Thursday, November 28, Vol. 30 No. 48 • Chardon, www.geaugamapleleaf.com
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Flare Lit In Walmart Possible Accident
Staff RepoRt
A flare set off inside the Char don Walmart Nov. 22 may have been discharged by accident, Char don Police Chief Scott Niehus said in an interview Nov. 25.
A flare was lit inside the Mead owlands Drive supercenter around 5 p.m. Friday, the Chardon Fire De partment wrote in a Facebook post. While one person was burned, no hospital transportation was neces sary. Niehus later confirmed the injury to be minor.
The chief said police were dis patched at 5:02 p.m and arrived on scene shortly after.
“We believe it was accidental, but this is still under investigation,” he said, noting Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office will still need to review the case with the potential for criminal charges, but currently, there are none.
“When (the flare) discharged, it created a large flash and then it was
Accessible Legion Fund Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony
By RoSe NemuNaitiS editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
The Accessible Legion Fund celebrated the groundbreaking of their elevator installation, a
ican Legion Post 459 in Burton handicapped accessible.
“This is an extraordinary day in the history of this post, which was made possible only by the generosity of many that are here to
In December 2023, Burton business owner Jim Vinecourt and his wife, Jill, had an idea to make the legion hall more accessible to its older and disabled veterans. He opened a nonprofit Acces
Classroom Construction Costs Eat into General Fund
By aNN WiShaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com
Construction started on the Berkshire Schools’ early childhood education center Nov. 22 despite a funding glitch.
Voters decided not to pass a permanent improvement renewal levy Nov. 5, which means payments for the $2.3 million dollar modular structure will have to come out of the district’s general fund, said Treasurer Beth McCaffrey at the Nov. 18 Berkshire Schools Board of Education meeting.
“The PI levy would have gen erated $439,000. Those costs will now need to be absorbed by the general fund,” she said during the presentation of her five-year fore cast.
The levy, which has been re-
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: Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners, regular session. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.
Auburn Township: Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.
Burton Township: Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chardon Township: Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chester Township: Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Claridon Township: Dec. 2, 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: Dec. 2, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission; Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.
Huntsburg Township: Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.
Montville Township: Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.
Newbury Township: Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.
Parkman Township: Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Dec. 5, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Thompson Township: Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, at Thompson Community Center at the Thompson Square, 6741 Madison Road.
Troy Township: Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission, regular meeting. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.
South Russell Village: Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m., Architectural Board of Review. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. West Geauga BOE: Dec. 2, 6 p.m., special meeting to discuss possible construction of a new 6-12 school building and field house and renovations of the middle school in accordance with the Master Facilities Plan and bond levy. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
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Ruby Ellen Keene
Ruby Ellen (nee Jarrett) Keene, 88, of Aurora , went to rest in the arms of the Lord on Nov. 19, 2024.
She was born April 10, 1936, in Lackie, W. Va., a daughter of the late Jacob and Cloie (nee Martin) Jarrett.
Ruby Ellen was a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Community Church, Chesterland.
She was a devoted wife and homemaker who loved her children.
She also worked a number of years at the Heather Hill Nursing Home in Chardon.
Ruby Ellen is survived by her son Norm (wife Dee) Keene, of Aurora; daughter-in-law, Renee Keene, of Hiram; brother Alvin (wife Mary) Jarrett, Georgia; sister Lois Clark, of Indiana; brother Rollin Jarrett, of Ohio; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Jarrett, of Ohio; grandchildren, April and Adam Keene, Jennifer (Keene) Malone and Ronald Keene Jr.; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Sophia and Jackson, Conner, and Max; and many extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Burie E. Keene, on Oct. 24, 2013; son Ronald Ryan Keene, on Jan. 22, 2022; parents, Jacob and Cloie Jarrett; and sisters Geneva, Fern, Melba, Juanita and Doris; and brothers Charles, Daniel and Roger.
Calling hours will be Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, from 2-4 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
A graveside service was held Nov. 25, 2024, at Hambden Township Cemetery, 9891 Old State Road.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Junior R. Bright
Junior R. Bright, age 80, of Hambden Township, peaceful ly passed away sur rounded by his loving family at his home on Nov. 21, 2024.
Born Nov. 26, 1943, in Webster Springs, W. Va., to Homer and Estella (nee Bender) Bright, he moved to the area with his family when he was 16 years old.
Junior was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting and fishing. The lights of his life were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Junior is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Phyllis (nee Anderson) Bright; sons, Kelly Bright, of Chardon, and Doug (Jen Tomaschewski) Bright, of Chardon; grandchildren, Gabi Bright, of Chardon, Erik (Megan) Bright, of Thompson Township, Evan (Syd) Bright, of Thompson, Austin (Hannah) Tomaschewsli, of Leroy Township, Gracie Bright, of Chardon, Kaitlyn Tomaschewski, of Chardon, Ella Rae Bright and Ryan Bowers, of Madison, Blake and Bella Bright, of Chardon, and Colton Larosa, of Thompson; and great-granddaughter, Oaklynn.
He also leaves his sisters Stacy (Barry) Shaffer, of Pierpont, Nancy (Walter) Bender, of Canton, Donna Earls and Betty Shreave, both of New Lime; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Joan Stevenson, Garnet Shreve; and brother, Larry “Buck” Bright.
Visitation and funeral services were held Nov. 26, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Burial followed at Hambden Township Cemetery.
The family suggests donations to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 441410-2602, or www.hospicewr.org; or VFW Post #6519, 752 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com. Notices should be sent in writing to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 44024-5166 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com.
Lorene M. Moore Parsons
Lorene M. (nee Eging) Moore Parsons, of Concord Township, peacefully passed away Nov. 18, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born Nov. 10, 1927, in Claridon Township,to Alfred and Lenna (nee Randles) Eging. She was a longtime area resident, graduating from Chardon High School in 1946.
Lorene lived a full life, living on her own until the age of 97. She was a homemaker, worked at National Acme and an active member of Eastern Star Ruby Chapter.
She enjoyed playing cards, square dancing, teaching line dancing with her retired friends in Florida, relaxing and fishing at her cabin in Canada and traveling.
Lorene was a big fan of the Cleveland Guardians, often discussing the game with her niece Connie.
She was a dedicated Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma, never forgetting a birthday. She loved to spend time with her family and friends.
Lorene will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and love she shared with everyone around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will be cherished by all
Berkshire
from page 1
northeast corner of the school campus in Burton Township.
The additional space is needed to educate preschool and kindergarten students, many of whom have special needs.
In March, Stoddard said the facility would save the district $27,000 to $37,000 per Berkshire child. Berkshire could also take in students with special needs from other districts, he said, estimating the income could cover most of the building’s cost.
Using the facility for before- and after-school childcare could also yield additional funds for the project, Stoddard has said.
“A school district has limited options to increase revenue. There aren’t many ways to bring in revenue when you are a public school,” he said Nov. 18. “Beth and I are always working on ways to cut expenditures.”
Many of Berkshire’s preschool and kindergarten students with special needs are educated at a variety of sites coordinated by the Educational Services Center of the Western Reserve at a significant cost to the district, Stoddard previously said during a special public meeting Feb. 26.
At that meeting, he said the cost of the modular structure would be about $1.5 million, with other construction requirements such as concrete work, plumbing, site improvement, the contractor costs, contents and contingency adding up to about $800,000.
Stoddard said the annual cost to outsource 33 preschool and kindergarten students with special needs is more than $1 million.
“It costs more to send those kids away than to run our own program,” he said last Monday.
In other meetings, the administration has
who knew her.
Lorene is survived by her sons, Gregory (Kim) Moore and Gayland (Marilyn) Moore; grandchildren, Dennis Moore, Brandon Moore, Caden (Becca) Moore, Kara Cloonan, Deana (Tom) Ross, Renee (Lonnie) Mathews, Scott (Staci) Redford; 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Dennis Moore and Bernard Parsons; stepdaughter, Sandy Parsons Redford; grandson Justin Moore; granddaughter-in-law, Becca Moore; and brothers, Norm Eging and Ray Eging.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at 11 a.m., at East Claridon Cemetery on state Route 608. At 12 noon, a gathering to receive family and friends will be held at St Mary Church Banquet Hall, 401 North St, Chardon.
The family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, www.donate.cancer.org; St Jude Children's Hospital, www. stjude.org; or a Veterans organization of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
noted the number of preschool and kindergarten students enrolled at Berkshire has increased dramatically.
In her five-year forecast, McCaffrey said in fiscal years 2025-2029, the district will see an increase in salaries due to the creation of two new administrative positions, seven new teaching positions and 13 additional aides for high-need students, as well as salary increases associated with negotiated agreements.
However, she noted the cost uptick for teachers and aides in preschool will be offset by the reduction in purchased services from ESCWR.
In the Dec. 13, 2023, meeting, Stoddard said when the district applied for funding from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to build the new all-grade school on more than 20 acres of the Kent State University – Geauga campus, the plans had to be based on Berkshire’s enrollment over the previous 10 years.
However, the number of students with special needs has increased and if the district is going to accommodate kindergarten and preschool students on campus, more space is needed, he said.
The cost of the new building spread out over 10 years would be $289,868 per year, Stoddard said last March, adding teacher and aide costs would be under $700,000 per year. Adding those together, the cost of building and operating the early education center program will be about $981,270 annually for the first 10 years. After that, the primary cost for the program would be $691,402 per year, Stoddard said.
Construction was expected to begin in the summer, but was delayed due to unavailable equipment. If the center is completed by January, classes for the youngest Berkshire students could begin in 2025.
Klein Talks Curriculum Process, Considerations
By alliSoN WilSoN WilSoN@kaRlovecmedia com
Assistant Superintendent Ed Klein presented a five-year overview of the district’s curriculum, including how it aligns with standards and addresses deficiencies, during the Nov. 18 Chardon Schools Board of Education meeting.
“Curriculum is what we teach, the materials are what we use to teach, just to separate those two pieces right there,” Klein explained. “So, when we have questions about our curriculum, we’re asking questions about what is it that we’re teaching. Our curriculum materials are the tools we’re using for that.”
The district specifically looks at the area of work, alignment with standards, course of study, and what the materials acquisition and implementation would look like, he said.
Staff go through three different “sets.” The first is pre-adoption, where they look at student standards and national standards, as well as research on teaching methods, he said, adding deficiencies are examined, as well as how current materials are supporting work.
The second set is adoption of curriculum
where materials are adopted, implemented and further reviewed, Klein said.
The district is currently looking at the curriculum for kindergarten through third-grade
science and social studies and the board previously approved curriculum for kindergarten-through-grade-12 world language.
“There will be other classes that we’re looking at both for the high school and middle school level. We’re looking at a number of different electives,” he said.
Math for all grade levels will be looked at next year and the following year, the district will review social studies for all grade levels, as well as science for grades four through 12, he said.
Board member Andrea Clark asked if there were any concerns for the future, in the event the district ran into a cash deficit.
“Yes, I have concerns and I don’t mean that flippantly when I say that,” Klein replied. “We do look at our materials and see if we had to freeze our funding again, what would be the ripple effects there.”
Online resources are a concern, he said.
“We don’t have a library, if you will, of textbooks, where we can say, ‘Okay, we just don’t buy new textbooks, we’re gonna use these books for the next five years,’” he said.
“We’d have to renew in some way. And yet, at the same time, I’m confident that with the
staff, we’d be able to use time to continue to build our program into what we’d need to have and expect to have.”
Board member Todd Albright asked Klein about objectives intended to move the school up in state rankings.
“We want to continue to look at what the gold standards for materials are,” Klein said. “I will acknowledge that the (English Language Arts) program that we use in our K-through-five (classes) is the gold standard. We have schools that are coming and watching what we’re doing.”
The district can also make mid-course corrections should a program not be working, he added.
“We stay with the major curriculum that we have, but our teachers can then work with our principals and myself and say, ‘Okay, we need an intervention programming,’ or, ‘We have a group of students that we can shore up learning for, we can do individualized work with that.’”
Teachers continue to look at what they’re doing in the classroom and are doing everything they possibly can with the tools they have, Klein said.
Newbury Fire Dept. Receives ‘Record-Breaking’ Calls
By emma macNiveN macNiveN@kaRlovecmedia.com
Since the Newbury Township Fire Department expanded its roster this month, it’s been receiving about three calls per day.
“It’s a record-breaker,” said Fire Chief Ken Fagan. “Last year's record was 792 (calls). We're at 802 so far.”
“You got a month and a half to go,” Trustee Bill Skomrock added.
Legion from page 1
the legion, raising more than $28,000, which started the elevator fund.
They have raised over $183,000 with just $45,000 more to go, according to the legion.
Upon completion of the project, it will provide needed income for the post by allowing it to increase the hall's rental costs as an ADA-compliant venue.
In addition, with the emergency generator, the building could be used as an emergency shelter when the power goes out during wind and ice storms, as it often does in Burton and surrounding areas.
There will still be heat, lights, kitch-
Walmart
from page 1
pretty quickly extinguished,” he said. “I don’t believe it even set the sprinkler system off.”
The flare was discharged in the sporting goods section, he said, adding the person who discharged it had been looking at a distress flare intended for boating.
“I know that they picked it up to look at it and allegedly it went off,” he said. “After this happened, they stuck around, they were cooperative with the officer, very apologetic. I don’t think they anticipated what happened was going to happen.”
The department swore in several new staff members at its newly-expanded fire station Nov. 13.
“I swear, ever since we staffed, we're doing three (calls per) day,” Fagan said. “It's like all the sudden, people knew that we’re there.”
The budget for the fire department renovations was $4.2 million. The total costs came out to $4,187,596, Trustee Greg Tropf said, adding they came in under budget by
en and bathroom facilities and space to set up cots and provide meals if overnight stays are needed for veterans, seniors and families in the community, according to the legion.
“Speaking for the post membership, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Jim and Jill Vinecourt for their vision of making the building’s second floor easily accessible,” Boehnlein said. “They spearheaded the campaign for us with the determination to get it done. (They) saw the vision and got it done.”
The legion also received grant funding from the Gary Sinese Foundation
“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity,” Boehnlein said.
“We are eternally grateful. God bless each and every one of you and God bless America.”
The incident report had no estimates of damage, Niehus said.
“It looks like it was like a distress flare. And it looks like it bounced off the (concrete) floor,” he said. “So, it doesn’t look like it did any substantial damage.”
While Walmart did not have to evacuate or close due to the incident, Niehus warned it could have been worse.
“This could have been a really close call. I mean what occurred there was, you know, obviously very serious,” he said.
The store was relatively busy when the flare was discharged, he added.
“We’re just lucky that nobody was struck by it,” he said.
about $12,000.
Tropf also announced Newbury’s zoning inspector, John Boksansky, recently resigned.
“For anyone that doesn't know, John Boksansky resigned effective last Friday. He is willing to help us out in the transition,” Tropf said.
The trustees are currently conducting interviews, but until they find a replacement, previous Zoning Inspector Mike Joyce would be filling in as interim zoning inspector, he said.
Also during the meeting, trustees passed a motion to upgrade the bathrooms at Oberland Park on Auburn Road.
The upgrade will cost $270,000, but Newbury will receive $100,000 through a capital improvement grant, which will help defray the cost, Skomrock said.
“We'll have a nice restroom and we won't have to worry about these porta potties, which are kind of nasty and disgusting, which nobody likes to use,” he said.
The bathrooms are a part of a self-con-
tained unit and don’t use sewer or water. They will take over the porta potties there now, he said.
There is an eight-month backup with Green Flush Technologies, so Skomrock said he hopes they’ll be done before the car show next summer.
“One of the reasons that we're getting cameras, too, is so that we can find vandals that happen to go in because they vandalize the porta potties,” he said.
Trustee David Lair Jr. said they have installed cameras and said he is working on getting the quoted camera price to come down.
Lair also reported the Newbury Center Cemetery repairs are complete.
“This year, we were able to pave the driveway, we're going to get a restroom. We repurposed the light poles from the fire station …” Skomrock said. “That’s pretty significant — a little bit of progress.”
Tropf added the Veterans Legacy Park has also been repaved and has more lighting.
Chardon BOE Projects 2029 Deficit, Considers Levy
By alliSoN WilSoN WilSoN@kaRlovecmedia com
If projections hold true, Chardon Schools is facing a funding deficit in 2029, prompting officials to discuss options, including placing a levy on the ballot in 2027.
Treasurer Deb Armbruster presented Chardon Schools Board of Education her fiveyear forecast during the regular board meeting Nov. 18.
The forecast, which the board approved, is required by the state and done twice per year — once in May and once in November.
Armbruster collaborates with Superintendent Mike Hanlon, the director of student services and the assistant superintendent of business affairs to capitalize on grants and additional funding in an effort to relieve the general fund, she said, emphasizing the forecast is an estimate based on current information.
“Circumstances in Ohio always change and we have inflation and state funding, tax collections — the forecast makes assumptions concerning numerous variables of property values, supply chain (and) interest rates,” she said
The May 2024 five-year forecast project-
ed an ending cash balance for fiscal year 2024 at $23,406,366 (before open encumbrances).
The actual ending cash balance for June 2024 was slightly more at $23,696,999, according to Armburster’s presentation.
However, revenue is expected to drop in fiscal year 2025, Armbruster said in her report, which showed a projected ending cash balance for fiscal year 2025 at $18,126,779 that continues to trend down, resulting in a deficit of $2,646,648 by year 2029.
“The district would either need to cut its fiscal year 2029 projected expenses by 14.62% or increase revenue by 17.13% in order to balance the budget,” Armbruster said in her report.
Deficit spending almost seems unavoidable, said board member James Midyette.
“My household income, I get a raise every year, you know,” he said. “But, we don’t. We only get a raise when we pass a levy. We don’t get a raise when property values go up.”
Armbruster did note some small increases in revenue from new construction in the community in 2025, as well as some estimated increases in state funding and the transportation budget.
See Chardon • Page 7
SUBMITTED
Treasurer Deb Armbruster’s five-year forecast summary of projected revenue, expenditures and cash balance, as presented Nov. 18 to the Chardon Schools Board of Education.
Revenue is estimated to increase from $39,841,428 in 2026 to $40,537,205 in 2029.
However, the overall downward trend in cash balance is a result of expenditures continuing to outpace revenue, with the forecast showing expenditures jumping from $44,016,223 in 2026 to $47,279,209 in 2029.
When calculating costs, Armbruster took into account increases to the district’s property value that will result in higher taxes. Interest rates are also projected to decrease by the end of the forecast, she said, adding there will be a point when the district will not be able to invest as much as it has.
Student wellness money is declining, as is the reimbursement for special education services, according to the forecast.
Financial Break-Down
Chardon Schools’ two largest revenue sources are property taxes and state funding, Armbruster said, adding real estate property tax accounts for 61.49% of general fund revenue.
While fiscal year 2025 will see a slight drop in real estate property tax on account of 1 mill being moved to the district’s permanent improvement fund, every year after is projected to slightly increase.
Hanlon explained how the district’s current enrollment trends impact its state funding.
“Primarily, we’re on the guarantee because our enrollment continues to go down,” he said, referring to a provision in state funding that guarantees a minimum amount of funding. “We’re being funded by the state at a higher level even though our enrollment is declining and the property valuation is going up.”
Being on a guarantee means the district is guaranteed the same funding they got in 2020, Armbruster said, adding while state funding dropped in 2022, it has been slightly increasing each year since then.
Armbruster also noted a projected increase in health insurance costs was not as high as previously expected.
“We had planned for a 9% health increase and our health increase — health insurance increase — was only 5%,” she said. “So, this opened up some of that budget that we thought we were gonna have to spend on health insurance.”
That added revenue means the transportation compound currently being constructed on Washington Street will be able to be completed in 2026 with $1.3 million being added for its final phase, Armbruster said.
Seventy-one percent of the district’s expenditures is in salary and benefits, she said, noting the percentage is usually much higher.
“We are putting a lot of money from our
general fund in capital outlay,” she said, referring to money slated for capital improvement projects.
The district earmarked $4.1 million in capital outlay for 2025 alone, the treasurer said.
“So, our capital outlay, as you can see, percentage is way up to 15.49% and it drove down our salary expense,” she said, adding once capital outlay is returned to normal, she estimates salary and benefits will return to the usual 77-80%.
In terms of taxpayer savings, athletic/activity and supply fees were reduced in 2023 and the former were eliminated in 2024, with supply fees reduced further.
Between 2023-2025, Armbruster estimated a total savings of $1.3 million.
“This really gives an opportunity for students to join whatever they want and they’re not limited by the constraints of the cost,” she said.
Funding Options
With current financial trends, the board discussed possibly putting a levy on the ballot in 2027.
“If (a levy) passes in ‘27, we won’t collect until ‘28,” board President Karen Blankenship said.
Armbruster said when she presented the forecast to the Fiscal Advisory Committee, solutions such as adding fees back in, cutting programs or potentially moving 1 mill from the permanent improvement fund back to the general fund had been discussed.
“This committee of parents, they went out and talked to all their peers and came back — they didn’t want to do any of those things,” Armbruster said. “They wanted the forecast exactly presented like this because they were well aware that we have need and they were more willing to present the forecast with the probability that we’ll go on the ballot for an operating levy.”
The district takes its responsibility to stretch resources seriously, the treasurer said, noting they have gone without putting a new levy on the ballot for the past nine years — a historic high.
You usually hope to get five to seven years, Blankenship added.
A school district cannot operate in the red, she said.
“So, if we get down to a negative balance or we look like we’re projected to be in a negative balance, we have to make the necessary cuts to balance everything out,” she said.
The district is constantly saving costs, Hanlon said, adding the question is when to start throttling back.
Stalling an operating levy to 2028 could be pushing the district too close to the edge, he said.
GPH Rent Issue Decided
By alliSoN WilSoN WilSoN@kaRlovecmedia com
Following a heated exchange between Geauga County Commissioner Tim Lennon and Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, commissioners decided Geauga Public Health would not have to pay rent for their space in the county office building Nov. 26.
Flaiz had attended the meeting to request commissioners approve hiring attorney Bryan Kostura to advise the Geauga County Board of Health on the rent matter, due to a conflict of interest on his end.
Commissioners have been pursuing a lease agreement with GPH for their space in the building.
Flaiz recalled facilitating a meeting between former Health Commissioner Tom Quade, County Administrator Gerry Morgan and Lennon in January of 2019 to see if they could convince the department to move buildings.
Quade was interested in the move, Flaiz said, adding from his recollection, the county made certain commitments to the health department to get them to move.
“Now that you’re pursuing the health department to try to get them to pay for their space, I feel that if they don’t want to pay for their space, that they could have an argument that they detrimentally relied upon the commitments that were made by you and Gerry in that meeting,” he told Lennon.
Flaiz recalled rent was never mentioned then.
Lennon disagreed.
“This isn’t just about rent,” he said. “This is about just having a (memorandum of understanding) about what’s the footprint of this building, the space in the building.”
Lennon claimed Quade believed he had money within his budget to help with some of the construction costs. While it never came to fruition, he was interested in being part of it and paying for their footprint there.
Flaiz said he didn’t recall that.
“This is about rent,” the prosecutor said. “It’s a lease agreement. And there’s rent in it. And the big sticking point is that you’re trying to take money from the health department.”
Lennon said they aren’t taking money.
“It has been found after months of deliberation by your office … that this health department was separate, that they are a separate agency similar to the park district, that they pay their own way for a lot of different things, that they contribute to the existence of being in this building,” he said.
Since GPH is considered a combined health district, they could be charged rent, but don’t have to be, Flaiz replied.
“They’ve been in this building for what, three years now? You have not charged them rent. Now you’re changing the rules after the fact, trying to charge them rent,” he said.
While that is commissioners’ prerogative, GPH still needs a lawyer to make arguments on their behalf regarding rent.
“I’ve been working for the county for 12 years. This trying to get the health department to pay rent fiasco is probably in the top 20 dumbest things I’ve been involved in.”
– Jim Flaiz
Lennon asked if Flaiz was trying to create an issue and if GPH has an assistant prosecutor.
“My office cannot represent them to review the lease agreement,” Flaiz said. “How can I review a lease agreement when it’s my belief that there were representations made?”
“What were the representations?” Lennon asked.
“That they would be given space in the building,” Flaiz reiterated.
Lennon said the commissioners just wanted overhead covered.
Flaiz replied that’s not what the lease agreement said, noting it charged per square foot.
“I’ve been working for the county for 12 years. This trying to get the health department to pay rent fiasco is probably in the top 20 dumbest things I’ve been involved in,” Flaiz said.
They are taking money from taxpayers’ right pocket and putting it in the left on the same pair of pants, he said.
“Why are we doing all of this for the same group of taxpayers? So you can get another 50 grand a year that you control?” he said. “It’s totally ridiculous.”
Commissioner Jim Dvorak brought up Flaiz’s pocket comment.
“If we charge them an exuberant amount for rent, they’ll have to hit up all the townships and all the political subdivisions to pay the rent,” he said, adding some townships are struggling for money.
They’re spending time and effort moving money between people’s control, wasting money in the process, Flaiz said.
“There’s been a lot of waste of money, a ton in the legal counsel. Lots and lots,” Lennon said.
“There’s a mirror in the bathroom, go look at it, Tim,” Flaiz shot back.
Dvorak said he’d like to see an MOU with the health board, adding it would save everyone time and money to make a motion not to charge GPH rent.
“We wanted them here because it’s the center of Geauga County,” he said, making a motion to allow GPH to use the space rent-free and sign an MOU for building usage and space.
“Always from the very beginning, I always just agreed that — I thought there at least needed to be some type of agreement in place that just states that you’re here,” Lennon said.
Both Lennon and Dvorak voted in favor of the motion. Following further discussion, Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri also voted in favor.
Burton Village
Residents Protest ‘Unaffordable’ Sewer Rate Increases
By aNN WiShaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com
Burton Village Council put on second reading an ordinance legislating a hefty sewer rate increase Nov. 25, despite protests from two village residents.
Matt Kline, representing the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, recommended the rate increases at the Nov. 12 council meeting — specifically, a 20% increase in 2025; 12% in 2026; 7.5% in 2027; 5% in 2028 and 5% in 2029 — which were included in the proposed ordinance.
Objecting to the increase of 49.5% over five years was Charles Tiber, of Spring Street, who regularly attends council meetings.
Tiber cited studies showing a survey of 231 municipalities in Ohio showed only 20 had rates higher than Burton.
“What is happening in these other communities?” he asked, adding he believes the village utilities are very efficiently run.
“I wonder how we are in the top tier in the state,” he said.
Tiber said the affordability index presented by RCAP doesn’t take into consideration the burden of higher rates on lower income residents and noted some major utility projects loom in the future.
Customer payments can’t cover all the costs of the utilities, Tiber said, recommending part of the cost come from other sources.
“I don’t disagree we need increases. We do. But I think funding coming totally from rates is unaffordable,” he said. “(The village) should look for funding alternatives for the future.”
Laurie Taylor, of Spring Street, said she is on a fixed income and may have to make a choice after being a resident for 21 years.
“We may have to leave the village. It’s not a cheap village to live in,” she said, voicing concern for residents with fewer resources.
The proposed hikes would translate to monthly sewer rates for a household using
West Geauga Contemplates Single-Campus Renovations
By emma macNiveN macNiveN@kaRlovecmedia com
Abby Rainieri, manager of planning and design at GPD Group, provided details Nov. 18 about the proposed combined campus for West Geauga Schools.
Plans include a new middle and high school building under one roof with an auditorium, field house and upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, which are projected to cost around $128 million.
“We would, as part of this plan, abate and demolish Westwood (Elementary School), abate and demolish Lindsay (Elementary School) and abate and demolish the existing high school,” Rainieri said during the West Geauga Schools Board of Education meeting. “So, this is one path to that single-campus vision that was landed on.”
She said the new schools would be where the current practice fields are and the existing middle school would be repurposed as a prekindergarten-through-fifth-grade building.
Superintendent Rich Markwardt said the schools would be segregated within the building.
“The middle school would stay a middle school with its own administrator, its own students,” he said. “High school would stay a high school with its own administrator with its own students.”
Rainieri said the field house in Stow-Munroe Falls has features like a community walking track, multi-purpose courts and locker room facilities they are looking at for inspiration.
The school board is planning to vote in December on whether to put a bond initiative on the ballot in May, Treasurer Karen Pavlat said.
An updated facilities master plan was adopted by the board in a special meeting Jan. 31. Board President Christina Sherwood emphasized at the time the vote did not mean the plan was set in stone and was simply the board encouraging the community to look at the option.
Ultimately, the choice lies with the community, she said.
In addition last Monday, the school approved a contract for turf replacement with Vasco Sports for $580,841.
The project, which will replace the turf at Howell Field, is expected to be completed sometime in the summer of 2025.
up to 4,000 gallons a month being $70.16 in 2024; $84.19 in 2025; $94.29 in 2026; $101.36 in 2027 and $111.75 in 2029, Kline said.
The result would be revenues in 2029 of $990,365 and expenses of $967,580 with a carryover of $22,785 that could cover the cost of emergencies and operator training, he said.
The village has 717 customer households, according to Kline’s affordability index.
The average customer uses 4,000 gallons a year and the median household income is about $61,000, he said.
Kline said in 2023, village revenue from sewer rates was $622,950 and expenses were $782,806, producing a deficit of $159,856.
In 2024, his projections show revenue from sewer will be $615,748 and expenses will be $814,677, showing a deficit for this
year of about $200,000.
“That negative spending has got to stop,” Kline said at the last meeting. “Rates are not taxes — they are simply the cost of doing business.”
The Burton Village Board of Public Affairs sat at the table with council and had the second reading of an ordinance for a 4%-a-year increase in water rates.
Average residential monthly water rate increases would be: $43.44 in 2024; $45.18 in 2025; $46.98 in 2026; 48.86 in 2027; $50.81 in 2028 and $52.84 in 2029 if the ordinance is approved at the December BPA meeting.
BVBPA Chairman Bill Pinkava said after Monday’s meeting the utility increases are necessary.
“(RCAP) is showing us the way to get into the black,” he said.
Brite Day Community Center Celebrates Every Day
By aNN WiShaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com
Every day is a holiday at Brite Day Com munity Center.
The two dozen adults who come in the door every morning play games, exercise and are taken on field trips in small groups, often in connection to the holiday theme of the day.
For example, on National Margarita Day Feb. 22, they visited El Patron in Chardon and enjoyed mockaritas (virgin margaritas), said Amy Foliart, director of the center at Mayfield and Bass Lake roads.
“You take a holiday and make it your own,” she said in an interview Nov. 22. “People come out of their shells. It’s remarkably fun.”
Those attending Brite Day are 19 or old er and have disabilities to varying degrees — some physically, some mentally, Foliart said, adding, however, they all participate in the programs and outings enthusiastically.
“Some are really savvy, sharing sports stats and news. Other folks have a lot of needs. It’s a range,” Foliart said. “We’re just here to provide a fun place, enriching their days. There’s no massive agenda.”
Her staff of four gather their two groups to gether every week to decide which “holidays” to recognize the following week, she said.
Donut Day, Best Friend Day, Chocolate Chip Cookie Day — they all offer theming ideas for the staff and regular meetings provide time to prepare for the fun, Foliart said.
Their outings can take them to a thrift store, a farm or to one of Geauga’s many parks – every one an adventure for the group.
“We’re all about diners,” Foliart said.
The center falls under the umbrella of Brittany Residential Inc. in Madison. Foliart is director of two other adult day support centers in Mentor and Concord Township.
They are funded through boards of disabilities in Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga counties, she said.
The Brite Day building in Munson Township started out as a consignment store that came up for lease about five years ago and was spotted by BRI CEO Jayson Fabian as a possible site for adult day care.
As with any venture, there were stumbling blocks. The landlord added two bathrooms and BRI painted and provided kitchenette additions. Once all updates were made, they were able to provide room for two groups, Foliart said.
But, not every day was a holiday when it came to converting the structure to a new use, she said.
The corner had to be rezoned from retail to adult/child care and the building had to
By August, she had her first group of adults at the Geauga County facility — called the Chardon Brite Day — but it was hardly smooth sailing.
“There was a lot of ebb and flow as people were going back to work,” Foliart said. “Keeping six-foot distances, masking, disinfecting — it was crazy. But, we rode the wave and were able to persevere.”
The day center is set up for a total of 24 participants. The center in Concord opened recently and several from the Chardon center chose to attend there, leaving 13 in the larger group and six or seven in the smaller group at Chardon.
“We’re usually pretty full, but now we have some availability,” Foliart said.
On an average day, some adults are dropped off by family members while others come in from residential homes. The day begins about 8 a.m. and participants go home about 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, she said.
BRI contracts with some independent drivers to transport those attending the center. Much of the cost for the service is covered by the state and counties, Foliart said.
She sees the program as a win-win for caretakers and participants.
“It’s respite at one end and enrichment at the other,” Foliart said.
For more information, she recommended calling her at 216-798-9186.
Preservation Merit Award from the State Historic Preservation Office.
The award is given out to entities that of Claridon after the collapse of its ceiling more than two years ago in Huntsburg Township.
Russell Trustees Consider 3 Candidates for Open Seat
Staff RepoRt
Three people were named as contenders for Matt Rambo’s board position during the Russell Township Trustees meeting Nov. 21.
Trustee Matt Rambo defeated Judge Mary Jane Trapp in the Nov. 5 race for a seat on the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.
Trustee Kristina Port said residents Charlie Butters, Chris Hare and Gary Ga-
Leadership Geauga Celebrates Heritage Program Graduation
SuBmitted
Leadership Geauga announces the graduation of the fall 2024 class of the Heritage Program for Retirees. The program, which ran six weeks from Oct. 9 to Nov. 13, brought together 15 engaged participants who explored Geauga County’s businesses, organizations and rich history.
Participants attended weekly sessions on Wednesdays, which included engaging games to foster connections and featured 28 speakers from diverse industries such as parks and recreation, Geauga County history, business, agriculture, human services and health and safety. The program aimed to give retirees a deeper understanding of the county’s needs and opportunities for impactful community involvement.
Graduates of the program are: Sue Atkinson, Carol Benton, Lu DiPadova, Gail Duchscherer, Linda Frey, Karen Hale, Deborah Homola, Marcella Hovancsek, Dorrie Keough, Louis Mallis, Jeffrey Mazanec, Alice Munn, Larry Sevich, Bari Stith and Tamee Tucker.
bram expressed interest to her about taking over Rambo’s role once he vacates it Jan. 1.
However, Butters withdrew his interest during the meeting.
When board members asked if he was serious, he said he was.
“Whoever you pick is either going to have to run for election (in November) or it’s a one-year term,” Rambo reminded candidates for the position.
Rambo also reminded the other two trustees to get the appointment done by the end of January.
Geauga County Public Library
Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Include an email and phone number when registering for programs to receive updates about all programs. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.
Discussion Groups
No registration is required.
• Chardon, Dec. 3, 2 p.m., “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon
• Geauga West, Dec. 4, 7 p.m., “Canary Girls” by Jennifer Chiaverini
• Bainbridge, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., “The Dogs of Christmas” by W. Bruce Cameron
Storytimes
Join for a storytime that is sure to engage, connect and inspire children with their imagination. A complete list of upcoming storytime programs is available to view on the website’s programs calendar.
Chili
Cookoff,
Crafts & Storytime
Dec. 1, 2-5 p.m. • Thompson
Bring one’s best chili and be ready to compete in the annual chili cookoff. Come to compete or taste chili and then stay after for festive crafts and stories.
Santa's LEGO Workshop
Dec. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Chardon
Connect with creativity and use imagination to build festive winter scenes using LEGO while sipping tasty hot cocoa. No registration is required for the family program.
Bulletin Board
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. Email submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com
Burton Country Christmas
Nov. 29 and 30
Burton Chamber of Commerce presents a Burton Country Christmas. Weekend holiday festivities begin with rides on the Christmas Express Train around the park from 3-8 p.m. At 5:45 p.m., the community may join in caroling and a parade followed by the tree lighting of the gazebo tree at 7 p.m. and cookies and hot chocolate at Burton Congregational Church.
On Saturday, activities include the 5K Ugly Sweater Run and 1-mile Penguin Waddle, a hot chocolate walk, train rides, a Christmas tree scavenger hunt and Kris Kringle Mart holiday shopping from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Burton Congregational Church.
Santa will be at the Burton Chamber Log Cabin weekends Nov. 29 through Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are required. Call the Cabin at 440-834-4204.
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 horsedrawn sleigh. The chamber will serve cider and cookies throughout the evening. For more information, visit chardonsquareassociation.org
Visit with Mrs. Claus & Her Elves
Dec. 1, 1-4 p.m.
Begin the holiday season in the restored 1842 Tanner House when Mrs. Claus and her elves host a fun afternoon at Chesterland Historical Village.
Enjoy storytime with puppets, makeand-take tree ornaments, letter-writing to Santa, Mrs. Claus' favorite cookie recipe, holiday songs and much more.
The holiday gift shoppe will be open, offering unique, handcrafted items. There will be a raffle drawing at 3 p.m. for the new membership basket. The winner does not need to be present.
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors ahead of busy holiday weeks. Donation appointments may be made by downloading the free Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.
Dec. 5, Centerville Mills, 8558 Crackel Road, Bainbridge Township, 12-6 p.m.
Dec. 8, St. Helen’s Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 10, Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Bainbridge Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is free. The village is located on the corner of Caves and Mayfield roads in Chester Township.
Community Sunday Dinner
Dec. 1, 11:30 a.m.
St. Luke Episcopal Church holds its monthly community Sunday meal at the church located at 11519 Wilson Mills Road in Chardon. Dinners are free and open to the public.
Dorothy's Porch Giveaway
Dec. 5 and 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dorothy’s Porch, a free community giveaway of bedding, pillows, toys, stuffed animals, clothing for the family, household items and Christmas decorations, will be held at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.
First CCC Cookie Walk
Dec. 7, 9-11 a.m.
The 24th annual cookie walk will be held at the First Congregational Church of Claridon, 13942 Mayfield Road. A wide assortment of home-baked holiday cookies will be offered at $8 per pound; boxes provided. Come early for the best selection.
Breakfast with the Clauses
Dec. 7
Munson Township’s annual Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus takes place at the Munson Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road. Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee will be served. Pictures with Santa will be available on a jump drive, with proceeds going to Boy Scout Troop 91. New this year is cookie decorating.
Sign-up forms may be downloaded at munsontwp.com or picked up at the township office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 440286-9255.
Dec. 11, Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, Parkman, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 18, Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 1-6 p.m.
Dec. 19, Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dec. 20, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 12-5 p.m.
Dec. 20, Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township, 12-6 p.m.
Dec. 20, Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., Chardon, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dec. 30, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.
FGP Explorers Series
Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon
Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for a seasonal hike at Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road in Chardon.
For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440564-1048.
St. Luke’s Cookie Walk
Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
St. Luke Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road in Chardon, is hosting its annual cookie walk. Walk along tables of delectable homemade holiday treats and pay by the pound. For more information, call 440-279-4022, or email stlukechardon@ yahoo.com.
Festival of Trees
Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15, 12-6 p.m.
The Middlefield Historical Society will present a Festival of Trees at the historic Century Inn, 14979 S. State Ave. There will be many beautifully decorated Christmas trees to admire. Admission is free. For more information, call 440-632-1148.
Joy to the World Concert
Dec. 12, 7 p.m.
Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra presents “Joy to the World” featuring vocalist Emily Stack and conductor Greg Hillis at Lake Catholic High School. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Visit snowbeltmusical.org or call 440-296-9610.
GOP Women’s Luncheon
Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Geauga County Women’s Republican Club Christmas luncheon will be held in the banquet room at St. Mary’s Parish, 401 North St., Chardon. For reservations, call 440-487-2181 by Dec. 5 and mail payment to Sue Stevenson, Treasurer, 8669 Old State Road, Chardon, OH 44024.
Chardon
AD Earns Statewide Recognition
Brian Hiscox, athletic director for the Berkshire Local Schools, recently won the prestigious Bruce Brown Award of Excellence from the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
In doing so, Hiscox joins only 43 other athletic directors statewide to earn the honor for the high standards and best practices demonstrated in his department.
Some of the criteria points include a clear mission for the athletic department, educational strategies that link athletic participation to students’ learning experiences, use of technology and media, and affirming points of sports medicine and safety.
Students Explore Job Skills
Students from the Berkshire Badger Nest and Badger Den programs recently experienced an opportunity to visit Maggie’s Donuts and More in Hiram for an instructive hands-on work opportunity. The inclusive event allowed students with special needs to engage in various job skill-building activities while fostering teamwork and collaboration.
The day was a blend of learning, teamwork and fun, providing the students with practical skills and a sense of accomplishment. Maggie’s Donuts and More demonstrated an inspiring commitment to supporting inclusive opportunities for all members of the community.
Learn from Leaders Program
Chardon High School’s college credit plus business classes attended Lakeland Community College’s Learn from Leaders program on Nov. 13. CHS students in CCP Introduction to Business, CCP Business Ethics and CCP Introduction to Entrepreneurship, participated in the program as part of the Lakeland Business Management Department’s Entrepreneurship Week.
The students heard from local entrepreneur Lindsay Defeo, the owner and director of operations of Leolo Hospitality in Mentor.
Connie Golden, who chairs the business management department at Lakeland, noted that the CHS students “asked some great questions.”
Jeremy’s Kids Seeking Donations
Chardon High School has launched the Jeremy’s Kids 2024 holiday fundraiser. Funds collected will be used to purchase holiday gifts for local families in need.
Jeremy’s Kids was established in 2001 in memory of Jeremy Mizen, son of Chardon High School science teacher Rob Mizen and his wife Dee Mizen. Jeremy tragically passed away in 1999 at the age of 6 after suffering head trauma from a car accident en route to a Christmas Eve church service.
Community members interested in supporting the Jeremy’s Kids annual holiday fundraiser can visit this year’s GoFundMe: gofund.me/6f07f1d9
Cardinal
SUBMITTED
lence from the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
SUBMITTED
Chardon High School students listen to a presentation from Lindsay Defeo, owner and director of operations at Leolo Hospitality in Mentor, during Lakeland Community College’s Learn from Leaders program.
Legal Notices
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
LEGAL PUBLIC NOTICE
Professional Design Services RFQ
Chardon Local School District
The Chardon Local School District requests qualifications from interested firms to provide Professional Design services for its Capital Improvement Projects. Services required include assessing the needs of the Owner; development of conceptual plans, specifications and design criteria; assisting the Owner in evaluating statements of qualifications and technical and pricing proposals of construction manager at risk and/or design-builder; and other specific criteria and information which are included in the RFQ. Interested firms may request a copy of the RFQ from Deb Armbruster, Treasurer, at deb.armbruster@chardonschools.org. Qualifications submittals must be received by the District in accordance with the instructions in the RFQ no later than 3:00 pm on Monday, December 30, 2024. Submittals received after this deadline may be considered in the District’s sole discretion.
Deb Armbruster, Treasurer/CFO Nov28, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
Case No. 24-F-000493 - Servbank, SB, Plaintiff vs. Ronald D. Droese, et al., Defendants. Plaintiff has brought this action naming John Southwick, whose last known address is 7916 Driftwood Dr., Mentor on the Lake, OH 44060, otherwise whose address is unknown, as Defendant in the above-named court by filing its Complaint on August 1, 2024, in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024. The object of the Complaint is to foreclose the mortgage against Defendants. The prayer is that Plaintiff be found to have a good and valid first lien on the within-described premises, in the amount as set forth in the Complaint, and accrued interest and penalties, if any; that each of the Defendants be required to answer setting up their interest, if any, in said premises, or be forever barred from asserting same; that unless the amount found due the Plaintiff be paid within a reasonable time to be named by the Court, the equity of redemption of said Defendants shall be foreclosed, and an Order of Sale issued to the Plaintiff for it to be directed to sell said premises as upon execution, and for such other relief as Plaintiff may be entitled.
SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HAMBDEN, COUNTY OF GEAUGA AND STATE OF OHIO: AND KNOWN AS PART OF LOT NO. 5 IN THE BOND TRACT WITHIN SAID TOWNSHIP, AND FURTHER DESCRIBED AS BEING SUBLOT NO. 3 IN THE TIMBER RIDGE ESTATES SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN BY THE RECORDED PLAT IN VOLUME 11, PAGE 99 OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY RECORDS OF PLATS, BE THE SAME MORE OR LESS, BUT SUBJECT TO ALL LEGAL HIGHWAYS. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 9230 KILE RD., CHARDON, OH 44024
PARCEL #: 15-072420
You are required to answer the Complaint within twenty-eight days after the last publication of this notice, which will be published
once each week for three successive weeks, and the last publication will be made on December 5, 2024. In case of your failure to answer or otherwise respond as permitted by the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure within the time stated, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
By David J. Demers, Esq. (0055423), Attorney for Plaintiff, Cooke Demers, LLC, 260 Market Street, Suite F, New Albany, Ohio 43054. 614-939-0930 (phone); 614-9390987 (fax).
Nov21-28 Dec5, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Hambden Township
The Hambden Township Trustees are giving notice of its intent to sell unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use township personal property by internet auction starting on December 12, 2024, and ending on December 26, 2024.
The auction items are a 52” Zero Turn Bobcat Mower, Echo String Trimmer and an Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer and will be sold as a group. A full description of this item will be provided on the GovDeals auction site beginning December 12, 2024.
Michael Romans, Fiscal Officer Nov28, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Village of Middlefield
Notice is hereby given that during the Council Meeting held on November 14, 2024, The Village of Middlefield passed the following legislation:
RESOLUTION 24-19 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH MEDICAL MUTUAL OF OHIO FOR THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE INSURANCE AND BAY BRIDGE ADMINISTRATORS FOR THE PROVISION OF GAP INSURANCE FOR VILLAGE EMPLOYEES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE 24-162 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THAT THE REVENUE TO BE COLLECTED UNDER THE 2.0 MILL TAX LEVY FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT SERVICES IF APPROVED AS A RENEWAL LEVY ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024 WILL BE GREATER THAN THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY NEEDED, REQUESTING THE GEAUGA COUNTY BUDGET COMMISSION TO DECREASE THE LEVY BY APPROXIMATELY 28.5% TO 1.43 MILLS.
ORDINANCE 24-163 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE 24-141 AN ORDINANCE APPOINTING THE FIRM OF STEPHEN HOVANCSEK & ASSOCIATES AS VILLAGE ENGINEER FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025, AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF SAID SERVICES.
ORDINANCE 24-142 AN ORDINANCE HIRING ADVANCED ACCOUNTING CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST THE VILLAGE’S FISCAL OFFICER WITH CERTAIN ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING FUNCTIONS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE 24-143 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE FISCAL OFFICER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH DENNIS M. COYNE, ESQ. TO PROVIDE CHIEF PROSECUTOR SERVICES FOR 2025.
ORDINANCE 24-144 AN ORDINANCE EMPLOYING LUKE F. MCCONVILLE AS VILLAGE SOLICITOR AND LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE VILLAGE OF MIDDLEFIELD FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025.
ORDINANCE 24-151 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITING AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO. The Complete Text Of These Resolutions And Ordinances May Be Viewed Or Obtained At The Office Of The Fiscal Officer, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield, Ohio During Regular Business Hours. Cindy Naftzger, Administrative Asst. /Billing Clerk Nov28, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL FOR VARIANCE TO CLARIDON TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION
Notice is hereby given that the Claridon Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application, identified as number V24-6, on an appeal for a variance to the Claridon Township Zoning Resolution on the 12th day of December, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Claridon Administration Building. This application, submitted by David J. Iafelice, requests that a variance to allow a storage building on a lot with no primary structure be granted for the lot located at 13660 Mayfield Road.
Chris Alusheff, Secretary Nov28, 2024
LEGAL PUBLIC NOTICE
Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) RFQ
Chardon Local School District
The Chardon Local School District requests qualifications from interested firms to provide Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) services for its Park and Munson Elementary Projects. The projects are being considered through a combination of non-OFCC and local funds. Services required include working with District and the Architect for planning & design, preconstruction and at risk construction, and close-out of the Project. Firms must be experienced in the CMR delivery method, including scheduling, cost estimating, constructability
review, GMP and open book pricing, and have experience in public school construction; specific criteria and other information are included in the RFQ. Interested firms may request a copy of the RFQ from Deb Armbruster, Treasurer, at deb.armbruster@chardonschools.org. Qualifications submittals must be received by the District in accordance with the instructions in the RFQ no later than 2:00 pm on Monday, December 30, 2024. Submittals received after this deadline may be considered in the District’s sole discretion.
Deb Armbruster, Treasurer/CFO Nov28, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL FOR VARIANCE TO CLARIDON TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION
Notice is hereby given that the Claridon Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application, identified as number V24-7, on an appeal for a variance to the Claridon Township Zoning Resolution on the 12th day of December, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Claridon Administration Building. This application, submitted by Ashley N. Wilson, requests that a variance to build a home on a lot with less than 250’ of frontage at the road be granted for the lot located at 12556 Forest Road.
Chris Alusheff, Secretary Nov28, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Geauga Public Health
WHEREAS, the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3709.09, permits the Board of Health to establish by a system of fees to pay the cost of any service provided by the Board of Health for which no fee is prescribed by law; and Ohio Administrative Code 3701-2905 requires a fee for registration; and WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Board of Health through a program cost analysis that the fees for certain services are generating sufficient revenues to pay the cost of providing those services; and WHEREAS, the Board of Geauga Public Health is determined to provide quality Public Health services to Geauga County residents in a cost effective manner. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That, for the purpose of preserving and promoting the Public Health and Welfare, the foregoing regulations are hereby amended/enacted as follows:
SEWAGE
1st reading September 25, 2024, 2nd reading October 30, 2024, and 3rd and Final Reading November 20, 2024. Published November 21, 2024, and November 28, 2024, and become effective December 1, 2024. Nov21-28, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Geauga Public Health
WHEREAS, the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3717.07, permits the Board of Health to establish by Rule a uniform system of fees to pay the cost of any service provided by the Board of Health for which no fee is prescribed by law; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Board of Health through a program cost analysis that the fees for certain services are not generating revenues to pay the cost of providing those services; and
WHEREAS, the Board of the Geauga Public Health is determined to provide quality Public Health services to Geauga County residents in a cost effective manner. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That, for the purpose of preserving and promoting the Public Health and Welfare, the foregoing regulations are hereby amended/enacted as follows:
Food Service Operation/Retail Food Establishments
Commercial Risk Category 1, <25,000ft2 218.00
Commercial Risk Category 2, <25,000ft2
Risk Category 3, <25,000ft2
Risk Category 1, >25,000ft2
Risk Category 2, >25,000ft2
AUTOS & PARTS
2008 Nissan Xterra: Nice, MUST SEE, 134k, Winter Ready, Well Maintained. Also, 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster: 10k, Great Shape. MAKE OFFERS 330-8583213.
Tires: (4) 215/60r16 snows 7/32nds on 2013-2016 Malibu wheels w/caps & sensors $475. (3) 17’’ 2008 Silverado steel wheels w/cladded chrome finish $45 each, 440-548-5801.
FOR RENT
Parkman: 1BR apartment, upstairs, utilities included, no pets. $1,200/month. 1st, last, security deposit requited. 440-897-8224.
In-law Suite: 1BR, full kitchen, all appliances, washer, dryer. Quiet, secluded. $800/mo. with additional deposit. Newbury. 440-313-1178.
Chardon: small, cozy house, 2BR, 1BA, upstairs, attached utility room and single car garage, oil heat, rural setting. Pets OK. $1,100/mo. 440-286-3840.
EVENTS
Join Us for Cookies with Santa! Saturday, 12/14, 2-4pm. American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St., Burton-Middlefield. Reserve your spot at btoburton. org. or call 877-842-6678x4.
FOR SALE
FIREWOOD for sale: $150 per cord. 440-338-5201.
Benelli Super Black Eagle 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, 26” barrel, EC, $1,300. 440-564-1172.
Years of cake decorating supplies. Not selling by piece. Years of photography studio equipment. Selling package deal only. Only serious buyers need call. 330-9849403.
CAMERAS: Praktisx, Minolta, Nikon, Polaroid One Step. Electric log splitter, copper kettles, many aquariums, clocks, kerosene lamps, pottery jugs. Inquire 440-3383563.
Wood Stoves: Blaze King Ashford 20 with blower, 4yrs old, $2,800. Quadrafire Discovery III, used one season, $900. Call Ken 440-635-6536.
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.
Ladder jacks $50. 12-foot expanding plank $100. Mantis Tiller $200. Hitch Carrier Tray $100. Hand-held electric leaf blower $50. 440-554-5731. 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.
Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.
Humidifier: Levoit Smart, ultrasonic, mist, 6L tank, 753 ft2, humidity control, VeSync app, Alexa/Google control. $75. 440-567-2586.
PETS & ANIMALS
Barn homes needed for a number of fixed & vaxxed semi-feral cats whose elderly caretaker was evicted. Help us help them. Rebecca 440-321-2485
Classifieds
Kunekune piglets for sale. Born 7/25. AKKPS registered. Boars and gilts. Call or text 440-223-9023.
MISCELLANEOUS
St Luke Episcopal Church in Chardon is looking for Christmas Eve singers for a Christmas service at 4 pm. Call 440-279-4022, or email mccannchris11@gmail. com.
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 440-6365591. Durkee Rd, Huntsburg.
The Geauga Amish Directory is now accepting ads for 2025! Early Bird pricing is available until Dec. 15, 2024. Call John Karlovec at 216-509-6600 to reserve your ad space.
FREE fact: Florida rejected recreational marijuana!!! They’re Much smarter than Ohioans. Florida will be healthier and safer!
REAL ESTATE
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
SERVICES
Did you know Karlovec Media Group prints business cards? Prices start at only $30 for 500 (B&W, 1-sided, no bleed). Call 440-729-7667 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com.
Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.
Experienced Caregiver: will do in-home care for elderly or children, years of experience, references. 440-3131804.
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.
WANTED TO BUY
Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal.
Geauga County Maple Leaf