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Kenston Superintendent Resigns, Search to Begin By Valerie S. Clause editor@karlovecmedia.com
Kenston Schools is in search of a new leader after Superintendent Nancy Santilli announced her resignation last week. “I wanted to inform you that I have accepted a position as assistant superintendent at the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve and will be resigning
my position as superintenposition in 2014 and will dent of Kenston Schools have served eight years in effective July 31, 2022,” that role as she leaves the Santilli said in a letter addistrict. dressed the Kenston comSantilli noted a nummunity. ber of accomplishments Santilli began her work she is proud of during in the district as an assis- Santilli her time at Kenston, intant principal at Kenston cluding the district’s abilHigh School in 2007, becoming ity to pivot and deliver instruction assistant superintendent in 2011. during the COVID-19 pandemic; She moved into the superintendent See Kenston • Page 6
Keeping the Faith Mother Reflects on Son’s Journey Back from Death’s Door By Rose Nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com Forecasters on Nov. 9, 2020 called for more sunshine and warmer temperatures. Beth Anderson was blowing leaves around 4 p.m. outside her Huntsburg Township home as her two children played nearby. Pleasant weather had been a welcome respite from swirling news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, Anderson turned her head toward their pond — the site of a recurring nightmare. Only this time, it was not a dream. Her 3-year-old son, Jacob Miller, fell into the family pond. Upon seeing the bottom of Jacob’s sneakers floating in the water, she leapt in to save him, almost drowning, as well, and pulled his lifeless body from the nearly 14-foot deep waters to begin CPR on the dock. Fearing paramedics may have a difficult time finding them, she and Jacob’s dad, military veteran See Faith • Page 8
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Hambden Township Fire Department Assistant Chief Dave Peterson shares smiles with Jacob Miller and Community Care Ambulance paramedic Mark Burcaw at the Jacob Miller’s Journey Night at the Races event April 2. Peterson and Burcaw were on the Nov. 9, 2020 call that helped save Miller’s life.
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Editorial Office 101 South Street P.O. Box 1166 Chardon, Ohio 44024 Phone 440-285-2013 FAX 440-285-2015 editor@karlovecmedia.com Advertising Office 8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026 Phone 440-729-7667 FAX 440-729-8240 ads@karlovecmedia.com Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher John D. Karlovec, Editor Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter Amy Patterson, Staff Reporter Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative Gayle Mantush, Sales Representative Jayne Kracker, Sales Representative Barb Fontanelle, Sales Representative Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design Submissions and Deadlines • Editorial submissions are printed as space is available, at the publisher’s discretion, and may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. All submissions are due by Monday at noon for consideration for that Thursday’s edition. • Email all editorial submissions and questions to editor@karlovecmedia.com. • The space reservation deadline for paid advertisements in that Thursday’s Geauga County Maple Leaf is the preceding Friday by noon. Late ads may be accepted at the discretion of management. • Email advertising requests and questions to ads@karlovecmedia.com. Subscription Rates (valid through 12/31/22) Weekly Issue (in Geauga County) One year: $50 • Two years: $90 Senior Citizens one year: $45 Single copy: $1 Weekly Issue (outside Geauga County) One year: $65 • Two years: $120 Weekly Issue (snowbird/seasonal address) One year: $65 Online Only (No Mailed Copy) $50 Newspaper and Online Subscriptions are Non-Refundable. You can view the Refund Policy by visiting: www.geaugamapleleaf.com/refund-policy/ or by using the “More” menu on the website. • Geauga County Maple Leaf is a newspaper of general circulation published weekly. Contains general, legal, real estate, insurance and commercial news. • Copyright © 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf LLC. All rights reserved. Material published in Geauga County Maple Leaf is prepared at substantial expense and is for the sole and exclusive use of the subscriber. It may not be republished, resold, recorded or reused in any manner, in whole or part, without the publisher’s written consent. Any infringement will be subject to legal redress. • Geauga County Maple Leaf (USPS 011-535) is published weekly by Geauga County Maple Leaf LLC. 101 South Street, Chardon, OH 44024. Periodicals postage paid at Chardon, Ohio 44024. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH 44024-5166. Subscribers should notify the publisher in writing of address changes or unsatisfactory delivery. • Under no circumstances will any record filed in the county be suppressed at any time for anybody, except by order of court. • Attorneys placing legal advertisements are responsible for payment. • The publisher is not responsible for errors in advertisements after first publication if not advised by the advertiser.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
50 Years Later, Chardon Escrow Officer Ready to Retire
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By Grace Hare editor@karlovecmedia.com
For over half a century, escrow officer Debra Mack has worked in the same office on Main Street in Chardon Square – and she is ready to retire. After such a long career, Mack said she will miss her co-workers and bosses — who she calls her “work family.” “I am going to miss my bosses that have been very good to me and all the friends and customers I have met along the way,” she said in a recent interview. After starting at age 19 as a policy typist for a previous acquisition company, Mack has been greeted by phones ringing as she walks through her office door each morning for over 50 years. Having worked her way up through the corporate chain, a job as a bookkeeper led to a previous real estate position at Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation, as well as her current position. Lawyers Title was bought out in 2010 and four title offices were merged into Title Professionals Group, Ltd.
Mack is looking forward to slowing down her busy lifestyle during the start of her retirement and breaking out of her regular life schedule. The summer is the perfect time, as the real estate title industry has seasonally longer hours in the summer due to the high demands of housing purchases and sales being made, she said. Her escrow job means Mack manages all the terms and conditions of each real estate transaction, and makes sure all purchase agreements are met. She said she prides herself on her ability to provide superior customer service, which is the reason why many customers over the years returned to her for their real estate closings. Mack said she is looking forward to riding her Harley Davidson trike and driving her original 1981 Trans Am “Smokey and the Bandit” car during her retirement. “My husband (Ken) has waited for 13 years for me to retire,” said Mack. “We plan to relax, ride motorcycles and attend car shows.”
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Debra Mack, a longtime escrow officer who has worked at the same office on Chardon Square for 50 years, is finally retiring.
Community Meetings Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440-285-2015 or email editor@karlovecmedia.com no later than Monday noon. Geauga County: April 18, 1:30 p.m., Family First Council, 13244 Ravenna Road, Munson; April 19, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners; April 20, 6 p.m., Board of DD, 8200 Cedar Road, Chester. All county commissioners meetings are held at 470 Center St., Bldg. 4, Chardon, unless otherwise noted. Auburn Township: April 14, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; April 18, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated. Bainbridge Township: April 21, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted. Burton Township: April 18, 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 21, 7 p.m., Public Library Trustees. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted. Chardon City: April 14, 6:30 p.m., City Council; April 19, 6:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted. Chardon Township: April 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted. Chester Township: April 20, 7 p.m. – Zoning Commission, 7 p.m. – Chester Park District, at Office of Colagiovanni & Greene, 7840 Mayfield Road, Chesterland; April 21, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. Claridon Township: April 18, 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 18, 5:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation Board; April 20, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are
held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted. Huntsburg Township: April 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road. Middlefield Village: April 14, 5:15 p.m. – Recreation, 5:30 p.m. – Finance & Ordinance, 6:30 p.m. – Safety Committee, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave. Montville Township: April 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 21, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted. Munson Township: April 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted. Newbury Township: April 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. (Note: A majority of Newbury Township Trustees may be at each township board or committee meeting, but no decision requiring township trustees approval will be considered.) Parkman Township: April 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted. Russell Township: April 21, 6 p.m. – Board of Trustees, 6 p.m. – Citizens’ Park District, at 9992 Kinsman Road, Newbury. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. (NOTE: Trustees new meeting dates are first and third Thursdays.) South Russell Village: April 15, 8 a.m., Finance Committee; April 19, 5:30 p.m., Architectural Board of Review; April 20, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. Thompson Township: April 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, at Thompson Branch of Geauga Public Library, 6645 Madison Road. All trustees meetings are held at Ledge Park Building, 16713 Thompson Road. Troy Township: April 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.
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Newbury Trustees Consider Leasing School, Property By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
The Newbury Township Trustees and the West Geauga Schools Board of Education may be moving toward a chance for the township to acquire most of the Newbury Schools property if the community supports it. In a letter to the trustees, the school board proposed leasing the former intermediate school and land to the township for a year while it is determined if Newbury voters will approve a levy large enough to maintain the property. Trustees met April 6 and voted 2-1 to hire attorney Tom Fitzsimmons to negotiate a lease with the school district, which sent a draft of the document to the township. Trustee Bill Skomrock said one major concern has been if the intermediate building needs to have a sprinkler system installed to become a community center. He sited the Ohio Revised Code section that exempts “blighted school buildings” from that requirement because the basic use of the building would not change and the Legislature wants communities to be able to use those facilities, Skomrock said. Dave Gifford, a member of the Newbury Task Force working with the trustees to acquire the property, said the roof needs repairs. Some work also needs to be done on restrooms to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Skomrock said, adding its possible the brick façade needs attention. He said he and Dave Davison, of Envelope Consulting Services LLC, in Chardon, walked through the school. The firm will evaluate and prioritize projects that need to be done and provide a written report. Davison is not a contractor, but can give the trustees a ballpark cost, Skomrock said. Trustees voted unanimously to retain Envelope Consulting for no more than $3,000. “It doesn’t commit us to anything. I’m okay with that,” said Trustee Greg Tropf, who has said he believes the cost of owning and maintaining the building and property would be too high for the township to afford
Kenston from page 1
her work to embed professional learning communities that improve student achievement and increase teacher collaboration; the development and implementation of a teacher mentor program; the incorporation of the Promoting Learning through Active Youth (Play Blue) program, which brought a focus on health and wellness to the schools; and the Kenston Resource Officer initiative — a partnership between Kenston and the
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More than 200 area residents attended the Newbury Township Easter egg hunt and festivities April 9 at Oberland Park north of the former Newbury school property. Township Trustee Bill Skomrock said the turnout in bitterly cold weather shows residents need a community center such as the former Newbury Intermediate School.
without a levy. Skomrock said a small levy can’t be placed on the ballot until November 2022. In the April 1 letter to the trustees, the school board said West Geauga Schools spent about $400,000 on utilities to maintain both buildings and 39 acres since the territory transfer of Newbury Schools. The letter set a date of April 30 to finalize a lease agreement and sited the lack of unanimity among board members as a concern. “While the board is supportive of a community center located in the intermediate building, it has concluded that such an idea may not be possible given the lack of unanimous support of all the Newbury Township Trustees and the significant costs of renovating the building. “At its March meeting, the board decided to give the township trustees a final offer to lease the intermediate building, adjacent parking lot and athletic fields with the option to purchase the intermediate building in one year’s time,” the letter states. “This offer extends until April 30, 2022. If the township trustees and the board cannot come to a signed agreement prior to that date, the
board must move forward with other options to dispose of the property, including its sale and/or demolition.” In a phone conversation April 8, Skomrock said the resolution and lease agreement draft have been sent to Fitzsimmons, who will be in contact with the school district’s attorney. “It has to be a lease to begin with,” he said, adding trustees need to find out if the board of trustees can place a levy on the November ballot without a unanimous vote. Through a territory transfer, Newbury Schools was absorbed by West Geauga Schools in 2020. The high school on Auburn Road will be demolished at West Geauga Schools’ expense this spring as part of the territory transfer. Jay Bishop, director of operations and capital improvements for West Geauga Schools, emailed a letter and bids for the asbestos abatement and demolition of the high school, showing the cost of abatement will be $354,000 and demolition will cost about $279,000 per the contracts the school board approved at its last meeting. Discussions on what to do with the inter-
mediate school and property have been intermittent, but the West Geauga school board wants to close the matter as soon as possible because of the cost of utilities and maintaining the property, according to the letter.
Bainbridge Police Department that rotates officers through all of the buildings, not only monitoring the schools, but also building relationships with the students to strengthen the community. “I am proud of the direction that Kenston has moved to create a campus with buildings, learning spaces and sustainable trails,” Santilli said. “It fosters community pride as we host many community events. I look forward to the future as Kenston will strive to provide state-of-the-art facilities to meet the growing needs of our students.” Neysa Gaskins, president of Kenston
Schools Board of Education, has worked with Santilli for seven years. “We appreciate her leadership and continued focus on the students as a whole, including academically, socially and emotionally,” said Gaskins. “She held academics to a high standard in our district with her leadership skills.” Gaskins complimented Santilli’s leadership during the pandemic saying, “During a challenging time for learning, Mrs. Santilli did a great job successfully running our schools. “As far as the next steps, the Kenston school board will be meeting soon to discuss our process and timeline for the selection of a new superintendent,” Gaskins added. “Also, we will discuss what qualities we as a board would like in a new superintendent that we hire. We will want someone to continue the strong education program of Kenston and who will have a vision on moving our district forward.” Santilli said she will be available to assist in the search. “The board of education has asked that I provide them with input on the qualities and
skills needed for candidates to be successful at Kenston,” she said. Gaskins said one of the items the new superintendent and board will need to work on include addressing infrastructure issues. “Not unique to Kenston, we have buildings that are aging, and we need to look at our facilities and how to improve them so that we can continue to educate our students in the safest and best environment for learning,” she said. At the April 11 school board meeting, the board agreed to contact three organizations to gather more information regarding their ability to work with a tight timeline. The three organizations are the Ohio School Boards Association, the Educational Service Center of Western Reserve and Finding Leaders. The board will also explore whether or not conducting a search through ESCWR would pose a potential conflict of interest, given that Santilli will be transitioning to that organization. The board may use a special meeting to move the search forward once they receive the information requested from the organizations.
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Aurora Woman Pleads Guilty in Death of Pedestrian By John Karlovec john@karlovecmedia.com The Aurora woman who struck and killed a man who was walking along Chagrin Road in Bainbridge Township last year will serve 30 months in prison as part of a plea agreement reached with prosecutors. Brooke M. Jarvis, 30, who works for her family’s equine and farm insurance agency, pleaded guilty April 5 in Geauga County Common Pleas Court to reckless homicide, a third-degree felony, in connection with the March 26, 2021, accident that killed 32-yearold Chadwick McIntosh. A Geauga County grand jury originally had indicted Jarvis for aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony. “There were a number of challenges in this case, both evidentiary and factual,” Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz told the Geauga County Maple Leaf. “After speaking with the victims, we felt that it was important for the defendant to take responsibility for the death and serve prison time. By pleading guilty to reckless homicide, Brooke Jarvis took responsibility for Chadwick McIntosh’s death and will serve time in prison.” According to court records, Jarvis had a blood-alcohol content of 0.212 at or near the
time of the crash. The legal blood-alcohol content limit in the state of Ohio is 0.08. She has no prior criminal history, according to court records. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss after her May 3 sentencing two first-degree misdemeanor counts of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or both, and one count of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. Judge David M. Ondrey will grant Jarvis early judicial release after 18 months under the plea agreement. She then will be placed on 12 months of community control, including six months of electronic-monitored house arrest with work and personal necessity privileges. Jarvis will be able to have the case records sealed three years after the expiration of her community control. She also will be allowed to seek reinstatement of her Ohio driver’s license. The plea agreement also avoiding a hearing scheduled for April 5 on a motion defense attorneys Larry Zukerman and Ian Friedman filed to exclude from evidence the breath alcohol test — and results — Bainbridge police administered to Jarvis at the police station. The defense alleged the police officers
who administered the breath test were not properly permitted or proficient to administer the test. They also argued Bainbridge police had not been properly testing the instrument used at the time of Jarvis’ arrest. They noted the breath testing instrument had been utilized 30 times over a 14-month period to conduct “proficiency examinations,” i.e., to test operators’ and senior operator’s own breath, and in each examination detectable levels of alcohol were found when test results all should have been .000. Less than eight weeks after Jarvis Jarvis’ test and subsequent arrest, Bainbridge police took the instrument used out of service and sent it out for repairs, which included “reading high” and “reset voltage,” the defense team alleged. They also claimed the Ohio Department of Health was not following the state guidelines that certify officers to operate the machine during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are pleased that this matter has concluded fairly. It has been incredibly difficult for all involved parties,” Zuckerman and Friedman told the Maple Leaf. “In the end, the plea accurately recognizes the events of the fateful evening.”
Prosecutors said Jarvis and a friend went to a Chagrin Falls restaurant for dinner the evening of March 26, 2021. Credit card records showed she charged two alcoholic beverages to her account at approximately 6:55 p.m. Jarvis and her friend then went to The Greenville Inn on Chagrin Road in Bainbridge, arriving around 8:38 p.m. Video footage showed Jarvis was seated at the bar most of the night with several friends and was seen ordering and drinking alcoholic beverages and doing tequila shots with her friends. Around 10:23 p.m., Jarvis and her friend left the Greenville in her Jeep, traveling eastbound on Chagrin Road. At the same time, McIntosh, a U.S. Air Force sergeant, and his girlfriend were on foot also walking eastbound on Chagrin Road. Jarvis struck McIntosh with the front passenger side of her Jeep. McIntosh’s estate has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, naming Jarvis, her parents’ insurance agency, the Greenville Inn as well as several unnamed bartenders who served Jarvis that night.
Leadership Geauga Presents $19,000 Check to Next Step Staff Report Leadership Geauga County has presented the Next Step program with a $19,000 donation, after a fundraiser held in early March at the organization’s Emerald Ball. The check, presented March 25, represents half of the proceeds from the “Call to the Heart” portion of the live auction at the LGC Emerald Ball, held March 5. The other half of the proceeds will support the organization’s programs and services to the community. Andrea Pollock, executive director of Next Step and recipient of the LGC 2022 Emerald Leader Award, accepted the check on behalf of the community-based case management and stabilization program, which provides support for young individuals, many of whom have aged out of the foster program and have no way to support themselves. “We are thrilled with the huge donation,” Pollock said. “It will certainly help us to continue to serve young adults in the county. They come to us hopeful that we might be able to provide them with something better. They don’t really believe they deserve it, but it is our job to tell them otherwise, to teach them that they can accomplish anything with support and care from our great community.” Meredith Ashkettle, LGC executive director, said she is overwhelmed with gratitude at the results of the 2022 “Call to the Heart” auction, which was the largest in the history of the nonprofit organization.
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Leadership Geauga County board member Janice Sugarman, left, joined LGC Executive Director Meredith Ashkettle in presenting a $19,000 check to Next Step program Executive Director Andrea Pollock, center holding check, on March 25. Also present at the donation were LGC President Susan Kruger, board member Matthew Emrick and, right, Auburn Career Center instructor Rodney Kozar.
The result speaks to the amazing work done by Pollock at Next Step and the extreme generosity of Geauga County, she said. “It is a great day at the office when you get to gather with the volunteers who helped organize the Emerald Ball and hand a $19,000 check to one of the most deserving organizations in Geauga County,” she said. Formed in 1995, LGC is a community-based nonprofit organization working to develop and encourage current and future leaders from all sectors of Geauga County,
with an alumni network of over 800. Since 2001, LGC has honored outstanding community leaders, whose dedicated service has significantly enhanced Geauga County’s quality of life by recognizing each as an “Emerald Leader” at the organization’s annual gala, the Emerald Ball, Ashkettle said. This is the fourth year proceeds from the “Call to the Heart” portion of the Emerald Ball live auction have been donated to a local organization. Previous recipients have included the
Geauga County 4-H Clubs, the Geauga Hunger Task Force and the Geauga County Veterans Food Pantry. A video in support of Pollock and her work with Next Step was produced by students from the Auburn Career Center under the supervision of Rodney Kozar, instructor of Interactive Multimedia Technology, who joined Ashkettle, LGC board member Janice Sugarman, President Susan Kruger and board member Matthew Emerick in the check presentation.
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Faith
from page 1 Michael Miller, raced to load Jacob in their car while Anderson continued CPR in the backseat and met rescue teams at the nearest intersection. Dave Peterson, assistant fire chief of Hambden Township Fire Department, joined a handful of first-responders along with Middlefield Fire Department, Community Care Ambulance and Windsor Fire Department at Huntsburg Town Hall. They began resuscitation efforts. Jacob was in cardiac arrest. “Fortunately, area fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies work together and train together daily, so despite several agencies being involved, the crews worked together smoothly and efficiently even under the high stress of the situation,” Peterson said. Jacob was transported to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and remained in cardiac arrest. “I remember his mother asking me when we got to the hospital if he was going to make it and I could not provide her an answer,” Peterson said. “I just remember saying, ‘If this was my kid, these are the people that I would want working on him.’” As they restocked their equipment at the hospital, it was a very somber time. “I think we were all expecting to hear bad news from the hospital staff,” Peterson said. “When we left the hospital, he was still in cardiac arrest and the emergency room team was continuing resuscitation efforts.” After two hours of being unable to stabilize his pulse, doctors had Jacob’s mom come in to say goodbye.
Keeping the Faith
“I couldn’t believe my beautiful baby boy was gone,” Anderson said. “It didn’t feel real.” She stood bedside holding his hand and stroking his head, running her fingers through his brown hair. Hope lingered inside her. “I leaned over and whispered in his ear that I was not mad at him for being by the pond and falling in,” she said, referring to the many times she had told him to stay away from the pond. “And that I was not ready for him to leave me, that I needed him to stay.” Anderson begged God not to take Jacob, saying it was too soon for him to go home and she would take care of him no matter what. “And after those words that I so gently whispered to my precious baby boy, I heard the doctors say, ‘Ok, pulse check’ and suddenly the room lit up and they said, ‘We have a pulse and it’s steady. Get life flight in here and load him up’… I couldn’t believe my ears,” she said. Jacob was flown to Cleveland’s Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, where they were able to get him in a stable condition. “The events that took place the day Jacob fell into the pond are sad and terrifying, but also miraculous,” said John Zippay, South Russell Village police officer. “The relentless efforts of the paramedics, nurses, doctors, life-flight and everyone that kept him alive is truly amazing. Two hours of life saving measures. I have no doubt Jacob knocked on heaven’s door that day and God sent him back. Jacob’s journey is a miracle and a story of survival. Jacob is still here with us, but it’s very difficult seeing the challenges that he is faced with.” See Mission • Page 9
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Jacob’s Miracle Inspires Nonprofit By Rose Nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com It began with “five buddies” on a mission to make a difference. After serving a decade in the United States Army, Rich Selfridge moved back home to Geauga County. “Serving in the military was a great honor for me and provided me with a greater purpose,” said Selfridge, of Munson Township. “Leaving the army can be difficult for many veterans as they struggle to find a greater purpose or the feeling of duty.” For Selfridge, that greater calling took the form of a nonprofit. “It started with me trying to help Jacob,” said Selfridge, nephew of Beth Anderson, Jacob Miller’s mom. Selfridge became vice president of Mission 440, which aims to provide financial relief and create community engagement for families of tragic events in Geauga County. Selfridge asked for ideas from a couple of friends and they jumped in to help. “These guys didn’t hesitate,” Selfridge said. “That shows a lot about the character of the other members. Once we started meeting to discuss Jacob’s fundraiser, we understood what we could do. We understood our ability to help our community. As an individual, you can feel powerless on being able to help on a grand scale, but as a collective group, you can obtain anything. Our community is who are the biggest heroes. Our community didn’t hesitate to donate, sponsor and help out. I think that says a lot about Geauga County.” He said with every extra bit of support, they are getting a little more of Jacob back. “He is just a small boy and has a whole life to live,” Selfridge said. “I have hopes that he gets the opportunities a lot of us take for granted — playing baseball, running around with friends and being able to drive a car. Treatments that help the most are not covered by insurance. That would be hard for me knowing I didn’t give up a small part of my life to possibly help with the rest of his life.”
Ben Reed
Lt. Ben Reed, of the Middlefield Fire Department, is president of Mission 440 and was inspired to create the nonprofit by his own life experiences. “My motivation for wanting to start Mission 440 is simply because I have seen some really bad things happen to really good people,” said Reed, who is also a safety inspector for the City of Beachwood Fire Department and a fire investigator for Geauga and Cuyahoga counties. “As a firefighter, you often feel helpless after the fact. You do everything you can and sometimes, it is a little too late. In the past few years, there have been some incidents involving little kids who are just getting started at life. I’ve seen families ripped apart and if there is any way I can help out at all, I want to do it. “We formed Mission440 to do just that,” he added. “Raising money is not going to heal scars or bring a family member back, but it might take some stress and burdens off of the family. It might pay for a treatment that may have never been possible without our help. That is all we want to do.” Reed said he realizes times are tough for everyone right now, but he hopes even if someone can’t donate monetarily, they can spread the word. “We are just five buddies trying to make a difference,” Reed said. “This is about as altruistic of a group there is. We want our families and friends to see that a few people coming together for a good cause can have a huge impact on someone’s life. Most importantly, we just want to open people’s hearts to helping your neighbor in their darkest of times.”
Kevin Coe
Mission 440 Treasurer and U.S. Army veteran Kevin Coe, born and raised in Parkman Township, harkened back to his childhood and his parents teaching him to “always help someone if you can.” “I think that’s actually the thing I enjoy most in life,” he said. “Sometimes, the simplest little thing can change someone’s life, or at least make their day better.” Coe first met Jacob’s mom back when he was a kid. Their families still get together at cookouts, birthday parties and different events. “The kids all get to play together and the adults get to hang out and sometimes pretend we’re still kids,” Coe said. “I loved watching Jacob (in the past) run around with a huge smile on his face without a care in the world. His accident had a huge impact on me, so when Rich asked me to help out with a fundraiser, there was no question, I was in.”
ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
Pictured, from left, are Mission 440 members Kevin Coe, Rich Selfridge, John Formanski, Ben Reed and John Zippay. “I just want to thank all of the family members, friends, businesses, and perfect strangers that supported us thus far,” Mission 440 President Ben Reed said. “It is incredible to see what we have been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.”
John Zippay
Mission 440 Secretary John Zippay is a lifelong resident of Middlefield, a full-time police officer with the Village of South Russell and part owner of a security consulting business. He and his wife have two kids. In 2016, their 3-year-old son, John Oliver, was diagnosed with cancer. “It was an extremely difficult time for our family and the treatments lasted three and half years,” Zippay said. “JO is still suffering with side effects to this day, but we are very blessed to have him here with us.” During the family’s most difficult times, family, friends, fellow community members, organizations and complete strangers stepped up and helped them. “Mission 440 is my opportunity to give back,” Zippay said. “Simply put, Mission 440 was created to do good in our community. Our goal was to keep fundraising local and focus on helping families of tragic events in Geauga County. The founding members are all from here, live here and work here.” He hopes to see Mission 440 grow through a membership program. “I would like to point out that no members are paid any salaries or are compensated in any way,” Zippay added. “We volunteer our time and resources, and our reward is handing a check over to a deserving family during their time in need.” He said everything surrounding “Jacob’s Journey” is incredible. “When I first heard about what happened, I was crushed,” Zippay said. “My son and I prayed every night for Jacob. We would receive info that things were still ‘touch and go,’ and Jacob may not pull through. All of our prayers were answered and Jacob is still here with us.”
John Formanski
Mission 440 board member John Formanski helps manage The Buckeye Chocolate Company in Middlefield and is an independent concession business owner. “Mission 440 is our call to action to help the community, taking our time and resources that our five families can combine and create an opportunity to help someone in need in Geauga County means the world to us,” Formanski said. Mission 440 intends on hosting multiple events each year benefiting different families. A summer benefit golf outing and another event similar to the Night at the Races fundraiser in the fall is in the works. For more information, visit online at Mission440.org or email themission440@gmail.com.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Page 9
Trustees Toss Garage Bids, Consider Alternate Plan By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
Russell Township Trustees voted unanimously April 7 to formally reject all bids for construction of a police and fire department storage garage, and agreed they need clarity on what steps they must take next. Before the vote, questions arose after resident Jim Campbell reported he researched the project, calling five or six contractors for the cost of a 42-foot-by-120-foot building with six doors and a concrete floor. A Morton Buildings Co. representative in Illinois told him an insulated building installed would cost $240,000 to $280,000, Campbell said. Concrete would run about $30,000 and the site work for electricity and water would be around $30,000, both estimated by local contractors, Campbell said. If the Morton number didn’t include overhead doors, Campbell said they should cost no more than $35,000 installed and would be wider than the original specifications showed. When he included hiring a construction manager, the garage could be built for about $430,000, Campbell estimated. “You’ve got to get off your duffs so we can get this thing done,” he said. “Get on with the show or shelve it and forget it.” Trustee Matt Rambo said the trustees would have to put the project out for bids, again, and Campbell said he was told by the Morton representative since it has been bid once, they shouldn’t have to do it again. “We’ll check it out,” Rambo said. Trustee Jim Mueller urged the board to take action.
ANN WISHART/KMG
Russell Township trustees Jim Muller and Kristina Port discussed the pros and cons of redesigning the storage building at the April 7 meeting. Bids for the original plan came in higher than expected.
“We need to make progress,” he said, adding the lowest bidder said he might be able to save the township money with changes on the original specifications, decreasing the cost from the original lowest bid of $740,000 to about $670,000. Trustee Kristina Port said if trustees started the process from the beginning, there will be more costs for engineering, survey work and soil borings, and a site plan would have to be approved by the Geauga County Planning Commission. Interviews for a construction manager would have to be held after advertising for one, she said, estimating the project could be done for about $640,000. “You do not have enough in the general
Mission from page 8
Jacob spent the next six weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit and underwent three surgeries, including a tracheostomy, a G-tube and extraction of all primary teeth due to extreme tongue biting while neurostorming. “It wasn’t until later that evening that we received the news that they had got a pulse back and Jacob was taken downtown,” Peterson said. “This was nothing short of a miracle. Shortly after, a Facebook page was created highlighting Jacob’s progress and treatments. It has been amazing watching him progress and develop into an amazing little boy.” Anderson said two years later, Jacob is doing above and beyond what his PICU doctors ever thought he would do. He is doing many weekly therapies. “He will need to relearn everything, as if the clock went backwards and we are starting from the beginning as a brand new baby,” she said. After being released, they traveled to New Orleans for hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment with help from the community. “Jacob had an extremely great response to this treatment and regained head and neck control, eye tracking and started to roll over — A true miracle happening right before my eyes,” Anderson said, adding Jacob is able to track with his eyes and eat pureed foods. In May, Jacob and his mom will be going to a near fatal drowning conference in Orlando, Fla., highlighting Musgatova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration therapy, which focuses on motor reflexes lost or damaged due to brain injuries.
fund to do that,” said Fiscal Officer Karen Walder. “You’ve got about $410,000 available to appropriate.” After trustees voted to reject all bids, Mueller proposed erecting one 2.5-car pole building for the police department and a separate twocar garage for the fire department for storage. “We would gain a lot with two separate buildings. The chiefs would get what they want,” Mueller said. As trustee chairman, Mueller asked Rambo to talk to the township’s assistant prosecuting attorney about the need to rebid everything. “See if you can get something definitive from them. Be specific,” he advised Rambo. He also proposed a resolution to autho-
rize the fire chief to begin the transition process to include two more firefighters/ paramedics. No one will be hired until all the protocols are in place, Mueller said. “They have to be approved by us (township trustees),” he said. “We can add two people when he is ready.” Adding two more full-time employees will give the township better emergency coverage, Mueller said. In other business, trustees voted to rebuild the ramp to the old town hall so it will be ADA-compliant by the May 7 primary elections. Facilities Manager Shane Wrench said the cost for the work that includes new concrete and handrails increased from the first estimate of $12,000 to almost $22,000.
a faster rate; and the aforementioned MNRI Therapy. “This should help with cognitive function in the hopes that Jacob can get back to a normal life,” Anderson said. “Possibly living on his own when that time comes.”
“I have a huge faith in God that these gains will come about,” Anderson said. “Patience is everything. This is something I have been learning to have. He has come so far already and I am so very proud of him.” She looked back on his journey, remembering how badly she didn’t want to let her son go. “I had to keep reminding myself that God had a reason for not taking Jacob home that day,” Anderson said. “God hears our prayers. And sometimes, he answers them right before your eyes.”
Making Memorable Family Moments
ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
Jacob Miller and his mom, Beth Anderson, attend Jacob Miller’s Journey Night at the Races fundraiser April 2 at the new Serenity Winery in Huntsburg Township to raise funds for Miller’s continuing treatments, not covered by insurance.
“It is a five-day intensive that teaches me how to work on getting these reflexes working again,” Anderson said. They will be assigned their own therapist to come up with a specialized treatment plan. “I am excited to see what reflexes he will gain from this therapy,” Anderson said, adding doctors believe these therapies, which are not covered by insurance, have the ability to change Jacob’s quality of life. They include Stem Cell Therapy to replace damaged cells and help with cognitive neurological function; Red Light Laser Therapy to help calm nerves and heal the brain at
Jacob enjoys riding swings while his 6-year-old sister, Joscelyn, pushes him at playgrounds. He also loves going for rides on the family’s four-wheeler. “He smiles when he hears it start, (which) says it all,” Anderson said. Most of all, Jacob loves his cartoons — Mickey Mouse, Bluey and Paw Patrol are his favorites, as is hanging out with dogs Pickles and Ozzie. “It’s an absolute blessing to hear him laugh so hard,” Anderson said. “I’m really hoping with the MNRI Therapy, Jacob will gain his reaching and grabbing reflexes again.” He has yet to play with any of the toys he used to love so much, she said.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Berkshire Schools
ANN WISHART/KMG
Berkshire Schools Superintendent John Stoddard opened a surprise gift from school board President John Manfredi during the April 11 board meeting. All administrators received custom sneakers as a thanks for all their hard work preparing to move everyone to the new school in August.
Administrators Don Custom Footwear for Race to Finish By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com Berkshire Schools Board of Education President John Manfredi opened the meeting April 11 with a profound “thank you” to the district administrators and staff who have been instrumental in getting the new allgrade school off the ground. “The past several years have been difficult for what we’ve been attempting to do – move into a new school. The administration have been real troopers along the way. They’ve had to do a lot to switch gears,” he said, referring to the decision to open the school in August 2022 instead of starting classes in January. “(Superintendent) John (Stoddard) and I had some heated discussions. But the way construction has been, that’s the way it has to be.” School board members came around the front table to hand out a brown box to each of the eight administrators sitting in the front row as Manfredi explained a new building rates new footwear. “I thought you should all have the same type of look,” he said as the boxes were open to laughter and smiles. “Remember to wear
them for the kiddos next year.” The eight administrators, led by Stoddard, donned their shoes — Badger purple with white soles, a gold heel stripe and each recipient’s first name embroidered on the side — and posed for pictures. The shoes were special ordered months ago. “You won’t find a pair of those shoes in the store,” Manfredi said. “We hope to have our next board meeting in the new school.” Construction manager Chris Heasley said that will depend on if the state fire marshal will have time to inspect the building before the May meeting. Grins and congratulations came from the audience and board while board member Mary Hipp revealed the board has been privy to the secret gifts. “Those shoes have been burning a hole in John’s truck since December,” she said. Although the building on the Kent State University – Geauga campus was planned to open in January, weather and supply chain issues for materials delayed construction and students won’t be in the halls until the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. See Berkshire • Page 13
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Page 11
Obituaries Joyce Vieland
CHARDON – Joyce Vieland, age 74, of Chardon, passed away April 5, 2022, with family by her side. Born Aug. 13, 1947, in Oil City, Pa., to Russel and Dolores (nee Schrum) Kulling. She had been a lifelong area resident. Joyce grew up in Cleveland and loved walking to the art museum, where she would spend hours lost in thought. As a child, she looked forward to her summers spent in Oil City on her grandparents’ farm. She married her high school sweetheart, Jim. They moved to Chardon, were married for 52 years and built a beautiful life together. She was devoted to her family, and was a woman of strong faith. Joyce endured many health struggles throughout her life and faced them all with dignity, strength and grace. She was an avid reader, loved music, singing and going to concerts and the theater. She was a wonderful cook and was known for her stuffed cabbage and nut rolls. You never left her house hungry. Joyce worked for the schools and loved being around the youth. Upon retirement, she enjoyed traveling with Jim, and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She was kind, caring and generous, and always spoke up for what was right. Joyce was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, in Chardon, where she was involved in the Bereavement Committee and Christ Child Society. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; and her parents, Joseph and Dolores Kovalcheck. Survivors include her children, Jennifer Vieland, of Chardon, and James (Jessica) Vieland Jr., of Lancaster, Pa.; grandchildren, Josiah, Greta, Simeon and Ayla Vieland; brother, Joe (Mindy) Kovalcheck, of Concord Township; sister, Kim (Mickey) Atchley, of Painesville; and beloved nieces and nephews. A funeral mass was held April 8, 2022, at The Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon, with a private burial at a later date.
The family suggests contributions in Joyce’s memory to Christ Child Society through St. Mary’s Church, 401 North St., Chardon OH 44024; or St. Jude’s Foundation, as these were both dear to her heart. Arrangements are entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Chardon, Painesville, Madison & Fairport Harbor. Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.
day, April 23, 2022, at the Troy Community House, 13950 Main Market Road, at 12 noon. Please join us for lunch and fellowship in honor of Gloria. A private burial will take place in Troy Cemetery at a later date. Sly Family Funeral Home assisted her family with arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
Gloria Jean Wetzel
Dieter Werner Grimm
BURTON – Gloria Jean Wetzel, 77, of Burton, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Mapleview Country Villa in Chardon. She was born at Cory Hospital in Chardon March 6, 1945, to the late Walter C. and Ruth (nee Spangler) Piotrowski. She attended Burton High School and graduated in the class of 1963. Gloria bowled many years and enjoyed going to festivals like Geneva Grape Jamboree and Ravenna Balloon A-Fair. She liked disco dancing when she was younger and all kinds of traveling. She went to New York, the Bahamas, Hawaii and California to name a few memorable trips. She enjoyed many holidays, cookouts and special occasions with the family. Gloria and her son enjoyed watching movies, going to concerts, listening to music, having dinner together and meeting new people. Christopher was the center of her life and she enjoyed taking him to different places to see semitrucks and make friends with all of the drivers. She will be greatly missed by her beloved son, Christopher, of Burton; sister Debbie (Ken) Zwolinski, of Burton; nephew Ryan Zwolinski, of Middlefield; niece Taryn Zwolinski, of Lakewood; her ex-husband, Ed Wetzel, of Bedford; ister Linda (Tom) Sulhan, of Middlefield; nephew Tom Sulhan, of Canton; niece Alison Sulhan, of Middlefield; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents. A celebration of life will be held on Satur-
Free Seminar: Steps to Pre-Arranging Your Funeral or Cremation
Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home will present a free seminar on “Steps to Pre-Arranging Your Funeral (or Cremation)” on April 26 at Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. The informative free event will start at 6 p.m. Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home has been part of the Chesterland community for almost 50 years, and gives back to the community by providing informative educational programs. “Many of our families choose to pre-arrange for the peace of mind it brings to know that their loved ones won’t be burdened with very difficult decisions at the time of loss,” explained Jean Grady, pre-planning specialist at Gattozzi & Son. “Pre-planning is also a smart financial move because it freezes this year’s prices and can often be financed using affordable monthly payments.” The first step to putting together your pre-arrangements plan is to learn about the options available, and then to decide on what you want. This informational event will provide participants all the tools to get started on this first important step, according to an April 10 press release. Participants also will be able to sample various offerings from Gattozzi & Son’s catering menu, provided by Normandy Catering. Part of the program will include a Question & Answer segment with Funeral Director Jay Jones, who has been serving Chesterland-area families for over 23 years. Reservations are required since seating is limited. To reserve your seat, or if you need more information, please call or text Jean Grady at 216-313-6194 or email jean. grady@dignitymemorial.com.
CHARDON – Dieter Werner Grimm, age 87, of Chardon, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2022. He was born March 20, 1935, to Erwin and Emma (nee Scheufler) Grimm in Germany. Dieter moved to America with his wife and son in 1967. He began his career at Citco as a tool diamond cutter until he retired. Dieter enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his three children, Ralph (Jackie Cackowski) Grimm, of Chardon, Tanja (David) Rust, of Chagrin Falls, and Cindy (Bob) Perry, of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Brighton (Sierra) Rust, Kyle (Sydney Baur) Grimm, Mark (Lucia) Rust, Michael (Paulina) Rust, Hunter Perry, Stephen Rust and Rachel Perry; great-grandchild, Lila Rust; and brother, Rolf Grimm. He also leaves many dear friends. He is preceded by his loving wife, Ilse (nee Friedauer) Grimm; and parents. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon. Interment will be held at the Chardon Municipal Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed from https://boxcast.tv/view/dieter-grimm-vaygzzajfmwrrxpvxyh3 or go to the obituary for Dieter Grimm on the Burr Funeral Home website at www.burrservice.com Arrangements by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
Gary R. Martell
BAINBRIDGE TWP. – Gary Martell, of Bainbridge Township, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday, April 10, 2022. He was 91 years old and was born in Grand Isle, Vt., on Jan. 22, 1931, to Howard and Rose Martell. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Velva G. Martell; daughters Lucy Martell Kelley, Rose Martell, Marcia Martell Hargis; son-in-law, Duane Staff; grandchildren Sarah Moodie Parfit (Bill), Jennifer Kelley Paroli (Brad), Jessica Hargis, Joe Kelley (Katie), Katie Kelley, Nickie Staff, Ashley Staff Profeta (Andrew); and nine great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his brothers Alan Martell and Richard Martell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters Paula Martell Moodie (Bobby) and Mimi Martell Staff; grandsons Danny and Charlie Moodie; and siblings Francis Martell Haskins, Fred Martell and Gene Martell. Gary grew up in the Chagrin Valley and was a graduate of Orange High School in 1949. He served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War as an Airman 1st Class. He was a Dropmaster and received the National Defense Service medal. While stationed in Nashville, Tenn., he met his wife, Vel. They married in 1954 and moved back to Ohio and built their home on Haskins Road, where they still reside today. Once out of the service, Gary was a mail carrier for the Chagrin Falls Post Office. He then began his long career as a carpenter and custom home builder in the Chagrin Valley. Gary was a longtime active member of the Bainbridge Civic Club and volunteered for numerous community projects. He spent many happy summers at the family camp on Lake Champlain in Grand Isle, Vt. He enjoyed fishing, boating, bowling, golf and spending time with his family. A celebration of life will be held Friday, April 15, 2022, from 5-8 p.m., at Corner’s Catering & Event Center (formerly Knights of Columbus), 11805 State Route 44, Mantua, 330-842-4435. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bainbridge Civic Club or the Bainbridge Area Food for Friends, 17826 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Please sign Tribute Wall at: murphyfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
SUBMITTED
Jake Kouwe, recognizable as the front man of the Chardon Polka Band, and his wife, Emily, are the new owners of Chip’s Clubhouse, a mini golf course on Fifth Avenue in Chardon.
Polka Band Leader Buys Mini Golf Course
By Amy Patterson amy@karlovecmedia.com As the front man of the Chardon Polka Band, Jake Kouwe is used to bringing crowds of people to their feet. Now he and his wife and fellow bandmate, Emily, are triple-stepping into a new venture, as they take over ownership of Chip’s Clubhouse, a mini golf course on Fifth Avenue in Chardon. For Jake, who is not hanging up his accordion any time soon, the new business fits his joyful vibe. “I love being able to tell people polka music is my job because they look at me like, ‘Wait, what?’ And I just get to laugh, because it’s like – it’s a punchline,” he said. “This is the same thing. It’s like – we got another business. ‘What is it?’ It’s miniature golf.” The seed of an idea to buy the mini golf course was planted in 2019, when Emily was pregnant with the couple’s twins, Ben and Luke. Their normal outdoor activities like kayaking and bicycling were off the table, so to stay active, the pair started visiting as many mini golf courses as possible. Chip’s quickly became a favorite and they began visiting at least twice a week. “We just absolutely love this place. Like we just love it, you know,” he said. “The first time I came in here, I went, oh, I want this place. This is awesome.” Emily wasn’t sure at first whether he was kidding about wanting to buy it, but he told her he wanted to be first in line if it ever went up for sale, he said. “There was just a kid behind the counter and I said that kid sure doesn’t own this place,” Jake said. “Whereas like my job with the Chardon Polka Band is great, I love it, but I have to be everywhere the Chardon Polka Band is in order for me to make money. And that was kind of interesting to us.” Although he has an entrepreneurial spirit, Jake said a business like a coffee shop – which requires constant maintenance of inventory and machines – didn’t appeal to him. “This whole place – the lights could break, the pumps could run out. As long as those greens are there and we got balls and
SUBMITTED
Jake Kouwe, the new owner of Chip’s Clubhouse, took advantage of mild weather to stain rails and walkways around the course.
putters, it works,” he said, adding there is, of course, more to running Chip’s. “This place is gorgeous and we’re trying to keep it that way, but like, that was my thought in 2019, was, holy smokes, as long as you’ve got someone here to hand out balls and putters, you can make money. And that was cool,” he said. Although he and Emily – with some help from their toddlers – painted the interior and have hung up some new artwork inside, including CPB posters, Jake said they are not amped up on making changes to the course. The business is a family affair, he said. Jake’s parents are part of the team, as well as Emily’s brother, who helped stain the posts and wooden walkways, and power wash the concrete before the season opened. The snack selection inside will remain pretty much the same, Jake said, adding a pandemic-inspired switch to pre-packaged ice cream will be easier to maintain for his team than the old scoop ice cream. While it’s surprising to some people, the band is a serious business, Jake said, so he has experience with accounting software and See Golf • Page 13
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Berkshire from page 10
A heavy truck diesel repair program will be part of the new curriculum at the school, so students can learn the basic skills needed for that career, and Jim Marsic, owner of a diesel garage in Montville Township, has volunteered to instruct, Stoddard said. The district is working more closely with Auburn Career Center to make it possible for middle school students to attend the center in Lake County for half days and learn skills that can lead to careers, he said. “We want to bring (vocational education) back to the school a little more. Diesel tech is … like a satellite program from Auburn Career Center,” Manfredi said. The board also recognized three students for their accomplishments. Noah Acuff is the first student to graduate from Berkshire’s work study program and recently began employment at Warren’s Spirited Kitchen in Burton Village. Senior Hope Zagar received the Franklin B. Walter All Scholastic Award for outstanding achievement. The award goes to the best qualified student in the entire county, Stoddard said. Zagar said she plans to attend The Ohio State University and study for a career in neuroscience.
Golf
from page 12 payroll. But while those years of experience made him confident he could handle a new business, he felt out of his depth in the nitty-gritty of hiring and scheduling. Luckily, Emily is a natural at those jobs, he said. Jake said he reached out to the previous owner, Bill Cox, and found out the two clicked. Cox has been gracious with his time and mentorship since before the sale was official. Chardon’s moody snowbelt weather has been a bit of a snag for the course, which officially opened April 1. But in a town where two-foot deep April snowfalls aren’t unheard of, Jake said traffic likely won’t become regular until May. Anyone interested in a round on a questionable day can check the Chip’s Clubhouse
ANN WISHART/KMG
Berkshire High School Senior Hope Zagar received the Franklin B. Walter All Scholastic Award for outstanding achievement. She was recognized by Superintendent John Stoddard at the board of education meeting April 11.
Also recognized was senior Lucas Stoddard, who won the state wrestling match in the 190-pound weight division. His father said he also has a very high GPA, to which Lucas joked, “Not as high as Hope’s.” In addition to being president of the senior class, Lucas was admitted to West Point Military Academy, Stoddard said. Facebook page, Jake said, but the business has a cut-off point of 50 degrees for opening. While Jake said he will be interested to see how the band will intertwine with the course, one relief for him is that unlike the band, Chip’s doesn’t need his face to exist. “Both are cool in their own way, but it’s like — how much do we put our name and our stuff on this,” Jake said. “I think we’re pretty big personality folks, so it’ll be impossible not to leave a mark on it, right?” Even with his and Emily’s enthusiasm and know-how, Jake said as the late-March closing date got closer, he began to have doubts and asked his father for advice. His dad reminded him he makes a living playing polka music. “That’s the most difficult thing you’ll ever do in your life,” his dad told him. “If you can make a living playing polka music, you can do about anything.”
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SPORTS Geauga County Maple Leaf
Page 14
Thursday, April 14, 2022
WWW.GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM/SPORTS
Hilltoppers Race to Win Over Wildcats
By Rich Kelly sports@karlovecmedia.com April 6 had the makings of a nice spring day for sports fans — if you didn’t mind possible showers and some wind mixed in. Thankfully those are not conditions that stop dedicated track athletes, and as the rains held off until just before starting time at 4:30 p.m., both the Mayfield Wildcats and Chardon Hilltoppers had sizable teams on the track at Memorial Field, and planned to put forth bigtime efforts no matter the conditions. That happened as planned, and with success becoming so huge to Chardon athletic culture in so many ways, the Hilltoppers had a decided 8:35.5. Makoto Gumpf’s day was aided by a solid victory in the 3200 meter run in a time of 10:20.1. And the day ended with just about everybody moving around bundled in heavy blankets or coats, with a solid win in the 4x400 race. Chris Gehrke, Luke Danison, Karl Dietz and Caden Dawson ran a 3:33.9 race. Junior Colin Snider got off to a big lead early in the 1600 event, felt things were to his liking, and extended it to a nearly fiveyard victory. The weather didn’t bother him as much as he felt it might. “It’s really kind of a weird feeling for me,” he said. “I didn’t have any problems running loose and comfortably today, despite the weather. I just went at it in the first two laps or so, then I felt more relaxed and warmer
DAVE TURBEN/KMG
Chardon’s Elizabeth McKnight hands the baton to Eve Downs in the 4x400 Meter relay which they won in a time of 4:24.2.
going into the final lap. Then I felt myself settling into a really good pace late in the third lap and went after it at the finish.” While others seemed to be working hard, Snider’s energy level picked up in a hurry, and his sprint to the finish line was fun to see as he crossed with a big smile on his face. Owen St. James ran legs in both of the shorter sprint relays as well. The Hilltopper girls were dominant in several of their events as they cruised to a convincing victory in Western Reserve Conference action over the Wildcats. They set the tone early. In the first five contested events, Chardon had at least three of the top five place finishers, setting a demoralizing tone for anybody to see. Once again, as it was for the boys team,
DAVE TURBEN/KMG
Chardon’s Julie Gray won the high jump with a jump of 4 feet 8 inches.
the relay teams stepped up in unison with speed and good handoffs. Elizabeth McKnight played a huge role for the Hilltoppers. She won both hurdle events, with a time of 15.5 in the 100 meter sprint and a time of 51.8 in the 300 meter event. She capped her day with a big leg in the 4x400 relay at day’s end for good measure. The Hilltoppers also won the 4x200 and 4x800 relays. In the former, Alexis Jahnke got things rolling early, and Aubri Johnson, Bethany Cappello and Teagan Sprague did the rest in a time of 1:58.5. The team of Rylie Johnston, Giada Dagostino, Lydia Emerine and Eve Downs stayed in control all the way in the 4x800 with a 10:37.05 effort. Sprague also provided the heat in the 100 meter dash, chased by only three other teammates and winning in a scintillating 12.3 seconds. Kayla Oriani won the 400 meter dash for
the Hilltoppers in 1:04.3 minutes. Aside from her leg of the 4x800 race, Giada D’Agostino came out on top in the 1600 meter run with a good time of 5:57.8. She was also consistent the entire event, and her pace gave teammates the chance to keep up their own efforts, as they once again had the majority at the finish line. Cantrelle Williams won the 200 meter dash in 27.7 seconds, and contributed a good leg to the 4x400 relay at the end of the day to help everybody get home to their warm showers a little bit quicker. There were ultimately many wet but happy faces on both teams, but the Hilltoppers seem to have an advantage as the young track season unfolds, hopefully without much more need of snow shovels and salt for traction. Chardon’s boys and girls should be taken seriously approaching the state tournament at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus to end the school year.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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NDCL Bests Second Half to Beat West G By Mason Cole sports@karlovecmedia.com While the weather was cold, the offenses were hot April 7 as the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Lions lacrosse team faced the West Geauga Wolverines. The two teams played fast and confident, exchanging bursts of scoring throughout the game’s four periods. Ultimately, NDCL would claim a 12-8 victory over West Geauga. The Lions gained momentum early and were in complete control of the first quarter. Franky Laneve was the first player to put points on the board for NDCL with 10:42 remaining in the first period. After the goal by Laneve, the Lions never looked back. In the first quarter, Laneve scored two, Robby Smith scored two, and Aidan Patterson scored one. NDCL carried a 5-1 lead over the Wolverines into the second quarter. Lions attacker Robby Smith said that his team prepared pregame for an intense opening period. “We’ve been slow the past few games, so we knew we had to come out firing and get the ball around,” Smith said. “No little stupid mistakes like missing a catch, just put balls on the net and they’re going in.” West Geauga refused to roll over and saw its offense come alive in the second quarter. Goals by Sam Onderdonk, Zack Rosenthal and Dominic Burkhard helped the Wolverines close the gap on their opponents and enter halftime trailing 7-5. West Geauga Head Coach Vince Amato said that his team’s seniors, including Onderdonk and Burkhard, helped lead the Wolver-
BILL FUGATE/KMG
West Geauga’s Dominic Burkhard scored a goal in the second quarter that helped the Wolverines stay close against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin. The senior, along with Sam Onderdonk, Zack Rosenthal, scored in the quarter in the team’s 12-8 loss.
ines to stay competitive against the Lions. “(Our seniors) really took the lead,” Amato said. “They communicated to the team exactly what the expectations are: that you should never quit, that you leave everything that you can on the field that day, and that’s exactly what they did.” The Wolverines put pressure on NDCL with their strong second quarter. As the Lions defense was reeling, NDCL Head Coach Michael Suso said his team tried not to overcomplicate things.
“We’ve all found ourselves (in those moments),” Suso said, “whether it’s in sports or in life, when you feel like you’re working hard but you’re not getting the result that you want. Continue doing the little things, that’s what we were saying. Continue to pass well,
continue to work on ground balls, to play the sets that we know how to play well, and good things will happen.” NDCL opened the second half focusing on fundamentals and was quickly back on track. Smith scored three goals in the third period, while John Paul Novak and Patterson contributed one goal each. As the teams entered the final period of play, the Lions led West Geauga 12-5. Any momentum that the Wolverines had mustered in the first half was crushed by NDCL’s offensive performance in the third quarter. Coach Amato said his team could have done better defending the Lions offense. “NDCL ran a really uniform offense with their pick-and-rolls,” Amato said. “We just didn’t pick it up soon enough. That just comes from experience; the greatest teacher in life is experience, and you only get it over time.” Despite fourth-quarter goals by David Fofana, Rosenthal and Bryson Beyers, West Geauga could not produce enough offense in the closing moments of the match. The Lions had stepped up both offensively and defensively in the second half. “The way that our team responds to adversity, whether it’s from an opponent or from themselves, speaks a lot,” Suso said. “I couldn’t be happier with how the boys responded to some of the positions that we found ourselves in.”
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
SUBMITTED
From left, Rotary Club of Burton Middlefield past president Jim Croup presents a $5,000 check to William Rice, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center development officer, with support from current Rotary president Beverly Goodridge. The check fulfills BMR’s $25,000 pledge in support of the hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center.
Rotary Donates $25k to UH Geauga Submitted The Rotary Club of Burton Middlefield (BMR) presented a $5,000 check the evening of April 5 to William Rice, development officer at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. “On behalf of our caregivers and patients at UH Geauga Medical Center, I want to thank you and the Burton – Middlefield Rotarians for fulfilling your $25,000 pledge in support of the Seidman Cancer Center at our hospital,” said Rice. The check represents the final installment of a $25,000 pledge made six years ago to obtain naming rights to two of the rooms in the state-of-the-art Seidmann Cancer wing of the hospital. It was in 2016 when then president Jim Croup initiated the donation, which was fully supported by the BMR club membership. Consecutively, presidents Jim Dvorak, Kathy Vatty, Mark Zakrzewski, Larry Fox and current president, Beverly Goodridge led the club through fulfilling the promise. One of the rooms was named for the late Michaelean Pesek, the first woman president of the BMR club who was also a cancer
patient at the hospital, and the second was named for John Gander, a long-time member of the BMR. John was an active member of the Geauga community and one of the longest serving members of the club with a 57-year perfect weekly meeting attendance record. The BMR club is honored to be one of the substantial supporters of the hospital’s addition. Since 1953, BMR has been a proud contributor to humanitarian projects throughout Geauga County using funds earned from annual pancake breakfasts at Berkshire High School and now through a very successful annual Maple Splash Raffle. The Geauga Park District, UH Geauga Hospital, Geauga County schools and students, local veterans and many Geauga County departments have received BMR’s generous support over the years and this check presentation represents the completion of another remarkable accomplishment of the club. The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield will continue to support Geauga Community and all its residents with the funds generated from the annual Maple Splash Raffle.
Auditor’s Office Unveils New Site Staff Report The Geauga County Auditor’s Office has unveiled a modernized website for an improved user interface to better serve Geauga County residents’ needs. Created with Geauga County’s Automatic Data Processing (“ADP”) Center’s “Geauga Connected” initiative, users can experience a mobile Walder friendly site with a clean, modern look, county Auditor Charles E. Walder said. Under Walder, the new site has a focus on enhancing cybersecurity. “Transparency and accessibility are keys to accountable government,” said Walder.
“My office has developed a tailored, modern website with the goal of helping Geauga County residents stay connected and informed.” Walder explained the new website furthers his mission to efficiently provide the highest level of technology for the most reasonable cost, in order to best serve Geauga County. The auditor’s office plays a key role in working with Geauga County agencies and political subdivisions, as well as assisting the public. “My office is here to support the good people of Geauga County,” Walder said. “And now we have a new, more efficient website to better connect our services with residents.” Visit the auditor’s office’s new site at https://auditor.co.geauga.oh.us/, or contact Kate Jacob by email at kjacob@gcauditor.com or phone 440-279-1629 for more information.
www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Avoid Orthopedic Surgery with Physical Therapy Dry Needling By Dr. Adam M. Cramer At MyoFit Clinic we see patients whose whole quality of life has been put on hold while they wrestle with debilitating musculoskeletal pain. They want to avoid surgery and understand that seeing a independent doctor of physical therapy first is the safest and most effective option. It’s the best way to avoid surgery because independent doctors of physical therapy only offer conservative treatment solutions, never surgery. Seeing a provider who offers surgery will increase Cramer the risk of receiving a surgical intervention. You can reduce that risk by receiving a diagnosis and care at a independent physical therapy practice first. Sometimes muscle pain centers in their shoulders, neck and back, or manifests itself with severe muscle spasms. Other times it appears as tendinitis, foot, hip or knee pain, muscle strains, and overuse injuries. In treating all of these patients, we have achieved amazing results using physical therapy first and a treatment known as “dry needling.”
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a skilled intervention that a Doctor of Physical Therapy performs using a thin needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying muscle and connective tissues to promote healing of neuromusculoskeletal pain (nerve and muscle pain) and movement impairments which leads to improved strength, mobility and activity performance. When we initially recommend dry needling to patients, some of them confuse it
with a traditional Chinese medicine known as acupuncture, where the same kind of needle is used. But that is where the similarity stops. Dry needling is different in that it is based on western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Unlike acupuncture, the needles in dry needling therapy administered by a doctor of physical therapy inserted into trigger points in the body to elicit a twitch response. In essence, the needles release the muscle, promote blood flow to generate a new healing response so it can actually heal.
How it feels for the client
When we discuss dry needling, clients often express concern that it will be painful. Actually, it can be quite comfortable to receive this therapy. Most of our clients cannot even tell when the needle has been inserted. When the muscle twitch response happens, they may experience some minimal discomfort which they describe as a bit of pressure but then the individual experiences immediate pain relief! When pain relief does happen, it can be an emotional experience for the client. To finally be rid of a pain they have shouldered for months or even years leaves them with a feeling of bewilderment and tremendous relief. This treatment is very safe, cost-effective, low risk, covered by all medical insurances and requires no referral. To heal your pain fast and avoid surgery consult with our doctors of physical therapy first! Dr. Adam M. Cramer, PT, DPT, is a licensed doctor of physical therapy, pain specialist and CEO/Founder of MyoFit Clinic in Chardon, Ashtabula & Middlefield, Ohio. Call 440-286-1007. References available at MyoFitClinic.com
East Geauga Kiwanis Honors Students East Geauga Kiwanis Club recently recognized Jordak Elementary School third-graders Hattie R., Aubrey V. and Kieran B. for their performance in class. Each student received a certificate and four literature books from the club.
Aubrey V.
Hattie R.
Kieran B.
Burton Public Library Burton Library is located at 14588 W. Park St. No registration is required unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 440-834-4466 or visit burtonlibrary.org.
Edible Book Festival
April 23, 11 a.m. to noon All pieces must be edible. All ages.
Book Sale
April 23 and 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 2-6 may join Miss Amy for stories, songs and dance. Registration required.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Thursday, April 14, 2022
Letters to the Editor Like a Reunion!
Claypool is True Patriot
What a turnout for Wednesday night’s (April 6) Newbury trustees meeting. All of those that used to attend the Newbury school board meetings were there. The “It’s Time Group,” former Newbury School Board President and others that absolutely said over and over again that the township could not afford a $1.2 million levy to keep the school open, came out to say, “We need a levy (my guess is in the $1.2 million range) to buy back and maintain the intermediate building” we gave away during a territory transfer of the school (along with $4.3 million of taxpayer money). Remember the referendum they shot down and refused to sign to allow the school issue on the ballot for the residents to decide? Now they are clamoring that the buyback of the property, building and needed levy “should be up to the residents to decide.” Their hypocrisy is deafening. I can’t believe how they can say they love the West Geauga school district and then throw all of the West G board members under the bus claiming they “haven’t been fair” and “haven’t communicated with the task force” enough. As I have said before, I am for retaining the intermediate building. I am for retaining a small piece of land for the community. I am for fiscal responsibility. I am NOT for being lied to again and again and again by the same group of people that somehow can look a Newbury resident in the eyes and lie to them with a smile on their face. We deserve better than this. This process of a buyback of land we paid for (and gave away) has been botched from the start. If there is a way to do this responsibly for the citizens of Newbury, it will be in spite of the task force, not because of it. I urge everyone to come to a trustees meeting and find out what is going on in our town. Take pride in our community. While our numbers may be few, our voices are very strong.
In December 1776 Thomas Paine wrote these words: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” We’re living in times now that are trying a lot of our souls, and we need true patriots like Skip Claypool who will stand up for us and work hard on our behalf to preserve liberty and integrity in our community. Skip is neither a summer soldier nor a sunshine patriot, and he has never shrank from service to his community or his country. I wholeheartedly give my thanks and support to him for his courage, conviction, leadership and willingness to work hard on our behalf.
Phil Paradise Jr. Newbury Township
An Educator’s Educator I want to thank Kenston Schools Superintendent Nancy Santilli for enriching the lives of thousands of students and for working superbly with parents and her colleagues. Superintendent Santilli improved the national standing of every district she served, which is why she is distinguished in her field. She innovates, inspires, and motivates. Her diplomatic skills remedied many issues. Great educators instill curiosity, create an awareness of beauty and imbue a yearning to learn for a lifetime. Superintendent Santilli is a role model with all of these talents. She is an educator’s educator. It will take a giant to fill her shoes. She is leaving Kenston Schools on a solid foundation with all she achieved. Best wishes to Mrs. Santilli. Wherever she goes, she will raise the bar of excellence to an all-time high. That is who she is. That is what she does. Eileen Marie Russell Township
Lisa Luoma Munson Township
Vindictive Political Move Never again will I vote for a friend without vetting their qualifications. Another Facebook friend post set me off Monday. I am tired of political campaigns that don’t focus on the facts. I was taught, “Actions speak louder than words.” Unfortunately, social media appears to not hold posters accountable for misleading and non-factual posting. I view social media as “politician speak on steroids.” My reply to Diane Grendell began, “Is this really the type of campaign you want to be remembered for?” I said I was ashamed of her disgraceful “attack behavior” and that many of her past decisions could easily shed darkness on her medical and judicial careers if used. I asked if she would PLEASE keep to the issues detailing how she will provide a better fiscal operation for Geauga County, not Columbus! How, in the Lord’s name does she expect to take over a dedicated and potentially hostile operation without ever having her “boots on the ground” or demonstrating a solid career in accounting. Participating on a financial committee does not qualify to run a countywide auditing operation. As a taxpayer, I have personally attended every Geauga County budget committee hearing since 2017. I have NEVER seen her there. When I ran for the Munson fiscal office in 2019, she supported me with a friend request while Chuck Walder provided me with significant township details in spades. I have over a 50-year background in fund accounting and financial software development and execution and still needed help. What qualifies an RN-Lawyer/Politician to handle a new career at 76? I can attest to outstanding improvements in the auditor’s office operation under Walder and in no way can I find fiscal or management fault with the record of Chuck Walder. He is a hardworking, dedicated and trustworthy public servant not afraid to protect his representation of us to the highest authority.
I view the Grendell campaign as a one-sided “fairy tale smear campaign.” Everything done to date is clearly political speak. To me it is a vindictive political move to circumvent the issues with empty promises and claims. Diane, if you truly believe you have any chance to win, I would suggest you seek out local endorsements, if any remain, be factual to your qualifications and specific plans to improve the auditor’s operation. I personally think you should retire on a positive note, enjoy being a doting grandmother and recuse yourself from your husband’s issue with the auditor. Richard Ferlin Munson Township
‘Passionately Driven’ If one word could describe Skip Claypool in one word it would be “passionate.” He is passionate about his faith life, family life and, of course, his political calling. I found that as a friend of his for 12 years Skip is passionately driven to be our advocate, protecting the interests of all Geauga County residents, corporations and businesses of sizes. Yes, upon occasion he can be “politically incorrect” — but his motivations are always perfectly correct. Dan Frenz Russell Township
Claypool Considerate, Sticking with Walder: Measured Best Auditor in Years I write to endorse Mr. Skip Claypool for It seems we are now going to have two primaries in Ohio, wasting Ohio taxpayers millions of our tax dollars because of the extra primary. Our state legislature could have easily passed a simple law moving the primary to August — they did not. I called the office of our representative, Mrs. Grendell, twice just recently and asked if she would be showing some leadership and saving millions of our tax dollars by strongly advocating moving the primary to just August. The legislative aid did not know. I asked him to get back to me . . . he did not and Mrs. Grendell has been silent on this point. Is this the woman who professes to be the “Watch Dog of The Treasury?” Some watch dog! Maybe like having a German shepherd watch over a nice steak that just fell on the floor. I understand a second primary will cost an additional $20 million of our tax dollars or so. This expense could easily have been avoided. Where was the woman who seems to indicate that she “watches over our tax dollars?” Have you seen her billboards? The last I heard leadership may try to pay for this by weaseling the money from COVID-relief funds. Many of you folks remember Sarah LaTourette, our state representative prior to Mrs. Grendell. Her aid was always very helpful and faithfully returned phone call with information requested and listened to suggestions and comments. Mrs. LaTourette would meet with constituents, typically once a month to communicate face to face with folks. I’ve called Mrs. Grendell’s office many times since she has been in office and asked if she would be having any similar meetings with constituents. I never did get an answer — and I don’t ever recall getting a return phone call. Typically I just left a massage on her answering machine. Is this the kind of help we can expect of an Auditor Grendell? I’ll stick with an auditor that is likely the most competent Geauga County has had in the 45 years I have lived in the county. I’m for re-electing Charles Walder as Geauga County Auditor. John G. Augustine Parkman Township
the role of County Commissioner. In brief, Mr. Claypool is a part of the reason my family chose to move to Geauga County. As a constitutional conservative only recently interested in politics, Mr. Claypool was one of the first people I met while considering either Lake or Geauga county. Mr. Claypool consistently proves himself to be professional, capable, and fully cognizant of the important limitations of government, which are the foundation of our great country, and yet are in grave jeopardy. Through each and every interaction with Mr. Claypool, I find him to be considerate and measured, which are attributes to seek in a County Commissioner. Add his sound background in business, and his love of Geauga County, and we find the person I consider to be by far the best candidate for the role of Commissioner. Jonathan R. Broadbent Newbury Township
Claypool Most Qualified With 9 million$ of ARPA funding from DC, the County Commissioners must decide where this should be distributed, i.e., Chardon Township WWTD tie-in on Thwing Road. Additionally, there is substantial funds from the OPOID settlement. ???? An important decision/////////. The individual to be involved is Skip Claypool as a Geauga County Commissioner. He has served admirably as the conservative previously until a RINO was inserted 2018. This must be corrected on May3////// There are not enough words to express how important to keep Geauga rural especially for the 20k Amish residents. As a VietNam veteran and long-time resident and family man Skip is the most qualified to be Commissioner. Your vote for Skip is a vote for Geauga/////// Join me and the other concerned citizens. Newell D. Howard South Russell Village
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
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Candidate Forum Announced for May 3 Primary Women’s Voting League Expands Scope for Disseminating Information to Voters Submitted The League of Women Voters of Geauga will host one candidate forum prior to Ohio’s May 3 primary election. This event, slated to take place at 7 p.m. April 27 at the Bainbridge Branch of the Geauga County Public Library System, will provide a platform to county commissioner candidates Walter “Skip” Claypool and Jim Dvorak, as well as county auditor candidates Diane Grendell and Charles E. Walder. Typically, LWVG has hosted multiple forums throughout the county during an election season. A decision was made this year to focus on one in-person Bainbridge event, while also using technology to disseminate candidate platforms to a wider audience, according to an April 11 press release. For the first time ever, LWVG will host a watch party in Chardon at the Library Administration Building, 12701 Ravenwood Drive. Watch party attendees will have access to the candidate forum via a live-stream screening in a private room staffed by library employees and managed by LWVG representatives, the release stated. Guests can interact with other community members and enjoy complimentary food and refreshments. Attendees at the watch party must pre-register and will have the opportunity to submit their candidate questions to be asked. And finally, LWVG will make the Candidate Forum available via a live-stream link for community members who desire the freedom and flexibility to watch from literally anywhere — their couch, around the kitchen table or even together with a group of friends, the release stated. “Our goal is to give these candidates and community members equal access to each other,” says LWVG President Shelly Lewis. “Our library system is an outstanding resource that truly is the gold-standard in technology. Partnering with them to provide space in Bainbridge, Chardon and online, will afford candidates the opportunity to reach a larger number of voters. Information matters. We want the public to be informed.” Each candidate will engage in a
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three-minute opening statement, followed by a question and answer session run by a LWVG board member. Campaign materials will be available to the public immediately following the event. All members of the public are encouraged to submit candidate questions. The community is encouraged to review LWVG’s Criteria for Good Questions, which is available at www.lwvgeauga.org on the main page.
How to Attend
• Bainbridge In-Person Forum. The first 100 guests to arrive will receive a ticket for entry to the main candidate forum area. Overflow areas with access to live-stream video will also be available. LWVG reserves the
right to limit attendance in order to comply with capacity limits established by the Geauga County Public Library. • Chardon Watch Party. Pre-register by emailing watchparty@lwvgeauga.org • Live-Stream Platform from any location. The live-stream link will be prominently featured on our Facebook event page and at www.lwvgeauga.org/calendar. Live-stream chat will be disabled, so please plan to submit your questions via the email instructions below.
How to Submit a Question
• Bainbridge In-Person Forum. As guests filter in the Library, they will be offered note cards to submit their candidate questions. A
LWVG screening panel will review questions against established criteria and combine similar questions. Public questions determine the topics for the evening. • Chardon Watch-Party. Community members attending the Chardon event will be allowed to submit questions through the same note card process. A representative from LWVG will relay those questions to the screening panel at Bainbridge for inclusion. • Online. For those who would like to submit questions prior to the event, please use the Candidate Question Portal found on the May 3, 2022, Primary Election area of LWVG’s website or send via email to heycandidates@lwvgeauga.org. Online submissions will be screened using the same process as in-person submissions.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Thursday, April 14, 2022
Letters to the Editor Grendell ‘O Rama in 15 Points 1) The new Ohio District maps involve a 100% GOP rural county, Geauga, combined with Cuyahoga County, a highly urbanized Democrat district. Why? You step on your own supporters. You just don’t care about the citizens of Ohio. 2) Geauga County has Tim and Diane Grendell. 3) Judge Grendell got in a sniff with Geauga Auditor Chuck Walder that went to court over the judge’s spending habits. Specifically: Wasting Our Tax Dollars! 4) Diane Grendell voted for the bill that allowed Ohio judges to have greater “ease” in spending our tax dollars. 5) The bill passed and Chuck Walder lost a court case that was attempting to curb spending and Save Geauga Taxpayer’s Cash! 6) That takes a large amount of audacity for a state government to bail out the judge like that. 7) That’s why the courts should start issuing warrants for the arrest of representatives if they do not produce a map that works. 8) The Grendells seem to wield power to influence change at state level, but who did that benefit? 9) Before Tim Grendell was the judge for the park board. Tim was the attorney who represented Geauga Park District in buying hundreds of acres of park property. 10) Ask the now Judge Grendell why in the name of common sense he left all the gas, oil and mineral rights with the sellers? 11) By doing that he has left “our” park land vulnerable to fracking and drilling. 12) What words could justify that? 12 ) The judge has enlisted his wife to form a cabal in regards to Geauga Tax Funds. 13) Maybe Diane would like to make transparent just how much the Geauga Park Board has “spent “ separating from the county in dollars and cents. 14) Also show how much “extra” taxpayers will be paying each year for services that were free from the county.
15) The endorsement from the president of the Ohio Taxpayers Group only showed me how disconnected these entrenched politicians are from reality. Final Thought for the Day: Politicians only care about being re-elected. Statesmen on the other hand care about the next generation. Gary Paoletto Chester Township
Claypool Committed to Conservative Values Geaugans deserve the best. After four years of a placeholder, it is time to re-elect Skip Claypool, Geauga County Commissioner. Skip is committed to keeping our tax dollars in our county, not to be spent by Cuyahoga County’s unelected NGO’S who control NOACA. During Skip’s tenure as commissioner, he helped pay off long-term debt, he said no to government housing, and saved over $500,000 in the county budget. Skip is supported by seniors and veterans. You don’t have to wonder about his conservative values because Skip is and has always been a conservative. Please join me in voting for Skip Claypool, Geauga County Commissioner, May 3. Elsie Tarczy South Russell Village
Dvorak is a ‘Get It Done’ Guy I’m writing to support a public servant who has proven himself to be exactly the person we need. Jim Dvorak is running for re-election as county commissioner. He’s the chairman and has served since Jan. 1, 2019. Jim is a “get it done” guy. Having lived in Burton for the past 50 years, we’ve had many trustees, but Jim was the one who initiated
more programs and solved. During the 11 years he served as a Burton Township Trustee, he supervised the road department, reducing the manpower expense by 33%, with no decrease in service. He changed the healthcare for township employees from a direct reimbursement plan to a group plan, which reduced the cost to taxpayers. While our trustee, he was president of the of Geauga County Township Association for three terms. Along with county engineers Bob Phillips and Joe Cattell, he initiated the shared services committee and then this turned into the rental resource program, which enabled the Geauga County Engineer’s Office to purchase needed equipment such as backhoes and boom mowers. The funding for this was secured by an 11-year interest free $450K loan. The end result was savings for all the participants in the county. Because of his strong support for veterans, he’s been a trustee of Geauga Veterans Inc. and spearheaded, through Burton-Middlefield Rotary Geauga Jeep Night/Geauga Jeep Invasion, with proceeds of $28,000 for local veterans. Jim cares about our youth. He was instrumental in the establishment of scholarship programs for youth to attend Kent State. He organized fundraisers that provided $25,000 in funding, enough to fully endow this program. Jim is a family man who takes pride in his wife and children and grandchildren. He has suffered the loss of a child, which is the most heart wrenching thing a person can endure and even during that loss he never wavered in his service. In fact, he initiated programs to prevent other parents from the same loss. He was a former director of the Red Tulip Project and was a big part of building the first safe sober house for women in Geauga. With his “get it done” attitude, The Red Tulip House was built in 11 months. Our families need more public servants like Jim. Choosing Jim with his unblemished past and his proven willingness to work for us is an easy choice. Please vote for Jim Dvorak. Mary Lambert Burton Township
Don’t Let Auditor’s Office Turn into ‘Snake Pit of Politics’ Chuck Walder has earned the privilege of being re-elected as our Geauga County Auditor. He is not a career politician jumping from one elected position to another in the shallow pursuit of personal gratification and narcissistic power tripping. He has spent his entire working career in the private sector before becoming auditor in 2018. He entered into an office in disarray and quickly reformed it into a model operation, resulting in the Auditor of State Award for Geauga County’s successful fiscal year 2020 audit. Walder has restored public trust in the auditor’s office and implemented many improvements in accounting standards while expanding transparency and reforming office operations. He embodies our desire for clean and transparent public servants. His opponent, state Rep. Diane Grendell, is the epitome of a career politician and hyper-partisan power broker, as she has ping-
ponged from one elected position to another and now hopes to throw a lifeline to her husband, Geauga County Probate Court Judge Tim Grendell. Grendell sponsored Senate Bill 10 and House Bill 488, both designed to shield her husband from outside oversight of his court spending practices. Diane Grendell is succeeding in giving her husband an open checkbook with no accountability. Now, in her final act of marital dedication, she aims to knock off Walder to stop his efforts at forcing transparency and accountable spending practices in the Grendell court. This unethical relationship in county government reminds me of the dark times in Cuyahoga County government under the leadership of disgraced and convicted Auditor Russo and County Commissioner Dimora. Grendell recently claimed “residential property taxes increased 10% in 2021 under the current auditor.” She is insinuating that Walder raised your taxes, which is either a lie or incompetence on Grendell’s part. The county auditor has no taxing authority and cannot raise or lower property taxes at their discretion. Under Ohio law, a general reappraisal is required every six years and a triennial update during the third year after the general reappraisal. Due to new tax levies passed by the voters and skyrocketing property values over the past few years, taxes are increasing. Grendell could have introduced a bill in the Ohio House to prevent taxes from automatically increasing with each reappraisal, but failed to do so. The Geauga County Auditor’s Office must not be turned into a snake pit of politics by the Grendells. Retain Auditor Chuck Walder. Chris Yaecker Newbury Township
Questions about Chardon Township Road Levy? I don’t live along one of the roads that needs repaired in Chardon Township, but questions I keep in mind during the information gathering process regarding the Chardon Township Road Levy include: How will the road conditions affect the community as a whole? I know what happens if the levy passes. The roads will get repaired. But what if the levy does not pass. Can the condition of the roads that need repair impact emergency response time for ambulance, fire and sheriff? Can the road conditions impact personal vehicle driver safety and personal vehicle maintenance? What about the impact on the school busses that traverse those roads? Do the roads have to be plowed differently because of their condition? How does this impact delivery trucks? Will the truck load weights be too much for particular roads and with reduction in load limits will the deliveries still be able to occur? I encourage the Chardon Township residents to attend a Road Levy Information Meeting on Thursday, April 21, 7 p.m., at the Chardon Township Hall. Come get the facts regarding the levy directly from the source in order to make an informed decision. Yvette Slusarski Chardon Township
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
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Letters to the Editor I Support Skip
Vote for Skip Claypool
Our God-given country has fallen prey to left-wing ideology. Critical race theory, transgenderism, white privilege and violence committed by Bl-antifa have been in the name of “anti-fascism” or “equity.” Additionally, Washington has engaged in a spending spree that transforms the elected officials into millionaires, while we struggle to support our families, which is increasingly difficult due to inflation. We’ve been attacked by people who portray themselves as conservatives but are in reality liberals who know as a liberal they cannot be elected. So they change their party to fool their constituents. This method has worked and make no mistake, it has happened in Geauga County. This country and our children’s lives are far too dear to allow the continued destruction of red counties, where the destruction of this country is rapidly occurring. While employed at Geauga Hospital I became to know the Geauga people. They are compassionate, driven, respectful, hard-working and financially conservative. Above all, Geauga residents are God-fearing and lovers of this country. This county is blessed to have Skip Claypool, a life-long conservative veteran who believes in: • • government transparency • responsible use of tax dollars • business-friendly townships • support for law enforcement • protection of private property rights • defense of semi-rural principles which includes a strong stance against Obama’s affirmatively furthering fair housing act which actually has nothing to do with fair housing. In the event you are unfamiliar with this act, it is a deregulation rule cloaked in affordable language masquerading as a fair housing rule. The effect is to destroy the suburbs by cutting off critical federal funds from municipalities unless those municipalities submit to federal control of urban planning. Towns will be ordered to abolish zoning for single-family housing. Low-income federally-subsidized apartments will go up in the suburbs. Having known Skip for years, I can assure you, he will fight against this left-wing agenda. It is important to be cognizant of the Democrat Party’s playbook, which resorts to labeling their opposition with highly emotionally charged names, such as sexist and racist. This behavior seeks to shut conservatives down. I have personally heard some divisive language in this race and thus ask you to consider whether the people using this language are actually even conservatives. It is time to oust the Geauga County RINOs. Therefore, I, Betsy Dvorak am proud to provide my unwavering support for Skip Claypool.
I’m writing this editorial because I’m for God, Family and Country. I question the editorials that I have recently read. There are deeper issues we should be concerned about. Common sense tells us that our country is going in the wrong direction. Globalism, environmentalist and United Nations have seeped into our local system by allowing a committee in Cleveland of unelected officials called NOACA to make decisions for our land, water, air and transportation. We elect our commissioners to make the best decisions for our county. Why would we want Cleveland involved? Skip has studied this situation and is the only man to get us out of it. Since Skip was our commissioner in the past, please re-elect Walter “Skip” Claypool again on May 3. The most popular candidate is not always the best candidate. A controversial candidate that is knowledgeable will allow the change we need to go through to get our county out of this mess. For more information see Skip’s website and get educated. As far as our local Republican Party: Where are they and what have they done? I am not aware of any serious issues that they will resolve for conservatives like me. Get educated about the real political problems. Join the Geauga County Tea Party who have guest speakers that educate us on issues that encroach on our freedom, such as critical race theory, equity, gender, public health, social emotional learning, education, etc. Don’t allow the new language of the times to impose on our religion, parental rights, our children and our freedom. Be wise. Vote for Skip Claypool. At these uncertain times, you couldn’t find a harder worker who is knowledgeable and wise enough to question all these crazy policies coming down the pike.
Betsy Dvorak Montville Township
Linda (Gyetko) Claypool Montville Township
Zombie Enemies of Democracy A warning: Here in patriotic Geauga County we have enemies of democracy among us. Are you surprised? Their vocabulary is a good disguise. They say they “love our Constitution… our flag… our veterans… our freedom.” But their actions reveal their intention. They seem to be indoctrinated into a cult way of thinking and behaving. Their words are code, which makes rational communication and dialog impossible. They are a minority, but they are hell bent on their mission to gain control of our lives, our schools and our local government. They seem to inhabit a back corner of the local Republican Party, and they are targeting key elected positions such as school boards, county commissioners, county auditor and the local GOP itself.
Some 2022 elections in Geauga will be decided by the results of the Republican primary in May. This may be hard for some voters to understand, but when no other candidates choose to run for commissioner or auditor, for instance, then the Republican who wins in the primary will be the only choice on the ballot in November, and that Republican will win by default. Take a look at the candidates on the Republican primary ballot, you will see at least two candidates who travelled to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021, and attended a rally to challenge the validated presidential election results, a rally that turned into a violent attack on democracy. Lives were lost. That event is a stark illustration of just how determined these enemies of democracy are in their quest for control. They remind me of zombies. The only way to stop them is to prevent them from reaching their goal. Some Democrats and independent voters seem to be afraid to choose a Republican primary ballot. We are all citizens of the United States of America, our vote is a sacred right and responsibility, so use it where it will do the most good. There are good candidates on the Republican primary ballot, good people who have demonstrated clearly in word and action that they are devoted to serving the people of Geauga County, not the goals of a cult. For the sake of democracy, choose a Republican ballot in the primary because one of them will be elected County Auditor and County Commissioner. Vote for the real Republicans, defeat the zombies. You can’t say I didn’t warn you. Kathleen Webb Munson Township
Walder has Cybersecurity Skills Grendell Doesn’t What do Akron Police Department, the City of Avon Lake, Lorain County Recorder’s Office and Kent State University-Portage have in common? The answer is that in the last three years they’ve all been victims of cyberattack or ransomware. So, what’s different about Geauga County? The answer is that in the last four years there have been no successful intrusions under our current Auditor Charles Walder. It’s a constant challenge to keep a $222 million county budget safe and Walder has done it and continues to do it every day. Now, many people like the conservative policies that Diane Grendell talks about. But proposing legislation is not like running the auditor’s office. This office now requires a high level of internet technology skills, an understanding of hardware and software, engineering skills and accounting. Walder has all of these skills. That’s the reason we haven’t been victim of ransomware. Grendell may have a variety of popular political positions, but they don’t translate into the ability to manage a complex countywide accounting system. Whether you like Diane Grendell or not is not the issue. The really good reason to choose Walder is that Grendell doesn’t have the skills to be able to do the job and Walder has done it successfully for the past four years. We don’t need a ransomware attack that could cost us millions. David Partington Munson Township
Election Letters Policy Karlovec Media Group welcomes and encourages letters to the editor as well as residents’ opinions and endorsements related to primary, special and general elections. • We reserve the right to edit all submissions for accuracy, taste and grammar. We reserve the right to condense letters for space purposes. • Letters should be no more than 400 words in length. • Letters will be published as space permits. If more letters are received than can be published in any issue, we will publish a representative sample. • Letters pertaining to the election MUST include an endorsement. Letters attacking a candidate without endorsing another candidate, letters repetitive in content or in poor taste will not be published. Accusations made against a candidate that are not easily verifiable will require accompanying documentation. • The Letters to the Editor section is NOT a battleground for repeated arguing between opposing candidates or proponents/opponents of particular issues. Rebuttals are welcome; successive volleys are not. • Election letters will NOT be published in the final issue preceding any election since there would be no opportunity for the opposing candidate to respond. • No letters from candidates or campaign managers will be accepted, unless it’s in response to a news story or editorial specifically about them. They have ample ways to get their message out, including advertising • Letters are due no later than 5 p.m. Friday for publication in the following week’s edition. The final deadline for election letters will be published prior to the election date. • Letters from candidates in response to letters specifically critical of them will be accepted for publication in the immediate issue prior to the election date. We will not publish letters from candidates if they only outline the candidates’ positions. • Writers may submit one election letter regarding an issue and one about a political race per month. All letters must include the writer’s name, address and daytime and evening telephone numbers — author’s name and city of residence will be printed. • We do NOT publish form letters or letters written to other publications. • Letters to the Editor must be submitted as Word documents or as text in an email. We do NOT retype handwritten letters or those submitted as JPGs or PDFs. • With regards to statewide or congressional races, generally only letters from Geauga County residents will be published. These above policy applies only to election-related letters. The rules for general, non-election letters are separate and still apply during this period. Unless otherwise noted, columns on the editorial page reflect the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Karlovec Media Group, its newspapers or employees.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Area Easter Egg Hunts Burton Chamber
April 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a drive thru Easter egg hunt at The Great Geauga County Fairgrounds. The Easter bunny will be available for photos.
Middlefield UMC
April 16, 2 p.m. Children under 12 are invited to hop on over to the Middlefield United Methodist Church Ministry Campus on Old State Road for an Easter egg hunt. The Easter bunny is expected to make an appearance and be available for photographs. Age appropriate prizes will be awarded. For more information, contact the church office at 440-632-0480.
Montville Fire Dept.
April 16, 10:30 a.m. Montville Fire Department will hold an Easter egg hunt for children ages preschool through 10 at the Montville Community Center pavilion and ball field, 9755 Madison Road, Montville Township. Bunny arrives at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Easter egg hunt at 10:45 a.m. Event held outside rain, snow or shine. Dress for the weather. Bring baskets for
Run Like a Caveman
June 12 Registration is now open for Geauga Park District’s 11th annual trail-pounding, heart-pumping, cave-costume-wearing athletic event, the Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk, at The West Woods. The Foundation for Geauga Parks joins the park district to raise money for a new play-and-learn feature at Frohring Meadows in Bainbridge Township. Early registration is $20 and now open at http://bit.ly/2022cavemancrawl, which is also the location of more details, a course map and photos from years past. The first 250 registrants get a race T-shirt. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m., with the race stepping off at 9 a.m. and free food and awards afterwards. Wear one’s finest prehistoric garb for a chance to win a special handcrafted Best Costume award in youth or adult categories. Race timing is managed by GCXC Race Timing and Management. The West Woods is located at 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township. Overflow parking with a free shuttle to the park will be available at ASM International, also on Route 87. Call 440-564-1048 with any questions.
Community Fills A Cruiser
gathering eggs. Monetary donations will be accepted at the event.
Munson Township
April 16, 10:30 a.m. Munson Township will hold its annual Easter egg hunt, rain or shine, at Munson Township Park, 12641 Bass Lake Road. The Easter bunny will arrive at 10 a.m. to greet children and watch them hunt for eggs. Bring a basket or bag to collect the eggs, which will be turned in for a bag of goodies. Children will be divided into two age groups: 2-5 years and 6-9 years. Contact the township office at 440-2869255 or www.munsontwp.com for information.
Easter Services Horizons Christian Assembly
14920 White Road, Middlefield www.horizons4you.com, info@horizons4you.com Good Friday Service: April 15, 7 p.m. Easter Morning: April 17, 10:30 a.m.
Geauga Park District For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Fish Stocking
Geauga Park District is stocking waterways at four county parks this spring: Claridon Woodlands (largemouth bass and bluegill); Orchard Hills Park (largemouth bass and bluegill); Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve (yellow perch); and Beartown Lakes Reservation’s Lower Bear Lake (largemouth bass). A second round of stocking rainbow trout will take place at Beartown Lakes Reservation’s Lower Bear Lake in October or November. Families are welcome to catch and take fish from waterways in 12 Park District parks as long as they have a current Ohio fishing license in accordance with state regulations. To aide in stocking procedures in years to come, please email any pictures of fish caught in Geauga Park District with location and size of fish to jsafick@geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Landscaping For Wildlife
Series participants can learn how to eradicate lesser celandine, an invasive, aggressive menace to neighborhood lawns, gardens and wildflowers, on April 22 or 24, from 1-2 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park; or learn how to add water to any landscape, from simple bird baths to a small pond, on May 18, 7-8:30 p.m. at Holbrook Hollows. All three presentations will be given inside of a lodge. A virtual presentation of the water gardening program is also available. Space is limited; registration is required.
The Village of Middlefield Police Department collected donations of more than1,200 food items and monetary donations during its Fill A Cruiser event held April 2 at the Middlefield Walmart. The items and funds will be distributed to people in need in Geauga County on April 9 by the Samaritans Society of St. Edward’s and St. Lucy’s churches. From left are Middlefield Chief of Police Joe Tucholski, Middlefield Councilman Carl Hornung and Middlefield Mayor Ben Garlich. [Photo credit: Claire Zurbuch]
Schools Grant-In-Aid-Program
The Omega Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society of women educators in Geauga County, is offering a grant-in-aid to a female student who is entering her junior or senior year in college and is majoring in education. The applicant must be a graduate of a Geauga County high school. Deadline for completed applications is June 24. Interested applicants should contact Mrs. Deborah Hofstetter, Grant-in-Aid Committee, Delta Kappa Gamma, P.O. Box 313, Chardon, OH 44024.
Ag in the Classroom Grants
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is now offering grants for the 2022-23 school year to increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of agriculture in the youth of Geauga County. The $1,000 grant will be awarded to kindergarten through 12th-grade core education teachers whose innovative classroom projects use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing,
math, nutrition, science and/or social studies as well as to encourage a partnership between the Geauga SWCD and local schools in providing agricultural education. Grant application information will be sent to all Geauga County schools. The Geauga SWCD has $1,000 allocated for the Agriculture in the Classroom Education project. The Geauga SWCD will review proposals as they are received. The final deadline is May 31. Approved projects will be notified shortly thereafter. Once awarded, projects must begin within the 2022-2023 school year, and all critical activities must be completed within one year of their commencement. Projects must have proof of school board and principal approval. Email applications to knainiger@geaugaswcd.com or mail or submit application in person to Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, P. O. Box 410, 14269 Claridon-Troy Rd., Burton, OH 44021. Visit geaugaswcd.com or call 440-834-1122 for more information.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program The Ohio Department of Development and Geauga County Job and Family Services will help income-eligible Ohioans with water and wastewater assistance. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides eligible Ohio residents assistance paying water and wastewater bills that are threatened with disconnection or in a past due status. The program is currently available and runs until Sept. 30, 2022. Geauga County residents should contact Geauga County Job and Family Services to apply for the program. A phone interview is required.
Applicants will need to provide copies of the following along with completing the interview: • Copies of their most recent water/ wastewater bills; • A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member; and • Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency for all household members. For more information about the LIHWAP, contact Geauga County JFS at 440285-9141. More information can also be obtained by visiting www.energyhelp.ohio. gov or by calling (800) 282-0880.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Chester Government Update The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on March 24 opened at 6:30 p.m. with a bid opening for landscaping services. One bid had been received from Innovative Companies Ltd. Joe Mazzurco would obtain a breakdown of costs between the properties. Jennifer Jones, director of Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management, explained the drop-off improvement grant. Communities with drop-off sites are given money to fix up their sites; there are also Go Green grants that are for different environmentally friendly projects. Chester Township is receiving a grant of $15,000 to be used for driveway improvements and $3,500 for dumpsters to be used during Senior Trash Clean Up and Community Day Clean Up. In addition, the Kiwanis Club of West Geauga received a grant of $3,500 to start a shed for reusable cardboard boxes. The board entered executive session at 7:10 p.m. pursuant to Ohio Revised Code121.22 (G)(4) for reviewing union negotiations. Upon returning board to public session, the board approved the minutes of the March 3 and 10 meetings. In road department business, trustees approved the promotion of Tom O’Brien from road worker to road worker I at the rate of $22.29 per hour effective April 4. Bids for the various road materials were awarded to Arms Trucking Co. and Cuyahoga Asphalt. Trustees signed a resolution to participate in the ODOT 2022-2023 Winter Salt Contract. Also approved after the fact was $7,050to Rush Truck Centers for repair of injectors on truck #8 as well as $56,437.17 to Chardon Oil Co. for fuel. In fire department business, trustees amended motion 2022-96 approving the hiring of William Fiala at the rate of $20.61 effective March 11, 2022, 2022-52 approving the promotion of firefighter/EMT – P Jeremy Scalese to paramedic lieutenant effective Jan. 1, 2022. The original motion had an effective date of Feb. 6, 2022. The collective bargaining agreement between Chester Township and IAFF Local 5331 was amended to be effective Feb. 20. Also approved was $6,833.77 after the fact to Countryside Truck Service for repair of transmission control module on tanker 3434 and $6,029.80 to Atwell’s Police and Fire Equipment for the purchase of various clothing items.
In new business, $210 was approved to the Geauga County Township Association for Ken Radtke, Craig Richter, Joe Mazzurco, Mark Purchase, Craig Young and Laura Klendworth to attend the April 13 quarterly dinner meeting hosted by Russell Township. The 2022 permanent appropriations were approved in the amount of $10,157,803.11. The NOPEC Energized Community Grant Agreement and the resolution as amended authorizing all actions necessary to accept the 2022 Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) energized community grants were approved and signed, as well as cemetery deeds. Trustees entered executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Co121.22 (G)(2) to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, and (G)(4) preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees. Upon entering public session, the meeting adjourned. On March 26, trustees met at 8 a.m. in special session in the town hall meeting room for an executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G)(1) to consider the appointment, employment and compensation of a public employee. No action was taken after the executive session. Trustees met in special session at 4 p.m. March 31 and accepted the proposal for the 2022 landscaping and baseball field maintenance of township properties from Innovative Companies LTD in the following amounts: Parkside Park, $23,047.73; town hall, $4,807.66; and fire, $3,347.12. They also approved $28,692.64 to Motorola Solutions, Inc. for eight Motorola APX4500 mobile radios and $36,980.32 to Brite Computers for eight Getac-LTE mobile data terminals. Trustees entered executive session at 4:48 p.m. pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G) (3) conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action and 121.22 (G) (4) Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. No action was taken after returning to public session. Submitted by Joseph C. Mazzurco, Chester Township Trustee
4-H News Geauga Beef and Swine
The Geauga Beef and Swine 4-H Club met at the fairgrounds April 3, 2022. To learn about each other, members shared the weirdest thing they’ve eaten. Our safety topics were about smoke alarms and a hands on bio-security presentation. We discussed the important of biosecurity on your own property as well as when you enter other farms. This is very important with members going out to look for their new pig, lamb and goat projects. Members presented projects about pig skin care, writing buyers letters and how to market livestock projects. Members will be getting their turkey and hog projects later this month. The fair theme is “Stitching Together 200 Years of Memories With Junior Fair.” To celebrate the 200th year, the fair will begin Wednesday Aug. 31. The 4-H club is going to participate in the annual 4-H candy bar sale. The club will meet again May 15
at 4 p.m. (Submitted by Kaiden Wolcott, 12, news reporter)
GJG Memory Keepers
One does not have to live on a farm to be in 4-H. Clubs are co-ed and open to members 8 to 18 years old. The Geauga Junior Genealogists Memory Keepers is a 4-H Club that offers non-livestock projects such as photography, family history/genealogy, food and nutrition, exploring the outdoors and fishing. It is the 200th year for the Great Geauga County Fair. Join 4-H to be included in the bicentennial fair. For information or to join the club, email cathysweetc7@gmail.com or contact Ohio Extension – Geauga at 440-834-4656. Enrollment for 2022 must be completed with OSU Extension by April 15. (Submitted by Cathy Sweet, 4-H advisor)
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Health Talk
Shoulder Arthroscopy Q: Does the timing of rotator cuff surgery affect the success of the operation?
A: A number of studies over the last several years have consistently demonstrated that earlier surgical intervention for rotator cuff tears leads to better outcomes. What is defined as “earlier” may vary from study to study, but the general consensus is that surgical Eric M. Parsons, M.D. delay is never associated with a more favorable result. At the same time, there really is no such thing as emergency rotator cuff surgery. A research paper published in the current issue of the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery by Gutman et al. examined the impact of surgical timing on the outcomes of rotator cuff repair after acute rotator cuff injury. Patients who underwent surgical repair within 3 weeks of their injury enjoyed the best results in terms of pain relief and function, while those who de-
layed their surgery beyond just 4 months saw a comparative drop in function. Many rotator cuff problems are not associated with a specific traumatic event but are rather the accumulation of chronic, degenerative changes and wear and tear. This study specifically analyzed the effect of surgical delay in acute injuries. Nevertheless, it is another piece of compelling medical evidence that patients benefit most from rotator cuff repair surgery that is performed as soon as is reasonably possible. To learn more about rotator cuff surgery visit ohioshouldercenter.com Eric M. Parsons, M.D. Ohio Shoulder Center for Arthroscopy Lake Orthopaedic Associates, Inc. 9500 Mentor Ave. Suite 210 Mentor, OH 44060 440-352-1711 36060 Euclid Ave. Suite 104 Willoughby, OH 44094 440-942-1050 http://www.ohioshouldercenter.com
Bulletin Board The Maple Leaf Community Bulletin Board is a public service of the Geauga County Maple Leaf. Notices of nonprofit organizations, schools, and churches will be published without charge. The Maple Leaf cannot guarantee publication, and reserves the right to edit, condense, cancel, or refuse any notice at any time. E-mail submissions to: cbb@geaugamapleleaf.com
Blackbrook Audubon Meets
April 19, 7 p.m. Blackbrook Audubon Society member Gustino Lanese will present “How I Became Addicted to Birding and Travel” at Penitentiary Glen in Kirtland. In his talk, he will highlight his birding expeditions to Central and South America and Uganda. Participants may also view the program online by registering on the event page of blackbrookaudubon.org to receive a link. For more information, email blackbrookaud@aol.com.
Bloodmobile
April 24, 9 – 10 am Chardon VFW Post 6519 is hosting a breakfast drawing with its all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast buffet and Bloody Mary cash bar. The drawing will be held at 10:15 a.m. Giveaway is $500. Donation is $15; tickets are available in the canteen,
The American Red Cross is in critical need of blood and platelet donations to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. Power Reds are available. Donation appointments may be made by downloading the free Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767. April 15, Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township, 12-6 p.m. April 19, Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Bainbridge Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19, Chester Christian Center, 11815 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 1-6 p.m. April 20, Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 1-7 p.m. April 20, St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 1-7 p.m. April 22, Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23, Bainbridge Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge Township, 1-7 p.m. Sponsored by RiPT Fitness. April 28, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.
CV Herb Society Meets
Family First Council
E. Kiwanis Fish Fry
April 22 and May 6, 4:30-7 p.m. East Geauga Kiwanis is hosting fish frys at Cardinal Middle School, 16175 Almeda Drive in Middlefield. Dine in or carry out.
VFW Breakfast Drawing
April 22, 12:30 p.m. The Chagrin Valley Herb Society will meet at the Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. A business meeting will take place after refreshments. The meeting will be a discussion of new gardens and a question and answer session. To RSVP, email chagrinvalleyherbsociety@gmail.com. Visit chagrinvalleyherbsociety.org to learn more about the organization.
April 18, 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.
SCHOOLS Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Thursday, April 14, 2022
WWW.GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM/SCHOOLS
Auburn Career Center
Berkshire
SUBMITTED
Every student in Auburn Career Center’s welding program earned their American Welding Society GMAW Certification. All 40 welding students have earned at least one welding certification, with over 20 students having earned more than one certification and some students having earned up to four.
Spring Plant Sale
Students enrolled in Auburn Career Center’s Plant, Turf & Landscape Management program will be holding their annual spring plant sale starting on April 25 and ending when all plants are sold. The sale is open to the public and is by reservation only. Time slots can be reserved by visiting www.auburncc.org.
Plant sale hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 12-2 p.m. A wide variety of plants and Proven Winners hanging baskets will be available. Auburn’s horticulture building and greenhouse are located at 10985 Girdled Road, behind the high school in Concord Township. For more information, call 440-357-7542.
Chardon District Newsletters
Chardon Schools produces a quarterly printed newsletter and a quarterly electronic newsletter. Both newsletters — Open Lines and Topper Talk — are designed to help keep the school community informed of the latest news from Chardon Schools. The Open Lines spring 2022 edition was delivered to nearly 11,000 home and business mailboxes the week of April 4. This newsletter is typically a six-page print publication with key information from the district's administrators while also featuring highlights of student achievements. Community members are encouraged to check their Chardon home or business mailbox for the spring 2022 Open Lines. The Topper Talk e-newsletter, which provides a more in-depth publication presented in an easy-to-skim, bullet point format, delves into news from all five of the district's schools, as well as administrative and departmental updates and special features. Community members can sign up for a free subscription to the Topper Talk for auto-delivery through email. Visit the communications department page of the district website for the Topper Talk sign-up link and to access the latest and archived editions of both Topper Talk and
SUBMITTED
Berkshire High School students had the recent opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at aspects of the sports entertainment and hospitality industry through the Career Night with the Cavs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
Students Test Chemical Equations Chemistry students at Berkshire High School recently engaged in a multi-step, project-based learning experience incorporating stoichiometry, which encompasses the study of the relationship between the relative quantities of substances involved in a reaction or the formation of a compound. Students were given the guiding question, “Which balanced chemical equation best represents the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate?” to begin their scientific investigation. After being provided with four possible reactions, students had to use their knowledge of stoichiometry, law of conservation of matter and law of definite proportions to determine which of the four
was the correct equation. Students designed a lab procedure to collect data to prove their equation prediction and disprove the other three equations. They then shared their findings with other chemistry students in a scientific argument session to help identify errors or faulty reasoning in their arguments. From here, students had the opportunity to re-evaluate and retest in the laboratory or move on to a scientific blind peer review of their written investigative reports. Students presented their findings in a final culminating poster session. Congratulations to all participating students for their superb work in demonstrating their understanding of scientific concepts through various methods of evaluation.
West Geauga Power of the Pen Winner
SUBMITTED
Chardon Early Learning Center pre-kindergarten student Henry Tizzano concentrates on his paper-based art project, transforming his name into a rain cloud, part of Miss Camille’s class lesson on changing weather.
Open Lines, among other communications resources. Questions and feedback can be directed to communications director Kelly Misch via email to kelly.misch@chardonschools.org or by calling440-286-0409.
West Geauga Middle School eighth-grader Parker Pacifico has qualified to compete in the state tournament for Power of the Pen. He scored first in his second round of writing with his captivating story, "Coma." Parker qualified to compete at the in-person state tournament in May, which will be hosted by Otterbein University in Columbus. A writing competition team made up of seventh- and eighth-graders, Power of the Pen has been hosting creative writing competitions at the regional, district and state level since 1986. The middle school’s Power of the Pen teams, coached by English teacher Lisa Zimmer, competed in the Lake Erie district level competition that was virtually hosted by Hudson Middle School in March. The students write narratives or stories within a 40-minute time period in a series of three rounds.
SUBMITTED
West Geauga Middle School eighth-grader Parker Pacifico is off to compete in the state Power of the Pen Tournament at Otterbein University in May.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Legal Notices
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Legal Notices are also posted to www.geaugamapleleaf.com and www.publicnoticesohio.com
LEGAL NOTICE Sale of Real Estate Geauga County Foreclosure Auction Case# 19-F-000301. Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper vs Negrelli, Mark, et al. The description of the property to be sold is as follows: Property Address: 16949 RAVENNA ROAD, AUBURN, Geauga, Ohio, 44021; Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 01-111350 Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on 05/03/2022 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: 05/17/2022 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $5000.00 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 19F000301 into the search bar. Apr7-14-21, 2022
information may be inspected on Ohio EPADSW website: https://epa.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/epa/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/permitting/ water-quality-certification-and-isolated-wetland-permits
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO 21-F-000652 – Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company as Trustee for Mortgage Assets Management Series I Trust, Plaintiff v. Unknown Administrator, Executor or Fiduciary, Unknown Heirs, Next of Kin, Unknown Spouses, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors and Beneficiaries of the Estate of James D. Stoneman, et al., Defendants To: UNKNOWN ADMINISTRATOR, EXECUTOR OR FIDUCIARY, UNKNOWN HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, UNKNOWN SPOUSES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES D. STONEMAN, you will take notice that on October 26, 2021, Plaintiff, filed a Complaint for foreclosure in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, Ohio 44024, being Case No. 21-F-000652, alleging that there is due to the Plaintiff the sum of $214,327.96, plus interest as of October 1, 2021. In a reverse mortgage all advances are added to the loan balance, per the terms of the note. As such, the principal balance continues to grow due to monthly servicing fees, mortgage insurance premiums, and other costs set forth under the terms of the note and mortgage. The real property has a street address of 9895 RAVENNA ROAD CHARDON, OH 44024, being permanent parcel number Parcel Number: 06-050150. Plaintiff further alleges that by reason of death of the borrower, the conditions of said Mortgage have been broken and the same has become due and payable. Plaintiff prays that the Defendant named above be required to answer and assert any interest in said real property or be forever barred from asserting any interest therein, for foreclosure of said mortgage, marshalling of liens, and the sale of said real property, and that the proceeds of said sale be applied according to law. Said Defendant is required to file an Answer on or before the twenty-eighth day following the last date of Publication. BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST By Austin R. Decker, 0100918; Benjamin M. Rodriguez, 0079289; Brady J. Lighthall, 0079428; Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 2400 Chamber Center Dr., Suite 220, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017, Telephone: 470-321-7112, Facsimile: 833-310-1332, Email: berodriguez@raslg.com, blighthall@ raslg.com, ausdecker@raslg.com. Mar31 Apr7-14-21-28 May5, 2022
LEGAL NOTICE SALE OF REAL ESTATE In the State of Ohio, County of Geauga, Case No. 19-F-000582 – Pingora Loan Servicing, LLC (Plaintiff) vs. Sean T. Kniss, et. al. (Defendants) In pursuance of an Order of Sale directed to me in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public online auction the following described real estate: Property Address: 335 Cynthia Dr., Chardon, OH 44024 Legal Description: A full legal description of the property may be obtained at: www.buddybartonauctions.com. Parcel Number: 10-080550 Said Premises Appraised: $60,000.00 Minimum Bid: $40,000.00 Location of Sale: Online Bidding at www.buddybartonauctions.com. Bidding Open Date: Friday, May 6, 2022 at 9:00 AM Bidding Closes Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 at 12:00 PM 2nd Provisional Open Date: Friday, May 20, 2022 at 9:00 AM 2nd Provisional Close Date: Friday, May 27, 2022 at 12:00 PM Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of $5,000.00 is due by wire transfer within 48 hours upon conclusion of the auction. Funding must take place within 30 days of confirmation of sale. A 10% Buyer’s Premium shall apply. The auction is subject to postponement and cancellation. Ross Barton III, Private Selling Officer, info@ buddybartonauctions.com, 330-464-1375. Apr14-21-28, 2022
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 Isolated Wetland Permit Application Maple Trace Residential Subdivision East of 775 South St, Chardon, OH 44024 Facility Description: Isolated Wetland Level 2 ID #: DSW401227674W Date of Action: 04/12/2022 Public notice is hereby given that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) Division of Surface Water (DSW) has received an application for an Isolated Wetland Permit for a project to construct a residential development. The application was submitted by the Frontier Land Group. The project is located east of 775 South Street, Chardon. The Ohio EPA Number for this project is 227674W. Ohio EPA will review the application, and a decision whether to grant or deny the permit will be made, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Sections 6111.02 to 6111.028 and other applicable provisions of state laws. Copies of the application and technical support
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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 20 days of the date of this public notice. Final Issuance of Permit to Install Industrial Commercial Properties, LLC Facility Description: Wastewater ID #: 1439614 Date of Action: 04/05/2022 This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC. Project: Big Dipper Road Street Improvement Plan Project Location: 7331 N Aurora Road, Aurora, OH 44023, Bainbridge Twp Apr14, 2022
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DECLARE FORFEITURE (ORC Section 5301.332) To: David Oil Company, LLC, c/o Richard M. Osborne Sr., 7001 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio 44060. You are hereby notified that you may have an interest in an Oil and Gas Lease via an Assignment, Bill of Sale and Conveyance recorded in Volume 2021, Page 2211 in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office. The Assigned Oil and Gas Lease was originally between Michael D. Gatto and Kristen M. Gatto (Lessors) and John D. Oil and Gas Company, (Lessee) dated November 7, 2005. The Oil and Gas Lease was recorded in Volume 1779, Page 3311 of the Geauga County Records, encumbering one piece of real property identified by parcel 11-197300. The total acreage of the parcel is approximately 14.72 acres, and the parcel is further described in the Lease as follows: Situated in Chester Township, Geauga County, Ohio, bounded and described generally as follows: Bounded on the NORTH by lands of Mayfield Road, on the EAST by lands of Parcel No: 11-075200, on the SOUTH by lands of Parcel No: 11-388917, on the WEST by lands of East Properties of Kenyon Drive on the Permanent Parcel Numbers 11-197300 and containing 14.72 acres, more or less. All or part of the described premises is still owned by Lessors, by virtue of a Deed recorded in Volume 1106, Page 201, of the Geauga County Records. The primary term of the Oil and Gas Lease was for three (3) years, expiring on November 7, 2008. The lease could remain in effect “so long thereafter as oil and gas are being produced from said land in paying quantities or the lease is otherwise maintained pursuant to the provisions thereof.” The lease has expired by its own terms in that the primary term of the lease has expired, the property encumbered by said lease is no longer yielding oil or gas in paying quantities, nor is there on-going oil and gas operations. As a result, the landowner intends to record an Affidavit with the Geauga County Recorder declaring the lease forfeited, if you do not release the Lease within thirty (30) days from the receipt of this notice. By Cory C. Funk, Esq., Attorney for Landowner, 531 E. Beech St., Jefferson, OH 44047, (440) 576-9177 Apr14, 2022
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Village of Burton The Village of Burton Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on the second floor of the Burton Public Library at 14588 West Park Street at 5:00 PM on Monday, April 25, 2022. Discussion will be held on rezoning of the Berkshire High School Property located at 14510 North Cheshire Street (PPN 05-703100) from S-1 (Special) to B-1 (Central Business). The public is welcome to discuss any questions or concerns during the hearing. Information for the proposed change is available by email 1villageofburton@sbcglobal.net or in the Village Office. Jennell Dahlhausen, Fiscal Officer Apr14, 2022
ELECTION NOTICES ISSUE # 3 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the CHARDON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the January 15, 2022, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of May, 2022 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: An additional tax for the benefit of Chardon Township for the purpose of the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges at a rate not exceeding 2.75 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.275 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2022, first due in calendar year 2023. The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on election day. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Dennis M. Pavella, Chair Michelle D. Lane, Director Apr14-21, 2022
ISSUE # 4 NOTICE OF ELECTION On Tax Levy in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation Revised Code Sections 3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the CLARIDON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the January 31, 2022, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 3th day of May, 2022 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation: An additional tax for the benefit of Claridon Township excluding Aquilla Village for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of streets, roads and bridges at a rate not exceeding 1.76 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.176 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2022, first due in calendar year 2023. The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on election day. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. Dennis M. Pavella, Chair Michelle D. Lane, Director Apr14-21, 2022
BID NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE Berkshire Local School District Berkshire Board of Education is requesting proposals for Janitorial/Cleaning services until 10:00 am on April 25, 2022. Specifications for proposals are available at the Board of Education Office, 14259 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, Ohio 44021. This notice and bid specifications are posted at the district web site at https:// www.berkshireschools.org/Content2/248. The Berkshire Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals. Beth A. McCaffrey, Treasurer Apr7-14, 2022
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, 8501 Kinsman Road (P.O. Box 522), Novelty, Ohio 44072 until 10:45 A.M. official local time on April 29, 2022. Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 A.M. the same day for The Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads in Russell Township. The estimated construction cost for this project is $900,000.00. Copies of the plans and/or specifications may
Geauga County Sheriff – Scott A. Hildenbrand
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, Ohio 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. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce. 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 Karen Walder, Fiscal Officer Apr14, 2022
LEGAL NOTICE Geauga County Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners at, 470 Center Street, Building 4, Chardon, Ohio 44024 until 1:45 P.M. official local time on May 11, 2022 for The Asphalt Resurfacing of Sections A-B of Washington Street, CH-0606 RE-BID in South Russell Viillage and Bainbridge Township. Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud the same day at 2:00 P.M. The estimated construction cost for this project is $775,000.00. 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, Ohio 44024. A copy of this legal notice is posted on the County’s internet site on the World Wide Web. Go to https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/ and click on the project name to view this legal notice. 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. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Davis Bacon Act WD#OH20210001. DOMESTIC STEEL USE REQUIREMENTS AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 153.011 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE APPLIES TO THIS PROJECT. COPIES OF SECTION 153.011 OF THE REVISED CODE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE OFFICES OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. Bids may be held by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners 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 Geauga County Board of Commissioners 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 Geauga County Board of Commissioners. BY THE ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christine Blair, Fiscal Officer Apr14-21, 2022
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Thursday, April 14, 2022
Geauga County Sheriff ’s Report The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office April 1-7, 2022. EXTRA PATROL April 5 8:02 a.m., Old State Road, Middlefield. Caller requesting extra patrol for property damage, stolen signs, yard ornaments and landscape rocks. Last night someone scaled a tree to cut down their political signs. Ever since a street light was added to the area the Amish juveniles in the area have become increasingly destructive. Caller does not feel it necessary to meet with a deputy, but will call back if there are more problems. April 7 4:01 p.m., Old State Road, Middlefield. Publisher’s Clearing House called and stated they would be at the house in one hour to give caller a prize he won. Supposedly caller is to get a gift card and have it ready to give them when they arrive. Arrival time is 5 p.m. Caller will call us back if he sees anyone at the house. He did give them his address but no other information. Caller received a call from scammer asking for the card number and
caller hung up on the scammer. Advised the scammer is not coming and just wanted the card number over the phone. Caller did not buy the gift card and is not out any money. FRAUD April 5 10:43 a.m., Old State Road, Parkman. Unknown person opened a Chase account in Texas and attempted to deposit a fraudulent check. Bank told complainant to make a report. Additional resources provided. April 6 7:42 p.m., Clark Road, Chardon. Caller’s husband was scammed and bought gift cards. This happened about an hour ago. $2,000, four gift cards at $500. Caller advised she just wanted the incident made aware of. Advice given. LOST PROPERTY April 6 12:33 p.m., Thorpe Road, Auburn. 12-gauge shotgun missing from my father’s home. He just sold the house so the caller wants to make sure the gun was documented. Deputy advised.
OVERDOSE April 7 11:03 a.m., Nicki Lane, Hambden. 24-yearold male unresponsive, barely breathing. He was awake 10 minutes ago. Unknown what he took. He has been known to do meth. He is opening his eyes and responding now. He is talking now, trying to stand up. Patient won’t tell caller what he took. Deputy arrived on scene and male was alert and walking around. Hambden FD transported male to UH Geauga. Some drugs were located on scene and will be sent for testing. SUSPICIOUS April 1 12:36 p.m., Bass Lake Road, Munson. Complainant spoke with 17-year-old female member who advised a 73-year-old male approached her in the YMCA gym and told her he has video taken and pictures of her working out because he paints pictures of beautiful girls. He then showed her a picture of a female on a motorcycle he said he had painted. Girl reported incident to YMCA branch executive director, who wanted incident documented. Also advised they will be suspending male’s membership due to violating YMCA policies. Depu-
ty responded to male’s residence to speak with him and was unable to make contact. Then called him twice and left a voicemail for him to contact deputy. April 7 8:35 p.m., Burton Windsor Road, Huntsburg. Caller reports receiving a text message from a male attempting to sell drugs. “Hey, bro, it’s . . . friend from Walmart in Chardon. I have 2 oz. for $400 if interested.” Caller reports not knowing male. Deputy advised, who requested caller to text the number back telling him he was not interested, but his friend was and provide him with detective’s number. Caller said deputy could use his phone to text the person back. Deputy sent the text message back and person responded, “I got it bro.” Person was provided detective’s contact information. THREATENING April 1 9:40 p.m., West High Street, Middlefield. Male on a Harley assaulted caller, who said the male is a Hell’s Angel. Phone call dropped. Call goes to voicemail after one ring. Nature change from assault to threatening.
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending April 1, 2022, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only. AUBURN TOWNSHIP 10710 Dawson Property LLC, Dawson Drive (s/l 7), to Samantha Willis, $87,500. (3.58 acres) Randy G. and Sharon Y. Verner, 10503 Longview Trail, to Christina and Torrin Treu, $325,500. (2.77 acres) BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP Cheryl and John Norman, 7545 Cottonwood Trail, to Michael L. Harris, $1,070,000. (0.78 acres) Wendi J. Callam, 8569 Eaglewood Trail, to Walter D. Callam, $540,000. (5.02 acres) Saxon Joseph, Taylor, David, and Lisa M. Panchik, 17904 English Drive, to Joshua and Natalie A. Palur, $345,000. (3.00 acres) Renee M. Morgan, 9561 Weathervane Drive, to Matthew H. and Brigid Newman, $2,100,000. (5.17 acres)
BURTON TOWNSHIP John T. Lovas, 13661 W. Center St., to Joseph Snyderburn, $186,000. (0.45 acres) Lucille Styles and Jeffrey J. Payne, 14766 Aspen Hills Lane, to Candance and Todd Lindemer, $476,000. (3.01 acres) Martin H. and Susan Miller, 15124 Shedd Road, to Matthew J. and Betty R. Miller, $305,000. (6.12 acres) CHARDON CITY Thistlecreek Development LLC, 226 Windflower Drive, to Green Shamrock Construction LLC, $73,500. (0.22 acres) Ror LLC, Szambecki LLC, and Dww Pizza LLC, 544 Water St., to Cot Pizza Re LLC, $1,052,300. (1.55 acres) CHESTER TOWNSHIP Ralph A. and Elizabeth A. Lazaro, 13122 Caves Road, to Chad A. and Mary C. Teague, $135,796. (4.00 acres) Katy House LLC, 8563 Wilson Mills Road, to Cortney F. Evans and James M. Cooper, $475,000. (2.50 acres) Clayton A. Ausmundson, 9636 Wilson
Mills Road, to Matthew D. and Julie A. Popovich, $415,000. (5.05 acres) CLARIDON TOWNSHIP Thomas B. Call, Claridon Troy Road (s/l 13), to Laura J. Danis, $413,000. (14.48 acres) HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP Florence Shetler, 15630 Pioneer Road, to MXHM LLC, $160,000. (3.00 acres) Karyn K. Masek, 15799 Chardon Windsor Road, to Merle Steven Barber, $155,000. (1.50 acres) Edward N. and Gretchen M. Malovic, 16080 Chardon Windsor Road, to Brian T. Kaser (TOD), $311,000. (4.34 acres) HUNTING VALLEY Brenda A. and I. Ronald Moskowitz (trustees), 14450 County Line Road, to Marijan Koprivanac and Marta Kelava, $1,100,000. (5.02 acres) MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP Mervin E. Miller (trustee), 15320 Newcomb Road, to Steven A. and Edna Mae Byler, $156,000. (0.73 acres) Lalor A. Herst (trustee), 14725 Madison Road, to Candice L. Herst and Donny J. Wilkerson, $240,000. (3.00 acres) Andrew N. and Kristina Miller, 15960 Madison Road, to Nathan M. and Maurine M. Fisher, $245,000. (1.26 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE William and Kelly Mckinney, 15116 Timber Ridge, to Cristine D. Lewis, $229,000. (0.19 acres) MUNSON TOWNSHIP Michael F. Benchek, 11797 Sun Ridge Circle, to Victoria M. and Daniel Schmid, $352,000. (1.53 acres) Dean B., Duane E., and Donald L. Paullin (trustees), Mayfield Road, to Amanda J. Paullin, $140,000. (2.52 acres) PARKMAN TOWNSHIP Andy J. and Laura D. Miller, 17201 Bundysburg Road, to Jack S. Trethewey and Dawn Light Trethewey, $521,000. (20.55 acres) Elma Kauffman (TOD), 17050 Reeves Road, to Allen J. and Emma E. Stutzman, $25,000. (5.00 acres) RUSSELL TOWNSHIP Leslie A. Otten, 9297 Memory Lane, to Paul and Patricia M. Donato, $1,100. (0.11 acres) Deloris A. Jones, 8298 Kinsman Road, to Bradley S. Campbell and Yulia Petukhova, $329,000. (1.52 acres) SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE Julie A. and Matthew D. Popovich, 172 Lakeview Lane, to Mark W. and Rena M. Thompson, $415,000. (1.86 acres) THOMPSON TOWNSHIP Christine Lewis, 16520 Rock Creek Road, to Donald W. and Tracy Ann Crites, $415,300. (11.48 acres) TROY TOWNSHIP Matthew J. and Betty R. Miller, 14760 Patch Road, to Robert C. and Mary Ellen Weaver, $300,000. (5.00 acres) Charles C., Willis R., and Walter W. White, 19128 Tilden Road, to Charles C. and Willis R. White, and Jonas W. and Cindy M. Bricker, $82,000. (5 acres) Charles C. and Willis R. White, and Jonas W. and Cindy M. Bricker, 19128 Tilden Road, to Jonas W. and Cindy M. Bricker, $163,000. (5.00 acres)
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Real Estate Russell Farm - part-time after-school with some weekend hours - cleaning two horse stalls and misc. work. Prefer horse experience, but will train. $10/hour. Call 440-338-1537. Looking for part-time help with stocking inventory and eBay assistance. Great pay. Flexible hours. Call 440-729-5000.
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Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS $Wanted Junk Vehicles$ Muscle Cars, Dump Trucks, Construction Equipment, Running Vehicles, etc. Scrap Metal. Free Removal. Call 440-679-7293.
EVENTS SNPJ Music Fest & Craft Show: Saturday, May 21 - Craft show 11a-5p, Music noon-10p. $15 at gate, $10 advance. snpjfarmkirtland.com 440-283-9373.
Experienced caregiver looking for setting with grandparents, mom or dad, while you’re out shopping or for dinner. Call 440-537-1519. Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message. Kiln dried live edge slabs: walnut, hickory, maple, elm available. We also make custom tables, benches, etc. 440-313-2478.
FOR SALE Ford 9N rebuilt engine new clutch assembly & flywheel. Lots of new parts and paint. $2,800 OBO. John Deere snow blower, used very little, works real nice. $225. 440-313-5896. Antique clocks, antique crank wall phone $79, humpback chest $79, large wooden rocking horse $79, antique sewing cabinet $89. 440-338-3563. 2711125 style Frogg Toggs waders, vest included $50. “New” Target 10″ tile saw with stand $300 OBO. Dan R.T. Byler 440272-5736. Troybilt rototiller OEM furrower tiller plow attachment #2638, $50. Cultivating tines assembly kit with hardware #1243, $150. Bob 440-548-5801. Power recliner sleep lift chair. Used 6 hours. Light tan, heat and massage. Paid $2,300, sell for $1,500. 440-693-4078. Ford 9N rebuilt engine, new clutch assembly & flywheel. Lots of new parts and paint, $2,800 OBO. John Deere snow blower, used very little, works real nice, $225. (440) 313-5896 2 raised bed planters 4’x8’ $40, 3.5’x6.5’ $30 or both for $60. 440-834-8943. Hay for sale, $3 per bale. Two 16” English saddles, $50 each. Western saddle, $75. Sewing machine table, $40. 3-tier saddle rack, $75. Call/text 216-347-4434. Applewood chips for grilling $5/bag. General Electric Dryer, works well, $75. Chest of drawers, $10. 12724 S.R.88, Garrettsville. 216-410-3265. Free used motor oil. Portable Hummingbird Fishfinder $85 or best offer. 440-5482657. Vintage punch bowl set $35. Granite Ware saucepan $16. Coffee mill $75. Milk bottles $10 each. Additional vintage items. 440-729-1082. For Sale. Yanmar Tractor Model SA424, only 81 hours, plus bucket box, scraper, backhoe, cutter. $26,500. (440) 548-5282.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES Yard sale: April 27. Old books, antiques, food and drinks. Joe and Cindy Miller, 16925 Farmington Road, West Farmington, OH 44491. Annual Garage Sales on Chipmunk Lane and Georgia and White roads (Middlefield), Wednesday, April 20, 8 a.m. Watch for balloons.
PETS & ANIMALS Green-cheeked conure with large cage and accessories. Can live up to 30+ years. Very sociable bird. $200. 440-9040906.
MISCELLANEOUS FREE fact: wonderful young people overdosed on marijuana laced with fentanyl on Spring Break in Florida. How sad...
REAL ESTATE Lots for sale. Thompson Township. 1 acre. Wooded, scenic, quiet side street $12,900. 440-289-0708
SERVICES Taking down dead and unwanted trees, and doing small tree trimming. Clean-up is optional. 440-323-8522. Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552. John’s Plumbing: Affordable and reliable. Water heaters, toilets, faucets, drain cleaning, gas lines, sump pumps, well tanks. 440-285-0800.
WANTED Wanted to Buy: ATV, 4-wheel drive, in good condition. Call 400-829-1856
WANTED TO BUY Buying old beer cans. Call Steve 440-8348776. Steel cans only. Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-3138331.