Skip to main content

Chesterland News 4-8-2026

Page 1


C H E ST E R L A N D N EWS

NWS Confirms EF1 Tornado

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Geauga County during severe storms that swept across Northeast Ohio on March 31.

The tornado touched down at 5:49 p.m. near Russell Township, continuing along Fairmount Road, and remained on the ground until 5:51 p.m., according to the weather service. It had estimated peak winds of 100 mph, a path length of

1.53 miles and a maximum width of about 120 yards.

No injuries were reported.

Earlier in the evening, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Geauga and Lake counties after radar indicated rotation near Chardon as a fast-moving storm pushed east through the area.

An EF1 tornado on the Enhanced Fujita scale is classified as having wind speeds between 86 and 110 mph and can cause moderate dam-

age, including downed trees, roof damage and damage to outbuildings.

The tornado was part of a line of strong storms that moved through the region the evening of March 31, prompting warnings and scattered damage reports across Northeast Ohio.

The National Weather Service conducts storm surveys following severe weather events to determine whether tornadoes occurred and to assess their strength, track and impacts.

Survey Results Push to Preserve Rural Character, Fix Commercial Blight

The Chester Township Land Use Plan Committee held a public forum March 31 at Mayfield Church to solicit additional feedback from residents on the future of the township.

The 13-member committee is composed entirely of Chester residents and does not include developers, committee member Greg Mersol said.

Of the township’s roughly 10,000 residents, about 1,000 responded to a community survey conducted last winter, he added.

Committee member Tim Rosenbaum outlined key findings from the survey, emphasizing the community’s longstanding ties to the township.

“This is a community with deep roots,” he said. “More than half of the respondents lived here over 20 years and nearly half are over the See Survey • Page 3

Courthouse To Open Doors April 7 page 4 Town Crier page 7

page 10

page 11

Happy Tails to Host Benefit May 3

SuBmitted

Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary will be holding its fourth annual "Sunday Dinner with a PURR-pose" benefit on May 3 at The Banquet Center at St. Noel, 35200 Chardon Road, in Willoughby Hills.

The event, from 2- 5 p.m. with begin registration at 1:30 p.m., and cost $75 per person, which covers a family-style dinner served at 2:30 p.m.

also features a silent auction, a Chinese auction, and a 50-50 raffle.

Free photos of attendees are available courtesy of Pure Image Photo Booth. For inquiries or to make reservations (with an R.S.V.P. deadline of April 26), call Doreen at 440-759-0076 or email HappyTailsCatSanctuary@ gmail.com.

The offerings include: beef, chicken, salmon, and pasta entrees (and vegan options available with advance notice); two vegetable side dishes; coffee and tea; soft drinks; juices; beer; wine; and desserts of cake and strudel. The event

Checks or money orders for reservations and/or donations can be mailed to: Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary, P.O. Box 581, Chesterland, OH 44026. To use PayPal, go to the donations section at HappyTailsCatSanctuary.org.

Happy Tails is a nonprofit, mostly cageless and no-kill sanctuary in Geauga County, with foster homes in Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga counties. Some of the cats are adoptable, but others will remain at the sanctuary indefinitely due to physical or behavioral challenges. The cats are provided with food, shelter, attention and (when needed) veterinary care.

Seniors

Advance Directives

April 22, 10 a.m. to noon

The Geauga County Bar Association Advance Directives Committee and Hospice of the Western Reserve will present information and answer questions regarding health care powers of attorney and living wills and distribute standard forms at the West Geauga Senior Center.

They will then return April 29 with attorneys from the Geauga Bar to help seniors complete the forms and notarize them. Call the senior center at 440-279-2163 to reserve a space.

Community Meetings

Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Chester Township: April 13, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; April 15, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; April 16, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 21, 6 p.m., Land Use Plan Meeting; April 22, 7 p.m., Park Board; April 30, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: April 13, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; April 16, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 22, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held in the new Community Room at 8501 Kinsman Road, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: April 20, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Survey from page 1

age of 60. So, when people talk about Chester, they're speaking from experience. And the words that show up over and over are things like small town, rural atmosphere, quiet, peaceful space.”

Survey responses showed strong support for maintaining the township’s character, Rosenbaum said.

“Over 90% of the residents support maintaining Chester's rural or semi-rural character,” he said. “So, that tells us something really important. This isn't just what people like about Chester, but it's what they expect Chester to be and remain in the future.”

Residents also gave high marks to the Chester Township Police Department and Chester Township Fire Department, he said.

However, both survey responses and public comments at the forum highlighted concerns about the appearance of the township’s commercial areas.

“Overwhelmingly, the negative comments on the survey were (about) our commercial district,” Rosenbaum said. “And of course, the Buck Stop property was frequently mentioned by name, if not by description. So, (that’s) an area that we knew the citizens were concerned about.”

He added concerns often centered on underutilized or vacant properties that do not reflect the community’s character.

Committee member Matt Speterino said officials are seeking input on how such properties — including the Buck Stop — could be improved.

“We'd like to drive by a nice looking neighborhood and actually utilize some of these

SUBMITTED

Survey results show residents are generally dissatisfied with the appearance of commercial areas in Chester Township.

areas that are just kind of sitting there,” he said.

During public comment, one resident said beautification should be the township's top priority.

Committee member David Patterson said enforcement of existing zoning regulations remains a challenge.

“We do have rules existing in the zoning resolution, but what we're being told is the county prosecutor will not pursue them, will not prosecute them,” Patterson said. “I feel like we have, within the zoning resolution currently, the tools that we need to do that, but they're unenforceable at this point.”

Committee member Mindy Denamen

said the goal is to balance improvements without overregulating residents.

“We're not in an environment where we're out to hang somebody with (their) grass being over four inches,” she said. “Likewise, we're not trying to put rules in that are keeping something so strict that it would push a lot of people out. But, I think focusing on the commercial piece, especially when it comes to property maintenance, is the key. As far as I know, there (are) no rules, like everything has to have a certain facade or exterior.”

Resident Skip Claypool said the township faces legal limitations compared to cities.

“We're not a city, we can't enforce ordinances,” he said. “There are limited main-

tenance programs we can put in place. And there are different types of townships in the state of Ohio, some of which can kind of operate like a city. We're not one of those types. And so, there are limited maintenance plans that we can enforce on businesses and/ or homes, and so there's some constraints there.”

Rosenbaum said feedback gathered so far gives officials a clearer vision for the township’s future.

“So when (we) put it all together, up to this point, we're looking at a community that keeps its semi-rural character, maintains its quality of life, takes care of what already exists and approaches change in a thoughtful way,” he said. “The survey doesn't show that people are against action or change, but it does show that people want actions to be thoughtful, intentional and consistent with what Chesterland already is.”

EMMA MACNIVEN/KMG
Chester Township residents examine the township’s zoning map during the Land Use Plan forum March 31, 2026.

8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026

Phone 440-729-7667 FAX 440-729-8240 ads@karlovecmedia.com editor@karlovecmedia.com

Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor

OFFICE HOURS

9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Closed Wednesdays

Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter Allison Wilson, Staff Reporter Emma MacNiven, Staff Reporter Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher John D. Karlovec, Editor

Clay Karlovec, Sales Representative

Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative

Amber Ballard, Sales Representative

Regina Swinerton, Classifieds

Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design

Emma McGuire, Paginator

Deadlines

• Editorial submissions are printed as space is available, at the publisher’s discretion, and may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. All submissions are due by noon on the Friday prior to the Wednesday publication date for consideration for that edition.

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

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

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

Circulation

• The Chesterland News is distributed for free to homes and businesses in Chester Township. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.

• Copies are also available at rack locations within Chester township.

• Produced by the Chesterland News, LLC.

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

• The Chesterland News, LLC assumes no responsibility of error contained in any pre-printed material delivered with the paper as an insertion therein.

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

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

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

Expanded Courthouse To Open Doors April 7

More than two years after officials broke ground on an expansion of the Geauga County courthouse in December 2023, the public will be invited inside April 7 for a first look.

The day’s itinerary includes one event not open to the public — continuing legal education for attorneys, Geauga County Commissioners said in a press release.

According to the agenda, commissioners will hold a public session in the courthouse at 10 a.m. Following adjournment around 11:30 a.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the west entrance, with a recognition program to follow at the Heritage House on Chardon Square. The courthouse will then open for a public open house from 4-7 p.m.

“This ceremony will applaud the improved functionality, accessibility and efficiency of the courthouse and its benefits to Geauga County residents,” commissioners said of the ribbon cutting. “The board of commissioners is proud to preserve and upgrade this historic landmark, ensuring the courthouse continues to serve Geauga County for generations to come.”

The project doubled the courthouse’s size and incorporated stone sourced from the building’s original 1868 quarry, according to previous reporting.

Security concerns and space limitations were major drivers of the project, with court officials previously noting how the original building constrained operations.

Private discussions were sometimes forced into public hallways due to a lack of conference rooms, retired Judge David On-

drey said during the November 2023 planning commission meeting.

The building also did not meet state security standards, ThenDesign Architecture Senior Project Manager Brad Gellert said at the same meeting.

The expansion includes a baggage scanner at security, restricted areas secured with card readers, significant soundproofing, ballistic paneling, a sally port, holding cells, secure parking for judges and magistrates, and separate elevators for the public and defendants, Infinity Construction Project Superintendent Joe Daugherty said during a November 2025 media tour.

The project required extensive coordination among multiple entities and followed years of discussion.

Plans for the expansion are tied to a lawsuit filed by the City of Chardon in 2020 over the county’s proposed office building in Claridon Township. The case was settled in 2022, with the city and county agreeing the county would fund at least $15 million in courthouse renovations, while the city would contribute 10%, capped at $2 million.

In a joint statement at the time, the city and county said the project would help ensure the courthouse serves residents for generations to come.

County Administrator Amy Bevan echoed that sentiment in the recent press release.

“The partnership between the commissioners’ office, the City of Chardon, the developer, the architect and other collaborators has carried this project to success,” she said. “Geauga County residents stand to benefit for many years thanks to this partnership.”

Geauga West Library

13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit online at www. geaugalibrary.net.

Women of the Revolutionary War

April 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Local presenter Mary Horvath leads a special three-part series exploring the lives of women during the American Revolutionary War. This week, Horvath discusses the life of Martha Washington and how she weathered the winter in Valley Forge.

Movie Trivia

April 11, 3-4 p.m.

Movie trivia featuring questions about blockbusters, classics and more.

Northeast Ohio Bird Migration

April 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Connect with Aimee Pierson, local nature photographer and artist, to learn about the migration of birds through Northeast Ohio. Explore their journey, discover the many species that travel through the region and learn birding tips.

The public will soon be invited into the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas extension for an open house April 7.

WG Board OKs Design-Build

For Combined Facility

The West Geauga Schools Board of Education approved the design-build contract March 16 with Cold Harbor Building Company for the new water treatment plant and maintenance facility.

Board President Pam Claypool asked whether the board could retain the ability to make changes throughout the process, which Superintendent Nancy Benincasa confirmed.

“We'll definitely have plenty of opportunity for board input,” she said.

Vice President Bill Beers added the board will also be able to modify the design.

Once Cold Harbor completes the design and the board approved it, construction will begin, said Treasurer Karen Pavlat in a follow-up interview.

“Cold Harbor will start the design of the facility now that the contract has been approved by the board at the March meeting,” she added.

The project is expected to be completed by July 29, 2027, in time for the 2027-2028 school year.

Geauga Park District

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

Stream Restoration in Action

April 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hear from Geauga Park District biologist Paul Pira about his project to restore a coldwater stream at the former Wicked Woods Golf Course during an indoor presentation at The West Woods Nature Center, then reconvene at Veterans Legacy Woods for a hike out to the restoration site. Expect hilly terrain. In cooperation with the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio, the presentation is from 10-11 a.m., followed by the hike from

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those who attend the presentation need not feel obligated to also attend the hike. No registration is required.

Touch-a-Truck

April 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Geauga Park District will host

Touch-a-Truck as part of America250 - Ohio Moves Transportation Month at The West Woods.

Visitors can explore tractors, trucks and construction equipment used to maintain local parks. The event offers hands-on activities for children of all ages. Shuttles will run from overflow parking at ASM International on state Route 87. No registration is required.

Kiwanis Scholarships Available

West Geauga Kiwanis scholarship applications are available at wgkiwanis.org and may be used for college or trade school.

Applications are due April 17. Interviews will be held May 3.

Call 216-402-5341 with any questions.

Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner

April 11, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

All are welcome to the 27th annual Boy Scout Troop 195 all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and bake sale held at the Chesterland Baptist Church, 12670 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Tickets will be available at the door for $14 adults, $8 children ages 4 to 11, and free for ages 3 and under. Dine in or drive-through. All proceeds support Scouts attending summer camp and high-adventure programs.

Polka & Pretzels

April 11, 6-8 p.m.

Mayfield Church’s MUMS (Mayfield United Methodist Stars) Special Needs Ministry is throwing a Polka and Pretzels community celebration at the church located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township.

Enjoy live music from the Chardon Polka Band and homemade Amish hot pretzels served warm right out of the oven.

No RSVP is needed. The event is open to the public.

Open House and Author Talk

April 12, 1-4 p.m.

The Chesterland Historical Foundation and the Cleveland and Eastern Interurban Museum will host Dr. Dan Rager for an open house at the corner of Caves and Mayfield roads in Chester Township.

At 2 p.m., Rager will present his new book, “Ohio: Gateway to America (17762026),” exploring 250 years of Ohio transportation history, from Indian trails, taverns and inns, canals and locks, steamboats, railroads, interurbans and bicycles to motorbikes, automobiles and road development. The program will feature photos, maps and insights into how transportation shaped the state’s development.

Genealogical Society Meets

April 14, 6:30 p.m.

The Geauga County Genealogical Society will meet at the Chardon Library for "America's Roadway to Adventure-Getting There on Rt. 6" with Gary Hunter, executive director Ohio U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association. The program begins at 7 p.m. following social

Town Crier

time and a brief business meeting. Preregistration is required at geaugalibrary.libcal.com.

Outreach Spaghetti Dinner

April 16, 6-7 p.m.

Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Young of Heart

April 17, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Refreshments will be provided. Noel from Pettiti Garden Center will present gardening tips.

Upcoming trips include a June 17 visit to Playhouse Square’s Palace Theatre for “The Great Gatsby,” with dinner at the Music Box Restaurant, and a July 7-9 trip to Gettysburg, Pa., featuring tours of the battlefield, museum, Cyclorama and Eisenhower National Historic Site, along with a performance of “Joshua” at Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster. For reservations, call Kimber at 440-6683293.

FGP Explorer Series

April 17, 6-7:30 p.m.

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for “Up Close with Bluebirds” at Holden Arboretum. Naturalist and bander Sue Ash Sandford will lead participants in peeking into nesting boxes, counting eggs, banding nestlings and more. For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440564-1048.

Chesterland 225th

Anniversary

Celebration

April 23, 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Chesterland’s 225th anniversary with a special program honoring the arrival of founding father Justice Miner. Held in the Eykyn Room at West Geauga Library, historical interpreters portraying Justice Miner and Gen. George Washington will share the story of Chesterland’s founding and Miner’s service at West Point under Washington. A proclamation honoring the occasion and light refreshments will be included.

Presented by the Chester Grave Hunters. For information, contact ChesterGraveHunters@gmail.com.

Happy Tails Benefit Dinner

May 3, 2-5 p.m.

The non-profit, no-kill Happy Tails Cat

Sanctuary is holding its fourth annual “Sunday Dinner with a Purr-pose” benefit at the Banquet Center St. Noel, 35200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills.

Tickets are $75 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets by April 26, call or text Doreen at 440-759-0076.

Donations of cat food and kitty litter brought to the benefit would be appreciated.

Christmas in July Craft Show

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road in Chardon, will host a Christmas in July Craft Show and is seeking crafters for the indoor event.

For more information, call 440-279-4022.

In Step With Horses Boosts Services With Rotary Grant

Equine therapy organization In Step With Horses is reaching more clients and launching new programs thanks to the Geauga West Rotary Club’s 2025 Community Impact Grant.

The grant, which awarded In Step, of Chester Township, $5,000, was matched with an additional $5,000 from the Marguerite Wilson Foundation, enabling the organization to expand its services.

Located at 7212 Wilson Mills Road, In Step provides psychotherapy, riding and wellness programs for clients of all ages dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief and other challenges through hands-on work with horses, Clinical Director Sarah Swiger said March 23.

“In Step With Horses was selected from several applicants by members of the Geauga West Rotary (Club) Foundation Board for its well-articulated program, goals and objectives and its unique way of addressing the mental health issues of both adolescents and adults from all backgrounds,” said foundation

Chair John Zachariah.

The Rotary uses its Four-Way Test as a selection criterion: “One, is it the truth? Two, is it fair to all concerned? Three, will it build goodwill and better friendships? Four, will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Zachariah added.

“One of the significant accomplishments through this partnership is the beginning of an ongoing relationship between In Step With Horses and the Geauga West Rotary Club that is focused on serving the community by meeting the needs of both the young and the old who seek mental health services in a non-traditional setting assisted by non-judgmental horses and skilled professional therapists,” he said.

Swiger said the grant allowed the organization to increase its client base by more than 20%, surpassing the original goal of 15%.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy programs are ground-based and include a therapist, client and at least one horse, she explained, adding activities are tailored to client needs.

See Horses • Page 9

from page 8

“For the therapy side, it would be equated to traditional therapy in an office, except you come out into natural space, you're in an arena, or you're outside in nature and you incorporate and include horses in the session,” Swiger said.

She added that three traditional therapy sessions are roughly equivalent to one equine-assisted session.

“It may look something like the client going out into the pasture space with a horse or a few horses and working on connecting with that horse,” Swiger said.

For example, a client could work on building boundary-setting skills they can apply in other areas of their lives, she said.

“While that sounds frightening to some people, it actually works very well for especially people in trauma and grief, and even a lot of our first responders, where that's not the culture to talk about your stuff,” Swiger emphasized.

Other exercises, such as brushing horses, promote mindfulness and self-regulation, she said.

“A lot of times, (the therapy happens) out in the space with the horse not connected to any type of rope, or it's there in their space and we're meeting them where we are in our space, as well,” Swiger explained. “That's a good way to regulate and really to get, you

know, your feet under you and to kind of bring your body into itself because horses, they work off of energy, so they know how we are internally when we enter their space or even before we enter their space.”

Riding sessions also teach clients about horse care and equipment, offering a fullbody experience that accelerates therapeutic progress, Swiger said.

“It happens more quickly because it's a full-body experience,” she said. “We use all of our basic core therapy modalities, but then incorporating the horses in it, I think, kind of expedites the process and it brings things out more quickly than maybe a traditional setting would.”

The grant has enabled In Step With Horses to launch new initiatives, such as the empowHERd program, an eight-week group therapy program for pre-teens to build self-confidence and self-worth, Swiger noted.

“It's allowed us to … partner with other organizations in the community or meet other people and other organizations in the community of Geauga County that maybe we didn't have access or know about before,” she added.

Swiger said In Step aims to continue expanding outreach, partnering with additional organizations, and diversifying programming.

“We're really doing what we can to expand our opportunities … for programming, but also to really continue to develop the program that we've had all along,” she said.

“And to make sure that it's dynamic and that it grows with what the community needs.”

Help Support the Chesterland News and Local Journalism

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

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

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

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

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

For any donation of $50 or more, we’ll even toss in a free gift in appreciation:

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

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

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

Horses in Chester Township.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the week ending March 27 and period March 30-April 2, 2026, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Dylan F. and Amanda M. Kollmorgen, 12586 Woodside Drive, to Ashley Starzyk and Derek Hite, $350,000. (1.00 acres)

Brenda Ann Schmitt (TOD), 8735 Cedar Road, to Gregory and Paige Chismar, $410,000. (2.10 acres)

Paul A. and Brenda L. Hartman, 9630 Sherman Road, to Lily and Daniel Hartman, $350,000. (2.00 acres)

Steve Russell Webster, 8075 Mulberry Road, to Donald Phipps, $305,000. (1.60 acres)

Richard J. Rasper, Barbara A. Hauman and Amy Bechhold (co-trustees), 13394 Hickory St., to Brian Leo Kingure, $330,000. (1.01 acres)

Tim and Jackie McCluskey, 12780 Vincent Drive, to Nicklas and Eryn L. Richards, $575,000. (1.26 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Timothy G. and Linda W. Lybarger, 14355 Hartwell Trail and Hartwell Trail, to Brett Robert and Alma Leticia Graham, $777,000. (4.09 acres)

Obituaries

Gordon C. Turske

Gordon C. Turske, age 90, passed away peacefully March 27, 2026, at his home sur rounded by his family.

Born Aug. 6, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, Gordon was a resident of Chester Township, Ohio, since 1972. He will be re membered as a hard-working, beloved and humorous man whose steady presence and quick wit stayed with him to the very end.

After a long career of service, Gordon retired in 1988 following 29 years as a proud firefighter for the City of Cleveland. He also co-owned BoTax Income Tax Service with his late wife, Patricia, from 1970 to 1996, bringing the same dedication and reliability to his work and to the people he served.

A true patriot, Gordon was a proud U.S. Navy veteran.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and all things Cleveland sports.

Gordon was an active member of St. An-

selm Church, where he participated in the St. Anselm Bereavement Choir and Young of Heart.

An avid historian, Gordon spent many hours reading and watching movies about historical events, always eager to learn and reflect. Known for being “sharp as a tack,” he remained funny and quick-minded until the time of his passing.

Gordon is survived by his daughters, Diane (Allyn) Pytel, Donna Lahmon and Lani (Mitchell) Plunk; son, Robert (Gina) VanCuren; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Lou) Turski.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (nee Quale).

Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland on Tuesday, April 7th, 4 – 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 12969 Chillicothe Rd., Chester Township.

Private interment at a later date at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gordon’s name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GattozziandSon. com for the Turske family.

AUTOS & PARTS

For Sale: Model A Ford Coupe: rumble seat, hyd. brakes, solid, NO rust, runs great, good rubber, new battery. $12,500. 440-636-3623, call, no text.

Have an antique or classic or hot rod you no longer drive or want? Senior citizen looking for a car. 440-2859475.

FOR RENT

Berkshire school district rental house with woods and water, 4 BR, 2.5BA, fireplace, patio, attached garage, no pets. For information lmjgwg@windstream.net.

EVENTS

Annual Flea Market at the Buster Miller Farm on Wednesday May 13th 8am-4pm at 17719 Newcomb Rd, Middlefield. Call to reserve your spot 330-9783383.

FOR SALE

1960’s Vintage Colin Laing 10-speed English Racing Bicycle: Campy equipped with many Campy tools. Beautiful Condition, no kidding! $500. 440-548-2414.

Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Anchor Brand Folding Bench Wringer Floor Stand: 48” tall, Patent 1896, $240. 440-554-5731.

Antique cast iron pot belly stove: with star detail, $200. Ladder rack: for enclosed trailer, w/4 cross pieces, 85.25” wide, asking $150. 440-635-1901. Majacraft Rose spinning wheel. 2 Lazy Kates, 1 extra drive band, 9 bobbins, jumbo flyer, fiber. $1,200. 440-564-1239.

Vintage Baby Buggy: $65. 440-487-2955.

Small worm composter bin for your garden by Vego Garden, fill with organic peels/cuttings to attract worms, $35, call/text 440-668-8768.

HONEY: local, raw, bottled. 1-lb $9; 2-lb $17; 12-lb (1-gal) $75. Mesquite and Buckwheat honey available. 440-567-2586.

Attention Collectors: extensive “Gone with the Wind” collection for sale. Call for details if seriously interested. 440-227-7943, Chardon.

Two double-hung Provia replacement windows: combined dimensions 75 7/8 X 53 5/8. Perfect for a front window, $475. 440-336-5044 George. Custom sizes & shapes available.

LAST CALL #2: Lithograph Prints, signed personally by the artist: Carl Brenders “Monarch Eagle” $300 and “Full House Boxes” $300. 440-729-0070.

Two John Deer Riding Mowers. LT155 D105 4 new tires, good condition, decks need work $95. Trailer axle with leaf springs. good condition $35. 440-313-1178. GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: NEW! Counter depth 36” wide. Paid $2,500, asking $2,000. Perfect Condition. 805-857-9927

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

4/10-4/12 12p-8p. 12808 Wellswood Trail, Chesterland. Mechanic’s tools, air compressor, hydraulic jack, weight lifting bench, propane grill used one season, camping mattress, misc kitchen items, Vespa scooter, tablesaw, chain saw.

Chardon: 4/24-4/25 9a-3p, 11126 Fowlers Mill Rd. Tools, bikes, furniture, puzzles, ATV salt spreader, kayak, household items. A little something for everyone! Moving Sale: 12845 Morning Glory Trail, Chesterland. Sat 4/11 9a-3p; Sun 4/12 10a-2p. Households, tile saw, chain saw, leather reclining set, 8-top counter-height table, wheelbarrow, outdoor furniture.

Classifieds

HELP WANTED

Landscaping Help Wanted: mowing, trimming, installations, construction. Must have own transportation. 440286-2166.

SUMMER CHILDCARE: 18+ years experience, CPR certified, Reasonable rates, Flexible hours, In my home on Sperry Road in Newbury. Call or text Marie 216-5133668.

PETS & ANIMALS

Dog Boarding Day Care: in-home. Call John 440-5338870. www.happyhoundhouse.com

Nigerian dwarf goats. 2 bucklings, $250 for the pair. Doe and doeling pair, $500. All are blue eyed and disbudded. Middlefield. Text 440-321-9527.

“Franklin” adult gray tiger cat needs indoor home. 14 pounds of sweetheart! Social, neutered, vaxxed. Good with other cats. Rebecca 440-321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: PARENTS are critical in warning kids about dangers of drugs! Ask. Listen. They need your help.

ATTENTION Newbury Graduating HS Seniors: Scholarship applications from Newbury Cares Inc coming soon!

REAL ESTATE

16336 Jug: 4BR, 2BA, 2.97-acres, geothermal HVAC, garage+, chicken house, $369,900. 16360 Jug: 4BR, 2.5BA, 2.74-acres, heat pump, large barn, $525,000. Berkshire schools. Spectrum availability. 440-8341177.

Private Investor paying cash for homes/land in any condition. Call or text Brian today at 440-346-0161 for a No-obligation offer. No repairs needed. Fast closings.

.34-acre Bainbridge lot on 306, part of Lake Lucerne community with amenities. Tap into utilities: gas, electric, sewer, private community well. SAVE BIG! 75k. 440-574-1599.

For Sale: Mobile Home at Wilder’s Senior Park, Chardon. 2BR, 1.5BA, updates include new furnace/AC. $105,000. 440-567-6128.

SERVICES

Buckeye Landscaping looking for new clients for upcoming season. Services including mowing, mulching, pruning, spring/fall clean-ups, also snow plowing. Call 440 883 9124.

Certified Care Provide, will come to your home. Elderly, Special Needs, and Children. Light Housework included. Years of experience. 440-313-1804.

Offering Junk Removal and Demolition: 440-883-9124.

SCG Property Group LLC: Let us help with your interior or exterior home improvement projects. See full list of services and request a quote. scgpropertygroup.com.

AM RIDES LLC – CREW TRANSPORT: Dependable job site transportation serving Geauga, Trumbull & Ashtabula. Clean, well-maintained vans. Reliable daily/weekly service. Call/Text: 330-431-8282.

RN will do in-home health care. 440-343-3588.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal.

Friday at Noon

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Chesterland News 4-8-2026 by Geauga County Maple Leaf - Issuu