The timeline for the dissolution of Aquilla Village is a week shorter than village and Claridon Township officials expected.
According to Ohio Revised Code 703.331, once the Geauga County Board of Elections officially certifies the Nov. 5 election results on Nov. 19 to dissolve the village,
See Aquilla • Page 4
Cirino Pleads
Guilty to Student Relationship
By JAmie WArd JAmie@kArlovecmediA com
Former West Geauga football coach Lou Cirino pleaded guilty Nov. 6 to a felony for an inappropriate re lationship he had while employed at West Geauga High School.
Cirino
The fourth de gree felony charge — gross sexual im position — carries a possible 18-month prison term, and Cirino, 41, must reg ister as a Tier 1 sexual offender for the next 15 years.
UH Physician Voices Concerns On Amish ‘Care Desert’
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
Dr. Andrea Ward, of University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, voiced concerns about the county’s Amish patients facing a “care desert” to the Geauga County Board of Health Oct. 30. Ward, an OB-GYN, specifically spoke on birth care and outcomes and said she wanted to better understand the scope of the problem and where to begin tackling it.
“I’ve noticed within the Amish
“Even
if you find, say, one physician or one midwife that wants to do this well, how do you cover malpractice insurance, 24/7 coverage with one provider? And how do you support one
person to try to take the leap out there?”
– Dr. Andrea Ward
16-20
community, in particular, there’s a large care desert, if you will, for OBGYN care,” she said. “So, I’m just trying to gain an understanding, as
I feel like that gap is getting wider.”
Several of her concerns had to do with lay midwives employed by
Ohio AG Honors Vets in Ceremonial Visit
By rose nemun editor@kArlovecmedi
Ohio State Attorney General Dave Yost visited Chardon Square Nov. 11 to honor and appreciate military veterans.
Community members were invited to attend the Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519 and Chardon American Le gion Post 167’s annual ceremony, which took place this year at the square’s gazebo in light of ongoing renovations to the Geauga County Courthouse.
“After consulting at length with the victim,” said Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, “we reached a resolution where the defendant
“What an outstanding day,” Chaplain Bob Landies said. “I was driving up the hill and thanking God.”
Master of Ceremonies Mike Warner welcomed Yost as this year’s ceremonial speaker.
A former award-winning re porter for the Columbus Citi zen-Journal, Yost was sworn in as Ohio’s 51st attorney general Jan. 14, 2019.
See Cirino • Page 5 See Veterans • Page 6
Ohio
6519 and Chardon American Legion Post 167. See Midwives • Page 5
Leaf Program Celebrates 5 New Grads page 8
Seyer Focuses on Middlefield History in Retirement page 9
pages 23-28
State Attorney Dave Yost speaks at this year’s Veterans Day cere mony on Chardon Square, hosted by Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Community Meetings
Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440285-2015 or email editor@geaugamapleleaf. com no later than Monday noon. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.
Geauga County: Nov. 14, 7:30 a.m. – Planning Commission, Room A334, 9:30 a.m. – Geauga County Commissioners, regular session, 3 p.m. – Family Services Planning Committee; Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m. – Geauga County Commissioners, regular session, 2:00 p.m. – Geauga Trumball Solid Waste Management District, Board of Directors meeting, Warren, District Office. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.
Aquilla Village: Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 65 Turner Drive, unless otherwise noted.
Auburn Township: Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.
Bainbridge Township: Nov. 21, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.
Burton Township: Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chardon City: Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m., City Council. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.
Chardon Township: Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chester Township: Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Claridon Township: Nov. 18, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees meetings are held at the Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road, unless otherwise noted. All Zoning
Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings are held at Town Hall, 13930 Mayfield Road.
Hambden Township: Nov. 19, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation; Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.
Huntsburg Township: Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.
Middlefield Village: Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m. – Parks and Recreation, 6 p.m. – Finance & Ordinance Committee, 6:30 p.m. – Public Safety Committee, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are held at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave.
Montville Township: Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.
Munson Township: Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting for Emergency Response Workshop; Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Nov. 21, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission, special meeting. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.
Newbury Township: Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.
Parkman Township: Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: Nov. 18, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals, cancelled; Nov. 20, 6 p.m.,
Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
South Russell Village: Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m., Architectural Board of Review; Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Thompson Township: Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, at the Thompson Community Center at the Thompson Square.
Troy Township: Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.
Berkshire BOE: Nov. 18, 6 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at BOE auditorium, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, unless otherwise noted.
Chardon BOE: Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at Ira A. Canfield Building, 428 North St., Chardon, unless otherwise noted.
Kenston BOE: Nov. 18, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at Auburn Bainbridge Room at Kenston High School, 9500 Bainbridge Road, Bainbridge.
West Geauga BOE: Nov. 18, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
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Aquilla
from page 1
the village will cease to exist.
As of Tuesday, no village officials will have the authority to make decisions or sign checks, said village attorney Harry Jacob III in a phone interview Nov. 11.
All monies and properties will be transferred to Claridon Township, which will take over all governmental functions for the community of fewer than 400 residents in the northwest quadrant of the township on the east side of Aquilla Road.
“The voters of the village voted to unincorporate – it was pretty lopsided,” Jacob said.
The unofficial tally from the board of elections was 106 to dissolve the village and 43 against dissolution. Voters were apparently motivated to dissolve the village when they learned their property taxes would decrease, which Mayor Rich Wolfe said would not happen until 2026.
On Nov. 15, as its last act, Aquilla Village Council will approve payment of remaining bills and make other decisions required by the ORC, Jacob said.
resentative from council to help with the process, he said, adding a trustee from Claridon Township will have a similar role.
Jacob and a fiscal officer will serve as advisors to the transition supervisory board made up of a representative from the Geauga County Auditor’s Office, the Geauga County Recorder’s Office and one county commissioner. It will meet for the first time Nov. 26.
The board will choose a receiver/trustee of the village from a list of qualified individuals, he said.
“Someone has to write that big check to Claridon,” he said.
The village still has funds in its coffers to be transferred to Claridon Township.
Several parcels of land owned by the village will also be transferred to the township board of trustees, Jacob said.
The receiver/trustee has to resolve the village’s obligations and responsibilities, such as contracts that may be outstanding, he said.
A fiscal officer will also close out the books and finalize work for the state audit, he added.
A solicitor is required to consult with the board and Jacob said he agreed to serve in that capacity pro bono.
Midwives
from page 1
a local birthing center. Though the Geauga Maple Leaf asked GPH the name of the birthing center in question, Geauga Public Health Administrator Adam Litke said he had never heard a name given.
Ward said privileges of two lay midwives were revoked by the Amish board but they have gone elsewhere in the community, and have performed home births in an AirBNB.
“And, they are now starting their own birthing center,” she said.
While Ward was unsure what level of training the midwives receive, she sees the worst of their outcomes and does not believe they are providing standard care.
“They’re taking their patients to alternative hospitals now because we’ve given — we’ve voiced our concerns,” she said.
Litke provided some background for the board, reminding them he had sent an email on the topic months ago when concerns were initially raised around the time the midwives split off.
In a statement to the Maple Leaf, Litke confirmed GPH has been aware of the issue since March.
“While GPH does not directly oversee birthing centers, midwives or related services, we are invested in the health outcomes of our community. We became aware of this issue around March 2024 and have been working with community partners to validate the reported concerns,” he wrote.
While Litke noted GPH cannot take sides, he said he called the state to inquire about certifications for midwives.
“To my knowledge of what the state’s knowledge is, there’s really no certification needed at all,” he said. “You can just do these things. There’s not a license to revoke, there’s not a — you can just do it.”
Cirino from page 1
faces prison time, which I will be asking for, and also has to register, which will ensure he has no further contact with schools or is put in a position of authority over children.”
A sentencing date in front of Geauga County Common Pleas Judge David Ondrey has not yet been set.
Cirino’s lawyer, Joseph R. Klammer, of Mentor, wrote of the plea in an email: “This is Mr. Cirino’s first and best step to help everyone heal. Everyone that knows Lou, knows he’s not afraid to admit when he’s wrong nor is he afraid of hard work. He will most certainly work hard to hopefully find forgiveness.”
Litke said GPH is in communication with the Ohio Department of Health and State Nursing Board to clarify accountability and oversight.
While Ward’s concerns at the meeting were primarily about Amish patients, Litke said GPH does not receive a list of clients from the birthing centers and thus cannot determine the specific individuals impacted.
Ward asked Litke if he was aware of any level of reporting lay midwives are required to do. Litke replied the answer he was given is, “there is no one they are responsible to.’”
“They may report things, but it sounds like there’s no responsibility of someone who could come down on them,” he said.
Board member Dr. Mark Rood said with the reach the state medical board has, it seems to him somebody at that level must be in charge.
However, Ward also pointed out that without the lay midwives, there aren’t many practitioners out in that area.
“I thought there was a time, maybe 10 years ago, where there was a tighter relationship between (University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center) and the birthing center?” Rood asked.
One of Ward’s coworkers, also at the meeting, said a number of physicians had separated from the birthing center, and she believes the center was desperate for help and brought the lay midwives in around that time.
“It’s hard from a physician standpoint because there’s limited resources that we can use,” Ward said, noting at the birthing center, she wouldn’t be able to do a C-section or have continuous monitoring.
“I guess my aim is – what is the problem, what would the Amish accept and how can we bring quality care into the community,” Ward said. “And, you know, less like pointing fingers at the people who are there now because they’re doing something.”
Litke said GPH would contact the DDC Clinic Center for Special Needs Children and the Amish Schools superintendent, as both have wide-reaching connections within the Amish community.
“It seems that there’s a need for some high-level discussion about this problem and (UH) is in the best position to have an opinion and also recommendations for how we might be able to proceed for the betterment of the county,” Rood said.
Ward said she saw two ways to approach the issue.
BILL FUGATE/KMG
Former West Geauga football coach Lou Cirino in 2011 on the sidelines. Cirino pleaded guilty Nov. 6 to a felony for an inappropriate relationship he had while employed at West Geauga High School in 2010.
“We can come down on people that are trying to provide care, or, we can say, ‘How
do we get appropriate providers in the community and how do we help people understand the difference between an MD and a lay midwife,’” she said.
Part of the issue would be providing support to the lay midwives.
“When you (as a lay midwife) have questions, when you see something that’s not quite right, when you need an ultrasound, when you need a transfer, how can (we) be a warm handoff and support you instead of ostracizing you?” she said. “Because as of right now, we’ve completely ostracized them from (UH) Geauga."
Another issue with care deserts is a lack of support for physicians who step in to help.
“Even if you find, say, one physician or one midwife that wants to do this well, how do you cover malpractice insurance, 24/7 coverage with one provider?” she asked. “And how do you support one person to try to take the leap out there?”
In his statement, Litke reiterated GPH is working with UH to address any gaps in care and is reaching out to other agencies for collaboration, as well as exploring the best way to reach the Amish community and, if necessary, ensure access to alternative birthing care.
UHGMC Senior Media Relations Strategist Maia Belay-Roberts provided the Maple Leaf with a variety of ways the organization has already made efforts to better serve Amish patients.
“We employ a nurse specially designated to help guide Amish patients and work with them to navigate their care decisions. We’ve also taken steps to employ more Amish at UH Geauga. Additionally, a financial navigator helps with their unique economic approach,” she said, adding the organization is committed to working with all their neighbors to provide them the care they want and need.
“We have a longstanding and trusted relationship with our Amish neighbors and continue to work with them to ensure they have access to high quality OB-GYN care close to home,” she said.
DDC Director Eli Miller declined to comment on the matter, and though a member of the Amish board was contacted for comment, none was received by press deadline.
Fairmount Center Announces Creative Preschool Program
By emmA mAcniven mAcniven@kArlovecmediA com
Fairmount Center for the Arts in Russell Township recently announced it will be adding a Creative Arts Preschool program to its offerings in January.
A 2002 West Geauga graduate, Cirino was arrested by Chester Township police and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office April 12. The indictment states he engaged in sexual conduct with a student during his time as a West Geauga teacher and coach between 2009 and 2010.
Cirino was originally charged with sexual battery, a charge that was reduced. Another charge of gross sexual imposition was dropped.
Chester Township Police Chief Craig T. Young said the victim was the same in both charges.
“After an exhaustive investigation by our detective bureau, we were able to get here,” Young said.
“Chester police did a great job,” Flaiz said. Cirino had been a government teacher at
Strongsville High School since 2017, as well as the school’s head football coach, but was fired as coach after it was discovered that Mustangs players had stolen about $1,000 in merchandise from the retail store at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, according to cleveland.com.
After the Strongsville Schools Board of Education took heat from parents for the firing, a woman from Cirino’s past at West Geauga wrote an email that was then referred to the Strongsville Police Department, and then to Geauga County, and Cirino was placed on administrative leave in Strongsville.
Cirino was hired as a teacher at West Geauga in 2007, and became an assistant defensive coach for the football team.
West Geauga Schools Superintendent Richard Markwardt said his district was notified the day after Chester Township Police received word.
The class, for preschool children ages 3 to 5, will help students develop skills in visual arts, creative movement components and literacy development rooted in Ohio’s early learning and development standards, said Executive Director Elizabeth Bolander in a press release.
“We want to offer an ongoing, more structured way for preschoolers to come and delve into a lot of different creativity areas within the arts,” she said.
The course will be three mornings a week for seven weeks. Activities include dance, storytimes and exploring different types of art media, Bolander said, adding each activity will intertwine with that course's theme — the winter theme being Colors and Critters and spring being Shapes and Patterns.
The classes are focused on using a whole-child approach to help meet the needs of individual students, Bolander said.
“We're going to be looking to see where our students are and where they need to look and grow, working with our families and our students to identify those things,” she said. “(It) is really a student-learning-focused approach and it's going to be guided by them. If students come in and maybe they have a whole lot of experience in art, or maybe they have less experience in art, we're going to be creating programs that are going to respond to the students that are enrolled.”
Families interested are invited to attend the Open House Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon to meet instructors, tour the space and participate in art activities. Registration for the open house can be found online at fairmountcenter.org/preschool.
“This is a great opportunity if parents are looking for a part-time option for their preschoolers to get them out and connecting with others their age in the community,” Bolander said.
Registration for winter and spring classes are open until the first day of class, Jan. 7. Bolander encourages parents to sign up by the end of December. Registration can be completed online at fairmountcenter.org or by calling 440-338-3171.
Geauga Public Health Administrator Adam Litke and health board member Dr. Mark Rood heard OB-GYN Dr. Andrea Ward voice her concerns on a care gap at the Oct. 30 Geauga Public Health meeting.
Chardon Fire Levies Pass
By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com
City of Chardon voters gave the Chardon Fire Department a brighter financial outlook Nov. 5 after approving an 8.5% renewal and increase levy.
In 2021, voters approved a 5-mill fire and ambulance renewal levy that has not changed since 2012, and an additional 2-mill levy. This year, voters chose to renew those 7 mills, and to pass an additional 1.5 mills for a three-year term.
Votes in the city were 1,717 in favor of the levy and 1,148 against.
“The Chardon Fire Department members would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our residents for your vote of confidence and support. We remain committed to anticipating the needs of our communities and will continue to grow with them,” Chardon Fire Chief Justin Geiss said.
The levy will support the replacement of a 2013 rescue squad in 2026, with an estimated cost of $392,000, as well as a 2002 ladder
truck that will cost about $2.2 million, Geiss said.
The levy will also support the continued 24-hour operation of the department, two full-time firefighter/paramedic positions and an additional part-time, 12-hour position over the next three years to provide cover when overlapping incidents occur.
The 8.5-mill levy will yield $1,434,000 an nually starting in 2025 and cost homeowners $213 per year per $100,000 property valua tion, according to the Geauga County Audi tor’s Office.
“The sole purpose of your Chardon Fire Department since its inception in 1877 has been to provide superior emergency services to residents and visitors of our communi ties,” Geiss said in a press release. “As our communities continue to grow, we continue to grow with them, ensuring we can provide the best possible service to our residents. This support allows us to continue the tra dition of exemplary service our communities deserve. Thank you again for allowing us to serve you and your continued support.”
Former Westwood PTO Treasurer Pleads Not Guilty
stAff rePort
Former Westwood Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization Treasurer Kathryn Burry, 42, of Russell Township, pleaded not guilty Nov. 6 to charges of money laun dering and telecom munications fraud, both third-degree felo nies, and grand theft, a fourth-degree felony.
Burry
Burry, who is accused of embezzling upwards of $40,000 from the PTO, was arraigned in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.
A civil complaint was filed against Burry Aug. 9 by the Westwood PTO accusing her of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and unjust enrichment. According to the complaint, the funds were used to pay both vendors and third parties, including Hipsters Children’s Consignment, her own business.
Per the court docket, Burry was released on a personal recognizance bond previously set in Chardon Municipal Court, with the added condition of no contact with Westwood Elementary School.
A pre-trial, trial management conference and jury trial have been scheduled for Dec. 16, Jan. 23 and Feb. 25, respectively, and the case has been assigned to Judge Carolyn Paschke.
Homeowner Narrowly Escapes Fire
stAff rePort
A fire broke out in the early hours of Nov. 8 at a home on the 11600 block of Taylor Wells Road in Claridon Township, according to the Chardon Fire Department.
Chardon firefighters were assisted by crews from Hambden, Burton, Munson, Kirtland, Chester and Newbury fire departments. Upon arrival, the crews found a fully-involved fire in the garage and home, with defensive fire conditions, according to a post on the Chardon FD Facebook page by Chief Justin Geiss.
Crews located the homeowner, who had narrowly escaped and walked to a neighbor’s house to call 911, Geiss said.
“The homeowner was evaluated by EMS and was transported to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center for evaluation of smoke inhalation. The fire was brought under control, but required extensive overhaul,” he said, adding his thanks for the departments that responded to the unfortunate situation.
Geiss said a cause for the fire has not yet been determined.
Veterans from page 1
“On behalf of 11.8 million Ohioans, I’m here today to say we remember and we appreciate (veterans’ service to the nation),” Yost said. “We love you. We are grateful. Today, the nation legally takes the day off and remembers what too often we forget — that freedom is, of course, not free and the price is eternal vigilance and the blood of patriots.”
Veterans, public officials and members of the community attended the ceremony, as construction vehicles near the courthouse moved around in the distant backdrop and the American flag waved in the wind.
Park Elementary School’s third-grade classes have been attending the Veterans Day program on Chardon Square for many years.
This year, four classes of about 80 students held small flags and lined up east of the gazebo.
“It is special to honor past and present veterans as many students and staff have veterans in our lives, as well,” said Natalie Whiting, third-grade teacher. “We had our Veterans Day assembly last week in order to attend this program today. During November, students at Park Elementary School have colored cards for the VA, colored stars with veteran names, brought veterans in last week for our assembly … and even wrote to veterans.”
Geauga County Veterans Service Commissioner Douglas Lundblad, a retired sergeant major who served as 2021’s ceremonial event speaker, also attended Monday’s event.
“To all Geauga County veterans, as we observe Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to honor and express my deepest gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces,” Lundblad said. “Your dedication, courage and sacrifices have protected our freedoms and kept our nation safe. Today and every day, we recognize your invaluable contributions and the challenges you have faced.”
He expressed appreciation for the ways veterans have and continue to make a difference.
“On Veterans Day, of course we remem-
ber all veterans who served, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice who paid that last full measure of devotion,” Yost said. “But, we honor all veterans who served.
“You see, every one of you who served in our nation’s military and wore the uniform, you became heroes the day that you raised your hand and took the oath because on that day,” Yost continued. “You said I understand that our nation may one day be at war, I understand that I am swearing registered in heaven that I will do my duty to my country to defend it and I recognize that might mean I might lose my life to defend the life of my country.”
Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak said this day and Memorial Day are important to his family.
Dvorak’s mother’s brother, Cpl. Kenneth Allen Rodgers, of the 80 Division 3rd Army under General George S. Patton, was killed Nov. 15, 1944, in the Battle of Metz, France, and is buried at the American Lorraine Cemetery there.
“So, today, all of us should rise up together and never forget that freedom isn’t free,” Dvorak said.
To Mike Warner, every day is Veterans Day, said his son, Richard Warner, a criminal investigator for the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mike is a United States Army veteran who served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.
“I am extremely proud to watch my father stand in the gazebo on Chardon Square and emcee the Veterans Day service. He has done so for the last 10-plus years. He advocates for his fellow veterans to seek fellowship from each other, he visits those that are home- and facility-bound.”
Veterans truly are built differently, Richard added.
“They are the ones who step up and say what can I do to help,” he said. “They are the ones that look to their left and to their right and say how can I help you. Veterans are truly selfless, more concerned about those around them than themselves. Veterans have witnessed oppression in far off places and treasure the freedom we all take for granted here. I am grateful to have been raised by a veteran and will do my part to make sure his and the other veteran’s legacies lives on and that their service and sacrifices have not gone in vain.”
Pictured, from left, are Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, Veterans Day program emcee Mike Warner, Geauga County Common Pleas Judge-elect Matthew Rambo and Ohio State Attorney General Dave Yost.
Trustees Consider Rambo’s Replacement
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
With current Russell Township Trustee Matt Rambo recently elected to serve as the new Geauga County Court of Common Pleas judge starting Jan. 1, trustees discussed protocols for moving forward without him during their Nov. 7 regular meeting.
“You have to wait until I’m not here,” Rambo told Trustee Kristina Port when she asked if they should talk about replacing him. “As long as you make the appointment within 30 days after I leave, you’re good.”
Board Administrator Melissa Palmer said she believed it would be a good idea for trustees to circulate the information that Rambo
would be departing and trustees would be entertaining can didates.
“One thing I want to make clear is that I do not want (Geau ga County Juvenile/ Probate Court) Judge (Tim) Grendell, who is still the active judge up there, to make that appointment,” Trustee Jim Mueller said.
Rambo noted whoever was appointed would still have to run for office eventually.
“The ideal situation would be for the Russell Township board of trustees to take care of their own business,” Palmer said.
Mueller suggested he and Port make a short list of candidates to consider, noting there are people on the Russell Township Board of Zoning Appeals, Zoning Board and other township organizations who are qualified, and trustees are already in a position to judge their record and how they work with others.
“You’ll get my resignation letter on Dec. 31,” Rambo told the board, later reminding them to make sure they get the appointment done by the end of January.
In other news, Fiscal Officer Karen Walder gave a shout out to Russell Township voters, noting Russell Township Precinct A had the highest turnout in the county at the Nov. 5 election, sitting at 86.53%.
Geauga County ranks fourth in voter turnout across the state, per the unofficial results from the state, she added.
Trustees also passed a resolution temporarily reducing collection on a 2016 fire levy from 1.75-mill to 1.26-mill for collection year 2025.
The reduced funds will be repaid by millage through the general fund. The levy comes in the wake of previous property reappraisals that raised real estate taxes by an average of 30% county-wide and is meant to provide relief to taxpayers.
Trustees passed a similar resolution in November of 2023, temporarily reducing collection on a road and bridge levy for one year.
Lesotho Connection Continues Goodwill Mission
By rose nemunAitis editor@kArlovecmediA com
Linda Henry and her late husband, Geauga County Probate Court Judge Charles “Chip” Henry, met and fell in love while serving as Peace Corps volunteers in Lesotho, Africa in the early 1980s.
After returning home, they married and stayed steadfastly committed to a life of service, eventually making their way back to Africa.
“We returned to Lesotho and had vowed to go back to work there once he retired,” Linda recalled. “Of course, it did not work out that way.”
Chip died tragically in 2011 after he was struck by a minivan while riding his bicycle in Troy Township.
Despite losing her husband unexpectedly, Linda honored their promise.
“I have been working in Lesotho for the past 11 years,” she said. “Mainly with an orphanage in Mohale's Hoek, but have also helped organize medical teams since 2018.”
Lesotho is a tiny mountainous independent kingdom within South Africa that has its own king and queen.
Linda and a team of other volunteers, including eye specialists and support staff, completed their latest mission in September with The Lesotho Connection, a non-denominational, nonprofit organization that “aspires to develop resources, promote understanding and foster mutuality between communities in the United States and Lesotho,” according to its website.
Linda serves as vice president of the organization, which was founded in 2007 with a mission to battle poverty and work to improve the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children; families with high instances of HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis and COVID-19; and those living in extreme poverty, according to its website.
September’s group was called the “Lesotho Eye Brigade” and included medical volunteers who paid their own way and treated hundreds of eye patients who were referred to them by local clinics, Linda said.
“The real heroes are the doctors who take time from their practice to do good across the ocean,” she said.
The team conducted two eye clinics in the village of Mohale's Hoek, located in the southern part of the country, and partnered with organizations like The Tsepo Foundation, of Beachwood, Ohio, and The St. Camil-
lus Centre, of Southern Lesotho, Linda said.
Dr. Ronald Jurcak, of Chagrin Valley Optometrists in Bainbridge Township, worked alongside Dr. Bokang Pitso, an optometrist from Lesotho, seeing over 350 patients in five days and conducting eye exams, fitting glasses, and prescribing and dispensing eye drops and ointments, Linda said.
Charlie Prexta, of Russell Township, was another local volunteer who joined the group, paying his own way using revenue from working as a cook at the Sunoco station in Russell, she said.
Prexta trained to search through thousands of donated glasses transported in 10 large suitcases, she said, adding each pair was in an individual plastic bag with a printout of the prescription. Most patients were able to be paired with glasses that closely fit their prescription.
The team’s patients were preselected at clinics in the surrounding district and the eye clinic was held in a rented church hall. Patients were given a day to show up for their appointment, Linda said.
The second clinic, involving cataract surgeries — which are not currently available in Lesotho — was held at a small local hospital, she added.
Dr. Robert Wenz, of Beachwood, was the lead doctor doing surgeries and was aided by his wife, Dr. Margie Wenz. Together with Dr. Omar Kadiebwe, an ophthalmologist from Lesotho, they completed 48 cataract surgeries, Linda said.
“I feel honored and privileged to be able to work with our team and patients to provide excellent care in very difficult environments,” Margie said. “I always return from these trips feeling like I have received as much as I have given. Patients are so grateful, giving and patient as we ask them to trust us to care for them.”
Margie, a retired gynecologist and Tsepo Foundation vice president, has been on more
than a half dozen mission trips, including to South America and Lesotho. She works as a logistics person and operating room support, collecting the paperwork required for the medical team to enter the country and see patients, she said.
“The local people in the villages are so gracious and welcoming, trying to make sure they meet all of our needs,” she said.
In addition, Margie works to submit the donation certificates for all the medications, supplies and equipment required for the work, books airline and hotel reservations, coordinates packing and distributing luggage and fields any questions the team may have,
During the recent mission, Margie prepared patients for surgery by taking their vital signs, identifying the operative eye and reviewing take-home instructions.
“I am grateful to be working with such a great team of providers and support,” she
Prexta, who recently turned 20, said The Lesotho Connection mission was his first experience out of the country.
“My takeaway is that I am lucky to be born with such great things like running water, electricity, heating and easily-accessible healthcare,” Prexta said. “It really showed me how much I take for granted. I was surprised how friendly the locals were. Everyone was so patient, even young kids, waiting hours to be seen.”
Linda said she looks forward to beginning the process for their next mission trip in October 2025.
In addition to the eye team, they plan to bring a medical brigade that would include providers in adult medicine, pediatrics and dentistry.
“We are immensely grateful for the support the people of Mohale’s Hoek and the government of Lesotho has given us in the past,” Linda said.
Rambo
SUBMITTED
Charles “Chip” Henry and his wife, Linda Henry, visiting Lesotho in 2007 to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
New Leaf Program Celebrates 5 New Grads
By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com
While a chilly breeze whipped around outside the lodge at Claridon Woodlands, over 100 people inside kept warm with the joy and fellowship of a New Leaf Program five-member graduating class.
The specialized docket operated through Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke’s courtroom offers an alternative to incarceration for drug charges by giving people facing addiction an alternate path.
The program currently serves about two dozen participants, who interact daily with a treatment team made up of local law enforcement and probation officers, mental health counselors and reentry and job training specialists. Twenty have already graduated since the docket opened in 2019.
Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak, whose daughter, Jamie, died in 2017 after struggling with opiate addiction, opened the event with a prayer.
“Thank you, Lord, for the New Leaf Program, an answered prayer,” he said in closing.
Paschke introduced each of the program’s five graduates, beginning with Anthony Square, who came to the program with felony drug possession cases and hadn’t seen success in the Cuyahoga County drug court program.
While he struggled at first, after attending a program at Northeast Ohio Community Alternative Program and then stepping down through residential treatment and a sober living home, something clicked for him, the judge said.
When he came to the program, he was thin and gaunt, but now, after finding confidence in his abilities, Square even looks healthier, she said.
In return, he thanked the treatment team for their help with the program.
Square now works at Ravenwood Health and Christine Lakomiak, executive director of the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, stepped up to the mic to thank him for his help.
Square is helping work on a project to expand her department’s building, she said, adding he participates in weekly meetings
been helping build,” an emotional Lakomiak told Square, while holding up a posterboard of the concept plans for the expansion. “I just wanted to thank you for all you do for us.”
Julie Finnerty came to the program with use and possession charges, having lost custody of her daughter, but turned a corner after attending inpatient treatment programs.
“She worked really hard to pay off her court costs and she's worked hard to pay off a lot of her other obligations, and she's working on building her credit,” Paschke said.
Finnerty’s daughter now has a “healthy, involved, present mom” and is very active in Alcoholics Anonymous, with a goal of becoming a peer supporter, the judge added.
Finnerty told the assembled crowd the five-year anniversary of having her daughter taken is coming up soon.
“(It’s) something that reminds me of how far I've come. And I wouldn't be here without all of you,” she said.
Ryan Murton came to the program about halfway through a roughly 13-year prison sentence for multiple crimes.
Although he first applied to the program in 2021, Paschke said his record at prison — which included getting caught with drugs in prison and tampering with a drug test sample — led her to decline that application.
She told Murton, however, she would reconsider if he demonstrated a commitment to improving himself.
When he filed another application in March 2022, Paschke said he’d completed
“(He has) shown hard work and dedica tion. Was a model student. Attends every class. He's shown desire and ability that was not shown in 2021. His attitude has changed greatly. Proud of this young man,” Pashcke read from the instructors’ comments. “That's what I was looking for. So, I took a chance on Ryan.”
His transformation since being released from prison in November 2022 has been remarkable, she said.
“Brian is reliable, he's present for his family. He's working two jobs, earning money to meet his goals,” Paschke said. “Something else that I've noticed about Ryan is that he's happy.”
Murton is also on track to work in peer support and has been featured on the court’s website and social media during National Re-Entry Week, which recognizes people coming back into society after incarceration.
Probation Officer Greg Potts said Murton’s graduation is emotional for the whole team, considering he was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison when he was only 19.
To transition out of prison, people need to be equipped with certain tools, he said.
“An individual who was, right at 19 years old, going in prison does not have those tools and they don't always acquire or get those tools when they go in,” he said, adding, however, the New Leaf program is an opportunity to instill those tools and skills.
“So, that is not just somebody that goes
probation is one that usually has meaning for graduates, but with his history, it has even more.
“That means that he can, I think, officially turn the page on that chapter,” she said.
Bob Claypool came to the program with a two-decade criminal history and previous time served, Paschke said.
But, through successful rehab and treatment in the program, he and his wife have regained custody of their five children.
Claypool set a goal to be a master plumber, Paschke said, adding he worked very hard to pass the required testing.
The drug court treatment team helped clear barriers related to his previous record, the judge said.
“Bob has been working and I know that he's very active with his church. … He is also active in his children's lives … and those children are blessed to have sober, healthy and involved parents,” Paschke said.
The final graduate, Amanda, who did not wish to be identified by her last name, came to the court with possession charges, but was arrested while pregnant and caught tampering with a urine sample. She also lost her husband to an overdose.
After escaping from the hospital, where she was being held on furlough from jail during her pregnancy, Amanda was on track to being placed back in prison and losing her child after its birth.
But, Paschke said Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz reached out and asked for a resentencing to allow Amanda to stay in a program where she could keep custody of her daughter.
“I have to tell you, I'm really proud of our county because I don't think this would have happened in another county,” Paschke said. “I don't think that level of communication and cooperation would have occurred.”
Amanda’s mother tearfully read a note of thanks to the treatment team.
“(The program) is a beautiful reminder that recovery is not just a solitary journey — it is a collective effort fueled by compassion and understanding,” she said.
More information on the program can be found at courts.geauga.oh.gov/new-leaf-program.
Rick Seyer Focuses on Middlefield History in Retirement
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
Rick Seyer’s passion to serve the resi dents of Middlefield Village rivals his love of the history of this bustling community in eastern Geauga County.
First elected to Middlefield Village Council in 1974 at the age of 27, Seyer said in a recent interview he estimates he served more than 35 years in public office over the last 50 years.
He stepped down from his council seat in September due to hearing loss that made it difficult to keep track of what was being said in meetings, he said.
“(Mayor) Ben (Garlich) did everything he could to help – put in those microphones,” said Seyer, 77, who finally decided he needed to hand his seat to a younger person. “I fig ured if I can’t be involved and contribute, it was time to resign.”
He served on council from 1974 to 1980, as mayor from 1980 to 1984, then on council again from 1998 to 2006 and another term on council starting in 2022, which was due to end Dec. 31, 2025.
Seyer also served on the Middlefield Township Board of Trustees from 1987 to 1994.
“That’s a pretty significant amount of my life dedicated to this village and the township,” he said.
Having already set up a barber shop in the village, Seyer said he was motivated to become involved in politics when he was told there was an ordinance preventing him from putting up a portable sign at the end of his driveway.
When he demanded to see the ordinance, council was at a loss. The discussion about sign permits was never codified.
“They didn’t know what they were talking about,” he recalled, sitting in the mayor’s office at the Middlefield Village Municipal Center.
Seyer considers the municipal center one of his legacies for the village, since he spearheaded its construction in 1983 during his term as mayor.
Council had been meeting in a crowded room in a converted fire station that didn’t have public restrooms, so he made the new center a priority, he recalled.
Evidence of another of his priorities still exists today.
Housing in the village has always been at a premium and when he was mayor, that was a real challenge for the growing community.
Seyer recalled a trip to Washington, D.C.
that is still helping the disadvantaged in a neighborhood behind the Circle K.
“There are hardly any vacancies out there,” he said.
Yet, Seyer has a reputation for carefully studying projects that seem expensive and speaking out about them.
Council President Scott Klein has watched Seyer in action for years.
“Rick is like a checks-and-balances guy. Nothing gets through without his critical eye,” Klein said. “If you wanted to do something, he wasn’t shy about asking the question. He was not going to vote ‘yes’ without knowing the facts.”
Klein said he wasn’t on council when Rick was mayor, but he admired his willingness to speak up during meetings and challenge Garlich and the previous mayor, Bill Poole.
“Rick was almost miserly, which is not a bad thing when you are in charge of public money,” Klein said, crediting Seyer for giving up his seat when he felt he would no longer be able to contribute.
“He gave very selflessly for years,” he said. “Stepping down from council was another service to the village, sacrificing his own desires for the betterment of the village.”
Klein knew Seyer long before becoming involved in council, visiting El Hombre Barber Shop on North State Avenue for a haircut.
“He’s who I went to when I still had hair,” Klein joked. “Rick had all the news and he’s the town historian.”
Seyer grew up in Middlefield and gradu-
Akron Barber College in 1965.
After apprenticing in Warren, he returned to Middlefield and opened his shop, first, in a house and later, in the plaza on North State Avenue — across from the site of the future municipal center.
He knew he had come home to stay and convinced the building owner to give him a five-year lease with an option for another five years. The owner questioned the young barber’s intentions.
“I told him: If I didn’t think I’d be here in five years, I wouldn’t be opening a shop. I’ll be here!” Seyer reminisced.
He put in a barber chair and a back bar and his business grew.
“I built the business one customer at a time —– giving good haircuts and good service,” Seyer said, adding sadly, “Barber shops hardly exist any more.”
Although he discouraged debates about religion or politics in his shop, Seyer said his career as a barber and his elected office complemented each other.
He interacted with many residents since barber shops have traditionally been places people could visit and let their views be known.
Occasionally, around election time, he would put a political sign in his window. Predictably, that would cost him customers. It didn’t worry him.
“For every customer I lost, I would gain another,” Seyer said.
El Hombre was also a venue where he
could gather and disperse a lot of background about the area.
“I love local history. There’s probably nobody in town who knows more about Middlefield than me,” he said.
That history goes back to when Middlefield Township was created in 1799, with the village forming in 1901, he said.
Shortly after that, the men in the village – women didn’t have the vote, yet – voted to sell liquor when surrounding communities from the Pennsylvania border to Cleveland were dry, Seyer said.
“The women all had a fit, but it passed,” he said. “Middlefield was the only place you could get liquor.”
A streetcar traveled from Cleveland to Middlefield and back — full of sober men on the way east and not-so-sober men on the return trip, he said.
When Middlefield Village was preparing to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2001, Seyer saw his chance to educate residents. He wrote a series of articles about the history of the village in the local newsletter and has literally been painted into the history of Middlefield.
Several years ago, council decided to have the deteriorating mural at the center of town renovated. Seyer happened to have pictures of the buildings depicted on the original mural and shared them with the artist, who merged them to highlight some of the memorable original buildings and the steam-powered train.
Remnants of the railroad right-of-way can still be seen in the village, he said.
Central to the eye-catching mural is a young boy riding his bicycle down the sidewalk. That boy is a much younger Seyer, who happened to be biking down the street when the original artist was plying his trade and captured Seyer for posterity.
Now retired, Seyer said he would like to find a part-time job. Meanwhile, he dabbles on Ebay, buying antiques and more postcards from yesteryear, challenging himself to follow Ebay’s constant updating.
“In the technology scheme of things, I’m in about first grade,” he said, but the man who has knitted his business, his talents and his urge to serve the residents of Middlefield for more than 50 years is still looking for his niche on the Internet.
“I don’t specialize in any one thing,” Seyer said.
Residents Thank Trustees for Backyard Shooting Response
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
Familiar faces returned to Newbury Township Hall Nov. 6, as several individuals who complained about a neighbor’s backyard shooting came out to thank trustees for penning a message to state representatives and seeking an update.
Residents originally appealed to Newbury Township Trustees at an Oct. 2 meeting, where they demanded action be taken after a bullet struck a neighbor’s house.
“I saw that you guys sent an email to the (state reps),” said resident Barbara Siebold. “Did you guys get an answer about anything?”
Trustee Greg Tropf said they had not heard back, but thought they might with the elections over. Siebold replied she had sent an email to 99th District Rep. Sarah Fowler Arther and had heard back from a member of
her staff within 24 hours.
The shooting has been quiet since Oct. 5, Siebold said, noting she doesn’t trust the silence.
“He’s already done damage to the barn behind, where the longhorns are. So now, he thinks he’s turned his direction the other way, to where the road is. And my house,” Siebold said. “He is at the least disturbing the peace.”
She has had to drug her dog, she added, calling the sound “deafening.”
Resident Jill Dugan asked about minimum acreage requirements when it came to backyard shooting. Tropf was unsure.
Trustee Bill Skomrock encouraged residents to continue calling the Geauga County Sheriff's Office, despite their assertion repeated calls have yielded nothing.
“Keep calling them because there’s a record of that,” he said. “If something does
happen — you know, God forbid — at least you have it on record.”
Ken Siebold asked if anything could be done about tires stashed in the neighbor’s yard, saying they were just sitting and collecting rainwater.
Tropf said that issue could be turned over to the zoning department.
In other business, trustees discussed an ongoing issue of dumping near the South Newbury Cemetery, which has infringed on private land.
“I met with Barbara Cleveland. Her family owns the property on three sides of South Newbury Cemetery,” Tropf said. “We have infringed on her property from the looks of it.”
People had been dumping there for several years now, Tropf said.
Cleveland approached trustees with concerns because it was starting to get close to a creek that runs through the area.
When asked what people had been dumping, Tropf listed a variety of items, including logs, leaves and rocks, noting he had also seen a cement block there.
“She’s concerned it’s going to affect the stream,” he said, adding she doesn’t want to make an issue of it but would like it stopped.
Skomrock asked if it was the township dumping or the neighbors. Tropf replied he believed it had been a combination of the two over the years, but the township had not dumped anything there recently.
Tropf said he had spoken with Road Superintendent Doug Zimperman to try and find a solution. Current ideas include cables across or a fence and gate. Zimperman brought up the possibility of a trail cam. Zimperman also said he thought it would be a good idea to get the county to survey the property, just so they can be sure of where the boundaries are.
John William Ward
John William Ward, born on July 16, 1946, in Cleve land, was the son of a World War II veter an and English war bride, Herbert and Marian Ward.
John grew up in northeastern Ohio and graduated from Thompson High School. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1964.
John was married to Donna Lee Carney, in Thompson Township, on Feb. 26, 1977.
located to Chardon in 1995.
He lived in Geauga County and worked as an ironworker and engineer for General Electric. He moved to Tempe, Ariz., in 1986 and traveled for GE as a nuclear engineer until his retirement in 2014.
John was a Mopar fan and enjoyed his two 1967 GTXs. He loved animals and owned several dogs in his lifetime and loved to travel.
John was a member of the Derelicts Classic Car Club and enjoyed meeting with friends every Saturday at Pavilions Rock-NRoll car show in Scottsdale.
John is remembered for strong work ethic, fun-loving attitude and his devotion to his family as a husband, father and grandfather.
John passed away on Oct. 18, 2024, at home at the age of 78 surrounded by his loving family and faithful companion, Muffin.
John is survived by his wife, Donna, of 47 years; sister, Marianne Stoltz; brother James; children, Heather Baillargeon (Mike), Kellie Burkhart (Drew), Jeff Huff (Sandy); and grandchildren, Gabrielle, Emmalee, Willoughbie and Andrew.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother Jeffrey Robert Ward.
Visitation will be at Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South St., Chardon, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, from 4-5 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Hospice of the Valley at https://hov.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Patricia Speidel
Patricia Speidel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and nurse, lost her battle with cancer in the early morning hours of Oct. 24, 2024. She was 77 years old.
Patricia Stansfield was born in London, England, and moved to East Cleveland at the age of 8. As a young adult, she became an L.P.N. and remained a nurse for the next 40 years, most prominently at Briar Hill nursing home in Middlefield, and later Heather Hill nursing home in Chardon. Her calm, rational demeanor, combined with her compassion, made her an ideal nurse, and in this role, she touched hundreds of local families.
She was married to Gary Speidel on July 3, 1971. Pat and Gary settled in Burton, where they raised their two children, and re-
Obituaries
In her later years, Pat loved her jigsaw puzzles, Cleveland Guardians baseball, walks to Bass Lake and baking with her granddaughters.
Pat is survived by her husband Gary; son and daughter-in-law, Bryn and Chrystaline Speidel; daughter and son-in-law, Raina Speidel and Paul Jones; and granddaughters, Olivia, Liliana and Annalysse.
A Celebration of Life memorial event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, from 2-5 p.m., at Heritage House, on the square in Chardon — the same square she was married on in 1971.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Sydney Pearl Crane
Sydney Pearl Crane was born Sept. 30,1941, in Cleveland, to Catherine (nee Hutton) and Leonard Yurkschatt.
She grew up in Willowick before her family moved to Char don when she was in her teens. It was on the bus to Chardon High School that Sydney met the love of her life, Lowell “Russ” Crane. They married in 1959 before welcoming their sons, Lowell and then Leonard, four years later.
The family settled on Rock Creek Road in Hambden Township, where together they built a house by hand, with stones from their creek and logs from their woods. Not only did she work alongside her boys in their home’s construction, but she meticulously styled its interior design with unique rustic and woodsy décor.
With her knack for visual artistry and her collaboration with Russ, Sydney enjoyed crafting and painting many decorative pieces over the years, including their grapevine Christmas trees.
She was an avid pie baker and even crafted her own special recipe, “Black & Blue with a Twist.” Additionally, Sydney had a passion for gardening and “antiquing,” always on the lookout for the perfect furnishings to complement their home.
Another defining characteristic was her great love for her kinfolk. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends as well as catching up with her relations on the phone. And she always looked forward to her evening call with her brother, Greg.
Sydney cared deeply for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she was always happy for them to come and stay a while. Affectionately known as “Green Grandma,” she will fondly be remembered by the kids as the best backscratcher in the world!
Sydney Pearl passed away on Nov. 1, 2024, and is reunited with her beloved husband, Russ; son Lowell; and brother Gary Jasper.
She is survived by her son Leonard (Pam), of Hancock, Mich.; daughter-in-law,
Jane, of Chardon; brother Greg Jasper; grandchildren, Brandon (Julia), Megan (Peter) Croke, Nathan (Stephie) and Ian; and great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Charlotte, Simon and Eloise.
Friends and family are invited to a Gathering of Remembrance on Nov. 23, 2024, from 2-4 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Holden Arboretum in Sydney’s memory as the beautiful flowers and trees there mirror the Hambden homestead she so loved. Send to Holden Forests & Gardens, P.O. Box 74422, Cleveland, OH 44194-0002 or www.holdenfg.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
Robert Clarence Lewis
Robert “Bob” Clarence Lewis, age 81, of Chardon, passed away peacefully at his home, with his beloved wife, Bernadette “Bernie,” holding his hand.
Married for an incredible 61 years, Bob and Bernie shared a love so enduring it weathered life’s ups and downs, their hands entwined until his final moments on Nov. 6, 2024.
Bob was a devoted husband, father, broth er and friend who cherished the people in his life above all else. His legacy is defined by kindness, dedication and unwavering love.
dedication and expertise led him to join the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association’s Board of Directors. He became so respected in the dressage community some dressage judges were even proposing a rule change to allow him to get his judging license. Bob was also well known in the dressage community for his innovative approach to creating Musical Freestyles — elegant, choreographed routines performed by horse and rider. Bob taught himself how to find music that perfectly matched the horse and rider and was truly a pioneer.
He pushed the limits of what was acceptable and challenged the old-school traditions to create new and exciting Musical Freestyles unlike anything other riders were doing at the time.
Bob’s love for life shone through in his passion for golf, his favorite music, especially Neil Diamond and Jimmy Buffett, and his knack for bringing people together. At horse shows, you could always count on him to pop open the trunk of his car and share a drink, creating a gathering spot for friends.
With his easygoing nature and signature warm smile, Bob had a way of making everyone feel welcome, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
His absence leaves a profound void, but his memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Bob’s life was a testament to the power of love, resilience and the joy of sharing life’s journey with those who matter most.
A visitation will be held in Robert’s honor from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a service to begin at 12 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Preceded in death by his first-born daughter, Donna; and his parents, Clarence “Clem” and Helen Lewis.
Bob is survived by his wife, Bernie Lewis (nee Hirosky); daughters Nancy Lewis and Sharon (Jeff Cooley) Lewis; brother, Jim Lewis; and many other beloved family members.
Born in the coal-mining town of Ellsworth, Pa., Bob’s remarkable story began with a fateful school dance where he offered Bernie and her friend a ride home in his father’s two-tone green Chevrolet. That simple gesture began a love story that spanned more than six decades.
Bob graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Mathematics.
In 1964, the young couple moved to Cleveland, where Bob began his professional journey in banking. However, after a particularly eventful day involving a bank robbery — and some very persuasive career advice from a man holding a gun — Bob decided it was time for a change. He transitioned into the steel industry, joining United Steel and later Latrobe Steel, where he built a remarkable 40-year career. His dedication and talent earned him numerous promotions, accolades and opportunities to live in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, creating lasting memories and friendships along the way.
Beyond his professional success, Bob found immense joy in supporting his daughters’ passion for horseback riding. Though not a rider himself, he became deeply involved in their dressage training, attending every competition and immersing himself in the sport, often being mistaken for their trainer. His
Following a lengthy illness, Daniel Lester Mullet, 71, of Pioneer, Tenn., passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 17, 2024, with his wife by his side.
Born April 22, 1953, in Jefferson, Ohio, Dan was the son of Andrew and Dorothy Mullet.
Dan was a 1971 graduate of Berkshire High School in Burton Village.
He enjoyed raising livestock, especially miniature donkeys, at farms in Ohio, with his wife, Kim, and their beloved dogs.
Dan will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 27 years, Kim Reed; stepchildren, Megan Gill, Melinda Guster and Christopher Matthews; step-grandchildren, Mallory and Hattie Gusler, and Wilder Matthews; brother, Martin (Susan); sisters Barbara Pelton (Milan), Mary-Ann Plitt (Ron), Tina Mooney (Tom) and Jeanne Mullet-Carlock (John); brother-in-law, Kieth (Mary); sister-in-law, Karen Grimmett (Ken); nephews, Rusty Totten-Emerson, Brandon Plitt, Alex Plitt and Andy Mullet; nieces, Amanda Plitt Stills and Sarah Mullet Steimle; grand-nephews, Xavier Stills, Nicholas Stills, Martin Steimle and Nathan Steimle; and many relatives and friends. Dan was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Anita Mullet; and in-laws, William and Darlene Reed.
He will be greatly missed all who knew him. Private services will be held at a later date.
Daniel Lester Mullet
Lorene Murcel Bath
Lorene Murcel Bath (nee Jeavons), age 74, of Windsor Township, passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 30, 2024.
Born on March 6, 1950, in Bedford, Ohio, to Sydney and Daryl (nee Holsopple) Jeavons, Lorene’s life was a testament to kindness, love and unwav ering support.
Lorene was the cherished wife of Richard Bath for 50 wonderful years. Together, they built a home filled with warmth and laughter, a place where family and friends always felt welcomed.
For more than 25 years, Lorene brightened the days of countless customers with her warm smile while working in the bakery at Giant Eagle in Middlefield. She later retired to lovingly care for her husband, Richard, during his courageous battle with cancer, until his passing on July 1, 2017. She also has taken excellent care of her brother with special needs for the past 10 years.
Lorene always put others before herself. She was a good listener and would offer great advice. She loved flowers, decorating beautiful cakes, her country collectibles, the fall colors and garage sales. She especially loved going antiquing with her sister, and watching the evening news with her brother, Mike.
She cherished adventurous trips to southern Ohio with her daughter and enjoyed many wonderful times with her friends. She loved Snoopy, Fox News and Donald J. Trump.
Lorene loved her family and friends. If you were lucky enough to have met her, you would have been a friend for life.
Known for her incredible kindness, Lorene had an unparalleled ability to see goodness in everyone. Her heart overflowed with love, forgiveness and acceptance, making her a true beacon of light to all who knew her.
She dedicated her life to her family and her greatest joy came from spending time with them, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love.
Lorene is survived by her beloved children, daughter, Lorie (Daniel) Niewiadomski, of Windsor Township, and son, Richard (Brandy) Bath, of Bristolville; and grandchildren, Adam (Stephanie Kampf) Niewiadomski, of Trumbull, Ohio, Drew Niewiadomski, of Trumbull, and Lillie Bath, of Bristolville; great-grandson, Aidan; loving siblings, Pamela (Norman) Riffett, of Claridon Township, Jeffery (Dee Dee) Jeavons, of Windsor, Bryan Jeavons, of Orwell, and Mike Jeavons, of Windsor; along with many cherished nieces and nephews. She also will be greatly missed by her beloved dog, Belle, and her best friends, Diane and Maxine, whom she loved so much.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard James Bath; brother Sidney Jeavons; and nephew Jeffery Jeavons.
A Gathering of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Saint Mary Hall, 103 N. Maple St., Orwell. A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 12 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the non-profit organization Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups, P.0. Box 107, Burton, OH 44021 or www.geaugamamadogs.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Stephen A. Wick
Stephen A. Wick, age 82, of Chardon, passed away on Nov. 2, 2024, at his home following an illness.
Born Sept. 7, 1942, in Cleveland, to Robert S. and Stella (nee Rusnak) Wick, Stephen was a lifelong resident of Chardon.
A naturalist at heart, he spent many years working at the Holden Arboretum and Geauga Park District, where he worked on the construction of many of our county’s parks, including Big Creek Park, Swine Creek and others.
Stephen’s vocation was teacher. Whether it was his work at the Lake County Detention Center alternative school, tutoring at Chardon Middle School, helping people obtain a GED or identifying trees on a walk through the woods, he taught.
He was a lover of music, played Baritone Horn in The Great Geauga County Fair Band for more than 50 years and formed and led the Pilgrim Brass at his church for 36 years.
Stephen is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary (nee Pope), of Chardon; children, Robert (Amy), of Chardon, Karl (Patricia), of Hambden Township, and Anne (Nick) Matteo, of Boulder Colo.; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, R. David Wick.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 S. Hambden St., Chardon, on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Visitation with friends and family will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 12 p.m., with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the church music fund will be appreciated.
Services entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Madison, Chardon, Painesville & Fairport Harbor.
Bainbridge Township
Trustees Congratulate Fire Chief On Levy Passage
By emmA mAcniven mAcniven@kArlovecmediA com
Congratulations filled the Bainbridge Township Trustees meeting Nov. 11 after voters passed a 2.75-mill fire and EMS levy Nov. 5.
Fire Chief Lou Ann Metz expressed gratitude to trustees and residents for believing in the levy, which passed overwhelmingly, with 4,862 votes in favor of the issue and 2,855 against it, according to the final unofficial results of the Geauga County Board of Elections.
This is the first time a fire levy has passed in 14 years.
“We are very happy and we are really humbled,” Metz said. “We’ll be working on getting our staffing back up to where it was and giving you guys all the service that you are used to.”
Metz hopes the levy will decrease the times the station is empty, provide more consistent response times and decrease reliance on mutual aid.
Trustee Jeff Markley also proclaimed his excitement.
“I wanted to thank the Bainbridge community for voting in support of the service department’s levy, in support of the fire department’s levy and for voting to support the school improvement levy,” Markley said.
Also at the meeting, Jeff Myers and Andrew Thompson, of DS Architects, presented their three concept ideas for the renovation of Bainbridge Township Town Hall.
The trustees all appeared in favor of the concept that has fewer walls and doors and leaves out unnecessary office space, but have not made a final decision.
The project is predicted to cost the township $600,000 instead of the originally predicted $2 million, Myers and Thompson said, adding construction is expected to start in March and be completed by July 2025.
During public comment, Bainbrook Laurel Springs neighborhood HOA President Alex Shahidian expressed concern for stop sign negligence.
He said stop signs are being run through as children cross the street near the pool.
“It’s already a speedway there and when they take the stop signs out, it will be bad,” Shahidian said.
He recommended putting in a cross-
“We are very happy and we are really humbled. We’ll be working on getting our staffing back
lowed to do what the code allows us to do.”
He said he spoke to the Geauga County Engineer’s Office and they said stop signs shouldn’t have been there in the first place.
“We can’t have a stop sign up that’s not supposed to be up and I don’t know how they got up in the past,” Stanek said.
He added there will be a radar and speed limit sign in its place for at least two months and said it seems like cars are actually going slower than people think.
“At the end of the day, those stop signs are not enforceable,” Trustee Kristina O’Brien said.
The trustees said there’s not much that can be done to rectify the issue and all information about the stop signs would be made available on the township’s website.
Trustees announced a proclamation during the meeting to congratulate Bainbridge resident Frances Hasenstaub on turning 100.
Hasenstaub is a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio who moved to Bainbridge five years ago.
When asked if she’d like to move to Bainbridge, she said, “Sure, I'm up for a new adventure.”
Bulletin Board
Effective Aug. 1, 2023, for-profit and nonprofit organizations or groups will need to purchase a paid advertisement for an event anytime tickets are sold, a fee is charged or a freewill donation is taken. If an organization or group does not wish to buy an ad to promote their event and connect with our readers, Karlovec Media Group will print a simple liner-type ad identifying the event, date/time/place and a number to call for more information. E-mail submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com
Santa Shoppe
Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Girl Scout Troop 71437 is hosting its second annual Santa Shoppe craft show at Claridon Town Hall, 13930 Mayfield Road. The show also features a food truck, Santa and a bake sale. Proceeds benefit the troop.
Family First Council
Nov. 18, 1:30 p.m.
Geauga Family First Council will meet at the Geauga County Office Building, Suite B168/Carlton Room, 12611 Ravenwood Drive in Chardon. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Tim Kehres, Geauga Family First Council coordinator, at 440-285-1201.
Tru Community Day Club
Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m.
Tru Community is hosting a free day club information session at Parkside Church. Anyone with an adult family member with special needs is invited to attend. Register at www.trucommunity.org or call 330-577-8828.
Audubon Talks Turkeys
Nov. 19, 7 p.m.
Blackbrook Audubon will look at "Turkeys in America" at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. Chuck Jakubchak will discuss the life of a wild turkey, share insights on the history of Thanksgiving and outline how the frozen, domesticated bird gets to dinner tables.
After the program, Blackbrook will hold its annual ticket raffle of nature- or Christmas-themed books, puzzles, and decorative items and a 50/50 raffle. Bring a beverage container to be eligible to participate in the “bring your own mug” Admission is free. For more information, email blackbrookaud@aol.com.
LCGS Meeting
Nov. 21, 10 a.m.
The Lake County Genealogical Society (LCGS) will meet via Zoom. Following a brief business meeting, guest speaker Scott Norrick, of Ancestral Past, will present an overview of the beginning of the post-World War II era lifestyle and social environment based on his unique analysis of the 1950 Ohio census. Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more information and an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
Operation Christmas Child
Nov. 18-25
Join to fill shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for the
Samaritan’s Purse project during National Collection Week. Local collection sites include Chardon Christian Fellowship, 401 S. Hambden St., Chardon; Restoration Chapel, 14890 Burton Windsor Road, Burton; and Newcomb Road Amish, 15978 Newcomb Road in Middlefield. Collection hours vary by location. For more information, call 828262-1980 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Free Community Supper
Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m.
St. Mary Church Chardon is hosting a free community supper at the church located at 401 North St., Chardon. All are welcome. Call 285-7051 with any questions.
Outreach Spaghetti Dinner
Nov. 21, 6-7 p.m.
Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.
WGEF Thanksgiving Breakfast
Nov. 28, 7:30-11 a.m.
West Geauga Educational Foundation is hosting its annual Thanksgiving breakfast at the Chesterland McDonald’s. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and coffee, juice or milk for only $7. Dine in or take out.
Proceeds fund WGEF’s grant program. Visit WGEF.org for more information.
PCC Chili Dinner
Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m.
Pilgrim Christian Church is holding its annual chili dinner before the Christmas lighting on Chardon Square. Enjoy chili, Frito pie, chili dogs and roasted chestnuts. All are welcome. The church is located at 202 S. Hambden St. on Chardon Square.
Christmas Lighting of the Square
Nov. 30
Chardon Square Association, Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chardon are hosting the Christmas lighting of Chardon Square. Pilgrim Christian Church will serve a chili supper from 5-7 p.m. The Geauga Music Center Band performs at 6:30 p.m. on the bandstand, followed by Chardon High School Free Harmony at 7 p.m., the lighting of the park and the arrival of Santa in a horse-drawn sleigh. The chamber will serve cider and cookies throughout the evening. For more information, visit chardonsquareassociation.org.
Leadership Geauga Taps 3 As 2025 Emerald Leaders
By stAff rePort
Leadership Geauga recently announced Alice Sems, Dr. Bob Faehnle and Melanie Scanlon will be recipients of the 2025 Emerald Leader awards.
The award recognizes the impact all three former executive directors have had in shaping the success and growth of LG, said marketing and outreach manager Amy Murfello in a press release.
Over the last three decades, LG has become a cornerstone for leadership development, civic education and community connection in Geauga County, the release said, adding without the vision and dedication of Sems, Faehnle and Scanlon, LG wouldn’t be the transformative program it is today.
Sems was appointed the inaugural executive director of LG in 1997. Drawing upon her nonprofit experience at United Way of Geauga County, she laid the foundation for an organization that would shape Geauga County for decades, Murfello wrote.
Beyond her professional contributions, Sems’ dedication to the community was evident in her nine-year tenure on the Geauga Bicentennial Board of Managers, volunteer work at the Geauga County Public Library, Chardon Schools, Volunteer Ohio and her church, the release said.
“A true Renaissance woman, Alice was remarkably able to nurture and empower individuals and organizations,” Murfello wrote. “Her passion for community building led to creating lasting networks and projects that continue to benefit Geauga County. As we honor her legacy, we recognize her tireless efforts to foster a brighter future for all.”
Beginning in 2004, Faehnle brought a passion for education, mentorship and fun to leadership training, offering a unique approach that set LG apart, the release said, adding over the years, Faehnle dedicated himself to developing community leaders, making the program both enriching and enjoyable for participants.
Under his leadership, a Cleveland Foundation grant of $20,000 in 2008 funded the creation of the Youth Program, expanding LG’s opportunities for young leaders, Murfello said in the statement.
“Beyond his role at Leadership Geauga, Dr. Bob's dedication to community service was
evident in his involve ment with organiza tions such as Geauga United Way Services, Geauga YMCA, Next Step, Family First Council, WomenSafe, Kent State Geauga, Chardon Rotary and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center,” she wrote, adding he also served on education al and community boards, including Chardon Schools Board of Education and as president of the Notre Dame Elementary School Board of Trustees.
In 2016, Scanlon began serving as the third executive director of LG. A key achievement during her tenure was securing crucial funding of $120,000 from the Cleveland Foundation to launch the Heritage Program for Retirees in 2020, Murfello said in the release, adding this program continues to serve the needs of Geauga County's retiree population.
Scanlon also initiated the tradition of raising funds for the Emerald Leader's chosen nonprofit organization during the annual "Call to the Heart" at the Emerald Ball. This initiative has generated over $71,000 to support local nonprofits, the release said.
“Even after her time as executive director, Melanie remains deeply committed to Geauga County,” Murfello said in the release, adding Scanlon continues volunteering with various organizations, including the Chardon Rotary, Kent State Geauga, League of Women Voters of Geauga, Chardon Schools, Chardon Youth Sports, Junior Achievement and CollegeNow.
The awards will be formally presented at the upcoming LG Emerald Ball March 1, 2025. For information on purchasing tickets, program advertising, event sponsorships or donating a prize, call 440-286-8115 or visit leadershipgeauga.org/emerald-ball.
Geauga Park District
For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
2025 Facility Reservations
Geauga County residents can begin reserving facilities and campsites for 2025 starting at 8 a.m. Dec. 2, online and
by phone. Everything is first-come, firstserved, so booking online is the best option. However, only phone reservations will be taken for the Veterans Legacy Woods’ Tribute Lodge. Visit the park district website, for information on the reservation process, including tips to expedite efforts and the 2025 fee schedule.
Sems
Faehnle Scanlon
Veterans Program Strives to Heal Heroes with Horses
By rose nemunAitis editor@kArlovecmedi
Creating a welcoming and inclusive en vironment where every being feels comfort able and supported is the Laynes’ mission for Willow Grove Retreats at their Halfway Oak Farm in Huntsburg Township.
Those beings range from humans to homeless horses that were neglected, abused or saved from slaughter.
Retired Master Sgt. James Layne and his wife, Tina, created the hobby farm to serve as a peaceful escape for those in need, including military veterans.
The farm’s Liberty Call veterans program, a free veteran and active-duty equine-assisted support group, meets every Monday at 6 p.m. — unless Monday falls on a major holiday — at 11361 Clay Street.
The sessions last about 60 to 90 minutes and are offered at no cost to veterans, relying on donations from private citizens and busi nesses.
There is no start or end date to the pro gram, either, the Laynes said, adding veter ans are invited to attend as many Mondays as they are able and the farm can accommodate up to 24 people per meeting.
Most activities are on the ground and par ticipants do not need any horse experience or knowledge to participate, the couple said.
“Our horses are gentle, patient and well trained for the activities,” James said. “We are honored to offer programming to our national and community heroes.”
The Laynes founded Willow Grove Retreats, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, in 2016 to empower individuals through education, support and personalized care with the help of horses.
“At that time, it was running under a different name with the collaboration of another
and rebranded as a nonprofit, she said, add ing their philosophy focuses on a holistic, horse-centered approach to wellness by addressing mind, body and spirit.
Since 2021, the Laynes have had about 40 veterans attend.
“To put this into context, in the last decade, there have been about 6,200 veterans participating in equine-assisted programming nationwide. So, I am proud that we’ve been able to reach 40 veterans in our little corner of the country,” said Tina, who is the program’s executive director.
Since a teenager, Judy has always enjoyed
Her eyes shined when she recently met young Shaman inside his stall for the first
An instant connection and a symbiotic re-
WGR’s mission is to “provide the highest quality equine-assisted services and offer growth and healing that only horses can provide, (while) striving to rescue and adopt horses in need and give them a safe forever
James spent 20 years in the Marine Corps with more than half those years deployed to the Middle East, which he said left an indel-
It wasn’t until he retired that he was exposed to horses and quickly realized the pos-
While he was on active duty, Tina worked members of the Marine Corps’ Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills program. It was created to help active-duty families navigate the stressful life of a military member, spouse or child, with much of
the reserves for 17 years as part of the Nurse Corps of the U.S. Marines.
With additional certifications in equine-assisted coaching, Tina uses her experiences and the ideals of the LINKS program during
See Horses • Page 15
Horses from page 13
the horse-centered portion of the veterans program.
the U.S. Marine Corps from 1990 to 1998. “I think the program is great for any vet, Gulf War to Vietnam,” he said. “There are vets there from all walks of life and it's a nice op portunity to spend some time with like-mind ed people while spending time with horses. The horses are great, and I've learned a lot about myself from them. Jasmine is my favor ite because she will always let me talk to her no matter how bad my day was. I would tell other vets to come out, meet the horses and share some stories with the rest of us.”
ship, who served in the U.S. Army, has Multi ple Sclerosis and is in a wheelchair.
and petting them even in a chair,” Owen said. “It makes me feel normal for a few minutes. I think it's a good thing to be able to talk to other vets and have the horses there to focus on.”
to unwind and relax. It is also a tradition of families getting to spend time with their new marine after months of bootcamp.
“The goals of the Liberty Call program are to relax and unwind with other veterans and through interactions with the horses, veterans can become a ‘new version of themselves’ by learning different ways to communicate, manage stress, cope with feelings of guilt, or ease the transition from military to civilian life,” James said. “Veterans in our
Horses live in the moment and don’t hold grudges or care what you look like, how you dress, your education, gender, religion or anything else, Tina added.
“We like to think of it as humans helping horses helping humans. It’s a never-ending circle of acceptance, kindness and growth,” Judy said, adding she experienced a lot of happiness during her first visit with Shaman.
She believes a lot of veterans have a hard
time relating with other non-veterans and horses can be a great bridge.
“This program is not structured or judgmental by saying something is ‘wrong’ with a vet, but, instead, can show them how their body language and emotions can affect the horses and, therefore, others, as well as themselves,” she said. “You may be able to fool other humans, but not a horse. They are
very intuitive and can read both emotions and body language. They also don't judge you and are great at listening. I would highly recommend their program to other vets.”
**Editor’s Note: The U.S. military veterans featured in this article requested their last names remain anonymous.**
Honoring Our Veterans
“This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is home of the brave.” - Elmer Davis
In Honor of Mike Barham Navy
In Memory of Andrew S. Mihalic Navy
In Memory of Alan Robert Grimm Army
In Honor of Stanley J. Dembinski, Jr. Army
In Honor of Ronald Mihalic Navy
In Honor of Michael Iadimarco Navy
In Honor of BM2 Robert Rockow Navy
In Memory of Paul Richards Navy, 2005-2014
ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
Marada, a rescued Arabian, gifted to owners of Willow Grove Retreats James and Tina Layne, helps veterans in the equine therapy program.
S P O R T S
Toppers Ousted in 2nd Round for 1st Time Since 2018
By mAtt JAWorski sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
For the first time since 2018, the Chardon Hilltoppers will not play in the Division III Region 9 regional semifinals.
Chardon was stunned by the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals 19-16 and eliminated from the playoffs.
The game could not have begun any bet ter for the Hilltoppers (8-3), who forced a three and out on defense.
Senior Caleb Hewitt then returned the punt 45 yards down to the Royals 10-yard line.
Chardon, though, could not move the ball and settled for a 35-yard field goal from se nior Sam Sacerich.
The Hilltopper’s kickoff was a pooch kick, which was recovered by Chardon senior Gavin Wroblewski on midfield.
Senior halfback Beckett Dotson then ripped off a 50-yard touchdown run to make it 9-0 with 4:18 to play in the first quarter.
After opening up that 9-0 lead, the Royals (10-2) outscored Chardon 19-7 the rest of the way.
About 20 seconds after Dotson’s score, a 71-yard touchdown run by the Royals closed the gap to 9-6.
The score would not change until 4:54 left Matthew McIlroy blocked the point after at tempt, which kept Chardon within a field goal
under a minute to go in the quarter, picked up their first first down of the half. It would
Tigers Great Soccer Season Comes to End in Final Four
By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA.com
The Chagrin Falls Tigers Girls Soccer team made a great playoff run as they won 5 straight playoff games to reach the OHSAA Division IV State Semifinal Game.
In fact, in the playoffs on their way to the final four, the Tigers outscored opponents 22-6 and also had three shutouts.
After their second straight shutout to win the Regional Title on Nov. 2, the Tigers traveled to Sandusky, Ohio on Nov. 5 to take on the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans at Perkins High School.
The Titans were making their fourth straight appearance to the state semifinals, while the Tigers returned to the final four after two seasons.
In the State Semifinal game, the Tigers kept the Titans off the scoreboard for most of the first half. However, the Titans were able to score off a set piece in the 29th minute to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Titans added a final goal with 13:39 left in the second half to claim a 2-0 victory and punch their ticket to the State Championship Game at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus.
Afterwards, senior Brix Niethammer expressed how proud she was of the effort the Tigers gave in the state semifinal game.
“I'm just super proud of our girls,”
Niethammer said. “We had lots of injuries, and they had to step up to the
and that's what we did. We came out here and played our absolute
sometimes how it goes.”
In
plate,
hardest, I'm just proud of them. It didn't go our way, but that's just
Tigers Head Coach Joe Ciuni, also expressed how proud he was of the effort the Tigers gave.
addition, Ciuni said that the Titans
showed great strength on set pieces, which is how they scored both goals.
“We weren't able to limit those (set pieces) and they made them count,” said Ciuni. ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
Chagrin Falls Brix Niethammer, senior captain in black, during the team’s 2-0 loss to the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans in Sandusky Nov. 5. The Tigers finished the season one of the best girls soccer team in Ohio.
Coming into the contest Coach Ciuni said that the Tigers were focused on trying to limit the Titans ability to hit crosses to the middle of the box, since the Titans are an excellent crossing team. Thus, the Tigers midfield tried to keep the Titans wide and limit their ability to cross the ball to an open player in the middle of the box.
Ciuni emphasized that the Tigers did a good job of limiting the Titans crosses to the middle.
However, Ciuni said the Titans were able to get too many corner kicks.
“We would have liked to have some clearances off the throw-ins instead of corner kicks at times, but the girls fought so hard to defend,” Ciuni said. “I was very proud of their effort on defending set pieces.”
Overall coach Ciuni said he was so proud of how his team played throughout the season.
“We had a challenging year again,” said Ciuni. “I put a tough schedule in front of them for a reason, to help prepare them to make this type of run and to play against those good teams and pressure. They responded so well because we took our lumps a few times during the season. And we learned from all those games and kept improving and advancing once the playoffs started.”
As Ciuni mentioned, the Tigers played an extremely difficult regular season schedule.
After starting the season, 2-5-4, the Tigers finished the season on an amazing 11-2 run.
In fact, leading the Tigers offensively to a great season included Bella Radomsky (42
In reflecting upon the Tigers great season, senior center back Maggie Goss said that she knew the Tigers were going to do well and that playing a tough schedule was helpful to prepare the team for the playoffs.
“In Division IV we knew we were going to have a huge opportunity and I think we really capitalized on that,” said Goss. “And especially having a tough schedule, playing a lot of teams that were high DI, DII, DIII, I think that really set us up for these playoffs. Playing those tough games against tough opponents clearly strengthened our skills, and I think it was worth it.”
She added: “I knew from the beginning that this team was going to go far.” Soccer from page 16
Kenston Couple Steps Down as Football Statisticians
By BriAn lAvrich sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
When the Kenston football team lost to Maple Heights in a Division III regional quarterfinal game it ended the Bombers’ 2024 season. However, that wasn’t the only thing that ended.
Long-time statisticians Chris and Kim Berger announced after the game they will no longer be keeping stats for the Bombers. The Bergers have been in that role for 14 seasons.
“It started when the gentleman before us passed away suddenly from a heart attack,” Chris Berger said. “I sent a letter to the AD (athletic director) in May. I got the job then I had to figure out how to do it. My first game was at Kent Roosevelt. I was by myself. I quickly realized there is no way I could get all
the information we needed by myself.”
That’s when Kim Berger, 61, stepped in.
“Kim said, ‘I could help you,’” Chris Berger said. “’You could call the action and I can enter it into the spreadsheet.’ We got better at the spreadsheets and I learned how to connect the data together.”
Kim Berger said teaming up to do the stats ended up being a great idea.
“I had a blast,” Kim Berger said. “I really enjoyed it. I’ve always been interested in the game and have always been very good an inputting data.
“It evolved through the seasons and was something we could do together.”
But the Bergers weren’t just keeping stats. They ended up providing valuable information to Kenston coach Jeff Grubich.
“The first year I got hired our first game was at Hudson,” Grubich said. “I had no
idea we had stat people. At halftime, one of our coaches handed me halftime stats. I asked, ‘Where did you get these?’ It had all of the critical stats outlined. After the game I reached out to Chris and that was the start of our relationship.
“They can help us make in-game, halftime adjustments.”
That was the start of a great relationship. Chris Berger, 63, is an attorney and councilman in South Russell. He is a graduate of Orange and the University of Texas while Kim, a former librarian, graduated from Girard and Bowling Green. The Bergers live in Chagrin Falls.
Grubich, who has led Kenston for 12 years, added that the information provided by the Bergers was “critical” to the Bombers’ success and the Bergers were happy to help.
“Jeff, almost from the get go, was interested,” Chris Berger said. “I asked, ‘What information do you want?’ He got involved. Where are the passes being completed? Where are they running? How about drives?
“Now I e-mail the coaches the information at halftime. Jeff took it to heart and applied what we did.”
Grubich and his staff during halftime and after games would analyze the data in an effort to improve the Bombers and to prepare for opposing teams.
“They’ve come a long way,” Grubich said. “They provide an end-of-year breakdown. It’s a huge asset. I don’t think a lot of high school programs have that kind of dedication from statisticians.”
The Bergers are more then just an asset Grubich utilizes to help win games.
“On a personal level, I can’t say enough about them and the pride they take in the program,” Grubich said. “What I really enjoy is when Chris sends an e-mail around midnight after a game with his thoughts on the game. That’s what I appreciate. They care about the program and the kids.
“Not only have they been a valuable asset for the program, but our friendship over 12 years. Football is fun on Friday nights, but it truly comes down to relationships.”
Kim said the thanks they received from Grubich and his staff was part of the reason they kept score for so long.
“The thing I think I admire most about him is he takes the game seriously, but he knows it does not define the boys’ lives,” Kim Berger said. “He can put the wins and losses in perspective. And he was always very appreciative of what we did. He was also so complementary and grateful. The whole staff
has been grateful. That’s probably why we stayed so long.”
So why are the Bergers stepping away?
“Simply, we have a lot of travel plans,” Chris Berger said. “We want the flexibility to go when we can.
“I thought, maybe we’d do this a couple of years and be done, but every year was more fun, especially with Grubich. We were there to report what happened and organize it in a way the coaches could use it.”
One of their best memories, of course, was when Kenston won the Division III state championship in 2018.
“When we went to the state championship game we sat in the press box with the reporters from around the state,” Chris Berger said. “When Anna Sanders kicked an extra point, we said she’s the first girl to score a point in a state championship game. That was really cool and fun. We got a picture with her and the state championship trophy. That was a great memory.
“But it’s all about the kids. It’s been a great ride. We’ve seen phenomenal players both at Kenston and other teams. We did it for the kids.”
Kim Berger also fondly remembers that moment.
“For me, I think that was one of my proudest moments,” Kim Berger said. “I looked around (the press box) at all these people and to them it’s just another game. I’m glad I listened to the little voice in my head and announced that she was the first girl to score in a state championship game. It was awesome seeing reporters pay attention to this girl. It was a very nice moment. And, of course, winning the state championship was a such a fun experience.”
The bar is set for the next Kenston statistician. And it’s a high bar.
“It’s a great job for someone who loves football and wants to help the team,” Kim Berger said. “It’s a really neat experience. You feel connected to the community.”
After 14 seasons, Kim and Chris Berger kept stats at that last their Kenston football game this month.
Badgers Historic Football Season Ends in District Finals
By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
The Berkshire Badgers had an historic football season as the 2024 team became the first in school history to win a playoff game.
After defeating the Chagrin Falls Tigers in the first round of the OHSAA Playoffs, the Badgers advanced to the District Finals where they took on the Manchester Panthers on Nov. 8.
In the contest with the Panthers, the Badgers gave a hard fought effort against an extremely tough physical football team.
In this week 12 playoff game, the Badgers trailed early as the Panthers took a 7-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
To their credit, the Badgers kept the score close for most of the first half.
However, over the last five minutes of the second quarter, the Panthers scored 21 points to take a 28-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Badgers outscored their opponent, 19-13, but the Panthers claimed a 41-19 victory to advance to the OHSAA Regional Semifinal Game.
Afterwards, senior Caleb Corbett said that the Badgers came into the game knowing they were going to face a tough physical opponent who had a great regular season record.
“We stepped up and tried to be as physical as them, but they out-physicaled us in the end,” said Corbett. “It was a good game, I'm proud to say that was a team I respect, plays well, and they played clean.”
Added senior Jason Brent, “Coming into
this game, I was so hyped for this game. I was ready to go out and win another one. Sadly, we couldn't do that, we got out-physicaled, and I think we got out performed.”
Although they did not obtain the week 12 victory they had hoped for, the Badgers stayed resilient, exerting a high level of effort until the final whistle.
Indeed, the Badgers scored three second half touchdowns.
Senior standout running back Justin Phil-
lips had two of the three second half touchdowns for the Badgers.
Phillips got his first touchdown with 2:15 left in the third quarter. He then added a second rushing touchdown with 7:55 left in the contest.
For the game, Phillips rushed for 71 yards on 19 carries.
With Phillip’s week 12 performance, he ended his senior season with 1005 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, while averaging
5.3 yards per carry.
Certainly, the excellent play of the offensive line and the stellar running by Phillips was one the reasons for the Badgers great success and historic season.
In addition to Phillips’ two rushing touchdowns, the Badgers ended their season with a touchdown pass from junior quarterback Sam Barcikoski to senior wide receiver Paul Brent.
See Badgers • Page 20
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
Abram Southern carries the ball in the Badgers’ 41-19 playoff loss to Manchester.
Badgers
from page 19
After the game, Paul Brent talked about the final touchdown drive.
“We were just trying to put our hearts out there and leave something on the field,” Brent said. “It was our last game ever, probably for most of us. Just getting that last drive and really doing something in this game, it meant the world to us, especially capping it off with that touchdown.”
In addition to the touchdown catch, Paul Brent led Badgers receivers with four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. Also, senior Abram Southern caught 2 passes for 36 yards.
For the game, quarterback Sam Barcikos-
Toppers
from page 16
tion. The drive was kept alive on a third down and long play when Levak fumbled the snap, faced pressure, was flushed out nearside and heaved a ball into triple coverage that was caught by CVCA junior wide out Brayden Harris.
Chardon had an opportunity to potentially tie the game, as a bad punt gave the Hilltoppers the ball on the CVCA with about 50 seconds left.
With the ball back, the Toppers managed to pick up a first down, and it looked like they might be able to put themselves in a position to win or at least tie the game.
“We were trying to get in field goal range at that point because of the way they would have defended us,” said Chardon head coach Mitch Hewitt. “We were trying to use the sideline to keep some clock. We had no timeouts and we needed a first down. We would have had to spike it and hit Caleb on an out route and then sent out the kicking team.”
The drive ended just shy of field goal range as a bad snap on fourth and two gave the ball back to CVCA.
Chardon had opportunities throughout the game, but could not do anything with them.
A fumble inside the 5-yardline took a touchdown off the board in the first quarter. Penalties and poor execution hurt them as well.
"The mistakes are somewhat indicative of what we've been at times,” said Coach Hewitt. “I thought we sort if put that to bed, but they showed up tonight and we just couldn't over it. That's a good football team and the three seed for a reason. Their coach told me this was the best team in their school's history, so they played with a bit more edge than we did and it showed today.”
Coach Hewitt lamented two play that turned the tide of the game – a fumble inside the CVCA five and the third down scramble they hit in triple coverage.
“You might take 100 snaps in a game and you look back on it and 10 of them decided it,” he said. “That's the way it’s been since the first football game. There's a lot of plays, but it's eight to 11 plays that really decide the outcome.”
“It was something we said at the beginning of the year we couldn’t do and we did;
ki was 8-16 through the air for 148 yards and a touchdown.
Barcikoski ended his season completing 76 of 155 passes for 1,199 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also rushed for four touchdowns as well.
In reflecting upon this great season, senior Justin Phillips emphasized the important legacy the class of 2025 left for future Badgers.
“It's more of the legacy that we left, building up the whole team, the younger team,” said Phillips. “It's all the people we grew up (with). They have to realize that they still have to hold up the Berkshire mentality that we are a winning football team and we can win playoff games. We set the standard, so they have to keep it up.”
it was an issue,” Caleb Hewitt said about the team’s propensity for making mistakes.
“I just felt like we were too inconsistent and that ended up being our downfall,” added senior linebacker Alexander Ash.
The loss brings to a close one of the most successful classes in school history.
Over their four years, the senior class went 46-9, including a state title in their freshman year.
“While this game didn’t turn out in our favor, feel like we left all on the field,” Ash said. “Mistakes ended up being our downfall, but that happens and you have to learn from it.”
For the seniors, it was the last time they would put on a Hilltopper football uniform.
Ash called the group special.
“These are my brothers; I’ve been playing with these kids since pee wee football at the age of five,” he said. “I would do anything for them.”
“These are my brothers, my best friends,” Caleb Hewitt said. “I grew up playing football with them and I hope to keep these relationships throughout my years.”
Coach Hewitt called the senior class talented, gifted and successful.
“I think their foundation is solid and their toolbox is full,” he said. “As they move on in life, I think they're going to look back and be proud of the time they spent together.”
For Ash, the memories that he will cherish of his time wearing the Chardon colors are the bonds he created with his teammates, which he called everlasting.
“Going undefeated in middle school, beating Ursuline; there’s so many memories,” said Caleb Hewitt. There are so many things I’m going to keep with me for the rest of my life. I don’t regret anything.”
Not only was this the last game for the seniors, but it was the last football game for Chardon Athletic Director Doug Synder, who will retire at the end of the school year.
For coach Hewitt, the upcoming retirement of his athletic director will be a big loss.
“When I got the job, he was the AD,” said coach Hewitt. “Today, he's one of my best friends. He cares about the kids, cares about sports, cares about coaches. He's not a bureaucrat. He cares about the right things and he's in the right position. Chardon's going to miss him.”
Cardinal
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East Geauga Kiwanis recently recognized Cardinal Elementary School third-graders (l to r) Logan J., Madelyn T. and Layla A. for their outstanding performance in the classroom for the first quarter. Each student received a certificate and four books from the Kiwanis Club.
Students of the Month for October. Cardinal Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School October Students of the Month!
Thank you to the East Geauga Kiwanis and Zeppe's of Middlefield for sponsoring the Students of the Month program.
They are: kindergartner Gwen K.; first-grader Jason Y.; second-grader Merritt A.; third-grader Zachary H.; fourth-grader Zander R.; fifth-grader Ellie B.; sixth-grader Jayden K.; seventh-graders Angela Y. and Liam C.; eighth-graders Zoe D. and Ian S.; ninth-graders Layla M. and East W.; 10th-graders Alaina H. and Cecelia K.; 11th-graders Eve K. and Julia B.; and 12th-graders Ethan M. and Justin N.
West Geauga
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West Geauga Middle School Spanish class students held a Día de los Muertos showcase of their Day of the Dead projects in the school’s library.
Día de los Muertos Showcase
Spanish class students at West Geauga Middle School invited friends and family to their Día de los Muertos showcase of Day of the Dead projects. The open house was held in the library, where over 50 guests came to quietly walk around to observe the beautiful work of students and honor and celebrate loved ones.
The special project provided students an opportunity to learn about the Day of the Dead holiday.
Students Vote on Election Day
First-grade students celebrated Election Day by learning about the election process. They read the book, “Duck for President.” After creating their voter registration cards, they had the opportunity to step into the voting booth to select either Duck or Farmer for president. After all of the votes were tabulated, Duck was announced as the winner.
Retired Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills inspired students during an all-school assembly at NDCL on Nov. 6.
and Angel W., eighth-graders Nikya B. and Chri’Shawn B., ninth-graders Rachel M. and Kody L.;
Election Day Voting
School district made their voices heard on a number of important issues on Election Day.
At Park Elementary School, students voted to choose the name of the school’s new pet turtle. At Munson Elementary School, first-grade students in Mrs. Jeana Hardman’s class had another important decision to make — chocolate chip cookies or Oreos?
After reading about Election Day in their
choosing their preferred cookie. After all of the votes were tallied, Oreo was determined to be the class favorite, winning 14 votes compared to seven for chocolate chip.
STEM Goes Red for Girls
Chardon Middle School was one of 30 Northeast Ohio schools to recently participate in the STEM Goes Red for Girls event at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland.
Kenston
Meteorologists in the Making
Students in Mrs. Burton’s and Mr. Peterson’s seventh-grade science classes are becoming expert meteorologists by designing and building barometers and anemometers.
The lesson incorporated scientific studies in the classroom and firsthand field experience when students tested their work outdoors.
In addition to learning how barometers observe changes in air pressure and anemometers measure wind speed, students also learned how to use wind vanes to measure wind direction and rain gauges to measure precipitation.
Preschool Role Model Application
The Kenston preschool at Timmons Elementary School (TES) is designed so that preschool children with an Individualized
tional services in an environment with typically developing peers.
Families interested in having their child participate as a typically developing peer model must complete a screening packet available on the district website. The packet should be submitted to Katie Seifried by Nov. 15. Screenings will be held on Nov. 22 at the TES building, with sessions from 1011 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Completed packets may be scanned and emailed to katie.seifried@kenstonapps.org or dropped off at the TES office, addressed to Katie Seifried.
Children placed as typically developing peer models need to be potty trained. Parents must provide their own transportation and fulfill the tuition requirement. Families must reside in the Kenston Local School District.
sociation, STEM Goes Red for Girls is an annual event that promotes young women entering scientific fields of study.
CMS students at the event were immersed in a variety of exciting opportunities. They had the chance to speak with women in STEM fields who encouraged them to consider similar careers. They also interacted with students from other area schools while completing several engaging, inquiry-based activities.
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Layla Wagner proudly displays the leaves she collected during the leaf hunt.
Autumn Walk
St. Helen kindergarten and first-grade students had a wonderful field trip to the West Woods Nature Center for the Autumn Walk program. Accompanied by a Geauga Park District naturalist, they explored the stunning transformations of fall. The students discovered various plants and animals native to the region as the seasons shift.
Area Veterans Recognized
Veterans in the Berkshire Local Schools area have come to appreciate the hard work of Berkshire Badger Lab students in honoring their service and contributions to the United States. On Nov. 6, Burton’s American Legion hosted Badger Lab students, who served lunch to local veterans in celebration of Veterans Day.
With support from the local food pantry and other contributors, the students provided a meal featuring salads, homemade pasta with all the trimmings, and unique doughnuts for the veterans and their spouses.
Burton Library Art Show
Berkshire Middle School students are showcasing their extraordinary artistry while making a noticeable impact on the local art scene at the Burton Library Art Show.
The overwhelming response led to the expansion of the exhibit to the upstairs gallery. Berkshire Local Schools encourages the
Show before Nov. 25 to admire the incredible talent of the district’s young artists.
BECC Students Having a Ball
Students in Berkshire’s Early Childhood Center (BECC) are having lots of fun engaging in a ball unit that involves a variety of project-based learning activities.
All BECC classes kicked off the unit with a shared reading of the classic tale, “The Little Red Hen,” which included retelling the story in their own words, learning about the process of yeast in making bread and tactile learning with dough balls.
Collaboration is also occurring across grade levels, as Mr. Kostiha, the district’s makerspace teacher, will be working with the preschool students to design a STEM-based “shoots and balls” activity, which will be constructed by older students using the various makerspace tools.
CHARLES E. WALDER GEAUGA COUNTY AUDITOR
TO THE CITIZENS OF GEAUGA COUNTY:
The lands, lots and parts of lots returned delinquent by the County Treasurer of Geauga County, with the taxes, assessments, interest, and penalties, charged against them agreeably to law, are contained and described in the following list:
Notice is hereby given that the whole of such several lands, lots, or part of lots will be certified for foreclosure by the County Auditor pursuant to law unless the whole of the delinquent taxes assessments, interest, and penalties are paid within one year or unless a tax certificate with respect to the parcel is sold under section 5721.32 or 5721.33 of the Revised Code. The names of persons who have entered into a written delinquent tax contract with the County Treasurer to discharge the delinquency are designated by an asterisk or have been stricken from the list.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Walder Geauga County Auditor
TO ASSIST YOU IN READING THIS LEGAL NOTICE: SAMPLE LISTING:
(1) 01-123456 (2) DOE, JOHN (3) $150.00. EXPLANTATION:
(1) PERMANENT PARCEL NUMBER
(2) OWNER NAME ACCORDING TO COUNTY RECORDS
(3) TOTAL DELINQUENT TAX AMOUNT, AS OF THE CLOSE OF THE 2023 TAX YEAR.
TO ARRANGE FOR PAYMENT OF YOUR TAXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE GEAUGA COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE AT (440) 279-2001.
DELINQUENT LAND TAX NOTICE
02-285500 KOCH DEAN R & DONNA W
WADE
02-292300 QUAY GEORGE H III TRUSTEE
02-299500 GLEINE ANGELA M
02-306600 ZELENIK JOSIE L & HASH WILLIAM E
02-306700 ZELENIK JOSIE L & HASH WILLIAM E $2.43
02-332800 MORALES JASON
02-332900 MORALES JASON
02-333850 DUTTON DIANA L B
02-343400 NEIFACH JILL TRUSTEE
LINDIC MARGARET
LAIN WILFRED
15-063303 GASCOIGNE ELIZABETH D
15-063304 GASCOIGNE ELIZABETH D
15-069100 ADRIAN DAVID
15-093100 WALSH LOIS A
15-101709 RULAND JOSHUA
15-101754 PISCHEL ROBERT
15-101796 WETZEL EUGENE & NANCY
15-101805 BOWSHER MELISSA $10,686.00
15-101811 HENDERSON TIMOTHY R & SANDRA L $3,415.43
15-101814 HENDERSON TIMOTHY R $319.34 15-102277 MCELHANEY JUSTIN D $2,357.72
15-102278 MCELHANEY JUSTIN D
15-102371 ROSIPKO ELISHIA L
15-102654 RICHMOND SCOTTY D & LAURA A $1,248.44
16-HUNTSBURG TWP-CARDINAL LSD
16-002850 DETWEILER ANDREW D & BARBARA D
16-004200 BROWN BOBBY K
16-006200 PRENDERGAST MARTIN D
NARDI INVESTMENTS LLC
16-055351 BENNETT RANDOLPH & LINDA
16-055400 BENNETT RANDOLPH & LINDA L
16-059000 RICHARDS KEITH
16-066700 BOSSE DIANNE L
16-078302 RICHARDS KEITH
Geauga County Maple Leaf
23-386218 KOCHEFF JOSEPH
23-386219 KOCHEFF JOSEPH
23-386220 KOCHEFF JOSEPH
25-PARKMAN TWP-CARDINAL LSD
25-000900 DENNIS KRISTOFER & JENNIFER
25-004650 KELLY STEPHEN M & DEBORAH
25-026921 DHAWAN DINESH
25-028700 BURKHOLDER ALLEN D & CHRISTINA M $1,630.80
25-062200 GREENE CARL W
25-066000 RANDOL JANET M & JACK L $459.43
25-069450 ELLIS RONALD J
25-070340 PATTON JOHN S & PATRICIA H CO TRUSTEES $33.42
25-070600 BYLER SIMON M & LIZZIE R
25-071100 WEAVER ROBERT A & VIOLA A $4,554.92
25-105400 SOLTIS JAMES S $1,172.90
25-110800 BROWNFIELD ERIKA & TILLINGER SHANNON & KRAVA VINCENT
25-147539 HERSHBERGER ENOS & LAURA M $229.84
25-188979 PATTON JOHN S SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE $3,604.82
25-190042 MILLER FREEMAN M & KATHY & ROBERT F & LEONA J $10.48
25-190057 SCHMUCKER LESTER A KATHRYN A $1,604.70
25-190062 HERSHBERGER ELLEN J TRUSTEE $3,539.32
25-190105 WEAVER CHESTER C & AMANDA D $1,888.29
25-190187 FISHER MARTY N & IDA MAE U $1,149.57
25-190418 SCHMUCKER LESTER A & KATHRYN A $1,375.56
26-RUSSELL TWP-W GEAUGA LSD
26-000400 ADAMS KENNETH J TOD $39.18
26-006300 LEVENTHAL MARLEEN TRUSTEE
26-020900 BROWN GLENDA S TRUSTEE
26-033100 HOJDAROVA ROSE MARIE TRUSTEE
26-038000 DANICIC ARDIS TOD & ARDIS A TOD
26-042700 BRODY EFRAIM
26-045900 PACIOREK ANTHONY & URONIS CHRISTINE G $483.44
26-046300 PACIOREK ANTHONY & URONIS CHRISTINE
26-066400 HUMMER PAVING COMPANY
26-071400 HOLLIS RANDALL R TRUSTEE
26-072100 HOLLIS RANDALL R TRUSTEE
26-072200 HOLLIS RANDALL R TRUSTEE
26-084500 PASSALAQUA DANIEL & HOLLY
26-098100 USA REAL ESTATE DELP GROUP CO LLC
WOODWARD
WOODWARD
26-123700 WOODWARD BLAIRE E & AMY
26-132300 BRUSSEE PHILIP G TRUSTEE
26-147100 VARGA DORIS V
26-164700 MENDLOVIC LADISLAV & NATA $377.56
26-195791 BLUE MOON STABLES LLC
26-200100 SUGLIA KATHERINE S TRUSTEE
26-213846 PASSALAQUA DANIEL & HOLLY $54.00
26-213859 KAPPUS DAVID & ELIN $3,459.36
26-214047 SPISAK MICHAEL TOD $12.18
26-214049 SPISAK MICHAEL TOD $369.96
26-214213 IBOSH RICHARD J & LUCIA J TRUSTEES $874.94
26-214302 WINDFOLA LLC $7,464.98
27-HUNTING VALLEY VILL-W G LS
27-003920 MAKESH JOSHUA $10,924.38
28-RUSSELL TWP-CHAGRIN FALLS E
28-008600 RICHARD SARAH A $4.76
28-012900 O DONNELL ROBERT P & MORGAN N $4,345.52
28-018400 BAGLEY MARY KATHRYN $28.34
28-018800 TOPALIAN JENNIFER A & TIMOTHY $10,425.77
29-S RUSSELL VILL-CHAGRIN F EV
29-011550 BUCKEY DAVID A $4,521.32
DELINQUENT VACANT LAND TAX NOTICE
02-214300 SAYLES ANGELA MARIE
02-214400 SAYLES ANGELA MARIE
02-214500 SAYLES ANGELA MARIE
02-214600 SAYLES ANGELA MARIE
LIPFORD ISAAC
02-219900 LIPFORD ISAAC
02-220000 LIPFORD ISAAC
02-220100 LIPFORD ISAAC
02-220200 LIPFORD ISAAC
02-224510 LOVETT VERONICA & MITCHELL
02-224520 LOVETT VERONICA & MITCHELL
02-224530 LOVETT VERONICA & MITCHELL
02-224540 LOVETT VERONICA & MITCHELL
02-224550 LOVETT VERONICA & MITCHELL
02-224560 LOVETT VERONICA & MITCHELL
02-227600 LYNCH ALFRIEDA
02-227700 LYNCH ALFRIEDA
02-227800 LYNCH ALFREIDA A
LYNCH ALFREIDA
02-228700 LYNCH ALFREIDA A
02-234450 MARLOWE FREDDY
02-234451 MARLOWE FREDDY
02-254600 MELIN ERIC GEORGE
02-254700 MELIN ERIC GEORGE
02-254800 MELIN ERIC GEORGE
02-263200 NEWBERRY RUFUS
02-263300 NEWBERRY RUFUS
02-263400 NEWBERRY RUFUS
02-263500 NEWBERRY RUFUS
02-263600 NEWBERRY RUFUS
02-263700 NEWBERRY RUFUS
02-278500 EDRI SHIMON
02-278600 EDRI SHIMON
02-278700 EDRI SHIMON
02-278800 EDRI SHIMON
02-278900 EDRI SHIMON
02-285600 MCCOY BARBARA & LATOYA HATCHER ETAL $25.27
02-285700 MCCOY BARBARA & LATOYA HATCHER ETAL $25.27
02-288900 MC LARRY LISA G
02-289000 MC LARRY LISA G $835.32
Geauga County Maple Leaf
23-073100 GLASSCOCK DONALD K
23-073200 GLASSCOCK DONALD K
23-073800 GLASSCOCK DONALD K
23-081500 MAC GEORGE MICHAELE & DUDICH
JACQUELINE & PATRICIA & TOM
23-081700 MAC GEORGE MICHAELE & DUDICH
JACQUELINE & PATRICIA & TOM
23-081701 MAC GEORGE MICHAELE & DUDICH
JACQUELINE & PATRICIA & TOM
23-082400 GLASSCOCK DONALD K
23-097000 CASCONE JAMIE J
23-101000 LEVENTHAL RYAN ALAN
23-102600 SMITH KENT A
23-107800 KOPSIK ROGER
23-107900 KOPSIK ROGER
23-127100 HANGACH PETER M
23-127400 GLASSCOCK DONALD K
23-138600 SHIELDS MATT
23-140100 HORAK BERTHA & GEO
23-142600 RICHARDS ELAINE ANN
23-152700 PAXTON WILLIAM E
23-156900 KASCHUBE EDMUND R
23-157000 KASCHUBE EDMUND R
23-157100 KASCHUBE EDMUND R
23-161400 CASCONE JACKIE M
23-168700 TAYERLE CAROL J
23-175200 RICHARDS KEVIN D
23-180800 BOONE PAMELA S
23-180900 BOONE PAMELA S
23-194400 SORVILLO TRACY L $60.15
23-211200 MC KIRAHAN JAMES JR
23-211300 MC KIRAHAN JAMES R
23-212200 MC NEA ALBERT THOMAS
23-212300 MC NEA ALBERT THOMAS $726.77
23-221900 CASCONE JACKIE M
23-231390 LUFF BEATRICE M & LAWRENCE E $322.74
23-239000 NOLAN ALICE C $550.08
23-243300 BOONE GREGORY
23-243500 BOONE GREGORY
23-243700 BOONE GREGORY
23-244900 OHLRICH MARGARET A $121.26
23-245300 TEMPLE CHRIS
23-248700 PANEK DANIEL J & GENEVIEVE
23-254700 PINZONE BASIL F JR
23-254900 PINZONE BASIL F JR
23-256700 HILSTON BARBARA A
23-258700 KLEM MAUREEN ELIZABETH
23-258800 KLEM MAUREEN ELIZABETH
23-258900 KLEM MAUREEN ELIZABETH
23-259100 LUCAS ALICE C
23-259200 CASCONE JACKIE M
23-259300 PRESSLER MAY F
DELINQUENT MANUFACTURED HOME TAX NOTICE
TITSCHINGER
Legal Notices
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 20-F-000495
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: L. BRYAN CARR CO., LPA, Plaintiff vs. MARILYN A. LAFORGE, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 5th day of December, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 19th day of December, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the City of Chardon to wit:
Situated in the Village of Chardon, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: and known as being part of Lots Nos. 143 and 125 in the Township plat of Chardon and is bounded on the North by land of T.H. Sweeney, on the East by East King Street in said Village; on the south by the road leading from Claridon to Chardon, and on the West by the road leading from Chardon Village to Ravenna, containing 10 acres of land. Recorded in Volume 182, Page 122. Also, another piece of parcel of land described as follows: Situated in the Village of Chardon in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio and known as being part of Lot No. 125 in the Town plat of Chardon, and is bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of a certain tract of land conveyed to S.A. Barker by Richard King, October 5, 1904 (the deed for said tract of land is recorded in Volume 119, Page 79, Geauga County Records of Deeds); Thence along the north line of said tract described as south 69 degrees 00” East 36 feet to a stake; thence Southerly parallel with the west line of said tract described as South 19 degrees 45’ West to stake 11 1/2 feet, North 19 degrees 45’ East from a stone monument marking the interior corner of said land; Thence westerly parallel with the south line of said tract described as 70 degrees 15’ West 36 feet, to the west line thereof; Thence along said west line described North 19 degrees 45’ East 53 1/2 feet to the place of beginning. Containing within said bounds approximately 44/1000 of an acre and all the estate, right, title and interest of the said grantor in and to said premises. (This description is found in Volume 152, Page 574 of Geauga County Records of Deeds, and is the conveyance from S.A. Barker et al., to Richard King on June 12, 1920). Excepting and reserving from the first two parcels above described the following parcels of land, to wit: About 1/2 acre of land deeded by R.V. Walton and wife to Ellen Adams; for a more particular description see Geauga County Records, Volume 70, Page 254 to be the same more or less, it being the same land deeded by Henrietta Grenaux to Simeon L. Chapman, October 27, A.D. 1860. Also a parcel of land deeded by Richard King to S.A. Barker, October 5, 1904 as described in Volume 119, Page 79 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Richard King to Loren Roper, October 5, 1904, as described in Volume 119, Page 75 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Richard King to Stella B. Milgate September 11, 1922, as described in Volume 162, Page 614 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Richard King to Charles Smith, et al, January 13, 1922, as described in Volume 162, Page 248 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Richard King to S.A. Baker, June 12, 1920, as described in Volume 152, Page 598 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded to Mattie King, et al., to H.O. Bostwick as described in Volume 188, Page 253 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; which has since been deeded by the said H.O. Bostwick to R.H, Bostwick and is recorded in Volume 193 at Page 290 of Geauga County Records of Deeds, Also a parcel of land deeded by Mattie King, et al., to S.S. Bostwick as described in volume 195, Page 348 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Mattie King, et al., to R.H. Bostwck as described in Volume 201, Page 77 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Mattie King, et al., to R.H. Bostwick as described in Volume 201, Page 78 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Mattie King, et al., to S.S. Bostwick as described in Volume 201, Page 263 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; Also a parcel of land deeded by Mattie King, et al., to H.K. Bostwick as described in Volume 201, Page 280 of Geauga County Records of Deeds; be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Said Premises Located at: 215 SOUTH STREET, CITY OF CHARDON, OH. Permanent Parcel Number: 10-109200 DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($175,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($116,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio
Brian J. Green, attorney Nov7-14-21, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 23-F-000245
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: NWL COMPANY, LLC, Plaintiff vs. LARRY E. ADAMS, JR., AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF LARRY E. ADAMS, ET AL., Defendants In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 5th day of December, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 19th day of December, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Newbury to wit: Situated in the Township of Newbury in the County of Geauga in the State of Ohio: And known as being a part of Original Newbury Townsip Lot No. 6, Tract No. 1 and bounded and described as follows: Beginning in the center line of Sperry Road (60 feet wide) at its intersection with the center line of Pekin Road (60 feet wide); Thence South 2 degrees 50 minutes 30 seconds West 474.80 feet measured along the center line of Sperry Road to an angle point therein; Thence continuing along said center line of Sperry Road South 4 degrees 33 minutes 30 seconds West a distance of 635.45 feet to the principal place of beginning; Thence South 87 degrees 27 minutes 30 seconds East a distance of 1206.25 feet (passing thru an iron pipe in the Easterly margin of Sperry Road) to an iron pipe on the Westerly line of land now or formerly in the name of Alice A. Mackay and recorded in Vol. 206, Page 70 of Geauga County Deed Records; Thence South 4 degrees 20 minutes 30 seconds West a distance of 180.06 feet to an iron pipe in a Northerly line of land of A. & A. Moten; Thence North 67 degrees 27 minutes 30 seconds West and along Moten’s Northerly line a distance of 1206.93 feet to the center line of Sperry Road (passing thru an iron pin in the Easterly margin thereof); Thence North 4 degrees 33 minutes 30 seconds East and along the center line of Sperry Road 180.12 feet to the principal place of beginning, former conveyance of this parcel recorded in Vol. 243, Page 137 of Geauga County Deed Records, as surveyed and described by S. John Sheahan, Professional Surveyor No. 4795 in April, 1967, and containing 4.973 acres of land, parcel No. 23-001600.
Said Premises Located at: 14399 SPERRY ROAD, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 23-001600
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($225,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($150,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser
may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio
Brandon W. Ellis, attorney Nov7-14-21, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 24-F-000276
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR DEEPHAVEN RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE TRUST 2020-2, Plaintiff vs. DANIEL G. MARTIN, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 5th day of December, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 19th day of December, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Huntsburg to wit:
Situated in the Township of Huntsburg, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: Known as being part of Lot No. 61, of said Huntsburg Township and is further bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a nail found in an iron pipe monument found at the intersection of the centerline of Stillwell Road and Princeton Road; Thence South 89° 20’ 40” West along Stillwell Road centerline a distance of 382.40 feet to a point; Thence North 0° 10’ 20” West a distance of 345.00 feet to an iron pin set; Thence North 89° 20’ 00” East, a distance of 384.82 feet to a point in the centerline of Princeton Road, passing through an iron pin set 30 feet therefrom; Thence South 0° 48’ 40” West along Princeton Road, centerline a distance of 98.99 feet to an angle point in said centerline; Thence continuing along Princeton Road centerline South 0° 0’ 13” East a distance of 246.12 feet to the place of beginning and containing 3.0345 acres of land, as surveyed and described by James M. Peter, P.S. 6420 in March 1995.
Bearings shown herein are to an assumed meridian and are used to denote angles only, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Prior Deed Reference No.: Book OR 1954, Page Number 117 and Instrument Number 201300862102.
Said Premises Located at: 12030 PRINCETON ROAD, HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 16-078295
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($490,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($326,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Austin R. Decker, attorney Nov7-14-21, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 24-F-000415
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff vs. AMY K. TIMM, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 5th day of December, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 19th day
of December, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Chester to wit: Situated in the Township of Chester, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: And known as being part of Lot No. 24, Tract 1 in said Township and bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at the point of intersection of the centerline of Caves Road with the centerline of Mulberry Road; thence from said place of beginning South 87° 15’ East along the centerline of Mulberry Road, 204.96 feet to a point; thence South 1° 21’ 45” West 541.69 feet to a point; thence North 76° 41’ 55” West 209.44 feet to a point in the centerline of Caves Road; thence North 1° 21’ 45” East along the centerline of Caves Road 500.00 feet to the place of beginning. Containing 2.435 acres of land, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Deed Reference Number: dated March 19, 2002, filed March 20, 2002, recorded as Official Records Volume 1463, Page 418, Geauga County, Ohio Records
Said Premises Located at: 7821 MULBERRY ROAD, CHESTER TOWNSHIP, OH. Permanent Parcel Number: 11-344600
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover. Said Premises appraised at ($460,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($306,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Donald Brett Bryson, attorney Nov7-14-21, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
AQUA OHIO, INC., NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO ASSESS A SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT CHARGE BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF OHIO
Rate Group 2: Former Aqua Ohio Lake Erie East, Masury, former Mohawk Util., former Seneca Util., former Norlick Place Water Company, Auburn Lakes Condominium Development, The Woods of Auburn Lakes Condominium Development, and the Auburn Crossing Condominium Development Public notice is hereby given that on September 24, 2024, Aqua Ohio, Inc. filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio an Application for Authority to Assess a System Improvement Charge in the following districts in Rate Group 2: formerly served by Aqua Ohio Lake Erie East, Masury, former Mohawk Util., former Seneca Util., former Norlick Place Water Company, Auburn Lakes Condominium Development, The Woods of Auburn Lakes Condominium Development, and the Auburn Crossing Condominium Development The case number of the proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is 24-0910-WWSIC.
A copy of the application is available for inspection at the office of Aqua Ohio, Inc., located at 6650 South Avenue, Boardman, Ohio 44512. Additionally, a copy of said application is available for inspection at the offices of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio located at 180 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The filing may also be viewed online at the Commission’s docketing department website www.ohio.gov/puco/docketing/index.cfm. In its application, the Company seeks to avail itself of the authority set forth in Ohio Revised Code section 4909.172 to assess a monthly system improvement charge on all unmetered, metered and fire service customers. The purpose of seeking authority to assess and collect a SIC is to fund the replacement and rehabilitation of infrastructure including aging water mains and plant that are crucial to service reliability and water quality. Improvements totaling $28 million have been made since the last rate increase or system improvement charge approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The application, if granted in full, will result in an additional $2.30 per month for an average residential customer using 4,000
gallons of water per month in service areas in Rate Group 2 including the former Aqua Ohio Lake Erie East, Masury, former Mohawk Util., and the former Norlick Place Water Company. For unmetered customers in the former Seneca Util. and Auburn Lakes Condominium Development, The Woods of Auburn Lakes Condominium Development, and the Auburn Crossing Condominium Development it will result in an additional $2.18 per month. The proposed surcharge would equal four and one quarter (4.25) percent of the rates and charges applicable to the class and for the tariff in effect on the date the application was filed. Customers can contact the applicant toll-free at 877.987.2782 with any questions concerning the application.
Any person, firm, corporation, or association may file comments regarding the proposed application with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Any comments must be filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio by December 16, 2024. Nov7-14, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
Case No. 24-M-000464 - Linda S. Ferry nka
Linda Morris, et al., Plaintiffs vs. Pure Performance Group of NJ, Inc. dba The Loan Center, Defendant.
Pure Performance Group of NJ, Inc. dba The Loan Center, whose last known address is 550 Durie Avenue, Suite #205, Closter, NJ 07624, and whose current address is unknown and cannot with the exercise of reasonable diligence be ascertained, and upon whom service of summons cannot be had, will take notice that you have been named as the Defendant in a Complaint to Quiet Title filed on July 18, 2024 in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, captioned as Linda S. Ferry nka Linda Morris, et al. v. Pure Performance Group of NJ, Inc. dba The Loan Center, Case No. 24M-000464, by which Plaintiffs are praying for judgment quieting title for property located at 14857 Thompson Avenue, Middlefield, OH 44062 (Parcel No. 19-025380). You will further take notice that you are required to answer the Complaint to Quiet Title within 28 days of last publication. The last publication date will be December 5, 2024. If you do not answer the Complaint, a judgment may be granted against you for the relief demanded.
By Michael Drain, Attorney for Plaintiff, 147 Bell Street, Suite #202, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. (440) 247-3380. mdrain@ mdrainlaw.com
Oct31 Nov7-14-21-28 Dec5, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Village of Burton
A Village of Burton Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the Village Hall Bldg. Both Boards will review a variance request from Mr. Paul D. Demko, 13483 Kinsman Road for construction of 1 story individual family homes, one-two and three bedrooms.
The Geauga County Airport Authority is requesting proposals for snowplowing for two or three years encompassing the 2024-2026 or 2024-2027 seasons. Proposals must include a current equipment list, proof of insurance and worker’s compensation coverage. Bids will be taken until 11:00 am on Friday, November 30, 2024. Diagram and specifications are available on request at 440-632-1884 or may be picked up at the Pilot Lounge at 15421 Old State Road, Middlefield, OH 44062 Main office door of Building 3. Airport management will notify contractor when to plow. Prices should be quoted according to specifications per push for a 2-year proposal and an alternate for a threeyear season.
Richard Blamer, Airport Manager Nov14-21, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Village of Burton
The Village of Burton Council and Board of Public Affairs will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers located at 14588 West Park Street, Burton, Ohio to discuss water and sewer rate increase legislation.
Jennell Dahlhausen, Fiscal Officer Nov14, 2024
tice of its intent to file an application for financial assistance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development for construction/ purchase of a new fire station facility. This notice is published in accordance with Rural Development regulations. The proposed project involves the construction of a new fire station to serve the residence of Hambden Township and the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department. A copy of the application to USDA Rural Development is available for review at the following location by appointment:
Hambden Volunteer Fire Department 9867 Old State Road
Chardon Ohio 44024
Questions regarding this application, or appointments to review said application should be directed to Chief Scott Hildenbrand or Capt. David Baird at 440-285-3329. Nov14, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
City of Chardon
The City of Chardon Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the applications described below on Tuesday November 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Center, 111 Water St, Chardon OH 44024. The meeting is subject to adjournment or recess to a later date without another Notice of Public Hearing
PC Case #24-265/266/267/268: Applicant – James Sabatine Jr. (Cardinal Realty) is requesting Final Development Plan approval and Architectural Review for a new commercial building at the site of the former Burger King Restaurant. The proposed new building is for a Chipotle restaurant. Additionally, they are requesting a Conditional Use approval for a drive-thru in the “C-3” Traditional Commercial District under Section 1139.03 of the City of Chardon Codified Ordinances. They are requesting two (2) variances: 1) Variance to Schedule 1139.05(b)(2)B to reduce the side parking setback from 10’ to 5’ for 6 parking spaces along the east property line 2) Variance to Section 1151.23(e) to reduce the setback for parking lots adjacent to buildings from 10’ to 6’. The property is located on the north side of Water Street approximately 350’ west of the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street. The address of the property is 414 Water Street, Chardon, OH 44024, with Parcel ID# 10-164748. The property is owned by Cardinal Realty LLC.
Steven M. Yaney
Community Development Administrator Nov14, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
City of Chardon
The City of Chardon Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the applications described below on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Center, 111 Water St, Chardon OH 44024. The meeting is subject to adjournment or recess to a later date without another Notice of Public Hearing.
PC Case #24-276: Janet Phillips is requesting a variance from the Planned Unit Development Plan for Fox Pointe subdivision to allow the construction of a 12’ x 14’ residential addition (enclosed porch) that encroaches the rear yard setback. The applicant is requesting to reduce the rear yard setback from 20’ to 16’ on the north side of the property. Approximately 14 sq. ft. encroaches the rear yard setback. The property is located on the north side of Fox Pointe Drive at the terminus of the cul-desac. The property is owned by Janet Phillips Trustee. The address of the property 210 Fox Pointe Drive, Chardon, OH 44024, with Parcel ID# 10-165570.
Steven M. Yaney
Community Development Administrator Nov14, 2024
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON MOTION PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CHESTER TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION
O.R.C. SECTION 519.12 (D)
Notice is hereby given that the Chester Township Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on a motion which is an amendment, identified as number ZC-2024-7 (attached garages) to the Chester Township Zoning Resolution at the Chester Town Hall located at 12701 Chillicothe Road, at 7:00 p.m. on November 25, 2024.
The motion proposing to amend the Zoning Resolution will be available for public examination at the Chester Town Hall during regular office hours and available on the Chester Township website from October 31, 2024 to the end of all public hearings.
After the conclusion of the public hearing, the matter will be submitted to the board of township trustees for its action.
Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Nov. 8 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
AUBURN TOWNSHIP
Juliana Kachmarik (trustee), 10785 Robert Lane, to Jason and Adrienne Billings, $608,000. (2.09 acres)
E. Ellen Meyers (trustee), Taylor May Road, to George Campopiano (trustee), $525,000. (23.44 acres)
BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP
Robert Coppenhaver, 8725 Chase Drive, to Vincent J. and Alexis Penkala, $810,000. (2.38 acres)
Alexis Renee Macias, 8167 Stoney Brook Drive, to Lara and Richard Wilson, $322,000. (0.00 acres)
Dustin P. and Erin A. Cornell, 18029 Millstone Road, to Jared Wilson, $315,000. (1.13 acres)
BURTON TOWNSHIP
Andrea Pollock, Fisher Road, to David M. and Marion S. Miller, $172,500. (10.30 acres)
CHARDON CITY
FLG Chardon LLC, 161 High Fox Drive, to NVR Inc., $90,000. (0.17 acres)
FLG Chardon LLC, 231 High Fox Drive, to NVR Inc., $90,000. (0.17 acres)
NVR Inc., 261 High Fox Drive, to Maribeth Noelle and Dennis James Linsky, $459,800. (0.26 acres)
NVR Inc., 212 High Fox Drive, to Emily Susan and Nicholas Joseph Gallo, $405,600. (0.17 acres)
Cody and Kathryn Pike, 415 Chardon Ave., to Adam N. and Dakotah H. Kruse, $460,000. (0.66 acres)
Beverly E. Gellings, 210 Downing Drive, to Brennan J. Martens, $263,000. (0.52 acres)
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Donald R. Trask (TOD), 13355 Foxmoor Trail, to Daniel R. and Amanda N. Eiermann, $640,000. (3.00 acres)
Brooke Mackenzie Morr and Jacob W. Westerfield, 11545 Rust Drive, to Alek Allen, $330,000. (5.00 acres)
Aharon S. Tisch and Brittany N. Sanders, 11872 Meadow Ridge Drive, to Jillian N. and Zachary A. Coleman, $250,000. (1.52 acres)
HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP
American Asset Management Corporation, 16476 Mayfield Road, to Matthew and Michelle Hickey, $262,000. (1.25 acres)
Raymond J. and Mary A. Slabaugh, and Martin W. and Martha Byler, Burton Windsor Road, to Jaws Lumber LLC, $114,800. (6.37 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP
James A. and Ruth M. Skinner, 14465 Old State Road, to Jonathan H. and Lydia L. Kuhns, $175,000. (2.55 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE
Robert E. Novak, Roger A. Novak, Linda M. Grossmyer, and Sandra L. Ziemak, 14871 Lantern Court, to Jacob P. and Caroline Hoover, $250,000. (0.29 acres)
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
Daniel R. and Amanda N. Eiermann (TOD), 12344 Rockhaven Road, to Anthony J. and Mary A. Mulka, $305,000. (3.44 acres)
Francis M. Payne III and Anne Trivisonno (trustees), Mulberry Road, to Andrew H. and Kristen S. Henry, $250,000. (6.05 acres)
Michael J. and Karen M. Rayl, 10625 Butternut Road, to Abigail Lynne and Matthew Baker, $490,000. (4.80 acres)
NEWBURY TOWNSHIP
David L. and Suzanne I. Diles, 13960 Ravenna Road, to Mark S. and Janelle L. Farrell, $800,000. (7.75 acres)
John M. Sorboro (trustee), 10665 Music St., to Tara and Douglas Glasgow, $1,449,000. (10.61 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
Kimberly Anne Shefelton, 13716 Cuyahoga Trail, to Adam T. Carothers, $246,000. (2.23 acres)
Nicole Cesa, 8739 Pekin Road, to Andrew Gregory and Deserae Tae Schelske, $492,000. (6.12 acres)
THOMPSON TOWNSHIP
Mark H. Burr (successor trustee), 17729 Rock Creek Road, to Ted A. Hines, $102,000. (3.21 acres)
Daniel J. and Jessica L. Larosa, 7247 Clay St., to Jacob M. and Megan K. Schafer, $510,000. (60.52 acres)
TROY TOWNSHIP
William A. Urbanowicz and Susan U. Manion (trustees), 15100 Nash Road, to Susan U. Manion, Elmer W. Byler, and Wayne M. Byler, $625,100. (109.81 acres)
Susan U. Manion, Elmer W. Byler, and Wayne M. Byler, 15100 Nash Road, to Elmer W. Byler, Marvin W. Byler, and Wayne M. Byler, $625,100. (109.81 acres)
Classifieds
AUTOS & PARTS
Wanted: classic or muscle car/truck, any year, or condition. 440-590-0193.
2008 Nissan Xterra: Nice, MUST SEE, 134k, Winter Ready, Well Maintained. Also, 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster: 10k, Great Shape. MAKE OFFERS 330-858-3213.
FOR RENT
Chardon: small, cozy house, 2BR, 1BA, upstairs, attached utility room and single car garage, oil heat, rural setting. $1,100/mo. 440-286-3840.
EVENTS
FOR SALE
Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.
Kenmore Dry Dehumidifier, 70-pints, $75. Craftsman 10-inch compound miter saw, $25. Craftsman electric hedge trimmer, 25-inch blade, $25. Troybilt 5550-watts, portable gas generator, like new, $350. 440-834-1753.
FIREWOOD for sale: $150 per cord. 440-338-5201.
Bicycle: Classic English Racer 25.5” frame by famed English frame builder Colin Laing, Campy equipped with Campy tools, 1960’s vintage, like-new condition, really!!! $600. 440-548-2414.
CAMERAS: Praktisx, Minolta, Nikon, Polaroid One Step. Electric log splitter, copper kettles, many aquariums, clocks, kerosene lamps, pottery jugs. Inquire 440-338-3563.
Warehouse flat bed push cart: wood/metal on wheels, perfect for coffee table, dog bed, or stack them, 4 available, $185/ea, 440-668-8768 or SLW4134@att.net, pictures available.
Benelli Super Black Eagle 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, 26” barrel, EC, $1,400. 440-564-1172.
Moving Sale: Single bed spring mattress, $100. (2) Recliners, $50/each. (2) Kirby sweepers, $20/each. Weight bench, weights, curl bar, $60. Swing glider, $50. 440-313-1413.
Sales Person needed for Hardwood Furniture Manufacturer. We are a small family owned business in Holmes County, Ohio looking for a motivated, friendly, enthusiastic salesperson to reach out to retail furniture stores in the United States. Job will include traveling to furniture stores across the US, going to trade shows, and doing sales training. All hotels and travel expense will be paid by our company. Pay will be based on commission. If you are interested, give us a call at 330-473-5497.
PETS & ANIMALS
Kunekune piglets for sale. Born 7/25. AKKPS registered. Boars and gilts. Call or text 440-223-9023.
MISCELLANEOUS
ORDER your HOME GROWN TURKEY today! $3.75/# dressed wgt; $3.50/# drumsticks; $5.28/# ground. Processing dates: 11/25, 12/9, 12/23. Call 440-3635591. Durkee Rd, Huntsburg.
FREE fact: smart voters in Florida and the Dakotas! They rejected recreational marijuana!!!
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
SERVICES
Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.
Ballet Classes now available in Huntsburg! For class schedule and sign-up, contact Olivia Hoffman at 440728-6875 or info@asyouwishstudios.com.
Albert’s Complete Tree Service: 45+yrs experience! Competent in all aspects of Arboriculture, Forestry and Land Clearing. Also, Firewood, Excavation and Sewer Work. Free Estimates. 440-687-5404.
ALL Season Tree and Landscape LLC: Tree trimming, small removals. Fall clean ups. Yard waste, trash removal, storm clean up. Gutter cleaning, window cleaning, mulching, etc. Call Mitchal for your next exterior project; you will not regret it. Quality work for a fraction of the competition!!! SENIOR, VETERAN, FIRST RESPONDER DISCOUNTS. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE. 440-622-2049.
The Geauga County Engineer’s Office, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), is proposing to realign the Bainbridge Road (County Highway 11) intersection at Washington Street (County Highway 606) in Auburn Township and installation of traffic signals at the proposed intersection.
The existing Bainbridge Road intersection at Washington Street is skewed and will be realigned to a perpendicular T-intersection, adding a left turn land for westbound traffic and installing a warranted traffic signal. Additional work includes improving roadway approaches and minor drainage work.
Right-of-way acquisition is not expected for the project. Construction is estimated to begin in July 2025 and take 4 months to complete.
The proposed realignment operations will require a temporary closure of Bainbridge Road at the intersection for an estimated duration of 120 days. Traffic will be detoured utilizing Chillicothe Road (SR 306). Detour information will be posted in advance of the road closure.
The project will not result in any substantial impacts to environmental resources. The Geauga County Engineer’s Office is requesting that any comments you may have regarding the proposed project and/or environmental impacts be submitted by December 2, 2024, to:
Jacob Scotese, P.E.
Deputy Engineer
Phone: (440) 279-1800
Email: jscotese@geauga.oh.gov
For further project information go to the Geauga County Engineer website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer.org/
