Nagy Sworn in As Chester Fire Chief
Residents in ‘Uproar’ Over Potential Rezoning of Park
By Emma macNivEN macNivEN@karlovEcmEdia.com
Andrew Nagy was officially sworn in as Chester Township’s new fire chief April 17.
Nagy, a part-time firefighter and paramedic, became a full-time assistant fire chief in February and trained for the position of chief under the guidance of then-Fire Chief Bill Shaw. Shaw retired last month after leading the department for the past four years.
“It's been a great learning experience,” Nagy said in February of his training with Shaw. “I've learned a lot from him being a chief for 30-some years. He had a lot of great knowledge that he's passed on to me, really helped hone my leadership skills and some of the bookkeeping stuff that, as a regular fireman, you are not usually having much experience or exposure to.”
The township promoted Nagy to full-time assistant chief in 2024 so he could work with Shaw on a
ee Ken Radkte, who performed the swearing-in ceremony for Nagy.
He and Shaw were impressed by the way Nagy handled curveball questions during a mock interview, Radkte recalled, adding three se-
“I came away with the opinion that they were very earnest in the words that they spoke about Andy, and also that he had earned their respect,” he said. “And that was important to hear that from the crew
that you're expected to lead when you also have the responsibility of serving the residents and stuff, too. Andy has earned my respect as well, too.”
During the meeting, Lt. Jeremy Scalese said Nagy helped mentor
See Fire Chief • Page 4
Wolverines Show Mettle in Walkoff Win
By camEroN PalmEr sPorts@karlovEcmEdia com
The West Geauga Wolverines softball team is 4-9 following a thrilling come-from-behind walkoff win in eight innings over the visiting Jefferson Area Falcons, 5-4, on April 18.
The Wolverines trailed 4-0 into the bottom of the seventh and had some extra emotion coming off a 5-1 loss to the same Falcons team just two days prior.
But the team rallied to tie it, winning it one inning later.
“When they started hitting the ball, I started thinking the exact same thing,” Percassi said, remembering the loss. “We stayed in there, and I give Lely (Percassi) a ton of credit for as tough as she pitched in those jams. We hung in there, so for them to come back
like that and give it a heck of an effort is a hat’s off to my girls. That’s a great team over there.”
Dayana Malone led off the
bottom of the seventh with a solo home run — the first long ball of her career — to ignite the rally.
“I just wanted a base hit to start
the inning. It was just the perfect pitch and I hit it, far,” Malone said of the homer.
Shaylynn Rogaski and Ava Borz each delivered RBI doubles, and Percassi knotted the game with an RBI single to force extras.
Rogaski came up to bat again in the eighth with two on and two out with a chance to win the game.
“It was nerve-racking,” she said of the at-bat. “I was scared going up to bat, but I saw the first pitch and I was excited.”
The senior delivered with the game-winning RBI single to left-center, sending her team into a frenzy.
A major player that helped West Geauga find success despite trailing 4-0, down to its final three outs, is the tough regular-season schedule they play.
The Wolverines, who were a
See Softball • Page 7
‘Be a Goldfish’ Mantra
RBI single to left-center gave her Wolverines a 5-4 come-from-behind win against Jefferson in the 8th inning.
Community Meetings
Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.
Chester Township: May 1, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 7, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; May 12, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; May 15, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 20, 7 p.m., Land Use Plan Committee; May 21, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; May 29, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: April 23, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; May 1, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 5, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; May 15, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 21, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District; May 28, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
West Geauga BOE: May 19, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
Town Crier
Shop Bargain Box Sale
April 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Women’s Guild of St. Christopher’s by-the-River Church is holding its semi-annual Bargain Box sale at the church located at 7601 Old Mill Road, Gates Mills. The sale features housewares, linens, furniture, rugs, books, a seasonal corner and our boutique of collectibles, antiques toys and children’s clothing.
Early bird entry from 8-9 a.m. has a fee. Call 440-423-4451 for information.
Food Pantry Open
April 25, 10 a.m. to noon
The food pantry at the Chester Christian Center church is open to anyone in the community in need of food. One does not need to be a member of the church to attend. The church is at 11815 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.
Free Community Dinner
April 25, 5-6:30 p.m.
Mayfield United Methodist Church is hosting dinner at the church at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. Carryout is available.
West Geauga Kiwanis Meetings
Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m.
West Geauga Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at the Chesterland Baptist Church, 12670 Chillicothe Road. Join for a free dinner and learn how Kiwanis serves local students and the community. Learn more at wgkiwanis.org.
Free Community Lunch
April 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All are welcome to attend a free community lunch presented by the Women’s League of St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township.
Used Book Sale
May 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Mark Lutheran Church is hosting a used book sale featuring over 4,000 books, puzzles, vinyl records and CDs. Admission is free. The church is at 11900 Chillicothe Road. Visit StMarkChester.org for information.
Gardening 101
May 3, 10 a.m. to noon
Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ free Gardening 101 series continues
with “Working and Maintaining the Garden” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Master gardener Karen Wright will guide attendees to make smart choices early to minimize maintenance down the road. Registration is required; call 440-834-4656. For more information, visit geauga.osu.edu.
Happy Tails Benefit Dinner
May 4, 2-5 p.m.
The non-profit, no-kill Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary is holding its third annual “Sunday Dinner with a Purr-pose” benefit at St. Noel Banquet Center, 35200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. with a family-style dinner at 2:30 p.m. Event includes silent and Chinese auctions, 50-50 raffle and live entertainment.
Tickets are $75 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets by April 27, call or text Doreen at 440-759-0076. Donations of cat food and kitty litter brought to the benefit would be appreciated.
Bloodmobile
May 12, 12-6 p.m.
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Make a donation appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.
Mission Trip Breakfast Fundraiser
May 18, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Mayfield United Methodist Church is hosting a burrito breakfast to raise project funds for its 16th annual Guatemala mission trip in July. The breakfast will be held at the church located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. Call 440-729-4006 for information.
Have A Heart Spay/Neuter
Valley Save-A-Pet’s Have A Heart program offers cat and dog sterilizations at a discounted rate to pet owners. Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 VSAP Have-a-Heart program.
Phone lines are open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and the first Saturday of the month for information and to apply for a spay/neuter certificate. Spay/neuter services for feral cats to help reduce the feral cat population are also available. For more information, visit www.valleysaveapet.org.
Geauga SWCD Offers Summer Stream Quality Monitoring
suBmittEd
Explore Geauga County streams and learn about their water chemistry and biology this summer by joining the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s Geauga Stream Team. Formerly known as the Millennium Youth Conservationists, participants will work in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Scenic Rivers Program to collect official stream data utilizing kick seines, sediment sticks, water chemistry test kits and more to analyze the health of area streams and rivers
All ages are welcome. Join for one outing or for all. The Geauga Stream Team is free and runs twice a month.
For more information, visit geaugaswcd. com or contact Colleen Sharp at 440-8341122 ext. 1766 or csharp@geauga.oh.gov
ter Conservation District’s stream monitoring program Use kick seines and test kits to monitor the quality of a local stream
Going For The Gold
SUBMITTED
Molly Thomas, a member of Girl Scout Troop 70823, has successfully completed her Gold Award project by restoring a shed within the community. The refurbished shed will serve as a storage space for supplies shared by all West Geauga Girl Scouts of Service Unit 773. Thomas completed her project with the support of several generous contributors, including Christ Presbyterian Church, the Kiwanis Club of West Geauga, Monticello Garden Supply, Sherwin-Williams and Turney’s Ace Hardware.
PGC Annual Plant Sale May 10
suBmittEd
The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland, who are celebrating 75 years, will host their annual plant sale the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale is held rain or shine in the Chester Township Town Hall parking lot, 12701 Chillicothe Road, where admission and parking is free.
A large assortment of hanging baskets, perennials, natives, house plants, herbs and annuals will be available for purchase. Attendees can also shop the “Garden Shed” and “Boutique” for unique items related to home and garden.
Cash and checks are preferred, but credit cards are accepted.
Have an interest in gardening, giving back to the community and making new friends?
Join the Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland. Membership is open to all Geauga County residents. The group meets once a month, usually at the Metzenbaum Center.
For membership information or to attend a meeting or event, contact Cindy (440-3138018) or email perennialgardenerschesterland@gmail.com.
Stay connected and inspired by following the PGC Facebook page, which features gardening tips, event updates, and photos.
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Fire Chief from page 1
him when he first began working in fire service.
“(Nagy) could have let me sink, but he didn't. Instead, he pulled me aside, gave me advice, he gave me some tips,” Scalese said.
“Most importantly, (he) told me to come to the great township of Chester and he will teach me the ways. And that's what he's done. He helped me and many others, learning how to be a good firefighter, from basic pump-ops (pump operations), the drafting, the leadership skills. He did it all.”
Radkte hopes Nagy will leave a legacy.
“Like Mark Purchase, when he left as police chief, you're leaving a legacy, and you want that to be the right person,” Radtke said.
Potential Zoning Changes
Sparks Heat
In other business, Chester Township Board of Zoning Appeals member and former Zoning Commission Chair Margaret Muhling came before the trustees about a portion of the agenda tabled at the April 3 meeting regarding the zoning status of Parkside Park property.
The motion had read: “Move to approve and request the Geauga County Planning De-
partment to make the following change and zoning map designation of PPN 11-710900 from ‘Township Park’ Zoning District to an ‘R one Family Residential’ Zoning District.”
No decision was made that night and the item was tabled until the April 17 meeting.
Muhling handed out documents at the beginning of Thursday’s meeting that stat ed: “On Feb. 10, 1811, Chester Township received the following piece of land as a gift from David Hudson in his will to ‘be used for the purpose of a Public Square, a public pa rade ground and for public buildings forever and never to be enclosed or transferred.’”
She added this was done before any zon ing districts were created. Currently, the map has a special section listed as “Township Park” underneath the other specific zoning criteria. However, that designation does not have its own zoning code as the others do, she said.
“The rest of these are really legitimate zoning districts, R (Residential), R3A (One Family Residential), R5A (One Family Resi dential), SC (Shopping Center), C (General Commercial) and I (Restricted Industrial), but this one (Township Park) is not a legitimate zoning district, it's a park district,” Muhling said.
The township should preserve the gift, she said.
“It was a very generous gift that was given at that time,” Muhling added. “So, for over 40 years, that little square has been green and it's represented the park that we all love so well.”
Trustee Craig Richter said he had tried to make these changes to the zoning map last year.
“I don't disagree that that piece of property is actually a residential piece of property,” he said. “Whether it stays green or not, is fine, but it is considered on our map a zoning district. That's wrong. That's just wrong. So, you should correct it.”
Richter reminded Muhling nothing will happen to the park.
“None of those can be touched and they won't be touched,” he said.
Chester Township owns 900 acres of park land, Richter said.
“Our map should be green,” he said. “All this land should show up as green. This is why we moved out here. We want the semi-rural community, and it should show.”
After hearing from residents, Radkte said trustees have no intention of changing the zoning district of this property, adding it wasn’t listed on the April 17 meeting agenda and the public uproar was “unnecessary.”
“The faux uproar is merely political gamesmanship by a select few in the crowd over the color of a small square on a map,
Muhling points to Parkside Park on the zoning map after voicing concerns about its potential rezoning to residential at the April 17 trustees meeting.
ignoring the fact how other parks in our township are identified,” he said in an April 18 followup interview. “Rather than changing the color of the map, we are going to incorporate parks in our zoning resolution and I have asked our zoning committee to address that.”
Other parks are identified as either residential or commercial, he added.
“Other parks in Chester such as Sunnybrook, Orchard Hills, Metzenbaum and the 88 acres are all identified as residential on the map,” he said. “Hancock Park at the corner of (state Route) 306 and Mulberry (Road) is currently identified as commercial.”
Muhling expressed skepticism April 17 that trustees would not rezone the parcel.
“You know that that change could have been made simply by a motion,” she said. “If we hadn't happened to read that, it would have been done and gone on April 3, So I think I want a little more assurance that nothing is going to change.”
Chester Township resident and Bainbridge Township Zoning Inspector Steve Averill, who was sitting in the audience, said the “uproar” was warranted.
“What's critical is that what everybody recognizes that piece of property as, and what it's used for, is a park,” he said. “So, it's understandable why everybody is absolutely in an uproar about it being R-1. I don't know where that came from. It is a completely crazy idea to spot-zone that property to anything other than ‘park.’”
‘Be a Goldfish’ Mantra Helps Wolverines Stay Positive
By alaN korNsPaN sPorts@karlovEcmEdia com
West Geauga's Chris Chapin, who became the program's first varsity head coach in 2023, utilizes the “be a goldfish” mantra to instill a positive motivational climate.
The phrase, taken from television show Ted Lasso, happened early on when Coach Lasso's star player, Sam, is shown getting faked out in practice, giving up a goal.
Coach Lasso explained that goldfish are extremely happy because they have a 10 second memory.
He then tells Sam: “Be a goldfish.”
“They say the happiest animal in the world is a goldfish because it has a ten second memory and that’s what I tell (my team),” said Coach Chapin.
Added senior captain Bella Zaffiro, “We always have this one motto and it's “be a goldfish.” So, basically it's like if you mess up on the field, just forget about it, it's one time, it's five seconds of your life, and just keep playing, keep moving on with your life and keep working hard.”
Coach Chapin said that it is often not easy to implement the “be a goldfish” concept, but his players do a really good job of trying to apply this mantra.
To help his team stay positive and focused, Coach Chapin frequently reinforces the “be a goldfish” mantra throughout the season.
“I always tell them, forget the bad, celebrate the good, and good things will happen,” Coach Chapin said.
Utilizing the “be a goldfish” mantra aligns with Coach Chapin's overall goal which is for his athletes to become intrinsically motivated by helping them develop a passion and love for lacrosse.
“If they do that (become intrinsically motivated), I don't have to push them to play hard because they do that on their own,” said Coach Chapin. “I want them to enjoy themselves. At the end of the day, the reason they are out here is to have fun, and that's what we try to do. It's not about the winning, it's not about the losing, it's about enjoying yourself and having fun.”
Although the Wolverines have had a few setbacks to start the season, they have maintained a positive attitude, fueled by hard work, high team cohesion and the enjoyment of working with their teammates to improve.
“It's been a really great season so far, we’re really close as a team this year which is always great,” said Zaffiro. “We've had a lot of players put in so much effort, especially at lot of new players. We have a couple new players playing varsity this year which is fantastic. We're so proud of everyone on the team.”
The Wolverines recorded their first victory of the season on April 9 at West Geauga High School against the Lakewood Rangers.
Coach Chapin said that the win over the Rangers was an excellent team victory.
Against the Rangers, leading the Wolverines to a 7-3 victory was Zaffiro with 4 goals. Also, scoring one goal each against the Rangers were senior Lizzie Fuerst, junior Maria Jones, and junior Liliana Colecchia.
Both Zaffiro and Colecchia have led the Wolverines this season in goals scored.
In fact, against the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals at West Geauga High School on April 15th, both Zaffiro and Colecchia demonstrated a “be a goldfish” mentality as they fought hard throughout the game.
Against the Cardinals, the Wolverines got behind early, 5-1, heading into the second quarter. However, the Wolverines quickly utilzed their goldfish mentality and did not worry
about the score.
Indeed, both Zaffirro and Colecchia both had hat tricks against the Cardinals and both scored their 10th goals of the season.
With a “be a goldfish” mentality the Wol verines are continuing to work hard and im prove each week.
“The whole team is working hard, they’re improving every week, and that's all I tell them to do every time they walk on the field,” said Coach Chapin.
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
Senior Bella Zaffiro during the Wolverines’ 7-3 victory against the Lakewood Rangers.
Sydney L. Kershaw
Sydney L. Ker shaw, aged 89, of Russell Township, passed away on April 16, 2025.
He was born on March 28, 1936, to the late Sydney and Marjorie Kershaw in Cleveland.
Syd is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Kershaw (nee Berrey), of 68 years; as well as children, Jeff Kershaw (Crystal), David Kershaw (Martha) and Laura O’Boyle (Mike); grandchildren, Ruth Henriquez (Rudy), Spencer Kershaw (Sarah), Carl Kershaw, Ned O’Boyle (Kelly), Bailey Seeley (Caleb), Jack O’Boyle, Reid O’Boyle, Meizi Ivery (Gerald); great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Clark Seeley; brother, William Kershaw (Debbie); and sister, Ellen Shimelonis.
Syd attended Shaw High School and Fenn College (Cleveland State), with a BSME, and worked in engineering and business management. He retired from Parker Hannifin as VP
Obituaries
of Manufacturing Services, with his last endeavor building the Parker Hanifin Corporate Headquarters.
Syd was an avid fisherman, golfer and boater, enjoying these past times both in Cleveland and Placida, Fla.
Syd always enjoyed life and treasured times traveling with his wife and entertaining friends. He most enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be truly missed.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls. A lunch reception will follow at Generations Event and Reception Center, 12809 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Please come and share your stories about Syd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Syd’s name may be made to a favorite charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gattozziandson. com for the Kershaw family.
Richard Allen Barnes
Richard Allen Barnes, age 85, of Chester Township, passed away at the David Simpson Hospice House in Cleveland on April 7, 2025.
Born on Feb. 11, 1940, in Chardon, he was a lifelong resident of Chesterland. He graduated from West Geauga High School in 1958 and was an Army veteran, serving as a radio teletype operator from 1963 to 1965.
Richard was the owner/operator of Barnes Sawmill in Chesterland. He started working at the sawmill as a young boy with his father and grandfather and started working full time when he returned from the Army in 1965. He took over the business when his father retired and this would have been his 60th year at the sawmill.
In addition to running the sawmill, Richard made maple syrup and won many ribbons at the Geauga County Maple Festival. He won first place in 1991 and was proud that his son took over the maple syrup operation as a fourth-generation syrup producer.
Richard was a drag racer in the gasser classes in the 1960s, racing regularly at Thompson Drag Raceway (now Kuhnle Motorsports Park) and other local drag strips. He enjoyed attending the Gasser Reunion races at Thompson and loved watching his son compete in his 1933 Willys. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR races and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and loved cats and dogs.
He is survived by his son, Benjamin (Melissa) Barnes, of Chesterland; daughter, Katherine (Eric) Snyder, of Montville Township; granddaughter, Adelyn Barnes; ex-wife and longtime companion, Marianne Barnes, of Chesterland; step-daughter, Valerie Ventura, of Mayfield; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Barnes, of Chesterland, and Dianne Barnes, of Munson Township; nephews Jason (companion Alison) Barnes and Charles (Molly) Barnes, and nieces, Kim Carroll and Tami (Jeff) Setlock, all of Chesterland; and other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard O. and Rose (nee Vanac) Barnes; first wife, Linnette (nee Petersen); brothers, Leslie and David; nephew Christopher Barnes; and stillborn grandson Rilan Barnes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Geauga County Department of Aging home delivered meal program; the Hospice of the Western Reserve; or a local animal shelter.
A visitation for friends and family, and fu-
neral services were held April 11, 2025, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Interment followed at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland.
Arrangement entrusted to Burr Funeral Home, Chardon. Your condolences and cherished memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
Morris Eugene Dempsey
Morris Eugene Dempsey, affectionately known by family and friends as Gene, was born on March 15, 1937, in Sunville, Pa., and passed away March 21, 2025, in Chagrin Falls at the age of 88.
Gene was the beloved husband for 58 years to the late Rebecca (nee Southall); the loving father of Rick (Fiona), Kathy Peace (Rob), Nena Malone (Carl) and the late Doug las; cherished grandfather of Matt Dempsey (Jocelyn), Kellie Dolinsky (Drew), Nicole Forman (Doug), Carl Malone III (Erin), Myles Dempsey (Traica), Alex Borger (Tiffany) and Tyler Borger; treasured great-grandfather of Jacob, Peyton, Phoebe, Parker, Meadow, Hollie and two due in August.
Gene was a resident of Chagrin Falls for 12 years, formerly residing in York, Pa., and Chester Township.
He was an employee of and retired as a supervisor at Caterpillar.
He enjoyed antiquing with his wife, Rebecca, and was an avid Cleveland Cavaliers fan as well as his three favorite baseball teams: Cleveland Guardians, Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres.
Gene enjoyed coaching his children in baseball and softball, was an animal lover with many pets throughout his life, and was a true “Mr. Fixit.” as he could fix anything. Gene will be truly missed by his family and friends.
A private service will be held for the family. Burial will be in Chester Township Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to The DeJohn Funeral Home of Chesterland. Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares. com.
Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.
Softball
from page 1
part of the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division last season, play an independent, or non-conference schedule, all year.
This opens the door to play the toughest teams around.
“We knew we needed to be challenged, and we’ve taken our lumps, but it’s allowed us to see our weaknesses so we can get better,” Coach Percassi said. “We won at a high rate last year, and I felt like we weren’t learning a lot, and when we got into tough games, we didn’t have answers. But now we’re learning with opportunities to get better. Today was a great example of that.”
Those opportunities to get better came to fruition in the win.
“We’re playing way harder teams this year, and it’s been hard to adjust to that, but we’re doing good and improving,” Rogaski said postgame. “I’m very proud of our team.”
Malone followed, “It’s definitely more competitive, and after the Tennessee trip, we saw what we needed fixed, and we fixed it here. We’re just playing hard.”
Despite all of the trials and tribulations of the 2025 season through 13 games, when the time comes, those challenges could lead to a playoff run down the line for the Wolverines.
“Doing what we just did to a very good team is the evidence of what we’re building to,” Percassi said. “We’re still young, and we have five or six sophomores playing, with only a few juniors and seniors playing. We’re still young in many ways, but we’re talented. (The schedule) has exploited
us so that we can get better. We’re losing games early in the season, but we’re learning. Today was a great example of that. We’re doing the little things that matter in big games, and that’s what I want for these because they need to be challenged. They’re competitive.”
The record sits at 4-9 for West Geauga, and coach Percassi knows he needs to make sure his team believes that the record doesn’t define them, trusting his seniors to lead by example.
“Every one of these seniors has the never-give-up attitude, they hustle, smile, and they play the game the right way,” Percassi said. “That rubs off on the others. They’re experienced, and our younger kids look to them in these types of situations. It’s like, ‘Okay, Shaylynn, you’re up to bat to win the game, what’re you feeling?’ Some of these young
sophomores are looking to her, and she’s poised, ready to go.
Percassi said Allie Arigo had a huge hit, a sophomore who is just starting to hit the ball well. Another sophomore, Sydney Gallagher, who pinch ran for Arigo in the eighth, stole second and scored the game-winning run.
“Two sophomores who have not played a ton of ball had a huge impact in today’s game, and a big part of that is because they look to the older girls and emulate them, and watch what they do,” the coach said. “The seniors are tremendous, and I’ll ride with them all day long. We might not have the greatest record, but we’re going to be a tough draw for somebody in the tournament.”
The Wolverines were scheduled to play four straight games this week, hosting Willoughby South, visiting Geneva, welcoming in Wickliffe and taking a visit to Berkshire.
AUTOS & PARTS
2002 Chevy Truck 4x4 Z71, runs, parts only, frame broke. $500. Text 440-313-1178.
FOR RENT
Remodeling: 5BR, 2BA. Includes laundry room, rec room or 6th BR, basement, garage. Large closets, 2 are walk-in. No pets, No smoking. Huntsburg. 440-6365747.
Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. $1,050/mo. Call 440-2210649.
Burton: 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch condo. 1200 sq. ft., 2 car attached garage, laundry, AC. Energy efficient, private. No pets. No smoking. $1,600 per month includes snow plowing, lawn & trash. Senior discounts. 440221-0649.
COMMERCIAL RENTALS
Office/Medical: 1,500sq ft, Full-time lease or timeshare, includes utilities and maintenance. South Russell Medical Center, Bell & 306. Contact Dr. Rood at 440-338-3366.
FOR SALE
Portable gas Troy-bilt generator: 5550 watts, rope start, $350. Kenmore dry dehumidifier: 70 pints, $75. Craftsman electric hedge trimmer: 25” blade, $25. 440-8341753.
Couch & Love Seat w/fitted covers. Good to Excellent shape. You haul it. Cash Only. $80 for the pair. Color: tan. 440-632-9675.
Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total (2 double lots): Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $8,000 each dbl. 440-729-0070.
New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $95 each. George 440-336-5044.
Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Antique Dining Room Set for sale: Lifetime furniture. Table with leaf, 6 chairs, buffet, sideboard, China cabinet. Good condition. Call/text 440-223-9023.
Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706. Engine Hoist: 2 ton. w/8-ton long ram cylinder. $250. 440-487-2955.
Large Boulders for landscaping. Inquire. 216-7897127.
Antique Curio Cabinet: glass sides, glass door, mirror back, 8 adjustable shelves, 85” tall, 22” wide, 17” deep, Excellent Condition, very unique; $480. 440554-5731.
Brand new 6-cube organizer with 4 cubes; $60. 3-pc coffee end table set, homemade rustic style; $160. 440-632-1415.
DEER HUNTERS: (40) Deer Hunter and (73) Bow Hunter Magazines. Vintage, Excellent Condition. Great reading and informational. Harvest that Big One!! Inquire. 440223-9471.
Avon Cape Cod Glassware: 2 candlestick holders, 2 coffee mugs, condiment tray, 12 dessert dishes, 2-tier server. 440-286-4772.
Classifieds
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
UNIQUE GARAGE SALES: Weekly April - Oct, 4 buildings, Thursday thru Saturday, 9am-5pm. $1 most items. Chardon Rt 608, east of Chardon. Something for everyone!
Mutli-Family Yard Sale: 4/29-4/30. 17071 Tavern Rd., Middlfield. Tools, Bolts, Hunting, Fishing, Propane Heater, Microwaves, Books, Household. Early Birds Welcome. Cash Only.
Wed 4/30 thru Sat 5/3, 9a-5p. 9347 Northstar Road, KIRTLAND. Dining table w/chairs, China cabinet, hospital bed, clothes, teacher aids, scrapbooking kits, kitchenware.
HELP WANTED
HIRING DRIVERS for full time Amish work crews. Must be 25 or older and have a clean driving record. Please call 330-240-1895 or 330-219-8596.
Yard Worker wanted for Spring, Summer, Fall. Starting at $16/hr, cash daily, more with experience, driver’s license preferred. 440-338-3563. Russell address.
PETS & ANIMALS
Semi-feral cats need safe barn homes after elderly caretaker evicted during winter. They’ll be fixed & vaxxed before placement. 440-321-2485.
Rescue Cat: Handsome long-hair, orange, male, 2yrs old. Cuddler. Veterinary References Required. If interested call 216-789-7127.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE fact: marijuana PERMANENTLY affects the developing brain! THINK about that! Warn them!
REAL ESTATE
Local Investor will pay fair cash price for homes or land in any condition. Fast closing. Call or text 440-3460161 today.
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
Amish family looking for 5+ acres, with or without house, in North Burton and Claridon area. 330-647-5922.
SERVICES
Albert’s Complete Tree Service: 45+yrs experience! Competent in all aspects of Arboriculture, Forestry and Land Clearing. Also, Firewood, Excavation and Sewer Work. Free Estimates. 440-687-5404.
Don’t let all their hard work be wasted! SPED Teacher tutor for reading & writing this summer. $35 per hour. 440-636-2421.
Team R Painting: We are here to meet all your interior and exterior painting needs! Give Jaden a call at 330531-3870 for your free quote today!
Ed’s Painting, Plastering & Power Washing: Quality Work. Reasonable Rates. Interior and Exterior. Call Ed today at 216-323-6744. Free Estimates!
Need help organizing or clearing your clutter? Organizer Sharon can help! Charging by the hour. Call/text 440668-8768.
Experienced Landscape Company looking for lawns for the 2025 season. Service Contract includes: cut, trim and blow. Call/text 440-883-9124 for estimate. Tall Oaks Landscaping LLC.
Caregiver: will do in-home personal care, cleaning, light housework, laundry. Licensed with references. 440313-1804.
WANTED TO BUY
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
Motorcycles and parts wanted to buy, call Steve 440488-7924.
4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal.
Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the week ending April 11 and period April 14-17, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
Ronald E. and Joan Koeritzer (TOD), 7891 Thornapple Drive, to Alexa A. and Joseph C. Mazzurco II, $335,000. (1.54 acres)
Janusz W. Ostrowski, Heath Road, to Babejohn D. and Laura A. Kwasniak, $225,000. (17.90 acres)
