Geauga Maple Leaf 4-18-24

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Vol. 30 No. 16 • Chardon, Ohio

www.geaugamapleleaf.com

$1.25

Deputy Accidently Shoots Woman

While Saving Her from Dog

Staff RepoRt

A Geauga County Sheriff's Office deputy accidentally injured a 58-year-old female from Aquilla Village after responding to a report of a dog attack April 11.

Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand said April 15 the attack involved the resident’s Pitbull.

“We got a 911 call and the caller couldn't speak, but we could hear her screaming and asking for help,” Hildenbrand said. “We sent a deputy over there and her dog was mauling her to the point where the bones were showing in her arm.”

Hildenbrand said the deputy shot his firearm in an effort to stop the attack, but one of the rounds pierced through the dog and into the resident’s leg.

Cirino Charged with Sex Crimes While at West Geauga

By Jamie WaRd Jamie@kaRlovecmedia.com

Former West Geauga football coach Lou Cirino has been charged with two felonies after being investigated for inappropriate relationships he had while employed at West Geauga High School, according to a Geauga County Grand Jury indictment.

Cirino was arrested by Chester Township police and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office April 12 and remained in jail until his first court appearance April 15 at Geauga County Common Pleas Court in front Judge Carolyn Paschke.

Appearing via video, Cirino, 40, a 2002 West Geauga graduate whose address changed from Columbia Station to Warwick Lane in Chester, pleaded not guilty and posted his 10 percent of $10,000 cash or surety bond.

The indictment states Cirino engaged in sexual conduct with

Gordon Safran Left His Legacy in Geauga County

By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com

More than 20 ago, Gordon Safran fulfilled his dream of building a bed and breakfast in Geauga County.

The Red Maple Inn in Burton Village opened in 2000 and its 18 guest rooms, dining room and beautiful vistas delighted visitors for two decades.

Safran left a legacy in Geauga County when he passed away March 25, including the DCC Clinic in Middlefield Township, which helps Amish families with genetic disorders.

“He adored Geauga County,” said his daughter, Mindy Davidson, in a recent interview with the Geauga County Maple Leaf.

Safran’s interests were many and wide-ranging, and included hopes of an afterlife, she said.

“He joked if he came back, he wanted to be a basketball coach in Geauga County,” Davidson said.

“After an exhaustive investigation by our detective bureau, we were able to get here,” Young said.

Cirino's lawyer, Joseph R. Klammer of Mentor, said in an email: “These allegations are from nearly 20 years ago. Imagine if you were left to defend allegations from decades ago. Fortunately he has the support of a big loving family — the entire family is prepared to defend the charges.”

Both charges label Cirino “a sexually violent predator.” Both are third-degree felonies.

a student during his time as a West Geauga teacher and coach between 2009 and 2010, which is sexual battery.

It also states Cirino had sexual contact with someone under 13 years old between 2004 and 2005, which is gross sexual imposition.

The victim was the same in both charges, said Chester Township Police Chief Craig T. Young.

“Chester Police did a great job,” Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said.

Strongsville Schools placed Cirino on administrative leave when the investigation began in December. Cirino has been a government teacher at Strongsville High School since 2017.

After the Strongsville Schools Board of Education took heat from

Hambden Fire Dept.

Awarded Significant Grant

By RoSe nemunaitiS editoR@kaRlovecmedia com

With the help of U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce, Hambden Township Fire Department was recently able to secure a $6.75 million grant to build a new fire station.

Joyce successfully fought for and delivered the congressionally directed spending grant as part of the 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture appropriations bill.

Later in life, Safran and his wife, Evie, moved to Burton where Davidson and her family would visit, continuing a family tradition.

“The (Great) Geauga County Fair was our favorite weekend of the year,” Davidson recalled. “We would go out there on weekends all the time.”

“We are very excited about this opportunity,” Hambden Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand said. “This achievement has been made possible through the collective efforts of numerous individuals and organizations. This grant not only provides the financial resources necessary for the construction of the new fire station, but also underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety and emergency preparedness in our community. With the funding, we will

be able to create a facility that not only meets but exceeds industry standards, equipped with the latest technology and amenities to support our brave firefighters in their life-saving mission.”

The grant, administered through the USDA, will cover near-

for fire station.

WKYC CHANNEL 3 Lou Cirino at his first court appearance April 15 in Geauga County Common Pleas Court.

Community Meetings

Geauga County: April 23, 9:30 a.m., Board of County Commissioners; April 24, 5 p.m., Geauga Public Health, Ste. 301. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners’ meetings are held in Suite 350.

Auburn Township: April 11, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; April 15, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: April 18, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; April 22, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 23, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Village: April 22, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Shooting from page 1

“She (the resident) was transported to University Hospitals where they flew her downtown,” Hildenbrand said. “All the medical people told us that had he not shot that dog, that dog probably would have killed her.”

Hildenbrand did not have any updates on the woman’s condition as of press time, but verified the dog died as a result of its injuries.

The deputy was rattled and very upset about the situation, Hildenbrand added.

“Per our policy, he automatically has three days off,” he said. “We called in the Bureau Criminal Investigation to do the crime scene work and also got aid from Bainbridge (Township) Police Department detectives to do the report.”

The situation is still under investigation, Hildenbrand said.

Chardon City: April 23, 6:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chardon Township: April 22, 7 p.m., Park Committee. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: April 18, 5:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: April 22, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. 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.

Montville Township: April 24, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; April 25, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.

Munson Township: April 23, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 24, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission, special meeting. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Newbury Township: April 24, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless noted.

Russell Township: April 24, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: April 22, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: April 24, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.

West Geauga BOE: April 22, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

New Leaf Program Throws in for $2.5M Federal Grant

By amy patteRSon amy@kaRlovecmedia com

Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke’s New Leaf Program is set to expand and improve after Geauga County Commissioners approved its application for one state and two federal grants April 9.

The court-based addiction intervention program is voluntary and allows drug crime offenders an opportunity to bypass incarceration through a 16- to 24-month commitment to sobriety and accountability.

The court’s Specialized Docket Coordinator Maureen Maruna said April 10 all three potential grants are competitive and only a certain number of awards are given out.

“We have increased our program capacity to 30 (it was 25) and our main focus will be for housing, transportation, education and job placement/training,” she said. “We are building a partnership with the Ox Shoppe,

Cirino

from page 1

parents for firing him as head football coach that December, officials confirmed that a woman from Cirino’s past at West Geauga wrote an email which was referred to the Strongsville Police Department. It was then referred to Geauga County.

“Strongsville Police received an allegation against Mr. Cirino that was forwarded to the Chester Police Department since it allegedly occurred when he was employed by West Geauga Schools. Chester Police are investigating the matter,” Flaiz wrote in an email in December.

“On Dec. 10, the Chester Township Po-

Safran from page 1

As one of four children, she said she stayed close to her father.

“We did so much together. We had a lot of the same interests,” Davidson said, adding she is on the DCC Clinic board.

“It’s very special to me,” she said.

Many Red Maple Inn visitors likely remember Safran joining them for breakfast in the mornings, making their stays special.

As he aged, however, he came to realize his health would not allow him to keep the Red Maple Inn. He sold it in 2020 to the McIntyre Center, which serves adults with substance use challenges.

“He felt good knowing that the inn would still support people and improve their lives,” his obituary said on the DCC Clinic website.

Similarly, Davidson recalled her father’s passions.

“He loved the Amish and was proud of the Red Maple Inn,” she said. “He just cared about people and wanted to make people’s lives better.”

Gina Hofstetter, who managed the inn for Safran for 20 years, said during a recent interview their relationship was like father and daughter.

“Gordon was like a second dad to me,” she said, adding he was also like a grandfather to her daughter, Addison, 13, who attends Berkshire Schools.

which is a 501C3, as well as our local treatment agencies (Ravenwood, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers and Family Pride). We are also including additional evidence-based programming for our participants, such as Seeking Safety and MRT (Moral Recognition Training).”

Maruna said the program’s current grant through the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance ends in September of this year. Information on grant awards will be posted between the end of August to mid-September.

“I am usually on edge until then,” she said.

The first application presented to commissioners was a grant offered through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which offers a maximum of $2.5 million over five years, with no local match required.

A BJA grant for the expansion of discretionary adult treatment court programs offers a maximum of $400,000 per year, up to

lice Department was made aware of an allegation that a former staff member of West Geauga High School had an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old student during the 2007-2008 school year,” Young wrote in a media release. “Investigators are in the process of determining exactly when and where these allegations occurred. The investigation is in its initial stages, and no additional information can be released at this time.”

Cirino started teaching at West Geauga in 2007 and became an assistant defensive coach for the football team thereafter.

Superintendent Richard Markwardt said in an emailed statement: “On Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, the West Geauga Local School District learned that a former staff member who

48 months, with a 25% local match required. Maruna said only 33 BJA grants will be given out.

A state grant through the OneOhio Recovery Foundation for the region — including Geauga, Ashtabula, Lake and Portage counties — offers a maximum of almost $2.5 million per year for 12, 24 or 36 months, with no local match required.

The competitiveness of the grants spurred Maruna to apply for all three, although she said the program cannot receive more than one federal grant at the same time. If both are successful, one will be chosen over the other.

Drug Court Probation Officer Greg Potts told commissioners if successful in their grant applications, the New Leaf Program would likely receive a lower amount than the $2.5 million set aside by the federal and local governments.

Applying for the grants does not guarantee they will be received, he said.

worked in the district in 2007-2008 is the subject of a police investigation. West Geauga will cooperate fully with any such investigation to the best of its ability.”

Cirino had been fired as head football coach at Strongsville after it was discovered that Mustangs players had stolen about $1,000 in merchandise from the retail store at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, according to cleveland.com.

At a Dec. 7 Strongsville Schools board meeting, a crowd of Cirino supporters urged the board to reverse its decision. A petition circulated by parents to reinstate Cirino had reached 1,769 signatures, stating:

“Our beloved coach Lou Cirino has been unjustly released from his position as the head coach of the Strongsville High School

Addison has very fond memories of the time they lived at the inn, Hofstetter said.

She took the job after 15 years in the hospitality industry, looking to escape the rat race, she said.

Safran took her under his wing and changed her life.

“My work ethic and love of Geauga County — everything in my life stemmed from the inn,” she said.

Hofstetter also remembered when Safran went to the first meeting of the group that eventually created the DDC Clinic at an Amish home after dark, and his story about the families throwing money into a hat to get the first program going.

Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri asked whether accepting the grants could restrict judges regarding sentencing minimums or maximums.

“Nope,” Potts said. “That (grant) has nothing to do with the sentencing side of things. It's purely operational.”

Spidalieri also asked whether, if the program was successful in applying for the proposed grants, the county would have a “windfall of dollars” that would have to be repaid.

“The most important thing would be to effectively address where we would be giving those dollars to. In the event that that would not be paid or utilized in the most perfect way, yes, that would be given back,” he said. “But we would try to make sure that they're effectively used because, obviously that affects every time we continue to apply for a grant. They look to see … the efficiency of how we spend those dollars and make sure that they're (spent) in the most appropriate places and for the most appropriate individuals.”

football team. This is a devastating blow to our community, as Lou is more than just a coach; he is a mentor, teacher, and highly respected member of our community.”

When the investigation began into the alleged crimes at West Geauga, Flaiz said the statute of limitations for rape and sexual battery cases had changed to 25 years.

Cirino's next court appearance was assigned to Geauga County Common Pleas Judge David M. Ondrey.

The third-degree felony is a high tier charge, said Flaiz, carrying a maximum 60-month prison sentence on each charge.

If convicted of the most serious charge, Cirino would also be required to register as a Tier 3 sex offender, which is lifetime registration.

friend,” she said.

According to his online obituary on the Dignity Memorial funeral home website, Safran began his career as a pharmacist and was recruited to the start-up Sears Optical stores.

He joined a small optical store chain known as E.B. Brown Optical and purchased the company in 1985 when there were then 20 stores. The company had 42 stores throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania when he sold it in 1996.

Safran’s Jewish heritage was a driving force throughout his 88 years.

“He saw the passion in people. It was pretty cool,” Hofstetter said. “He brought so much joy.”

Now the director of Geauga County community and economic development, Hofstetter and her daughter still live in Burton and her job has her working with grants for the DCC Clinic.

“It’s really fulfilling. My goal is to live up to (Safran’s) dream, to provide the best service from a tourism perspective,” she said.

Although Safran and Evie moved to a care facility as they aged, Hofstetter is grateful for the 20 years she spent at Red Maple Inn and her time with Safran.

“He wasn’t only my boss, he was my

“Cleveland Jewish News” commemorated Safran online for his generosity and dedication, noting “his involvement in the Jewish community included being emeritus trustee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland in Beachwood, chairing multiple boards; a lifetime trustee of the Menorah Park Center for Senior Living, now King David Healthcare Center, in Beachwood; board member of The Agnon School, now the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood Fairmount Temple.”

He is survived by Evie, his children, Davidson, Neil Safran, Lee (Nicholas Wellington) Safran and Haleigh (Glenn) Raff, grandchildren Jess (Collin) Fernandes, Mikey (Ashleigh) Davidson, Jordan Wellington, Luca Safran-Wellington, Parker Raff and Lainey Raff and great-grandson Isaac.

Services were held March 28 at the Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood and interment was at Mayfield Cemetery.

Third-Party Candidate Sues Over Ballot Access

By amy patteRSon amy@kaRlovecmedia com

Justin Tjaden, an Independent candidate for Ohio House District 99, announced plans April 8 to file a lawsuit against the Geauga County Board of Elections to challenge the constitutionality of the state’s ballot access requirements for Independent candidates.

Tjaden originally filed a civil suit asking the court to intervene before the BOE certified signatures he collected to gain access to the November ballot. The suit sought to overturn the requirement for Independent candidates to submit a larger number of nominating signatures than candidates representing the Republican or Democratic parties.

However, Tjaden said April 15 after the BOE certified signatures on April 9, he is working on a new filing.

“I had no intention of making this combative,” Tjaden said. “I believed we’d all be working in good faith to allow the courts ample time to make a ruling on a questionable statute. Now, because of rash decision-making, the Board of Elections has opened themselves to a broader liability. I look forward to allowing the legal process to unfold and will fight for independent candidates across Ohio.”

Tjaden’s original lawsuit names BOE Director Michelle Lane, Deputy Director Nora McGinnis and all four board members —

“I had no intention of making this combative. I believed we’d all be working in good faith to allow the courts ample time to make a ruling on a questionable statute. Now, because of rash decision-making, the Board of Elections has opened themselves to a broader liability. I look forward to allowing the legal process to unfold and will fight for Independent candidates across Ohio.”

Under Ohio law, an Independent candidate must submit nominating signatures equal to 1% of the total electors in the district during the last general election.

“In contrast, candidates affiliated with major political parties . . . are only required to submit 50 signatures to qualify for their respective primary ballots, a disparity that becomes more pronounced in the absence of primary election challengers for either major party candidate,” Tjaden’s lawsuit says.

2024 ballot after falling short of the 494 re quired signatures required, Lane said in an email April 12.

“He submitted 552 (signatures) and 371 were accepted,” Lane said. “This is for both Geauga and Ashtabula (counties).”

In his lawsuit, Tjaden said he was not informed of the signature threshold until the moment he was submitting his petitions on March 18.

“The determination of valid signatures and the board’s intent to certify his failure to qualify for the ballot was communicated

to Mr. Tjaden days before the (Geauga BOE) was scheduled to meet on April 9, 2024, (in a) special meeting,” his lawsuit said. “Tjaden contends that the differential treatment of independent candidates regarding signature requirements, especially when neither major party candidate faces primary opponents, coupled with the opaque and inconsistent verification process, violates his constitutional rights and those of the voters who seek to support Independent candidates.”

Geauga BOE Chair Dennis Pavella said staff reviewed Tjaden’s submitted signatures and determined there were not enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

“The Geauga (BOE) met in open session and decided that, due to an insufficient number of valid signatures, the petition would not be accepted as valid according to the Ohio Revised Code,” Pavella said.

Tjaden said due to BOE’s decision to certify signatures April 9 despite his request for a hearing, he will now file with the 11th District Court of Appeals to undo that certification until the broader lawsuit regarding the constitutional questions is decided.

New counts will be levied against all members of the board individually, Tjaden said, under a federal law allowing individuals the right to sue government employees acting "under color of state law" for civil rights violations.

“Their refusal to allow me a hearing is a blatant violation of due process,” Tjaden said.

ly 75% of the project total, Hildenbrand said.

Hambden Fire Station, at 9867 Old State Road, was built in the 1950s and added on three different times over the years — including a pitched roof, two bays, larger kitchen and offices and training room, he said.

The station was used as a volunteer fire station. Over the years, it evolved into a staffed station with three personnel 24 hours per day to better serve residents as calls have continued to increase due to township growth, the chief said.

The fire department has 35 members working from one fire station, with most members cross trained in fire and EMS and many with specialized training, according to the fire department.

Providing 24-hour fire and advance life support EMS coverage to residents, the department operates 11 vehicles, including two engines, one tanker, two ambulances, a jeep, a utility vehicle, a chase vehicle, a chief’s car, row boat and a Geauga County Hazmat Team spill trailer, according to the department.

“There is just not enough room for us at this point and the maintenance on the building increases in costs,” Hildenbrand said. “As the building ages, things start to deteriorate and there are many problems. Flooding, septic, the well to name a few.”

The dorm room is one of the old offices with bunk beds and there are no men’s and women’s showers or dorms, he added.

“We have been planning an addition for a couple years that was going to cost an estimated $3 million dollars,” Hildenbrand said. “We had the opportunity to ask Congressman Dave Joyce for help, who has always been supportive of the safety forces. He came through for us as he knew how much it was needed.”

Joyce said he will always support local safety forces.

Besides Hambden’s first response area of 25 square miles, they also respond with automatic aid for another 225 square miles, including Aquilla Village, City of Chardon, Chardon Township, Munson Township, Montville Township, Claridon Township, Leroy Township, Huntsburg Township, Middlefield Village and Township, Thompson Township and parts of Concord Township.

“As everyone knows, we apply for every grant we can to help keep taxes low so we can continue to provide and support Hambden Township,” Hildenbrand said. “We also are very active in the township and hold many fundraisers to assist. Either way, we were going to ask for assistance for our residents to keep our firefighters and paramedics in a safe and efficient place to serve.”

Hildenbrand thanked residents for their unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being, continued trust and support for the much-needed fire station.

Hambden Trustee Dave Johnson echoed Hildenbrand.

“The fire department has outgrown the existing building and I believe it would be too costly to upgrade it,” Johnson said. “You would still have a small lot and not much room for training.”

Hildenbrand said they are completing the paperwork required by the federal government and should have an estimated cost soon.

“The firefighters serving at the Hambden fire department play an integral role in Northeast Ohio, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities,” Joyce said. “The completion of this station will allow for Chief Hildenbrand and the heroic crew he leads to have the resources they need to continue to respond efficiently to fires and other emergency situations. I look forward to seeing the finished project and the public safety enhancements it has on the Hambden community.” Grant from page 1

Chair Dennis Pavella, Joan Windnagel, Janet Carson and Richard Piraino — as well as Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

Geauga Park District Receives 117-Acre Donation

By BRian doeRing BRian@kaRlovecmedia com

The Geauga Park District will be receiving 117 acres of land northeast of Observatory Park in Montville Township after the GPD Board of Commissioners passed a donation agreement with the West Creek Conservancy on April 15.

Park Naturalist Paul Pira shared with park commissioners his experiences visiting the property during a presentation.

“John (Oros) and I went out there once,

I went out there subsequently once or twice and took a nice walk around, mapped some things and wrote up a review,” Pira said.

Pira highlighted areas of the property, including a mixture of forestry, a large marsh habitat and natural wetlands.

“It's right next door to Observatory Park. It would be a natural fit and great addition,” Pira said “The bigger the pieces of property, the bigger the habitats, the more sustainable they are for wildlife.”

He mentioned seeing and hearing the sounds of sandhill cranes while walking

through the property.

“They are a threatened species in Ohio, but a really beautiful wetland bird,” he said. “They usually migrate down to the Florida area and they live 20 to 30 years.”

Pira explained reviewing the property through the Natural Quality Evaluation Index, which uses 20 different metrics to score the property from zero to 62 based on naturalness and wildlife habitat.

“This one scored a 52. That puts us somewhere in the average range of all of the properties that I've looked at. I think it's going to

just keep getting better, this piece of property,” Pira said. “Anything above 62 is great and is something we need to seriously consider if it was being sold for acquisition. Anything below 43 should not be considered.”

He further mentioned reviewing the management plan for the property.

“We have to do some invasive plant work, which is not an issue. We have a natural resource management staff devoted to the basic plant work on the property,” he said. “It makes total sense as far as I'm concerned for adjacency and building off of Observatory Park.”

Hartville Hardware Project CRA Agreement Approved

By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com

Middlefield Village Council voted April 11 to authorize the execution of a community redevelopment area agreement with Sherpa Development Company LLC.

The CRA agreement will give Hartville a 75% tax abatement on improvements to the parcel for 10 years, but the village will collect full property taxes during that time, village Economic Development Director Leslie McCoy said in a phone interview April 15.

The main 24-acre parcel, listed as agricultural use, is valued on the Geauga County Auditor’s Office website at $313,400 and annual taxes are $4,752. The second 1.25-acre parcel, listed as commercial use, is valued at $138,000 and annual taxes are $2,894.

Council also set a May 9 public hearing on changing the zoning for Sherpa’s 25plus acres from residential to commercial so Sherpa could begin to build Hartville’s 61,000-square-foot store plus out buildings.

The change from agricultural use to com-

mercial use for the 24-acre parcel have not been calculated but they may remain stagnant or shift slightly, said Ron Leyde with the Geauga County Auditor's Office.

The Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission voted April 9 to consolidate the main parcel at 15260 Kinsman Road with the 1.25-acre parcel. Both front on Kinsman Road west of Tare Creek Parkway.

Parcels annexed into the village are automatically zoned R-1 — single-family residential — so the change in zoning is needed for Sherpa to develop the facility for Hartville.

During the April 9 meeting, Zoning Inspector John Boksansky said the main building will be 90 feet away from the property line and all the lighting fixtures on the building will point down. The preliminary plan shows the buildings located far back from Kinsman Road with customer access off Kinsman and a second driveway for deliveries off Tare Creek Parkway.

In other business council discussed again funding the storefront renovation rebate program opened two years ago with

money from ARPA.

“There’s been a lot of benefit from that money,” she said.

Businesses were able to access capital for storefront renovations from the fund, which was created with interest earned on village investments, McCoy said.

“We don’t want to turn anyone down. We want to partner with businesses,” said Mayor Ben Garlich, recommending another $10,000 be put in the program.

Attorney Luke McConville said an ordinance to that effect would be presented at a future meeting.

Joyce Named Chairman of Financial Services Subcommittee

Staff RepoRt

U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce recently announced his appointment to serve as chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee.

“I am honored to be appointed to such a critical and pivotal position on the appropriations committee,” Joyce said in a statement. “In this role, I will work with my colleagues to strengthen U.S. financial markets and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. I thank Chairman Cole for entrusting me to lead our country back to a path of fiscal responsibility.”

With over a decade of experience serving on the appropriations committee, Joyce will lead and navigate the financial services and general government subcommittee “sensibly and effectively,” said appropriations committee Chairman Tom Cole in a statement.

“He understands the wide range of pro-

grams under this portfolio are extremely critical to our economy and essential to keeping our nation on a pro-growth path,” Cole said. “I know Dave will fight for the hard-earned tax dollars of Americans and Ohioans to restore fiscal responsibility.”

The FSGG subcommittee has appropriations jurisdiction over a wide range of federal agencies — including the Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, District of Columbia, Judiciary, Executive Office of the President, Securities and Exchange Commission, Small Business Administration, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Personnel Management, and the U.S. Postal Service.

Joyce has served on the appropriations committee for 11 years. He has served on the FSGG subcommittee for five years.

For more information, visit www.appropriations.house.gov.

BRIAN DOERING/KMG Geauga Park District Park Naturalist Paul Pira provides details on the 117-acre property donated by Western Creek Conservancy in a presentation April 15.

Chardon Fire Chief Recommends Budget Increase

By alliSon WilSon editoR@kaRlovecmedia com

Chardon Fire Chief Justin Geiss touched on department activities, improvements and future goals during the April 11 Chardon City Council meeting.

Over the past three years, the 1964 Jeep that served as the fire department’s brush vehicle was replaced, a third ambulance was added to the fleet and a full-time member was added to the duty crew, as well as a sixth po sition during the day, Geiss said.

A grant was also secured to replace the department’s radio systems — which were scheduled to be unserviceable by 2025 — and new software was adopted to streamline fire prevention.

“Over the last three years, we’ve received over $354,000 in grants that have gone to ward equipment, training and various other items that we’ve needed,” he said.

The department is currently staffed by six personnel from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and five personnel at night, with a minimum of four personnel present 24/7, including at least three paramedics. There are two full-time members on A and C shift, and three on B shift, he said.

In 2020 the department responded to 1,872 calls — a number Geiss noted as an anomaly and unusually low. In 2023, 2,326 calls were responded to. full-time members, giving us three full-time members per shift; increase staffing from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. from five members to six; increase wages to assist with employee retention and recruitment; and continue with replacement schedules that we have for vehicles, equipment and modernization of some

The department covers Chardon City, Chardon Township, half of Claridon Township and Aquilla Village, he said.

A formula is used to calculate the percentage of the contract amount each entity is responsible for, taking the exempt and non-exempt property values and total run

values over a five-year average. That number is taken and averaged out between entities. Chardon City’s contract percentage is 54.55% for this cycle, he said.

The department is proposing an 8% increase per year for three years.

“This would allow us to increase the staffing that we need to, and to get us up into a little bit better position,” Geiss said.

The budget as proposed to the Chardon Safety Committee shows the department going into a negative, he said.

“The reason for that (is) we applied for and are knocking on every piece of wood we can find for an employee retention credit, which was some COVID money that was out there,” he said. “In the event that money is received, we would be able to utilize those funds to make the increase in improvements in year one rather than how we’ve traditionally done them, spread it out over three to five years.”

The department’s 21-year-old ladder truck is also in need of replacement.

“We currently have a grant (request) into the Capital Budget Committee. It is in the (Ohio) Senate right now and still knocking on wood on that one,” Geiss said. “We’ve asked for $1.1 million towards that vehicle.”

Fire trucks are suggested to be pulled from service after 20 years, though there is no penalty for running a vehicle longer, he added.

See Budget • Page 9

Individual State Champ Signs to Return to Chardon Streets

City Council Moves to Ban Adult Use Marijuana Businesses

By alliSon WilSon editoR@kaRlovecmedia com

Chardon residents can expect to see individual state championship signs popping up around town, as Chardon City Council discussed their placement April 11.

“Many years ago, there used to be signage around the Chardon area that gave credit to the individuals from Chardon High School who had achieved individual state championships. Those signs have been taken down over the years,” said Mayor Chris Grau.

Several individuals around the area requested for the signs to be put back up, he said, adding as a result, council reached out to Chardon Schools and obtained a current list of individual state champions.

Council made recommendations on how the signs should appear and presented a map of proposed locations.

Original proposals for placement showed signs at U.S. Route 6 from the west, north on state Route 44, Mel Harder Park and a fourth located near school property, either on the corner of Chardon and Maple avenues or North Street. The Mel Harder location was suggested to be used for an unveiling ceremony.

“The four at the main streets coming into Chardon, two on (Route 6) and two on (Route 44) coming and going would be ideal. I’m not so in favor of the ones by the school and by the (Chardon Schools) Board of Education,” council member Deb Chuha said of the placements.

Vice Mayor Heather Means pointed out the new signs would be a bit smaller and could be hard to read at fast speeds.

“Maybe we have a couple that are where people can walk to them and look at them, versus a couple that people will be driving by,” she suggested.

Grau said he thought the Mel Harder lo-

cation would work perfectly for that purpose.

Council member David Lelko asked if the signs would be tall enough to add more rows underneath, to which he was told yes.

“My thought was to cover the major routes coming in, which would be 44 coming in from the north, Route 6 coming in from the west, Route 6 coming in from the east and 44 coming in from the south,” council member Dan Meleski said.

Grau agreed, adding they could forgo signs at the school and instead place one at Route 6 coming into Chardon from Hambden Township.

Meleski proposed placing five signs rather than four, keeping the one at Mel Harder while also setting ones at routes 6 and 44, though he was uncertain of what the price may be with the increase.

“I figure another $12,000, $13,000,” City Manager Randy Sharpe said in response. “For perspective, we spent $25,000 on the eight that we did for the (team) state champs.”

“There are more pieces to this,” Meleski added.

Sharpe agreed, noting that after four years, prices will be different.

Printing of the signs will be delayed temporarily as one of the student’s honored is still a senior and has a chance at another state championship.

Council passed a motion to accept the individual signs, locations and additional cost.

In other news, council also adopted a new chapter of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Chardon regarding recreational marijuana.

“The purpose of this ordinance will be to prohibit the cultivation, processing and dispensing of adult-use cannabis in the city,” Law Director Benjamin Chojnacki explained.

Grau explained council’s decision.

“We voted on the moratorium back in

December, reached out to different individuals, had tremendous input from community members near and far, and the reason that we have this tonight is that this is what we feel is the right direction to move forward on,” he said.

Chapter 749 of the city’s code already prohibits the retail dispensing of medical marijuana. The new chapter would act complimentary to it, Chojnacki said.

Council also passed an ordinance extending the moratorium on accepting applications or issuing zoning certificates for buildings related to adult-use marijuana.

“This ordinance, the purpose is to extend the moratorium over the period of time where anyone who would want to challenge the legislation you enacted earlier tonight, the moratorium would remain in effect during that hypothetical challenge period,” Chojnacki explained.

An example of what the individual state championship signs will look like, including the names of the students honored, as well as their sport and the year of their championship.

Newbury School Artifacts Find Home in Century Village

By alliSon WilSon editoR@kaRlovecmedia com

When Newbury Schools closed its doors for the final time in 2020, decades worth of memorabilia were left in limbo.

Following a combined effort between Newbury residents and West Geauga Schools, these artifacts have been recovered and given a new home and life at Century Village Museum in Burton.

Recovering the Memorabilia

Learning the history of Newbury Schools is what originally sparked Newbury resident Karen Hale’s interest in tracking down the missing memorabilia.

The Century Village education department head discovered the school district began as a group of nine single room schoolhouses — one of them remains intact today and was relocated to Century Village for preservation and education.

When Newbury Schools were absorbed by neighboring West Geauga Schools in 2020, memorabilia was auctioned off. What remained was put into storage by West Geauga and the school buildings were later torn down.

Fellow resident and CV volunteer Linda Retych described the school closure as having left a hole in the community.

“People want to have a piece of their roots and Century Village is a part of preserving history,” she said. “It was really Karen’s idea to (look into) what happened to (the memorabilia) and going after that to bring it, to preserve it, so that people in the community know it’s somewhere that they can come and visit.”

It took over a month to track down the items, Hale said, adding it was only after contacting former Newbury Township Fiscal Officer David Lair she discovered they were housed at West Geauga.

“We had talked to Mark Richardson and Sara Healey over at West Geauga. Sara’s the … communications director and Mark Richardson is the facilities manager. They had stored what was left after the auctions,” Hale said.

Among the items recovered were a number of Newbury High School senior class photos.

“Everybody was very concerned about the Black Knights, the mascots,” Hale said. “They’re two metal sculptures, and one of them was always in the cafeteria/gymnasium and the kids would sit around it and they would eat their lunches.”

Both knight sculptures were recovered, as

as well as a cornerstone plaque from when the school was first laid and almost every yearbook.

Retych and Hale both reiterated everyone they interacted with had been polite, and any issues were only caused by miscommunication. She expressed her gratitude to West Geauga for working with the group.

“They were just as enthusiastic, I think,” said Bobbie Nichols, who recently resigned as Geauga County Historical Society president.

Looking to the future, Hale expressed interest in preserving the artifacts of other districts across the county in similar situations, though there are no plans set at this time.

“We want to be able to preserve the history of it and the identity of it, so we’re thrilled to be able to do that,” Retych added. “CV is, we’re all about preserving history, because if it’s not documented one way or another, it’s going to be forgotten.”

While the history of Newbury Schools is more recent, it’s still a part of Geauga County’s history, she said.

The mementos were transferred March

trailer full of items ranging from contempo rary to antique.

Educating at Century Village

Newbury’s historic one-room schoolhouse is utilized frequently by CV, Hale said.

“(In) the school building we have at CV, we have an original set of McGuffey Readers. The kids look at them and the first thing they say is, ‘There’s no pictures,’” Hale said. “There are sketches, but there weren’t photographs back then that you would put in a book. (The kids see) slate boards and how we had to make our own ink, all that stuff, we did here.”

She is hopeful the village will be able to host school reunions or championships.

The new memorabilia will be logged, assessed, cleaned and stored before being displayed on a rotating basis. It will likely be eight months to a year before the items are viewable by the public, Nichols said.

“We’re trying to find a location for it right now that would be appropriate,” she said.

CV is a nonprofit working to preserve histo-

ern Reserve. The living history museum hosts both a civil war reenactment and pioneer camp, as well as a maple museum, and offers both school and private tours. Nichols described it as a “resting home for old buildings.”

“Our mission is to protect all of these artifacts from the 18th century,” she said. “All the homes and buildings are staged, maybe not perfectly, but they’re staged with what we have.”

Among CV’s buildings are the cabin of Thomas and Lydia Umberfield, the first family to move to Burton, as well as the first permanent structure, a brick house.

Also present on the premises are a general store, a band stand and a church, as well as an archival library.

“In all, we have about 23 buildings,” Nichols said.

For Retych, it was hearing the stories of the pioneers that got her truly invested in the museum’s mission. She summarized their goal succinctly.

“If these stories are not passed on, who’s going to do it?” she asked.

Park District OKs Insurance, Risk Management Proposal

By BRian doeRing BRian@kaRlovecmedia com

The Geauga Park District Board of Commissioners voted in favor of a property and liability program for insurance and risk management during its April 15 meeting.

Executive Director John Oros said GPD was presented with two proposals — one from Public Entities Pool of Ohio by Summit Insurance and the other from Ohio Plan Risk Management by Hylant Administrative Services. GPD decided to go with PEP.

“We've worked with Ohio Plan Risk Management at one time when I first took over as executive director. We switched to Public Entities Pool of Ohio and the reason we did that is that we felt they provided better services,” Oros said. “At that time, they (Ohio Plan Risk Management) were at a lower cost than PEP for a while.”

He highlighted that OPRM undervalued GPD’s assets by $5,154,000.

“OPRM did provide a lower premium (contribution). The reason we don't feel it makes the cut is that we provided OPRM with our current plan and the value of our assets,” he said. “I don't know how you undervalue our assets by $5 million.”

Park Commissioner Jolene Carnabuci requested GPD to evaluate its annual insurance and risk management policy costs last year, according to an April 9 memorandum from Oros.

When comparing insured value amounts for buildings, personal property, scheduled and unscheduled property, computer equipment and software, a difference of $5.9 million was shown between the two proposals with PEP having greater insured value than OPRM by 18%.

“I feel that PEP is a much better risk manager than when we were with OPRM. We’ve got pretty robust risk management services with PEP,” Oros said.

In other business, park commissioners approved:

• A contract award to Dunbar Mechanical, Inc. in the amount of $52,140 for HVAC improvements to Observatory Park in Montville Township.

• The countywide 911 plan per section

Ohio

‘Our Life was Just One Bowl of Cherries’

Chester Historical Village Keeper of the Cane Accepts Honor in Husband’s Memory

By amy patteRSon amy@kaRlovecmedia com

When 98-year-old Chester Township resident Dorothy Herrick was honored April 14 as the Chesterland Historical Village “Keeper of the Cane” for her decades of support, she had one caveat — to share the privilege with her late husband, Tom.

Because she hadn’t been to a CHV board meeting since he died in 2016, Dorothy said at first, she was reluctant to accept the honor.

“I finally decided that, well, since I couldn't have but one name on the cane, and there wasn't room for Tom's name, I would take it with his memory,” she told a crowd of friends and family in the historic town hall.

“Everything we did at the historical (village) for almost 40 or 50 years, we did as a team,” Dorothy said of her husband. “Everything we did in life. I mean, we started going steady when we were 15 and our life was just one bowl of cherries. It was just fabulous.”

According CHV’s March 2024 newsletter, Dorothy and Tom met at Shore High School in Euclid where, in ninth grade, she spotted him from a distance. The two shared everything, including the same birthday in 1926, and married after he returned from fighting in World War II.

Judith Schwed, former CHV president, presented Dorothy with a cane embossed with names of previous Keepers, as well as their birth and death dates. Previous Keeper of the Cane, Roy Ditto, was awarded the honor in 2014 at the age of 93.

Schwed led the event with a retelling of the history of the cane, which was first presented in 1927 to Sipha Patterson, then the oldest resident in Chester Township, by her grandnieces.

“So, her grandnieces decided to have a party for her, and at that party, they presented her with . . . this cane that we're also going to present to Dorothy because that cane has been passed on over all these years,” Schwed said.

The cane is passed not to the oldest resident of the township, but to the eldest, she clarified. Dorothy is the 23rd elder to be chosen as “Keeper of the Cane.”

Budget

from page 7

“The vehicle is currently passing all its testing, ladder testing, pump testing, but, bottom line is it’s going to be a 25-year-old vehicle in Northeast Ohio salt, and it’s time to consider replacing it,” Geiss said.

With the truck, the department has an Insurance Services Office Rating of three. Without the truck, the ISO Rating would jump to four, causing a 5-15% increase in homeowners’ and businesses' insurance rates, he explained.

Council member Andrew Blackley brought up comparing the costs of Geiss’ personnel with municipal fire departments around the area and asked about the difference in training between Geiss’ staff and volunteer firefighters.

Geiss responded the department is too

In order to be eligible, an elder must be at least 85 years of age and a township resident for at least 25 years, Schwed said.

Dorothy, who moved to Chester from South Euclid in 1970, said she was “more or less pushed” into attending her first CHV meeting by a friend.

“I went to this (CHV) meeting because (my friend) called and she said, ‘You have to join because I sent your membership in,’” Dorothy said. "I went to this meeting and this little lady got up and she said to the committee that was there, 'Isn't there somebody that can take a project and see it from beginning to end?'"

She knew she was put in that room for a reason and on the way home from the meeting, Dorothy said she would run a flea market for the CHV. For the next few decades, Dorothy and her friends in CHV worked to gather antiques and collectibles for auction and to sell in the town hall basement.

Schwed said 10 people were nominated for the honor of being named keeper, and after a series of interviews with each candidate, CHV trustees unanimously selected Dorothy. Friends and family stepped up to the microphone over the course of an hour to illustrate why.

In one instance, when the village was in dire need of an indoor restroom, Dorothy reached out to multiple celebrities for donations.

“She called and wrote movie stars, anyone who had any ... national fame to donate

busy for volunteer firefighting to work.

“I don’t think there’s an employer that would allow their employee to leave five to six times a day and go on a call,” he said.

The training and certification requirements on the department have also increased, he said, noting the department only has one part-time employee who works a regular job outside of fire and EMS.

Geiss noted when it came to compensation levels, the department is a private company and not municipal.

“We are not able to offer a pension program to our employees. We try to be as competitive as possible, and the fire service as a whole has become incredibly competitive,” he said.

Chardon’s compensation sits in the middle range of what is offered, Blackley said.

“I think we’re getting a real bargain because it’s not a municipal fire department, as

because we needed a toilet,” said Ruth Aster, who serves as a CHV trustee. “We had 5 acres and buildings and no toilet. And doggone it, if everybody didn't send her pictures, shoes — I remember some tap dancer sending signed shoes — they sent all kinds of things. People bid on it and we got enough money that we had our first working, flushing toilet."

One item sold was an autographed book signed by Richard Nixon. However, the book only brought in two dollars, the CHV newsletter said.

Another friend, who was not able to attend in person, sent her recollections of Dorothy’s CHV tenure in a note that recalled, among other things, Dorothy and her family would head out in a fur-lined van for a day of auctions and estate sales with a box of donuts for sustenance.

Dorothy’s two sons and two daughters were present and her daughter, Wendy Nye, who lives near her in Chester, said she cannot think about her family’s involvement without thinking of their father.

“The ‘Keeper of the Cane’ is a wonderful thing, but to me, it's also just a drop in the bucket for my mom and dad's many, many years they spent here at the historical village,” she said.

Her mother and a friend would pick up antiques and collectibles for the flea market in the basement, Wendy said, after advertis-

far as our costs to the taxpayer,” he said. “I think we’re getting much bigger bang for the buck with the Chardon Fire Department the way it’s structured right now.”

Geiss said he and the previous fire chief, Larry Gaspar, have gone through the budget line by line to save money and have managed to increase the full-time base pay.

Geiss has also recommended the contract for the fire prevention officer be rolled into the three-year contract, rather than remaining two separate contracts, City Manager Randy Sharpe said.

While historically, fire prevention has been a separate item, when rolled into the overall budget, it becomes subject to the percentage division, Geiss added.

The safety committee recommends the contract increase be incorporated into the new contract and Geiss hopes to have it on the agenda for the May meeting.

ing in the paper that “two old broads in a blue pickup will come pick up your donations.”

“And they did that for years,” she said. “Then she'd call me up and my boys would come up here after school and unload the truck and haul everything down to the basement.”

"Including the side of a Volkswagen," Dorothy interjected, with one grandson corroborating from the audience.

Jeff Nye, one of Dorothy’s grandsons, referenced fond memories of hours spent loading and unloading treasures for the CHV flea market. The importance of community was impressed upon him and his brothers, Pete and Kevin, who were present along with their children to celebrate the occasion.

“I don't live here anymore — I live down in Cincinnati — so I don't get up here that often. But I think about the times we spent here and I think about the importance of community, the importance of family and that's something (I’m) trying to make sure that I pass on to my kids,” Jeff said. “And just such a wonderful example in this spot from these people. I'm very grateful for it. Thank you all for being here.”

Chester resident Dorothy Herrick, 98, was honored April 14 as the Chesterland Historical Village “Keeper of the Cane” in honor of decades supporting the village.

West G Band Takes Magic March in Magic Kingdom

By BRian doeRing BRian@kaRlovecmedia com

It was all thrills and excitement for 140 West Geauga High School students at Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom Amusement Park March 25.

The Wolverine Marching Band had the honor of entertaining the masses in the Magic Kingdom with a very special parade over spring break.

“The West Geauga Marching Band had a great experience in Disney. We had a fantastic parade performance, participated in a recording and dance studio workshop and had beautiful Florida weather every day,” school band Director Jason Branch said in an interview April 5.

The students were afforded free time to visit several of the Disney parks, including Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom and Epcot during their stay and also made a stop at Universal Studios before returning home, according to a district press release.

It has been a long-time tradition every four years for the district to visit the Magic Kingdom, Branch said.

“I have taken the band to Disney in the 2011-2012, 2015- 2016, 2019-2020 and the 2023-2024 school years. The director before me had also taken them every four years, so it is an 'inherited tradition' dating back to the 1990s,” he said. “We began planning the trip in January of 2023, so a little over a year in the works, and for the students' band practice, many hours of music and marching practice to get them ready for the performance.”

SCREENSHOT

Members of the West Geauga High School marching band parade the streets of Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom March 25. The parade path through the park included areas like Frontierland, Cinderella’s Castle and Main Street USA. See Disney • Page 11

Kenston Recognizes Purple Star Award for Intermediate School

By BRian doeRing BRian@kaRlovecmedia com

Kenston Schools Board of Education proudly honored Kenston Intermediate School for being a Purple Star Award designee April 15.

“I am honored and proud to be standing next to Eileen and accept the state of Ohio’s Purple Star Award for Kenston Intermediate School,” said KIS Principal Julianne Walker, who appeared with school counselor Eileen Mahoney at the board’s regular meeting.

The Purple Star Award recognizes schools showing a major commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military.

Schools earning the award receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite, according to the Ohio Department of Education website.

To meet the Purple Star Award requirements, schools must designate a liaison between military-connected students and their families and the school. The liaison works with teachers to support the military-connected students in school and helps to ensure military families and students have access to necessary considerations and resources in the community, according to the ODE.

“To be successful in school when transitioning between school settings, Ohio's

Disney

from page 10

A few highlights of the trip included a dance studio workshop for the Wolverettes, where they met a professional Disney dance instructor to learn about performance techniques and were taught several dance sequences performed to a custom Disney soundtrack.

Band students in the brass, woodwind and percussion sections spent time in a Disney band recording studio workshop learning the fundamentals of sight reading and performance through the lens of a professional studio musicians.

The WGMB then recorded several Disney songs that were mixed/produced into a video montage aligning with clips from a Disney movie. Music included pieces from “Indiana Jones,” “Star Wars,” “The Haunted Mansion” and “Moana.”

Branch expressed the difficulty of picking just one fun moment during the trip.

“Every day is an adventure and there were too many fun moments. For many of our students, they had never been to a 'Buc-ees' gas station/travel center and some of them spent all of their souvenir money on Buc-ee's merchandise,” Branch said.

He called the opportunity of bringing students to a unique performance and to display their talents a highlight of his teaching career.

“In the past 15 years, this is my seventh trip with the West Geauga band program and we have traveled to Disney World, Chicago, Columbus/The Ohio State University and as far as London, England,” he said. “Every trip is full of unique and amazing memories and we are thrilled to be able to provide such opportunities for our band students.”

military-connected children require support to ensure that their unique wellness and academic needs are met,” Walker said.

Mahoney highlighted being at Timmons Elementary School when receiving the Purple Star Award in 2020.

“I am so glad we were able to bring that to KIS, but more importantly, that we were able to grow our students’ appreciation for our veterans, their understanding for military families, the special circumstances of those individuals and the sacrifices that they make,” Mahoney said.

She thanked Walker, KIS teachers and district parents for all of their help.

“Thanks to our teachers and the work they did in their classrooms in making those connections for students, to our parents who had conversations at home about identifying family members who are connected to the military and Ms. Walker for a lot of the school-based activities that we did,” Mahoney said.

Mahoney Walker

Zoning Elimination Proposal Draws 150 to Meeting

By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com

The prospect of Ohio townships losing control of individual zoning drew a full house to the Geauga County Township Association meeting April 10.

Every township was represented at the dinner at The New Testament Baptist Church in Claridon Township where Kyle Brooks, director of government affairs for the Ohio Township Association, spoke about a senate select committee’s study on possible statewide mandated zoning.

A committee has been visiting various parts of the state for some months to gather

information and learn how communities feel about legislation that would have the state set zoning regulations and the counties enforce them, he said.

A report of their findings should come out within a week or so, Brooks said.

“We are talking about an idea. It’s not set in stone,” he told the crowd, promising to stay on top of the proposal and keep residents informed.

“We will be sending out copious amounts of alerts,” he said.

Brooks urged public officials to make their voices heard.

“Just make phone calls. It’ll take five minutes. I’ve taken thousands of phone

calls from people just like you in this room,” Brooks said, noting elected state officials will be sensitive to public opinion when election day arrives.

“You are on the ballot just like they are,” he said. “Make that phone call.”

As of April 11, the proposal was still being considered by the select committee, Brooks said.

In his travels, he said he has had the opportunity to talk to county commissioners and has not found consensus.

“Certain county commissioners absolutely love it,” Brooks said, adding they would like to have control of the development of subdivisions, which typically grow in townships.

“Other county commissioners are in lockstep with townships and don’t like it,” he said.

Demand for more housing is especially high in Central Ohio, Brooks said.

“It’s not an issue all over the state,” he said.

If huge, rich companies like Intel and Amazon want to build in Central Ohio those areas need more housing for the expected influx of workers, he said. If the state controls zoning outside municipal limits, developers wouldn’t have to deal with township zoning inspectors, boards of zoning appeals, zoning resolutions and irate residents, he said.

“Unfortunately, you guys will pay the

See Zoning • Page 15

S P O R T S

Garvey, Meyer, Bryner Lead Bombers To 14-2 Victory Over Hawks

By alan koRnSpan SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia com

Seniors Tommy Garvey and Xander Mey er combined for seven goals, and sophomore Jack Bryner added a hat trick, in the Kenston boys lacrosse team's 14-2 victory over the Hawken Hawks on April 9.

Senior captain Tommy Garvey felt good about the Bombers' execution.

“It was a team effort — a little slow to start, but that will happen,” Garvey said. “But I think once we got going, we were hard to stop. ... A lot to work on, but I think it was a great game.”

As Garvey mentioned, once the Bombers started scoring, they were hard to slow down.

In fact, the Bombers took a 3-0 lead head ing into the second quarter.

Kenston then added five goals in the sec ond quarter to take an 8-2 lead heading into halftime.

After the half, the Bombers added six goals to make the final score 14-2.

Afterward, Head Coach John Tallman talked about victory over the Hawks and the excellent start the Bombers have had this season — in particular, the offensive focus, having Wyatt Koenig back in the lineup to take the face-offs, and the excellent play of Garvey.

Coach Tallman said a main strategy the Bombers used against Hawken was passing the ball and making extra passes on the offen sive side of the field.

In addition, getting a few players back helped out a lot, he said. The return of their face-off specialist, senior Wyatt Koenig, to the lineup was helpful, as Koenig won 15 of 18 face-offs.

Winning face-offs is very important, his coach said.

“It's a big deal, because if you have a good face-off guy it will get you more possessions than the other team,” Tallman said. “It stands to reason that you're going to have a lot more opportunity if you can get the ball right away rather than trying to overdo it on defense or cause some mistakes.”

With the Bombers focused on winning possession on the face-off, then moving the ball around by making extra passes on offense, senior Tommy Garvey led the attack to put the ball in the net.

“He's a strong offensive player and he is a smart offensive player in general,” Tallman said.

Additionally, Tallman said Garvey’s leadership is important because as a senior, he is like having a coach on the field.

“If he's on the field and the boys need direction, he's not afraid to give it,” Tallman said.

The coach also talked about offensive contributions by Xander Meyer and Charlie Thompson.

“Xander and Charlie, when they're going it's hard to stop them,” Tallman said. “As you saw tonight, when Charlie gets through the middle like that, good luck.”

Leading the Bombers offensively was senior Tommy Garvey, who had four goals.

— and motivated to continue working hard throughout the season.

Leading the Bombers in assists were Meyer (3), Forney (2) and Koenig (1).

After a couple challenging match-ups to end the week against University and Chagrin Falls, the Bombers are now 5-3 on the season

In addition, netting goals for the Bombers were Bryner (3), Meyer (3), Thompson (2), Oliver Forney (1) and Ethan Noah (1).

“I would say about the whole team, they are very motivated to change the story from the end of last year into this year,” Coach Tallman said. “They work extra hard, day in day out, to make sure we are getting the right results.”

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Kenston’s Tommy Garvey, right, scores during the Bomber’s 14-2 win over Hawken April 9.

Young Wolverines Paint Bright Future Picture

By Rich kelly SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia

Coming off a 10-6 record last season, the West Geauga Wolverines may have had some doubts coming into this year. But this young team with only two seniors gives Coach Mark Percassi a lot to smile about heading into the 2024 spring season.

“This is a new part of the CVC for me to be part of this year,” Percassi said after his girls recently won their first home game of the season in convincing style against an overmatched Orange team. The 18-2 score told an accurate story of what lies ahead.

Led by seniors Hannah Williams and Elena Rodriguez, the Wolverines should be able to get things done for the next couple seasons as well. Juniors Cara Day, Shaylynn Rogaski and Malory Lear are starters, with Michaela Platt also often starting at catcher.

Maddie Oster and Georgia Rust complete the team's junior class membership, but girls younger than them also play a huge role.

Sophomores Lely Percassi and Morgan Atwara start, with Jenna Aquilla and Anna Byrum providing bench support.

Freshmen Dayana Malone and Ava Borz also start, occupying two of the top three spots in the batting order, indicating the high esteem with which they're regarded. Allie Arrigo and Sydney Gallagher round out the roster for Coach Percassi.

“I’m not very familiar with our end of the CVC this year,” he said. “That said, we have a load of young girls who play the game right, have played a lot of summer ball, and are very enthusiastic about supporting each other all the time. As long as we can compete each time out, I will be very happy because we have the skills to win some games.”

The Wolverines opened the season with a trip to Myrtle Beach to tangle with some big-time talent. They went 1-3 in that span, but learned a lot.

Against Orange, the pitching was the huge difference they saw. In Myrtle Beach, pitching was top quality.

Orange didn’t present the same thing, and for a while, the Wolverines didn’t adjust well.

as fast as what we saw down there. Today we had moments when we didn’t adjust well, but once we did settle in, we just had to be ourselves and be ready to hit. If we play our game, we’ll be fine.”

Added Rogaski: “Playing in Myrtle Beach was a great practice for us to get ready for our own season here. It gave us a good time to learn more about each other as a team (and) it gave us a chance to be part of a great community effort to get things ready here for us to play, so the field looks great and it’s time to get started.”

scored, she settled in superbly on the mound, not allowing another hit while fanning 13 in the five-inning success.

“Once the game got going, the ball didn’t seem as slick for me,” she said.

In warming up with the first game ball, control problems seemed possible, but Lely Percassi got the ship righted in a huge hurry and dominated the rest of the way.

“I just wanted to do good today once we got started,” she said. “Conditions were good for me, there were a couple of wet spots in the outfield, but otherwise things went really

first and Day at third, field coverage was solid. Other than a blast to center by the second hitter of the game for the Lions, which went over the head of Rogaski for a double, Lely Percassi's speed advantage kept everything in play in good stead for the Wolverines.

They improved their record to 2-4 overall, 2-0 in the CVC.

Everybody had a hand in the victory. Malone whacked the ball hard on the first at-bat she saw, a liner to second base. She also sent a shot deep to center her third time up, after being one of five Wolverines to get plunked early on. Her last time up provided poetic justice, as a blooper to right-center fell in for a hit, driving in a run.

Day reached all four times in scoring four runs. Borz was plunked twice with a walk thrown in, scoring three times. Rogaski had three hits while driving in a trio, and will provide left handed pitching during the season, with Percassi doing the same from the right side.

In fact every Wolverine reached base at least once. Lear was efficiency personified with a pair of hits that gave her five RBIs in the game, Williams had a pair of hits to go with a hit batsman and walk.

Scoring in every inning is tough, but West G got the offense going right away. It should be a very fun season.

Lions Track and Field Hosts Early-Season Meet

By alan koRnSpan SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia com

It's always exciting to talk to one of the top track and field coaches in the country, NDCL Lions Head Track and Field Coach Ralph White.

On April 9, White and the NDCL program hosted an early-season meet which included teams from Hawken, West Geauga, Brush and Beaumont.

Before becoming coach in 2020, White had a storied national and international coaching career. In fact, he coached 31 national champions and 15 Olympians, three of whom won Gold Medals.

For this weekday meet, White emphasized the need to help athletes gain experience as they start the season. The coaching staff is in the process of determining who will be part of NDCL relay teams moving forward.

There are already clear number one and two runners for each relay team, he said. However, the next six runners, in the third through eighth positions, are all running very similar times.

Highlights for NDCL at the April 9 meet included Mia Trusso winning the girls 200m, Peter Bates winning the boys 1600M, and the NDCL boys 4×400m and 4x200m relay teams finishing first.

In the girls 200m, Trusso came from behind on the last stretch of the race as she defeated her competitor from Brush by .08 seconds.

“I knew from the start that I had a really good start in the blocks,” Trusso said. “I ran out of the blocks. Then down the back stretch, I heard my teammates cheering for me. I saw the other girl was next to me. I'm like, ‘I know I got this,’ and just finished strong.”

Zoning

from page 12

price if this comes in,” Brooks said.

Developers don’t want to build affordable homes in low-income townships, even if there is no township zoning resolution to deal with, he said.

“They want to build million-dollar homes and make the maximum profit — at the expense of local control and your communities,” Brooks said, noting the housing developments he saw around New Albany all look the same.

“(OTA) truly believes you should choose what your community looks like, not somebody in Columbus,” he said.

Chris Alusheff, zoning inspector for Claridon and Chester townships, attended the OTA Winter Conference in February in Columbus.

“(Statewide mandated zoning) was a hot topic. In a nutshell, it’s not good,” he said. “I don’t see where Geauga County is going to get any benefit from it.”

If statewide mandated zoning is passed,

White said Trusso's victory in the 200m was related to her desire to win.

“She saw she had an opportunity and she dug down deep,” he said, adding that Trusso is a leader and works hard.

“Being a good athlete, being coachable and wanting to do well, she has that desire, which makes a big difference, too,” White said. “All the factors that you're looking for in an athlete, Mia has them.”

After winning the boys 1600M race, Bates said he was just trying to have a good, comfortable race to start the season, not feeling worried about time since it is so early.

“We got it done,” Bates said. “It was just fun to get in a race and start the season well.”

Afterward, White had this to say: “Peter Bates is a really good athlete. He's a very hard worker (and) very focused.

“Peter is very versatile, he can run the 800, which he does very well, but he can also run a two-mile. We're figuring out which is the best race for him. Whichever one he is put in, he always gives 110 percent.”

White also talked about the progression the 4x400m boys relay team has made throughout the year. Many people thought NDCL's boys 4x400 team wouldn't do as well this year because all of the previous 4x400m runners graduated in 2023, he said.

“The kids just stepped up,” White said. “When everyone was doubting us saying 'NDCL has lost everybody, they are going to have a down year,' they kind of took that personally.”

Because of the motivation to succeed, White said some 4x400M runners averaged more than five seconds of improvement in the 400 this year.

“It's nice to have one person do that, but

townships would lose control of their zoning and the zoning referendum might cease to exist, Alusheff said.

Currently, if enough residents in a township want an amendment to the township zoning resolution, they can band together and put a referendum on the ballot so voters can decide if it's a good idea, he said.

Residents can attend all the boards’ meetings and state their cases for or against variances or amendments, a process Alusheff doubted would be practical under statewide mandated zoning

“Would we have to drive to Columbus to object?” he asked.

The zoning legislation might also include a zoning density bonus, which would benefit developers who could build more houses on smaller parcels, Alusheff said.

Townships like Geauga with 3- or 5-acre minimum lots could see streets with four houses on an acre spring up, he said.

“This is a big deal. I don’t know anything to compare this to,” Alusheff said. “When a government takes control from the people, it bothers me as an American and a resident of Ohio. We’ve gotta cut this off at the pass.”

when you get four of them to do that, it's kinds of neat," he said.

With the excellent progress the boys 400m relay team made this year, they also won the indoor state championship in early March at the Spire Institute.

Delivering first-place finishes April 9 were Rob Bonchak, Brennen Burke, Sean Butler and Colm Matheney in the boys 4x400m relay; and Ben Herczog, Casey McInnerny, Daniel Noronha and Zach Nieto in the boys 4x200m relay.

NDCL’s Arden Boehlefeld runs April 9 at an early season home meet, which all featured West Geauga and Hawken.

Obituaries

David W. Marthe

David W. Marthe, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, peacefully passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 79, in the comfort of his Andover, Ohio, residence.

David was born on July 11, 1944, in Bed ford, to Thomas and Jessie Marthe (nee Sund).

On Oct. 8, 1994, he united in marriage with his beloved Jill McElwain in East Clar idon, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

husband, Frank A. Mittower Jr.; son, Keith Mittower; granddaughter Allison Mittower; and her three sisters and two brothers.

The family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 23215 Commerce Park, #300, Beachwood, OH 44122, or www. alz.org, for the ongoing fight against this disease.

Private family services will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.

David was a self-employed sign maker. Together with his wife, he co-owned S and D Signs in Chardon, where his talent and passion for his work were greatly admired. He also supervised inmates at the Geauga Sheriff’s Post 2.

David was an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast and loved getting to ride his motorcycle.

He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness in the hearts of his devoted wife, Jill; his daughters, Kelly Hillier and Janette (Scott) Quiros; as well as his brothers, Tom, Rick (Marsha) and Ken (Laura).

With five grandchildren, David's spirit will live on, an enduring testament to the love and joy he shared with those closest to him.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Jessie; and his sister, Carolyn.

A Memorial Service to honor David's life and legacy will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com

Rachel F. Mittower

Rachel F. Mittower, 93, of Chardon, peacefully passed away April 8, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family.

Rachel was born Nov. 24, 1930, to Floyd and Margaret (nee Cameron) McLaughlin in Wauseon, Ohio. She graduated from Wauseon High School and later moved to Chardon, where she met and married Franklin A. Mittower Jr., on June 15, 1962, in Thompson Township. They enjoyed a fulfilling life together while raising their three children, Keith, Cheryl and Barbara, in Chardon.

Rachel worked for Addressograph Multigraph in Euclid and Snap Out Forms in Chardon for many years. She later worked at Richard's Bakery and ended her career in the billing department at Geauga Regional Hospital.

Rachel enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, such as word search puzzles and game shows. She was a great cook and baker. She treasured time spent with friends, often playing cards.

After her husband passed away, Rachel cherished her weekly outings with friends for shopping and lunch. She greatly missed those outings as mobility became more challenging.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Mike) Noble, of Hambden Township, and Barbara (Arnold Mallory) Fritsch, of Liberty Center, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Lisa Mittower, of Hartsgrove Township; grandchildren, Kristen (Chad) Bass, Jennifer Mittower, Kate (Chris) Homlish, Erin (Tony) Niksick, Ryan (Jessica) Noble; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents;

Elizabeth Hamilton

Elizabeth “Betty” Hamilton (nee Burke), passed away peacefully at her home on April 10, 2024.

Born on Dec. 19, 1932, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Robert and Susan Burke (nee Walsh), Betty carried the resilience and grace of her Irish heritage throughout her life's journey.

On Jan. 2, 1957, in her beloved Belfast, she exchanged vows with the love of her life, James Hamilton, and together, they shared a life of love and companionship until James's passing in 1997, leaving behind treasured memories that would forever reside in Betty's heart. In 1958, their path led them to become cherished members of the Geauga County community where they raised their family.

Betty was very talented with needles and thread as an avid knitter and seamstress. Yet, her greatest joy lay in the warmth of family and friends gathered around her. She embodied hospitality, finding immense pleasure in hosting those dear to her heart, creating moments cherished by all fortunate enough to be part of her circle.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in the hearts of her children, Wendy (Jeff) Schwall, Craig Hamilton, Brian Hamilton and Beth (Tom) McCaffrey. She was also a doting grandmother to Kelsey Hamilton, Molly (Ryan) Hofmann, Katie Hamilton and Clare Hamilton, whose lives were enriched by her gentle presence and unwavering love.

Betty now joins her beloved parents and her dear husband, James Hamilton, finding solace in the reunion with those who went before her.

The family invites all who knew and loved Betty to join them in a celebration of her life at 11 a.m. April 27, 2024, at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon. Following the service, a luncheon will be held, offering an opportunity for friends and family to share cherished memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Berkshire Education Foundation, a cause dear to

Betty's heart, at 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, OH 44021, ensuring that her spirit of generosity and compassion continues to touch the lives of others.

Arrangements entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Condolences may be shared at www.burrservice. com.

Carolyn Sue Clouser

Carolyn Sue (nee Conway) Clouser was born at the northeast section of Wildcat Township in Tipton County on Sept. 19,1933, and she lived 87 years of her life within 5 miles of where she was born.

Her parents were Manville E. Conway and Anabel Kleyla.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Conway (Dolores), in Parish, Fla.; and notable sisters-in-law, Betty Lou, Dolores Marlene, Valetta Jane and Forrest Ellen Clouser, of Tipton, Ind.

She married Lamoine Clouser at the Windfall Methodist Church on Nov. 30, 1951. They had three sons, Sidney Clouser (Anne), of Chardon, Rodney Clouser (deceased) and Matthew Clouser (Kim), of Burleson, Texas; three grandsons, Benjamin Clouser (Fatima), of Chicago, Ill., and Clayton and Travis Clouser, of Burleson, Texas; and, at last, a little great-granddaughter, Rosemin Clouser, of Chicago, Ill.

She lost her husband, Lamoine, on May 10, 2018, after 67 years of marriage.

Sue managed the family farm alone in her home when, in 2021, she realized she would need a knee replacement and the help of nearby family for her recovery. It was a heartache for her to think of leaving her home and the community she loved and had lived in for all her life, and to the end of that life she always called Indiana home. Still, she knew she needed family near her and she bought a condominium in Chardon, just three miles from her oldest son, and made the move.

At 87 years old, and with a new mobility, Sue embraced her new community, meeting and becoming friendly with the people living in her new neighborhood, joining Pilgrim Christian Church, attending exercise classes at the local YMCA and taking classes and trips with the Chardon Senior Center.

Sue’s remarkable life came to a close on April 3, 2024, after a brief illness. Her entire

family was able to be with her in the last week of her life and that day spent together filled her heart with great joy.

Her family would like to thank all the kind people of Chardon who befriended Sue after her move. She was embraced by her new neighborhood, and the fellowship of Pilgrim Christian Church. She enjoyed all her new friends at the YMCA, Book club, and Senior Center. Your kindness and friendship made the last three years of Sue’s life a joy.

On Sunday, April 21 the Pastor Sam Greening will conduct a brief remembrance for Sue at the end of service at Pilgrim Christian Church. A light luncheon will be served after service in Fellowship Hall at 11:00 am. Please enter through the double doors on South Hambden Street.

Grace E. M. Beranek

Grace E. M. Beranek, age 97 of Chardon, passed away April 12, 2024, at Maplewood in Munson Township.

Born Feb. 28, 1927, in Munson, to Alvie and Goldie (nee Apperson) Reed, she had been a lifelong area resident.

Grace was a graduate of Chardon High School, Class of 1946, and worked in the office at Snap Out Forms and later as a secretary for the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.

Grace loved her family and dogs. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards and Thursday lunches with family and friends after shopping in Chardon.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; siblings, James, Vernon, Russell, Kenneth, Alvie, Mabel, Gladys, Marie and Virginia.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes, 126 South St., Chardon, with burial to follow at Montville Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at the funeral home.

The family would like to offer their thanks to Hospice of the Western Reserve for their help and care during Grace’s final days.

Donations are suggested to Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Services entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Madison, Chardon, Painesville & Fairport Harbor. Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.

David Richard Harrington

David Richard Harrington was born in Chardon, in 1953, and resided in Mid dlefield his entire childhood and part of his adult life, until relocating to Gar rettsville, when he married the love of his life, Rebecca (nee Dean). David lost his year-plus fight with can cer, where most never knew he was sick, on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

David’s family has a long history in Middlefield. David’s grandfather, “Charlie,” established and owned Middlefield Hardware, which was well-known and served the community for many years.

David not only always thought big, but also had the courage and tenacity to pursue and achieve his dreams. He acquired a Kubota franchise to add to the family business and named it “Middlefield Tractor Barn,” and then became one of the largest Kubota dealers in the United States and Canada.

He then decided to relocate the hardware store from its downtown location to the west side of the village and, to accomplish this, created a large strip mall, thereby making space for additional tenants. They labeled the mall “Harrington Square” and, although the hardware store is no longer a tenant, due to David’s relentless efforts the 80,000-square-foot property is today thriving with local businesses, many which he helped into business, bringing special value to the Village of Middlefield.

David graduated from Cardinal High School . . . but his friends claim he got his MBA and Ph.D. from “The Jimmy Carter School of Economics.” Shortly after building the strip mall, interest rates soared to 18%, inflation spun out of control and jobs became scarce. Not only did David survive these challenging economic conditions, but he also continued to seek and find opportunities for additional risk. David viewed real estate like a jigsaw puzzle and was a master at acquiring the pieces to complete the puzzle. He was able to acquire, parcel-by-parcel, enough property adjacent to his mall to attract Wal-Mart, and then compile additional parcels for another small strip center adjacent to Harrington Square.

As a true entrepreneur, he went on throughout his life with many other real estate investments. His business partner and soulmate was his wife, Becky, and together they were fearless and creative, and, fortunately, she was supportive and not risk adverse.

David’s profession was property development, but his hobbies were many. He loved anything piston-powered and collected and built numerous cars that were both speed-based and museum quality. He did the research and became nationally known for some of his cars and frequently attended high-end car auctions.

David also loved great food. Anytime he entertained, his quests were in for a treat.

For the last three years, he and Becky vacationed for the month of February in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. In addition to relaxing with friends and enjoying the ocean, he searched out the best restaurants and took the lead on finding which restaurant had the best clam chowder, the best sea food and the best deserts, and for the 28 days of February, every evening dinner was an event with David’s great friends and good food.

Outside of his profession of property de-

Obituaries

velopment, hobbies from cars to food and golf (which he played terribly), he was a friend to everyone he met. He had the ability to make an impression and made everyone he met feel like they had just made a new friend. When David entered a room, he would light it up, and he had the uncanny ability to make everyone smile and laugh.

David cared deeply for his family, always working to support his parents as they aged, and insuring success for his daughters as they grew and matured.

He had the same attitude for his friends: If a friend needed something where David could assist, there was never a doubt help was on the way. He loved his family, his friends, and his country.

He will be forever greatly loved and missed by his wife, Becky; his two daughters, Caitlynne and Evalynne; mother, Helen Harrington; sisters, Vicki (husband Jerry McCalmont), Ruth Ann (husband George Womack) and Paula Feitag; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He will also be missed by his many great friends and all who knew him.

David was preceded in death by his father, Richard Harrington.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield, from 3-6 p.m.

A remembrance service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.

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

Gertie Belle Buttram Nelson

Gertie Belle Buttram Nelson, age 84, of Powell, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord.

Gertie is preceded in death by her husband, Ward U. Nelson; parents, Louie and Zelma Buttram, of Lafollette, Tenn.; and siblings Virginia Rogers, Betty Herron and Eddie Buttram, of Lafollette.

She is survived by sisters Judy Rogan, of Parma, Ohio, Elaine (Joe) Johnson, of Lafollette, and Kathy(Ronnie) Hyden, of Lake City, Tenn.; brothers William (Delores) Buttram, of Lafollette and Darryl Buttram of Lafollette; children, Janice E. Blasinsky, of Medina, Ohio, Sharon J. (Stephen) Vagasky, of Powell, Tenn., Kenneth E. (Denise) Ward, of Cleveland, Jacqueline (John) Gregorich, of Chardon, Deanna Ward, of Cleveland, Danette (Jeff) Lausburg, of Chagrin Falls, Bradley (Alicia) Ward, of Sarasota, Fla., and Scott (Michelle), of Chardon; grandchildren, Angela (Dave) Yaniga, Dustin (Laura) Weaver, of North Aurora, Ill., Ryan (Kim) Weaver, of Friedens, Pa., Christian, Tyler, Mike (Alexis), of Parma, Danielle Greybeal, of Chardon, Jamie (John) Wilder, of Corbin, Ky., Charlie Kluznik, Max Kluznik, Breanna Turner, Matt Janecek, Nick Janecek, Robbie, Zach, Ian and Amber Ward, Zoe, Gianna, Rylee and Caleb Nelson; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.

Patricia Rose Neylon

In loving memory of Patricia Rose Neylon (nee Kovach), age 80, of Chardon Township, who peacefully passed away on April 15, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of her family’s love.

Born on May 28, 1943, to Frank S. and Rose M. (nee Toyzan) Kovach, in Painesville.

Patricia’s journey began at Harvey High School in Painesville, where she graduated with the class of 1961.

She met Phil Neylon when he was staying with his sister, right next door to her family’s home on Nebraska Street. Patricia’s heart skipped a beat as she watched Phil wash his car and, from that moment on, their love story unfolded. They exchanged vows two years later on Oct. 21, 1961. Together, they embarked on a life journey, settling on East King Street in Chardon, in 1967, where they raised their beautiful family of six children before finding their forever home on Woodin Road in Chardon Township.

She embraced her father’s passion for flowers and plants, always appreciating their beauty, and she could effortlessly name each one. An avid book reader, and an unwavering fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns.

As her children grew, she worked at St. Denis Golf Course and Alpine Ski Lodge, where her kids benefited from perks of free golfing and skiing, which made for even more wonderful memories.

She enjoyed family gatherings. Spending time with her family was her greatest joy.

Her legacy lives on through her children, John (Holly) Neylon, of Chardon, Peter (Lia) Neylon, of Glendale, Ariz., Marion (Doug) Mathes, of Geneva, Bridget Neylon, of Chardon, Judy Neylon, of Chardon; son-in-law, Sean Wolcott, of Verona, Pa.; brother, Francis “Frank” (Valleri) Kovach, of Painesville; and her seven beloved grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Phil Neylon; and daughter Kellie Wolcott, whose memories remain etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

A visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, April 22, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 401 North St., Chardon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice. com

Linda Lee Dean

Linda Lee Dean, 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, April 15, 2024, surrounded by family after a courageous 9 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born on April 3, 1949, in Cleve land, the daughter of Ralph Peter and Arline June (nee Boettner) Sajewski.

Linda was a 1967 graduate of Euclid High School.

On June 22, 1991, she married her love and favorite travel partner, Larry Dean. For 21 years, she was the owner and operator, along with her husband Larry, of L&L Dean Trucking, and together they traveled coast to coast for FedEx and were blessed to see the country.

When she wasn’t on the road, she loved to tend to her flower beds at home and spend time with her family. She cherished all the family get togethers, clam bakes and hosting family picnics at her home.

Linda loved traveling, sightseeing, fishing and camping.

Linda is survived by her husband, Larry W. Dean Sr.; sons, Larry W. (Gina) Dean Jr. and Eric Jon (Audra) Dean; grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin) Rapp, Brittney (Adam) Black, and Caleb and Travis Dean; great-grandchildren, James and Jaxen Rapp; siblings, Ralph John (Linda) Sajewski, Julie Ann Meyers, Donna Jean (Robert) Lemmo, Allen Lewis (Meg) Sajewski and Michalene “Micki” Shirley Kincaid; and many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated, and the family will host a celebration of life at their home at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Sly Family Funeral Home, 16760 West High St., Middlefield. Online condolences may be left at www. slyffh.com.

Geauga Public Library

Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.

Discussion Groups

No registration is required.

• Thompson, April 20, 2 p.m., “Every Last Fear” by Alex Finlay

• Virtual, April 25, 7 p.m., “The Speckled Beauty” by Rick Bragg

• Geauga West, May 1, 7 p.m., “The 272” by Rachel Swarns

• Geauga West, May 2, 2 p.m., “Citizen Kane”

Make a Pop Phone Grip

April 18, 4 p.m.

• Chardon

Youth in grades 3-5 will use their creativity to make a cool piece of art to put on their phones.

Identity Theft Protection

April 19, 2 p.m.

• Bainbridge

Join a representative of the Ohio Attorney General's Office and learn how to protect oneself from identity theft and address its effects should one become a victim.

Storytimes

A complete list of upcoming storytime programs is available on the website’s calendar.

Volunteer Fair

April 20, 9 a.m. to noon

• Chardon

Meet different agency representatives and learn how and where to volunteer. No registration is required.

Adult Coloring Club

April 22, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Chardon

Relax and unwind by coloring stress away. No registration is required.

D&D

April 23, 6-8 p.m.

• Virtual

Teens in grades 6-12 will venture on a quest into the realm of Dungeons & Dragons.

Microsoft Word Basics

April 26, 1:30 p.m.

• Admin.Center

Learn how to use Microsoft Word to write one’s next big writing project and more.

Bulletin Board

Armchair Tour: Civil War Sites

April 27, 2 p.m. • Virtual

Join through Zoom and tour the National Park Services, visiting various American Civil War sites along the way.

All About Falls

April 29, 2 p.m. • Bainbridge

Learn about the risk factors associated with falling, ways to reduce the risk of falls and how to identify potential hazards at home.

Creative Writing

May 1, 7 p.m. • Bainbridge

Stimulate one’s literary mind with unique in-house writing prompts and share work with other local writers.

Train for a Triathlon

May 2, 7 p.m. • Bainbridge

Listen as Jimmy Bagnola, owner of Bike Ohio in Chagrin Falls and a triathlon coach, discusses different ways to train for this multi-sport event.

GeaugaDistrictPark

For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Experience Stream Sampling

May 4

Expect to be fascinated, educated and inspired by Ohio’s native fish species during a special event being hosted by the Ohio Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition and Geauga Park District. The stream sampling event will take place at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. Register for one of two sessions – either 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m.

Bring water to drink and a lunch to eat between sessions, dress to get wet and bring waders and rubber gloves if available, as these will be required for the electrofishing session; other equipment and directions to the site will be provided to those who register.

Health

Food Addicts in Recovery

Wednesdays, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Effective Aug. 1, 2023, for-profit and nonprofit organizations or groups will need to purchase a paid advertisement for an event anytime tickets are sold, a fee is charged or a freewill donation is taken. If an organization or group does not wish to buy an ad to promote their event and connect with our readers, Karlovec Media Group will print a simple liner-type ad identifying the event, date/time/place and a number to call for more information. E-mail submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

Earth Day Adventure

April 22, 12-1 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day by joining local forestry consultant Joel Firem for a guided woodland hike at Kent State Geauga. The adventure begins at Clark Commons. Local plants, wildlife and habitat will be discussed. Registration is not required for the free event.

Good Deeds Programs

The Good Deeds Program is a free informational program designed to inform individuals how to hold their assets while living to avoid the cost and time associated with the probate court process later.

Upcoming programs are: April 23, 6 p.m., Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township; and May 14, 6 p.m., Adams Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township.

To register, call Cheryl at 440-226-4928.

Geauga PERI Meets

April 24, 11 a.m.

The Geauga County Public Employee Retirees, Inc. (PERI) Chapter 86 will meet at St. Mary’s banquet room in Chardon. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Regina Witsaman, district representative. Call 440-226-4491 to RSVP by April 19.

LCGS Meeting

April 25, 10 a.m.

The Lake County Genealogical Society

will meet on Zoom. Following a short business meeting, guest speaker Shelly Bishop, an Ohio-based genealogist and president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association for Professional Genealogists, will present “Avoiding an Ancestor Identity Crisis.” She will demonstrate the use of seven strategies to help solve identity problems to keep one’s research on track.

Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more information and the invitation to the Zoom meeting. One does not need to be a member to attend the monthly meeting.

For more information, call Cynthia at 440-951-0914.

RockAbility Performs

April 25, 7-10 p.m.

RockAbility joins Tune Traders to perform Geauga Park District’s The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. Participants will take turns playing songs they’ve prepared to share.

Earth and Arbor Day Celebration

April 27, 1-4 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at Blue Pear & Gardens, 12472 Old State Road in East Claridon Township. An ISA certified arborist will highlight how to properly plant a containerized tree. Call or text 440-476-7592 to register for the free event by April 23.

Water Safety Rodeo

April 28, 1-3 p.m.

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and Safe Kids are sponsoring a free event that teaches families about water safety in a fun and engaging way at the Geauga Family YMCA, 12460 Bass Road in Chardon. Children who attend each receive a free life jacket. Registration is recommended by April 15. Questions? Contact Briana Price at Briana.Price@UHHospitals.org.

Gardening 101

May 4, 10 a.m. to noon

Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ free Gardening 101 series continues with “Working and Maintaining the Garden” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Master gardener Karen Wright will guide attendees to make smart choices early to minimize maintenance down the road. Registration is required; call 440-834-4656. For more information, visit geauga.osu.edu.

VFW Prime Rib Dinner

May 4, 5:30-7 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 is hosting a prime rib dinner and drawing at the post located at 752 Water St. Only 100 tickets will be sold for the $500 drawing. The event also features sideboards, 50/50 and mystery ticket. The public is welcome. Call 440285-3699 for information.

Obsessed with food, weight or dieting? Join every Wednesday for a Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meeting at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road, Chardon. The free 12-step program is for those suffering from overeating, under-eating or bulimia. For more information, call 440295-3353 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

Bloodmobile

American Red Cross urges donors to make and keep blood and platelet donation appointments by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

April 23, Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., Chardon, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 25, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield 12-6 p.m.

April 25, Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Swinging Hams

Swinging Hams 4-H Club met on April 2. Members discussed registration form due dates, poultry clinic dates, QA dates, the swine tagging deadline, poultry pickup dates, Geauga County Fair theme decoration ideas and 4-H camp registration deadlines. They also learned about swine diseases and medicine labels as well as poultry species and diseases. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. May 7 at the Hambden Town Hall. Anyone interested in joining may contact Bernadette Greenwalt at 440-221-8148. (Submitted by Ethan Koch, news reporter)

The Chardon Middle School Builders Club, advised by school intervention specialist Amanda Weaver and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Chardon, poses for a group photo with rolls of paper towels in hand at Rescue Village in Novelty on March 18, delivering the 174 rolls they amassed through a one-week collection drive at school for the humane society.

Career Speakers Needed

Community members and organizations whose jobs are associated with a vehicle are invited to register as speakers for the third annual Career Vehicles Day job exploration event.

Career Vehicles Day is a high-energy, learning event for young Hilltoppers each year and a unique opportunity for community organizations and businesses to connect with students about career pathways. Participants from previous years have included first responders, bus drivers, ice cream and pizza businesses, waste disposal companies, construction firms, race car drivers and many more.

Enthusiasm and readiness to briefly discuss one’s career and answer youthful student questions are required, but no prior career speaking experience is expected. Bring one’s career-related vehicle to showcase and offer vehicle tours, if feasible.

School counselor and Career Vehicles Day spearhead Erika Barnett is in her third year of hosting the event for Chardon Schools. This year’s installment will be held rain or shine on May 7 during the school day in the Munson Elementary School parking lot.

Registration is required and is due by May 3 to Mrs. Barnett at erika.barnett@ chardonschools.org

Generosity Preps for Eclipse

As Hilltopper students looked ahead to the day off from school on April 8 for the total solar eclipse, an abundance of community generosity came pouring into Chardon Schools buildings via donations of eclipse glasses, viewers and safety tips for every student to take home in time for the epic solar event.

Thank you to the following donors for their top-notch thoughtfulness through donations to the schools: Chardon Family Eyecare, Geauga Park District and Judge John Eklund, of the 11th District of Court of Appeals - the court’s presiding and administrative judge.

working on Mrs. Kreuz’ class assignment — “How to Blow a Bubble Second-Grade Style.”

Donna Shafranek Retires

Congratulations to Donna Shafranek on her April 1 retire ment from Chardon Schools. Spanning

Mrs. Shafranek’s 25 years with the district were her as signments as an ed ucational assistant at Park Elementary, where she spent most of her years and ulti mately retired.

Mrs. Shafranek’s work at Park was preceded by the same role at Chardon High School and Chardon Middle School with earlier assignments including Hambden Elementary School recess aide and district secretary substitute.

She shared that her retirement plans include visiting her sons; reading, creating artwork, hiking, kayaking, yoga and bike riding; and volunteering in the community. The district wishes Mrs. Shafranek the best in this exciting new chapter.

They are morning prekindergartner Maggie E., afternoon prekindergartner Norah Anderson; kindergartner Elliot K.; first-grader Alivia S.; second-graders Maddie T. and Christian G.; third-grader Lucas K.; fourth-graders Malea Y.

enth-graders John L. and Nikya B.; eighth-grad ers Brooklyn W. and Kaley V.; freshmen Natalie S. and Becca K.; sophomores Marie S. and Andrew B.; juniors Morgan T. and Troy C.; and seniors Elliot B. and Hanna H.

Shafranek

Legal Notices

Sealed bids will be received at the office of the Board of County Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, Ohio 44024, for the: GEAUGA COUNTY 2024-2026 CLEANING SERVICE CONTRACT

during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 1:45 pm (local time) on May 8, 2024, at which time the bids shall be opened and publicly read at 2:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers, Room B303.

Printed plans and specifications may be obtained from the Geauga County Maintenance Department, 13211 Aquilla Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024-1068, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. An electronic set of plans and specifications may also be requested via email to msieracki@geauga.oh.gov, or by calling Matt Sieracki at (440) 279-1759.

There will be a mandatory contractor prebid meeting at 10:00 a.m. on April 24, 2024 at the front of the Geauga County Annex Building, located at 231 Main Street, Chardon, Ohio, 44024.

A copy of this legal notice is posted on the Geauga County’s website. Go to bocc.geauga. oh.gov/public-notifications/bid-openings/ and click on the project name to view this legal notice.

Envelopes containing the bid and other required documents shall be sealed and clearly marked: “BID – GEAUGA COUNTY CLEANING SERVICES, Attention: Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order in for 5% of the total amount bid. The bid bond or guaranty must be submitted as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into in conformity to the invitation and the bid, and its performance properly secured.

The bid bond or guaranty shall be issued by an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio and said company shall have local representation. The bond or guaranty is subject to approval by the County Prosecutor.

The Geauga County Commissioners reserve the right to waive any formalities, irregularities, and/or to reject any or all bids received or any part thereof.

Terms of payment shall be as described in the bid specifications. BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GEAUGA COUNTY Christine Blair, Clerk Apr11-18, 2024

BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GEAUGA COUNTY

Apr11-18, 2024

check, or money order for five 5% of the total amount bid. The bid bond or guaranty must be submitted as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into in conformity to the invitation and the bid and its performance properly secured. The

shall be

Christine Blair, Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000173 – First Community Mortgage, Inc., Plaintiff vs. Jonathan Parkhurst, et al., Defendants

THE UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR AND/OR SURVIVING ENTITIES OF THE FOX RUN SUBDIVISION, whose last known addresses are unknown and all of whose residences are unknown, will hereby take notice that on March 8th, 2024, Plaintiff filed its Complaint in the Common Pleas Court of Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, being Case No. 24-F-000173 in said Court against JONATHAN PARKHURST, et al. praying for Judgment of $287,889.73 with interest at the rate of 4.25000% per annum from June 1, 2023, until paid and for foreclosure of a mortgage on the following described real estate, to wit:

PARCEL NO. 29-108048

STREET ADDRESS: 306 Fox Way, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

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

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

FIRST COMMUNITY MORTGAGE, INC.

By Ellen L. Fornach (0085284); Bethany L. Suttinger (0085068), Padgett Law Group, Attorneys for Plaintiff; 8087 Washington Village Drive, Ste. 220, Dayton, Ohio 45458. Phone: (850)422-2520; Fax: (850)422-2567

OHAttorney@padgettlawgroup.com. Apr11-18-25, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000105

by an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio and said company shall have local representation. The bond or guaranty is subject to approval by the County Prosecutor. The Geauga County Commissioners reserve the right to waive any formalities, irregularities, and/or to reject any or all bids received or any part thereof. Terms of payment shall be as described in the bid specifications.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 9398 Morgan Rd., Montville, OH 44064

A Copy of the full legal description may be obtained from the County Auditors Office.

The Petitioner further alleges that by reason of default of Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996 for the benefit of Brian J. Allen (Deceased) in the payment of a promissory note, according to its tenor, the conditions of a concurrent mortgage deed given to secure the payment of said note and conveying the premises described, have been broken, and the same has become absolute.

The Petitioner prays that Defendants named above be required to answer and set up their interest in said real estate or be forever barred from asserting the same, for foreclosure of said mortgage, the marshalling of any liens, and the sale of said real estate, and the proceeds of said sale applied to the payment of Petitioner’s claim in the proper order of its priority, and for such other further relief as is just and equitable.

DEFENDANTS NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE THE 20 DAY OF JUNE, 2024.

BY: Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., L.P.A., Daniel C. Wolters (#0076521), 1100 Superior Avenue East, Suite 1100, Cleveland, OH 44114. Tel: (216) 771-6500, Fax: (216) 7716540. email: courtnotices@weinerlaw.com Apr18-25 May2-9-16-23, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Troy Township

Notice is hereby given that the Troy Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on eight appeals for variances to the Troy Township Zoning Resolution on the 29th day of April, 2024 starting at 7:00 o’clock p.m. at the Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, Burton, OH 44021.

Applications #ZP23-26, ZP23-27 & ZP2328 submitted by Preston Real Estate, requests that they be granted relief regarding area zoning certificates for lot coverage, yard setbacks and buffer zone in the B-1 District. The applications for the following appeals pertain to Article IV.

ZP23-26: (lot coverage) Section 403.8(A) which states, the maximum lot coverage shall be 30%. They wish for 61.58% which is a variance of 31.58%.

ZP23-27: (yard setbacks) Section 403.6(A)(3) which states, rear yard setback: 75 feet. They wish for 27.79 feet which is a variance of 47.21 feet.

ZP23-28: (buffer zone) Section 403.6(C) which states, A buffer zone of not less than 100 feet in width (side or rear) shall be required wherever a residential districts abuts a commercial district. No structure, building, accessory building, parking area or sign shall be permitted in a buffer zone. They wish for 27.79 feet which is a variance of 72.21 feet. Preston Real Estate has filed applications for area zoning certificates and wants them to be granted for the property located at 14330 Main Market Road in Troy Township PPN# 32-074010.

Applications #ZP24-2, ZP24-4, ZP2024-5 & ZP24-6 submitted by John H Mullet, request that they be granted a conditional zoning certificate and area zoning certificates for his home business (Machine Shop) in the R-3 District. The applications for the following appeals pertain to Article IV.

ZP24-2: Wants to be granted a conditional zoning certificate.

be 10 percent. He wishes for 13.9% which is a variance of 3.9%.

John H Mullet has filed applications for a conditional zoning certificate and area zoning certificates and wants it to be granted for the property located at 16339 Claridon Troy Road in Troy Township PPN# 32-065100.

Application #ZP24-10, submitted by Martin W Mullet on behalf of Robert Pfeiffer, requests that he be granted relief regarding an area zoning certificate for lot frontage and width prior to purchasing the property located in the R-3 District. The application for the appeal pertains to Article IV Section 402.5(A) which states, A. The minimum lot frontage and width shall be two hundred and fifty (250) feet, except for lots located on a permanent cul-de-sac road turnaround. They request 60 feet frontage for a variance of 190 feet.

Martin W Mullet on behalf of Robert Pfeiffer has filed an application for an area zoning certificate and wants it to be granted for the property located at 18900 Mumford Road in Troy Township PPN# 32-064300. Lisa Murphy, Secretary Apr18, 2024

Allen, if any whose last place of residence was 15340 Valentine Road, Thompson, OH 44086: and whose present place of residence is unknown, will take notice on February 14, 2024, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F000105 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, alleging that Defendants, Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen, Jan Doe 1, Name Unknown, Spouse of Brianna M. Allen, if any, and Jan Doe 2, Name Unknown, Spouse of Alek Allen, if any

ZP24-4: (square footage) Section 402.3.0(A)(2) (c) which states that an Accessory Building for a Home Occupation shall not exceed the lesser of the square footage of the principal dwelling unit or not to exceed 700 square feet per acre to a maximum of 3,500 square feet and must conform to all regulations of the zoning district in which it is located, including lot coverage restrictions. His lot is 3 acres, which permits a 2,100 square foot building and he wishes for 3,814 square feet which is a variance of 1,714 square feet.

ZP24-5: (conform with all regulations) Section 402.3.0 (A)(2)(g) which states that the dwelling unit or accessory building in which a home occupation is conducted shall conform with all the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located. Section 606.0(A) which states A driveway in the residential zoning district(s) shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from the nearest side and rear lot lines, measured in a perpendicular fashion from the lot line to the edge of the driveway, shall be constructed of a durable all-weather surface, and shall be a minimum of 10 feet. The driveway is 0 feet for a variance of 10 feet. ZP24-6: (lot coverage) Section 402.8 which states that the maximum lot coverage shall

accompanied

(uploaded for

for

full amount of the

(100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening. Bids may be held by the Munson 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 Munson 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 Munson Township Board of Trustees. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/.

plies which are not needed, obsolete, or unfit for the public use for which it was acquired; and be it further

RESOLVED, that all property is offered for sale “as is, where is” with Geauga County making no warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind expressed or implied, as to the condition of said items; and that any computers sold via Internet auction shall have their hard drive either wiped utilizing U.S. Department of Defense standards or the hard drive will be removed; and the Buyer will receive notification by e-mail from the Geauga County auction and be required to make payment in full via US currency, certified cashier’s check, money order, or company check ( with bank letter guaranteeing funds) within five (5) business days from the time and date of said notification; and the Buyer will be responsible for removal of said items from the Geauga County facility within ten (10) business days of receipt of said notification; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the number of days of bidding for each auction, as specified in ORC 307.12 (E), will be at least ten (10) days, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Geauga County Board of Commissioners will conduct auctions itself at www.geauga.oh.gov (County’s representative is Tammy Kuhn, [12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 140, Chardon Ohio, 44024, (440) 2791730] and may also contract with GovDeals, Inc., 6931 Arlington Road Suite 460, Bethesda Maryland, 20814; phone 800-613-0156, www. govdeals.com to conduct some auctions on the county’s behalf; and be it further

RESOLVED, after adoption of this resolution, the Geauga County Commissioners shall publish in The Geauga County Maple Leaf, a newspaper of general circulation, notice of its intent to sell unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use county personal property by internet auction to be published twice, the first notice shall be published on April 18th, 2024 and the second notice shall be published on May 2nd, 2024 which second notice is not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) days after the first notice and the notices shall include a summary of the information provided in this resolution. And be it further

RESOLVED, that a similar notice shall also be posted continuously throughout the calendar year in a conspicuous place in the offices of the County Auditor and the Board of County Commissioners as well as being posted continuously on the county website (at www.geauga. oh.gov); and be it further

RESOLVED, that when property is to be sold by Internet Auction, the County Board of Commissioners or its representatives reserve the right, at a later date, to establish a minimum price that will be accepted for specific items and may establish any other terms and conditions for the particular sale, including but not limited to requirements for pick-up or delivery, method of payment, and payment of sales tax in accordance with applicable laws; and be it further

RESOLVED, that such information shall be provided on the Internet at the time of the auction and may be provided before that time upon request after the terms and conditions have been determined by the board or its representatives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution becomes part of the permanent record of the Board of Commissioners of Geauga County, Ohio.

Apr18 May2, 2024

PRO TUNC, BY CORRECTING THE AMOUNT APPROPRIATED IN THE LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 24-123 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA AGREEMENT WITH SHERPA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 24-104 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES RELATED TO HIS DAUGHTER’S BACK ALLEY EVENT, WAIVING THE PROHIBITION OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES REGARDING SAME, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 24-109 AN ORDINANCE AU-

GY COUNCIL (NOPEC) 2024 ENERGIZED COMMUNITY GRANT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

The complete text of these resolutions and ordinances may be viewed or obtained at the office of the Fiscal Officer, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield, Ohio during regular business hours.

Cindy Detweiler,

Administrative Asstistant/Billing Clerk Apr18, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000107 – Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2019-2, Plaintiff vs. Barbara Ippolito, as Heir to the Estate of Ann M. Mesick, et al., Defendants

Hall and Horning Oil Field Services, Inc., whose last known address is 5780 Moff Road, Atwater, OH 44201, will take notice that on February 14, 2024, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2019-2 filed its Complaint in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, assigned Case No. 24-F-000107 and styled Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 20192 vs. Barbara Ippolito, as Heir to the Estate of Ann M. Mesick, et al. The object of, and demand for relief in, the Complaint is to foreclose the lien of Plaintiff’s mortgage recorded upon the real estate described below and in which Plaintiff alleges that the foregoing defendant has or claims to have an interest:

Parcel number(s): 15-047300

Property address: 9364 Bascom Road, Chardon, OH 44024

The defendant named above is required to answer the Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publication of this legal notice. This legal notice will be published once a week for three successive weeks.

By Ann Marie Johnson, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, 614-220-5611, amj@manleydeas.com. Apr4-11-18, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

23-M-000466 – U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2, Plaintiff vs. John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., et al., Defendants John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Unknown heirs of Linda French, AKA Linda K. French, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Name(s) Unknown, the Unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, beneficiaries of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson and their unknown spouses and creditors; and, the unknown spouse of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office

April 5 to April 11, 2024.

CITIZEN ASSIST

April 7

8:13 p.m., Parkwood Lane, Chardon. Caller is requesting a deputy to stand by so he can go talk to his brother. Wants to tell his brother he is "sick of his shit. I need a sheriff to stand by while I talk to him. I want to go over there and talk to him and tell him what's up and I'm getting a Protection order. He keeps threatening me with getting a protection order. I want to tell him he is a punk, lazy ass and retarded." Provided guidance.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

April 5

11:47 a.m., Hobart Road, Parkman. Caller advised she just had an argument with male and he pushed her. They live together and have a child. He pushed her into the couch and it hit her back but is denying needing an ambulance. Male left a little bit ago. He drinks a lot but caller does not think he was drinking today. No weapons that caller knows. Report taken.

NOISE PROBLEM

April 9

Her neighbor is screaming at her children outside. No children or parent observed outside at the listed address. Spoke with neighbors outside who stated they have been outside and not heard any yelling today. Complainant called back and advised female is yelling at the kids again. She heard her say: "I am going to kill you." She does this all the time. Caller would like the kids checked on. Spoke with resident and advised her of the complaint. She stated she is watching her grandchild and yelling at the dog for pooping and tearing up her house.

SUSPICIOUS

April 5

10:07 a.m., Auburn, Munson. Caller has footprints around her house from some time overnight. No signs of forced entry or anything missing. Footprints leading from the driveway to the back of the woods. Complainant wanted this recorded. She has no cameras and does not know who it may have been. Nothing missing from sheds and nothing else suspicious noted.

April 5

2:32 p.m., Clay Street, Thompson. Caller bought a dress off of Facebook marketplace. Caller reports after she left his house, the male texted her and attempted to solicit for sex. Caller has text threads. Caller resides in Perry Township. Caller received messages about a Facebook marketplace sale that believed was going to be an adult meet up for a possible exchange for sex. Nothing in the message directly indicate a solicitation attempt. I attempted to call, he did not answer. A message was left.

April 5

8:12 p.m., Kinsman and Auburn Roads, Newbury. On Route 87 east of Auburn Road, male staggering down the middle of the road yelling at cars. Almost got hit. Tall, red hoodie, white male. Walking eastbound. Will meet at Routes 534 and 87 at Dollar General.

April 7

9:44 a.m., GAR Highway, Hambden Corners, Hambden. Flagged down, male in Hambden Corners going crazy. Male left and was talking about spaceships.

April 8

3:29 p.m., Chardon Windsor Road, Hambden. Caller said a airplane flew over her home leaving a trail behind it. The caller said plane smelled like it dumped something and it smelled like rubbing alcohol and chemicals. The caller's husband also came out and smelled the same smell. Deputy could not smell anything while on location. The plane was possibly a C-130. Deputy left message with Vienna airbase to see if planes were flying over Geauga County today.

April 11

7:55 a.m., Kinsman Road, Newbury. During the overnight hours, the caller believes someone broke into the shop where the caller was staying. The caller watched the person pull the window open around 4:21 a.m. and enter the building. When the person saw the caller, they took off. Person was on foot and went into the wood line into the woods. Not believed anything was taken. Complainant believes he witnessed a person outside the building attempting to get in at 4:20 a.m. No entry was made and no sign of damage to windows.

THEFT

April 7

10:53 p.m., Main Market Road, Parkman. Caller's book bag was stolen and had a .380 firearm inside. Caller is currently in Warren, estimated time of arrival to his job at Montville Rubber is about 20 minutes. Will arrive in a black ford explorer, chrome rims. Caller believes it was stolen from his truck while his truck was at Montville Rubber. Called complainant back to make sure he was at Montville Rubber, he is, and was advised that a deputy would be on his way.

THREATENING

April 10

3:59 p.m., Burton Windsor Road, Burton. Caller receiving text threats from -that he will come to his property and kill his animals. Caller advised when you pull on to the property keep right and take all rights you can until you arrive at the residence. No direct threats. On-going issue with family drama over the years. I spoke with suspect and he knew what he said was wrong. Both parties advised to not contact each other anymore.

TRAFFIC CRASH

April 6

3:27 p.m., Wilson Mills Road, Chardon. Vehicle flipped over. One person is moving person still in the vehicle. Interstate has the vehicle. Road open. Male transported to hospital for injuries, information taken. Per Chardon Fire Squad: have police respond to ambulance bay to retrieve bottle of alcohol stashed by driver of vehicle while being transported. Dispatch advised they found an alcohol bottle inside the ambulance. Upon arrival to the ER, paramedic stated that he found an alcohol bottle stored behind the heart monitor. I mirandized the subject and he admitted that it was his and that he tried hiding the "evidence."

Help Wanted

Normandy Products in Middlefield has immediate openings on all shifts for Press Operators, Material Handlers, Mold Setters, and Process Technicians. Our highly competitive pay rates start at $17/hour for Press Operators with and additional $1/hour for 2nd and 3rd shift. We offer a complete benefits package including paid vacation and sick time in your first year. We are safety focused, and provide on the job training. Apply now at jobs.crh.com.

Amish Housekeeper Wanted: Weekly house cleaning in Russell Township for small family. 203-907-7940. Lawn Care Needed, Kiwanis Lake Community, 440591-3676.

AUTOS & PARTS

For Sale: 2008 Chevy Impala, 148k miles, runs and drives, needs work; $1,100. 440-313-1178.

FOR RENT

Warehouse or storage building: Washington St. near Rt. 44 in Auburn. 32X56, 12X12 overhead door, concrete floor, electric, and additional parking. $790/month. 12-month lease. 440-552-0228.

Office Space in Chardon: second floor, Main Street, approx. 535 square feet. $600/month, includes HVAC and water. Call 440-285-2247.

FOR SALE

Porta potty; $100. Sofa: floral design, very good condition; Free. Call 440-655-9999, leave message, will call you back.

Firewood: Seasoned Hardwood. Average length 17”. Free delivery within 10 miles of Chardon. 4’x8’x17” $120. Fresh cut firewood discounted now. 440-6875404.

Pub Table: 42” round, cast aluminum, with 4 swivel chairs, 4 cushions and umbrella. Excellent condition; $350 firm. 440-223-6056.

Howard Rototiller: 42” wide, for compact tractor. Cat 1 three-point hitch. $1,800. 440-487-2955.

2012 Toro, AC start, two-stage snow blower, 205cc Briggs & Straton, 22” cut, EC; $450/OBO.

Free horse manure: will load pickup truck or low trailer. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

John Deere Lawn Tractor: Model 314, 14-HP, hydraulic 3-blade 46” cutting deck, w/snow plow and trailer; $1,200/OBO. 440-564-1172.

Solid Cherry Corner Desk: like new, 78” tall, 48” depth, 64” wide, paid $2,250, asking $1,480/OBO. Antique French round marble table w/4 chairs, $1,600/OBO. 440-338-3563.

Bolens model 5118H Heavy Duty Garden Tractor: 17HP, hydraulic, 48” direct-drive cutting deck and PTO; $1,300. 440-487-9001.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Second Hand Treasures. A unique shopping place. Something for everyone! Weekly Sales: Thursday, Friday, Saturday. 9a-5p. Many $1 bargains. 9098 Old St Road, Rt.608, Chardon.

Multi Family: 12576 Bass Lake Rd. 4/25-4/26, 9a-4p, and Sat 4/27 9a-noon. Game table w/captain’s chairs, rugs, bedding, luggage, jeans, much misc.

Garage Sale: Cleaning out the attic at 17048 Madison Rd, Middlefield. Old doors and China sets, etc. Wednesday, April 24.

PETS & ANIMALS

Shih Tzu puppies for sale: registered, vet checked, vaccinated, and micro-chipped; $850 each. 440-218-0577.

Sammy needs an indoor home! Large, handsome, black & white 6-yr old cat. Very sweet. Loves being petted & brushed. Neutered, vaccinated. Rebecca 440321-2485.

SERVICES

Did you know Karlovec Media Group prints business cards? Prices start at only $30 for 500 (B&W, 1-sided, no bleed). Call 440-729-7667 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com.

Will do in-home care for your loved ones, in Geauga county. Any ages. 24/7. Certified with references. 440313-1804.

Albert’s complete tree service, land clearing, firewood, excavation and sewer work. 440-687-5404.

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

WANTED TO BUY

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119.

Wanted to purchase: Twelve(12) 4-H Feeder Pigs. Also, looking for Silkies or Polish hens. Please call 440-6365747.

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

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

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week of April 8, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Kevin and Shannon Boster, 17797 Sterling Glen Lane, to Kay Elizabeth Caccamo, $520,000. (3.00 acres)

Squire Farm North LLC, 17107 Ravenna Road, to James William Ross III, $430,000. (5.48 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 416), to Blue Skies Partners Holdings LLC, $285,000. (0.74 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 418), to Blue Skies Partners Holdings LLC, $290,000. (1.00 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 417), to Blue Skies Partners Holdings LLC, $295,000. (1.28 acres)

Wendy J. Mesnick (TOD), 17784 Haskins Road, to Karma Stewart, Matthew Robbins and Matthew D. Stewart, $385,000. (3.36 acres)

Ellen Picard (TOD) and Patricia L. Hartman (TOD), 18230 Rolling Brook Drive, to Sprectral Inc., $460,000. (0.46 acres) Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 403), to Jackie Celestin (trustee), $300,000. (0.77 acres)

Real Estate Transfers

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (open space), to Canyon Lakes Colony Master Association Inc., $18,000. (17.96 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Barbara E. Powell (TOD), 11160 Clark Road, to Rogerio Bammann and Erika Karilene De Lima Queiroz, $375,500. (2.45 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Petronzio Management Company LLC, 8553 Herrick Drive, to AP Edu Services LLC, $545,000. (0.88 acres)

Mary A. Stokes (TOD), 11865 County Line Road, to Carrie and James J. Lorimer, $485,000. (3.88 acres)

Jeanine and Gregory Lee Caldwell, 7236 Sherman Road, to Hai and Ying Sun Wang, $540,000. (2.70 acres)

CLARIDON TOWNSHIP

Janice M. Koster, Stoney Springs Drive (s/l 2), to Timothy A. and Lori A. Smith, $75,000. (3.02 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Jody A. and Nicole T. Clinger, Huntley Road, to Nathan S. Detweiler and Catherine M. Yoder, $62,000. (5.87 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Lillian M. Rauch (TOD), 15372 Penny Lane (Unit 56), to C. Randall Drummond and Brenna L. Garratt, $225,000. (0.00 acres)

Anita Lynn Curry, Kelly L. Curry, Joe Cramer and Elizabeth J. Lake, 15198 S. State Ave., to Alcare Properties LLC, $129,700. (0.50 acres)

Middlefield Parkway, 15258 Timber Ridge (s/l 145), to NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

William S. Poore, 8440 Murphy Road, to Kenneth Stroempl, $76,200. (3.67 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Karen M. Prescott and Brian J. Gronowski (co-trustees), 16202 Lucky Bell Lane, to Ryan and Candice Melkerson, $520,000. (3.33 acres)

Drew M. Mocarski, Sperry Road, to Kenneth L. and Mildred B. Price, $35,000. (3.16 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

Randy D. Clark and Cheryl Finocchi, 17075 Reeves Road, to Christine M. and Trevan A. Price, $435,000. (2.80 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

James A. Peckis, 13777 Fox Hills Drive, to JKW Property Group LLC, $160,000. (1.40 acres)

NVR Inc., 15237 Timber Ridge (s/l 169), to Austyn J. and Alexis M. Spoon, $400,900. (0.21 acres)

Karen A. Rosenthal (trustee), 8970 Galloway Trail, to Weslee S. and Carley Trillow, $875,000. (4.32 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Shelli M. Riley Wells, 904 Bell Road, to Nicole Marie Geringer, $407,000. (1.00 acres)

Richard Benjamin and Shelly Renee Kaman, 801 Sun Ridge Lane, to Harmin Chima and Liesel Marie Schmader, $635,000. (1.10 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Hacy E. and Denise A. Green, 14745 Hoover Road, to Robert and Denise Winter, $535,000. (7.34 acres)

John J. and Mary Schmucker, Mumford Road, to Marie M. Miller and Sarah M. Miller, $20,000. (0.95 acres)