Leaf
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Vol. 30 No. 33 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com
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DeWine Declares State of Emergency
By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com
After a powerful storm tore its way across Northeast Ohio Aug. 6 — dropping five tornadoes, including one in Chester Township — Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency Aug. 10 to help expedite state assistance to eight affected counties.
The declaration of emergency covered seven storm-ravaged counties in addition to Geauga — Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Summit and Trumbull.
"This declaration of a state of emergency will give the state the ability to give these communities expedited assistance,” DeWine said, adding that at the time, the state did not have any outstanding
SUBMITTED
Tornado, High Winds Cause Power Outages
page 15 Opinion page 14 Middlefield Village Income Tax Revenue Down, But Sky isn’t Falling, page 6 West Geauga Supt. Talks Cell Phone Policies page 4
Propose Dollar General Purchase Officially Over page 6 Sheriff’s Sales & Legal Notices start on page 16
page 20
Chester Sustains the Worst Damage
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
The roar of generators and the buzz of chain saws echoed around Geauga County Aug. 7 and 8 as residents dealt with the aftermath of five tornadoes that tore through Northeast Ohio Tuesday evening.
The National Weather Service reported one EH-1 tornado cut a swath through Kirtland, Chester Township and ended at Wilson Mills Road in Munson Township.
Chester Hit Hardest
“I watched the Chesterland tornado rip through our pasture as we went to the basement,” Robert
Ciszak commented on a Facebook post. “Rain was coming through closed windows like they weren’t there. In the end — Boulder Glen is decimated. Hundreds of trees down, two houses (ours included) with trees on them or in them. We had two vehicles crushed. Our street has worked together and we have a lot cleaned up from what it was — but there’s 30 years of damage done.”
Chester was hit hardest in the county. At one point, so many trees came down across electric wires that most of the township was without power, said Chester Township Fire Chief Bill Shaw in a phone interview Aug. 12.
“I’d estimate we were in the
90% range,” he said. “We did have a substantial number of trees down. It’s so forested here, when they come down, they get tangled up in the wires.”
When that happens, the area loses power until the wires can be cleared, he said.
Chester Township Fire Department fielded 53 calls for service in the first six hours after the storm, said firefighter Mike Gibson Aug. 9, adding they had close to 100 storm-related calls by noon last Friday
“We had a lot of trees fall into houses and a lot of electrical problems. It was definitely unusual for us,” he said. “We had crews out throughout the storm handling
Maple Leaf readers submitted images of storm damage like the one above, posted by Jane Milbourn Neubauer, depicting the state of their sugar house in Munson after severe high winds and a tornado blew through the county Aug. 6.
See page 9 for more submitted photos of storm damage throughout the county.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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: Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m., Family First Council, Ste. B167-168; Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m., Board of County Commissioners, with public hearing at 9:45 a.m. on proposed vacation of public right of way upon a portion of Tulip Lane in Bainbridge; Aug. 21, 6 p.m., Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services, 13244 Ravenna Road, Munson. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners’ meetings are held in Suite 350.
Aquilla Village: Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 65 Turner Drive, unless otherwise noted.
Auburn Township: Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.
Bainbridge Township: Aug. 15, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.
Burton Township: Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chardon Township: Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.
Chester Township: Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Aug. 22, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Claridon Township: Aug. 19, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees’ meetings are held at Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road, unless otherwise noted. All Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals
meetings are held at Town Hall, 13930 Mayfield Road.
Hambden Township: Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.
Huntsburg Township: Aug. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.
Montville Township: Aug. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.
Munson Township: Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.
Newbury Township: Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless noted.
Parkman Township: Aug. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: Aug. 21, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
South Russell Village: Aug. 20, 9:45 a.m. –
Village Council, 2025 budget hearing with county budget commission at Courthouse Annex, Chardon, 5:30 p.m. – Architectural Board of Review; Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Thompson Township: Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. January through April all trustees meeting will be at Thompson Branch of Geauga County Public Library, 6645 Madison Road and May through December at Town Hall at 6741 Madison Road.
Troy Township: Aug. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.
Chardon BOE: Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at Ira A. Canfield Building, 428 North St., Chardon, unless otherwise noted.
Kenston BOE: Aug. 19 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at Kenston High School Auburn Bainbridge Room, 9500 Bainbridge Road, Bainbridge, unless otherwise noted and will also be livestreamed.
West Geauga BOE: Aug. 19, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
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West Geauga Supt. Talks Cell Phone Policies
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
Following a parent email, West Geauga Schools Superintendent Rich Markwardt took time Aug. 5 to review district cell phone policies regarding an Ohio Department of Education decree.
“There was a question that arose with one of our families recently with regard to cell phone usage and I responded to that individual in writing, email,” Markwardt said during the West Geauga Schools Board of Education meeting, noting he had also sent a copy of ODE’s model policy.
“Basically, what is being acknowledged now is that cell phone usage can have a detrimental effect on student learning in schools,” he said.
ODE’s decree said schools must restrict the use of cell phones, but doesn’t say to what extent, Markwardt said.
“Schools can decide for themselves how those cell phones are going to be restricted. They have until July of 2025 to develop a cell phone policy,” he told the board.
At this point in time, the district has looked at potential modifications to their handbooks, seeing if they can meet both the
spirit of the decree and the needs of the district, Markwardt said.
“We don’t have the same issue with cell phone usage here that has prompted some of the larger districts to ban use of cell phones,” he said. “We don’t have, you know, students filming fights, we don’t have students using their cell phones to create disturbances in the school.”
This year’s handbooks only had a few changes, the main one at the middle school, Markwardt said, adding the schools have different policies that are age dependent.
At the elementary school, for example, cell phones are to be kept in backpacks out of sight and students are not supposed to have them out during the day, he said.
Cell phone usage at the middle school was more problematic, resulting in cell phones not being allowed in the classrooms, Markwardt said, adding instead, they are kept in students’ lockers and students are allowed to use the office phone if necessary.
“(Keeping phones in lockers will) help so we don’t have some of the issues that we have occurring with the air drops at lunch where kids will have a picture of a kid, or an insult of a kid, or take a photograph of a kid,” he said. “We don’t want them to have them
at lunch, we don’t want them to have them in the hallways. We just want them to be out of sight and in their lockers, out of reach for the middle school kids.”
The high school has cell phone racks on the classroom doors. It’s up to the teachers if students keep their phones on their persons, Markwardt said, noting there hasn’t been a problem with that policy thus far.
Policy decisions were made with input from the students, teachers and administration, the superintendent said.
Board member Pam Claypool noted many middle school kids take part in extracurricular activities.
“I know for myself, I get a lot of satisfaction or comfort knowing that I can reach my grandson or daughter if need be because of change — if something happens changing plans, or if they do,” she said.
She suggested middle school teachers using the same racks as the high school.
Markwardt said while he understands the security aspect, parents can always reach their child through the office.
“I hear what you’re saying about after school activities,” he added. “And the kids can have their phones after school because they’re going to have them out of the lockers.”
An audience member noted students also often communicate with family through their chromebooks and that if a practice is announced to be canceled during the school day, there will be time to go to the office if needed.
Classrooms also have classroom phones and staff can be flexible, she said, adding West Geauga is not alone in their policies and other similar middle schools are adopting equivalent ones.
Middle school can be a tough age, Markwardt said, previously noting middle school students often lack an impulse control high-schoolers possess.
“If I had to err on the side of treating a middle school student like an elementary student or like a high school student, I’ll treat them like an elementary student just because I think it protects them more,” he said, adding these kinds of policies protect students.
“What kids don’t understand sometimes is that there are very, very serious legal consequences for some of the things they think are harmless pranks,” he said. “The transmission of an inappropriate image on a cell phone is something that can follow a kid for a long time and can get a kid a label that he or she does not want.”
South Russell Suffered Minimum Storm Damage
Resident Bike & Pedestrian Safety Committee in Works
By sherry GAvAnditti editor@kArlovecmediA com
Unlike neighboring townships and villages, South Russell Village suffered minimal damage during the rash of storms Aug. 6 that brought high winds, torrential rain and even tornados across parts of Northeast Ohio.
“We were very lucky,” said South Russell Police Chief Mike Rizzo during the Aug. 12 South Russell Village Council meeting.
“The winds were substantial, but other
Emergency
from page 1 requests for services to the affected communities.
"However, we are in this for the duration and will continue to help local communities in Northeast Ohio as they recover from the damage left by the storm, should we receive any new request for services the state is able to provide,” he said.
DeWine also directed the Ohio Emergency Management Agency to work with its federal counterpart, FEMA, on a damage assessment of the storm-affected areas. OEMA is also working with county-level emergency management teams on conducting public damage assessments for potential reimbursement, DeWine’s statement said.
In a press release Aug. 12, Geauga County Department of Emergency Services Director Roger Peterson said while the state disaster declaration makes state assistance available to local governments and some private nonprofits, it is not designed to assist individual residents or businesses.
“Residents and businesses with storm damage should contact their insurance carrier for assistance,” he said.
than debris in the road, there was no substantial damage,” Street Commissioner Tim Alder added.
Mayor Bill Koons lauded FirstEnergy and said they were in constant communication. Incidentally, there are plans to update the village tornado siren from analog to digital in the near future, Rizzo said.
“The old one was built in the mid 90s,” he said, adding while it is fully operational, the improvement will mean more megahertz.
In the meantime, there is a backup plan
Peterson said FEMA has acknowledged receiving Ohio’s request for a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment for the counties affected by the storm.
Peterson included information for those working on cleanup. Tree debris removal is the responsibility of the property owner, as is the cost of food lost during the electrical outage, except in certain cases.
Those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and experienced food spoilage during the power outages may be eligible for replacement benefits, Peterson said.
Recipients who lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage can apply to receive replacement SNAP benefits for the amount of food lost, as long as it does not exceed their monthly allotment.
Peterson said impacted households need to fill out JFS Form 07222 within 10 days of food loss and submit it to the Geauga County Job and Family Services.
Geauga JFS can also assist with information about local food pantries and the Geauga County Department on Aging has been serving congregate meals for qualifying residents at their senior centers, Peterson said, adding those who wish to attend can contact their local senior center ahead of time.
should there be a malfunction in the old system, Rizzo said.
In other business, South Russell Village residents Kelly Estes and Carrie Schloss approached council and the mayor about starting a bicycle and pedestrian committee for residents and invited the village to get involved.
“(We) are excited to announce the formation of a committee to gather interested individuals from our community to discuss an organized process for safe pedestrian and bicycle transportation in South Russell Village,” Estes said, adding the committee
As of noon Aug. 11, FirstEnergy reported via a statement on social media a team of nearly 7,500 had restored power to almost 90% of customers in the storm-affected area, with fewer than 35,000 remaining without service.
Initial reports showed about 578,000 customers in Northeast Ohio lost power after the storm, the company said, with some being told their power would be restored as late as Aug. 14.
"Crews from Ohio and beyond are working around the clock to restore power to customers," DeWine said in his statement. "For the safety of everyone, please give the crews plenty of space to do their work when they are in your neighborhood."
Peterson urged the public not to call 9-11 for unmet needs, except in the case of an emergency.
“Call the non-emergency number of your local fire department and assistance will be sent,” he said.
During Geauga County Commissioners regular meeting Aug. 13, Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri thanked county staff and department heads for their thoughtful response to the storm, singling out Maintenance Department Director Glen Vernick for his efforts.
“It was a group effort, I know, but some-
would be called the Mayor’s Committee for Safe Bicycle and Pedestrian Transport. She proposed the first meeting at 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at South Russell Village Hall and expressedhope anyone who enjoys biking or walking will attend and community members will sign on and get involved.
When council member Ruth Cavanaugh pressed Estes for more details, she explained the goals of the committee are to develop a safe bike and pedestrian access plan, to engage the community to learn their bicycle and safety needs, to make recommendations
See Russell• Page 5
body had to be the point on the spear and you definitely took the leadership role on this,” Spidalieri said. “Truly appreciate your efforts. You never let us down before and I didn't expect it this time either, but thank you.”
Vernick said many people came together during the recovery efforts, including the county’s information technology staff, the Geauga County Engineer’s Office and the DES.
“It was really, really good to see all the departments working together to get something done,” Vernick said.
Spidalieri said his power was finally restored late on Aug. 12, adding it was humbling to see line crews from Pennsylvania, Indiana and Michigan helping restore power in Geauga County.
It was encouraging to see such a coordinated effort, he said
"It was pretty amazing to just kind of see the goodness of people coming out through the storm, everybody reaching out to everybody for help,” he said. “Hate to say it, but hard times sometimes bring out the best in people and sometimes you wish there were a little more hard times — more than less — because you kind of forget what the basics are about in life."
Golfer Clubs Dog at Chardon Lakes
By JAmie WArd JAmie@kArlovecmediA com
A golfer playing Chardon Lakes Golf Course on Aug. 4 attacked a dog that lived just off of one of the holes, according to Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus.
The dog, Milo, described as “friendly,” approached the golfer, who allegedly went to retrieve a ball beyond the course boundary. The golfer then “whacked Milo on the left side of his head with a golf club,” according to a Facebook post by Milo’s owner, Jennifer Evans.
Evans continued: “I heard the horrible shriek and didn’t see it, but my neighbor did. Milo was not threatening or even barking.”
Milo had a bloody nose and wouldn’t open his eyes, according Evans, so he was taken to the veterinary hospital. “Fortunately his injuries are only soft tissue, and the vet says he should be OK,” his owner posted.
The foursome continued their round. Chardon Police and the golf course crew tried to determine who was in the foursome, but “nobody claimed to have had an incident with a dog on the course.”
On Aug. 6, Chief Niehus, working through a partial description of the person involved, and with help from the Chardon Lakes Golf Course management, confirmed the golfer had been identified and spoken with an officer.
The golfer has not be identified pending a review of the case by the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office and the determination of
Milo
appropriate charges to be filed.
Evans’ Facebook post had gone viral on various golf websites Tuesday morning and discussion boards like Reddit.
“My dogs are friends and completely used to the golfers. They pretty much ignore them,” she wrote. “But if you are afraid of dogs, and you see them out, don’t go into the yard after a ball!! Wtf is wrong with people?”
A man who answered the phone at Chardon Lakes Golf Course said the golf course was fully cooperating with the police.
Munson Township Accepting Applications for Park Board
Munson Township residents interested in serving on the township Park and Recreation Board, which is a non-compensated public service appointment, are requested to send a letter of interest to the attention of the Munson Township Trustees, 12210 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024, to be received no later than Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.
Applications may also be dropped off at the Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.
Russell from page 4
to council to select/submit pedestrian and bicycle projects for state and federal funding opportunities, and to work with village staff to promote biking and walking as safe and healthy modes of transportation. This would include promoting safe routes to schools, assisting staff in planning opportunities and maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the village.
Koons suggested forming an ad hoc committee utilizing members of the village park committee. “We are really excited to hear what the community is looking for,” Schloss said. “We are avid bikers and love to see people out all the time and see what their ideas are and bring them back to you.”
Council also approved the following items:
• Hiring Impullitti Landscaping LLC, DBA Artistic Solutions, for up to $14,862 for
The park board meets monthly and is responsible for the planning and development of the Munson Township parks and for community events. The parks are located at 12641 Bass Lake Road (Munson Township Park), 12150 Bean Road (Nero Nature Preserve), 10900 Mayfield Road (Scenic River Retreat) and a small park area and ball fields at the Township Hall.
For more information, please contact the Munson Township office 440-286-9255.
tree planting on Manor Brook mound in accordance with the approved landscaping plan submitted by CT Consultants;
• The project and fee proposal with CT Consultants for up to $19,000 for criteria architect services regarding a design build project delivery for new construction of a salt storage building.
• An ordinance with CXT, Inc. and the village for the Double Rocky Mountain Restroom delivery and setup for South Russell Village Park, not to exceed $116,551. The restrooms will now have solar lights and fans.
• A proposal from Richard A. Beck & Associates for architectural services not to exceed $2,500 for a new detached garage being planned to house the South Russell Police Department’s “drone mobile.”
Council also noted for anyone wishing to utilize the village park and pavilion on Sept. 3, 17, and Oct. 1,8, the Chagrin Falls Cross Country team will be utilizing the space from 3-6 p.m.
Signs Unveiled
By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com
The City of Chardon celebrated the unveiling of five new signs in honor of Chardon High School state championships during a ceremony at Mel Harder Park Aug. 8.
The signs honor the athletic achievements of Chardon High School graduates Leroy Kemp, Mark Vetter, Juanita Vetter, Mike Davies, Michelle Davies, Hank Inderlied, Dan Anderson, Steve Rozek, Ben Robinson, Emil Heineking, Rachel Banks-Arnold, Nick Elswick and Karl Dietz.
Each sign bears the athlete’s name, sport and year of their championship win. The signs are located in five areas around the city.
In addition to the sign at Mel Harder Park, four more are located at the corporation limits of South Street, North Street, Center Street and Water Street.
At the council meeting later that evening, Mayor Chris Grau said the event, which drew around 50 people, was enthusiastically attended.
“We had a terrific turnout,” he said. “We had great community cooperation, we had many people in attendance. It was just a ball down there. We didn't know how many people would show up. We did everything we could to get the word out and for those staff members that helped with that, thank you very much.”
According to a social media post from the Chardon Athletics department, four state champs on the sign were present: Juanita Vetter, Anderson, Banks-Arnold and Dietz.
Grau said Leroy (Lee) Kemp, an international wrestling star who graduated from CHS in 1975, was adamant in making sure the recognition came together.
“The next time he's in town, he's been invited to come here to council and say hello and we (can) thank him personally,” Grau said.
In a post on their website, the city also thanked Chardon Schools for their cooperation in creating the signs and the American Legion post in Chardon for their financial contribution to the project.
Income Tax Revenue Down, But Sky isn’t Falling
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
Middlefield Village officials reported a slightly dimmer economic scenario than last year during the village council meeting Aug. 8.
But, despite a dip in earned income tax revenue, they said the village is fiscally healthy.
Village Fiscal Officer Nick Giardina said while income tax revenue is down about 9% from 2023, this is not alarming.
“Income tax is definitely slowing down. Withholdings and business profits are definitely lower,” he said, adding, however, wages have increased due to inflation so individual residents, overall, are doing better this year.
“The big thing to consider is the village has lots of expenses going out,” Giardina said.
Drilling a third well to supply a growing residential sector and industry has proven to be a major expense, he said.
However, village Administrator Leslie McCoy said Middlefield will be reimbursed for part of the well cost from a $1.5 million grant.
“We don’t want to paint a picture of, ‘The sky is falling!’ It’s just that income tax and profitability in the village is not doing as well as it did during COVID. We need to start being aware of that,” she cautioned.
Compared to the village’s economic situation in 2012, when it had less than $2 million
in reserve, the budget shows more than $13 million available.
“We need to start looking at costs to make sure we don’t go backward,” McCoy said. “We are still extremely healthy, but some things are out of our control. We are still down $200,000 in income tax – that’s a lot of activity that’s not there.”
Mayor Ben Garlich, elected in 2012, re iterated businesses in the village are doing well.
“We’re seeing a shrinkage in the top line,” he said.
McCoy, who is also the economic devel opment director, noted residential construc tion has been very busy as the Woodsong Meadows homes are in demand.
“There’s a lot of dirt flying,” she said, pointing to the Briar Hill senior-living cot tages being built on North State Avenue, 20 acres on the west side of the village being de veloped by Sherpa Development for a Hart ville Hardware store and plans for a 1-millionsquare-foot warehouse on the east side.
“The amount of dirt moved is unbelievable – just bang, bang, bang,” McCoy said. “When you drive around, the amount of investment is outstanding.”
In other business, Garlich said changing the name of South Springdale Avenue to Harrington Way warrants a ribbon cutting ceremony with a stage and sound system.
“Since we announced it every merchant is saying, ‘What can we do to support this?’” he said. Harrington Square, Walmart, retail
stores, medical offices and some eateries have been developed along South Springdale.
The road was a buggy path that Middlefield businessman Dave Harrington developed, said Councilman Rick Seyer.
Council also took action to spend up to $250,000 on a Kenworth dump truck for the road department to replace a 24-year-old International with a blown head gasket.
“The frame is rusting — this truck has reached the end of its life,” said Road and Utility Director Joe Tucholski, adding the truck, outfitted with a plow and lights, is available before snow flies from Preston Superstore in Burton Village.
Other makes of big dump trucks have to be ordered and won’t be delivered for a year, he said.
Proposed Dollar General Purchase Officially Over
County Commissioners to Honor Overdose Awareness
By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com
Last month, Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz appeared before Geauga County Commissioners to explain why he had not signed off on a deal for the county to purchase an abandoned Dollar General for a new senior center.
At their meeting July 16, Flaiz told com-
missioners he was “not a rubber stamp” and said employees of the commissioners’ office had agreed to a bad deal.
The contract with the seller would not allow enough time to investigate possible problems with the property and there were also questions about decoupling the parcel from other properties the seller had bound together in a single mortgage.
Commissioners asked Flaiz to give the sellers 15 days to respond to a request they comply with the county’s needs in a new contract, but Flaiz said in an email Aug. 8 the
sellers had not responded.
“If I do not receive a response tomorrow, I will communicate with the BOCC on Monday and let them know time has expired,” he said in the email.
In comments after the Aug. 13 county commissioners meeting, Flaiz said sellers had, indeed, chosen not to answer the county’s request to amend the sale contract, meaning the deal would not go through.
The Geauga County Department on Aging would likely have to find a new property in the Chardon area for a senior center, starting again on a process that began last August, when the county first identified the Dollar General site as a potential location.
“We are disappointed that we could not move forward with the Dollar General purchase, however, this is not the first time our department has encountered challenges and have had to come up with solutions to overcome the challenges we have been faced with,” department on aging Director Jessica Boalt said in an email Aug. 13.
The department is continuing to explore other options and will be in discussions with both County Administrator Gerry Morgan and Assistant County Administrator Linda Burhenne, as well as the commissioners, on the best way to achieve the goal of providing a permanent senior center location in the Chardon area.
During their Aug. 6 meeting, commissioners heard from Christine Lakomiak, executive director of the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, who asked for their support in recognizing Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.
"It's the world's largest campaign to end overdose," Lakomiak said. "The campaign
also acknowledges the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose."
This year’s theme is “Together, We Can,” Lakomiak said.
“We're highlighting the strength of standing together in support of those connected (by the) tragedy of an overdose,” she said. “Every individual action really matters, but coming together as a community creates a powerful collective action. No one should stand alone in our fight to end overdose.”
Lakomiak also thanked commissioners for their support, including providing a space to share information on available resources at the Great Geauga County Fair, which sees over 200,000 visitors per year. Statistics kept by the fair board show attendance topped 270,000 in 2023.
Commissioner Tim Lennon thanked Lakomiak for bringing up an important topic.
“You just said a number that kind of struck in my head that, you know, the Geauga County fair, there's … roughly 200,000 visitors,” he said. “And … I think I saw on the news, there was over, you know, a hundred thousand overdoses this year.”
Lennon also said in addition to treating addiction, it’s important to prevent addiction from occurring in the first place.
Some overdoses should be called accidental poisonings because a person may think they’re taking one thing, not aware that there is a stronger drug mixed in, he said.
“Where are these drugs coming from?” Lennon said. “The drugs are a little different now, you know? It seems as though some of these overdoses are just by plain accident.”
rington, who developed Harrington Square, Walmart and other businesses along the former buggy path.
Hambden Helps Families Build Playful Memories
By rose nemunAitis editor@kArlovecmediA com
As summer continues to unwind and fall approaches, a welcome addition for young families awaits at Hambden Township Park.
For mom Kaitlyn Lucarelli, the play ground is nostalgic.
Lucarelli attended Hambden Elementary School and used to love playing on the play ground across the street at Hambden Town ship Park.
Now, she delights in building fond memo ries there with her 2-year-old daughter, Lilah. Hambden Township Park, at 13860 GAR Highway, recently upgraded their playground equipment along with new artificial turf, which many families enjoyed during the township’s recent annual Community Picnic Aug. 11.
“I love looking across the park from the town hall, seeing kid after kid pop out of the swirl slide on the new play unit,” Hambden Township Trustee Keith McClintock said. “Makes my heart happy. The turf landing area is a great addition to the park and is an inventive safety surface.”
Joyce Edelinsky, chair of Hambden Town ship Park and Recreation Board, worked on the installation of a new typhoon slide struc ture beginning in 2023.
She said the wood jungle gym structure, with metal slides — a fixture in the park for over 37 years — was deteriorating and had to be replaced.
“The wood jungle gym was the most used piece of play equipment in the park,” Edelin-
sky said. “Kids of all ages were attracted to it because of its height and the two metal high sloping slides. The board wanted to repurpose the metal slides to a new structure and was able to do so with one of the slides. Ev-
ery piece of play equipment has to meet a fall area safety requirement and to meet those requirements, state-of-the-art artificial turf was installed.”
child, she loves the rubber turf and the little
“I think that the new playground is fun and with the slides, I feel really safe with her climbing up and playing,” Lucarelli said.
favorite part of Hambden Township Park are the baby swings, the sandpit and little kids’ playground with the short
“She loves racing her friends down
Lilah giggled and clapped as she met her friends, Benjamin Bowyer, 4, and Nora Bowyer, 2, along with their mom, Carina Bowyer,
“It’s great for children of any age,” Bowyer said. “There’s something for everyone. It’s nice as parents to be able to see where your children are at all times and let them
Benjamin enjoyed the sand and the digging equipment, as he kept a watchful eye on his younger sister, taking breaks to give her
“Anything that deals with digging or excavating, he is all about,” Bowyer said.
“My daughter and her friend, Lilah, enjoyed the smaller racing slides and the
This summer went by extremely fast. We got to do some fun things, but I wish we had more time.”
She added, “It’s nice to have a clean, safe and well-organized playground so close to home and we appreciate all the township has
Chardon Council Praises City Services for Storm Aid
By Amy PAtterson Amy@kArlovecmediA com
Chardon City Council met under the glow of emergency lights in a generator-powered city hall Aug. 8 after a powerful storm knocked out electricity in the region last Tuesday.
In a statement earlier that day, FirstEnergy Corp. said the storm — which produced multiple tornados across Northeast Ohio — was the most impactful storm to hit its service territory since July 1993.
While City Manager Randy Sharpe said at least 60% of the city was still without power, he gave kudos to the city’s public water and sewer division, and service and street departments for their efforts to keep the city running.
“They’ve been busy. They’re working pretty much 24/7 keeping things hopefully as organized as we can be,” he said.
Sharpe also thanked the Chardon Fire Department, which he said had been instrumental in coordinating a comfort station for the public, first at Chardon United Methodist Church and then, after the church lost electricity, in the community meeting room near their station.
Sharpe said brush collection will continue until the end of next week and encouraged residents to put yard waste on their curbs for disposal over the weekend.
The city made the right choice a few years ago in purchasing their own brush disposal machine rather than having to wait on a contractor to schedule collection services, he said.
Mayor Chris Grau said the storm was a good reminder to get to know your neighbors.
“You never know what you might need in a pinch,” he said.
He also urged residents to sign up for
the city’s NotifyMe alert system, which will automatically send out updates to residents. The service is available by signing up online at www.chardon.cc.
Council member Dave Lelko asked Chardon Police Lt. Matt DeLisa about the city’s tornado siren, which is usually tested the first Wednesday of the month.
"If you guys didn't hear it this Wednesday, we did cancel it, because we actually (used) it on Tuesday," he said. "We didn't want to alarm anybody."
Lelko clarified the alarm is meant to alert people who are outside that a tornado is coming — not people inside their homes or other buildings.
“So, if you get a complaint that I couldn't hear them in my house, that's not what the intention was,” he said.
In other business, council unanimously passed a resolution agreeing to pay about $25,000 toward a road repair project the county is undertaking on Chardon Windsor Road.
Part of the project falls within city limits, Law Director Ben Chojnacki said.
Paul Hornyak, director of public service, said as part of a project with the Environmental Protection Agency to help identify lead pipes in the city, over 1,100 flyers were sent to homes to gather information and help residents determine if they have pipes that need to be replaced.
The city got responses from about 12% of the flyers and Hornyak said they’d like to get that number closer to 20%. Residents can schedule directly with city staff to inspect worrisome pipes.
“We still firmly believe that there aren't any lead service lines in town, but never say never,” he said.
BURTON VILLAGE SEEKING TO FILL OPEN COUNCIL SEAT
Burton Village Council would like to interview interested candidates for an open Council seat. Prospective candidates must be a resident for at least one year and must be eligible to vote. The opening is to fill a seat with the term ending December 31, 2025. Candidates are invited to email a letter of interest and resume to villageofburton@sbcglobal.net no later than Friday, August 23, 2024 at 12PM. Council will meet with candidates at their August 23, 2024 meeting at 4:30 PM in the meeting room on the 2nd floor of the Burton Public Library.
The Village of Burton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Burton Village applications are available at the Village Office or online.
AMY PATTERSON/KMG
Members of Chardon City Council stand to say the pledge of allegiance during their regular meeting Aug. 8, which was held in partially-dimmed council chambers lit by emergency lighting after a severe storm knocked out power for much of the city earlier in the week.
from page 1
multiple calls.”
The department coordinated with nearby Russell, Munson and Kirtland fire departments in mutual aid during and after the storm because so many roads were blocked by trees or wires down that trucks couldn’t get to callers, Gibson said.
“We did help one elderly couple get out of their house and navigate their way to a street that was passable,” Shaw said, adding they were picked up by a family member and taken to a safe place.
About the time the high winds hit Chester, the department received a call from a resident in terrible back pain. An ambulance was dispatched, but the crew had to pick its way through falling trees and torrential rain.
“It took an hour and a half to get him to the emergency room. We hadn’t done damage assessment, yet. They were finding (those areas) in the middle of a rain storm with a patient in the back. That was the most harrowing emergency we had,” Shaw said, crediting the fire and rescue staff for their dedication and working long hours to help residents.
As soon as the winds abated, people fired up their chainsaws and cleared a lot of the detritus blocking traffic except where wires were down, Gibson said.
“The residents banned together and cleaned up the roads themselves,” he said. “A lot of nice things happened.”
As noted in other townships, he said there were no reported injuries and the few vehicle accidents they handled were not storm related.
By Aug. 12, most of the power lines were back in place, but some residents with problems on their property might still be dark, Shaw said.
“The dust has settled,” he said.
Chester Township Trustee Ken Radtke added many residents were without power through last Friday.
“There are still a lot of crews here,” he said Monday.
A potable water truck, originally delivering water to farms, parked at the town hall and provided water to residents Friday and Saturday, Radtke said.
Severe Winds Wreak Havoc in County
Elsewhere last Tuesday, winds of up to 90 mph dropped trees on houses, roads and utility lines, closing heavily-traveled Auburn Road south of state Route 87 while crews replaced a pole the wind snapped off, said Newbury Township Fire Chief Ken Fagan.
The top of a utility pole broke off just east of the Auburn-Kinsman intersection in front of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Station, Fagan said, adding the wires and pole were finally removed and repairs made by Friday morning, but the traffic light was still dark.
Most drivers traveling Kinsman found an alternate route past the 100-yard-long closure by cutting through the Newbury Center parking lot where all the businesses were closed due to the power and Internet outage. Some decided to go around the “Road Closed” sign and orange cones.
“Some people drove right over all the wires. We got a call from a woman saying she was stuck on the wires,” Fagan recalled.
The power had been cut to the wires on the road, so there was no danger, but the chief warned, “The cones are there for your safety.”
Before noon last Friday, he said the re pair crew was almost done replacing the pole on Auburn across from the power station and sorting out the wires that left much of New bury without power.
“The blasted and uprooted trees are star tling, but I was most shaken when we discov ered very large branches — 4-inch diameter — driven 6 to 8 inches into the ground in our front yard,” said Tiffanie Broadbent, of New bury, in a Facebook post. “The wind must have been tremendous. Thank God we were safe inside. It’s also remarkable to see utter destruction in our front yard while the chairs on our back deck didn’t move at all.”
Bucket trucks were lined up along Kins man Road to the west last Friday morning where wires were knocked loose by falling trees and high winds Aug. 6.
Kinsman Road west of Munn Road was still closed to state Route 306 in Russell Township last Friday afternoon.
The closures ended up routing a steady stream of traffic down narrow Munn Road to east-west back roads to get to 306.
Fagan said the department received 37 calls for help in the first 24 hours after the storm. The small staff was able to respond to 27 of them and mutual aid from other depart ments covered the rest, he said.
Trustee Bill Skomrock said he found cell phone reception was affected after the storm and wondered why the top of the utility pole with wires attached lying in the middle of Kinsman Road was not a priority for the re pair crews.
“The important thing is no one was hurt,” he said.
Chardon Fire Chief Justin Geiss said the city had extensive power outages, but no structural issues.
“Damage was pretty much limited to trees and wires down,” he said last Friday morning. “Today, about 20% of the city is without power.”
The department has provided a place where residents can charge their phones and neighboring Chardon United Methodist Church served as a comfort station for people without power.
He credited a Claridon Township group with stepping up. Claridon Helps provided hot meals to residents of Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority Murry Manor.
“They were rock stars,” Geiss said.
Claridon Township Trustee Johnathan Tiber said he was driving when the storm hit his home and he couldn’t get in the driveway because a majestic old sycamore tree fell across it.
Soon, half the neighborhood was revving up their chainsaws.
“Six of my neighbors gathered and helped each other out,” he said. “There’s nothing like extreme weather to bring neighbors together.”
One family lost eight or nine pine trees, one coming to rest in their living room, so neighbors organized a work party to meet Saturday and help with the cleanup, Tiber said, adding he has received texts from Claridon residents offering help for families in distress.
Munson Township resident Kevin Weinbrecht shared similar sentiments about helpful neighbors on Facebook.
“Most excellent neighbors in Novelty helped me to clear the driveway,” he wrote.
Russell Township Assistant Fire Chief Sam Brown said the storm brought on other challenges for the department staff to handle.
Many homes had generators providing enough electricity to keep air conditioning
just identify the source, mitigate it and venti late the house.”
He said the townships along the west end of Geauga County probably saw the most damage.
Besides utility lines coming down, falling trees also damaged natural gas lines on some properties, resulting in leakage and calls to the gas company, Brown said.
Overall, Russell’s department kept very busy.
“We also assess power lines that come down, both residential and on the street. Our call volume was substantially higher than normal,” he said.
Bainbridge Township Fire Chief Lou Ann Metz reported a similar situation there.
“We were busy enough. There were a lot of wires down. We had all kinds of trouble with the Internet,” she said, estimating her department received 10 to 12 calls related to the storm in the first six hours. “We were pretty lucky.”
She said an Ohio Edison spokesperson told her there were more than 248,000 people still without electricity across Northeast Ohio as of last Friday morning.
That number didn’t include many homes or businesses in Middlefield Village.
Middlefield Mayor Ben Garlich said some of the retail stores and restaurants were affected, but the village’s extensive manufacturing base kept its production schedule.
He credited the new electric lines put in a few years ago that provide power to the village.
Otherwise, damage was minimal.
“Everybody got hit harder than we did,” Garlich said.
Candy Lawrence, of Middlefield, recalled hunkering down in the cellar with her Jack Russell Terrier, Lottie, and 14-year-old brother, Skip — who she was babysitting — after receiving several alerts on her phone of an “extreme” and “severe” tornado approaching.
Huntsburg Township Trustee Nancy Saunders said the east townships in Geauga didn’t see much damage from the tornado or high winds.
A lot of trees went down, she said last Friday morning, but the township road department cleared them from the roads. Few homes lost power, Saunders said.
She noted about 40% of the township population is Amish who don’t connect to power lines or the Internet.
Troy Township didn’t fare as well, said Trustee Sharon Simms Thursday evening.
“Trees fell across (state Route) 700 and pulled down power lines. A five-foot-across tree fell across Fox Road and two trees fell on a house and a car on Mumford Road,” she said. “Our fire department was very busy. We don’t know when we will get power back.”
A natural gas leak added to the concern, but no fire occurred to complicate the lack of electricity and Internet access, she said.
Like many area residents, Simms has a generator. She said she had to drive to Parkman Township to get gasoline to keep it going and traffic was really backed up.
“We were in the basement and heard (a tree) fall even over the noise of the wind and the generator,” Jackie See Chester, of Troy, posted on Facebook Thursday. “So thankful that it didn’t hit the house or block the drive. We’re still without power.”
Parkman Township Trustee Lance Portman said residents weathered the storm well and the roads were mostly cleared by Tuesday evening.
Situated in the southeast corner of Geauga, Parkman was a county away from the tornado.
“The fire department was busy with calls. I believe they were swamped for about three hours. There were a lot of wires down all over town,” he said, adding residents are busy with chainsaws in yards and woods.
“The cleanup continues,” Portman said.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Cameo Jewelers Celebrates 20-Year Milestone
By kAyleiGh schArf editor@kArlovecmediA com
Cameo Jewelers in Chardon continues to shine bright like a diamond as it celebrates 20 years in business with an upcoming customer appreciation event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17.
“This is a milestone for us. You don’t know where your business is going to go in another five years to celebrate,” said owner Diana Pasquito in a recent interview. “I just wanted to let our customers know that we’ve been there for 20 years and we appreciate them.”
Pasquito recalled opening the store in 2004 with a business partner, taking over a previous business at 408 Water St. and making the space their own.
Cameo Jewelers has an in-house goldsmith who can repair jewelry for customers, which is rare for many jewelry stores today, she said, expressing concerns that goldsmith craft is becoming a lost skill in the modern day, with many people being uninterested in
learning it.
Customers feeling satisfied knowing they are getting fine repair work done on their jewelry has been a boon for their business, Pasquito added.
The store has pushed through many challenges over the past two decades — one of them being the death of Pasquito’s business partner three years ago.
“That was very difficult to get through,” she said. “Not having a partner with you to make decisions and keep you going makes you grow up a lot.”
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted her business. While she has an online storefront, other corporate jewelry stores were overriding her sales.
“Online purchasing does affect our business. People don’t realize what you buy online is not the same as what you could get in-store,” Pasquito said.
As an independent business, she handpicks her inventory for jewelry.
“We’re not a chain, so we’re not obligated See Cameo • Page 11
Chardon Celebrates Brewfest
JANE KIND/ KMG
Greeted by the most beautiful summer weather on Historic Chardon Square, more than 1,050 people came together to taste beer for the 11th Annual Chardon BrewFest on Aug. 10. Participants who were not attending as designated drivers could partake in up to 15 samples of 50+ different beers crafted by 25 brewers from Ohio and surrounding states.
to purchase certain items. I try to buy different pieces so as not to look like mall jewelry,” Pasquito said. “It’s my taste that I buy, which is a delicate thing. But you have to think outside the box when making purchases for customers.
“We carry different levels of jewelry from sterling silver to gold-filled to higher-end gold and diamonds,” she added. “We carry a variety of jewelry to please everyone.”
Pasquito has also adapted to smaller changes over the years, like ever-evolving jewelry trends.
All items in the store will be 27% off, includ ing the Joseph Ribkoff clothing line. Pasquito has also recently opened a boutique called Pasko Boutique in Mentor and is bringing its clothing line to Cameo Jewelers during the event.
“It’s a very pretty line, you can go from casual to sophisticated and it varies,” she said. “It's not super cheap, but you get what you pay for in quality. But, at this event, everything will be 27% off.”
Pasquito hopes her event will convey the gratitude she feels.
“It is nice to just say thank you to the people that have supported us through these years,” she said from page 10
“Trends change, like right now, it's permanent jewelry. That is what we’re learning right now and we’re getting into that business,” she said. “It’s something that is new and stays on your body until you cut it off or break it off.”
Cameo Jewelers will debut their permanent jewelry during their customer appreciation event, along with many other activities, including tarot card readings, tiny tattoos and ear piercing services.
Pasquito wanted to bring an exciting experience to thank customers for their support over the past 20 years.
“I just want to bring some fun to the city. My girlfriend, Stacia, does the tarot reading and she’s amazing,” Pasquito said. “I figured
Changes Approved for 3 Central Village Parcels
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved several lot splits and consolidations Aug. 6 for properties beside and behind the Middlefield Municipal Center and Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department.
Village businessman and Geauga County Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri requested setbacks and a side-yard variance for three parcels — two that he owns and for part of the fire department property he intends to buy.
He also requested lot coverage of 75%.
The variances are all contingent on the sale of the unused, back corner of fire department property.
Spidalieri, who filed the requests with the zoning commission July 1, attended the meeting.
“I just want to get this part of it done,” he said.
The irregularly-shaped parcels are bound by North State Avenue and the Maple Highlands Trail.
Spidalieri owns the 0.8-acre parcel at 14842 North State Ave. north of the municipal center, including part of the center’s parking lot. There is a house on that parcel.
He also owns a 2.4-acre parcel to the north and has plans to buy almost an acre from the fire department, then divide it to add on to the west sides of his other two properties, according to the Aug. 6 agenda.
Village Zoning Inspector John Boksansky said he talked to a fire department official who told him the sale is pending MVFD board of trustees’ approval.
He explained the process by which the parcel plats can be signed and deeds can be pre-
SUBMITTED
This map from the Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission agenda documents shows changes Spidalieri Enterprises Inc. requested at the commission meeting Aug. 6.
pared with the changes before being recorded.
Spidalieri did not say what his plans are for the properties, but planning commission Chairman Scott Klein thanked him.
“We appreciate the cleanup of every-
thing, Ralph,” he said.
Spidalieri also owns a 5.42-acre parcel at 14855 North State that includes a hunting goods store and a shopping plaza.
In other business, the commission did not object to a stormwater easement for the Hartville Hardware store under construction at 15260 Kinsman Road on the west end of the village.
Hartville Hardware Inc. has submitted
plans for an 80,000-square-foot store on more than 20 acres. The property will have a stormwater retention pond, but wants an easement to install infrastructure to handle stormwater overflow, taking it off the property into Middlefield Township to a pond owned by Chuck White.
Sherpa Development Company LLC, putting up the Hartville store, asked for an okay from the village for the easement, Boksansky said.
Five Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Incident in Troy
stAff rePort
Five people were hospitalized for carbon monoxide exposure following a leak at the Inn at the Pines Assisted Living and Memory Care home on Aug. 9.
The Troy Volunteer Fire Department received a call at 7:55 p.m. for a fire alarm, Interim Fire Chief Nick Bushek said in a briefing to the press the same evening.
Upon arrival, high levels of carbon monoxide were found on the first floor, the source
being improperly vented generators powering the building.
The generators were shut off and fire crews assisted in evacuating the entire building. Multiple fire and EMS agencies responded.
Bushek warned the public to be aware of symptoms such as headaches, rosy cheeks, nausea and vomiting, and advised using a carbon monoxide detector and ensure a generator is vented properly.
The building has been cleared as of that evening and residents were able to return.
$30,000 Need at Special Camp
Ho Mita Koda Asks for Emergency Donations
stAff rePort
Camp Ho Mita Koda is urgently seeking support after a severe storm caused significant damage to its facilities in Newbury.
The camp, an independent nonprofit, is the world’s oldest and longest-running residential camp for kids living with Type 1 Diabetes.
In press release Aug. 8, Executive Director Ian Roberts said the organization anticipates $30,000 in expenses and hours of labor to recover from the unprecedented weather.
“We’re incredibly grateful that no one was injured, but the impact on our camp is severe,” Roberts said. “With time running out before our next round of programs, we need the community’s help to recover and rebuild.”
The storm, which struck Aug. 6, left the camp without power or running water. While all campers and staff are safe, Roberts said the storm caused extensive damage to facilities and outdoor recreation equipment across the 72-acre property.
“Massive pine trees fell on three of the camp’s cabins, with one of the cabins requiring a complete rebuild,” the press release said. “Many pieces of camp equipment were destroyed, including the water trampoline, mountain bikes and an archery target. Additionally, the newly-renovated bathhouse was completely flooded and camp trails are covered in debris and fallen trees. To make matters worse, nearly a dozen trees are now dangerously leaning over buildings and walkways. These trees must be removed before they cause further destruction.”
The $30,000 estimate is for repairs insurance will not cover, the camp said.
Donations will cover expenses, including the replacement of destroyed equipment, removal of hazardous trees, purchase of a generator, chainsaws and other supplies, and repairs.
“Every dollar and every volunteer hour will make a difference as we work to restore the camp in time for our upcoming programs,” Roberts said. “At the end of the month, we are hosting our annual family camp for kids living with Type 1 Diabetes and their loved ones. It gives families the opportunity to connect with other people who can relate to their experience, learn more about diabetes management and most importantly, have fun! We’re counting on our friends and community to help us at this critical time.”
How to Help
The camp is in urgent need of volunteers to help clear debris and cut up fallen trees. Those interested in volunteering their time are encouraged to contact Elizabeth Johnson at elizabeth@camphomitakoda.org
Tax-deductible donations can be made online at camphomitakoda.org/donate. Contributions can also be mailed to:
Camp Ho Mita Koda 14040 Auburn Rd. Newbury Twp, OH 44065
Honored to Hear Support
We had the honor to be part of the annual July 4th West Geauga Kiwanis parade. We say honor because it was so gratifying to hear the support from the many who gathered to celebrate the holiday. “Thank you for your service” and “We appreciate what you do for us” was frequently called out by parade watchers.
Those simple words meant so much to us as well as the other police and fire personnel who were participating in the parade. It is encouraging and comforting to know that our community stands behind us and respects the level of safety our departments provide.
Thank you to all who expressed their appreciation to your safety forces. That little gesture of shouting out your thanks is a big part of why we enjoy our jobs and our service to the community.
William J. Shaw, Fire Chief Craig Young, Chief of Police Chester Township
What Has Happened to Democrats?
If you are easily offended, then read no further. My father was a God fearing, American loving, gun owning Democrat who believed an unborn baby is a life. He was no nonsense and not shy about sharing his beliefs.
What has happened to the Democrat party? Today they are led by far-left radicals. The evidence for my claims is everywhere. For example, both Democrats on the Geauga County Board of Election voted no to saying the pledge of allegiance at the start of meetings.
The Democrat party supports far-left socialist Sherrod Brown, who believes in open borders, abortion up to birth and taking guns away from citizens.
I laughed as I read the recent editorial thanking President Biden for a litany of achievements, written by the chair of the Democrat party.
I don’t have space to address the misinformation, but it is easily seen that President Biden barely knows what day it is and his mental deficiencies were ignored for years. Biden has been an inept bumbling fool most of his political career. He was aligned with a card-carrying Klu Klu Klan member, Congressman Byrd. He regularly makes weird statements (i.e., you’re not black if you don’t support me) and he is engaged in a litany of corrupt activities (confidential documents in his garage, quid-pro-quo with Ukraine). He ignores the Constitution (loan forgiveness), created inflation, is responsible for disastrous foreign affairs (Israel support is an embarrassment) and his administration’s DEI appointments have put our nation at risk (Secret Service, air traffic control, etc.) and are embarrassing (Rachel Lavin).
As a veteran with friends in the service, I am livid that Biden’s administration has weakened our military.
Let me offer something to think about. When a ventriloquist changes the dummy, the ventriloquist is still in control. We don’t know who controls the White House, but clearly someone is behind the scenes pulling the strings. Biden can barely exit a stage
Letters to the Editor
without help.
While Harris was chosen as the new empty shell, the policies won’t change. This may be OK for Marxists who want a totalitarian state, but I am not OK with this far-left agenda. Aren’t you curious who is behind the curtain making decisions?
I am watching as the league of women voters, the Democrats and out-of-state left-wing groups are spending millions to push a radical redistricting plan. Called Issue 1, this radical plan will corrupt our state constitution and take gerrymandering to a new high. Read the bill! It is a 31-page complicated monstrosity that will make Eric Holder/Obamas happy and undo representative government in Ohio. Geauga wake up.
Let me offer a humorous quip to make a point. Folks suffering from the delusion that Biden is in control and that Harris’ word salads make sense, please ask your doctor for a prescription for “Abrain” or visit “tryabrain. com.” Abrain helps folks to think more clearly and clears away the fog that distorts reality. Our only hope is critical thinking and a brain that works.
Walter “Skip” Claypool Chester Township
Appeal for Financial Assistance
On Aug. 5, 2024, a report appeared through WEWS Channel 5 declaring that Geauga County’s Century Village Museum in Burton is currently in need of donations to continue its operations.
It is quite possible this museum is facing difficult financial circumstances, because many non-profit organizations, including historical societies, are meeting with falling monetary support, attendance, volunteerism and community interest.
However, random appeals for financial support are generally not successful. There must be a demonstration of the need and a basis for the hope the appeal can succeed in turning around the situation. For most people, an appeal for financial support must be accompanied by financial information that conveys the past business history of the entity, its present circumstances and condition, and its future plans, including a thoughtful presentation of how any incoming funds will be used to overcome the financial troubles. I see nothing of these components in the reporting of this appeal.
Although a non-profit corporation, the museum’s owner, the Geauga County Historical Society, is a business and must be managed as a business. Its supporters must have access to audits, current financial numbers and a budget that provides guidance into the future. Without these tools, a financial patron has no basis other than vague representations to support the cause. This approach does not pull on any heart strings, just the human fear of loss.
Citing only the prospect of closure seems a weak basis for providing help absent a deeper understanding of the intrinsic value and efforts of the organization and the challenges it faces on an ongoing basis.
For these reasons, I appeal to the leadership of the Society to bring forth meaningful financial information on which donors can reasonably rely to make their decision to
“invest” in a financially troubled entity. This information should include:
1. An independent audit performed under stringent accounting standards covering up to three prior fiscal years that fully discloses the past income and expenses of the organization, including detail as to the sources of its revenue and the categories and names of parties to whom monies were paid, as well as a detailed asset, liability and equity statement.
2. A current financial statement that includes monthly and year-to-date income and expense data, and a statement of the present financial condition of the museum.
3. A budget for the current fiscal year that demonstrates the thoughtful consideration of revenue streams and expense obligations over the period. This budget should parallel the mission and goals of the organization. Without such documentation, it is difficult to see how a donation into the future of the organization can be justified. Investments, even when they are made in the form of a supportive donation, are based on a level of trust established in large part on past, present and projected future performance.
Trust must be earned and in monetary matters there must be a visual showing based on facts, not words. Trust must also be maintained and not allowed to fade or disappear. In part, maintained trust is achieved by accountability, including the periodic disclosure of relevant financial information.
By taking the steps outlined above, I believe the benefactors can make an informed decision on the merits of the recipient and the appeal that is being made will become much more than simply a random plea for help.
Bill Jackson City of Chardon
Protecting America
In the wake of the horrifying attempt on a former president’s life in Butler, Pa., on the evening of July 13, amid a swirling cacophony of unhinged speculation, I think we should all take a moment to interpret what this means in the broader context of the peril in which American-style democracy finds itself today.
The political problem we face in the United States right now is that a significant chunk of our voting population is so angry at the idea that our laws should equally protect and equally bind everyone — including people whom they believe shouldn’t have human rights — that they are willing to use their votes to transform America into a dictatorship. The Supreme Court’s recent 6-3 conservative majority decision granting absolute immunity from prosecution for all official presidential acts was a sign of those voters’ incremental success. We must push back, to protect the rule of law.
But if you’re the sort of person who thinks acts of violence can solve that scale of a problem in any meaningful or durable way, then I think you’re wrong, both ethically and functionally. Non-violent transfers of power via free and fair elections are a defining strength of America, and we should uphold them as an example of American greatness. Violence in politics must be firmly and unanimously condemned, as President Biden did immediately in the wake of the attack.
The suspect’s motives in the July 13 as-
sassination attempt are still unclear. Investigations will proceed. Law enforcement officers will do what they do. People will cobble together narratives that don’t fit evidence in one way or another. Rumors will spread. Spin will compound. Hucksters will try to profit financially and politically from the fear, sorrow and confusion.
The best thing we can do right now to mitigate the threats to democracy that we face — while we still have an arguably functional democratic system — is organize. Put in the time and effort and sacrifices to make sure that as many people as we can reach will use their votes to elect people who will defend the equality before law that our Constitution promises, but sadly fails to deliver at times. America can do better.
Protecting America from transforming itself into a dictatorship takes work. Do the work.
Jason Crawford Auburn Township
Six Days of Hell in Geauga County
Water is an essential item that both humans and animals need to survive. When the electrical power goes out, there are no toilets, showers or running water available. Although we pay taxes, everyone is on their own, so to speak, for survival during an emergency.
Where was our Emergency Management team the last six days? They might be writing procedures to survive a nuclear explosion or a chemical spill on our highways, at least I hope so.
I am sure our County Commissioners and township officials were out in the "field" doing an assessment of the storm damage and relaying their firsthand knowledge of the situation to the good people of Geauga County.
Gov. DeWine declaring a state of emergency, six days into the disaster . . . thanks! Little too late comes to mind.
Residents need to know what is going on, in real time during an emergency, especially from their elected officials. Are there better solutions? County Commissioners, we need emergency water stations throughout Geauga County so residents can drink clean water, flush toilets and water livestock. We can forgo bathing and showering, but water is a necessity for the aforementioned.
During this outage, everyone is at the mercy of FirstEnergy. Geauga County is rich in rural atmosphere and hardworking taxpayers. After a severe storm like this, let us control what we can. We need to do better. Water, water and water!
Bill Majeski Newbury Township
Letters to the Editor
The Maple Leaf welcomes readers’ letters on matters of public interest.They should be original and not exceed 500 words, although longer letters occasionally will be printed. Letters should include the writer’s name, street address, and daytime phone number. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be printed or acknowledged. Email your letters to editor@karlovecmedia.com
Lillian H. Hofstetter
Lillian H. Hofstetter, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Aug. 8, 2024, at the age of 92.
Obituaries
Lillian was born at home in Montville Township, to Wasil “Charlie” and Mary (nee Kosar) Sangrik. She was the youngest of four children, all of whom preceded her in death: Mary Zima, John and Joe Sangrik.
Lillian met the love of her life in school, Neil C. Hofstetter. They were married in 1951 and spent 64 loving years together until his death in 2017. Together, they raised their four children, Gary (Kim) Hofstetter, the late Linda Pavelitz (Steve Pavelitz), Nancy (Keith) Fury and Ryan (Theresa) Hofstetter. She was devoted to her children and always made time for them.
She was then blessed with 10 grandchildren, Jonathan (Leigh Ann) Hofstetter, Sarah (Lenny Hetrick) Hofstetter, Elizabeth (Kevin) Johnson, Kasey (Zane) Pavelitz-Smith, Miranda (Travis) Foust, Bethany (Tyler) Chattin, Amanda Hofstetter, Ashley Hofstetter, Kyle (Emma) Hofstetter and Katie (Nathan Young) Hofstetter; and then, with increased blessings, 10 great-grandchildren, Brooks, Everly, Aiden, Catherine, Ava, Ella, Harper, Cora and two angel babies, Evelyn and Elliot.
She loved with all her heart, loved spoiling, and always had some kind of snacks to delight the kids.
A graduate of Chardon High School, in 1949, she worked on her father’s farm until her marriage to Neil in 1951. After starting their family, Lillian began her distinguished career as a Chardon Schools bus driver. This career spanned over 35 years and she left an indelible mark on countless students.
Her life outside of “driving” was spent on vibrant flowerbeds, an enormous garden in the summertime, sharing her amazing cooking and baking skills, and polka dancing with Neil.
Lillian lived her life to the best of her ability and left this earth wishing all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would find safety in this mixed-up world. She cherished her longtime friends and neighbors and was thankful for all of them.
A visitation for friends and family will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, from 1011:30 a.m., with a memorial service to begin at 11:30 a.m. at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Interment will follow at Montville Township Cemetery.
The family suggest donations be made to the Montville Fire Department, 9755 Madison Road, Montville, OH 44062, or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice. com.
Dale A. Denly
Dale A. Denly, age 64, of Huntsburg Township, passed away peacefully on Aug. 8, 2024, in Cleveland.
Born on Dec. 11, 1959, in Painesville, Dale was the cher ished son of Charles Tilton Denly and Olive (nee Langham) Denly.
Dale's life was marked by his dedication and love for his family and community. For over 25 years, he shared a fulfilling life with his partner, Cathleen Leyde, and they cele brated their union with marriage at the Residence of Chardon on June 26, 2021.
As a self-employed HVAC professional, Dale took pride in his work and valued the relationships he built throughout his career. His strong sense of community was evident in his active membership with the Chardon Fraternal Order of Eagles #2216.
Dale had a passion for fishing, bowling and spending time outdoors, finding joy and relaxation in the simple pleasures of life.
Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Leyde Denly; his dear mother, Olive Ann Denly; and siblings, Dan Denly and Beth Jones.
He was a devoted uncle to his nieces, Kitty, Nicole and Bobbi Jo; and his nephews, Shawn, Arron, Ryan, Mathew and Adam. He also leaves behind his Aunt Della Langham, who held a special place in his heart.
Preceded in death by his father, Charles Tilton Denly.
A visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
The family suggests donations be made in Dale's honor to FOE #2216, 317 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. For more information and to leave condolences, please visit www.burrservice.com
Dale's warmth, strength, and love will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the memories he created and the lives he touched.
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.
Geauga LWV Elects New Board
stAff rePort
Membership of the League of Women Voters of Geauga (LWVG) unanimously elected new board members for the 20242025 fiscal year to fill several key positions at its June 20 annual meeting.
Carol Benton was named LWVG president, stepping into the role formerly held by Shelly Lewis, a stalwart in LWVG’s 2020 reorganization.
Benton spent the majority of her career at Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., in both Atlanta, Ga., and London, England. Her area of expertise centers on financial analysis and acquisitions. She has called Geauga County her home for the past 12 years.
“It is an honor to lead this wonderful group and to follow such an iconic leader as Shelly Lewis, who, with a small group of very committed women and men, revitalized the local league and built something special here in Geauga County,” said Benton in an Aug. 5 LWVG news release.
Benton’s vision is to elevate LWVG’s brand strength in the community as a reliable, nonpartisan source for factual infor-
mation on elections and the voting process, the release stated.
“This is evidenced by the work already being accomplished through committees, including the Observer Corps,” the release added. “This arm of LWVG functions as the eyes and ears of the League, enabling everyone to understand how local government works. Observer Corps tracks significant issues and promotes transparency.”
The Voter Service Committee, which is responsible for the widely attended LWVG Candidate Forums and digital and print voter guides, is another concrete example of the work being done by volunteers every election cycle, the release stated.
“We have all the pieces in place, now let’s promote them to the community at large,” Benton said.
Rounding out the board roster are Marla Zwinggi, vice president, one-year term, expires 2026; Andrea Trimmer, treasurer, continuing current two-year term, expires 2025; Ashley Dudinsky, secretary, one-year term, expires 2025; Sarah McGlone, director, oneyear term, expires 2025; and Shelly Lewis, past-president, term expires Dec. 31, 2024.
(R to L) Ashley Dudinsky, Marla Zwinggi, Shelly Lewis, Carol Benton, Andrea Trimmer and Sarah McGlone
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 22-F-000253
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff vs. QURAN DEJARNETTE, AKA QURAN ABDULLAH-DEJARNETTE, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Alias Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 29th day of August, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 12th day of September, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Bainbridge to wit:
A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Said Premises Located at: 16798 KENT STREET, BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, OH. Permanent Parcel Number: 02-029180, 02-029190, 02-029200, 02-029300, 02029400, 02-029500, 02-029600
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($30,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($20,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio
Robert R. Hoose, attorney Aug1-8-15, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 22-F-000419
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF AMERICAN HOMEOWNER PRESERVATION TRUST SERIES 2015A+, Plaintiff vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, SPOUSES AND ASSIGNS OF KENT A. SMITH, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 29th day of August, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 12th day of September, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Newbury to wit:
Parcel No. 1: Situated in the Township of Newbury, County of Geauga and State of Ohio and described as follows, to wit: Known as Reliance Investment Company Restful Lake Subdivision Sublot 249, as recorded in Plat Book Volume 1, Pages 56 and 57. This land formerly stood in the name of Reliance Investment Co., and is now recorded in Records of Deeds, Volume 192, Pages 13-14, be the same more or less.
Parcel No. 2: Situated in the Township of Newbury, County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and described as follows, to-wit: And known as being Reliance Investment Company Restful Lake Subdivision Sublot 250, as recorded in Plat Book Volume 1, Pages 56 and 57. This land was formerly in the name of Reliance Investment Company and is now recorded in Deed Book 206, Page 380.
Parcel No. 3: Situated in the Township of Newbury, County of Geauga and State of Ohio and known as being part of Lot #3, Tract 2 in said Township and bounded and described as follows: Beginning at an iron pin marking
the S.W. corner of Sublot #250 in the Restful Lake Allotment, as recorded in Vol. 1, Page 56 of Geauga County Records of Plats. Said iron pin being the principle place of beginning. Thence from said place of beginning N. 00° 12’ 00” W. along the Westerly margin of said Restful Lake Allotment, distance of 208.76 feet to an iron pin set in the Westerly margin of Sublot #256 of the aforesaid Restful Lake Allotment; Thence N. 87° 06’ 40” W. a distance of 150.00 feet to an angle iron stake’ Thence S. 00° 12’ 00” E. a distance of 208.76 feet to an angle iron stake; Thence S. 87° 06’ 40” E. a distance of 150.00 feet to the principle place of beginning, as surveyed in October of 1979 by James P. Russell, Registered Surveyor 5549, be the same more or less.
Said Premises Located at: 14712 LONGVIEW DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 23-102500; 23-102510; 23-102600
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($50,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($33,334.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Adrienne S. Foster, attorney Aug1-8-15, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 22-F-000629
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT
MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff vs. STEVEN JAMES ARNOLD, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Alias Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 29th day of August, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 12th day of September, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Claridon to wit:
Situated in the Township of Claridon, County of Geauga and State of Ohio:
And being in Lot 6 in The Holmes Tract, and is bounded and described as follows:
Beginning in the centerline of Taylor-Wells Road at the northwesterly corner of land conveyed to Eugene M. and Sharon A. Crowley as recorded in Volume 556, Page 717 Geauga County Records of Deeds; Thence along the centerline of said Taylor Wells Road, North 3 degrees 30’ East a distance of 275.00 feet to a point; Thence South 86 degrees 29’ 30” East a distance of 1,514.28 feet to the easterly line of Lot 6; Thence along the east line of said Lot 6, South 7 degrees 13’ 34” West a distance of 275.58 feet to the northeasterly corner of land of said Crowley; Thence along the north line of land of said Crowley, North 86 degrees 29’ 30” West a distance of 1,496.35 feet to the place of beginning and containing 9.503 acres of land, as surveyed and described by Babcock, Jones and Associates, Inc. Registered Engineers and Surveyors, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Property Address: 11525 Taylor Wells Road, Chardon, OH 44024
Deed Reference Number: dated June 19, 2019, filed June 20, 2019, recorded as Official Records Volume 2073, Page 524, Geauga County, Ohio records.
Said Premises Located at: 11525 TAYLOR WELLS ROAD, CLARIDON TOWNSHIP, OH.
INSIDE APPRAISAL COMPLETED
Permanent Parcel Number: 12-082291
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($325,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($216,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Ann M. Johnson, attorney Aug1-8-15, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 23-F-000177
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2018-6, US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff vs. GEORGE G. KOUSTIS, AKA GEORGE KOUSTIS, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 29th day of August, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 12th day of September, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Munson to wit:
A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024.
Said Premises Located at: 11379 WOODIEBROOK DRIVE, MUNSON TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 21-176119
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($600,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($400,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Robert R. Hoose, attorney Aug1-8-15, 2024
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 23-F-000584
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: CITIZENS BANK, N.A., Plaintiff vs. RUBY M. PUGH, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 29th day of August, 2024, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 12th day of September, 2024 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Bainbridge to wit: Situated in the Township of Bainbridge, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: And known as being Sub-Lot Number Nine (9) in the Beacon Hills Sub-Division of Lots 9 and 16, Tract 3, as the same is platted and recorded in Volume 8, Page 2 of the Geauga County Records of Plats, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Said Premises Located at: 8590 BEACON HILL DRIVE, BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 02-029500
DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.
The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
Said Premises appraised at ($150,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($100,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.
TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.
SCOTT
A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Johna M. Bella, attorney Aug1-8-15, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Sale of Real Estate
GEAUGA COUNTY Foreclosure Auction
Case# 22-F-000545 - Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC vs Ricky Slusher, et al.
The description of the property to be sold is as follows:
Property Address: 15920 GROVE STREET, MIDDLEFIELD, GEAUGA, OH, 44062; Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 19-058100 and 19080907
Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on August 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.
Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third-party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time. Provisional Sale date: September 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $5,000 to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.
Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 22F000545 into the search bar. Aug1-8-15, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Sale of Real Estate GEAUGA COUNTY Foreclosure Auction
Case# 24-F-000009 - Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. vs Name(s) Unknown, the Unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, beneficiaries of Stephen R. Danesi and their unknown spouses and creditors; and the unknown spouse of Stephen R. Danesi (if any), John Doe(s), et al. The description of the property to be sold is as follows:
Property Address: 8620 BEACON HILL DRIVE, CHAGRIN FALLS, GEAUGA, OH, 44023; Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 02-416800 Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on August 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.
Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third-party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time. Provisional Sale date: September 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $5,000 to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.
Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.
To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 24F000009 into the search bar.
Aug1-8-15, 2024
PUBLIC BID ADVERTISEMENT
Geauga County
Project Number = ARP-0002C
Project Name = Geauga County Transitional Living Center Expansion
Owner = Geauga County Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services
Project Address = 12741 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, Ohio
Bids Due: August 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the offices of the Geauga County Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services located at 13244 Ravenna Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024
EDGE Participation Goal: 5% of contract Domestic steel use is required per ORC 153.011. The estimated base bid for cost of work is $1,900,000.00
Pre-bid Meeting: August 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm until approximately 3:00 pm at 12741 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, Ohio
Bid Documents: The Contract Documents are available for purchase at SE Blueprint (216) 241-2250 or www.seblueprint.com. No refunds will be provided on bid documents. The Contract Documents may be reviewed for bidding purposes without charge during business hours at the office of the A/E and the following locations:
The Builder’s Exchange, Inc. (Cleveland) 9555 Rockside Rd., Suite 300 Valley View, Ohio 44125
Phone: (216) 393-6300 Ext 39 / (866) 9076300
E-mail: info@bxohio.com Website: www.bxcleve.com
More Info: Contact Ray Minotas, rminotas@ perspectus.com, 216-752-1800 Aug1-8-15, 2024
LEGAL
NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
24-F-000308 – JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff vs. Dennis L. Woodford, et al., Defendants
Dennis L. Woodford, whose last place of residence/business is 18275 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, and Unknown Spouse, if any, of Dennis L. Woodford whose last place of residence/business is 18275 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 but whose present place of residence/business is unknown will take notice that on May 3, 2024, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F-000308 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, alleging that the Defendant(s) Dennis L. Woodford, and Unknown Spouse, if any, of Dennis L. Woodford have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below: Permanent Parcel Number: 02-224600; Property Address: 18275 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. The legal description may be obtained from the Geauga County Auditor at 231 Main Street, Suite 1-A, Chardon, Ohio 44024, 440-279-1600.
The Petitioner further alleges that by reason of default of the Defendant(s) in the payment of a promissory note, according to its tenor, the conditions of a concurrent mortgage deed given to secure the payment of said note and conveying the premises described, have been broken, and the same has become absolute.
The Petitioner prays that the Defendant(s) named above be required to answer and set up their interest in said real estate or be forever barred from asserting the same, for foreclosure of said mortgage, the marshalling of any liens, and the sale of said real estate, and the proceeds of said sale applied to the payment of Petitioner’s Claim in the proper order of its priority, and for such other and further relief as is just and equitable.
THE DEFENDANT(S) NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE THE 12th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. BY: REIMER LAW CO. Ronald J. Chernek, Attorney at Law, Attorney for Plaintiff-Petitioner, P.O. Box 39696, Solon, Ohio 44139. (440)600-5500.
Aug1-8-15, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
Case No. 24-F-000294 - PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC -VS- JOHN E. MCGIFFIN AKA JOHN MCGIFFIN, ET AL. DEFENDANTS
Unknown Heirs at Law, Devisees, Legatees, Executors and Administrators of John E. McGiffin aka John McGiffin, deceased, whose last known address is Unknown, and who cannot be served, will take notice that on 04/26/2024, Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Money, Foreclosure in Reformation and other Equitable Relief in the Geauga County Court of Common
Pleas, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, Geauga County, Ohio, Case No. 24F-000294 against Unknown Heirs at Law, Devisees, Legatees, Executors and Administrators of John E. McGiffin aka John McGiffin, deceased, and others as Defendants, alleging that, John E. McGiffin aka John McGiffin is in default for all payments from August 1, 2023; that on December 7, 2013, John E. McGiffin aka John McGiffin, deceased, and Kimberly McGiffin executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed in which said Defendants agreed, among other things, to pay the Note and to comply with all of the terms of the Mortgage Deed hereinafter described, which Mortgage Deed was filed in the Recorder’s Office of Geauga County, Ohio on December 20, 2013, recorded in Volume 1964, Page 1183 that, further, the balance due on the Note is $120,021.52 with interest at the rate of 5.0000% per annum from August 1, 2023; that to secure the payment of the Note, executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed to and thereby conveying, in fee simple, the following described premises: Situated in the State of Ohio, in the County of Geauga, and in Auburn Township: Commonly known as 17810 Bridge Creek Trail, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 and further alleging that the aforesaid Mortgage is a valid and subsisting first and best lien upon said premises after the lien of the Treasurer; that the Note is in default, whereby the conditions set forth in the Note and Mortgage have been broken, that the Mortgage has become absolute and that Plaintiff is entitled, therefore, to have the Mortgage foreclosed, the premises sold, and the proceeds applied in payment of Plaintiff’s claims; that the Defendant Unknown Heirs at Law, Devisees, Legatees, Executors and Administrators of John E. McGiffin aka John McGiffin, deceased, among others, may have or claim to have some interest in or lien upon said premises; that all of the Defendants are required to set forth any claim, lien or interest in or upon the premises that he, she, or it may have or claim to have or be forever barred therefrom; that Plaintiff’s Mortgage be declared to be a valid and subsisting first and best lien upon said premises after the lien of the Treasurer, if any, that its Mortgage be foreclosed; that all liens be marshaled; that the equity of redemption of all Defendants be forever cut off, barred, and foreclosed; that upon the sale of said premises the proceeds be paid to Plaintiff to satisfy the amount of its existing lien and the interest, together with its disbursements, advancements, and costs herein expended; and for such other and further relief to which is may be entitled in equity or at law. Defendants are further notified that they are required to answer the Complaint on or before September 19, 2024, which includes twenty-eight (28) days from the last publishing, or judgment may be rendered as prayed for therein.
Submitted by Suzanne M. Godenswager (0086422), Sandhu Law Group, LLC, 1213 Prospect Ave. Suite 300, Cleveland OH, 216373-1001, Attorney for Plaintiff.
Aug8-15-22, 2024
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
Case No. 24-F-000440 - Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, FIDUCIARIES, DEVISEES AND DONEES OF DUANE G. RECTOR, JR., et al.
Unknown Heirs, Beneficiaries, Fiduciaries, Devisees and Donees of Duane G. Rector, Jr, whose present place of residence is unknown, will take notice that on July 3, 2024, Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F-000440 in the Court of Common Pleas of Geauga County, 100 Short Court, Chardon, OH 44024, seeking foreclosure and alleging that the Defendants Unknown Heirs, Beneficiaries, Fiduciaries, Devisees and Donees of Duane G. Rector, Jr. have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below:
Permanent Parcel #: 32-050150
Property Address: 19198 Mumford Road, Garrettsville, OH 44231
The Defendant(s) named above are required to answer on or before the 19th day of September, 2024.
Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC BY: LOGS Legal Group LLP, Tamara Gurchik, Attorney for Plaintiff, 4805 Montgomery Road, Suite 320, Norwood, OH 45212. (513) 396-8100. Aug8-15-22, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Auburn Township
Notice is hereby given that the Auburn Township Board of Trustees will conduct a Public Hearing on proposed amendments to the Auburn Township Zoning Resolution, known as ZC2024-01. The public hearing will take place at 7:15 pm on Monday, August 19, 2024 at the Auburn Township Administration building, 11010 Washington Street, Auburn, Ohio 44023. Dan Matsko, Fiscal Officer Aug15, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Village of Burton
A Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 5:30 PM in the Village Office. The Board will review a variance request from Ms. Dawn Patterson, East Park Lofts LLC. at 14577 East Park Street to install a driveway and rear parking lot at this property.
Jennell Dahlhausen, Fiscal Officer Aug15-22, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Village of Middlefield
Notice is hereby given that during the Council Meeting held on August 8, 2024, The Village of Middlefield passed the following legislation:
Ordinance 24-131 An Ordinance Authorizing the Change in Street Name of South Springdale Avenue to Harrington Way, in Accordance with Orc Section 723.04.
Ordinance 24-140 An Ordinance Authorizing Various Activities Related to the 6th Annual Geauga Veteran’s Sports Fest, Waiving the Prohibition of the Codified Ordinances Regarding Same, and Declaring an Emergency.
The Complete Text Of These Resolutions And Ordinances May Be Viewed Or Obtained At The Office Of The Fiscal Officer, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield, Ohio During Regular Business Hours.
Cindy Detweiler Administrative Asst. /Billing Clerk Aug15, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON MOTION PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CLARIDON TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION
O.R.C. 519.12(D)
Notice is hereby given that the Claridon Township Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on a motion, which is an amendment, identified as number ZA24-2, to the Claridon Township Zoning Resolution at the Claridon Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. on August 26, 2024. The motion proposing to amend the zoning resolution will be available for examination at the Claridon Administration Building from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024 and August 26, 2024.
After the conclusion of the public hearing the matter will be submitted to the board of township trustees for its action.
Kimberlee A. Jackson, Secretary Aug15, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Parkman Township
The Parkman Township Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at the Parkman Community House, located at 16295 Main Market Road/Rt. 422 in Parkman. This will be a work session for the purpose of reviewing our policy manual changes. This meeting is open to the pub-
lic; however, no matters other than the policy manual will be discussed during the meeting. Denise Villers, Fiscal Officer Aug15, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
OHIO SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
ELECTION NOTICE
The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission will cause an election of Supervisors of the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to be held in accordance with Chapter 940 of the Ohio Revised Code. Individuals who own or occupy land within the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District and are 18 years of age or older may vote for Supervisor.
There are 3 ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:
1.) At the SWCD office, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 240, from 9/11/2024 until 10/10/2024 during normal business hours (Monday thru Friday- 7:00 am 3:30 pm); or
2.) At the SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at Veterans Legacy Woods Tribute Lodge, 14085 Ravenna Road, Newbury Township on 10/10/2024 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm ; or 3.) Voting absentee from 9/11/2024 until 10/10/2024, by requesting the ballot application and election ballot from the SWCD office at the following address 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 240, by calling 440-834-1122, or email clair@geauga.oh.gov. Absentee ballots must be received by the SWCD office by 10/10/2024 and by 3:30 pm. Geauga Supervisors will be elected to a threeyear term commencing January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2027. Nominees are:
1. Dee Belew
2. Mike Henry
3. Mary Slingluff Aug15, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Geauga County
Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Dr., Suite 350, Chardon, OH 44024, or by mail at the same address, until 1:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and will be publicly opened and read aloud shortly thereafter at 2:00 p.m. in Room B303.
An envelope containing the bid and other required documents shall be sealed and clearly marked “Bid-Chagrin Falls Park Community Center Roof”, Attn: Christine Blair, Commissioners’ Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, OH 44024.
Each bid must be accompanied by a bid guaranty in the form of either a certified or cashier’s check or an irrevocable letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305 of the Ohio Revised Code, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bid bond in accordance with R.C. 153.54 (B) and R.C. 153.571 in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount. Such check or bid bond to be made in favor of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners 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 and its performance properly secured.
The specifications will be available for pickup and inspection at the Offices of the Geauga County Department of Community & Economic Development, 12611 Ravenwood Dr., Suite 370, Chardon, OH during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from Thursday, August 15, 2024 until 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
There will be a pre-bid meeting starting at the site at 7060 Woodland Ave., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 at 9:00 am on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The estimate of probable cost of construction is $112,573.00.
The successful bidder is required to furnish a bond for the faithful performance of the contract in a sum of not less than one hundred
percent (100%) of the total bid price for the complete work. Said bond to be that of an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio meeting the requirements of the O.R.C. Section 153.57. This project is subject to federal prevailing wage.
A copy of this legal notice is posted on the county’s internet site on the World Wide Web. Go to http://www.co.geauga.oh.us/Notices/Bids and click on the project name to view this legal notice.
Geauga County reserves the right to reject any and all bids or any part thereof, and to waive any informalities and/or irregularities in the bids. The County’s decision on any award is final.
BY ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Christine Blair, Clerk Aug15, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Geauga County Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Dr., Suite 350, Chardon, OH 44024, or by mail at the same address, until 1:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and will be publicly opened and read aloud shortly thereafter at 2:20 p.m. in Room B303.
An envelope containing the bid and other required documents shall be sealed and clearly marked “Bid-Maple Leaf Residences-Window Replacement”, Attn: Christine Blair, Commissioners’ Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, OH 44024.
Each bid must be accompanied by a bid guaranty in the form of either a certified or cashier’s check or an irrevocable letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305 of the Ohio Revised Code, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bid bond in accordance with R.C. 153.54 (B) and R.C. 153.571 in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount. Such check or bid bond to be made in favor of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners 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 and its performance properly secured.
The specifications will be available for pickup and inspection at the Offices of the Geauga County Department of Community & Economic Development, 12611 Ravenwood Dr., Suite 370, Chardon, OH during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from Thursday, August 15, 2024 until 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
There will be a pre-bid meeting starting at the first site at 10612 Wilson Mills Rd., Chardon, OH 44024 at 9:00 am on Friday, August 23, 2024.
The estimate of probable cost of construction is $32,984.00.
The successful bidder is required to furnish a bond for the faithful performance of the contract in a sum of not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the total bid price for the complete work. Said bond to be that of an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio meeting the requirements of the O.R.C. Section 153.57. This project is subject to federal prevailing wage.
A copy of this legal notice is posted on the county’s internet site on the World Wide Web. Go to http://www.co.geauga.oh.us/Notices/Bids and click on the project name to view this legal notice.
Geauga County reserves the right to reject any
and all bids or any part thereof, and to waive any informalities and/or irregularities in the bids. The County’s decision on any award is final.
BY ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Christine Blair, Clerk Aug15, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
Geauga County
Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Dr., Suite 350, Chardon, OH 44024, or by mail at the same address, until 1:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and will be publicly opened and read aloud shortly thereafter at 2:10 p.m. in Room B303.
An envelope containing the bid and other required documents shall be sealed and clearly marked “Bid-Maple Leaf Residences-Roofs”, Attn: Christine Blair, Commissioners’ Clerk, Geauga County Board of Commissioners, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 350, Chardon, OH 44024.
Each bid must be accompanied by a bid guaranty in the form of either a certified or cashier’s check or an irrevocable letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305 of the Ohio Revised Code, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bid bond in accordance with R.C. 153.54 (B) and R.C. 153.571 in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount. Such check or bid bond to be made in favor of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners 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 and its performance properly secured.
The specifications will be available for pickup and inspection at the Offices of the Geauga County Department of Community & Economic Development, 12611 Ravenwood Dr., Suite 370, Chardon, OH during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from Thursday, August 15, 2024 until 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
There will be a pre-bid meeting starting at the first site at 10612 Wilson Mills Rd., Chardon, OH 44024 at 9:00 am on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
The estimate of probable cost of construction is $81,208.00.
The successful bidder is required to furnish a bond for the faithful performance of the contract in a sum of not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the total bid price for the complete work. Said bond to be that of an approved surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Ohio meeting the requirements of the O.R.C. Section 153.57.
This project is subject to federal prevailing wage.
A copy of this legal notice is posted on the county’s internet site on the World Wide Web. Go to http://www.co.geauga.oh.us/Notices/Bids and click on the project name to view this legal notice.
Geauga County reserves the right to reject any and all bids or any part thereof, and to waive any informalities and/or irregularities in the bids. The County’s decision on any award is final.
BY ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Christine Blair, Clerk Aug15, 2024
Geauga Sheriff’s Report
The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Aug. 2 to Aug. 8, 2024.
ANIMAL PROBLEM
Aug. 4
2:28 p.m., Cardinal Drive, Troy. Frog in the kitchen sink. Called again. Advising she was sorry for calling and that she was able to get the frog wrapped up in a blanket to toss outside.
Aug. 5
6:44 p.m., Auburn Road, Munson. Caller reports the neighbor's Black poodle was loose and chased her and her dog. The poodle is back in its own yard. There was no contact made by the dog to her or her own dog. Dog from ran towards the complainant and her dog in their yard. Complainant advised this happens often and she wants it documented. See report.
ASSAULT
Aug. 2
8:56 p.m., Castlewood Drive, Newbury. Caller was punched in the eye by friend at a residence on Castlewood and wants to pick up his belongings. Caller is at the rescue mission in Chardon currently. Caller wants to gather his belongings, not interested in pressing charges towards his friend who punched him. Caller has been drinking. No drugs.
CITIZEN DISPUTE
Aug. 6
11:30 a.m., Rock Creek Road, Hambden. Property damage. Caller grooms dogs and lady was going to take her dog there then she did not want to leave it and groomer did not want to do it. Lady drove through the groomers yard and damaged it. Business owner stated client was not happy left business driving through the yard tearing up a stump. Business owner wanted client is not welcome back.
INTOXICATED PERSON
Aug. 3
8:17 p.m., Scranton Woods Trail, Newbury. Husband just came home drunk. He is being belligerent and yelling. Slamming things and calling her names. Caller is downstairs away from him. He is upstairs, no weapons on his person, no weapons in the house. He does not know she has called the police. She is hiding downstairs but can still hear him throwing items around. They are going through a divorce, but the courts stated he is to continue living there until they can get ahead. He is calling her "F*cking @sshole" and still yelling. No longer throwing items. Caller is going to be outside; she is too afraid to stay inside. Two dogs, German Shepherds, friendly. They will be outside with her.
Verbal dispute. No violence or threats of violence. Agreed to go to his son's for the evening.
SUSPICIOUS
Aug. 3
7:20 a.m., Mayfield Road and Trailwood Road, Huntsburg. Male standing by the road screaming and swearing. White male blue shirt and shorts. In his 30s. No vehicle that caller can see. Male appeared to have a balding head. Another caller advised he was walking westbound waving his arms and talking to himself. Blue Tshirt and khaki shorts.
Aug. 6
3:14 a.m., Main Market Road, Parkman Community House, Parkman. Male flaging down deputy. Male walking trying to get to Warren. Gave him a courtesy ride to the county line.
THEFT
Aug. 3
3:29 a.m., Bean Road, Munson. Theft of a handbag of tools. Occurred within the last week. Claims that sometime in the past week someone stole his handheld toolbag containing about $1,200 worth of tools.
Aug. 4
10:37 p.m., Springdale Avenue, Walmart, Middlefield. Males getting into a silver SUV. Three young teenage males, two white, one black. The males stole over $700 in Legos. They were ringing them up as candles. See report.
Aug. 5
5:52 p.m., Ravenna Road, Chardon. Caller advised someone stole his 16-foot trailer out of his driveway. Provided information for it to be entered into LEADS.
VAGRANCY
Aug. 4
2:03 p.m., Zenith Drive, Newbury. Suspect has a homeless camp set up behind this address and is stealing from people in Kiwanis Lake. Caller states he has not taken anything from her but has from her friends. Caller does not want suspect to know she called. He is a loose canon. Has a warrant out of Middlefield for theft. He's behind an abandoned house. Suspect was located sleeping in his makeshift encampment. Advised he had a knee injury and could not stand or walk. Newbury Fire contacted and transported him to the hospital. Police hold was placed, advised when suspect is ready for pickup on two warrants.
WIRES DOWN, TREE DOWN, UTITLITY PROBLEM
Aug. 8
Geauga County dispatch took in 67 calls on Aug. 8 assigned to one of the above categories.
Following is a list of real estate transfers for the weeks of July 29 and Aug. 5, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
AUBURN TOWNSHIP
Donald C. and Joan Matz (trustees), 427 Chipping Lane (Unit 116), to Robert C. and Margaret C. Josey (trustees), $575,000. (0.00 acres)
Lewis C. and Deborah L. Graehling Tomsic, 11282 Washington St., to Damon Daugherty, $11,000. (2.50 acres)
Katherine H. Latessa (TOD), 19130 Brookfield Drive, to Jacob and Amanda Marie Emery, $365,000. (1.87 acres)
Kristin Horner (trustee), 196 Woodsong Way (Unit 44A), to Eric and Dineen Frantz, $410,000. (0.00 acres)
Dawn M. and Matthew M. Gilbert, 16608 Munn Road, to Edwin and Jamie Louise Almaraz, $662,500. (3.16 acres)
BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP
Brian J. Luria (trustee), 8145 Chagrin Road, to Kevin Doan, $489,900. (2.46 acres)
Kelley A. Conway, 8758 East Brook Circle (Unit 21), to Kimberly Mae Craemer, $235,000. (0.00 acres)
Caroline J. Maurer (TOD), 8251 Stoney Brook Drive, to Catherine Cavanagh and Carter Smith, $470,000. (0.48 acres)
Davis B. and Karen L. Young, 7330 Edwards Landing Drive, to Josephine Ann Scaminace, $900,000. (0.17 acres)
Craig and Fleur Paterson, 7915 McFarland Ridge, to Carlos and Cheryl Hubbard, $1,075,000. (0.70 acres)
BURTON TOWNSHIP
Lee and Ida Bontrager, 14780 Georgia Road, to Aaron V. and Amanda M. Yoder, $250,000. (5.00 acres)
BURTON VILLAGE
O’Reilly Real Estate Management LLC, 13801 W. Center St., to D2J Holdings LLC, $800,000. (2.43 acres)
CHARDON CITY
Nancy A. Butler, 143 Court St., to Steel Quality Properties LLC, $110,000. (0.34 acres)
Tee Pee Properties Ltd., 357 Center St. and Center Street, to MJM Acquisitions LLC, $730,000. (2.85 acres)
FLG Chardon LLC, 191 High Fox Drive, to NVR Inc., $90,000. (0.17 acres)
Bryan Wallace, 396 Karen Drive, to Karen C. Korycki, $210,000. (0.21 acres)
Patricia O’Donnell, 319 Cynthia Drive, to Erik Hoenigman, $100,000. (0.27 acres)
CHARDON TOWNSHIP
Joel and Sheri Wedge, 9797 Ravenna Road, to Emory and Virginia Morley,
Real Estate Transfers
$400,000. (2.17 acres)
Carol M. O’Brien, 10380 Pinegate Drive, to Mark Rajko, $265,000. (5.28 acres)
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Samuel Clark Kennell, 11430 Ferry Road, to Charles A. and Gina M. Huber, $260,000. (2.57 acres)
Matthew Cox, 9285 Winchester Valley, to Sonja and Matthew Basham, $475,000. (5.09 acres)
Royston John and Marjorie G. Barnard, 13280 Sperry Road and Sperry Road, to Daniel C. Guardo, $467,500. (8.50 acres)
Otto William Jankus, 12593 Parkview Drive, to Brittany Marie and Blake Matthew Alexsovich, $320,000. (0.65 acres)
CLARIDON TOWNSHIP
Ohio Maple Sugarbush Farms LLC, Claridon Troy Road, to Daniel S. and Dana M. O’Reilly, $220,000. (16.00 acres)
Kirk P. and Chad S. Adams (TOD), 12430 Old State Road, to Jonathon V. Bilicic, $145,000. (0.59 acres)
HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP
Walter L. Wallace, 9580 Venus Road, to Holly and Todd Suszynski, $216,000. (1.05 acres)
Charlene Camino, 9020 Old State Road, to Carmen J. and Nichole Camino, $150,000. (3.09 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP
Mark E. and Nancy J. Yoder, 16891 Bridge Road, to Aaron W. and Linda A. Miller, $225,000. (1.95 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE
Brian M. and Lisa E. Ayer, 15141 Sawgrass Lane, to Sandra Winters (trustee), $327,000. (0.20 acres)
NVR Inc., 15235 Timber Ridge, to Lisa Marie Pinzone, $467,230. (0.21 acres)
NVR Inc., 15227 Timber Ridge, to Larry A. Paul Jr. and Terrel M. Golden, $416,500. (0.21 acres)
MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP
William S. Phillips (TOD), 10266 Plank
Road, to Rebecca Vrabel, $80,000. (0.74 acres)
Ileen Newman, 9835 Kile Road, to Philip H. Melinz, Judith A. Melinz, Michael Abate and Annie Melinz, $640,000. (23.04 acres)
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
James F. Novotny Jr. (TOD), Paula M. Siller and Katherine Ann Briggs, $9699 Mulberry Road, to Anna Rose Penko and Jeromy Smith, $379,900. (5.00 acres)
Larry E. and Meggan E. Maniche, 11880 Wellesley Lane, to Christi Cirino, $470,000. (2.56 acres)
Sandra L. Mueller (TOD), 12165 Heath Road, to Laurie M. Gaye, $335,000. (5.00 acres)
Marilyn S. Alesnik, 9957 Sherman Road, to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (trustee), $242,000. (6.00 acres)
NEWBURY TOWNSHIP
Jacqueline Nagle, 15891 Grace St., to James P. Pavsek, $233,000. (1.55 acres)
Elke White, 13886 Ravenna Road, to Dustin Sutter, $308,000. (7.14 acres)
Estate of Joan Lucas, 13881 Oak Tree Trail, to Nicholas McKinley, and Madeline and Philip J. Ricci, $250,000. (3.01 acres)
PARKMAN TOWNSHIP
Melvin M. and Linda S. Miller, 18950 Rutland Road, to Adam A. Gingerich and
Rosanne M. Miller, $250,000. (5.01 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
David Alan and Elizabeth Bowe (trustees), 8033 Music Street, to Catherine Anne Pace, $394,500. (2.33 acres)
Jorge Zapata and Clara Jaramillo, 15385 Cypress Pond Lane, to Timothy J. and Megan L. Klug, $1,900,000. (10.00 acres)
Jan N. Blank, 14856 Hook Hollow Road, to Jeffrey S. Blumenthal, $350,000. (1.50 acres)
SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE
Renhab Accretion LLC, 1194 Bell St., to Keystone Properties Real Estate LLC, $425,000. (0.56 acres)
Mark A. Elinsky, 124 Fairview Road, to Colleen A. Woodbury (trustee), $323,600. (0.31 acres)
THOMPSON TOWNSHIP
John T. Ault Jr., 7956 Sidley Road, to Lynn Shepherd and Joseph Meliska, $270,000. (5.04 acres)
Richard Bojack, 16985 Moseley Road, to Kathleen and Kyle Muir, $317,400. (7.04 acres)
TROY TOWNSHIP
Shirley Greenway, 16353 Snow Road, to Aaron and Katherine L. DeMoss, $190,000. (1.00 acres)
FOR SALE
John Deere Lawn Tractor: Model 314, 14-HP, auto-trans, hydraulic 3-blade 46” cutting deck, w/snow plow and trailer; $1,200/OBO. 440-564-1172.
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.
Daylilies: over 450 varieties, $10 to $12 per large clump. Call 440-543-9303 or 440-570-1377.
Howard Rototiller: 42” wide, for compact tractor. Cat 1 three-point hitch. $1,800. 440-487-2955.
2016 Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer 2504S. Dining area slide-out, bunk beds, Queen Murphy bed. Gas/ Electric Fridge/Freezer, double sink, 3 burner stove with oven. Full bath and LOTS of storage. $18,500. 440812-8729.
Yamaha Digital Piano: Model P-125, 88 keys, with stool, steel stand. Best Offer, call 440-901-8258.
TEARDROP CAMPING TRAILER 2014 SoCal Deluxe model 5’X11”, Queen size bed, galley kitchen, roof rack, easy towing. $9,000. 440-230-3750 Parkman Ravin R10 Crossbow: like new condition, 450 scope w/ covers, quiver, crank, strap, (8) 400 grain, .003 carbon arrows, extra new 450 scope (in box); $1,000. Madison, OH. 440-477-2902.
Janome Memory Craft 15000 Embroidery Machine, Koala Slimline Artisan Cabinet in Golden Teak w/chair, wine color. For more information call 440-533-5292.
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.
Solid Cherry Corner Desk: like new, 78” tall, 48” depth, 64” wide, paid $2,250, asking $1,480/OBO. Antique French round marble table w/4 chairs, $1,600/OBO. 440-338-3563.
Classifieds
Matching Couch and Loveseat, floral print, in good shape, ready to sell; make offer. 440-632-9675, Middlefield.
Husqvarna chainsaw: GC, $75. Aerifier: tow-behind, $50. 440-670-4207.
2022 Hideout RV: $24,700. Two recliners, sleeper sofa, free standing dinette, hidden pantry, 40” HD TV, central vac system, private bedroom with queen bed and storage underneath. Solar power electric awning with LED lighting, indoor outdoor speakers, electric fireplace, furnace and air conditioning. Dan 440-279-4310 or dbaksa@icloud.com.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
BIG CHURCH TRUNK SALE & FLEA MARKET: Sat Aug 7, 8a-4p. 12550 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland. At Church of the Angels. Lots of stuff!
Second Hand Treasures. A unique shopping place. Something for everyone! Weekly Sales: Thursday, Friday, Saturday. 9a-5p. Many $1 bargains. 9098 Old St Road, Rt.608, Chardon.
Aug 30-31, 9a-4p, 18071 Tilden, Troy Township, close to Rts 700/422. Tons of items left, FREE items. Aug 15-17, 10a-5p, 13566 Stoney Springs Dr., Chardon. Come One, Come All! Multi Family Garage Sale. Char-Broil gas grill, motorcycle helmets, tools, wooden dollhouse, vintage toys, and much, much more. CASH ONLY.
PETS & ANIMALS
Barn homes needed for semi-feral cats, as their elderly caretaker is being evicted. All cats are being fixed & vaccinated. Rebecca 440-321-2485.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE fact: PARENTS are key to protecting kids from addiction! Discuss the dangers with them now!
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.
SERVICES
Licensed caregiver: will do in-home care and light housework. 24/7. References. 440-313-1804. HAVE STORM DAMAGE? Need help with clean up? Call Albert’s Complete Tree Service: 45+yrs experience! Free Estimates. 440-687-5404.
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.
Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.
WANTED TO BUY
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.
