Geauga County Maple Leaf 6-13-2024

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Vol. 30 No. 24 • Chardon, Ohio

www.geaugamapleleaf.com

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Paul Harris, Beloved Leader Of County Fair, Dies at 57

By amy Patterson amy@karlovecmedia com

Friends, loved ones and community members continue to reel from the unexpected loss of longtime Geauga County Fair Board Secretary Paul Harris, who died suddenly June 4 at the age of 57.

A dedicated local dairy farmer, maple producer and owner/operator of Howard’s Apples Farm Market in Chagrin Falls, Harris became a Geauga County Agricultural Society

See Harris • Page 4

Iacampo Judge Limits Expert Testimony

Pre-Trial Hearing Set for June 24

By amy Patterson amy@karlovecmedia com

A hearing to review two motions to drop sexual battery charges against former Chester Police Officer Nick Iacampo stretched into a fourth session June 10, with testimony from a final expert witness for the defense.

Kobie Flowers, a Washington, D.C. civil rights lawyer who previously

See Chipotle • Page 6 See Brown • Page 7

Iacampo

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: June 17, 1:30 p.m., Family First Council, Ste. B168; June 18, 9:30 a.m., Board of County Commissioners. 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.

Aquilla Village: June 19, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 65 Turner Drive, unless otherwise noted.

Auburn Township: June 13, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; June 18, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Ad ministration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: June 10, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; June 20, 7 p.m., Board of Zon ing Appeals. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

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

Burton Village: June 10, 7 p.m., Village Coun cil; June 11, 7 p.m., Board of Public Affairs.

Iacampo

from page 1

worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, joined the hearing virtually after two previous attempts to have a local expert witness failed to pan out. That witness was not able to appear either May 28 or June 4 due to medical reasons.

Iacampo’s defense attorney, Ian Fried man, asked Flowers to lay out his creden tials, including his work at the DOJ and any cases involving rights under a 1967 U.S. Su preme Court ruling in Garrity v. New Jersey, which said employees of the state cannot be compelled to incriminate themselves under threat of termination.

While he had not been asked to testify as an expert on Garrity in the past, Flowers said the law came into play in almost every case involving police.

“Certainly, over 100 times when I was a federal prosecutor with the justice depart ment,” he said.

All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

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

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

Chester Township: June 13, 4:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; June 19, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

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

Hambden Township: June 18, 6 p.m., Parks &

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

Munson Township: April 17, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals, special meeting. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Newbury Township: June 18, 5:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless noted.

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

Russell Township: June 19, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District; June 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Friedman earlier filed two motions asking visiting Portage County Court of Common Pleas Judge John Enlow to drop charges against Iacampo, who previously served as a school resource officer at West Geauga High School from January to June 2023.

He was accused of sexual battery against a 16-year-old WGHS student in a local church parking lot.

One asked for charges related to Iacampo’s SRO role to be dropped, as Friedman argued Iacampo, who was temporarily appointed SRO in January 2023, was not in that role in August of last year, when the alleged offense occurred.

Friedman’s other motion said investigators violated Iacampo’s rights under Garrity.

Lake County Assistant Prosecutor Adam Downing objected to Flowers’ introduction as an expert witness. After a brief conference in chambers — during which Enlow could be heard raising his voice to attorneys — Enlow said Flowers could be introduced as an expert on federal law, but not on Ohio law.

Flowers said, after reviewing transcripts of earlier testimony, he felt an incomplete Miranda warning given by Lake County Sheriff’s Detective Dominic Hren — who admitted May 28 he neglected to explicitly tell Iacampo he had the right to remain silent — was a “red flag” that Iacampo’s Garrity rights may also have been violated.

Hren’s interview occurred around 3:45 a.m. Aug. 7, hours after Iacampo’s alleged sexual contact with the victim. In a May 28 hearing, Hren said he did not fully Mirandize Iacampo before questioning him that night. He was also questioned over a statement made during the Aug. 7 interview that Iacampo’s presence was “no longer voluntary.”

Flowers said Garrity should always be read prior to questioning a police officer, regardless of whether the questioning is administrative or criminal.

In his testimony, Iacampo said he felt pressured to give a statement after Chester Township Police Department Capt. Jeff Sherwood ordered him to enter the room in which

Thompson Township: June 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. January through April all trustees meeting will be at Thompson Branch of Geauga County Public Library, 6645 Madison Road, and May through December at Town Hall, 6741 Madison Road. June 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless June 17, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at Ira A. Canfield Building, 428 North St., Chardon, unless otherwise noted.

Hren’s interview occurred. Flowers said Iacampo’s awareness of the department’s policy manual, which states insubordination could result in termination, made Iacampo feel compelled to incriminate himself.

Downing objected, telling the judge Flowers could not testify to what Iacampo believed at the time of the interview.

“The policies are very clear that if he doesn't follow what his chief says, if he doesn't follow the policy — particularly the policy on insubordination — he can lose his job,” Flowers said. “So, before he even entered into the room, it should have been made very clear to him (that) the criminal investigation has nothing to do with (his) job.”

Flowers said police departments are often advised, when investigating criminal offenses by officers, not to interview them at all to avoid Garrity violations.

“If you don't interview them, you don't have a Garrity problem,” he said.

In his cross-examination, Downing said Iacampo had a documented history of insubordination with four separate disciplinary complaints in his file.

He asked Flowers whether that history would change his reasoning.

“It cuts both ways,” Flowers said. “You could think that this final time is going to be the final time, and so I better … go ahead and give a statement because I've got this history … of being insubordinate.”

Downing also pushed back on Flowers’ assertion Garrity should be read before every investigation. If that were the case, there would be no reason to probe whether Iacampo believed he was under threat of termination, he said.

Both attorneys were given five minutes to present their closing arguments on each motion to dismiss. Enlow scheduled a pre-trial conference June 24, at which time he said he hoped to have a ruling on both of Friedman’s motions.

If charges against Iacampo are not dismissed, dates for a jury trial will be set at that time.

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speaks during a June 10 hearing.

Harris

from page 1

Fair Board director in 1993, was elected pres ident in 2006 and served as secretary since 2008.

“We are at a loss for words today as we start to grieve the passing of our very beloved fair board director and fair secretary, Paul Har ris,” the Great Geauga County Fair Board said in a Facebook post. “We will forever be grate ful for his guidance, leadership and dedication for the Great Geauga County Fair.”

Son of Jennifer (Roddie) Hoffman and the late Ray E. Harris, Harris was born and raised on the Howard Family Farm in Bain bridge Township. He is survived by his wife, Pam Krotzer, and many close friends and fair colleagues, especially David and Nancy Park er and their children.

“If you knew Paul, you knew his two passions were dairy farming and The Great Geauga County Fair. He frequently boasted that he never missed a fair his entire life,” his obituary with St. John funeral home said. “From (1993) until the day he took his last breath on June 4, 2024, Paul was driven to create an amazing fair experience for the community and beyond.”

Geauga County, host of the oldest contin uous county fair in the state, became a mod el for other county fairs, as Harris stepped up to statewide leadership after joining the Ohio Fair Managers Association in 2008, be ing named District 9 Director. He served as OFMA president from 2022-2023.

“He tirelessly advocated for the welfare of fairs across Ohio, working to update legislation and ensure fair funding and proper oversight,” his obituary said.

Bob Rogish, owner of Rogish Farm in Chester Township, knew Harris for over 25 years and served with him on the fair board for eight years after being elected in 2005.

“When I was president, Paul made things easy because he was fair secretary and any problem or question came up, he knew the answer,” Rogish said June 7. “Paul jumped in to fill the shoes of the late Dick Moss, who, when I first was on the fair board, was the fair secretary. From there, he took the fair to where it is today. In all those ways, we worked together, but more importantly, we were friends and shared many good and bad times making memories through it all.”

Rogish recalled when he met Harris, who was running a produce stand.

“When I started buying produce for Patterson Fruit Farm, I quickly realized Paul was a guy you wanted to be friends with at produce auctions, although they say, ‘you don’t have friends at auctions,’” Rogish said. “I knew that the quality of produce was high that he wanted and so did we. Eventually, we worked together sourcing produce from multiple auctions and growers. Just like other popular farm markets in Geauga County, we worked together to secure top notch products.”

Rogish said Harris never turned down a request to borrow a corn planter, grain drill or a chisel plow, and was always willing to help out and share what he had.

He also loved helping out the youth, Rogish said, adding, “It was always about the kids, especially the Parkers’ Evan, Becky and Lauren. You won’t see a collage of pictures or memories pop up that those kids aren’t in.”

The Parkers’ children spent a lot of time with Harris helping at the stand, the barn and the fair, Rogish said.

“Paul was a dedicated individual, knew everybody, knew the answers. If he didn’t know something, he surely knew someone that

did,” he said. “I’ll miss the calls and quick texts from him.”

Tributes to Harris poured in across social media after his death.

Harris spent hours ensuring the future of fairs across the state, through legislation and promotion, the fair board said in its post.

“Paul loved the fair more than anything (except Pam of course), and he put his heart and soul into making our fair the best it can be. We will continue to make Paul proud this year and in every fair that follows,” the fair board said.

The post was shared by public officials and other fairs, including the Ashtabula County Fair Board, which sent its condolences to the GGCF board and Harris’ family.

“Paul’s love for county fairs across Ohio and the world of agriculture will be sorely missed,” the Ashtabula fair board said.

Geauga Public Health extended its heartfelt condolences to Harris' family, as well.

"His presence and contributions to the fair will forever be remembered. We are all saddened by this news and will cherish the memories of his time with us. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time," GPH Administrator Adam Litke wrote in a Facebook post. "Paul was a giant among men. He loved Geauga County and the Great Geauga County Fair almost as much as he loved his wife. He will be greatly missed in our community."

Carolyn Brakey, president of the Geauga

County Board of Health, said she was shocked and saddened to learn of Harris' passing.

"I ran into him at the Blossom Time Parade a little over a week ago and we had a lovely chat," she wrote in an online post. "My prayers and condolences to his family.

Fond Fair Memories

Outside of his circle of family and friends, many in the community shared fond fair memories of Harris.

Former Geauga County Administrator Dave Lair recalled a sunny day in July 2008, when the framework for the Bicentennial Bell building on the fairgrounds in Burton

The Geauga County Fair Board shared photos of Harris over the years.

Parkman Trustees Question Budget Commission Letter

Walder Shares Geauga POV on Property Tax Increase

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia com

Parkman Township Trustees received a letter dated June 3 from the Geauga County Budget Commission asking them to consider reducing collection of a levy in 2025 to mitigate increased property taxes caused by the state’s mandatory six-year property revaluation.

The letter, signed by commission members Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, Auditor Chuck Walder and Treasurer Christopher Hitchcock, put forth the recommendation.

“The results of that reappraisal reflected an unprecedented average increase to residential properties of 29.5% and to agriculture property owners of 26.1%,” the letter read. “Once again, the Geauga County Budget Commission is encouraging political subdivisions that are beneficiaries of this unvoted inside millage windfall to consider the effect that this has on your property owners.

“We ask that you responsibly investigate reducing other voted levies to counter the

Memories from page 4

was raised.

Reached by phone, Lair said he went back and revisited photos and videos he had taken on a digital camera that day, and found the decades-old record of his most prominent memory of Harris, who Lair said was “Mister Geauga Fair.”

“Paul was, of course, in the center of the action, everything from being on the team … who raised the south wall, to being at the top of that center post resting on a large stone in the center of the building, as it is eased into place,” Lair wrote in a Facebook post June 5.

Over his years on the fair board, Harris rubbed shoulders with many local officials, including Geauga County Commissioners, with whom he worked closely to plan the fair every year.

Scott Mihalic — a current fair board member who, as an auctioneer, has sold everything from pies to livestock — said Harris was at the fair every day.

“He treated it like it was his full-time job,” Mihalic said. “One thing that has not changed about Paul over the years is his passion. Not just for Geauga County, but for all the county fairs statewide.”

Mihalic said Harris’ involvement with the fair’s youth, like the Auburn Dairymen, should be one of his defining legacies.

“In any capacity, he was always trying to help the future leaders of tomorrow,” Mihalic said. “Our fair is standout because of his ad-

effect this increase will have on your residents.”

During the June 4 meeting, Parkman Trustee Joyce Peters questioned if the budget commission wants the township to roll back a second levy to relieve property owners.

“Last year, we rolled back one levy to balance people’s tax bills,” she said. “We have to renew that reduction every year by October. That was last year’s deadline. I’m hoping they don’t mean we should do an additional levy. We can’t afford (to reduce) an additional levy.”

In a recent phone interview, Walder said the request is for only one levy per entity to be reduced.

He also said there is some preliminary action at the state level that might lead to changes to the requirement. Unless government entities take steps to buffer collection, House Bill 920 is costing property owners unprecedented increases in property taxes, he said.

Walder traveled to Columbus to present his case to modify HB 920 to the Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform.

vocacy. Youth. Veterans. Vendors. He put his mark on Geauga County.”

A Two-Century Streak

Known for his firm guidance on the fair board, Harris did not back down from a fight to keep the fair open during the COVID pandemic in 2020.

When fairs around the state and country were being shut down, Harris announced early the Great Geauga County Fair would proceed.

Since its founding in February 1823, the fair had never been canceled, “despite multiple national conflicts, including the Civil War, Spanish American War, two World Wars, the Great Depression, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and various droughts and hardships during other significant periods and events in America’s history,” according to www.geaugafair.com.

Harris pursued every angle, including working with state leaders to craft a safe fair experience, but in late July, an announcement from Gov. Mike DeWine put a halt on his plans.

“It is with a heavy heart that the directors of the Great Geauga County Fair announce a scaled back version of the 198th fair Septem-

“Mathematically, when property values increase, so proportionately does inside millage,” he said. “This 10-mill inside millage collection is shared among political subdivisions (schools, counties, townships, and municipalities). In Geauga County, that distribution is 45% (4.5 mills) to schools, 30% (3.0 mills) to townships and municipalities, and 25% (2.5 mills) to the county. Therefore, a 30% increase in property valuations results in a 30% increase in inside millage. This happens without a taxpayer vote.”

He explained school districts benefit from the 20-mill floor in tax revenue because emergency, permanent improvement and substitute levies are not included in the floor calculation.

“The two Geauga school districts at the 20-mill floor additionally experienced a floor adjustment windfall due to the reappraisal,” Walder said. “This resulted in a direct unvoted tax increase to property owners in those school districts. These two districts (West Geauga and Berkshire) experienced state adjustments on certain outside millage levies because the reappraisal caused them to drop below the 20-mill

ber 3-7, 2020,” Harris wrote. “The latest order from the Ohio Department of Health and DeWine does not give us the option to move forward with the plan that the fair board had worked tirelessly to put in place. We have exhausted every avenue available to move forward with a modified version of the fair that you all love and richly deserve.”

The bounce-back happened in 2022, with the 200th Great Geauga County Fair, a grand occasion necessitating an additional sixth day to celebrate.

Harris put out the call for mementos and photographs of earlier fairs, asking people to donate items they may think were not significant or interesting.

“There was a lot of stuff done we don’t even know about that is out there. That is the stuff we are looking for — to share a little history,” he said at the time.

In his annual update to county commis-

floor when their mill value rose.

“These state adjustments caused over $6 million of unvoted tax burden to residents in just two school districts,” he continued. “The 20-mill floor adjustment windfall for just these two school districts far exceeded all five Geauga school districts’ inside millage windfall. The adjustment significantly impacted property owners in these school districts, without their vote or consent.”

During his written presentation to the committee, Walder said Geauga County political subdivisions mitigated over $5.2 million of the $10.2 million inside millage windfall back to taxpayers for 2024 with only one of five school districts participating.

He repeated his recommendation for action that would resolve the unvoted tax issue.

“I respectfully propose that you consider amending the statute to include emergency levies, substitute levies and inside millage, even when shifted to permanent improvement funds, into the 20-mill floor calculation, and to account for income tax revenue through an equivalent millage calculation,” Walder said.

sioners last July, Harris said the return to a normal, five-day schedule was welcome. The fair’s plans at the time included planning for a 25,000-square-foot multi-purpose center, with a little funding help from the state budget and the return of some popular attractions like the Sea Lion Splash.

Those in Harris’ life knew it was centered on the fair.

“It was a privilege to get to know Paul during my time with the commissioners' office, and to see him in action at fair time and many other times when his energy and passion for ‘his’ fair was so clearly displayed,” Lair said.

Rogish added, “No matter if you disagreed with Paul or were best buds with him, at the end of the day, his actions were done in the best interest of the fair.”

Cassandra Shofar and Jamie Ward contributed to this story.

Chardon Trustee Leaves Legacy in Community

By allison Wilson editor@karlovecmedia com

A Godzilla enthusiast with a heart to match the monster’s size, Chardon Township Trustee Charles “Chuck” Strazinsky has left behind a gargantuan legacy of kindness.

Following a battle with cancer, Chuck died May 20 at the age of 55.

He is survived by his mother, two younger brothers and four children.

Chuck’s goodwill was evident from childhood, said his brother, Jonathan Strazinsky, in an interview June 7.

“Growing up, my brother, Bryan, would tend to pick on me here and there, like older brothers tend to do, but my brother, Chuck, was always there to protect me,” Jonathan recalled. “He would always stick up for me. He would include me in things he was doing with his friends, even though I was the annoying little brother.”

‘Selfless to the Core’

Jonathan described Chuck as selfless to the core.

“When he got diagnosed, he was worried about his kids and how they would feel,” he said. “And then, he was worried about the little girl whose mom owns or works at — and I honestly don’t know which — Congin’s in Chardon.”

Chuck bought the same pizza from Congin’s every Tuesday.

“That relationship with this little girl started out with a fist bump or a high five and it turned into she was drawing pictures for him and stuff like that,” Jonathan said. “So, he built this relationship with this little girl and he was so afraid to tell her that he had terminal cancer because of how she would feel.”

A trustee of almost 17 years, Chuck loved the work he did in the community.

“He loved the fact that he had — and this is exactly how he would say it — he had a onethird say in how the tax dollars were spent for Chardon Township,” fellow Trustee Mike Brown said in an interview June 4.

Brown, who was part of Chardon High School’s class of ‘87 alongside Chuck, became a trustee two years before him. His political sign was the first Chuck had ever

allowed in his yard.

When election season came about and a trustee decided to not re-run, Chuck was the first person Brown thought of.

“He was everything a resident would want for a township trustee,” Brown said. “He was the most honest, had the most integrity of any man I’ve ever met.”

Chuck was a natural and made quick, accurate decisions, Brown said.

“Being a township trustee’s a pretty thankless job. Nobody does it for the pay or for the fame,” he said, adding you can’t make everyone happy all of the time.

“But, like I said, Chuck was a natural,” he said. “Nothing really fazed him.”

One of Chuck’s proudest accomplishments while in office was the creation of the township park, Brown said.

“He demo-ed the house that was on the property, me and him together,” he recalled. “And we helped design the park and kind of manage the project.”

When it came time to build the pavilion in the center of the park, Chuck donated his and his crew’s time.

“Chuck’s a builder. He’s got four kids, especially at that time they were younger and using parks more,” Brown said. “It just kind of lent itself to being in his wheelhouse.”

Brown described Chuck as a charismatic man with many friends who loved dancing and monster movies.

“It sounds cliche, but he just had a zest for life,” he said.

Chuck’s impact could be felt in those who attended his viewing and funeral. Brown estimated 400 to 500 people attended a service at the town hall, recalling a line out the door the entire time.

“His accountant showed up at his viewing. And I said to her, ‘Do you always go to your customers’ viewings when they pass away?’ And she said, ‘No,’” Jonathan said.

Others in attendance included Chardon alumni and old football teammates, previous customers and Chuck’s lawyer.

Chipotle from page 1

“Who doesn't love Chipotle! About time we got one,” wrote Thomas Janoske.

“Chardon… the newest Streetsboro. Say goodbye to that small town feel and MOST locally-owned businesses,” wrote Jason Adkins.

In April 2023, Chardon’s Burger King shuttered its business amid dozens of Burger

A ‘Carpenter by Trade’

“Chuck was the kind of person that, no matter how you interacted with him, whether it was personally or professionally, he was gonna make you be his friend,” Jonathan said.

Described in his obituary as a “carpenter by trade,” Chuck worked alongside Jonathan in self-started construction company Principle Enterprises. Chuck’s foray into the trade began following a short stint in the U.S. Army Reserve, which he was honorably discharged from around age 19, Jonathan said.

“We had the fortunate opportu nity to learn from an old-school carpenter who then passed on. We were both pallbearers at his funeral,” Jonathan said. “I learned everything I know directly or indirectly from my brother in the trade that I am in.”

Jonathan was hired when Chuck, then 28, started his construction company. He didn’t want a name with “construction” in it, his brother said.

brother in his own teachings.

“I teach my students the way he taught me on the job. Failure is an excellent teacher. (Chuck) would allow me to fail, not get upset about it, but then show me the right way,” he recalled. “He is, and always will be, my great mentor.

“His legacy and his talent lives on through me, and now through an entire generation of students, who are learning things that I learned from him,” he added. “That is awesome.”

Chuck’s impact also influenced how Jonathan raised his children.

“He taught me what it was like to be a father,” he said. “He said that he loved the way I raised my kids. Because he said, and I quote, ‘That’s the way you’re supposed to raise your kids.’ And I learned that from him.”

Jonathan described Chuck’s world as revolving around his kids.

“He wanted to build a reputation where we were going to break the mold from your typical contractor,” Jonathan said. “We returned calls. We took the time to talk to our customers and explain what we were doing and why we were doing it.”

On their first day of work, they didn’t go home until 11 p.m.

“He looked at me and he said, ‘It’s not always going to be like this,’” Jonathan said. “And I said, ‘Hey, we gotta do what we gotta do.”

Chuck’s work on Auburn Lakes, a condo association in Chagrin Falls, was also a source of pride.

“We have worked on every single unit in there,” Jonathan said, noting they were the longest contractor in Auburn Lakes’ history.

Chuck’s Legacy Lives On

A construction technology teacher at Grand Valley High School, Jonathan sees his

Kings closing across multiple states.

The location had struggled for years to find enough help and working conditions for those employees steadily declined, according to a former manager.

Currently, there are three Chipotle Mexican Grills within 10 miles of Chardon, in Concord Township and two Mentor locations.

Specializing in bowls, tacos and burritos made to order in front of customers, Chipotle

“Every decision he made and everything that he did, he knew it’d affect his children, so he made those decisions with his children in mind,” he said.

The Strazinsky house was always where Chuck’s childrens’ friends would hang out.

“He loved his kids more than anything else in the world. He disciplined, (but) wasn’t too harsh. Everything was done with love,” he said. “And they knew it.”

In his brother’s memory, Jonathan is working on a window sticker campaign with a friend of Chuck’s.

“Chuck loved Godzilla, so there’s a Godzilla head on the sticker. And it says ‘Be more like Chuck’ on the little sticker,” he said. “It’s like three inches round for people to put on their Yetis or on their car or whatever.”

The stickers were inspired by a sentiment in Jonathan’s eulogy.

“Let me put it to you this way,” Jonathan said. “If we were all like Chuck, the world would be a better place.”

has 3,200 restaurants, according to chipotle. com.

The name Chipotle comes from a smoke and dried jalapeno chili pepper.

Two soon-to-be seventh-graders at a local restaurant were informed a Chipotle may be coming to Chardon. Was that cool?

“Yeah,” they said.

“I’d rather have the Burger King back frankly,” said another patron, Ken Baltitas, who has lived in Chardon 45 years.

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In front, from left, children Toni Strazinsky, Mason Strazinsky, Erika Strazinsky and Sophia Strazinsky, with Chuck Strazinsky standing behind them.

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Daughter Toni Strazinsky sitting with Chuck Strazinsky.

Berkshire’s Appeal of Eviction Decision Filed to Buy Time

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia com

Berkshire Schools’ legal battle with the Geauga County Fair Board is over, despite the district’s appeal of a decision handed down by Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica May 30.

“The reason for the appeal is for us to come up with a Plan B,” Superintendent John Stoddard said during the June 10 Berkshire Schools Board of Education meeting. “We have some things in the works, but we need some time to get our things out of there.”

The district is being evicted from the former school board offices on the Geauga County Fairgrounds. The building, erected by Berkshire, recently housed the bus garage, a diesel tech classroom and the Badger Lab.

According to Stupica’s findings, no solid

“We’re done fighting.” – John Stoddard

evidence of a current lease was produced at the May 23 hearing and the plaintiff’s attor ney argued Berkshire had not tried to negotiate a solution in the last year.

Early in Monday’s meeting, Vicky List accused the school board and administration of wasting taxpayers’ money by pursuing the case.

“I know things between the two entities

can be difficult,” she said, and referred to the judge’s point that Berkshire made no effort to find a solution.

“It seems like you are wasting our money by not humbling yourself and trying to work things out,” she added.

Stoddard said both parties’ lawyers, he and the school board president have tried to work out a compromise.

“We have reached out multiple times,” Stoddard responded. “(Board of education member) Mr. (John) Manfredi and I have sat down many times with the fair board. It’s not that we don’t want to negotiate — it just never goes anywhere. We reached out for another sit-down — we haven’t heard back.”

List volunteered to join a new committee to work with the fair board.

“We have to start over again,” List said. “We are spinning our wheels in court.”

“I agree,” Stoddard said.

At the end of the meeting, he said Sen. Sandra O’Brien told him earlier in the day Berkshire has been awarded a grant of about $951,000 to expand the diesel tech program and the medical tech program.

“There were people helping us in Columbus to get this. It was many people’s efforts,” Manfredi said. “O’Brien spoke passionately about what we are doing here.”

When asked after the meeting where the district plans to house the bus garage and the diesel tech class, Stoddard said the district is hoping to make arrangements with the Ohio Department of Transportation to use the abandoned county garage in Burton Village.

The appeal of Stupica’s decision will give the school time to make the transition, he said.

“We’re done fighting,” Stoddard said.

Newbury Shows Support for Township Zoning

‘No Engine Brake’ Signs to Be Enforced

By allison Wilson editor@karlovecmedia com

Newbury Township joined the ranks of others across the county when Newbury Township Trustees signed a letter for the Ohio Legislature in support of township zoning authority during their June 5 meeting.

Newbury is far from the only township to show their support, with Munson, Troy and Russell township trustees also recently signing.

Newbury Township Trustee Bill Skomrock read a correspondence sent by Claridon Township Trustee Jonathan Tiber, who penned the letter. According to Tiber’s correspondance, the letter will be sent to every member of the Ohio Senate Select Committee on Housing, as well as Geauga County’s senators and representatives. It will also be sent to seven other county associations for signatures.

A motion to sign the letter passed to the sound of audience applause.

“Basically, they (the Ohio Legislature) want to take quite a bit of autonomy away from local townships and centralize it at the state level,” Fiscal Officer Lindsay Pollock explained to the audience.

Skomrock emphasized he did not want to lose the township’s rights.

“Right now, I don’t want the state or the county taking any more of our control. We have this little minute portion of our community that we can do a little bit of control. And I don’t wanna ever lose that,” he said. “We lose that, we’re (up a creek without a paddle).”

Pollock explained the issue did not come

Brown

from page 1

Republicans will likely spend $100 million in their race against him.

“We'll be outspent, but we're gonna have enough,” Brown said.

While democratic candidates have not fared well overall in statewide races in the recent past, Brown — referencing a nine-point victory in Geauga County last November for a ballot measure to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution — said those results show him he will win.

out of nowhere.

“The impetus for it is the fact that there are some major developers and also need for housing in certain areas due to certain companies coming in and building headquarters and so forth,” she said. “But, obviously, their needs in a city circumstance does not translate to township ones.”

Audience member Linda Retych echoed Skomrock’s fears and expressed gratitude for the trustees’ unified face.

“If we lose control of our little place, you know, to somebody that is sitting behind a desk hundreds of miles away, who knows what will happen,” she said.

Trustees Combat Vandalism

The meeting also saw trustees taking a hard stance against vandalism.

“We had one of the port-a-potties trashed at Oberland Park,” Skomrock said.

With the trustees currently considering permanent restroom facilities, the act disturbed him.

“I start thinking about putting in a $300,000 restroom facility, having the same schmucks come in and do the same thing to that, I would not be very happy,” he said. “And I’ll go on record saying if we catch anybody doing any vandalism to any township property in Newbury, you get caught, we’re gonna prosecute to the full extent of the law.”

The Oberland bathroom was not the only victim of vandalism.

“They also trashed the press box in the stadium,” Skomrock said, noting the trustees will probably have to bring that up to their insurance company.

Brown also hyped other Democrats on the ballot this fall, including Ohio Supreme Court Judge Michael Donnelly, who is up for reelection.

“I'm not going to consider it a win for me and for our state unless we elect a democratic Supreme Court,” he said.

Brown also said Moreno has vowed to enact a nationwide ban on abortion. During a Republican primary debate in January, Moreno said he would support a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with “commonsense exceptions.”

“I always will fight for women making their healthcare decisions,” Brown told the

Trustee Greg Tropf said a chair had been put through the ceiling tiles.

The press box and stadium themselves are only a few years old, Skomrock added.

Township to Enforce ‘No Engine Brake’ Signs

In other news, resident Jim Lang provided an update regarding the enforcement of Newbury’s “no engine brake” signs.

Newbury trustees passed a resolution banning the use of engine breaks within the township Sept. 21, 2022. Signs, which had to be put up by the Ohio Department of Transportation, were finally posted before the Feb 24, 2024, meeting.

Before beginning his story, Lang emphasized he had been transparent across the course of his investigation that he was acting on his own accord and not on behalf of the township.

“I was initially on a fact-finding mission,” he said, noting engine breaks had been brought up at trustees meetings for at least a year before the resolution was composed.

The resolutions and signs had become a joke over time, he said.

“If anything, the noises have increased,” he added. “I’m in one of the zones where it drives us crazy.”

The thing that sparked his investigation was the excessive use of an engine break while he was trying to enjoy his evening, Lang said.

“Here comes like two or three trucks in a row. And I even counted one, I think the guy downshifted 11 times,” he said.

Lang visited the Ohio State Highway Patrol office in Chardon. Though post com-

crowd. “This is a pro-choice state.”

In a brief interview after his remarks to volunteers, Brown said he will win in areas like Geauga and Trumbull counties and the Mahoning Valley because voters want a senator who is on their side.

He cited recent Democratic party victories — like effectively pressuring drug companies to cap the cost of insulin at $35 and investment in infrastructure projects — as reasons why Ohio voters feel they have someone looking out for them.

“(I’ve done) round tables in every one of these counties to talk about veterans’ benefits,” he added. “I want to make sure they

mander Lt. Larry Jones was not there at the time, he was able to speak with an officer he described as “very interested” in the issue.

Following a later phone conversation with Jones, Lang learned the highway patrol has no authority to enforce township resolutions. However, they have the ability to enforce traffic control signs.

“Because that sign is an official sign on the highway that says ‘no engine brake,’ if they catch a guy using the engine brake, he can stop that vehicle and say, ‘Hey, you passed me and I heard you use your engine brake. There’s a sign back there, a traffic control device.’ They issue a citation for failure to comply with a traffic control device,” Lang explained.

Jones put the word out to the officers, who are now apprised of the situation, Lang said.

He also spoke with Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, who he said was also receptive to the issue.

“I’m not sure how many officers even knew about what is going on,” Lang said.

Lang said action will be taken now that they’re fully aware. Since speaking with the officials, he noted, the amount of noise has dropped.

“It’s not total, but I think if the word gets out that the residents of Newbury are fed up with this, the state highway patrol and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, both commanders of both posts have been informed, and they are receptive and actually eager to help out where they can,” Lang said. “And they’re gonna write citations.”

Though both the sheriff’s office and highway patrol were contacted for comment, neither replied.

get every benefit that they earned, you know, whether it's their social security pension for public employees, or whether it's veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, or Vietnam for that matter, and that they're looked out for, and that's my job.”

His message to voters is about government being on their side.

“I don't look at the world as left or right, I look at it as whose side are you on,” he said. “I've had a career of standing up to drug companies and standing up to Wall Street, of fighting against bad trade agreements from presidents of both parties, and I'll continue to do that.”

Russell Township to Increase Cemetery Fees

By allison Wilson editor@karlovecmedia com

Russell Township will be raising its cemetery fees for the first time since 2017 after trustees voted on the matter during their June 5 meeting.

Cemetery Clerk Jennifer Dorka said the board was given different options for a percentage increase at the previous meeting.

Trustee Matt Rambo asked her if she had a recommendation.

“I was more towards the 25%,” Dorka told him. “That still keeps us not in the highest. We’re still lower than some of the surrounding areas.”

Trustees passed a motion to increase the

fees by 25% starting Aug. 1. For reference, a plot in the flush marker section currently costs $300 for residents and $1,000 for non-residents. With the increase, these will become $375 and $1,250, respectively.

Trustees and Fiscal Officer Karen Walder signed a letter by Claridon Township Trustee Jonathan Tiber in support of township zoning authority.

The letter comes in response to possible action by the Ohio Legislature to centralize zoning at the state level. The trustees and fiscal officer of every township in Geauga are being asked to sign.

“I’d like to weigh in for sure, make sure we do support that,” Trustee Kristina Port said.

Trustees also debriefed on the township’s recent Memorial Day services, particularly what could be improved.

Trustee Jim Mueller suggested portable bathrooms be used at the next service.

Officials also ran into some issues with the Excel spreadsheet used to sort the township’s veterans and the wars they served in, with a few names on the list not being attached to a service. Dorka noted she would be re-doing the spreadsheet next year.

The township had also changed its ceremony time to 2-4 p.m. (it previously was 3-5 p.m.). Port said she checked with the township fire and police chiefs about the new time regarding traffic control.

Traffic control on the road had happened quite late, with many people having already crossed by the time police had arrived, Rambo said.

Police Chief Tom Swaidner said he’d have someone assigned specifically for traffic control next year.

Dorka suggested some cleanup duties be assigned, noting employees could take trash with them as they leave and throw it in the dumpster on the way home.

Despite some rough patches, trustees agreed the services went over well, otherwise.

“I thought everybody did a good job,” Port said. “I appreciate everybody’s pitching in and making this a group effort.”

Claridon, UH Partner on Critical Water Infrastructure

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia com

Claridon Township Trustees and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center collaborated earlier this year on a $1.5 million grant to connect a 4-inch waterline from the county's water treatment plant on Merritt Road to the hospital’s sterile processing area and boiler.

Several months ago, UHGMC Development Officer Bill Rice visited with township trustees, asking them to apply for the grant since the hospital campus is primarily in Claridon Township.

The first phase of the project — the 4-inch line — has been installed and cost about $3 million, with UH supplying the matching funds, Rice said over the phone June 10.

Phases two and three involve installation of an 8-inch line to supply the entire campus with water for backup and fire suppression. The entire project will cost about $7 million and UH hopes to have it completed by late summer or early fall, Rice said.

“Both will prevent the hospital from relying solely on its well water, which will ensure unintentional and unexpected shutdowns of surgery and other important services,” Claridon Township Trustee Jonathan Tiber said

in a press release. “The finished project will benefit 30,000 people annually.”

The grant opportunity, called the Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project, comes through the Ohio Department of Development, Tiber said.

He and Rice went through the grant application over the phone.

On May 31, Gov. Mike DeWine announced the full $1.5 million dollar-grant was approved.

The governor's office called Tiber ahead of the announcement to share the good news, the trustee said.

It wasn’t the first time the two entities

had cooperated on a project.

Last year, they partnered to install a street light at the corner of Ravenwood Drive and Aquilla Road.

“It's a dark corner at night with lots of deer crossing,” Tiber said, adding the township and hospital split the $1,600 installation cost.

“The grant is a much larger collaboration project than the street light,” Tiber said. “However, both entities view all partnership efforts as important. Claridon and the UH Geauga Medical Center now have a history of partnership and enjoy a close and respectful relationship.”

Chardon H.S. Memorabilia Exhibit Opens June 14

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A nostalgic exhibit opens Friday at Park Auditorium on Chardon Square full of the entire memorabilia collection of Chardon High School from the 1880s to the present.

Exhibition hours are Friday, June 14, from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, June 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The collection includes yearbooks back to the early 1900s, photographs, commencement programs reaching back to the 1880s along with high school class composites, items from drama productions, Hilltopper sports, Hilltopper Echo scrapbooks, clothing, personal collections donated to the collection and much more.

This is the largest collection of Chardon school history on record and it will all be on display in “quancient” Park Auditorium, according to May 20 press release. The entire collection has not been shown in several years.

Alumni and friends are invited to visit the collection all weekend, bring items for donation to the exhibit and check out how lovely that high school yearbook freshman photo looks, the release stated.

The collection is being displayed in conjunction with the annual Chardon High School All Class Dinner, being held at St. Mary’s Party Room on June 15. Reservations for the dinner may be made at www.chardonalumni.org

For more information, contact Dave Jevnikar at 440-487-8653 or dwj@windstream. net.

An early-morning mobile home fire at Terrace Glen Estates LLC in Hambden Township did not injure the two residents asleep inside, but led to a township trustees’ discussion May 5 about a well in the 22-acre trailer park at 13545 Woodin Road.

Hambden Township Trustee Keith McClintock said trustees received a letter from the next-door neighbor on Wayne Lane including pictures of the mobile home once firefighters removed the side door.

The structure was packed with random items so densely, the smoke from the May 20 fire did not reach the sleeping couple rescued by Hambden Township Fire Department, according to the picture and letter submitted by neighbor Deborah Morgan.

She noted the trailer has numerous issues and water to the home had been shut off by the park because the home owner refused to repair a plumbing problem that was wasting a lot of water.

“Some government agency needs to inspect it and, hopefully, condemn it,” she wrote. “I know that the Geauga County Health Department normally doesn’t get involved with mobile home parks, but something needs to be done to protect these people from themselves and to protect the neighbors near them whose homes are put in jeopardy.”

McClintock said trustees can’t enforce zoning in mobile home parks or the condition of a structure.

“In fact, within parks themselves, we have very little authority. It’s really not a township issue,” he said.

Later in the meeting, McClintock noted Morgan’s letter referred to the disruption of water service to the residents.

The park owner is bringing in tankers of water to supply the residents, she said.

The owner of the park is planning to drill a well, but needs an additional three-fourths of an acre, land a neighbor is willing to sell, McClintock said.

Township zoning will weigh in on the proj-

In a phone conversation June 8, Morgan said she served as the manager of Terrace Glen for six months in the past and believes it is managed by Birch Realty Group. Morgan estimated about 150 residents live there

Trustee Dave Johnson said over the phone Saturday wells in the area around the trailer park usually have a lot of mineral content and the water issues at Terrace Glen have gotten worse over the last 30 years.

The condition of the park also has deteriorated, he said, adding it seems the owners are not investing money back into the property.

The park was opened in 1971 and consists of four parcels, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office website. The site doesn’t list an owner other than Terrace Glen LLC, only that it was sold in 2015 for about $1.7 million.

Hambden Township

New Curator Brings New Life to Historical Society & Museum

By rose nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia com

Stefanie O’Connor is turning back the hands of time in Geauga County while also promoting a bright future for the Geauga Historical Society & Century Village Museum in Burton.

As the society and museum’s new curator, archivist and grant writer, O’Connor has introduced a host of successful events aimed at preserving and educating.

“Century Village is going in a good direction in teaching new cultures and history to the people in our community,” O’Connor said. “In order to be able to know our history today, we must look at the past to teach our future generations. There are so many things to see here on the grounds of the Geauga County Historical Society & Century Village Museum. With 25 historical buildings and over 250,000 artifacts, Century Village is a premiere destination for people to visit and learn about history.”

O’Connor’s passion is evident during a recent weekday morning walk-through on the sprawling grounds, as she shared how all of the buildings were used during the end of last month’s Civil War Encampment, which attracted many visitors.

“I have a passion for history and believe the Geauga County Historical Society & Century Village Museum is an amazing place for people of any age to learn about how the pioneers lived and worked from the 18th century until the early 20th century — there is so much history going on during these time periods,” O’Connor said.

Her own fascination with history stems from a deep curiosity about how people lived in the past — their daily routines, attire, sustenance and occupations.

“I firmly believe that understanding our history enriches our present lives by providing a perspective on our ancestors’ experiences,” O’Connor said. “This knowledge, I think, equips us to make better choices for our future.”

Growing up in Alliance, her grandfather, Donald O’Connor, played a considerable role in shaping how she respects history today.

“He always told me stories of how he grew up, what his family did, the people he met and their education,” O’Connor said. She lives in Mineral City, a two-hour commute each way to her job in Burton.

She graduated with honors from Kent

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Geauga County Historical Society & Century Village’s new curator, Stefanie O’Connor, stands outside Geauga Crossroads Store, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday in Burton.

State University – Stark campus in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in history and geology.

In 2016, O’Connor interned at the Mas sillon Museum, working with their Native American collection and accessing over 10,000 artifacts.

“I was part of the outreach program for Massillon Museum, bringing education to children, as well as a contracted collections assistant working with the Nobles Pond Na tive American Collection, performing various duties that include photography, labeling, loan agreements, research, computer soft ware programs and customer service,” she said.

Last year, she received her Master of Arts degree in history with a concentration in pub lic history.

“My professional interests focus on grant writing, research, archival/artifact preserva tion, archival/artifact conservation, exhibits/ exhibitions and event planning,” she said.

Her current projects include publishing an educational research paper titled, “The Importance of Teaching Native American History to Non-Native Students in Secondary Schools.”

In addition, she serves as a historian/ archivist for the Bolivar Area Historical Society, a member/volunteer of the Pike Township and Magnolia historical societies, a volunteer for Warren Township Community Center making wreaths and grave markers for veterans in the community and volunteer for the American Legion Post 519 cleaning and decorating their veteran’s memorial.

Her vision as curator for GCHSCV starts with three words — preservation, research and communication.

Preservation encompasses advocating for the collections entrusted to the historical society and museum and ensuring these family artifacts are adequately kept for future generations to enjoy.

Research focuses on investigating, interpreting, collecting and arranging information and objects necessary to support the educational and public service responsibilities of the GCHSCV through exhibitions or targeted

with the use of clothing from the Revolutionary War to present.

Communication aims to build rapport with the community and surrounding communities through social and cultural engagement.

“Preservation and restoration of the collections at Century Village Museum are costly,” O’Connor said. “To ensure that the collections are appropriately kept in the future, we will hold more fundraisers and send out more letters to obtain donors and sponsors so that future generations can experience this amazing place of historical treasure.”

They need volunteers and are accepting donations from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.

“There are many ways to get involved with Century Village Museum, such as becoming a docent, helping with cleaning, helping with artifacts, working at the ticket booth during events, helping set up events, etc.,” O’Connor said.

“A Step into History” speakers series starts at Century Village Auburn Church on June 23 from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call 440-834-1492 or visit info@geaugahistorical.org.

House Passes Bill to Rename Post Office in Honor of Late Marine

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The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed Congressman Dave Joyce’s bill to designate the United States Postal Service office in Chester Township as the “Sgt. Wolfgang Kyle Weninger Post Office Building.”

Upon Senate passage of this bill, USPS would be directed to install a dedicatory plaque displaying the name publicly in the facility’s lobby in memory of the late U.S. marine.

Weninger, who went by Kyle or Wolf, was a graduate of Kenston High School and a “hockey legend in Geauga County,” Joyce said in a press release.

Weninger joined the marines in 2015 and immediately excelled. In roughly four years, he earned the coveted Marine Special Operator Insignia and rose to the rank of sergeant, Joyce said in the press release, adding tragically, Weninger, 28, died following a training accident on June 16, 2020.

“Sgt. Weninger left us too soon, but his impact on the Geauga County community will last for generations to come,” Joyce said. “While we will never be able to repay Sgt. Weninger or his family, the renaming of this post office will serve as a reminder to the residents of OH-14 of the sacrifices service members and their families make for our country every day. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to move this legislation swiftly to get it to the President’s desk for signature.”

Weninger’s father, Ernst Weninger expressed gratitude to Joyce and the bill on behalf of his entire family.

“We are appropriately moved by this great honor that will memorialize and remember our son and brother for his sacrifice, devotion to our country and as a true and faithful son of our community,” he said in a statement. “For all the accolades bestowed on him by such as Gov. Mike DeWine, the Kenston (Schools) Board of Education and the Marine MARSOC Raiders among many others, this particular recognition would make him so very proud and he would be humbled to be honored in this fashion. We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to David Joyce for championing this tribute and to the entire Ohio Congressional Delegation for their support in this cause.”

Life is a Highway for Nonstop Nonagenarian

First Female Columnist for ‘Rider’ Celebrates Magazine’s 50th Anniversary

By rose nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com

Grace Butcher has always searched for adventure.

“Follow your Bliss” is her mantra and it has proved exhilarating and fulfilling for the young at heart and soul nonagenarian who never put the brakes on living to her fullest potential.

The 90-year-old Chardon resident lives on a small farm with her horse, Spencer, and looks after the acreage she grew up nearby.

She began riding horses around kindergarten-age and a few years later, dreamed of becoming a race car driver.

Then, she discovered running and with no women’s track team at Chardon High School at the time, she began hurdling over the limits of what female runners were “supposed” to do and breaking records.

Nothing fast slowed her down.

In an era when not many women rode motorcycles, Butcher searched for adventure on the same lanes as men and raced motorcycles from 1973 to 1993, writing extensively for Rider magazine, a motorcycle publication written by and for enthusiasts, and became the magazine’s first female columnist.

So, when on the magazine’s 50th anniversary, she was asked to write a column in their “Exhaust Note” for the April 2024 issue, she quickly began hitting the keyboard.

“It’s exciting to be asked long after I stopped writing the column,” Butcher said.

She has written articles in Runner’s World, Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest and Ohio Runner and is an author of numerous books including, “Crossroads, Selected Columns from Rider.”

nationally in track since 1949, winning cham pionships and setting records. As an avid two-decade motorcyclist, she rode her BMW in Europe and competed in motocross and road racing across the states and in Canada.

rives inside a local Chardon Japanese restau rant and her lunch date leaves, an admirer from a booth across serendipitously recogniz es her and steps in to talk.

learn something from her.

Vest: V 6 N. 58 Grace Butcher, One of Amer ica’s Legends in Track and Field,” Butcher became “a poet, a professor, a motorcycle racer and writer, an actress, a coach and an example of independence and self-fulfill ment…”and in 1996, she earned Ohio Poet of the Year and retired from teaching at Kent State Geauga in 1993 as professor emeritus. simple in evoking emotion.

pits at Nelson Ledges road race track after another hour of all-out riding for the team in the 24 Hour of Nelson. Or quietly turning into the parking lot at school—Kent State University Geauga Campus—to teach my 9 a.m. English class. Or first-gearing it, feet down, behind an ox cart in Yugoslavia while the Yugoslavian Air Force jets swooped overhead when I was 40… or flying to California from Ohio to road test bikes for Rider.

“I felt as if I were in a movie, playing the part of a woman riding a motorcycle back in the day when ‘Girls don’t do that!’ — or

Burton Village

Council Discusses Taking Over Historic District Review Board

By ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia com

The Burton Village Historic Review Board may soon be eliminated due to an inability to meet and make timely decisions, village officials said June 10.

Burton Village Council member Craig Martin, council representative to the board, recommended discontinuing the entity.

“We have not met. It’s holding up progress,” he said.

One homeowner on Cheshire Street submitted a plan on May 15 to replace windows and another recently proposed replacing a shingle roof of a house with steel, he said.

“My concern is this person wants to replace his windows starting in two weeks. We have to turn up the heat to get this approved,” Martin said. “Another came in two weeks ago for a roof. Roofs are important.”

He expressed frustration the review board members don’t show up for the meetings they are supposed to hold, although some decisions can be made virtually. His efforts to resolve the problem have been unsuccessful.

“A couple of people respond and a couple are AWOL,” Martin said, suggesting council “do away with the committee.”

Village solicitor Todd Hicks asked who

the village would give that authority to.

The village has a historic district and the board is responsible for approving architectural changes that may affect that designation, he said.

“Under the ordinance, if the (applicant) didn’t like the answer the historic district review board gave them, they can go to council for a decision,” Hicks said.

Village council has always been a backstop for the committee, Mayor Ruth Spanos added.

“If the members of the board aren’t responding and council is having a difficult time filling those positions, why not just make this a council responsibility?” he asked.

“I’m all for it,” Martin responded.

Spanos said the village is out of compliance regarding timeliness in responding to the applications for approval from residents.

Martin passed around black and while copies of the applications for the windows and roof. After some discussion, council unanimously approved the changes.

Hicks said he will draw up an ordinance transferring the committee’s responsibilities to council for the July meeting.

Ordinances generally require three readings in council meetings but can be passed as emergency measures if a quorum is present.

to be my boyfriend and motorcycle mentor, on his beautiful black 1974 900 BMW. Off we went with me on behind (of course) — but not for long. In about a month, I bought my first motorcycle, a 250 Suzuki. It was the end of October, hardly a good time to buy a bike here where we averaged 120 inches of snow per winter.

“I soon traded up for a 600 BMW and, when that proved too mild to keep up with them in fifth gear throttle roll-ons, bought my white 900 BMW, the 1975 R90/6. And that

As she recently reflected on her life, Butcher said her philosophy is to discover and fulfill her potential.

“That goes for man/woman or machine. I think my bike and I are both doing what we were meant to do … Well, my riding now is on my buckskin quarter horse gelding, Spencer, the love of my life these many years.”

Next on the map for Butcher is publishing a book on horse stories, lovingly dedicated to Spencer.

Visitors Welcome to GCU Branch Opening June 15

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Geauga Credit Union is welcoming area residents from 8 a.m. to noon June 15 to celebrate the grand opening of its new branch office at 15561 West High Street in Middlefield Village.

Credit union CEO Lisa Briggs said the main office has always been in Burton Village, but members lobbied for a branch in Middlefield.

“I completely understand our members’ request,” she said in a phone interview June 10.

In particular, many Amish said it would be more convenient to do their banking in Middlefield where they shop and do errands, Briggs said, adding some of the Amish customers come in from Mesopotamia and towns outside Geauga County.

The new branch opened its doors in mid-March and by the end of May, had gained about 100 new members to total about 6,600 members, many of whom moved their accounts from other financial institutions, she said.

Besides free coffee, donuts and giveaways, visitors may win a $25 gift card for opening a new account or register to win a $10 Visa gift card just for stopping in to enjoy the festivities, according to the GCU

advertisement. Visitors also have a chance to win extra cash back if they withdraw cash from the ATM at the new branch.

The credit union has prospered as Geauga County has grown. About 68 years ago, it was founded as the Geauga School Employees’ Credit Union, according to the GCU website.

Since then, membership has expanded to include anyone who lives, works, goes to school or worships in Geauga, Ashtabula, Trumbull or Portage counties.

Members, who own the credit union, elect the GCU board of directors, a cross section of retired school employees, business owners and others.

“We have a close-knit staff who live in the community and whose children either have attended or currently attend local schools. The board of directors and staff are also greatly involved in the community, whether it is their church, a nonprofit group or another type of volunteerism,” according to the site. “We follow the credit union philosophy: Not for Profit, Not for Charity, But for Service.” GCU has ATM machines at the Geauga County Safety Center on Merritt Road, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, the Marathon station in Middlefield on state Route 608 and at three Kraftmaid Cabinetry locations.

Charles E. Strazinsky Jr.

Charles “Chuck”

E. Strazinsky Jr., age 55, of Chardon Township, passed away May 20, 2024, after a heroic battle with cancer.

Born Oct. 1, 1968, in Garfield Heights, to Charles E. Strazinsky and Marlyne (nee Fiorilli) Strazinsky, he had been a lifelong area resident.

Chuck was a carpenter by trade and worked in construction with his brother Jonathan and, most recently, his son Mason. He was currently serving as a Chardon Township Trustee.

Chuck had a big personality; his smile would light up a room. His humble nature, coupled with his selflessness, made him very easy to love. Those who met him were better off for doing so.

His love for his family, especially his children, was immeasurable. He was very proud to be a big brother and he was very proud to be a father. His world revolved around his four kids. He will live on through his children who all carry different parts of him with them every day.

Chuck loved his music — loved to play it loud and loved to dance to it. His passion and talent for his craft left its mark on the world. He was also well respected by others in the trades, always willing to learn and loved to teach.

When you watch Godzilla or King Kong, listen to Elvis, or you hear a big diesel truck, please remember him and smile. He was well loved by family, friends and customers. He will be greatly missed by many.

Survivors include his children, Sophia, of Sebastian, Fla., Mason, of Chardon, Erika, of Columbus, and Toni, of Columbus; mother, Marlyne (Paul) Joiner, of Chardon; brothers, Bryan (Heather), of St. Johns, Fla., and Jonathan (Lora); of Orwell; and extended family.

A Funeral Mass was held May 24, 2024, at St. Mary Parish, 401 North St., Chardon. Private family burial will take place at a later date.

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

Julius "Jay" Pignatiello, age 58, a lifelong resident of Chardon, peacefully passed away on May 19, 2024, in Cleveland.

Born on May 6, 1966, to Julius and Loretta (nee Mycoskie) Pignatiello, Jay was known for his boundless energy, tireless work ethic and the joy he found in the company of family and friends.

Jay's life was defined by his dedication to his craft. Known for his expertise in machine work and excavating, he found his greatest satisfaction in his work. His colleagues and cli-

Obituaries

ents alike admired his exceptional skill and the pride he took in every project he undertook.

Even when not officially working, Jay could often be found engaged in a new task, always eager to lend a hand or perfect his technique.

Outside of work, Jay cherished the time spent with his loved ones. He is survived by his son, Christopher Pignatiello; and daughter, Angela Pignatiello. He also leaves behind his brothers, David (Debbie) Pignatiello, of Garfield Heights, Ken Pignatiello, of Aurora, and Frank (Michele) Pignatiello, of Chardon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Lisa Pignatiello.

A visitation for friends and family will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. For more information and to leave condolences, please visit www.burrservice.com.

Jay will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to share in his life.

Nancy H. Grantham

Nancy H. Grantham, age 94, formerly of Chardon, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024, in Bradenton, Fla.

She was born on April 16, 1929, in Cleveland, the third of five children to Charles and Essie (nee Sullivan) Haas.

Nancy attended Christ the King Cath olic School through grade 8, at which time the family moved to rural Perry, where her father, a mechanic, established a service station on busy U.S. Route 20.

Nancy attended Perry High School, graduating in 1947 and going on to work at the Glenn L. Martin Company in Fairport Harbor until 1951, when she moved to Fremont, Ohio, to work at the Howard DeVilbiss Company in Toledo. She returned to Perry in 1953 and was working at the Diamond Alkali Company in Fairport Harbor when she became engaged to Lloyd Grantham, of Chardon.

Lloyd and Nancy were married on Sept. 5, 1953, at St. Mary's Church in Painesville and moved to Chardon in 1954. There, Nancy realized her life's ambition to be a wife and homemaker, raising seven children at the family's home in Hambden Township.

Nancy lived by a simple creed — faith, family and country — and was an active member of the Chardon community. She participated in choir and social organizations at St. Mary's Catholic Church and cheered her children on as an avid Chardon Hilltopper sports fan.

In 1986, following the couple's move to Bradenton, Fla., Nancy joined her husband in service to that community, performing volunteer work at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and at Blake Hospital for 20 years.

Throughout her life, Nancy loved music and dancing, and enjoyed extensive travels with her husband.

Nancy was predeceased by Lloyd, her husband of 68 years; a daughter, Maureen Grantham; and four siblings, Geraldine Sloban Finotti, Thomas Haas, Patricia (Joseph) Cannon and an infant brother, Frederick. She is survived by children Dawn (Paul) Schweikert, of Sagamore Hills, David (Carol) Grantham and Daniel (Maryann), both of Bradenton, Luanne (Michael) Albright, of Phoenix, Ariz., Thomas (Tanya) Grantham, of Gilbert, Ariz., and Dennis (Anne) Grantham, of Akron; as well as 27 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Freedom Village Scholarship Fund, 6406 21st Ave. W, Bradenton, FL 34209; or Tidewell Hospice, 5957 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.

A visitation for friends and family will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 9:3011:30 a.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Chardon Municipal Cemetery.

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

Mark David Hawkins

Mark David Hawkins, age 79, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at his home in Dublin, Ohio.

He was born on Feb. 26, 1945, to Robert and Ruth (nee Osmond) Hawkins, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Mark grew up on the family farm in Munson Township and was a 1963 graduate of Chardon High School. He then went to Mount Union College (now the University of Mount Union), in Alliance, Ohio, joining the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1967. He followed with graduate work at both Rice University and The Ohio State University.

On July 29, 1972, Mark married his beloved MaryKay Roslund in East Liverpool, Ohio, a union marked by unwavering love, mutual respect and shared adventures.

Mark was known for being very gregarious and people loved being around him for his humor, intellect and generosity. He enjoyed telling jokes and would mail jokes to his friends and family. Mark loved trap shooting, hunting, fishing and golf.

He is survived by his wife, MaryKay Hawkins; sister, Nancy Gary, of Munson; brother, Timothy (Debbie), of Munson; and many nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Richard Gary.

The family receive friends June 10, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South St., Chardon.

A private burial took place June 11, 2024, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Munson.

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

Winston Kenneth Guy

With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Winston Kenneth Guy, age 81, of Chardon, who peacefully passed away on June 1, 2024, at Mapleview Country Villa. Born in Cleveland, on May 30, 1943, Winston was the beloved son of Edward and Lillian France (nee Winfield) Guy. He grew up in Richmond Heights, graduating from St. Joseph High School, where he built the foundations of a life filled with laughter, love and adventure.

Winston attended The Ohio State University, a period of his life that was interrupted in 1965 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Though his unit was never deployed to Vietnam, his service instilled in him a sense duty and camaraderie that he carried throughout his life.

In 1968, a twist of fate led Winston to meet the love of his life, Linda Smith, at the Kramer Polka Palace. Neither Winston nor Linda were fans of dancing, but fate had other plans. They had both been coaxed by friends — Winston there for a night of camaraderie to see off a friend headed to Vietnam, and Linda enjoying an evening with her girlfriends.

Despite their mutual aversion to dancing, they met, and a beautiful story began. Winston asked for Linda’s number but didn’t write it down, leading Linda to doubt he would call. But he did, and their love story blossomed from that fateful night.

In 1970, Winston and Linda were married, embarking on a joyful journey together. Winston pursued a career as a loan officer and eventually founded his own successful company, SBA Loans.

The couple found immense joy and relaxation at their family cottage on Lake Chautauqua, where they spent over 40 years creating cherished memories boating, fishing and playing golf with friends. Their life was full of fun-loving moments and great times shared with those they loved.

Winston will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Linda Guy, of Chardon; and his devoted nephews, Edward (Pattie) Guy, of Concord Township, and Timothy (Lisa) Guy, of Bainbridge Township. He also leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who will fondly remember his warmth, generosity and zest for life.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. The Memorial Service officiated by Pastor Jody Baker will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online 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, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Julius Pignatiello

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week of June 3, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Sandra Colavecchio (TOD), 18699 Lake Drive, to Edward Colavecchio Jr., $135,000. (0.37 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Jason Goeble (trustee), 16401 Misty Lake Glen, to Frank and Carol Ineman, $580,000. (2.55 acres)

Andrea Hauserman, 9134 Crackel Road, to Hallie R. Sternen and James A. Iacampo, $605,000. (1.50 acres)

Family & Community Services Inc., d/b/a Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, Bedford Street (s/l 135-138), to Lillie L. Crawford, $5,000. (0.24 acres)

Todd A. (TOD) and Kay E. (TOD) Caccamo, 17442 Lakesedge Trail, to Aaron and Jessica Misko, $899,000. (0.73 acres)

RMHA Ltd., 8119 Washington St., to Tim and Heather Morison, $851,600. (2.87 acres)

BURTON TOWNSHIP

Kathleen A. Oliver, Ravenna Road, to Jerrod J. and Alexandra N. Ronyak, $150,000. (15.39 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Marlene V. Knopsnider, 148 Pine Hollow Circle, to Robert T. Nutini, $350,000. (0.18 acres)

Holstein Homes LLC, 123 Huntington St., to Kathryn C. Meyer, $280,000. (0.38 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Vincent Joseph and Teresa Marie Tromba, 11060 Forest Oaks Drive, to Alan Joseph and Susan Elaine Zielinski, $85,000. (1.14 acres)

#FlippingLakeCounty Ltd., 10971 Auburn Road, to Emanuel L. and Sophia Higginbottom Lodge, $375,000. (1.32 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

William H. and Karen J. Meikle (trustees), 7324 Greenfield Trail, to AMROC LLC, $375,000. (1.13 acres)

Charles Peter Zicari, 11505 Willow Hill Drive, to Quail Creek Renovations, $235,000. (1.52 acres)

Peter and Raffaela Melaragno (co-trustees), Laser Drive (s/l 14), to Dominic and Madisson Abounader, $150,000. (3.06 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Rand Weidert and Bogdan Z. Klinkosz, 8985 Williams St., to Allen Gregory and Naomi Simanin Solodovnik, $585,000. (6.80 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Regina Hall, 16231 Mayfield Road, to Beverly May Runyon and David G. Crowley, $220,000. (1.00 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Jeffrey A. Bell, 14774 N. State Ave., to Marquitta C. Carlton, $205,000. (0.73 acres)

Middlefield Parkway, 15251 Timber Ridge, NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Jacqueline Berner, 11551 Winchester Drive, to Todd Anthony and Holly Suszynski, $280,000. (1.50 acres)

Bernard Vukovic, 10036 Wilson Mills Road, to Jonathan Kaelin and Julie Dacar, $1,555,000. (103.19 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Anne L. Heun (TOD), 12114 Hotchkiss Road, Lake Drive (s/l 87), Hotchkiss Road (s/l 88-89) and Springview Drive (s/l 116) , to Robert J. Scott Jr., $227,500. (0.65 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

Martha C. Wengerd, and Harley Jr. and Sylvia Hochstetler, Tavern Road, to Melvin J. and Esther W. Yoder, $37,000. (1.91 acres)

Jacob J., Mary G., Marvin J. and Emma M. Byler, 17980 Tavern Road, to Marvin J. and Emma M. Byler, $82,000. (18.95 acres)

John Fisher, Fannie Fisher, John Fisher Jr. and Sarah Fisher, and Matthew D. and Fannie Detweiler, 15390 Nash Road, to John and Fannie Fisher, and Matthew D. and Fannie Detweiler, $246,260. (68.31 acres)

Don R. and Theresa Hofstetter, Industrial Circle (s/l 20), to Owen L. and Betty E. Schmucker, $45,000. (1.50 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Mark and Lisa Kusner, 14651 River Glen Drive, to Jeffrey C. and Jill Piunno Hurt, $640,900. (5.00 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

John Mark and Anne Hickman, 56 Maple Hill Drive, to Julia Leah and Adrian Christopher Newman, $367,000. (0.98 acres)

Paul D. and Pamela A. Benya, 96 Paw Paw Lake Drive, to Enza Roth, $416,000. (1.00 acres)

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

Jeffery A. and Cynthia A. Lorenczi, 16585 Moseley Road, to Daniel F. and Judy L. Martin, $90,000. (6.05 acres)

Zachary L. and Daron M. Fabiny, 15411 Rock Creek Road, to Ryan J. Luning, $204,000. (1.25 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Judith L. Stoneman, 18995 Jug St., to Emma N. Imrie and Chandler S. Verhas, $230,000. (2.02 acres)

Highway Patrol Warns

of ‘100

Deadliest Days of Summer’ staff rePort

The time period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The patrol recently issued a press release reminding motorists to buckle up and drive focused and sober.

During this period last year, 67,305 crashes occurred on Ohio’s roadways, a 3% drop from 2022, the patrol said, adding of those crashes, 371 were fatal and killed 397 people, which was five less than the year prior.

Even though the “100 Deadliest Days” only represent 27% of the calendar year, in the last five years, they account for more than one-third of all fatal traffic crashes, according to the OSHP.

“As we enjoy the summer months, it’s important to prioritize safety on our roads," said Gov. Mike DeWine in a statement. “By committing to wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions and driving sober, drivers can help prevent unnecessary tragedies.”

The “100 Deadliest Days” also encompass the primary motorcycle riding months. Last year, more than half of all motorcycle-in-

volved crashes occurred during this time period, OSHP said in the release, adding motorcycle-involved crashes made up about 3% of all crashes during these 100 days. However, in 2023, they comprised almost one-in-three fatal crashes, the patrol said.

“While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, there is still much work to be done," said Col. Charles A. Jones, OSHP superintendent. "We need everyone to drive sober, obey the speed limit, avoid distractions and buckle up every trip. If you're on a motorcycle, ride defensively and wear proper gear. Your safety and the safety of others on our roadways remains our top priority."

Last year during this time frame, speeding citations of 20 mph or more over the speed limit accounted for nearly 29,000 citations, according to the patrol, which added more than 1,200 of those citations involved speeds of at least 100 mph.

Also, during this time period, troopers made more 4,490 impaired driving arrests and issued 19,143 safety belt citations, the patrol said.

The community can help contribute to driving safety by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving, the patrol said.

Rabbit Run Theater Welcomes Madtown Jazz Expansion

The Madtown Jazz Expansion, an eleven-member ensemble formed from the jazz quintet Madtown Jazz, will perform June 25 at Rabbit Run Theater in Madison as part of its Guest Artist Series. The group will perform a full concert of jazz music spanning 100 years of jazz and music history including swing, Latin, funk as well as some modern pieces in their repertoire. For tickets, call the box office at 440-428-7092, Wednesday through Sunday, 3-7 p.m., or visit www.rabbitrun.org. All concerts for the Guest Artist Series begin at 7:30 p.m. Rabbit Run Theater is located at 5648 W. Chapel Road, Madison.

Geauga Park District

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

Climb, Ride, Glide & Play

High ropes course and boat borrowing reopen at two popular parks. Climbing the high ropes course 32 feet in the treetops at Claridon Woodlands is thrilling, and reserving an hour to climb is simple with the park district’s online reservation module also allows visitors to check availability first. Admission is free for Geauga residents. To learn age/weight restrictions, safety guidelines and more, visit the park district website.

With at least two weeks prior notice, Thursdays can also be reserved by outside camp or corporate groups with variable schedules based on group needs. Contact Trevor at 440-226-2548 for more information.

There is also a 12-foot-high, 900-squarefoot freeform boulder wall, complete with new 2024 routes to mix things up.

Meanwhile at Headwaters Park’s Boathouse, kayaks and canoes can be borrowed first-come-first-served and taken out onto the East Branch Reservoir on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Geauga residents can borrow for free for up to two hours for canoe and kayak and one hour max for paddleboats. Provided life vests must be worn at all times, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and dogs are not permitted on the boats.

Outdoor Movie Nights

Free outdoor movie nights return to Observatory Park in Montville Township with “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on June 15, “Guardians of the Galaxy” on July 6 and “Migration” on Aug. 3

All movies begin at dusk, and guests

should plan to arrive around 8:30 p.m. Bring blankets, chairs, snacks, water and bug spray.

Nights Out in the Parks series also includes live music on select Saturdays in the outdoor amphitheater behind Big Creek Park’s Donald W. Meyer Center: The Hickory Rockers on June 8, Bent String Band on July 13 and Hot Jazz Seven on Aug. 17, all beginning at 7 p.m.

Seeking Dragons & Damsels

June 15, 1-3 p.m.

Join Naturalist Linda Gilbert, co-author of the book “Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio,” on a fact-finding mission at the new Blue Heron Preserve, 14757 Ravenna Road in Burton. Discover what dragons and damsels are supported at the former Newbury Sand and Gravel surface mine.

Snake Charmer

June 16, 10 a.m. to noon

Join naturalist Andy Avram at The Rookery for his Searching for Snakes program and search for various reptiles and amphibians in all the nooks and crannies of the park. The art of finding and handling snakes is something visitors might have to see to believe, an eye-opening lesson on coexistence on Earth. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Summer Solstice Day

June 20

Celebrate Summer Solstice Day by registering for an Early Morning Hike from 8-9:30 a.m. at Veterans Legacy Woods; Horseback Trail Ride Connecting the Parks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holbrook Hollows; and Firefly Frolic from 8:30-10 p.m. at Headwaters Park.

Bulletin Board

E-mail submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

Community Fishing Derby

June 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Munson Township’s community Fishing Derby is open to all Munson Township residents. Join for a morning of fishing fun at the Scenic River Retreat, 10900 Mayfield Road. Bring a fishing pole - catch and release only. Bait will be provided. Door prizes awarded.

Free Fresh Produce

June 15, 9-11 a.m.

Newbury Community Church hosts a fresh produce giveaway at 14916 Auburn Road. Cleveland FoodBank provides the service to lower income Geauga County residents the third Saturday of each month through October. Please bring ID and bags.

Geauga Pride Day

June 15, 2-6 p.m.

The third annual Geauga Pride Day will be held on Chardon Square. Celebrate, honor and embrace Geauga’s LGBTQIA community. Event will include live music, dancing, drag show, vendors and food trucks. Visit geaugapride.com for information.

American Legion Steak Roast

June 15, 5-7 p.m.

The Newbury American Legion is hosting its annual ribeye steak roast at the post located at 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. The event includes a 50/50 raffle, with the drawing at 7 p.m. Call Ken at 440-635-6536 for information and to reserve tickets.

VFW Rib Dinner and Raffle

June 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 is hosting a rib dinner and $500 reverse raffle drawing at the post located at 752 Water St. Proceeds benefit the Russell Ward Scholarship Foundation.

Polka Picnic

June 16, 3-7 p.m.

The ladies auxiliary picnic dance at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland features the Bob Kravos Band from 3-7 p.m. The kitchen and bar open at 2 p.m. Open to the public. For information, call 440-256-3423.

Garage Sale

June 20 and 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Middlefield Historical Society will hold its annual garage sale at Century Inn Underloft, 14979 South State Ave. in Middlefield Village. Discount day is Saturday. Call 440-241-2192 for more information.

Outreach Spaghetti Dinner

June 20, 6-7 p.m.

Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

CV Herb Society Meets

June 21, 12:30 p.m.

The Chagrin Valley Herb Society will meet at the Bainbridge Library. Light refreshments will be served during social time, followed by a business meeting.

Prospective members can learn about the organization at chagrinvalleyherbsociety.org and on Facebook and Instagram. To RSVP, email chagrinvalleyherbsociety@gmail.com.

UWSGC Day of Action

June 21, 2-5 p.m.

United Way Services of Geauga County will host its annual Day of Action: Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Volunteers will prepare and distribute meal kits with perishable and non-perishable items to Geauga County residents who reserve one in advance. Any Geauga resident who wants a meal can register to pick up a kit from West Geauga Middle School, 8611 Cedar Road in Chester Township; there are no ID or income requirements.

Meal kits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call United Way 211 to register or visit unitedwaycleveland.org.

Maple Splash Festival

July 13, 2-9 p.m.

The drawing for the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield’s Maple Splash Raffle will be held at the Maple Splash Festival at Century Village in Burton. Admission is free. There are over $100,000 in prizes including the grand prize of a 2023 Chevy Silverado. The event also includes a 50/50 raffle, live music, food trucks, hot air balloon rides, a clown and balloon artist, games and prizes.

Visit www.maplesplashraffle.com for rules, a full list of prizes and to see a list of local retailers selling tickets.

Back in Time Power Show

Aug. 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Step back in time to view all types of historic equipment at Century Village Museum, 14653 E. Park St. in Burton. The event includes daily parades, threshing, food, vendors, historic homes and live demonstrations.

Those interested in displaying equipment may contact the museum at 440-8341492. There is no entry fee for participants.

5th Annual Reverse Raffle to Benefit Yoder Brothers Foundation

Set for July 12, 6-11 p.m., EOUV in Russell Township

The Yoder Brothers Foundation has been serving the communities of Cardinal, Berkshire and Chardon, to date awarding more than $1.6 million in local scholarships in a loving tribute to the memory of two young men — local brothers — who died in tragic, separate accidents.

Joshua Allen Yoder was just a few weeks short of his 18th birthday when he died in an auto accident in 1996. Seven years later, his brother, Tyler Gabriel Yoder, died in an accident a few short months after turning 18. Both were kind, loving young men who had so much to offer the world they left behind just as they embarked toward their college educations.

Their grandfather, the late Jack Menosky, began the Yoder Brothers Memorial Scholarship Foundation to honor their memory. For 27 years, the foundation has served Geauga County youth by providing more than $80,000 annually in renewable scholarships for four-year or technical education with students from Cardinal, Berkshire and formerly Newbury schools.

As it has grown, the scholarship has

expanded to additional districts, including Chardon Schools beginning last year, and the foundation has its sights on an even greater impact in years to come.

The signature fundraiser of the scholarship foundation is its 5th Annual Reverse Raffle, which will be held on July 12, from 6-11 p.m., at the EOUV, 8636 Pekin Road, Russell Township.

Tickets are $80 per person and include dinner, an open bar, entertainment and a reverse raffle number. Bring along friends for a fun and entertaining evening dancing to the beats of DJ Gaz.

The named sponsor of this year’s event is Kathy Randles and the Randles Family. The event offers a $5,000 grand prize, silent auction and fishbowl raffle.

An amazing array of raffle items will be available including vacation getaways, Cleveland dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences, autographed merchandise and much more.

Please call 440-812-5892 or visit Eventbrite for tickets: https://shorturl.at/ szNps

Geauga Public Library

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

Storytimes

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

Discussion Groups

No registration is required.

• Middlefield, June 13, 5:30 p.m., “Crow Mary” by Kathleen Grissom

• Thompson, June 15, 2 p.m., “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera

• Bainbridge, June 18, 7 p.m., “The Spectacular” by Fiona Davis

• Chardon, June 19, 7 p.m., “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

• Virtual, June 20, 6:30 p.m., “The Spare Man” by Mary Robinette Kowal

• Middlefield, June 25, 7 p.m., “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson

Look & Learn Library Databases

June 14, 10-11:30 a.m. • Bainbridge

Learn how to use LinkedIn Learning like a pro with guidance from trained library staff.

Puzzle Exchange

June 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Chardon

Exchange jigsaw puzzles for new ones with other puzzle enthusiasts. It’s a basic premise: leave some, take some. No registration is required.

Early Architecture of Geauga

June 15, 2-4 p.m. • Thompson

Explore Geauga County's architecture and learn how to identify the architectural styles of its homes and buildings.

America's Best Idea

June 15, 2:30-3:30 p.m. • Virtual

Join on Zoom and learn about the founding of the National Park Service and the history of the conservation movement in the United States.

Underground Railroad in Ohio

June 18, 11 a.m. to noon • Virtual

Join author Kathy Schulz on Zoom as she tells of the history of Ohio’s Underground Railroad using the true stories of Addison White, John Parker and more.

Road Trip Adventures

June 20, 3-4 p.m. • Geauga West Youth in grades 3-5 will visit states across the United States through stories, games and activities.

Plant-Based Summer Favorites

June 20, 7-8 p.m. • Virtual

Join Ann and Jane Esselstyn and Brian Hart for a health-focused demo highlighting some of their favorite "go-to" summer meals built for family gatherings on the porch.

Yoga: The Science of Stretch

June 20, 7-8 p.m. • Thompson

Bring a yoga mat and a small pillow or two and discover the wonders of yoga.

Kids Craft with Evelyn

June 23, 2-3 p.m. • Thompson

Third-grader Evelyn Faye will lead a crafting class for youth in grades K-5 on how to make a combination dragon and fortune teller.

iPad Basics

June 25, 2-3 p.m. • Bainbridge

Learn how to make the most of an iPad and all its features with help from trained library staff.

Campus News

David Miller, of Chardon, was named to the dean's list for the spring term at University of Maryland Global Campus.

Joshua Espinosa, of Burton, graduated from Harding University with a bachelor of science in kinesiology and health.

At Heidelberg University, Ethan Bennington, of Chardon, graduated with a bachelor of science in exercise science; and Macray Metz, of Chardon, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science in biochemistry.

Lauren Thomas, of Chardon, graduated with a bachelor of science in commercial real estate finance from the College of Charleston.

Dylan Polz, of Bainbridge Township, graduated from Marietta College with a bachelor of arts in marketing. Polz is also a graduate of Kenston High School.

Cameron DeCarlo and Courtney DeCarlo, both of Bainbridge Township, were named to the dean’s list at Grove City College for the spring semester

At Marietta College for the spring semester, Shane Rothlisberger, of Bainbridge Township, and Riley Matchinga, of Middlefield, were named to the dean’s high honors list; and Lindsay Hissa, of Huntsburg Township, was named to the dean's list.

Joe Benjamin, Frankie Dobbert, Joe Drsek, Leo Fornara, Garrett Koenig, Gavin Stevens and Cooper Timmons, all of Chagrin Falls; Taylor Cox, Darby Leininger, Hannah Mitchell, Sky Mularo, Justin Phillips and Lauren Phillips, all of Chardon; Julia Mansfield, of Chester Township; and Samantha Skerbec, of Russell Township, were named to the dean’s list at the University of Mount Union for the spring semester.

Chardon resident Anthony Zampino has been named to the dean's list at James Madison University for the spring semester.

Elizabeth Mackey, of Bainbridge Township; and Alyssa Schafer, of Thompson Township, graduated from Grove City College in May.

Kaitlin Rulison, of Burton, and Luke Wardrop, of Chagrin Falls, were named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi for the spring semester.

Arielle Walter, of Burton; Lauren Jaroch and Katrina Rowe, both of Chagrin Falls; Jeanna Sukey, of Chardon; and Jacob Grinstead and Conner Vieira, both of Chester Township, were named to the dean’s list at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania for the spring semester.

Jacob Weitman, of Auburn Township, graduated on May 11 from Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor of arts in philosophy with minors in food studies, French and sociology/anthropology.

Justice Wolf, of Bainbridge Township; Lucy Beorn, of Chardon; Nathaniel Schaden, of Huntsburg Township; and Julianna Barcikowski, of Middlefield, were named to the spring dean’s honor list at Cedarville University.

Lucas Sadler, of Chester Township; and Shannon Chase, of Middlefield, were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean's List for the spring semester.

At Westminster College, Caitlyn Goodrich, of Chardon, graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in biology; and Theresa Schneider, of Chardon, graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration.

Sydney Rider, Zachari Martin and Brittany Sprague, all of Chardon, were named to the winter president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University.

Cayla DiBernardo, of Bainbridge Township; Emily Noerr and Olivia Seifrick, both of Chardon; and William Fazekas and John Patterson, both of Chester Township, were named to the spring dean’s list at Pennsylvania Western University.

Sophia Gildone and Lauren Reding, both of Bainbridge Township; and Melissa Sterkel, of Chester Township, were named to the dean’s list at Belmont University for the spring semester.

Derek Mardula, of Chardon, was named to the dean's list at St. Francis University. Mardula is majoring in exercise physiology.

Maria Hammerle, Madison Koenig and Jori Greene, of Chagrin Falls, were named to the dean’s list at the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences dean’s list for the spring semester.

Health & Wellness

Family First Council

June 17, 1:30 p.m.

Geauga Family First Council meets the third Monday of the month at the Geauga County Office Building, Suite B168/Carlton Room, 12611 Ravenwood Drive in Chardon. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information, contact Tim Kehres, Geauga Family First Council coordinator, at 440-285-1201.

Bloodmobile

The American Red Cross stresses that blood and platelet donors are critically needed right now to combat a drastic shortfall in donations over the last several weeks. As a thank-you, all who come to give through June 30 will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Make donation appointments by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

June 20, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.

June 20, Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 26, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, 13207 Ravenna Road, Claridon Township, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Family Health & Safety Day

June 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center for a family-friendly community event to celebrate wellness with free health screenings, educational activities and demonstrations.

The event includes both walk-up and preregistered health screenings at the medical center located at 13207 Ravenna Road, Claridon Township.

For information or to register for screenings, call 440-901-6169.

Legal Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-D-000272 – Joshua Miller vs. Silke Rei McGraw Miller, Defendants Silke Rei McGraw Miller, whose last known address is 572 Virginia Avenue, Unit B, Fort Campbell, KY 42223, and whose current address is unknown and cannot with the exercise of reasonable diligence be ascertained, and upon whom service of summons cannot be had in the State of Ohio, will take notice that you have been named as the Defendant in a Complaint for Divorce filed on April 17, 2024, in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, captioned as Joshua Miller v. Silke Rei McGraw Miller, Case No. 24-D-000272, by which Plaintiff is seeking an absolute divorce from Defendant. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for August 22, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. before Magistrate Kevin L. Starrett, Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, One Short Court, Chardon, OH 44024. You will further take notice that you are required to answer the Complaint for Divorce within 28 days of last publication. The last publication date will be June 27, 2024. If you do not answer the Complaint, a judgment may be granted against you for the relief demanded.

By Michael Drain, Attorney for Plaintiff, 147 Bell Street, Suite 202, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. (440) 247-3380. May23-30 Jun6-13-20-27, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

Sale of Real Estate GEAUGA County Foreclosure Auction

Case# 23-F-000600 - Matrix Financial Services Corporation vs. Christopher Milo, et al.

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

Property Address: 11292 TAYLOR MAY ROAD, CHAGRIN FALLS, GEAUGA, OH, 44023; Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 01-076100

Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on July 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.

Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third-party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time. Provisional Sale date: July 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $10,000 to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.

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

To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 23F000600 into the search bar. Jun13-20-27, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

Sale of Real Estate

GEAUGA County Foreclosure Auction

Case# 23-F-000683 - Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC vs Reffett, Heather, et al.

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

Property Address: 8401 SUMMIT DRIVE, CHAGRIN FALLS, GEAUGA, OH, 44023;

Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 02-013600 & 02013500

Bidding will be available only on www.Auc-

tion.com opening on July 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.

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

Provisional Sale date: July 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $10,000 to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.

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

To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 23F000683 into the search bar.

Jun13-20-27, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE SALE OF REAL ESTATE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Case No. 23-F-000163 consolidated with 22-F-000654 - Mortgage Assets Management, LLC (Plaintiff) vs. Name(s) Unknown, the Unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, beneficiaries of Joseph A. Sulak and their unknown spouses and creditors; and, the unknown spouse of Joseph A. Sulak, John Doe(s), (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: 9613 Kim Drive, Chesterland, OH, 44026

Legal Description: A full legal description of the property may be obtained at https://gryphonusa.roup.com/Auctions/Details/2804

Parcel Number: 11-335180

Said Premises Appraised At: $175,000.00

Minimum Bid: $116,666.67

Location of Sale: https://gryphonusa.roup.com/ Auctions/Details/2804

Online Bidding Opens: 7/10/2024 1:00 PM

Online Bidding Closes: 7/17/2024 1:00 PM unless extended under anti-snipe rules

Provisional Sale Date: 7/31/2024

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of $5,000.00 is due in accordance with the terms and conditions of the online auction. The balance is due within thirty days after confirmation of sale.

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

The auction is subject to postponement and cancellation.

Richard F. Kruse, Private Selling Officer psoauctions@gryphonusa.com

Jun13-20-27, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

West Geauga Local School District

Chesterland, Ohio

Sealed bids for the installation of a public water well will be received by the Treasurer of the West Geauga Local School District, located at 8615 Cedar Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026, until 12:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at which time sealed bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. No immediate decision shall be made.

An optional on-site meeting will occur on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Electronic copies of the Drawings and Specifications can be obtained by emailing Karen Pavlat at karen.pavlat@westg.org.

In addition, this legal notice is posted on the School District’s internet web site. The notice

and the Drawings and Specifications may be accessed at https://www.westg.org/page/bidsquotes, or by going to https://www.westg.org/, clicking on “MENU” and then clicking on “Project Bids and Quotes” under the “District” heading in the pop-up menu. Drawings and Specifications will also be made available for inspection during regular business hours at the following location: Karen Pavlat, Treasurer/CFO West Geauga Local Schools 8615 Cedar Road Chesterland, Ohio 44026 (440) 729-6815

Copies of the Drawings and Specifications may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $.10 per page, and will be mailed upon request for a non-refundable fee. Prospective bidders interested in receiving copies of the Drawings and Specifications through the mail should contact Karen Pavlat using the information provided above.

Bids shall include, and Bidders shall submit with their Bids, bid security in the form of: (i) a bond in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Sections 153.54 and 153.571 naming West Geauga Local Schools as obligee for the total amount of the Bid, including add alternates; or (ii) a certified check, cashier’s check or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the Bid, including add alternates, as prescribed by Ohio Revised Code Section 153.54.

Each bid shall be filed on forms furnished with the Bid Documents and shall be delivered in an opaque sealed envelope, the outside properly marked with the Project Title, Date, and Time of Bid Opening. Each bid shall contain the name of every person interested therein. All questions concerning bid packaging and supplemental information should be submitted to scott.amstutz@westg.org.

No bidder may withdraw its bid within sixty (60) days after the bid opening. The District reserves the right to waive irregularities in bids, to reject any or all bids, and to conduct such investigation as necessary to determine the responsibility of the winning bidder.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION West Geauga Local School District Karen Pavlat, Treasurer/CFO Jun13, 2024

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

CASE NO. 24-F-000388 - CITIZENS BANK, NA, PLAINTIFF VS. THE ESTATE OF SPENCER LEE COGHLAN, ET AL., DEFENDANTS.

To the Defendants the unknown spouse, creditors, executors, executrices, administrators, heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, and/ or assigns and their spouses, executors, executrices, administrators, heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees and/or assigns of Spencer L. Coghlan, aka Spencer Lee Coghlan whose present location is unknown and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained: Plaintiff has brought this action naming you as a defendant in the above-named Court, 100 Short Court Street, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, by filing its Complaint on the 7th day of June, 2024.

The object of the complaint is to foreclose the equity of redemption under a mortgage against the property located at 13820 Sperry Road, Novelty, Ohio 44072; PPN: 23-055880 and 26-031950

The relief demanded by Plaintiff is judgment against the subject property in the amount of $26,155.72 plus interest at the rate of 8.50% per annum from October 30, 2023 plus costs,

attorney fees and such other legal and equitable relief to which it may be entitled. You are required to answer the Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publication of this notice setting forth whatever right, title or interest you have or may claim to have in the aforementioned premises or be forever barred from claiming or asserting same. The publication will be published once a week for six (6) consecutive weeks, with the last publication to be made on the 18 day of July, 2024.

In case of your failure to answer or otherwise respond as permitted by the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure within the time stated, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

By Johna M. Bella, Attorney for Plaintiff, 405 Madison Avenue, Suite 2200, Toledo, Ohio 43604. Phone: (419) 244-9500; Fax: (419) 244-9510. Jun13-20-27 Jul4-11-18, 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 June 25, 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 #24-114/115/116: Applicant – James Sabatine Jr. (Cardinal Realty) is requesting Concept Plan and Architectural Review for a commercial remodel at the former Burger King Restaurant. The remodel is to convert the former restaurant into a Chipotle restaurant. Additionally, they are requesting a Conditional Use approval for a drive-thru in the “C-3” Traditional Commercial District under Section 1139.03 of the City of Chardon Codified Ordinances.

The property is located on the north side of Water Street approximately 350’ west of the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street. The address of the property is 414 Water Street, Chardon, OH 44024, with Parcel ID# 10-164748. The property is owned by ARC BKMST41001 LLC.

Steven M. Yaney Community Development Administrator Jun13, 2024

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Munson Township, Ohio Munson Township is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified engineering/ consulting firm to complete design and construction of a dam removal and stream restoration project in Munson Township, Ohio. This project is funded under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources H2Ohio Program. The total maximum cost/price for performance under this contract is $320,900.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS/ PUBLIC NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Proposals are to be submitted electronically to Kaylee Acres Eclov at kacres@crwp.org no later than 4:00 PM on June 24, 2024, for Munson Township’s Croatian Lodge Dam Removal and Stream Restoration. Bids received will be opened publicly at Munson Township Hall on June 24, 2024, at 4:15 PM. If you are interested in receiving the bid specifications and other bid information, please contact kacres@ crwp.org. Jun13-20, 2024

AUTOS & PARTS

Ford F-150 ext cab truck: manual 5-speed, alum cap, new bed, 2006, 150,000 miles, $4,500. 440-364-5098.

FOR RENT

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

FOR SALE

Utility Trailer: 7’x12’, needs work. 440-313-5896. Fishing rods: With reel $10. Without reel $5. Older models. 440-548-2678.

Small stack of lumber: multiple sizes. 2007 Dodge Dakota SLT: 161,000 miles, silver, 6’6” bed w/liner, body some rust-back fender wells. Call for details 440-223-9471.

Three Piece Octagon Picnic Table: made with KDAT yellow pine treated wood, with benches, new; $550. 440548-2657.

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.

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

VEVOR Demolition Jack Hammer 3600W Jack Hammer

Concrete Breaker 1800 BPM Heavy Duty Electric Jack Hammer 6pcs Chisels Bit w/Gloves & 360°Swiveling Front Handle for Trenching, Chipping, Breaking Holes. BRAND NEW, NEVER OPENED. $225. Email ads@karlovecmedia. com and write “Jack Hammer” in subject line.

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.

Classifieds

Sale! Tools, glassware, crafts. Too much to list. Priced to sell. Jun 21-22, 9a-4p. 18071 Tilden, Troy, close to Rt. 700. Huge free pile.

PETS & ANIMALS

Barn homes needed for semi-feral cats, as their elderly caretaker is being evicted. All cats are being fixed & vaccinated. Rebecca 440-321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact! Parents are KEY to keeping your kids off drugs. Protect their future! Now.

REAL ESTATE

57 acres of farmland: in Jefferson, Ashtabula county $3,800/acre. Call 330-979-2618.

Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.

RENTAL WANTED

Healthy mature senior quiet Christian female seeking Christian woman’s or a married Christian couple’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

Mullet’s Precision Trim Work LLC: specializing in cabinetry, flooring and any interior moldings. Licensed and insured. Call 440-228-6837 for free estimate.

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

Albert’s Complete Tree Service: 45+yrs experience! Competent in all aspects of Arboriculture, Forestry and Land Clearing Also, Firewood, Excavation and Sewer Work. Free Estimates. 440-687-5404.

Doing in-home Elder Care: laundry, cleaning, personal care. Certified with references. 440-313-1804.

Taxi Service: 4 passengers only, for cleaning crews, short and long trips. Contact Lisa at 440-708-4835.

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

Geauga Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office May 31 to June 6, 2024.

ASSAULT

June 2

6:30 a.m., Meadowlands Drive, Walmart, Chardon. Caller states her car was hit by a cart in the parking lot. The person who did it tried to hit her and her phone out of her hand. White Buick Regal, male was older with longer gray hair and a beard.

HARRASSMENT

June 4

3:04 p.m., Old State Road, Claridon. Caller is getting harassed by her neighbor again. Caller was working in the yard and he came up and tried to talk to her. Complainant stated a male was leaving her flowers but is now being confrontational after being asked to stop. Complainant did not want Deputy to contact the male, just wanted it on record.

PROPERTY DAMAGE

June 3

12:18 p.m., Kinsman Road, Middlefield. Caller believes someone put weed killer on his grass. Complainant advised that he believes over the winter months his neighbor put chemicals in his yard to kill the grass. Complainant advised he wants the incident documented. He did not want deputies to speak to the neighbor.

PURSUIT

May 31

12:10 a.m., Ravenna Road and Bell Street, Newbury. While working traffic enforcement, I observed a medium sized black SUV traveling north on Ravenna Road at 73 mph. When I turned around to go after the vehicle it took off at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was last seen going into the curves by Lucky's and could not be located after.

SUSPICIOUS

May 31

11:32 a.m., Tilden, Troy. Parked in the are where hunters usually park. According to caller, there's a tent in the woods and a knife in the tree. The car has been there off and on.

May 31

12:49 p.m., Woodlawn Drive, Newbury. Complainant has protection order against neighbor. This morning we heard gunshots and we just recently noticed that there are several deceased animals on the corner of our property. He has made comments to others about putting out animal poison. These animals today are raccoons. Jail advised. One arrested.

May 31

4:28 p.m., Aquilla Road, Dollar General, Claridon. Male with a black Escalade trying to pee on the building. Last seen westbound on Route 322. Tried to hit caller with his car. Black male, taller, baseball hat, bright yellow shirt. Complainant advised a male tried to urinate on the building and hit the caller with his door when trying to close it to leave. No injury and complainant did not wish to pursue charges.

June 1

8:37 p.m., Auburn Road, Chardon. Male was hiding in caller's yard, hiding behind his bushes. He then ran next door and is

hiding behind more bushes. Northbound on Auburn. White male, tall, thin build, middle aged, white shirt tan pants. Complainant advised that the male was hiding from passing cars. He also had a bald spot. K9 track north through four properties. Resident exited his residence and disrupted track. Unable to locate.

June 4

5:49 p.m., Rock Creed Road, Thompson. Caller advised earlier today about 2:30 p.m. a drone was flying over the caller's backyard and was hoovering over the caller's daughter outside tanning. Caller believes it came from the neighbor's. Caller wants to shoot the drone down. Advice given about drone laws.

June 5

11:23 a.m., Plank Road, Montville. Caller owns the gas well tanks and he went to go check on them and there is a burned up vehicle on the property. Vehicle looks to be a fourwheel drive low rider truck, unable to read the plate as its totally burned up. Caller is no longer at the property but is available by cell if needed. GPS coordinates given.

June 6

10:07 p.m., Auburn and Clark Road, Chardon. Caller was south on Auburn where there was a car stopped. Caller saw someone out with a flash light. Caller slowed down and subjects shot at her car with a water gun. Once caller returned home she realized it was oil. An unknown younger male was spraying passing traffic with a clear oil from a squirt gun. Area was checked but it was reported the male left northbound on Auburn Road towards Lake County.

THREATENING

June 5

4:39 a.m., Main Market Road, Parkman. Employees threatening each other with guns. They are outside in the parking lot. Were yelling at each other, no firearms seen. Showed second caller the gun. Caller says they are brothers who live in Warren. Brothers stated they were jumped at work. No signs or reports of altercation.

TRESPASSING

June 1

7:34 p.m., Welk Road and Kirtland Road, Chardon. Eight females on a Kubota vehicle were trespassing on caller's property. Caller lives in Kirtland but owns 40 acres that span over both counties. Females were last seen heading eastbound into the woods. Females appeared to be intoxicated. They were yelling and carrying on. One ATV observed at a graduation party which was occupied by males. Neighbor on Welk will attempt to let the graduation host know of the complaint.

WEAPON OFFENSE

June 1

5:14 p.m., Old State Road, Hambden. Neighbors are shooting and caller has bullets coming onto his property. He could hear them whizzing by. Spoke with caller who advised his neighbor let a couple people shoot on his property today. Advised he could hear bullets coming through the trees. Said that he contacted neighbor to let him know what was going on and neighbor said he would contact people that were on his property. Would only like this documented.