Geauga Maple Leaf 4-13-23

Bainbridge Fire Dept. Asks for 4.75-Mill Levy

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia Com

Bainbridge Township voters may be surprised to see an additional 4.75-mill ambulance and EMS levy on the May 2 ballot, as officials have been cautious in their approach on levy communications after recent changes to Ohio law.

The state auditor has not yet put out guidance on the law changes — which pertain to House Bill 140 — so Fire Chief Lou Ann Metz and Bainbridge Township Trustees have taken a conservative approach in their discussions about it, Metz said in a recent statement.

“People have questioned why little has been said about the levy,” she said. “Recent changes in Ohio law have posed challenges. All information distributed by the fire department or township must be informative, verifiable and neutral. Public officials must refrain from giving opinions or making statements aimed at influencing voters.”

Student With Gun Being Held Under Psychiatric Care

Officials Say Morrissette Had Plans to Shoot Several Students

By Cassandra shofar and Brian doering

tiple students, is currently being held under psychiatric care, officials said during a 1 p.m. press conference April 5 at the school district’s board of education office.

Morrissette, 18, of Lyndhurst, has been charged with attempted aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; illegal possession of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone,

psychologically cleared before the jail will take him,” said Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, adding later Morrissette would likely be arraigned in the near future.

“The court has issued a warrant on the charges,” Flaiz said during the press conference. “He

sented formally with the charges.”

Flaiz said Morrissette would have the option to have a preliminary hearing or waive it and the matter would be bound over to the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.

D.S. Cakes Opens New Café, Party Room in Newbury

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

When Diane Schneider moved her bakery from her Newbury Township basement to a unit in Newbury Center nine years ago, she didn’t know what to expect.

For 25 years, she was known to area residents as “the cake lady.” Weddings, birthdays, graduations, bar mitzvahs — her cakes graced all kinds of celebrations.

As her children grew, so did de mand for her baked goods. Her mar ket outpaced her kitchen’s capacity, she said in a recent interview.

“It was too much. It wasn’t a

Morrissette

Kenston District Encourages School Safety

In light of last week’s shooting scare at West Geauga High School, Kenston Schools Superintendent Steve Sayers encouraged district parents in an April 5 letter to speak about their children’s role in school safety and encourage them to report anything concerning to a school staff member, the police or a trusted adult.

Sayers said school safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds in light of recent national and local events.

“Vigilance is vital,” he said. “Our daily priority is to provide a safe and secure educa-

tional environment for our students to learn.”

The letter was sent out to Kenston parents after 18-year-old West Geauga High School Senior Brandon Michael Morrissette was arrested April 3 for possession of a firearm. Officials said Morrissette reportedly had plans to shoot multiple students at the school.

Sayers said the district works closely with the Bainbridge Police Department on comprehensive and school building safety plans, which continue to be reviewed and improved as new information becomes available.

“If you see something, say something,” Sayers said. “We partner with Ohio Homeland Security to provide an anonymous 24-

hour tip line that may be called or texted at 1-844-SaferOH or 844-723-3764.”

Sayers said it is also critical rumors are not shared through social media or gossip.

“This allows the school and police to respond more efficiently to safety concerns. As a community, we must continue to work together to keep our schools safe and support one another. I am thankful for your continued support. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or your school principal with any questions or concerns,” he added. “As a community, we must continue to work together to keep our schools safe and support one another.”

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440285-2015 or email editor@geaugamapleleaf. com no later than Monday noon. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: April 18, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners; April 19, 6 p.m., Board of Health, at 13244 Ravenna Road, Munson.. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Auburn Township: April 13, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; April 17, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: April 20, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Township: April 17, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road, unless otherwise noted.

Burton Village: April 17, 7 p.m., Village Council, rescheduled meeting from April 10; April 20, 7 p.m., Public Library Trustees. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon City: April 13, 6:30 p.m., City Council. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chardon Township: April 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: April 19, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; April 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: April 17, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees meetings are held at Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road, unless otherwise noted. All Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings are held at Town Hall, 13930 Mayfield Road.

Hambden Township: April 19, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.

Huntsburg Township: April 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.

Middlefield Village: April 13, 5:30 p.m. – Recreation, 6 p.m. – Finance & Ordinance, 6:30 p.m. – Safety, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave.

Montville Township: April 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road,

unless noted.

Munson Township: April 19, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Newbury Township: April 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless noted.

Parkman Township: April 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: April 19, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District (511); April 20, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: April 13, 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission; April 14, 9 a.m., Finance Committee; April 18, 7 p.m. Village Council, special meeting to discuss stormwater. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Thompson Township: April 17, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, at Thompson Branch of Geauga Public Library, 6645 Madison Road.

Troy Township: April 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

Berkshire BOE: April 13, 7 a.m., Berkshire Educational Foundation. All meetings held at BOE auditorium, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, unless otherwise noted.

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Complaint Filed Against GPH For Sunshine Law Violations

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia Com

Former Claridon Township Trustee Mary Briggs recently filed a 104-page complaint in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas against the Geauga County Board of Health alleging numerous violations of the Ohio Open Meetings Act.

The complaint, filed April 4, names all five members of the health board — Richard Piraino, Carolyn Brakey, Ashley Jones, Lynn Roman, Health Ad ministrator Adam Litke, Geauga Public Health attorney Bryan Kostura and GPH as defendants in connection with the violations and execution of a cooperative agreement with Lake County General Health District.

“On March 15, 2023, the Geauga County public health board (GPH board) took action at a ‘special meeting’ on the ‘cross-jurisdictional cooperative agree ment’ that was arrived at and written in violation of the Ohio Open Meetings law,” the complaint read. “If this agreement takes effect on April 1, 2023, it will cause irreparable harm to the people of Geauga County and the employees of the Geauga County public health district as they will no longer be employed by same.”

The initial layoff announcement came as the board proposed, and unanimously adopted, a cross-jurisdictional agreement with LCGHD March 15.

Employees were told that day their employment would be terminated effective March 31, but the board extended that date until April 1 to allow for continued insurance coverage.

“My main focus is to attempt to stop the cooperative agreement with the Lake County General Health District. There was no decision made in public to actually put together a contract,” Briggs said in a follow-up interview.

“Then there was some other sunshine law violations. I personally brought them up to the board and no one bothered to interact with me.”

Briggs alleges the health board entered into various contracts with LCGHD to supply various employees to the Geauga district, including, but not limited to, Adam Litke and Environmental Health Director Dan Lark, with different specific end dates.

“The contracts also had a clause to terminate the agreement/contract by either party with a 60-day notice,” the complaint said. “In late November 2022, (LCGHD) gave notice to Geauga County health district that they would be terminating the agreement/contract effective Jan. 31, 2023. On Dec. 5, 2022, GPH board held a special meeting to discuss contracts with (LCGHD) and posting for an administrator and environmental health director.”

Briggs said a contract of this magnitude affecting the employees of GPH and changing the historical knowledge of the community with the swipe of a pen needs to be addressed.

“That’s my motivation,” Briggs said. “To try to stop this contract and hold people accountable for transparency and government.”

Briggs cited 10 instances of “improper conduct of an executive session” by the health board that occurred between Dec. 12,

2022, and March 15, 2023 alleging violations of the “public body” as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(B)(1)(a).

“The violation of 121.22 is the GPH board had non-board members (one or both nonboard member defendants Mr. Litke and Mr. Kostura) attend the executive session, but did not properly invite them in as a part of the motion,” the complaint said. “The GPH board voted to approve the cross-jurisdictional agreement with (LCGD). At no time did the GPH board discuss or vote on directing their legal council to work on drawing up a contract, it was always a discussion, as reflected in the minutes. By directing their legal counsel, Mr. Kostura, to work with Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz and participate with other attorneys to formulate the cross-jurisdictional cooperative agreement is a clear violation of the Ohio Open Meetings Law, known as the Sunshine Law, as this was an action not taken in an open public meeting.”

The Open Meetings Act requires all public bodies to only take official actions and deliberate in meetings open to the public.

“To be given 16 days’ notice of your job being terminated might be legal, but it’s cruel. It’s certainly not a humanistic philosophy that I approve of,” Briggs said. “These are hardworking, dedicated citizens looking after a county and they’ve been treated like that.”

Briggs, more than once during the public comment portion of the March 15 meeting, requested for the health board to hold public forums on the potential contract, along with Claridon Township Trustee Jonathan Tiber prior to the March 15 meeting.

“At no time was there any discussion or action taken in open session of GPH board

meetings to move ahead to draw up contractual language or to enlist attorneys Brian K. Kostura, Jim Flaiz, Charles Coulson, Dave Hackman, Mike Delone, Kelly Echols and Jeremy Iosou to do so,” Briggs said.

The complaint also references a Nov. 21, 2022, special health board meeting “for the purpose to hold an executive session to discuss matters of personnel and potential litigation.”

“I personally saw both Mr. Litke and Mr. Kostura go along with the GPH board members to the room in which they held the executive session,” Briggs said. “The GPH board came out of executive session and took action, contrary to the rules of special meetings according to O.R.C. 12.22(F), as this was not part of the purpose of the special meeting.”

Briggs is seeking from the court the following:

• An immediate injunctive order on the implementation of the cross-jurisdictional cooperative agreement “due to the irreparable harm to the people of Geauga County and the Geauga County public health employees;”

• An order enjoining the defendants from further violations of the Open Meetings Act;

• Invalidation of all resulting official actions under O.R.C. 121.22(H);

• Privileged discussions in executive sessions are no longer considered privileged if the Open Meetings Act was found to be violated.”

The complaint also requests relief for attorney fees, court costs and all other relief available “under law or equity.”

Kostura did not respond to a request seeking comment on the lawsuit prior to press deadline.

Parents Question Traffic, Security at Berkshire School

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

Berkshire Schools’ residents voiced their concerns about traffic delays and safety in the new all-grade school during an open forum held by Berkshire Schools Board of Education and administration April 10.

More than 50 people, including students, employees and administrators, attended the forum. Some commented on shortcomings they perceived on campus and asked board members and Superintendent John Stoddard what is being done to resolve the problems.

First up was a parent of a first-grader who suggested putting a traffic light at the intersection of the school drive and Claridon Troy Road just north of Burton Village. Also, an additional driveway would alleviate the problem, he said.

About 300 cars drop off students in the mornings and pick them up in the afternoons, causing traffic to back up along Claridon Troy while the school resource officer directs inflow and outflow at the intersection.

“We’ve discussed a traffic light. It’s better to have a traffic director,” Stoddard said, adding an engineer was consulted about that matter.

“We don’t have access to create any other roads in or out,” he said. “A 10- to 15-minute wait is common for every school that has drop off and pick up.”

In light of recent school shootings and threats — including a West Geauga High School student being arrested last week for bringing a gun to school with reported plans to shoot multiple students — a resident noted

if the SRO is directing traffic, there is no security in the school.

She also wanted to know how emergency vehicles would get through the traffic if a situation would develop.

While the school has not had any emergency drills while traffic is thick, Stoddard said there has been a discussion with the Geauga County Fair Board about allowing emergency vehicles to go through the fairgrounds adjacent to the school property.

There is also a gravel driveway from the Kent State University – Geauga campus along the north side of the school that could be accessed from the north, he said.

“We can certainly work with the fire department to do a drill during drop off or pick up,” Stoddard said. “We do invite police and fire to our lockdown drills.”

Board President John Manfredi said the SRO is paid from the school budget, not through a grant.

“We were never happy having only one (SRO) for three buildings. It was one reason to build a new school. We’ve never put safety on the back burner,” he said.

A high-tech program called ZeroEyes has been installed at the school. According to the website, it is a human-verified proactive gun detection and situational awareness software that integrates into existing digital security cameras to stop gun-related violence.

Other topics discussed included the shortage of substitute teachers, early bus routes, additional recess time and maintenance of the baseball fields at the old campus.

Stoddard said he is talking to KSU about leasing an additional 5 acres for new fields

during which visitors could ask questions. The main concerns were traffic and safety. The meeting and forum were recorded and can be viewed on the district’s YouTube page.

near the school.

When asked why Berkshire is underperforming in the state tests compared to other school districts, Stoddard said those tests are not a priority.

“We decided state testing is not a focus for us – career pathways are the focus,” he said. “Testing is still important, but we don’t feel like it is a benefit to just teach them how to take a test or drill for a test.”

During the board meeting before the forum, the STEAM Club presented a hands-on mirror-and-laser program and challenged the

board to work in pairs to arrange the mirrors so a laser beam reflects back and forth and finally hits a target. No prizes were given.

STEAM is for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The club meets after school and teacher Amy Hochschild directs their activities.

Last Monday, the students who sat in the board members’ chairs and answered their questions about STEAM were Billy German, Lexi Jackson, Ayva Redfern and Sydney Grossman. Hochschild showed slides of the various projects the club carried out.

Briggs

Newbury FD Breaks Ground on Station Project

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia.Com

Newbury Township Trustees tied up the loose ends of a contract to renovate and add on to the fire station April 5, bringing it in at just under $4.2 million and signing the guar antee amendment for the contract with Infin ity Construction of Warrensville Heights.

The unanimous vote came less than a week before the groundbreaking set for 9:30 a.m. April 10.

Brett Bestgen, Infinity project manager, presented trustees with a spreadsheet break ing down the subcontractors and the costs of each part of the project, with a final Infinity cost of more than $3.86 million.

The architectural part of the project, more than $300,000, was not included on the spreadsheet, he said.

Last month, Fire Chief Ken Fagan sug gested the fairly new roof on the current fire station be covered with shingles in order to match the new shingles on the addition. Trustees declined, since, per the contract, the township would have to pay for the roofing of the entire completed building.

Trustee Bill Skomrock verified the contract he was signing did not include that option.

from page 1

The 4.75-mill levy, if passed, would generate an estimated $3,095,674 per year and would cost homeowners $166.25 per year per $100,000 property valuation, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

Its funding would be used for employee wages, benefits and training, purchase and repair of ambulances and equipment, and other EMS-related operations for an estimated 10 years, Metz said, adding it would also help extend the life of the fire levy fund another five years.

“This levy has to be used for expenses for the EMS service,” she said in a follow-up interview. “It can’t be used for anything related to the fire aspect of our business. It is simply for the EMS operations.”

Bainbridge Township Trustees approved putting the levy on the ballot March 13, said Trustee Jeff Markley.

“We’ve had three meetings to get to the approval of the ballot language and then before that, it was the budget commission last August talking to the fire chief. She needed more money because the projection for 2024 was going to be that she was going into the red,” Markley said. “That knowledge was already there that they had to do a levy.”

Markley said the township is operating under the interpretations of HB 140 that came from the county auditor, prosecutor and state auditor through various channels, including bulletins and memos from area law firms.

“They said you really shouldn’t talk about it. You should not say anything about these levies,” Markley said, adding the township’s ability to have a big billboard sign in the middle of the property or on the fire station property promoting the levy can’t be done anymore.

“They don’t want you to be a proponent of the levy, they want you to be an educator of the levy,” he said. “You saw no flyers. No commentary other than the commentary that

The project went through a three-week bidding process and those bids were vetted, Bestgen said.

“The cost of materials was included. They are locked in. The subcontractors accept the

was held at the public meeting, which heard the chief’s arguments on why she needed to put a levy on the ballot and then the language that was ultimately approved in March.”

In the simplest terms, the fire department has outgrown its current funding, Metz said.

“In 1999, the township received estate funds, which were used, in part, to improve township facilities, including the fire station, and to purchase a new rescue pumper. Through solid long-term planning, the fire department was able to save money from the levies and use it to transition the fire department from an all-part-time department to a combination of full and part-time personnel,” the chief said. “We have expanded services and grown with the increasing population and service demands without having to ask for additional monies.”

Among the 21 political subdivisions in Geauga County, Bainbridge ranks 13th in effective tax millage for the fire department, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

“Current levies fund fire and EMS operations,” Metz said. “There is no dedicated funding for EMS, even though 70% of calls are for EMS. The ambulance billing fund consists of the receipts from EMS billing. The purchase of ambulances, life-saving equipment and supplies, as well as part of the employee wages, training and operating costs related to EMS have been taken from this fund. Remaining expenses come from the fire levy funds.”

Metz said the department bills everyone for EMS service, and the same rates must be charged for every service user and are based on the level of care.

“However, the department soft-bills residents, accepting what the insurance company pays and writing off the rest. Non-residents are responsible for the entire amount. Average reimbursement is $400 for a $1,488 bill,” she said. “The agency that transports the patient bills the patient. If a resident is serviced by a mutual aid department, they will not be soft billed because they do not pay taxes to

Skomrock asked if there were allowances for the work not being completed by the end of the year.

“If the project goes over, it would be our responsibility,” Bestgen said.

the mutual aid jurisdiction.”

Since 2016, the fire department has streamlined operations by hiring full-time personnel supplemented by part-time personnel, the chief said.

“Over the last four years, Bainbridge Fire Department has been the busiest or next busiest fire department in Geauga County,” Metz said, adding it has gone from a roster of 54 to 40 personnel, which is a 26% reduction and requests for services have increased 52% over the last 10 years.

“Since the department provides fire and EMS services, all personnel are cross-trained as firefighters, as well as EMS providers,” the chief said. “Personnel handle whatever call comes in, so if a fire call comes in, people get on a fire truck. If it is an EMS call, they get on an ambulance. In the event of a fire, the department responds with an engine and a water tanker, requiring a minimum of five people to respond.”

Last year, the department responded to 2,104 calls and currently staffs six personnel

from $150,000 to $200,000 to have restrooms delivered, not installed, adding he thinks trustees might be able to hire an architect to design one and have the restrooms built rather than buy the unit.

around the clock and has three advanced life support ambulances, Metz said, adding EMS service requests account for approximately 70% of the total calls and nearly 300 times last year, two or more calls overlapped and at least two ambulances were out at the same time.

“It is not uncommon to have three or four calls in a 30-60-minute time span,” she said. “With the current staffing, the department has been able to handle 97% of service requests. The other 3% were serviced by a neighboring department. In 2015, Bainbridge answered 85% of the calls and relied on mutual aid for the other 15%.”

Metz also explained the township decided to go on the May ballot versus the November ballot to prevent information overload for residents.

“We understand that the Kenston school district may have a levy on the ballot this fall,” she said. So, we decided to seek voter approval in May.”

Student

from page 1

“The charges are not final. There could be more charges, less charges, different charges,” Flaiz said. “Once the investigation is complete, all of the facts will be presented to the grand jury.”

On April 3 at about 8 a.m., a 17-year-old student found a bullet in a bathroom stall and alerted School Resource Officer Nick Iacampo, who secured the bullet and informed high school administrators, officials said.

Morrissette reportedly had intended to retreat to the restroom following the shooting to take his own life, according to a source familiar with the investigation.

Iacampo began reviewing video surveillance of the restroom to determine the origin of the bullet, said Chester Township Police Chief Craig Young during the press conference.

“It was determined that approximately 20 students had accessed the restroom prior to the item being found,” he said. “The school resource officer and administrators began the immediate process of interviewing each student that accessed the restroom. One of the students, identified as Brandon Michael Morrissette, was interviewed at approximately 9 a.m. and his book bag, which he had on him in class, was subsequently searched.

“Located inside of the bag was a (9mm Smith and Wesson) handgun and three loaded magazines,” Young said. “Mr. Morrissette was immediately arrested, handcuffed and searched. The search of Mr. Morrisette revealed that he also had a lock blade-style knife secured to the exterior of his pants. West Geauga administration immediately placed the high school on a ‘shelter-in-place’ status, which was disseminated to all students and faculty.”

Law enforcement and school officials determined there was no additional threat to the high school, nor was there a threat to any other buildings within the district. In an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement resources were requested from the Russell Township Police Department and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office.

“With a large police presence established, all students at the high school were released for the remainder of the day,” Young said. “Law enforcement then conducted a

West Geauga Student to Receive Hero Award staff report

The heroic actions of a 17-year-old West Geauga High School student are being recognized by The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending school violence.

Senior Casey Orloski will be the first in Ohio to be recognized with the founda tion’s National Student Hero Award for his alert and quick action in averting a possible school shooting, according to an April 6 press release.

His discovery of a bullet in a bathroom stall on the morning of April 3 led to the arrest of 18-year-old Brandon Michael Morrissette, who brought a handgun to school with reported plans to shoot multiple students.

The foundation — which started after 19 children and two adults were killed in a May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementa ry School in Uvalde, Texas — said the school’s “calm systematic, compassionate and organized approach to addressing the potential threat” is what schools across the nation should follow.

“This student who helped extinguish a possible threat to fel low students, represents the reality of how the climate of violence plaguing our nations’ schools and threatening student lives can

thorough sweep of the interior and exterior of the high school, (including) an explosives detection K-9 from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office.”

During an interview with Morrissette — whom Superintendent Richard Markwardt confirmed had not been a known disciplinary risk — he admitted to using prior calculation and design in developing a plan to cause harm to students Monday, Young said.

“He further acknowledged that the firearm seized by law enforcement on Monday was the weapon he intended to use to inflict that harm,” he said, adding later he could not disclose where the weapon came from at this time.

Young said the Chester Township Police Department’s detective bureau, with the assistance of the sheriff’s office, conducted a search of Morrissette’s home in Lyndhurst on April 3 and numerous items of evidentiary value were secured.

“The investigation into this incident is ongoing,” he said, adding he could not comment on any evidence they’ve secured thus far.

“We have no indication that there was any sharing of information, any co-collaboration

come to an end — Not through gun control or more safety planning meetings; but rather through alert, caring students such as this who refuse to stand by when a potential threat exists,” said Daniel Chapin, founder of the Uvalde Foundation For Kids, in a

Casey joins a list of other heroes against violence in schools this year awarded by the foundation, including the Nashville hero police officers who responded to the Covenant school shooting and a Virginia school teacher who led students to safety after being shot by another student.

Casey’s mother, April Orloski, expressed support for her son receiving the recognition.

“Our main point that we would like to share is awareness of your surroundings and even if something so small seems out of place to please say something,” said Orloski, who has been critical of the school’s handling of the crisis, particularly, officials sending her son back to the classroom after he alerted them about the bullet.

“Moving forward, I want to make sure that no other student is placed in the potential danger that my child was by being sent back to the classroom after finding that bullet,” she said. “The potential shooter was in his class and sitting right next to him. I want to spread awareness about protecting a student in that situation to not make them a target.”

by any means, and I can’t stress that enough — zero information to support any of that,” Young said, addressing a question about potential collaborators. “We are going to have a wealth of additional information to go through, and we’re going to look into every aspect of his background and the planning phase of this, but I really truly want to stress there was no indication he was working with anyone nor did he share any information in regards to this.”

When asked after the press conference whether any content was found linked to Morrissette that might have raised a red flag for officials, Young said the investigation is in its infancy and detectives still have a lot of digital content to review.

He added the police would be transparent with anything of relevancy discovered.

Young also addressed concerns about the timeline of when the bullet was reported and the school was put on lockdown.

“There’s a lot of unknowns … with investigations early on. There was access to this school over the weekend where other individuals had been in the school, so there’s really an unknown of where that bullet could have come from,” Young said. “The school resource officer and administrators had to look through a substantial amount of video evidence to narrow down students that had exited that restroom from the time the bullet was found. It would have been premature to act at that time. We didn’t really want to cause undue panic or concern until we knew there was a threat. And once that was established … we took action at that time.”

Young further explained every incident is fluid and different, and officials have to work with the information they have at that time.

“If we prematurely … locked down the school, that could almost sometimes be a triggering effect to somebody that’s in a mental health crisis, so we want to keep things as normal as possible until we have a reason to shelter in place,” he said. “Any little thing could trigger somebody, so we wanted to make sure that we had the facts and the information before we made that decision and we could control things.”

Flaiz touched on recent criticism levied toward the school and police department regarding their handling of the situation.

“I’m frankly very bewildered by the fact there are these criticisms. This was handled, in my opinion, absolutely correctly and properly from beginning to end,” he said. “If you

really want to be a Monday morning quarterback, you find the round in the bathroom, you lock down the school, now you’ve locked a potential school shooter in a classroom with 20 kids and he’s got a handgun in his backpack. That would not have been the right course of action. They absolutely did the right thing. Lockdowns have a place in schools but they’re not always the right answer.”

Markwardt explained the reason for closing all the district’s schools April 4, confirming a report he had received information about a threat made to the district via Snapchat after the school board meeting April 3.

“I closed the school because I was alerted to rumors of an associated threat on social media which I, in cooperation with local law enforcement, felt needed to be investigated by police prior to the resumption of classes,” he said. “It is a sad commentary that schools must face challenges to the safety of students and staff. Every threatening situation has unique nuances that simultaneously require flexibility and decisiveness. There is no one size fits all response to a crisis. On Monday, our staff and local law enforcement agencies, with the cooperation of our students, successfully navigated such a challenge.”

The district began April 5 with a school staff meeting that included teachers, support staff, administrators and members of the Geauga County Crisis Response Team.

“The West Geauga (Schools) Board of Education wishes to extend its thanks to the groups and individuals whose collective action helped the district to avert a potential tragedy this week,” Markwardt said. “The potential tragedy was prevented by the collective concerted efforts of these groups. I also wish to commend the parents of West Geauga for their support throughout this frightening situation. They trust us with their most valued possessions and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Markwardt said he was deeply grateful no students and staff were injured or killed, and acknowledged the importance of reviewing the district’s actions and protocols.

“As we reflect on the events of this past week with our staff and local law enforcement agencies, our focus will not be one of celebration, but rather one that emphasizes critical reflection in an effort to further enhance and improve our safety provisions,” Markwardt said. “Such a responsibility is one that our whole community shares.”

Orloski

Crosby Discusses Employment Law at GEL Breakfast

By ann Wishart ann@karlove

In less than an hour, employment law at torney Liz Crosby touched on a wide variety of human resource issues at the Geauga Eco nomic Leadership breakfast April 7.

Crosby, the first woman attorney in Ohio with a dual specialization certification, held the attention of dozens of human resource professionals with a rapid-fire explanation of the salient points of many employment laws.

“A lot of laws exist that you may not know exist. I can’t solve your problems today,” she said, recommending they attend a labor and employment law compliance workshop.

Crosby started by warning about legal problems that may arise because small de tails are ignored and can blossom into fullgrown, expensive headaches.

“The worst thing you can do is assume it’s going to go away. I see more lawsuits that are successful with big settlements because you missed a nuance,” said Crosby, who is with the Cleveland law firm of Buckley King where she specializes in labor and employ ment law and in workers’ compensation law.

She said she was surprised at how many in the audience work for large corporations and urged them to make sure their compa nies’ every position has a job description.

Those descriptions and the employee hand- ployees differently, was signed into law in the past, she said.

D.S. Cakes

from page 1

good system,” she recalled. “It was, move forward or stop taking business.”

D.S. Cakes and Sweet Cafe opened at the Newbury Center plaza in 2014 next to the Artisans’ Corner Gallery, Zeppe’s Tavern and Pizzeria and, later, the Anytime Fitness gym and a nail salon.

Schneider discovered her new, more visible location required more than delicious cakes, cupcakes and cookies to satisfy foot traffic.

“It wasn’t enough to just have a bakery. I realized I wouldn’t survive without more,” she said, adding she introduced wraps, soup and quiche to her customers.

“Every single thing we were trying, people wanted more,” Schneider recalled, and the coffee crowd found her. “People wanted food in the morning. It became a niche bakery and café.”

By her fifth year, Schneider knew, once again, demand was outgrowing her capacity.

Her kitchen could hardly contain her growing workforce and the antique chairs and tables in the café were rarely empty. The catering business stretched her to make another leap of faith.

“I have 20 employees. I need them to do the amount of business I do,” she said.

About two-thirds of her workers are in their 50s and 60s and semi-retired. They each work two or three days a week in the kitchen or behind the counter, determined by their individual talents, she said.

“They are hard workers and they show up,” Schneider said, adding their great camaraderie helped her keep going. Her 1,700 square-foot unit was becoming very crowded as business grew.

Branching Out

As a result, Schneider went to the plaza owners, Chuck Gates and Nacy Panzica, to discuss her problem. They agreed to build a second suite next door if she committed to lease half of it.

By 2019, the bricks and mortar were in place and Schneider was making decisions about how to outfit her soon-to-be kitchen twice the size of the old one and researching demand for a party room in the community.

Her plans skidded to a halt with COVID-19. Like many businesses, she made adjustments. Employees donned masks. Cus tomers distanced themselves but continued to stop by for comfort food, keeping D.S. Cakes and Sweet Café from closing its doors.

For several winters, Schneider watched snow blow around the new, unoccupied unit, her dreams in suspended animation. The owners of the plaza passed away, leaving the project in limbo for a while.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” she said.

Her customers kept asking about her plans. So, once again, she took that leap, but coming off the pandemic was a rude awakening.

“Every single thing had tripled in cost, across the board,” Schneider recalled, adding, however, she typically saw the positive angle.

“I credit Nacy and Chuck for putting the building up before COVID or we’d never have been here,” she said, sitting in her large, new café the end of March — three years after the onslaught of the pandemic.

Although she had planned to open in January when she moved out of the smaller unit, supply-chain delays and a shortage of workers in the construction trades put off the start of business by three months — one more victim of the pandemic economy.

The new kitchen, gleaming stainless steel, is twice the size of Schneider’s previous space and she organized the equipment for the most efficient production of tasty products.

Her practice of using preservative-free ingredients and farm-fresh eggs for four kinds of quiche keeps people coming back.

Health-conscious gym members walk right across the parking lot to the café to pick up high-protein shakes and Schneider’s antioxidant almond protein bars with local maple syrup filling after their workouts.

“People who want to know what’s going into their bodies come back again and again,”

Schneider said. “It took a while for people to buy our products. They are a little bit more expensive. But I’m still amazed at how far people will come for them.”

Family First

Schneider said she loved baking as a child. In a family of 10 children, that was a boon. As a young adult, she took classes and worked in restaurants learning the industry from the inside out, but it got old.

“I got tired of working for other people. I felt called that I could do more,” she said.

So, Schneider started baking at home, surrounded by family, where she developed her skills through trial and error.

“I learned the hard way. I wish there had been YouTube then,” Schneider laughed.

She built her customer base slowly, handing out free samples and seeking feedback on her experiments.

A constantly popular choice is the pirogues her staff makes and freezes. Schneider said her family was getting together at the party center to make the stuffed pastas that they traditionally cook and serve on Easter, she said.

Family pitched in when she decided to relocate. She had a new canvas to work from and her sons, Jacob and Kevin, and son-in-

“Be really, really careful. I think this has been a sleeping giant,” Crosby said, recommending making sure employment decisions avoid all the usual race, religion and sex pitfalls by being as accommodating as reasonable.

A person’s sexual preferences, including LGBTQ+, are characteristics protected by law, she said.

Crosby touched on the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and a handful of others that could cost companies dearly if they are ignored.

The Americans with Disabilities Act still yields plenty of claims.

“Almost everything is a disability and almost everyone has one,” she said. “Employers must provide accommodations unless to do so is not reasonable or creates an undue burden. The employee has to request accommodations and be qualified for the job.”

As of June 27, 2023, the federal Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act will go into effect, but Ohio already has one in place. Employers must provide reasonable leave for pregnancy and the job has to be protected, Crosby said.

She holds a monthly workshop from 9-10:30 a.m. in Warrensville Heights where discussions revolve around different aspects of human resources. The slides from her presentation can be requested from Geauga Growth Partnership, Crosby said.

law, Ben Elia, contributed their skills.

Schneider pointed out the beautiful handmade walnut table tops and chairs in the party room, the counters and, especially, the sliding barn door that closes off the party room from the café.

Time to Party!

Most of Schneider’s immediate family of more than 50 members lives in the area and getting together for holidays and celebrations has become an issue, she said.

While most families are not that large, she realized many people don’t have time or space to hold showers, graduation parties or holiday get-togethers.

Besides providing an event space for more than 50, Schneider’s kitchen staff can cater the party so the host can have fun, too.

D.S. Cakes and Sweet Café has an online menu for catering with selections of two breakfasts, two brunches and five lunches including many of the items available in the café.

The party room also has a raised dais, so everyone seated can see the gift opening or the entertainment, Schneider said.

Business and community meetings are welcome, as well. She installed a big screen beside the dais for presentations or entertainment.

“They trust us to actually host (the event), as well,” she said.

A Bright Future

Besides her regular customers and the café’s growing reputation as a gathering place for coffee and conversation, Schneider said she expects to benefit from tourists who flock to Geauga County to enjoy the Amish culture, maple syrup and multiple annual events.

Punderson State Park books cabins and camping throughout the year for visitors — another source of hungry customers. It’s not just her café that will benefit, but many businesses in Geauga County.

“The Amish and Punderson are such a draw for outsiders,” she said. “They are looking for something – they want to be here.”

Diane Schneider loads cookies into the shelves at the new, larger location of D.S. Cakes and Sweet Café.

Letters to the Editor

Munson Fire Stands Behind Conflict of Interest Claim

I am counsel for The Munson Fire Department, Inc. Munson Fire is a completely separate corporation from Munson Township. My client and I read Ms. Wishart’s April 6 article as well as Ms. McMullen’s text response.

Ms. McMullen has been a Trustee for approximately fourteen years. She actually signed and approved the contract between the Township and Munson Fire. The contract gives the Township Trustees the right to review Munson Fire’s records on a quarterly basis.

Moreover, despite her statement at the March 28th meeting, Ms. McMullen was invited, in writing, to review minutes from the Fire Department Board more than a week before the last Trustee meeting.

In addition, she has repeatedly made other inaccurate statements about Munson Fire at Trustee meetings. Her claim of ignorance about Munson Fire does not stand the objective light of public scrutiny.

Further, there is no mistake about the facts and circumstances that lead Munson Fire to request Ms. McMullen to recuse herself from any discussions about Munson Fire. My client and I stand behind all claims in our March 27, 2023, correspondence to all of the Trustees requesting Ms. McMullen recuse herself as e mailed through Munson Township Office Manager, Ms. Friebertshauser, for immediate distribution to the Trustees.

Charles P. Royer, Esq. Buckley King LPA Cleveland

Drag Queen Debacle

What is a drag queen? It is a slang term that is used to describe one variation of male-to-female cross-dressing; mostly men who dress as women. They are typified by exaggeration and excess, often resulting in a clownish or cartoonlike presentation. Wigs, makeup and fashion often are overdone or out of proportion creating an exaggerated femininity that is instantly recognizable as

false or appropriated. This is adult enter tainment, not appropriate for children.

Drag Story Hour started in 2015 by Mi chelle Tea in San Francisco. She attended a children’s reading event and thought it was too “heteronormative” for her young family, so she started her own. Drag Story Hour has 40 chapters across the United States and many abroad. In their own words, Drag Sto ry Hour “captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and give kids glamourous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where ev eryone can be their authentic selves!”

Some drag performers have spoken out against the events, pointing out that drag is a sexualized art form, and as such is in appropriate for children. Drag queen “Kitty Demure” is one of them. Early in 2022, he made a video addressing parents directly, asking: “Would you want a stripper or a porn star to influence your child? It makes no sense at all! A drag queen performs in a nightclub for adults: there is a lot of filth that goes on, a lot of sexual stuff that goes on. And backstage, there’s a lot of nudity, sex, and drugs, okay? So, I don’t think that this is an avenue you would want your child to explore.”

He also stated that drag queens are at story hour for an agenda, not just to read “Alice in Wonderland” and just leave. “They’re there to talk about being different, homosexuality, trans issues, 10 million genders that we have now, tell boys they can be girls, tell girls they can be boys” etc. These topics are not meant for a child’s minds.

It is up to parents to teach their children about sexuality. I believe that if people who hire drag queens did not have an agenda, they would not pay for a drag queen, but instead have a teacher, librarian, older sibling, pastor, etc. read to children. They insist it is harmless, but you be the judge.

Sharon Madger Hambden Township

Letters to the Editor

The Maple Leaf welcomes readers’ letters on matters of public interest. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be printed or acknowledged. Email editor@karlovecmedia.com

Salamanders Versus Safety

Parkman Trustees Hear Street Light Debate

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

The case of salamanders versus safety was debated during the April 5 Parkman Township Trustees meeting attended by residents from both sides of the issue.

At the crux of the matter is the intersection of Old State Road, which runs northwest to southeast through the township, and Bundysburg Road, running northeast to southwest.

The busy intersection has no street light and traffic on Bundysburg has stop signs at Old State Road.

A vernal pool, prized for its fauna and flora, is located on the south corner of the intersection, said resident John Augustine. Its admirers and a few neighbors attended the trustees’ meeting where every possible aspect of the issue was explored.

Trustee Joyce Peters opened the floodgates by saying a resident contacted her concerned that the area is dangerously dark at night and the intersection may be the only one for miles around without a streetlight.

Trustees have been investigating the problem and getting some feedback, she said, adding “Some people are not in favor of (a streetlight.)”

Trustee Henry Duchscherer presented an accident report collated by the Ohio Department of Transportation tracking reported accidents at the intersection over the last 10 years.

He also said after the meeting a light pole will cost the township between $10,000 and $15,000 to install and the idea of stop signs with flashing red lights may be the best option.

Resident Tami Gingerich said she moved to Reeves Road 26 years ago because it was the most natural and darkest part of Geauga County.

“I’ve seen a lot of accidents at that intersection. Most happen during the day,” she said.

The report shows six of 11 accidents since 2012 have happened at night.

“That doesn’t seem like a street light would rectify the situation if half happened in daylight,” Gingerich said.

She went on to quote research on the negative effects of street light pollution.

Gingerich also noted the vernal pool on

the south corner of the intersection is home to two species of mole salamanders, wood frogs and protected spotted turtles.

A street light could affect the frogs’ reproduction cycle and thwart nighttime pollination by moths, she said.

“If a street light was put in, it would have a major effect on amphibians in that pool and affect insects,” she said, adding the light would draw bugs that frogs and toads would chase onto the road.

Gingerich suggested the installation of solar-powered, blinking red lights on stop signs on Bundysburg Road.

Resident Maryann Pierce said improvements to the intersection, such as repainting the wide, white, reflective stop line on the asphalt might help people know where they need to stop.

Although ODOT only listed 11 accidents at the intersection, and only one that resulted in serious injury, Augustine said there have been at least seven other accidents at the intersection that ODOT did not list for some reason.

Another resident said she believes there may have been other accidents after which drivers just exchanged insurance information and drove away without making a police report.

Resident Charlie Ehrhart spoke up in favor of a street light.

“Every intersection has a street light except Bundysburg,” he said. “It’s a safety issue.” He noted Amish drive dark horses in front of black buggies that have no lights or reflectors on the side.

“If you pull up to a dark intersection and a buggy goes by, what do you see? Nothing. Dark horse, dark buggy,” Ehrhart said. “This all comes down to safety.”

Resident Brian Blasko agreed, saying people speed in that area and more law enforcement is needed.

He also said if there is fog, it is hard to know an intersection is there.

“I have had several near misses myself,” he said.

Peters said trustees will gather as much information as they can find and base their decision on that, but they need to take some action.

“I would hate to not move on this and have someone die because of it,” she said.

Local Law Enforcement Gain Sharp Tools in Crisis Training

By rose nemunaitis editor@karloveCmedia Com

South Russell Village Officer Kailey Ga vanditti is sworn to serve and protect her community.

But, as she learned recently, that protec tion goes beyond the physical.

Gavanditti joined a host of local law en forcement March 31 as a graduate of the Geauga County Crisis Intervention Training program inside the county office building in Claridon Township.

“This class has changed my view on men tal illness,” Gavanditti said.

The program is a 40-hour comprehensive training on mental health provided to law en forcement to teach them how to de-escalate situations where an individual is in crisis.

The training is a collaboration between lo cal law enforcement agencies and behavioral health providers.

Leaders included Geauga County CIT Coordinator Brian Ayer, of Geauga’s Raven wood Mental Health Center; Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus; and National Alliance on Mental Illness Geauga Executive Director Kimberly Carter.

Just as Seconds Count, So Do Words & Actions

Carter said CIT improves outcomes.

“What I mean by that is if the de-escalation techniques taught in class are used, then fewer people will end up in jails and/or hospitals if those locations are not warranted or can be avoided,” Carter said. “The techniques in extreme cases save lives because a mental health crisis can go sideways and become out of control very quickly. Then, officers must respond with their tactical training to keep everyone safe. But, if those crises can be de-escalated before they become out of control, then everyone is safer.”

Gavanditti learned someone experiencing a crisis doesn’t need a person in a uniform — they just need a person.

“I have learned how much of an impact the words you speak to someone can be and may be one of the best tools you can have as an officer. My ah-ha moment was the moment I realized how much people crave human attention and sometimes, people just want to be seen and heard,” she said.

Fellow officer Andrew McKillen had his own “ah-ha” moment in a class scenario with Gavanditti involving the portrayal of a suicidal woman who had possibly been the victim of domestic violence.

“As we were talking to her, we discovered that this female was afraid of talking to men,” he said. “And we were able to catch that, so I backed up a bit and let Officer Gavanditti talk to her and the victim ended up opening up more to her. My point with this story is that these small observations and adjustments to those observations can go a long way in real-life situations involving crisis intervention.”

Police Make Differences Daily

“The lack of mental health crisis services across the U.S. has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first-responders to most crises,” according to NAMI. “A CIT program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters.”

There are more than 800,000 sworn officers now serving in the United States, the highest figure ever, according to the National

gaged and asking questions and know some cases we’ve shared. I know our residents will be better off.”

CIT began in 1988 in Memphis, Tenn., and in Ohio in 2004 in Akron.

Geauga County’s program kicked off in 2006 and has held 18 classes with more than 250 individuals completing the program.

South Russell Village Police Lt. Todd Pocek attended the recent graduation.

“Law enforcement is not just about enforcing laws,” Pocek said. “It’s about helping a person through a crisis. That crisis could be they locked their keys in their car and are late for work, or they could be experiencing a manic episode. We can buy tools to unlock a car and train an officer to use them. We cannot buy a tool to help someone in distress, but we surely can train officers how to properly recognize signs and help resolve these issues.”

Role-playing is utilized as an integral part of the training and done in a way to make the experience as close to reality as possible.

“My ‘ah-ha’ moments were all the resources available in Geauga County,” said officer Kyle Raznoff, of University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Police Department. “What I learned will make me a better officer going forward.”

Ayer said he hoped attendees could see those experiencing a mental health crisis through a lens of compassion and obtain new skillsets to provide support and assistance.

“We also want them to know that they have the help and support of a number of agencies … 24 hours a day, that can come alongside them to provide the individual, and families at times, the help that they need in a time of crisis,” Ayer said. “Geauga County residents should know that there is a great amount of collaboration between law enforcement and mental health providers in an effort to provide help to those in the county experiencing a mental health crisis in a manner that shows the person dignity and respect.”

He added, “Families should know that law enforcement in Geauga County is committed to helping their loved ones in times of crisis get the help that they need. We know that their loved ones before their illness had hopes and dreams, and still have these in their lives, and at times, simply need some help and support.”

The group’s graduation keynote address featured retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief

uated from the training.

“Law enforcement officers can sometimes fall into a habit of treating particular calls for service like a formula,” Esposito said. “CIT’s biggest takeaway is to not fall into that trap and ask more questions, look harder at details and use resources to try to help this person in a more lasting way.”

He said the training gave him significantly more tools to use on calls, which will translate to better results not only for the people he works with, but also for himself and his department.

“There was a point in the training, when dealing with a particular mental illness, that I saw some of my past interactions with individuals in a different light,” Esposito said. “It showed that, without this information on hand, I had been completely oblivious to signs, which could have changed my perspective of what was happening.”

Cookie-Cutter Solutions Don’t Exist in Crisis

McIntee said he most valued learning how to interact in different ways with people in a mental health crisis, depending on the situation, and about the myriad resources available in the county.

“The training really opened my eyes to the definition of mental health crisis,” McIntee said. “I am able to recognize a mental crisis easier now and have a better understanding of how to interact with the person in crisis.”

The training explained how symptoms of

lic services should take a CIT class because of how helpful it was to him, personally.

“Mental health has been a long and ignored part of the job and through programs such as CIT via the county, we’re not only able to recognize persons in need of assistance, but we are trained to help them through a variety of situations, and if we can’t help, we can find the right organization who can,” said Pocek, also a past CIT graduate. “With any situation, in order to fix/help/solve a problem, we must first understand the problem. This class gives the officers the ability to start understanding, which ultimately helps us guide persons through a difficult time.”

McKillen echoed his classmates on how the class changed his perspective on a lot of things.

“At the end of the day, everyone is a human with emotions,” he said. “And people in crisis/mental health situations are scared of what’s happening to them. If I can be the person that makes their day a little better because I’m listening to them and trying to get them help, then that’s great. Having these resources that this CIT class provided on my tool belt will overall make me a better law enforcement officer.”

Bainbridge Trustees Open New Playground

By Brian doering Brian@karloveCmedia Com

Bainbridge Township Trustees Kristina O’Brien, Jeff Markley, Michael Bates and Fiscal Officer Janice Sugarman held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 10 to celebrate the opening of a brand-new playground at Settlers Park.

O’Brien said the park was a dream that came together in 1985 with the help of so many people, community members and businesses.

“When this playground failed, it was a loss. It was pretty upsetting to a lot of people,” O’Brien said. “We are just grateful to have this back in our community for our families.”

The park is located on 22 acres owned by the township off of Haskins Road is the only park almost entirely built by volunteers and mostly residents, according to township history. Back in 1985, the first Bainbridge Park Committee was established by the township trustees who saw the need for a township park for people to enjoy recreational and leisure activities.

Markley said playgrounds are an important part of any of the township parks because they see a lot of sports activity.

“People come just to go to the playgrounds, but then a lot of other uses (happen) during those days when there’s activity

typically over the weekends or if a child is at a practice and the sibling has to come along with the parent,” Markley said. “The play ground becomes that nice distraction for the parents.”

Markley said the original playground was a timber structure and lasted a very long time.

“It was meant to be more natural and more of a tribute to the settlers just by using natural materials,” Markley said. “This one is really just kind of a replacement to have a playground.”

Markley said the playground incorpo rates the same kind of play amenities such as swings, slides and tactile.

“The color scheme is a bit more natural still in keeping with what the park is meant for and it’s really … been set up as our family park,” he said.

Currently, Kenston Community Educa tion uses the playing fields at the park for its sports programs.

Markley said each of the township parks has playgrounds except for the one at Heri tage Park, which is located next to the town hall.

“We’ll probably look at that one for some kind of small play area, potentially,” Markley said. “We’ve talked about it. We’ve got a little space reserved for it if we want to go that route.”

Hambden Fire Department Easter Egg Hunt

SUBMITTED

Hambden Fire Department held another “eggstra” special community Easter Egg hunt under sunny skies April 8 at Hambden Township Park.

BRIAN DOERING/KMG

From left, Bainbridge Township Fiscal Officer Janice Sugarman, and trustees Kristina O’Brien, Jeff Markley and Michael Bates celebrate the grand opening of the new playground at Settlers Park April 10.

EasterHuntEgg

Chardon Chamber of Commerce

Chardon Easter Egg Hunt April 8 hosted by Chardon Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Bill Fugate/KMG

Grand Old Highway History Makes Pit Stop in Hambden

By rose nemunaitis editor@karloveCmedia Com

If you’ve ever driven through northern Geauga County or taken a road trip through more than a dozen other connecting states, chances are you’ve driven historic U.S. Route 6.

Gary Hunter, executive director of Ohio U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association, is taking his stories about the road on the road.

He spoke to a group of more than 80 peo ple April 3 inside Hambden Township Town Hall on Route 6 about the 3,652 miles of adventure stretching from the waterfront in Long Beach, Calif., through 14 states to the waterfront at Provincetown, Mass., on the tip of Cape Cod.

The nonprofit association he represents is dedicated to cultural preservation and the economic development of inner cities, small towns and rural communities located along the historic highway, which runs for 248 miles through Ohio, serving cities like San dusky, Lorain and Cleveland and traversing through 10 Ohio counties.

In Geauga County, Route 6 passes through the city of Chardon, where it has a brief overlap with state Route 44 — in Char don, the road turns northeast through Hamb den and Montville townships before crossing into Ashtabula County.

The highway is also called the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, honoring Union forces of the U.S. Civil War, with its alternate name designated in 1953.

Hunter is a lifelong resident of Route 6, with over 80% of his 65 years spent living

until age 22, then moved away, then moved back at 26 and have been on Route 6 in Rome Township ever since,” Hunter said.

His involvement in promoting the highway began when extreme endurance runner

going to be shut down.

She ran on average more than a marathon a day as she made her way across the country, passing through its highest point, at Loveland Pass near Vail, Colo., which was on the county line of Summit and Clear Creek counties and has an elevation of 11,900 feet.

“There was not much news coverage, so I contacted the association asking why it was not better promoted and the response was, ‘There is no one in Ohio who would promote Historic Route 6,’ So, here I am,” Hunter said. “As a 28-year trustee in Rome, Ohio, I have been promoting Route 6 and the surrounding communities for years.”

Event organizer Hambden Township Trustee Pam Carson called Hunter highly knowledgeable and entertaining, with his slides and stories helping to make Route 6 come alive.

“The audience was engaged and a few commented afterward that they were inspired to plan a couple Route 6 road trip adventures,” Carson said. “I hope to do more of this type of programming — it helps to deepen our pride in where we live and amplifies the power of a place.”

Hunter said the highway and any major road have many stories to tell.

the world, the sixth darkest sky in the U.S., a mass murderer, the longest road in the U.S., state capitals which are on the highway ... the history and stories go on and on …,” he said.

He and his wife, Pat, visited both the east and west coast ends of Route 6 and Hunter speaks to townships, villages, chamber of commerce, rotary, church groups, senior centers, libraries, etc.

He said he is available to share the PowerPoint presentation with any group who may be interested and because they are a nonprofit organization, there is no fee for the presentation. There are also signs and hats for sale, and the presentation can be adjusted for time, depending on the framework of the organization.

Hunter hopes to be at the Geauga County Maple Festival this year helping in the Chardon Chamber of Commerce booth and having his presentation running.

“I look forward to talking about the goals of the U.S. Route 6 Association and the role individuals, businesses and government can play in making our mission a success,” Hunter said. “I also want to learn about the primary concerns communities have regarding economic development and cultural preservation and how we can best serve their needs.”

S P O R T S

Berkshire Showcases Girls Flag Fun

By riCh kelly sports@karloveCmedia Com

If high school girls wanted a turn at foot ball, they have one now, as some local schools have come on board for girls flag football in recent years.

And on April 7, Great Lakes Cheese Sta dium at Berkshire High School got its first chance to showcase girls flag football in front of live fans. With Willoughby South, Lake Catholic, Hawken, Warrensville Heights and Mentor bringing teams to Burton, and both a varsity and junior varsity team from host Berkshire taking part in the action, it felt nearly like a clear fall evening if one didn’t know the exact date of the event.

Leading the Berkshire girls was football coach Josh DeWeese, who has been building a solid program for boys fall action and is now totally focused on building the school’s flag program just as strong.

“This is the third season now for us to have flag football for the girls,” he said. DeWeese has coached all three years, as well. “I am just proud for us to be able to finally host some games here on our new field. We usually play in Mentor, but playing at different places can only give the game more exposure so everybody can see how much fun flag football can be.”

Playing at the club level, as schools learn more about the sport’s benefits, is key to getting started, and many hope more local school boards will soon take a chance on the sport. Then the hope is to petition the OHSAA to sanction the sport for high school play.

The Badgers took on the Lake Catholic Cougars in their first game Friday night. Football is a staple for the Cougar nation, and they showed why by scoring a long touchdown on a pass play to start the game, and ultimately claiming it for themselves, 33-20. The Badger girls, though, have also come to know some pretty good football in recent years, and they

ran the ball in typical Berkshire style.

With seven players on the field, all eligible to catch passes, flag football is a different game. That said, skill sets will be very similar to what fans see in the fall.

Taking advantage of zero linemen on the field for blocking purposes, the Badgers used a variety of fast runners to move the ball upfield in a hurry. Then they took to the airways as well, with junior Madelynn Metzel operating from the quarterback position.

While keeping stats is a chore without

markings on the field for positioning, Metzel was a cool customer for Berkshire. Overall, she hit on 10 of 22 passes in the game for three touchdowns, saw the field well, and was usually on target with her passes. Watching how well Metzel and her Cougar counterpart led receivers with passes was classic.

“I have always loved football,” Metzel said. “This is just a great opportunity for girls to be enjoying the sport so many of us enjoy. I just want to learn and to push myself into a better mindset in playing the game.”

Senior athlete Brooke Ruchalsky has been a top player in all the girls sports in her Badgers days, and came out of every play on this day with a smile on her face.

“I’m just having a lot of fun playing,” she said as she tried to warm up this chilly evening. “There are a lot of good athletes who like to play this game. It’s just a special time for all of us; it took a long time to get soccer going, and now we have a chance to build more into flag football.

See Flag Football • Page 14

The Berkshire flag team is in its first season in a sport that is gaining traction to eventually become a varsity sport.

BILL FUGATE/KMG Berkshire’s Tara Barcikoski pulls a flag during a flag football match against Lake Catholic.

Kenston Girls Lacrosse Optimistic for Season

By alan kornspan sports@karloveCmedia Com

Kenston girls lacrosse is looking to continue its momentum from last season.

The squad finished winning seven of its last 10 games, making a deep run into the playoffs which included a regional semifinal match against Canfield.

This season, so far, the Bombers have played an extremely challenging schedule, taking on Canfield (ranked 10th in Division II), NDCL (ranked 12th in Division II) and Magnificat (ranked 8th in Division I) to start.

Some positive aspects within the first three contests are important to point out.

Kenston competed very well against two of the top teams in Division II. In fact, in the game against NDCL, the Bombers were trailing by six goals and came back to tie the game with only a few minutes left.

The comeback against NDCL was spurred by Juliana Heiman’s five-goal performance.

“We were down six goals (to NDCL) and our team just really worked hard together,” Heiman said. “I just kept coming down, kept shooting them, they kept going in — I got a little lucky there. But I just wanted to keep getting goals for the team so we can get back in our role.

“We ended up getting back, tying it all up, and our team worked really well (together), and I am really proud of us.”

Alexis Black has also had great offensive performances in her last two games against ranked opponents.

Black had three-goal hat trick performances against both NDCL and Magnificat.

“It was really easy because my team really set me up to score,” Black said. “They allowed me to work in cut-throughs so I had an open lane. I just had to finish the shot, but they really helped me to score that much.”

Black discussed additional strategical elements of her goals, as well.

“I had two free positions, which I obviously made, and I just wanted to make sure that I moved to the goalie and was able to get a clear shot on the goalie,” she said.

Against Magnificat, Black mentioned, “I told my teammates if we cut through, we can get some one-on-ones, and that’s what happened. I was able to finish and get through the defense, which was nice.”

Kenston Head Coach Becky Parker sees good things ahead for her Bombers, a young team made up of 12 freshmen and very few seniors.

Kenston’s Juliana Heiman scored five goals in a win 12-11 against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin. Here the junior midfielder is at

“(Against) NDCL, it started off a little rough, but we picked it up,” she said. “I am really looking forward to growing our program here. I’m pretty excited for this

season.”

Kenston would next face Chagrin Falls (April 10), West Geauga (April 11), Gilmour (April 14) and CVCA (April 15).

Flag Football

from page 13

“I’m glad to be a part of getting it going. It’s fantastic to be playing in our own stadium tonight, too.”

Sophomore Meredith Bors also appreciates the opportunity.

“It’s so exciting to be able to play wearing a Berkshire jersey, knowing we’re all part of getting something really good going in our community,” she said. “This is just so much fun, and I think we’re also seeing some good football.”

For Coach DeWeese, football means getting fired up to guide his players no matter the season. With intensity, he walks the sidelines between plays, back and forth, in both seasons, but the differences in the game can be stark.

“This is a different type of game with no linemen involved,” he said. “All the players are eligible receivers, but it still takes patience and skills to play. These girls have worked hard, I’m so proud of them, and they’re having a lot of fun playing, which is what high school sports really is all about in the first place.”

Football can be a game of stats, but that is not yet the case for girls playing flag. As more schools build programs, that may change. Meanwhile, this is something football fans can get a lot of fun out of watching. Several varsity boys players in Berkshire jackets were in attendance and kept warm by clapping for the ladies working on their skills on the field.

If you would like to try something different this coming Sunday, Great Lakes Cheese Stadium would be a good place to take root for a while.

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Bomber Stadium against Magnificat, a 17-6 loss.

Kenston Softball Positive, Focused on Improvement

By alan kornspan sports@karloveC

It has been a challenging spring for Ken ston softball so far.

Due to the weather, the girls have had lit tle opportunity to practice outside on their home field, and have seen games only against Madison and Willoughby South.

Over those two games, though, Kenston has improved quickly.

In their season opener, against Madison, hits and baserunners were very difficult to come by. The Bombers only had two base runners; one reached on a hit, and the other walked.

But in their second game, against Wil loughby South, great offensive improvement was obvious. The Bombers increased their hit total by seven, managing eight hits and two walks. In fact, two of the hits were for extra bases.

Andrea Kale’s home run was the high light.

“I did not hit for the first game,” Kale said, “and I was struggling to hit the second game. So I just went up to bat and I was like, I need a hit, I need to find my pitch, I need to take a deep breath. I fouled one off pretty far, and I knew that I was on it, and I said if I see my pitch I am just going to give my swing at it.

“That pitch, I saw it come, and I was like, this is my chance, and I got a good piece of it, and it went over the fence. It felt good, way to get out of a slump — that’s what I needed.’’

Kenston Head Coach Anne Dubovec added, “That was a line shot. She just got that contact. That’s the pretty swing that she’s done many times before. It was nice to see her pull the ball.”

Other highlights were senior Sophia Cartellone’s RBI and Madison Schmoldt’s 2-3 and RBI performance against Willoughby South.

Cartellone discussed her RBI and how the season is going so far.

“We are slowly but surely getting there, you know, peeling the rust off, slowly, but we’re getting there,” Cartellone said. “I think the RBI was on my second (hit). It was kind of a little dinger off the tip of my bat, but if it

works, it works.”

Schmoldt also discussed her performance at the plate against Willoughby South.

“My first hit was out in to the outfield,” Schmoldt said. “I don’t think anyone was on then. And then my second one was a bunt. I usually do bunting; it’s one of my favorites because I am not a big hitter. I don’t have all that power, but it definitely felt great to lay down one.”

She added, “(We’re) definitely a little rusty, but we’re knocking it off slowly.”

Coach Dubovec discussed the challenges of starting the season having to play teams that have already been playing down south.

“Part of the disadvantage for us is the first two games of the season were conference games,” Dubovec said. “Both of them were playing in Myrtle (Beach) last week. So this is game six and game seven for both of those teams, and it’s game one and game two for us.

“Positives for the game, we’re hitting a little better, getting people on base. ‘I was really happy to see the improvement from yesterday.”

The Bombers would have a busy week ahead, taking on Beaumont (April 11), Willoughby South (April 12), Garfield (April 13), Riverside (April 14) and Bristol (April 15).

Kenston’s Andrea Kale hit a homerun against Willoughby-South despite the team’s 19-3 loss. The Bombers have dealt with difficult weather early playing just two games to start the week.

Jayne Stalzer Guy

Jayne “Nana” Stalzer Guy (nee Mordue), born Aug. 24, 1938, passed on April 1, 2023.

Heaven got a good one in this lady; she will leave a hole in our hearts that can’t be filled.

Jayne will be missed every day by her devoted dog, Cody, and three children, Devon Booth McDonald (Thomas), Kym LaDow Hackle (Gary) and Mitchell Stalzer.

She also will be reunited in Heaven with her son, Mark (Renee Swallow); sons-in -laws, Thomas and Gary; brother, George; and loving husband, John “Pap-pap.”

She was “Nana” to Mark and Jen, Kyle and Rachel, Shay and Dave, Shawn and Elora, Shalimar and Scotty, Randy, Jeffrey and Jessica, Brittany, and Ashlee and Phil. Sister, aunt, friend, and all-around amazing person to everyone.

Nana was born in Cleveland, to amazing parents, Florence “Furry” (nee Fenn) and Thomas “Pa” Mordue. In 1973, she moved from the city and bought her forever home in the Geauga County countryside. She was, however, met with bees, poison ivy, mice and raccoons in her chimney. Regardless, she loved her home and gardens.

Whether you called her “Nana” or “Mom” or “Jayne,” she had a beautiful welcoming smile and infectious laugh that instantly made people love her. She was always up for an adventure. Whether it was stuffing a llama in her Blazer, watching nine grandchildren for “cousins” night, sawing and painting 7-foot tall plywood float characters, road trip to pick up rescue dogs or see family, there was nothing she wouldn’t try to tackle.

But Nana didn’t stop there. She did face painting at carnivals, rock painting at park events, sewed up dog-chewed quilts, repaired jean blowouts repeatedly and dressed up as a witch, clown and Easter Bunny for holidays and events.

Nana was a huge fan of scrabble, pinochle, one set-one run, sudukos, jumbles, canasta, crosswords, 1500-piece puzzles — and always a riot on “game night.”

She also kept busy with quilting, reading, composting, crocheting, gardening, burning in her fire pit, bible studies, shooting, talking for hours on the phone, making paper mâché piñatas, going to the movie theatres and getting popcorn, painting water colors on rocks and canvases, dancing to Thriller, playing leader of the laundromat,

Obituaries

ringing the cow bell at sporting events, going to concerts and ball games, listening to music, hosting holiday ornament/cookie parties and any and all movies especially Hallmark Christmas shows.

Nana was a homebody at heart, but one thing she always did was go traveling to see her daughter Devon who was in the Navy. Nana went to as many of the places Devon was stationed for visits with her daughter and grandchildren: Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, North Carolina. Devon and Nana even took a cross country trip to California. As long as you kept Nana in Klondikes, she could ride in a car forever.

Always busy in her younger years, too, you would find her hiking, watching her grandkids’ sports, fishing, painting ceramics, roller skating, playing ping pong and pool, bowling, playing volleyball with “the club,” swimming in her “green pool,” turkey shoots and target shooting, and taking the grandkids to the zoo, Pioneer, or Geauga Lake, going to auctions and flea markets, or visiting with Pa, Fur and Pebs.

Many of her grandkids lived with her for short periods during their childhood and adult lives, and had a hoot with Nana. Her children remember her french fries by the tons, vats of tapioca pudding, chili, potch, stuffed peppers, turkey stew with “rock” biscuits, pretzel salad, buffalo chicken dip and broccoli salad. But don’t ask her to make a roast – it was dry as burnt toast.

She had a wide range of jobs in her life. She worked at Baker Drug, was a realtor and real estate broker, had line jobs at Stouffer’s, Mr. Coffee and Newbury Rubber. She even worked one summer at Geauga Lake.

The job she liked best is where she helped people as a home health care aide. She did great work and met so many awesome people. She also helped her family with many of their rehab needs and was caregiver to her mother and husband.

Another one of her favorite jobs was working with her daughter Kym at Nalco and Howard Hanna, filing and making calls and helping with open houses.

She would paint on anything, logs, rocks, suitcases, saws, cypress knees, dowels or spindles. She would set up booths at shows and sell these amazing pieces with the help of her husband and children. She was also very proud of herself for finishing her high school and getting her GED.

She found religion late in life, got baptized and became a member of Parkside Church. She loved listening to Alistair Begg, befriending people who sat alone, and the beautiful concerts they hosted. Her children

joked anytime she “lost her way” by telling her she was not being very Christian — we would laugh and try to be nicer.

Nana made you try to be a better, more giving and caring person.

During her last months, Nana was always saying how good God was and how lucky she was with her life and wonderful family. She said the biggest joys of her life were her children and her grandchildren. She had a heart of gold and will be forever missed.

Visitation was held April 11, 2023, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Absolutely no flowers. Give instead to Nana’s favorite charity, Back Streets Rescue, 772 S. Spruce, Jefferson, OH 44047.

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

Richard D. Sedivy

Richard D. Sedivy, age 84, of Newbury Township, passed away April 5, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born March 28, 1939, in Newbury, to Frank and Molly (nee Dezort) Sedivy.

Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, from 1959-1961, stationed in Ger many.

After his returning to Newbury, he mar ried Linda (nee Morris) in 1962. It was there they made their home and raised their two children.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. With that said, he was also a loving caregiver to wild animals that were injured or abandoned; he rescued many and nursed them back to health.

He and the love of his life, Linda, his wife of 60 years, traveled together to Alaska, Arizona and Colorado. He also hunted in Alaska amongst other places with his best friends.

Survivors include his wife, Linda (nee Morris) Sedivy; son, Richard (Julee) Sedivy, of Parkman Township; daughter, Laura Sedivy, of Burton; grandchildren, Logan Sedivy and Austin Klatik; brother Terry (Maria) Sedivy, of Newbury; and sister Sharon (Robert) Dewey, of Montville Township.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dennis Sedivy; sister Barbara “Joann” Janek; and best friend Dave Yates.

Visitation and a Memorial Service were held April 12, 2023, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

Interment immediately followed at Newbury Center Cemetery, Newbury Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 or https://www.michaeljfox. org/.

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

Barbara Louise Kiebler

Barbara Louise Kiebler, loving wife, mother and grandmother, at age 80, peacefully entered into eternal life on April 3, 2023, in Mayfield Heights.

The gift of her passing into spirit was shared across a circle of love from immediate family members and long-term friend Mary Svoboda.

Barbara was born on Sept. 4, 1942, as the eldest child to Harold A. Clary and Elizabeth M. “Betty” (nee Magyar) in Chardon.

She united in marriage with Paul E. Kiebler III, in Chardon, on Sept. 5, 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Shirley (nee Clary) Neill and Harold R. “Hal” Clary.

Survivors include her daughter, Beth Lynn Kiebler, of Gates Mills; son, Paul E. Kiebler IV (Jody), of Chagrin Falls; grandsons, Paul E. Kiebler V and Gavin Kiebler; and significant friend and travel companion, Scott Nolan.

Barbara lived an active and vibrant life as a lifelong resident of Chardon. During winter months, she would fly south to her home in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., or Grand Cayman Islands.

She lived in service to others and led Geauga County fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society for many years.

The consummate party planner and host, Barbara enthusiastically gathered with her sisters of P.E.O Chapter DU, Chardon High School class of 1960, and volunteered with the Playhouse Square RedCoats.

Organized, trustworthy and respected, she was elected to executive positions to aid and assist the management of her community at Shamron Beach (FL) and Burlington Green (OH).

On Sunday, Barbara could be found serving everything from pancakes to chicken paprikash at Pilgrim Christian Church (Chardon).

Barbara was a renowned world traveler at easy and frequently mistook as a “local” whether hugging koalas (Australia), riding camels (Egypt), wine tasting (San Francisco), wading for lobsters and antiques (Maine), shaking the hand of the Pope (Italy), or enjoying fresh cucumber & tomato salad (Greece-favorite!).

Barbara’s greatest passion was her family and spending time with her beloved grandsons.

Always with a fabulous new recipe, a packed lunch, dedicated homeroom mom, Geauga County 4-H leader and winner of the last card game.

She will be so deeply missed and forever remembered as a passionate spirit, pure compassion for her family and friends, and giving heart.

The family received friends at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, on April 10, 2023.

Funeral service was held April 11, 2023, at Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 South Hambden St., Chardon.

In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to Pilgrim Christian Church.

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

Obituaries

Carole Ann Pohto

Carole Ann Pohto, age 82, passed away on April 3, 2023, after a short battle with cancer.

She was born on July 17, 1940, to Allan and Anne (nee Kippola) Mackey in Fairport.

Carole was a fierce Hungarian woman who made the best cabbage rolls and sharga turo for Easter.

She was a diehard Cleveland Browns fan, she enjoyed cheering on the hometown team. She passed her love of football to her daughters and grandchildren.

Carole was a doting grandmother who loved spending time with them sharing meals and showering them with thoughtful gifts.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Chardon and had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. Carole loved her Catholic faith and shared it with her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Kelly Klemencic, Terri (Bill) Steimle, Renee (Frank) Fuller; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Paul), Timothy, Grace, John, David, Anna, Samuel, Leo, Daniel, Isabel, Veronica (Jeremy), Sarah, Sabrina (Eric) and Victoria; great-grandchildren, Henry, Ellie, Annabel, Eden, Milo, Charlie and Penelope; brother Kenneth (Bonnie) Mackey; and close friend Kevin Klemencic.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents; and brother Robert Mackey.

Family received friends April 12, 2023, at Burr Funeral Home, 166 South St., Chardon, for visitation.

13, 2023, at St. Mary’s in Chardon, with buri

al following at Riverside Cemetery in Painesville.

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

John Charles Freshley

John Charles Freshley, 78, of Char don, passed away on April 4, 2023.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Lisa Ki ernan (Robert) and Christina French (Mi chael); sister, Glenda Freshley; and sister-inlaw Kay Gilbert-Gillen.

He also is survived by many loving friends and family.

John graduated from West Geauga High School and Case Western University. He owned and operated his own plumbing business. He loved music, gardening, nature, travel and serving his church.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Community Church of Chesterland.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to Community Church of Chesterland or Heifer International.

Arrangements entrusted to Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, Chesterland.

Auburn Students Adapt Toys For Children

Trevor Horvath, of Cardinal Local School District, and Ashton Zembower, of Madison, used the skills they are learning in their Electrical Engineering Prep program to adapt toys for children with disabilities.

Jenni Rittenberry’s son, Chace, has FOXG1 syndrome which is a condition characterized by impaired development and structural brain abnormalities. Rittenberry was trying to make toys adaptable for her son but encountered issues with soldering. She is a stylist and mentioned this to her client in general conversation. Her client was Ashton Zembower’s mother who suggested she contact Auburn.

Rittenberry contacted a lifelong friend, Justine Malvicino, Auburn’s Career Guidance Advisor, to inquire if Auburn students could assist with this undertaking. From that point, Rittenberry’s frustration turned into hope and the conversation turned into action.

Auburn’s Electrical Engineering Prep instructor, Keith Conn, worked with Natalie Wardega of RePlay for Kids. They are a non-profit organization that works to increase the availability of toys and assistive devices for children with disabilities by repairing existing devices, adapting mainstream toys, designing new devices, and educating families and clinicians.

Zembower and Horvath along with their classmates adapted the toys provided by RePlay for Kids. Chace received one of the toys.

“It was a great experience to see how happy he was,” said Zembower.

“His face really lit up. I loved doing this and am thankful for the opportunity,” said Horvath.

Adapted toys are more expensive to purchase and can be cost prohibitive for many families. RePlay for Kids provides these toys free of charge and is currently working on a partnership with the Geauga County Public Library on lending out these toys.

“These adapted toys are used for children with disabilities to help teach them cause and effect. If they can hit a switch and make toy work, they can learn to use a switch on a wheelchair, turn on lights and use communication devices. It’s really important in the steps of learning for these children,” said Wardega.

“Auburn is so proud of the creative ways our students apply their learning. This was such a cool opportunity for Ashton and Trevor to be able to take what they learned in the electrical engineering class and apply it to helping people in our own community,” said Dr. Bontempo, Auburn’s superintendent.

“It’s a toy he can actually play with. He wouldn’t be able to make it go otherwise. I’m so thankful for Auburn’s help,” said Rittenberry.

Kiwanis Raises Money for Lunches

SUBMITTED

Jordak Elementary School third-graders

Ethan, Connor and Emmy.

East Geauga Kiwanis Honors Students

East Geauga Kiwanis Club recently recognized outstanding third-graders from Berk shire and Jordak elementary schools for their performance in the classroom through their grades and behavior during the third grading period. Each student received a certificate and four literature books.

The East Geauga Ki wanis Club recently made a donation to the Claridon Community Helps summer lunch program that helps feed children who are on the free or reduced lunch program during the school year. The children receive a hot meal three days a week and a bag lunch the other two days. The pro gram is funded solely on donations and volunteers who prepare and deliver the lunches. Anyone who wishes to help may contact Claridon Helps at claridon communityhelps@gmail. com. tion for its summer lunch program.

Auburn Career Center students Trevor Horvath and Ashton Zembower are using the skills they are learning in their electrical engineering prep program to adapt toys for children with disabilities.

Bulletin Board

Senior Trash Pickup Days

Local township and village road crews will again work with the Geauga County Department on Aging employees and volunteers to remove unwanted items from seniors’ garages, outbuildings and driveways during locally scheduled pickups.

Items should be placed outside the night before the pickup. Do not leave items curb side.

Seniors ages 60 and older who wish to participate in the trash day pickup program need to register with the department on aging. Seniors who complete their yearly registration prior to the cleanup dates only need to make a phone call one week before the trash pickup start date to be placed on the community pickup roster.

April trash pickup days are:

• Hambden Township: April 26-28. Sign up by April 19.

• South Russell Village: April 26 and 27. Sign up by April 19.

For specific allowable community guidelines or to register for the pickup, call 440279-2130.

Young of Heart

April 21, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at the West Geauga Senior Center, 8090 Cedar

Road in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Snacks and beverage are provided. Musical entertainment will be provided by Steppin’ Out.

A trip is planned for June 8 to Playhouse Square to see “Moulin Rouge.” Also included is lunch at the Music Box and bus transportation. Cost is $140 or $145 for nonmembers. For reservations, call Kimber at 440-6683293.

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals

The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal drivers in the Chardon and Middlefield areas.

The HDM program delivers warm, nutritious lunches Monday through Friday to homebound seniors in the community.

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

To sign up or for any questions, contact Nathan Gorton at 440-279-2138 or email at NGorton@co.geauga.oh.us.

Chester Government Update

The March 9 meeting of the Chester Township Trustees began with approval of meeting minutes, followed by the re-hiring of Gary Huston who is a long-time seasonal employee for the township. Trustees thank him for re-joining the team. The board also approved hiring Justin Salo as a seasonal worker.

In road department business, a new concrete saw in the amount of $12,600 and mower in the amount of $13,359 were approved. Five bids for various aggregate materials for summer road maintenance were received and sent to the Chester Road Superintendent John Onyshko for his review. He provided an update on the section of Heath Road that is failing and has been reduced to one lane with appropriate barriers and signage to be installed. The drainage system failure at Hancock Park at the corner of Mulberry and Chillicothe roads was discussed and whether it is worth the expense to repair and maintain the small water source.

In fire department business, a memorandum of understanding was approved to receive smoke detectors from the American Red Cross that will be distributed in the community.

The West Geauga Pickleball Club provided an update to the trustees regarding their fund-raising status and also held the public drawing for their 50/50 fundraiser, generating $10,000 towards the project. Anyone interested in donating to the cause may contact town hall at 440-729-7058 or kpaulic@chestertwp.org.

Chester Township Administrator Mark Purchase provided an update on the new township website. Training will be occurring soon and the transition will happen in early April. Trustees apologize that the current website is no longer able to be supported and information is out of date. Contact town hall with any questions.

Purchase also provided updates on the planned demolition of the Henry house next to Parkside Park and consolidation of properties at Fire Station No. 2 in anticipation of putting the land up for sale.

Police Chief Craig Young was nominated to attend the FBI National Academy. The prestigious 10-week course has limited availability and trustees are honored that Chief Young was selected.

As a follow-up with the Chester Zoning Commission, there was discussion whether to add language to specifically prohibit nursing homes or whether to leave that language as it currently stands where if a use is not specifically listed, it is prohibited. There was general agreement to leave the current language as the best approach.

The board executed an agreement with the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District (GTSWMD) to continue the drop-off recycling services in the township. Cameras are in operation at the Recycle Park to identify and pursue people who are using this service as a garbage dump. Trustees ask residents to read the sign and only leave recyclables. If the bins are full, please do not leave materials on the ground.

The board approved $8,900 to install two gates at the Recycle Park to help control illegal disposal by limiting hours of service. The township will be reimbursed through grant funding by the GTSWMD for the expense.

Innovative Companies LTD was approved to provide landscaping and grounds maintenance of township properties for 2023 in the amount of $30,727.51.

The board approved the 2023 permanent appropriations in the amount of $9,901,325.40.

The Maple Leaf Community Bulletin Board is a public service of the Geauga County Maple Leaf. Notices of nonprofit organizations, schools, and churches will be published without charge. The Maple Leaf cannot guarantee publication, and reserves the right to edit, condense, cancel, or refuse any notice at any time. E-mail submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

Geauga Dems Collect Signatures

April 13 and 15

The Geauga Democratic Party will hold drive-thru events to collect signatures on the petitions to restore women’s reproductive rights in Ohio. Stop by party headquarters at 12420 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beekeepers Association Meets

April 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join the Geauga County Beekeepers Association for a free presentation by Barb Bloetscher, the Ohio State apiarist, to learn about “What Happens When the County Bee Inspector Shows Up.” The club meeting will be held at Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road. Membership is not necessary to attend meetings.

For more information, call 216-800-7217 or visit www.geaugacountybeekeepers.org

FOW Night at the Races

April 15, 6-9 p.m.

Friends of WomenSafe is hosting its first annual Night at the Race at Centerville Mills, 8558 Cracker Road, Bainbridge Township.

Tickets are $40 each and include dinner and entry into the event. Tickets are limited; visit www.friendsofwomensafe.com or call 440-285-3741 for more information.

KOC Pancake Breakfast

April 16, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus Council 15942 will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with sausage, bacon and eggs at St. Mary Church, 401 North St., Chardon.

Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children 6-12 years.

VFW Wednesday Dinners

Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 will serve chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice every Wednesday in April at the post located at 752 Water St. Donation is $9. The public is welcome.

Veterans Resource Fair

April 19, 3-6 p.m.

Geauga County Veteran Services is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair in room 168 of the new Geauga County Offices, 12611 Ravenwood Drive in Chardon.

Speak with a Veterans Affairs representative about a VA claim, obtain a Geauga County veterans ID card, receive a biometric screening from University Hospitals Geauga, learn about the new VA Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act and conditions that are covered and much more. To register by April 14, call 440-279-1860 or email Geaugavet@CO.GEAUGA.OH.US

Taste of Leadership

April 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Join Leadership Geauga for its annual Signature Adult Program recruitment event at Lowe’s Greenhouse in Bainbridge Township. The evening will consist of Leadership Geauga alumni, board members and

staff mingling with potential members for the class of 2024.

The event is free and open to the public for those interested in learning more about Leadership Geauga. A short presentation will take place at 6:15 p.m.

To register, call 440-286-8115 or visit www.leadershipgeauga.org.

Trash and Treasure Sale

April 21 and 22

Parkman Congregational Church is hosting its annual rummage sale on Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The church is located at 18265 Madison Road in Parkman.

Grange Rummage Sale

April 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Huntsburg Grange is hosting a rummage sale and open house at Huntsburg Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road. Questions? Call 440-477-2822.

Gardening 101

April 22, 10 a.m. to noon

Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ free Gardening 101 series continues with “Working the Garden” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Master gardener Karen Wright will guide attendees in making smart choices early to minimize maintenance down the road. Watering, mulching, weeding, disease and pest management will be covered.

Registration is not required but is appreciated. Contact Wendy Ward at 440-8344656 or email ward.714@osu.edu.

OPERS Retirees Meet

April 26, 11 a.m.

The Geauga County Public Employee Retirees, Inc. (PERI) 86 will meet at St. Mary’s Banquet Hall in Chardon. Guest speaker is Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walter. Call Mary Hedrick at 440-479-1952 to RSVP by April 21. Cost of lunch is $14. Yearly dues are $5.

Trinkets and Treasures Sale

April 26-29

The Federated Church of Chagrin Falls will hold its annual Trinkets and Treasures sale at the Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Road in Bainbridge Township.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27 and 28, and 9 a.m. to noon April 29, half price and bag day. Shop the “First Opportunity to Buy” event on April 26 from 5:30-8 p.m. Admission is $10 on Wednesday only. Call 440-247-6490 or visit www.FedChurch.org for more information.

Red Wagon Spring Luncheon

May 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Christ Child Society of Geauga County is holding its 30th annual Red Wagon Spring Luncheon and Chinese auction at St. Noel Banquet Center in Willoughby Hills. Guest emcee is Jen Harcher, Channel 8 meteorologist. Tickets are $50 per person. Email Jeanette Bussoletti at jbussoletti@yahoo.com or call 216-401-8190 for more information and reservations.

Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee

Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office March 31-April 6, 2023.

CITIZEN ASSIST

April 6

5:45 p.m., Tavern Road, Parkman. Spoke to deputy last night and would like the deputy to stop over so he can share some more information. Caller says another male grabbed his nose and pinched it really hard. Caller did not expire but he believes it was a form of choking and would like it handled properly. Caller stated he wants $400,000 to $500,000 as a fine from the other male and is willing to reason and take the fine instead of male having to do three years of jail time for his wrongdoing. Complainant advised that report has been sent to the prosecutor for review.

CITIZEN DISPUTE

April 6

4:38 p.m., Radcliffe Road, Hambden. Worked under the table on a farm and was fired. The person he worked for called him requesting his address for company books or else she was going to call the police. Caller advised he is a registered sex offender and gets nervous when someone says they are calling the police. Caller feels this a threat. Caller advised that is not a threat and advice given. Caller said he would call his ex-employer and provide the information.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

April 2

6:34 p.m., Parkside Road, Munson. Two left on a bike and the other girl is walking down the roadway. Male is following her. Believe all parties are intoxicated.

A Fur-Ever Home

Rook, the dog recently featured in a Geauga County Maple Leaf story, finds a forever home thanks to some help from Hambden Township’s Cold Nose Companions Dog Training.

Rook originally ended up at Cleveland Animal Care and Control as a stray dog two days before Christmas in 2022. He became a nocost participant in a training class held by Cold Nose Companions, which helped lead to Rook finding a permanent home. SUBMITTED

Female that was walking was hitting the male party. Four people total, two got on the motorcycle and rode away. Female yelling is wearing leather clothing. Caller witnessed male hit female. Male punched her in face and then drove off. Send squad for female. Deputy located female laying in ditch complaining of jaw pain. Unknown female was intoxicated and refused to provide any information on what happened or her name. Female stated motorcycle gang would kill her. At one point female said her boyfriend was part of Hell’s Angels. Female wearing headband with colors of Hell’s Angels. Female did not have an ID and advised you are not allowed to have an ID when riding with the group. Female also said male took her phone. Sergeant contacted COPE Line for possible human trafficking. It should be noted female said she was in town from Manhattan.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

April 1

9:31 a.m., Hall Road, Claridon. 24-year-old sister was hitting their father, no weapons. Unknown what started this. They currently are separated. Father complaining of stomach pain from being hit in the stomach. Sister arrested and taken to GCSO jail, where she was booked for DV and disorderly conduct.

FRAUD

March 31

6:21 p.m., Hosmer Road, Parkman. Female in lobby to report a check fraud from Amish taxi driver. Complainant advised taxi driver cashed a check for $930. Check was made out for $130. See report for details.

7:31 p.m., Stonemill Drive, Hambden. Com-

plainant’s bank account was compromised with several unauthorized transactions completed. Bank was notified, charges were stopped and funds were returned. Bank is investigating fraud activity. Caller also received three packages she did not order; those packages will be returned to sender. Caller has changed her accounts, passwords, placed a fraud alert on through creditors and found no new accounts opened. Caller given advice and suggested to report incident to IC3.gov.

April 4

1:12 p.m., Reeves Road, Parkman. Fraud report in lobby. Complainant received “junk mail” to her address. Advice given.

PURSUIT

April 2

11:33 p.m., Main Market Road, Parkman. Deputy stopped a maroon Ford Fusion for display of plates. Vehicle stopped at Parkman Gulf. Made contact with driver and advised him of reason for the stop. White male driver said he was 22 years old. Dark hair, medium build, tattoos on left hand. Ordered male out of vehicle at which point he took off and pursuit began. Speeds upwards of 80 mph. Male fled north on 528 to Nash. Nash to Bundysburg. Lost him in area of Bundysburg and Reeves.

SUSPICIOUS

April 1

11:24 a.m., Robinson Road, Chardon. Male pulled unto Big Creek and about 12 males with masks jumped into the truck. Caller thinks they may be heading toward the square. Younger group. There are vehicles parked in the lot that should belong to them. Masks cover most of the head.

Bloodmobile

Arts & Entertainment

Fairmount Speaker Series

April 16, 3-4 p.m.

Fairmount Center for the Arts continues its “Pull Back the Curtain” speaker series with “In Conversation: Bill O’Connell” at the center located at 8400 Fairmount Road in Russell Township. Explore the world of classical music with the WCLV program director and host. Light refreshments will be served. Advance registration is recommended by calling 440-3383171 or visiting fairmountcenter.org.

Caller did not see weapons or carrying anything. Group of males, dark tops and pants, carrying flags walking up South Hambden now.

April 3

7:30 a.m., Pekin Road, Newbury. Caller found a tracker on his vehicle and would like to speak to a deputy. Thinks he knows who did it, but unknown time and date. Advice given.

5:24 p.m., Stillwell Road, Claridon. Caller states there are “guts and bones” dumped in a gas well drive. Gas well is between Princeton and Kile on Stillwell, north side of road. Caller states this is happening frequently. Unknown who put carcass there.

April 6

11:37 p.m., Madison Road, Huntsburg. Aircraft reported seeing a laser plotting south of Hershey Montessori School. Deputy checked grounds. No one around and unable to make contact with anyone at the campus.

THREATENING

April 4

7:33 a.m., North Bridle Trail, Munson. Threatening texts through a dating app and other social media. Caller believes he will come to her house. No threats were made. Caller did not want further correspondence with the other male and was advised to message him back telling him same. Caller is concerned male will show up at her house; however, she never provided him with her address. She was advised to call if any unwanted persons arrive at any time.

Health & Wellness

American Red Cross urges people to make and keep appointments to help avoid a blood shortage.

Donation appointments may be made by downloading the free Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-7332767. Power Reds are available.

April 14, Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township, 12-6 p.m.

April 19, Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 1-6 p.m.

April 27, Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 27, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.

Family First Council

April 17, 1:30 p.m.

Geauga Family First Council meets the

third Monday of the month at the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services building located on 13244 Ravenna Road in Chardon. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, please contact Tim Kehres, Geauga Family First Council coordinator, at 440-285-1201.

Life Recovery 12 Step Meeting

Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.

The open group for men and women meets weekly at Horizons Christian Assembly, 14920 White Road in Middlefield and welcomes anyone struggling with grief, alcoholism, addiction, depression, co-dependency or any other habit that lessens the quality of life. The group offers support, encouragement, fellowship and discipleship.

Learn more at www.Horizons4you.com/ LifeRecovery.

Chardon

Power of the Pen

Congratulations to Chardon Middle School seventh-graders Izzy Dean and Olivia Kennedy — each advancing from the Power of the Pen Lake Erie Regional tournament on March 11 as a qualifier for the state-tournament scheduled for May 18-19 at Ashland University.

The state-qualifying stories titled “9 Lives” and “Cat and Furry-ous” were penned by Izzy and Olivia, respectively. Their stories shined in the regional writing tournament held at Hudson Middle School where Izzy and Olivia were up against literary competition from students in Geauga, Ashtabula, Lake and Southeast Cuyahoga and Northern Summit counties.

Izzy’s “9 Lives” is a District Platinum Pen

Award winner, which carries the added hon or of upcoming publication in the Power of the Pen Book of Winners. Together with her participation at the regional level, the district award Izzy garnered propels her to the state level of competition.

Olivia’s “Cat and Furry-ous” earned state qualification by scoring a Best of Round Award at the regional event.

CMS Power of the Pen advisor Shannon Monsman stated, “Both writers did a fantastic job representing Chardon Middle School.”

Paper Towel Drive Success

The Chardon Middle School Builders Club launched its annual paper towel drive at the school March 20-24 in support of Rescue Village’s general shelter supplies wish list. In all, the project amassed 364 rolls through the generosity of students and their families, as well as staff. The epic collection was then donated to the shelter.

The CMS Builders Club is an extracurricular activity that is open to all students in grade levels four through seven who are interested in serving their community and school. Students participate in a variety of community service projects and help plan fundraisers throughout the school year.

The club, which is advised by CMS faculty member Amanda Weaver, is generously sponsored and supported by the Kiwanis

Global Brigades

Students in Greg Schmidt’s marketing principles classes recently served as business consultants to entrepreneurs in Honduras through Global Brigades, an international non-profit organization that collaborates with communities to achieve health and economic goals.

According to Schmidt, the Global Brigades program gave students the opportunity to advise small-business clients and to learn valuable lessons about being good global citizens, including how they can make a difference in countries and communities where there are significant needs.

In a series of Zoom calls, students in six teams interviewed small-business owners, analyzed their businesses, and presented potential solutions to improve the business operations and profitability.

Senior Matt Urda described how he and his team helped their client, a convenience store operator, by developing an advertisement to promote sales.

“We were able to use resources so easily available to us on the internet to help him grow his business,” Matt said.

Senior Helena Mayer and her team worked with the owner of a pinata company.

“We helped her develop a simple business plan and gave her feedback on what she’s already doing,” Helena explained.

The Global Brigades experience gave students a real-world experience of the Catholic social teaching on solidarity as they helped

Club of Chardon with Kiwanis officer Heather Penrod serving as Builders Club’s point person.

Excellence in Reporting and Compliance

A round of well-earned applause for Chardon Schools Treasurer/CFO Deb Armbruster and her team. Armbruster received an unannounced visit from the Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber at the Chardon board office on March 23 wherein Auditor Faber presented her with an OAS Award with Distinction. The honor recognizes the Chardon Treasurer’s Office for excellence in financial reporting related to its FY 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and excellence in compliance with applicable laws.

Just last fall, Mrs. Armbruster and her team members were awarded the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2021.

Honduran entrepreneurs grapple with all sorts of obstacles that stand in the way of their hopes and dreams.

“I feel like I have gained a better understanding of navigating small businesses and how challenging it can be, especially in a developing country,” senior Bailey Rice said.

Wojnar Wins Scholastic Art Medal

Senior Natalie Wojnar has been awarded a silver medal in the national Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, placing her among the top 1 percent of student artists nationwide.

Natalie’s award-winning piece, a sculptural box titled “Decomposed Raku,” is among less than 2,000 works to be recognized from more than 260,000 entries submitted from schools throughout the United States.

“Natalie’s work was selected by some of the foremost leaders in the visual and literary arts for excellence in originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal voice and vision,” explained art teacher Claire Raack.

Natalie is among only 18 northeastern Ohio artists - and the only ceramicist - to be recognized in this year’s national competition. Her work will join those of other award-winning artists to be displayed at the National Scholastic Art and Writing Exhibit in New York City on June 7-9.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens.

Dean Kennedy

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following matters are the subject of this public notice by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The complete public notice, including any additional instructions for submitting comments, requesting information, a public hearing, filing an appeal, or ADA accommodations may be obtained at: https://epa.ohio.gov/actions or Hearing Clerk, Ohio EPA, 50 W. Town St. P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Ph: 614-644-3037 email: HClerk@epa.ohio.gov

Application Received for Air Permit

Covia Solutions Inc

11730 Ravenna Rd, Chardon, OH 44024

ID #: A0074074

Date of Action: 03/30/2023

PTIO Renewal permit for various mixing processes

Final Approval of Plans and Specifications

Chesterland Retail Properties

12725 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026

ID #: DDAGW-469

Date of Action: 03/31/2023

This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC.

Detail Plans for PWSID:OH2876970 Plan:D-

DAGW-469 Regarding Chesterland Retail Properties.

Final Approval of Plans and Specifications

Geauga County Services Center PWS 470 Center St Bldg 3, Chardon, OH 44024

Facility Description: Community Water Sys-

tem

ID #: 1535526

Date of Action: 04/03/2023

This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC.

Detail Plans for PWSID:OH2868112

Plan:1535526 Regarding Chardon Elevated Tank Mixer Installation & Inspection.

Apr13, 2023

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING Troy Township

Notice is hereby given that there will be a special meeting between the Troy Township Trustees and Parkman Township Trustees with legal Counsel present to discuss: Possible Fire Department collaboration on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm at the Troy Township Community House, 13950 Main Market Road, Burton, OH 44021. This meeting will not be taking or asking any comments from the public.

Jane Grudowski, Fiscal Officer Apr13,

2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following matters are the subject of this public notice by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The complete public notice, including any additional instructions for submitting comments, requesting information, a public hearing, filing an appeal, or ADA accommodations may be obtained at: https://epa.ohio.gov/actions or Hearing Clerk, Ohio EPA, 50 W. Town St. P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Ph: 614-644-3037 email: HClerk@epa.ohio.gov

Notice of Receipt of 401 Application

404 401 WQC Main Street, Cleveland, OH 44444

Facility Description: 401 Certification

Receiving Water: Lake Erie WS

ID #: DSW401238526A

Date of Action: 04/13/2023

Public notice is hereby given that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) Division of Surface Water (DSW) has received an application for and has begun to consider whether to issue or deny, a Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for multiple projects between November 1, 2023 through November 1, 2028 to conduct seven categories of Section 404 discharges. The application was submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District. The projects may be in any county in the Buffalo District. The Buffalo District Corps of Engineers Processing Number for this project is 2003-00573. The Ohio EPA ID Number for this project is 238526A. Discharges from these activities, if approved, may result in degradation to, or lowering of, the water quality of wetlands, stream, and lake shoreline in the Lake Erie watershed. Ohio EPA will review the application and decide whether to grant or deny the certification, in accordance with OAC Chapters 37451 and 3745-32. In accordance with OAC rule 3745-1-05, an antidegradation review of the application will be conducted before deciding whether to allow a lowering of water quality.

No exclusions or waivers, as outlined in OAC 3745-1-05, apply or may be granted.

Starting April 6, 2023, copies of the application and technical support information may be inspected on the Ohio EPA-DSW website: https://epa.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/epa/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/permitting/water-quality-certification-and-isolated-wetland-permits

Persons wishing to 1) be on Ohio EPA’s interested parties mailing list for this project, 2) request a public hearing, or 3) submit written comments for Ohio EPA’s consideration in reviewing the application should do so by email to epa.dswcomments@epa.ohio.gov or in writing to Ohio EPA-DSW, Attention: Permits Processing Unit, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 within thirty days of the date of this public notice.

To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, visit: https://epa.ohio.gov/ada.

Apr13, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

Sale of Real Estate

GEAUGA COUNTY Foreclosure Auction

Case#22-F-000339. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2004-6 vs Julia Kolibab aka Julia Kolibab aka Julia J. Nasvytis aka Julia Nasvytis,John Kolibab, et al.

The description of the property to be sold is as follows:

Property Address: 8630 TAYLOR MAY ROAD, BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, GEAUGA, Ohio, 44023;

Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 02-202070

Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on 5/2/2023 at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.

Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time.

Provisional Sale date: 5/16/2023 at 10:00

AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $5,000.00 to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.

Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 22F000339 into the search bar.

Apr6-13-20, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

Auburn Township

Notice is hereby given that the Auburn Township Board of Trustees will conduct a Public Hearing on proposed Amendment to the Auburn Township Zoning Resolution, known as ZC2023-01. The Public Hearing will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the Auburn Township Administration Building, 11010 Washington Street, Auburn Township, OH 44023.

The proposed Amendment ZC2023-01 is available for review at www.auburntownship.com

Daniel J. Matsko, Fiscal Officer

Apr13, 2023

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO 22-F-000671 – Rocket Mortgage, LLC

f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans Inc., Plaintiff vs. Andrew C. Carroscia, et al, Defendants.

ANDREW C. CARROSCIA AND UNKNOWN

SPOUSE, IF ANY, OF ANDREW C. CARROSCIA, whose last known addresses are unknown and all of whose residences are unknown, will hereby take notice that on November 15, 2022, Plaintiff filed its Complaint in the Common Pleas Court of Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024 being Case No. 22-F000671 in said Court against ANDREW C. CARROSCIA, et al. praying for Judgment of $73,481.19 with interest at the rate of 5.87500% per annum from June 1, 2020, until paid and for foreclosure of a mortgage on the following described real estate, to wit:

PARCEL NO. 30-077300

STREET ADDRESS: 8259 Plank Road, Chardon, OH 44024

A COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PARCEL MAY BE OBTAINED FROM

COUNTY AUDITOR. and that Defendants be required to set up

any interest they may have in said premises or be forever barred, that upon failure of said Defendants to pay or cause to be paid said Judgment within three days from its rendition that an Order of Sale be issued to the Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, to appraise, advertise, and sell said real estate, that the premises be sold free and clear of all claims, liens and interest of any parties herein, that the proceeds from the sale of said premises be applied to Plaintiff’s Judgment and for such other relief to which Plaintiff is entitled.

Said Defendant(s) will take notice that they will be required to answer said Complaint on or before twenty-eight (28) days from the final publication run date or judgment will be rendered accordingly.

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC.

Ellen L. Fornash, Padgett Law Group, 8087 Washington Village Drive, Suite 220, Dayton, OH 45458; 850-422-2520; OHAttorney@padgettlawgroup.com Apr6-13-20, 2023

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING Parkman Township

Notice is hereby given that there will be a special meeting between the Parkman Township Trustees and Troy Township Trustees with legal Counsel present to discuss: Possible Fire Department collaboration on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm at the Troy Township Community House, 13950 Main Market Road, Burton, OH 44021. Public comments and questions will not be taken.

Denise Villers, Fiscal Officer Apr13, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VARIANCE TO THE CHARDON TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the Chardon Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing for a variance to the Chardon Township Zoning Resolution on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 7:00 o’clock p.m. at the Town Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, Chardon, Ohio.

CASE 2023-4 – Maggie Faulkner, c/o Wayne Homes, 3777 Boettler Oak Drive, UnionTown, Ohio 44685, requests to construct a new resi-

structure would be located twenty-five (25) feet from the right-side lot line, and sixty-six (66) feet from the front setback line. Section 500.03 Minimum Yards of the Chardon Township Zoning Resolution requires a minimum of fifty (50) feet on the right-side lot line, and one hundred (100) feet from the front setback line in the R-1 Residential District.

Linda Kerry, Secretary Apr13, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

Russell Township

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Russell Township Board of Trustees, c/o Karen Walder, Fiscal Officer, at 8501 Kinsman Road, Novelty, Ohio 44072 until 11:00 AM official local time on April 28, 2023 for The Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads in Russell Township. Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud the same day at 11:05 AM. The estimated construction cost for this project is $675,000.

Copies of the plans and/or specifications may be obtained digitally online at https://www. geaugacountyengineer.org/projects-bids/online-plans-and-specifications/ or a hardcopy is available at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, OH 44024.

A copy of this legal notice is posted on the County’s website. Go to https://www.geaugacountyengineer.org/projects-bids/legal-notices/ and click on the project name to view this legal.

A bid guaranty in the amount of one hundred (100%) percent of the bid amount or a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305 of the Ohio Revised Code in the amount of ten (10%) percent of the total bid amount shall accompany each bid. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis.

Bids may be held by the Russell Township Board of Trustees for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.

The Russell Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Russell Township Board of Trustees.

BY THE ORDER OF THE RUSSELL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FOR RENT

CHESTERLAND: 3-bedroom ranch, 2.5 car garage, family room, fireplace, laundry room, central air, gas heat, West Geauga schools. No pets. Available July 1, showing in May. 440-465-2340. $1,500/mo.

Burton Ranch Condo: 2/BR, 2/Bath, AC, laundry, 2-car attached garage. No pets/smoking. $1,600/month. Includes snow plowing, lawn, trash. 440-221-0649.

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

FOR LEASE: 120x60 arena barn with pastures for agricultural use or storage and grounds for nursery/landscape operation. Newbury. 440-564-7363.

FOR SALE

Gun rack, sofa, toddler toys, large aquarium with stand, vintage coffee mill, Billiard weight set. Cheap. 440-7291082.

Couch w/love-seat $200. Old table $75. Cedar chest $40. Large cabinet $40. Old fashioned mirror $40. Single bed $40. 440-632-9675.

Windsor road-bike $500. Horse-drawn sleigh $500. Western saddle $500. Honda push-mower $300. (8) Fishing poles $200/for all. 845-987-0079.

Celli Spading Machine: 55” wide, will spade up to 12” deep, had had very little use. $5,000 OBO. 440-5482414.

Two (2) Tires: LT225 / 65R17107 / 1035. Excellent tread. Like new. $60 each. 440-554-5731. NEW Panasonic cordless phone, still in box, 2 additional handsets, can expand. White w/blue trim. 440-2239471. Also Wanted: Level/Transit.

Antique clocks, many. Oak crank wall-phone $369. Humpback chest $79. Wooden rocking horse $79. Kids spring rocking horse $49. 440-338-3563.

Teeter Inversion Table: as seen on TV, relieves all back pains, older model, excellent condition, $100. 440431-6944.

Maple Syrup for sale: 1 gal. $38; Half gal. $22; 1 quart $13. 14899 Hayes Road, Middlefield. 440-632-9651.

Estate Sale: 4/14-4/15, 8a-4p. 12586 Woodside Drive, Chesterland. Antiques, clothing, furniture, tools, housewares and much more.

HELP WANTED

Maverick Environmental Equipment hiring Heavy-Haul Driver! Class A-CDL required. FULL TIME, great benefits, great team! Call Tim at 440- 488-7880.

Suburban Driving School-Chesterland, looking for individuals to teach driver’s education. Paid training. Call 440-729-4360 or 216-536-6708 or email resume: contact@suburbandriveohio.com.

Looking for 4-6 experienced campers, preferably friends, to camp on my farm 5/1/23 to 9/1/23 in exchange for 20 hours of light work per month. Text 330-691-7649. Applicants will be vetted.

PETS & ANIMALS

Brother & sister cats need an indoor home. Very sweet, affectionate, 9-10 years old, fixed & vaxxed. Call Rebecca 440-321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: now dealers are putting animal sedatives! in drugs along with fentanyl! Sure to kill you.

REAL ESTATE

LOT FOR SALE: .34 acre lot in Bainbridge with Lake Lucerne amenities. Make offer before I list with realtor! 440-596-2608.

We buy Houses and Land. Any condition or situation. Fast, friendly, local. Westwind Property Solutions. Text/ call Wayne today at 330-269-9595.

Lot for sale. Thompson Township. Buildable. 1 acre. Wooded, scenic, quiet side street $15,900. 440-2890708.

SERVICES

Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.

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

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. Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

Will pay cash for sports cards & collectibles. Entire collections or individual cards. Organized or unorganized. Call or text Rich at 440-552-0691.

Level/Transit 440-223-9471.

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

WORK WANTED

Will do housekeeping and dog sitting. References available. 440-313-1804.

Will do in-home elderly care 24/7. Certified with references. 440-313-1804.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Annual Garage Sale: Wed. 4/19, 8am. 15750 Chipmunk Lane/Georgia Road. Cedar chest, furniture, stroller, car seat, and much more!

Multi-family Yard Sale: Wed. 4/19. 15298 Shedd Rd. Lots of “Stampin-up”. New DeWalt chargers. Fresh Homemade Donuts. Call to pre-order 216-4103265/440-554-9195.

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Mar. 31, 2023, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

AQUILLA VILLAGE

Kyle and Nicole Van Boxel, Berkshire Drive, to Emily Beesler and Ian Tackett, $62,000. (0.21 acres)

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Leonardo S. Silva, 17805 Sterling Glen Lane, to Justin R. and Holly Cappelli Jones, $555,000. (3.00 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Keenis F. and Mari L. Sloan, 17440 Deepview Drive, to Dawn M. Schmitt (trustee), $649,000. (0.78 acres)

Chris M. Guest and Marilyn A. Mazzone, 17633 Walnut Trail, to Gregory and Audrey Baldauf, $250,000. (0.00 acres)

BURTON TOWNSHIP

Carol L. Durczak and James R. Warren, 12585 Butternut Road, to The Estate of James R. Warren, $22,500. (1.94 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Andrew D. Ta, 11050 Auburn Road, to James P. Zieske, $135,000. (1.29 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

John and Anne Gentile, 7290 Steelwood Lane, to Marcia A. Clark, $440,000. (1.77 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Bruce D. and Barbara A. Horn (TOD),

Real Estate Transfers

14950 Crimson King Trail, to Nathaniel and Samantha Dye, $505,000. (3.52 acres)

Gregory E. Dombrowski, 9127 Old State Road, to Stephanie L. Ziegler, $85,000. (1.00 acres)

Benedict Ulis, Rock Creek Road (s/l 8-9), to Evan Hornyak, $195,000. (2.63 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Steven and Kathleen Miller, 11131 Kile Road, to Aden A. Miller and Karolyn Marie Byler, $130,000. (5.00 acres)

Wayne P. Miller, 11991 Madison Road, to Norman P. and Rosa Miller, $212,000. (3.28 acres)

Dan J. and Ellen A. Yoder, 13400 Bundysburg Road, to Marvin M. and Emma Miller, $350,000. (9.50 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Rodney A. Troyer (TOD), 17222 Kinsman Road, to Aaron A. and Elyse L. Miller, $550,000. (7.56 acres)

William F. and Lucinda Mullet, 13620 Bundysburg Road, to William W. Mullet, $215,000. (3.53 acres)

Rasmus Boje Nielsen and Averi Sauder, 17595 Kinsman Road, to 17595 Kinsman Road LLC, $145,300. (3.00 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

NVR Inc., 15231 Woodsong Drive, to Raj Ramabhai Patel, $340,000. (0.21 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, 17229 Gar Highway, to Joyce Nelson (trustee), $25,000. (2.00 acres)

Marvin D. and Rebecca D. Hostetler, Kile Road, to Mark and Elaine Zakrzewski, $310,000. (37.00 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Frank Petronzio, 10430 Meadowhurst Lane, to Daniel Cooper, $42,500. (3.17 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

7227 Chagrin Road LLC, 10289 Kinsman Road, to Healing Pawz LLC, $275,000. (1.97 acres)

Darrell Langford, 13695 Auburn Road, to Michael Alioto, $265,000. (2.61 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Carol Ann Ayala, 8015 Fairmount Road, to Town Square Holdings LLC, $233,100. (7.00 acres)

Christine Quinn, 14331 Crestview Drive, to Charles and Jamie Pearce, $247,000. (3.02 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Renee Dunmead (trustee), 70 Morningside Drive, to Jennifer Cioffi, $294,000. (1.03 acres)

David B. Lowe (trustee), 129 Manor Brook

Drive, to Janet M. Shepard, $379,000. (0.00 acres)

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

Michael Anthony and Kristen Danielle Valentino, 7030 Dewey Road, to Kyle F. Peschke, $34,000. (6.53 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Nancy L. and Philip A. Leuty (trustees), 17488 Claridon Troy Road, to Ava Farms LLC, $350,000. (49.50 acres)