POST Wednesday, October 20, 2021 • Vol. 15 No. 12 • FREE
PreSort Std U.S. Postage PAID Middlefield, OH 44062 Permit No. 77
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Community News from Middlefield, Parkman, Huntsburg and Surrounding Areas
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Middlef ield Premier Metals Setting up Shop By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com
Metal roofs are popping up all over the place. They are becoming increasingly popular throughout Geauga County on new construction or to cover failing shingle roofs. Planning to supply contractors in Northeast Ohio with steel roofing and siding, Premier Metals, a Sugarcreek company, has invested in a large, new production facility in Middlefield Township. The building, more than 45,000 square feet on 30 acres, is located on Madison Road south of the state Route 608 intersection. Grass is starting to grow around the site and on Oct. 6, the office
space was being visited by IT people working on the computer system. The slate-colored, steel-sided structure runs parallel to the road. “It’s basically a copy of our plant in Sugarcreek,” said Freeman Byler, plant manager, during a tour of the facility. The company has big plans for the new facility, including separate office and administration space on the large parcel in a few years, he said. Byler started a plant tour on the south end of the building where production begins. The stamping machine produces standing seam and seamless panels in 42 colors, cut to whatever length the customer orders, Byler said. See Metals • Page 8
ANN WISHART/KMG
Premier Metals in Middlefield Plant Manager Freeman Byler displays the output end of the metal siding and roofing fabricating machine in the new plant on Madison Road. He and his employees are ready to begin production soon.
Three Candidates Vie for Cardinal Schools Board Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Cardinal Schools Board of Education in the Nov. 2 election. They are: Kristen Klepper, incumbent Linda Smallwood and Heidi Laneski-Snyder.
Kristen Klepper CBOE Kristen Klepper
Linda J. Smallwood
Heidi Lanesky-Snyder
Age: 40 Occupation/Employer: CFO and vice president of Angelo Benedetti, Inc. (18+ years) School district/ civic involvement over the past 5-10 years: I currently sit on the district’s finance committee and pandemic response team, am treasurer of the levy committee, treasurer of the athletic boosters, co-founder and chairperson for the Joe Peters Memorial Pig Roast, director of Middlefield Recreation’s Youth Volleyball Program, and Youth Volleyball coach. In the past, I sat on the district’s strategic planning committee and ran the Hungry Huskies Food Drive. Q: What motivates you to want to become a school board member?
A:I have poured my heart into the school district over the last several years. Two of my children are recent graduates and I have two young daughters who still attend. I want to take my commitment to the district to the next level. Due to my current involvement, I am constantly in front of parents, students, and community members. I have been listening to their concerns, praises, and hopes for our schools. I think it’s important that their voices are heard and believe that collaboration between the community and the district is vital.
Q: What do you see as the board’s role and responsibilities? A: Oversight and accountability. I believe it is the board’s responsibility to hold the treasurer and superintendent responsible for successfully managing the district. The board should set educational goals and establish policy based upon state laws and community values. School board members help build public support and serve as a link between schools and the public.
Q: What is your vision for education in the community? A: I think it is important to prepare students for higher education, should they choose to attain that goal. I would also like to see more career-based intervention implemented at the high school level. College isn’t for everyone and students need to know that there are other pathways to success. There is currently a skills gap in America and skilled tradesmen are in demand. I’d like to see our district partner with our local businesses to start to bridge that gap and offer our students an alternate long term plan. Q: CRT. Do you believe these concepts should be taught in district classrooms? A: No. Q: Would you require or recommend that district teachers, staff, parents, and students wear masks in school? A: I support choice. CDC and local health department recommendations See Cardinal • Page 16
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