Middlefield Post 3-20-2024

Community News from Middlefield, Parkman,

Middlef ield POST

Ashtabula Man Charged in Cardinal Bus Crash

stAff report

Byron M. Currence, 23, of Ashtabula, was cited for his involve ment in the Cardinal Schools bus accident March 1 in Middlefield Township.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol accident report shows Currence was charged for failure to assure clear distance when a school bus was stopped to collect students on state Route 87 east of state Route 528 at about 7:41 a.m.

A black Nissan Frontier pickup was stopped behind the bus when a 2021 Isuzu flatbed truck driven by Currence hit the pickup in the rear.

The collision forced the pickup into the rear of the bus, then off the road to the right and into the ditch

Mayor Urges Collaboration With Cardinal Leadership

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Garlich Explores

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Amish-Yankee Charity Basketball

Middlefield Village Mayor Ben Garlich proposed several actions March 14 to ensure the healthy growth of the community following a year-in review presentation.

Most notable was Garlich’s hope to build a partnership between the village and Cardinal Schools leadership, a position he has not held in the past.

When neighboring Berkshire Schools was in the process of creating and funding a new, all-grade school several years ago, Garlich urged Cardinal to merge with Berkshire.

“I was a strong proponent of consolidation,” he recalled.

Village residents were opposed and Garlich ceased his campaign for consolidation, but last Thursday, he

Making Village a ‘Charter Government’ See Collaboration

Geauga County Treasurer Chris Hitchcock questioned a huge budget carryover in the Cardinal Schools’ general fund during the Feb. 27 county budget commission meeting with the district’s administration.

“Something happened in ‘21’22 where your estimated cash balance grew by $1.5 million,” said Hitchcock, who sits on the commission with county Prosecutor Jim Flaiz and Auditor Chuck Walder.

Cardinal Schools Treasurer Terry Armstrong responded promptly the district received a boon of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That American Rescue Plan money is the primary reason for the actual carryover increasing about $1.6 million in 2020-2021 and more than $3.63 million in 2021-2022, he said.

During that time period, district expenses decreased partially because Cardinal closed its intermediate school, which was no longer needed due to falling enrollment, he said.

In addition, the Fair School Funding law established that the state is responsible for providing revenue for Cardinal Schools students attending non-public schools. Before the law, Cardinal received $3,300 from the state for each student, but had to reimburse the non-public school $6,000 per student from the district coffers.

The new law lowered district expenses, he said. But the district’s high carryovers continued to draw budget commission fire.

In a later conversation, Armstrong said Cardinal’s goal of general fund carryover is about 40%, which is considered best practice, but the numbers exceed that goal for now.

Armstrong, who has been in the treasurer’s position for only a few months, said the administration has been working to mitigate the large carryover. “Cardinal has spent a lot of ESSER money already. We are trying to do everything we can,” he said, adding he has budgeted all the funds.

The budget commission spent two days reviewing budgets with all five Geauga County school districts. While going through the Cardinal budget, they queried the district’s bond taken out in 2018 to make building improvements.

Armstrong explained the district has refinanced the 15-year bond so it no longer encumbers all

This graph shows the discrepancy in the Cardinal Schools budget carryover for the last two years. The extra cash is the result of ESSER funds from the ARPA.

Town Crier

Geauga Home and Garden Show

March 22 and 23

The 17th annual premier home and garden show takes place at Heritage Marketplace, 15848 Nauvoo Road in Middlefield. Showtimes are Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 440632-0174 for information.

Burton Book Sale

March 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stop by after one of the local pancake breakfasts to shop Burton Public Library’s book sale. The entrance to the book sale is at the back of the building located at 14588 W. Park St.

MGV Classes

Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) are offering a variety of free classes in the spring. Each class will be held in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Registration is required; call 440-834-4656. For more information and class descriptions, visit geauga.osu.edu.

The Gardening 101 series continues with “Seed Selection and Planting Plan” on March 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. MGV Kelly Morgan will cover the basics of selecting and starting seeds, what works best directly planted in the garden and when to start planting.

Then, on April 6 from 10 a.m. to noon, join

MGV and botanist Judy Barnhart for “Common Yard & Garden Weeds.” She will discuss and identify unwanted weeds, several of which can become aggressive, noxious or invasive. An ID matching activity will be included.

Geauga Dems Film Showing

March 27, 7 p.m.

Geauga Democratic Women’s Caucus will show the movie “RBG” at the party headquarters, 12420 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free; donations will be accepted. Popcorn will be served. For information, call 440-273-8200.

LCGS Meeting

March 28, 10 a.m.

The Lake County Genealogical Society (LCGS) will meet on Zoom. Following a short business meeting, speaker Bill Eddleman will present "This Indenture Made This... Finding Ancestors in Deeds."

Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more information and the invitation to the Zoom meeting. One does not need to be a member to attend the monthly meeting.

For more information, call Cynthia at 440951-0914.

Bloodmobile

March 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit

RedCrossBlood.org to make a donation appointment.

Learn to Square Dance

April 5, 7-9 p.m.

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

Red Wagon Spring Dinner

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

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

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

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

Help for Mental Illness

NAMI Geauga offers mental health support groups and classes for families and persons affected by mental illness. There is no charge to participants. All offerings are 100% peer led and meet in person or on Zoom.

Check out NAMI’s calendar online for the latest listings: www.namigeauga.org.

A Message from the Mayor

Hello Residents,

Welcome to Spring. If this continues, we will be mowing lawns in March.

I’m not especially fond of cold weather, personally, and from a Village operational cost as well. Our salt usage this year as well as snowplow maintenance and labor hours has been the most cost-effective winter in many years. I do have empathy for anyone who makes their livelihood from snow and cold.

We are going to put some of our energy this year in trying to inspire young people and residents to be come involved in local government. We need to ensure the future of our Village is in the hands of people who want to make a positive difference in their community and have a passion for maintaining and improving our community.

We are excited about all the new recent commercial improvements in the Village. We appreciate each property owner’s investment in our community. We were privileged to partner, in a small way, with many of these improvements via our store front renovation program. We believe and know that it was money well spent.

shop locally and the only way these conveniences will remain here is if we shop local and support.

We are still working hard on securing a hotel and urgent care in this Village. We feel both are entities this area deserves. We will continue to pursue until we are successful.

We have a few capital improvement projects already bid and awarded for completion this year. Repaving of a few streets and the completion an additional water well.

If our Village is to continue to grow, we need to ensure our infrastructure can support. It will be an ongoing challenge to stay ahead of demand. This year a few major projects are slated in the private sector as well, substantial business expansions by Hartville Hardware as well as Ohman Family Living. Both projects are in the planning process and will soon be on the verge of physical construction. We look forward to both projects being completed as they will add value to our Village.

In addition to the commercial improvements, we are seeing a robust residential expansion. I’ve not seen this much new residential development during my tenure as mayor.

I’ve talked to a few of the new residents and the convenience and amenities of this village are not fully realized until you move here. I am thankful every day that all my daily service and merchandise requirements can be obtained within less than a mile from my home. I continually encourage residents to

We gave our annual State of the Village update at the March council meeting. Last year was another successful year for which we are thankful. Success is generated by you. We are the recipients of your efforts, and our goal is to wisely use these resources you provide to create an environment for your continued success. If you are successful, we are successful and we are keenly aware the inverse is also true.

Please exercise your right to vote, be informed, be involved, shop Middlefield and visit www.middlefieldohio.com

Mayor Ben Garlich Village of Middlefield

Garlich

Faith Matters Closer to God

I have often been challenged by the thought that “you are as close to God as you choose to be.”

Sometimes our relationship with the Lord feels distant or without clarity moving forward. We may even be unsure about what it means to know or walk with God. Still others may consider themselves to be followers of Jesus but get sidetracked and fail to sustain a growing faith.

Where are you at right now? Is your faith flourishing, providing a foundation for daily life? Perhaps you are simply drifting along, subject to the changing circumstances of life’s unpredictability. Your awareness of God at work may be missing and you question His involvement or daily intervention.

God” and to give a tenth of future blessings back to God.

Later in life, Jacob had another unexpected meeting with God. He was facing fears related to returning home and meeting his brother Esau who previously vowed to kill him. That night Jacob had a wrestling match with an angel or divine messenger. The struggle represented Jacob’s willingness to trust God rather than himself. He was left with a hip injury that resulted in a limp. It was a reminder to him of his necessary dependence on God.

By Roger Kruse

Jacob was a guy who lived by his own wits. He sought to gain advantage in life by deception, trickery or outsmarting those around him. He liked to stay one step ahead of everyone else. However, that resulted in consequences that eventually drove him away from his family. Later, he even fell prey to someone who beat him at his own game.

Nevertheless, God kept calling him to know and trust Him. At one point, Jacob was traveling far from home to find a wife. As the sun went down, he made camp and went to sleep. In a dream he saw a ladder or stairway that reached up to heaven. Angels were going up and down. High above was the Lord who spoke to Jacob, promising to bless him and bring him back to this land. God assured Jacob that His presence would be with him wherever he went.

When Jacob awoke, he was surprised to discover that “the Lord is in this place, I was not aware of it.” The next morning, he set up a stone pillar to remind himself of his encounter with God and the promise of His presence. He vowed to make the Lord, “my

Life is a journey for us all, and God wants us to travel with Him. You and I do not have to remain in spiritual limbo. We are invited to take steps that will bring us closer to God. The Lord wants to meet with you and show you His presence. He wants to bless you with wisdom and strength each and every day.

What He requires from you is the focus of your faith. Take some time each day to read the Bible. God will speak to you and your faith will be strengthened. Open you heart to the Lord in prayer. When you feel happy, give Him thanks. If you are stressed, ask for His peace. If confusion is clouding the picture, trust God to give you guidance. God’s promise tells us that “if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you.”

Remember, you are as close to God as you choose to be. The best choice you can make is to move forward with faith. As you learn and pursue God’s will, His presence will empower you and provide blessings that far surpass anything you can do for yourself.

Roger Kruse seeks to be close to God. Every day he is reminded to take steps to draw near. God, in turn, has promised, “I will never leave you, I will always be there with you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Abundant Life Ministry

March 23 and 30, 7 a.m. to noon

Enjoy all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake breakfasts with real maple syrup at Abundant Life Ministry Center, 13724 Carlton St. in Burton.

There will be three varieties of pancakes along with sausage for $10. Add a side of eggs for $1. Check out the book sale with elementary library books and desks.

American Legion Pancakes

Sundays through April 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

American Legion Post 459 is serving its annual all-you-can-eat pancake, breakfasts every Sunday through April 14, excluding Easter Sunday, at the post located at 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton.

Berkshire Athletic Boosters

March 24, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Berkshire Athletic Boosters are hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Berkshire High School cafeteria, 14155 Claridon Troy Road in Burton.

There will also be a craft and vendor

show hosted by the Berkshire Tunebackers in the Berkshire High School gym from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Burton Fire Station

March 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Burton Fire Station will serve an allyou-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast at the station located at 13828 Spring St. in Burton. call 440-834-4416 for information.

Geauga Historical Society

March 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Geauga County Historical Society is hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Century Village Museum, 14653 East Park St. in Burton.

For more information, call 440-8341492.

Parkman Chamber Pancakes

March 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parkman Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual pancake breakfast at Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road. Eat-in or drive-through options are available.

karlovec group

8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5

Chesterland, Ohio 44026

Phone 440-729-7667

FAX 440-729-8240 ads@karlovecmedia.com editor@karlovecmedia.com

OFFICE HOURS

9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Closed Wednesdays

•

publisher’s discretion, and may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. All submissions are due by noon on the Friday prior to the Wednesday publication date for consideration for that edition.

• Email all editorial submissions to editor@karlovecmedia.com.

• The space reservation deadline for paid advertisements in that week’s Middlefield Post is 4 p.m. on the Thursday prior to publication. Late ads may be accepted at the discretion of management.

• Email advertising requests and questions to ads@karlovecmedia.com.

Circulation

• The Middlefield Post is distributed for free to homes and businesses in the communities of Middlefield, Parkman, Huntsburg and surrounding communities. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.

• Copies are also available at rack locations within Middlefield and surrounding communities.

• Produced by the Karlovec Media Group.

• In case of error, we will re-print that portion of an advertisement that was in error. Notification of error should be made within three days of published date.

• The Karlovec Media Group assumes no responsibility of error contained in any pre-printed material delivered with the paper as an insertion therein.

• The Karlovec Media Group reserves the right to reject or revise any advertisement or news item for publication. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinion of those signing them and not necessarily that of either the Karlovec Media Group, its affiliates or its advertisers. All letters submitted are subject to editing, and none will be returned.

• The opinions and representations contained in advertisements are those of the advertiser. They have not been verified by the Karlovec Media Group, nor should they be construed to represent the position or viewpoint of this newspaper or its publisher.

• Under no circumstances will any record filed in the county be suppressed at any time for anybody, except by order of court.

Help Support Middlefield Post, Local Journalism

The Middlefield Post and newspaper journalism are critically important and essential in protecting the vibrant community in which we live.

The Middlefield Post stitches the communities we serve together. From news to in-depth coverage on topics that deeply affect the community, the Middlefield Post strives to bring you complete coverage.

The cost of publishing this newspaper — editorial, printing, mailing and other production costs — is accomplished primarily through the support of generous advertisers. These advertisers are community leaders who understand the value of a strong local newspaper. We appreciate each and every one of them.

To help us continue to invest in the community, we invite readers to show their support through a voluntary newspaper

subscription. If you value strong community journalism, please consider helping us with a voluntary subscription. The amount is entirely up to you. Simply complete the subscription form in this edition or call 440729-7667 ext. 500.

For any donation of $45 or more, we’ll even toss in a free gift in appreciation:

1. FREE one-year online-only subscription to the Geauga County Maple Leaf, a five-time winner of Ohio Newspaper of the Year, OR

2. Five FREE 25-word classified ads over the next year.

As always, we greatly appreciate the support you give us, whether it’s financially or simply by continuing to be a loyal reader of the Middlefield Post.

Jeff and John Karlovec

$75 value

Valid every 12 months $55 value

Need Help with Your Energy Bills?

The Ohio Department of Development and Geauga County Job and Family Services want to remind Geauga County Residents that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills.

In addition to HEAP, Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected from their utility service, transferring service, establishing new services or at or below 25% bulk fuel may be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program, which is available through March 31.

Geauga County residents may apply for the Winter Crisis Program through Geauga County JFS by calling 440-285-1299. Application for the Winter Crisis Program is by telephone interview only; appointments

are currently being scheduled.

Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply for the HEAP program online, download a copy of the application or find contact information for a local Energy Assistance Provider.

Individuals will need to have copies of the following documents to include with their application:

• Most recent Utility Bills

• A list of all household members, birthdates, and Social Security numbers

• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members

• Proof of Citizenship or legal residency for all household members

• Proof of disability, if applicable

If you need immediate assistance with your energy bills, contact Geauga County JJFS, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Ste. 150, Chardon, at 440-285-9141.

Geauga Park District

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

Spring Birding

Continuing a Greater Cleveland tradition since 1933, the annual Spring Bird Walk Series returns for six walks – April 14 at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve, April 21 at Frohring Meadows, April 28 at The Rookery, May 5 at Eldon Russell Park, May 12 at Big Creek Park

and May 19 at Swine Creek Reservation.

All are Sundays from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and among the naturalist staff’s Nature’s Not to Be Missed opportunities.

Located where there is the best bet for birds at each particular stage in migration, the walks connect experienced bird watchers with novices of all ages for bird observation, identification and interpretation.

Participants are welcome to bring their own bird guide and binoculars. Registration is not required.

said the district still has problems.

“My concern is Cardinal is too small now to function. The kindergarten class is half the size of the senior class,” he said. “We need to figure out why Cardinal is losing students.”

Several Middlefield Village Council members said they would be willing to start a committee to brainstorm possible solutions.

“I’m not sure we can fix it, but if we don’t try, I guarantee you we can’t fix it,” Garlich said, adding he has communicated with Cardinal’s superintendent, who responded positively to the idea.

“Cardinal is strong financially and continues to make decisions to improve both academically and fiscally,” Cardinal Schools Superintendent Jack Cunningham said March 16. “The mayor did reach out to me about collaborating and discussing how to work together to look at ways to increase enrollment. The district will always be open to looking at ways to improve our community and position as a district. We have a lot to offer our families and businesses.”

Garlich urged council to keep thinking of ways to improve the village and make it even more attractive to new businesses, noting people would make the daily commute from out of town for a job, but they move to a community for good schools for their children.

He also recommended council members who may be thinking about retiring from their positions seek out committed residents who might be interested in sitting at the table to continue the current council’s mission.

Finally, the mayor said he has been evaluating the village’s form of government.

“This village is large enough to become a charter government,” Garlich said, adding the current statutory form of government is “a lot of work.”

A statutory government is more con-

fiscal review of 2023 that showed continued growth.

The village receipts in 2023 totaled $9.14 million and expenses totaled $8.03 million, up from receipts in 2022 of $8 million and expenses of $6.43 million. In 2021, receipts were $7.76 million and expenses were $5.6 million.

Garlich presented a chart showing the village revenue and expenses in 2014 were about even at just over $4.5 million.

Village Treasurer Nick Giardina credited some of the increase to the 0.25% income tax voters passed several years ago that yielded about $4.6 million in 2023 and again in 2022, up from $4.37 million in 2021.

A variety of grants secured by Village Administrator Leslie McCoy accounted for a good portion of the increase in the fund balance, which grew from about $8 million in 2021 to $12.8 million in 2023, Giardina said.

The income tax revenue goes toward permanent improvement projects, such as work on water wells #3 and #5; water tower maintenance; crossing signals and work on North Springdale Avenue; a sewer jetting program; and repairs of catch basins and water hydrants, according to the presentation.

Use of the electric vehicle charging station at Mineral Lake Park has risen from 12 sessions in 2021 to 133 sessions last year.

Giardina said the growth trend is holding.

“Business has done extremely well. Employment is strong,” he said. “The residents of this town continue to have wage growth — the data proves it. Yes, inflation helps, but it’s more than that. The amount of money households in Middlefield are making has increased drastically. We make it easy for businesses to come in. It shows in these numbers. People want to be here to have a business. And dozens of homes are being built all the time now.”

Area Easter Egg Hunts

Middlefield UMC

March 30, 1 p.m.

First United Methodist Church of Middlefield is having an Easter egg hunt at the Middlefield Methodist Pavilion 14715 Old State Road, Middlefield. In case of rain, the event will be held inside the church at 14999 South State Ave.

Parkman Chamber

March 31, 11 a.m.

Parkman Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Easter egg hunt at Parkman Overlook Park.

Amish-Yankee Basketball Game Benefits Local Charity

By AlAn kornspAn sports@kArlovecmediA com

Berkshire High School played host to the annual Yankee vs. Amish basketball game March 8 to raise money for the DDC Clinic, a center for special needs children located in Middlefield.

It was a very close game that came down to its final seconds, with the Yankees claim ing a 63-60 victory.

Patti Gallagher, the clinic’s operations di rector, shared the purpose of providing the community with this fun and exciting game.

“We see children with rare genetic dis orders, and now adults with rare genetic disorders since we now have an adult physi cian (on staff) as well,” Gallagher said. “The basketball game, believe it or not, has been going on for over 25 years. My son (Bryan Kuch) is in charge of the Yankee basketball team, and also gets the Amish team to come (to participate).”

After holding the event at other locations for many years, Gallagher said her son saw and embraced an excellent opportunity last year to hold the event at the new gymnasium of Berkshire High School.

One of the things she loves most about the event is seeing the special needs clients enjoying it.

“It just warms my heart to see that,” Gallagher said.

The contest kicked off with the Yankees taking an early 14-7 lead into the second quarter. Midway through the second, the Amish took a 17-16 lead midway when Marlon Miller made two 3-pointers. But the Yankees

lead to end the half.

Leading the Yankees in the first half was Dave Heiber, who had eight points; the Amish were led by Miller with six.

The Amish started pulling away in the third and fourth quarters, making five 3-pointers and scoring 20 points. Leading the Amish with six points each in the third quarter were

They entered the fourth quarter ahead 39-37 and extended their lead to 55-44 with under three minutes to go in the game.

But the Yankees didn’t give up, and came back from their 11-point deficit with three minutes left in the game.

A 12-0 run gave them a 56-55 lead, then they outscored the Amish 7-5 in the game’s

In addition to the evening’s good cause, Kuch said the teams were also compelled to put on a good performance for the event’s many sponsors.

“It was a great event, nice showing,” Kuch said.

Of the Yankee team he coached, he added, “I think we did really well.”

Leading the scoring for the Yankee team from Precision Orthopedics were Dave Heiber (17 points), AJ Henson (17) and Tyler Walters (10).

Also contributing to the offensive point total for the Yankees were Kent Wohlberg (5 points), Jack Rolf (4), Kelly Blair (3), Bryan Kuch (3), Jeremy Feeham (2) and TJ Sweigert (2).

Leading the scoring for the Amish were Miller (22 points), John Byler (15) and Mark Miller Jr. (9).

Also contributing points to the Amish point total were Junior Schmucker (5 points), Mark Miller (3), Robbie Gingerich (2), Chris Byler (2) and Adam Miller Jr. (2).

After the contest, DDC Executive Director Eli Miller summed up the event.

“Both teams, the Amish and Yankee teams, came out after working all day and just played their hearts out,” Miller said. “Competitive, but at the same time it’s more about raising money for DDC Clinic. So we certainly appreciate them, all the sweat and everything that went into the game. It was a great game (and) both sides had close scores, so it was great to see.”

Life Recovery 12 Step Meeting

Fridays, 6:30-8 p.m.

The open group for men and women meets weekly at Horizons Christian Assembly, 14920 White Road in Middlefield and welcomes anyone struggling with grief, alcoholism, addiction, depression, co-dependency or any other habit that lessens the quality of life. The group offers support, encouragement, fellowship and discipleship.

Learn more at www.Horizons4you. com/LifeRecovery.

Budget from page 1

the district’s properties, which were held as collateral.

“We had no flexibility with our properties,” he said, adding the district had already decided to downsize buildings to cut expenses when the COVID-19 funds came in.

“(Refinancing) was really to get those properties out of the loan,” he said.

Flaiz noted the district has accumulated a lot of cash over the last several years and questioned the district’s need for holding so much in its coffers.

Armstrong replied “ESSER is going away — we need funds to operate.”

The district will be receiving even more income — about $400,000 a year — because of the recent property re-evaluation, Flaiz said.

“I was looking toward reducing your revenue by that amount, but I feel like you are in the warning stage,” he said. “I don’t like this. I don’t like the trend. Cutting expenses is a great thing, but you are still funneling money into an over-funded PI (permanent improvement) fund. And your general fund cash balance exploded.”

Flaiz said if the trend continues for another year, he will recommend the budget commission vote to take away some of the excess.

“I thought of doing it this year, but I don’t think it would be fair,” Flaiz said.

Walder said the PI fund seems to be out of control, but Armstrong said the district sold the intermediate school for $590,000 paid over two years and placed the revenue in the PI fund.

Flaiz also addressed concern over the

amount of money the district is spending to educate each student.

“You have the highest expense per student and the highest revenue per student. You are almost getting into Newbury territory,” he said.

Newbury Schools was absorbed by West Geauga Schools several years ago because of a steadily declining student population.

Cardinal has about 750 students.

“We are a high poverty district. We get about $3,300 per student from the state (a year). We have pretty high property values, but lower income,” Armstrong responded.

In an email sent March 1, he said Cardinal is considered by the state to be a Type I district which is a Rural-High Student Poverty district, he said.

“While we have high property values per student (which is a driver in state funding), our community income levels are much lower-to-middle-income,” Armstrong said. “The most similar districts in Ohio get over $8,000 per student.”

Armstrong also shared the plan for the 2000 bond payments for middle school construction. The payments are shrinking as the bond comes to an end. “Revenue from the taxpayer declines from a high of $738,111 in FY22 (fiscal year 2022) to $598,127 in FY23 to $515,494 in FY24 to $258,526 in FY25 with dropping it off entirely after FY25,” he wrote. “We worked with the auditor's office in setting the rate so that it aligns with upcoming payments and so that we pass that savings along to the taxpayer. Cardinal local schools has the lowest effective millage rate in Geauga County.”

The commission unanimously approved the Cardinal budget.

Police Blotter

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Middlefield Village Police Department, March 1-14, 2024.

ANIMAL PROBLEM

March 12

5:12 p.m., N. State Avenue. A dog was brought to the station by kids and it was found near Jordak. No collar. It was taken to the dog warden for safe keeping and a post was made on Facebook.

CITIZEN ASSIST

March 11

3:54 p.m., Springdale Avenue. Caller would like an officer to call him regarding continuous speeding in front of his residence. He feels nothing get done and now he has two dead geese in front of his residence. Officer advised caller police would conduct extra patrol in area.

di’s parking lot when he was loading his groceries and asked for $35 to his laundry. Caller declined giving the male the money. Male left in pickup truck westbound in West High Street. Caller confirmed the male did not physically assault or threaten him, just asked for a handout which made caller uncomfortable. No crime committed.

March 3

9:55 p.m., W. High Street. Male is asking an officer respond to Burger King. He believes he received $10 too much and would like to return it tomorrow. He keeps trying to call Burger King and they are not answering. Burger King employee was advised.

SOLICITATION WITHOUT PERMIT

March 8

2:34 p.m., S. Springdale Avenue. Female in minivan asking for money. Officer provided female with information and resources to help with housing and food. She is currently living out of her van with one dog.

STRUCTURE FIRE

March 2

1:24 p.m., Mayfield Road, Huntsburg. House is on fire. Flames coming from the windows. Cars in the driveway and close to house. Two-story home. Loose dog. Male homeowner on scene is. Aggressive and on drugs. ASCO took a call from a passerby who said there is a male in the garage who is hostile and stating he is going to “kill motherf&ckers.” Male went back into garage, which is not attached to house. Deputy shots fired. Deputies report shots have been fired. House is well involved. Windsor, still have male barricaded in garage. Male is coming out now and cooperating. Trying to get him to fall direct, not following orders currently. Structure well involved. One male in custody.

SUSPICIOUS

March 2

9:33 a.m., S. Springdale Avenue. Male in black jacket approached caller in Al-

3:53 p.m., Sperry Lane. Subject was walking her dog past the archery business on Sperry and a male in a maroon minivan with its windows down yelled out for her to come over, that he had something for her. Male continued to yell for the complainant to come back and showed he had a dog cookie. Complainant would like area checked. Male was heavy set and older. UTL make in a red van. Area checked, UTL.

THEFT

March 3

4:26 p.m., West High Street. Basket full of clothes were stolen from the dryer. Caller left laundry mat and came back and the clothes were gone. Officer advised caller he would contact owner to see video footage and hopefully identify the person who took the clothes.

TRAFFIC HAZARD

March 8

3:50 p.m., W. High Street. Horse down at the intersection. Horse appears to be deceased. Men trying to get in and out of the road. Officer advised.

VANDALISM

March 7

6:48 p.m., W. High Street. Female and her friend were eating dinner and saw a male by her vehicle. When they went out, they spoke with the male and they found a nail by her tire. Report taken. Will attempt to contact suspect. Under investigation.

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in Huntsburg, Middlefield and Parkman townships, the Village of Middlefield and Cardinal Schools for the month of March. (Please note: These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.)

Huntsburg Township: April 2, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the

Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road. Parkman Township: April 2, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: March 27, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks of Feb. 26, March 4 and March 11, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Robert M. and Martin R. Troyer, 12920 Madison Road, to Lester R. and Amanda J Miller, $300,000. (5.45 acres)

Southwind Property Solutions LLC, 16281 Mayfield Road, to Frank Mangano, $260,900. (3.14 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Rudy N. and Fannie J. Detweiler, Nauvoo Road, to Aaron R. Schmucker and Rebecca R. Detweiler, $21,300. (6.15 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Middlefield Parkway, 15228 Timber

Ridge, to NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

Middlefield Parkway, 15245 Timber Ridge, to NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

Middlefield Parkway, 15248 Timber Ridge, to NVR Inc., $64,600. (0.21 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

John H. and Kathryn J. Miller, 15305 Shedd Road, to Danny J. Miller, $275,000. (3.00 acres)

Andy and Edna J. Fisher, and Matthew D. and Fannie Detweiler, 15340 Nash Road, to Matthew D. and Fannie Detweiler, $425,000. (47.16 acres)

Larry A. and Martha Wengerd, 16875 Madison Road, to James O. and Cindy J. Miller, $215,000. (3.79 acres)

Larry A. and Martha Wengerd, Farley Road, to James O. and Cindy J. Miller, $215,000. (3.44 acres)

Students and Staff of the Month

Cardinal Local Schools congratulates its Students and Staff of the Month for February. The students were selected for showing empathy to their staff and peers.

They are: seniors Logan S. and Rylee W.; juniors Hunter G. and Izzy S.; sophomores Braeden D. and Zoey H.; freshmen Lucas G. and Emily P.; eighth-graders Cambrya K. and Rachel M.; seventh-graders Reagan F. and Olivia K.; sixth-graders Gianna D. and Jayden L.; fifth-graders Robert H. and Harmony Y.; fourth-graders Ellie B., Sebastian L., and Eshaal Q.; third-graders Willow B. and Seth K.; second-graders Christian J. and Aleah T.; first-graders Carsynn B. and Aubrey L.; kindergartners Alaina G. and Anna O.; prekindergartners Brooke K. and Donnie S.; and staff member Abby Carmigiano.

Classifieds

FOR RENT

Warehouse or storage building, Washington St, Auburn. 32X56 with 12X12 overhead door, concrete floor, electric, parking. $790 per month. 12 month lease. 440552-0228.

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

FOR SALE

2017 Kubota Riding Mower: T2080 20-HP 42” deck, well maintained, maintenance by Kubota every year, immaculate condition; $1,8000/OBO. 440-668-4773.

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

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

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.

Ruger Mark IV stainless steel 10” barrel target model and 5.5” suppressed target model available; $700 each. 440-321-8152.

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

Meyers Snow Plow: with lights and wire harness, $700.

Snow Tires: Four(4), like new, with heavy duty aluminum Chevy rims, P245/75R16, $400. 440-622-9201.

HELP WANTED

Normandy Products in Middlefield has immediate openings on all shifts for Press Operators, Material Handlers, Mold Setters, and Process Technicians. Our highly competitive pay rates start at $17/hour for Press Operators with and additional $1/hour for 2nd and 3rd shift. We offer a complete benefits package including paid vacation and sick time in your first year. We are safety focused, and provide on the job training. Apply now at jobs.crh.com.

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

Caregiver Needed for bed ridden senior citizen in Chesterland. Part time hours, flexible, days or nights. May become full time. Work references required. 440-3390519.

PETS & ANIMALS

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

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

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

Wanted to purchase: Twelve(12) 4-H Feeder Pigs. Please call 440-636-5747.

REAL ESTATE

$79.9k .34 acre lot, a part of sought-after Lake Lucerne. Gas, Electric, Sanitary Sewer, Well Water all available. Listed on Zillow. 440-596-2608.

SERVICES

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.

Experienced Caregiver will do elder care in your home. Certified with references. 440-313-1804.

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

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

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

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.