Jefferson Elementary kindergarteners celebrate — See page 11A
Year in Review
135th anniversary of Ashtabula Train Disaster — See page 4A
— See page 8-9A
THE GAZETTE
Vol. No. 136, No. 1
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012
AACS kicks off levy campaign this week BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
“We have an internal group, which is going to deal with employee engagement,” Seuffert said. A fiance and fundraising subSAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - The Ashtabula Area City Schools committees were also formed, as (AACS) District is preparing to well as an external portion subplace a levy on the March ballot committee. “We have the external portion of and has already begun to meet to the campaign, which includes getdiscuss the issue. “We had a very productive levy ting out the vote, absentee ballots, meeting the other day,” AACS voter registration, door-to-door Board of Education member Chris- campaigning, phone surveys and public relations,” Seuffert said. tine Seuffert said. The levy committee is kicking At the special meeting, they discussed how to get the word out off the campaign this week with an about the levy. Ashtabula Area information meeting open to the City Schools is seeking a five-year, public. “On the fifth of January at 6 additional 6.8-mill levy for emero’clock [p.m.], it’s going to be the gency requirements. “We did come up with our sub- levy kickoff,” Seuffert said. “It will committees, along with a couple of take place [at the Lakeside High School lecture hall].” important dates,” Seuffert said. The committee has informed Seuffert said they created a wide variety of sub-committees so many community leaders of the event so they can get support from a varianyone can join the cause. “Anybody can come and serve ety of places throughout the area. “We have invited many people on any of these committees. There is something for everyone,” from the community as well, and some special information will be Seuffert said. An internal sub-committee was available to share with them,” created to help with employees of Seuffert said. the district. See AACS page 6A
Austinburg Veterinary Clinic top finalist for ‘Hospital of the Year’
Periodical’s Postage Paid
75¢
Manna rings in new year with large donation
PHOTO BY STEFANIE WESSELL
The Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce presented Manna Food Pantry Director Sharon Piper with $4,175 during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Pictured, from left, are Food Drive Committee members Tom Muniak and Barbara Pascarella, Sharon Piper and Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Bradek. BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Manna Food Pantry is off to a good start for 2012. Manna Food Pantry Director Sharon Piper accepted a large
donation from the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3. During the month of November, Manna Food Drive Committee Chairs Barbara Pascarella and Thomas Muniak helped collect donations for the food pantry.
For a number of years, the Chamber has supported Manna by asking for community members to donate to the cause through this drive. This year, the Chamber collected its largest donation yet.
See MANNA page 6A
Lawsuit filed regarding referendum petitions BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - A judge will decide whether the citizens who attempted to place a referendum on the November ballot regarding a property purchase by the Jefferson Village Council followed the proper steps or not. In late December, village of-
ficials deemed the referendum petitions invalid after Jefferson Village Clerk/Treasurer Patty Fisher said the referendum committee missed a step during its petition process, so she was unable to certify the petitions. She said the committee failed to file a certified copy of the ordinance with her before circulating its petitions, as required by Ohio
Revised Code section 731.32. Fisher said that she came to this conclusion after she and Village Solicitor Jerome Lemire discovered the omission by the referendum committee. The citizens who circulated the petitions disagree that they missed this step, and attorney
See LAWSUIT page 6A
Wessell to represent Geneva High School at the 2012 Hugh O’Brian Leadership Conference
PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN
Doctor Becky Salinger cleans a dog’s teeth during a routine day of work. The Austinburg Veterinary Clinic is a finalist for the American Animal Hospital Association’s hospital of the year. BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers AUSTINBURG TOWNSHIP The Austinburg Veterinary Clinic is a finalist for American Animal Hospital Association’s (AHHA) “Hospital of the Year.” “We found out we were a finalist in December, and then in March we will go to Colorado to find out where we placed,” Kassie Brand said. The clinic staff spent three to four months putting together the application to receive the honor and showing their high standards in several different categories. “We had to put in an application, and in that we put together a
portfolio about community service, continuing education, how we promote the AHHA brand. There are over 900 standards for AHHA,” Brand said. The clinic staff was happy to receive the news they were chosen against many other larger hospitals. “We’re not New York City or Chicago, we’re a small town,” Susan Paulic said. “We’re very proud of ourselves.” Even getting the AHHA-accredited label is a hard task, and the Austinburg Veterinary Clinic has been AHHA approved since 2009. “The first thing is you have to be accredited by AHHA and you have to show that you are keeping up with standards and those are in a variety of areas, surgery, dentistry, infectious diseases, things like that,” Paulic said.
See FINALIST page 10A
PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS
Sophomore Mary Wessell will represent Geneva High School at the Hugh O’Brian Leadership Conference (HOBY) on the campus of the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio this spring. Wessell (third from left) is pictured with GHS HOBY alumni Kayleena Brashear and Matthew Horgan (2010 delegates), Clare Carlisle (2011 delegate) and Principal Douglas Wetherholt. BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools
June. HOBY Leadership seminars, held on more than 70 college camGENEVA - Sophomore Mary puses throughout the United Wessell has been tapped as Geneva States, are recognized as among High School’s 2012 delegate to the the foremost student leadership Ohio North Hugh O’Brian Leader- development programs in the ship Conference (HOBY) that will world. During the weekend-long take place on the campus of the HOBY conferences, delegates work University of Mount Union in together to develop organizational
skills and enhance their communication, innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. HOBY Ambassadors have the opportunity to interact with community leaders from the sectors of education, government, business and the media as well as leaders of nonprofit organizations.
See CONFERENCE page 10A
2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
GHS National Honor Society taps new members BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools GENEVA - The newly minted National Honor Society members at Geneva High School are Ralphie Pugliese, Rachael Campbell, Aric Cross and Andrew Laveck. The four will be formally installed as members of the organization at an induction ceremony and reception in May. National Honor Society is the nation’s most elite honor society for secondary school students. To be considered for membership, students must complete a detailed application and provide references from educators and community members. ProSUBMITTED PHOTOS spective members must achieve a 3.5 grade point GHS National Honor Society members tap Aric Cross for membership in the elite average and have accumu- honorary for secondary school students. lated 40 hours of service to the school and community. A selection committee evaluates applicants using an established criterion which includes their adherence to the four pillars of National Honor Society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. The 2011/2012 president of Geneva High School’s NHS chapter is Lindsey Adams. Gabe McLeod is vice president. Jennifer Hughes serves as secretary, Josh Lillie as treasurer and Sonya Leishman as historian. Second year members are Jennifer Bean, Kayleena Brashear, Erik Braun, Morgan Brubaker, Claire Dodrill, Nick Klein, Lindsay Laurello , Laurisa Rosado, Monica Scharf, Allie VanHoy, Ursula Wilkinson GHS National Honor Society members tap Andrew Laveck for membership. and Jordyn Willis.
Jefferson Council re-organizes BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council re-organized on Tuesday, Jan. 3, as it welcomed a new member and set committees. During the meeting, Judge Robert Wynn swore in new councilor Frank Snyder, who replaces outgoing council member Ken Fertig, who did not seek reelection. Wynn also swore in Councilor Lon Damon and Mayor Judy Maloney, who were re-elected in November. “I, Frank Snyder, do solemnly swear, as councilman of the Village of Jefferson, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Ohio and the ordinances of the Village of Jefferson,” Snyder said. Council also approved Mayor Maloney’s appointments for the 2012 Village of Jefferson committees. These committees include: • Building/Lands: Chair Lon Damon; member, Frank Snyder. • Finance: Chair Brian Diehl; member, Rick Hoyson. • Forestry: Chair Frank Snyder; member, Brian Diehl. • Recreation: Chair Kay Ann Brabender; member, Jerry March. • Safety: Chair Rick
Hoyson; member, Kay Ann Brabender. • Utilities/Wastewater/ Services: Chair Jerry March; member, Lon Damon. Council also appointed Maloney to serve on the Ambulance Board, as well as the Fireman’s Dependency Board through Dec. 31, 2012. Other members of the Ambulance Board include John Boczar from Jefferson Township, Darcie Wehrung from the squad and Jefferson Emergency District Director Jim Bruggeman. Council also appointed Tom Lachey, John Wayman, Jr. and Roger Beckwith to the Fireman’s Dependency Board. In other appointments, council: • Accepted the mayor’s suggestion to appoint Bruce Thompson to the Board of Tax Review through 2014. Other members of this board include Richard Hummel and Philip Pawlowski. • Accepted the mayor’s suggestion to appoint Kay Ann Brabender, Robin Blon and John Broom to Park Development for a one-year term, expiring Dec. 31, 2012. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.
OIL & GAS LEASING ATTENTION LANDOWNERS! DO NOT MISS THE CHANCE TO MAXIMIZE YOUR OIL & GAS LEASING OPPORTUNITY JOIN US
"The F&M OHIO VALLEY LANDOWNERS GROUP No. 2" FOR A FREE GAS LEASING SEMINAR
FIND OUT THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE ● What is the difference between a good and bad (standard) Oil and Gas lease? ● Why is it important to understand who is leasing my property? ● Does the company I sign a lease with have the ability to drill and to pay my lease bonus money on time? ● What are the benefits of joining a Landowners’ Group?
PRESENTED BY Attorney Thomas D. Lambros ● Attorneys Trey Peterson & Jeff Brown Attorneys Marty Nosich & John Rossi ● Attorneys Joe Morascyzk & Jake Polochak
WE REPRESENT LANDOWNERS NOT THE OIL & GAS COMPANIES Currently representing landowners owning 100,000 + acres
3 Seminars To Be Held Tuesday, January 10th at 2 PM & 6 PM • Jefferson Community Center 11 East Jefferson Street, Jefferson Saturday, January 14th at 11 AM & 2 PM • Williamsfield Community Center 5920 US Route 322, Williamsfield Monday, January 16th at 2 PM & 6 PM • The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake 4888 North Broadway (State Rt. 534), Geneva-on-the-Lake
SEATING IS LIMITED Please RSVP to Attorney Trey Peterson
(740) 282-1911 or (866) 807-5199 If you are unable to attend, please call our office for more information.
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
Free clinic organizers looking for volunteers and donations BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The members of Occupy Ashtabula have now become active with starting a free clinic in the Ashtabula area. With the economy, many companies have decreased their health benefits and, according to the U.S. Census, 45.7 million Americans are uninsured. Mark Leatherman is a main voice for the clinic and says they need to spread the word of the clinic in order to cultivate a network of volunteers. “We need volunteers and donations of all kinds,” Leatherman said. “We need volunteers that can donate time to help raise funds to provide these free health services. From normal Ashtabula citizens to heath care professional personnel like doctors and nurses.” The free clinic now has a website where general information as well as volunteer information can be found. The website, http:// w w w. a s h t a b u l a f r e e healthclinic.org/, explains in detail what supplies they are in need of, including a space to conduct business. “We are looking for a small office that would have at least one to two examining rooms, one room for reception/waiting/teaching, a locked closet for medical records and at [least] one office for doctor and administrations functions,” the website says. “This would be a tax write off, or we are looking for a reduced rent office space.” Leatherman has even begun a Facebook group dedicated to the clinic to create buzz. “This is the Ashtabula
Free Health Clinic for Ashtabula County. This forum will be used to help set this up,” Leatherman wrote on the Facebook group’s wall. “We will have a volunteer list under documents. If you are interested in donating time, please list your name, phone number, email and how you would like to help.” Leatherman said those who are interested in volunteering should give their information and use the following format, “Tonya Smith 555-5555 tonyas@email.com Nurse RN.” Leatherman said any and all suggestions are gladly accepted, and they are hoping health professionals will take an initiative in the clinic. “Other examples of how to help would be as a doctor, LPN, RN, reception, donation, fundraising, committee or any other [way] that would pertain to this,” Leatherman said. The Facebook page is for positive criticism, and Leatherman wants to keep the forum as a place for open minds without the unnecessary politics. The free clinic committee will hold its first meeting on Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. at the eComm Cafe, located on Main Avenue in Ashtabula. Anyone interested in helping is welcomed to attend. Those who are interested but are unable to attend the meeting can keep informed on their Facebook page.“We will keep a list of meetings in event format. Please only post things that [pertain] to the Free Health Clinic,” Leathman said. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mark Leatherman by phone at (440)969-5719 or by email, mark.leatherman@ hotmail.com.
COMMUNITY
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A
Santa visits with the children at Kids Only III
School-age children are pictured singing to Santa.
JEFFERSON - Kids Only III had its Christmas Party on Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m. Santa and one of his elves arrived around 2:35 p.m. to deliver presents to all the good boys and girls.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The children were all so excited to visit with Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. We had lots of parents and grandparents and other family members that came to the occasion and have snacks with their chil-
dren, Tammie Moody said. During the day, the school-aged children made Christmas tree treats to share and they also visited the other classrooms to sing Christmas carols. They sang Rudolph for Santa when he visited their classroom.
Jefferson Community Center offers after-school program The Jefferson Community and Recreation Center is now Sonny is pictured with Santa. offering an After-School Program. The program starts Jan. 2 and runs each day after school until 6 p.m. The children will be involved in activities, games, arts, crafts, science programs and more! Quiet homework time will also be held. JCRC is also planning a Snowball Ball on Feb 4. This will be a magical afternoon event for any princess ages 410 yrs. Please call 576-9052 for additional information and for pre-registering. Other activities that community center offers are Piano, Guitar and Drum lessons, Karate classes, Zumba, Turbo Kick, Yoga and more!
Bobby Shinault is pictured sitting on Santa’s lap.
THE GAZETTE USPS 273-820 Office located at: 46 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047 Address editorial correspondence to: P.O. Box 166, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 (440) 576-9125 Fax: (440) 576-2778 Email: gazette@gazettenews.com Publisher ................................... John Lampson President ............................ Jeffrey J. Lampson General Manager .................... William Creed bcreed@gazettenews.com Senior Editor ......................... Stefanie Wessell swessell@gazettenews.com Reporter .................................... Sadie Portman Advertising ................................... Rick Briggs SUBSCRIPTION RATES Local Delivery (1 year) .................................. $30.00 Seniors - Local Delivery (1 year) .................. $25.50 Out-of-County (1 year) .................................. $46.00 Seniors - Out-of-County (1 year) .................. $39.10 Annual subscription rates non-refundable The Gazette (USPS 273-820) is published weekly by The Gazette Newspapers, Inc. at 46 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH 44047. Periodical’s postage is paid at Jefferson, OH 44047. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Gazette, P.O. Box 166, Jefferson, OH 44047. Printed on Recycled Paper
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The Lily Pad classroom waits on Santa.
Jefferson mayor gives state-of-the-village address BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Village of Jefferson Mayor Judy Maloney gave her stateof-the-village address during the Jefferson Village Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3. During her address, Maloney addressed the projects the village completed in the past year, as well as the village’s plans for 2012. “2011 has been a year of many challenges for the nation, state and village. The village of Jefferson is fortunate in that we have managed to stay ahead of the game. Due to an exceptional staff, constant vigilance to our budget and prioritizing, we have accomplished much over the past 12months,” Maloney said. Maloney then highlighted some of the major accomplishments handled during 2011, including purchasing a new backhoe for the Street Department and stockpiling additional clay fill dirt from Dollar General construction site for the Market Street Project in 2012. This past year, the village also completed the following projects, Maloney
said: • MC70 paving and tree maintenance. • Community Center roof repair. • Village Hall roof and floor repairs. • Property maintenance ordinance and commenced enforcement. • Noise ordinance. • Culvert replacement on Eagleville Road just past Popular Street using village employees. • Carpet replacement at the Community Center main meeting room. • Wastewater changes required by the EPA renewal of the village’s treatment permit. • Completed about one third of the South Sycamore Truck Route project (Phase I) using village employees. • The village has entered a threeyear dispatching contract for $24,500 per year with Middlefield Village, effective Oct. 1, 2011. • Village employees continued doing sidewalk repairs, which saved the village from hiring outside contractors. Maloney also noted that Street Department employees working on grant projects have saved the village over $41,000 on the Eagleville Culvert and South Sycamore grant projects.
As for the future, Maloney said major projects scheduled for 2012 include: • Finishing the South Spruce truck route phase I, including paving. • Commencing the Pine Street and North Market Street Ohio Public Works Commission culvert replacement project. • Continuing sidewalk replacements, tree trimming and removal and resuming new tree planting. • Complete the OPWC project to replace the forced main piping from Elm Street pump station to the main plant. “Our aim is to keep Jefferson as quaint and appealing as in days of old while keeping up with the 21st century,” Maloney said. Maloney thanked the residents for their patience and support at times when there may have been delays and inconveniences. “We look forward to 2012 with great expectations and enthusiasm,” Maloney said. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.
4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
135th anniversary of Ashtabula Train Disaster observed BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - This past Thursday, the 135th anniversary of the Ashtabula Train Disaster was observed. On 7:28 p.m. Dec. 29, 1876, a Howe-truss bridge, near Ashtabula, collapsed while a train with passenger cars was crossing it. This Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Train No. 5, The Pacific Express, had left a snowy Erie, Pennsylvania earlier that afternoon. As The Pacific Express plowed through the snow and crossed a bridge over the Ashtabula River, about 100 yards from the railroad station at Ashtabula, Ohio, the passengers reportedly heard a cracking sound, according to historical reports. The lead locomotive “Socrates� made it across the bridge, while the second locomotive, “Columbia� and 11 rail cars, reportedly including two express cars, two baggage cars, one smoking car, two passenger cars and three sleeping cars and a caboose, fell into the ravine below, then igniting a raging fire. The wooden cars were set aflame by kerosene-heating stoves and kerosene burning lamps. Some cars landed in an upright position, and within a few minutes small localized fires became an inferno. Eighty-three people died, with an additional 60 suffering various injuries ranging from fractures to frostbite, after the train and its passengers plunged 60 feet into a ravine and creek. The lamps and stoves used to light and heat the train cars quickly caught the wreckage on fire, according to Ohio History Central. The Ashtabula Train Disaster, also sometimes known as the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster, was the worst rail accident in the United States until the Great Train Wreck of 1918.
show the deceased was knocked senseless, and then murdered by shooting through the head,� the reporter wrote. “It is further asserted that the blow on the head was inflicted by a roller, on which a towel was hung. The frame to which this roller was attached was found broken, and the roller itself was not discovered for a month.� No real investigation was undertaken at the time, however, because of the controversy around the tragedy. The bridge’s other designer, Amasa Stone, also reportedly committed suicide about two years later after he was found partly responsible by the investigative jury. Twenty years after the tragedy, a monument was erected in Ashtabula’s Chestnut Grove Cemetery to all those “unidentified� SUBMITTED PHOTOS passengers who perished This wood engraving depicting the Ashtabula Train Disaster was published in Harper’s Weekly on Jan. 20, 1877. in the Ashtabula Railroad disaster. The monument remains The bridge, designed ing of this morning. On the head, according to an perhaps by someone who jointly by Charles Collins each side of the ravine article published in The feared what testimony he today, and Collins is enand Amasa Stone, was the frowned the dark and bare New York Times on Nov. might give before the Leg- tombed in his own mausofirst Howe-type wrought arches from which the 24, 1878. In the article, the islative Committee, which leum yards away from the iron truss bridge built. treacherous timbers had reporter discusses how it was in Cleveland taking victims’ mass grave. Some people cite his Collins was reluctant to go fallen, while at their base was originally believed testimony at the time. through with building the the great heaps of ruins that Collins committed “It is claimed that for a grave as one of the bridge calling it “too ex- covered the hundred men, suicide out of grief and case of suicide the body lay “haunted� places in Ohio. perimental,� according to women and children who from feeling partially re- too naturally, and that the Stefanie Wessell, senior historical reports. had so suddenly been sponsible for the tragic ac- covering of the bed was in “Despite the Ashtabula called to their death. The cident. the best of order, and that editor for Gazette NewspaThe reporter further on the forehead there was pers, may be reached at bridge collapse, the Howe- three charred bodies lay truss bridge remained where they had been writes that some people be- an indentation, going to swessell@gazettenews.com. popular, primarily due to placed in the hurry and lieve that Collins may its relatively cheap cost. confusion of the night. have been murdered inStill, railroad companies Piles of iron lay on the stead. “But it is said the began to feel pressure from thick ice or bedded in the their customers to provide shallow water of the gentleman who found the a safer means of travel. By stream,� the reporter body has never believed it 1888, more than two thou- wrote. “The fires smol- a case of suicide, and that sand iron bridges existed dered in great heaps, J.N. Brewer, assistant enin Ohio. The state had where many of the hapless gineer of the road, is espefewer than nine hundred victims had been all con- cially firm in that opinion,� wooden bridges still in use sumed, men went about in the reporter writes. “Hon. at this time,� Ohio History wild excitement seeking George L. Converse, chairASHTABULA - Kids can learn all about the theater Central documents in some traces of loved ones man of the joint committee and take part in the spring production “Disney’s Aladdin 2005. among the wounded or of the General Assembly to Kids!� at the Ashtabula Arts Center when they enroll in investigate the accident, is the Children’s Theater Production Class. The Cincinnati Gazette dead.� also published an article The bridge designer, also reported as being of The Children’s Theater Production Class is for ages 6 about the disaster in a De- Charles Collins, among the belief that it was mur- – 17 and will be directed by Linda Fundis of Austinburg cember 1876 issue. others, was forced to tes- der. Mrs. Collins, who was Township. “The haggard dawn tify before an investigative in Ashtabula at the time, The class will teach kids what they need to know about which drove the darkness jury about the accident. also believes there was foul becoming an actor. Each child who enrolls in the class out of this valley and Days after completing his play.� receives a role in the production. Kids must be able to The reporter wrote that attend all classes/rehearsals and be present at all pershadow of death seldom testimony, Collins was saw a ghastlier sight than found dead in his bedroom Collins’ friends also be- formances. The class will culminate in a the main stage was revealed with the com- from a gunshot wound to lieved he was murdered, show “Disney’s Aladdin Kids� on March 9, 10 (two shows)
Children can sign up for an acting role in ‘Disney’s Aladdin Kids!’
GI’s wish Rotarians a holly, jolly Christmas
and 11. Classes/rehearsals will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m. plus “tech week� rehearsals daily on March 4 - 8. Eight weeks of classes/rehearsals will begin Monday, Jan. 16. “Auditions� will be held for this class on Monday, Jan. 9, and Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Auditioners should come to one audition of their choice, prepared with a 30-second song to sing, along with a poem or monologue. All children who enroll will participate in the production. Auditions are held to allow children to experience the whole process of participating in a theatrical production and also gives the director an idea of the child’s level of ability at the beginning of the class. Cost of the class is $65 for the session. Arts Center members will receive a 10-percent discount off of the class fee. Registration is required and can be made by calling the Ashtabula Arts Center at (440) 964-3396 The Ashtabula Arts Center is funded in part by the Ohio Arts Council.
Ashtabula man arrested for OVI denies casino BY MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers
PHOTO COURTESY DR. MIKE MESHGINPOOSH - GENEVA ROTARY
Geneva’s Image Show Choir entertained Geneva Rotarians and their guests with a playbill filled with traditional Christmas carols at the club’s holiday party on Dec. 13. Pictured, front, from left: Rikki Metzler, Cayla Conrad, Jolie Milliken and Abbie Brady; middle: Hannah Spaulding, Kayleena Brashear, Brandon Russel, Grace Lillie, Cyndi Kelner, Jacob Nichols and Paul Alley; and back: Justin Ortiz, Abby Williams, Donovan Sharpe, Christi Perko, Ariel Stehura, Veronica Clutter, Josh Lillie, Zak Krzic, Tyree Santaigo and Jacob Avsec. -Submitted by Jan Perala for Geneva Schools
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then completed the task. After he did so, an overwhelming odor of an alcoCONNEAUT - At 2:04 holic beverage emanated a.m. Dec. 22, Conneaut Po- from inside the vehicle and lice were alerted that a from the breath and person white DMC Denali had of the driver, William Aaron, struck a pedestrian at the Jr. of Ashtabula. Presque Isle Downs Casino Aaronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balance was so in Erie, Pa., then fled the poor that the Conneaut poscene and was believed to be lice officer felt it necessary on I-90 heading into Ohio. to keep ahold of Aaronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arm Conneaut police pa- to protect him from falling. trolled I-90 and after sevAfter Conneaut police eral minutes, spotted a ve- made contact with Pennsylhicle matching the descrip- vania State Police, they detion go past the their loca- cided to arrest Aaron for OVI tion east of Route 7. Offic- and PSP would interview ers caught up to the vehicle him at Conneaut Police Staand verified the registration tion. Aaron was removed with Dispatch, who con- and placed under arrest. He firmed it to be the wanted adamantly refused to take vehicle. any test (blood, breath, or According to police re- field sobriety tests). ports, a traffic stop was iniWhen confronted about tiated at the 241-mile the casino accident, Aaron marker in the westbound reluctantly admitted he had lane. The officer approached been there that evening, but the passenger side of the ve- stated he was not involved hicle and motioned to the in a crash. He was booked driver to roll the window into Conneaut jail facility, down. The driver appeared and the report was forconfused for a moment and warded to PSP in Erie.
Would Like To Cordially Invite You To Join Us
January 8th, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 2-4pm BOOK SIGNING Dennis Hale, Author of Shipwrecked: Reflections of the Sole Survivor, speaking of his experience as sole survivor of SS Morrell Freighter on Lake Huron 12/29/1966. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
455 Main Street, Conneaut â&#x20AC;˘ (440) 593-6380
Saybrook United Methodist Church to offer free dinner A free community dinner will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5-6 p.m. in the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Hall. Come enjoy a free dinner, dessert and drink, served to you by members of Saybrook United Methodist Church, 7900 S. Depot Rd, Saybrook (across from Saybrook Elementary School). All are welcome!
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
City officials discuss resolution for former city manager BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The City of Ashtabula has received some backlash after putting forth a resolution giving commendation to former city manager Anthony Cantagallo. Several complaints have come to the city requesting to remove the resolution from its Jan. 3 council agenda. Ward 3 Councilor Ann Stranman was the first to speak out for the resolution in an e-mail. “If a majority would prefer to remove the resolution from the agenda, that’s fine with me. I had requested resolutions for all three departing officials in recognition of their time of service to the community and accomplishments during the same and believe all contributed something to the betterment of the city,” Stranman said. All three city officials who are now no longer with the city, Councilor Chuck Brockway, Councilor Betty Kist and Cantagallo, had resolutions prepared for them. “Resolutions of Commendation have been requested and presented to many past officials over the years (long before I got on council) for the very same reason—most of them were leaving office due to the loss of an election, meaning a majority of citizens did not see fit to re-elect them, but the resolutions were requested and presented nonetheless,” Stranman said. Stranman said she felt it was up to council whether to proceed with the resolution, but she was standing behind the resolution. “Did I personally agree with the request and presentation of every single one of these resolutions? Absolutely not,” Stranman said. “But did I feel it was my place, as a citizen, to take a stand against any of them? Again, absolutely not.” James Triskett, a city council representative for Ward 5, agreed with Stranman. “I hope council will stand on its own convictions,” Triskett said. Triskett said he too has received complaints about the resolution, but he did not think it was appropriate to take the item off the agenda. “I received calls from two people in objection of the former CM resolution,” Triskett said. “I have had as many people approach me in objection of the former vice president resolution. I have decided that I cannot abide the antiresolution requests.”
Triskett said no matter how citizens may personally feel about an elected official’s choices while in office, the official still served the community. “My convictions are mine and I chose to provide a resolution to each of the elected people for their service to the City of Ashtabula, regardless of who likes or dislikes the the recipients,” Triskett said. Triskett said no elected official is without their faults because they are human. “Each citizen elected throughout history to this council has had his or her ups and downs,” Triskett said. “Each has had to suffer the onslaught of negativity that seems to thrive in our city politics.” Triskett said he has always supported the commendation resolution, no matter how he felt about the politician themselves. “Some have received well-planned attacks through legal attempts, while others made it a point to bring forth turmoil to others. I still agreed to their resolutions,” Triskett said. Triskett was concerned about removing the resolution and felt everyone deserved their share of commendation for their service. “I remember supporting a resolution for one elected citizen after his term, even after his actions cost the citizens and the city a great loss of revenue,” Triskett said. “Later that person was a participant of a legal attack on me.” Triskett said besides the history behind the former elected official, he still would support the resolution honoring him. “Had we not already provided a resolution for him, I would still support one,” Triskett said. Triskett said he is not standing beside pettiness and would like instead to move forward as a professional. “People must decide who and what they are in life. By age 40, I was no longer interested in political grudges. I’ve never had interest in political revenge,” Triskett said. “I would love to see where this city would be if the rest of the public who are vested in this city would take the same stance.” Clerk of Council LaVette Hennigan said because the council did not seem to object the resolution, the item will remain on the agenda. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.
Henderson Memorial Public Library to start up book club BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Do you like to read? Do you like to talk? Would you like to put it all together? The Henderson Memorial Public Library is looking for people who answered “yes” to all of those questions. Henderson Memorial Public Library Clerk Bev Follin said the library is developing a book discussion group in 2012, starting off with a launch meeting in January. The launch meeting will be held 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the library in Jefferson. The meeting is open to all interested per-
sons who want to grab a book and gab, Follin said. For this meeting, the library is looking for people to give their voice and their input. The library will provide hot coffee during the meeting. For more info, call the Henderson Memorial Public Library at (440) 576-3761 or email Bev Follin at follinbe@oplin.org or Ed Worso at worsoed@oplin.org. In other library news, the library will resume regular Wednesday hours beginning Jan. 4, 2012.
75 more days until spring!
PHOTO BY SHAR HOWE
Old Man Winter rang in the New Year for northeast Ohio with a vengeance. This blustery scene was taken outside of the Gazette Newspapers’ office on Tuesday afternoon in Jefferson, with a chance of lake-effect snow for the rest of the week. However, temperatures are expected to rise into the 40s by the weekend.
Ashtabula VFW honored for service BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The City of Ashtabula Council members honored the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for its 80 years of service at their recent meeting. “It has come to the attention of this council and these public officials of the City of Ashtabula, Ohio, that the Ashtabula Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 943, located at 4102 Main Ave., Ashtabula Ohio, have been serving area veterans of war since Jan. 24, 1932,” the resolution said. The VFW is a national organization and the Ashtabula branch does a number of services of veterans throughout the year, including recognizing Memorial Day and Veterans Day. “The Ashtabula VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (18991902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service; many of whom arrived home wounded or sick,” the resolution said. The VFW has not only been instru-
mentally in local events but in national change as well. “They are all now a part of a larger organization known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The VFW organization has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th and 21st centuries, thus expanding educational benefits to America’s active-duty members and members of the Guard and Reserves fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan,” the resolution said. Throughout the 21st century, the VFW has fought for veterans’ rights whether on a national or local scale. “The VFW organization has been involved in the development of the national cemetery system, the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange, for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome, in improving VA medical centers services for women veterans; in 2005, [it] became the first veterans’ organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010; and annually contributes more than 11
million community volunteer hours,” the resolution said. The City of Ashtabula officials noted how much of a positive influence the organization has had on the community and with 80 years behind the organization, they look forward to many more. “By the Council and Public Officers of the City of Ashtabula, Ohio, on our behalf and on behalf of all our citizens, we do hereby enact this Resolution of Commemoration to the Ashtabula Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 943 for remaining true to their mission and core values, for 80 years, in the City of Ashtabula,” the resolution said. The City Ashtabula saw the resolution as not only a reflection of the VFW posts but as a thank you to each and every veteran who has served the United States. “We honor you and thank you for your service to our country - the land that we love,” the resolution said. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazettenews.com.
Geneva’s HDT EP facility featured on the H2 network BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA – The Geneva area’s HDT EP facility was featured on the History Channel’s new network H2 on Monday, Jan. 2, during its Modern Marvels show produced by Half Yard Productions. “[Half Yard] provides some nice coverage of products made at the HDT EP facility (Geneva Facility),’ Ron Clutter wrote in an email. Clutter sees the coverage as a great promotion for the Geneva area. “This may be good coverage for all you to use as you promote the nice things that continue to happen in our area, due to such things as JEDDs, tax support, collaboration, vision and belief in our region, investment, as well as SPIRE’s continued growth and such things as the Economic Cluster Concept that Georgetown just unveiled two weeks ago,” Clutter said. The episode of Modern Marvels is entitled “Battle Ready” and focused on a wide variety of products
made to protect American military troops. “Manufacturing is not dead,” Clutter said. He said new and different growth opportunities in the region are possible. “I’m as pleased as ever to be part of our region and vision to make these new things truly occur,” Clutter said. Robin Stefanovich, vice president of communications of HDT global headquarters, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, also commented on the show. “Late this summer, HDT Global hosted the Half Yard Productions film crew as they were creating the upcoming episode ‘Battle Ready,’” Stefanovich said. “The episode teaser states: ‘U.S. soldiers today face enormous challenges, often stationed in desolate locations behind enemy lines. Keeping them protected is priority number one—and the military is making enormous leaps in devising a wide array of high-tech equipment to protect today’s soldier. From elaborate elite training facilities, to GPS-guided air drops, to
Announcing auditions for ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
Auditions will be held at the Ashtabula Arts Center for Stefanie Wessell, senior “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde on Sateditor for Gazette Newspaurday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. - noon and Sunday, Jan. 22, pers, may be reached at from 6 - 8 p.m. Readings will be from the script. Auditions swessell@gazettenews.com. are first come, first served. Everyone is encouraged to audition. Beginning actors are welcome. Auditioners should come prepared to attempt an upperclass English accent. The cast requires five men, Jack and Algy (age 16-30), Chasuble (over 40) and two servants any age; four women: Monday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Gwendolen and Cecily (age 16-30), Miss Prism (over 40), and Lady Bracknell (over 40). Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Rehearsals begin early February and will generally be Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. held Sunday through Thursday evening. Performance dates Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. are March 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and April 1. The production is being directed by Douglas Anderson. Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, contact Kimberly Godfrey at the Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Ashtabula Arts Center at (440) 964-3396.
Regular hours will be as follows for 2012: • • • • • •
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A
revolutionary high-tech tents and fire-retardant uniforms, we explore the science and technology of building, operating and protecting a base in a warzone.’” Stefanovich was proud to have Geneva’s facility featured in the episode. “The crew spent time at our EP and EX facilities filming how we make our environmental control units and expeditionary shelters. HDT spokespersons Ed Brashear, Mike Stolarz and Steve Skinner provided com-
mentary and took the crew through portions of our manufacturing processes,” Stefanovich said. Stefanovich hopes everyone had a chance to watch the episode. The episode may repeat at a future date. “H2 is the new network name for History International. Please check your local listings and check it out,” Stefanovich said. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.
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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
Geneva Township trustees look back at 2011 LAWSUIT BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA TOWNSHIP - With 2011 at a close and the ringing in of 2012, it is time to reflect on the past year. Geneva Township has had several accomplishments for the year 2011. “[The year] 2011 proved to be another challenging and successful year in Geneva Township,” Geneva Township trustees reported in a newsletter. “As a direct result of our dedicated road department employees, the township’s roads continue to be maintained and improved.” The township also saw the departure of several long-time employees. “Two long-time employees retired in 2011, Trustee Richard Pruden will be retiring Dec. 31, 2011 and road department worker Don Ferron retired in September,” trustees said. With Pruden’s seat open, the township saw the election of Denny Brown as their new trustee. Brian Henry replaced Ferron in the road department. “Township residents continue to enjoy the excellent safety services provided by the Geneva Fire Department
and the Northwest Ambulance District,” trustees said. Several highlights from 2011 include the repair and resurfacing of West Maple Avenue between Wheeler Creek Road and North County Road, and the agreement to store the fire department’s firetruck at the Maple Cemetery storage building. “Several hundred feet of road ditches were cleaned to allow for proper road damage,” trustees said. The township also provided many services for their residents throughout the year. “With the assistance of Evan Jahn from Waste Management, Geneva Landfill clean-up days were held in the spring and fall, allowing township residents to properly dispose of their trash free of charge,” trustees said. The township also passed a levy for its fire department during the November election. The fire department continued to prosper in 2011. “In cooperation with the City of Geneva, a used pumper/ tanker was purchased for the fire department,” trustees said. “This fire truck was re-
painted and repaired and will be initially stationed at the Maple Avenue fire station and will be available for use in the city as well as the township.” Many grants were also received to aid the township in future projects. “A grant application was submitted to the Ohio Public Works Commission to improve portions of Padanarum Road,” trustees said. “Construction should begin in the fall of 2012, with a completion date of 2014.” A grant from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council was also accepted for a total amount of $50,000. “This grant will be used to make the township offices and garage more energy efficient by installing energyefficient heaters and lighting, along with replacing several doors and windows,” trustees said. “The project was completed in May and has resulted in significant cost savings.”The township looks forward to another successful year in 2012, with more projects being started and completed. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazettenews.com.
Harpersfield Township looks forward to 2012 BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP Harpersfield Township trustees were happy to report on their past year of 2011, as they accomplished many positive things for the township and its residents. “Harpersfield Township once again had an exciting year in 2011,” Cliff Henry, trustee of Harpersfield Township, wrote in the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter. “The township was led by Trustee Chairman Ed Demshar, Trustee Jim Pristov and Trustee Cliff Henry and Fiscal Officer Sharon Rohrbaugh.” Haprersfield Township trustees had to bid some farewells this past year, as retirements were granted. “Road worker Earl Carley retired after many years of service to the township,” Henry said. “Rich Giffin was hired to replace him.” Harpersfield Township officials were glad to receive Giffin as a replacement, as he was from the Geneva area and familiar with the roads of Harpersfield Township. “[Giffin] will be working in the cemeteries and learning the duties of the
road department,” Henry said. With a heavy winter, Harpersfield saw its fair share of salt and snowplows. “The year proved to be very challenging for road maintenance as heavy winter snows and rains in the spring and summer made it very difficult to keep the roads in good condition,” Henry said. “It required a lot more grading, gravel and culvert replacement just to maintain them in a reasonable condition.” However, Harpersfield still made many strides with the purchasing of new equipment. “A new Kubota tractor and mower were purchased to mow roadsides,” Henry said. “The tractor has a complete cab, which will provide much more comfort and safety to the operator.” Some township projects also saw completion in 2011. “Barnum Road from Clay Street to Interstate 90 was paved as an Issue One project,” Henry said. “The project has been in process for two years and will be totally finished next spring with the completion of the berms and driveway work.” The Harpersfield Fire Department also saw success in its annual beef roast
last summer and its fish fries in the spring. “Because of their success, along with the help of the township, we were able to purchase a new cab and chassis to replace the old one on the tanker housed at Station-Two in Cork,” Henry said. “The old truck suffered a broken frame and was not repairable.” SPIRE Institute, located in the township, brought in much publicity as it continued to grow in 2011. “SPIRE Institute experienced the opening of the new Aquatic Building, which includes Fuel, the new nutrition court,” Henry stated. “They have begun construction of a dormitory just north of the track building which will house about 250 students and should be open next fall.” Deerleap Winery is also now opened on Harpersfield Road. Harpersfield Township officials saw their ups and downs throughout 2011 but are going forth into 2012 with their heads held high for the future of the township. “[The year] 2011 was a very good, although challenging, year for Harpersfield Township, and we are looking forward to an even better 2012,” Henry said.
Singers’ call for Faure’s ‘Requiem’ BY MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula County Choral Society invites area singers 17 years of age and older to join them in singing Faure’s “Requiem” 4 p.m. March 25 at Mt. Carmel Worship Center in Ashtabula. Rehearsals begin Jan. 9. A “satellite rehearsal” schedule enables singers to rehearse in their own areas of the county, with several combined rehearsals in March. Singers may choose times and places to accommodate their schedules. Rehearsals will be held Sunday afternoons at New Leaf Methodist Church in Conneaut and First Congregational Church in Jefferson, and Thursday evenings at First United Methodist Church
in Ashtabula. The all-County choir will be joined in performance by the Ashtabula County Choral Music Society Chorale and the Wade Raridon Singers, of Youngstown, soloists, organ/piano and a Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Wade Raridon. Auditions are not required. Singers are expected to commit to eight hours of satellite rehearsals and four hours of combined rehearsals. The “Requiem” is based on the the text of the funeral mass and will be sung in Latin. Rehearsal part-study CD’s and resource materials will be provided upon request to increase the comfort level of less experienced singers. The performance will be a beautiful and meaningful musical Lenten expe-
rience. Call Kathy Milford, ACCMS Artistic Director, with questions at (440) 8133771.
Rehearsal Schedule: • New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo St. - 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 15, Jan. 29, Feb. 12, Feb. 26 • First Congregational Church, 41 E. Jefferson St. - 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, March 4 • First United Methodist Church, 4506 Elm Ave. - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan.12, 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 23; March 1, 8. • Combined chorus rehearsals are 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at First Congregational Church in Jefferson; and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 19 at Mt. Carmel Worship Center.
AACS
From page 1A
With the sub-committees formed, all who attend will have a chance to choose a sub-committee to join. “We will also be breaking into committees during that time and, of course, there is room for everybody to serve on the committees,” Seuffert said. Seuffert said the sub-committees were formed so everyone can put forth their effort to pass the levy. “We encourage people to choose a committee where they will be comfortable,” Seuffert said. “If you’re not comfortable going door to door, maybe you’ll be more comfortable putting together fliers.” AACS will also be gathering the community’s opinion of the levy next Monday. “Another important date coming up is on Jan. 9, where
we will conduct a phone survey,” Seuffert said. “It will kind of give a grasp on the community’s attitude towards the levy.” The slogan “We are Lakeside” has been chosen for the campaign. “We are going to look at the impact that this levy is going to have on our academics, on our finances and on the community as a whole,” Seuffert said. Seuffert said they have confidence in the people who are already on board heading sub-committees and putting together the campaign, and they look forward to all additional help they will gain. “We’re going to do the best job that we can do,” Seuffert said.
Kyle Smith has filed on lawsuit on their behalf, under the names of Concerned Citizens of Jefferson Village and Ken Fertig, to determine who is correct and whether the petitions can move forward and thus have the matter placed on the November 2012. The committee wants the citizens to decide whether the property purchase should go through. The lawsuit surrounds council’s decision to purchase the building and property at the old Jefferson Elementary School on 104 E. Jefferson St. for $300,000. The deal consisted of $150,000 in cash and an additional $150,000 credit package for in-kind labor and improvements spread over an unspecified period of time. The village intends to use the property for the police department, which needs the additional room. At the time of the vote, a group of citizens said they would seek a referendum on the matter and give citizens a chance to vote on it. The citizens collected enough signatures and turned their petitions into Fisher, as they were required to do. During the time frame, Fisher had questions that dealt with her responsibility in dealing with the petitions. To answer them, Lemire and Fisher went over each section of the Ohio Revised Code line by line, and that is when they discovered what they believe was an omission by the referendum committee. In section 731.32, the O.R.C. states that whoever seeks to file a referendum petition against an ordinance shall file a certified copy of the proposed ordinance with the village clerk before circulating their petition. Although committee members had a copy of the ordinance that they attached to the petitions, they failed to take the step of filing the necessary documents with the clerk’s office before circulating the petitions, Fisher said. According to the O.R.C., “certified copy” means a copy containing a written statement attesting that it is a true and exact reproduction of the original ordinance or measure. Lemire wrote in a memo that, in the process of re-
MANNA On Tuesday, Pascarella, Muniak and Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Bradek presented Piper with a donation of $4,175. “Thank you, everyone,” Piper said. “This will be used.” Manna is Jefferson’s local food pantry and typically spends around $2,000 per month on food, which amounts to about 6,000 pounds of food a month. This year Manna will serve around 9,000 community members of the Jefferson area. “We have so many clients,” Piper said. “The numbers keep growing.” Proof of residency is required when visiting the
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From page 1A viewing the statutory requirements contained in the O.R.C., Fisher determined that no one had filed a certified copy of the proposed ordinance with her before circulating those positions. “You requested my legal opinion regarding the effect of the failure to file a certified copy of the proposed ordinance with the village clerk,” Lemire said. “The clear language of O.R.C. section 731.32 makes the filing of a certified copy of the proposed ordinance with your office a mandatory requirement.” Lemire then mentioned several court cases that have found that this filing requirement requires strict compliance. “Given the mandatory na ture of the filing requirement...the petitions circulated to require a referendum on the Village of Jefferson’s ordinance authorizing the purchase of the former elementary school building are invalid,” Lemire wrote. He further wrote that Fisher therefore cannot certify to the board of elections the validity of those referendum petitions. “Because the referendum petitions are invalid, they have no effect, and the village ordinance authorizing the purchase of the former elementary school building is valid and has become law,” Lemire concluded. Fertig said this is Lemire’s opinion in the matter, and their attorney feels differently. He believes what they did when obtaining the documentation from Fisher, and what they turned in, before circulating the petitions was sufficient in supplying a certified copy to the clerk, hence the lawsuit. Their attorney also has examples of court cases he believes will back up this belief. “We want it to come to a head,” Fertig said of the decision to take it to court. Because of the lawsuit, the matter has been put on hold until a decision has been reached by the judge. Lemire said in this type of matter, a judge will usually solve the matter quickly, probably within 45 days. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.
From page 1A food pantry, and users must reside in the Jefferson Area Local Schools district. The Manna Food Pantry is run out of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 89 East Satin St. in Jefferson. Hours for the pantry are 911 a.m. Monday and Friday and 5-7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. The Chamber donates money instead of trying to collect food for the pantry because Manna can stretch the dollars more. Manna can triple its buying power with monetary donations, Piper said. The food pantry welcomes any type of donation, though, and Piper praised local students for the amount of food they’ve donated to the pantry this holiday season. “Thank you for this, on behalf of all the volunteers,” Piper told the Chamber. Piper estimated that she has about 35 volunteers who help at the food pantry. Chamber Treasurer Peggy Stadler thanked Piper and the Manna Food Pantry for all they’ve done for the community. “Thank you for providing the service that you do,” Stadler said. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.
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WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A
You were made Yoga Class offered at to be amazing! Jefferson Community Center A better you in 2012 BY REV. MEREDITH D. COLEMAN Jefferson United Methodist Church
BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Community and Recreation Center offers Yoga classes taught by Vicky Giangola every Tuesday from noon until 1 p.m. The class is mostly an option for seniors, but any and everyone is invited. As the snow fell on the community center ’s door, the Yoga class this past Tuesday was slim in numbers with only one person, Barbara Trisch, showing up. “Barbara is very dedicated to this Yoga class,” Giangola said. “She hasn’t missed a single one yet.” Giangola only comes in for the Tuesday Yoga session each week. and her dedication to keeping Jefferson healthy is appar-
Well, here we are, beginning a brand new year! Some people see Jan. 1 as a fresh new start for their life and make “new years’ resolutions.” Kathy Smith who wrote an article for the Gazette last week said that several of the people she polled had a new year plan, but admitted that they probably wouldn’t stick to it. However, most of the ones who did made a resolution wanted to quit smoking or lose weight. (Gazette December 28, 2011) What about you? Discovering a way to be a better person is good any time of the year in my book, but first we have to believe that God made us to be amazing from the start! PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN Psalm 139 tells us that God created each of us absoBarbara Trisch listens to Yoga instructor Vicky Giangola at the Jefferson Community lutely unique and exceptional! We are custom designed Center. by our Creator. In other words, there is no “back up you” ent by her calm and pleas- center offers. sitting in God’s workshop in heaven somewhere. God ant demeanor. For more information, Sadie Portman, reporter looked at your entire life, determined your assignment Everyone is welcome to contact the Jefferson Com- for the Gazette, may be on earth and then gave you the specific tools to do the attend the classes and the munity and Recreation reached at sportman@ job. (Max Lucado) many other programs the Center at (440) 576-9052. gazettenews.com. God didn’t hand you your grand-dad’s life or your best friend’s life, or your cousin’s life - NO, God personally and deliberately prepared you for your life’s journey on earth. Of course you have decisions to make and experiences that add shape to your life, but the original person you are, started the moment you were conceived in the mind of God. Galatians 6:4-6, “Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Think about this right now - God has ambitious plans for you. The One who saved your soul also desires to remake your heart. It’s called Total Transformation! (Romans 12:2) Take a few moments and just talk to God about your life, the good and the not so good! Then be quiet and listen with your inner being to what the Lord wants to say to you. Maybe it will be, “Good job - keep it up! or I have a better way for you or Let me get you back on track this year.” God has an AMAZING plan for your life! Even though I am probably more than half way through my life, I really believe that God has some pretty phenomenal experiences in store for me. I also believe that I still have people to meet, lessons to learn, projects to do that will serve others and lots of love to give and receive! Whatever this New Year of 2012 brings to you, I pray that you will step out with holy confidence and trust in Christ to lead the way for Jesus IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Make a positive difference this year and the Vicky Giangola is the instructor for the Yoga session, and Barbara Trisch uses her chair to give herself balance world will be a better place to live for all of us! she shows the seniors how to use their chairs to guide during the Yoga session instructed by Vicky Giangola. them in the exercise.
ASSEMBLY OF GOD First Assembly of God 2300 Austinburg Rd., 275-7720 Pastors Don and Debra Hammer 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Faith Community A/G Church 5835 Route 166, Rock Creek, 474-1851 Senior Pastor: Rev. Brian L. Wright Sr. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Services
Fellowship Bible Church EVCA 417 West 46th, Ashtabula, 992-2500 Pastor Ed Christian, Pastor Duke DiPofi 9:15 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship First Grace Gospel Church 5730 Adams Ave., Ashtabula 997-8191 David Adams, pastor 9:30 a.m. Sun. School, Informal Service 10:45 a.m. Bible Hour 7 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Time
CATHOLIC New Life Assembly of God 1961 La Fever Rd., Geneva Assumption Church Pastor Harry Pishcura, 466-6093 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Services 594 West Main, Geneva, 466-3427 Father Melvin Rusnak 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass BAPTIST 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Mass Central Missionary Baptist Church Sacred Heart Catholic Church 930 Clay Road, Dorset, 858-2460 3049 St. Rt. 45, Rock Creek, 563-3010 The Rev. Dave Chappell, Pastor Pastor, Rev. David Weikart 10 a.m. Sun School Mass times: 6 p.m. Sat 11:30 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. Sun (Sept. - May) 8 a.m. Sun (June-Aug.) KIngsville First Baptist Church 12 Noon Wed &Fri (Am.) 6003 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville Mother of Sorrows 224-1081 1464 W. 6th St., Ashtabula, 964-3277 The Rev. David Hines Father Joseph Ruggieri 9:30 Sunday School 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass 10:45 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Worship 10 am Sun Mass (11:45 am Spanish) 8 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Mass First Baptist Church (American) 4353 Park Ave., Ashtabula, 992Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 9836 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula, 998-4111 Rev. Doug Wright Father Joseph Ruggieri 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 5 p.m. Saturday Mass 10:45 a.m. Worship 8 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Mass 8 a.m. Wednesday Mass First Baptist Church of Jefferson 85 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson St. Andrews Church 576-1631 3700 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville, 224Rev. Jerry Bentley, Pastor 0987 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Rev. Stephen M. Wassie 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 9 a.m. Sunday Mass First Baptist Church of Dorset St. Joseph Church 2471 Route 193 N., Dorset 32 East Jefferson St., Jefferson 858-9623 576-3651 Ed Pickard, Pastor Rev. Stephen M. Wassie 10 a.m. Sunday School 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday Mass 11 a.m. Worship Service Sat. 4:30 p.m. Mass Fundamental Baptist Church (Ind.) St. Joseph Church 2219 Allen-Comp Rd., Dorset 3330 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 992-0330 858-2609 Father Philip Miller Pastor Michael Allen 4 p.m. Saturday Mass 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 8 a.m. Monday & Friday Mass Geneva Baptist Church - SBC 903 West Main St., 466-1481 St. Joseph Mission Pastor Richard L. Thompson - Our Lady of Miracles 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 4317 West Ave., Ashtabula, 997-7121 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services Father Philip Miller 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass Lighthouse Baptist Church 2929 Carpenter Rd., 964-0222 St. Nicholas Byzantine Senior Pastor John Jones Catholic Church 10, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday 1104 E. 15th St., Ashtabula, 964Worship 3536 Father Andrew Gretchko People’s Baptist Church 4:30 p.m. Divine Litergy 3837 West Ave., Ashtabula 992-9582 CHRISTIAN CHURCH Rev. Louis F. Grandberry 11:00 Morning Service First Christian Church 6920 Austinburg Rd., Ashtabula The United Church 993-7056 75 South Broadway, Geneva, 466Rev. Richard L. Well 2824 9 a.m. Contemp Service & Sunday Pastor Bob Cunningham School 11:00 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Traditional Service BIBLE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ALLIANCES Bethel Bible Church 877 E. Beech, Jefferson, 576-5949 People’s Church Pasot Joseph Laing 300 S. Ridge Rd. E., Geneva Sundays at Jefferson Comm. Center, 466-2020 11 E. Jefferson Street Rev. Jim Walker 9 a.m. Bible School, 10 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Worship Chapel on the Ridge 9582 North Ridge E., Geneva 993-7502 Pastor: Ronald Wright 10 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday Services Eagleville Bible Church 1981 Rt. 45 North, Rock Creek 563-3407 www.eaglevilleonline.com Pastors Bill McMinn, Chris Christian and Josh Wood 8:30; 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship
CHURCH OF CHRIST Geneva Church of Christ 1007 S. Broadway, Geneva, 4667689 9:20 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Rock Creek Church of Christ 2965 High St., Rock Creek 563-9528 9:30 a.m. Bible Study, all ages
10:30 a.m. Cont. Worship & Children’s Church West Avenue Church of Christ 5901 West Ave., Ashtabula, 992-0737 Michael D. Williams, Minister 9:30 a.m. BIble Class 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Worship UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Austinburg First United Church of Christ Rts 45 & 307, Austinburg, 275-5125 Rev. Allison Milligan, Pastor, 275-1129 (Pastor’s Office) 11 a.m. Worship and Sunday School www.austinburgucc.org First Congregational United Church of Christ 41 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, 5764531 Pastor James E. Brehler Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. Unionville United Church of Christ 6870 S. Ridge Rd., 428-2235 On Rt. 84 east of County Line Rd. Rev. Robert Cunningham 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship Unionville United Church 6970 S. Ridge Rd., Unionville 466-2824 Pastor Bob Cunningham 9:30 a.m. Worship CHURCH OF GOD Ashtabula Church of God 2244 Harbor Ave., 997-3410 Rev. Jay Rock 10 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. worship Church of God in Christ 3417 Hiawatha Ave., Ashtabula 997-3922 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Ceremony & Worship Jefferson Church of God 2701 St. Rt. 46, Jefferson, 992-6267 Rev. Leon J. Alexander 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship EPISCOPAL Christ Episcopal Church 65 S. Eagle St., Geneva, 466-3706 10:30 a.m. Worship Holy Cross Charismatic Episcopal Church 341 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-8089 Pastor Nicholas Rizzo 10 a.m. Adult BIble Study 10:30 a.m. Worship St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 4901 Main Ave., Ashtabula, 992-8100 Rev. David Evans, Interim Pastor 8 & 10 a.m. Sunday Worship INDEPENDENT Ashtabula Baptist Church 5909 Sheppard Rd., Ashtabula, 228-9423 Pastor Dan Evans 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Park Street Christian Church 97 Park St., Geneva, 466-4601 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 7:30 p.m. Wed Bible Study Second Congregational Church of Christ 319 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9640 Rev. Peter Pritchard 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Well of Hope Chapel 4254 E. Center St., N. Kingsville 5933159 The Rev. Tim Ranyak, pastor 10:45 a.m. Sunday Services JEHOVAH’S WITNESS East Ashtabula Congregation 5614 Poplar Ave., 992-3637 10 a.m. Public Meeting & Watchtower
LUTHERAN Bethany Lutheran Church 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, 9643157 Pastor Larry Mackey 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 Sunday School Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church-LCMS 4896 N. Ridge W. Ashtabula, 466-4554 10:30 a.m. Worship & Children’s Church Faith Lutheran Church-ELCA 504 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9087 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship Messiah Lutheran Church - ELCA 615 Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, 992-9392 Rev. Dr. Michael Meranda 4 p.m. Saturday Holy Communion 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Holy Communion 9:45 a.m. Adult Forum 11 a.m. Sunday School St. John’s Lutheran Church - LCMS P.O. Box 500, Geneva, 466-2473 9:30 a.m. Sun. School & Adult Bible Class 10:30 a.m Service St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 89 East Satin St., Jefferson, 5764671 Rev. Fred Grimm 8 & 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Zion Lutheran Church - LCMS 2310 W. 9th St., Ashtabula, 964-9483 Pastor Mark Berg 9:15 a.m. Bible Class 10:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 Children’s Church METHODIST Ashtabula First United Methodist Church 4506 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 993-3806 Rev. John M. Germaine, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Worship (10:45 in winter) Bulah Calvary United Methodist 2070 Route 193 N., Jefferson 858-2651 Pastor Aletta Burkholder 10 a.m. Sunday School 11:15 a.m. worship Dorset United Methodist Church 2800 St. Rt. 193, 858-2831 Rev. David Miller, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship Gageville United Methodist Church 4063 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville, 224-0165 Rev. David L. Blood, pastor 11 a.m. Worship Geneva First United Methodist Church 89 South Broadway, 466-2817 Rev. David & Rev. Suzanne Hill 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Harbor United Methodist Church 322 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9240 Rev. Sandra Dennis 9:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 11 a.m.Worship Jefferson United Methodist 125 East Jefferson St., Jefferson, 576-4561 Pastor - Meredith Coleman 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Worship 9:40 a.m. Sunday School for all ages Leon United Methodist Church 3599 Stanhope-Kelloggsville Rd, Dorset Pastors Jason Hockran & Quincy Wheeler 10 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. Sunday school Rock Creek Community United Methodist Church 3210 N. Main, 563-3291 Rev. David Miller, Pastor 9 a.m. Worship, 10:15 a.m. Sunday School
Saybrook United Methodist Church 7900 South Depot Rd., Ash. 969-1562 Rev. Jeff Stoll 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services South Harpersfield United Methodist Church 5524 Cork-Cold Springs Rd., Geneva 466-4778 Pastor Shirley A Stoops-Frantz 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship
Peoples Church The Christian & Missionary Alliance 300 S Ridge E, Geneva, 466-2020 www.peopleschurchgeneva.com Senior Pastor Rev. Alex Zell Youth Pastor Stan Heeren 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Open Door Community Church 5802 Cemetery Rd, Kingsville 224-2675 The Rev. Greg Evans, pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship
MORMON Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 571 W. Seven Hills Rd., Ashtabula 993-3616 9:30 a.m. Sacrement 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Priesthood & Relief Society NAZARENE Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene 1820 S. Ridge Rd W., Ashtabula 992-0246 Rev. Michael Legg 9-10 a.m. Sunday School 10:10 a.m. Morning Services Edgewood Church of the Nazarene 3025 N. Ridge E., Ashtabula 997-5645 Pastor Kevin Ellis 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Geneva Church of the Nazarene 710 Centennial, Geneva, 466-4711 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Jefferson Church of the Nazarene 55 E. Satin St., Jefferson, 576-6556 Pastor Rodney Kincaid 8:30, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene 4841 St. Rt. 84, Kingsville, 224-1136 Pastor Jerry Webb 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship
Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Ashtabula County Ash Senior Citizens Center, 4632 Main St., Ashtabula, 9645432 11 a.m. Service PENTECOSTAL Apostolic Faith Body of Jesus Christ of the Newborn Assemblies 772 Griggs Rd., Ashtabula 993-8339 Bishop Charles D. Keyes Sr. Faith Freedom Fellowship 205 West Liberty St., Geneva 466-8282 Pastors Raymond & Edith Baker 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Praise and Worship Grace Christian Assembly 906 Joseph Ave., Ashtabula 964-8592 Elder Gerome Sing 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Worship Pentecostal Community Church 5348 Peck Rd., New Lyme 576-0384 Pastor Scott C. Ardary 10 a.m. Sunday School/Worship 6 p.m. - 1st & 3rd Sun., Evening Service PRESBYTERIAN
NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH
East Side Presbyterian Church 3440 Edgewood Dr., Ashtabula 993-7546 Reverend S. Shane Nanney 9 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship
New Apostolic Church 2305 W. 19th St., Ashtabula The Rev. William McNutt 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 8 p.m. Wed Worship
The First Presbyterian Church 4317 Park Ave., Ashtabula 993-3731 Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Long, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sun. School 10:45 a.m. Worship
NONDENOMINATIONAL
Kingsville Presbyterian Church 3056 W. Main St., Kingsville 224-1023 Rev. Bonnie Habbersett 10 a.m. Worship and Sunday School
Alive Community Church 4527 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 992-7684 Pastor Darren Gollon Fellowship 9:30 a.m., Service 10 a.m. Bread of Life Ministries Ashtabula Plaza, 2257 Lake Ave. 998-BOLM Pastor Karen Bales, 858-9484 10 a.m. Sunday & 7 p.m Tuesday
North Kingsville Presbyterian Church 6546 Church St., Kingsville 224-1491 Ken Ayers, CLP, pastor 10:30 a.m. Worship
Breaking Thru at the Crossroads 3277 St. Rt. 167, Jefferson, 293-4421 Pastor Enos Ali, Co-Pastor Launa Ali 10-11 a.m. Sunday School 11-11:25 Sunday Brunch 11:30 Sunday Service
Pierpont Presbyterian Church 71 St. Rt. 7 S., Pierpont 577-1218 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship
Edgewood Alliance Church 3137 E. Center St., N. Kingsville 224-2111 Senior Pastor Gary Russell 9 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Worship 6 p.m Wed. Bible Study Int. Gen. Assmbly Of Spiritualists 5403 S. Ridge W., Ashtabula 969-1724 Classes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 11 a.m. worship - Guest speaker every Sun. Lenox Federated Church 2610 Lenox-New Lyme Rd, Jefferson 576-9932 Pastor: Ken Zaebst 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship & Teaching
Rome Presbyterian Route 45, Rome Township Mary Jo Foust, Commissioned Lay Pastor 11:10 a.m. Worship (May-Sept) Trinity Presbyterian Church 1342 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula 993-7111 Rev. Arvid Whitmore 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Berean Seventh Day Adventist 874 Center St., Ashtabula 9928796 Pastor Gregory Jackson Sat. 9:30 a.m. Bible Study Sat. 11 a.m. Divine Worship
8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
Jefferson 2011 Year in Review COMPILED BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers Throughout the next four weeks, the Ashtabula County Gazette will present “A Year in Review,” detailing the highlights of the year in the newspaper’s Jefferson coverage area. This week’s review will cover January through March 2011.
Mayor gives State of the Village address Jan. 5, 2011 JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Mayor Judy Maloney highlighted the milestones reached and tasks accomplished during her State of the Village 2010 speech at Monday night’s first council meeting of the new year. “As we approach the second decade of the 21st century, we are grateful the Village of Jefferson remains happy, healthy and hopeful. With due diligence, the department supervisors, the administrative staff and the clerk/treasurer are constantly working to be watchful stewards of the village finances. Budget issues were accomplished. In addition, several loans were repaid early. We reduced spending by $183,283.40 with a $700,000-plus carry over. “The village council, administration and staff have strived to assure that Jefferson continues to be the epitome of the ‘All-American’ Village and the welcoming environment of the County Seat. We are proud of our village workers, who are personable, courteous and willing to help whenever and wherever there is a need. “One of this year ’s greatest accomplishments is the development and completion of the area that once was the site of the Jefferson Elementary School. The park and playground will be a welcoming gathering place for our residents, young and old for many years. The restrooms have been completed and dedicated. The restrooms will reopen in the spring,” Maloney said.
Jefferson Village takes delivery of new cruiser Jan. 12, 2011 JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village took delivery of a brand new, 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser earlier this month and it will soon be on the road. The new cruiser, featuring the complete police package, was delivered to the police department on Jan. 4 by State Wide Auto in Van Wert, Ohio. Soon after delivery, the department took it to AGS Automotive Graphic Styling in the Jefferson Commercial Park, just outside of town on State Route 46 North, for detailing. The vehicle has been assigned to Officer G. Nelson. Its first patrol of the village with Nelson at the wheel will be the midnight shift today. Deputy Chief Dave Wassie said this will be the last Ford Crown Victoria that the department will purchase, since Ford Motors is discontinuing the production of the Ford Crown Victoria at the end of this year’s production. “The Crown Vic could not meet the new federal fuel economy guidelines as set forth by the federal government,” Wassie said. In 2012, Ford Motors will produce a new Ford Police Interceptor, re-engineered on the former Ford Taurus platform. Wassie said this will not be your father’s Ford Taurus. “They have engineered police package components on a newly designed frame, and it is said that it is designed to meet the new federal fuel guidelines and still provide the performance expected by the police market,” he said. In addition, Ford Motors has also re-engineered the Ford Explorer into a police package ve-hicle. Wassie said that Dodge will continue to produce the police package Dodge Charger. Chevrolet will continue to produce the Impala and is introducing a new Caprice police package to complement its police line of vehicles. “In the future, Jefferson Police Department will continue to consider all options available and will purchase the vehicle that will best suit our department’s needs and budget requirements,” Wassie said. Terry Finger, Jefferson Village administrator, said the new cruiser cost $23,400.
specific to one culture. It is a property maintenance code for residential, industrial and commercial buildings,” he said. Finger said last week that he would like Jefferson Village Council to adopt the entire code, which deals with property maintenance after the occupancy permit has been issued. “The code covers both exterior and interior structure maintenance,” he said. Finger noted that the code would be more than one step up for the village in dealing with properties. “This is 10-fold better than what we have now. The code allows for due process, bearing in mind individuals’ rights. The code will provide a basis for community standards. There are individuals, but individuals are also included in the community,” Finger said.
Brockway appointed Jefferson school district interim treasurer Feb. 2, 2011 JEFFERSON - Bonnie S. Brockway spends her time five days a week balancing the requirements needed to perform the jobs of two treasurers. Brockway, Ashtabula County Educational Service Center (ACESC) treasurer, was appointed to serve as the interim treasurer for the Jefferson-area Local School District at a special meeting of the board of education on Jan. 11. The Jefferson board entered into a contract with ACESC to obtain her services. She retains her job as ACESC treasurer and chief fiscal officer. Brockway’s temporary position became necessary when Ed Williams resigned as the district treasurer effective Friday, Jan. 14. She will serve as the interim treasurer until the board finds a replacement treasurer. “Advertising for and selection of a school treasurer normally takes approximately three months,” Brockway said. The board of education voted unanimously to approve Brockway as the interim treasurer.
Fioritto earns Jefferson School District spelling crown Feb. 2, 2011 JEFFERSON - Natalie Fioritto, Jefferson Elementary School Spelling Been champion, spelled every word correctly and outlasted her opponents to win the Jefferson School District Spelling Bee. Fioritto spelled “irony” and “mascot” last Friday and was presented with the first-place trophy by Jefferson Junior High School Principal Rick Hoyson. She defeated Kate Brand, Rock Creek Elementary School Spelling Bee winner, and Jefferson Junior High School Spelling Bee winner Carmen Pellegrino. Hoyson presented the trophies to Brand and Pellegrino, as well. The spelling bee was held in the Jefferson Area Junior/Senior High School library.
Jefferson council approves economic development measure Feb. 9, 2011
ROCK CREEK - Rock Creek Village Council and Mayor Beverly Martin will soon begin a search for a new councilperson following the resignation of Mark Sandercock. Mayor Martin announced at the Monday night regularly scheduled meeting that Sandercock was resigning his seat on council. “Mark Sandercock has tendered his resignation effective Jan. 24. We have 30 days to choose a new council member to replace him,” Martin said Monday night following the meeting. Sandercock is resigning from Rock Creek Village Council for personal reasons.
JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council members approved an ordinance Monday night that could pave the way for some economic development in the area. Council approved ordinance number 11-O-2848, which authorizes the approval of an economic development cash incentive program for the Village of Jefferson to provide incentives to employers creating new employee positions within the corporate limits of the Village of Jefferson. Members approved the ordinance unanimously on its third and final reading. It will take effect 30 days from Monday’s date, Feb. 7, 2011. The ordinance creates a program that will develop tools needed for the village to attract new jobs and continue to improve the overall economic health of the village and its citizens. Eligible employers can receive an annual cash incentive for a specific number of years equal to the increased business village income taxes paid by the employer and its owners, partners and members in respect to income received from the employer, with respect to income received from the employer pursuant to section 890.03 of the village code over the average of such business income taxes for the two years preceding the year of the application, up to a maximum of an amount equal to 75 percent of the village income withheld from new employee positions. New employee positions must be either newly created in the village after the execution of such agreement or transferred from outside the corporate limits of the village to within the corporate limits of the village after the execution of the agreement. The availability of the incentive shall be determined on a case by case basis in which the village administrator, tax administrator, the mayor and council believe that the incentive is necessary and appropriate to incentivize an employer to create new employee positions in the village.
Williams resigns as Jefferson school district treasurer
JAHS cheer competition squad shines in Florida
Rock Creek Councilman Mark Sandercock resigns Jan. 19, 2011
Jan. 19, 2011
Feb. 16, 2011
JEFFERSON - The Jefferson-area Local School District Board of Education will begin a search for a new treasurer. Ed Williams, district treasurer for several years, submitted his resignation to board members at the Jan. 11th meeting in the high school media center. Doug Hladek, Jefferson-area Local School District superintendent, said Williams’ resignation became effective at the close of business Friday, Jan. 14. “He resigned for personal reasons. His resignation letter was presented to the board,” Hladek said. Williams’ letter simply said he was resigning for personal reasons. His resignation and the hiring of an interim treasurer were handwritten as additions to the Jan. 11 board agenda. The treasurer for the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center, Bonnie Brockway, will serve as the interim treasurer for the Jefferson-area Local School District until a full- time treasurer can be hired.
JEFFERSON - The Jefferson-area High School 11-member cheerleading competition squad members got home at about 3 a.m. Tuesday, bubbling with excitement about their more-thanrespectable finish during a national competition last weekend in Florida. The Jefferson group joined with cheerleaders from 400 other highs schools from throughout the nation and brought home eighth place in the small varsity division Feb. 12-13 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located on the grounds of Disney World in Orlando, Fla. “They won eighth place in the small varsity non-building division, which is incredibly exciting. Non-building is we don’t do lifts and mounts. We do everything else, which includes tumbling, dancing and jumping,” said Rachel Blevins, cheerleading coach for Jefferson Area High School. Blevins said the community should be very proud of the girls. “It was a near-perfect performance, the best they ever had. They were four-tenths of a point away from seventh place and nine-tenths of a point away from sixth place,” she said. The coach said it was a wonderful experience for the girls, who really rose to the challenge and performed phenomenally.
Jefferson reviews proposed property code Jan. 26, 2011 JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Village administrator would like council members to consider use of an international blueprint for property maintenance. Administrator Terry Finger presented the idea briefly to village council at the meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, in village hall, held one day later because it was a holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Finger said the international property maintenance code comes from the International Code Council (ICC), which has its headquarters in Washington, D. C. “Consistently over the years, we have had to deal with dilapidated properties and properties in disarray. These are unsafe and unsightly properties,” Finger said. The organization is well known. “The ICC is a recognized body throughout the world. It is not
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Dorset Township pays off fire truck Feb. 23, 2011 DORSET TOWNSHIP - Dorset Township trustees acted recently to clear a $28,000 debt off the books. “We paid off the new fire truck. The last payment was scheduled for (this) June,” said Caroline Tupper, Dorset Township fiscal officer. Trustees signed the check at their Feb. 7 meeting. “By paying off early, the township saved $935.35. The loan with Andover Bank was taken out in 2006. There were five annual payments of $28,881.86,” Tupper said. The Dorset Township Volunteer Fire Department can thank the voters for the truck.
Township voters approved a 3.0-mill, five-year levy in May, 2005. Money generated by the issue was earmarked solely for the fire truck purchase. “The cost of this particular levy is no longer on Dorset Township residents’ taxes,” Tupper said. The last payment was scheduled for June, 2011.
Beckwith named to serve on Rock Creek council March 2, 2011 ROCK CREEK - Brenda Beckwith has become the newest member of Rock Creek Village Council. Beckwith took the oath of office Wednesday, Feb. 23, after she was contacted recently to see if she would be interested in serving the village by two sitting councilpersons and the mayor. “I was approached by Jim Hall, Pam Forristal about the open position. I also talked to Beverly (Martin, mayor) about it,” Beckwith said last week. Mayor Martin administered the oath of office at the meeting. Beckwith takes the seat on council that was vacated by Mark Sandercock when he resigned in mid-to-late January. Sandercock reportedly resigned for personal reasons. He did not feel he could devote the time needed to serve the residents of Rock Creek Village. The new councilperson has lived in Rock Creek for 45 years. She was 14 or 15 years old when she and her parents moved to the village from a home in Windsor Township. Beckwith, who has been retired for about a year, said Martin, Hall and Forristal talked with her about what the involvement is for a councilperson and the time a person needs to commit to the job. “We have a good council. They complement each other,” she said.
Jefferson man killed walking on U.S. Route 6 March 9, 2011 ANDOVER TOWNSHIP - Jefferson Township resident Kevin Beebe, 26, of Eagleville Road, was killed early Sunday morning as he walked in the dark on U.S. Route 6 after leaving a bar in West Andover, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol investigators. Beebe was walking east in the west lane of the state highway shortly after midnight when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Michael D. Baker, 45, of Williamsfield Township. The fatal car-pedestrian crash occurred about 12:30 a.m. March 6, approximately a quarter mile east of Stanhope-Kelloggsville Road. Beebe was pronounced dead at the scene at about 12:34 a.m., said Richard Mongell, Ashtabula County coroner’s investigator. His body was transported by Ducro Services Inc. directly to the Cuyahoga County Coroner ’s Office for autopsy. Preliminary cause of death was blunt trauma to head, trunk and extremities, Mongell said. A rapper and musician in an area Christian rock band, Beebe was wearing dark clothing at the time and seen by several witnesses leaving the bar after midnight, then walking east on U.S. Route 6, according to Mongell. Baker and his wife, Lisa M. Baker, 46, were driving west- bound on the major highway in a 1999 GMC Yukon SUV at the time. The troopers investigating the fatal crash said the Bakers were wearing seat belts. They were not hurt.
Morgan Hose Volunteer FD gets federal grant March 16, 2011 MORGAN TOWNSHIP - U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (RBainbridge Township) recently announced that Morgan Hose Company Volunteer Fire Department in Rock Creek will receive a $64,118 federal grant. The grant is through the popular Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program that helps departments obtain needed equipment and training. The funding will be used to purchase personal protective gear, hose and communications equipment. There were more than 16,000 requests for funding, and $390 million in grants will be awarded this year with Fiscal Year 2010 funding. “There is so much competition for funding in this program, and I’m thrilled for the department,” LaTourette said. “This will allow Morgan Hose Company to secure important safety equipment, and I know this funding is much appreciated in this economy.”
School board approves principal contracts March 23, 2011 JEFFERSON - Principals at the two elementary schools in the Jefferson-area Local School District have been hired for another three years. The Jefferson-area Local School District Board of Education approved resolutions at its March 15 meeting to name Todd Tulino to continue as principal at Jefferson Elementary School and Larry Meloro as principal of Rock Creek Elementary School. The board renewed the administrator contracts of both Meloro and Tulino for a three-year period. The renewals become effective July 1, 2011. In other personnel matters considered by the school board at the March 15 meeting, it approved: * Acceptance of the resignation/ retirement of Deborah Johnson, grade six, Rock Creek Elementary, 31 years; Christine Bailey, grade one, Jefferson Elementary School, 40 years; Janice Russell, kindergarten, Jefferson Elementary School, 39 years; and Margaret Ashba, grade two, Rock Creek Elementary.
Rock Creek students make blankets for Rainbow Babies March 30, 2011 ROCK CREEK - Rock Creek Elementary School sixth-grade students recently made blankets that will be taken to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, while others donated to the cause. “Eleven total blankets were made by sixth-grade students,” said Matt Ianetta, Rock Creek Elementary School sixth- grade teacher. Several students in Ianetta’s and Debra Johnson’s classes got together over the past month and made the blankets, which are made from fleecy, soft materials. The blankets will be taken to Emily Forristal, the Jefferson-area Senior High School student and Rock Creek Village resident who decided late last year to make the blankets for the hospital. Stories about Forristal’s goal to make 100 blankets appeared in the local media. “I saw it in the newspaper and thought it was a good idea. I got Mr. Meloro’s (Rock Creek Elementary principal) per- mission to do it,” Ianetta said last week. Donations to aid Forristal’s effort were also taken in at the elementary school. “A total of $36 was raised by donations from students and staff throughout the school. The money will be used to purchase more material for the blankets,” Ianetta said.
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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A
Ashtabula/Geneva Year in Review COMPILED BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers Throughout the next four weeks, the Ashtabula County Gazette will present “A Year in Review,” detailing the highlights of the year in the newspaper’s Ashtabula and Geneva coverage area. This week’s review will cover January through March 2011.
Man arrested after shooting Ashtabula officer Jan. 5, 2011 ASHTABULA - Police officers in Pennsylvania have arrested a Girard, Pa. man following the shooting of an Ashtabula City police officer during a traffic stop on Monday, Jan. 3. According to dispatches from the Ashtabula Police Department, Miguel Alsina, Jr., 20, of the 200 block of Main Street in Girard, allegedly shot Lt. Rodney Blaney, who was investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 900 block of West 38th Street in Ashtabula. The shooting happened shortly after Blaney arrived on West 38th Street and exited his vehicle. Within seconds he was fired upon by Alsina, who had stepped out of the suspicious vehicle and was advancing toward the officer. Several bullets struck the police car, and one hit Blaney in his body armor, throwing the lieutenant back into the driver’s seat of the car. Blaney was able to react, firing at his alleged attacker as Alsina took off on foot carrying his weapon and abandoning the vehicle, which had been reported as stolen. Ashtabula Police reports indicate that it is unknown whether the suspect was struck. After Alsina fled the scene, Blaney arrested a passenger from the suspicious vehicle a man whom police said surrendered without incident. Alsina was apprehended late Monday evening at a hotel room he had rented on West 12th Street in Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania. He was taken into custody along with Girard resident Danielle Verosko, 24, who was with Alsina at the time of his capture. Alsina faces charges of attempted aggravated murder of a police officer. Lt. Blaney was transported from the scene to the Ashtabula County Medical Center by ambulance and is expected to make a full recovery. On Tuesday, Blaney was released from the hospital and was recovering at home.
Premix sold, will combine with Hadlock Plastics of Geneva Jan. 12, 2011 NORTH KINGSVILLE - Late last Tuesday afternoon, the Dallas-based investment firm Highlander Partners, L.P., and Cleveland-based investment firm Capstone Capital Partners, announced the acquisition of Premix, Inc. of North Kingsville, and its whollyowned subsidiary, Quantum Composites Inc. of Bay City, Michigan. In a press release, the new owners called the acquisition one of “growth opportunities.” Premix, a global leader in the development, design and manufacture of thermoset composite materials and custom-molded components, will combine with Hadlock Plastics of Geneva, another Highlander / Capstone portfolio company, to build a new, vertically integrated enterprise that will offer customers a full range of engineering and manufacturing processes, from prototype through production. Hadlock Plastics, LLC, is an experienced custom molder and finisher of high-quality engineered composite products, Hadlock Plastics President Terry Morgan will lead the combined company as Chief Executive Officer, and Premix Chief Operating Officer Tom Meola will assume an expanded role as Chief Operating Officer. The news release states that the company will maintain its three existing facilities and work force in Ohio and Michigan. The new enterprise has 430 employees and a manufacturing capacity of more than 500,000 square feet.
Zullo retires as Ashtabula auditor Jan. 12, 2011 ASHTABULA - Ashtabula City Council accepted the resignation of City Auditor Michael Zullo on Monday, Jan. 10. “The decision of Mr. Zullo to retire after more than 24 years of service is met with deep regret mixed with best wishes for his future plans,” reads council’s ordinance accepting his retirement. Zullo’s retirement is effective Jan. 3, 2011, according to the ordinance. However, Zullo will continue to work for the city on a voluntary basis through the month of January. “It is with much thought and consideration, but with no regret, I announce my retirement from the City of Ashtabula,” Zullo wrote in a letter announcing his retirement. Continued Zullo, “My decision is based on several factors, including my unwillingness and inability to support the unprofessional decisions of our current city manager; a suggested 20-percent reduction in pay this year for the six department heads under city council, knowing full well the very same six people voluntarily took a 10percent pay reduction in 2010 while the department heads under the city manager took no reduction in pay; and, lastly, when the job very adversely affects your health, it’s time to move on.” Zullo said he is very thankful to have been chosen to serve as the city’s chief fiscal officer for so many years. “I believe I served honorably,” Zullo said. “In no way am I abandoning our great city. I have professionally contributed for many years but honestly feel I have exhausted all efforts to keep our city on a fiscally sound path.”
Ashtabula City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18 (rescheduled because of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday). His wife, Jennifer, also spoke. They believe city officials have made a mistake in laying off the police officers, noting that two police officers have been shot in the line of duty in the past six months. Miguel Alsina Jr., 20, of Girard, Pa., is accused of shooting Ashtabula Lt. Rodney Blaney, who was investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 900 block of West 38th Street in Ashtabula on Monday, Jan. 3, when he was shot by a suspect in his body armor. Blaney was not seriously injured in the incident because he was wearing his body armor. On Saturday, Aug. 2, Patrolman Robert Wolford, who has been with the police department for nearly three years, was shot while pursuing suspects on West 38th Street in Ashtabula near the railroad tracks. While in pursuit of the suspects, Wolford wound up in a struggle with one of the suspects, who obtained Wolford’s service weapon and shot him during the struggle, according to reports. He has not yet returned to work because of the injury to his hand. The Fraternal Order of Police No. 26 also believes the situation is dangerous for the remaining police officers. The Lodge’s general counsel, Michael W. Piotrowski, sent City Manager Anthony Cantagallo a letter about the layoffs recently. In the letter, Piotrowski threatened to challenge the layoffs through the city’s Civil Service Commission. “In the past 10 years, the police department has gone from 38 to 31 officers,” according to Piotrowski’s letter. The police officers have suffered the vast majority of the sacrifices, Piotrowski said. “The FOP does not intend to allow this to continue,” Piotrowski said.
GOTL considers assessment for paving project Feb. 2, 2011 GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE - Residents living on University Drive in the Village of Genevaon-the-Lake should have recently received a letter from village officials explaining an upcoming paving project that will involve an assessment. “The village has sent letters to all property owners on University Drive, which they should have received at this point,” GOTL Village Administrator Jim Hockaday said. The village’s current street levy is insufficient in order to cover the costs of large repairs, such as University Drive, Hockaday said. At 1,800 feet in length and 24 feet in width, University Drive is among the largest roads in the village, Hockaday said. He explained that the village is solely responsible for University Drive, unlike Lake Road, with State Routes 534 and 531 being shared between the Ohio Department of Transportation and the village. He said the project has been in the works since June of 2008, when the village submitted an initial application for funding through the Ohio Public Works Commission that was rejected. Village officials resubmitted an application to OPWC for funding in the summer of 2009 and also met with property owners on University Drive during that time, Hockaday said. In July of 2010, OPWC awarded the village approximately $62,000 for the project. In December of 2010, the engineering and estimated costs per front foot by property owners were completed, Hockaday said. GOTL Village Council then held the first two readings of a resolution of necessity for the assessment in January, and a letter to property owners also was sent out at this time, Hockaday said. The final reading and vote on the resolution of necessity for the assessment of property owners on University Drive will be held during the council meeting on 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, Hockaday said.
GACS District dedicates new middle school building Feb. 16, 2011 GENEVA - Nearly 300 people celebrated the dedication of the new Geneva Middle School building last Sunday, Feb. 13, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a reception and open house. The imposing new structure on Sherman Street, which houses students in grades sixth through eighth, features wide hallways, open airy common spaces, spacious classrooms filled with natural lighting and state-of-the-art technology. The building boasts two gymnasiums, an expansive media center lined with shelving for thousands of books and periodicals, a 30-station computer lab and a light-filled cafetorium geared for use as a dining area and a venue for school events. The cafetorium is equipped with theatrical lighting, an advanced sound and projection system.
Man sentenced to 18 years for cop shooting Feb. 16, 2011 JEFFERSON - The man who pled guilty to shooting and injuring an Ashtabula City Police officer in January was sentenced last week. Miguel Alsina Jr., 20, of Girard, Pa., was sentenced on Friday, Feb. 11, in Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court on charges of attempted aggravated murder on a peace officer with a gun specification, felonious assault on a peace officer and having weapons under disability. Alsina was accused of shooting Ashtabula Lt. Rodney Blaney, who was investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 900 block of West 38th Street in Ashtabula on Monday, Jan. 3, when he was shot by a suspect in his body armor. Blaney was not seriously injured in the incident. Alsina pled guilty to the shooting charges on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald W. Vettel handed down Alsina’s sentence last Friday. He sentenced Alsina to the maximum sentence of 18 years in prison.
Balog sworn in as new Ashtabula councilor Two found dead in Harpersfield Township Jan. 19, 2011
Feb. 23, 2011
ASHTABULA - Rick Balog was sworn in as the new Ward 1 councilor in the City of Ashtabula on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Ashtabula City Solicitor Michael Franklin performed the honor of swearing in Balog during a meeting of Ashtabula City Council. The meeting was moved to Tuesday because of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Balog fills the unexpired term of former Ward 1 Councilor Joseph Rose, who retired at the end of 2010. Rose intends to spend more time with his family and travel. Balog’s term will expire on Nov. 30, 2011, meaning the seat will be up for election this November. The Ashtabula Democratic Precinct Committee chose Balog to fill the seat during a meeting on Thursday, Jan. 13. Other candidates who threw in their hat for a chance at the seat were John Roskovics and Scott Monroe.
HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP - The Ashtabula County Sheriff ’s Department is investigating two shooting deaths that occurred in Harpersfield Township over the weekend. “We’re investigating a double homicide,” Ashtabula County Sheriff William Johnson confirmed earlier this week. The victims have been identified as Cord A. Cox, 23, of Austinburg Township, and Betheny D. Mehall, 25, of Geneva, Ashtabula County Coroner’s Office Chief Investigator Richard Mongell said. Because the investigation is ongoing, Mongell and Johnson could provide limited details about the suspected homicides. They did confirm that the victims were discovered at approximately 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, inside a vehicle on Bishop Road in Harpersfield Township. Bishop Road is located near Harpersfield Road. Cox was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, while Mehall was in the front passenger’s seat, Mongell said. He said the car was still running when the bodies were found. Both victims had been shot, Mongell said. Mongell said that both victims had last been seen and heard from at around 7:45 p.m. Saturday night. Their bodies were discovered after a passerby noticed the vehicle on Bishop Road and called 91-1, he said. They were pronounced dead at the scene at around 2:41 p.m. Sunday, Mongell said. He said their bodies were then transported to the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office.
Layoffs hit safety forces in Ashtabula Jan. 26, 2011 ASHTABULA - Layoffs continue in the City of Ashtabula, as city officials try to cut expenses. Those layoffs include four officers with the Ashtabula Police Department, as well as two firefighters with the Ashtabula Fire Department. They were laid off last week. Officer William Felt was one of the police officers who was laid off last week, and he spoke out against the layoffs during an
Harbor High School property sold March 2, 2011 ASHTABULA - The property where the old Harbor High School once sat has been sold to Harbor Anchor Properties Limited for $78,000. The closing date for the sale will be March 13. The Ashtabula Area City Schools Board of Education approved the sale at a recent meeting. Stuart Cordell of the Warren and Young law firm will be handling the sale. “The property has been for sale since we closed the building,” AACS Superintendent Joseph Donatone said. The building was demolished a few years ago. Donatone said that, at the time, it was hard to see the building go, but now with the property finally sold it will benefit the district. “From a financial point of view, I’m pleased that we sold it,” Donatone said. “We will use the money in an appropriate way.” The property is on the corner of Lake Avenue and Walnut Boulevard in the Ashtabula Harbor. “I’m sure the new owners will put the property to good use,” Donatone said. Donatone said the money made can only be used for new construction and improvements, not for operating. Although Donatone said the board had a few ideas in mind, he was not ready to share them until they were further discussed. “The board will use the proceeds from the sale in a manner that will benefit the school district,” Donatone said.
Regional Cancer Center to close March 9, 2011 ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula Regional Cancer Center (RRC) will be consolidating with the Erie, Pennsylvania branch as of this coming April. The Ashtabula branch has been opened since 1992 and gave local residents the option of receiving chemotherapy closer to home. “The changes of health care are constant in terms of advancement,” said Lisa Louis, RRC’s director of professional and community relations. Louis said the Ashtabula center, located at 2412 Lake Ave., is too small, and consolidating the centers will benefit the patients. “This facility is a lot larger,” Louis said. “There is only one radiation machine [at the Ashtabula branch]. There are multiple machines in Erie.” Louis said factors such as the number of machines and size of the facility confirmed the decision to close the Ashtabula branch. “You want the patients in all your locations to receive the same care,” Louis said. The Erie branch also has a larger staff with specialized areas of interest as well as equipment. “All the resources will be at one location,” Louis said. There are currently 10 employees working for RRC in Ashtabula, including five part-time employees and five full-time employees. These employees will be let go. “All [of the employees at the Ashtabula RRC] will be eliminated at the end of April,” Louis said.
Pinkert will be leaving for new position in MI March 16, 2011 GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE - Geneva-on-the-Lake Village Councilor Dana Pinkert has accepted a position as city treasurer of the City of New Buffalo, Michigan, and she resigned her duties for Geneva-on-the-Lake as of March 15. “It’s a good position for [Pinkert], although we hate to lose her,” GOTL Village Admin-istrator Jim Hockaday said. New Buffalo welcomed Pinkert onto their council in an online press release. “The City is pleased to announce that in a special meeting on Feb. 24, 2011, the city council approved the appointment of Dana Pinkert as the new city treasurer,” the press release stated. Pinkert will be replacing New Buffalo’s retired treasurer, Sue Rogers.
Traffic Camera Appeals Court will be implemented for Ashtabula March 23, 2011 ASHTABULA - Traffic cameras are still an issue for the Ashtabula City Council. The installing and implementing of the devices will continue to be a process for drivers as well as for city officials. The Ashtabula City Council Safety Committee has discussed a 30-day grace period for drivers to get used to the cameras. “As the cameras come online, there’s going to be a 30-day grace period where you won’t get a citation,” Richard Balog, Ward I representative and the safety committee chair, said at Monday night’s meeting. “This will give cameras as they’re installed.” The number of mobile cameras used has decreased in numbers as well. “There were initially going to be six mobile cameras moving to different areas of the city intersection and lights and now there’s been a decrease. There’s only going to be four,” Balog said. With the traffic cameras, the possibility of a new appeal process also was under consideration. “[The safety committee] spent some time talking about setting up an appeal process or a hearing process for citations issued,” Balog said. Those who wish to appeal their traffic citation may do so after they pay their fine. “The fine must be paid before challenges are allowed to be heard,” Balog said. Balog said two sessions per month would be held specifically for camera citation appeals.
Reader’s Digest making an Ashtabula appearance in May March 30, 2011 ASHTABULA - Reader’s Digest has taken an interest in the City of Ashtabula. “Reader’s Digest is coming to Ashtabula May 4,” Ashtabula City Council Clerk LaVette Hennigan said at last Monday night’s meeting. “So everybody needs to make sure they have marked their calendars.” Ashtabula will be the next round of cities the popular magazine will be touring. Hennigan said she believes they’re coming to Ashtabula because the city did well in Reader’s Digest’s “We hear you, America” promotion. (People can still vote for Ashtabula by visiting www.wehearyouamerica.readers digest.com and typing in “Ashtabula” in the search box and following the instructions.) Hennigan was excited for the tour of the city. “We need to get something cleaned up and get the word out to citizens,” Hennigan said. “Especially on main routes so they can clean up their yards.”
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10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
Ashtabula BOE receives construction update on Erie and Superior BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
tasks with a sharp eye on the future,” Pintabona said. The exterior work is alcomplete, and SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP most - The Ashtabula Area City Pintabona said the crews School District is looking for- worked tirelessly to accomward to the opening of Erie plish as much completion as and Superior Schools and the possible before the winter completion of the elementary months hit. campus. “The building enclosure, The campus will be fully exterior site work, placement functioning and open this of the asphalt sub-base and coming fall. the critical logistics of bus and “Buildings are enclosed, car access on an active site did the exterior work is as far as not happen by itself. The enwe can get this season, trades- tire team pitched in and lent people are busy working on their expertise and the hard the interior and our budget work is bearing fruit,” looks like it is in good shape: Pintabona said. all good news,” Ben Pintabona Pintabona said much of said in his construction up- the work is now focused inside date to the board. of the buildings as they work Pintabona said the end of on things such as the electric, the construction is coming to painting and the closing of the an end as they are now work- walls and ceilings. ing primarily in the interiors “Rough-in mechanical of the buildings. work is all but done in Supe“There is a maxim in the rior and finishes are progressconstruction industry: Do the ing. Painting is almost complanning well and the work plete and casework is starting will unfold well. For over five to be installed,” Pintabona years, the entire team, admin- said. “Floor tile in the classistrators, board members, de- rooms is underway and hard signers, engineers, construc- tile in the kitchen began this tion managers and contrac- week.” tors, worked hard on present The construction crews
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Pictured is the inside of Erie’s Cafetorium as of Nov. 25. Both Erie and Superior are scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2012-2013 school year. even winterized by preparing a heat source for the interior of the buildings. “Temporary heat is on so
roof. “Erie’s roof is done except for detailing, which will not hold up the interior work,” Pintabona said Pintabona said they will be focusing inside of Erie’s walls. “Rough-in mechanical, electrical and plumbing is ongoing, the drywall cap above the ceilings is almost finished and the insulation is going in ahead of the drywall, making the spaces easier to heat,” Pintabona said. “The temporary heat in place is making working conditions better for tradespeople and materials.” Pintabona said they are looking forward to completing the interiors of both buildings. “Sealing of the block walls is complete, and it will not be long before the painting begins, drop grid ceilings are underway, casework and tile begin and we will be looking at finishes rather than roughin work,” Pintabona said. Pintabona was very proud with the work being completed at a great pace and said the cost condition is only about $120,000 over budget. “It’s not enough to be done on time. We must be done within budget, and constant monitoring of the financial condition of the project is the only way to assure that the budget is well managed and the dollars stretched as far as needed to finish in the black,” Pintabona said.
that the work will not slow playground area have been down due to the cold,” completed as well. Pintabona said. “Light bases in the parkMuch of the sidewalks and ing lots are in place and sidewalks are in, topsoil has been spread and the playgrounds From page 1A are ready for the play equipment, which will be installed next spring,” Pintabona said. The mission of the HOBY from motivational speakers nal essay. A committee com- Ashtabula County Young Superior still needs some Conference is “to inspire and to your fellow attendees. prised of the high school Marines, Junior Fair Board, more roof work but is almost develop our global commu- Being from a small town, principal, the assistant prin- plays softball for the Eagles complete, and Erie’s building nity of youth and volunteers these types of events defi- cipal, the grade level guid- and has starred on the stage only needs detailing on the to a life dedicated to leader- nitely force to you step out ance counselor and members at GHS in drama departship, service and innovation” of your comfort zone for a of the English Department ment productions such as and embrace the core values little while and encourage evaluates the essays each Charley’s Aunt. of volunteerism, integrity, you to think outside the box. year. Criteria for selection A top student at GHS, excellence, diversity and I learned a lot about myself include written communica- Wessell was feted at Geneva community partnership. through these opportunities, tion skills, creative thinking Rotary’s Breakfast of Cham“I’m so happy that Mary and I ended up in many lead- ability and participation in pions last spring for achievJEFFERSON - The Jefferson Rotary Club is holding a will have this opportunity,” ership positions within the community service activities ing a grade point average within the high school and ranking her among Top 25 Valentine’s Day fundraising raffle. The prize is a 14K white said Kayleena Brashear, one community as a result.” of two 2010 GHS HOBY delStudents in the Class of gold diamond pendant valued at $3,200 – a perfect gift for Dombeck, a graduate of the community. “Mary Wessell is an out- 2014. Wessell said she plans your Valentine. egates. “I believe leadership Arizona State University, Jefferson Village Mayor Judy Maloney will draw the programs such as HOBY are has pursued a successful ca- standing representative for to study history and forentruly life changing. It helped reer in sports management Geneva High School,” said sics in college and is inter- prize-winning ticket at the regular Jefferson Rotary Club Douglas ested in becoming a forensic meeting on Feb. 9, 2012. me to become more confident at IMG Worldwide and is Principal The raffle is called a “penny” raffle because the cost of and open minded and in turn currently employed with Wetherholt. scientist, archaeologist or a each ticket is determined by the ticket number multiplied Wessell has been a class history professor. gave me the motivation to SPIRE Institute. seek out leadership roles in She is the daughter of by $.01. A ticket can cost anywhere from a penny to a maxi“While at IMG, I was a officer, a student council ofeverything I do.” Client Services Associate, ficer, and has been a mem- Kenny and Judy Wessell of mum of $10. The Jefferson Rotary Club would like to thank the J. R. The HOBY Leadership where I worked with pro- ber of the school’s award- Trumbull Township. Conferences were conceptu- fessional tennis athletes in- winning state science team “Leadership opportuni- Hofstetter family for their generous support of this alized by actor Hugh cluding Roger Federer, for three consecutive years. ties like HOBY help teens fundraising event. All proceeds will benefit Jefferson RoO’Brian, and his prototypi- Monica Seles, Lindsay Dav- At State Science Day last realize the potential they tary Club projects. Tickets are available from any Jefferson Rotary Club cal seminar for young lead- enport, Tommy Haas, and year, on the strength of her have to make a positive imers has flourished since its Venus Williams,” explained research project, judges pact on any matter they are member or at J. R. Hofstetter, the Family Jeweler. inception nearly sixty years Dombek. “I was responsible awarded Wessell a $60,000 passionate about,” said 2010 ago. Nearly 9,000 high for handing the day-to-day academic scholarship to at- delegate Clare Carlisle. “I From page 1A school sophomores, repre- business for these individu- tend Ohio Wesleyan Univer- gained confidence and senting as many high als, including marketing, sity. learned lessons about the Paulic said it was impor- we’re going above and beyond,” schools nationwide, attend public relations, scheduling Wessell reigned as importance of of listening HOBY Leadership Seminars of events and tournaments, Ashtabula County Junior and working together from tant to get the AHHA accredi- Paulic said. “It’s a big deal.” each year. A total of 375,000 and travel. I also traveled Fair Royal Court Princess HOBY. These tools will be of tation to show their clients the Brand said although Paulic students have benefited to quite a few tournaments and has garnered top awards value to me for the rest of my dedication they have toward was absent the day they reall patients. from the leadership develop- each year, including the US in 4-H. She is a member of life.” ceived the news, they called “AHHA makes us able to her up to tell her the good ment program begun by Open, Wimbledon, Sony we are going above and news. Hugh O’Brian. Ericsson Open, Bank of the Past Geneva High School delegates to the Hugh show beyond,” Paulic said. HOBY alumni nation- West “We went crazy when we Classic, and AHHA is an accreditation found out we were finalists. wide have used skills Mubadala Tennis ChampiO’Brian Leadership Conference include: that is not a lifetime guaran- We were very excited,” Brand gleaned at the conference to onships in Abu Dhabi. At tee, and the clinic must con- said. ascend the heights of the cor- SPIRE Institute, I am the Kathy Kessler 1986 stantly reapply for its accrediporate ladder, to win election Business Development The clinic staff said they James Almasy 1987 tation. are just proud to know AHHA to high governmental offices Manager. This is definitely David Hoeffel 1988 “Every two years we have recognizes the hard work they and to become innovators in a different role than IMG, Erica Almasy 1989 to reapply to be accredited by put forth to make sure everythe fields of medicine, law as I am working to create Rick Griffiths 1990 AHHA. They come back and one paw or foot that comes and education. and develop SPIRE’s marCorrie Stuetzer 1992 we go through all our stuff and through the door is always a Twenty-six Geneva High keting plan from the Molly Pasqualone 1993 they make sure we’re still up number one priority. School students have been ground up. I am working Brett Perala 1994 to standards,” Paulic said. “We want to make sure our delegates to the Hugh with the Sports Directors R.C. Phinney 1995 Because of the high stan- hospital is always on top and O’Brian Leadership Confer- as well as the various busiPaul Daniels 1996 dards of AHHA, not every vet- it shows the care we give to our ence since 1986. The list of nesses we have on site Rebecca Stoltz 1997 erinary clinic is approved. patients and clients,” Brand GHS HOBY alumni includes (SPIRE Fuel, Fit, and Andrew Avsec 1998 “Only 15 percent of all vet- said. “It’s definitely a pat on educators, attorneys, physi- Michael Johnson PerforMaureen Vandervort 1999 erinary hospitals in the United cians, authors, software de- mance) to promote our prothe back no matter what place Michelle Conn 2000 States and Canada are accred- we come in at.” signers and sports and en- gramming to the local, reStephen Sposito 2001 ited by the AHHA because it’s tertainment promoters. Brand said they did not gional, and national marChristina Howard 2002 a lot of work to pass the inspec- have to apply for AHHA ac“I was very fortunate to ket.” Poorni Manohar 2003 tions,” Brand said. creditation, let alone the Hosbe able to attend many leadAt Geneva High School, Ryan Worbs 2004 The accreditation high pital of the Year award, but is ership conferences while in the selection process for proEmily Ernes 2005 standards is why the clinic is it something they choose to do. high school, and Hugh spective HOBY delegates foNate Horgan 2006 excited to receive the honor of “It’s a little bit of a validaO’Brian was one of the most cuses on students who have Jennie Avsec 2007 a top finalist in hospital of the tion that you are doing things memorable,” said 1997 GHS previously exhibited leaderTaylor Webb 2008 year. delegate Rebecca Stoltz ship qualities and who demthe right way,” Brand said. Brandon Privitera 2009 “To be hospital of the year, “There’s nobody here but us Dombek. “These confer- onstrate excellent communiMatthew Horgan 2010 you have to show that you’re who want to strive to meet ences allow you to meet so cation skills and innovative Kayleena Brashear 2010 really with it and it means those standards.” many amazing individuals, ideas expressed in an origiClare Carlisle 2011
CONFERENCE
Jefferson Rotary Club organizes Valentine’s Day raffle
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WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A
Jefferson Elementary kindergarteners share the holidays with their families BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Elementary School kindergarten classes invited their fathers, mothers and grandparents to help them ring in the holidays. The four classes came together before holiday break, creating stations for card creations and icing cookies. The students then invited their guests to accompany them to lunch in the cafeteria. The students were all smiles as they
shared a special holiday moment with their fellow classmates and meeting their family members. The kindergarten teachers Roberta Aston, Steven Daubenspeck, Suzanne Roberts and Laura Sullivan each held their own as students and their family rotated from the different classrooms to create a unique holiday gift. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.
Kindergarten teacher Steven Daubenspeck pours milk for those coming through the line after selecting a cookie to taste.
PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN
Steven Daubenspeck’s classroom was filled with cookies and milk as students and family members alike had their choice of which sweet treat to sample.
Students had a chance to decorate sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Students smile as they get a break from their daily schoolwork in kindergarten and have a chance to share holiday cheer with their family. Fathers and mothers watch as the Jefferson Elementary kindergarteners make holiday gifts and cards.
Cards were handmade as parents gathered materials and students displayed their artistic talent in the holiday spirit.
Students used markers and cutout holiday Laura Sullivan sits down with her students shapes for the cards they made with their as the kindergarteners make cards with their family members. parents.
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12A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
LJHS students win spelling bee The students at Lakeside Junior High School competed in a school-wide spelling bee. The competition was narrowed down to thirty-one students. After multiple rounds, the group was reduced to three contestants. These three students will continue on to the district spelling bee that will be held in January.
Upcoming BOE Meetings Jan. 4 Geneva: BOE meeting The Geneva Area City Schools Board of Education will hold its organizational meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Board Office located at 135 South Eagle St., Geneva.
Jan. 5 Jefferson: BOE meeting A public hearing on the proposed budget for the Jefferson Area Local School District public schools will be held at the Jefferson Area Jr./Sr. High School library, 207 W. Mulberry St., at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.
Jan. 5 Jefferson: BOE meeting The Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education will meet for an organizational meeting on 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Jefferson Area Jr./Sr. High School library, 207 W. Mulberry St. Action will be taken on agenda items.
Jan. 11 Saybrook Township: BOE meeting It is hereby given that there will be a Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the Ashtabula Area City School District, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 5:30 p.m., at Lakeside High School in the Large Group Instruction Room. The SUBMITTED PHOTO meeting is for the Budget Hearing and other business the Pictured (left to right) are Emily Tews (first place), Kayleigh Baumgartener (first runner- Board considers necessary to transact. up), and Caleb Reese (second runner-up).
Jan. 11 Saybrook Township: BOE meeting
Ashtabula schools prepare for transition into new schools
It is hereby given that there will be a meeting of the Board of Education of the Ashtabula Area City School District, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 5:45 p.m., at Lakeside High School. The meeting is Organizational. Following the organizational meeting will be the open work session. The executive session will entail: employment of personnel, legal matters, purchase/sale of property and other business which the board considers necessary to transact.
BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
Jan. 11 Saybrook Township: BOE meeting
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - The Ashtabula Area City Schools (AACS) officials discussed at their last work session the transition of students as they prepare to fully open the Wade Avenue Elementary Campus next fall. The campus is now partially open with grades kindergarten through third attending some of the finished buildings. The school board will now have to begin placing students from grades fourth through sixth in buildings and classrooms at the new facility. “Cris Rutz and Betsy Franklin will meet in February to plan student placement. The plan will be similar to Primary Buildings’ plan,” Patrick Colucci, assistant superintendent of AACS, said. The board will also have to prepare for the transition of staff and teachers. “[We will] begin with placing 10 most senior positions and then go from there,” Colucci said. “[We will have a] tentative placement completed by the end of the first semester.” The transition team will work hand
in hand with those who went through the transition at this time last year. “Kindergarten through third-grade administrators and teacher reps should let Cris Rutz and Jim Beitel know what tribulations came up last year so they know what to prepare for this year,” Colucci said. Before the move to the new school, each school will have to decipher which items stay and which should be moved. “Principals should go through their buildings and identify what can and cannot go to the new schools,” Colucci said. Although they will not be ready for the move until late spring at the earliest, Colucci and the transition committee plan to start preparations now so when moving time comes, the leg work will have been completed. “John Radwancky met with Theresa Wilson to discuss who will be in charge of [the] moving crew to include an administrator and head mover,” Colucci said. The committee would like the moving to be run as smooth as possible and they plan on using lessons learned last year as a guideline of how to prepare. “Pre-move inspection is recom-
mended. All items to be moved should be separated by school and on [the] main floor,” Colucci said. “Labels [need] to be visible on the side of every box.” The committee is even planning on where and how to store boxes. “Boxes should be consistent in size and quality. They should be placed on tarps in the cafetoriums,” Colucci said. Every detail, including transportation to and from school, is to be planned out. The issue of transportation will be discussed in greater detail once they issue surveys to parents of the current transportation conditions for students already attending the campus. “A parent survey will go out by April 15, 2012 in order to be returned by May 5,” Colucci said. The transition committee is also keeping parents updated with monthly newsletters so they can follow the progression of the campus. The campus is set to be complete for the 2012-2013 school year.
It is hereby given that there will be a Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the Ashtabula Area City Schools, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. Possible board action and other business that the Board considers necessary to transact will be discussed.
In The Military Hall graduates from basic military training
Air Force Airman 1st Class William H. Hall Jr. graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Sadie Portman, reporter for the Community College of the Air Force. Gazette, may be reached at sportman Hall is the son of Michelle Freeman of Geneva, Ohio, @gazettenews.com. and William Hall Sr. of Shallotte, N.C. He is a 2011 graduate of West Brunswick High School, Shallotte.
AACS to host levy meeting SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - Ashtabula Area City Schools will hold a campaign kick-off meeting on 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Lakeside High School Large Group Instruction Room. The district is seeking a 6.8-mill emergency operating levy. Ask questions. Get answers. Be the solution! The AACS community has been outstandingly supportive of our most recent permanent improvement levy renewals. These levies will maintain the bricks and mortar, textbooks and technology needs of the district. Simply stated, these levies will fund anything that will endure for five years or longer. You, the AACS community, have supported us as we not only strive to improve
our academic performance but are actually succeeding in this endeavor. However, the combination of decreasing revenues and increasing expenses does not allow the District to currently operate as would be preferred, which is to have revenues meet or exceed expenditures at the end of each fiscal year. Numerous steps have been taken to reduce operational costs including, but not limited to, significant reductions in staffing, forfeiture of staff salary increases and step increases, increased staff contributions of insurance premiums, and implementing many other energy savings and other cost savings measures. Unfortunately, the decrease in revenue has not
allowed us to keep up while still providing the tools for a quality education. There is little doubt that Ohio’s school funding system is broken; it has been declared unconstitutional. However, defeating this emergency levy does not fix the broken state system. It sacrifices our children. Should there be reform? Absolutely! But we cannot sacrifice a generation of children until reform happens. It is not the fault of our children that our state’s system of funding is unconstitutional. As stated previously, this emergency levy is to support the operating expenses of the District which includes everything from personnel costs to utility bills. The administration and
Board members are doing their best to ensure a positive future for the children of Ashtabula. We are open to community involvement and input and encourage people to attend monthly Board of Education meetings. Feel free to contact us by telephone or email for more information. The passage of this levy prevents an EDUCATIONAL EMERGENCY! The passage of this levy prevents a FINANCIAL EMERGENCY! The passage of this levy prevents a COMMUNITY EMERGENCY! WE ARE LAKESIDE! Please join us for our Campaign Kick Off on Jan. 5, 2012 at 6 p.m. at Lakeside High School. We hope to see you there!
Reminder: Winterfest 2012 snowman contest has begun BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers
wood cutouts are available while supplies last, organizers said. Participants can contact Beth Cheney for more information at (440) 466-5733 or by e-mail at bcheney@rae-ann.net. “Our goal is to fill all 30 polls in town this year,” Cheney said. Wood cutouts will be made available starting Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rae-Ann Geneva. People should enter through the main entrance and sign out their cutout at the receptionist desk. There will be three $50 prizes awarded - one for each category. Winners will be announced Saturday, Feb. 4, during Winterfest 2012 in downtown Geneva. Ribbons will be placed on the three winners and winners will also be notified by phone.
GENEVA - The Geneva Business Association is looking for people to help decorate the downtown Geneva area with wooden snowmen in honor of the Winterfest festivities. The annual snowman contest, organized every year by the Geneva Business Association with the help of Rae-Ann Geneva, involves participants decorating wooden snowmen that will be displayed in the downtown City of Geneva. The contest is open to all merchants, local organizations and private citizens. Participants must preregister by dropping off or sending a form with their name; company or group name; complete address; phone number; e-mail; and whether they are a commercial, non-commercial Contest details include: or private entrant to Rae• Participants must Ann Geneva, Snowman Contest/Beth Cheney, 839 pre-register. • Snowmen must be deW. Main St., Geneva, OH to Rae-Ann 44041, by Friday, Jan. 13. livered A limited number of Geneva, 839 W. Main St.,
Geneva by 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, to the attention of the receptionist. Participants must enter through the main entrance and let the receptionist know they are turning in their snowman. • Snowmen will be displayed at various locations in downtown Geneva from Thursday, Jan. 19, through Monday, Feb. 13. • Snowman specifications: design and build a snowman; the snowman figure must be no larger than four feet tall by three feet wide and 20 inches deep. • A limited number of wood cutouts are available while supplies last. • Tastefully themed snowmen are encouraged, and items not considered of an appropriate nature will be returned. • The snowmen must be able to withstand outdoor conditions. • Personal identification information must be no larger than four inches by 12 inches on the front
of the snowman. • GBA or its sponsors are not responsible for the snowmen. • Participants may pick up their snowman by request by 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Rae-Ann Geneva. Snowmen not picked up by 3 p.m. Feb. 17 will be considered donated to the GBA. • No lights or automation are allowed. The contest is sponsored by Rae-Ann Geneva Skilled Nursing & Rehab, on behalf of the Geneva Business Association. For more information, contact Cheney at (440) 466-5733 or by e-mail at bcheney@rae-ann.net.
Learn more about what your Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus has to offer to start a new career, help you advance your current career or continue your education. Enroll now in one of our Adult Career Technical Education Programs and start your career soon! Find out everything you need to know about classes by visiting us 24/7 online @ WWW.ATECH.EDU
Adults, Enroll Now For: BUSINESS OFFICE SPECIALIST Develop business training & educational competencies for entry-level office careers.
Days: Monday - Thursday Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Class Begins: 01/09/12
Microsoft Word I & II Introduction to processing computerized documents such as letters, newsletters, flyers.
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Class begins: 03/14/12
Microsoft Excel I & II Introduction to processing computerized spreadsheets (i.e. building, setup & format)
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Class begins: 05/14/12
Online Ed2go Online learning anytime, anywhere … just a click away! Informative, fun, convenient and highly interactive online courses, most running for only six weeks and only cost $95. Just a sample of courses: Navigating the Internet, Learning to Buy and Sell on eBay, Discover Digital Photography, Lose Weight and Keep it Off, Grant Writing, Creating Web Pages, Going Green at Home
Visit our Online Instruction Center to find more courses!! www.ed2go.com/ATech
CNC—Computerized Numerical Controls The Industrial Welding program offers training in stick, MIG, and TIG processes.
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Times: 6:00 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. Class begins: 01/23/12
SolidWorks A 60-hour integrated course in SolidWorks Essentials, Drawing Creation and Advance Part Modeling.
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Times: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Class begins: 04/16/12
Transmission
• Transmissions • Clutches • Differentials • Transfer Cases • Power Takeoffs
Service All Makes & Models Over-the-Counter Parts Sales Free Towing Available
Mon. - Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-1
Free Estimates
440-293-6376
Medical Readiness Class A FREE course to help you prepare for success in any health-related educational program! 36—Hour Class Beginning January 9, 2012 You must attend an ABLE Orientation session prior to the first day of class.
TO ENROLL CONTACT THE ABLE OFFICE @ 440-576-5599
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT—CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
440-576-6015 extension 1009 1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . WWW.ATECH.EDU
The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center Board of Education and its staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy, handicap or disability.
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 13A
JANUARY SAVINGS
New Savings for the New Year! THANK YOU FOR HELPING OUR COMMUNITY With your help, we raised $1,200 for our community as 170 people came to our Thanksgiving Feast. We were able to sponsor 3 families. Our Toys-For-Tots Poker Run raised $800 in donations and over 100 toys for Christmas!
One complimentary
Dinner Entrée
when a second dinner entrée of equal or greater value is purchased at the regular price. Max. value $10. Dine-in only. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/4/12. 41 N. Broadway, Geneva
466-3327
Join Us Sunday, January 29th For Our Wild Game Dinner. $1500 Per Plate Featuring Bison, Venison, Elk, Alligator, Bear & Wild Boar
Quinn’s Family Grille & Bar 2092 State Route 45N, Austinburg
Preferred Automotive Service Center Now Enrolling Child Care 6 Weeks - 12 Years & Fall Preschool Classes
Complete Automotive & Light Truck Service And Repair
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC Bo Varga 2138 State Route 45 Austinburg, OH
82 Eastwood Street, Geneva, OH
440-466-7040
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”
Any Entree Must purchase beverage with meal.
Quinn’s Family Grille & Bar 2092 State Route 45N, Austinburg 440-275-5151
440-275-5151
Carol’s Corner Child Care
$2 OFF
OFFICE 440-275-0780 FAX 440-275-0781
$25 Registration Fee Waived With This Coupon. Through January 31st.
Carol’s Corner Child Care 82 Eastwood Street, Geneva, OH
440-466-7040
Pennzoil $ Oil Change
25.95
Up to 5qts. conventional oils only. Special oils and cartridge filters extra. Expires January 31st.
Preferred Automotive
preferredauto@windstream.net
2138 State Rt. 45, Austinburg, OH
preferredautocenter.net
440-275-0780
Occupy Wall Street.....Inn 17 Wall Street • Jefferson, Ohio • 440-576-6505
Join Us For Music & Fun This Month! We Will Have Music With DJ’s On Friday, January 6th, 13th & 20th and Saturday, January 7th & 14th Join Us Saturday, January 21st for Rusted Dog 9pm-1am and Saturday, January 28th for Full Throttle 9pm-1am
50¢ OFF
Any Drink With This Coupon Limit 1 Per Visit
Wall Street Inn
17 Wall Street • Jefferson • 576-6505
50¢ OFF
Any Drink With This Coupon Limit 1 Per Visit
WE WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Where Everyone is a Star!
in g l y t n o S adway o r B
SALON
Thank You For A Wonderful 2011! We look forward to serving you in 2012. If you are a new customer, please come experience our full-service hair salon and spa.
WE DO CUSTOM EMBROIDERY Jackets, Hats, Duffel Bags Spare Tire Covers & Much More! We Do Vinyl Lettering for Vehicles and Engraving. See What We Have to Offer!
Winners Circle Trophy Shop
440-466-5851 152 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio Open Monday - Saturday
549 East Main Street, Geneva, Ohio 44041
466-9466
Local Features • Sports Headline Stories • Editorials
Dave Katoch, Owner 147 W. Main St., Geneva, Ohio 44041 Maintenance on Domestic & Imported Cars and Light Trucks Next-Day Service on New Tires “Big or Small, We Do Them All!”
440-415-0694 • 440-417-1944 COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR
Subscribe Today & Save! GENEVA I-90 & St. Rt. 534 Harpersfield Twp. 440-466-0041 MENTOR Center St., Mentor 440-255-8810
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Please clip coupon and remit with payment, using the subscription form inside this week’s paper. Offer expires 1/31/12.
10% OFF Vehicle Winterization (Most Vehicles) 147 W. Main, Geneva • 415-0694 • 417-1944
Any Meal
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I-90 & St. Rt. 534 Harpersfield 440-466-0041
Bring In A New Customer & Get A FREE Haircut From Meeco!
NOW SERVING BEER & WINE! Our Banquet Room Is Available For Groups ~ Call For Details!
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Providing The Very Best In Ashtabula County News!
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15 E. Ashtabula St., Jefferson, Ohio
(440) 576-Cuts (2887)
through January 31st 15 E. Ashtabula St. Jefferson, Ohio
(440) 576-CUTS (2887)
14A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2012
GENEVA 220 E. Main St. Geneva, Ohio
440-813-9430 440-361-4574 Low Rates • Quality Service Chiropractic • Acupuncture • Sports Medicine School Sports Physicals
Kenneth M. McLeod, DC Danielle Duong, DC, Dipl. Med. Ac.
Has a Lot to Offer, Visit These Merchants and See! True Value offers Geneva a local hardware outlet
COPE FARM EQUIPMENT, INC.
Please see us for your tractor parts & service needs. Nancy Younessi, Manager 4057 St. Rt. 307, Austinburg, Ohio 44010 Phone: 440-275-2200 • Fax: 440-275-6651 Email: austinburg@copefarm.com
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Accepting: Medicare, Ohio Medicaid, Wellcare of Ohio, Care Source, Medical Mutual, United Health, Aetna, Cigna, Workmans’ Comp
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Plan Now For Your SPECIAL EVENTS WEDDINGS • GRADUATIONS • REUNIONS We Have: Tents Tables Keg Coolers Chairs CALL US OR STOP BY FOR ALL YOUR SPECIAL EVENT & PARTY NEEDS!
Rt. 534 & I-90
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Major Hardware
Start Right - Start Here
55 N. Broadway, Geneva, OH • 466-0404
Winter Is Here!!! See us for all your winter needs!
• Rock salt, snow shovels & traction sand • Heaters, humidifiers & fire logs • Windshield washer solvent & anti-freeze AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!! Including... • Automotive • Plumbing • Electrical • BBQ Supplies • Housewares • Pool Supplies • Lawn & Garden • Paint & Supplies • Marine & Camping Supplies
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Gourlie Financial Services Licensed Investment Advisor James M. Gourlie, CFP Certified Financial Planner 844 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio 44041
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Securities offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC
Geneva Resale and Consignment Consigning and selling fine furniture, antique and vintage furniture and all types of collectibles.
Ed Grossenheider, Owner
220 E. Main Street, Geneva
440.415.6128
Comfort Supply Do It Yourself. We’ll Tell You How.
Motors • Gas & Oil Controls Myers Pumps Zoeller Sump Pumps Bradford White Water Heaters Aprilaire Air Cleaners & Humidifiers
COMFORT SUPPLY Stop in or Phone Before You Buy...
Ask the COMFORT TEAM! PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN
Manufacturers of Quality Pumps Since 1939
Drew King and Kira Roberts are proud to work at True Value in Geneva and are always proud to serve their customers.
Model M53 Cast-Iron Series Mighty Mate Submersible Pump
BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
GENEVA - Major True Value, located at 55 North Broadway, continues to be the place for hardware, home improvement and more in downtown Geneva. Drew King said they are excited about the new paint line, which will give customers even more options when they’re deciding to paint inside their homes. “We have a new addition to the True Value brand, Easy Care Platinum,” King said. The Platinum series is a paint and primer in one. Major True Value also has several other paint lines to choose from, including Benjamin Moore, Muralo, and Kilz Casual Colors. “There is $5 off coupon for a gallon of paint up to five gallons running through the month of January,” King said. The store also can custom match paint. “If people bring in a pillow or say ‘I want it to match these curtains,’ we have a large selection of colors and we can find that color,” King said. Major True Value also continues to offer products in the departments of plumbing, electrical, paint, automotive, hardware, lawn and garden, housewares and tools. The store also sells generators and products for pools. “We try to give our customers a good experience and good advice no matter what it is they are looking for,” King said. Major True Value has products for customers whether they’re trying to keep warm in the winter, like a large selection of heaters, or whether they’re enjoying the hot summer days, such as grills, bicycle parts, lawn mowers and pool supplies. Major True Value also sells accessories for wood stoves. A goal of the store’s management and employees is to give customers a convenient place to purchase tools or supplies without a
lot of hassle or long waits. Employees understand that customers need to quickly find those items they want, as that one home improvement project is ready to start (or finish), but they need one more part or an extra box of nails or paint. Major True Value has items for the small or large home-improvement project. Major True Value also does repairs for windows and screens. Glass can be cut for windows, screens and even picture frames. The store also sells a couple of different brands of chainsaws and trimmers. True Value also provides for your basic winter weather needs. “We have salt, sand, shovels and we have some things on sale for the winter weather,” King said. And need something for your pets? The store sells a variety of pet supplies, including shampoos, chains and collars. Pet food, however, is not sold in the store. The store will also be undergoing some cosmetic changes. “We are doing some remodeling to not only make it easier for the customers to find stuff but for the employees as well,” King said. “It’s all going to be for the better.” The store offers tremendous closeout deals, whether through True Value or other venues. These items change monthly. “A lot of people come to us because we are local,” King said. Major True Value looks forward to serving its customers in the new year. Major True Value is located at 55 North Broadway in downtown Geneva. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (440) 466-0404.
Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating - Provides Service & Installation Financing Available PLUMBING & HEATING . 440-466-3268 7 South Broadway, Geneva Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30-5 . Sat. 9-2
775 S. Broadway Ave. Geneva, Ohio (440)466-0696
Your home for sports cards, kites, rockets, models, paints, trains, the full line of R C products and much more!
County Line Auto Recycling Your Source for New and Used Auto Parts, Batteries and Good Used Tires We will install, mount and balance your tires for you!
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WE PAY CASH FOR CARS Broken-Down, Wrecked, Junk Same-Day Pickup Available
WE PAY MORE THAN SCALE Call or Come By 2888 North County Line Rd., Geneva, Ohio
440-466-5000 In Geneva Open 7 Days a Week 6am to 10pm
Kids 12 & under eat free on Tues. 5-9pm
Large groups welcome • Call for our daily specials • Beer & wine available
GENEVA I-90 & St. Rt. 534 Harpersfield Twp. 440-466-0041
MENTOR Center Street Mentor 440-255-8810
Remember us for your meetings! Private room available at no charge if dining with your meeting.