Wolverines Shine in Summer 7 v 7s
By AlAn KornspAn sports@KArlovecmediA com
Under the leadership of firstyear head football coach Rossi Santo, the West Geauga Wolverines are shining bright and having fun this summer.
In fact, the Wolverines displayed stellar offensive and defensive skills on June 25 in four 7 v 7 games at Gilmour Academy. Taking on the Kirtland Hornets, Edgewood Warriors, Mayfield Wildcats and Gilmour Lancers, senior quarterback Finn Keenan threw 12 touchdown passes throughout the day.
Keenan said that this summer has been enjoyable, and he is focused on leading his team to a successful season.
“It's definitely fun,” Keenan said. “I mean, it's fun getting in the weight room and competing every day on the field. I'm just focused (this summer) on growing and being more of a leader that I know I can be.”
His coach said Keenan has played well this summer.
“Finn's doing a really good job for us,” Coach Santo said. “He's working hard, he's watching a lot of film.”
Demonstrating an excellent passing game at the Gilmour 7 v 7, the Wolverine secondary also showed very good coverage skills. Throughout the four contests, West
See Football • Page 5
Commissioners Vote to Guarantee Engineer Seat on NOACA
Letter to State Health Dept. Criticizes O&M
By Allison Wilson Wilson@KArlovecmediA com
Geauga County Commissioners voted in favor of giving up one commissioner seat on the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency board to give the county engineer a guaranteed spot June 17.
NOACA recently approved changing its code of regulations to reserve one of the county’s three seats for Engineer Andy Haupt and now, individual counties must ratify it, Commissioner Carolyn Brakey explained.
She and Commissioner Jim
Dvorak voted in favor of ratifying the amendment last Tuesday, while Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri was absent and, therefore, did not vote on the issue.
“Our other member counties have their engineers on board as voting members now,” Haupt said during last Tuesday’s meeting. “It allows a voice that supports the taxpayers of rural, Amish communities.”
Many of NOACA’s constituent counties are more urban than rural, he said.
“(The guaranteed engineer seat) allows roads, bridges, safety
concerns to be paramount from (the) point of technical expertise and experience that the engineer brings to that table,” he said. “Chasing, supporting and advocating for funding that we are due is one of the most important things that seat has to represent …”
All of NOACA’s other counties have their engineer as a voting member and that is all Geauga wants, as well, Dvorak said.
Brakey wished Haupt could be added as a fourth seat, but Geauga County does not have the population for an additional seat, she said.
Resident Skip Claypool, who is Spidalieri’s alternate on the NO-
ACA board, took issue with the change.
“I’m very sad about this ratification because it actually is detrimental to Geauga County,” he said, adding it is removing a commissioner voice from the board.
“What has been said is that we need a county engineer at the table,” Claypool said. “That’s true and we’ve always had our county engineer at the table. They’ve always been named an alternate.”
Commissioners also regularly interact with the engineer to stay up to date, he said, adding this amendment shows a lack of integrity.
See NOACA • Page 10
West Geauga wide receiver Dominic Paros hauls in a touchdown pass in the Wolverines’ 7 v 7 victory over Mayfield on June 25.
Seniors Benefit from Ohman’s Pathways to Care
By Ann WishArt Ann@KArlovecmediA com
For 60 years, Ohman Family Living at Holly has cared for seniors with a variety of debilitating neurological diseases, but the assisted living and memory care facility in Newbury Township is not resting on its laurels.
Instead, the third generation of Geauga County’s Ohman family is introducing three programs to help seniors continue to function as they age in the facility formerly known as Holly Hill.
Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Under the umbrella Pathways to Care, the Ohman family introduced a Pedaling for Parkinson’s program, said Joshua Wallace.
Joshua, part of the OFL executive leadership team and husband of Kristin Ohman Wallace, explained the systems Holly has instituted at 10190 Fairmount Road during a recent interview.
The programs for Holly residents and those living in the community harken back to Holly’s origins.
George Ohman Jr., co-president at OFL, recalled his father and mother, George Sr. and Joan, founded Holly Hill to care for a family member with multiple sclerosis.
By 1995, they had eight other residents at the property and, as the popularity of the facility grew, it served several Ohman family members with neurological diseases, George said.
“The second generation has family members with Parkinson’s disease. The Ohmans have always desired to extend to others with like circumstances what they have learned, to improve the quality of life for people with PD,” Joshua said.
That is why the family, upon learning about the benefits of Pedaling for Parkinson’s for people living with the disease, sought out the program created by Dr. Jay Alberts at the Cleveland Clinic.
The clinic outfitted a room at Holly with seven stationary bikes — six for participants and one for the monitor, Joshua said.
The program provides people with Parkinson’s a chance to reduce their global motor symptoms, with an average improvement of about 35%, according to a flier explaining the program.
“With early identification of neurological symptoms, the cycling program provides a regimen for participants to improve the overall quality of life and curb their downward decline,” Joshua said.
Dawn Damante, director of market relations for OFL based in Middlefield Village, said the classes are engaging, the environment friendly and regulars have created an informal support group.
“One lady has pedaled more than 1,000 miles in about two years. She comes in three times a week and it has helped her significantly,” Damante said, noting the OFL website contains testimony by a client about the benefits of the program.
Individuals recently diagnosed with PD, or those with early onset of pre-Parkinsonian symptoms, are encouraged to contact Damante at 440-632-3653 and sign up, she said.
Pedaling for Parkinsons’ classes are held every day and open biking can be arranged in the afternoons. Developed by a non-profit organization, the program is not a cure, but it helps relieve symptoms, improves fitness and helps individuals maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, according to the brochure.
Adult Day Care Solution
Spouses or adult children are often challenged by the demands of taking care of seniors with neurological diseases.
Aware of the need for respite for the families, OFL at Holly welcomes individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a supervised, homelike setting at The Cottage, just down the hill from OFL at Holly.
“The Cottage was my wife’s childhood home,” Joshua said during a tour through the pleasant, spacious, single-story building. “We provide comfort, relaxation and engagement for our clients.”
When the care provider at home has to be away during the day or needs respite, the staff at The Cottage offers help in a lovely setting, George said.
Besides enjoying a continental breakfast and lunch, individuals staying a full day can take a virtual tour or armchair travel to distant places.
“I think they ‘went’ to Ireland and Scotland recently,” George said, adding they also watch sporting events on the television.
“These are things that stimulate them during the day,” he said.
Cognitive games and a book reading club occupy those who are not ready for assisted living or medical care, George said.
The video clip on the website introduces Jo Slunski, the adult day care program director, explaining individuals with early onset neurological diseases can enjoy The Cottage from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Activities include exercise classes, cooking, a detached three-seasons room where clients can get some fresh air and sun, and a space for napping when needed, Slunski said.
Fall Study Participants Sought
OFL at Holly is also partnering with Alberts’ lab at the Cleveland Clinic in a study to improve the prediction of fall risk among individuals age 55 and up, Joshua said.
A call for 200 volunteers for the study was issued by Cleveland Clinic, he said.
It reads: “The purpose of this study is to characterize mobility patterns in older adults and to evaluate mobility assessments for their ability to predict fall risk in adults.
“Participants will be asked to attend a one-hour study visit to provide demographic information and complete balance, cognitive and walking assessments. Participants will also maintain a falls diary for 12 months.
“You must be 62 or older, able to walk independently or with a cane, be able to climb three steps, and can’t have dementia or a neurological disease such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or a history of stroke. You will receive study stipends for participation. You will not receive individual fall risk data.”
“Falls are one of the leading causes for
hospitalizations,” Joshua said. “Its benefit is, if we can identify potential risk factors, we can hopefully avoid a major injury or a hospitalization. Nobody wants to get the phone call that mom or dad has fallen and is in hospital.”
The safe-gait equipment uses infrared sensors to analyze the participants’ speed and degree of unsteadiness and determine a person's likelihood of falling so safety measures can be taken, Joshua said.
“What a great opportunity to be on the cutting edge of technology,” he said. “It’s a simple and practical way to enhance people’s quality of life,”
Anyone interested in participating in the study may contact MacKenzie Dunlap at 216216-3949 or at Dunlapm4@ccf.org.
director of market relations for OFL, pause at the room set up for Pedaling for Parkinson’s on a recent tour of OFL at Holly in Newbury Township.
ANN WISHART/KMG
Ohman Family Living at Holly, formerly Holly Hill, in Newbury Township, is home to patients with various diseases that lead to memory loss. The facility is designed to help residents feel comfortable and at home. This nursery gives individuals a chance to revisit a time when they cared for babies.
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Ohio BMV, Sheriff, Issue Warnings Over Scam Texts
stAff report
Ohio residents are being targeted by scammers posing as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get personal information, authorities are warning.
“Ohio residents have reported receiving text messages from scammers claiming to be from BMV and informing the recipients that they have an outstanding traffic ticket,” the Ohio BMV said in a press release. “The text then instructs the recipient to pay immediately to avoid a license suspension.”
This is a phishing technique that is aimed to get personal and financial information, the BMV said, adding it is part of a national scam.
These messages could say you have outstanding tickets, you have a suspended license or ask for personal information, the Geauga
County Sheriff’s Office added in a statement.
The messages could also look official with BMV logos and links, GCSO said.
“If you receive this text, do not fall for this scam,” Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman said. “Do not click any links and delete the text. (The) Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information.”
The GCSO emphasized that people should not click any links or give out any personal information.
“The BMV does NOT send unsolicited texts asking for personal info,” the GCSO said. “If in doubt, contact your local BMV office directly or visit their official website.” Scam attempts can be reported to scam the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud. ftc.gov.
Town Crier
Independence Day Parade
July 4
The West Geauga Kiwanis Independence Day Parade’s theme is “Celebrating West Geauga’s History.” Judging of floats and cars will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will go south on state Route 306 promptly at 11 a.m. to the high school. Visit wgkiwanis.org for Kiwanis information and information.
Holiday Polka Party
July 4, 1-7 p.m.
A Fourth of July polka dance party will be held at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland. Enjoy ethnic food and live music featuring the Mike Wojtila Band and Frank Stanger Orchestra. Open to the public; families are welcome. For information, call 330-318-3004.
West Geauga Kiwanis Meetings
Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m.
West Geauga Kiwanis meets every Tuesday in the summer at Kiwanis Park, 12079 Caves Road in Chester Township. Join for a free dinner and learn how Kiwanis serves youth and the community. Learn more at wgkiwanis.org.
Kiwanis Summer Concert Series
July 9, 7-9 p.m.
The Kiwanis Club of West Geauga’s annual summer concert series at the Chester Township Park gazebo opens with the Prime Time Big Band. Then, on July 16, come out to enjoy RockAbility. Visit www.wgkiwanis. org to view the summer concert schedule.
WGRC Rocks!
July 11, 7 p.m.
West Geauga Recreation Council continues its free summer concert series at the WGRC Day Camp with country favorite In the Sticks. Chester CO-OP Preschool will be selling concessions at its lemonade stand. Park in the WG Middle School parking lot
FGP Explorers Series
July 12, 10 a.m. to noon
Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for a Chagrin River aquatic adventure at West Geauga Commons, 14070 Chillicothe Road in Russell Township.
For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440-5641048.
Maple Splash Festival
July 12, 2-9 p.m.
The drawing for the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield’s Maple Splash Raffle will be held at Century Village in Burton. Admission is free. Event includes food, entertainment and prizes. Visit www.maplesplashraffle.com for tickets and list of prizes.
Bloodmobile
American Red Cross urges individuals to give lifesaving blood or platelets now as seasonal travel ramps up. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment. July 14, Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 12-6 p.m. July 17, Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 1-6 p.m.
Veterans Resource Fair
July 30, 3-6 p.m.
Geauga County Veteran Service Office is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair at Guidos Generations Event Center in Chester Township. Learn about county, state and federal resources available for veterans and their families. Refreshments will be provided. For more information and to register, call 440-279-1860.
LCGS Summer Potluck
July 31, 5:30 p.m.
The Lake County Genealogical Society will hold its annual summer potluck at Concord Woods Nature Park, 11211 Spear Road, Painesville. Bring a dish to share along with a place setting and beverage Cathi Weber, lifelong Willoughby resident and current director of the Little Red Schoolhouse, will share ideas on how to "Name That Decade of Fashion" in old photos. Everyone is invited to bring some old pictures from their collections to display and share. Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more information.
Young of Heart Trip
Aug. 20
Young of Heart will not meet on July 4. A trip has been planned to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, for Aug. 20. The main focal point in the town is the dog fountain, which is surrounded by 18 dog and other animal sculptures. Lunch will be at Der Dutchman Restaurant, followed by a tour of the Red Velvet Ice Cream Factory. Call Kimber at 440-668-3293 for more information.
Football
from page 1
Next, the Wolverines took on the Mayfield Wildcats and showed a stout secondary, not allowing the Wildcats into the end zone on any of their four possessions.
Defensive highlights included interceptions by seniors Culek and Fink.
Culek, who had a touchdown catch and interception against Mayfield, said that summer training has been going well.
“With the new coach, the new system, I feel like we're picking it up well, working real hard,” Culek said. “(The 7 v 7s have gone) pretty good so far. Everyone, we just keep getting better and better and improving on the things that we need to work on.”
Offensively, in the victory over the Wildcats, Keenan threw four touchdowns passes.
Senior wide receiver Dominic Paros, who caught two of the four touchdown passes against the Wildcats, said that this summer, he has been spending a lot time working with Keenan on building the quarterback-receiver cohesion necessary to excel in the fall.
“As a receiver, even though the offense has changed up a little bit, I still have to work with Finn to build that connection ev-
ery year,” Paros said. “Every year we do the same thing, and Finn’s going to put the ball in the right spot, and I'm going to catch it.”
During the 7 v 7 against the Wildcats, on West G’s first touchdown catch, Paros demonstrated his ability to go up high over the corner to haul in a perfectly executed pass from Keenan. A well run post pattern then resulted in Paros's second touchdown catch against the Wildcats.
“Coach gave me the opportunity to go up and get the ball,” Paros recounted. “Finn put it in a good spot. The next play, did the same thing. Finn put it in a good spot for a post for a touchdown. We do it all the time. It's easy for us.”
In the final game of the 7 v 7 against the Lancers, both teams put three touchdowns on the board.
Fink had an excellent performance, as he caught two touchdown passes from Keenan and also had an interception. Paros also caught a touchdown pass against the Lancers.
Overall, Coach Santo has been pleased with how his team has competed as the coaching staff prepares the team for August.
“We do all these 7 v 7s to see who can run and get open and cover people and get our base defense ready for August,” he said.
Youth Wrestlers Powerlift at Nationals
SUBMITTED
West Geauga Rec youth wrestlers Hunter Magruder, right, and Leonardo Nerone both competed at powerlifting nationals. Both boys broke the state records and will have their names in the record books. Leonardo (7 years old) deadlifted 110 pounds to break the old record. He will be going into second grade at Westwood this year. Hunter (9) deadlifted 135 pounds to break the old record. He is going into 5th grade at Lindsey elementary and is also the captain of the youth wrestling team. They are looking to compete in Erie, Pa. in October together. They are working hard to beat the Pennsylvania state records as well and bring back gold to their hometown of Chesterland.
Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Land Use Plan Update Committee was appointed by the Chester Township Board of Trustees on May 1. The committee currently consists of 14 volunteer residents representing a cross-section of Chester Township. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at town hall. All meetings are open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend and observe.
The committee has met twice and is off to an encouraging start. Members have reviewed the prior land use plans- adopted in 1968, 1976 and 1999 -as well as various surveys. They have begun analyzing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Chester Township.
A key component of a land use plan is to gathering input from residents. There will be multiple opportunities for the community to share feedback. A survey will eventually be sent out to every resident and there will be multiple public forums before anything is adopted. Committee members will do their best to get the word out and encourage residents to spread the word. One way to stay informed is by following the Chester Township Zoning Department page on Facebook.
The land use plan will take about a year and a half to update, with a goal of presenting it to the board of trustees for their consideration by the end of 2026. While a land use plan is not a legally binding document, strong public input helps ensure that its recommendations reflect community priorities and garner broad support.
For questions or more information, call the zoning department at 440-729-7058 or visit www.chestertwp.com/land-use-plan.
Chesterland Historical Village
Christmas in July
The Chesterland Historical Village is hosting Christmas in July with Santa and his elves on July 10 at p.m. on the village greens. Enoy hot dogs on the grill and bring a dish to share.
Laura Peskin, historian and author of “Deep Cover Cleveland: 99 Little Known Things about Northeast Ohio” book series, will give a presentation on parks and gardens.
The event is free, but reservations are required by calling 440-729-1830.
The village is located on the corner of Caves and Mayfield roads in Chester Township.
Chesterland Historical Village
Carole Raquet
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Carole Lea Raquet (nee Vitale) on June 9, 2025, at the age of 71.
Obituaries
Pauline Agnes Mollenkopf
Pauline Agnes Mol lenkopf (nee Rankin), age 96, of Willoughby, formerly of Chester Township, passed away June 20, 2025.
Carole, often referred to as Moose by family and friends, was born on Jan. 17, 1954, in Cleveland, to Fred and Ann (nee Marsik) Vitale.
She will be deeply missed by her daughters, Elizabeth (Jason) Valvoda, Kristina Raquet; and her two grandchildren, Kyle and Harlee Valvoda.
She was a cherished sister of Mary Grayce Vitale (deceased), Sam Vitale (deceased), Rose Ann Gazda (nee Vitale) and Donna Mae Vitale. She is also survived by her former husband and dear friend Dale Raquet; as well as many nephews and nieces.
Carole was a graduate of Berkshire High School and studied at Kent State University.
She had a love for horses, operating Bridle Trail Farm with her husband, Dale, for 12 years.
She was very involved in the Geauga County 4-H program with her daughters and was on the Geauga County Mounted Unit in the late ‘90s.
Riding her Harley and doing charity bike runs for veterans was her greatest passion. She also enjoyed going to parks, gardening, weekly visits to the library, bringing treats to the dog warden and, of course, her Guido’s Pizza!
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Carole’s name to either the Geauga County Dog Warden or Rescue Village.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Notices should be sent in writing to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 44024-5166 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com.
Community Meetings
Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.
Chester Township: July 2, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; July 7, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; July 10, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; July 15, 6 p.m., Land Use Plan Committee; July 16, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; July 24, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: July 7, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; July 16, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District; July 17, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; July 23, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
West Geauga BOE: July 7, 7 p.m., fiscal year closing. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
Pauline was born Feb. 1, 1929, in Leetonia, Ohio, the daughter of the late William and Bessie Hallatt Rankin.
She was a graduate of Leetonia High School, Mount Union College and Western Reserve University School of Medical Technology.
Pauline married James Harry Mollenkopf on Dec. 28, 1954, in Leetonia.
She was a violinist, performing at church and Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, where she lived.
Pauline was a longtime member of the Mayfield Methodist Church in Chester Township.
Beloved wife of the late James Harry Mollenkopf; loving mother of David James (Kimberly Dawn), of Pigram, Tenn., Diane Agnes (Graham John) Mollenkopf-Hickling, of Christchurch, New Zealand, and Kay Anne (Kenneth Jay) Valentine, of Valley City, Ohio; devoted grandmother of Mika Kathryn and James Hunter Mollenkopf, of Pigram, Tenn., James Arthur Hickling, of Christchurch, New Zealand, Mackenzie Elizabeth (Bradley Tyler) Likens, of Medina, Ohio, Jourdan Isabelle (Kyle Benito) Defuentes, of North Pole, Alaska, and Peyton Lucille Valentine, of Valley City; dear sister of the late Margaret Ann Rittenhouse (Rankin).
Private memorial services will be held.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GattozziandSon. com for the Mollenkopf family.
Chester, Munson May Team Up for $56K Hydro Excavator
stAff report
Chester Township Road Superintendent John Onyshko proposed having the township purchase a $56,000 hydro excavator June 26 that would be shared with neighboring Munson Township to improve efficiency on various infrastructure projects.
“We can go eight, nine (feet) deep and find gas lines without me hand digging to find the gas line before we come in to put a road pipe in,” Onyshko told Chester Township Trustees. “The machine can pull eight inches of dirt.”
Munson Township officials were interested in sharing the excavator and splitting the cost, Onyshko said, adding the proposed 2014 Vermeer vacuum trailer would allow the road department to safely locate gas lines and clean catch basins.
It also offers precise elevation readings for underground gas mains using laser equipment, he said.
“We shoot the laser, we shoot the bottom of the pipe and we can determine the elevation of the gas mains that's going under the pipe,” he added.
Trustee Craig Richter brought up the idea of renting an excavator when needed at $1,500 per day or $4,000 per month.
Onyshko replied an excavator would have to be rented out weeks in advance and he would like to be able to use it on a day's notice.
“It’ll be faster (to own one),” Onyshko told trustees. “ We’ve had three or four guys hand digging.”
After learning Munson officials were open to sharing in the cost, Trustee Ken Radtke expressed interest in the purchasing option versus renting.
“A better preference would be saving money on the newer piece of equipment,” he said.
Trustees emphasized both Chester and Munson townships would need to be insured for the hydro excavator, as they’ll both be using it.
“Get their commitment, where is it located and then send (road department mechanic Steve) Voigt to look at it, and then come back and let us know if we need to take an action on it,” Radtke told Onyshko.
X-VAC HYDRO EXCAVATORS
Chester Township Road Superintendent John Onyshko proposed purchasing and splitting the cost of a hydro excavator with Munson Township to improve efficiency on infrastructure projects while reducing costs.
Back to School Help for Geauga Kids
suBmitted
Registration is now being accepted for Help Me Learn Day, a school supply distribution program for low-income children sponsored by Geauga County Job and Family Services.
The 19th annual Help Me Learn Day will be held Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Morning Star Friends Church, 12555 Ravenna Road in Chardon.
Pre-registration is required to partic-
ipate. Identification in the form of a food stamp card, Medicaid card or photo ID is required.
Free clothing, student haircuts, dental screenings and eye exams will also be provided compliments of Morning Star Friends Church, Square Up Barbershop, Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, LaBarberia Institute for Hair and Chardon Family Eye Care.
For more information or to register by July 31, call 440-285-9141, ext. 1263.
Arts & Entertainment
Call for Entries
Showcasing the talents of artists throughout Northeast Ohio, the 49th annual Fairmount Art Exhibition highlights works in a variety of media including painting, graphics, photography, fiber and sculpture. The exhibition, held at Fairmount Center for the Arts in Russell Township, will be free and open to the public Aug. 5-21. A closing reception will be held on Aug. 22 from 6-8 p.m.
Artists are encouraged to enter the show with up to three works. Artists can submit their entries via a Google form found at fair-
mountcenter.org/fae. The exhibition will include an array of prizes totaling $2,800, with a $1,000 Best of Show top prize.
Art may also be submitted at Fairmount Center for the Arts on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and July 28 from 12-8 p.m.
In addition to the exhibition, Fairmount will host Fridays at Fairmount Happy Hour, Aug. 8 and 15 from 5-7 p.m. Guests can enjoy a summer evening out with drinks, gallery viewing and live music.
For more information, call 440-338-3171 or visit www.fairmountcenter.org.
Campus Chatter
Ethan Hofe, Anna Hogrefe, Miaya Jones, Lauren Lance, Elisabeth McHugh, Eric Posante and Meghan Zebrowski, all of Chester Township; and Eliza Piekarski, Sofie Simone and Kaden Wandersleben, all of Russell Township, were named to the spring dean’s list at Ohio University.
Shea Malone, of Russell Township, was named to the spring dean’s list at Bucknell University. Malone is majoring in cell biology/biochemistry.
Layla Alabasi, of Chester Township, was named to the dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business.
Rebecca Whitmer, of Chester Township, graduated from Hiram College with a bachelor’s degree in integrative exercise science.
Sean Butler, Julia Mansfield and Owen Ralph, all of Chester Township; Erin Piczer, of Newbury Township; and Samantha Skerbec, of Russell Township, were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Grove City College.
Kaitlyn Danszczak, Jacob Grinstead and Conner Vieira, all of Chester Township, were named to the dean’s list at Slippery Rock University for the spring semester.
Gabrielle Mulloy, of Russell Township, was named to the dean’s list at Ohio Wesleyan University for the spring semester.
Lillian Katz and Rebecca Whitmer, both of Chester Township; and James Hammonds and Rafael Rodriguez, both of Russell Township, were named to the dean's list at Hiram College for the spring session.
Geauga Public Library
Geauga West Branch 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary. net.
Family Movie Night
July 7, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sit back, relax and laugh while watching the classic favorite, “The Muppet Movie.” Registration is not required.
Little Mountain Hotels
July 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
During the 19th century, Cleveland’s millionaires escaped the summer heat by vacationing at Little Mountain in Mentor. Once home to extravagant hotels like the Pine Crest Hotel, the former vacation spot has been all but lost to time. Learn about Little Mountain’s history and see how the landscape has changed.
NOACA
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“One of the commissioners who’s likely impacted is not in this meeting,” he said, referring to Spidalieri. “This board never had a public discussion about doing this.”
Commissioners should be asking NOACA for a fourth seat, Claypool said.
At this time, the board does not know which commissioner will give up his or her seat to Haupt, Dvorak said in a follow-up interview June 23.
Currently, all three commissioners are retaining their seats, he said, adding the other counties still have to ratify the amendment, which may take several weeks.
They are also uncertain whether the change would be implemented this year or during January’s reorganizational meeting, he added.
This action has been in progress for 12 years or more, Dvorak told Claypool last Tuesday, reiterating Brakey’s comment that the county needs a higher population to have a fourth vote.
Two other residents, Elsie Tarczy and Christine Stenzel, echoed Claypool's words and emphasized their desire to see a fourth seat.
Geauga County is unlike other NOACA counties and does not have an equal say, they said.
The county will not be losing a vote with this change, Dvorak emphasized.
In other business, commissioners also voted to send a letter to the state criticizing the ongoing operation and maintenance program, which Geauga Public Health is currently rolling out. The letter, addressed to Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, expresses concern about the program’s impact on the county.
“Geauga County is uniquely impacted by this regulation,” commissioners said in the letter. “The majority of our residents live in homes serviced by septic systems — estimat-
ed at 30,000 across the county. These are not fringe cases; they represent the backbone of our rural housing infrastructure.”
While GPH has gone out of its way to implement the state mandated program — which requires homeowners to pay permit fees — in a way that is minimally burdensome, the rule mandates a one-size-fits-all program with no flexibility for responsible homeowners to be exempt, commissioners wrote.
Nearly a third of the county’s population is elderly and on fixed income, with many forced to absorb the cost while also juggling the rising cost of living, they said in the letter.
“We believe Ohio can protect clean water without saddling residents with another unfunded mandate,” commissioners wrote, calling for a more targeted approach and expressing a willingness to work with ODH on finding a balanced path.
Cleveland resident Xavier Rivera also came before commissioners during the public comment section of the meeting to ask the county to cancel its contract with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Currently, ICE detainees are housed at the Geauga County Safety Center. Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand has previously said the agency pays $100 per detainee per day.
“I’m here to ask you to cancel the ICE contract that the county has, to close the detention facility that we have here,” he said. “As of January, dozens of people were detained here after a series of arrests in Northeast Ohio, when 20 people were arrested.”
Deportation efforts have focused on ordinary, hardworking people and not on violent criminals, he said.
“By maintaining this ICE contract, the county is complicit with the violence and the ongoing attack on undocumented people who are not dangerous to our decadent society, but the backbone of it,” he said.
Commissioners did not comment, but invited Rivera to email them the rest of his statement after his allotted time to speak ran out.
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending June 13 and June 20, and period June 23-25, 2025, as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Thomas Mark and Stephanie Ann Kaufman, 12150 Heath Road, to Chelsea Marie Walsh, Joseph T. Ciresi, and Martha Ciresi, $315,000. (1.60 acres)
Pucella Home Improvement LLC, 11191 Winding Brook Lane, to Brian and Kristen Boss, $453,000. (5.04 acres)
Ricky Jackson, 12470 Caves Road, to Grandview Capital LLC, $330,000. (5.00 acres)
David J. McCarty, 8837 Camelot Drive, to Nicolas and Kendall Wilhelmina Totarella, $512,500. (1.52 acres)
Grandview Capital LLC, 8280 Maple Drive, to Christopher J. Colagiovanni,
$240,000. (1.00 acres)
Richard B. and Kelly F. Dolecek, 7662 Oak Hill Drive, to Theodore, Michelle, Ted, and Autumn Farinacci, $450,000. (1.69 acres)
Vincent J. and Karen Kaucic, 7471 Cedar Road, to Vincent J. and Kathleen L. Kaucic, $208,500 (5.00 acres)
Nicholas Kalina, 13108 Marilyn Road, to Cole DiFabio, $270,000. (1.24 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
Dora E. Ghodooshim, 8880 Galloway Trail, to Daniel S. and Caitlin Kocsak, $625,000. (3.01 acres)
Michael and Nancy Bates (TOD), 8740 Galloway Trail, to Brent L. and Victoria Behnke, $875,000. (7.38 acres)
Leonard J. Paoletta, 7157 Sugarbush Lane, to Vicky L. and Christopher F. Childres, $699,000 (5.03 acres)
FOR RENT
Chesterland: 3-bedroom ranch, 2.5 car garage, family room, fireplace, laundry room, central air, gas heat, West Geauga schools. No pets. No Smoking. Showing now. $1,800/mo. 440-465-2340.
Huntsburg: Remodeling: 5BR, 2BA. Includes laundry room, rec room or 6th BR, basement, garage. Large closets, 2 are walk-in. No pets, No smoking. 440-6365747.
FOR SALE
Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.
Daylilies: over 450 varieties, $10 to $12 per large clump. Call 440-570-1377.
DEER HUNTERS: (40) Deer Hunter and (73) Bow Hunter Magazines. Vintage, Excellent Condition. Great reading and informational. Harvest that Big One!! Inquire. 440223-9471.
Firewood logs: 22-ft long, ash, red maple, black locust, mixed. 8-9 cord log truck loads. $850. 440-687-5404.
Speakers: Two Infinity 10” woofer 4-ohm 200 watts speakers. Yamaha 200 watt receiver w/remote. $200 for all. 400-431-6944.
Engine Hoist: 2 ton. w/8-ton long ram cylinder. $250. 440-487-2955.
Cat Tower: 78” tall, 2 cubbies, 3 shelves, 1 hammock. $40. Montville area. Leave message at 440-346-7708. 2008 Nissan Xterra: Very Good Condition, $7,400. Two Large Kayaks, $800 each. SPINNER Exercise Bike, like new, $250. 440-901-4029.
Jayco Quest 2004 folding camping trailer, propane tank, battery, 3-way fridge, 2-burner stovetop. $1,500/ OBO. Auburn. Text 440-591-9554.
New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $75 each. George 440-336-5044.
2010 Hybrid Fuji Absolute Le Tandem Bicycle: Excellent condition, 27 speeds, $700. Cash/in person, Chardon area. 440-724-3237.
Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-4408743.
Patio Set: 42” High Top, 4 swivel chairs, cushions and umbrella. All cast aluminum, must see. $350/OBO. 440-223-6056.
Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total (2 double lots): Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $8,000 each dbl. 440-729-0070.
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.
Fisher Price GeoTrax Train Lot: complete set with controllers, trains, buildings, tracks, accessories. $450 or best offer. 440-729-1082.
Great Wood Shop Hobby Wood: 100 board-feet wormy Chestnut; 200 feet planed and straight edged Black Walnut; 300 feet planed Butternut. Call to Inquire. 440336-2027.
Classifieds
Pampered Chef Multi Cooker: brand new, never used. Retails $229, will sell for $100. 440-632-0518. Scooter: needs work. $200. Call 440-286-3380, ask for Chuck.
Tractor: Farmall A. Excellent condition, includes belly mower, very good tires, easy start, runs well. Make Offer. 440-286-3295.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
July 4-5, 10a-3p, 9600 Fairmount Rd, Russell. 3-Estates Sale: 70yrs collecting. Downsizing. Antiques, collectibles, miscellaneous items. Cash Only.
UNIQUE GARAGE SALES: Weekly April - Oct, 4 buildings, Thursday thru Saturday, 9am-5pm. $1 most items. 9098 Old State Rd, (Rt 608, Chardon). Something for everyone!
PETS & ANIMALS
PASTURE RAISED BROILER CHICKENS: Available July 23. Order now: 3.25 pound whole bird. Rome, Oh 44085. Call/text Ian 440-387-9857.
Tux & Bea: bonded pair of 9-yo Tuxedo cats, need indoor home. Tux is a lap cat. Bea is more shy. Both fixed. Rebecca 440-321-2485.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE fact: a marijuana dispensary in your community will ruin lives—especially your young people! Contact your trustees and council. It matters.
REAL ESTATE
Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
OPEN HOUSE SAT JUL 5th 1-3p. 16270 Mayfield Rd, Huntsburg. 3BR, 2BA. 2,112 sqft Farmhouse on 10 acres. Dianne Bradfield. 330-296-2770.
Local Investor will pay fair cash price for homes or land in any condition. Fast closing. Call or text 440-3460161 today.
Mobile Home For Sale! You move it off our Marblehead Ohio property. 1980 Holly Park 14x70. New kitchen, new ac/furnace in 2020. $10,000. 330-307-4130.
SERVICES
Certified Caregiver: will do in home care, laundry, housekeeping, and cooking. 440-313-1804.
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!
Menno’s Fine Carpentry. Additions, old home restorations and renovations & more. Call 440-850-1118.
Ed’s Painting, Plastering & Power Washing: Quality Work. Reasonable Rates. Interior and Exterior. Call Ed today at 216-323-6744. Free Estimates!
WANTED TO BUY
Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.
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.
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
Visit geaugamapleleaf.smugmug.com Get digital, prints, posters, cards, mugs, mouse pads, magnets & more! Thousands of sports photos back to 2009. Hundreds added every week.
