Geuaga County Maple Leaf 12-26-2024

Leaf Thursday, December 26, 2024 Vol. 30 No. 52 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.25

Troy Township

Nix Sworn In as Chief – Trustees Under Fire

By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com About 75 Troy Township residents and firefighters/medics waited more than an hour for township trustees and the new fire chief to emerge from executive session during a special trustees meeting the morning of Dec. 21.

Trustee Len Barcikoski swore Nix Jim Nix, of Solon, in with a lengthy oath. The crowd in the Troy Township Community House dining hall listened to Trustee Donn Breckenridge read the following trustees statement: “After an exhausting and diligent search in our attempt to find a qualified fire chief to protect and serve our community, the township trustees have decided to offer the position to candidate James Nix. “James Nix is an Army veteran and was a career firefighter with the City of Solon, retiring as a full-time See Troy • Page 7

SCREENSHOT

Geauga County Dog Warden Matt Granito addresses the gathered crowd and Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz after he was suddenly called in for a discussion about his office Dec. 17.

Granito Bites Back as Sheriff Offers to Run Dog Warden’s Office

Community Shows Support for Granito, Officials Clarify Stances

Merry Christmas

By John Karlovec editor@karlovecmedia.com

FROM ALL OF US AT

Profanity, Accusations, Allegations Aired Publicly

By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com Hackles rose at the Dec. 17 Geauga County Commissioners meeting when dog warden Matt Granito was invited to partake in a public discussion regarding his office.

It turned out to be a nearly hour-long trial of his job performance — with Granito issuing a heated rebuttal mostly directed at Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz — along with a proposal that the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office assume oversight of his duties and the county dog shelter.

“I attended a meeting, I don’t know, five months ago, with Gerry (County Administrator Gerry Morgan), Sheriff (Scott) Hildenbrand and (Chief Deputy) See Dog Warden • Page 4

In the aftermath of the Dec. 17 Geauga County Commissioners meeting, friends and followers of the Friends of the Geauga County Dog Shelter & Dog Warden’s Office Facebook page expressed overwhelming support for both dog warden Matt Granito and the dog shelter.

See Support • Page 5

Giving Geauga Residents Support Toys for Tots

By Rose Nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com

ROSE NEMUNAITI/KMG

Geauga Family YMCA’s Deborah Drenik, Toys for Tots Coordinator Timothy Sherman and Geauga Family YMCA Executive Director Ben Altemus slide some fun into the collection of toys days before Christmas.

The entrance to the Geauga Family YMCA on Bass Lake Road in Munson Township became a sparkling toy land just days before Santa and his reindeer’s magical journey left the North Pole.

There is jubilation in brightening others’ lives this holiday season thanks to generous donations from the Geauga community to the Toys for Tots program for less-fortunate children.

“This is phenomenal,” said Timothy Sherman, Toys for Tots coordinator for Lake and Geauga counties. “Seeing all these toys here coming in this morning from Geauga County is great because we know that we are going to be able to give so many children Christmas smiles on Christmas morning.”

The Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program began in 1947.

Its Foundation, a not-for-profit charity, was established in 1991 to See Toys for Tots • Page 3

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Thursday, December 26, 2024

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Second Delisio Brother Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ to Robbery Charges Staff Report Kevin Delisio, 39, of Chester Township, pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony; kidnapping, also a first-degree felony; and aggravated menacing and assault, both first-degree misdemeanors, during his arraignment Dec. 18 at the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.

Kevin and his brother, Ronald Delisio, 42, also of Chester, reportedly assaulted a tow truck driver who was repossessing a vehicle Oct. 22. According to a press release by Chester Police Chief Craig Young, the driver was forcibly removed from his vehicle by two assailants, one of whom was armed with a gun.

“Two individuals exited the vehicle and confronted the operator, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The armed suspect pointed the firearm at the tow truck driver and demanded the immediate release of the

ALLISON WILSON/KMG

Kevin Delisio and attorney Carly Snavely stand before Judge Carolyn Paschke at Delisio’s arraignment the morning of Dec. 18.

repossessed vehicle,” Young said.

Kevin posted his $100,000/10% surety bond Nov. 1 and is out of jail.

Maximum possible penalties for aggravat-

ed robbery and kidnapping include a prison sentence of 3-11 years, with an additional amount added via the Reagan Tokes law. As 11 years is the maximum, Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke said, five and a half years could be added for a total of 16 and a half years in prison. Kevin could also face a fine of up to $20,000.

The felony charges have the addition of a three-year firearm specification for brandishing.

Menacing and assault, if convicted, could each carry a possible 180 day jail sentence and a fine of up to $1,000.

Kevin’s case was assigned to Paschke.

His bond was continued, with an addition of pretrial release.

“What that means is that you’re required to be in contact with our probation department once a week,” Paschke said. “That can be either in person or by phone, as they direct.”

group

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Toys for Tots from page 1

help run the program led by veterans.

Sherman joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school in 1990 as a combat engineer.

“During my service, I participated in the first Gulf War and several humanitarian efforts,” Sherman said. “Serving as a marine has been an honor and has significantly shaped who I am today.”

This year, thanks to the positive impact and efforts of veterans, Toys for Tots served more than 20,000 children across Lake and Geauga counties, he said.

“In Geauga County alone, we're serving over 334 families this year, which amounts to approximately 1,400 children,” Sherman said. “Sharing their smiles and the impact of this program means the world to us.”

In Geauga County, there are about 15 drop-off locations for donation of new toys, with Geauga YMCA being the largest.

“We strive to make our program accessible to all who need it,” Sherman said.

Geauga Family YMCA Executive Director Ben Altemus joined Deborah Drenik, YMCA member services representative, to help load the gifts onto Sherman’s van.

“Since I was little, my mother always taught me the importance of doing things for the less fortunate,” Drenik said. “We volunteered at Mary Mavec school, in Euclid, for developmentally-disabled children, doing crafts weekly. We collected food for food banks and always donated to the Salvation Army and many more things. I’m happiest when I’m doing something for others.”

Sherman got involved with Toys for Tots in 2007 when he was asked to help, and in 2008, became the area’s coordinator after his mentors retired.

“Their teachings and systems are still being used today and it's due to their guidance that the campaign has continued successfully in my hands for the past 15 years,” Sherman said. “That first year, experiencing the joy of ensuring no child was left without a gift on Christmas morning was incredibly rewarding. Spreading joy is one of the best feelings because we know we've done our best as

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Subscription Rates (valid through 12/31/24) Weekly Issue (in Geauga County) One year: $55 • Two years: $100 Senior Citizens one year: $50 Single copy: $1.25 Weekly Issue (outside Geauga County) One year: $65 • Two years: $120 ROSE NEMUNAITI/KMG

Geauga Family YMCA Executive Director Ben Altemus helps Toys for Tots Coordinator Timothy Sherman load boxes of toys to be gifted to Geauga County children thanks to the generous donations of YMCA community.

Americans to take care of children during the Christmas season. As a marine, it's important to me to continue serving and protecting our citizens in any way I can.”

While the program grew every year for a while, they’ve recently seen a bit of a decline, Sherman said.

“I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing because a decrease in the number of families needing assistance might indicate that the economy is improving and people are able to care for themselves during the holidays,” Sherman said.

He highlighted the work of his volunteers and family behind the scenes — those who pack the bags and ensure everything is ready for distribution.

“I simply pick up the toys and coordinate the rest of the program, but it's their hard work, commitment and heart that make it all happen,” Sherman said. “I also want to express my deep gratitude to the incredible businesses across Lake and Geauga counties that support Toys for Tots. Many of these businesses generously host toy collection boxes, donate directly and encourage their

employees and customers to contribute.

Their partnership and dedication are vital to the success of our program.”

Sherman also thanked all the donors.

“They're the reason we've been able to serve so many children over the years,” Sherman said. “Without them, Christmas would look very different for a lot of families. On behalf of myself, my volunteers, my family and the children we serve, I can't thank them enough. We couldn’t have done it without the community and people like the YMCA and businesses in Lake and Geauga counties.

Thank you.”

If there are families in need who didn't reach out this year, Sherman asks them to contact Toys for Tots for assistance.

“We hope to assist them in the future when we're aware of their situation,” Sherman said.

A 2025 Toys for Tots Golf Outing is scheduled for June 2025.

“Please join us for a round of golf to help us bring Christmas smiles to many children,” Sherman said.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Dog Warden from page 1

Tom Rowan about some communication challenges,” said Commissioner Jim Dvorak, who extended the invitation to Granito and added the item to the meeting agenda. “And that’s why I asked you to come in and just give us an update and field questions from the sheriff and go from there.”

Morgan oversees the dog warden’s office and dog shelter.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the dog warden has dealt with more dog cases, such as dog-car accidents and “dog DUIs” — where a dog is in the car and the sheriff’s office needs it removed and brought to a facility, Granito said, adding Rescue Village used to assist with those, but no longer offers the same degree of help.

As a result, Grantio said his office has inherited the job.

“The problem that we run into right now is a dog is considered private property,” he said, giving an example of a man who died several weeks ago and his dogs had been eating his remains for days.

Law enforcement asked the dog warden for help removing the dogs from the scene so first responders could take the body from the home.

“As I explained, we can move that dog out of that location, have the deceased body removed, but we have no authority . . . to remove that dog out of their house because it’s private property,” he said, adding police officers removed the dogs from the room but his people had to leave them in the house.

However, a recent legal opinion would support the dog warden taking the dogs on behalf of law enforcement and house them in the dog shelter, he noted.

“This is obviously a whole new realm of things,” Granito said, referring to unknown factors such as who owns the dog while at the shelter, what type of care is required and how much time an owner would have to reclaim a dog. “It’s a hard thing we’re going to have to discuss.”

Granito proposed Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder request dog owners list a next of kin on their dog licenses so his office would know who to call to take care of their dog.

Dvorak asked Granito if his office responds to late night calls.

“Yes and no,” Granito said. “It depends on what the situation is.”

In general, Granito explained he would respond to any situation where a dog is being aggressive or attacking someone, regardless of time of day. He also said they have limited staffing to respond to calls and added dog-bite cases are up 100% from several years ago.

Granito acknowledged protocols need to be in place and admitted his office has failed to communicate with law enforcement when they have responded to calls.

Dvorak also said he had received calls several years ago asking why the dog warden’s office was bringing in dogs from out of state.

Granito said they take dogs from other rescues and other shelters, including Portage County kennels and the Ashtabula Animal Protection League. The dogs must already be fixed and vet checked.

He mentioned a recent rescue event where the dog shelter received 25 puppies from Tennessee that were going to be euthanized. Within two days, 12 of the dogs had been adopted.

“Those adoptions of $120 is, first of all, saving the dog from death, but number two is

SCREENSHOT

Geauga County dog warden Matt Granito arrived at the Dec. 17 Geauga County Commissioners meeting with a file of reports, emails and photos, which he used in his rebuttal to Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand and County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz.

pure profit in revenue for the shelter,” Granito said. “So, when we take in these dogs, we take them in, actually, to increase revenue for the stray dogs that we keep at the shelter.”

He said revenues have doubled since the program was launched in 2021, from approximately $15,000 to $30,000.

“It’s a two-fold, everyone wins. The dogs don’t get killed, the rescue gets saved animals and we make a revenue off of it — and we bring a product (dogs) in . . . to adopt out to residents of our community,” Granito said.

Sheriff’s Office Pitch

Dvorak asked Hildenbrand if he had any suggestions that would make the “communication failure” better or could offer other options.

Hildenbrand said law enforcement has not been satisfied with the dog warden for the last several years and he has talked to Granito about it.

“It’s a problem throughout the county,” he said. “Looking at the stats in the last 21 weeks, almost 60% of the dogs are ones that are imported — not ones from Geauga County — and the people in this county are not getting the service they deserve. There’s a provision in the law that says that the commissioners can enter into a contract with the sheriff to run the dog warden’s office. Thirteen other sheriffs in the state of Ohio do that. I believe we can do it cheaper and I believe that we can provide a better service for our citizens when we can go out there and have availability all the time.”

There are a “bunch of examples” of Granito and his office being unavailable or refusing to respond, Hildenbrand said, directing his comment to Granito.

Hildenbrand, who also serves as Hambden Township fire chief, shared one recent example where a man having a heart attack came to the Hambden Township Fire Department. The man had a dog in his car. The man was transported to the hospital, the dog was left in the car and the dog warden was called to get it.

“They said just leave the dog in the car, we’ll be out. It was almost 24 hours before they came out and took that dog,” Hildenbrand said. “It’s affected my office, it’s affected the prosecutor’s office.”

The proposed contract with GCSO would have to be renewed every two years and would have to be approved the first meeting in January. Hildenbrand reiterated his office could run the dog warden’s office “cheaper.”

“We would not import all these dogs from out of state and other places, and we would work much better with the humane society

and Rescue Village,” he added.

Hildenbrand said he spoke with the director of Rescue Village, who is “excited about it, he wants to do it.”

“The relationship between the dog warden’s office and Rescue Village right now is not good,” he said, adding Rescue Village has veterinarians on staff and is operationally and fiscally sound.

“The bottom line for me — I’m not looking for more work — but the bottom line for me is that I believe that we can do this cheaper and I believe that we can serve the public better and give them better service that they deserve,” said Hildenbrand. “It’s your (commissioners’) option.”

If commissioners decide to move forward, they will need to execute the contract at their first meeting in January.

Prosecutor’s Complaint

Flaiz said he also has told Granito he can take dogs in the aforementioned cases.

“He’s supposed to handle dogs at large.

They’re not somebody else’s property . . . if the dog’s eating a guy in a house, the dogs attack somebody, he needs to take custody and control of that dog, that’s his job,” Flaiz said, noting he has examples where that has not happened.

The most recent was a dog in Russell Township that attacked a male resident and ripped off part of his face.

“The dog warden refused to go out. He did not call this poor woman back, the wife of the victim. She showed up in my lobby just hysterical,” Flaiz said. “She had nowhere else to go because the dog warden would not communicate with her, the dog warden wouldn’t communicate with Russell.”

The prosecutor encouraged commissioners to call every police chief in the county and ask their opinion about how the dog warden’s office serves the residents and their departments.

Flaiz said his investigator called Granito to get information while the woman was in his office and Granito was confrontational and argumentative.

“I got on the phone with him and he admitted to me that he didn’t go out, he admitted to me that he didn’t do his job, he didn’t designate the dog a vicious dog,” Flaiz said.

“He didn’t bother to go out and he didn’t lift a finger to do anything until after we called him and we’re trying to calm the lady down.”

Flaiz also recalled an instance where Granito’s office refused to remove a dog during execution of a search warrant at the scene of a suspected homicide.

“We couldn’t search the house because

the dog was in there,” he said. “We were calling the dog warden, they refused to come out, they refused to take the dog, it was a dangerous situation for the officers. There’s just example after example.”

He added, “Meanwhile, why are our taxpayers subsidizing him to import all these dogs from out of state and adopt them out?

We just want him to answer the calls and keep our communities safe. If a dog attacks somebody, take custody of that dog. He refuses to even respond most of the time.”

Flaiz said he and the sheriff didn’t want to bring these issues to light in this way.

“We have tried. I’ve talked to him. The sheriff tried to have this meeting five months ago. From the meeting five months ago, it’s only gotten worse. A lot of these things have happened since that meeting,” Flaiz said.

“He’s not responsive. I don’t know what he does all day.”

Dog Warden’s Rebuttal

“You say we’ve had conversations. Jim, I’ve only talked to you once and you told me to do my f*cking job, you were going to bring me up here and you were going to get me fired,” Granito said, standing, turning his back to the commissioners and confronting Flaiz.

Granito, who had met with Morgan and Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne for several hours the day before, on Dec. 16, brought a pile of documents and folders with him to the meeting.

He pulled out an April email exchange where he asked the prosecutor’s office for a legal opinion on taking custody of dogs the way the humane society used to for the sheriff’s office. Granito was told the prosecutor’s office would not be able to provide an opinion and to contact Flaiz directly.

Granito said he texted Flaiz and did not hear anything back from him.

“That situation you just said about the dog that was in the car, you did contact our office and we said contact the humane officer which is out of Rescue Village,” he said.

“The humane officer who we contacted said, ‘That’s not our job.’”

Granito added he legally was not allowed to take custody of the animal.

“But guess who could have went and took that dog out of the car, the humane officer,” he said.

Flaiz pointed out Granito’s office went and removed the dog anyway.

Granito said the humane officer is supposed to handle cases of animal neglect and See Commissioners • Page 5

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Commissioners from page 4

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

the severity of the attack prior to Oct. 30 and had started the process to change the dog’s classification after seeing photos of the victim.

Enclosed in the report are emails in which Granito apologized for the handling of the case, including the original classification of dangerous.

“It just pisses me off that this community is that way and this is how you want to treat (me),” Granito shouted at Flaiz during the meeting. “So, if you want to fire me or give it to the sheriff, that’s fine. I’m just so sick of 22 years of working here, eating sh*t, my cages look like sh*t, please come to my kennels. Have you ever even been there? Have you ever even looked into my kennels. These dogs are in 4x4 cages. Fricking tiny. But you don't care about that. All you care about is what your self-interest is or because you have a pissing match with other offices.”

abuse, and said they called the humane agent about the case where the dogs were eating their deceased owner.

“They did not do anything,” Granito said, adding he would be willing to take over “all of it and do 24 hour, and take over the humane society jobs and all that.”

“If you can make me humane agent — which I’ve done for 11 years — I will be more than glad to protect these animals and protect them from people who just want to take other people’s jobs because it’s a political stunt,” Granito said, pointing at Flaiz. “So, if you want to let me go, I understand that and I’m not going to argue that, but if you think that the community is going to be better off protecting the animals and saving the animals’ lives, just give it to Jim Flaiz and let him do what he wants.”

Spidalieri & Lennon He accused Flaiz of “digging” to find anything legally to get him Speak Out fired.

Approximately 10 minutes “It doesn’t even really matter,” Dvorak after the dog warden discussion Granito said. “Do what you gotta ended, Dvorak, Flaiz and Hildendo. I’ll go to another humane sobrand left the meeting to attend ciety, that I’ve been doing this for their swearing-in ceremony in 30 years before you and you don’t Burton. care.”

Commissioners Tim Lennon Granito began to share docuand Ralph Spidalieri apologized ments and information regarding profusely for what had transpired the October incident but got sideearlier. tracked.

“What transpired today with Lennon “I want to make sure that you the dog warden is somewhat disguys are all aware what this is,” appointing to me because I don’t he told commissioners. “It’s a think this was the venue this witch hunt.” should have been listened to,” Visibly agitated, Granito apolSpidalieri said. “If this was such a ogized for being upset “someone big problem, we should have been would tell me, after 22 years, that given a heads up on this.”

I’m not doing my job and that he’s Dvorak had asked for the topic now almighty and powerful.” to be put on the agenda, he said, Flaiz said he is not asking Spidalieri and neither he nor Lennon were commissioners to contract with his office to aware of what was about to happen. be the dog warden, the sheriff is.

“I had absolutely no knowledge of any of “The sheriff asked me to come here bethis,” said Spidalieri. “I’m disappointed in cause my office has had to deal with some of Jim Dvorak for trying to put this in a public these issues,” Flaiz said. position like this.”

“And you want to get my job because you Lennon echoed Spidalieri and said he was said, do your f*cking job, I’m going to bring caught by surprise with the suggestion the you up in front of the commissioners,” Granisheriff take over the dog warden’s office. to said.

“This 100% felt like a set-up,” he said.

Regarding the October incident, Granito Dvorak said Dec. 20 his reasoning for argued the prosecutor’s office misclassified the dog bite case — Russell police charged making the matter public stems back to the it as a fourth-degree misdemeanor. The case April meeting.

“The Tuesday meeting, I debated back was downgraded and the perpetrator was and forth, ‘Should I have another private charged “with a speeding ticket,” he said. meeting about the situation, or have it out in However, Granito admitted his office did the public?’

And nothing got better after the things wrong. He held up a printed photo of April meeting, the private meeting. So I figa mangled arm. ured, ‘You know what, I’m gonna open it up “Look at this case. Everyone seeing this?” to the public,’” he said. he asked. “Jim, guess what this was classified All he is trying to do is investigate options under your office? A minor misdemeanor.” for the commissioners, he said.

Flaiz said his office does not classify dogs In response to both Spidalieri and Lenand told commissioners he was not going to non expressing feeling blindsided by the get into a debate with Granito but would share conversation, Dvorak noted commissioners all emails and communications with them. cannot discuss agenda items outside of pubAccording to the Oct. 12 incident report, lic session. following the victim’s transportation to the “Under the Sunshine Law, we’re not suphospital, his wife did not have any additional posed to talk about items during the week, contact with law enforcement. The dog warden did not call, show up to the scene, to the we’re supposed to talk in a public setting,” hospital or to her home, despite contact from he said, adding the item had been on the proposed agenda Monday. the Russell Township Police Department.

While the other commissioners may be Rather, a dog warden employee stated they would not come out and requested a disappointed in him for bringing the item to copy of the report. The dog was listed as dan- the public, Dvorak is disappointed it had to gerous rather than vicious, the report said. be brought to the public at all, he said.

Per the report, Granito was unaware of John Karlovec contributed to this story.

Support from page 1

It was argued if the sheriff’s office was contracted to run the dog warden’s office and dog shelter, the shelter would close.

The page administrator also asked that no donations be made to the shelter at this time, “IT WILL NOT GO TO THE DOGS!!!!!!”

Supporters were encouraged to attend the commissioners’ Dec. 27 meeting.

Granito posted to the dog warden’s Facebook page the animal shelter is in danger of being shut down and to call officials like Geauga County Sheriff Hildenbrand and Commission Jim Dvorak, who he said support the closure.

He later posted a nearly five-minute video on the dog warden’s official Facebook page at 2:30 a.m. Dec. 19 from Mexico, where he was on a family vacation. He accused Dvorak, Hildenbrand and Flaiz of wanting to fire him and doing it in a “public spectacle of political government.”

He apologized for his actions during the meeting and explained again his actions with respect to responding or not responding to calls.

In a Dec. 20 interview, Dvorak responded to the claims the shelter would be shut down.

“We didn’t even talk about that. We talked about the response time from the dog warden,” he said.

Dvorak said he had considered Granito a friend until seeing the posts about Dvorak and other officials wanting to close the dog shelter.

“That was an out-and-out lie,” he said, calling the matter a diversion from the issue of Granito’s response times.

“He diverted it to, ‘Dvorak, Flaiz and Hildenbrand wanna close down the dog shelter, which is one of the best ones in Northeast Ohio,” he said.

Dvorak also emphasized the county’s previous financial support of the dog shelter, listing a new roof in 2020 for $28,000 and $34,000 on park equipment in 2022.

“That is taken out of maintenance dollars, which is taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Dvorak responded to Granito’s video.

“I considered him my friend. And I’m disappointed because I had to do these steps that I took, but people have to do their job,” he said. “People have to communicate with other departments. People have to communicate and get along with the sheriff’s office, especially if they pull over a drunk driver and he’s got a dog in the car.”

Hildenbrand also took time to further elaborate on the meeting.

“There’s a lot of misinformation that the dog warden is putting out there, that we want to close the shelter and permanently close it. That’s not true. We’re not going to close the shelter,” Hildenbrand told the Maple Leaf. “People need to know the whole truth and they’re not being told the whole truth. This is not a snap decision. It’s not even my decision. It’s the commissioners’ decision, but I offered it. They need to know the true facts of why this is happening. It’s not just because we don’t like the dog warden.”

If commissioners end up contracting with his office, Hildenbrand told the Maple Leaf he intends to proceed slowly, beginning with halting taking dogs from other rescues and from out of state.

He also explained a deputy would be assigned to the shelter and they would work with Rescue Village to handle adoptions.

As for the three-day hold, the sheriff said three days is the minimum a dog must be held. If there is room at the shelter, dogs may stay longer. If there is not, Rescue Village has agreed to take in the dogs.

Not all supporters of the dog shelter backed Granito, however.

A person familiar with goings-on at the dog shelter was following the story on social media and emailed the Maple Leaf to share thoughts on the current situation at the dog shelter. The person asked their identity to remain anonymous and after verifying the person’s identity, the Maple Leaf complied.

“Why not just replace Matt? I must admit, he is rarely seen at the shelter and no one seems to know where he is, tends to favor euthanasia for breeds he is fearful of even with no signs of aggression from the dog and runs a very loose ship,” the person See Grantino • Page 6

Page 6

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, December 26, 2024

County Admin Recaps April Meeting with Granito

By John Karlovec editor@karlovecmedia.com In response to a request for details from the April meeting, Geauga County Administrator Gerry Morgan, who is Granito’s boss, confirmed in an email the sheriff brought up his frustrations with Granito’s staff not picking up dogs when deputies were arresting someone for a DUI, or when dogs were left in houses alone.

“The sheriff also wanted help from the dog warden’s office when serving search warrants when a dog was present in the house to have the warden restrain the dog during the search,” Morgan said. “The sheriff also was not happy that when dispatch received a call after hours that someone had found a dog that the direction dispatch received from the dog warden was to give the caller the dog warden’s office number to call and someone from the dog warden’s office would get back to the caller first thing the next day, the sheriff believed the dog warden staff should

Granito from page 5

wrote. “In fact, it is somewhat of a standard joke . . . where is Matt and what does he do?

It also seems he looks for reasons (waiting for email replies, etc.) to justify his lack of response.”

The person noted volunteers “pickup up much of the slack and take on a lot of responsibility, which alleviates staff's workload” and, as such, deputies should be able to respond to calls more promptly. But only one deputy does.

The person also noted volunteers often handle tasks that paid staff should be doing and are the target of rude and disrespectful treatment.

“It’s a wonder why the volunteers return, but the answer is always the same, ‘It’s about the dogs,’” the person wrote.

“Matt continues to brag about his 33 and 22 years of service,” the person continued.

“Well, people can get pretty lazy being in a job that long. One of the deputies has also been around too long and it shows.”

respond immediately and go out and pick up the dog. During this time, the sheriff’s dispatch was calling the dog warden staff about animal calls other than dogs also.

“It was further discussed during that meeting that the humane officer from the humane society previously had been the one to come and get a dog during an arrest/traffic stop if it was needed but that had stopped,” Morgan added. “Further, we discussed what the dog warden was legally allowed to do under the ORC, which is dealing with dog bites and dogs running at large or unlicensed (ORC 955.12). They did not have the unilateral authority to take owners' pets.”

Morgan said Granito agreed to find ways to help the sheriff with dogs during arrests and search warrants.

“The dog warden has been in the process of developing policies and procedures to allow them to perform the requested actions without putting the county in a legal or financial detriment if something happened to the dog while it was in the custody of the

dog warden,” Morgan said. “This process included discussions with private kennels, pet taxi services, trying to come up with waiver forms that could be signed off by the owner, attempting to set up a meeting with the humane society director and other necessary forms and written procedures. This process was hampered by the prosecutor’s office's failure to provide legal services.”

Morgan said in the meantime, the dog warden has helped restrain Morgan dogs during search warrants.

“To reiterate, the dog warden’s statutory duty is dealing with dogs that have bitten and dogs running free. They do not have legal authority to unilaterally take dogs (personnel property, ORC 955.03),” he said. “Dogs left alone or being treated inhumanely can be taken by the dog warden after the dog warden makes application to the court of common pleas and court finds probable cause to believe the dog is treated inhumanely and issues a court order

for the dog to seized (ORC 955.12).”

As for the Dec. 16 meeting, Morgan said it was a follow-up meeting from Granito’s annual review that was held the week before.

“A point of interest, the dog warden’s expenditures for 2023 was $352,114.56 with a revenue of $378,337.72, of which $195,272.50 was from dog licenses, $30,915.00 from dog sales, $6,883.00 from fines and impounding charges, and $145,227.22 from donations,” Morgan said. “No money for operation of dog warden department comes from the general fund.”

He added, “Based on the sheriff and prosecutor’s statements during session yesterday, it would appear that if the dog warden responsibilities were turned over to the sheriff, almost half of the revenue for the department will disappear. Not to mention the expense that Rescue Village will charge to house and care for the dogs which is currently handled by the operation of the dog shelter.”

The person advocated for replacing shelter staff before turning it over to the sheriff’s office.

“We, the people, do not want this shelter turned into holding cells for these sweet souls who have already been let down by humans once,” the person said.

Official Press Releases

On Dec. 18, Geauga County Commissioners issued a statement addressing last Tuesday’s meeting.

“During yesterday’s Geauga County Board of Commissioners meeting, an item placed on the agenda by Commissioner Dvorak to discuss of the work of county dog warden Matt Granito turned into a lengthy and heated debate when County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand came forward with criticisms of the dog warden and suggested the sheriff’s office take over his duties,” the statement read. “County Prosecutor (Jim) Flaiz added his own remarks about the dog warden in support of the sheriff.”

Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri allowed the meeting to continue in order to give the dog warden the opportunity to respond, the statement said.

Spidalieri said he wanted the public to know neither he, nor Commissioner Tim Lennon, nor office administrators had any idea the purpose of this item on the agenda was to suggest the dog warden’s duties be taken over by the sheriff.

“At the end of the meeting, both Spidalieri and Lennon expressed apologies to the public for the heated exchanges and reiterated that such discussions should not have been handled in a public setting,” the statement read. “Spidalieri also wants the public to know that the Geauga County Board of Commissioners strives to maintain transparency and that concerns raised on both sides will receive due consideration.”

That afternoon, Flaiz issued a press release addressing rumors and accusations.

“Recent social media posts have spread misinformation regarding the future of the Geauga County Dog Shelter. I want to assure the public that the shelter is not closing. Our sheriff is committed to providing a safe and caring environment for Geauga’s dogs,” he said. “In a proactive effort to enhance the quality of dog care and ensure a higher stan-

SCREENSHOT

Deputy warden Cindy Sedivy speaks out on Facebook about the proposed changes to dog shelter leadership.

dard of service, the Geauga County sheriff has offered to assume responsibility for overseeing the dog warden duties, as permitted under Ohio law.

“I fully support this initiative, believing that the sheriff’s direct supervision will strengthen service delivery and improve responsiveness,” Flaiz added. “There have been concerns about the current level of service, particularly regarding responsiveness to calls from law enforcement agencies. Timely response is critical for ensuring the safety of both officers and the public, as well as safeguarding the welfare of the dogs.”

The proposed change aims to enhance accountability, streamline operations and ensure every call receives the prompt attention it deserves, Flaiz said in the statement.

“The Geauga County Dog Shelter plays a vital role in our community by providing care and shelter to dogs in need, facilitating adoptions, and supporting public safety through animal control services. I recognize the importance of this mission and know that the sheriff is dedicated to upholding it with integrity and compassion,” he said. “Additionally,

transitioning dog warden oversight to the sheriff’s office will create a safer and more secure working environment for sheriff's deputies. Deputies frequently encounter difficult and potentially dangerous situations involving aggressive or stray dogs. Immediate support from responsive dog control services is essential to managing these incidents safely.”

Under Granito’s leadership, delays — or a complete failure — in dog warden response has placed deputies in unnecessary harm’s way, jeopardizing their safety and that of the public, the prosecutor said.

“This change is designed to eliminate such risks by ensuring deputies receive timely assistance when confronting dangerous animals,” he said. “It is important to clarify that discussions have never included closing the dog shelter. The focus has always been on improving service levels, ensuring animal welfare and fostering a safe community. Transitioning oversight of dog warden duties to the sheriff’s office is intended solely to enhance these critical services, not to reduce or eliminate them.”

Thursday, December 26, 2024

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Troy Township

3 Firefighters Quit After Trustees Pick New Chief

By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com Three Troy Township firefighters quit following a motion to make James Nix, of Solon, the new fire chief Dec. 17. “(It’s been) emotional on a personal end of it and also on a qualification end of it,” Trustee Chair Leonard Barcikoski said toward the end of the regular trustees meeting.

“So, everything being said, the time is here. I nominate James Nix.” Someone shouted from the crowd, “In your application process, you said, ‘must live within a reasonable distance.’ He lives in Green? That is not reasonable. That is unreasonable.”

Nix, who did not attend the meeting, confirmed in a follow-up interview he resides in Solon.

“I feel honored to be given the opportunity because there was a lot of extremely qualified candidates, so I look forward to the task at hand

and hopefully a smooth transition,” he said.

Capt. Caitlyn Ramsey expressed concerns on staffing during the meeting, as interim Chief Nick Bushek left swiftly once Barcikoski nominated Nix, and three firefighters handed in their letters of resignation.

“I would just like to know who I'm answering to tonight after I leave. I've lost most of my members,” she said. “I have me and my husband (Lt. Eric Lewis) running this and we have a child to take care of at home.”

In a follow-up interview Dec. 18 inquiring about Bushek’s employment status, Trustee Donn Breckenridge said as of that day, trustees had not received any official paperwork indicating he was resigning.

Xion Malensek, a cadet from the department, explained his concerns about the new fire chief in a follow-up interview.

“Even last night after the meeting, the culture was more down,” Malensek said.

He shared concerns about the selection process, noting Bushek put a lot of effort into

the department.

“He's put in years of dedication on this department and he's done nothing but good for us,” he said.

Previous Fire Chief Eric Mathews resigned in December of 2023 and Bushek has served as the interim chief since then.

Bushek — who previously expressed frustrations with how long it was taking trustees to hire a chief — resigned and reneged his resignation during a meeting in July.

Bushek did not respond to a request for comment prior to press deadline.

Members from the crowd last Tuesday questioned how Barcikoski handled the motion to hire Nix — which came after an executive session at the very end of the meeting.

“That's why everybody's wound up right now because you made a decision that he's going to be the next — I'm looking at all three of you — that he's going to be the next chief, but none of these questions are answered, yet,” resident Tony Hylton said, referring to questions

Troy

New Chief Takes Oath of Office

from page 1 lieutenant. While with Solon, he served as a fire protection officer, arson investigator, fire safety inspector and paramedic, as well as being trained in mentoring new firefighters in firefighting techniques and safety procedures.

“James Nix was a volunteer in Auburn Fire Department for 2019 to 2022 and an assistant fire chief with Troy Township from 2017 to 2020. Subsequently, he knows the community atmosphere, its neighbors and business community.

“We believe Chief James Nix will deliver the highest standard of care to our community now and into the future. It’s our extreme pleasure to welcome James Nix as the new Troy Township fire chief.”

When Barcikoski opened the meeting to comments from the floor, fire department member Chad Russell noted the department has been operating with an interim Chief (Nick Bushek) for more than a year.

“Why did it take you guys a year to come to this decision?” he asked.

He questioned trustees’ search methods, asking if they had researched Nix’s employment history or if a background check was done.

“You can’t just hire (someone) because you like them,” Russell said.

Barcikoski responded later to the accusation.

“I didn’t know Jim and I don’t think Donn did, either. We chose the person we thought was the better-qualified person for the job,” he said at the end of the meeting. “I’m sorry if you disagree.”

Nix lives in Solon and Russell asked about his availability to answer EMT and fire calls.

“When will we have the fire chief in the station and what’s he going to be doing?”

Russell asked.

“He’s going to be there as needed,” Barcikoski said.

The crowd responded with jeers.

Nix replied he put his home in Uniontown up for sale three months ago and moved to Solon at the urging of his fiancee.

“I rented a place in Solon so I could be up here,” he said, adding he expects to be in Troy a lot early on in his tenure.

“I have no idea if I’m going to be there 8 to 5,” Nix said. “There’s a lot of officer things that need to be addressed right out of the gate.”

the audience had asked trustees about Nix. “For the proper procedure of what we did, we made a motion to accept him as chief. He hasn’t accepted it,” Barcikoski said. “We’ve got to talk to him if he wants the job.”

Anger continued to build among residents, some indicating the trustees’ seats wouldn’t be filled for much longer.

“This township is just something else,” said a member of the crowd.

Barcikoski replied, “Better run for trustee.”

“Obviously, somebody needs to,” the resident shot back. “We need three people to run. You’re gone next year. I guarantee it.”

Ramsey reassured the crowd she would be staying on.

“I’m not one of those people who just came up there and handed you guys a resignation letter,” Ramsey said. “Through all of this stuff that I’ve had to deal with, I know you guys have had your emotions, too. We obviously had our emotions over there. I am not backing away from this township.”

ANN WISHART/KMG

Jim Nix, who Troy Township Trustees recently hired as the new fire chief, speaks to a crowd of about 75 firefighters and township residents during a confrontational trustees meeting Dec. 21 about his reasons for applying for the position and his priorities for the fire department.

Trustee Sharon Simms outlined some of the chief’s responsibilities.

“We said we want at least two days a week, eight hours a day — we know he’s going to be putting in more,” she said.

Nix also agreed to attend trustee meetings, officer meetings and address staffing, she said. Lately, the department has only been answering fewer than 30% of after-hour calls, Simms said, adding the last three calls that went out were answered by other agencies.

“The residents deserve to know the person you hired will be coming,” said Troy Fire Capt.

Jeff Koehn, who asked why trustees hired a chief who is not required to answer after-hour calls. “Nobody is volunteering any more. The calls we have are not getting covered. How is that being responsible to residents?” He said. “Nothing against Jim Nix, (but) you need somebody here who is coming back (to the station) to answer calls after hours.”

When asked about the chief’s salary, Barcikoski said it is $18,000 per year, but he won’t be paid for the hours he spends staffing the station.

Simms acknowledged the shortage of people to staff the station, referring to three resignations trustees received upon hiring Nix last Tuesday (see related story above).

“I don’t think it’s okay. The same thing happened when (former Chief) Eric (Mathews) quit. We don’t have many local people anymore,” she said.

Firefighter Joe Mayoros, who is a charter member of the department he helped found 44

years ago, was also concerned about hiring Nix. “There’s never been a chief appointed to the fire department outside the current membership or from outside the township.

Why are we starting now?” he asked trustees, adding he believes there were qualified applicants from within the department.

“You need to start representing the people and not representing yourselves,” he said.

Koehn later said he doesn’t believe the trustees did their due diligence before hiring Nix and the Ohio Revised Code says an interim chief should automatically become chief after a year.

Trustees were silent during most of the meeting. As the crowd started to thin after almost two hours, Nix stood to answer the issues presented.

“I put in my application because I wanted to help. I didn’t do it for money, I didn’t do it for fame,” he said, noting he’d expected some department personnel to be upset about his hiring.

“No matter what choice is made, there will always be some people who are not happy,” he said.

Nix said he talked to department officers he has known for a long time and understands there is a staffing crisis.

“We need staffing. A fire station without people is a museum,” he said, adding he wants to work with Auburn Career Center to find trained candidates to work in Troy.

“Maybe we can talk to other departments to see if some of their guys want to come over,” he said.

Troy Township Trustee Len Barcikoski administered the following oath of office to the newly-hired Troy Township Fire Department Dec. 21 during a special township trustees meeting: “I, James Nix, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the fire chief for Troy Township Fire Department and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United State of America, the State of Ohio, the County of Geauga and the Township of Troy. I agree to be fully accountable, morally and ethically, to my fire department and am willing to hold others equally responsible to a standard of production and behavior that is acceptable.

I will be diligent in my commitments, keeping my word and following through on all pledges and promises. I will guard against complacency in my skills and conduct in pursuit of continued improvement. I pledge to honor those who came before us and pave the path for those who follow. So help me God.”

It is common practice for a trained firefighter/medic to work for more than one township or municipality at the same time.

“I have no answers today — we’re going to try like hell,” he said, adding the negative atmosphere at the station is not a draw for new members.

“If it stays toxic over there (at the fire station), no one’s coming,” he said. “I will give everything I can for this fire station. I will respond when I can. We don’t want to go to Auburn (Fire Department) and say, ‘Cover all our night calls.’ I need ideas on recruiting.”

Nix said he had discussed the budget issues with trustees and they understand what needs to be done. He anticipated drawing up long-term plans for the department.

“I just ask for a chance to look at everything and give trustees the numbers,” he said.

Maintenance on equipment is one of the first items Nix said he needs to get a handle on.

“I plan on having those plans out there,” he said. Nix also confirmed in a text Dec. 23 he no longer plans to run for mayor of Solon and his website regarding that matter has been taken down.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Bainbridge Township

Tanglewood Speed Limit Signs Replace Stop Signs

By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com

Stop signs and a guard rail dominated the conversation at the Dec. 18 Bainbridge Township Trustees meeting.

At the Nov. 11 meeting, Bainbrook Laurel Springs neighborhood HOA President Alex Shahidian said drivers have been seen driving too fast, sliding through intersections and ignoring stop signs in several locations, endangering children on their way to school.

Township Service Director Jim Stanek said during that meeting Geauga County Engineer Andy Haupt told him the signs don’t belong in the neighborhood and should be removed.

The Ohio Revised Code limits the township’s authority to place signs in the right-ofway along roads maintained by the township without the engineer’s permission, despite residents’ concerns, he said.

Last Wednesday, township Police Chief Jon Bokovitz said he purchased flashing radar and speed limit signs from Traffic Logix Corporation to replace the stop signs.

However, Stanek said he is not satisfied with the signs’ performance.

“We were told those signs, if charging correctly, should hold a three-day charge in a cloudy situation,” he said, adding the batteries, designed to pull power from solar panels, are not sufficient. “(Traffic Logix) think they sent us the wrong charger,” Stanek said.

He proposed reaching out to communi-

ties who use the solar-powered warning signs to find out how they keep them working.

Meanwhile, one of the illegal stop signs has disappeared and Trustee Kristina O’Brien said she doesn’t understand the mentality of someone who would do that.

“That’s not our community,” she said.

When Trustee Jeff Markley, concerned for the new equipment, said, “You don’t want to lose a $3,000 sign,” Stanek said the solar-powered signs have locator chips in them.

Tanglewood neighborhood resident Mike Zakany was also displeased with the county engineer’s decision to replace, without warning, the wooden guard rail in front of his home on Tanglewood Trail with a steel guard rail.

“Monday was a nightmare for us in Tanglewood,” he said, clearly agitated. “I woke up to see our guard rails were swapped out with turnpike guard rails. People are outraged. Our HOA (homeowners association) Facebook is blowing up.”

Zakany said the work crew dug a big hole while working on the project, creating a water and power outage. A mail box was knocked over, as well.

“It’s a sloppy mess,” he said.

Zakany said he called Haupt, who told him the wooden guard rails don’t comply with Ohio Department of Transportation standards. The resident felt the wooden guard rail is part of the neighborhood’s historic value.

Stanek said the wooden guard rail was installed in 2008 and was broken and had to be replaced.

SCREENSHOT

These are examples of speed limit signs made by Traffic Logix Corporation. Bainbridge Township has replaced stop signs in Tanglewood subdivision with solar-powered flashing signs to slow traffic at intersections.

The aesthetics of the community have been compromised, Zakany said, adding he planned to talk to Haupt about the problem at a meeting this week.

O’Brien said the wooden guard rail might not have been safe.

“Safety first and foremost — then aesthetics,” she said.

In a phone interview Dec. 19, O’Brien said the stop signs were not warranted, were unenforceable and have been removed.

“You can’t use stop signs to temper speed,” she said.

On another topic, O’Brien said she, as trustee chair, attended the first meeting of the Bainbridge-Aurora Joint Economic Development District board for the Lake Geauga District. She, the mayor of Aurora, a business owner, a business employee and a neutral party will make up the board that will work out details on the development of the former amusement park property.

Kenston Community Education Raises New Turf Idea

By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com Kenston Schools may be getting some new turf installed, said Jennifer Moore, director of Kenston Community Education, during the Dec. 16 Kenston Schools Board of Education meeting.

During a follow-up interview, Moore said a group of seniors came up with the idea of the new turf in a senior course that focuses on problem-based learning, where students come up with a Moore problem and find a solution.

Not all project ideas come to fruition, but this one has in partnership with KCE, a user-funded program.

“In this particular case, a couple of se-

niors came to me and they wanted to put in a practice turf on fields four and five, which (are) in the front of the high school, and we had already discussed doing that,” she said.

Moore said the district lacks space where students can practice in the spring without having to pay for an indoor facility.

“It would be used all the time, between Kenston, you know, our youth soccer program, our youth football program, both travel and rec, our youth lacrosse program, baseball, softball can practice on it because there will be … an infield in each corner for them so they could practice,” Moore said.

“It's going to be something that we put in and you own it,” she added during last Monday’s meeting.

Moore also mentioned other changes, such as a new weight room and concession stand.

“We gave $10,000 for the new weight room and I just got approval last night for $12,000 to help with the concession stand,” she said at the meeting. “So, we're really excited to be a part of that.”

In the followup interview, Moore said the district hasn’t had a driving program since before the pandemic, adding the driver’s-ed course with Suburban Driving School will begin the in-person classes at Gardiner Elementary in February.

Superintendent Bruce Willingham said the district is releasing a new website and app that will go live Dec. 26.

“The best part about it is, it's not a scaled down, you know, version (app) … like those mobile ones. It's a true functional app and … you're going to be able to get live push notifi-

cations right through it,” he said. “Parents will be able to sign up for just the schools that they have kids in or if they want district news.”

Willingham also said he’s reached out to various departments to begin listing their “wish list” for the 1-mill permanent improvement levy that passed in November.

“I will tell you, it is one heck of a wish list,” he said. “The last time I checked, and I know we're over it now, we were about $3.8 million and (Treasurer) Seth (Cales) and I just started laughing like, you know the levy only generates about $1.3 (million), right?”

Willingham said he and Cales will meet with departments to narrow down their needs.

Once they announce the recommendation in February, they can start getting quotes and start scheduling services. The dollar amount will be released in August, he said.

Chardon Kindergarten Moving Back to Elementary Schools

By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com Kindergarten students in next year’s incoming class will once again attend Park and Munson elementary schools, with the Chardon Schools Board of Education voting in favor of the reconfiguration at their Dec. 16 meeting.

Kindergarten students currently attend the Chardon Early Learning Center, housed in the former Maple Elementary School, across the road from Chardon High School.

Munson and Park currently house grades one through three.

There are a number of efficiencies to the

change and no foreseen downsides, Superintendent Mike Hanlon said.

“We — based on class size at Munson and Park — at this point we have room and we studied that,” Hanlon said.

“We can accommodate the kindergarten (students) going back in.”

Moving incoming students will have minimal impact on them as they haven’t yet settled into one building, he said.

About half a tier of transportation would be eliminated and the Hanlon traffic situation would be enhanced by not putting kindergarten bus traffic in the vicinity of the high school, Hanlon continued.

“It also, from a staffing standpoint, would have some other efficiencies, that we will not have, say, Park music teachers going over for kindergarten just to pick up related arts classes there,” Hanlon said.

Kindergarten no longer being housed at CELC also means they may not need to operate a full kitchen there, he noted.

Board member Andrea Clark asked if the reconfiguration would result in combining classrooms for special classes, like art and music, at the elementary schools again.

Assistant Superintendent Ed Klein replied they didn’t anticipate the need for such

a move at present.

“We have room for four classrooms at each of the buildings, not considering, as well, any special education programming that (Student Services Director Linda Elegante) is looking at either continuing or expanding at either one of those locations,” he said. “The short answer is, we may have to go to the backup plan of ‘art on a cart, music on a cart,’ but that’s the backup to the backup there.”

Clark also noted as a parent with kids at both schools, she had previously dealt with the traffic hopping from an elementary school to CELC. “It was definitely a nightmare,” she said.

The motion passed unanimously.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Russell PD Receives Award 2nd Year in Row

By Emma MacNiven macniven@karovecmedia.com

Russell Township Police Chief Tom Swaidner announced Dec. 18 his department received the AAA Community Traffic Safety Platinum Award for the second year in a row. “(It) is the highest award that you can get,” he said during the trustees meeting.

“So, through the dedication of the people that work over there in that building, day in and day out, that's our achievement. I want to say thank you to them.”

The department added in a Facebook post, “This award is the highest AAA safety award only achievable for outstanding service, dedication and significant impact made by improving the quality of life through traffic safety programs.”

Swaidner said they just received a delivery of supplies Swaidner for the new cruiser garage Dec. 18.

“The plan is to start building on Monday (Dec. 23),” Swaidner said.

He said the next phase is getting approval for interior finishes, like insulation, liner, metal walls and ceiling, which they received during the meeting at a cost of $9,546.74.

The trustees also approved the concrete flooring, which will cost the township $11,000.

Swaidner requested four police officers attend the Ohio Safety Congress and Expo in April in Columbus.

“I do think the leadership from training that they had that's geared towards emergency management stuff will be beneficial,” he said.

The trustees also passed a motion to purchase the $1,300 livestream video encoder equipment for the community room during the meeting.

The equipment would allow trustees to smoothly livestream their meetings to a platform like Youtube, according to board administrator Melissa Palmer.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Thursday, December 26, 2024

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Middlefield’s Bill Mast Named U.S. Coast Guard Artist Painting of Village Donated at Recent Council Meeting

By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com

In the spirit of Christmas, artist Bill Mast presented Middlefield Village Council with his painting of historic downtown Middlefield during its Dec. 12 meeting.

The large black-and-white acrylic in a gilt frame was revealed early in the meeting by Mast, who re-created the mural on the west wall of the Middlefield Tavern last year.

Mast said one particular thing in the photo moved him to start the project.

The scene, circa 1934, includes a Christmas tree on a tripod standing directly under the traffic light in the middle of the intersection of what is now state routes 87 and 608.

“When I saw that (tree), I had to paint it,” Mast said, estimating he spent 150 hours on the project – and thought, when he was about half way done, he wasn’t going to finish it.

His muse had deserted him and no amount of determination could draw him back to the canvas.

“Three months ago, I thought it wasn’t going to happen. I gave up on it,” he said.

“When it leaves, you can’t get it back. Being an artist is a little strange.”

Fortunately for the village, his motivation returned two months ago, giving him time to complete the painting before the holiday.

In answer to a question, he said he starts

ANN WISHART/KMG

Middlefield artist Bill Mast donated his painting of downtown Middlefield Village, circa 1943, to the village during a council meeting Dec. 12. He has been chosen to be an artist for the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program because of his paintings of Coast Guard ships and boats.

the process by preparing the canvas and sketching, freehand, the scene from the enlarged photo, using a grid to ensure proportion. The work is detailed and very realistic.

Mast said he added the cars parked on East High Street last.

He chose the frame to match the ambiance of the work and said he is going to miss having the painting in his home.

At his usual hourly rate, the painting is worth about $9,000, he said.

Mast had only one request of council.

“I just ask that you put it where people can see it,” he said.

Village Mayor Ben Garlich assured him his wishes will be fulfilled and thanked him.

“This painting is priceless to the village,” he said.

Mast also announced the U.S. Department of State saw his paintings of U.S. Coast Guard ships on the internet and asked him to serve as an official artist for the Coast Guard Art Program.

“Now I’m a government artist, my prices will go way up,” Mast joked.

On Facebook, he added, “I am an official artist of the USCG! Never served in the coast guard and truly regret that! However, I have been painting these magnificent boats and ships for a few years now.”

Founded 41 years ago, COGAP saves the works of artists in its archive, according to the USCG website.

“We want the workforce to know that what they do every day is memorialized in art through our program,” said COGAP coordinator Mary Ann Bader. “We appreciate the contributions of our Coast Guard artists, all of whom volunteer their time and artwork to the service. It is an honor to us and it’s something that we deeply appreciate.”

Say ‘Hello’ to Santa in Burton

SUBMITTED

Children of all ages are visiting the Burton Chamber of Commerce log cabin this month to tell Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus what they want for Christmas this year. The cabin on Burton Village Square is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Preston Superstore Continues Tradition of Giving Staff Report

SUBMITTED

Preston Superstore in Burton Village has been busy this holiday season, holding toy and food drives for local organizations. It is a tradition the Preston family hopes to continue for years to come.

Preston Superstore has been busy this holiday season bringing comfort and joy to those in need in Geauga County.

From Nov. 5 through Dec. 12, the Burton Village car dealership held a toy drive for children in need. Approximately $1,000 in toys were collected from customers and Preston team members, said Jackie Preston Franck, marketing and advertising manager.

Toys were delivered to the annual Merry Middlefield month-long event. Additional items were donated to Birthright Geauga Inc., WomenSafe Inc. and Family Pride of Northeast Ohio.

Concurrently, from Dec. 5 through Dec. 13, Preston Superstore held a food drive to benefit the Geauga County Veteran Food Pantry. Customers and Preston team members

donated roughly $300 of food to benefit honorably discharged veterans, active duty, their families and dependents in need.

Finally, from Nov. 5 through Dec. 16, a Santa for Senior collection to gather gifts for seniors in local nursing homes raised $250 in items. Customers and team members donated blankets, socks, puzzle books, men’s and women’s lotions and body sprays to benefit residents at Burton Health Care Center.

“We have enjoyed over the years helping organize toy and food drives for local organizations. There are so many in need so we are happy to help especially this time of year,” Franck said. “One of our team members, Angie Prinkey, takes it upon herself each year to research and pick out well deserving organizations. We hope to continue this tradition for years to come.”

County Commissioners Invest in Airport Infrastructure

By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com As development at the county airport in Middlefield continues to take flight, Geauga County Commissioners approved a $1,330,000 encumbrance and expenditure for the construction of a new T-hangar, as well as upgrades to existing facilities for the Geauga County Airport Authority, at their Dec. 17 meeting.

The amount was approved for January 2025, pending execution of an agreement for capital improvement funding.

Airport Authority President Chip Hess provided commissioners with some background on their efforts.

“Over a year ago, (the Federal Aviation Administration) made us aware that there would be funding available through bipartisan infrastructure legislation to fund buildings,” Hess said. “Up until that point, FAA funding was not available for buildings.”

The FAA had agreed to help GCA fund the new building and county commissioners submitted the documentation for approval, only to be told they needed to meet FAA standards. The documents had only been updated in the past month, Hess said, hence the ask being at the end of the year. “(County Administrator Gerry Morgan) was nice enough then to put together a simple agreement between the airport authority and the commissioners about how the funding would take place,” Hess said.

During that discussion, it was mentioned it might be best for the airport authority to keep the FAA money as it comes back to the airport, Hess added, rather than regularly ask for money at budget hearings.

“We want to fix the hangars, the original buildings at the airport, they’re leaking right now,” he said. “We got rooms that are not occupiable. We also want to upgrade the living quarters for the helicopter crews for the (University Hospitals) helicopter.”

The hangar project is ready for bid, Hess explained. With the funds allocated, they could get the job on the books for spring 2025.

Airport Manager Ric Blamer provided information about the T-hangar at the commissioners Dec. 10 meeting. It will be eight units and approximately 12,500 square feet, he said, and is large enough to house larger aircraft, including one with a 60-foot wingspan.

Spaces in the hangar had been sold for over a year, with a wait list of 32 people the morning of the Dec. 10 meeting.

An earlier set of hangars was completed in April of 2022 and have been fully occupied since, Blamer said. He added the airport’s hangar rental rates hang in the middle of the road — some are less than competitors while the newer ones have the highest rates.

New, clean hangars mean being able to ask for a higher rental rate, Commissioner Tim Lennon noted.

The quality of the airport’s infrastructure is important to its Experimental Aircraft Association chapter, something EAA President

Tim Conner elaborated on.

While Blamer is the airport manager, Conner explained he has no staff and the EAA chapter picks up those jobs, and they need the proper infrastructure to do so. Their work can vary from changing the toilet paper in restrooms to running relay flights for Geauga residents who need medical treatment at major institutions out of state, he said.

“We certainly support the acquisition of another hangar because aircrafts at the airport are part of what makes it work,” Conner said. “There’s a lot of people who use their aircraft for business and we can’t do that if we don’t have hangars to put those airplanes in.”

Once the hangar is bid, the association

would like to start “knocking down” the list of things to fix at the airport, Hess said.

“With the commissioners’ support, we have really generated, or created, a popular location for the people who have aircraft and we want to continue that momentum moving forward,” he added.

The authority is looking to put facilities on a maintenance schedule, he noted, something that should keep the buildings from falling into disrepair.

This is a significant investment, Lennon said.

“I know the Geauga Airport, you guys will take super care of it, but it’s imperative we make this thing last,” he said.

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Page 12

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, December 26, 2024

WWW.GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM/SPORTS

Toppers State-Ranked Wrestlers Off to Good Start

By Alan Kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com The Chardon Hilltoppers Wrestling Team returns a strong group of upperclassmen for the 2024-2025 season, including senior stateranked wrestlers Alex Ash, Caden Foley, Dylan Kick and Logan Shubert.

This strong group recently got their season off to a good start with strong performances in a tri-match with the Aurora Greenmen and the Mayfield Wildcats, the Solon Comet Classic, and the Fitch Falcon Duals.

In their tri-match on Dec. 19, the Hilltoppers went 1-1 defeating the Wildcats but losing to a challenging Greenmen team with many state ranked Division I wrestlers.

After the tri-match, Hilltoppers Head Coach Nick Salatino said that he was happy with how the Hilltoppers rebounded and stayed focused after taking on the Greenmen.

In particular, against the Wildcats, Coach Salatino said that his wrestlers regrouped nicely by increasing their effort level.

“I think our kids went out there and battled harder,” said Coach Salatino. “Whether they won or not, they tried to win. So I was much happier with the effort in the second match.”

In the tri-match, Coach Salatino said one of the top performances was turned in by senior captain Dylan Kick who was 2-0 on the night.

“Dylan Kick (had one of the top perfor-

ALAN KORNSPANA/KMG

Senior captain and state-ranked wrestler Dylan Kick, left, had an excellent week with six total victories at the Aurora Tri-Match and the Falcon Duals.

mances) for sure, he's my wrestler of the week,” Coach Salatino said.

In reflecting upon his performance in the tri-match, Kick said that he came into these matches looking to dominate.

“I did exactly what I came to do,” said Kick.

Kick said that two of his main moves he utilized for success in the tri-match were the

single leg and high crotch moves.

Kick continued his excellent week on December 21st, adding four more victories at Fitch High School in the Falcon Duals.

Kick defeated opponents from Revere, Valley Forge, Beaver and Berea-Midpark.

Also wrestling very well this season are Alex Ash and Caden Foley who both placed at the Solon Comet Classic.

Indeed, Ash finished as runner up for the tournament in the 157-pound weight class, while Foley finished in sixth place in the 144-pound weight class.

Ash, currently the 11th ranked 157-pound Division II wrestler in the state of Ohio, won four straight matches at the Comet Classic to reach the championship match.

In Ash's first three matches he defeated opponents from Normandy, North Olmsted, and Stow on falls. In fact, in the first round he got the fall in 54 seconds and then needed only 22 seconds to pin his round two opponent.

See Hilltoppers • Page 13

Badgers Beat Cardinal With Big 4th Quarter Run

By Rich Kelly sports@karlovecmedia.com

MICHAEL KELLY/KMG

Cardinal senior Dominic Naples during his team’s 75-57 loss to Badgers.

Both the Badger Braves and Cardinal Huskies came into this season with a need to figure a way to survive without their school's all-time leading scorers.

So far , it's been a rough go of it for coaches Josh Upshire of Badger and Kyle Deckerd of Cardinal. But current players are learning new roles and adapting.

When the teams met Dec. 20 at Cardinal, they played like teams in a mirror image, going at each other with full force but not always with success. Badger went on to win 75-57.

Stamina came into play in the second half, however, as Badger used a 17-6 run to end the third period and another 14-0 run midway through the fourth quarter to claim a solid 73-57 win over the Huskies.

After a 24-24 standoff in the first half, fueled by a seven of 13 shooting effort in the second period, the Huskies stayed hot to open the third period, taking a 32-29 lead with 4:37 left on the clock after Dom Naples nailed a pair of free throws.

From that point on, the Braves turned into mad bombers from long distance, build-

ing an 18 point leaad midway through the final quarter that stood up.

Senior Deegan Hunkus and sophomore Jack Harnett were the main culprits as Badger gained its first win of the season after seven losses.

Hitting from long range, Harnett led the way with 17 points, including 12 in the second half.

Hunkus hit on five of six shots in the final two periods as well in hitting for 15 points on the night.

Their buckets came rapid fire after the Huskies battled to that point of the third period behind active play from Naples, Landon Gallagher, Carter Tucker and Charles Soltis.

The Huskies just couldn't hang on to that lead in dropping to 2-6 on the young season.

"Our kids have played really hard so far this seaosn,' Coach Deckerd said. "We've played hard and with great effort all the time, but some of the kids are still adjusting and settliing into new roles on the floor. We need to take better care of the ball, too, but tonight they (Badger) got hot in the third period and we ran out of gas."

Tucker paced an attack for Cardinal that See Badgers • Page 13

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 13

Lions Puck Movement Leads to Victory Over Tigers

By Alan Kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com The NDCL Lions Hockey Team took on the Heights Tigers on Dec. 20 at the Cleveland Heights Community Center.

Undefeated in the division, the Lions were looking to continue their stellar play in this matchup since winning the division leads to an automatic bid to the Baron Cup. After a slow start, the Lions got on the scoreboard late in the first period.

Leading 1-0 entering the second period, the Lions showed their dominance as they added two, second period goals and three more goals in the third to shut out the Tigers, 6-0.

Coming into the contest, senior co-captain Bryce Golling said that the Lions were focused on moving the puck precisely and making crisp accurate passes.

In reflecting upon the Lions’ victory, Golling was happy with how well the Lions executed these aspects of their game plan.

“I think we really moved the puck well offensively,” Golling said. “We were super strong on it, we kept it moving. We were hitting people left and right.”

Added junior Captain Colin Krajnak: “I feel this was our best game moving the puck. We played with our heads up too. We were talking out there, I heard a lot of talking. People were looking back door, people were setting up in front of the net for screens, taking it wide and establishing good solid possession.”

With the excellent puck movement and accurate passing, Golling said many opportunities were generated for shots on net.

In order to continue to improve, Golling would like to see the Lions continue to increase the amount of shots on goal going forward.

In addition, with an increase in shots taken, more opportunities to find the back of the

Hilltoppers from page 12

After pinning the Stow wrestler late in the second period of match three, Ash gained a 9-7 decision over Denis Kodakov Gil from Spire Academy to reach the championship round.

Ash said that the Solon Comet Classic was a great experience.

“Going into it I knew it was going to be a tough tournament,” Ash said. “I had a couple good kids in my bracket but I pinned my way to the semis. Then I was wrestling a pretty

Badgers from page 12

saw all eight players score, hitting for 14 points.

Naples added 11 to go with nine rebounds. Charles Soltis hit all three of his long range shots to garner nine points, and Zak Caldwell added eight points.

Gallagher was a defensive force, especially in the first half, snaring eight rebounds while blocking four shots at the rim to keep his team tight in that first half.

After Badger tallied the first two hoops of the third period, Tucker nailed a pair of 3-pointers to lead the Huskies to that 32-29 edge, but with Hunkus and Harnett respond-

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Senior Captain Bryce Golling had two goals in the Lion’s 6-0 victory over the Tigers.

net off rebounds are created.

Krajnak said that the team has been working hard in practice to continue to improve on shooting on net off of rebounds.

Focusing on excellent teamwork, passing, and puck movement, the Lions got on the scoreboard with 2:02 left in the first period when freshman Nic Davis found the back of the net.

Davis was assisted on the goal by Kai Culbertson and Klara Stergar.

After the contest, Davis described the play good kid from Spire. I came in level headed (to the semifinals match) and beat the Spire kid, 9-7. So that was a great win.”

With the Hilltoppers good start to the season, senior captain Dylan Kick is excited and optimistic that many of the Hilltoppers ranked wrestlers will punch their ticket to the state tournament.

“I want all of us to go down to the state tournament, we all deserve it,” said Kick.

“We've all put in hard work over the summer, and I think we're ready to accept that challenge. I want us as a team to be in the placings, top five (in the state). I think we have the wrestlers to do so.” ing in kind, a ragged stretch led to the big runs and the final score for the first win of the season for Badger.

Ball distribution was good for both teams.

Badger recorded assists on 17 of their 24 buckets on the night, with Lewis Flowers and Alton Winchek each having six helpers.

For the Huskies, Cal Ciminello and Caldwell each dished for five assists.

"This was a good game for us," Badger coach Josh Upshire said. "It's the first time we really shot the ball well. Our adjustment has been set up by losing Moy to college and two starters to Warren JFK, so we really have had to work hard. Cardinal played superbly tonight, but I think our pressure wore them down in the second half, and we finally hit some shots. I'll take it every day."

where he scored the first goal of the game.

“I got the puck in our zone, went up the left side and I was able to beat the left defenseman,” said Davis.

After Davis gave the Lions a 1-0 lead, they added two more goals in the second period.

Scoring goals in the second period included Golling and Joshua Hollobaugh.

Gollings's goal with 10:25 left in the the second period gave the Lions a 2-0 lead.

“I just got a pass from the defender and snuck it in,” said Golling.

The Tigers scored their third goal of the game less than two minutes later when Hollobaugh found the back of the net.

Hollobaugh was assisted on the goal by Anthony Golden and Nic Davis.

After going into the third period leading 3-0, the Lions scored three more goals.

Krajnak put the Lions ahead 4-0 with 9:04 left in the third period.

Krajnak was assisted on the goal by Stergar, her second assist of the night.

The Lions added two final goals by Golling and Culbertson to make the final score, 6-0.

For the game, the Lions were led offensively by Golling (2 goals), Davis (1 goal, 2 assists), Stergar (2 assists), Culbertson (1 goal, 1 assist), Krajnak (1 goal), Hollobaugh (1 goal) and Golden (1 assist).

Berkshire Will Honor Great Teams

By Jim Kellogg sports@karlovecmedia.com At halftime of the Berkshire and Fairport basketball game Jan. 3, the school will recognize two great basketball teams from the 1968-69 and 1969-70 seasons.

These seasons were Burtons version of "Hoosiers,” but fans from all over the county attended as Friday and Saturday nights watching the purple and gold. It was the place to be.

The 68-69 team went 17-5.

This team scored over 100 points two times, over 90 points once and over 80 points seven times.

The team won the three game sectional and then lost to the Kinsman Badgers in the district final at the Canton Fieldhouse.

Not to be outdone, the 69-70 team re-

corded a 19-2 record , winning the league championship and No. 1 one seed in the sectional tournament.

This team scored over 90 points four times and over 80 points three times.

The Badgers returned to the Canton Fieldhouse and lost to Sebring in the district opener.

Sebring continued on and lost in the state final game in Columbus.

The teams were coached by Ken Janssen and Paul Busby and led by county scoring leader Tom Pokorny.

These teams set goals for Berkshire teams for years to come.

The Burton/Berkshire community would like to thank these teams for all the great memories.

Come join us and share in the game highlights and stories.

Page 14

Obituaries William H. Jonath

William H. Jonath, age 79, of Huntsburg Township, passed away at his home Dec. 17, 2024.

He was born Aug. 12, 1945, in Cleveland, to the late Harry and Gladys (nee Spoonamoore) Jonath.

William graduated from Cardinal High School and received his bachelor's degree in education from The Ohio State University.

Willam worked as an inspector for over 30 years at Lincoln Electric Co. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his grandkids.

William was a member of the Church of the Blessed Hope in Chesterland.

He will be sadly missed by his son, Robert (Brittany) Jonath, of Huntsburg; daughter, Brenda Newman, of Chardon; and grandchildren, Sierra (Keegan) Mominee, Jasmine Newman, Michael Newman, Brooklyn Jonath, Logan Jonath, Greson Jonath and Scarlett Jonath.

He also is survived by his sister Sandy (John) Burnette.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia M. Jonath, in 2013; brothers, John Jonath, Steven Jonath and his wife, Janice, sisters Judy Ross and her husband Tom Ross, (Evelyn) McGranahan her husband Tom McGranahan; and a brother-inlaw, Bill Motil.

William will be laid to rest at a private graveside service next to his wife in Middlefield Cemetery.

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

Wayne Gould

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Wayne Gould, 77, passed away Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, peacefully in the comfort of his own home, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and leadership.

Known for his brilliant career in real estate, Wayne was a trusted leader and mentor, guiding countless individuals with his wisdom and vision.

Wayne was born April 8, 1947, to Frieda and Robert Gould. He grew up in Euclid and graduated from Euclid High School in 1965.

He was a proud and dedicated veteran who served in the Navy until 1969. He carried immense pride in his service to his country and often expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and kindness shown to him by the veteran organizations throughout his life. His service was not only a duty but an honor he cherished deeply.

Wayne was a member and past Master of Woodward Lodge No. 408 F&AM in Lyndhurst, a proud 32nd-degree Mason in the Valley of Cleveland Scottish Rite and a member of the Al-Koran Shrine. He honored a cherished family legacy through his dedication and service.

Wayne had a unique gift for finding joy in life’s simplest pleasures — always armed with a good joke, a love for desserts and an even greater passion for a good deal. His sharp wit and warm presence made him the life of any

room, while his generous spirit and tireless work ethic earned him admiration both professionally and personally.

He was a devoted husband to his adoring wife, Sue “Suzabella” (nee Griffee) Gould.

A loving father to Scott (Jamie) and Cindy (Rohr). A grandfather to Ashley (Dan), Charlie (Lindsey) and Layla. A beloved “Papa” to Caleb, Teddy and Charli Mae. As well as a brother to Janet (Roy), brother-in-law to Charles (Rosemary, deceased) and Frank (deceased).

Wayne’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he cherished most. Including his dogs, Frieda and Thelma.

Wayne’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, humor and kindness. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a later date, likely on his deck where he admired his pond.

May his memory continue to bring smiles, just as he did every day of his remarkable life.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon.

Information and condolences online at www. burrservice.com.

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

Food Pantry Open

Dec. 27, 10 a.m. to noon The food pantry at the Chester Christian Center church is open to anyone in the community in need of food. One does not need to be a member of the church to attend.

The church is located at 11815 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Hanukkah Celebration

Dec. 27, 7 p.m.

All are welcome to join for a night of worship, lights, food and spiritual dedication at Tikvat Yisrael Messianic Synagogue, 9319 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. The event is free and open to the public. Visit tikvatcleveland.org or call 216-297-9929 to RSVP.

Join Christmas Bird Count

Blackbrook Audubon Society invites nature enthusiasts for the 125th annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Dec. 28.

Blackbrook’s CBC circle covers from Lost Nation Airport to Western Perry, Lake

Erie south to Holden Arboretum and Big Creek Park in Geauga County.

The object of the CBC is to count all the bird species and number of birds in a 15-mile diameter circle in one 24-hour period between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Participants within the circle can also report birds at their feeders.

To be assigned to a team covering a specific area or to report backyard feeder counts, contact Dan Donaldson, the compiler for Blackbrook’s circle, at danook057@yahoo.com.

Fairmount Winter Session

Registration is open for classes and workshops in art, dance, music and theatre at Fairmount Center for the Arts in Russell Township.

Classes begin Jan. 6 and are available at two locations: 8400 Fairmount Road in Russell Township and 101 Main St., Suite 105 in Chardon.

For more information, or to register for classes, visit www.fairmountcenter.org or call 440-338-3171.

Nancy W. Lane

Nancy W. Lane, age 87, passed away on Dec. 17, 2024.

She was the self-proclaimed super perfect mother of David Johnson (Vicki), of Destin, Fla., Michael Johnson, of Warren, Steven Johnson, of Middlefield, Jane Anagnostos (Peter), of Cleveland Heights, and Susan Johnson, of Middlefield.

She was grandmother to Robert, Ken, Steven, Ashley, Emily and Kate; and great-grandmother to Melia, Max, Ollie, Lincoln and River.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husbands, Tom W. Johnson and Dr. Thomas Lane; and a brother, Alan R. Weaver.

Nancy was born on April 3, 1937, in Waterbury, Conn., to the late Gordon and Jessie Weaver. While a teenager, her family moved to Ohio, where Nancy married and raised her family in Middlefield.

Nancy was a dedicated homemaker throughout her life. She attended Centenary University in Hackettstown, N.J., and Kent State University.

A second marriage brought her back to Connecticut and then to a farm in Sherburne, N.Y. She returned to Middlefield in 2003.

Nancy had a deep love for animals, having raised and been supported by her five Seeing Eye guide dogs. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed listening to audiobooks. Her resilience and compassionate nature will always be remembered by those who knew her.

At Nancy’s request, no service will be held.

Please share condolences with Nancy’s family on her tribute page at www.slyffh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Seeing Eye at www. seeingeye.org; or the charity of your choice.

Geauga Public Library Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Include an email and phone number when registering for programs to receive updates about all programs. Visit www. geaugalibrary.net.

Winter Reading Program

Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Geauga County Public Library’s annual Winter Reading Program is back. Sign up and track one’s reading all winter for a chance to win a great prize.

Puzzle Exchange

Dec. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Bainbridge Exchange gently used puzzles (with no missing pieces) for new-to-you-used puzzles. Registration is not required.

Noon Year's Eve Party

Dec. 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Bainbridge Families may join their favorite librarians for fun and games while counting down the New Year... at noon.

Toy Time Mondays

Geauga Shutterbugs

Jan. 2, 6-8:30 p.m. • Geauga West Connect with the Geauga Shutterbugs for a friendly conversation about photography. Registration is not required.

Color & Cookies

Jan. 6, 4-4:45 p.m. • Middlefield Teens in grades 6-12 will enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with coloring and cookies.

Sky Legends & Lore

Jan. 7, 7-8 p.m. • Bainbridge From “The Man in the Moon” to “Taurus the Bull,” the heavens have always been a source of legend and lore. Join the Geauga Park District to hear about these tales and more.

Library Led Discussions

• Geauga West, Jan. 8, 7-8 p.m., “Miss Benson's Beetle” by Rachel Joyce

Senior Scams

Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to noon • Thompson Creative play is here for infants through 5-year-olds. Join for games, puzzles and toys. Registration is not required.

Jan. 9, 3-4 p.m. • Virtual Learn what a scam is and how to protect oneself from scammers at this virtual Consumer Protection program hosted by the Office of the Ohio Attorney General.

Stitching Circle

Ohio Sports Trivia Night

Dec. 30, 6:30-8 p.m. • Bainbridge Textile crafters can work in the company of friends at the close-knit program full of cross-stitchers, crocheters, weavers and more.

Jan. 9, 7-8 p.m. • Geauga West Test one’s Ohio sports knowledge against fellow fans to see who knows their Browns, Bengals, Guardians, Cavs and Buckeye trivia the best.

WWW.GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 15

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The Leadership Geauga Human Services Day team that organized the Sponsor-a-Family initiative for the Class of 2025 are, from left, Jim Ayers, Courtney Bacik, Dianne Pearce, Jessica Ferroni and Michael Sneeringer. Not pictured is Nicole Moore.

Leadership Geauga Class Gives Joy this Season Staff Report Members of Leadership Geauga’s Class of 2025 gave, gave and gave again Dec. 6, celebrating Human Services Day and the upcoming holidays.

The class took part in the Geauga County Job and Family Services’ Sponsor-a-Family program, helping a local family to ensure a joyful holiday season for a mother and her three children.

“Through their efforts, the family will have many gifts to open and will receive gift cards to local grocery stores to have a holiday meal,” Amy Murfellow, the organization’s marketing and outreach manager, said in a press release.

Members also collaborated with the Geauga Park District’s Greens for Giving program. LG alumna Holly Sauder, events coordinator, led the group in an evergreen centerpiece-making workshop.

“These beautifully-crafted centerpiec-

es will be delivered to the Geauga County Veterans Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels recipients, spreading holiday cheer to local veterans and community members in need,” Murfello said.

LG’s annual holiday party at Patterson Fruit Farm’s Orchard Hills Center saw 120 attendees who contributed to support the Sponsor-a-Family program.

“Thanks to their generosity, over $500 in cash and gift cards were collected, alongside an array of toys and games. These contributions will bring joy to Geauga County children and families, ensuring a brighter holiday season,” she said. “Through events like Human Services Day and the holiday party, the organization continues to inspire leadership, foster connections and make a tangible difference in Geauga County.”

More information about Leadership Geauga and its programs may be found online at: www.leadershipgeauga.org

SUBMITTED

Designing their Giving for Greens centerpieces are Leadership Geauga members, from left, Christine Davidson, Kathy Milo, Anissa Vilcheck, Ivra Bassett, Courtney Crawford, and Erica Pinko.

ALLISON WILSON/KMG

Burton-Middlefield Rotary members present a check Dec. 9 for $5,000 to the Geauga County Veterans Food Pantry. The Rotary distributes funds raised by its annual Jeep Invasion event.

Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club Donates to Community Groups

ALLISON WILSON/KMG

Burton-Middlefield Rotary members present a check Dec. 9 for $5,000 to the Burton American Legion Post 459 in support of the Legion’s elevator fund. The Rotary distributes funds raised by its annual Jeep Invasion event.

Page 16

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Chardon

Cardinal

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The Chardon High School girls basketball team recently decorated and delivered dozens of cookies to various community members to spread some holiday cheer. The team conducted the project to express its gratitude for all the support it receives from the Chardon community.

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Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Students of the Month for November.

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Cardinal Elementary School Students of the Month for November.

Students of the Month

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Park Elementary students worked on unplugged coding exercises.

Unplugged Coding Exercises

Students at Park Elementary Schol recently worked on unplugged coding exercises with Mrs. Angelica Rohrich. The offline activities teach students the fundamentals of computer coding through hands-on and engaging programming. In one activity, students wrote a program on a piece of paper using arrows, and then another student followed the programmed instructions to create a design out of stacked cups. If the programming did not lead to the correct cup design, the student looks back through the code to correct any bugs or errors. The unplugged activity helps develop computer programming skills.

Cardinal Local Schools congratulates its Students of the Month for November. Thank you to the East Geauga Kiwanis and Zeppe’s of Middlefield for sponsoring the Students of the Month program.

They are: kindergartners Caleb K., Charlotte M. and Tobias F.; first-graders Emilee B. and Elliot K.; second-graders Vera B. and Hannah F.; third-graders Kody K., Elizabeth

K. and Layla A.; fourth-graders Elizabeth R. and Aubree M.; fifth-graders Andrew T., Alyssa K. and Andi F.; sixth-graders Jarrett F., Jessman K. and Harmony Y.; seventh-graders Harper G. and Mason K.; eighth-graders Mia M. and Ella M.; ninth-graders Natalie H. and Carson D.; 10th-graders Lilah T. and Emily P.; 11th-graders Grayson Y. and Brianna M.; and 12th-graders Damion W. and Ben L.

Sing for Santa

Elementary students in Chardon Schools recently had the opportunity to participate in the Sing for Santa event with the Cleveland Monsters.

Along with music teacher Samantha Puterbaugh, students ventured to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Dec. 7 to entertain fans in attendance with their singing of several classic holiday songs.

The Hilltoppers were among the many local students who sang songs while featured on the jumbotron as Santa Claus rode on a Zamboni between the first and second intermission.

SUBMITTED

Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School November Citizens of the Month are seventh-graders Ben R. and Skylar L. (not pictured); eighth-graders Gen C. and Bryan S.; ninth-graders Hope H. and Sydney L.; 10th-grader Natalie S.; 11th-graders Brooke B. and Felicity L.; and 12th-graders Hunter G. and Misael S. Cowboy Creamery sponsor the Citizens of the Month program.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE Geauga County In compliance with the Ohio Revised Code 5715.17 the Geauga County Board of Revision has completed the valuations for Tax Year 2024 (payable in 2025) and are now open for public inspection. Said valuations may be checked online at https://auditor.geauga.oh.gov or at the Real Estate Department of the Geauga County Auditor’s Office, located at the Courthouse Annex, 231 Main St., Suite 1A, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Any complaint against the valuation may be filed with the Board of Revision January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, in the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

Charles E. Walder Geauga County Auditor Dec19-26, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Geauga County In accordance with Section 307.79 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Geauga County Board of Commissioners hereby gives notice that it will hold two (2) Public Hearings, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. and on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. in the Chambers of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners located at 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, Ohio, regarding the proposed Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations, Amended 2025.

A copy of the Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations, Amended 2025 is available for public inspection during regular office hours, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 240, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

BY ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christine Blair, Clerk Dec19-26, 2024

NOTICE OF TAX BUDGET HEARING BERKSHIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that copies of the proposed tax budget of the Berkshire Local School District, Geauga County, Ohio for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 are on file in the office of the Treasurer of the Board of Education and open for public inspection during regular business hours, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code. A public meeting will be held at 6:00 PM, Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Berkshire Board of Education.

Beth A. McCaffrey, Treasurer Dec26, 2024

NOTICE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BERKSHIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT A detailed General Purpose Financial Statement covering all revenues and expenses of the Berkshire Local School District, by fund, is prepared under the requirements of the Bureau of Inspection and Supervision of Public Offices, (Auditor of State) and is available for public inspection. The report can be obtained by calling (440) 834-3380, Ext. 2107 or at the offices of the Berkshire Board of Education, Office of the Treasurer, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, Ohio.

Beth A. McCaffrey, Treasurer Dec26, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Auburn Township Notice is hereby given that the Auburn Township Board of Trustees will conduct Public Hearings on proposed amendments, ZC202402 (family cemetery); ZC2024-03 (mobile food units); and ZC2024-04 (accessory building height) to the Auburn Township Zoning Resolution at the administration building, 11010 Washington Street, Auburn Township, OH on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM (ZC2024-02); 7:15 PM (ZC2024-04) and 7:30 PM (ZC2024-03).

The proposed amendments are available to view at the administration office, Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and posted on the township website, www.auburntownship. com

BY THE ORDER OF THE AUBURN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES Dan Matsko, Fiscal Officer Dec26, 2024

NOTICE OF TAX BUDGET HEARING CARDINAL LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that copies of the pro-

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Legal Notices are also posted to www.geaugamapleleaf.com and www.publicnoticesohio.com

posed Tax Budget of Cardinal Local School District, Geauga County, Ohio, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, will be on file in the office of the Treasurer of the Board of Education beginning December 27, 2024 and open for public inspection during regular business hours. The Tax Budget Hearing will be held at 6:15 p.m. immediately following the Organizational Meeting at 6:00 p.m. and prior to the Regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., which will be held on January 8, 2025, at the Board Offices located at 15982 East High Street, Middlefield, Ohio, 44062.

Terry Armstrong, Treasurer Dec26, 2024

NOTICE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CARDINAL LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT The Cardinal Local School District has copies of the Fiscal Year 2024 Unaudited General Purpose Financial Statement Compilation Report available in the Treasurer’s Office, 15982 E. High Street, P.O. Box 188, Middlefield, Ohio 44062 or on the District website. The final audited report will be available sometime in Spring of 2025. For additional information, please contact Terry Armstrong, Treasurer, during regular business hours at (440) 6320261.

Terry Armstrong, Treasurer Dec26, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Troy Township Notice is hereby given that the Troy Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application for an appeal for a variance to the Troy Township Zoning Resolution and an application for a conditional zoning certificate on the 13th day of January, 2025 at 7:00 o’clock p.m. at the Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, Burton, OH 44021.

This application #ZP24-33, submitted by Eli J. Byler, requests that he be granted relief regarding an area variance for front yard setback. The application for the appeal pertains to Article IV Section 402.6(B)(1) which states “The minimum yard setbacks for all accessory buildings, structures, and uses except as otherwise provided in Section 402.2.2 shall be as follows: 1. Front yard setback: 75 feet. They propose a front yard setback of 49 feet for a variance of 26 feet.

This application #ZP24-39, submitted by Eli J. Byler, requests that a conditional zoning certificate be granted for a home occupation for a harness shop in the R-3 district.

Eli J. Byler has filed these applications for an area and conditional use zoning certificates and wants them to be granted for the property located at 16506 Tavern Road in Troy Township PPN # 32-074106.

Lisa Murphy, Secretary Dec26, 2024

NOTICE OF TAX BUDGET HEARING KENSTON LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that copies of the proposed tax budget and the estimate of cost of operations of the Kenston Local School District, Geauga County, Ohio for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 are on file in the office of the Treasurer of the Board of Education.

The proposed tax budget is open for public inspection during regular business hours, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code. A public meeting, regarding the proposed tax budget, will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Auburn Bainbridge room at Kenston High School, 9500 Bainbridge Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023.

Seth S. Cales, Treasurer Dec26, 2024

NOTICE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KENSTON LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT The unaudited financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 of the Kenston Local School District is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the Treasurer located at 17419 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023.

Seth S. Cales, Treasurer Dec26, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE Village of Middlefield Notice is hereby given that during the Council Meeting held on December 12, 2024, The Village of Middlefield passed the following legislation: RESOLUTION 24-20 A RESOLUTION AU-

THORIZING THE FISCAL OFFICER TO MAKE FINAL TRANSFERS OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO FINALIZE AND BALANCE THE 2024 BUDGET ON DECEMBER 31, 2024, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. RESOLUTION 24-21 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (to follow) RESOLUTION 24-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. RESOLUTION 24-23 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GEAUGA COUNTY AUDITOR TO PROVIDE TAX ADVANCES FOR THE 2025 COLLECTION PERIODS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. RESOLUTION 24-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ENGINEER TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE VILLAGE’S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE 24-165 AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF MIDDLEFIELD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE 24-166 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE REHIRING OF NICHOLAS PRIEM, AS A FULL TIME LABORER IN THE STREETS DEPARTMENT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE 24-167 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CODIFIED ORDINANCE SECTION 913.135 ENTITLED “REBATE PROGRAM,” AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE 24-168 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024 PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (to follow) ORDINANCE 24-169 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING APPENDIX K TO THE VILLAGE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK ENTITLED “AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE AND WIRE TRANSFER POLICIES,” AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 24-170 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR HIS DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF AKRON,” AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 24-158 AN ORDINANCE TO RAISE THE RATE OF PAY FOR COUNCIL PRO TEMPORE BEGINNING IN 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 24-159 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING EXISTING SECTION 911.08 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE THE 2024 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WATER ACCOUNT RATES, COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2025 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE 24-160 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING EXISTING SECTION 907.04 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SEWER ACCOUNTS, COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 24-161 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING EXISTING SECTION 911.10 (a) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM ACCOUNTS, COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. RESOLUTION 24-18 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT OF THE VILLAGE TO DISPOSE OF UNNEEDED, OBSOLETE OR UNFIT MUNICIPALLY OWNED PERSONAL PROPERTY VIA AN INTERNET AUCTION IN CALENDAR YEARS 2025 AND 2026, AND AUTHORIZING SUCH DISPOSITON ORDINANCE 24-157 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CODIFIED ORDINANCE SECTION 1153.11 TO PROHIBIT ADULT USE CANNABIS DISPENSARIES THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Complete Text Of These Resolutions And Ordinances May Be Viewed Or Obtained At

Geauga County Sheriff – Scott A. Hildenbrand

The Office Of The Fiscal Officer, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield, Ohio During Regular Business Hours.

Cindy Naftzger, Administrative Asst. /Billing Clerk Dec26, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE Passage of Ordinances & Resolutions City of Chardon Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Chardon, duly passed and/or adopted the following legislation: ORDINANCE NO. 3294 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE CHARDON FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. TO PROVIDE FIRE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TO THE CITY OF CHARDON FOR THE YEARS 2025 - 2027 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of December, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 3295 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A LEASE WITH CHARDON FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC., FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 108-111 SOUTH HAMBDEN STREET, CITY OF CHARDON, OHIO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of December, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 3296 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2792 TO ADD CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS THAT WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE PARCELS FOR WHICH THE IMPROVEMENTS WERE DECLARED TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE, AND BY ELIMINATING CERTAIN PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY INCLUDED ON THE LIST OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) PROPERTY AND THE “CITY OF CHARDON, OHIO TIF PROPERTIES” MAP. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of December, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 3297 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE CITY OF CHARDON TREASURY FOR 2024 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of December, 2024.

ORDINANCE NO. 3298 AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF CHARDON, STATE OF OHIO DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of December, 2024.

RESOLUTION NO. 17-24 A RESOLUTION RESCINDING SECTION 1(E) OF RESOLUTION NO. 15-24 TO RESCIND THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM 202 GENERAL OPERATING RESERVE FUND TO 451 CHARDON SQUARE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of December, 2024.

RESOLUTION NO. 18-24 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th day of December, 2024.

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

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

AMY DAY, CLERK OF COUNCIL Dec26, 2024

Classifieds 440-729-7667

25 words for $15 Deadline: Friday at Noon

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Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO Case No. 24-F-000294 - PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC -VS- JOHN E. MCGIFFIN AKA JOHN MCGIFFIN, ET AL. DEFENDANTS. Sarah Doe, Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse, if any of Scott McGiffin, whose last known address is 17810 Bridge Creek Trail, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, and who cannot be served, will take notice that on 04/26/2024, Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Money, Foreclosure in Reformation and other Equitable Relief in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, Case No. 24-F-000294 against Sarah Doe, Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse, if any of Scott McGiffin, and others as Defendants, alleging that, John E. McGiffin aka John McGiffin is in default for all payments from August 1, 2023; that on December 7, 2013, John E. McGiffin aka John McGiffin, deceased, and Kimberly McGiffin executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed in which said Defendants agreed, among other things, to pay the Note and to comply with all of the terms of the Mortgage Deed hereinafter described, which Mortgage Deed was filed in the Recorder’s Office of Geauga County, Ohio on December 20, 2013, recorded in Volume 1964, Page 1183 that, further, the balance due on the Note is $120,021.52 with interest at the rate of 5.0000% per annum from August 1, 2023; that to secure the payment of the Note, executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed to and thereby conveying, in fee simple, the following described premises: Situated in the State of Ohio, in the County of Geauga, and in the City of Chagrin Falls: Commonly known as 17810 Bridge Creek Trail, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

and further alleging that the aforesaid Mortgage is a valid and subsisting first and best lien upon said premises after the lien of the Treasurer; that the Note is in default, whereby the conditions set forth in the Note and Mortgage have been broken, that the Mortgage has become absolute and that Plaintiff is entitled, therefore, to have the Mortgage foreclosed, the premises sold, and the proceeds applied in payment of Plaintiff’s claims; that the Defendant Sarah Doe, Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse, if any of Scott McGiffin, among others, may have or claim to have some interest in or lien upon said premises; that all of the Defendants are required to set forth any claim, lien or interest in or upon the premises that he, she, or it may have or claim to have or be forever barred therefrom; that Plaintiff’s Mortgage be declared to be a valid and subsisting first and best lien upon said premises after the lien of the Treasurer, if any, that its Mortgage be foreclosed; that all liens be marshaled; that the equity of redemption of all Defendants be forever cut off, barred, and foreclosed; that upon the sale of said premises the proceeds be paid to Plaintiff to satisfy the amount of its existing lien and the interest, together with its disbursements, advancements, and costs herein expended; and for such other and further relief to which is may be entitled in equity or at law.

Defendants are further notified that they are required to answer the Complaint on or before January 30, 2025, which includes twenty-eight (28) days from the last publishing, or judgment may be rendered as prayed for therein.

Submitted by Suzanne M. Godenswager (0086422), Sandhu Law Group, LLC, 1213 Prospect Ave. Suite 300, Cleveland OH, 216373-1001, Attorney for Plaintiff.

Dec19-26, 2024 Jan2, 2025

Geauga Sheriff ’s Report The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Dec. 13 to Dec. 19, 2024.

SUSPICIOUS Dec. 16 11:41 p.m., Kile Road, Montville. Significant number of drones in the sky over the caller's house heading west. Area checked, one drone/aircraft observed flying westbound near Crimson Trail Drive.

THREATENING Dec. 16 6:33 p.m., Bass Lake Road, Munson. Third grade student has been threatened by a classmate. He claims he has access to weapons and says he is going to shoot

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Geauga County Maple Leaf

and kill her. Caller does not believe the school is doing enough; the threats wont stop. He is available for the deputy to stop at his house. Threats between juveniles at Munson Elementary. See report.

JUVENILE PROBLEM Dec. 17 10:04 a.m., Bass Lake Road, Munson. Eight year old male student making threats to students and himself. Spoke with the principal reference two students who threatened each other during a disagreement yesterday. Incident was already reported.

Principal requested deputies speak with the student about their actions. Student was spoken to.

Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Dec. 20, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP Alexander and Kaitlyn Shahidian, 8286 Pebble Creek Court, to Ryan M. and Rachael Fuller, $550,000. (0.53 acres) Carl J. and Elizabeth K. Tippit, 7440 Edwards Landing Drive, to Katheen L. Visconsi (trustee), $630,000. (0.14 acres) Sven B. and Linda C. Wiberg, 9090 Lake in the Woods Trail, to Ralph W. Orobona and Pamela G. Pray, $537,000. (1.66 acres) Ryan M. and Rachael K. Fuller, 8505 Rockspring Drive, to Mikhail and Alla Petrov, $399,900. (0.34 acres) Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge, to Perrino Custom Builders LLC, $290,000. (0.93 acres) Bonnie K. Vaughan (trustee), 18367 Cranberry Ridge Lane, to Demetria and Sterling Gill III, $700,000. (0.83 acres) RMHA Ltd., 16720 Knolls Way, to Perry Joseph Katzenstein III and Catherine A. White, $689,900. (0.00 acres) BURTON TOWNSHIP John F. and Clara Kuhns, 14230 Hubbard Road, to James M. and Katherine Miller, $600,000. (13.57 acres) BURTON VILLAGE Burton Insurance Agency Inc., 13561 Colony Lane, to Arthur and Carol Straniero, $107,500. (2.48 acres) CHARDON CITY Michael E. and Doris V. Rodriguez, 114 Park Ave., to Jennifer A. Foldesi, $265,000.

(0.25 acres) Donald A. Watson, 365 Karen Drive, to Josie Cremeans and Kyle McCaffrey, $215,800. (0.27 acres) CHESTER TOWNSHIP Florian Bremec, 12155 Chillicothe Road, to Samuel Karkoska, $380,000. (1.59 acres) Dane J. Lipovec and Laura A. Taylor, 11380 Peach Tree Drive, to Brandon Kerch and Hayley Brodt, $469,500. (4.45 acres)

Michael and Kayleigh Rooks, 12781 Caves Road, to Kyle Spisak, $240,000. (1.20 acres) Ann M. Lowry, Robert A. Fry, and William K. Fry, 8636 Mulberry Road, to Arnold J. Penska and Arnold J. Penska Jr., $254,500. (1.00 acres) CLARIDON TOWNSHIP Knapp Road LLC, 12056 Old State Road, to Michael and Sheila Marie Marous, $445,000. (38.17 acres) HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP Jacob W. and Leona L. Byler, 17660 Huntley Road, to Matthew Ryan Erickson and Michelle A. King, $692,500. (26.43 acres) Jordan Loze (TOD), 11179 Clay St., to Danny Ray and Lori Byler Miller, $221,500.

(2.00 acres) MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP HK Logging and Lumber Ltd., 17067 Kinsman Road, to Dan E. and Martha B. Kuhns, $550,000. (10.22 acres) MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE Jennifer and Victor Paul Holbert, 15360 Knox Circle, to Kim Renshaw, $255,600.

(0.11 acres) MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP John Drotos (TOD), Plank Road, to Samuel S. and Barbara U. Kempf, $60,000.

(4.50 acres) MUNSON TOWNSHIP Maple Leaf Community Residences Inc., 12572 Klatka Drive, to Drake Hambleton, $282,700. (1.90 acres) Elizabeth A. Hagood, 12380 Bean Road, to Anthony Bernardo and Kayla Michelle Cordiak Cosiano, $350,000. (1.60 acres) NEWBURY TOWNSHIP John T. McDonald Jr., 15870 Ravenna Road, to Pearl Property Management Group LLC, $70,000. (2.66 acres) Katherine M. Banfield, 14785 Longview Drive, to Eric, Brian, and Anita Hehr, $33,200. (0.21 acres) Claudio N. Gonzales, 14706 Beechwood Drive, to Abigail and Bradley Arbuckle, $111,300. (0.49 acres) RUSSELL TOWNSHIP Kathleen Mary McGarry and Diane Marie Paprocki, 13508 Chillicothe Road, to Makad 13508 LLC, $60,000. (2.56 acres) Jason and Nicole Wise, 9552 Kinsman Road, to Joel Zarley, $350,000. (1.50 acres) SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE CV Lantern Properties LLC, 5277 Chillicothe Road, to Meadow Falls Chagrin Propco LLC, $9,526,600. (15.81 acres)

Here’s what Debbie G. said: Does advertising in the Maple Leaf classified section work?

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“We do not need to renew the ad. He got many calls and found someone to rent.

I, for one, am impressed by how many people look to your papers. Well done!! I will be sure to contact you in the future for anything we need local attention to.”

Thursday, December 26, 2024

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Classifieds FOR RENT Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. $975/mo. Call 440-2210649.

FOR SALE 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.

Pfaltzgraff Dinnerware: service for 8, plus lots of accessories, Heirloom pattern, $150. Cabela’s stuffer motor, $75. Flame D’Amore crystal, call for info. 440-4886190.

New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $125 each.

George 440-336-5044.

Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.

Benelli Super Black Eagle 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, 26” barrel, EC, $1,300. 440-564-1172.

Wood Stoves: Blaze King Ashford 20 with blower, 4yrs old, $2,800. Quadrafire Discovery III, used one season, $900. Call Ken 440-635-6536.

CAMERAS: Praktisx, Minolta, Nikon, Polaroid One Step.

Electric log splitter, copper kettles, many aquariums, clocks, kerosene lamps, pottery jugs. Inquire 440-3383563.

New Nitro 101”x12’ Crossover Snow Mobile Trailer: all aluminum construction, rear ramp door, side door, ski guides, $6,500/obo. Text 440-478-2218.

Firewood: mixed hardwoods, 4’x8’x16-inch pieces, $135. Delivered within 15 miles of Chardon. 440-6875404.

Ladder jacks $50. 12-foot expanding plank $100. Mantis Tiller $200. Hitch Carrier Tray $100. Hand-held electric leaf blower $50. 440-554-5731.

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

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.

WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS Looking for qualified classified employees for the following posi�ons:

• Bus and Van Drivers

(will train and pay for CDL with passenger endorsement)

•Proctors • Custodians

Also looking for qualified subs�tutes on an “as needed basis” for the following posi�ons:

• Food Service • Custodians • Maintenance • Bus and Van Drivers

To apply please visit our website at westg.org or send your resume/le�er of interest to: West Geauga Board of Educa�on, ATTN: Lisa Porter, 8615 Cedar Road, Chesterland, OH 44026

karlovec

group

8389 Mayfield Road, B-5 Chesterland, OH 44026 Fax: 440-729-8240

To advertise in the Classifieds, contact the advertising department at 440-729-7667 ext. 500 or email your ad directly to ads@karlovecmedia.com

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT NOON PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE All classified line ads run in The Geauga County Maple Leaf on Thursdays, and in the Chesterland News and Middlefield Post on the weeks each newspaper is published. The Chesterland News and Middlefield Post are published every other week on opposing weeks.

☐ Here is my ad. The per week cost is $15 for the first 25 words, plus 50¢ for each additional word. ☐ I am a PAID MAPLE LEAF SUBSCRIBER entitled to 25 WORDS or less FREE each week. (Words over 25 will be billed at 50¢ per word.) NO BUSINESS ADS.

HELP WANTED

Please include subscriber number ___________ (found on mailing label)

☐ I would like to be a MAPLE LEAF SUBSCRIBER and advertise for FREE. Enclosed is $55 for an in-county 12-month subscription (subscription rate valid through 12/31/24).

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FREE fact: BEST Gift you can give young people is to convince them that marijuana and other drugs will ruin their lives!

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Number of weeks to run ad: Free Subscriber Ads can run a maximum of four weeks, then MUST be renewed.

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

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 Will do housework, cleaning, laundry, and elder care.

Experienced with references. 440-313-1804.

WANTED TO BUY 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.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.

Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.

INFORMATION FOR OFFICE USE BELOW THIS LINE – WILL NOT APPEAR IN PRINT

NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP PHONE EMAIL PAYMENT INFORMATION Make checks payable to “Karlovec Media Group.” Credit card charges will appear as “Karlovec Media Group.”

☐ Mastercard

☐ Visa

☐ Discover

☐ American Express

NAME ON CARD BILLING ADDRESS CARD # SIGNATURE

EXP

CVC Code

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, December 26, 2024