asked.

Nelisse said it is possible for a company

DIANE RYDER/KMG

Windstream Field Operations Director Doug Nelisse points out the areas in Auburn Township currently served by his company at Monday’s trustee meeting.

to get a franchise agreement to go into another company’s territory, but it would be expensive and companies are reluctant to raid another company’s customers because it could happen to them, as well.

Neri said Windstream is constantly expanding and looking for new customers, and recommended anyone who is unhappy with their current cable and internet service should contact her company.

“They can go to our website and put in their address to be added to our watch list for Project Lunar,” Neri said, adding the more people in an area who request service, the more likely the company will expand there.

“People are crying out for better internet service,” Cavanagh said.

“A lot of people are having problems and are willing to pay a premium to get it,” Trustee Mike Troyan added.

Cavanagh said lack of reliable internet service has always been an issue in their area, but is even more so now due to COVID-19.

“The need has exploded,” Troyan agreed.

Neri said she would give Township Administrative Assistant Nancy Dolezal contact information for the company for residents calling in with concerns about internet service. Windstream’s web address is www.windstream.com.

Neri said to go to the section marked “Stay in the Know” and complete the form with name, address and contact information to sign up for alerts.

“It will ask if our service is available in your area,” she explained. “You will find out if there are any jobs in progress to provide faster speed. We want to serve them all. Trust us.”

The Windstream customer service phone number is 800-347-1991.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 11

Former Middlefield Teen Flies Solo with EAA

By Rose Nemunaitis editor@geaugamapleleaf.com At an age when most teens are happy to get their driver’s licenses and hit the roads, Jeremy Byler stepped inside the cockpit of an airplane by himself and took off into the skies.

“Ever since I can remember, I always loved watching airplanes,” said 16-year-old Jeremy, a Bristol High School junior, who spent his earlier teenage years at Geauga County Airport in Middlefield after chores and school, falling in love with the spirit of aviation. “I’ve always loved airplanes,” he said. “For majority of my life (10 years), I was Amish. I was born in (Mesopotamia), and at a young age, moved to West Farmington. I lived there until I was 11 years old and then I moved to Middlefield. Two years later, I moved to Bristol (Township).”

Jeremy first got involved in aviation when he was 12 years old, riding his bike to Geauga County Airport.

“The Geauga County Airport is what helped me get to where I am today,” Jeremy said.

“I have been an EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 5 member for several years. About everyone who I encounter there has something new to teach me most of the time.”

Jeremy’s first big aviation dream literally took to the skies Sept. 25 as he completed his first solo flight as a pilot.

Jeremy is the EAA Chapter 5’s 2020 recipient of $10,000 from the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship Program to help with his training expenses.

The National Headquarters of EAA in Oshkosh, Wisc., selected Geauga County Airport’s EAA Chapter 5 as one of the chapters able to provide up to $10,000 to a deserving youth (ages 16 to 19) for their flight training expenses through the Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund.

“Jeremy was selected by the chapter for the Ray Aviation Scholarship based on his motivation in learning to be a pilot and his involvement with Chapter 5,” said scholarship chairman Tim Niederkorn, who also

co-chairs youth activities along with his wife, Sherry. “He was always at the airport, usually riding his bike to and from, helping out with whatever was going on at the time.”

Niederkorn started his own flight training in January 2004, soloing in March. He passed his private pilot check ride in August, all at age 44.

“Geauga County was a regular training destination, as it generally provides good crosswind training opportunities,” Niederkorn said.

He said Jeremy showed interest in aviation several years ago, while hanging around the Geauga County Airport and taking a Young Eagles flight.

He has also flown with several chapter members in their airplanes and helped with several chapter events, including community pancake breakfasts, pedal plane rides for young children, Summer Youth Aviation Camp for middle school students and the Flying Start Event for adults who want to learn to fly.

Al Kettunen, flight instructor for Kettunen Aeronautical Inc. at the Germack Airport in Geneva, is Jeremy’s flight instructor.

Now that school has started, Jeremy takes his lessons after school, three times per week, weather permitting.

As part of practicing basic skills, Jeremy is working on turns, climbs and descents, stalls, take-offs and landings, ground reference maneuvers and communications in a Cessna 172 airplane.

On Sept. 25, Jeremy and his instructor did a couple “touch-and-goes” at Northeast Ohio Regional Airport in Ashtabula and then the plane came to a full stop on the taxiway for his instructor to exit the plane.

After a few last-minute reminders, Jeremy was alone in the cockpit and ready for his first solo flight.

Niederkorn said the 16-year-old pilot performed a text-book take-off, flew once around in the pattern and “greased” his first landing.

As Jeremy taxied back to the runway past his instructor, he gave him the signal and Jeremy repeated the process two more times.

After his third landing, Jeremy stopped to pick up his instructor for the short flight back to his home base airport, Germack.

SUBMITTED

Certified flight instructor Al Kettunen congratulates his 16-year-old student, Jeremy Byler, upon completion of his first solo flight Sept. 25 at Northeast Ohio Regional Airport in Ashtabula.

Niederkorn and his wife met them for a few ceremonial traditions.

“I wasn’t nervous at all,” Jeremy said.

“My instructor taught me very well and prepared me for about every situation. I only flew around the pattern. I did three takeoffs and landings.”

Before his solo, Jeremy’s logbook contained just over 21 hours of dual instruction.

Upon returning to Germack, it was updated to reflect his first solo time entry.

A specially designed T-shirt from EAA National Headquarters commemorated the event, recording the date, time and place.

As tradition calls for, Jeremy’s shirt tail was cut out to be put on display.

In addition to his training in the air, Jeremy has also been attending an online ground school to eventually earn his pilot certificate.

He works about 20 hours per week milking cows on a farm and various other chores as he saves for college.

Niederkorn said Jeremy lives with his father and without this scholarship, obtaining a

private pilot’s license would not be possible.

“Although COVID-19 has temporarily changed the job market, there is a severe shortage of pilots, traffic controllers and aviation mechanics,” Niederkorn added. “This scholarship can open doors to career opportunities for Jeremy.”

Jeremy added, “My plans for after graduation are to attend college (study engineering) and continue working towards different ratings.”

As for aviation goals, next up for Jeremy is preparing for a cross country flight of 50 miles or more, as soon as his instructor says he’s ready.

Jeremy will turn 17 in February and hasn’t flown commercially, yet, but he’s proud of taking the first step with his solo flight.

“It is a huge accomplishment and yes, it does motivate me towards even more extraordinary things,” said Jeremy, who dreams of one day becoming a corporate pilot. “I like the view. It makes me feel unstoppable.”

Commissioners Continue to Question CARES Act Spending

By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com Geauga County Commissioners, led by board President Tim Lennon, continue efforts to watchdog Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act spending in county departments.

At their regular meeting Oct. 15, Geauga County Department on Aging Director Jessica Boalt explained to commissioners her department’s request for $49,750 of CARES Act funds to purchase two new sport-utility vehicles with vinyl seats to be used when transporting clients to out-of-county medical appointments.

Boalt said GCDA currently uses “handme-down” vehicles from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and older vehicles will be rotated through the fleet for staff to use while running errands.

Her department recently auctioned off a vehicle and will cycle out any vehicles requiring extensive repairs and maintenance, she said.

“At present what’s happening, because

we have a cloth interior, we’re having to spray it down, wait 20 to 25 minutes (until) it is no longer damp and then put the next person in,” Boalt explained, adding the process creates longer wait times for clients and less availability in the schedule.

Lennon said he wants to avoid the county having more and more older vehicles to maintain. He also reminded Boalt and county Finance Director Adrian Gorton of the implications of using the CARES Act to purchase vehicles.

“Just as a reminder, I guess, when we get audited a year from now – right? – that we make note of these explanations. Because this is a red flag. Vehicles were not recommended purposes for this money, although if you can make the case that it is, then ... we just need to be cognizant of that,” Lennon said.

County Administrator Gerry Morgan pointed out the new vehicles for GCDA are important because they’re not being purchased out of concern for staff, but for elderly clientele who are more susceptible to having issues if they get sick.

Commissioners met in the large meeting

room in Building 8 at the county complex on Center Street for their meeting Oct. 15 to allow higher occupancy for an economic development presentation by Juniper Solutions, LLC. However, they returned to commissioners’ chambers for their meeting Oct. 20, where Gorton again listed CARES spending, both proposed and already reimbursed.

The Geauga County Auditor’s Office has requested about $75,000 to cover expansion of the county network, personal protective equipment, touchless upgrades to the office itself and redeploying of its website.

Also included in the auditor’s request is money to allow teleconferencing in the large meeting room in Building 8. The equipment could be used by various county departments to facilitate social distancing during inter-office or public meetings.

Commissioners came under fire in recent weeks after signing a contract with Zencity Technologies Ltd. to monitor social media trends in the county that may require a response from their office.

On the Geauga County Maple Leaf story reporting the contract, one Facebook user

commented it is “alarming the county commissioners do not practice transparency by recording or streaming their meetings. Yet they are ‘concerned’ about the opinions of Geauga County residents and believe monitoring Facebook and social media is an accurate and reliable source to this end.”

Former County Administrator Dave Lair did record commissioners’ meetings and uploaded the videos to YouTube from a point in 2013 to late 2016.

However, when Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri was sworn in as president of the board of commissioners in January 2017, he ordered an end to those recordings, as the process of filming and putting the video on the website took time from Lair’s schedule.

When asked after the Oct. 15 meeting, Morgan said in the past when meetings were broadcast on YouTube, only a handful of people watched them.

However, he added, the county is moving toward equipping commissioners and county facilities to broadcast meetings if that becomes necessary due to COVID-related closures.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Thursday, October 22, 2020

Obituaries Christine Francisco

NEWBURY TWP. – Christine Francisco, 82, of Newbury Township, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, at Ohman Family Living at Holly Hill in Newbury.

She was born on May 24, 1938, in Pikeville, Ky., daughter of the late Jessie and Zettie (nee Goff) Kendrick.

Christine was a custodian for Newbury Schools for 25 years. Before working at Newbury Schools, she worked at Great Lakes Cheese in Newbury.

She was a member of the Chardon Senior Center, where she enjoyed socializing, scheduled outings, playing bingo and cards.

She also loved taking pictures of her family and friends.

At her home, in Newbury, Christine loved working in her yard, bird watching, growing flowers, and gardening. She had a “green thumb” and could grow anything!

She was also a very spiritual person, who enjoyed going to church, reading the Bible and was a member of the women’s church fellowship group.

She will be missed by her family and friends.

Christine is survived by her three sons, Tim (Diane), Tom (Shelly) and Mike (Jennifer) Francisco; six grandchildren, Tom Jr., Michael, Emily, Joe, Chrissy and Troy; two great-grandchildren, Layla and Sonny.

She is also survived by two sisters, Brenda Adams (Kendrick) and Anna Gail Hall (Kendrick); and four brothers, Larry, Ronnie, Gary and Randy Kendrick.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Francisco, who died in 1987; parents; sister Jessie Lou Keene (Kendrick); and two brothers, Cecil and Eugene Kendrick.

A memorial service to celebrate Christine’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High St., Middlefield.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Munn Cemetery following the service. Please wear masks for services.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.

Gerald R. Hawkins

BURTON TWP. – Gerald R. “Jerry” Hawkins, age 72, of Burton Township, died unexpectedly at his home on Oct. 12, 2020.

Born July 11, 1948, in Akron, to Joseph and Alice (nee Lemley) Hawkins, he was a long time area resident.

Jerry was an active member of Mount Akra Lodge, F.&A.M.. He enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking and cutting down trees.

Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a respiratory therapist for many local hospitals and nursing homes. He retired from Heather Hill after 30 years of service.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann (nee Silvernail), whom he married in 1979; daughters, Lisa (Brian) Abbott, of Uniontown, Sarah (Thaddeus) Wojtasik, of Parkman Township, and Victoria (Marc) Reynolds, of Amhurst; grandchildren, Zach Abbott, Catherine, Trinity, Bobby, Allie, Drew and Ben Wojtasik, and Emmie Reynolds.

He also leaves his sister, Mary Jo (Jim) McDonald, of Akron; and brother, Bill (Joyce) Spencer, of Uniontown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, R.J. Hawkins, in 2004.

The family received friends Oct. 16, 2020, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

A Masonic service was held at 7 p.m. Oct. 16.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Oct. 17, 2020, at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township.

Burial followed at Welton Cemetery, Burton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Shriners Hospitals, www.lovetotherescue.org.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

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

Ruth F. Craig

CHARDON – Ruth F. Craig (nee Piras), age 90, a lifelong resident of Chardon, died on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, at Chardon Healthcare Center.

She was born in Chardon, on May 7, 1930, to Frank and Mary (nee Vodraska) Piras.

Ruth was a cheerleader at Chardon High School, graduating in the class of 1948. She had worked as a press operator for the former Sanborn Plastics in Chardon. She was a longtime member of the Geauga Aerie FOE #2261 Auxiliary.

Survivors include her sons, David (Lisa) and Russell, both of Chardon; daughter, Linda Craig, of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, David (Melissa), of Kent, and Dr. Bethany (Michael) Doroghazi, of Mayfield Heights; great-grandchildren, Claire and Sam Doroghazi; brothers, Frank (Norma) Piras, of Hambden Township, and Raymond Piras, of Chardon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marie Leyde; an infant brother; and great-grandson Luke Doroghazi.

Due to the coronavirus concerns, a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

The family thanks the staff of the Chardon Healthcare Center for the loving and compassionate care of Ruth in her final years.

Contributions in her name may be made to Chardon Healthcare Center, 620 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org); or Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH 44094.

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

Richard Parker Wallis Jr.

Richard Parker Wallis Jr., age 89, passed away at his home after a brief illness on Oct. 19, 2020.

He was born July 17, 1931, in Cleveland.

He spent time growing up in Washington, D.C., and Bismarck, N.D., traveling with his parents Richard Wallis Sr. and Dorothy, as his father, a civil engineer, worked various construction projects.

He graduated from University School in 1950 and attended Washington and Lee University.

Dick joined the U.S. Navy in 1953 and served with the Naval Construction Battalion as a “Seabee” in Morocco, Africa.

He worked for over 30 years as a purchasing manager in the torpedo manufacturing industry, starting with Clevite in 1961, and remaining with his business unit as Gould, Westinghouse and then Northrop Grumman took over business operations.

Dick was a member of Kirtland Christian Fellowship and previously a member of Chardon Baptist Church for many years, where he served as a deacon and loved serving his Lord.

Dick was an avid collector of antiques and old guns, and was an old car enthusiast.

During his retirement, he restored a 1913 Model T that he purchased from a junk yard as a teenage boy, and spent many years giving family and friends special rides.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty; three children, Christopher (Olivia), Sarah (Dan) and David; and eight grandchildren, Julissa, Jack, Sophia, Max, Heidi, Sydney, Quin and Naomi, who he loved dearly.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Page 13

ELECTION COVERAGE:

Readers Share Their Opinions Voting Options I had planned to vote early in-person because I’m nervous about postal service delays. Now I’m hearing about early voters who refuse to wear masks. Can they do that? With the election less than two weeks away, what are my options?

The Ohio Secretary of State strongly encourages absentee voting as the best option for those who cannot or prefer not to wear a mask. However, he has also stated a person who refuses to wear a mask cannot be denied their Constitutional right to vote. The conflicting statements are a fight waiting to happen.

If you feel unsafe in line with a person who is not wearing a mask, seek immediate help from an election official. They are to offer the person a mask. If that is refused, they are to encourage the individual to vote curbside. If that is refused the election official has no choice but to accommodate the non-compliant voter.

At this point you may need to alter your voting plan. If time allows, consider voting by absentee ballot. Carry a completed absentee ballot application with you to early in-person voting. If it becomes necessary to change your plan, and if there is sufficient time for processing, deposit your application directly into the BOE ballot box. After receiving your ballot in the mail, the completed ballot must

be postmarked by Nov. 2 or delivered in person to the BOE by Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

A second option is to vote in-person at your regular polling place on Nov. 3. The Geauga BOE offices are rather cramped and can only accommodate six people. If your regular polling location is more spacious that might be a better choice for you.

A third option is to request curbside voting for yourself. This is available to any voter during early in-person voting or on Election Day. It is somewhat burdensome for election officials to execute as representatives from each party must assist the voter. That being said, every voter has a right to cast their ballot safely.

Lastly, if you feel your right to vote is being infringed upon, please call The Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE. Shelly Lewis, President League of Women Voters of Geauga

Actions Louder Than Words My mother always said, “Actions speak louder than words.” The Democrats, and never Trumpers, want you to think that this election is only about words. They don’t like Donald Trump’s words. They say his is not presidential. Words don’t define Donald

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.

• 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 300 words in length.

• 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. 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@geaugamapleleaf.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.

Trump, actions define him.

In 2016, some of the promises Donald Trump made were to grow our economy, develop opportunity zones for cities with large minority populations, bring our troops home, close the border, appoint conservative judges, reduce taxes, reduce red tape, end international treaties that harm the United States and get NATO partners to pay their fair share. Those were his words.

Here is a list of just some of his actions as President: In the past four years Donald Trump has built miles of border wall and passed the First Step Act. He put two and soon to be three constitutional justices on the Supreme Court.

Donald Trump reduced taxes and onerous regulations which grew an economy and saw an average $5,000 a year rise in blue-collar salaries and the lowest unemployment rate for women and minorities in 40 years. He ordered the killing of terrorists Al Baghdadi and Qasem Soleimani, and destroyed ISIS. He negotiated and passed the USMCA trade deal with Canada and Mexico. His policies of lowering corporate taxes have helped to bring manufacturing back to the United States and allowed a rise in small businesses and opportunity zones. All of this was done under the pressures of the Mueller probe and endless impeachment attempts by the left.

Joe Biden’s actions deny his words. In the past he has said he would get rid of fracking and now he said he would not do that. He said he was against “court packing,” now he won’t tell us if he would approve this if elected and that the American people do not deserve to know what he would do.

He has said China is not a threat to the United States and that the fact that China is becoming a major economic competitor is a “good thing.” Now he wants to bring back manufacturing he sent to China. His actions also have not been good for our country.

As a senator, he was instrumental in passing criminal justice legislation that incarcerated more minorities than ever before. Joe Biden voted against capturing and killing Osama Bin Ladin. He helped develop and pass Obamacare, which took away private health care for millions, was not affordable and penalized those who chose not to purchase it.

At the start of this pandemic, Joe Biden called President Trump a xenophobic for shutting down flights from China, was having rallies in mid-February and now he says President Trump has not done enough.

The challenges we have faced in 2020 require a person of action not words. Donald Trump has demonstrated he is that person.

Joe Biden falls short.

Elsie Tarczy South Russell Village

Rader a Champion Of Women The recent attack ad against Betsy Rader by the RSCC is simply out of bounds and untrue, and thus we feel the need to speak up.

Ms. Rader has always supported women.

This negative ad is a futile attempt to misrepresent a career spent supporting working women. We will not fall for their efforts to malign a champion and ally of women, and we urge others to see through their malicious efforts as well.

We know Ms. Rader through our mutual involvement in the CMBA’s Women in Law Section. She has continuously worked to advocate on behalf of women in the legal profession, including mentoring and training women that are new to the field.

She is a frequent presenter at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s International Women’s Day celebration as well as a noted speaker and author on topics related to workplace discrimination and harassment.

During her time as the chairperson of the Women in Law Section, Ms. Rader consistently and fervently promoted the section’s motto, “We rise by lifting each other.” She lives this motto, not just by lifting women in the legal profession, but through her professional efforts. She helps women who have been victims of sexual discrimination and harassment. She is a voice for those that often cannot find their own voice.

Although we are current and past leaders of the Women in Law Section of the CMBA, the opinions expressed in this letter are entirely ours, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the CMBA or its members. The CMBA does not endorse any candidates for public office.

Christina M. Bushnell, Esq. McFadden Bushnell LLC Catherine Donnelly, Esq. Yourkvitch & Dibo, LLC Kami Brauer The Law Firm of Kami D. Brauer LLC

Do Away with Medicare?

I’m sure many of you Geauga residents recall receiving a postcard in the mail last year, at taxpayer expense no doubt, from Rep. David Joyce extolling veterans and men and women in blue who serve as police and fire officers.

He stated how much he supports them and appreciates their efforts. But, does he really?

Last July the police and fire pension fund of Ohio decided they would no longer cover of the cost of health care (Medicare Part A.) See Opinion • Page 14

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 14

Thursday, October 22, 2020

ELECTION COVERAGE:

Readers Share Their Opinions Opinion from page 13

for retirees who were eligible for Medicare at age 65. Many of these folks were not allowed to pay into Medicare when employed as fire or police officers, but were required to pay into the police and fire pension fund instead.

So, these retirees, several hundred in Ohio, have to pay the full brunt of Medicare Part A at the tune of over $8,000 per year, from their meager pension checks, in comparison to most U. S. citizens who are covered by Medicare Part A at almost no cost.

In essence these police and fire retirees are being treated as second class citizens.

Rep. Joyce’s office has been called innumerable times and asked to correct this inequity. Personally, I called more than a dozen times myself. The only response from any one in his office has been from one staff member who stated that Mr. Joyce will likely offer support (no guarantees!) if someone else presents a bill to correct this situation.

Perhaps he’s just too busy dialing for dollars from lobbyists. Not exactly leadership is it.

At the very least, retirees should be able to buy the credits they need to qualify for Medi-

care Part A as virtually all other citizens can.

Perhaps Mr. Joyce would just as soon do away with Medicare as many of his colleagues in the Congress and the Senate would wish.

Perhaps we are the ones who should do away with Mr. Joyce as a representative and get a representative that walks the walk and not just talks a good talk.

John G. Augustine Parkman Township

I’m Voting for ...

I’m not voting for Donald Trump.

I’m voting for the First Amendment and Freedom of Speech.

I’m voting for the Second Amendment and my right to defend my life and my family.

I’m voting for the next Supreme Court justice(s) to protect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I’m voting for the continued growth of my retirement 401k and the stock market.

I’m voting for a return of our troops from foreign countries and the end of America’s involvement in foreign conflicts.

I’m voting for the Electoral College & the republic we live in to keep Mobocracy and

the Tyranny of the Majority out of America.

I’m voting for police to be respected once again and to ensure Law & Order.

I’m voting for the continued appointment of Federal Judges who respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I’m voting for jobs to remain in American and not be outsourced all over again to China, Mexico and other foreign countries.

I’m voting for secure borders and legal immigration.

I’m voting for the Military and the Veterans who fought for this country to give the American people their freedoms.

I’m voting for the unborn babies that have a right to live.

I’m voting for continued peace progress in the middle east.

I’m voting to fight against human/child trafficking.

I’m voting for Freedom of Religion.

I’m voting for the American flag that is disrespected by the Democratic Party and, in my opinion, their violent Marxist masters ANTIFA and BLM. I’m voting for the right to speak my opinion & not be censored, attacked or assaulted.

I’m voting for my grandchildren to ensure their freedoms and their future.

I’m not just voting for one person, I’m voting for the future of my entire Country and ALL of our people.

Do you fully know for who/what you are voting? You should.

James R. MacNeal Troy Township

Walk Away What has the Democrat party become? I grew up in a Democrat family, all of whom were hard-working people that loved America, God and respected police, and the military. They attended church, said the Lord’s prayer in school, and defended American values.

As a child, I remember listening to the robust debates and discussions on various political topics between family members. There was no hate speech, only hearty discussions about policy differences.

I became a Republican when I saw my first paycheck and the amount of taxes I paid.

My family laughed.

I have watched for decades as a progressivism has changed the Democrat party. The results are an irrational hatred of our president, America, police, our military and all things conservative.

Values like honor, morality and integrity seem to have been discarded by the Democrat party and replaced by “Rules for Radicals.” The progressives strive for secularism, embrace socialism/Marxism and encourage riots. Dishonesty and outlandish rhetoric are key strategies of the Alinsky/Democrat party.

In the 1960s, the progressives picked up the pace as the ignorant, clueless, drug-taking hippies (my generation) became professors and taught a false historic narrative to our kids. They adopted practices developed

by Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals,” a book dedicated to Lucifer. Alinsky’s program laid out the political strategies Democrat leaders use today.

Hillary, Obama, Biden all align with these strategies. The tool kit includes ver-

bal/physical attacks, and vilification of their opponents. The progressives and their minions, the mainstream press, spew a constant stream of propaganda and feed their troops emotional misinformation.

Vladimir Lenin (Russian communist leader) referred to his followers as useful idiots.

He would be proud of the Democrat party.

They regularly divide America up into groups and pits us against one another to create chaos. They spread nonsense as truth (Russia/ Russia/Russia, Trump is a racist, and on and on) and even when proven wrong they stick to and promote the lie. The Democrat party openly supports a radical, Marxist, racist hate group (“Black Lives Matter”). Democrats are now attacking a supreme court nominee, that is an honorable mother, judge and Christian.

When I ask my Democrat friends to explain why all the hate, they say, “It is Trump’s fault. He lies.” When I ask for examples they respond, “He is a liar.” Please! A party that at one time was the party of John Kennedy has become the anarchist party of America.

I ask you, my Democrat friends, do you align with the values of your party? Aren’t you tired of all this anger and hatred?

Trump supporters enjoy life and try to stick to reason. You should join us. I call on you to walk away from Saul Alinsky and all that pent-up anger. Walk away from the lies and distorted history. Join a party that embraces America and American values. Walk away from BLM and Marxism. I urge you to stop drinking the CNN Kool-Aid. The GOP has an incredibly open and inclusive tent. You would be welcome.

Walter “Skip” Claypool Chester Township

Rader Fights for Us As an attorney, I have been fighting for the rights of Ohio employees since 1984. I have known Betsy Rader for several years.

From her time in law school, and throughout her career, Betsy has worked to protect women from discrimination, abuse and sexual harassment. When Betsy was in-house counsel for an employer, she did what responsible corporate counsel should do – she instituted policies and training to prove a safe and non-discriminatory work place and to protect employees from sexual harassment. Where there were complaints, she worked to resolve them with a fair result for victims.

In recent years, her law practice has focused on representation of survivors of discrimination, including sexual harassment, and training companies to comply with sexual harassment laws.

It is ironic that Betsy Rader’s political opponents bring up a 1995 court decision to imply that Betsy turned her back on women who had complained of sexual harassment two years before Betsy was hired as the company attorney. The judge found that there were no complaints of discrimination since then, and that the company was making efforts to eliminate unlawful discrimination in the workplace. That is, the truth is the opposite of the claims in the attack ad.

Then, and now, Betsy Rader stands up for women and for the rights of working people.

Nancy Grim, Esq. Kent

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Letters to the Editor Jeep Rally Worthy Of Support I’m writing in response to a letter to the editor from Kathryn Malmquist in last week’s edition entitled “Invasion Inappropriate Use of Park.” The piece is regarding the use of Geauga Park District’s Maple Highlands Trail for a Jeep event organized to support our armed forces veterans. The event was organized by Middlefield Burton Rotary.

In her letter, Ms. Malmquist asks who made the decision to suddenly change the rules for the Maple Highland Trail for a Jeep Rally? The answer is, I did. Neither the Geauga Park Commissioners nor Judge Timothy Grendell had anything to do with the decision.

The rally only occupied the trail for less than 30 minutes, with two bikers yielding to the jeeps. Furthermore, the trail was designed to handle vehicle traffic in order to accommodate maintenance and emergency vvehicles. No damage was done to the trail. The trail was closed to the pubic prior to the event.

Our county Rotarians have a long-stand-

ing history of supporting worthy civic causes.

Through this event, they raised $8,000 for veterans’ services.

As the executive director of Geauga Park District and a veteran of the United States Air Force, I found this endeavor to be worthy of support. I firmly believe the vast majority of Geauga County residents will agree. The price paid by our armed services veterans, particularly our combat veterans, allow us to enjoy parks like The Maple Highlands Trail. Without the selfless sacrifice of our veterans, these parks may not exist.

In closing, many in the silent majority continue to use and enjoy our parks in a variety of ways. You have expressed your appreciation for making your Geauga Parks more accessible to your family and friends. Geauga Park District is not on the ballot on Nov. 3. However, on behalf of veterans across Geauga County, I humbly ask you to express your values and freedoms at the polls. My hope is the same values that represent positive change at Geauga Park District will be represented in your vote on Nov. 3.

John Oros, Executive Director Geauga Park District

Notes of Gratitude The Geauga County Fair Auxiliary wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Bakers and Buyers at the 2020 Apple Pie Auction. Despite the challenges of COVID we were able to hold a scaled back, safe and very successful auction! Thank you to Patterson Fruit Farm for continuing to Sponsor the Apple Pie Contest and Auction! Our Gratitude to the main auction dude - Mike Davis Auctioneer who came through again this year.

Baker Buyer Bid Amount Group I (Ages 24 & Under) Kate Hornyak Greg Matthews $175 3rd Place Kendal Pikor Gwenynne Young $400 Ecco Conte Jon Blair $425 1st Place Ela Grzywinski Ralph Spidalieri, County Commissioner $250 2nd Place Sarah Straw Ann Blair, ReMax Rising $225

Group II (Ages 25-50) Kelly Williams Mike Blair $125 Megan Strange John Hasman - In Memory of George Hasman $350 2nd Place Christina Canfield Linda Smallwood, Grace Tree Service $175 Jody Grzywinski Jon Taylor, Burton Floral $150 3rd Place Jeremy Reiter Greg Matthews $2,000 1st Place

& Reserve Champion Marty Demcheck Keller Williams Team $150

Group III (Ages 51 &Above) Jan Wargo Scott Hildenbrand, Sheriff Barb Peterson Ann Blair, ReMax Rising LuAnn Burger Greg Matthews Leasa Fratoe In Memory of Sam Plants & Marion Howard

Leanne Stein John Hasman Lynette Tatonetti Amanda Metz, BioSolutions Any Stange Bob Rogish, Rogish Farms John Stange Dorothy Stange Diane King Linda Smallwood, Grace Tree Service Carolyn Schue Howard Bates, Arms Trucking Cathy Unchafer John Hasman Carrie Reiter Mike Hasman Robin Demchak Mary Horvath Linda Yandell Mike Blair - donated pie back to auction

Kathy Blair - in Memory of Gerry Blair Holly Ward Cheryl Carr

$150 $200 $175 $6,000 1st Place & Grand Champion $100 $200 $150 $125 $150 $125 3rd Place $150 $775 2nd Place $200 $175 $250 $125

Donors to the Grand ChampionPie In Memory of SAM PLANTS, Director and MARION HOWARD Auxiliary and Band Member: Kathy Blair, Director Dave Parker, Director Burton Floral Tyler Plants, Director Bob Rogish, Past Director Jim Dvorak, Commissioner Paul Harris, Director Howard Bates, Past Director Curt Canfield, Director Jim McCaskey, Director Robert Phillips, Director Mindy White, Auxiliary Doug Logan, Director Howard & Theresa Call The Edgings Mike Blair, Director Mark Shaver, Director Amanda Metz, Fair Band Dale Ryan, Director Ann Blair, Auxiliary Marilyn Pickett. Auxiliary Vicki Koller, Director Linda Smallwood, Auxiliary Jim Squire

Page 15

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Newbury Trustees Consider Hiring Project Manager

By Diane Ryder editor@geaugamapleleaf.com Newbury Township Trustees plan to hire a project manager to represent the township’s interests in two potential upcoming projects — a proposed addition to the fire station and possible conversion of the former Newbury Schools buildings to rental property, a community center and possibly township offices.

Although trustees will follow the state requirements to advertise for the position, they already have a candidate in mind — former Newbury resident Jim Dixon, who has managed major projects throughout Geauga County, including the Russell Township police and fire stations, the Auburn Township Service Garage and a major addition to the Auburn Township Fire Station.

Dixon, who now lives out of state, recently came out of retirement to oversee construction of a new covered pavilion at Auburn Township Park.

“I had a conversation today with Jim Dixon, who was construction manager for our fire station construction 30 years ago,” Trustee Bill Skomrock said at the Oct. 6 Newbury Task Force meeting. The task force is a volunteer committee exploring the township’s options for the former school campus if trustees can negotiate with West Geauga Schools Board of Education for ownership of the property.

Skomrock said when he talked to Dixon about whether he was interested in over-

seeing the proposed fire station addition, it occurred to him Dixon was just the person to consult about determining whether the school buildings are viable for repurposing for community use.

“I asked him to visit the school buildings and see if they are salvageable, what it would take to make them safer and compliant with ADA regulations,” Skomrock said. “He talked to me for a half hour.”

Skomrock said Dixon, who is paid 5% of any project’s cost, has a reputation for bringing in every project on time and under budget.

“It seems pretty reasonable to me,” Skomrock said. “His salary is usually less than what he saves the township, so that cost is basically returned. My mind was boggled with this.”

Skomrock repeated the suggestion the following day at the Newbury Trustees meeting.

“Jim is very, very astute at this whole process,” Skomrock said. “He really impressed me.”

Although neither of the proposed projects is certain to go forward until financing is approved by voters or otherwise arranged, Skomrock said he believes it is important to have an experienced advocate to represent the township’s interests.

“This is just the first step,” the trustee said.

Trustee Glen Quigley recommended running an ad in the Geauga County Maple Leaf seeking applicants for the project manager’s position. The ad would run for one month, after which the trustees would have 15 days in which to select a candidate.

“We need a resolution making it official,” Skomrock said.

Trustees unanimously agreed to run the advertisement, stating they will accept applications from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Page 19

Chardon Overwhelms Howland to Advance in Playoffs

By Matt Jaworski sports@geaugamapleleaf.com The Hilltoppers scored early and often as they dominated in all aspects of their 49-14 playoff victory over Warren Howland.

Chardon’s first playoff game of the season played out like many of its regular season games – a dominating defensive performance, a solid offensive performance, and a running clock in the second half.

“The down side of being the one seed is you’re the one seed,” said Chardon head coach Mitch Hewitt. “The positive side of being the one seed is when the 17 seed comes in, they already have a level of doubt. It’s our job to be sure we wanted that seed, and they’re only going to play with us as long as we wanted them to.”

The top-ranked seed in the region wasted no time in defending their home turf and showed the Tigers why they are the top seed.

The Hilltoppers got on the scoreboard about a minute and half into the contest when senior Charlie Brosch blocked a Tiger punt and Rocco Perrico recovered it in the endzone for a touchdown.

Howland’s next possession ended when the Toppers stopped the Tigers on a fake punt near midfield.

On Chardon’s first offensive possession of the game, senior running back James Pettyjohn took a handoff and ran 48 yards into the endzone for a touchdown to make it 14-0.

Pettyjohn carried the ball four times on the night for 121 yards and one touchdown.

“He is a special player, an ankle breaker,” said Hewitt of his running back. “He’s got vision, speed, and he’s tough.”

Eric Babinchak, the heavily recruited Howland running back, ripped off a 70-yard run to put the Tigers on the Chardon 3 yard line and in position to respond to the Toppers touchdown.

Outside of that big run, the Toppers held Babinchak in check, as they limited his big runs and kept him out of the endzone.

“We had a great game plan coach Landies drew up,” said linebacker Cade McDevitt.

“We stacked the box and watched their lineman, and when they pull, they’re going that way. We had a great game plan.”

On fourth and goal, Howland head coach Steve Boyle decided to go for it, but his team could not covert and turned the ball over on downs.

“That goal line stand doesn’t take place

PASTOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Nathanael Sulka, right, caught a 21-yard TD early in the seccond quarter from QB Drew Fetchik that helped the Hilltoppers win its first playoff game 49-14 against Warren Howland. The Hilltoppers host Genva (7-1) this Friday at 7 p.m. The game can be seen live on the school’s website via GTV.

if Blake Barker doesn’t sprint as fast as he can to tackle him down on the 3 yard line,” added Hewitt. “That’ll be talked about in our program for years and years. We teach effort, never quitting on a play and that epitomizes everything we teach.”

McDevitt said the Toppers run peruse drills every day at practice and knew once Barker made the stop, it would allow the defense to regroup to make a stand.

The decision by Howland to go for the touchdown on fourth down backfired, though, as quarterback Drew Fetchik led Chardon down the field after the turnover. Following a 47-yard pass to tight end Alex McDonald to the 1, Fetchik finished the drive with a single-yard score.

By the end of the first quarter, the Hilltoppers were up 21-0. The onslaught continued in the second quarter.

Fetchik connected with split end Nathaniel Sulka for a 21-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.

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About five minutes later, fullback Sean Carr punched it from four yards out to make it 35-0.

Then, late in the second quarter, senior Evan Ash scored on a seven-yard run to extend the lead to 42-0 at halftime.

A Ryan Petersen 21-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter accounted for Chardon’s final score.

On the night, seven different Toppers found the endzone.

“We’ve got a lot of weapons, and I think we’re doing a good job this year of getting our weapons the ball,” Hewitt said.

Like a number of the Hilltopper games, the second half featured a running clock as the Topper’s second unit kept pace with the Howland first team It was an overall dominate performance

by Chardon, who had a bye in week seven.

Hewitt was concerned the layoff would hurt his team, but the time actually allowed his team to heal from injuries and re-focus.

“When you’re playing as well as we were, then you take a week off, you don’t know what that’s going to produce,” Hewitt said.

In fact the outcome was their first complete game of the season, although the players had some jitters.

“There’s always playoff jitters, especially for the seniors, but we were ready, we were prepared,” McDevitt added.

Chardon advances to the regional quarterfinals of the Division III Region 9 quarterfinals against Geneva, whose head coach is former Hilltopper assistant coach Chip Sorber.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Huskies Find Motive for Strong Playoff Run

By Haley Adams sports@geaugamapleleaf.com

After starting the season 1-3, the Cardinal Huskies won five straight games before dropping a non-conference game, then starting a six-game winning streak. Those wins included a five-set thriller against rival Berkshire, and four of the six included straight set victories.

Oct. 12, the Huskies looked to take first place in the Chagrin Valley Conference’s Valley Division against Kirtland. Though they lost 3-1, they perhaps found some motivation for a strong playoff run.

Thanks to Hornets’ hitting errors, the Huskies jumped out to a 6-4 lead in the first set, then saw their lead dwindle away. Trailing 14-11, Cardinal was forced to call a timeout, and Kirtland went on a 8-3 run before the Huskies called their second timeout of the set.

The Hornets won the first set 25-16 after a couple of hitting errors for the Huskies.

To start the second set, Cardinal jumped out to a 5-1 lead as senior Jessie Proch began to get hot on the outside hitter position. Junior setter Haley Domen got an ace for her team, and Proch recorded three more kills before Kirtland called its first timeout at 7-2.

As the Hornets began to claw their way back, the Huskies’ lead was cut to one at 1110. Cardinal called a timeout to talk things over. Two kills from junior Lindsay Hissa evened things out at 12.

But three lead changes later, the Huskies would even the match at 1-1, taking set two 26-24.

Kirtland controlled much of the third set after leading 5-2. Cardinal head coach Karisca Chambers and her team called a timeout after trailing 10-4.

After two long rallies that favored the

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Cardinal senior captain Jessie Proch, right, at the net against CVC Valley rival Kirtland.

Huskies, with a kill recorded from Hissa and a free ball won from senior libero Alaina Strever, the Huskies trailed 18-14. Strever recorded 23 digs and 15 serve receptions to control much of the back row.

Cardinal fought off three set points before the Hornets took set three 25-20.

The Huskies were forced to call their first timeout in the fourth set when they found themselves trailing 8-4. And when Kirtland had their largest lead of the night at 22-14, the Huskies did all they could to fight back

and keep their chances of first place alive.

An ace from sophomore defensive specialist Ronnee Collins cut Kirtland’s lead to just three, but it wasn’t enough — Cardinal again would fight off three match points before dropping set four 27-25 and the match 3-1.

The Huskies will now look to close out their season 15-6 with a conference matchup against Grand Valley and a non-conference game against St. John.

Earlier in the week, the Huskies were voted second in their district tournament, excit-

ing many players.

“We definitely need to come out strong and not get behind early,” said Domen, who would lead the team in assists with 30. Proch and Hissa each recorded 10 kills to lead their team.

As for that newfound motivation, the Huskies and Hornets may meet again in the district finals. As Chambers said: “We will see them in the districts.” With that mindset, surely the Huskies will circle that game on their calendars.

Memorable Record Makes West Geauga History

By Haley Adams sports@geaugamapleleaf.com If 2020 wasn’t already a year to remember, ask the West Geauga Wolverines what the year means to them.

For the first time in program history, the West Geauga volleyball started their season 11-0 before losing to Ashtabula Lakeside (172) on Thursday evening three sets to one.

“We wanted to be loud, and this season has really made us play like a family,” said senior middle hitter Erin Piczer on her team’s game plan against the Dragons. “Our whole goal is to never break down and always have

each other’s backs. Be loud, and hype each other up.”

Coming into the matchup, the Wolverines had won 33 of their 36 sets played, including nine three-set sweeps out of the 11 matches played.

The Wolverines would drop set one 25-22.

But it would be all West Geauga in the second set.

The Wolverines jumped out to a 17-8 lead before the Dragons were forced to call a timeout. Back-to-back kills from Kaitlyn Danszczak and Holly Hamilton would have the Dragons adjusting their game plan.

Lakeside then created a run of its own, when head coach Amber Baker called a timeout at 23-14.

Two points later, the Wolverines evened the match at 1-1. Coach Baker and her team took set two, 25-15.

Set three would belong to Lakeside, which won 25-23, leading 2-1 before the fourth set got underway. The Dragons also took set four, 25-18.

“This is my first year at West Geauga,” Piczer said. “Before, I didn’t know much about the school or the volleyball history, but I saw we had a lot of talent, and I didn’t understand why it didn’t click until this year.”

Piczer came into the game on Thursday with 31 kills.

“It was a great experience for me, too,” said Lauren Lance, tied with Danszczak for kills with 45 on the season, including four aces, and 31 blocks. “I’ve never been undefeated season for the CVC either.

“We have such good chemistry, that everything is going to come together for the next game.”

“We really push mental toughness during the start of the season,” said senior setter Brooke Henriksen, who contributed with 53 assists during the regular season.

Senior libero Carlie Stilliana leads her team in the back row with 28 digs, along with junior defensive specialist Olivia Bartlett.

“This was also my first year playing with the team fully,” Stilliana said. “Transferring from NDCL, I didn’t get to play a full season with them last year, and this season meant a lot, especially my senior year to go out like this.”

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 21

TORREY MCNEAL/KMG

Dan Dinko, left, addresses the 8th grade Hilltoppers after their second straight undefeated season.

Chardon’s Undefeated 8th Grade Team Touches Entire Program

By Jamie Ward jamie@geaugamapleleaf.com

The Chardon 8th grade football team finished the season 8-0 with a 36-20 win over then 7-0 Riverside at Riverside High School.

It was the second straight year the team went undefeated. It shows how bright the future remains for Chardon’s high school football program. And it underscores how consistency, which has been the team’s modus operandi for almost 40 years, continues to run through each level of the Hilltoppers program.

As a painful reminder to Browns fans from last weekend. When it comes to an organization, Chardon is the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“It’s very difficult to run the table in any sport,” said 8th grade coach Dan Dinko, whose two sons both played varsity football in the program. “Especially two years in a row.”

The 8th grade team outscored its opponents by an average score of 41 to 5 as it knocked off future Western Reserve Conference rivals like Mayfield, Kenston, North, South, Madison and Riverside.

“It’s an impressive class of skill and size and most importantly over 30-plus kids out playing,” said head varsity coach Mitch Hewitt, whose son, Caleb, is the team’s starting halfback. “They didn’t just go 16-0 over the last two years but they dominated their competition.”

Aside from Caleb, whose grandfather

Don Navatsyk is the high school’s offensive coordinator, there are connections from the 8th grade team that run through the program. Navatsyk played for the Hilltoppers in the early 1970s.

Consider: • Mark Hall has two other brothers in the program. Christian Hall is on the varsity team and Amir Hall is on the freshman team.

Their dad, Frank Hall, is the varsity team’s co-offensive coordinator.

• Alex Ash’s older brother Evan Ash is on the varsity team. And his dad, Eric, played on the 1994 Hilltoppers that won the Division 2 state championship.

• Chad Prince’s dad, John, is on the 8th grade coaching staff and is a 1989 Chardon graduate. Eric Bartley, a Chardon teacher, is also on the coaching staff.

• Sam Stollard’s dad, Cliff, played on the 1993 state semi-finalist team.

• Braden McDevitt’s older brother, Cade, is a senior on the varsity team.

• Beckett Dotson’s older brother, Brody, is a junior on the varsity team.

• Zach Ischay’s older brother, Aidan, is a junior on the varsity team.

• And Vinny Colombi’s older brother, Leo, plays on the freshman team.

“Combined with the 9th grade class ahead of them they could be really hard to beat in the coming years,” Hewitt said.

“If they develop a love and passion for the weight room.”

TORREY MCNEAL/KMG

Caleb Hewitt scored three times in the team’s 36-20 over Riverside. Both the Hilltoppers and the Beavers entered the game undefeated. It’s the second year the Chardon 8th grade football team has gone undefeated.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 22

Celebrating Geauga County’s Biggest Black Walnut Trees

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Students Invited to Enter #1 Dog Contest Submitted Geauga County Auditor Charles E. Walder continues the mission to find the #1 Dog in Geauga County for 2021.

To kick off the 2021 dog registration, the county auditor’s office is having a #1 Dog Contest for all fourth- and fifth-graders in the county.

Students are asked to submit a short essay to Walder’s office or emailed to 2020firstdog@co.geauga.oh.us by Oct. 30 explaining why they think their dog is the

top dog in Geauga County.

Representatives from the Geauga County and Burton public libraries, and the auditor’s office will judge the essays on Nov. 2. The winner will receive the #1 lifetime dog tag for 2021 on Dec. 1.

For more information, visit www.auditor. co.geauga.oh.us and click on “#1 Dog Contest.”

Information also is available at all public libraries in the county or by contacting the auditor’s office directly at 440-279-1614.

4-H News Feathers and Fleece

SUBMITTED

Mary Lou Barnes Raupach, of Chester Township, stands with her grandson, Eric Osborne, and her champion black walnut tree. Raupach nominated her winning tree in the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s 2020 Big Tree Contest. Located along Mulberry Road, this legendary tree continues to thrive and survive on the Barnes family property.

With the Covid-19 pandemic hitting Ohio in March, schools closed and 4-H club meetings shifting to virtual zoom calls, Feathers and Fleece 4-H Club members knew that the 2020 Great Geauga County Fair was going to be different, too, if it happened at all. Club members raise poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep and beef and are in almost every barn at the fairgrounds. Members also perform various service projects during the year, such as donating used blankets, towels and sheets to Rescue Village this spring.

All spring and summer, members hoped the fair board would figure out a way to make the Labor Day weekend the same amazing experience they have every year. The fair board and many volunteers made it happen.

For anyone who has never been in 4-H, the first thing one needs to know about the Great Geauga County Fair is that there are many volunteer adults and older teens who work behind the scenes day and night, so there even is a fair.

The “alternative” fair was certainly different, and it kept the best parts – 4-H and other junior fair members got to show off their hard work raising animals, laughing, having fun with friends and taking their projects to the live auction. Members did have to wear masks in the barns and when close to each other outside, and they had to keep 6 feet apart whenever they could. The fair did not have all the rides, games, food and activities as a “normal” fair, so less visitors came.

Members also were told not to take animals out of cages to show visitors like they might have done in other years, so they would not mingle with people they didn’t know.

Poultry showmanship was not held in the auction tent like last year – it was in the small

SUBMITTED

Feathers and Fleece 4-H Club member Margo Brugger displays the ribbon she won at the 2020 Great Geauga County Fair.

grandstand, which gave everyone a better view, too. The live auction was live-streamed, and the buyer for my chicken pen put in his bid from the comfort of his living room.

By the end of Labor Day weekend, I had some sunburn and was tired, but it was a great fair. I really thank all the fair board and volunteers who sat through a lot of meetings to make it happen for all the junior fair members this year. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but it was definitely a fair I will never forget. (Submitted by Margo Brugger, news reporter)

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 23

Bulletin Board The Maple Leaf Community Bulletin Board is a public service of the Geauga County Maple Leaf. Notices of nonprofit organizations, schools, and churches will be published without charge.

Information must be submitted in writing, and must include the name and telephone number of a responsible person who can be contacted to answer questions. The Maple Leaf cannot guarantee publication, and reserves the right to edit, condense, cancel, or refuse any notice at any time. E-mail submissions to: cbb@geaugamapleleaf.com

Geauga Trail Challenge

Oct. 1–31 Geauga Trail Challenge is open to any individual to set personal activity goals for exploring their parks, while appealing to friends and family to “sponsor” their goals with donations and pledges to the Foundation for Geauga Parks. Participants may join as an individual, as part of a team, create their own team or just donate.

The activity is being held in lieu of the annual Twilight Soiree fundraising event that was canceled due to COVID 19.

For more information, contact the Foundation office at 440-564-1048 or visit www. foundationforgeaugaparks.org.

Meal Delivery Volunteers Needed The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal drivers in the Chardon area. The meal routes start at the Chardon Senior Center, 12555 Ravenwood Drive.

The Home Delivered Meals program delivers warm, nutritious lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday to homebound seniors.

The department on aging is looking for area agencies, organizations, church groups and individuals 18 years old or over with a valid driver’s license. Training includes filing volunteer paperwork and a short orientation. Volunteers can deliver meals on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or as needed/substitute basis.

For more information or to register as a volunteer, call Kristen Bibby at 440-279-2138 or email kbibby@co.geauga.oh.us.

Chardon VFW Clambake

Oct. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a traditional clambake dinner at Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. Donation is $25 per person for one dozen clams and half a chicken dinner, and $10 for extra clams. The public is welcome. Presale tickets only; for information and tickets, call 440-285-3699 or visit www.chardon-vfw.com.

Audubon Surveys Local Park

Oct. 25, 8 a.m.

Help Blackbrook Audubon find migrating birds during its next monthly survey at Beaty Landing. Park and meet at the lower lot of Beaty Landing, 543 East Walnut Ave., Painesville.

Blackbrook will monitor this site on the fourth Sunday of each month until March 2021. The list of birds found is posted on eBird.org.

For more information, visit blackbrookaudubon.org or www.lakemetroparks. com.

Food Truck or Treat

Oct. 30, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Join for a food truck or treat at Spear Chardon Tractor Sales, 12600 GAR Highway.

Truck or treat at each of the five local Northeast Ohio food trucks and the first 50 kids to stop by will receive goody bags from Spear Chardon Tractor. Event also features a family costume contest with a $50 prize.

Visit www.speartractor.com for more information.

Chardon VFW Pancake Breakfasts

Where DO We Live – Really?

By Toni Alexander Social networking and the media have been chock-a-block lately with issues relating to the upcoming election. Anxiety and anger, divisiveness and derogatory accusations seem to be everywhere. As we all have experienced, it is practically impossible to find a time or a place to distance from contentious commentary.

The intensity of these emotions are foreign to my sense of the country I love.

This isn’t the America I’ve always enjoyed living in.

As I was struggling to get a sense of peace, a little phrase that I had been taught in Sunday School as a child came to mind: “God, Good, Guides, Guards and Governs.” This was reassuring, that regardless of what seems to be going on in the earthly realm, God is a good, loving and merciful director and protector.

And (as a loving governor) God is in charge of everything and everyone of us!

The Lord’s Prayer tells us that His kingdom is come — right here, right now — in earth, as it is in heaven. As the apostle Paul told his listeners on Mars Hill: “In Him we live and move and have our being.” We truly are living “in the kingdom” of God, though we typically don’t recognize it.

As I was praying for right answers, reassurance came also from Isaiah who said, “...unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder...and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever more.”

I loved the idea of having no end to peace and seeing that His kingdom is or-

dered and established with judgment and justice forever. I especially loved the part about the government being in the hands of God and not man. That would surely indicate all communication would be harmonious since a good God would allow nothing less.

Knowing that addressed the many distressing concerns that have been rumbling “out there,” encouraging me to let go of the media hype and digital drama. But why, I asked myself, does it not generally appear that His Kingdom is where I am living? Puzzling over that question reminded me of the 91st Psalm, which tells me that if I were dwelling “in the secret place of the Most High,” I’d be abiding “under the shadow of the Almighty” and would be free from the “noisome pestilence,” the pervasive, annoying, noisy rhetoric out there.

The “Most High” must be, of course, God; and His “secret place” must be His Kingdom which the Lord’s Prayer says, “is come,” right here, right now. So, all of us “in earth” are truly in that kingdom where we truly live and move and have our being.

But it is important to know that.

I can, therefore, claim that I do live in the secret place of the Most High and can accept that peace and harmony. We all do and can. Knowing this and cherishing it must silence and put to rest all of the political pushing and shoving, and trying to disparage opponents. It must replace wrangling with mutual respect and anger and hate with listening and cooperation. It might even enable us to love our enemies since God, Good, is Guiding, Guarding and Governing us all, right here and right now.

Toni Alexander is Former First Reader, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Chardon.

Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 8 a.m. to noon Chardon VFW Post 6519 will host pancake breakfasts with french toast, sausage and ham. Senior and kids menus are available. To go orders accepted; call 440-285-3699. The post is located at 752 Water St.

Historical Village Open House

Nov. 1, 12-4 p.m.

The Chesterland Historical Village will be holding an open house for all the vintage buildings on the corner of Caves and Mayfield roads in Chester Township. Docents will be on site to welcome visitors and give tours.

Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced.

There will also be a holiday sale of quality handcrafted gift items displayed in the town hall. The sale is in lieu of the annual boutique and tea usually held in the Tanner House.

DTJ Chicken and Duck Dinner

Nov. 1, 12-2 p.m.

DTJ Taborville is having its final chicken and duck dinner of the year at 9850 North Blvd, Auburn Township. Cost is $12.50 for an adult dinner and $6.50 for a children’s chicken dinner. A half duck dinner is $17.50.

Czech beer is available at the bar. Frank Moravic will provide music from 12:30- 3:30 p.m.

For reservations by Oct. 29, call 440-5438494.

Annual Turkey Dinner

Nov. 3, 4:30-7 p.m.

The Women’s Fellowship of Parkman Congregational Church is preparing and serving their annual Election Day turkey dinner with all the trimmings at the church located at 18265 Madison Road.

Dinner is $12 per person. Due to social distancing requirements, dinner is drivethrough, carryout only.

The church is located at 18265 Madison Road in Parkman.

GEL Zoom Webinar

Nov. 6, 8-9 a.m.

Join Geauga Economic Leadership (GEL) via Zoom webinar for “Mindful Leadership” with Dr. Julie Evey and Dr. Luda Leontieva.

They will discuss current research that addresses the value of mindfulness for business leaders and how these practices can positively impact the workplace.

For information on how to register, email info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060 (G.E.L.) Breakfasts are co-sponsored by Geauga Growth Partnership and Kent State University at Geauga.

Page 24

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Chardon Certified Production Technician Program

Chardon Local Schools is excited to announce its debut of the Certified Production Technician (CPT) program for Chardon High School students. The CPT course offering is a career-based intervention locally spearheaded by Auburn Career Center’s Superintendent Brian Botempo and operated as a partnership with Chardon Local Schools, Cardinal Local Schools and Painesville City Schools.

Ohio State Sen. John Eklund, a supporter of career-tech and credentialing for high school students, served as the guest speaker at the CPT grand opening ceremony held on Oct. 7 at Painesville’s Harvey High School.

Among the attendees were administrative representatives from each of the four schools.

Through the CPT program, students learn manufacturing processes, as well as maintenance, safety, and quality control with the end goal of students taking the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council certification exams. Geared towards freshmen and sophomores, the program is designed to prepare students to be productive team members in a manufacturing environment.

“The CPT credential represents an exciting opportunity for our students to continue to develop their real-world skills and learn and practice with businesses within the community,” said Chardon Schools Assistant Superintendent Ed Klein.

Five local sponsors have generously donated over $150,000 to make this opportunity possible for the schools: Avery Dennison Corp., Eaton Corp., The Lozick Family Foundation, Mar-Bal Inc. and PCC Airfoils LLC. To learn more about the CPT program, visit https://bit.ly/CPT_CLSD.

Annual Air Quality Study

Chardon High School teacher Amanda Bunker retooled her class’ annual Working Wednesdays field trips as Therapeutic Thursday field trips for fall 2020 to accommodate a modified format due to Covid-19 safety protocols. This year, students are forgoing time traditionally spent on Wednesdays engaged in hands-on learning activities such as finding items, comparing prices, and making purchases in stores. On Therapeutic Thursdays, weather permitting, Mrs. Bunker’s students learn more about the community while working on safety skills all the while spending time enjoying the outdoors.

During their Sept. 24 Therapeutic Thursday field trip, students initiated an air quality study in Chardon by attaching paper cards to telephone poles and applying petroleum jelly to the papers to capture results. During a later field trip, students collected the pa-

SUBMITTED

Chardon Local Schools is grateful for its community partnership with the Chardon Fire Department which dedicated time on Oct. 12 for an onsite Maple School visit, providing an interactive lesson on fire safety for the school’s in-person kindergarten students.

SUBMITTED

Local partners Auburn Career Center, Painesville City Schools, Cardinal Local Schools and Chardon Local Schools gather on Oct. 7 for a Certified Production Technician program grand opening ceremony held at Painesville’s Harvey High School. The kickoff event included (l to r) ACC Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Jeff Slavkovsky, Painesville Superintendent Josh Englehart, Ohio State Sen. John Eklund, Cardinal Superintendent Bill Kermavner, and Chardon Assistant Superintendent Ed Klein.

SUBMITTED

On Sept. 24, Munson Elementary School first-grader Koleton Dudinsky intently concentrates on adding “apples” to his apple tree engineering project wherein each student in Mrs. Kellogg’s class builds an apple tree from an empty paper tube and wooden craft sticks and then tests how many “apples” their tree can hold.

pers from town and then used a microscope in the classroom to examine the results. The project concluded with students individually presenting information on their findings to their peers.

“Overall, the results from this year’s air quality study revealed cleaner papers than last year with some significant difference in our samples,” said Bunker. “The cleaner papers are attributed to the rain that has fallen and therefore impeded the true study. We realize that we can’t control Mother Nature and are still happy with another year of studying the air around town.”

St. Helen

SUBMITTED

St. Helen Preschool Busy Bees class enjoys a special outdoor visit with chicks and Gladys the chicken from Harvest Bell Farm in Newbury Township.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

NDCL

West Geauga

Michael Elias

Luke Musser

National Merit Recognition

Principal Jay Bishop of West Geauga High School announced on Oct. 8 that Michael Elias, Luke Musser and Benjamin Anderson Benjamin Anderson have been named National Merit Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A letter of commendation from the school

Page 25

and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.

About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Longtime West G Nurse Retires

Brenda Swanson has been a school nurse at West Geauga Local Schools for over 21 years, and she has decided to retire this fall.

Mrs. Swanson cared for hundreds of students over the years and made a profound impact.

Brenda intends to spend her retirement traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will be missed by the students, staff and community.

SUBMITTED

Seniors Alley Cooney and Jaiden Mangelluzzi and junior Reilly Mikin share their culinary creations with assistant admissions director Quinn Malone, English teacher Maura McGinty-O’Hara and social studies teacher Lindsey Nicholson.

Golfers Head to States The entire school community spilled out onto the NDCL campus the afternoon of Oct. 13 for NDCL’s first-ever outdoor clapout to send off the golf team to the OHSAA Division II State Tournament in Columbus.

To allow for safe physical distancing because of the pandemic, NDCL moved the traditional corridor clap-out outside. Mother Nature cooperated with an absolutely gorgeous autumn afternoon.

Seniors Zander Gibson, Andrew Perovsek and Devon Skufca joined sophomores Ryley Stefanek and Ben Daher for a golf-cart ride down the hill to the applause of students and faculty, who lined Notre Dame Drive from Lion Stadium to the west parking lot.

Lions Go Gourmet PHOTOS BY JIM KISH – WGLSD

Brenda Swanson

Last week NDCL students in family and consumer science teacher Rachel Barlage’s cooking classes competed in their own version of “Chopped,” the popular reality TV

SUBMITTED

Assistant Principal Denice Teeples and Social Studies Department Chairperson Molly Schneider love their stint as food judges for NDCL’s version of “Chopped.”

show that pits chefs against each other for the chance to win cash prizes.

Students sought to impress faculty judges with dishes that included chicken parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo with chicken, spaghetti marinara, cinnamon swirl French toast, apple cinnamon muffins and s’mores cupcakes.

Kenston Excellence in Financial Reporting

Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Certificate of Achievement to the Kenston Local School District for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to communicate its financial story.

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is posted on the district webpage.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

National Honor Society Induction

Congratulations to Kenston High School students who were inducted into the National Honor Society. Each student had to demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, character, leadership and service.

Kenston commends: Dominic Alandt, Luci Blazek, Madeleine Blazey, Audrey Cowan, Isabel Czernicki, Rachel Fender, Lillian Forney, Presley Gabram, Gwen Gembarski, Leah Jarmolowicz, Bennett Ives, Jennifer Kapcio, Kathryn Klotz, Nya Ku, Elena Li-

oudis, Kaitlyn McFadden, Matthew Pierce, Emma Salem, Hayley Sharp, Hannah Sharp, Samantha Stefancin, Avery Steinberg and Elizabeth Wolf.

Rotary Student of the Month

Delaney Bochenek has been selected Kenston’s Chagrin Valley Rotary Club Student of the Month in September. Her high school experience has focused on her love of academics, specifically mathematics. She carries a 4.364 grade point average, earning High Honor Roll (4.0-5.0) recognition every quarter in high school. Delaney earned the honor of National Merit Commended Scholar.

She has earned academic awards in American history, AP government, business law, calculus I, honors algebra II, honors geometry, Spanish III and modern world history.

Delaney’s love of dance began as a 3-yearold and has not stopped. She loves that dance allows her to express herself, with her favorite style being contemporary and enjoying lyrical, ballet, jazz and tap. Her other passion is math; currently, she is taking college calculus III. Delaney is a four-year member of Kenston’s Speech and Debate Team, participating in Lincoln Douglas Debate. She has served as debate captain, and this year was elected as vice president.

She received the National Speech & Debate Association Honor Society Special

Distinction award. A varsity letter winner in Speech & Debate and band, Delaney was also an active member of the Bomber Bash Lead Crew fundraiser for “A Kid Again.”

Delaney plans to attend college and major in mechanical engineering or mathematics on a pre-med track.

October Rotary Senior

Maxwell Vollrath has been selected Kenston’s Chagrin Valley Rotary Club Student of the Month in October. He carries a 4.431-grade point average along with the President’s Award for Academic Excellence.

Max has received academic departmental awards in AP psychology, Spanish II and Spanish III as well as AP Scholar and student of the month honors.

Athletically, Max is a three-year varsity letter recipient in bowling. Excelling as a bowler, Max has earned All-Conference honors, district qualifier, Western Reserve Conference Bowler of the Year, The News Herald Bowler of the Week, WRC Scholar Athlete and twice Bowling High Game. Max is currently captain of the bowling team. In addition to sports, he is a member of the Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Political Action Committee of Kenston (PACK) and Young America’s Foundation.

As a junior and senior, Max served as a peer mentor for incoming freshman as a Kenston Connect member. He also tutors

math at Kenston Academy.

Outside of school, Max volunteers as a tutor and mentor at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center. He is also politically active working on Dave Joyce’s campaign for Congress and Jerry Cirino’s campaign for State Senate. On the weekends, he works at Bell and Flower.

Max is currently applying to colleges and universities. He is interested in majoring in economics, management or finance with a minor in statistics.

Center Stage Presents…

Kenston Center Stage presents a socially distanced version of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on Nov. 19, 20 and 21, with performances at 7 p.m. and a 2 p.m.

Saturday matinee on Nov. 19. The production will feature two alternating casts.

An eclectic group of six area champion spellers vie for the coveted trophy that is to be awarded to the winner of the Putnam County Spelling Bee. The spellers make their way through a series of potentially made-up words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, un-life affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller will emerge victorious. At least the losers receive a juice box.

Seating will be very limited for this production. A limited number of seats will be available for purchase beginning Oct. 26.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 26

Sheriff’s Sales

Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Geauga County Sheriff – Scott A. Hildenbrand

SHERIFF’S BULLETIN

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO 20-F-000528 -- NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Plaintiff vs. James C. Reed, Jr., et al.

John Doe(s) Name(s) Unknown, the Unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, beneficiaries of James C. Reed Jr. and their unknown spouses and creditors, whose last known address is Unknown, will take notice that on August 26, 2020, NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing filed its Complaint in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, assigned Case No. 20F000528 and styled NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing vs. James C. Reed, Jr., et al. The object of, and demand for relief in, the Complaint is to foreclose the lien of Plaintiff’s mortgage recorded upon the real estate described below and in which Plaintiff alleges that the foregoing defendant has or claims to have an interest: Parcel number(s): 20-012900 Property address: 15763 GAR Highway, Montville, OH 44064 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; Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, 614-220-5611, amj@ manleydeas.com.

Oct22-29 Nov5, 2020

NOTICE OF MEETING Hambden Township The Hambden Township Trustees will be holding a Review/Evaluation work session on Wednesday November 4, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. in the Hambden Town Hall.

Mike Romans, Fiscal Officer Oct22, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO PROPERTY OWNER (APPLICATION FOR A USE VARIANCE) HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO The Huntsburg Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application, identified as number 2020-09, for a Use Variance, on Monday the 9th day of November, 2020 starting at 7:45 p.m. at the Huntsburg Town Hall located at 16534 Mayfield Road, Huntsburg, Ohio.

The application submitted by Christopher M. Gragg to request he be granted a variance for use to allow for an in law suite at 12525 Hammock Lake Drive, Huntsburg Township.

Persons affected or wishing to comment may speak for or against either in person or by an attorney at said hearing.

Christine Peace, Zoning Clerk Oct22, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO PROPERTY OWNER (APPLICATION FOR A USE VARIANCE) HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO The Huntsburg Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application, identified as number 2020-08, for a Use Variance, on Monday the 9th day of November, 2020 starting at 7:00 pm. at the Huntsburg Town Hall located at 16534 Mayfield Road, Huntsburg, Ohio.

The application submitted by David E. Byler to request he be granted a variance for use to allow for an in law suite at 15919 Mayfield Road, Huntsburg Township.

Persons affected or wishing to comment may speak for or against either in person or by an attorney at said hearing.

Christine Peace, Zoning Clerk Oct22, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Thompson Township Notice is hereby given that the Thompson Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application, identified as number 2020-02, on an appeal for a variance to the Thompson Township Zoning Resolution on November 5, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. at the Ledge Park Building on Thompson Road.

This application, submitted by Charles Prince and Tyler Campbell requests that an area variance be granted to reduce frontage and width at set-back be granted for the lot located at 7088 Clay Street, Thompson Township, Ohio (parcel number 30-041500).

Nancy Hawley, Secretary Oct22, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE The following matters are the subject of this public notice by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The complete public notice, including any additional instructions for submitting comments, requesting information, a public hearing, or filing an appeal may be obtained at: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/actions. aspx or Hearing Clerk, Ohio EPA, 50 W. Town St. P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Ph: 614644-3037 email: HClerk@epa.ohio.gov Final Issuance of Permit to Install University Hospitals Geauga Medical Facility Description: Wastewater

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Sheriff’s land sales are held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday or date scheduled at the GEAUGA COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT HOUSE, 100 SHORT COURT STREET, CHARDON, OHIO, 1st floor lobby by the doors of the Court House.

Due to COVID 19 please note the following changes: - The auction will be held on the steps of the courthouse, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather the sale will be inside the courthouse.

- Social distancing must be practiced - Face masks will be required to be worn in the courthouse for the successful bidders.

1.

Opening bids start at 2/3rds of the appraisal value. If the property remains unsold after the first sale with a minimum bid of 2/3rds of the appraised value, a second sale will go forward on the next scheduled date with no minimum bid and the property will be sold to the highest bidder.

However, the purchaser at the second sale is still subject to the costs, allowances, and real property taxes.

2.

Deposit due at the time of bid, (if you do not have the down payment on your person at the time of the bid, property will be re- bid). Balance due 30 days after confirmation. NO PERSONAL CHECKS accepted by Sheriff’s Office. Deposit by CASH, BANK CHECK, or CERTIFIED CHECK at time of bid. Checks can be made payable to the Geauga County Sheriff or to yourself and endorsed over to the Sheriff if you are the successful bidder. A judgement creditor is not required to make a sales deposit.

3.

Deeds are issued after the confirmation of sale, when the balance of the purchase price is received by the Sheriff’s Office.

4.

You cannot view the inside of the properties for sale. They are owned by the defendants, and the Sheriff’s Office does not have access to these properties. You buy “AS IS”.

5.

Information about the lot size, number of rooms, year built, etc. can be obtained from the Auditor’s Office for a small fee using the permanent parcel number.

6. Federal tax liens are filed in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, Courthouse Annex, 231 Main St, City of Chardon 1st floor, and case files are located in the Clerk of Courts Office, 3rd floor Courthouse 100 Short Court, City of Chardon (www.co.geauga.oh.us click on Departments), and can be researched in the respective offices.

7. Legal descriptions for delinquent tax land can also be found in the Recorder’s Office.

8. Property taxes will be prorated by the Geauga County Treasurer’s Office and paid out of the proceeds of the sale. Tax amount will include arrearages and a prorated estimate to the second sale date.

9. Delinquent tax properties are NOT appraised. They are sold for DELINQUENT TAXES, COSTS, AND PENALTIES. The property is offered for sale two (2) times. If it is not sold on the first sale date, it will be offered again at a later date.

10. The purchaser is responsible for a $50.00 deed fee to be paid to the Sheriff.

DATE OF SALE: Thursday, October 29, 2020 — 10:00 A.M.

MINIMUM APPRAISAL BID

Chardon City

Case No. 18-F-000966 — Christopher P. Hitchcock, Treasurer of Geauga County, Ohio vs. Ronald R. Perrine, et al., 335 East King Street And Vacant Land On East King Street (0.21 acres). PPN: 10-112000; 10-112100.

Kristen K. Rine, atty.

Set Minimum Bid: $32,611.10

Montville Township

Case No. 19-F-000831 — Mid America Mortgage Inc. vs. Robert John Bayer, aka Robert J. Bayer, et al., 10155 Plank Road (1.50 acres). PPN: 20-003160. Christian E. Niklas, atty. $80,000.00 $53,334.00

Newbury Township Case No. 20-F-000104 — Union Home Mortgage Corp. vs. Kelly A. Boyd, et al., 14630 Stone Road (1.61 acres). PPN: 23-097100. Douglas A. Haessig, atty. $75,000.00 $50,000.00

Russell Township Case No. 19-F-000704 — U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for REO Trust 2017-RPL1 vs. Ronald A. Schafer, et al., 7174 Hillbrook Lane (2.41 acres). PPN: 26-123300. Alexander C. Weinberg, atty. $150,000.00 $100,000.00 ID #: 1338167 Date of Action: 10/09/2020 This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC. Project: University Hospital Geauga Medical Center Sanitary Sewer Extension Project Location: 13193 Ravenna Road, Munson Twp Proposed Issuance of Modification to NPDES Permit Conditions Auburn Corners WWTP 17915 Ravenna Rd, Auburn, OH Facility Description: Wastewater-Municipality Receiving Water: UT of LaDue Reservoir ID #: 3PG00154*GD Date of Action: 10/19/2020 Revise effluent limitations to accommodate the flow and pollutant loading upon completion of the Auburn Corners WWTP expansion and Troy Oaks pump station.

Final Drinking Water System Classification Peace Lutheran Church 12686 Bass Lake Rd, Chardon, OH 44024 ID #: OH2874112 Date of Action: 10/14/2020 This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC. Pursuant to OAC Rule 3745-7-03, the classification has been removed due to the size of population the system now serves.

Final Issuance of Permit to Install State of Ohio, Dept of Transportation Facility Description: Wastewater ID #: 1358490 Date of Action: 10/15/2020 This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC. Project: ODOT Geauga County Full Service Maintenance Facility Project Location: 14520 Tare Creek Parway, Middlefield Twp Final Issuance of Permit to Install Number 1 Grace Properties Facility Description: Wastewater ID #: 1359233 Date of Action: 10/15/2020 This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC. Project: Number Three Grace, LLC OSTS Improvements Project Location: 8032 Kinsman Road, Russell Twp Oct22, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Village of Middlefield Notice is hereby given that during the Council Meeting held October 8, 2020, The Village of

Middlefield passed the following legislation: Resolution 20-23 Declaring the Official Intent and Reasonable Expectation of the Village of Middlefield on behalf of the State of Ohio (the borrower) to Reimburse its Income Tax Infrastructure Fund for the Water Well #4 Connection, CG58X with the Proceeds of Tax Exempt Debt of the State of Ohio, and Declaring an Emergency.

Resolution 20-25 Encumbering Funds Received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund to pay a Portion of the Salary Currently being Paid to a Village Employee Engaged in Work Sanitizing Public Park and Playground Equipment to Protect against the Spread of the Coronavirus, and Declaring an Emergency.

Resolution 20-26 Reclassifying Stephen Boxler to the Title of “Detective”, and Declaring an Emergency.

Resolution 20-27 Authorizing the Village Engineer to Prepare Plans and Specifications for the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan for the 2021 Calendar Year, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 20-136 An Ordinance Accepting the Bid of Chagrin Valley Paving, Inc. for the Tare Creek Parkway Resurfacing Project, in an Amount not to Exceed $179,414.79 as the Lowest and Best Bid, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 20-137 Ratifying the Mayor’s Authorization for the Village Administrator to Apply for a Grant to Install and Electric Vehicle Charging Station through the Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 20-138 Granting Approval of the LotSplit Plat for Woodsong PUD, Creating Sublots 37R and 40R1, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 20-139 Employing Thomas J. Lee as Village Solicitor and Legal Counsel for the Village of Middlefield for 2021, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 20-127 Approving the Editing and Inclusion of Certain Ordinances as Parts of the Various Component Codes of the Codified Ordinances of the Village of Middlefield, Ohio.

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

Carrie Ehrhart, Administrative Asst./Billing Clerk Oct22, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS CITY OF CHARDON Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Chardon, duly passed and/or adopted the following legislation: ORDINANCE NO. 3120 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE CITY OF CHARDON TREASURY FOR 2020 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Passed and adopted the 9th day of July, 2020.

ORDINANCE NO. 3121 AN ORDINANCE CREATING SECTION 927.83 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO PROHIBIT THE RESALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF MUNICIPAL WATER. Passed and adopted the 9th day of July, 2020.

ORDINANCE NO. 3122 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 521.10 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO PROHIBIT THE DISCHARGE OF WATER OR ANY OTHER SUBSTANCES INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OR CITY STREET. Passed and adopted the 9th day of July, 2020.

ORDINANCE NO. 3140 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDED EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR THE SERVICES OF BENJAMIN G. CHOJNACKI AS LAW DIRECTOR AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Passed and adopted the 8th day of October, 2020.

ORDINANCE NO. 3141 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO FIRST AMENDMENT TO OPTION TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE CONTRACT WITH SOMMERS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INC., AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Passed and adopted the 8th day of October, 2020.

ORDINANCE NO. 3142 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF MUNICIPAL SERVICE FACILITIES GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS OF THE CITY OF CHARDON, OHIO, IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,250,000 TO REFUND THE CITY’S OUTSTANDING BONDS ISSUED IN 2012; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Passed and adopted the 8th day of October, 2020.

RESOLUTION NO. 12-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

SHERIFF’S SALE RESULTS

DATE OF SALE: Thursday, October 15, 2020 Chester Township Case No. 19-F-000493 — Quicken Loans, Inc. vs. Unknown Spouse if any of Donald Jardee, et al., 12901 Morning Glory Trail (1.27 acres). PPN: 11-219700. SOLD TO PLAINTIFF FOR $168,200.00.

South Russell Village Case No. 19-F-000690 — First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood vs. William S. Kilroy, II, et al., 25 Garden Park Drive (1.80 acres). PPN: 29-040900, 29-041000.

SOLD TO PLAINTIFF FOR $500,000.00.

COORDINATING AGENCY FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE TRANSPORTATION FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE (TLCI) FOR PARTIAL FUNDING OF THE CITY OF CHARDON CENTER STREET SIDEWALK INFILL PROJECT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Passed and adopted the 8th day of October, 2020.

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

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

AMY DAY, CLERK OF COUNCIL Oct22, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS APPEAL FOR VARIANCE BURTON TOWNSHIP Notice is hereby given that the Burton Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing to consider the application identified as number 1503-20, for a variance to the Burton Township Zoning Resolution on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom Meeting at www.zoom.us or through the Zoom app. The meeting ID # 810 0601 1191, Passcode: 14821.

This application #1503-20, submitted by Benjamin Vild seeks relief from Article IX, Section 904.0(B), Repair & Replacement of Nonconforming Building or Structure & Article IX, Section 905.0(A), Reconstruction of Nonconforming Building or Structure, of the Burton Township Zoning Resolution as amended August 14, 2019. He requests exemption from the 300 ft. regulation. He asks that this be granted for the lot located at 15950 Jug Road, Burton Township, Ohio 44021.

All witnesses shall attend via Zoom or contact the Zoning Secretary at Katie.BurtonTownship@gmail.com, 440-834-1500 for consideration of in-person attendance pending space, health, and safety limitations. Requests for in-person attendance must be received at least 72 hours before the hearing to be considered. Persons who do not have internet services shall call into the meeting using the Toll Free # 877-853-5257, Passcode: 14821.

All documentation to be offered or discussed during the hearing must be received at least 72 hours before the hearing. Anyone wishing to submit documentation may do so by either: • Emailing: Katie.BurtonTownship@gmail. com • U.S. Mail to: P.O. Box 355, Burton, OH 44021.

In person attendees are recommended to wear facial coverings in accordance with the Ohio Governor’s Mask Mandate due to Coronavirus/ COVID-19.

Following the public hearing, any other business as it relates to the responsibility of the Board, will be discussed and action taken as needed.

Katie O’Neill, Secretary Oct22, 2020

ELECTION NOTICES ISSUE # 1 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the BURTON VILLAGE, Ohio, passed on the AUGUST 3, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: An additional tax for the benefit of Burton Village for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads and bridges at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.30 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 2 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the BURTON VILLAGE, Ohio,

passed on the AUGUST 3, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Burton Village for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of fire-alarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 2.25 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.225 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 4 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 3 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the AUBURN TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the AUGUST 4, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Auburn Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.10 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 4 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the AUBURN TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the AUGUST 4, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: An additional tax for the benefit of Auburn Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of firealarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 1.8 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.18 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 5 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the AUGUST 4, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Bainbridge Township for the purpose of the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.20 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 6 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the BURTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the AUGUST 4, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Burton Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of firealarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.10 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 7 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the BURTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the AUGUST 4, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Burton Township for the purpose of the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.30 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 8 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the CHARDON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 29, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Chardon Township for the purpose of providing and

Page 27 maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of firealarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 2.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.25 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 3 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 9 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JUNE 18, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Chester Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads and bridges at a rate not exceeding 2.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.25 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 10 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JUNE 18, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Chester Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, other equipment, buildings, and sites for such buildings used directly in the operation of a police department, for the payment of salaries of permanent or part-time police, communications, or administrative personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.33 of the revised code, for the payment of the costs incurred by townships as a result of contracts made with other political subdivisions in order to obtain police protection, for the provision of ambulance or emergency medical services operated by a police department, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 0.5 mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.05 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 11 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 15, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Hambden Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of firealarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the

Page 28 payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 1.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.15 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 12 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 7, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Huntsburg Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of firealarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 1.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.15 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 13 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 21, 2020, there will be

Geauga County Maple Leaf submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Montville Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of firealarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 2.4 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.24 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 14 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 21, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: An additional tax for the benefit of Montville Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges at a rate not exceeding 1.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.15 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 15 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a

Resolution of the MUNSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 28, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A replacement of 1.65 mills of an existing levy and an increase of 0.3 mill to constitute a tax for the benefit of Munson Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of fire-alarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 1.95 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.195 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 16 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the PARKMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 7, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Parkman Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.20 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 17 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the THOMPSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 17, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Thompson Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of firealarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 1.75 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.175 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 4 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 18 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the TROY TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the JULY 7, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November,

Thursday, October 22, 2020 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Troy Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of fire-alarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 4.5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.45 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

ISSUE # 19 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio, passed on the JULY 28, 2020, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the GENERAL ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of November, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Geauga County for the purpose of providing the Geauga County Department of Job and Family Services with sufficient funds for providing preventative services to abused, neglected and abandoned children, for the care and placement of children in foster and adoptive homes and for any operating or capital improvement expenditure necessary for the support of children services and the care and placement of children at a rate not exceeding 0.7 mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.07 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2021, first due in calendar year 2022.

The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Edward M. Ryder, Chair Pete Zeigler, Director Oct22-29, 2020

BID NOTICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER SERVICES Newbury Township The Newbury Township Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the planned building of a new Fire-Rescue Station Addition/Renovation at 11111 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township.

A conceptual plan has been completed with a cost estimate of approximately $2.5 million.

It is now necessary for the Township to engage a Construction Manager for the construction of the fire-rescue station addition/renovation.

Detailed drawings, specifications construction schedule and bid packages will need to be developed. The design firm will be selected at a later date.

The Construction Manager shall provide construction manager services as generally described in the standard form of agreement between the Owner and the Construction Manager (A.I.A document B801/CMA, 1992 edition, as supplemented). Additional services may be negotiated between the Owner and the Construction Manager. The Construction Management Firm employed on this project must have technical training, education and experience in construction management and available personnel, equipment and facilities required to perform the services. The firm must also have a record of successful performance as reflected by the evaluation of previous clients with respect to control of costs, quality of work and meeting the deadlines, particularly in the management of municipal fire stations or related projects and financial responsibility as required by the O.R.C. Additional information and Request for Proposal (RFP) information packet shall be obtained from Ken Fagan, Chief of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Department, 11111 Kinsman Rd., P.O. Box 255, Newbury Township, Ohio, 44065 or contact at kfagan@newburyfire.com Please submit six (6) copies of your proposal (one copy of the proposal must be in electronic PDF format) in a sealed envelope marked “Fire Station Construction Manager Proposal� to the Newbury Township Board of Trustees at 14899 Auburn Rd., Newbury, Ohio 44065.

Proposals will be received on or before 4:00 p.m., November 16, 2020. The opening of proposals will take place at the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, at the above listed address, at 7:00 p.m., November 18, 2020.

The Board of Trustees plan on selecting a Construction Manager for the project by the end of November, 2020.

Beverly Sustar, Fiscal Officer Oct15-22, 2020

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Page 29

Geauga County Sheriff ’s Report The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Oct. 9-15, 2020.

ANIMAL PROBLEM Oct. 14 6:10 p.m., Bundysburg Road, Middlefield.

Dog was running down the road with a trap stuck on its leg. It is now behind the barn. Spoke with complainant who said his dog stepped on an animal trap. Dog will not let anyone near it. Complainant advised the humane society had already been out to attempt to catch it and will be back out tomorrow.

BURGLARY Oct. 11 2:51 p.m., Hayes Road, Middlefield. Theft of gas, a tarp and possibly a generator sometime last night.. Broken into barn. Everything is a mess. Deputy advised. Report taken.

CITIZEN DISPUTE Oct. 11 5:41 p.m., Kevin Lane, Hambden. Caller is reporting she is an argument with her contractor. While on the line caller asked contractor if he is racist. Caller states contractor is not completing the work; he wants money first. Caller and husband recently purchased trailer. Caller hired contractor to perform rehab work on trailer.

Job changed and parties cannot agree on money. Both advised it was a civil matter.

FRAUD Oct. 14 6 p.m., Woodhill Drive, Thompson. Male in

lobby to make report for fraud. He said he received a call from Volusia County in Florida. An individual posing as a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant told complainant he missed jury duty and owed $3,500 to clear a warrant. Complainant’s daughter, who lives in Florida, withdrew $3,500 and took the cash and gave it to an individual posing as police.

Transaction occurred on foot and in a park. Entire transaction occurred outside jurisdiction of GCSO. Complainant was advised of scams involving the IRS, police, bondsmen and the like, and was told to hang up the phone and contact the sheriff’s office if unsure.

SUSPICIOUS Oct. 9 9:02 a.m., Clay Street, Huntsburg. Would like to speak to a deputy regarding drones in the area. Resident states a drone hovers around his yard all night until 6 a.m. Been going on for two weeks straight. Advised to call when it is there.

7:43 p.m., Hobart Road, Parkman. Caller requesting a crime scene unit for a “blob” that looks like blood on the barn floor.

Caller states she has a machete and will wait for officers in driveway. She was vague and would not advise anything more than there was a blob that looked like there was blood cleaned up from the floor of the barn. When questioned if anyone was injured or if there were any bodies she said no but that she needed a crime scene unit immediately. Caller was hallucinating and transported to the hospital for an emergency admittance.

Oct. 10 10:02 a.m., Kinsman Road, Newbury. Black sedan. Caller thinks it is making a drug deal at gas station. Heavy set female went in the store. Deputies responded to location and also checked area.

11:17 p.m., Thrasher Road, Troy. Neighbors across the street, sounds like they are having a domestic. Caller says he hears a bunch of yelling and cannot make out the words. Deputy responded. Small gathering of people singing karaoke and being loud. No criminal activity observed.

Oct. 12 4:04 p.m., Madison Road, Thompson. Large bags of carpet sitting between recycle bins at township building. Bags also contain some kind of carcass and is covered with maggots.

Between the recycle dumpsters was a black trash bag with a deer carcass inside.

Oct. 15 12:16 a.m., Clay Street, Montville. Suspicious vehicle observed in Observatory Park.

Female was found asleep in her car with a passenger. Deputy smelled marijuana and the driver produced a jar of marijuana buds, container of marijuana capsules and 400 feet of smokable marijuana string.

Female also had on her possession a grinder, lighter and pile. She was issued a summons for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Female given a mandatory court date.

THEFT Oct. 12 7:43 a.m., Newcomb Road, Parkman. Some-

Service Directory

one broke into shop and stole a bunch of stuff. Deputy responded. Breaking and entering of locked storage barn. Suspect stole concrete equipment. Complainant did give two names of people he thinks might have done this, but he currently does not have proof they took his tools.

Under investigation.

THREATENING Oct. 14 5:28 p.m., Auburn Road, Munson. Female in lobby of post regarding an unsigned threatening letter that she recently received. Deputy advised. Caller received a letter stating her days were numbered.

Defendant in a case just won a $3,000 appeal. According to complaint, plaintiff in that case feels he is owed something.

Handwriting on the court case is a match to the handwriting on the envelope containing the threatening letter, dated Oct. 8. Plaintiff is a person of interest. Report to follow.

9:02 p.m., Forest Road, Claridon. Caller has been receiving threatening texts from the husband of a girl he has been flirting with at Speedway. Unknown named male was told not to text again. No direct threats made. Advice given.

TRAFFIC CRASH Oct. 12 12:30 a.m., Bundysburg Road, Huntsburg.

Car versus cow, 40 mph, airbags went off. Advising no injuries. Deputy advised. Cow dispatched. OSHP five minutes out.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 30

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Help Wanted

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Mechanic 1

Applications for the position of Mechanic I in Chester Township will be accepted by the Chester Township Board of Trustees until 4:00 p.m. on Friday October 30, 2020. The positions serve under the direction of the Road Superintendent. Employees will follow the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and rules as established by the Board of Trustees and Road Superintendent.

The Mechanic I will repair all diesel/gas mechanical equipment used by the Road Department. Expert knowledge required, Fuel Operator AB license a plus. Must be able to work with crews to identify and troubleshoot upcoming issue, maintain a plow route, knowledge of plows and deicing equipment, and maintain computerized equipment log.

Application forms are available at The Town Hall, or on the website at www.chestertwp.org/jobs.

Applications and resumes may be dropped off at or mailed to: Chester Township Board of Trustees, 12701 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026 and must be received no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, October 31, 2020.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Home environment care assistant. Part – Time, weekends, shifts negotiable, must be compassionate. Light housekeeping and meal prep. Apply in person GEAUGA ASSISTED LIVING, 16065 G.A.R. HWY, MONTVILLE, OH or call 44-9683715.

MANCAN IS NOW HIRING GENERAL LABOR AND SKILLED TRADES IN LAKE, GEAUGA, CUYAHOGA AND ASHTABULA COUNTIES To apply, stop into the office Monday - Thursday, 9am to 3pm.

Be sure to bring 2 forms of ID. A resume is encouraged.

220 Center St. Ste B-2 Chardon, OH 44024 440-285-5627

Classifieds 440-729-7667 20 words for $10 • CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT NOON • 440-729-7667 •

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Page 31

Real Estate Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Oct. 9, 2020, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP Daniel J. and Barbara M. Porter, 16740 Orange Lane, to Troy Allen and Holly J. Fox, $430,000. (2.00 acres) Irene Hardy, 11979 Washington St., to Michelle Gavin and Edward Sliwinski, $137,000.

(6.72 acres) Susan and William Vitez III, 9682 Cleveland Drive, to Christopher J. Belsito II, $160,000. (0.25 acres) Sherri R. Collins (TOD), 10652 Stafford Road, to Michael Clark, $310,000. (3.19 acres) Pinnacle Homebuilders LLC, 17060 Moreland Lane, to Jeffrey E. and Sara N. Varney, $75,000. (2.03 acres) BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP Henry Cleveland Distad, 8312 Chagrin Road, to Bradley C. and Kaitlin L. Bailey, $187,500. (1.50 acres) Daniel Anthony and Jennifer Elise Ayala, 7102 Oak St., to David Maurer and Elin Ingrid Kappus, $350,000. (0.18 acres) Susan Eva Ekker, 7561 Country Lane, to Stephen Laszlo Ekker, $20,000. (2.91 acres) Andris George and Zuika Maija Kalejs, 9584 Washington St., to Andris George Kalejs, $94,100. (1.51 acres) Christine M. and Jason J. Sutter, 9215 Taylor May Road, to Judith and Brien C. Cruxton Sr., $140,000. (1.50 acres) Charles McClintock (trustee), 18900 Haskins Road, to Victoria Chloe Nelson and David Thomas Tokos, $260,000. (3.00 acres) Howard W. Heun, 8114 Bainbridge Road, to Brenton P. and Alysha F. Harvey, $185,000.

(3.81 acres) Scott S. and Laura L. Lytle, 8351 Timber Trail, to Adam J. and Seana Dailey, $375,000.

(3.00 acres) BURTON TOWNSHIP Gale J. Knight II, 12616 Jackson Drive, to Charles H. Wolfsen and Corina M. Souza Wolfsen, $135,000. (0.35 acres) CHARDON TOWNSHIP Jeffrey D. and Deborah J. Lustic, 9055 Mountain View Drive, to Jennifer L. Mantel and Stephen E. Lott Jr., $265,000. (1.64 acres) Gary L. and Pamela S. Stevenson, Catalpa Drive, to Joseph P. Bolan Jr., $125,000. (5.01 acres) Jeffrey T. Chapman and Annariel M. Lopez, 10095 Little Mountain Road, to Erin M. Gaugler (trustee), $565,000. (5.02 acres) Betsy J. and Aubourg Fallon and Martin Hrabik Jr. (trustee), 9501 Wisner Road, to Land Holdings LLC, $1,150,000. (51.81 acres) Christopher A. and David J. Collier, 10040 N. Wintergreen Drive, to Timothy Kocevar, $300,000. (1.04 acres) CHARDON CITY Kristen Brickman, 112 Moffet Ave., to Samantah R. Skotniski, $255,900. (0.18 acres) Elizabeth J. Wirstrom (trustee), 511 Brandon Court (Unit 6 VSR), to Elizabeth J. Ziegler, $161,400. (0.00 acres) CHESTER TOWNSHIP Mark A. and Laura L. Dalessandro, 7125 Stacy Lane, to Joshua Paul Charlillo, $397,000. (5.01 acres) Roger J. Toth (trustee), 8400 Cedar Road, to Stephen and Kristyn Nicolosi, $52,000.

(2.50 acres)

Laura Kinkopf and Kim Mitchell and Janice Mansour, 12885 Westchester Trail, to David T. and Donna M. Hocevar, $75,000. (2.06 acres) Allyn B. McNaughton (TOD), 12878 Vincent Drive, to Eric and Andrea Milnar, $310,000. (1.08 acres) Jasvinder Singh and Sarvinder K. Meet, 11521 Willow Hill Drive, to Adam M. and Valorie Hornbeck, $275,000. (1.51 acres) HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP John Kovacevic, 10450 Sawmill Drive, to Nathan H. Moore and Megan L. Burnett, $53,500. (3.81 acres) Nicholas C. Farinacci, 10964 Old State Road, to Patrick and Sarah Wilkinson, $67,000. (4.04 acres) MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP Anderson Ohman Jr., Old State Road, to Bacon Holdings LLC, $86,400. (5.89 acres) MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE Middlefield Parkway, 15369 Knox Circle, to Alron Homes LLC, $44,900. (0.24 acres) John Paul and Rebecca Gingerich, 15766 Newcomb Road, to Ida D. and John J. Miller III, $267,000. (5.05 acres)

Leda V. Wojtowicz (TOD), 14718 Winfield Park Drive, to Joseph and Bailey Gragg, $115,000. (2.50 acres) Oliver I. Smith (TOD), 11018 Music St., to Pipsqueak Properties LLC, $160,000.

(8.59 acres) PARKMAN TOWNSHIP Linda M. Jacobs (trustee), 16134 Center St., to Amy L. and Anthony Vincent Puruczky, $111,000. (0.34 acres) SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE Nate and Candace Remington, 1329 Bell Road, to George M. Dicamillo and Julianna M. Koballa, $265,000. (1.00 acres) THOMPSON TOWNSHIP Regis and Christine Zerecheck (trustees), 16900 Burrows Road, to Timothy J. Frimel., $268,000. (6.01 acres) TROY TOWNSHIP Thomas J. and Heidi L. Sanda, Jug Street, to Seth A. Musick, $25,000. (5.00 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP Emma M. Kallage (TOD), 12897 Heath Road, to Brenda H. Goodman, $250,800.

(10.54 acres) NEWBURY TOWNSHIP Thomas R. Jones, 14191 Ravenna Road, to Mindy Rae Montello, $291,000. (2.89 acres)

www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com • CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT NOON • 440-729-7667 •

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 32

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Classifieds MUNSON: Saturday and Sunday October 24 & 25 8:00am-3pm. 11625 Auburn Rd. Large moving sale. Cash Only and Masks required. Household, workshop, & furniture.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), tackle boxes, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee at 440-313-8331.

If you need to have a moving sale or estate sale call Kathy Willis at 440-8403226, partial estate buyouts also.

Wanted ‘65-‘67 Mustang Convertible, and other muscle cars needing repair, call/ text 440-832-1465.

FOR RENT

PETS & ANIMALS

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

Auburn Twp Apt For Rent, 2 Bedroom, No Smoking, No Pets, Heat, Trash & Snow Removal & Lawn Care Included.

Quiet Country Setting. Kenston School District. $860 / Month. Contact Lou @ 440.336.3537

Seeking indoor winter boarding, December through March for (1) horse. Self care, indoor arena, daily turnout a must.

Chardon Area. 440-286-3840.

AUTOS & PARTS 2010 Chrysler Town-n-Country van, stow-n-go, heated seats, movie screens, roof rack. $1,700. Bill 440-564-9154 Cash for Junk Vehicles: running or not, classics/big trucks/etc., free removal, call/text Zac 440-679-7293.

Chesterland: apartment for rent County Line Rd., private family setting, No Dogs, No Smoking. call 440-423-4653 or 216-256-1136.

Chardon, available October 1st, 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA house, 3-car garage. Refrigerator and stove included. No smoking, no pets. $975/month+utilities. Chardon Schools!

440 285 2247.

COMMERCIAL RENTALS Commercial building for lease: 5,200 sqft with office, ample parking, 2 minutes East of Chardon Square on Rt 6, 440-3137626.

FOR SALE Two Used JL Audio 12W6v2 Subs, Two Used Pioneer Mono PDX-M6 Amps. All Wiring Included. Excellent Condition.

Priced To Sell. $400. 440-552-4400.

Kwonglam Industrial Sewing Machine Model KL-0303. Excellent condition. Table and accessories included. $1500.00 (440)-834-8943 Pedal Car: 68 Camaro gold with white stripe. Original paint and parts. Fair condition. $75/OBO. 440-564-1171.

Osburn wood stove 40,000btu., $700.00.

Four winter tires 205/55/16. $100.00.

Delta 10” table saw w/extend table, mobile base, duck & geese decoys, Coleman stove, heater, waders, hunting boots, RC plane w/accessories. 440-834-1850.

Two freestanding electric fireplaces $40.00 each. Call 440-632-5145.

Dining Room Set: Solid Oak, Table with extensions, 6 chairs, Buffet with Hutch, Server Buffet. Excellent condition, must sell. 440-708-0078.

Antiques. Spinning wheel yarn winder.

Treadle sewing machine. Royal TRF radio. Kadette model-85 radio. Victrola VVXI oak floor model. Hand crank table-top organ. 440-708-4990.

Thinking about the holidays? Vendor 2063 features Fall and Christmas decorations at Marketplace Mall, 15864 Nauvoo Rd., Middlefield (part of Heritage Marketplace). Open M-F 10-5:30 and Sat. 10-5.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

WANTED TO BUY

Tinker Bell: Sweet grey tabby, spayed female, vaccinated, 10-11 weeks old. Needs forever indoor home & a best-friend owner. 440-321-2485.

REAL ESTATE Updated 2 bdr. condo at Colonial Park in Chardon. New carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl. Private end unit. $84,900 Call 440632-8334.

SERVICES Experienced Amish carpenter looking to do small side jobs. Have tools. Call or text 330-977-3020.

Buckeye Stoneworks: we specialize in Amherst sandstone, we custom cut all projects for masons, landscapers, builders, contractors, and residential, by appt only, call 440-632-0188 leave message.

John’s Plumbing: Affordable and reliable. Water heaters, toilets, faucets, drain cleaning, gas lines, sump pumps, well tanks. 440-285-0800.

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

Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything, Call between 8am and 4pm, 440813-4272. No answer, leave message.

Geauga County Maple Leaf 440-285-2013