Geauga County Maple Leaf 4-04-2024

Thursday, April 4, Vol. 30 No.14 • Chardon, www.geaugamapleleaf.com

$1.25

Kenston Treasurer: Need for PI Levy ‘Not Going Away’

All About Feeders Focuses On Bearded Dragon Cuisine

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia.com

By Brian Doering

Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Despite voters rejecting a fiveyear, 1.35-mill permanent improvement levy last November, Kenston Schools Trea surer Seth Cales recently said the district’s need for one remains.

Cales shared a presentation with the Kenston Schools Board of Education March 18 that emphasized the importance of a PI levy on capital expenditures.

Breeding, raising and selling roaches may seem like a dubious business, but it is one Vince Lucarelli is pursuing with fervor on Munnberry Oval in Newbury Township.

The long-abandoned warehouse and office building at the corner of Kinsman Road is home to millions of dubia roaches that will provide scrumptious meals for bearded dragons — reptile pets that became popular overnight when everyone was staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said during a tour of the 20,000-squarefoot building in March.

See Roaches Page 4

“This is a need that is not going away. There is the need for the PI levy still, and if we don’t have a levy in place, we will have to continue to transfer general fund money to our permanent improvement fund and use it towards our capital expenditures,” Cales said.

See Kenston • Page 5

NOAH Plans Litter Frolic

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

Paul Miller, an organizer for the North Ohio Assisting Hands group of young Amish volunteers, recently told Parkman Township Trustees NOAH will be cleaning up litter along a state route in the township come September.

“We had a meeting with the Ohio Department of Transportation and got the okay to do state routes,” said Miller, comparing the group’s roadside activity to a frolic.

“If we get enough volunteers, we might even head up some of the township roads.”

A frolic is the Amish practice of friends and neighbors getting together to help with a project too big for a family to do, such as building a

barn or a school.

Last September, NOAH volunteers numbering more than 100 and cleaned up ditches along 35 miles of roads in Troy Township, he said.

The plan on the last Saturday in April is to clean up both sides of state Route 528, which runs through Parkman Township.

Safety for the volunteers is a prime concern, he said.

Traffic on that road can be heavy and fast. The young people will wear ODOT-supplied neon vests, with half of the group starting at state Route 168 and the other half at state Route 88, facing traffic and working toward each other.

“We have a safety meeting in the morning before they go out,” Miller said.

See

Chester Resident to Perform in Orchestra’s ‘The Magic Flute’

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Jade Gladue is no stranger to musical theater, nor is she unfa miliar with the Cleveland Orchestra, having sung in its children’s and youth chorus for years.

But, being able to per form in the orchestra’s production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” is taking things to a whole different level for the 18-year-old Chester Township resident.

“There are definitely nerves, but right now, I feel as though it's a good amount of nerves. I am not a stranger to singing with the Cleveland Orchestra or perform-

ing at Severance Music Center, but this is by far the most highstakes performance,” she said in a March 29 interview. “That said, I am incredibly excited. I love all of the support that is coming my way. Not only has my family been supportive, but my friends, peers and teachers are also very proud of this accomplishment.”

Indeed Gladue’s excitement laced every word as she spoke about her journey to this moment.

“It feels like a culmination of all of the work I've done for the past few years. I sang with the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Gladue

See Gladue • Page 5

Cales

Vince Lucarelli has no qualms about handling the dubia roaches he raises by the thousands at All About Feeders in Newbury Township. Owners of reptiles, particularly bearded dragons, buy the bugs by the hundreds to feed their voracious pets, he said. ANN WISHART/KMG

Sculpture Dedication April 6 at Century Village

By allison Wilson eDitor@karlovecmeDia com

Astrological phenomena won’t be the only excitement for stargazers in Northeast Ohio this weekend.

“The Comet,” a sculpture created by the Western Reserve Artists Blacksmith Association, will be dedicated during Century Village’s eclipse watch party April 6 through April 8.

“The Comet” is an iron sculpture mounted on a granite stone, designed by Ralph Bacon and created as a collaborative effort by the WRABA, which has a forge on CV’s grounds.

The unveiling will take place at 2 p.m. April 6 in front of CV’s Lennah Bond Activity Center as part of a larger three-day eclipse festival.

Between 20 and 25 blacksmiths have taken part in the sculpture’s creation, said Grant Michener, a blacksmith who worked on the piece.

Creation of “The Comet” began last August as part of the WRABA’s summer conference, the group’s website posted. It was assembled in October and Michener estimated the project took about two to three weeks, not counting the drafting and designing.

The design took months, he said.

“I primarily worked on the legs of it, the part that connects the sculpture to the mounting boulder. But I did assist all the other groups when they needed a helping hand,” Michener recalled.

A March 28 press release from CV describes the importance of the WRABA, explaining how the industrial revolution replaced most blacksmiths with mass-produced work.

“A handful of dedicated smiths were able to keep on working, mostly producing architectural items such as railings and gates. However, eventually even this work was mostly replaced by machine and modern fabrication techniques,” the release said.

With these innovations, it may seem that blacksmithing would have vanished entirely. said.

Artistic metalworking is not limited to iron and steel, Michener said.

“It was founded by blacksmiths, but we’ve definitely expanded for people who do cold sheet metal work, work in copper and other

linked to it.”

Michener also expressed his gratitude toward everyone who had a hand in the project, especially to Bacon for his design work, and to CV for housing the sculpture on their grounds.

Community Meetings

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

Geauga County: April 9, 7:30 a.m. – Geauga SWCD, Ste. 240, 7:30 a.m. – Planning Commission, 9:30 a.m. – Board of County Commissioners, 5:45 p.m. – Educational Service Center of Western Reserve Board, at Auburn Career Center Technology Learning Lab, 8221 Auburn Road, Concord. 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 9, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; April 11, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: April 8, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Township: April 8, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids

Road, unless otherwise noted.

Burton Village: April 8, 7 p.m., Village Council; April 9, 7 p.m., Board of Public Affairs. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon City: April 11, 6:30 p.m., City Council. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: April 4, 5:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 8, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Middlefield Township: April 8, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees meetings are held at Township Office, 15228 Madison Road, unless otherwise noted.

Middlefield Village: April 9, 5:30 p.m. –Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission; April 11, 5:30 p.m. – Recreation, 6 p.m. – Finance & Ordinance, 6:30 p.m. – Safety Committee, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave.

Munson Township: April 8, 6:15 p.m., Park & Recreation Board; April 9, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: April 4, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 8, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning

Appeals. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: April 8, 7 p.m., Village Council, preceded by special council meeting at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Thompson Township: April 4, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting to conduct interviews at Thompson Branch of Geauga Public Library; April 6, 9 a.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting to conduct interviews at Thompson Branch of Geauga Public Library. January through April all trustees meeting will be at Thompson Branch of Geauga County Public Library, 6645 Madison Road and May through December at Town Hall at 6741 Madison Road.

Troy Township: April 4, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

Berkshire BOE: April 8, 6 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at BOE Auditorium, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: April 10, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.

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Burton Village

Food Truck Regulations Placed on the Table

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia.com

Burton Village Council discussed and tabled food truck regulations March 25 as council members debated details about the mayor’s permits for vendors to operate in the village.

“If you want to park a food truck in the village parks, you’d need a permit,” said Mayor Ruth Spanos, adding the proposed resolution specifies a food truck operator may buy a $50 permit, which would allow them 12 days to sell food or drink a year on village property.

“This gives (vendors) ample opportunity, but we don’t want someone there every weekend,” she said.

Controlling traffic and protecting restaurants in the village were given as reasons for regulating food trucks on public property.

Village Fiscal Officer Jennell Dahlhausen said vendors need to let her office know five days ahead of the event where they will be parked and each vendor is limited to one permit for 12 months.

The vehicle must display the permit and a certificate of inspection by Geauga Public Health and be available for inspection by the zoning inspector while on location, the regulations said.

Penned by the village solicitor, the regulations were originally discussed in August 2022, when it was suggested the village planning commission be consulted.

A council member asked last Monday if it was clear the $50 mayor’s permit was for all 12 days or if the truck owner/operator would pay $50 per occasion, leading Spanos to postpone action until the April meeting.

Food trucks are most commonly seen in the village at Century Village or at the Geauga County Fairgrounds during public events in those locations, Councilman Tom Blair said at the Aug. 8, 2022 meeting.

A permit is not required if a vendor is catering at a private event on private property and not selling to the general public, the proposed regulations stipulate.

Council also tabled a discussion about the use of the sign boards in the park on Burton Square.

Dahlhausen said there have been issues with people wanting to use the signs to announce a garage sale.

Councilman Craig Martin suggested charging $25 to help cover the cost to the village. Dahlhausen asked if nonprofit organizations would be charged to announce a public event and Martin suggested tabling the matter until more information is gathered.

Bainbridge to Livestream Meetings on YouTube

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Bainbridge Township residents will soon be able to virtually attend government meetings as an effort to livestream meetings on YouTube is underway.

In an interview March 27, Bainbridge Township Trustee Kristina O’Brien expressed her excitement about the opportunity to livestream their meetings and said the move is about communication and getting more information out to the community.

“I am excited to have that communication and outreach to the community, so they can see the workings of the business of the meetings,” she said, adding just looking at a meeting agenda or reading a newspaper article doesn’t provide a full enough picture of the interactions and discussions.

“It’s good to see the actual interaction versus just a blurb on an agenda,” she said.

Trustees have been working with Zoning Inspector Steven Averill to help facilitate the move to livestreaming, Trustee Jeff Markley said in an interview March 28.

“We were doing that stuff for Zoom back in the COVID days and we just need to make sure from a broadcasting perspective, it's clean. That is one piece of the process,” he said.

Markley highlighted how a policy statement would need to be put together to address everything regarding social media and whether trustees want to accept comments on YouTube.

“(Trustee) Michael (Bates) has worked with the IT guys up in the county a little bit to pull all of this together so we can get

some broadcasts going sooner or later,” he said.

Bates indicated March 28 there is a 95% chance of the meetings being live streamed on YouTube.

“They (the Geauga County Automatic Data Processing board) gave me two options. The YouTube option seems to make the most sense,” Bates said. “At first, they recommended Microsoft Teams because there’s less maintenance needed.”

He pointed out a negative of MT is residents would need a link to be able to access live meetings.

“We would still need to upload the stream to a platform such as YouTube for the general public to be able to watch a pre-recorded meeting,” he said. “The YouTube option, while it would need a bit more maintenance, would allow us to directly stream the meeting to the public and would remain there for anyone wishing to view it at a later time.”

O’Brien said the trustees want to have better communication because important items occur at the meetings.

“Everything is online. The next step should be for us to have meetings accessible online,” O’Brien said.

Markley said he would like to start having the meetings livestreamed by either May or June.

“We need a way to disarm that disinformation and the only true way to do it is to be able to be as transparent with our meetings. People aren’t showing up,” Markley said. "Let’s put the meetings out there and people can hear and see for themselves what actions are being taken.”

“When COVID hit, everything went e-commerce. We were set up perfectly for it,” Lucarelli said.

All About Feeders was born in the family cellar in 2017 when his two bearded dragons multiplied to 100 hungry mouths to feed, said Lucarelli, 26.

“We had a basement full of bearded dragons,” he recalled.

Since then, he moved the operation to a pole barn in Auburn Township, sold most of his dragons — which can grow up to two feet long — and invested in the Newbury property.

Heat, humidity and a distinct odor greet a visitor to the facility’s unfinished entryway. The first two are necessary to breed and grow healthy Blaptica dubia.

“You get used to the smell,” Lucarelli said, explaining he was laid off from his job at Nestlé USA in Solon along with about 200 other workers, so now he can concentrate on his roach farm.

“Plan B turned into Plan A,” he said, adding market competition and a decline in demand has affected All About Feeders in the last year.

Plans to renovate the office space went on the back burner and feeding the hundreds of blue totes full of dubia bugs took main stage.

Lucarelli is confident the market for the mature, quarter-sized bugs will improve.

“We had a budget for this place — now we’re re-budgeting. We’re surviving,” he said. “It’s all about riding the wave.”

Many people with reptiles feed crickets, but Lucarelli prefers the roaches.

“They are better than crickets. They don’t smell and there’s no noise,” he said. “With crickets — you buy them and the next day, they are all dead.”

The warehouse is filled with about 1,000 totes on high shelves filled with dubia roaches in various stages of development, adding up to about 10,000 shipping containers of live bugs, Lucarelli said.

Keeping them fed with custom roach feed, which is primarily corn and high levels of vitamins without pesticides, keeps him busy. He said he is careful about making sure the feed is high quality after having to toss out a ton of low grade food.

Each tote has a colony of buffalo beetles busy cleaning up the dubia roaches that die. Lucarelli estimated he loses as much as 30% of his stock between the time the young are placed in the totes until they are shipped all over the world.

The shipping containers are loaded with water gel and food. In the winter, heat packs are needed and in the summer, the boxes are well ventilated so the dubias arrive in good health, he said.

Part of the operation is dedicated to raising a kind of reptile delicacy.

“Horn worms are a treat for reptiles. They can snap a bearded dragon out of a hunger strike,” Lucarelli said.

He and Megan Ives, who described herself as a roach farmer, are experimenting with raising silk worms, as well.

“They are up-and-coming as feeders,” Lucarelli said.

Originally from Asia, they have a poor immune system and have essentially died out in the wild. Domestic silk worms are also a reptile goody that could help boost profits for All About Feeders, he said.

Lucarelli said his father, Tony Lucarelli, is also his partner and operations manager.

They are using the revenue from the early success of the business to keep it going until the next big wave, the younger Lucarelli said.

“It’s been a really big investment for us,” he said.

Bergansky, Flaiz Quarrel Over Kenston Budget Comments

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Kenston Schools Board Education member Dennis Bergansky recently called Geauga County Prosecutor and Budget Commission member Jim Flaiz’s comments about the district's permanent improvement projects disappointing.

“(He) basically accused us of spending money on capital im provements. I’m getting phone calls from people going, ‘What are you guys wasting our money on? the prosecutor said this in the paper.’ I was very disappoint ed,” Bergansky told school board members during their March 18 meeting.

Superintendent Steve Sayers, Treasurer Seth Cales and board President Tom Man ning fielded several questions from the bud get commission, comprising Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder, Flaiz and Treasurer Chris Hitchcock, about the district’s permanent improvement fund Feb. 27.

fund not being included in the district’s budget despite showing a $1.16 million increase in inside millage from a recent property tax reappraisal.

“A PI levy failed and you need $1.2 million and some change in a PI fund,” Walder said. “Why isn’t there a transfer in the general fund of that increase in inside millage into the PI fund to basically satisfy what the taxpayers voted no on?”

Geauga County voters rejected an additional five-year, 1.35mill permanent improvement levy last November that would have generated an estimated $1,265,000 per year and would have cost homeowners $47 per year per $100,000 property valuation, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

Flaiz said during the meeting he looked forward to seeing if Kenston dumps over $1 million into permanent improvements next year, but raised caution regarding the district’s cash carryover.

your increases and your deficit,” Flaiz said. “Your expenses seem to be pretty flat, so if the board is making a decision of, ‘Hey, we’ve got to address these capital projects,’ that’s fine. But, that’s what is going to eat away at your cash carryover and if you eat away at it for a couple more years, you are going to get into a difficult situation.”

Bergansky explained Flaiz’s comments make the district look like they are spending money on capital improvements they don’t need.

“Since I have been on the board, we haven’t done anything but repairs and necessary mainte nance. For him to make that com ment was a little reckless on his part,” Bergansky said.

He also addressed Flaiz’s comment about the district’s expenses being flat.

Flaiz expressed disappointment April 1 regarding Bergansky’s sentiments.

“While some school board members did make the time to attend our budget commission hearing, Mr. Bergansky did not bother to attend. Instead, he decided to call one of my comments, taken out of context, “reckless.” When I review budgets, I look at facts,” Flaiz said.

He highlighted the district’s general fund expenses, which the district reported to the budget commission were $40,650,127 in 2020-2021; $40,827,723 in 20212022; and $40,396,521 in 20222023.

Walder asked Cales about a $1.2 million cash transfer from the general fund to the PI

Gladue

from page 1

Chorus from sixth to eighth grade and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus throughout my high school career,” said Gladue, a senior at Laurel School in Shaker Heights. “I have loved singing ever since I was a kid, but I only ever did musical theater until my mom convinced me to audition for the Children's Chorus in sixth grade. I have her to thank for where I've gotten to today.”

Gladue will be performing in the role of third spirit in the upcoming production.

“I am looking forward to performing with my fellow spirits,” she said. “The role I am a part of is a trio and my fellow spirits, Stephanie Speck (first spirit) and Maren Scott (sec-

Kenston

from page 1

He pointed out the school board had made a transfer of $300,000 from the general fund to the permanent improvement fund during the meeting.

“That is on top of the $535,000 that we had to transfer earlier in the year to meet our capital expenditure needs,” he said. “If we did have a PI levy that generated funds, we wouldn’t have to make that transfer. That money which is transferred — and is $835,000 so far this year — could be used for a variety of other things. We could use it to update curriculum and use it to expand services to students. There’s a lot of other good things we can do for our students here with that funding if we had a PI levy on the books.”

The PI levy on the ballot last year would have been used for items such as school buses, repairs to roofs and parking lots, boilers, safety upgrades, classroom furniture, technology upgrades and improvements and wireless upgrades, which have a life span of five years or more.

After it failed — with 4,683 votes against it and 4,410 votes in favor — the district took a step back to reevaluate its position for longterm financial stability.

“You have got to start thinking about what you are doing with these permanent improvement projects. Because that’s what’s driving

ond spirit) are peers from the youth chorus. I am so happy to be sharing this experience with them.”

Mozart's timeless classic is considered one of the greatest operas ever written and revolves around the search for truth and reason, love and enlightenment and the use of power for either good or evil purposes. “The Magic Flute,” staged with imaginatively designed puppets, draws audiences into a world where a prince, Tamino, and a princess, Pamina, triumph over every obstacle in their search for wisdom and are finally united in love, according to Cleveland Orchestra’s online writeup of the production.

“‘The Magic Flute’ was already on my radar as something I wanted to go see when it was announced, but getting to perform in it is even cooler,” Gladue said. “Because I got the

“Eighty-seven percent of school districts in Ohio have some sort of PI levy to fund their capital improvement needs,” Cales said, highlighting how the district has spent $1.26 million in 2024 for costs that would have been a part of PI funding had the levy passed.

These include a boiler replacement at $300,000, transportation for $236,000, roof work at Timmons Elementary School for $200,000, parking lot repair and resurfacing for $100,000, $75,000 for equipment and other miscellaneous items for $270,339, Cales said.

“We can spend the $1.26 million that we would have generated from the levy every single year and still have a backlog of items that we need to do over the coming four, five, six, seven years,” Cales said.

He reiterated the district would have to

“If you look at our raises every year, that’s not flat when it increases by $750,000 to $800,000 per year. I don’t look at that as flat, like we're not spending anything there and we're wasting money on capital improvements,” he said. “I’m stunned that came out of his mouth.”

opportunity for this role through the chorus, I have incredible support from our choral directors, who are helping me prepare for the role and setting me up for success.”

Gladue also touched on how living in Geauga County has offered her connection and support she didn’t otherwise have.

“My mom and I moved to Chesterland in 2016 and it was the first house that was ours and ours alone. We moved to Geauga County for a less suburban experience,” Gladue said. “We have a few acres of land, a dog and two cats, great neighbors and a sense of belonging that wasn't possible before we moved here. One of the best ways I've connected with the community was through playing rec league softball when I was younger.”

Gladue said her mom has been her biggest supporter and will always be an inspira-

continue to transfer money from the general fund to the permanent improvement fund on an annual basis without action.

“Having a PI levy would put the district in a stronger financial situation with the potential to extend the need for a huge operating levy,” he said.

The presentation on PI funding will be on the school district’s website for residents to review, Cales said.

“The goal is that the need is still there,” he said. “There’s a lot that goes into this. It's

“The school treasurer (Cales) commented that operating expenses were rising. I pointed out that they have been flat,” Flaiz said. “We were then told that the $1 million plus inside millage windfall was being spent on capital expenses. I never suggested that this was a waste of money. I would suggest that Mr. Bergansky actually look at the budget and invest time in attending a budget commission meeting before making comments based upon what he hears second hand.”

tion to her.

“She is a young single mother and has spent her entire life supporting me and what I love to do. Despite not really enjoying theater or classical music, she has made it to every one of my performances,” Gladue said. “I also have family traveling up from Columbus and Cincinnati to come to see the show, and I am so grateful for their support.”

Gladue plans to attend the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College next year to continue an education in music.

“Although my future goals don't currently involve pursuing music or voice as a full-time career, I love what I do and want to continue to learn and expand my craft as much as I can,” Gladue said. “I will always keep music in my life, even if simply for the joy of singing.”

really important to know. We absolutely need it. We want to make sure it is successful the next time we put it on the ballot.”

Flaiz Bergansky

Chardon Senior Two-Time State Speech Champ

By allison Wilson eDitor@karlovecmeDia com

Chardon High School senior Charlotte Jons has once proved herself a history-maker, winning a second consecutive state championship in program oral interpretation — a rare feat fewer than 20 students have achieved in two decades.

“It was a terrific weekend and a great culmination to my Ohio speech and debate career,” Jons said of the Ohio Speech and Debate Association State Tournament, which took place March 1 and 2. “Of course, there were lots of nerves and excitement as I advanced into the ‘break rounds’ on Saturday, but I was glad I had the experience from last year so I could enjoy it a little more this time.”

Jons was drawn to oration at a young age, beginning participation in community theater at only 4. It was in fifth grade that her interest in loquacious activities found a new home as she began to attend tournaments and compose her own speeches.

“I have always loved public speaking. I have been a big participant in school and community theater since I was 4; speech and debate was like a continuation of those passions at a higher level. I have learned so much from the diverse and massive community and once I entered it, I was hooked,” Jons said.

She has proved to be nothing if not hardworking and in her short career, has accomplished numerous feats. The founding member of the school’s speech and debate club, she competed solo, going on to qualify for state all four years of high school, as well as being Chardon’s first state qualifier.

“I was excited and nervous … and excited. As a freshman, qualifying to the state tournament is not a super common thing to do at any school, especially at one that doesn't have a very strong or advertised program,” Jons said of her original qualification. “I am very grateful to have finished in the top six, or the final round in my event, in the last three years. That doesn't come without the work I have put in, and I am proud to say that my success isn't luck.”

Jons noted while she didn’t place high at states as a freshman, she still learned from that experience and has continued to learn and grow from every qualification and placing.

Jons also took into account the complica-

tions of being a one-person team.

“On the one hand, it has been a very self-driven experience with me working and learning on a very solo mission. That can be lonely. Being the one-person team at my school often means my accomplishments go mainly unnoticed,” she said. “However, being a one-person team has also pushed me out of my comfort zone. I have met so many friends in this program that I hardly ever feel com pletely alone.”

Speech and debate has 13 events compet itors can take part in. Jons’ primary focus is program oral interpretation, or POI.

“In POI, a student develops an argument and chooses prose, poetry and drama selec tions that explore aspects of the argument. You have to use a binder that contains every thing you perform and students sometimes use the binder to help illustrate scenes,” she explained.

Jons tends to focus on topics important to her, having previously performed speech es on how comedians process mental illness and the unique challenges faced by female athletes. This year’s speech for states encom passed the complexities of being a woman.

“I start by thinking about topics and then looking for content to find an anchor piece or two that speak to me,” she said of her pro cess. “Then I look to provide different points of view with the other selections I make.”

POI’s acting component made it a natural choice for her, she said.

“POI has the added benefit of crafting an argument and supporting it with examples from literature and research, so it blends the interpretation component of speech that I love with a piece of debate,” Jons said.

For her, the performance and character of the speech is a large part of the appeal.

“I have always really liked portraying a character and exploring what would make them tick. My events in speech and debate have allowed me to do that,” she said. “I also really love watching other people perform, hearing their ideas and perspectives, and watching how they bring their characters to life.”

In addition to being a four-time state qualifier and two-time champion, Jons notably competed at the national level in 2023 and qualified again in February.

“Nationals was like an Ohio tournament, but on a much bigger scale. There are regional differences to the way speeches are per-

formed, so it was great to see what everyone from around the country does with POI,” she said of the experience. “I’m looking forward to returning to nationals this year to apply some of what I learned last year.”

While her continued success has caused pressure to do well, Jons has managed to keep her head high.

“It felt like tremendous pressure all season long. Sometimes, at local tournaments, I would worry that I wasn’t as successful as people expected me to be or that I wouldn’t be able to come close to last season’s big finish,” she said. “A coach I really like from another school always says to take things one

NOAH

from page 1

He said they are very aware of the dangers of traffic, so letting drivers know in advance is important.

“We’re short of signage. Do you guys have some we can use?” Miller asked, adding six volunteers will be assigned to move the signs along the road as the two crews fill bag after bag of trash and litter left in the ditches.

“ODOT will give us three to four people to pick up the trash,” he said.

He was assured the township had signs the group could use.

This will be the third Saturday in the last

step at a time. I tried to think about that a lot this season.”

Though her season at Chardon is drawing to a close, Jons does intend to continue competing at the collegiate level.

At present time, she is considering a major in communications or broadcast journalism, depending on which college she attends.

Jons’ advice for those entering speech and debate for the first time is multifaceted.

“Don’t expect instant success,” she said. “Public speaking is hard and takes practice. Learn from and incorporate the feedback of your judges. Watch your competitors and learn from them too. And have fun with it.”

two years NOAH volunteers will have worked the ditches, placing the full bags along the berm for pickup, Miller said, adding ODOT wants the bags off the berm as soon as possible to avoid complaints.

“It’s just amazing that you guys do this,” said Trustee Joyce Peters.

Miller thanked trustees for their cooperation.

“It’s one way we can give back a little,” Miller said.

When NOAH volunteers cleaned up township roads in Troy Township, he said it teaches the young Amish responsibility to their community.

NOAH plans to continue the practice, cleaning ditches for state routes in April and township and county roads in September.

SUBMITTED- KELLY MISCH Speech and debate coach Amy Roediger and Charlotte Jons following Jons’ qualification for nationals the weekend of Feb.18.

Forward to the Future: Artificial Intelligence Unveiled

By rose nemunaitis eDitorial@karlovecmeDia com

The accelerated power of artificial intelligence has entered the world in a real way, making it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform human-like tasks.

Leadership Geauga recently presented “AI Unveiled: Industry Insights and Applications from Expert Panelists” inside the county office building in Claridon Township to provide a glimpse of what’s to come.

“I think the most fascinating thing about the future of AI is the infinite number of applications and how nearly everyone can benefit from some form of AI if they are willing to adapt,” LG Executive Director Meredith Ashkettle said during the March 26 presentation.

Attendees delved into AI and its profound impact on diverse sectors, with panelists Richard Warner, Lead Investigator for the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office; Sarah Beal, Kent State University professional development specialist; Ned Sherry, Kinetico Incorporated vice president of information technology; and a remote presentation from Thomas Knowles, University Hospitals lead market operations manager.

Frank Antenucci, chief deputy administrator for the county's Automated Data Processing board, said he was excited to attend the event.

“The Leadership Geauga artificial intelligence event provided a unique platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives from technology, education, healthcare and law enforcement sectors,” Antenucci said. “As attendees, we gained valuable insights into the transformative potential of AI in county government, from streamlining administrative processes to enhancing service delivery and public safety. Moreover, the event underscored the importance of ethical considerations and responsible deployment of AI technologies to ensure equitable outcomes for all members of our community.

“Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to leverage the knowledge and insights gained from this event to shape inclusive, forward-thinking policies and practices that harness the full potential of AI to build a brighter future for Geauga County,” he added.

AI in Law Enforcement

And Governance

Warner, in his 24th year as a certified peace officer, has been serving the Geauga County community since April of 2016 and has been conducting computer/cyber-crime investigations since 2003.

“AI is poised to transform law enforcement in several ways,” Warner said, listing the following examples:

Predictive policing: AI can analyze data to identify areas with a high likelihood of crime, allowing for more focused patrols and resource allocation;

Investigative aid: AI can sift through mountains of data to find patterns and connections that human investigators might miss, expediting investigations and uncovering new leads;

Robotic assistance: AI-powered robots can be deployed in dangerous situations, reducing the risk to officers;

Cybersecurity: AI can be used to detect

“(Rick Warner’s) presentation sparked thought-provoking discussions on the ethical implications of AI in surveillance, the importance of data privacy safeguards, and the imperative for ongoing education and training in leveraging AI responsibly.”– Frank Antenucci

and prevent cybercrimes, such as fraud and identity theft.

Potential challenges Warner noted include:

• Bias: AI systems can perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to discriminatory outcomes;

• Transparency: It can be difficult to understand how AI systems reach their conclusions, making it challenging to hold them accountable;

• Privacy: The use of AI in surveillance raises concerns about privacy rights.

AI in Higher Education

Beal’s role focuses on educational development support at KSU. Along with her colleagues in the Center for Teaching and Learning, she’s actively involved in campus conversations about the impact and opportunities of generative AI in higher education.

Within higher education, it is important to stay abreast of the latest artificial intelligence developments, so educators can prepare students for their future careers, she said, adding it will be crucial to ensure students are developing important critical thinking skills to navigate a world that is inundated with AI-generated content.

AI is prone to inaccuracies and bias, she said.

KSU aims to have students equipped with the ability to verify information and formulate their own ideas, she said.

How AI is approached will be necessarily field-specific, as different academic disciplines are likely to set different standards around academic integrity and intellectual property, Beals added.

AI in Business

Sherry, who also serves on LG’s board of trustees, offered the following thoughts:

AI is not a fad technology that will go away, it is here to stay. Companies need to understand what AI is and is not and they need to begin the journey of defining how they will use AI. It is much more than just ChatGPT. It has been a part of our lives for

many years, ChatGPT has just brought it into the mainstream media in recent years; Companies that do not get on board with AI will find themselves behind the adoption curve and will struggle to catch up to their competition if their competition figures out how to leverage AI first;

Keep in mind that there are AI tools for all parts of your business, so do your research and learn as much as you can. Pay attention to data privacy as you look at AI tools.

Antenucci said, overall, the AI presentation was excellent.

“Artificial intelligence is not just about technology, it's about empowering communities,” he said. “By leveraging AI, county governments can enhance efficiency, improve services and better serve their constituents. However, as AI is mostly untested and nebulous, Geauga County ADP is moving slowly into the AI universe, conservatively researching, analyzing and utilizing this new technology.”

Attendees were captivated by Warner’s ability to distill complex concepts into relat-

able anecdotes and practical applications, Antenucci said.

“(Warner’s) presentation sparked thought-provoking discussions on the ethical implications of AI in surveillance, the importance of data privacy safeguards and the imperative for ongoing education and training in leveraging AI responsibly,” he said.

Ashkettle hopes attendees were able to learn new ways to apply AI in their lives.

“I believe one of the takeaways is that AI is here to stay,” she said. “I hope our attendees left feeling less fearful and more hopeful and excited about how utilizing AI and its applications can benefit their lives.”

Professional development is a core value of LG, she said.

“By hosting Leadership Learning Panels, we can educate the community by exposing them to a diverse panel of professionals working in the community while also offering a space to network and reconnect with alums,” she added. ”We appreciate the support we received from sponsors and community partners who allowed us to hold these events.”

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Ned Sherry, Kinetico Incorporated vice president of informational technology, explains artificial intelligence’s important role in business during a Leadership Geauga panelist event focusing on industry insights and applications of the emerging technology.

Metzenbaum Tax Appeal Sent to Columbus

By amy Patterson amy@karlovecmeDia com

A memo that supports removing the tax-exempt status from property owned by the Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities was sent last week to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

The 28-page document details irregularities Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder’s office found in a series of GCBDD leases and property agreements for buildings the county owns that are no longer suitable for developmental disabilities providers.

Those subleases included one for-profit corporation and “provided for the sublessees’ exclusive use of parts of the property, thereby restricting the general public’s access, in exchange for rental income,” Walder said.

Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne gave Geauga County Commissioners a timeline during their March 26 meeting outlining roughly a year’s worth of interactions with Walder’s office related to the property.

In it, Burhenne notes Chester Township Trustees sent a complaint to Walder last September regarding a lease of one building on the GCBDD property, formerly rented by Emerald Rose.

A memo that compliance officer Kate Jacob compiled said while Walder had previously approved a tax exemption in January 2023 for the property, the Chester complaint brought new information to light requiring a second look.

“On Dec. 18, 2023, our office granted the Chester complaint and notified (the) applicant (county commissioners) of the decision to return the property to the tax list,” the memo says. “(W)e also notified (the) applicant of its right to file a new exemption application.”

Commissioners own the property and have a legal duty to submit the tax exemption

application, but Burhenne’s timeline said their office was told the Chester complaint was moving forward and they must submit a new exemption application, with a deadline of Dec. 31.

In comments after the meeting, Burhenne said the timeline was tight and bemoaned a lack of communication between county offices. In emails obtained by the Geauga County Maple Leaf, Burhenne told Walder Dec. 23 the commissioners’ office did not know there was a nonprofit leasing one of the GCBDD buildings at the time of the original application for continued tax-exempt status.

In his response the same day to Burhenne, Walder detailed further issues with the property, including the omission of lease agreements with multiple agencies and nonprofits, and of the county’s lease with GCBDD, which dates to the mid-1960s.

“I cannot stress enough how important that accurate, true and complete information be filed in the exemption application,” Walder said. “If information is not known, then the burden to seek it out is the applicant's.”

Burhenne’s timeline notes Jan. 23 as the day the commissioners’ office received a trea surer’s certificate showing Walder had placed taxes, interest and penalties on the GCBDD

property of roughly $771,000.

“On that same day, the auditor said he 'couldn't' review our application for tax exemption until we had paid the taxes he had levied,” Burhenne said.

The memo outlines multiple omissions in the commissioners’ second application for tax exemption, filed in December, including the lack of a property card that would show details of any new construction on the property.

The main conflict with the original application for exemption submitted in January 2023 is commissioners “falsely stated that no part of the property was used to ‘produce any income other than donations,’” the memo said.

“However, the (GCBDD) profited from renting out the property, receiving rental payments each month. Now, in (the December 2023 application), (the) applicant admitted that the property was used to produce income,” the memo continued.

Commissioners, in their second application, omitted profit and loss statements, income and expense data, balance sheets or other financial statements that might have

gregated form, due to the shortened timeline given to respond.

In her timeline, Burhenne said on March 20, commissioners were advised to make an appeal to the Geauga County Board of Revision to contend the back taxes assessed by the auditor were assessed to prior years in error and should have been assessed all in 2023.

Burhenne and GCBDD Superintendent Don Rice both told commissioners they feel the services provided through GCBDD leases are fulfilling a public purpose, meaning the property should still be exempt from taxation.

However, the auditor’s office memo argues otherwise.

“Public landowners should not be operating as commercial landlords, injuring the local economy by kneecapping nongovernmental real estate owners,” the memo said. “Law-abiding taxpayers should not have to subsidize private businesses operating on public land exempt from taxation. Here, the concerns raised in the Chester complaint only touched the surface of a complex series of arrangements benefiting a still-unknown number of private entities—including

Improvements Planned for Auburn Community Park

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

Bees, trees and restrooms at Auburn Community Park were all discussed at the Auburn Township Trustees meeting April 1.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 70822 and troop leader Dana Robertson talked about their goal of creating a bee-friendly flower garden in a location in the park distant from the pavilion and soccer fields.

Taking turns during the presentation, they explained bees need support because their habitat is endangered by pollution, climate change and droughts that result in fewer flowers.

After talking to a bee keeper and the owner of Auburn Point Greenhouse, they said they want to start the “garden of hope” with a mix of annual and perennial native flowers.

They proposed placing it on the south side of the woods in the field along the walking trail.

Trustees supported the plan, with one caveat.

Trustee P.J. Cavanagh urged them to plant the garden east of a row of stakes that delineate the active park from the passive park, formerly a hay field.

The park property is under a conservation agreement to allow the former hay field to grow up naturally, he said.

west of the stakes is forbidden, Cavanagh said, adding the agreement was reached so the township could use the northeast corner of the parcel for additional parking.

trees just east of the line of stakes as requested by the conservancy.

Trustee Gene McCune said about 25 trees have been ordered from the Geauga

“Sometimes, there are 100 people up there,” Cavanagh said, noting there is already an agricultural well at the park, but the water is not potable.

ty of green restrooms like those at the Geauga Park District properties, but understands the restrooms have issues and would cost about $93,000.

Munson Township

Proposed HB 344 Would Eliminate Township Zoning

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

Township residents who want to keep their zoning resolutions and departments should let their state representative know, said Munson Township Trustee Nate McDonald at the March 26 trustees meeting.

Proposed House Bill 344, based on a white paper from the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, would establish state-wide zoning regulations that county governments would execute, according to a Jan. 31 article in the Columbus Dispatch titled, “Ending Referendums and Township Zoning Pitched as a Solution to Columbus Housing Crisis.”

None of the Munson trustees supported the bill.

“Munson has been a leader in zoning in a

variety of ways,” McDonald said. “(H.B. 344) is important. It’s something people might want to pay attention to.”

The Ohio Township Association is opposed to the proposed legislation and has published information on its website about the elimination of township zoning, he said.

“They are looking for the public to weigh in,” McDonald said, adding the OTA recommends contacting Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur or Sen. Sandra O’Brien.

Munson Township has a long history of zoning, said Trustee Andy Bushman.

“Munson was the first township to have zoning,” he said, adding it was adopted in 1948. “It was 12 pages.”

“(HB 344) still has to go through the House and the Senate. I haven’t heard where (Gov. Mike) DeWine stands on it,” Trustee Jim McCaskey said.

Montrose Group LLC, a Columbus-based economic development and lobbying organization, claims Ohio needs 18,000 new homes or apartments built in a year to keep up with demand and about 13,000 permits are issued a year, according to the Dispatch article.

Removing township zoning limits would allow developers to build more homes without having to work through time-wasting zoning processes, the article said.

While individual residential lots in most townships are large, developments are permitted to have numerous homes on an acre if approved by the county planning commission and the township.

“Munson has quite a bit of planned development harmonious with its zoning,” McDonald said.

In a Viewpoint article published March 21 in the Geauga County Maple Leaf, writer

Chris Alusheff, zoning inspector for Claridon and Chester townships, explained zoning and the effect HB344 would have on county residents.

HB 344, as currently written, would greatly reduce the required size of a residential building lot and eliminate local zoning control now in the hands of boards of zoning appeals, zoning commissions, zoning inspectors and trustees, he said.

All would be executed through county offices.

He listed the following legislators’ contact information: Fowler Arthur (Dist. 99) 614-466-1405, Rep99@ohiohouse.gov; Rep. Steve Demetriou (Dist. 35) 614-466-5088, Rep35@ohiohouse.gov; O’Brien (Dist 32) 614-466-7182, obrien@ohiosenate.gov; and Sen. Vernon Sykes (Dist 28) 614-466-7041, sykes@ohiosenate.gov.

Despite Rocky Start, GPH/Lake Agreement Going Well

By allison Wilson eDitor@karlovecmeDia com

It has been a year since Geauga and Lake county health districts entered into a juris dictional cooperative agreement with each other.

While it was a rough inception — the termination of a majority of Geauga Public Health’s employees was announced at the same meeting the agreement was voted on, many finding out at the same time as the pub lic — there has been positive movement, said Geauga Public Health Administrator Adam Litke March 20.

Lake County General Health District serves over 232,000 and is Ohio’s 11th larg est health district by population, while GPH serves around 95,000 and is the 29th larg est health district by population, Litke said during a presentation to the Geauga County Board of Health.

When viewed as a single applicant for grants, the two counties combined become the ninth largest health department in Ohio and the sixth in terms of square miles, he said.

“Prior to that, we were actually 81st and 88th — so we were almost at the very bottom in terms of square miles,” he explained.

Litke recapped why the CJA was created to begin with, listing accreditation costs, difficulty in recruiting staff, offering career advancement opportunities and creating efficiencies between counties for service providers among reasons for it.

Under CJA, GPH retains control of all its policies and guidance, and rates cannot be raised dramatically out of nowhere, Litke emphasized, dispelling a couple of erroneous rumors.

“Two concerns — those are probably the two biggest ones — one was ‘Geauga gave up all of its sovereignty and nothing mattered, and anyone can do what they wanted.’ That’s not true, obviously,” Litke said, noting he and the Geauga health board had been vocally against that.

“The other one was, ‘Oh, well they’re gonna raise the rates tomorrow and it’ll be 100% over what you thought it was,’” he said.

However, the CJA specifies rates cannot be raised over 5% unless agreed upon, Litke added.

“The billing cannot exceed 5% of the budget. Each year, there is an expected increase

in health insurance and approximately 3% for wages,” Litke said in a followup interview April 2. “The 5% was built in so Lake could not bill over the contracted budget without approval. In essence, it’s a check and balance on the contract.”

GPH is also responsible for its own equipment, IT services and vehicles, among other things, Litke said, noting GPH would need all of those if it is ever to go solo again.

Cost Savings

Cost savings were the “main driver” of the CJA, Litke said.

“From April 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023, the lowest projected cost of the contract was $1,028,360,” GPH said in a March 1 press release. “The actual amount billed was $1,015,326. The actual amount billed includes additional work related to the House Bill 110 repayment and implementation of the (septic system operation and maintenance program), but the overall costs were still kept below the lowest expected cost for the contract.”

When the project was originally rolled out in April, it was projected to save taxpayers $300,000 to $600,000 annually, GPH said.

“Over the nine months in 2023, in which

the expanded cross-jurisdictional agreement has been in place, GPH is estimated to have saved over $500,000,” according to GPH.

LCGHD has also offered all ex-GPH employees a position to continue working out of GPH’s office, the release said.

“All GPH employees who applied for employment with LCGHD were rehired at or above prior rates of pay. Of the 19 employees who were with GPH in March 2023, 10 applied for employment with LCGHD and 10 accepted positions,” GPH said.

The additional funds were used for a number of things, with work on HB 110, implementation of O&M and Parkman Township wells among them, Litke said.

“GPH started an internal review of the HB 110 program and, after noting inconsistencies, hired an outside law firm to perform an audit and determined that for approximately 10 years, GPH collected revenue that was associated with the HB 110 program, but GPH did not provide the services that were paid for,” GPH said in the release, adding the health board decided to repay the affected businesses with no interest.

Safeguards have been implemented to prevent similar incidents, and as of 2023, the program has been moved into compliance, according to GPH.

Employee Morale

Health board member Carolyn Brakey asked Litke if he has seen negative feedback regarding the CJA from Lake County citizens.

Litke said a small number objected, but overall, people seemed happy.

Litke identified a number of opportunities, such as new perspectives on grants and programs, a larger staff pool in the event of an emergency, general cost sharing and better utilization of management.

“I think there’s some things we’d all probably have done differently with how we rolled that out, how we communicated things, but hindsight’s 2020,” he said.

Litke noted there were issues in communicating changes with staff and how rapidly internal changes were implemented.

“If you want to do this somewhere else, the real key thing is you have to have at least a handful of people who are willing to work 60, 80 hours a week at least for a year,” he said.

He highlighted how the O&M program is being rolled successfully by people who have already dealt with something similar in Lake County.

“We have other counties who have tried to roll out O&M up to four times and it failed three of the four times. They’re now coming to (Environmental Health Director Dan Lark) and his team (and asking), ‘How did you do this, how did you do it so efficiently, how did you do it so cheaply,” Litke said.

Multiple members of the board recalled seeing a positive shift in the department’s culture and overall morale.

“I feel like there was a period of uncertainty at GPH prior to doing this where I think the morale was really down, but, once people saw the positive change, they were committed to being a part of that growth and positivity, and the morale just completely flipped,” board member Dr. Ashley Jones said.

Litke also noted staff received raises, bringing many closer to the state average for pay.

He added he couldn’t have been surrounded by better people for the switch and found the speed at which it was done astonishing.

“I couldn’t be more proud of everybody,” he said.

Health Administrator Adam Litke explains why the cross jurisdictional cooperative agreement between Lake County Health Department and Geauga Public Health was necessary at the GPH meeting March 20.

Ready, Set, Go!

Spring Showers Mark the Start of Easter Egg Hunts

By rose nemunaitis eDitor@karlovecmeDia com

Despite spring showers, young Easter egg hunters got cracking across Geauga County for a time-honored tradition March 30.

Children toting baskets and bags in search for eggs filled with treats is a traditional part of many families’ Easter celebrations every year.

Hambden Township was no exception, with its fire department hosting an annual Easter egg hunt at Hambden Township Park.

“The Easter egg hunt has always been a great way to kick off spring and have interaction in our community,” said Capt. David Baird, event organizer. “Doing events like this allows us to give back to our community, which gives so much to us as a fire department throughout the year. Community supporting community is what it’s truly about.”

Community members of all ages trickled into the park with smiles and umbrellas for the egg hunt, which was an inaugural experience for Hambden Township’s Winnie

and Mitch Gordon, who brought their three young boys.

“The boys had a blast even in the rain and freezing,” Winnie said.

Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand said the fire department has always been very active in the township.

“We enjoy hosting and participating in all of our community events,” he said. “The Easter egg hunt has always been a success and it is great to interact with the children and their parents. It is great to watch the kids grab up the gifts. We have had great support for our local businesses — Hambden Corners and Hambden Tire and Auto. I know that the kids will remember the experience for years to come.”

Merrick Gordon, 5, said the experience was “like a dream.”

“So many eggs and toys to pick out,” he said.

Hambden Township Trustee Dave Johnson said the fire department did “a terrific job” and he enjoyed helping set up the event and bringing his grandson.

“It was fun to watch all the kids scrambling to pick up all of the treats,” he said. “Thank you to all the local businesses who donated.”

Chardon & Munson Get Hoppin’

A hop, skip and jump down state Route 6 revealed more kiddos foraging Chardon Square, as the city’s chamber of commerce hosted its annual Easter egg hunt.

“As I thaw from this morning’s cold and wet event, I have a big smile on my face since it was another fun success,” said Melissa Ricco, Chardon Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Despite the weather, we had a lot of people come out and participate.”

Ricco thanked Mike Butt, lands and buildings supervisor for the City of Chardon, for helping set up the hunt, and the team of managers at the Chardon Walmart for being there to help and spread Easter cheer.

She also extended gratitude to chamber board President Susan Parker for her “awesome job leading the egg hunt charge.”

“The best part of the event is watching kids’ eyes go completely wide as they are handed a super basket,” Ricco said. “We have one ticket per age group that gives a lucky winner a special Easter basket supplied by Lucas Pest Management.”

Mike Patel, owner of Hambden Township’s RediGo Sunoco, said as a sponsor and a local business owner, he firmly believes in

the importance of supporting his community and its endeavors.

“When I learned about the Easter egg hunt and the positive impact it has on our community, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it,” Patel said. “As a business owner, I understand the value of investing in initiatives that not only enhance our community, but also bring people together. By donating, I hope to play a small role in fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among our fellow citizens.”

He added. “It is my belief that businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities that support them, and I am honored to fulfill that responsibility through our involvement with local events like these.”

Munson Township also held their annual hunt, rain or shine, with the Easter Bunny making a special appearance at Munson Township Park.

Resident Julie Johnson said although the crowd size was a third of what the hunt typically brings in, the Munson Township Fire Department delivered the Easter Bunny on time and he was a big hit with the children who did attend.

The Easter Bunny made a guest appearance at Munson Township Park March 30 for the annual egg hunt, top left, while Hambden Township’s 2024 Easter egg hunt attracted lots of families for the annual tradition the day before Easter Sunday at Hambden Township Park.

Artisan’s Displays ‘Accidental Art’ from Recent Fire

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

Monica Glasscock, owner of the Artisan’s Corner Gallery at Newbury Center, displayed what might be described as accidental art at her gallery in March.

The amalgam that could be called “Find the Mermaid” occurred when a box of pewter pieces, including a mermaid, was engulfed in flames in January at L&S Development and Storage on Kinsman Road in Newbury Township.

Glasscock visited what was left of the storage unit she rented and sifted through the ashes to salvage the few items that were recognizable.

“I went over there to torture myself,” she said, adding even her action figures didn’t get out alive.

“I found pieces and parts,” she said. “G.I. Joe didn’t make it.”

Those pieces that survived, such as the metal tool box with nails melted to the bottom, are now stored at her home until she decides what to do with it.

“What the fire did to some things made them into their own art,” she said, adding she may name the pewter collage LS87 Fire Art.

The cause of the fire, which was reported at 2:19 a.m. Jan. 26, is being investigated, said Newbury Fire Chief Ken Fagan, adding high winds spread the blaze to dozens of units.

S P O R T S

Bombers Baseball Shows Resiliency in Strong Start

By alan kornsPan

sPorts@karlovecmeDia com

The 2023 OHSAA Division III State Championship Kenston Bombers baseball team has had a busy start to its new season.

After playing four games on a spring trip to Tennessee, the Bombers returned home to Ohio on March 28 for a contest against the Avon Eagles.

Facing their opponents at Mercy Health Stadium, the home of the Lake Erie Crushers, the Bombers showed great resiliency and battled back to tie the Eagles 6-6.

Post-game, Kenston Head Coach Joe Hritz said that he was pleased with the progression his team is making.

“It's always tough ending in a tie,” Hritz said. “We started out real slow, made some mistakes in the field, but it's coming along.

“Seeing the guys battle back, especially the past couple days, to either put themselves in position to win or pull out a couple games, has been good to see.”

After the Eagles went up early 2-0, the Bombers scored three runs in the top of the third to take a 3-2 lead.

Grady Flynn started the top of the third inning with a walk. After advancing to third on two ground outs, Flynn scored on an Eagles wild pitch.

With two outs, the Bombers then loaded the bases when University of Akron commit LA Mighton reached base on an error. This was followed by Ohio University commit Jim-

my Cerha and teammate Avery Siperke draw ing walks.

Bridger Bischof then had the big hit of the game for the Bombers. With two outs and an 0-2 count, Bischof doubled on a line drive to right field, which drove in Mighton and Cerha and put the Bombers ahead 3-2.

Post-game, Bischof spoke about his third-inning double.

“I hit a little line shot over the first baseman’s head and got to second base on the play,” he said.

Added his coach, “(Bridger) always comes through in situations, and he was able to turn on the ball. He made a great swing on it. He attacked the pitch and went after it. It was a big momentum swing.”

After a scoreless fourth inning for both teams, the Eagles scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 6-3 lead. This, however, did not faze the Bombers, as they came back with three runs of their own to end the game tied at 6.

ston played four games on their spring trip.

The Bombers lost their first two games in Tennessee, 1-0 and 4-1.

First, Tommy Pecoraro started the top of the sixth inning with a line drive single. Beclay then walked, and the Bombers loaded the bases after Mighton was hit by a pitch.

Cerha drove home Pecoraro on fielder's choice. However, a throwing error on the same play allowed Beclay to score from second base to make the score 6-5.

The Bombers tied the game when Cerha scored from third base on a wild pitch.

Neither team scored in the remaining inning and a half.

In addition to their Eagles contest, Ken-

On March 26, Kenston was left offensively in a 10-0 victory over the Johnsburg Skyhawks by Bischof, who was 2-2 with an RBI, and Nolan Gelin, who was 2-4 with an RBI. On the mound, Bischof, Griffin Marcoguiseppe and Luke Schaedler combined for a three-hit, six inning shutout.

The next day, Kenston defeated the Maine East Blue Demons 10-6, coming back from a 6-2 fourth-inning deficit. Leading the Bombers offensively were Andy Fender (2-3, RBI), Beclay (2-3, RBI) and Cerha (2-4), and Beclay got the victory, throwing 3.1 innings of 1-hit baseball and striking out five batters.

The Bombers would return to the field April 1 for their home opener against the Solon Comets.

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Kenston’s dugout celebrates after Bridger Bischof’s double that gave the team a 3-2 lead in the top of the third inning.

Youthful Huskies are Chasing Glory

By haley aDams sPorts@karlovecmeDia com

Fourth-year head coach Haley Adams has been in the works of rebuilding Cardinal softball, and last year’s squad was the start of something special.

The Huskies finished the regular season 4-14 before picking up a tournament win against Windham and going the distance against the number three-seeded McDonald Blue Devils at the time, but falling 2-0.

Now Cardinal returns six letterwinners from a season ago, including sophomore pitcher Maggie Grant. The sophomore recorded 145 strikeouts while walking 62. At the plate, Grant hit .365 with three home runs.

The Huskies also return two seniors to the starting line up: infielder Alaina Rupinski and outfielder Morgan Soltis. Soltis became a staple at the plate for her team with a .265 batting average, while Rupinski recorded a .836 fielding percentage at second base. The

senior will make the transition from second to first this year.

Freshman Emily Pleva will make her freshman debut at second base, while fellow freshmen Natalie Soltis and Olivia Krebs will play shortstop and third base, respectively. Freshman Adelyn Grant, younger sister of Maggie, will take over the duties behind the plate.

The two freshmen at second base and shortstop have played together for many years. Both are quick to react to the softball and will show speed on the base paths. Krebs, who will serve as the team’s leadoff hitter, already shows consistency at the plate.

Sophomore Maggie Grant will return to the circle after posting a 3.65 ERA, having received CVC Honorable Mention a season ago. The fiery competitor took schools by surprise when she entered the circle. As for her younger sister, Adelyn has already shown what she can do behind the plate.

With a strong arm and a quick swing, she

See Softball • Page 15

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Cardinal sophomore Maggie Grant in the circle in an early season game against Bristol. The Huskies won 16-7.

Championship Remains Goal for Tigers

By Brian lavrich sPorts@karlovecmeDia.com

Last season was far from a failure for the Chagrin Falls baseball team as the Tigers went 18-11, finished second in the Chagrin Valley Conference and reached a Division III district final, especially since they were an inexperienced team last spring.

However, their string of six straight CVC titles still came to an end.

This season, the Tigers’ goals remain the same: win at least 20 games, a CVC crown and a district championship.

Head Coach Michael Sweeney is entering his 24th season leading the Tigers and has earned a record of 401-217.

“No matter what we have coming back, the mindset as a program is to cultivate and to expect to win 20 games, the CVC and a district title,” Sweeney said. “We were able to accomplish some good things last year, but our expectations are the same as always. There are a lot of good teams in our area and Division III. It’s always a challenge.

“We still have to prove we can score runs. It was a struggle last year. We are better, stronger and older. Perry was very good last year. Beachwood has two really good pitchers, and Hawken is good, too.”

The Tigers may have struggled scoring runs, but pitching was no problem. Overall, Chagrin Falls has nine players returning with significant varsity experience, including their top three pitchers.

Leading the way is number-one starter and senior Will Graham, who went 4-2 last season with a 0.77 ERA. In 45.1 innings pitched, he allowed just five earned runs and struck out 70.

Following Graham will be senior Charlie Reeder, who went 2-2 with a 2.47 ERA in 22.2 innings with 25 strikeouts. Reeder also plays third base and hit .326 with 17 RBIs and 23 runs scored while stealing a team-high 32 bases.

The last leg of the trio is sophomore Jack Watson, who went 3-1 with three saves and a 2.24 ERA in 34.1 innings with 28 strikeouts and just eight walks.

“I’m excited,” Sweeney said. “Those three guys gave us a lot of innings. Obviously, Graham is a legit number one. He has dominating stuff.”

Having Watson pitch as well as he did as a freshman last spring also opened eyes.

“He has great stuff,” Sweeney said. “He’s not overpowering, but has great off-speed pitches. He mixes up his pitches and throws strikes. He has a dominating change up.”

Sweeney said Reeder will start at third base when he’s not pitching and bat leadoff. Following him will be sophomore centerfielder Henry Cimperman, who is an outstanding glove man.

Batting third should be Graham, with senior first baseman Sven Nielsen hitting cleanup. Graham didn’t really hit last year due to some health issues. He should provide a boost to the Tigers’ lineup.

See Tigers • Page 15

Huskies Baseball Looking for Breakout Season

By rich kelly sPorts@karlovecmeDia.com

The Huskies made a lot of noise in the CVC Valley Division a season ago.

With early wins against Kirtland and defending CVC champions Edgewood, they started the season off strong and would eventually finish 12-8 overall and 8-4 in the CVC, good for a third place finish in their conference.

Today's team returns eight letterwinners, including 1st Team All-Conference honoree Troy Domen, 2nd Team All-Conference Logan Strever, and honorable mention honorees Carter Tucker and Jackson Puruczky.

With those eight returners, first-year head coach Dan Wolf has a great opportunity to shake things up again in the conference. Wolf comes to Cardinal after spending some time with the Skippers of Fairport Harding.

Despite the departure of pitcher Jake Bean, who now represents the Golden Flashes at Kent State University, the Huskies still have plenty of talent left on the field. Pitchers like Troy Domen, Jackson Puruczky, Logan Strever, Carter Tucker and Austin Jones will

Softball

from page 13

is another freshman who is aggressive and isn’t afraid to show her emotions on the field.

Soltis will make her start in left field, while freshman Ivy Kaminski will take charge in center field. Freshman Laney Schamberg will round out the starting lineup over in right field. With Kaminski and Schamberg, the Huskies provide speed at the bottom of the lineup and also cover an immense amount of ground in the outfield.

Soltis has bounced for numerous positions throughout her Cardinal career, but made a strong campaign last season in center and left field, earning 2nd Team CVC.

Despite having a young roster, with six of their eight freshmen in the starting lineup, the Huskies are optimistic and eager to begin their season. A class that won back-to-back 14U championships during their recreational days transferred that talent to the basketball court this winter when they faced a number of challenges, but displayed great grit and determination to overcome them.

Senior Casey Koeth and junior Bri Lew will also provide depth in the outfield for the

Tigers from page 14

Nielson will be a third-year starter and a superb glove man on top of his ability in the batter’s box.

Brandt Stevens, a junior, should start in left field after hitting .283 last season with 12 RBIs.

Next would be senior second baseman Oliver Tepper and Watson, who will catch when he is not pitching. Tepper started in right field last spring.

Senior Aiden Cabic will be the main DH and provides potential power with junior Finn Johnson starting at shortstop. Johnson will also see plenty of time at catcher. Johnson and Stevens should slot in as starting pitchers behind the Tigers’ big three.

Senior Drew Blair missed all of last season with an injury, but should see time in the

all find time on the mound.

Depending on who gets the start, the Huskies defense could look a little different for each game.

Behind the plate could be four-year letterwinner Jackson Puruczky and second-year winner Hunter Gresch. Both spent time catching for the Huskies' plethora of pitchers. Gresch posted a .308 batting average.

Around the field, junior Matt Hissa and Domen will hold down the middle infield positions of second base and shortstop, respectively. Hissa recorded a .800 fielding percentage a season ago and made his appearance in 19 games. Domen produced a .443 batting average, recording 31 hits and 15 RBIs in 79 plate appearances.

Over at third base, the Huskies will see a number of athletes including senior Logan Mullet and junior Carter Tucker. The junior could also see some moments at shortstop. At the other hot corner, the Huskies have Austin Jones or Jackson Puruczky to represent first base. Puruczky fielded at a teambest 98.4 percent, posting just three errors in 19 games.

Huskies, while freshmen Aallyah Barbee, Nova Young and junior Adrianna Bosher all can play multiple positions on the field.

Unfortunately the Huskies will be without junior Rylie Leichtman as she recovers from a knee injury suffered during her wrestling season. Leichtman hit .389 a season ago. Isabella McMurray and Dakota Gillispie also suffered season-ending injuries for Adams and her crew.

But Cardinal will no doubt be competitive this season. There will be moments of growing pains, but Adams loves her team’s drive.

The Huskies also welcomed Martha Barcikowski, JV head coach, and Dave Krebs, varsity coach, to the program, who bring plenty of knowledge and passion for the game of softball.

Things got underway when Cardinal hosted the Southeast Pirates on March 25. As the team searches for its first conference win since 2018, they will get a stab at Kirtland on April 2 before traveling to defending conference champions, the Wickliffe Blue Devils, on April 4.

Adams and Athletic Director Jimmy Soltis worked on a challenging non-conference schedule to prepare the Huskies for a tough conference schedule beginning in April.

outfield this spring along with junior Nathaniel Newton.

Juniors Mason Hart and Henry Myers can help out in the infield. Both are offensively inclined, with Hart possessing some real power.

Freshmen Ash Martin and Will Murray will push for varsity playing time in the infield.

“Two things we take pride in as a program are pitching and defense,” Sweeney said. “We want to swing it, but pitching and defense will keep you in every game. It’s hard to beat a team that throws strikes and doesn’t mess up. It’s tough to beat a team that doesn’t make mistakes. A lot of high school baseball is capitalizing on mistakes. We make teams have to beat us.”

If the Tigers find ways to score a few more runs, winning 20 games and a CVC title are definitely within reach in 2024.

Logan Strever, Chuck Soltis and Reese Soltis will all represent the outfield. Strever posted a .368 batting average, recorded 21 hits and drove in 14 RBIs. Junior Zack Caldwell will also represent the outfield.

Logan Mullet, who made an impact on the football field, will look to carry that same talent over to the baseball field now. Junior Nicholi McDaniel could also see playing time, as could sophomores Blake Strever and Talon Duncan in the outfield and at the catcher positions, respectively.

Freshmen Evan Jones, Jackson Plonske, Chance Molnar and Jaiden Fix also join this season's squad.

Domen opened on the season hill against the LaBrae Vikings on a brisk, sunny day.

After it looked like he would get out of a two-out, two -on situation in the first inning of a 5-0 LaBrae win, an infield miscue cost him an unearned run.

With two out in the bottom of the first frame, Domen drilled a sharp liner to right for a hit, but Hunter Gresch sent a low liner to left that was caught at the knee by the left fielder to end the inning.

In the second frame, a walk and wild pitch on a strikeout with one out gave the Vikings runners at the corners. A fly ball tallied one run, and a home run down the left field line that rattled the dugout on the softball field tallied two more, and the Vikings added another unearned run in the fourth for the final scoring of the day.

The factor Coach Wolf alluded to came into play in the third and sixth innings for the Huskies.

With two out in the third frame, leadoff

man Reese Soltis beat out a bouncer to the hole in shortstop for a single. Charles Soltis sent a soft liner to center that fell in, and Domen beat out a soft bouncer between shortstop and second base to load the bases with two out.

Gresch sent a screaming line drive to left center, but the left fielder, looking directly into the sun, stayed with the ball for the final out.

The Huskies loaded the bases again in the sixth, and saw a golden opportunity to score come up short, again showing Coach Wolf’s concern about the bats.

Gresch drilled a one out single to lef field, Puruczky followed with a drive to right center that fell in, but Gresch was thrown out at third on a perfect relay for the second out. Carter Tucker sent a sharp grounder into left for a single, junior Austin Jones drew a walk to load he bags again, but a strikeout ended the threat.

Charles Soltis and Domen each had a pair of hits for the Huskies, but nobody could come up with the clutch hit needed.

Domen and Puruczky combined to fan 14 Vikings, it was clear that the Huskies will have some solid pitching this season.

Reese Soltis lead off the lineup while in left field, Charles Soltis was in right, Domen was on the hill, and Gresch was behind the plate. Puruczky started at first base, Tucker played at third, Blake Strever was the shortstop, Zach Caldwell was in centerfield, and Matt Hissa started at second base.

The rest of the Cardinal team includes Jaiden Fix, Evan Jones, Logan Mullet, Talon Duncan, Jackson Plonske, and Nicholia McDaniel.

Cecelia Terranova

Cecelia Terranova, age 74, of Munson Township, passed away peacefully March 22, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Ceil was a bus driver for Chardon Schools for 35 years.

Ceil was "One of a Kind" and will be missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Antonette; son, Vince (Maria); grandchildren, Jack (Lilly), Gina, Gianni (Andrew), Joey; brother-in-law, Ken Terranova (Linda); and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Jack Terranova. She also leaves her companions, Rio and Lola.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

We would like to thank the Munson Fire Department for all their help.

Sara Rayl

Sara Rayl (nee Schmucker), beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully at her Hambden Township home on March 28, 2024, at the age of 74. She was born on Aug. 12, 1949.

Sara spent many years of her life working at AD Morton Company, where she served as a bookkeeper and office manager until her retirement.

However, it was her life outside of work that truly brought her happiness and fulfillment. Sara found joy in the simple pleasures of reading, playing cards, tending to her garden and, most of all, spending cherished moments with her family and her beloved dog, Mercy.

Sara is survived by her daughters, Lisa Bontrager, Julia (Jeff) Botos, Christine Juleff, Andrea Kaufman, Elizabeth (Dan) Osicki; sons, Glenn (Tina) Bontrager, Robert (Kim) Rayl; and 13 grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brothers, David (Loretta) Schmucker, Gary (Shelly) Weaver; and sister, Teresa Weaver.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Robert Rayl; and her parents, Anna Miller and Joseph Weaver.

A celebration of Sara's life will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, on Friday, April 5, 2024.

A visitation for friends and family will be held in the vestibule of St. Helen from 10-11 a.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.

A private family burial will be in Hambden Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110, or www.hospicewr.org; or the Geauga County Department on Aging, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024, or www.geauga. oh.gov.

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

Helen Miller Wagner

In loving memory of a devoted educator and beloved friend, Helen (nee Calvin) Miller Wagner, peace fully passed away on March 5, 2024, in Newberry, Fla., at the age of 86.

Helen was born on Oct. 27, 1937, at Corey Hospital in Chardon, to proud parents Paul H. and Thelma B. Calvin, as their cherished fourth child, Helen Amanda.

Helen’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to education and her deep love for her students. She embarked on her journey in academia, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1959, followed by a master’s degree in education from Kent State University in 1964. For 31 years, Helen dedicated herself to teaching in Chardon, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students whom she guided with wisdom and compassion.

Beyond her passion for education, Helen found joy in the simple pleasures of life. For 55 consecutive years, she cherished the companionship of many Welsh ponies at “The Cardinal Pony Farm,” a testament to her enduring love for animals and the outdoors.

Helen’s heart was touched by love twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage to Kenneth W. Miller Sr. brought her the love of her two stepsons, Kenneth W. (Katy) Miller Jr. and Keith (Margaret) Miller. After Kenneth’s passing in 1983, Helen found companionship once again when she married Lee Ernie Wagner in 2001. Together, they embarked on a new chapter of their lives in the warmth of Florida.

Helen’s legacy of love extends to her stepdaughter, Laura (David) Badenhop and family, and stepson, Scott L. (Christina) Wagner, as well as to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Special recognition is bestowed upon her dear nephew David (Helen) Calvin and niece Bonny (Brian) Carrier, whose unwavering support was a source of comfort in her time of need.

In addition to her human companions, Helen found solace and joy in the company of her faithful canine buddies, Scooter and Freckles, who brought light to her days with their unwavering loyalty and companionship.

Helen asked us to mention the impact on her life by the ones she adopted as her own extended family, made of friends and former students alike. Among those who she held so dear are Keith Miller, Angel Chudzik, Andrea Hauter, Christine Martin, Donna Temple and Kevin Shea. She will be greatly missed by so many.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at 1 p.m. April 6, 2024, at the First Congregational Church of Claridon, 13942 Mayfield Road.

The memorial service will be livestreamed by The First Congregational Church of Claridon. For those unable to attend in person, please email claridoncongregationalchurch@gmail.com to receive the livestream link and join us in commemorating her life.

In honoring Helen’s memory, she requested donations be made to the First Congregational Church of Claridon Endowment Fund or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to

Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and cherished memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com

In honoring Helen’s memory, let us carry forward her legacy of love, kindness and dedication to education. She will forever be remembered for her warmth, her wisdom and the profound impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so generously shared with the world.

Melvin Pearl Slack

Melvin Pearl Slack, 90, of North Kingsville passed away peacefully Sat urday, March 30, 2024, at Anna Maria of Aurora.

He was born Nov. 6, 1933, in South Webster, Ohio, the son of the late Harry E. and Hattie (nee Johnson) Slack.

Melvin graduated from Bloom Town ship High School and then went on to honorably serve our country in the United States Army. During his time stationed in Texas, he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Gerber, and they were married on June 16, 1956.

Alan Charles Bates Sr.

Alan “Al” Charles Bates Sr., age 80, passed away at the home he built in Burton, surrounded by the five amazing women who cared for him and loved him un til the very end, early Wednesday morning on March 27, 2024.

Al was born Oct. 12, 1943, in Cleveland, to the late Robert F. and Eleanor D. (nee Stanis) Bates.

He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Briggs, on May 2, 1964.

Al was the proud owner and operator of Alan Bates Excavating, the foundation upon which he provided for his family and demonstrated an unmatched work ethic that has inspired multiple generations. His actions and quiet generosity always spoke louder than his words.

He was an active member of St. Helen Catholic Church and the Pleasant Hills Snowmobile Club in Burton.

Al enjoyed golfing in early retirement and later learned to love playing rummy with his wife, kids and grandchildren where memories were made around the kitchen table; his catch phrases and one-line zingers will never be forgotten.

He made friends wherever he went. His closest neighbors on Pine Island, Fla., or a passing stranger could attest to this.

After his time in the military, Melvin and Ruth Ann moved to Ohio to be closer to family. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served with them off and on through the years.

Mr. Slack worked for many years at Elkem Metals/ Union Carbide. Melvin was also a North Kingsville Volunteer Fireman for over 25 years.

In his younger years, he was a Boy Scout and, as his children grew up, he was active coaching little league baseball, girls softball and participated in Indian Guides with his son. He was also an avid gardener. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Karen (Richard) Endres, Kathy Slack, Glenn (Jeanie) Slack and Nancy (Dan) Smith; grandchildren, Ryan (Jackie) Endres, Renee Endres, Rachel Endres, Andrew Slack, Rachel (Ryan) Morgan, Luke Smith, Seth Smith, Shane (Olivia) Smith and Jake Smith; and great-grandchildren, Quincy, Alexa, Austin, Carter, Harper and Greyson.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Ruth Ann; sisters, Helen Hollback and Wanda Knight; and parents.

Funeral services will be held April 11, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula.

Burial will follow at Eastlake Cemetery in North Kingsville.

Calling hours will be held April 11 from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the North Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 318, North Kingsville, OH 44068.

Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com.

Al enjoyed driving across the country with his family, making countless memories, even collecting a classic auto or two.

He will be sorely missed by his loving wife, Joyce; daughters, Barb (Nick) Vizy, of Troy Township, Deborah (Dean) Pawlak, of Claridon Township, Brenda (Todd) Hornak, of Burton, Michelle (Rick) Rucinski, of Burton; grandchildren, Ben Vizy, Alec Vizy, Ethan Pawlak, Aaron (fiancée, Natalie Washington) Pawlak, Troy Hornak, Jenna Hornak, Bryce Hornak, Caitlyn Rucinski and Emma Rucinski.

Al is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carole Bates; brother-in-law, Richard Kuhen; his honorary son, Ken (Christina) Veon; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Al was tragically preceded in death by his beloved son, Alan Charles Bates Jr.; sister, Eloise Kuhen; brother, Robert (Bob) Bates Jr., niece Robbin Bates; and nephew Robert “Bobby” Bates III.

On Saturday, April 6, 2024, there will be a Memorial Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, with Father Jay McPhillips officiating.

The family will gather with friends and family before the Mass from 9-11 a.m. in the gathering space (narthex) at the church.

Memorial donations can be made in Alan Bates' name to St. Helen Building Fund.

Sly Family Funeral Home in Middlefield assisted his family with arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.

Notices should be emailed to editor@ karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Obituaries

Frances T. Hanus

Frances T. “Fran”

Hanus (nee Klein), age 75, beloved wife for 52 years of Ronald; loving mother of Justin (wife Kyoko); devoted grandmother of Hunter, Taylor and Sawyer; cherished daughter of the late Louis and Adeline (nee Dooley) Klein; dearest sister of Maryann Paxton (husband Tony deceased), Kathleen, Margaret, Patrick (wife Margaret), Christopher (wife Jeanne), Peter (wife Kathy) and Daniel Klein (wife Linda Bowyer), Virginia Salay (husband George) and Louis Klein (wife Nicole); treasured sister-in-law of Cynthia and the late James Beard; fond cousin of Russ and Pat Maruna; dear aunt of Marlena Klein; dearest friend of Dirk and Gail Smithisler, Jeanne Menger, Sheree Bartos and Karen Barber; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Fran was born on July 23, 1948, in Cleveland and grew up in the Cleveland Heights area.

Graduating in 1966 from Regina High School, she was drawn into and spent many years in the commercial insurance industry.

Fran was passionate about reading books and gardening, but she found true enjoyment while vacationing in North Carolina and shelling on the beach.

Her family describes her as social and outgoing with a wonderful sense of humor.

Fran passed away on March 29, 2024, and will be tenderly remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother by her loving family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Fran to the American Cancer Society.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life Service Saturday, April 6, 2024, 1-5 P.M., at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland, 12811 Chillicothe Road.

Online obituary and guestbook at www. DeJohnCares.com

Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Lesley V. Long

Lesley V. Long, 85, of Thompson Township, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, March 30, 2024, at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Francitas, Texas, on Sept. 11, 1938, to the late Harold B. and Louise (nee Jones) Long. Lesley later married his best friend and love of his life, Diane Storer, on Jan. 30, 1960.

He graduated from Ganado High School, Ganado, Texas, in 1957, where he loved playing in all sports. Les also was active in the band.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served from 19581961.

Les then became a semi-truck driver and drove for 34 years in the Teamsters Local 407. In 1995, he retired from ABF. Les then began driving school buses for Ledgemont Schools until his final retirement in 2011.

He was always an avid sports fan. Les looked forward to watching the Buckeyes, Browns, Indians and, of course, the Dallas Cowboys! He was also a dedicated fan of the Ledgemont Redskins, attending as many games as he could get to after work.

Les loved hunting, racing homing pigeons and, of course, the casinos.

Les made friends everywhere he went. He was quick to smile and always ready with a joke or story. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him, especially, his loving wife of 64 years, Diane; son, Daniel Long; daughters, Carol (John) Geisman and Amy Hochschild; five wonderful grandchildren, Jennifer (Jack) Guthrie, Caitlyn Geisman, John Geisman Jr., Amanda Vinecourt, and J.J. Vinecourt; seven foster children he and Diane raised over the years; and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Harold L. Long.

Family and friends will be received from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, with military honors and a prayer service following at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Les’ name are requested to be made to Traditions Health, Attn: Treasury Dept., One Nashville, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 2300, Nashville, TN 37219.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, Middlefield, (440) 632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.

Senior News

Senior Support Groups

April 16

Geauga County Department on Aging will hold support groups for county seniors, 60 years of age and older, at Chardon Senior Center, 470 Center St., Building 8.

Learn how pedaling, or biking, is beneficial during the Parkinson’s Support Group

meeting at 12:30 p.m.

At 2 p.m., join registered nurse Kathleen McMahon-Dunning, diabetes educator from UH Geauga Medical Center, to learn weight management and healthy tips during the Diabetes Support Group.

For questions and to RSVP, call Sandy McLeod at 440-279-2137.

Geauga Public Library

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

April Food Drive

Geauga County Public Library has partnered with Claridon Community Helps to bring their April food drive to GCPL.

The Claridon Community Helps’ food drive will take place throughout April, with proceeds being used to provide food security for Geauga children through the “Now That’s What I’m Talking About!” summer lunch program. Donation bins can be found at or near the entrance of each library branch.

For more information, including how to volunteer for or donate to Claridon Community Helps’ April food drive and for a complete list of requested perishable and non-perishable food items, visit ClaridonCommunityHelps.org/.

Storytimes

Join for a storytime that is sure to engage, connect and inspire children with their imagination. A complete list of upcoming storytime programs is available to view on the website’s programs calendar.

Discussion Groups

No registration is required.

• Middlefield, April 11, 5:30 p.m., “The House in the Pines” by Ana Reyes

• Chardon, April 12, 3:30 p.m., “Troy” (2004)

• Chardon, April 13, 2 p.m., “The Gunslinger” by Stephen King

• Bainbridge, April 15, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., “He Said/She Said” by Erin Kelly

• Bainbridge, April 16, 7 p.m., “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card

• Chardon, April 17, 7 p.m., “The Speckled Beauty” by Rick Bragg

Inaugural Ball Gowns

April 5, 10-11 a.m. • Virtual

Join the James A. Garfield National Historic Site as they trace inaugural balls throughout American history, highlighting the fashions worn through the centuries.

Passport Fair

April 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Chardon

GCPL has partnered with the Geauga County Clerk of Courts to provide a one-stop shopping experience to help one complete the necessary steps to get a passport. No registration is required.

The Canal That Created Cleveland

April 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Chardon

Listen as Cleveland Metroparks historian and archivist Judy MacKeigan discusses the 1832 opening of the Ohio and Erie Canal and the economic boom it created for entrepreneurs and Ohio farmers.

Patrick Henry: The Voice of Liberty

April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. • Chardon

Learn about the "Forgotten Patriot," Patrick Henry, and his influence on U.S. history and the American Revolution.

Geauga’s Interurban

April 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Chardon

Author Dan Rager will present the history of Geauga’s Interurban system: the Maple Leaf Route.

Writing Workshop

April 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Chardon

Authors will learn how to improve their writing and character development skills.

Local Author Fair

April 13, 1-3 p.m. • Chardon

Meet local authors, purchase books and celebrate the written word at the library. No registration is required.

Fort Sumter: April 12, 1861

April 13, 2:30-3:30 p.m. • Virtual

Log in to Zoom and learn about the First Battle of Fort Sumter, why it happened, President Lincoln’s response and more.

Bringing Back the Bluebird

April 15, 7-8 p.m. • Chardon

With industrial and residential development increasing, learn how the bluebird has struggled to adapt to its changing environment and how to create a home for them in one’s yard. WWW.GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM

Bulletin Board

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

GEL Breakfast

April 5, 8-9:30 a.m.

Attorney Elizabeth A. Crosby, a partner at Buckley King, will present “Getting Legal: Understanding and Complying with Workplace Laws” at the next Geauga Economic Leadership (G.E.L.) breakfast at Kent State University – Geauga, 14111 Claridon Troy Road, Burton.

Breakfast and networking begin at 8 a.m. Free and open to the public.

For information or to register, call 440564-1060 or email info@geaugagrowth. com.

Learn to Square Dance

April 5, 7-9 p.m.

Learn how to square dance at 10222 Bundysburg Road in Middlefield. For more information, call 440-632-1074 or email rlmarsch@windstream.net.

Indoor Flea Market

April 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Munson Township’s indoor flea market will be held at the Munson Town Hall and Fire Station Bay, 12210 Auburn Road. The $1 entrance fee for shoppers will go toward the Munson Township Scholarship Fund. Youth 12 and under are free.

Contact the township office at 440-2869255 for more information.

FGP Explorers Series

April 6, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks to explore a new park featuring an elevated scenic observation deck and boardwalk at Troy Wetlands, 18725 Claridon Troy Road, Hiram Township.

For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440564-1048.

Total Eclipse of the Arts

April 8, 1-5 p.m.

Fairmount Center for the Arts will offer an art-inspired eclipse viewing party with family-friendly art, music, dance and theater activities inspired by the eclipse. Guests will receive complimentary eclipse viewing glasses.

Admission is free; advanced reservations are requested by visiting fairmountcenter.org or calling 440-338-3171.

Genealogical Society Meets

April 9, 6:30 p.m.

Judy MacKeigan, Cleveland Metro Park historian and archivist, will present "The Canal That Created Cleveland" at the next

meeting of the Geauga County Genealogical Society at the Chardon Library, 110 E Park St. She will discuss the history of the "Big Ditch" and its impact on Northeastern Ohio. The program begins at 7 p.m. following social time and a brief business meeting.

Registration is required for the free program; visit www.gcgsoh.org.

Women’s Caucus Meets

April 9, 7 p.m.

The Geauga Democratic Women’s Caucus will meet at the Geauga Democratic Headquarters, 12420 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. All are welcome. For information, call 440-273-8200.

Red Wagon Spring Dinner

April 10, 4:30-8 p.m.

The Christ Child Society of Geauga County is holding its 31st annual Red Wagon spring fundraiser dinner, raffles and auction at St. Noel Banquet Center in Willoughby Hills. Guest emcee is Jen Harcher, Channel 8 meteorologist.

The event supports the many programs and activities of the Society that has served at-risk children in Geauga for over 40 years.

Tickets are $50 per person. Email Jeanette Bussoletti at jbussoletti@yahoo.com or call 216-401-8190 for more information and reservations.

VFW Wednesday Dinners

Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 will serve chicken wings in a variety of flavors every Wednesday in April at the post located at 752 Water St.

Dinners are open to the public. Call 440-285-3699 for to-go orders.

Happy Tails Benefit

April 21, 2-5 p.m.

The non-profit, no-kill Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary is holding a “Sunday Dinner with a Purr-pose” benefit at St. Noel Banquet Center, 35200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills.

Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. with a family-style dinner at 2:30 p.m. Event includes silent and Chinese auctions and 50-50 raffle.

Tickets are $50 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets by April 14, call or text Doreen at 440-759-0076.

Boy Scout Leader Receives Rotary Award

By BoB Johnson, secretary rotary cluB of Burton-miDDlefielD

On March 18, I had the honor of attending the Boy Scout Troop 99’s Court of Honor Awards ceremony held at Big Creek Park in Chardon. The ceremony is a by-yearly program to honor scouts for their rank changes and the badges they have earned over the past six months. Approximately 20 scouts from Troop 99 in Newbury Township attended and took part in the ceremony that recognized a broad range of accomplishments of their efforts.

After the Scout and Scouter awards were presented, Dave Terrill and I from the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield presented a special Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Assistant Scout Master Bob Brooker. The Paul Harris award is given to Rotarians in recognition of their contribution of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Additionally, Rotary clubs will use the award to recognize Rotarian members for special humanitarian service to the community. The award may be presented to members of the community who have demonstrated extraordinary levels of service and giving to their community. Bob has demonstrated his service to Troop 99 over the years, as well as through his service to the FBI.

Last fall, Bob gave a presentation to Burton Middlefield Rotary about experiences he and his fellow FBI field office members had during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in

New York City. As part of the New York City FBI field office, Bob was located about two blocks from where the twin towers stood.

As that day’s events began to unfold, Bob and other team members heard the planes crash into the towers and the first tower collapse. As they began to understand the severity of the strikes from the news on TV, Bob and other team members began to make their way to the Twin Towers against a mass group of people who were fleeing the scene. As they approached the towers and could begin to see the destruction, they were forced to seek shelter as the second tower collapsed.

After regrouping with the rest of the FBI field office, Bob and fellow FBI agents began working with other first responders to assist people in need, getting people evacuated from the area, and making sure the area was secured.

Soon the FBI’s task turned from the im mediate response of helping people at the scene of the two collapsed towers to the search for clues explaining what happened and for the black boxes from the planes that struck the towers. Bob spent almost six months sifting through debris, interviewing witnesses at all hours of the day and night and working to try to come up with anything that could help explain exactly what happened. Though they never did find the planes’ black boxes, Bob shared what he witnessed and how people in New York came together during the days, weeks and months after the

attacks. He described how people would line the bridge into Manhattan holding signs and waving flags thanking the first responders as they would head back into the city each day to continue their mission of investigating the tragedy.

Burton Middlefield Rotary is grateful for all the work that Bob and other first responders did during 9/11 as well as for our

Kenston Schools

KMS Speech and Debate

Kenston Middle School Speech and Debate Team recently competed at the state competition in Louisville, Ohio. Brooke Carlson was crowned the state champion in Congressional Debate. Placing second at the state competition was Pearl Johnson in Declamation. Placing fourth was the team of Reagan Carnes and William Thompson in Public Forum Debate. Placing seventh in Extemporaneous Debate was Maria Shindika. Reaching finals in Congressional Debate was Zoey Murtha. Also competing at states were Silas Berkland, Lyla Bienias, Evie Bohac, Aspen Bozarth, Sophia Coburn and Ayla Lewandowski.

Kenston Cooks Competition

The annual Kenston Cooks competition occurred on March 11 at Kenston High School and was held in conjunction with Kenston’s Nutrition Services Department, Play Blue and the Health and Wellness committees.

Students prepared and plated a healthy dinner entree item. Chefs in the competition in-

cluded: Sophia Babulski, Julianna Barr, Jaxson Darling, Kamdyn Gardner, Livia Greaves, Maggie Gregg, Regan Hudak, Josephine Hughes, Eli Roland, Nella Schmitz, Nolan Streck, and Kennedy Szarka. The 2024 winners were Nolan Steck, Nella Schmitz and Regan Hudak.

Kenston Center Stage Presents…

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz.

The cast, crew and orchestra are comprised of Matthew Albano, Brooklyn Alexander, Addie Altmann, Gabby Bates, Sasha Baum, Jackson Beclay, Sabrina Billock, Dom Blogna, Natalie Brown, Ella Butler, Marin Carlson, Peter Como, Brooke Davidson, Denno, Jane Eibler, Elise Flinders, Jacob Gertsburg, Tommy Hart, Tommy Hunt, Ava Intelisano, Maddy Jaroch, Cas Kapela, Wilson Kentner, Brett King, Jon King, Andie Kirshman, Jacob Kovalski, Mitchell Lai, Jackson Larkin, Matt Latz, Zoe LeFeber, Justin Link,

military men and women who stepped up and continue to step up to serve and protect our county. After hearing about Bob’s experience in New York as well as for his tireless work with Scout Troop 99. The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield felt Bob Brooker deserved a Paul Harris Fellowship Award as a true community hero. Burton Middlefield Rotary is truly grateful for his service.

Lindsey Myshrall, Matt Nidy, Madi Pastor, Sienna Peterson, Moraya Piunno, Sadie Poudevigne, Will Radefeld, Connie Ragsdale, Nathan Rolf, Max Rossiter, Luke Schmidt, Ben Serafin, Rhys Serquina, Josh Slates, Jake Spencer, Paige Stedman, Aly Stefancin, Josie Stever, Lauren Stever, Erriana Strong, Molly

Vrudney, Gavin Watson, Olivia White, Charlotte Witmer Rich and Jess Wright.

Performances are April 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.; and April 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Kenston High School Robert A. Lee Auditorium. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased through the Kenston Box Office at kenstonlocal.org.

SUBMITTED

From left are BMR secretary Bob Johnson; Paul Harris Fellowship Award recipient Assistant Scout Master Bob Brooker; and BMR member Dave Terrill.

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate

General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 22-F-000398

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, Plaintiff vs. JULIE A. SOLLARS, NKA JULIE RICE, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 25th day of April, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 9th day of May, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Montville to wit:

Situated in the Township of Montville, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio: Known as being Sublot No. 25 of the Mont-Mere Colony Subdivision No. 1 of part of Original Section 5 of Montville Township as recorded in Volume 9, Page 96 of Geauga County Records of Plats, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.

Commonly known as: 8494 Murphy Road, Thompson, OH 44086.

Prior Deed Reference No.: Book 1459, Page 404

Said Premises Located at: 8494 MURPHY ROAD, MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 20-006720

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover. Said Premises appraised at ($285,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($190,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT

A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Austin R. Decker, attorney Mar28Apr4-11, 2024

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 23-F-000103

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED LOANS STRUCTURED TRANSACTION TRUST, SERIES 2021-1, Plaintiff vs. CAROL DEAN, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 25th day of April, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 9th day of May, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Newbury to wit:

A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Said Premises Located at: 11658 PEKIN ROAD, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 23-297500, 23-297600

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

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

Said Premises appraised at ($125,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($83,334.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thir-

Legal Notices

ty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Robert R. Hoose, attorney Mar28Apr4-11, 2024

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 23-F-000398

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2021-1, Plaintiff vs. MARILYN S. ALESNIK, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 25th day of April, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 9th day of May, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Munson to wit:

A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Said Premises Located at: 9957 SHERMAN ROAD, MUNSON TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 22-000150

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

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

Said Premises appraised at ($355,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($236,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Robert R. Hoose, attorney Mar28Apr4-11, 2024

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate

General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 23-F-000416

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC, Plaintiff vs. MELISSA A. GUARDO, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 25th day of April, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 9th day of May, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Chardon to wit: Situated in the Township of Chardon, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: and known as being part of Lot No. 161, Tract #3, of said township, and further described as follows:

Beginning at a point in the center of Thwing Road, which is the Southerly line of Chardon Township, at the intersection of the Southwest corner of a 6.6 acres parcel of land, deeded by Millard M. Thwing to Durrell D. Thwing, as recorded in Vol. 178, Page 618, of Geauga County Deed Records.

Thence N. 86 deg. 12’ 10” W. 1966.11 feet, along the center of Thwing Road, to the principal place of beginning.

Course No. 1: Thence N. 86 deg. 12’ 10” W. 108.90 feet along the center of Thwing Road.

Course No. 2:

to survey of W. E Holland Engineering Company, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, February 1956.

It is the intention hereby to convey Sublot #7 of Berkshire Heights Estates Subdivision, proposed.

There is reserved herein to Olmar Construction, Inc. its successors and assigns, an easement over the front ten (10) feet of the within described premises which easement is established for the purposes of installing, repairing, maintaining and/or removing sewer lines, water systems, electric, gas, and/or telephone lines and other utilities necessary for the welfare of the Grantee and owners of all other sublots of the said subdivision, Olmar Construction, Inc., hereby reserves and retains the right to transfer this easement to the pertinent governmental bodies or utilize companies equipped to handle the aforesaid services, without the consent of the grantees, their heirs or assigns, be the same more or less but subject to all legal highways.

More commonly known as: 10844 Thwing Road, Chardon, OH 44024.

Said Premises Located at: 10844 THWING

ROAD, CHARDON TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 06-088400

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

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

Said Premises appraised at ($200,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($133,334.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Bethany L. Suttinger, attorney Mar28Apr4-11, 2024

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate

General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 23-F-000514

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:

THE MIDDLEFIELD BANKING COMPANY, Plaintiff vs. DOUGLAS ALAN HATCH, AKA DOUGLAS ALLAN HATCH, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 25th day of April, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 9th day of May, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Middlefield to wit:

Situated in the Township of Middlefield, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio:

And known as being a part of Lot 43 in Middlefield Township and further described as follows:

Beginning at a point in the centerline of Bridge Road (60’ R/W) and the north line of Lot 43 and being N 88° 40’ E, 954.06’ from an iron pipe found at the intersection of said road centerline with the centerline of Adams Road; thence N 88° 40’ E, 270.00’ along the centerline of Bridge Road and the north line of Lot 43 to a point; thence S 1° 20’ E, 741.18’ to an iron pipe set and passing over an iron pipe set 30.00’ from the road center; thence S 88° 40’ W, 270.00’ to an iron pipe set; thence N 1° 20’ W, 741.18’ to the beginning and passing over an iron pipe set 30.00’ from the road center.

Containing 4.594 acres of land, be the same more or less but subject to all legal highways, as surveyed in September, 1996 by Edward J. Collier, Registered Surveyor No, 7141.

Being a parcel of land divided out of property deeded to D.K. Reese, D.W. Hatch, T.A. Hatch and D.A. Hatch in Volume 816, Page 320 in the Geauga County Records.

Said Premises Located at: 16659 BRIDGE ROAD, MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 18-000100

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by

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

Said Premises appraised at ($235,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($156,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Anthony J. Gringo, attorney Mar28Apr4-11, 2024

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 23-F-000636

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: CITIZENS BANK, N.A., Plaintiff vs. JAMES T. BARKER, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 25th day of April, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 9th day of May, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Chester to wit: Situated in the Township of Chester, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio and known as being Sublot No. 5 in Sherman Hills Subdivision No. 1, as recorded in Volume 10, Pages 1, 2, and 3, Geauga County Records of Plats, be the same more or less but subject to all legal highways.

This being the same property conveyed to Cathleen Barker, married, dated 05/24/2013 and recorded on 07/08/2013 in Book 1954, Page 1176, in the Geauga County Recorders Office.

Address: 12238 Shiloh Dr., Chesterland, OH 44026.

Prior Deed Reference: Book 1954, Page 1176, Instrument No. 201300862291

Said Premises Located at: 12238 SHILOH DRIVE, CHESTER TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 11-249600

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

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

Said Premises appraised at ($375,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($250,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Johna M. Bella, attorney Mar28Apr4-11, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Containing

WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

23-F-000634 – Christopher P. Hitchcock, Treasurer of Geauga County, Ohio, Plaintiff vs. Scott Stewart, et al., Defendants. Unknown Occupants, if any, of 14874 Standish Ave., Middlefield, OH 44062 whose last known address is 14874 Standish Ave., Middlefield, OH 44062 address is unknown, and cannot, with reasonable diligence, be ascertained shall take notice; and, if deceased, their unknown heirs, devises, legatees, administrators, executors, and assigns will take notice that on the 23rd day of October 2023, the Treasurer Of Geauga County, filed a Complaint in the Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, 100 Short Court Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024, entitled Christopher P. Hitchcock, Treasurer of Geauga County vs. Scott Stewart, et al., Case No: 23-F-000634, against the above-named parties, praying that the premises hereinafter described be sold for the collection of delinquent real estate taxes, owed and unpaid, is $15,355.51 together with accruing taxes, as-

Thursday, April 4, 2024

sessments, penalties, interest, and charges; as well as court costs. Said premises is described as permanent parcel number(s) 19-060800. A complete legal description of the parcel(s) can be obtained from the Geauga County Recorder’s Office. The volume and page number for the parcel(s) can be obtained from the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

The object of the action is to obtain from the Court a judgment foreclosing the tax liens against such real estate and ordering the sale of such real estate for the satisfaction of delinquent taxes.

Such action is brought against the real property only and no personal judgment shall be entered in it. However, if pursuant to the action, the property is sold for an amount that is less than the amount of the delinquent taxes, assessments, charges, penalties and interest against it, the Court, in a separate order, may enter a deficiency judgment against the owner of record of a parcel for the amount of the difference; if that owner of record is a corporation, the Court may enter the deficiency judgment against the stockholder holding a majority of the corporation’s stock.

The above-named parties are required to answer on or before 28 days after the last date of publication. Such answer must be filed with the Clerk of Courts, and a copy must be served on the Prosecuting Attorney.

By Kristen Rine, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Attorney for Plaintiff.

Mar21-28 Apr4, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000098 – United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC, Plaintiff vs. Tonya Romig, et al., Defendants

The Unknown Heirs at Law or Under the Will, if any, of Rodney Miller, Deceased. whose last place of residence/business is Address Unknown, but whose present place of residence/ business is unknown will take notice that on February 9, 2024, United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F000098 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court Street, Chardon, OH 44024 alleging that the Defendant(s) The Unknown Heirs at Law or Under the Will, if any, of Rodney Miller, Deceased. have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below:

Permanent Parcel Number: 01-063570; Property Address: 18812 Ravenna Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. The legal description may be obtained from the Geauga County Auditor at 231 Main Street, Suite 1-A, Chardon, Ohio 44024, 440-279-1600.

The Petitioner further alleges that by reason of default of the Defendant(s) 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 the Defendant(s) 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 and further relief as is just and equitable.

THE DEFENDANT(S) NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE

THE 9TH DAY OF MAY, 2024.

UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC

By Reimer Law Co., Ronald J. Chernek, Attorney at Law, Attorney for Plaintiff-Petitioner, P.O. Box 39696, Solon, Ohio 44139. (440) 600-5500.

Mar28 Apr4-11, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

Geauga County

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 COUNTY PARKING LOT REPAIRS GEAUGA COUNTY MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 1:45 pm (local time) on April 24, 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 1:00 p.m. on April 10, 2024 at the Geauga County Maintenance Department,

13211 Aquilla Road, 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 PARKING

LOT REPAIRS, Attention: Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon Ohio, 44024.”

The successful bidder is required to furnish a bond for the faithful performance of the contract in a sum of not less than One Hundred percent (100%) of the total bid price for the complete work, said bond to be that of an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio meeting the requirements of the O.R.C. Section 153.57.

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or guaranty in the amount of 100% of the total amount bid, or a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order in an amount not less than 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 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 shall meet the satisfaction of the County Prosecutor.

The Geauga County Commissioners reserve the right to waive any informalities and 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 Mar28 Apr4, 2024

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

LEGAL NOTICE

DUST CONTROL BID

The Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees will receive sealed proposals until 3:00 p.m. on April 16, 2024, proposals will be opened and read aloud at 8:00 pm during the Trustees’ meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 for the Spraying of MC70, CRS OR AEP and the spreading of washed # 8 limestone on Township Roads in Huntsburg Township, during the 2024 construction season.

Bid proposals may be obtained by calling the Huntsburg Township Fiscal Officer at 440636-5486 or mailing to P.O. Box 280, Huntsburg, Ohio 44046. All bid proposals shall be submitted on forms provided by the Board of Trustees.

A bid bond or certified check, cashier’s check, or money order, on a solvent bank or savings and loan association, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid amount, and liability insurance for injury to persons and/ or damage to property in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 and property damage liability insurance in an amount not less than $500,000.00, shall accompany each bid. The bid shall be let on a unit price basis.

The Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any or all bids, 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 the laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Board of Trustees.

Legal notice shall be considered as part of the bid specifications.

Address all bids to The Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees, P.O. Box 280 Huntsburg, Ohio 44046, and identify sealed envelopes as “Proposal for the Spraying of MC70, CRS OR AEP and brooming off stone if requires for CRS applications, Spreading of # 8 washed Limestone on Various Roads during the 2024 Construction Season”.

By Order of the Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees.

Michele A. Saunders, Fiscal Officer Mar28 Apr4, 2024

LEGAL

23-F-000718

The application proposing to amend the zoning resolution will be available for examination at the Claridon Administrative Building located at 13932 Mayfield Road on April 8 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and on April 15, 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Paula Hietanen, Fiscal Officer Apr4, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Newbury Township

or

Parcel number(s): 29-054300, 29-054200, 29-054301

Property address: 5116 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

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 Justin M. Ritch, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, 614-220-5611, jmr3@manleydeas.com.

Mar28 Apr4-11, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE

Munson Township Board of Zoning Appeals

Munson Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on April 17, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Rd., Munson, OH to consider the following appeals for a variance.

CASE 24-03: LLGC, LLC 11299 & 11303 Thwing Rd., Chardon OH – requesting to reconfigure 2 nonconforming lots making one conforming leaving the other nonconforming with 64’ of frontage. Violates SEC. 502 Frontage Required – no new lot shall be created which does not possess the required minimum frontage (200’) upon a public or private road established for the district in which such lot is located.

CASE 24-04: Pave Kucinic 17760 Stonegate Dr., Chardon OH – requesting to construct a 30’ x 50’ garage in front of the home. Violates SEC. 509.2 (in part) no freestanding accessory structure shall be erected within the front yard of any district.

CASE 24-05: Greg Hraster 11261 Bean Rd., Chardon OH – requesting an extension to the existing garage 19’ from the west side property line. Violates SEC. 411 – Minimum Dimensional Requirements – side yard setback is 25’.

CASE 24-06: Phil Smith 12426 Fowlers Mill Rd., Chardon OH – requesting to construct a new residence 38’ from the front road right-ofway. Violates SEC. 411 Minimum Dimensional Requirements – minimum setback from the road right-of-way is 80 feet.

Apr4, 2024

Paula Friebertshauser, Secretary

NOTICE

Geauga County Health District

The annual financial report of the Geauga County Health District for 2023 has been completed. The report is available for inspection at the Geauga County Auditor’s Office at 215 Main Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Apr4, 2024

NOTICE

Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste District

The annual financial report of the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste District for 2023 has been completed. The report is available for inspection at the Geauga County Auditor’s Office at 215 Main Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Apr4, 2024

NOTICE

Family First Council

The annual financial report of the Family First Council for 2023 has been completed. The report is available for inspection at the Geauga County Auditor’s Office at 215 Main Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Apr4, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Claridon Township

On April 15, 2024 at 7:15 pm at the Claridon Township Administrative Building, located at 13932 Mayfield Road, the Claridon Township Trustees will conduct a public hearing, which is an amendment, identified as ZA24-1, to the township’s zoning resolution that would redistrict the southern section of parcel number 12090313, owned by McCaskey Properties LLC from residential to commercial.

The Newbury Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on the 16th of April 2024 at 7:00 pm, at the Newbury Township Hall, regarding an application for a dual area variance, known as AV-24-001, for an accessory structure proposed, for applicant/owners Barbara Luczkowski Duggan and Ronald Duggan; subject Property located at 10160 Fairmount Rd., Newbury, Ohio 44065, located in an R-1 Residential zoning district. The meeting will be located at Newbury Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Rd., Newbury, Ohio 44065.

Ruth Cavanagh, Secretary Apr4, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

Russell Township Park District 1545

The Annual Financial Report (AFR) for the Russell Township Park District 1545 for year ending 2023 has been completed. The report will be made available at the next meeting of the Park District on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Geauga West Public Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026.

Susan J. Skrovan-DeYoung, Fiscal Officer Apr4, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Replacement of the Thwing Road Bridge, Structure #0027-02.660

Geauga County, Ohio

Bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on April 19, 2024 and read publicly at 10:05 AM local time at the above address.

The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $350,000.00. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (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 Geauga County Board of Commissioners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners.

This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/.

BY THE ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Christine Blair, Clerk Apr4, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

TROY TOWNSHIP

ZONING COMMISSION

Notice is hereby given that the Troy Township Zoning Commission Board will conduct a regular Zoning Commission meeting to vote on recommendation(s) for Amendment ZC20241VI on 11th day of April, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road.

Lisa Murphy, Secretary Apr4, 2024

Legal Notices

soned 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

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 Sea-

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

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week of March 25, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 405), to Benjamin and Jessica Kulik, $305,000. (1.49 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Canyon Ridge (s/l 378), to Denise K. Derbyshire, $143,000. (0.22 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 423), to Douglas M. and Carol A. Akromas (co-trustees), $290,000. (1.23 acres)

William J. Kras, 18862 Rivers Edge Drive East, to Andrew Johnson and Alexandria Mallinos, $543,100. (1.52 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Michelle M. Hanish, Beth Ann Glaw and AnnMarie Gunsch, 355 Sylvia Drive, to Dominique Randazzo and Kyle James Guybanyar, $235,000. (0.27 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Andrew S. and Jennifer A. Brush, 9935 Campton Ridge Drive, to Daniel and Shelby K. Bachnicki, $570,000. (3.04 acres)

Klaus Bieber, 9150 Oakstone Trail, to Shaun R. Reitman and Rachel M. Bieber, $358,000. (2.00 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Matthew R. Meister, 8600 Mulberry Road, to Apple White Equity LLC, $250,800. (1.10 acres)

Steven D. and Katherine A. Luke, 13040 West Geauga Trail, to Jeffrey A. and Jessica M. Johnson, $392,000. (1.69 acres)

CLARIDON TOWNSHIP

Rafael Hernandez, 13775 Mayfield Road, to Hector Hernandez, $16,500. (1.94 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Countryside Tree Service LLC, 17067 Kinsman Road, to HK Logging & Lumber Ltd., $150,000. (10.22 acres)

Marianne Satterlee, 15008 Crestwood Drive, to Arthur K. Satterlee and Melissa Westover, $225,000. (0.75 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Middlefield Parkway, 15243 Timber Ridge, to NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

James Bryon and Jennifer Marie Johnson, 11905 Bass Lake Road, to Christa Ann Boske, $625,000. (4.57 acres)

Gary J. Dudash and Constance M. Witherite, Bass Lake Road, to Tony R. and Diana M. Kalar, $15,000. (0.47 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Ruth Ellen Zeager, 11774 Lake View Drive, to Codey M. Pierce and Lillian M. Garcia, $130,000. (0.13 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Don P. Brown, 114 Dorset Drive, to Kyle B. and Kimberly M. Henchar, $515,000. (0.75 acres)

Barbara Leehan, 109 Hazelwood Drive, to Jeffrey Joseph Keel, $345,000. (0.19 acres)

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

R. W. Sidley Inc., Ledge Road, to Hollingshed Materials LLC, $115,300. (26.35 acres)

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office March 22 to March 28, 2024.

CITIZEN ASSIST

March 24

5:52 p.m., Woodin Road, Chardon. Would like advice about a neighbor who keeps getting close to animals on the property. He has called township administration about the animals. She is concerned he may want to poison her animals. Has the neighbor on trail cam pics. Wished to have incident documented at this time.

HARASSMENT

March 24

1:26 p.m., Long Drive, Auburn. Caller's wife keeps receiving phone calls from unknown number: "Are you ready I am coming for you?" Female received two telephone calls on her cellphone. Male caller stated that he was "cumming for her." Male was moaning on the phone while he was talking to the female. Female stated that she did not recognize the male's voice and there was no caller ID displayed. Female wanted the incident documented in case she receives any further calls. Female was advised not to answer her cellphone if she does not recognize the number. Complainant will contact responding officer if they have anymore problems.

SUSPICIOUS

March 22

1:18 a.m., Snow Road, Burton. Male has info on his phone in regards to an app selling teenage girls. Male sounds highly intoxicated. Called in reference to seeing a website that sells teenage girls. Was extremely intoxicated and said he was reading pornographic material on his phone. Said an ad popped up saying if you clicked on the ad that you could purchase a teenager for $15,000. Could not provide other information due to his high level of intoxication, but wanted this documented.

March 25

9:22 a.m., Nauvoo Road, Middlefield. Caller states there is a gun sale occurring tonight 2 p.m. States he believes they are guns from out of state. Also states he would like it all investigated. Sale is occurring at Heritage Market. An anonymous male called to provide information in reference to an ongoing investigation. The male reported that possibly stolen guns are being sold at an auction in the county later today. The information was given to the detective bureau. Documentation only.

March 26

1:55 p.m., Water Street, Chardon. In Chardon's lobby to report a male trying to scam him. Caller was on a website today when a pop up said call Microsoft. Caller called number and wanted him

to go Home Depot and place money on a card so his money would not be hacked from his account. Caller did not send any money. Scam call.

3 p.m., Fairmount Road, Newbury. Caller has a car for sale by the road when a male stopped to look at the vehicle then called the caller and told him to shove it up his ass. Wanted to speak with a deputy about harassing phone calls. Received a call from a male who was upset about the price for the vehicle. Deputy spoke with the male who made the calls. He will not be calling the complainant back. There was nothing criminal reported. Documentation only.

March 28

12:13 p.m., Fox Way, South Russell. Home video surveillance captured a white female with long blond hair, black stocking cap and black raid style jacket twice at the residence. Female wearing a jacket that states "Repo Investigator" on the back. Complainant advised her vehicles are paid off. Female walks to the back of the house out of camera range and then leaves. Walks to the back door again and leaves. Nothing stolen. Requested information documented. Videos will be attached to the report once received. Advised to request extra patrol with South Russell Police.

THEFT

March 23

11:56 a.m., Bass Lake Road, Munson. Caller had a package stolen. Package was stolen on the March 15.

March 25

3:40 p.m., Linda Drive, Newbury. Theft of packages: Two packages delivered by Amazon, packages were delivered on March 24. Caller has picture from Amazon that the package was delivered at the house. No cameras, unknown description. Reported that two of her Amazon packages were stolen from outside her residence. Packages were delivered yesterday and she noticed them stolen today. The items stolen were a gaming mount and three sets of wall stickers. The value of the items was $526. Deputy checked with neighbors and no one saw anything. No cameras in the area. Unknown suspect(s) at this time. Documentation only unless suspect information is located.

March 28

6:33 a.m., Hosmer Road, Parkman. Tools were stolen out of took trailer and shop. Caller is at the shop right now. Door was also left open and some tools were left scattered. Report taken. Caller's neighbor saw a tall male with red hair who left in four door black truck with a trailer. The trailer said American Holler on the side of it.

AUTOS & PARTS

2013 Ram 4x4: remote start, 5.1L HEMI, quad cab, 6.5’ bed, tonneau, Big Horn, hitch, bluetooth, 126,000 miles, recent brakes, tires, oil; $12,999/OBO. 440487-5494.

FOR RENT

Chagrin Falls: 1BR with garage, heat, water, cable, pool. In a nice area. $1,000/mo. Available now. 234-3803491.

Warehouse or storage building: Washington St. near Rt. 44 in Auburn. 32X56, 12X12 overhead door, concrete floor, electric, and additional parking. $725/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

Pop-up, Hard Sided, Camper: “Aliner Expedition” 2014.

Selling: $12,999/OBO. Sleeps 2-3, dinette, rear bed. Fully Loaded: AC/Heat, refrigerator, sink, microwave, lightly used, Burton. 440-668-2407.

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

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

Century 230 watt stick wedler, $150. PowerMate 6200 watt generator, $400/OBO. 440-272-5736.

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.

Bicycle: Classic English Racer 25.5” frame by famed English frame builder Colin Laing, Campy equipped, 1970 vintage, like-new condition, really!!! $800. 440548-2414.

Lesco Commercial Lawn Aerator, self propelled, 24” wide, 42 tines, roller, Honda engine; $1,500. 440376-8733.

Fishing Boat: 1986 Bayliner Trophy 24’, new motor, only 10hrs on it, with tons of fishing equipment. Ready to fish! $8,500/OBO. 440-813-7789.

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.

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.

Housekeeper: 16 hrs per week for bachelor in a large house on a 40-acre estate, Chardon area, flexible days and hours, must have own transportation, call Roger at 216-798-2633.

PETS & ANIMALS

For Sale: Miniature Poodle Puppies: a variety of colors, had shots and dewormer, 1-year health guarantee; $400/each. 440-313-3542.

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

Black and White Bunnies for sale. 440-632-9651.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: No amount of tax money is worth the pain and problems a marijuana dispensary would bring to your community. Urge your trustees or council to prevent it!

SERVICES

Newbury Cares Inc (non-profit domestic corporation) serving Newbury township residents, will offer a $1,000 scholarship for post high school graduates this year. Details to follow.

Retired man looking for a few lawns to mow. References and insured. 440-635-1901.

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

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

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

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

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

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.

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.