Geauga County Maple Leaf 5-02-2024 by Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Vol. 30 No. 18 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com

$1.25

Stefanko Resigns from Auburn BOE

By amy Patterson amy@karlovecme

Auburn Career Center Board of Education member Paul Stefanko re signed April 22, calling the board’s response to a teachers’ union law suit “unethical.”

Since 2011, when the Career and Technical Association filed a legal complaint over a violation of their contract with ACC, the school has lost multiple appeals.

In an October 2021 trial court decision, Lake County Court of Common Pleas Judge Patrick Condon ordered ACC to pay $1,486,045 to multiple teachers. A list attached to the judgment shows 42 teachers waiting for payouts, with amounts

Stockers on the Park Owner Shares

The consensus of customers at the quaint and unassuming Stockers on the Park in Thompson Township is that it’s a place worth going to over and over, for decades upon decades — it’s where you want to bring friends and family for delicious home-cooked favorites.

Kenston Schools Appoints New Superintendent

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Kenston Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Bruce R. Willingham Jr. as superintendent for the next three school years during a special meeting April 26.

“As a board, we were very impressed with Dr. Willingham’s ability to be a vi sionary leader and his commitment to achievement,” said board Presi dent Tom Manning in a statement. “He possesses an abundance of ex perience in the areas that will take Kenston to the next level of excellence. His personality and character will fit in nicely with our culture and traditions here at Kenston.”

See Kenston • Page A5

The small-town, nostalgic atmosphere at the longtime restaurant is genuine, down to its limited hours, charming collectibles and

See Stockers • Page A5

Single Edition $1.25

Leaf

Willingham PHOTO SUBMITTED BY AMY ELIZABETH Visitors flocked to Chardon Square during the annual Maple Festival April 24-27. See Section B for more coverage.

.com

See Auburn • Page A3

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Auburn

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owed ranging from a few hundred dollars to $80,000.

In his resignation letter, Stefanko said he requested financial numbers regarding the CATA lawsuit.

“(The request) was refused by the ACC treasurer because it would result in a record that could be requested by the public,” Stefanko wrote. “I find this response to be unethical and will not be a part of intentionally withholding information from the public. I cannot and will not be a party to this type of behavior from anyone, especially those who are entrusted to be good stewards of taxpayers’ money.”

Stefanko, a former Chardon Schools Board of Education member, said he informed the school district of the need to replace him on the ACC board.

In an email April 30, Chardon Schools Superintendent Michael Hanlon said the school board must vote to accept Stefanko’s resignation and appoint a new representative to the ACC board.

“Up until this terrible situation, I have always supported Auburn and held all of the staff in high regard. I will sincerely miss Auburn, but I have always believed that if you do not stand for something, then you will fall for anything,” Stefanko said. “This is unacceptable to me as a representative of the Chardon local school district and I cannot continue to serve in this capacity and under these circumstances.”

Brian Massie, a blogger who has covered the case at www.lobbyistsforcitizens.com, posted a version of Stefanko’s letter he said was released to him by ACC as the result of a records request.

The ACC version is heavily redacted and omits any reference to Stefanko’s reasons for resignation.

On his website, Massie said ACC told him the redactions contained confidential attorney-client and executive session information.

ACC Superintendent Brian Bontempo’s office did not respond to a request to verify the redacted version of Stefanko’s resignation letter prior to press deadline.

Stefanko could not discuss the ongoing case with CATA, he said in a phone call April 29.

“I absolutely believe that Auburn should be able to identify how much a lawsuit is costing,” he said. “That it shouldn’t take an enormous effort to put that dollar amount together. And when a board member asks for it, I think they should be able to get it.”

The case started in 2011 with CATA asking for a $144,000 payment for that year only, but after over a decade in the court system, the number rose to over $1.4 million by 2021. On his blog, Massie said he has information showing the case could cost ACC $3 million.

“If that $3 million figure is inaccurate, then the board is responsible to correct it and make sure the proper information is being put out in public,” Stefanko said. “If it’s not right, then in my opinion, they need to fix that. It is taxpayer dollars; the public has a right to know. In fact, the districts have a right to know because they’re paying for it.”

CATA President Bob Hill said the payout due to teachers has grown by about $150,000 every year because ACC continues to violate its contract with the union. The court awarded CATA the appropriate payout for the first 10 years of violation, but Hill said the past two school years were not included in the ordered payout.

“We all work there, we love the school, we love the students that we teach and this is putting a black mark on our own school,”

Hill said in an interview April 29. “That’s not what we’re about.”

The case was kept quiet over the years, Hill said, adding teachers never spoke about it to students or parents while they continued to educate.

After not getting anywhere with the ACC board, the union had no other choice but to go public, he said.

“They know what the judge’s ruling is. They’re just trying to change words that he’s using in his decision,” Hill said of ACC’s recent appeals to the 2021 judgment. “That part is what is so hard, because attorneys fighting this out is not the answer. You know what the answer is? Sitting down, having positive dialogue with our superintendent and treasurer, having positive dialogue with the board members and coming to a rational conclusion to this.”

The state supreme court rejected an ACC appeal in March 2023 without hearing arguments. However, a nunc pro tunc order last fall changed the initial 2021 ruling to a new one, stating the payout should be made “(minus) governmental withholding and the stipulated amounts owed to STRS,” the state teachers retirement system.

Hill said this shows ACC is working hard to circumvent the retirement system.

“(I have) 34 years at the school, over one-third of my (teaching) life with my retirement system is not gonna go to me,” Hill said. “People who retired during this are being paid less money right now than they will be when this is over. We pay 14% of our retirement to STRS, the school pays 14% of it, that’s what employers do. One of their biggest problems is the school board owes interest and penalties for not paying this over these years.”

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: May 6, 6 p.m., Airport Authority, at 15421 Old State Road, Hangar 3 Pilot Lounge, Middlefield; May 7, 9:30 a.m., Board of County Commissioners, with budget hearings from 12-4:30 p.m. in Room B303. 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: May 6, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 9, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: May 6, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Township: May 6, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon City: M ay 9, 6:30 p.m., City Council. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chardon Township: May 6, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: May 2, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

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

Hambden Township: May 6, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.

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

Middlefield Village: May 7, 5:30 p.m. – Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee, 6 p.m. –Planning Commission; May 9, 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.

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

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

Russell Township: May 6, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: May 9, 8 a.m. – Build-

ing Committee, 10 a.m. – Finance Committee, 12 p.m. – Safety Committee, 1 p.m. – Properties Committee, 7:30 p.m. – Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Troy Township: May 2, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; May 7, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

Berkshire BOE: May 9, 7 a.m., Berkshire Educational Foundation. All meetings held at BOE Auditorium, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: May 8, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting; May 22, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.

Kenston BOE: May 4, 6 p.m., work session. All meetings held at Kenston High School Auburn Bainbridge Room, 9500 Bainbridge Road, Bainbridge, unless otherwise noted and will also be livestreamed.

Correction

Incorrect information appeared in the article titled, “Troy Trustee Backtracks on Road Contract” in the April 25 edition of the Geauga County Maple Leaf. Trustee Sharon Simms and Trustee Donn Breckenridge both did not support a motion to retroactively accept the contract bids.

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Hope for the Future

Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Groundbreaking

By allison Wilson eDitor@karlovecmeDia com

The future is finally looking bright for one Chardon resident, after Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity broke ground April 26 on the lot that will soon hold a home she can call her own.

A single mother of four children, Laurie, whose name has been changed per Habitat policy, has long dreamed of owning her own house.

She came to Habitat after a fire destroyed a home she had been renting, according to an article in Geauga Business Magazine. The disaster forced the family of five to move in with her father while the structure was rebuilt.

“The family had lost every single thing they owned,” the article read.

Following the fire, a member of Laurie’s church got her in touch with the Habitat program.

“Somebody’s relative, they were a Habitat owner many, many years ago. They were the ones that suggested I should apply,” she said.

To qualify for Habitat’s homeownership program, applicants must have a steady income, a need for housing and must be willing to spend time assisting in the building of their home and the homes of others.

Laurie’s circumstances met the threshold, said Habitat Executive Director Michael Barb.

“Our mission is bringing people together to build homes with local families, who are hardworking families, who just maybe aren’t able to afford mortgages through regular market rate options,” Barb explained.

When the house is completed, it will be sold to the family with a 30-year mortgage, he said.

“The special part of it is that there’s a ze ro-interest mortgage,” he added.

Barb was enthusiastic about the ground breaking and about providing Laurie with aid.

“Now that (Laurie) is in the program, we’re so excited to get started on her home, to have a new beginning,” he said.

The groundbreaking saw a variety of speakers, from pastors of three different de nominations to Chardon Mayor Chris Grau.

Thanks were also given to the local companies who worked with Habitat, as well as deceased Chardon resident Carol Glowe, who left a large amount of money to Habitat, and whose family will be involved with the building of Laurie’s home.

Grau wished luck to Laurie and extended a thank you to Habitat.

“We are really thrilled that Habitat has chosen this location to improve the neighborhood and really make a nice place, Laurie, for you and your family,” he said, recalling his own first experience buying a home.

“It’s not easy, is it?” he said to the crowd. “It’s kind of like a Maple Festival ride — it makes your head spin.”

He took a moment to recognize several of the sponsors from work done on his home.

“Having that cooperation between local groups is fantastic,” he said.

Laurie had nothing but good things to say when she took her turn at the podium, expressing thanks for the numerous people who have helped her.

“Surviving in today’s world is hard for anyone. Cost of housing and access are a widespread concern for almost anyone today,” she said. “Habitat has given me hope for my future. It has shown me the most selfless and kindest people.”

She went on to describe her hopes for the future, tearing up as she spoke.

“I stand here, picturing myself looking out a window, watching a child get on the school bus. I see a living room lit up with a Christmas tree as we celebrate Jesus’s birthday. I see a dining room table filled with my parents and my family over for a Sunday dinner,” she said. “I will have something that is mine, that my many long hours of hard work can finally show for.”

Following a blessing by Pastor Jim Zinkowich, shovels were handed to Laurie, her family and Habitat representatives to start the excavation.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Deacon Larry Boehnlein. The house is expected to be dedicated in around nine months.

Bainbridge Trustees Choose 2.75 Mills for Proposed Fire/EMS Levy

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

After months of deliberation, Bainbridge Township Trustees finally settled on a millage amount for a proposed additional fire and EMS levy on the November ballot.

They agreed 2.75 mills would be a sufficient amount to ask voters to support, but decided to hold off on choosing what type of levy to pursue — a five-year or continuing levy — until June.

“We supported an amount of 2.75 mills. That is what (Bainbridge Fire) Chief (Lou Ann Metz) will use to circulate around the

community and then we will make a determination whether to do a (five-year) or continual (levy),” Markley said. “If she hears something from the community and says they’d support a continuing levy of 2.75, then we will go that route.”

He added the decision of 2.75 mills was made after conducting a lot of research on the fire department.

“Whenever you look at a levy request, we look to see where they are tracking with respect to their expenses, ability to manage expenses and then the upcoming revenue stream that is available,” he said. “When you tighten all of that down, then you can figure

out what is a reasonable request for the community.”

After Bainbridge Township voters soundly rejected a continuous additional 4.75-mill ambulance and EMS levy last May, officials had to reassess their options.

The previous levy — which failed with 1,755 votes against it and 338 votes in favor — would have covered employee wages, benefits and training, the purchase and repair of ambulances and equipment, and other EMS-related operations for an estimated 10 years.

$100,000 property valuation, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

Markley noted the fire department has not had a new levy in 14 years and this levy would provide enough money to prevent deficit spending.

Trustees considered a few options for the November ballot. Trustee Kristina O’Brien provided numbers on millage yields and costs to homeowners per $100,000 property valuation ranging from 1 mill to 3.4 mills during the March 25 meeting.

The 2.75-mill levy, if passed, would generate an estimated $2,262,043 per year and would cost homeowners $96.25 per year per

“(When) looking at the numbers, it indicates that they will be in a deficit situation and streamlined position, meaning that they don’t have the crew necessary to cover shifts and provide Bainbridge residents with what they’re used to,” Markley said. “We have got to make sure we’re bringing back the people to maintain the shifts.”

He said their next step is to reach out to the community.

“We have done the homework, the research and now the next step is the education of the community,” he said. “Communicating to people that this is serious, this is real and these are (the) facts. The residents will be made aware of how serious this actually is.”

Page A4 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Markley

Stockers

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the “no credit cards” sign in the window.

The food is truly fresh, including the homemade butter, bread, jam, cakes, pies, and breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees — made from scratch and affordable.

The average meal costs $7 to under $15 per person and includes an offering of Stockers’ old-fashioned homemade milkshakes, said owner Anita Stocker.

Anita, alongside her mother and previous owner Barbara Stocker, 92, sat down after closing on a recent Wednesday to reflect on the restaurant’s history.

Having just celebrated its 40-year anniversary, Anita and Barbara were surrounded by old family pictures and scenes of early dirt roads, townspeople, and buildings and barns just a few steps away.

Located at 6731 Madison Road across from Thompson Square, the building had several different owners until Barbara and her husband of 62 years, Earl — who passed away in 1993 — bought it in 1984.

Anita enjoys that Barbara, semi-retired, is still active in the business, helping with bookkeeping, the register, greeting customers, washing dishes and still cooking occasionally.

“The only reason we are open on Mondays from 8-10 a.m. is because mom likes to come in and work a few hours then,” Anita said.

Many locals come in daily and regulars come from surrounding counties during the weekends, she said.

The occupancy is about 50 — for living humans, anyway.

Kenston

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Willingham, who was hired at an annual salary of $162,000 effective Aug. 1, will be replacing Steve Sayers who will be stepping down at the end of July after citing family reasons for his decision in a letter to parents Feb. 26.

“The academic excellence and student-first focus is what drew me to the district as I'm coming from a district with those same values,” Willingham said.

According to Kenston Schools, Willingham is an experienced educator and administrator who started his career in education as an English Language Arts teacher. He left the classroom in 2002 to become an assistant

There are at least two ghosts that have been spotted on the property, according to those who lived in the apartment above the restaurant, “But they are nice,” Barbara said, adding she’d love to meet them herself.

Barbara said she recently decided to slow down at work and enjoy time with her 11 grown children, 27 grandchildren, 41 (with one on the way) great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

“Slowing down” can be interpreted differently for Barbara, who is no stranger to being on the go. Her children — seven daughters and four sons — were all born within a 17-year time frame. “That’s 18 years of dirty cloth diapers,” Barbara recalled. “Three in diapers at the same time.”

Her children “repaid” her later, as every one of them, at one time or another, worked at the restaurant. Some, in fact, still do.

They also worked nearby for the same companies together, including the racetrack and Howard Johnsons.

Barbara keeps busy singing at weddings and performing the National Anthem in the square often during holidays. She also does charity work and is an artist.

“I enjoy painting in watercolor and acrylic,” she said, pointing to one of the paintings on the wall.

Customers can see and purchase any of the several paintings of forests, flowers, old barns and more displayed at the restaurant.

Many young men in their 20’s and 30’s are some of Barbara’s avid buyers, Anita added.

With such a big family, the Stocker name is engrained in the history of Thompson and the surrounding area, said Barbara, who at-

principal at Maple Heights City Schools, then became principal in 2003.

In 2005, Willingham was promoted to assistant superintendent/director of personnel at Maple Heights City Schools, remaining there until 2016.

Before coming to Kenston, Willingham was superintendent at Midview Schools, where he will serve through the end of July.

During his tenure as superintendent, Willingham developed and implemented plans placing Midview Schools on a strong financial path, thus equipping them to be financially sound, according to Kenston Schools.

Willingham’s commitment to improving opportunities led to the success of students academically and to the expansion of Advanced Placement, College Career Plus and

tended Thompson High School.

Her father was a postmaster across the street from the square and her husband, a Thompson Township trustee for 32 years, helped plan many of the roads, plowed snow and drove a school bus part-time, in addition to working the family farms in nearby counties.

He was also the person in charge of lighting the fires in church each Sunday morning to warm the congregation, Barbara said.

Like the Stockers’ family name, their restaurant has been a longtime presence in the Thompson community, providing employment for many over the years.

At 19, waitress Rowan McGee has lived in the area all her life and has worked at Stockers for two years. She is one of five employees and took the job in the footsteps of her best friend and her best friend’s mother.

“I love working here,” she said. “I love the people.”

When the Stocker family bought the restaurant, they didn’t make a lot of money, but they made enough to live on, Barbara recalled.

“I should have raised prices, but I didn’t,” she said.

When they finally did raise prices, no one said a word because the prices were still reasonable, Anita added.

“If we ever sold, it would have to someone who loves it, not just someone who wants to make money off it,” she said. “We’ve lasted 40 years because we were the right owners, and we give it a lot of love.”

For more information, call 440-298-3547 or visit Stockers on the Park on Facebook.

Career Technical Education programs at the secondary level, the district said.

“Dr. Willingham received his Doctor of Educational Leadership (degree) from Ashland University. He also holds his Master’s of Education (degree) and principal licensure from John Carroll University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Education (degree) from Cleveland State University,” the district added.

Willingham expressed being most excited about getting to know the staff and students at Kenston Schools.

“From everything I have seen, the staff has built amazing relationships with students that have helped them excel both inside the classroom and out, and being a part of something so special is really a dream come true,” Willingham said.

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“It’s a diamond in the rough, all our family comes here,” adds Tyler, citing low prices and great service and food.

Munson FD Graduates 5 from Fire Academy

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

Five Munson Township residents were recognized April 23 for graduating from the Munson Citizens Fire Academy program.

Fire Chief Mike Vatty told township trust ees at their meeting Fire Inspector Doug Riedel created the curriculum for the five sessions carried out in March and April, and many of the department members and offi cers were involved in the presentation.

In his “Message from the Fire Chief” newsletter, Vatty explained the course was de signed for residents and business owners who want to learn more about the fire department before they need a fire truck or ambulance.

Resident Glen Kinter was enthusiastic about the information and experience he gained during the three-hour classes, thank ing fire department members for their time.

“It was very informative,” he said, adding the academy made him more appreciative of what firefighters and EMTs do.

“Everybody needs to put on a helmet, fire coat and strap breathing gear on your back,” he said.

Kinter recalled watching firefighters use the jaws of life to “open a car like it was a can of soup” during a demonstration.

In his newsletter, Vatty outlined the courses that covered behind-the-scenes department operations, such as staffing, funding, rescue squads, fire prevention and inspection, search and rescue, thermal imagers

and dispatching.

During the second session, participants learned the stop-the-bleed protocols, how to handle a fire extinguisher and received CPR

training and certification.

Vatty said the program raises awareness that some of a firefighter’s activities are strenuous and require high-level skills.

The course is free to residents or business owners and applications are available at the Munson Township Fire Station or by emailing the chief at vatty@munsonfire.org.

South Russell Looks to Reduce Carbon Emissions

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

South Russell Village may soon partner with Power A Clean Future Ohio to help re duce its carbon footprint after council mem bers spoke with members of the nonprofit organization April 22.

PCFO program managers Alyssa Johnson and Nat Ziegler expressed their interest in having South Russell as the first community in Geauga County to join their organization.

“PCFO is at 50 local governments in terms of membership across the state of Ohio. We just hit our 50th community with the City of Akron joining,” Johnson said, adding having South Russell would be awesome.

PCFO was initially formed in 2020 as a project supported by a statewide coalition of advocates committed to developing and implementing proven climate solutions at the local level.

The organization focuses on providing new tools and resources to area governments and finding creative avenues to pursue

meaningful reductions of carbon emissions throughout the state, according to its website.

“We were started and driven by the mission and vision to support local governments in their climate action plans, projects and implementation — working with communities, meeting them where they are, realizing what their goals are and how we can apply a sustainability lens to existing municipal projects and plans,” Ziegler said.

She explained how PCFO helps communities understand where their greenhouse gas emissions are coming from and what projects they can implement to reduce them.

“We partner with each community to figure out what makes the most sense for them to reduce costs to local government businesses and residents through clean energy and sustainability projects, to grow the clean energy economy in Ohio and recognize the workforce development opportunities that exist in renewable energy generation and efficiency,” Ziegler said.

She mentioned PCFO having a team of technical assistance providers and experts with resources to help communities in energy and sustainability planning.

“All of this we do, keeping things achievable, measurable, equitable and economical,” she said. “Joining PCFO is free and there's never going to be any costs associated with access to our technical assistance team.”

Johnson highlighted the organization's Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program, which helps communities and local governments pursue federal funding.

“There are a ton of federal grants right now. As program managers, we will work with the community, get your goals upfront

and scope out what potential grants are coming down the pipeline that we can help prepare you for,” Johnson said. “A lot of this is set up to figure out what your goals are as a community and how we can help find federal resources that can help you achieve those goals.”

She mentioned PCFO being able to help South Russell collaborate with other organization members to secure larger grants.

“We are able to keep an eye on the network macro level of what’s going on with our other PCFO communities and help you find collaborative partners if there was a larger grant in this area that you wanted to go after,” she said.

The village council must pass a resolution in order to join PCFO, Ziegler said.

“The village of South Russell or any other community would designate a point of contact for PCFO to work with,” she said. “Once that is designated, the (village) and PCFO will meet to determine what happens next, what projects to prioritize and hit the ground running from there.”

Funding Sought for Sidewalk from Berkshire School to Village

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

Safety concerns for Berkshire Schools students walking from the district campus to Burton Village may lead to construction of a sidewalk along Claridon Troy Road.

Village Fiscal Officer Jennell Dahlhausen said the Joint Economic Development District board has been discussing using some of the JEDD funds for the sidewalk.

The district was formed to oversee school

employee income tax distribution between the village and Burton Township when Berkshire Schools moved from the village to the new school built in the township. The JEDD receives 1% of the income tax.

Dahlhausen, who serves as secretary for the JEDD board, said Burton Township Trustee Ken Burnett consulted a contractor who estimated the cost of a sidewalk at about $100,000.

She said the full length of the sidewalk would be 1,520 feet, with about 1,116 of that

in the township.

“The JEDD board can use some of the funding for improvements for safety within the JEDD property,” Dahlhausen said.

“The kids walk through the (Geauga County) fairgrounds now,” added council member Nick Tromba. “It’s safer than walking along the road.”

The fairgrounds are not always accessible, Mayor Ruth Spanos said, adding access is limited during the annual Christmas light show.

She said the village sidewalk along Claridon Troy Road ends at the fairgrounds driveway.

The village would be responsible for clearing ice and snow from a sidewalk from there to the township line — about 385 feet, she said.

Dahlhausen said school board member John Manfredi is looking into possible grants to make up the difference between what the JEDD board can supply and what the township can afford.

Page A6 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Johnson Ziegler

able funding, the new organization could advertise locally and reach out through social media and the internet to more distant customers.

Working together, small farms could offer hands-on workshops and demonstrations, interactive exhibits and themed events to enhance visitor engagement, Davis wrote in her presentation.

Educational programs to engage all ages of tourists would foster a deeper understanding of what it takes to operate a farm, she wrote.

“This does not get away from traditional farming. It improves traditional farming and helps all the way around,” she said, adding farmers engaged in agritourism would be motivated to display their operations’ sustainability and environmental stewardship to visitors.

Recreation and entertainment options would benefit the local public, as well as draw tourists to events, Davis wrote, further strengthening the relationship between farmers and the local communities.

Davis proposed creating an independent agricultural society following the organizational procedures outlined in the Ohio Revised Code.

In Ohio, there are 87 county agricultural societies and seven independent agricultural societies, each of which is subsidized by

State University Cooperative Extension Service, and wants to build a positive relationship with the Geauga County Fairboard.

“This would promote some things the fair does not,” she said. “Agritourism is an untapped market. It would make small farms lucrative, preserve the farming heritage of Northeast Ohio and enrich farmers and farmland,” she said.

Davis plans a second meeting in a few weeks. for more information, email her at TheFarmAtGrandRiver@gmail.com.

TWO DAY EVENT

14653 E. PARK ST. BURTON, OH 44021 (440) 834-1492

Voices from the PastVendors and More

Saturday May 11 | 10am - 5pm

$5 at the door

Come for many unique vendors. Stay for lunch. Join us for a mystical day! Delve into the world of tarot readings, palmistry, and aura readings as you explore the talents of gifted psychics and mediums. There will be speakers throughout the day. Multiple healers will be on site from Reiki Masters, Access Consciousness Bars Practitioners and Reflexology Practitioners. Immerse yourself in a realm where the unknown becomes familiar and the extraordinary feels like home.

Page A7 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Schoolyard Studio Unveiling Exceeds Expectations

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmeDia com

The potential for turning Burton Village into a cornerstone of the Northeast Ohio film production industry was spotlighted April 26 at Schoolyard Studio – the former Berkshire High School.

Film, television, commercial and music industry professionals attended the unveiling of the area’s largest sound stage, meeting and greeting invited local personalities and touring the sets, stages and opportunities in the 96,000-square-foot building.

Guests were treated to live performances by area bands, such as Public Chase, on the 10,000-square-foot soundstage occupying the former school gym, and networked with industry professionals.

During a brief interview in a former classroom, studio owner Det Chansamone said the capacity of the building was multiplied by the addition last fall of an 18-foot-square “elephant door” on the east side of the building to accommodate large production sets.

Semi-trucks could pull up on the new concrete driveway and unload on the docks. Halves of a plane fuselage could be craned into the building for filming a movie, he mentioned as an example — one that highlighted his ability to think big and into the future.

Chansamone invited film industry professionals, as well as the media and area leaders to the four-hour event last Friday.

“There’s definitely a lot of interest. This is where talented people can connect, people with the same interests and talent level. Like-minded people,” Chansamone said.

encourage talented local residents to invest their time and energy into learning how the film industry works, starting with the physical structure.

“We are trying to create a program to promote the trades,” he said, mentioning electrical, welding and carpentry as essential to

ed in the theater.

“Once they get exposed to the full gamut of behind-the-scenes, they get to see where they want to go,” Chansamone said.

After being signed in, guests were greeted and assisted by volunteers from Burton and the 1st Team Actor Studio on Cleveland’s west side while Schoolyard Studio’s Heather White helped visitors and professionals network.

Celebrities graced the Schoolyard halls, including Frank Amato, recently inducted into the Rock Godz Hall of Fame, and his wife, Lisa Dillon.

Amato started his entertainment career as lead singer with several Cleveland bands. He and his brother, Tommy, shared the stage for the popular 80’s band Beau Coup. Amato now runs a production company with Dillon, a long-time area radio personality, and helps other bands shape their sounds, according to www.CoolCleveland.com.

Richard Korby, senior audio engineer and production manager for The Franklin Theatre near Nashville, Tenn., attended Berkshire Schools through 1979.

He said he was volunteering his time to help Chansamone with the event.

“It’s funny to walk around these hallways, fun to look around,” Korby said, sitting in the costume room at Schoolyard Studio. “I was

ting into music was an accident.”

Learning to play bass guitar led him to music production and management and world travel for several decades, coming home for the holidays until settling in Tennessee.

His production history is sprinkled with names like Jake Owens, Brad Paisley and the Straight No Chaser, an a capella group seen on PBS, he said.

When visiting Coffee Corners Antiques & Coffee House in Burton Village during a stopover recently, he heard about Chansamone’s venture and went to check it out.

“Det knows his business,” Korby said, noting the studio can provide rehearsal for groups on tour in the Midwest for artists who don’t want to rehearse in a typical venue.

He added he is looking forward to Schoolyard’s recording studio in phase three.

Also hanging out in the costume room was Middlefield resident Jackie Gallagher, recruited by Chansamone for her talent with a needle.

“He’s kept me very busy — couches, draperies, costumes,” she said, adding she catered the food in the lobby for the event.

White said she and Chansamones were happy to see the crowd, estimated at over 200, excited to tour the venue and to meet

See Schoolyard • Page A9

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ANN WISHART/KMG

Det and Kiyomi Chansamone opened Schoolyard Studio April 26, giving area leaders and theater professionals a chance to view the transformation of the former school.

Schoolyard

from page A8

and visit with luminaries from the theater late into the night.

“People came and stayed and stayed,” she said April 28. “We are very thrilled with the turnout – especially thrilled that they stayed. It was great to see everybody talking and laughing.”

White said winners of the two free halfday shoots were Angela Boehm Casting, of Cleveland, and Ty Chenell, a digital creator, model and actress.

“They have rooms already set up to film #getconnected @schoolyardstudioohio,” Chenell posted on Facebook. “What an amazing space to shoot a movie or whatever creatives need a space to create.”

Berkshire Schools Board of Education President John Manfredi was excited about

the re-purposing of the building, sold when the doors to the new school opened.

“Last night was a tribute to everything they’ve done,” he said in a phone interview April 27. “Det and his wife are so kind, so involved. People around here have embraced them. It’s much different from LA — I think it’s a good match.”

Manfredi said the school still feels like home to him, despite the transformation of the gym.

He added the bands were grateful to be chosen to perform for the unveiling and he had realized the Chansamones added apartments where performers can stay while their film is in production.

“Not everybody wants to go to LA to make a movie,” Manfredi said, calling the evening a success.

“I bet it exceeded their expectations,” he said. “It sure exceeded mine.”

Page A9 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Martha Lee Pavlick

Martha Lee Pavlick, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, at Ma plewood Senior Living Center surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Obituaries

Martha was born on Aug. 29, 1937, in Cleveland, to the proud parents Vernon and Gertrude Sanford.She had a zest for life and a spirit of adventure from an early age. After graduating from John Adams High School in 1956, Martha embarked on a memorable journey through Europe alongside her two beloved sisters.

On Sept. 19, 1959, Martha married the love of her life, George Pavlick, in a heartwarming ceremony held in Cleveland. Together, they built a beautiful life and legacy. In 1964, they moved to Geauga County, where they raised their children and created countless memories and lovingly spoiled their grandchildren.

Martha enjoyed her community and dedicated herself to various causes. She actively participated in the Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts, Chardon Athletic Boosters and the Crescendo Club. Her career in food service allowed her to showcase her talents in serving and caring for others. Martha’s organizational skills, culinary prowess, and warm hospitality were evident in the family gatherings and holiday parties she meticulously planned and hosted.

Even in her senior years at Maplewood, Martha’s devotion to serving others remained. She took it upon herself to secretly acknowledge the birthdays of her fellow residents, adorning their doors with happy birthday banners and thoughtful gifts. She was also involved in delivering mail, working in the gift shop, folding napkins for daily meals and leading engaging craft projects for her fellow residents.

Martha had an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She found joy in listening to polka music, tending to her flower garden and engaging in various crafts.

However, her greatest passion resided in her love for birds, earning her the nickname “Bird Lady.” She had a special affinity for bluebirds and even proudly displayed a tattoo of one on her shoulder. Martha trained these feathered friends to flock to her numerous bird feeders, ensuring they were well-fed as she cruised around on her trusty golf cart. They became accustomed to her calls, signaling it was time for supper, and would happily eat from the palm of her hand.

Martha will forever be remembered and deeply missed by her children Martha, of Chardon, Fred (Maureen), of Chardon, and Laura, of Pahrump, Nev.

She also leaves behind her brothers, Calvin Sanford, of Abilene, Texas, Roger (Joyce) Sanford, of Macedonia, Ohio; and sister Barbara Sanders, of Savannah, Ga.

Martha’s memory will be cherished by her grandchildren, Alex (Erin), Jacci and Eric (Genny); as well as her great-grandchildren, Bohden, Vehda, Lilly, Harper, Railden and Lauryn.

Additionally, she leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who were fortunate to have had her in their lives.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; son Daniel; parents, Vernon and Gertrude; sister Elizabeth Wieland; sister-in-law, Barbara Sanford; and brother-in-law, Donald Wieland.

The family kindly suggest donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 441102602, or go to www.hospicewr.org.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon.

Martha will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg.

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

Page A10 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

John Stanley Patton

John Stanley Pat ton, 74 of Parkman Township, passed away Monday, April 22, 2024, surrounded by his lov ing daughters.

He was born on Aug. 6, 1949, and grew up in Chagrin Falls, the son of John Richard Patton and Betty Rauch Patton.

During his school years, he worked through the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Chagrin Falls High School, he attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education.

Once he graduated college he started working with his father in the family company, Patton Pest Control. John also joined the Army Reserves, and it was the Army that sent him to Williamsburg, Va., where he met his future bride, Patricia Hudgins Patton. He grew to love Williamsburg and kept taking extra trips ‘to enjoy the scenery and history.’

John and Pattie married on July 5, 1975, in Williamsburg and were married for 45 years until her passing on March 15, 2021. They lived in Parkman, where they had three daughters, Jennifer (Patton) Ker, Molly (Patton) Marsh and Mary Patton. They also had numerous dogs and cats along the way.

John enjoyed working in the family business with his father and did so until his father’s passing in 1985, and then became president of the company. During his tenure at Patton Pest Control, he was president of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), president of the Ohio Pest Management Association (OPMA) and president of the Associated Pest Services (APS). He chaired the National Pest Management Association’s Insect Control Committee for two years and the Project Development Committee (the technical arm of the NPMA).

He was also a member of Pi Chi Omega, which is the fraternal organization dedicated to furthering the science of pest management. He has also been a member of many other local organizations in the community, including the Chagrin Valley Jaycees, Kiwanis and the Rotary.

John loved God and his church. He was a proud member of the Nelson United Methodist Church. He also attended the United Methodist Church in Middlefield for many years. He loved to serve his community and to help others when in need. He was incredibly compassionate and giving.

Whenever in conversation with John, you learned something. He could wax eloquently on honestly anything, but life, history, geology, science fiction, insects and religion were among of his favorite wanderings. He seemed to know everything. He was an avid reader and audible listener and always had a new book ready to go. He was a remarkable individual and touched the lives of many who knew him. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

He was a great father and husband and planned the best vacations. There was never a dull moment on family trips. Memories were created all over the map with some of the favorites to numerous national parks, swimming in the bioluminescent bay, Cape Hatteras, Y2K New Orleans, the ‘Great Out West’ Trip, spelunking and the presidential trial as he called it. We have many memories and are so grateful for the time we have had with you

Obituaries

and mom over the years.

John is survived by his loving daughters, Jennifer (Jeffrey) Ker, of Brentwood, Tenn., Molly (Michael) Marsh, of Auburn Township, and Mary Patton, of Parkman; his five grandchildren, Reagan, Colin and Hudson Ker, and Michael and Matthew Marsh; his brother-inlaw, H. Douglas Jahn; nephews, Scott (AnnaLe) Jahn and Benjamin (Jessica) Jahn; several great-nieces and great-nephews; many beloved cousins; and his grand animals.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 45 years, Patricia Hudgins Patton; and his sister, Cynthia Patton Jahn.

Calling hours will be held at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield, on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 12 noon until the Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Overlook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nelson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 210, Garrettsville, OH 44231.

Richard J. Edelinsky

Richard J. Edelinsky, of Hambden Township, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024.

He was born in Lake County on Oct. 24, 1938, to Joseph J. Edelinsky and Elizabeth (nee Janek). Richard graduated from Chardon High School in 1957 and, shortly thereafter, began his journey wireman apprenticeship with IBEW Local 673. After he retired from his trade, he began working part time for Hambden Township and spent the next 10 years working in the township park he loved.

In March of this year, Richard and wife Joyce (nee Andreano) celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Richard is survived by a host of family and friends who miss him dearly, including his wife Joyce; children, Richard D., Angela and their spouses; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and brother Jim Paul.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, John Paul; and brothers John, Ronald and Terry Paul.

Richard enjoyed traveling — having visited all 50 states, spending winters in Florida and South America travel times with his family.

Those who knew him well would always find him “fixing” something and, in his later years, he took woodturning classes and turned creations for family and friends.

He loved all kinds of racing; if it had a motor, he could make it go faster. In his younger years he raced snowmobiles and competed in sanctioned races.

He served as a volunteer fireman with the Hambden Township Fire Department and Hambden Township Park Board, and coached Hambden Little League baseball.

The family is grateful to cousins Marilyn Moore and Pat Zalar for their compassionate and dedicated care, and to friend Dan Brazis.

A private family service was held.

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

Donald Ray Trask

Donald Ray Trask, age 85, of Bay Village, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, in Westlake, Ohio.

Born on April 18, 1939, in Cleveland, to Glenn Raymond and Vivian May (nee Hill) Trask, Don's life was a testament to love and dedication.

He was a proud graduate of Chardon High School and pursued his passion for engineering by earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Institute of Technology.

On July 21, 1962, Don exchanged vows with the love of his life, Judith Ann Helser. Together, they raised their three children, crafting a life filled with warmth and meaning.

Don dedicated 37 years of his professional life as a mechanical engineer at Energizer Battery Co. before embracing a well-earned retirement. His commitment to excellence and innovation left an enduring mark on his field.

A man of diverse interests and deep community ties, Don was an active member of the Bay Village United Methodist Church, the Motorcycle Touring Association, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Silver Wheels Bicycle Club, Carbide Retiree Corps and the Boy Scouts of America.

Whether cycling through scenic routes, embarking on motorcycle adventures or navigating the serene waters aboard a sailboat, Don found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His enjoyed handyman work but nothing meant more than his love for family and friends.

Don's legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 61 years, Judith Ann (nee Helser) Trask; children Alan Paul (Teresa Manns) Trask and Heather Louise Trask; sister, Donna Trask Isom; grandchildren Olivia (Charles) Howard Barger, Sophia (Abel) Poderys Walker, Gwyneth Howard, Ethan Trask, Joshua Poderys, Sean Howard; and great-grandchildren, Elijah, Sebastian, Barrett and Beckett. He also leaves his son-in-law, Andrew (Laura) Poderys.

Preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kimberly Lynn Trask Poderys, and granddaughter Zoe Estlin Trask.

Donald's memory will forever remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those who knew him.

A visitation for family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, followed by a memorial service celebrating Don's life at 11 a.m. at the Bay Village Methodist Church, 29931 Lake Road, Bay Village. The service will be live streamed via BayUMC.org and recorded and available at a later date.

The family requests donations be made to Bay Methodist Church or the charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and cherished memories can be shared online at www.burrservice.com, providing solace and support during this time of remembrance.

Albert Walter Schienke

At age 88, Albert Walter Schienke passed away peacefully with his devoted wife by his side on Friday, April 26, 2024.

Al was born in Cleveland, on July 10, 1935, to Alexander and Olga (nee Walter) Schienke. His family settled on the family farm in Newbury Township in 1938, and he remained a lifelong resident of Geauga County.

Al graduated from Newbury High School in 1954 and then proudly served in the U.S. Army as a SP 4(T) from May 28,1958, until May 27, 1964, traveling and working for the U.S. Army throughout Europe.

Upon returning from military service, he took classes at both Kent State University and Lakeland College in Criminal Justice and served as a lieutenant deputy for the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office under sheriffs Robusky and Carl Henderson. He also owned his own drywall company, where he formed many personal and business relationships throughout the area.

His friendships were very important to him and he looked forward to his daily coffee group at the senior center. In earlier years, he was a member of many different social organizations and he was a proud member of the Newbury American Legion Post 663.

Al was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He was one of the founding members and a past president of the National Wild Turkey Federation/Geauga Chapter, as well as an Ohio Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Instructor. His love for the outdoors was passed on to his grandsons, who have fond memories of deer and turkey hunts and catching fish on Mosquito and Pymatuning lakes.

His survivors include his wife, Linda (nee Cumberledge), whom he married on Dec. 21, 1980, in Burton; daughters Sharon (Rock) Argento, of Burton, and Shannon (Sherman) DeLozier, of Westlake; grandchildren, Stefan, Rocco and Geno Argento, Dillinger, Dalton and Dax DeLozier, and Megan Neff; son-inlaw, Steve Neff, of Twinsburg; and brother Richard Schienke, of Chardon.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Shelly (Sitko) Neff; brother Theodore Schienke; and sister, Dorothy.

The family received friends and held the funeral service at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, on April 30, 2024.

A private interment for the family took place at Slitor Cemetery in Burton Township.

The family would be honored to have friends make donations in Al’s name to the American Legion Post 663, Newbury; or the Burton American Legion Post 459.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.burrservice.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, 44024-5166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary, including a photograph.

Page A11 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Lowell Russell Crane II

Lowell Russell Crane II was born Oct. 29, 1959, to Low ell “Russ” and Sydney Crane (nee Yurk schatt) in East Cleve land. He was raised in Hambden Township in the stone and log home that he built alongside his parents and younger brother, Lenny.

At Chardon High School, Lowell played baseball, basketball and football, and graduated valedictorian in 1978. Playing bass clarinet in the concert band, he met his high school sweetheart, flute player Jane Lawrence, initiating a loving 48-year-long relationship.

Lowell attended Marietta College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1982 with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering.

Jane and Lowell married Aug. 7, 1982, at Pilgrim Christian Church in Chardon, then moved to Lafayette, La., for his job with ARCO Oil & Gas. The happy couple built a log home and welcomed their two children, Brandon and Megan, before moving to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1989.

Lowell continued to work for ARCO and then BP as a drilling engineer, where he enjoyed the challenge of using math to target petroleum reservoirs over a mile underground. He fell in love with all that Alaska had to offer an avid outdoorsman, from hiking mountain trails in Chugach State Park to canoeing on the Kenai Peninsula, as well as hunting big game and fishing for halibut, sockeye salmon and golden-finned trout. Given his Chardon roots, he was undeterred by the Alaskan winters and loved to cross-country ski.

Ever a family man, Lowell enjoyed family camping trips, coaching his son’s baseball teams and enthusiastically cheering his daughter on at soccer.

Lowell and Jane developed a close-knit group of friends that they fondly referred to as their “Alaskan family,” and he enjoyed relaxing with them at their cabin near the Susitna River in Willow, as well as fostering friendly competition in racquetball, softball and basketball.

After 39 years living away from Ohio, Jane and Lowell moved back to Chardon in 2021 where Lowell faithfully supported Cleveland Guardians baseball and excelled as a doting PawPaw to his grandchildren.

Obituaries

In his later years, Lowell was afflicted with symptoms of what would eventually be diagnosed as corticobasal degeneration. Despite his condition, he embodied fortitude through the end of his life with the help of Jane’s unwavering love, support and positivity.

Lowell passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 23, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Jane; children, Brandon (Julia), of Chardon, and Megan (Peter) Croke, of Tremont; grandchildren, Cecilia, Charlotte, Simon and Eloise; mother, Sydney; brother, Leonard (Pam), of Hancock, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his father, Russ.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Lowell’s life Friday, May 10, 2024, with services at Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 S Hambden St, Chardon, at 3 p.m., followed by a reception from 4-6 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holden Arboretum in Lowell’s honor . . . or just leave the hiking trail cleaner than you found it.

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

Betty Louise Glasscock

Betty Louise Glasscock, age 93, of Newbury Township, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday April 25, 2024, at Ohman Family Living at Holly.

Betty was born on Nov. 18, 1930, in Cullman, Ala., to William and Lola (nee Baker) Norman.

Her life was shaped by growing up in the Deep South on a farm in a large family during the Great Depression. She was taught you worked hard, shared what you had with those who had less and you helped others who needed a hand. She showed these traits throughout her life.

Her father died when she was young and her life became completely entwined with

her younger siblings.

While in high school, she met and married the man who she was to spend almost 70 years with in marriage, Oscar Clayborn Glasscock, a local man just returning from his service in World War II. She and Oscar married on July 6, 1947. They went on to have seven children together.

They were longtime residents of Newbury. At times they lived in Kirtland and Burton as well and enjoyed a good bit of their retirement time in Hanceville, Ala., near their families.

Betty may be best known for her quilting, a passion she shared with her mother and many friends. She literally made and gave away hundreds of quilts in her lifetime. She was proud that President George W. Bush owned a quilt she gifted him and his wife, Laura.

She owned and operated “Betty’s Quilts” in Burton for 10 years. You knew you were accepted into Mom’s world when you had one of her quilts.

At various times in her life she was a Newbury Schools bus driver, started and owned two local restaurants, worked as a server at whatever restaurant might need her, was a community activist, and as a caregiver to the elderly.

She also loved flower and vegetable gardening and traveling.

She was always associated with a church. In her early years Baptist churches in Alabama, later at People’s Full Gospel Mission in Newbury and finally as a member of The Newbury United Community Church.

Her passion though was her family. Her picture is in the dictionary used to help define grandmother. She hosted more Sunday afternoon family dinners, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas morning family breakfasts than one could count. She knew the birthdays of every member of her family, every child, grandchild and great-grandchild.

Camping trips with her are fond memories her grandchildren share. She even made Oscar get a pony for the grandkids when a few expressed an interest in horses. And, of course, she made quilts for each of them! She defined the term Matriarch.

Betty will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by three of her sons, Larry (Lee Ann), of Naples, Fla., Pastor Gary (Sandra), of Chardon, and Jeff (Lee Ann Wilcox), of Newbury; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one of her brothers, Bill Bice.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; her parents; her daughter Judy Kaye; three of her sons, David, John and Donald; her daughter-in-law Jackie; her granddaughter Carrie Ann West, M.D.; and six siblings, Sybil, Faye, Bobbi, Jim, Joe and Darryl.

Calling hours and a Celebration of Life were held April 29, 2024, at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High St., Middlefield. Pastor Gary Glasscock and Pastor Bob Richardson officiated.

Burial took place at Munn Road Cemetery in Newbury immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be shared with Newbury United Community Church, in Newbury.

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

Rosemary Novitsky

In loving memory of Rosemary Novitsky, who peacefully passed away on April 28, 2024, at the age of 94, surrounded by her family.

Born on Nov. 21, 1929, to Anthony and Emily (nee Lechowicz) Yokules, in Cleveland, Rosemary’s life was a testament to love, ded ication, and boundless kindness.

Growing up in Cleveland, Rosemary attended Villa Angela High School, where she laid the foundation for a life filled with love and compassion.

On May 17, 1952, she exchanged vows with the love of her life, Alex Novitsky, at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Cleveland. Together, they embarked on a journey of love and devotion, raising their family in Willowick.

Rosemary’s radiated warmth and care, defining her role as a devoted mother and grandmother. After the loss of her dear husband, Alex, in 1987, she poured her love and devotion into her children and grandchildren. Her family was her world and the bond she shared with her grandchildren was a source of immeasurable joy and comfort.

Known for her sweet tooth and unwavering loyalty to her Cleveland sports teams, Rosemary found delight in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished moments spent traveling with family and reveled in the excitement of each new adventure.

In her final years, her heart overflowed with happiness at the sight of her great-grandson, Evan, whose presence brought her boundless joy as she lit up every time she saw him.

Rosemary leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her children, Timothy (Karen) Novitsky, of Solon, Beth (Timothy) Lestock, of Russell Township, and Thomas Novitsky; grandchildren, Brian (Annie) Novitsky, Alex Novitsky, Jordan Novitsky, Allie (Brian) Bugos, Tyler Lestock and Ryan (fiancé Christy Marchiando) Lestock; and great-grandson, Evan Bugos.

In honor of Rosemary’s memory, the family suggests donations to the Hospice of the Western Reserve,17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110-2602 or go to www.hospicewr.org . The family would like to thank them for their compassionate care.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Interment will take place at All Souls Cemetery, 10366 Chardon Road, Chardon Township.

Rosemary will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.

Page A12 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX

Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191

Case No. 19-F-000234

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. NICOLAS LINDIC, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 04-150703 - 3.57 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 04-150703 – 14716 ASPEN HILLS LANE, BURTON TOWNSHIP, OH.

Description: “As Geauga County has adopted a permanent parcel number system, it has been determined that publication of the complete legal description is not necessary to provide reasonable notice of the foreclosure sale to potential bidders. The complete legal description can be located in the Court’s file located at the Geauga County Clerk of Court’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the Geauga County Courthouse, 100 Short Court, Chardon, Ohio 44024.”

Last known owner: NICOLAS P. LINDIC, 14716 ASPEN HILLS LANE, BURTON, OH 44021.

MINIMUM BID: $26,053.69

Public notice is hereby given that all such real property to be sold at public auction may be subject to a federal tax lien that may not be extinguished by the sale, and purchasers of any such real property are urged to search the Federal Tax Lien index that is kept by the County Recorder to determine if notice of a federal tax lien has been filed with respect to any such real property.

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to Geauga County Local Rule 13, the required deposit for this offering shall be $300 or 10% of bid, whichever is greater. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX

Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191

Case No. 23-F-000304

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. BRUCE H. COCHRAN, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 02-291500 - 9.65 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 02-291500 – 8740 WASHINGTON STREET, BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, OH.

Last known owner: BRUCE H COCHRAN AND BRENDA L. COCHRAN, AKA BRENDA L. SAMPLE, 8740 WASHINGTON STREET, CHAGRIN FALLS, OH 44023.

MINIMUM BID: $33,781.15

Whereas, such judgment orders such real property to be sold by the undersigned to satisfy the total amount of said judgment;

Now, therefore, public notice is hereby given that Scott A. Hildenbrand, Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, will sell such real property at public auction, for cash to the highest bidder of an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against each parcel at 10:00 o’clock A.M. at the door of the Court House in the City of Chardon, Ohio on THURSDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF MAY, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191 Case No. 23-F-000470

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. WALTER W. BATES, ET AL., Defendants Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 23-267600 - 0.07 acres; 23267700 - 0.07 acres; 23-267800 - 0.07 acres. Address: known on the tax duplicate as 23-267600 – VACANT LAND ON ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.; 23-267700 – 14681 ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.; 23-267800 –VACANT LAND ON ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.

Last known owner: WALTER W. BATES AND EILEEN BATES, 14681 ZENITH DRIVE, NEWBURY, OH 44065.

MINIMUM BID: $5,246.46

A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash if Purchase Price is $300.00 or less. If more than $300.00 Purchase Price is to be paid in accordance with the Rule of Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, governing Sheriff’s Sales. SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Kristen K. Rine, attorney Apr25May2-9, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191 Case No. 23-F-000273

CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY, OF SUZANNE M. GORDON, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 22-001700 - 3.51 acres.

Address: known on the tax duplicate as 22-001700 – 13115 HEATH ROAD, MUNSON TOWNSHIP, OH.

Last known owner: SUZANNE M. GORDON AND RICHARD J. BOROS, 13115 HEATH ROAD, CHESTERLAND, OH 44026.

MINIMUM BID: $8,330.14

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OF LIENS FOR DELINQUENT LAND TAX

Revised Code, Sec. 5721.191 Case No. 23-F-000678 CHRISTOPHER P. HITCHCOCK, TREASURER OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, SPOUSES, IF ANY, OF KAREN A. KERRETT, ET AL., Defendants

Whereas, judgment has been rendered against certain parcels of real property for taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and charges as follows:

Parcel No(s): 01-054110 - 5.00 acres. Address: known on the tax duplicate as 01054110 – VACANT LAND ON TAYLOR MAY ROAD, AUBURN TOWNSHIP, OH.

description can be located in the Court’s file located at the Geauga County Clerk of Court’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the Geauga County Courthouse, 100 Short Court, Chardon, Ohio 44024.” Last known owner: KAREN A. KERRETT, 769 SHERWOOD DRIVE, AURORA, OH 44202.

MINIMUM BID: $11,996.87

Whereas, such judgment orders such real property to be sold by the undersigned to satisfy the total amount of said judgment; Now, therefore, public notice is hereby given that Scott A. Hildenbrand, Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, will sell such real property at public auction, for cash to the highest bidder of an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against each parcel at 10:00 o’clock A.M. at the door of the Court House in the City of Chardon, Ohio on THURSDAY, THE 23RD DAY OF MAY, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if any parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, under the same terms and conditions of the first sale and at the same time of day and at the same place, on THURSDAY, THE 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024 for an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment against the parcel. Public notice is hereby given that all such real property to be sold at public auction may be subject to a federal tax lien that may not be extinguished by the sale, and purchasers of any such real property are urged to search the Federal Tax Lien index that is kept by the County Recorder to determine if notice of a federal tax lien has been filed with respect to any such real property.

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

24-F-000105 – First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood, Plaintiff vs. Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen, et al., Defendants Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen whose last and present place of residence are unknown; Jan Doe 1, Name Unknown, Spouse of Brianna M. Allen, if any whose last place of residence was 610 Canterbury Road, Bay Village, OH 44140: and whose present place of residence is unknown; Jan Doe 2, Name Unknown, Spouse of Alek Allen, if any whose last place of residence was 15340 Valentine Road, Thompson, OH 44086: and whose present place of residence is unknown, will take notice on February 14, 2024, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F000105 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, alleging that Defendants, Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen, Jan Doe 1, Name Unknown, Spouse of Brianna M. Allen, if any, and Jan Doe 2, Name Unknown, Spouse of Alek Allen, if any have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below:

P.P.N. 20-048650

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

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

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

The Petitioner prays that Defendants named above be required to answer and set up their

Page A13 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

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

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

DEFENDANTS NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE THE 20 DAY OF JUNE, 2024. BY: Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., L.P.A., Daniel C. Wolters (#0076521), 1100 Superior Avenue East, Suite 1100, Cleveland, OH 44114. Tel: (216) 771-6500, Fax: (216) 7716540. email: courtnotices@weinerlaw.com Apr18-25 May2-9-16-23, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

23-M-000466 – U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2, Plaintiff vs. John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., et al., Defendants John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Unknown heirs of Linda French, AKA Linda K. French, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Name(s) Unknown, the Unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, beneficiaries of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson and their unknown spouses and creditors; and, the unknown spouse of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, will take notice that on August 8, 2023, U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2 filed its Complaint in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, assigned Case No. 23-M-000466 and styled U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2 vs. John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., 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 defendants have or claim to have an interest: Parcel number(s): 02-230900, 02-231000, 02-231100, 02-231200, 02-231300 Property address: 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

The defendants named above are 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 Richard J. Sykora, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, 614-220-5611, RSykora@manleydeas.com Apr18-25 May2-9-16-23, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO 24-F-000105 – First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood, Plaintiff vs. Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen, et al., Defendants Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen whose last and present place of residence are unknown; Jan Doe 1, Name Unknown, Spouse of Brianna M. Allen, if any whose last place of residence was 610 Canterbury Road, Bay Village, OH 44140: and whose present place of residence is unknown; Jan Doe 2, Name Unknown, Spouse of Alek Allen, if any whose last place of residence was 15340 Valentine Road, Thompson, OH 44086: and whose present place of residence is unknown, will take notice on February 14, 2024, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F000105 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, alleging that Defendants, Unknown Successor as Trustee for the Brian J. Allen, Trustee of BDBA Trust aka Brian J. Allen, Trustee of the BDBA Trust under trust Instrument dated April 25, 1996, for the benefit of Brian J. Allen, Jan Doe 1, Name Unknown,

Spouse of Brianna M. Allen, if any, and Jan Doe 2, Name Unknown, Spouse of Alek Allen, if any have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below:

P.P.N. 20-048650

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Unknown heirs of Linda French, AKA Linda K. French, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, John Doe(s), Name(s) Unknown, the Unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, beneficiaries of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson and their unknown spouses and creditors; and, the unknown spouse of Norman Thompson AKA Norman Curtis Thompson, whose last known address is 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, will take notice that on August 8, 2023, U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2 filed its Complaint in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, assigned Case No. 23-M-000466 and styled U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-2 vs. John Doe(s) Unknown heirs of William French, AKA William French, Jr., 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 defendants have or claim to have an interest:

Parcel number(s): 02-230900, 02-231000, 02-231100, 02-231200, 02-231300

Property address: 16794 Huron Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

By Richard J. Sykora, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, 614-220-5611, RSykora@manleydeas.com Apr18-25 May2-9-16-23, 2024

RESOLUTION OF THE GEAUGA PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD OF HEALTH CREATING CERTAIN FEES

WHEREAS, the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3709.09, permits the Board of Health to establish by Rule, a uniform system of fees to pay the cost of any service provided by the Board of Health for which no fee is prescribed by law; and WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Board of Health through a program cost analysis that the fees for certain services are needed

to pay the cost of providing those services and; WHEREAS, the Board of Geauga Public Health is determined to provide quality Public Health services to Geauga County residents in a cost effective manner.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That, for the purpose of preserving and promoting the Public Health and Welfare, the foregoing fees are hereby enacted as follows:

1. One-year operational permit $30.00

A one-year operational permit will apply to NPDES systems, drip distribution systems and pretreatment systems.

1st reading February 28, 2024, 2nd reading March 20, 2024, and 3rd and Final Reading April 24, 2024. Published April 25, 2024, and May 2, 2024, and become effective May 6, 2024.

Apr25 May2, 2024

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP 2024 ROAD MATERIALS BID

The Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees will receive sealed proposals until 2:00 p.m. on May 7, 2024, proposals will be opened and read aloud for the following road materials at 8:00 pm during the township meeting May 7, 2024. Road materials included are #57, #304, #411, #617 Limestone, #57 Steel and Light Slag and #4 Steel and Light Slag, washed #8 limestone, cold mix, and screened asphalt grindings. Materials are to be delivered on an as needed basis to our designated yard.

All bids are to be marked Road Materials Bid and sent to Huntsburg Township, P.O. Box 280, Huntsburg OH 44046. 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.

Michele A. Saunders, Fiscal Officer Apr25 May2, 2024

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

24-M-000268 – BTE Properties, LLC, et al., Plaintiff vs. Township of Parkman, Ohio, et al., Defendants

The unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, executors, administrators and/or assigns of Simon and Nancy Perkins, whose identity and address(es) cannot be ascertained with the exercise of reasonable diligence, and upon whom service of summons could not be made, will take notice that on April 16, 2024, BTE Properties, LLC and ABC Development LLC (“Plaintiffs”), filed a Complaint to Quiet Title, Case No. 24-M-000268 in the Court of Common Pleas for Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, seeking to quiet title to approximately 2.63 acres of land, located at the intersection of Nelson Road and U.S. 422 (Main Market Road), in the Township of Parkman, County of Geauga and State of Ohio, known as Geauga County Permanent Parcel No. 25-002900 (the “Property”). Specifically, Plaintiffs pray for judgment declaring invalid and unenforceable the following restriction, related to a portion of the Property, contained in a Deed issued by Simon and Nancy Perkins on or about June 7, 1843, and recorded June 8, 1857, in Volume 54, Page 241 of the Geauga County records; and restated in a Deed dated January 22, 2018 and recorded January 22, 2018, in Volume 2046, Page 1060 of the Geauga County records: that “… said [Parkman Township] Trustees and their successors in office shall hold said land for the inhabitants of said Township to use as a public square or commons unencumbered by any building or structure whatever except railing of a public walk.”

The unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, executors, administrators and/or assigns of Simon and Nancy Perkins shall take further notice that they are required to answer the Complaint to Quiet Title within twenty-eight (28) days after this publication.

By: Douglas M. Eppler (0087018), Attorney for Plaintiff, ABC Development LLC, Walter Haverfield LLP, Suite 300, 1500 W. 3rd St., Cleveland, OH 4411. Telephone No. (216) 7811212; and Joseph H. Weiss, Jr. (0007894), Attorney for Plaintiff, BTE Properties, LLC, 8228 Mayfield Road Ste. 6b-1, Chesterland, Ohio 44026 Tel: 440-729-7278. Apr25 May2-9-16-23-30, 2024

BID NOTICE

Chardon Post Renovation Ohio State Highway Patrol

530 S Center St. Chardon OH 44024

Bids Due: 10:00 AM local time 05/17/24 local time through the State’s electronic bidding system at https://bidexpress.com EDGE Goal 5% of contract Domestic steel use is required per ORC 153.011

Estimated cost $525,000.00

Pre-Bid meeting at location: 05/01/24 at 10:00AM

More Info: A/E contact Dan Bauer, 330836-2343 X 208, dbauer@fmdarchitects. com,https://bidexpress.com

Project consists of General, Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC trades Apr25 May2-9, 2024

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

RESOLUTION NO. 24-061 AUTHORIZING INTENT TO SELL UNNEEDED, OBSOLETE, OR UNFIT COUNTY PERSONAL PROPERTY VIA INTERNET AUCTION

WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code Section 307.12 (E) as amended by House Bill 509 requires a Board of County Commissioners to adopt a resolution (once) expressing its intent to dispose of unneeded, obsolete, or unfit personal property through the use of an internet auction;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Geauga County hereby expresses their intent to dispose of unneeded, obsolete, or unfit personal property by Internet Auction, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the personal property disposed of through Internet Auction may include, as specified in ORC 307.12 (E), motor vehicles acquired for the use of county officers and departments, road machinery, car parts, equipment, tools, and office equipment or supplies which are not needed, obsolete, or unfit for the public use for which it was acquired; and be it further

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution becomes part of the permanent record of the Board of Commissioners of Geauga County, Ohio. Apr18 May2, 2024

Page A14 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

NOTICE

Sale of Property by Internet Auction

Montville Township, Geauga County, Ohio

The Montville Township Trustees are giving notice of its intent to sell unneeded township property by internet auction starting at 9:35 a.m. on May 18, 2024 at 16100 GAR Hwy., Montville, OH 44064

The auction items include:

• Montana Tractor model U4984C, production year 2008-2009.

• 1990 Case Articulating Wheel Loader model W14B Serial # JAB0088091

• 55 blocks of CRAFCO crack-seal

Property is offered for sale sold “Where-Is” and “As-Is” with NO warranty, guaranty, or representation of any kind, expressed or implied as to the merchantability or fitness for any purpose of the property offered for sale. NO refunds attached. Upon removal of the property all sales are FINAL. Removal is by appointment only. No assistance will be provided for the loading or transportation of the property. Montville Township reserves the rights to refuse ANY & ALL Bids.

A full description of items will be provided on the Mihalic Associates & Auctioneer site at Scottmihalic.com and at www.Montvillegeauga.com under Classified beginning April 30, 2024.

Karen Hawkins, Fiscal Officer May2, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

SALE OF REAL ESTATE

In the State of Ohio, County of Geauga, Case No. 23-F-000382 - Freedom Mortgage Corporation, (Plaintiff) vs. Shyrell Mabe, et. al, (Defendants)

In pursuance of an Order of Sale directed to me in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public online auction the following described real estate:

Property Address: 16965 Leggett Rd., Montville, OH 44064

Legal Description:A full legal description of the property may be obtained at: www.buddybartonauctions.com.

Parcel Number: 20-050100

Said Premises Appraised: $198,000.00

Minimum Bid: $132,000.00

Location of Sale: Online Bidding at www.buddybartonauctions.com.

Bidding Open Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Bidding Closes Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM

2nd Provisional Open Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM

2nd Provisional Close Date: Wednesday. June 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of $5,000.00 is due by wire transfer within 48 hours upon conclusion of the auction. Funding must take place within 30 days of confirmation of sale. A 5% Buyer’s Premium shall apply. The auction is subject to postponement and cancellation.

Ross Barton III, Private Selling Officer, info@buddybartonauctions.com, 330-4641375

May2-9-16, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO 24-F-000121 – Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022RTL1 Trust, Plaintiff vs. Robinson Properties LLC, et al., Defendants Robinson Properties LLC whose last place of business is c/o Isabella Robinson s/a, 2246 Lynn Park Drive, Toledo, OH 43615 but whose present place of residence/business is unknown will take notice that on February 20, 2024, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F-000121 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, alleging that the Defendant(s) Robinson Properties LLC have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below: Permanent Parcel Number: 12-015930; Property Address: 14284 Chardon-Windsor Road, Chardon, OH 44024. 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 13 DAY OF JUNE, 2024. BY: REIMER LAW CO. Donald Brett Bryson, Attorney at Law, Attorney for Plaintiff-Petitioner, P.O. Box 39696, Solon, Ohio 44139. (440)600-5500

May2-9-16, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

City of Chardon

The City of Chardon Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the applications described below on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Center, 111 Water St, Chardon OH 44024. The meeting is subject to adjournment or recess to a later date without another Notice of Public Hearing.

PC Case #24-068: Applicant – Kenny Misch is requesting a variance from the City of Chardon Codified Ordinances Schedule 1135.09 which requires a minimum front yard setback of 40’. The applicants are requesting a variance to reduce the front yard setback to 32’ to allow for the construction of a residential addition (front porch). The property is located on the west side of Sylvia Drive approximately 475’ south of the intersection of Hilltop Drive and Sylvia Drive. The address of the property is 340 Sylvia Drive, Chardon, OH 44024, with Parcel ID# 10-087170. The property is owned by Susan & Bobby Pryor.

All interested persons are urged to attend. Steven M. Yaney Community Development Administrator May2, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE

Munson Township Board of Zoning Appeals

Munson Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on May 15, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Rd., Munson, OH to consider the following appeal for a variance.

Continued: CASE 24-06: Phil Smith 12426 Fowlers Mill Rd., Chardon OH – requesting to construct a new residence 38’ from the front road right-of-way. Violates SEC. 411 Minimum Dimensional Requirements – minimum setback from the road right-of-way is 80 feet. Paula Friebertshauser, Secretary May2, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

Burton Public Library

The Burton Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a Budget Hearing on the second floor of the Library on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 6:45 PM, with the May Board Meeting to follow. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection in the Fiscal Office at 14588 W. Park St., Burton, Ohio 44021 between the hours of 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Marie Schwindl, Fiscal Officer May2, 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

2024-2027 COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING

HVAC MAINTENANCE

GEAUGA COUNTY

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 1:45 p.m. (local time) on May 29, 2024, at which time the bids shall be opened and publicly read at 2:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers, Room B303.

Printed specifications may be obtained from the Geauga County Maintenance Department, 13211 Aquilla Road, Chardon Ohio, 44024, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. An electronic set of specifications may also be requested via email to msieracki@geauga.oh.gov, or by calling Matt Sieracki at (440) 221-9928.

There will be a mandatory contractor pre-bid meeting at 9:00 a.m. on May 14th, 2024, at the Geauga County Office Building located at 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon Ohio, 44024.

A copy of this legal notice will be published in the Geauga County Maple Leaf and 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 OFFICE BUILDING HVAC MAINTENANCE, Attention:

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

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or 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 and or all bids received or any part thereof. BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GEAUGA COUNTY

Christine Blair, Clerk May2-9, 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 2024-2027 “SOUTH” HVAC MAINTENANCE

GEAUGA COUNTY MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 1:45pm (local time) on May 29, 2024, at which time the bids shall be opened and publicly read at 2:10 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 pre-bid meeting at 12:00 p.m. on May 14th, 2024 at the County Home located at 13211 Aquilla Road, Suite A, Chardon Ohio, 44024. A copy of this legal notice will be published in the Geauga County Maple Leaf and 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 – 2024-2027 “SOUTH” HVAC MAINTENANCE 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, as required by R.C. 153.54. 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 Geauga County Commissioners reserve the right to waive any informalities and to reject any or all bids received or any part thereof.

BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GEAUGA COUNTY Christine Blair, Clerk May2-9, 2024

Real Estate Transfers

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Robert R. and Jamie L. Rabe, 17060 Curry Lane, to Patrick R. Havens, $510,000. (3.83 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Halle McKeon, 8693 Lake Forest Court, to Alexandra Van De Motter, $440,000. (0.63 acres)

Dillon R. Crouse and Jessica Sedivy, 16925 Cats Den Road, to Rosemarie A. Althans, $405,000. (2.39 acres)

Jeff McClintock, 8217 Bainbridge Road, to Grandview Homes 1 LLC, $195,000. (1.50 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 430), to Amy Elizabeth McMullen, $275,000. (0.70 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 397), to Stanislav and Jessica Korzhiletskiy, $295,000. (1.21 acres)

BURTON TOWNSHIP

Tempa J. Dayringer (TOD), 14705 Hubbard Road, to Jacqueline L. Gee, $275,000. (1.50 acres)

BURTON VILLAGE

Gregory A. Hansel and Hannah M. Bomback, 13897 Goodwin Ave., to Travis and Alexa Smetana, $310,000. (0.25 acres)

Patrick A. and Amy B. Minor, 13655 W. Spring St., to Chelsey Bleck Stone, $480,000. (1.00 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Christy L. Patriarca, 229 Allynd Blvd., to Donald O. Davis and Nancy Lynman Davis, $350,000. (0.50 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Andrea M. Shea (TOD), 11431 and 11443 Chapin St., to John H. and Martha Smith Janssen (trustees), $550,000. (4.06 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Joseph and Kathryn Harwood, 10775 Locust Grove Drive, to Simone A. and Michael W. Majetich, $827,500. (6.82 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

William A. C. Miller, 15870 Durkee Road, to David S. and Susan A. Mast, $270,000. (5.10 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Middlefield Parkway, 15230 Timber Ridge, to NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

Kelsey M. Douglas C. and Tanya D. Klingman, 15086 Lake Ave., to Michaell Heiss Callahan, $165,000. (0.67 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Christopher L. and Angela J. Ranallo, 9721 Mayfield Road, to Megan and Timothy Kovac, $379,000. (2.90 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Bradley Allen Leininger, 14708 Hillview Road, to Nathaniel T. Ripley, $160,000. (1.05 acres)

Donna A. Montagna (TOD), Auburn Road and 10925 Bell St., to Craig and Holly Hasman, $505,000. (4.97 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

John A. and Norma O. Hershberger, 15660 Agler Road, to Owen L. and Betty E. Schumucker, $375,000. (1.50 acres)

Matthew D. and Fannie Detweiler, Nash Road, to John Fisher, Fannie Fisher, John Fisher Jr. and Sara Fisher, $110,000. (26.24 acres)

Matthew D. and Fannie Detweiler, 15340 Nash Road, to Joseph J. and Laura A. Detweiler, $435,000. (20.91 acres)

Jon Swontek, 16110 Edwards St., to Independent Meadows LLC, $120,000. (0.22 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Edward P. and Rebecca F. Asher, 8225 Music St., to John E. and Donna B. Sauers, $829,000. (7.18 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Lynne A. Neuman, Karen L. Curtin and Patrice E. Hendricks, 21 Chelsea Court, to Daniel J. and Alexandra M. Sahlani, $570,000. (0.76 acres)

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

Gina Meyer, 15548 Trask Road, to Joseph D. Sr. and Stephanie J. Wade, $271,000. (1.00 acres)

Gregory C. Soukup (TOD), Clay Street and 7370 Clay St., to Louchski LLC, $450,000. (91.92 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

George L. Stankus, Kimpton Trail (s/l 15), to Joelle Scalzo, $93,000. (3.00 acres)

Anthony and Beth Hylton, 17947 Mumford Road, to Enoch and Karen Hershberger, $110,000. (1.17 acres)

Page A15 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

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

ANIMAL PROBLEM

April 24

12:43 a.m., Mayfield Road, Claridon. Caller's cat is stuck in the kitchen vent. Cat would not come out. Vents left open.

ASSAULT

April 22

4:09 p.m., Water Street, McDonald's, Chardon. Male got punched in the head by a co-worker multiple times in the face. Caller was working on the heating and

cooling at McDonald's. Suspect and the caller got into an argument and suspect got aggressive and the caller pushed him to get away and suspect starting waling on the caller. Caller and suspect were working on the roof. Call type 1 reopened by Deputy.

CITIZEN DISPUTE

April 20

10:39 a.m., Sunrise Lane, Troy. Caller states that a female came up to him while he was cutting the grass and told him she was going to call the cops. Male could not advise further as to what the dispute was about. He states he believes it may

be because he stopped cutting her grass. Complainant's neighbor's have asked him to mow their grass and another neighbor on the street does not like it. Complainant was advised that if the neighbors whose grass he cuts requested him to mow, there is nothing the other neighbor can do about it since consent was granted by the other neighbors. Complainant just wanted Sheriff Office to be aware should the other neighbor call in the future.

April 20

12:34 p.m., Main Market Road, Troy. Customer is refusing to leave. Coming in and out of the store, wanted to return a drink.

Employee declined return and asked him to leave based on his suspicious behavior. The juice cost a dollar and then he went to his vehicle and didn't realize he already had a juice and wanted to return it and she will not give the dollar back. Black male wearing a green and blue striped shirt, he is standing just outside the door. Male still has the juice. He did not get a bag or a receipt. Female was yelling at him to leave her store and told him he wasn't allowed back in the store. Female cashier is banging on caller's window and wants him to move away from the pumps. Dispatch contacted employee and advised to stay inside and not engage with male. Male was advised the store can refuse him service. He left without issue.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

April 22

12:33 p.m., Elm Drive, Newbury. Friend of caller's daughter is not wanted at the residence. Took a tractor and ran it over a hill. Suspect came over and was advised she did not want a romantic relationship with him. He called her a "bitch" and struck her riding lawn mower in the driveway, pushing it down the hill. Male was home and warned. He advised: "F" her and her lawn mower. He will pay for a new one. He was advised not to go over there unless invited. He agreed not to go over.

EXTRA PATROL

April 19

8:32 a.m., Ravenna Road, Geauga Medical Center, Claridon. Geauga Hospital called a male at 7:25 a.m. to cancel his appointment. The male became irate and told the employee that he was going to "come and put holes in everyone" and that he was "going to bring his gun and shoot everyone." Male’s name is (redacted). His phone is (redacted). He lives in Conneaut. They also provided his mother's info. EDITED: Aunt has an appointment at UH Geauga at 9:15 a.m. and he usually drives her. Extra patrol will be provided.

THEFT

April 22

12:06 a.m., Georgia Road, Middlefield. Complainant advised his 14-foot single axle trailer is missing. The trailer was last seen Friday the 19th. Report taken.

April 23

8:49 a.m., Newcomb Road, Middlefield. Two thefts to report April 19 and April 20. Juveniles took multiple make up items. Juveniles parents were advised that they are no longer welcome in the store. Second incident was a female who ate a bag of chips while shopping but did not pay from them. Unable to make contact with that female.

Page A16 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

93rd

Geauga County Maple Festival | Chardon Square | April 25-28, 2024

Sun-kissed

Annual Maple Fest a Sweet Success

Photos by Bill Fugate and Rose Nemunaitis /KMG. Want to see or purchase more photos? Check us out on SmugMug.

Bathtub Race Spectators Enjoy Good, Clean Fun

By Rose NemuNaitis editoR@kaRlovecmedia com

It’s not every race where all the winners cross the finish line in a bathtub to a parade of cheering spectators — unless, of course, you attend the Geauga County Maple Festi val’s Bathtub Races event.

Just how the races, held April 28, be came an annual festival tradition remains un known, but they continue to be a hometown crowd-pleaser.

The rules are two teams start behind traf fic cones and race down to turn around anoth er cone, and race back the same route in each heat for the double elimination contest.

The standard course runs about 250 yards down Main Street on Chardon Square and the course for the other two divisions — Women’s and Over 30 — is about 50 yards shorter.

It is no secret it’s all about the turns and the driver has the toughest job.

Youth and athleticism may also be giving current winners a competitive edge as Com munity Tub welcomed first place again this year in the top Men’s Division.

“It feels great to win first place again,” said Kevin Doyle, a 2020 Chardon High School graduate and current junior at John Carroll University. “To go out there and have fun with the city of Chardon makes it bigger than yourself. The event and culture of Chardon will always make it a special place.”

Chardon Smile returned, as well, taking first place in the Women’s Division and second places in the Main Event and Over 30 categories.

“Over the years, companies have reyears back, we added a new division of '30 and Over' something for the older crowd to race in and enjoy the competition and not get decimated by the high school track players.”

was twofold.

“We have a really good tub and we have had some very good runners,” he said. “Same tub, same strategy, stick with what works.

McCaskey said 25 years ago, he used to race and as they got older, they turned to organizing it.

Titus had previously retired from pushing

See Bathtub• Page B3

“We were given this tub by a patient when we first moved into our Chardon office and I was told it has a very illustrious history of you get it up to speed, it flies. Our runners are usually a mixed bag of staff, patients and community members. It looks fun and easy as an observer, but I can assure you it’s tougher than it looks.”

Page B2

editoR@kaRlovecmedia com

The final day of the Geauga County Maple Festival gave the highest bidders a chance to pour the love right back into the community.

Supporters gathered around noon April 28 for the kickoff of the 2024 Maple Syrup Auction at Chardon Smile Center Stage to purchase the finest maple syrup in the county.

All proceeds of the auction go back to the festival to offset the costs associated with putting on the four-day event.

This year’s Blue Ribbon Syrup Auction

Bathtub

from page B2

the tub, but said he keeps getting pulled back in.

“Our 30 and Over team is comprised of ‘92 Chardon grads,” Titus said. “We figured we’d see if we can still make a go of it as we hit our 50s. I’m the only veteran.”

Chardon Smile fielded three teams again this year, including Allen Morris, Derreon Malone, Armani Chiaponne and Owen Mck oon in the Main Event; Riley Ford, Grace Le gan, Addy Novak and Jadyn Tarantino in the Women’s category; and Titus, Shannon Todd, David Bordelon and Jon Stapel for the Over 30 group.

“The tub race was a really exciting way to continue to display our competitive edge amongst not only our teammates, but team mates of another sport,” Tarantino said of the first-place Women’s team. “This was the seventh consecutive win for Chardon softball girls and we were proud to carry on the lega cy during my senior year.”

“The auction was absolutely one for the books today,” said maple producer Kevin Holy. “With an all-time record sale, the 2025 maple festival will have a great base to work with. As chairman of the contest committee and auction buyer, I couldn’t be happier for the festival.”

Each season, syrup producers save their best jug of syrup to enter into the contest and the top seven entries in each color grade are auctioned off, along with the official festival sap bucket and hot stir double bell.

“Thanks to all of the maple syrup produc-

jug of syrup,” said emcee Bob Rogish. “It re ally shows how good Geauga County Maple syrup is. It was also great to recognize Scott Mihalic as the recipient of the 2024 Geauga County Maple Festival’s Certificate of Appreciation. He continues to give his time and talents to the maple festival and (support to) the maple industry at the auction.”

Mihalic has been a longtime parade announcer, emcee and Blue-Ribbon auctioneer.

“It has been an honor and privilege to be here, kind of representing our county,” Mihalic said.

ous buyers and the back bidders who partici pated to get the prices where they ended up.

“We had several bidders that bought more than one item and that always adds to the excitement,” Rogish said.

Maple syrup entries hailed from Chardon Township, Chardon City, Chester Township, Montville Township, Parkman Township, Bainbridge Township, Claridon Township, Middlefield Township and this year’s grand champion was from Burton Township.

“Congratulations to the Burton Log

McCaskey added the races are truly hometown fun at its finest.

“Where else can you go watch bathtubs being raced down Main Street,” McCaskey said.

Congratulations surrounded the festival stage following the races as all the winners posed for photographs.

“I do think that this, and the maple festival in general, is a highlight of being part of the Chardon community,” Titus said. “It’s so much fun and a great way to get out and about and see everyone.”

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG Veteran auctioneer Scott Mihalic helps lead a record-breaking 2024 Blue Ribbon Syrup Auction on the last day of this year’s Geauga County Maple Festival, April 28. Logan Bryant (holding trophy), a Chardon High School senior; Kevin Doyle, a junior at John Carroll University; and Braden Schmauder, a Chardon High School senior and football player. ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Congratulations to Bathtub Race Winners! Men’s 1. Community Tub 2. Chardon Smile 3. Chardon Welding Women’s 1. Community Tub 2. Lacrosse 3. Chardon Softball Over 30 1. Community Tub 2. Chardon Smile 3. Solon Manufacturing See Auction • Page B5

Chardon Smile brings home three wins, one in each category, at this year’s Geauga County Maple Festival.

Timers ready … competitors ready … three, two, one, go!

The roar and excitement of competitive chainsaws during the 2024 Lumberjack Competition April 27 and 28 could be heard at its new venue between Park Elementary School and the Chardon Library during the Geauga County Maple Festival.

The popular annual contest was moved to the new location due to construction work being done on the historic courthouse on Chardon Square.

“While we were slightly cramped in our new space, I'm very grateful for the space and to be able to carry on this tradition,” said Jen Freeman, festival and lumberjack contest organizer and participant. “The lumberjack contest has been a part of the festival since the first Geauga County Maple Festival. We will be at the same location next year. After that, we'll see where it takes us.”

Freeman, last year’s inductee into the Maple Syrup Hall of Fame, buzzed around the grassy area coordinating her fellow competitors on the final day of the competition, which ended just before the start of the parade.

Its new spot, despite a passing rain shower, drew a hefty crowd to the bleachers and side areas.

The competition includes chain saw contests, two cross-cutting contests, an axe-throwing competition and wood-chopping competition.

Both men and women can participate in the events, with the jack and jill competition involving one man and one woman on each team competing to see who can saw through their given piece of wood the fastest.

Some spectators recycle the cut wood pieces by making carved artistic creations

Freeman competed with Marysville’s Grant Foreman, a popular competitor on the Stihl Timbersports Series.

“We had 40 lumberjacks from seven different states, including Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and New York and Quebec competing in 13 events,” Freeman said. “They are all fantastic competitors. Many have won state championships, and several, like Foreman, are from the Stihl Series.”

This year’s prize money totaled more than $4,800.

Foreman said he had a good weekend overall.

“I wound up placing first in the crosscut sawing and placed in five other events,” Foreman said.

He has been coming to the Chardon festival for the last eight years.

“It is typically the kickoff for the season and the Freemans always put on a great show,” he said. “There are more chainsaw events at this show than most in the country.”

Foreman said his wife typically joins him, as she is also a competitor, but she had a fundraiser for their daughter and couldn’t join this year.

“The syrup and pancake breakfast at the church are a definite plus for this event,” he said.

He heads to Franklin, Va., next weekend to compete and hopes to be back competing at the maple festival for more years to come.

“The town of Chardon is amazing and the festival atmosphere is always a pleasure to compete in,” Foreman said.

The Stihl series semifinals and finals will be in Milwaukee at the end of July.

“I have qualified for the event for the sixth time and have been a finalist the last three years, finishing as high as fifth nationally,” Foreman said.

2024 LUMBERJACK COMPETITION RESULTS

editoR@kaRlovecmedia com

Axe Throw 1st Dave Engasser 2nd Jason Hiser 3rd Tim Winkler 4th Francis Gosslin 5th Curt Hiser 6th Brett Smith O-50CC Chainsaw Muffler Class 1st Francis 2nd Cole ArmbrusterI 3rd JP Gognon 4th Ken Freeman 5th Paul Cogar 6th Jason Hiser Bow Saw 1st Dave Engasser 2nd JP Gagnon 3rd Jason Hiser 4th Grant Foreman 5th Eric Piazza 6th Cole Armbruster 0-81CC Chainsaw Muffler Class 1st Jason Hiser 2nd Grant Foreman 3rd Francis Gosslin 4th Cole Armbruster 5th Curt Hiser 6th JP Gagnon Open Chainsaw Class 1st JP Gagnon 2nd Francis Gosslin 3rd Jason Hiser 4th Cole Armbruster Tied 5th & 6th Curt Hiser & Paul Cogar Cross-Cut 1st Dave Engasser & Grant Foreman 2nd Cole Armbruster & Jason Hiser 3rd Tim & Justin Winkler 4th Jake Bedeliau & Eric Piazza 5th Francis Gosslin & JP Gagnon 6th Paul Cogar & Ken Freeman Kettle Boil 1st Francis Gosslin 2nd Dave Engasser 3rd Ken Freeman 4th John Reeder 5th Mary Reeder 6th JP Gagnon Quebec Powder Puff 1st Mary Reeder 2nd Jen Freeman 3rd Steph Morris 4th Sarah Clark 0-81CC Chainsaw Pipe Class 1st Jason Hiser 2nd Francis Gosslin 3rd Cole Armbruster 4th Curt Hiser 5th Brett Smith 6th Dave Engasser J0-140CC Chainsaw Muffler Class 1st Cole Armbruster 2nd Ken Freeman 3rd Jason Hiser 4th Mary Reeder 5th Grant Foreman 6th Francis Gosslin Chop 1st Paul Cogar 2nd Cole Armbruster 3rd Grant Foreman 4th Eric Piazza 5th JP Gagnon 6th Jason Hiser Bike Chainsaw Class 1st Dave Engasser 2nd Jason Hiser 3rd Eric Piazza 4th Brett Smith 5th Mary Reeder 6th Paul Cogar

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG Geauga County Maple Festival Director Jen Freeman, right, competes in Jack and Jill Cross-Cut with Grant Foreman, an Ohio competitor who also competes on the Stihl Timbersports Series.

Rogish said.

He added Hambden Township’s Bob Kolcum’s beautifully painted sap bucket was the top non-syrup item of the auction purchased by Curt Johnson.

“This year’s bucket has a tranquil scene of a sugar house in operation with three deer roaming their way through the area,” Kolcum said. “I believe this is the first year I have put deer on the Tappin Bucket. Once again, it’s an honor to be asked to do the ceremonial Tappin Bucket and be a part of the Geauga County Maple Festival’s history.”

Longtime festival supporter Howard Bates took home, as the highest bidder, the 2024 hot stir double bell.

Carolyn Brakey, Republican nominee for Geauga County Commissioner, participated in her first Maple Festival syrup auction, along with longtime supporter Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand.

“The Geauga County Maple Festival has no shortage of wholesome family activities while also recognizing and supporting our local maple producers,” Brakey said. “The Sap Run in particular has become an annual tradition for our family, fueled by maple stirs.”

Blue Ribbon 2024 syrup buyers included Chardon Smile Center, Outside Designs Pool and Spa, Advanced Psychotherapy, Truck MD, Curt Johnson, Dumpster Bandit, Butternut Maple Farm, Brock Construction, Potti and Marc Burr, Amy and Bob Rogish, Craig and Kevin Holy, Swingin’ Hams 4H, Geauga Door, Ten10 Design, Chardon Fire Department, Howard Bates, Jim McCaskey and Scott Mihalic.

“As always, Bob Rogish and Scott Mihalic did a fantastic job on auction day,” Holy said. “The community is once again showing such support for the Geauga maple festival and I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.”

Page B5 Geauga County Maple Leaf

S P O R T S

Wolverines Rout Rival Chagrin Falls 17-0

Percassi Dominant on Mound, Malone and Rodriguez Perfect at

Plate

By alaN koRNspaN spoRts@kaRlovecmedia com

A day after defeating Lake Catholic 18-4, the West Geauga Wolverines softball team traveled to Chagrin Falls on April 23 to take on the Tigers.

They continued their dominance at the plate, getting out to an early first-inning, 5-0 lead, then extended their lead to 17-0 as they scored one run in the second, two runs in the third, and nine runs in the fourth inning.

Afterward, West Geauga Head Coach Mark Percassi said that the game against the Tigers was a reflection of how the Wolverines have been performing this season.

In particular, he said his players were aggressive, excellent at the plate, and ran the bases well against the Tigers, emphasizing their preparation.

“I just think they show up ready to go, they’re focused, (and) we work on things constantly,” Coach Percassi said.

West G hit the ball extremely well against the Tigers with 16 hits, seven walks and 15 RBIs. This followed a 12-hit, 12-walk, 11-RBI performance a day earlier against Lake Catholic.

Leading the Wolverines offensively against the Tigers were freshman Dayana Malone (4-4, double, 3 RBI) and senior Elena Rodriguez (3-3, triple, 3 RBI).

Post-game, Malone said she was focused on timing up the pitcher, then looked for the pitch that she wanted — and if she got her

See Wolverines • Page B7

Hilltoppers Softball Takes 2 from Rival Bombers

By alaN koRNspaN spoRts@kaRlovecmedia com

The Chardon Hilltoppers and the Kenston Bombers met on the softball field for a home-and-away series April 24 and 25.

In game one at Kenston, the Hilltoppers offense dominated and they defeated the Bombers 23-0 in five innings. Chardon got out to a quick 7-0 lead after two innings, then added six runs in the third, three runs in the fourth, and seven runs in the final inning.

The next day, although the Hilltoppers got out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, both teams did not score in the third or fourth inning. Chardon added a run in the bottom of the fifth to take a 4-0 lead heading into the sixth inning, then scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to make the final score 9-0.

In both contests, the Hilltoppers had excellent performances at the plate.

In their 23-0 victory, five Hilltoppers had

multiple hit games: Grace Legan (4-4, 2 RBI), Riley Ford (3-4, 2 RBI), Alexa Anderson (34, 4 RBI), Jadyn Tarantino (2-4, home run, 3

See Hilltoppers • Page B7

Page B6 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

WWW.GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM/SPORTS

BILL FUGATE/KMG Chardon senior catcher Mackenzie Kilpeck at the plate against Kenston as her Hilltoppers beat the Bombers 23-0 in five innings. West Geauga junior Shaylynn Rogaski during her team’s 17-0 win against Chagrin Falls.

Wolverines from page B6

pitch, she would take the swing.

This strategy worked extremely well for Malone, as she led off the game with a linedrive single and then doubled in the second inning.

Malone completed her perfect day at the plate with another line-drive single to center field in the third inning and a base hit to center field in the fourth inning.

For the week, over four games, Malone was an amazing 9-11 at the plate.

“She's got such a smooth swing, sees the ball well, and she's disciplined (at the plate),” her Having a perfect day at the plate against the Tigers was senior Elena Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said she had her hands working well together and made excellent contact.

Coach Percassi said Rodriguez has been working extremely hard during practice on staying short to the ball, then getting extension through the ball after contact.

Hilltoppers

from page B6

RBI) and Emma Anderson (2-4, 2 RBI).

Chardon continued its success at the plate on April 25, scoring nine runs on 12 hits. Leading that offense were MacKenna Banville (3-4, 4 RBI), Savannah Murray (3-3, home run, 3 RBI) and Legan (3-4).

Over the two games against the Bombers, Legan went 7-8 at the plate. Through 16 games, she also led the Hilltoppers in batting average (.559), hits (33), home runs (4), triples (2) and RBI (21).

Legan said that during her at-bats, her focus has been on getting base hits and staying patient.

“You can coach for a long time and not have a player like her,” Chardon Head Coach Stewart Landies said. “That young lady is amazing. I would say that I am surprised, but I am not.

“For four seasons, we've coached her. She started as a freshman and she's always batted .400 or higher — incredible.”

Another highlight for the Hilltoppers in their 9-0 victory was Murray’s second-inning home run.

“This is our sixth year coaching (at Chardon), and I've never seen somebody hit one that far — and it was into the wind, so that ball was just crushed,” Coach Landies said.

In the two Hilltopper victories, Chardon was also dominant on the mound.

In the first game, at Kenston, Jenna Hendricks pitched a five-inning shutout, only allowing two hits and striking out eight Bomber batters.

Hendricks said the approach on the mound for the Hilltopper pitching staff has been to stay very focused on accuracy by hitting the spots they are aiming at.

“We've been working super hard at practice to get that consistency, so that's been a big part of our game plan,” Hendricks said.

In the second game, at Chardon, freshman Alexa Anderson started and pitched six innings of shutout softball, only giving up three hits and striking out 12 Bombers.

Anderson was relieved by Hendricks, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning to close out the game for the Hilltoppers.

With the victory on the mound, Anderson moved to 7-0, with a 1.45 ERA. In 38 innings of work this season, Anderson had struck out 35 batters.

In addition to the great offensive performance by the Wolverines, Lely Percassi had a great game on the mound against the Tigers. In five innings of work, she struck out six, only gave up three hits, and did not allow a run.

Post-game, Lely Percassi said she'd been very accurate, as her pitches hit the spots she'd aimed for. She was also focused on throwing her fastball, changeup, and drop curve. Although she was accurate with all three pitches, Percassi felt her changeup worked best against the Tigers.

Coach Mark Percassi also said Lely did a good job of hitting her spots, and noted the

importance of accuracy on the mound to the whole defense.

“I think the defense responds when we're throwing a lot of strikes and keeping the ball on the plate,” Coach Percassi said. “They're

more alert and they play good defense.”

With excellent pitching and offensive showings this week, the Wolverines went 3-1 and extended their record to 7-2 on the season.

Page B7 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

You are invited to visit us at www.geaugamapleleaf.com

Chardon

Chardon Early Learning Center prekindergartners (l to r) Cole Crookshanks, Leland Gardner, Elijus Zukauskas, Haylee Bernardo, Penny Wilhelm and Jordan Dullam observe their worm compost in the classroom on April 23.

JA in a Day Volunteers

Calling Chardon community members — sign up today to teach Chardon Middle School students an engaging lesson for a half day. CMS teachers and students are eager to welcome volunteers to the classroom on May

14 and 15 to cover a Junior Achievement in a Day lesson and also share about their own career journeys.

CMS partners with Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland, Inc. for JA in a Day each year to inspire and prepare young learners to succeed in a global economy. Programs include core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, preparing students to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices.

Junior Achievement takes the guesswork out for community volunteers, providing all the necessary lesson and classroom materials. Volunteers simply choose their preferred day, an available lesson and grade level — fourth, fifth or seventh. No prior teaching experience is required.

Visit the JA in a Day online sign-up form on the news page of the district website or contact CMS Principal Adam Tomco at 440285-4062 to learn more and register.

Best High School 2024

Chardon High School was notified by the U.S. News and World Reports on April 23 that the school is officially published as a Best High School for 2024. The district was first notified in the fall of earning this prestigious title, which includes the school’s high national and metro-area rankings.

Specifically, U.S. News ranked CHS among the top ten percent of public high schools in Ohio; the top 20 (number 18) of Cleveland metro area public high schools; and the top 40 percent of high schools, nationally.

Mary Pat Pavicic, interim principal at CHS, stated on April 26 in the school newsletter for families, “This honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, parents/guardians and overall school community, in alignment with our district’s commitment to high achievement for all students. Congratulations to all.” Community members are encouraged to visit the education rankings section of the U.S. News and World Reports website at usnews.com.

Page B8 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf S C H O O L S WWW GEAUGAMAPLELEAF COM/SCHOOLS

West Geauga

sponsored by Grand River Grounds, which is located by Heritage Meats in Harrington Square Mall. The criteria are that these individuals are great members of the classroom and school buildings, work hard and uplift their classmates.

March winners are kindergartner Raiola

Franklin B. Walter Award

2024 prestigious Franklin B. Walter Award went to West Geauga High School senior Myra Utterback. Myra was selected from among a pool of talented students repre senting school districts in Geauga County.

ers Sam S. and Caleb C.; fifth-graders Lyric S. and Jarett F.; sixth-graders Jordyn M. and Gage F.; seventh-graders Nathan P. and Curtis P.; eighth-graders Layla M. and Kody L.; freshmen Dominic H. and Madison H.; sophomores Brooke B. and Riley H.; juniors Morgan C. and Izabella C.; and seniors Troy G. and Kayla R.

ademic grades, test scores, school-related activities and awards. The presentation took place at the annual Franklin B. Wal ter All-Scholastic Awards Program on April 15 at the Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio. Myra was ac companied by her father, Gary Utterback. Also in attendance for the banquet and pre sentation were Jennifer Felker, superinten dent of the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, which awards $500 to the recipient, and Dr. Rich Markwardt, superintendent of the West Geauga Local

GEAR 4-H Contest

West Geauga students in the Geauga Engineering and Robotics 4-H Club (GEAR) had great success at a recent contest with their robotics projects that they’ve been working on since October.

In the maze contest, Anthony Fioritto participated in the high school division and Ginny Goodall in the middle school division. They programmed their robot to navigate a complex maze. Ginny took home

wo teams of West Geauga students competed in the rescue robots contest. The rescue robot is designed to simulate going into a demolished building with the goal of retrieving four ping pong balls. The sixth-grade team comprised of Collette Johnson, Sam Geraci and Noah Lear took first place or gold. The eighth-grade team of Lena Wright, Mandi Petonic, Molly Moidell and Janna Winningham took second place or silver. In addition to second place, the eighth-grade team was also awarded the prestigious Honda Innovation Award, which

There were over 460 robots and over 1,300 participants at the event. Winning the Honda Innovation Award was an extraordinary accomplishment, especially as it was their first year at the competition. The GEAR advisors are Jeff and Adrienne La Favre.

Power of the Pen

West Geauga Middle School's Power of the Pen team recently competed in the regional tournament at Shaker Middle School. Even with an absent team member, the team took fourth place out of 32 teams competing. Congratulations to team members Addie Oja, Janna Winningham, Tessa Leonard, Gabby Ohlsen and Aurora Pavick. Addie and Gabby will be moving on to the state tournament at Ashland University in May.

Page B9

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

FGP Explorers Series

May 4, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks to explore wildflowers and sugaring history along the Eagle Trail at Headwaters Park, 15052 Mayfield Road, Huntsburg Township.

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

Geauga Skywatchers

May 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join Geauga Skywatchers Club for its next meeting at the Geauga West Library. To register, visit www.geaugalibrary.net.

VFW Wednesday Dinners

Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 will serve wood-fired personal pan pizzas every Wednesday in May at the post located at 752 Water St. Dinners are open to the public. Call 440-285-3699 for to-go orders.

Perennial Gardeners Plant Sale

May 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland’s annual plant sale in the parking lot of Chester Town Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, features a large assortment of hanging baskets, perennials, natives, houseplants, herbs and annuals. Check out the Garden Shed and the boutique for unique items related to home and garden. Gift certificates are available now. Sale will be held rain or shine. For more information, email perennialgardenerschesterland@gmail.com.

Women’s Connection Luncheon

May 15, 12-1:45 p.m.

Join Christian Women’s Connection for a luncheon at the Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge Township. Guest speaker Trina Oats will share her personal journey and special guest is local songstress Lori Scott.

To RSVP by May 10, email cwcchagrin@gmail.com or call/text 440-708-8322.

Container Gardening

May 18, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteer Kathie Bottger for “Container Gardening - Think Outside the Pot” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. She will provide instructions, demos for planting, suggested plant varieties, design and color combinations and show how repurposed items become garden art.

Registration is required; call 440-8344656. For more information, visit geauga. osu.edu.

Planning a garden-related event and need a speaker or interested in learning more about MGV scholarships? Call 440834-4656.

Civil War Encampment

May 25 and 26

Geauga County Historical Society presents a Civil War Encampment on the grounds of Century Village Museum in Burton. The event features authentic reenactors, sutlers, battles and a special live musical performance.

For information and tickets, call 440-8341492 or visit centuryvillagemuseum.org.

Kids Fest Comes to Chardon Square June 1

staff RepoRt

Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced Chardon Square Association will be hosting its annual Kids Fest June 1 on Chardon Square.

“This fun and well-attended event features the Kids Flea-Market — for kids up to 15 years of age — in conjunction with the Family Market, which runs between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., and the Kids Fest, between 12-2 p.m.,” said Melissa Ricco, CACC executive director, in a press release.

Registration for a kid vendor booth is $10 and can be secured by visiting www.chardonsquareassociation.org/events/kidsfest/.

“This is a great way for kids to dabble in the world of entrepreneurship by either registering and running their own flea market vendor booth or by becoming a kid assistant with the Family Market vendors,” Ricco said in the release. “All items to be sold must be

Bloodmobile

children merchandise, which can be handmade and/or collected, (such as) toys, games, children clothing etc. Adult items, food and beverage sales are not permitted and an adult parent or guardian must accompany all children at their respective booth.”

More details can be found on the square association site.

Kids Fest will feature the “infamous teacher dunk-tank,” tug-o-war contests with the fire and police departments and high school sports teams, an arts table, silly string booth, sandpit, pizza eating contest and more, according to the CACC.

Sponsor tables are also still up for grabs, Ricco said.

“We will be out there rain or shine and hope that you will support our area’s budding entrepreneurs while supporting the Chardon Square Association in this fun family-friendly event,” she said.

Health

The American Red Cross needs donors to come to give blood or platelets over the next few weeks to keep the blood supply as strong as possible this spring. Make donation appointments by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

May 7, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield 12-6 p.m.

May 9, Centerville Mill, 8558 Crackel Road, Bainbridge Township, 12-6 p.m.

May 12, Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 13, Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 12-6 p.m.

May 17, Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 23, Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, Parkman, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 26, St. Helen’s Church, 12060 Kins-

man Road, Newbury Township, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 30 Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon, 12–6 p.m.

Food Addicts in Recovery

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

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

For more information, call 440-295-3353 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

Help for Mental Illness

NAMI Geauga offers mental health support groups and classes for families and persons affected by mental illness. There is no charge to participants. All offerings are 100% peer-led and meet in person or on Zoom. Check out NAMI’s calendar online for the latest listings: www.namigeauga.org.

Page B10 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Amish Housekeeper Wanted: Weekly house cleaning in Russell Township for small family. 203-907-7940.

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.

Lawn Care Needed, Kiwanis Lake Community, 440591-3676.

Help Wanted

GEAUGA

This position is located at our central office at 14499 N Cheshire Street, Burton, Ohio 44021, then once open will move to our Middlefield location in Harrington Square

Who We Are

At Geauga Credit Union, Inc., we believe people are far more than just their credit score. We pride ourselves in the Credit Union philosophy of “People Helping People.” Geauga Credit Union, Inc. was founded in 1956 as Geauga School Employees Credit Union and has since grown and expanded our membership to Geauga, Trumbull, Ashtabula, and Portage County residents.

Who You Are

Our ideal candidate thrives on providing exceptional member service. We are looking for individuals with a desire to respond to member financial inquiries; uncover opportunities and recommend appropriate financial solutions to help maintain the member’s relationship with the credit union.

Responsibilities

• Assist members with service requests and provide solutions on a variety of financial accounts.

• Identify opportunities and recommend solutions that will benefit the members.

• Answer member questions and provide solutions.

• Identify sales opportunities, based on member’s needs.

• Follow up with new members.

• Efficiency, accuracy, and professionalism are vital for this position.

• Any other duties asked of you.

Other

• Physical requirements include moving frequently and extensively using wrists, hands, and or fingers; speaking clearly, hearing and understanding; Ability to sit for extended periods; visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents; should be able to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally.

Interested

Please submit resume to Geauga Credit Union, Inc. PO Box 839, Burton, Ohio 44021 Or by email to lisa@geaugacreditunion.com

JOB POSTINGS

CARDINAL LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

The district is seeking Temporary, Seasonal, & Casual Workers for Summer 2024

The district is seeking casual labor employees for summer maintenance work within the Cardinal Local School District Up to 29.5 hours/week - June 3rd through August 2nd Pay is $10.45/hour

CANDIDATES:

Please apply by visiting the Board Office or call Dave Krebs at 440-313-8369 or 440-632-0261 x6001 or email at dave.krebs@cardinalschools.org

Page 11 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf

Credit Union, Inc. Equal Opportunity Employer We are Hiring a Full-Time Member Representative to Join Our Growing Team!

AUTOS & PARTS

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

For Sale: Truck Cap by Swiss: 6’ Fiberglass custom, off a 2014 Chevy short bed. Like new $550. 440-785-6877.

FOR RENT

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

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

EVENTS

Dorothy’s Porch Free Rummage Celebration, Lutheran Church, 10621 Aubrun Road, Chardon. May 30-31, 9a2p. Clothing, household items, bedding, etc.

FOR SALE

Antique wood window panes. Multiple sizes. $10 each. 440-313-6581.

Classifieds

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

1987 Crestliner Saber Open Bow Fishing Boat w/trailer: welded aluminum, 22.5 long 8 ft. beam, 305 200 hsp. Bow mount trolling motor with many updates, fish finders, marine radio, dual batteries with charger, mooring cover, helm cover. Big boat, plenty of seating. Runs great. $13,500. 440-228-6287 text/call.

Horse Buggy: 4-wheeled black buggy for Hackney sized pony, fair condition; $875. 440-313-1804.

All items in Middlefield: Large recliner, floral loveseat, large TV stand, Rollator walker mobile commode, antique desk with attached bookcase. Call 440-5524115.

Celli Spading Machine: NYP-130, will spade 51” wide up to 12” deep. Has had very little use, only on a vegetable garden; $4,000. 440-548-2414.

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

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

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

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.

Fan: 30”inch pedestal with mister; $100. Black English saddle, no stirrups; $50. 440655-9999, leave message, I’ll return your call.

2013 Can-Am Spyder RTS/SE5: circuit yellow, mint condition, new tires, his/hers heated saddle seat upgrade, all maint. by dealer, 10,000 miles; $11,200. 440-346-2255.

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

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

Cultivator: 9-inch electric front tine Mantis; $200. 440554-5731.

Western Reserve Memorial Garden Crypt for sale. Chapel Mausoleum. $10,000. Call 440-799-2136.

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.

PETS & ANIMALS

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: Surprise! More kids are trying pot in states where it’s legal. Ask them if they know its dangers. Help them understand.

RENTAL WANTED

Healthy quiet Christian female seeking Christian woman’s home to rent a quiet room and private bath in Chardon area. I am waiting for my subsidized senior unit to open within 3 to 9 months or maybe a bit longer. I have good references. No smoking. No pets. 619-709-0069 or g.laurel@icloud.com.

SERVICES

Top Shelf Construction LLC: Decks, Garages, Trim interior and exterior, Remodeling. Jonathan Fisher, 330-4423995, topshelfconstrunction@yodermail.net.

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

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

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

Precision Exterior Renewal Solutions: Insured. Tree trimming, shaping, storm damage/clean up. Trash and waste removal. Window, gutter and chimney cleaning. Etc. Etc. Senior, Veteran and First Responder Discounts. Call Mitchal for your Free Estimate at 440-622-2049.

Experienced landscaper looking for lawns. My service includes cut, trim and blow. Call or text Frank at 440635-7774.

WANTED TO BUY

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.

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

Page 12 Thursday, May 2, 2024 Geauga County Maple Leaf