From fresh-baked doughnuts and pies to crisp salads and salty pretzels, Middlefield’s new Amish Country Market, at 15711 West High Street, serves up just about everything but the kitchen sink.
Though he has greatly expanded in products over time, owner Danny Kuhns’ foray into food began with pretzels.
“Five years ago, I bought a pretzel shop down in Boardman, Ohio, at the Amish Market,” he recalled. “We doubled our business in about the first four months.”
After selling pretzels at The Pretzel Bar in Boardman for three
See Market • Page 4
Single-Car Crash Kills Chester Township Man
OSHP: Alcohol Appears to Be a Factor
Staff RepoRt
A single vehicle crash around 9:45 p.m. July 11 on Sperry Road in Newbury Township killed a 35-yearold Chester Township man, according to the Chardon post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
See Crash• Page 5
CARDINAL SCHOOLS
BOE Passes Urgent Resolution for Elementary Renovation
By ann WiShaRt
ann@kaRlovecmedia com
Previously unused areas in the former Cardinal Middle School –now Cardinal Elementary School – will be put to good use this year when renovations are complete.
The first-day-of-school deadline required Cardinal Schools Board of Education to unanimously pass a lengthy and unique resolution July 10 to ensure those projects would be finished when students return Aug. 15. The resolution to “declare urgent necessity and authorize construction contracts for various improvements at Cardinal Elemen tary School” took up most of two pages, eight sections and 11 uses
See Cardinal • Page 6
Workers
Cardinal Schools Superintendent Jack Cunningham said students in kindergarten through sixth grade will have playground time when the renovated school opens Aug. 15.
GPD Creates Cart Tours for Those with Limited Mobility
By RoSe nemunaitiS editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
Geauga Park District recently increased access to select parks for individuals with limited mobil ity through its Accessible Nature Cart Tours.
Toward the end of spring, GPD began offering a registration-only program for those with limited mobility that includes a one-hour golf cart tour — participants must be able to enter and exit the cart on their own — led by GPD Natu ralist and Volunteer Coordinator Andy Avram. On July 6, Avram led two such tours at Veterans Legacy Woods in Newbury Township.
See Tours • Page 5
ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
Geauga Park District Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator Andy Avram shares interesting facts along a one-hour accessible nature tour at Veterans Legacy Woods.
ANN WISHART/KMG
installed playground equipment at Cardinal Elementary School – formerly the middle school – July 12.
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: July 23, 9:30 a.m., Board of County Commissioners; July 24, 5 p.m., Public Health, Ste. 301. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners’ meetings are held in Suite 350.
Bainbridge Township: July 18, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; July 22, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.
permitting, otherwise township hall). All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chester Township: July 24, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Claridon Township: July 22, 7 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.
Montville Township: July 24, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; July 25, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.
Munson Township: July 23, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township
Hambden FD Secures Addition $2M for Fire Station
Commission. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: July 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; July 24, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
South Russell Village: July 18, 7:30 a.m.Streets Committee, 9 a.m. – Public Utilities Committee, 10 a.m. – Finance Committee; July 25, 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Berkshire BOE: July 22, 6 p.m., regular meeting; July 25, 7 a.m., Berkshire Educational Foundation. All meetings held at BOE Auditorium, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, unless otherwise noted.
Cardinal BOE: July 24, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.
West Geauga BOE: July 22, 7 p.m., regular meeting. (NOTE change of date). All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
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ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
Pictured, from left, are Hambden Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand, Ohio Sen. Sandra O’Brien, firefighter Bobby Kosie, firefighter Shianne Wright, Capt. David Baird and firefighter Ella Rhodes.
Chardon Fire Department Awarded $1M Grant
By alliSon WilSon editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
The Chardon Fire Department has been awarded a $1 million grant for a new ladder truck, Chief Justin Geiss said at Chardon City Council’s July 11 meeting.
“We had applied for the grant through the state for the ladder truck. We were successful with that grant, we were notified two weeks ago, approximately,” Geiss told council. “We have yet to see the wording, the exact stipulations of that, but I did receive communications that we should be getting that by mid-July sometime.”
The grant covers approximately half the cost of a ladder truck, he said.
Council Member David Lelko advised Geiss to exercise caution.
“Sometimes the state takes some of that for themselves and you don’t actually get the full amount,” he said.
City Manager Randy Sharpe was able to provide further context to Lelko’s claim.
“Usually, there’s some kind of admin cost or other fees that they hold back from that total amount of money,” he explained.
“It can actually be somewhat significant,”
Market
from page 1
years, Kuhns expanded to a low-rent trailer in Middlefield, which operated in similar fashion to a food truck.
“We moved around a little bit. It didn’t really work out very good,” he said, adding he decided to shut down the food truck and move into a storefront location, where the business doubled almost overnight.
After a year and a half there, the building the market currently sits in came up for sale. Kuhns, who had also purchased Elliott’s Ice Cream, saw it as an opportunity to put all of his ventures into one location and expand into other products.
“My mom started the doughnut business down in Boardman 11 years ago, called Aunt Martha’s Doughnuts,” Kuhns said. “She started that and then she shared the recipe with me when we started this.”
Kuhns combined all three businesses into one in the form of the market, which opened its doors March 9. From there, he kept adding on — the market now sports poly furniture, seasonal flowers, smoothies, a bakery, maple products, ice cream cakes and sundaes, among many other items.
With the summer months hitting Ohio hard, Kuhns has found the shop’s ice cream to be especially popular.
“We probably go through 40 ice cream cakes a week,” he said.
Service is at the forefront of his business, Kuhns said.
“If (customers) have a bad day, they can walk out feeling better,” he said. “The act of service is just as important as the quality of the product and the consistency of the products.”
Though the service isn’t quite where he wants it to be, yet, feedback has been glowingly positive, Kuhns said.
Ratings and comments on the business’s Facebook page illustrate Kuhn’s sentiment — photos of doughnuts are often followed with enthusiastic feedback.
“The public really, you know, they
Lelko added, to which Geiss responded something is better than nothing.
“We were very pleased about it,” Geiss said, adding the funds are part of Senate Bill 288.
“There’s over $5 billion coming into the county to various organizations. We’re happy to get a million of that,” he said. “Once we do get the final wording on that, we’ll be able to sit down and see exactly how those funds are going to be dispersed and how we can spend them. We’ll go from there.”
Vice Mayor Heather Means asked Geiss if there are alternate sources of funding for the truck.
“There are. We don’t know exactly yet how soon we’re going to have to spend this million,” Geiss said. “So, once we get those dates, beginning of the year, there will be another opportunity for us to put in for AFG, which is (an) Assistance to Firefighters Grant.”
While the department did not get the AFG grant this year, when they apply again, they will be able to show they have matching funds from the state to apply for the project, which may make their grant proposal look
grabbed it,” Kuhns said. “Everybody’s telling each other. The Facebook (page) went from 4,000 followers to 6,500 followers in like six weeks’ time.”
The doughnuts are freshly made, with a crew coming in overnight to prep the goods that are sold the next morning.
The market has seen some slight growing pains in its expansion, having vastly broad ened from five employees. New staff requires training, Kuhns explained, adding young em ployees may not be able to work the full six days the shop is open.
“Our management, the workers that have been with us from the beginning, I believe they do a really good job with helping the new ones get trained and doing it properly and keeping that product consistency and quality,” he said.
The market, as its name im plies, is both Amish owned and operated.
“We have four En glish (non-Amish) driv ers that work for us,” Kuhns said, noting the market delivers to 10 different gas stations and business es every morning.
better, Geiss said.
The department has received other grants this year and a heart monitor through the Erie Cities Foundation for just over $42,000, he added.
Council also passed an ordinance establishing fees for fire department emergency medical transport services.
“What spurred this whole thing was the billing company that we have been using — and for the public that aren’t aware — we do bill for ambulance services when we transport,” Geiss said, explaining the service is billed to the insurance company and is a way for the department to recover some of the costs associated with ambulances and emergency services without putting the burden on the taxpayer.
“In February of this year, we were notified by Change Healthcare that they had been purchased by a company called Optum. They told us that in July of ‘25, they would no longer be doing ambulance billing,” Geiss said.
Though the department was not initially concerned, having a year to find a new company, the calm did not last long. On Feb. 18, the department discovered Change Healthcare
had shut down following a cyber attack, the chief said.
“We have had little to no communication from Change Healthcare. Any attempts by us or by — I know (Finance Director Mark Iacofano) has attempted to reach them — have been largely unsuccessful,” Geiss said.
While the few communications to get through claimed the company would be up and running soon, they are still not up and running, he said, adding there has been no ambulance billing since Feb. 18.
Following review by both himself and Assistant Chief Larry Gaspar, Geiss settled on Medicount, an Ohio-based company that represents several other departments throughout the county.
Council member Deb Chuha asked what would happen if a bill went unclaimed.
“They don’t get put up for collections,” Geiss responded. “Nobody’s getting punished for it.”
The ordinance will go into effect Aug. 1. Per the ordinance, transport for a patient will be $16 per mile and $800 if basic life support is provided. Advanced life support Level One will cost $1,000, while Level Two will cost $1,100.
Kuhns expressed excitement at the growth the market has had in only a few months.
“We did the same amount of doughnuts this Saturday as (Aunt Martha’s Doughnuts) did down there at (Boardman) this Saturday,” he said. “For being only four months in doing the same exact amount of doughnuts that they did after 11 years is pretty exceptional.”
The market is something like a smaller version of the Amish Market in Boardman, Kuhns said, adding, however, while Boardman’s market hosts numerous vendors, everything at the Middlefield market is under one owner.
It was his family working at the Boardman market that originally got Kuhns into the food industry.
“I had no food background history at all. I didn’t think in the food business. And just said, ‘I’m gonna try it,’” Kuhns recounted. “I’d seen it was a business that, with a little bit of attention and some hard work, was something that has a good opportunity.”
The business’s goal is to do better every day, he said.
“The prior business I was in, I always had to go out and look for work. Here, I don’t need to go look for customers, they find me. I just have to strive to keep my product quality there and the service,” he said, noting word of mouth from happy customers is a great form of advertisement.
Though Kuhns currently has his hands full with the rapidly-growing business, he does have a vision for the future.
The business is already delving into some large orders, he added, noting they have worked for Amish tournaments and weddings.
“My goal is to have top quality products and exceptional service,” he said. “And my goal is to make the customer feel like they’re a part of something — make them have a better day after they walk out of here.”
The Amish Country Market is open 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 440-313-6230 or visit the market Facebook page by searching The Pretzel Bar or Amish Country Market.
“In the future, I definitely want to have the management here to where I can depend on maybe two to three people that are really serious, you know, see the vision the way I see it,” he said. “To where I can possibly expand a little more with more going outside, starting more accounts and more deliveries, doing large orders.”
Market, in Middlefield, freshly made every day.
Russell Township Considers Tree City USA Status
By alliSon WilSon editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
Tree City USA is looking to spread its roots further with Ohio Department of Natural Resources Forestry Manager Matt Leiden coming before Russell Township Trustees July 11 to tell them about the effort.
Tree City USA — an Arbor Day Foundation initiative alongside the National Association of State Foresters and United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service — “provides a basic framework for community forestry management for cities and towns across America,” according to the ONDR, which lists the current number of Ohio Tree City USA communities as 233, with more than 30,000 trees planted. Per the website, 47.61% of the state’s population already lives in a Tree City USA community.
The program shows a community cares about its trees, Leiden said, adding nearby
Tours
from page 1
“Geauga Park District's accessible nature cart tours are such a gift for members of our community with limited mobility who would otherwise be unable to explore these wonderful parks with a naturalist at the helm, an added benefit as our tour guide,”
said Candy Lawrence, of Middlefield. “Andy pointed out fascinating details we may otherwise not have been aware of. It's an educational and uplifting experience and I'm very grateful for our extraordinary park district stretching their tentacles to incorporate diversity and inclusivity to our neighbors with mobility issues. We are very blessed.”
Lawrence joined Al and Lorrie Schindler, of Munson Township, for the second afternoon tour, journeying the sprawling former golf course’s terrain.
The couple participated in two program tours so far and are registered for more.
Lorrie said they love the information Avram shares.
“I am no longer able to walk these parks due to health issues and I cannot put into words how good it feels to be back on the trails being one with God’s creations,” Lorrie said. “They are so much fun.”
Guests boarded their cart near the entrance’s Corridor of Flags and motored past Tribute Lodge, the nature-based playground and pavilion, as Avram periodically stopped to share the park’s natural wonders and future plans.
“In an effort to jump start forest growth along the fairways, Geauga Park District planted 1,000 native trees and shrubs that are important for wildlife between April 2023 and April 2024,” Avram said. “Hundreds of volunteers from various organizations and the
Crash from page 1
Kevin Toothman was driving a 2007 black Honda Accord northbound on Sperry Road when he traveled off the left side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned back onto the road near the intersection of Pekin Road, the patrol reported in a press release.
“The Honda went back across the roadway off the right side of the road, ejecting
Burton Village is a tree city and Gates Mills is currently in the process of becoming one.
The Arbor Day Foundation website lists urban forest benefits include an increase in property values, improved mental and physical health, cooler neighborhoods and many other benefits.
There are four requirements a community must meet to become a tree city.
“You just need to have a resolution, a tree commission or department, celebrate Arbor Day and spend at least $2 per capita on trees,” Leiden said.
Trustee Kristina Port asked about the tree commission requirement.
“Is it ad hoc or is it something that’s continuous?” she said.
The commission tends to vary based on community needs, Leiden said, though it is often done in terms.
“We have two separate park boards in Russell,” Trustee Matt Rambo noted. “Could
“I am no longer able to walk these parks due to health issues and I cannot put into words how good it feels to be back on the trails being one with God’s creations. They are so much fun.”
– Lorrie Schindler
general public joined us to make this happen.”
More stops included the identification of trees and plants along the updated trail system as birds chirped loudly in the distance.
A little over halfway through the tour, Avram pointed out portions of Duty Trail’s closures for ongoing stream restoration.
“We are currently working on making a new stream channel for a cold-water spring with the hopes of reintroducing the state endangered brook trout,” Avram said.
Lawrence delighted as Avram identified spatterdock, bladderwort, or pointed out painted turtle heads peeking out from the ponds, dragonflies, as well as fuzzy-leaved mullein plants and mushroom fungi.
“But, the most exciting part of the tour was his explanation and discovery of brook trout being reintroduced to these shallow, cold and oxygenated streams,” Lawrence said. “Andy's wealth of information was so appreciated. I felt like I was on a safari right in our backyards, only it was Northeast Ohio and not Africa. I've now experienced both … very cool and awesome.”
Avram said it is a special moment when people tell him the cart tour allowed them to see trails they haven’t been able to access for
the driver,” said Lt. L.P. Jones in a statement. “The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Mr. Toothman, succumbed to his injuries sustained from the crash on scene.”
Munson and Newbury township fire departments, as well as the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance on scene, the patrol said.
“Alcohol appeared to be a factor in the crash and a safety belt was not used,” Jones said in the release. “The crash remains under investigation.”
they become the tree commission?”
“That’s what’s actually happening in Gates Mills,” Leiden responded, explaining how the community has an environmental board that got split to fit the requirement.
Port also took into consideration the other organizations Russell already partners with who may involve tree plantings in their scope, notably the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District and Chagrin River Watershed Partners.
“Should we look at our other agencies that we partner with, with respect to getting trees for Arbor Day?” She asked.
The Arbor Day celebration standard requires a proclamation rather than tree planting, Leiden said, adding, however, communities often hand out seedlings to residents at festivals or other events.
Port also inquired about the $2 per capita requirement.
“There are tricks I can do to kind of help
you kind of hit it,” Leiden said. “Communities often think that’s the most difficult one to hit, but once we go through it, it’s really easy.”
In terms of a time frame, Leiden used Gates Mills as an example — the community contacted him at the beginning of this year and has recently established a tree commission.
“The key point to getting it done is, you need someone to take charge in the community,” he said. “We have that in Gates Mills, where somebody brought it up to the mayor, the mayor was on board with it, they set up all the meetings and got the ball rolling. And now it’s just a matter of them putting in an application and then getting the status.”
Tree city communities are provided with a road sign noting their status and are invited to the Tree City Awards.
No action was taken on the matter.
Kelly Connors, of Chardon, participated in the first of the afternoon’s tours and expressed her gratitude.
“We are truly grateful for the park having this type of program and are excited to explore more parks if they are able,” Lorrie added. “Andy really is a blessing. He is kind, patient and very knowledgeable. He really makes the tour more fun.”
GPD will be offering nature cart tours one to two times per month from April/May to October in different parks throughout the district. Some tours are scheduled to showcase a park while others, a natural phenomenon, such as The West Woods during spring wildflower season.
ing to sign up for as many tours as possible.
“That tells us we really are on the right track and reaching our intended audience,” Avram said. “It is rewarding to hear that the participants really enjoy and appreciate this program.”
In addition to the naturalist-led cart tours, the six-seat golf cart is available to borrow only at Veterans Legacy Woods for those who meet GPD’s criteria and are approved for a special use permit. The cart is available for all armed forces, active duty or veterans, seniors ages 65 and older, and guests with limited mobility.
For more information, visit geaugaparkdistrict.org or call 440-286-9516.
BERKSHIRE
Point-of-Sale Resolution Penalty Revisited
By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com
The Burton Village Board of Public Affairs revisited a sewer and water point-of-sale inspection resolution July 9 to start the process of adding a penalty clause to the document.
Board members Bill Pinkava and Curt Johnson followed the advice of legal counsel Bridey Matheny to take the resolution off the table, where it was placed in 2023.
“We walked around it then tabled it,” Matheny said, recalling the board was considering a penalty of immediately cutting off the water supply if no pre-sale inspection was carried out by a third party and approved by the village service department.
Pinkava and Johnson appeared to agree on the penalty during the meeting.
A point-of-sale inspection determines if there is a problem with the sale property’s water and sewer lines, Pinkava said in a
phone interview July 15.
If the system doesn’t meet village standards, corrections need to be made or, if the resolution passes, the water supply can be shut off, he said.
If an inspection is not done, the cost for shutting off the water is $75. Once the inspection is approved, it will cost another $75 to have it turned back on, he said.
“We’re not trying to make money off this,” Pinkava said, noting a service department employee has to do the physical work, the inspection report has to be evaluated and each situation requires follow up.
A letter was sent out to real estate agencies operating within a 25-mile radius of the village several years ago telling them POS inspections are required in the village, he said, but there was no enforcement clause to encourage submission.
There have been a number of property transfers since then and inspectors discovered issues which were then rectified, Pinka-
va said.
“This is a very positive thing,” he said, adding people buying property in Burton benefit from an inspection.
Real estate agents have expressed concerns about delays in sales due to the POS inspections, particularly a few years ago when the market was hot, but Pinkava said the $150 application to the village to monitor a POS inspection is not a big deal, considering the cost of buying a home.
“It’s just another hoop to jump through,” he said.
The resolution, which was never passed, was sidelined while the board attended to other matters, he said.
The board needed three “yes” votes in order to pass the legislation as an emergency measure. Since only two members were present, passage was again delayed.
“We’ll talk about it again next month,” Pinkava said.
In other business, village Utility Super-
visor Jake Neill asked the board to consider installation of solar panels at the wastewater treatment plant.
A representative from JAAMB Solar Partners LLC of Canal Fulton created a preliminary estimate and proposal after visiting the facility, Neill said.
The system, with a price tag of about $1.3 million, would save the village about $63,000 per year in electricity and, taking into account an estimated 4% per year increase in the cost of electricity, have a payback period of just over 12 years, according to the presentation.
Neill said the panels rotate, following the sun and are nearly vertical so a snow load is unlikely.
The panels would generate more than 100% of the power the WWTP needs, feeding back about 9% into the grid, he said.
The village might qualify for a federal grant of about $400,000, Neill said.
Johnson said he would rather visit the company than have a representative address the board.
Geauga Transit Partnership with Laketran ‘Very Unique’
By kimBeRlee JackSon editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
Geauga County residents can continue to rely on propane buses for transportation following Geauga Transit’s merger with Laketran last year.
JoAnna Santilli, director of Geauga Transit, and Ben Capelle, CEO of Laketran — Lake County’s public transportation operation — spoke at the Geauga County Township Association quarterly meeting July 10.
They explained to a crowd of about 100
from page 1
of “Whereas” to allow the board to approve spending an estimated $90,000 for the projects without going out for bid.
The vendor-work list included about $50,000 in projects not yet quoted.
Superintendent Jack Cunningham said some of the elementary school changes are needed because of a much larger than expected kindergar-
dining at the Huntsburg Township Community Center how creating the partnership updated transportation options for residents in both counties.
“Laketran’s objective is to operate Geauga Transit as Geauga Transit. It’s a very unique partnership,” Capelle said. “We work very closely with the (Geauga) County Commissioners. We have another four years on our agreement.”
Santilli noted grants were awarded to support three propane buses coming to Geauga County and Geauga Transit has a workforce
ten class in the 2024-2025 school year.
“I’m excited – we are at 60 (kindergarten students) now and might have 65,” he said. “We can fit 75 kids per grade in the (elementary) building.”
Board member Anita Marlowe voiced concerns some of the kindergarteners would be Amish and may not continue at Cardinal past the first year. Amish children usually attend their parochial schools after a year or two at public school.
Cunningham replied he expects the class of 2025-2026 to include a number of kindergartners born during the COVID-19 pandemic, which should increase the district’s flagging enrollment numbers.
Some of the permanent improvements have been done and some have yet to be started, he said, adding the work is ahead of schedule.
Board member Barb Rayburn noted the urgent necessity action is unfamiliar to her.
“If (a cost) exceeds these numbers, then we will have to come back to you (for approval),” said district Treasurer Terry Armstrong, referring to the vendor-work list that included quotes or approximate costs.
He noted the cost has been added to the entire project of preparing the school for more students, including small children in kindergarten.
“About $90,000 has been added recently to the whole scope. When it gets that big, it should be bid out. We don’t have time for that right now. This is our only alternative,” Armstrong said.
He reiterated the board would have to
grant for the next three years.
“Geauga Transit is for everybody in Geauga County,” she said.
Christine Lakomiak, executive director of the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, delivered the keynote speech, relating some of her experiences in her first year and a half as director.
She spoke about board decisions on programs such as crisis intervention training and talked about addressing compliance issues within the department and the importance of
approve any additional costs beyond last Wednesday’s action in a future meeting.
“I would prefer multiple quotes, always,” he said. “We had to get this in front of you in a timely manner to keep the projects going. This (resolution) is a one-time necessity. The law is very specific. It’s rare (and requires) a very specific situation of urgency.”
Armstrong explained a resolution of necessity could not be used if the district had failed to plan, which was not the case in this instance.
Cunningham said the influx of twice the number of kindergarten students, currently at 60, is not the fault of the district.
The list of set costs for the work includes more than $40,000 to relocate the playground from the former Jordak Elementary School to CES, make site improvements and an estimate not-to-exceed $5,000 to mulch the playground.
Multiple local vendors will be paid a total of nearly $30,000 to convert the two unused locker rooms in the building into classrooms for kindergarten and first-grade students.
“The two locker room spaces in the elementary school are huge. We can reconfigure them,” Cunningham said, adding two small locker rooms will remain and a restroom for each of the new classrooms will be included.
A third kindergarten classroom will require minimal conversion, he said.
“We will eventually have three academic classrooms per grade level,” the superintendent said.
A previous proposal was to add a three-classroom wing at a cost of about $1
the board being familiar with Ohio Revised Code guidelines that apply to its operation.
Geauga County Veterans Services Director Michelle Pemberton and Administrative Assistant Stacy Malone also noted area veterans qualify for assistance from their office, which provides temporary financial services, transportation to and from medical facilities and indigent burials, among other support.
Chardon Township Trustee Mike Brown delivered a heartfelt memorial for late township Trustee Chuck Strazinsky, describing See Transit• Page 9
million, but the reconfiguration makes that unnecessary for now, he said.
Another large space in the school — formerly the family and consumer science room — will be divided into two classrooms for students with disabilities. A concrete ramp and wider doorways were being added, Cunningham said. The list shows a cost of $14,800 for those changes.
Other items on the list and accompanying not-to-exceed costs include carpeting for the renovated areas ($5,000), classroom renovations ($3,900), replacement windows ($30,000) and renovation contingencies and related work ($5,000).
On a tour of the building July 12, Cunningham showed off the newly-created student services area down the hall from the school office. Several modest office spaces were painted and carpeted for the assistant principal, guidance counselor, therapists and a social worker in what had been an empty hallway.
“There was so much wasted space,” he said. Outside workers were installing playground equipment brought over from Jordak next to the large blacktop pad so students from kindergarten through grade six could have a traditional recess even in inclement weather, Cunningham said.
He pointed to the practice field with a soccer goal and said a basketball hoop will be available, as well.
Community support for the shift from three to two buildings hinged, in part, on making sure all elementary grades would have recess, Cunningham said, adding, “Kindergarten through grade six will have playground time.”
Solution to Water Woes
Stirs Middlefield Mayor
By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia.com
Middlefield Village Mayor Ben Garlich floated an idea during Middlefield Village Council’s July 11 meeting that could help resolve water issues for the village and one of the area’s premier businesses.
For years, the village has worked to supply residents, businesses and industry with the water needed to keep the doors open and to help the village grow.
In the last two years, the village began the lengthy process of drilling a third well. It is under construction along the Maple Highlands Trail, requiring the popular pathway to be closed during the week, said village Administrator Leslie McCoy in a phone interview July 15.
Last Thursday, Garlich suggested a novel use for the water that flows from the wastewater treatment plant on the northwest side of the village.
Rothenbuehler Cheesemakers on Nauvoo Road releases many gallons of water used to produce cheese into the creek north of town. The creek flows into the Cuyahoga River. In order to keep the creek at a temperature conducive to wildlife habitat, the water from the factory must be cooled and the company uses water from the village wells to do so.
Council member Sam Morrow said the
water used to cool the company’s effluent is a source of frustration for him.
“Every time I cross that bridge (over the creek), it drives me insane to see all that water being wasted,” he said.
Meanwhile, the village wastewater treatment plant releases nearly potable water into the creek, Garlich said.
“We have one million gallons a day coming from the wastewater treatment plant. The cheese company has to cool its water,” he said, asking village Utility Director Joe Tucholski the temperature of the treatment plant’s released water.
“Water comes out pretty chilled – below 70 degrees,” Tucholski said.
Garlich said if Rothenbuehler would agree to use treated water for cooling, he would seek funding to set up the infrastructure necessary to transport the water from the village plant on Tare Creek Parkway to where the cheese factory discharges its water near the bridge over Tare Creek.
McCoy said the project is still just an idea and would need to be presented to the Cleveland Water Alliance, an economic development group providing support for water conservation projects, as a full plan.
“It’s a no-brainer, if we can get it financed,” Garlich said. “It answers their water problem forever and takes care of our water problems immediately.”
Chagrin Falls Nonprofit Cultivating Global League of Superheroes
By alliSon WilSon editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
With the help of a Chagrin Falls-based nonprofit and a worldwide League of Extraordinary Artists, children and teens with illnesses and disabilities around the globe are seeing themselves transformed into the superheroes of their dreams.
“We are a non-profit that uses art as a tool for healing and empowering youth impacted by serious illnesses, disabilities and other complex mental health, developmental and medical needs,” said Lisa Kollins, founder of The Superhero Project. “Essentially, we interview kids and teens about who they are beyond their diagnosis and find out how they want to help the world, how they want to make a positive difference in their communities or in the lives of the people around them.”
Applicants are taken through a strengthsbased interview covering who they are as a person and the kinds of adventures they would like to go on. The thing applicants find most important becomes their superhero mission.
“After that, we take them through a series of questions to help them conceptualize their superhero alter ego,” she said. “We ask them what they look like, what kind of tools and powers they have, how they get from place to place, all that fun stuff.”
Following the interview, each applicant is matched with an artist — one of over 600 volunteers from across six continents — who designs a poster depicting them as the hero they described. Though children never meet their artist, the artist sends them a letter along with their final art piece.
“The only continent we’re missing right now is Antarctica. And I have been trying my best to find an artist in Antarctica who will participate,” Kollins said. “But, that hasn’t happened, yet.”
Parent Jennifer Kelly, who heard about the project through a Facebook group for her son’s rare disorder, described his reaction to his poster.
“He loves faces. Whether it’s faces on pictures or in person, he loves expressions. And
in the picture, Captain Hugs has a big smile,” she recalled, describing how he was thrilled to see it. “We have it on our mantle today.”
A number of small details from the interview had been incorporated, down to her son’s favorite food in his alter-ego’s belt.
“You could tell the thought and effort that went into wanting to capture my child,” she said.
In such a visual society, the picture also acted as another tool to bring awareness to her son’s disorder and was able to highlight both her son’s fight and how he matters, Kelly said.
Applicants are a mix of ages — as of now, age 2 and up are accepted. Though the cutoff is usually 18 to 20, exceptions are made for young adults with developmental disabilities. Around 1,550 superheroes had been created, with families hailing from 47 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, eight Canadian provinces and 25 total countries, Kollins said.
Though a humble act, the project has had many positive impacts on participants, such as an increase in self confidence, she said, adding it helps to give back agency, especially to kids going through illnesses like cancer — they’re in control and can decide how they look.
The project also fosters resilience.
people themselves when they’re facing an ob stacle,” Kollins said. “They can think about which of their superpowers they wanna call on in this moment and you know, parents can ask ‘what would your superhero do right now to get through this tough moment?’”
Finally, the project fosters a sense of connection in a group that may otherwise feel alone.
“All too often, families who have children either with disabilities or going through some kind of medical issue, feel really isolated,” Kollins said. “Extended family members, their neighbors, their faith community, their school community — they may back away because they aren’t quite sure what to say or what to do.”
The artwork provides a way for families to show people how they see their child, which can help start conversations needed to bring groups back together.
Kelly echoed Kollins’ sentiment.
“I think going through this experience, sometimes you feel isolated as a caregiver and as a family,” she said. “Our experience in life is very unique and different. Here’s such a great reminder of, you guys, we're seeing you and we celebrate you.”
surprised me at the beginning when I started understanding the impact that this could make, that it was more than just some-
Bainbridge Trustees Officially Approve 2.75-Mill Fire/EMS Levy
By kayleigh SchaRf editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
Bainbridge Township Trustees finalized putting a 2.75-mill additional fire and EMS levy on the November general election ballot July 8, choosing to make it a five-year versus a continuous levy.
While trustees had settled on 2.75 mills in May, Trustee Jeff Markley said at the time they wanted to wait for more residential input regarding whether to make it a five-year or continuous levy before officially voting on the measure.
“The residents voiced their objections to a continuous levy, so we decided to go with a five-year (levy),” Fire Chief Lou Ann Metz said in a follow-up text, adding officials believed a five-year levy would accomplish three things.
“This levy will allow us to stabilize our staffing, give us time to get a better idea of what the actual service needs/costs (are) for Geauga Lake (and) determine what revenue the development will bring in,” Metz said. “This will allow us time to analyze the data and develop a stronger long-term financial plan for the department going forward.”
The proposed 2.75-mill levy, if passed, would cost homeowners $96 annually per $100,000 property valuation and yield $2,262,000 per year at 100% collection, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.
Metz spoke during the July 8 meeting about the levy’s importance.
“If the levy passes, the fire department will be able to return our staffing to six personnel per day,” she said. “That will enable us to staff all three of our (Advanced Life Support) ambulances. It is common for us to receive up to four calls within an hour. Currently, when both of our ambulances are responding to calls, we request aid from our neighboring departments. Depending upon where the call is in the township and which agency is available, the response times average 13 minutes. If the nearest agency is not available, that increases the response time even more.”
Metz also noted fire hydrants do not service 60% of the township and firefighters rely on tankers to haul water to the fire to support operations.
“If the levy passes, in the event of a fire, we will be able to respond with our tanker,
which carries 3,000 gallons of water, and our engine, which carries 1,000 gallons, for a total of 4,000 gallons,” Metz said. “This will provide enough personnel to conduct search and rescue while fighting the fire. With our current staffing, we only bring 1,000 gallons of water and are reliant on mutual aid to bring additional manpower and water. This hinders our ability to conduct safe operations, putting residents and firefighters at greater risk and resulting in higher property losses.”
Bainbridge voters had soundly rejected a previous additional 4.75-mill ambulance and EMS levy in May 2023, causing officials to go back to the drawing board.
Metz hopes for a much better outcome for the currently proposed 2.75-mill levy, speaking candidly about the ripple-effect on the department and community if it does not pass.
“Sadly, if the levy fails, staffing will be cut to three personnel and the station will be emptied with each call. Some firefighters will lose their jobs,” the chief said. “We will be forced to rely on mutual aid far more with longer response times, putting a strain on those departments. We will not be able to conduct interior firefighting operations until
additional firefighters and water arrives. This will result in higher risk to residents and firefighters, and increased property loss. The department’s ISO rating will increase resulting in higher property insurance.”
Bainbridge officials will be holding monthly community meetings between now and November to continue discussion on the levy and answer any questions or concerns. The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. July 24 at the fire station.
In related business, trustees agreed the township would benefit from creating a Citizens’ Financial Review Advisory Committee to evaluate the fire department’s finances.
“(The committee) is a panel of residents who will be examining the fire department’s budget, revenue and expenses,” Metz explained, adding a community member brought the idea to her department for the committee to serve as a third-party evaluation that could report on financial conflicts they see.
“I think it’s smart,” said Trustee Kristina O’Brien. “What could be better than to have citizens roll up their sleeves, in a positive manner, and get the information and answers to the questions that we all have.”
The project’s vast impact amazed Kollins. “It
“Cyclic Soulflower,” inspired by L., age 13, was designed by Meredith Noyes. See Superheros•
AUBURN TOWNSHIP
Trustees Act to Pay Back $700,000 to Property Owners
By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com
Auburn Township Trustees took action July 15 to pay back residents in 2025 more than $700,000 erroneously collected over three years.
“We are obligated to refund the money that was collected inappropriately,” said Trustee P.J. Cavanagh. “The auditor and the budget commission have discretion on how to get the money back from the township.”
The initial mistake was apparently made as a result of the timing of the levy renewal resolution in 2017, which cut the collection term from five years to four years, Cavanagh said in a September 2024 trustees meeting.
The Geauga County Board of Elections discovered the mistake last year when trustees tried to renew the 1-mill levy that was never placed on the ballot, said Trustee Mike Troyan in a phone interview July 16.
Essentially, the proper paperwork was not filed in 2017 to place the levy on the ballot but the county and state continued to send funds for the 1-mill levy and neither the fiscal officer at the time nor the trustee who was the liaison to the fiscal officer questioned it, Troyan explained.
In a nutshell, the road levy was collected for three years without voter approval.
At the time, the total amount collected was said to be $530,000, but further computation has seen that figure increase. Troyan said last Tuesday no one knows the exact figure, but it seems to be just under $700,000.
However, interest for each of the three years will be applied to the refunds due homeowners.
Trustees hoped to make payments over the space of a few years but, despite attempted negotiations with Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder, Cavanagh said last Monday the entire repayment from the township was set for the first half of 2025.
“We are sort of reluctant … this repayment is being made as fast as possible,” he said. “Chuck Walder would be the hammer and we’d be the nail.”
Refunding that money to the homeowners is going to be a huge headache, Troyan said.
Walder said in a previous interview he contracted with an outside firm to track down every person who paid property taxes during that time period so refunds could be made. If that person has died, the refund would go to the estate, he said.
During Monday’s meeting, Cavanagh said the next year is going to be fiscally rocky and noted the need for a small road and bridge levy, initiated in previous actions.
“Our budget summary is admittedly pessimistic. We will be $306,000 in the negative next year … as a result of the levy
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him as being “honest and forthright — perfect qualities for a township trustee.”
Russell Township Trustee Matt Rambo updated attendees on a variety of legislation, noting preservation committees can be established by township authority regarding
Our budget summary is admittedly pessimistic. We will be $306,000 in the negative next year … as a result of the levy situation. We have to change the way we allocate our inside millage.
-
P.J. Cavanagh
situation. We have to change the way we allocate our inside millage,” he said.
Trustees voted to put in place a strategy allowing them to pay off the lump sum in the first quarter of 2025.
The first resolution, passed unanimously, places an additional five-year, 0.65-mill road and bridge levy on the Nov. 5 ballot. If it passes, it would be collected beginning in 2025, Cavanagh said.
The second resolution, also passed unanimously, was to reallocate the inside, unvoted millage that comes to the township automatically.
Fiscal Officer Dan Matsko, who was appointed last year, explained the township traditionally allocates 1.4 mills of inside millage to the general fund and 1.6 mills to the road and bridge fund. In 2025, 3 mills will be allocated to the general fund, since that is the only fund trustees can access to return the inappropriately collected tax money.
Once voters approve a levy for roads and bridges, that money could only be used for the road department, Troyan said.
“This strategy is to make sure we have enough money in the road and bridge fund to do our planned projects,” Matsko said. “We have been carrying over money from the gas tax fund. To give the road department some relief, we are going to pull $200,000 back and pay three-fourths of (road department) salaries out of the gas tax money.”
Cavanagh said county officials have reached out to the state to help figure out what needs to be done and how it could be accomplished.
“Months ago, the Ohio Department of Taxation became involved,” he said. “County Prosecutor (Jim Flaiz) said this was kind of unprecedented.”
Troyan spent time in talks with officials.
“This has never been done before,” he said.
Trustee Gene McCune noted he was not a trustee when the errors were made.
“But, it sounds like we are paying back money we never asked for,” he said.
the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
He also noted individuals who refuse to pay for zoning permits and services may now face civil charges.
Rambo suggested going to the GCTA website and using the bill tracker to follow legislative bills, including proposed House Bill 344, which would eliminate township authority to ask for replacement levies
Superheros from page 8
thing fun and cool,” she said. “And, I really started doing it just to put a little bit of kindness out in the world.”
Kollins came up with the idea following an activity she ran at a summer camp.
“For nine years, I was a counselor at Camp Sunrise, which for many years was the only camp in Ohio for kids impacted by HIV and AIDS,” she said. “One summer, the theme of the camp was about finding your inner superhero and I just thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be so fun if the first day of camp, we asked the kids who they would be as a superhero and then surprised them the last day of camp with a picture of themselves as their superhero?’”
She realized she had stumbled into something special when she saw the campers’ reactions.
“They were cheering and hooting and hollering and clapping and laughing and just celebrating each other,” she said. “I realized I had really stumbled into something special and I hated to just let it go.”
From there, she began conducting interviews with families at University Hospitals’ Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. Over time, the project grew and she began to get requests from families outside the hospital, from outside Cleveland and, eventually, outside Ohio.
“I just did an interview with a family in Saskatoon, in Saskatchewan, and their poster is being designed by an artist in the Philippines. And I’m here in the middle in the U.S.
Support Superhero Project with Ice Cream
The Superhero Project will be collaborating with Chagrin Falls ice cream shop Cibik’s Dairy Island as part of A Superhero Summer.
The shop will host an event Aug. 4 featuring volunteers from Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio, posters from the project, a fire truck and music from the Chagrin Falls High School Marching Band.
The ice cream shop will match donations to the project.
just facilitating everything and doing the interviews,” she said.
She described the experience as overwhelming in the best possible way.
“I really couldn’t imagine how it would grow and how much of a difference it makes to families,” she said, adding for some families, their project piece is now a memorial.
At present time, the project has a waiting list of five to six months, though children with degenerative diseases, in hospice care and getting active treatment are expedited.
More information on The Superhero Project can be found at www.superheroprojectkids.org. The program is free and open to families anywhere in the world.
Accommodations can be arranged for those uncomfortable using spoken English. Artists interested in joining the league are encouraged to pick samples that show youthful character design work. .
10x16' 2000 Series 4'
16x24' Alpine Cottage
All-Star Charity Baseball Game Honors, Supports Veterans
By RoSe nemunaitiS editoR@kaRlovecmedia com
Baseball players in an upcoming all-star game will be hitting one out of the ballpark in support of U.S. military veterans.
For the first-time ever, the Lake Erie Sea Dogs — including Chardon High School alum Jason Rogish — will play against the U.S. Military WarDogs July 21 in a charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, home of the Lake County Captains minor league baseball team.
“It is truly an honor to be part of this charity event and give back to the people that sacrifice it all for our freedom. They deserve this and so much more,” said Rogish, of Chester Township. “If people are looking for something to do on July 21st, this will be an event to remember. All ticket proceeds will be going back to the veterans. It's not just about baseball, but bringing people together to show their support for the people that fight for this beautiful country of ours.”
Created in 2018, the Forever Never Forgotten nonprofit organization partners with the U.S. Military WarDogs baseball team — comprising the military’s best ball players — and travels the country playing major, minor and collegiate teams to raise money and awareness for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality, unemployment and disability.
The Sea Dogs baseball team — which recently won a gold medal at the 2024 Cleveland Pan-Am Masters Champions 30+ division — comprises the Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball wood bat league, with members ranging from former minor league players to beginners, said manager and player
Mike Gandee, of Middlefield. Other Geauga players include Chardon residents Todd Moyer, Keith McCloud, Mike Ezzo, Kyle Burgan and Jeremy Rellinger.
Sea Dogs’ starting catcher, Alan Brace, who used to play for a similar touring military baseball team, initiated the upcoming charity game by contacting his previous coach, of the WarDogs, on Facebook.
Then, Gandee helped organize it, agreeing a portion of the proceeds would go toward the WarDogs and their mission, while the other portion would go toward American K9 Dynamics, of Jefferson, which trains service dogs for military veterans.
One such veteran, Debby McCuistion, of the U.S. Air Force, and her service dog, Bellatrix, will benefit from the financial help.
“This honor is so huge,” said McCuistion, who crochets lap blankets, baby booties, hats and quilts for fellow veterans. “It is so expensive to train and raise a service dog. These dogs have 25 to 40 thousand dollars invested in them in order to assure they can care for their person they will live with. This will assure me (Bella) gets the best training at American K9 Dynamics.”
Mike Finney, professional dog trainer with American K9 Dynamics, said having the opportunity to work alongside McCuistion has been a blessing and an honor.
“Seeing the impact that Bella has made in Debby’s daily life has been wonderfully fulfilling,” Finney said.
The loving bond between the two of them has provided both mobility and emotional support for McCuistion, he said.
“Witnessing the growth and progress of Bella transforming from a puppy in training to becoming a reliable companion is a pow-
erful experience,” Finney said. “Debby and Bella are practicing the consistency needed along this adventure now and as the road opens up before them.”
He emphasized consistency is at the core of all dog training.
“Whenever we work with veterans, we know that we’re contributing to the well-being of those who have served our country and that builds a profound sense of purpose and pride for us as trainers, and as a company dedicated to our vets,” Finney said. “Training service dogs involves continuous learning on our parts and the application of new techniques keeps the work fun and intellectually rewarding. The process is therapeutic for the trainers, our clients and their companions.”
Game day sponsors include Rogish
Farms, American K9 Dynamics, City Link Renovations, Citywide Solutions Inc. and donations from players.
“The goal is to make this an annual event, as every single player on our team supports veterans, active duty and first responders,” Gandee said. “So, participating in an event like this just made sense for our team. If we can continue to help our veterans, active duty, Gold Star families and first responders then that is a win in our book. If you want to help our cause, then donations would be greatly appreciated.”
All veterans, active duty and first responders have access to free tickets via VetTix and 1stTix. To purchase tickets, visit https:// rb.gy/dxc6xc.
Pan-Am Masters Champions 30+ division.
Chardon Swimmers Victorious Over Heights in Home Meet
By alan koRnSpan SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia com
As members of the Suburban Swim League, the Chardon Sharks hosted the Heights Tigersharks for a regular season meet July 13 at Chardon Pool.
The Sharks were victorious, defeating the Tigersharks 259 - 245.
After the meet, Chardon Head Coach Becca Marra discussed her team’s performance. Overall, she was pleased with how the Sharks performed.
“We had a really good meet,” Marra said. “We had a lot of great races, a lot of good kids swimming today.
“It was a really good day, a lot of wins, so that is really exciting.”
Added Sharks swimmer Maddy Creshow, who also swims as a Hilltopper for the high school: “It went really well. I think we all competed really good. Toward the end we all started to get a little tired; it was really hot outside.”
In addition to their competition against the Tigersharks, Coach Marra said the Sharks have been swimming well all season long, particularly the excellent U 11-12 girls relay teams.
“It's been really fun watching them swim,” Marra said. “They are just ahead of the whole pack, and they're really hard workers.”
Marra also noted the 8 U swimmers, who are just starting out and have been swimming very well.
“My 8-and-unders, the newest ones, are doing a great job,” their coach said. “This is the first year for a lot of them. Very proud of all those kids.”
Coach Marra also began her swim career with the Chardon Sharks as an 8-year-old.
She continued swimming with the Sharks and also swam for the Chardon Hilltoppers in high school. In college, Marra swam for the Ohio University Club Swim Team.
Marra credits Hilltoppers Head Coach Matt Parrish for helping her develop a passion for the sport. In fact, it was Parrish who encouraged her to begin her coaching career with the Chardon Sharks while she was still in high school.
“I've been coaching this team (Chardon
Sharks) for over 10 years now,” said Marra, who's also been head coach for the past three years. “It's been really fun.”
Likewise, Sharks swimmers Maddy Creshow and Brooke Shantery echoed that fact.
“It's a lot different than high school swimming. It's really fun,” Creshow said. “We get to know a lot more people.
“High school is good for intensity and competing; the summer is just, like, a lot of fun, and we get to see a lot of new people.” Added Shantery, “(Summer) brings a lot of confidence back if you're losing confidence in the sport.”
With the Suburban Swim League season coming to an end, the Sharks have one more home meet against Riverside on July 20, then compete in the Suburban Swim League Championships on July 27 and 28 at the Mentor Civic Center Pool.
More information on the Chardon Sharks can be found at www.chardon.cc/425/Chardon-Sharks.
meet against the Heights Tigersharks.
Lions, Badgers Compete in 7-on-7 at Great Lakes Cheese Stadium
By alan koRnSpan SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia.com
The NDCL Lions traveled to Berkshire's Great Lakes Cheese Stadium on July 9 to participate in a 7-on-7 scrimmage with the Badgers, Edgewood Warriors and Jefferson Area Falcons.
Play included each team participating in three games. In addition, the linemen competed in competitive drills including a relay and tug of war competition.
Throughout the 7-on-7, the Lions displayed an excellent passing game. First-year Head Coach Andre Griffin said participating in 7-on-7s is helpful for the team, providing players with an opportunity to compete and obtain experience.
Griffin said the Lions started a little slow, but were able to finish strong.
“They never gave up, never gave in,” he said.
Senior wide receiver Nick Dietrich also said his team has developed a high level of cohesion this summer, and that the 7-on-7 demonstrated team chemistry.
“Our whole team is really bonding together like a family now,” Dietrich said, “so just what we love to see, especially early on doing 7-on-7s.”
Cohesion was certainly evident on the field as senior quarterback Ryan Lipowski connected with his receivers.
Lipowski said the Lions played well in all three passing scrimmages.
“We are looking really good through the air right now,” Lipowski said. “(We had) a ton of completions, a ton of touchdowns, (both in the) short game and long game. So I'm feeling really good about us right now.”
In particular, Lipowski said he likes to throw the fade route to senior wide receiver Brendan Sawitke. In fact, Lipowski and Sawitke connected for a touchdown on the fade route in their 7-on-7 against the Badgers.
“It was a go ball,” Sawitke said. “I looked at my quarterback, he saw I had a chance. I stemmed in a little bit, flared out. He gave me a good ball, I caught it.”
Overall, Sawitke liked the way NDCL performed.
“Today's 7-on-7 was good,” he said. “We started off with tough competition from Jefferson. They had some good skill.
“They really challenged us on offense. And then the last two teams we played, Edgewood and Berkshire, they were also good. (They) had some good DBs and challenged us.”
Lipowski also completed excellent passes to senior wide receiver Nick Dietrich.
His touchdown pass to Dietrich in the 7-on-7 against Berkshire was on a fade route, he said, but it was from the inside rather than the outside position.
“I saw the corner dropping back, so I tried to bullet it in, and he (Dietrich) got it right in the end zone,” Lipowski said.
Badgers quarterback Sam Barcikoski also performed well in the 7-on-7.
“I was throwing that dig (route) pretty well,” Barcikoski said, also reiterating that 7-on-7s are helpful for learning and self-reflection.
Badgers Head Coach Josh DeWeese noted that the 7-on-7 was the Badgers' eighth night of workouts this summer, and that the 7-on-7 on July 9 was their fourth of the summer.
DeWeese has seen a lot of growth from his team this summer.
“The guys have bought in,” he said.
The main things the Badgers worked on at the 7-on-7, he added, were route running and making accurate reads: “just (working) on the passing game, getting our routes precise, (and) the quarterback making the right read and getting the ball where it needs to be.”
As Geauga County high school teams continue summer workouts and their final 7-on-7s in the last few weeks of July, official practices are scheduled to begin Aug. 1.
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
Brendan Sawitke of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, left, makes an excellent touchdown catch in the corner of the endzone in the Lions’ 7-on-7 on July 9 against the Berkshire Badgers.
Bulletin Board
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Outreach Spaghetti Dinner
July 18, 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.
Rummage Sale
July 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 20, 9 a.m. to noon
Newbury United Community Church is hosting a rummage sale at the church located at 14916 Auburn Road in Newbury Township. Saturday is $2 bag day. For information, call 440-221-9099.
CV Herb Society Meets
July 19, noon
The Chagrin Valley Herb Society will meet at the Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy social time, followed by a business meeting. Email chagrinvalleyherbsociety@gmail. com to RSVP for the meeting.
Perennial Gardeners Flower Show
July 19, 1:30-5 p.m.
July 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland
presents, “A Summer to Remember,” a National Garden Club small standard flower show, at the West Geauga Library. Free and open to the public, the show will feature exhibits from club members in floral design, cut and container-grown horticulture, botanical arts and photography.
Concert
in the Park
July 19, 7-9 p.m.
City of Chardon hosts its free summer concert series featuring Aftermath at the bandstand on Chardon Square, weather permitting. Visit www.chardon.cc for information.
Free Fresh Produce
July 20, 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.
Fairmount Fun Fest
July 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Celebrate summer with special activities for the whole family, including an ice cream social, dance party, live music, a make-andtake art activity and more. The event is free to attend. For information, call 440-338-3171.
Huntsburg Grange Concert
July 20, 6-8 p.m.
Huntsburg Grange’s bandstand concert with True Country will be sponsored by Ohman Family Living at Blossom. The event also features food, raffles, a cake walk and church bake sale. Bring a lawn chair. In case of rain, the concert will be held in Huntsburg Community Center. Call 440-636-3052 with questions.
Polka Dancing Party
July 21, 3-7 p.m.
The Cleveland Federation and farm board picnic dance at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland features the Zolkas Band and Likovic and Friends. Celebrate the 120th anniversary of SNPJ and the 85th anniversary of SNJP Farm Kirtland.
Kitchen opens at 2 p.m. Open to the public, admission is free. For information, call 440-256-3423.
Antique Power Exhibition
July 26-28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 53rd annual Antique Power Exhibition, sponsored by the Historical Engine Society and Lake Metroparks Farmpark, will be held at Lake Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.
The event will feature live demonstrations, vendors, antique cars and trucks, gas engines, kid’s pedal tractor pull, barnyard animals and more.
Free Drive-in Movie Night
July 26, 6 p.m.
Fair Housing Resource Center is hosting a free drive-in movie night at Mayfield Road Drive-In, 12100 Stat Route 322 in Chardon. In addition to a free showing of “Shrek,” there will be free face painting, bouncy slide, children’s activities and Kona Ice.
Gardening 101
July 27, 10 a.m. to noon
Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ free Gardening 101 series continues with “Harvesting and Preserving Your Bounty” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton.
Master gardeners Mirko Antloga and Deb Miller will cover when and how to determine vegetables and fruits are at optimum ripeness and how to preserve for both short and long-term storage.
Registration is required; call 440-834-4656. For more information, visit geauga.osu.edu.
Century Village Speaker Series
July 28, 2-4 p.m.
Step into history as Brandy Hanusosky presents “Wildlife on the Ohio Western Reserve” at Century Village Auburn Church, 14653 East Park St., Burton. Cost is $5 per person. Children 6 and under are free. Call 440-834-1492 for information.
Veterans Resource Fair
July 31, 4-6 p.m.
Geauga County Veteran Services is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair Veterans Legacy Woods Park, 14085 Ravenwood Drive in Newbury Township.
Learn about resources available for veterans and their families while enjoying a free meal. Stop by the Geauga County Veterans Services table for a door prize.
For more information or to register, call 440-279-1860.
Benefit Auction
Aug. 2, 4:30 p.m.
The annual benefit auction for theMiddlefield Care Center Amish birthing center will be held at Heritage Marketplace, 15848 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield. The event includes live and silent auctions, raffle tickets, bake sale, food stand and a quilt auction at 7 p.m. Donations are needed and appreciated.
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 440-834-1492. There is no entry fee for participants.
CSA Arts Festival
Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chardon Square Association is sponsoring its 43rd annual Arts Festival on historic Chardon Square. The outdoor show features 100 juried artists. Admission and parking are free.
Master Gardeners Helpline
Have gardening questions? A Master Gardeners Volunteers helpline is available via phone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by calling 440-834-4656, May through October, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or email questions to mggeauga@yahoo.com anytime.
Planning a garden-related event and need a speaker or interested in learning more about MGV scholarships? Call 440-834-4656.
Raccoon County Music Festival
Aug. 10, noon to 6 p.m.
The 47th annual Raccoon County Music Festival will be held at the Geauga County Historical Society’s Century Village Museum, 14653 East Park St. in Burton. Gates open at 10 a.m.
The fundraising concert features live music all day, an open jam session at 7 p.m., a variety of food and drinks for purchase and more. Historical village buildings and the Crossroads Store will be open for visits and tours.
Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for children ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and under. For up-to-date information, call 440834-1492.
Geauga SWCD Announces Poster Contest Winners
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) proclaimed April 28 – May 5 as Stewardship Week, marking the 69th year of the national event. In collaboration with NACD, the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District sponsored a poster contest with the theme, “May The Forest Be With You, Always
The Geauga SWCD received numerous entries. Winners are: Grades K-1: first place – Franklin Heimovitz; Grades 2-3: first place– Delilah Heimovitz and second place – Finley McMillion; Grades 4-6: first place – James (Paul) Winningham and second place – Amelia Shively; and Grades 7-9: first place – Janna Winningham and second place – Bethany Shively. Winners will be recognized at the Geauga SWCD annual dinner meeting on Oct.10 at Veterans Legacy Woods.
The first-place winners of each category move on to the state competition. Visit the district website at www.geaugaswcd.com to view the 2024 winning posters.
For information about Stewardship Week and the Conservation Poster Contest, contact Katie Nainiger at knainiger@geauga.oh.gov or 440-834-1122.
Berkshire
Alum Named Baking & Pastry Champ
Berkshire High School Class of 2024 graduate Jade Fink earned first place in the Baking and Pastry category at the 2024 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Competition in Seattle, Wash., held June 29 through July 3.
Fink
As a student in the culinary arts program at Auburn Career Center, Jade competed against other students from across the nation and displayed an impressive level of both skill and knowledge.
Patricia Jean Bohon
Patricia Jean “Patty” Bohon, age 84, died surrounded by family on Friday, June 28, 2024, after months of declining health.
Patty was born in Hambleton, W.Va., on March 18, 1940. She graduated from Par sons High School, class of 1958. She was one of the “Three Musketeers,” with her best friends Madeline and Eloise. She worked at the Parsons Nursery, the Dorman Mill and Parsons Footwear. She then served as caregiver to her elderly mother, Alice.
Patty loved animals, especially horses. She cherished life on the farm she shared with her loving, devoted husband, Earl Joseph Bohon, where they worked hard to grow flowers and food, tend to their furred and feathered family, and build their home and lives together. Aug. 5, 2024, would have been their 62nd anniversary.
Patty is survived by her husband, Earl Bohon, of Willoughby Hills; her lifelong friend, Madeline Myers Weaver, of Pfafftown, N.C.; her aunt-by-law, Viola Filler, of Parsons, W.Va.; her cousin, Joseph “Joe” Hebb, of White Plains, Md.; her sister-in-law, Doris Bohon, of St. George, W. Va.; her nieces, Jennifer “Jen” Collette, of Maple Heights, and Dawn Collette Skomrock, of Springfield, Ohio; her nephew, Jason Collette, of Chardon; her niece-in-law, Patty Collette, of Mayfield Heights; her chosen daughter and sonin-law, Jolean Haught and John “Jay” Kisner, of Willoughby Hills; her Parsons Seventh-Day Adventist Church family; and several close friends and neighbors from Location Road, W. Va.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Theron and Alice Collette; her siblings, Theron “Steve” Collette and Sharon Hovatter; her nephew, Theron “Doug” Collette; her uncle, Max Collette; her Aunt Erma “Erm” Mauzy; her close friends, Denver and “Ginny” Haught; and numerous other family and friends.
Patty was an excellent cook and baker. She loved a wide variety of music, as well as musicals and westerns, especially Calamity Jane and Gunsmoke. She was playful and strong-willed.
All of Patty’s family and friends will deeply miss and lovingly remember her.
Patty did not want a funeral service.
If you are able, please consider donating to the Tucker County Animal Shelter, 586 Brooklyn Heights Road, Parson, WV 26287 or online to www.tuckercountyanimalshelter. com.
Obituaries
Ralph Lance Cleveland
Ralph Lance Cleve land, age 85, of Hamb den Township, peace fully passed away surrounded by his lov ing family on July 14, 2024, at his home.
Born on June 17, 1939, in Rockford, Ill., to Ralph Phillip and Bernita Alice (nee Sch reiber) Cleveland. Ralph and Joyce were long time Hambden residents, after relocating from Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Ralph married the love of his life, Joyce LaRaine Loberg, on May 29, 1970, in Temple Hills, Md., at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and joy.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Ralph's sense of duty and service extended beyond his military career. He was an active and dedicated member of the Geauga Kiwanis, where he contributed to numerous community initiatives.
Ralph enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, playing cards and visiting the casino. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
Ralph is survived by his beloved children, Kirsten (David) Downey, of Columbus, Jamie (Scott) Henderson, of Chardon, and Phil Cleveland, of Roaming Shores.
He was the cherished grandfather of Emily Cleveland, Benjamin Cleveland, Cecelia Henderson, Ella Henderson, Jack Henderson, Ethan Downey and Brooke Downey. Ralph is also survived by his sister, Pamela Dell, of Sterling, Mass.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Joyce Cleveland. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, 8091 Plank Road, Thompson Township, with burial to follow at Hambden Township Cemetery.
The family suggests donations in Ralph’s memory be made to the Hambden Township Fire Department, 9867 Old State Road, Chardon, OH 44024.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home of Chardon. For more information and to share condolences, please visit www.burrservice.com.
Shirley Mavis Cavey
Shirley Mavis Cavey, 79, of Char don, passed away July 9, 2024, after a sixyear battle with de mentia, at her home with her loving family by her side.
She was born July 13, 1944, to parents Walter and Doris (nee Bediant) Miller in Painesville.
Shirley graduated from Riverside High School in 1962 and married Edward Lee Cavey on Jan. 19, 1963, at Ohio Community Christian Church in Painesville.
Shirley retired in 2017 and, in her free time, enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and crocheting prior to her dementia.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Edward Lee; children, Dawn M. (Nick) Skidmore, of Claridon Township, Denise M. (Paul) McAllister, of Chardon, and Deena M. (Solomon) Harper, of Hambden Township; grandchildren, Kaylee and TJ Wells, Breanne and Matt Barnauskas, Shaylynn and Steven Levesque, Kelsey and Brad Cardina, Micaela Harper and fiancé Jimmy Ebert, Shane McAllister, Branson and Samantha Skimore, and Miranda and Joshua Davis; and great-grandchildren, Rori and Brad, Everly and Harlie, Riley and Amelia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Doris Miller; brother, Richard D. Miller; and sister-in-law, Carel Miller.
The family held private services and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Shirley will eventually be buried at Hambden Cemetery.
The family asks that donations be made in her name to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, assisted the family with arrangements.
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.
The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal drivers in Chester Township. The meal routes start at the West Geauga Center, 8090 Cedar Road.
The Home Delivered Meal program delivers warm, nutritious lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, to homebound senior citizens in the community. Area agencies, organizations, church groups and individuals 18 years old or older, with a valid driver’s license, may volunteer. Training includes filing department on aging Home Delivered Meal volunteer paperwork and a short orientation about the program. To sign up or for any questions, contact Nathan Gorton at 440-279-2138.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice. com.
Youth Institute Participants Celebrate Graduation
Leadership Geauga celebrated the achievements of 25 high school students who completed its Youth Institute program on June 27. The graduation ceremony at St. Mary's Church in Chardon marked the end of a transformative two-week journey for the rising juniors and seniors. Special thanks go to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center for sponsoring the program.
Throughout the program, students engaged in immersive activities and educational opportunities. They began with a CliftonStrengths assessment to better understand their personal strengths as leaders. Following the assessment, they embarked on an 81-mile journey across Geauga County, visiting 20 organizations and meeting 55 local leaders. The organizations provided valuable insights into various career paths and opportunities, helping students gain firsthand knowledge about different fields of interest and fostering a vision for their future success.
The Youth Institute participants also had the unique privilege of connecting with past Heritage Program alumni, who shared career advice and personal experiences, inspiring the students to forge their own paths. Additionally, participants shared their individual career aspirations with the Leadership Geauga team, which thoughtfully paired them with a local business for a one-day mentorship experience. This allowed the students to shadow professionals in their chosen fields, providing valuable real-world exposure and guidance.
During the graduation ceremony, the students shared the career opportunities they had discovered, revealed their favorite stops during the program and reflected on their mentorship experiences. Over 60 guests, including proud friends and family members of the students and Leadership Geauga board members, gathered over lunch to honor and witness the students graduate.
In addition, Chester Township Trustee
Craig Richter and Russell Township Trustee
Matt Rambo have introduced a new initiative for West Geauga High School students: sponsorship for the 2024 Youth Institute organized by Leadership Geauga. Inspired by a presentation at the January 2024 Geauga County Township Association quarterly meeting, Richter proposed sponsoring two students from Ches-
ter Township for the program, receiving enthusiastic support from his fellow trustees. He emphasized the importance of engaging local youth in governance to address challenges in securing volunteers for township boards. Expanding the initiative, Rambo also endorsed the program, praising Leadership Geauga's excellence in fostering local connections and leadership skills. The collaboration highlights a commitment to nurturing leadership and community engagement among Geauga County's youth. Also, thank you to Chardon Rotary for sponsoring a Chardon High School student. Youth Institute graduates include: Macey Beers, Kathleen Brooks, Sean Butler, Brendan Donnelly and Laney Morgan from Notre Dame Cathedral Latin; Meredith Bors, Aerowyn Dacek, Peyton Kitzmiller, Katelyn
Miller and John Slattery from Berkshire High School; Aubrey Fetchik, Lucas Gajda, Rosemarie McDonald, Andrew St. James, Rachel Suszynski, Henry Sweet and Walter Sweet from Chardon High School; Ava Cavelli, Presley Goble and Campbell Reese from West Geauga High School; Mark (Liam) Humphreys from Andrews Osborne Academy; Will Klein, homeschool; Thomas Seifried from Kenston High School; and Carter Sindelar and Grayson Yoder from Cardinal High School.
Leadership Geauga remains committed to fostering the growth and development of emerging leaders in Geauga County. By providing these high school students with unparalleled learning opportunities and exposure to local professionals, the Youth Institute program is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Leadership Geauga celebrates the graduation of 25 Youth Institute participants at St. Mary’s Church in Chardon.
Legal Notices
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
GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NOTICE FOR BIDS
Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, Ohio 44024, or by mail at the same address until 1:45 p.m., local time on August 14, 2024 for Home Care Services: Assistance with Daily Living for Geauga County Residents Age 60 and Over, and will be opened at 2:00 o’clock PM and read immediately thereafter in Room B 303. Each bid must be accompanied by a bond or
certified check, cashier’s check, or money order on a solvent bank or savings and loan association, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount bid and shall be held as a guarantee that in the event the bid is accepted and a contract awarded to the Bidder, the contract will be duly executed in conformity with the invitation and the bid. Each agency is encouraged to participate in a bidder’s meeting on July 31, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Geauga Dept. on Aging, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite B 200, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Envelopes containing the bid and other required documents should be sealed and clearly marked Attention: Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, Ohio 44024, “Bid – Home Care Services: Assistance with Daily Living for Geauga County Residents Age 60 and Over”, as well as the name and address of the bidder.
The successful bidder is required to enter into a contract assuring the faithful performance of all things to be done and furnish a performance bond in a sum of not less than Twenty-Five percent (25%) of the total bid price for the completed work, said bond to be that of an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio meeting the requirements of O.R.C Section 153.57.
Specifications may be obtained at the Office of the Geauga Dept. on Aging at 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 200, Chardon, Ohio 44024, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each bidder must ensure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, disability or national origin.
The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to waive any formalities, irregularities or to reject any or all bids.
A copy of this legal notice is posted on the County’s internet site. Go to: https://bocc.geauga.oh.gov/public-notifications/bid-openings/ and click on the project name to view this legal notice.
By the Order of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners Christine Blair, Clerk Jul11-18, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Berkshire Local School District
Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Berkshire Local School District as provided in this notice for the Pre-K Modular Building – Site Utility Package Project Questions may be directed to Larry Rancour, Schorr Architects, at lrancour@schorrarchitects.com
Bid documents will be made available for a non-refundable purchase from: DC Reprographics, at their website (https://www.dcplanroom.com/).
Bids shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope addressed to Board of Education of the Berkshire Local School District, ATTN: Beth McCaffrey,
Treasurer, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton, Ohio 44021 and plainly marked on the outside “BERKSHIRE LSD – PRE-K MODULAR BUILDING – SITE UTILITY PACKAGE PROJECT BID.” Bids will be received until 12:00 P.M., local time August 5, 2024 and immediately after the deadline the bids will be opened and publicly read.
A pre-bid conference will be held at the District’s Campus located at 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Door 9, Burton, Ohio 44021 on July 24, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.
All bids must include a Bid Guaranty, as described in the Instructions to Bidders. No bidder may withdraw its bid within 60 days after the opening; the Board reserves the right to waive irregularities, reject any or all bids, and conduct necessary investigations to determine bidder responsibility.
Beth A. McCaffrey, Treasurer Jul11-18, 2024
PUBLIC
NOTICE
The following matters are the subject of this public notice by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The complete public notice, including any additional instructions for submitting comments, requesting information, a public hearing, filing an appeal, or ADA accommodations may be obtained at: https://epa.ohio. gov/actions or Hearing Clerk, Ohio EPA, 50 W. Town St. P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Ph: 614-644-3037 email: HClerk@epa.ohio.gov
Final Issuance of Permit to Install
CITY OF CHARDON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Facility Description: Wastewater Receiving Water: null Date of Action: 07/11/2024 Jul18, 2024
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
Case No. 24-F-000283 - Weststar Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, Vs. Leonid Strugatsky, et al., Defendants. Unknown Spouse of Laura Shepard Dimitroff as of November 14, 2007, address unknown, will take notice that on April 22, 2024, Weststar Mortgage Corporation filed its Complaint in the Common Pleas Court of Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court Street, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, in Case No. 24-F-000283, on the docket of the Court, and the object and demand for relief of which pleading is to foreclose the lien of plaintiff’s mortgage recorded upon the following described real estate to wit: Property Address: 11060 Taylor May Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 and being more particularly described in plaintiff’s mortgage recorded in Mortgage Book 2124, Page 1253, of this County Recorder’s Office. The above-named defendant is required to an-
swer within twenty-eight (28) days after last publication, which shall be published once a week for three consecutive weeks, or they might be denied a hearing in this case. By Melissa J. Whalen – ARDC#: 0068316; Melissa J. Whalen (0068316); Richard Mark Rothfuss II (0087592), Trial Counsel; McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC; 1 North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200; Chicago, IL 60602; (312) 346-9088; 24-01499OH1036665; ohio.pleadings@mccalla.com Jul18-25 Aug1, 2024
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO Case No. 24-F-000381 - Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans Inc., Plaintiff, vs. Andrew C. Carroscia, et al., Defendants.
ANDREW C. CARROSCIA AND UNKNOWN SPOUSE, IF ANY, OF ANDREW C. CARROSCIA, whose last known addresses are unknown and all of whose residences are unknown, will hereby take notice that on June 6th, 2024, Plaintiff filed its Complaint in the Common Pleas Court of Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court Street, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, being Case No. 24-F-000381 in said Court against ANDREW C. CARROSCIA, et al. praying for Judgment of $69,579.09 with interest at the rate of 5.87500% per annum from December 1, 2023, until paid and for foreclosure of a mortgage on the following described real estate, to wit:
PARCEL NO. 30-077300
STREET ADDRESS: 8259 Plank Road, Chardon, OH 44024
A COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PARCEL MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE COUNTY AUDITOR. and that Defendants be required to set up any interest they may have in said premises or be forever barred, that upon failure of said Defendants to pay or cause to be paid said Judgment within three days from its rendition that an Order of Sale be issued to the Sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, to appraise, advertise, and sell said real estate, that the premises be sold free and clear of all claims, liens and interest of any parties herein, that the proceeds from the sale of said premises be applied to Plaintiff’s Judgment and for such other relief to which Plaintiff is entitled.
Said Defendant(s) will take notice that they will be required to answer said Complaint on or before twenty-eight (28) days from final publication run date or judgment will be rendered accordingly.
By Ellen L. Fornash and Bethany L. Suttinger, Attorneys for Plaintiff; Padgett Law Group; 8087 Washington Village Drive, Ste. 220; Dayton, Ohio 45458; Phone:(850)422-2520; Fax:(850)422-2567; OHAttorney@padgettlawgroup.com Jul18-25 Aug1, 2024
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week of July 8, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
AUBURN TOWNSHIP
Sandra J. Philipson (trustee), 222 Heather Hill (Unit 74A), to Michael P. and Barbara J. Lynch, $545,000. (0.00 acres)
BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP
Mehmet A. Turan, 8695 Tamarack Trail,
to Thomas and Kathleen Podmore, $930,000. (2.01 acres)
Margaret Anne and Richard Secrist, 8770 East Brook Circle (Unit 31), to Richard B. Grampp Sr., $240,000. (0.00 acres)
Devin D. and Danielle C. Iafelice, 18245 Rolling Brook Drive, to Benjamin A. and Jessica Wiant, $620,000. (0.46 acres)
Kiara Cummings, 18367 Cranberry Ridge Lane, to Bonnie K. Vaughn (trustee), $700,000. (0.83 acres)
Jerald K. and Ann Lynn Cohen, 8230 Devon Court, to Michael E. Zeilinger, $1,100,000. (0.71 acres)
William A. Frink (trustee), 8320 Pebble Creek Court, to Ronald E. and Charlotte M. Peavey, $410,000. (0.61 acres)
Kathleen Vilics (TOD), 18145 Haskins Road, to Rhonda Jean Morris, $325,000. (5.01 acres)
Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Crescent Ridge (s/l 401), to One Two Nine Holdings LLC, $295,000. (0.75 acres)
BURTON VILLAGE
Jason George Corradi, 14795 S. Cheshire St., to Linda Sherrill Pyle, $260,000. (0.50 acres)
CHARDON CITY
Colton Gray and Jessica Sole, 300 Sylvia Drive, to Courtney Tomazin, $219,000. (0.25 acres)
Enoch E. Raber, 204 Water St., to Seth E. Herendeen and Savannah M. Thomas, $299,000. (0.25 acres)
HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP
Kristine A. Blakeman, 15619 Stillwell Road, to Jacob and Maria Mullet, $356,500. (1.59 acres)
Frank C. and Theresa M. Santoiemmo, 12535 Heath Road, to Gary Paul Rose and Traci Kathleen Rose, $790,000. (1.92 acres)
Todd Anthony and Holly Susznski, 11551 Winchester Drive, to Laura Bauer, $324,000. (1.50 acres)
Michael T. and Deborah A. Ludwig, Waterfowl Lane (s/l 10), to Scot R. and Tammy Lee, $80,000. (5.15 acres)
James R. Dhayer, 13108 Ravenna Road, to Nathan Dhayer, $280,000. (1.55 acres)
NEWBURY TOWNSHIP
Christian F. and Patricia L. Schmid (co-trustees), 15540 Moss Glen Trail, to Jeffrey and Sharon D. Snyderburn, $650,000. (4.17 acres)
SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE
Matthew C. and Marilyn D. Ambroggi, 1466 Bell Road, to Ryan C. and Meghan Riesterer, $855,000. (2.43 acres)
THOMPSON TOWNSHIP
Jason A. and Alyssa Folk, 15221 Thompson Road, to Stephen J. and Andrea M. Orlic, $230,000. (1.00 acres)
TROY TOWNSHIP
Ronald J. and Joann Long, 13872 Patch Road, to Bernard Allen and Sue A. Deak, $370,000. (2.50 acres)
Geauga County Sheriff’s Report
The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office June 5 to July 11, 2024.
ANIMAL ABUSE
July 6
12:38 p.m., Thompson Road, Hemly Tool Supply, Thompson. Dog in a VW Jetta gray. Caller opened the back door dog was friendly but would not come out. He is hiding by the steering wheel to get out of the sun. Then she called us. Hemly thinks the vehicle has left. Vehicle was gone upon arrival
ASSAULT
July 5
4:56 p.m., Ledge Road, Thompson. Caller needs to report that the manager of the park threw an object at his wife's face when they passed him today. Caller is requesting an officer meet him at DG right up the road to make the report. He does not want the manager knowing at this time. Caller advised that this is an on going issue because the caller won a court case against the manager. Complainant reported walked in front of them as they were pulling into KOA and threw a piece of trash at them which struck in the face. The trash was believed to be a piece of cardboard. did not claim to be injured and did not show any signs of injury. Advice was given on seeking a protection order.
FIREWORKS
July 6
9:14 p.m., Henning Drive, Chardon. Neighbors are setting off fireworks and they are landing in caller's pool. Caller asked them to stop and they cussed at him. Complainant did not claim to have any damage to his property. Advice given.
PROPERTY DAMAGE
July 6
9:09 a.m., Tilden Road, Troy. Complainant's mailbox was blown up by fireworks overnight. Spoke with neighbors who advised that juvenile was the one who put fireworks in mailbox. Deputies spoke to juvenile and his mother at their residence and mother advised would speak with complainant and pay for mailbox. Complainant stated that they did not want criminal charges.
SUSPICIOUS
July 5
6:05 a.m., Newcomb Road, Parkman. Turn into the drive, there is a deep gully on the right side with high grass. The caller believes large heavy black box, possibly an ATM, is laying in the creek. He believes the incident may have occurred yesterday night, around the time the deputy did a traffic stop near his home. He regrets not calling yesterday. There is a large hook with a chain and a piece of a bumper that was found in the driveway. He placed the
items behind a cement pad where his homemade flower pots were made out of hay rake. Call the complainant if you are unable to locate the items. ATM located. Removed by Interstate and taken to Middlefield PD for evidence.
July 6
12:43 a.m., Kinsman Road, Newbury. While driving down 44 a male wearing a long black coat, dark hair, beard, walked out into the middle of traffic. He was carrying something under his coat and then entered the gas station. Caller has left the area would like the store/male checked. Spoke with employee who advised male across the street came over, bought something, and left without issue.
July 6
5:48 p.m., Nelson Road and Stagecoach Drive, Parkman. On Nelson Road in the first curve from 422, on the right side of the road there is what appears to be a leg of some type. Caller thinks it's plastic. She did not see any muscles or bones popping out. It has a foot and toes. Deputy located fake leg, the leg was disposed of.
July 7
2:06 p.m., Williams Road, Hambden. Caller had found trespassers on his trail cam last week. He found a strange kick mark
on his backdoor. Caller has trail cam pictures of five males entering his driveway during the nighttime hours last weekend. There was a shoe mark on the caller's backdoor as if someone tried to kick it open. Shoe print photographed and documented.
July 9
9:16 a.m., Stacy Lane, Chester. Found car doors open. Not sure if anything is missing. Three vehicle trespasses, all three unlocked, nothing taken just went through each. See supplement.
THEFT
July 6
12:24 p.m., Willow Lane, Hambden. Stolen jewelry. Caller had boxes of jewelry stolen from her bedroom. The caller had a dryer delivered last Saturday. Three guys from Lowes delivered the dryer.
THEFT AUTO
July 10
10:52 a.m., GAR Highway, Hambden. 2013 Kia Soul. Sometime after 5 p.m. yesterday. Spoke with complainant, who advised his 2013 Kia Soul was taken from his residence on July 9. Stated he last saw the vehicle at 5 p.m. and did not give anyone permission to use the vehicle. Investigation pending.
FOR RENT
Office Space in Chardon: second floor, Main Street, approx. 535 square feet. $600/month, includes HVAC and water. Call 440-285-2247.
EVENTS
Geauga Center for the Arts presents Romeo and Juliet! July 19-21 and 26-28 at Big Creek Park, Frances Hall Amphitheater. Tickets and more information at gcarts. org.
FOR SALE
Wicker Rattan Storage Chest: 27” long, 15” deep, 16” high, heavy duty, like new, $50. Two Wicker Rattan Stools: $10 each. 440-548-2678.
Daylilies: over 450 varieties, $10 to $12 per large clump. Call 440-543-9303 or 440-570-1377.
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.
Life Magazines: from late ‘30s, early ‘40s, and ‘60s. Make offer. 440-670-4207.
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 440-2239471.
Howard Rototiller: 42” wide, for compact tractor. Cat 1 three-point hitch. $1,800. 440-487-2955.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
$1 Bag Sale! Tons of items. July 20, 9a-4p. 18071 Tilden, Troy Township, close to Rts 700 & 422. July 19–20, 9a–5p. 11945 Oakwood Lane, Chesterland. Household items, linens, camping equipment/ cookware, sporting goods, board games, books, prints/ paintings, and more.
“Maywood Community” Garage Sale! 8701 Mayfield Road, Chesterland. Saturday July 20th from 9a-4p. Leasurly drive through our development for individual sales!
HELP WANTED
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.
German Sheppard puppies. $400/each. 330-5403447.
Free to a good home: 4yr old red & white Husky female, up to date on vaccine and wormer. 440-632-1505. Free Bantam Roosters. 440-321-8152.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE fact: marijuana vapes, gummies, etc. Very harmful to our youth! Tell them! Warn them!
REAL ESTATE
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
Farm for sale: 17.64 acres, two parcels, adjacent to Headwaters Park and bike path. House: Three bedrooms, two baths, designated laundry room, living room, family room, pantry, skylights, two foyers, two porches, office, basement, two large barns, several outbuildings. Currently agriculture program, Geauga county; can be transferred. Taking bids, bidding ends august 31st. Reserve the right to decline any and all bids. Send bids: Stanley Darocha, 13110 Princeton, Huntsburg, 44046.
SERVICES
Caretaker will come to your home and help with laundry, light cleaning, cooking, and personal care. Certified with references. 440-313-1804.
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.
Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.
Did you know Karlovec Media Group prints business cards? Prices start at only $30 for 500 (B&W, 1-sided, no bleed). Call 440-729-7667 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com.
Taxi Service: 4 passengers only, for cleaning crews, short and long trips. Contact Lisa at 440-708-4835.
WANTED
WANTED TO BUY
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.
Small chest height freezer, prefer 4-5 cubic foot with display lid. 440-632-1415.
