Chesterland Native Sam Sarver Signs MLS Contract with FC Dallas
By AlAn KornspAn sports@KArlovecmediA com
Chesterland native Sam Sarver recently signed a first team Major League Soccer (MLS) contract with FC Dallas for the remainder of 2025 and throughout the 2026 season with club options for 2027 and 2028.
Playing his college soccer at Indiana University, Sarver was drafted 41st in the second round of the 2025 MLS Superdraft.
After being drafted, Sarver began his career with FC Dallas’ affiliate North Texas SC in the MLS Next Pro League.
On July 4, Sarver began his MLS career with FC Dallas, and in his second MLS contest for FC Dallas on July 19, he drew a penalty kick to help his team defeat St. Louis City SC, 3-0.
Sarver recounted this amazing moment.
“Obviously winning the PK was a super-big highlight for me just because it was my first actual contribution to a
See Soccer • Page 5
with FC Dallas for the remainder of 2025 and throughout the
West Geauga Schools
Former Supt. Named 2025 Leader of the Year
By emmA mAcniven mAcniven@KArlovecmediA com
Richard Markwardt, former superintendent of West Geauga Schools, was given the 2025 Geauga/Portage County School Leader of the Year award Aug. 11, celebrating a decade of transformative leadership and dedication to students, staff and the community.
Jennifer Felker, superintendent for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve and longtime colleague of Markwardt, presented him the award during the West Geauga Schools Board of Education meeting.
It honors administrators who demonstrate a lasting impact across educational communities, Felker said.
“He's rooted in strong relationships, strategic thinking and an unwavering commitment to excel-
lence,” she added.
Markwardt helped the district navigate absorbing Newbury Schools during the pandemic, Felker told the audience.
“That was definitely monumental in what districts across Ohio would look at as true leadership and engaging those students to be included into a district and take on a new culture,” she added.
Markwardt said he had reservations about coming back to a board meeting this early into his retirement, however, he was instructed by Superintendent Nancy Benincasa to come back Aug. 11.
“I'm to do as she says because she sets the agenda,” he quipped.
“So, the woman in charge asked me to come back tonight. The only thing I can say, really, is that nothing that's accomplished by any leader is done unilaterally, it's always a
team effort.”
In the case of West Geauga, that effort includes the board of education, the community that elected the board, as well as administra tors who worked closely with Markwardt to re alize the vision he was seeing for the district “in terms of its poten tial,” he said.
“It also involves our teachers who made that vision a re ality and all the people behind the scenes who were the support staff, who get our kids to school, who feed our kids, who keep our buildings clean, who support the rest of us in everything that we do for our kids. So, for that, I very humbly say thank you tonight and thank you, Jennifer,” he added.
to receive the award.
“You've consistently made decisions that are based on one question, ‘What is best for students?’” she said, adding West Geauga ranked 10th in the state’s performance index throughout his 10-year reign as superintendent.
Other accomplishments include restructuring elementary school buildings, expanding vocational and internship programs and leading the district throughout the master facilities planning process, Felker said.
Markwardt said he was honored
“Your transparency, inclusive and steady leadership has fostered a positive learning environment, elevated student outcomes and positioned West Geauga as a district on the rise,” she said.
DALLAS FC Sam Sarver, who grew up playing soccer in Chesterland, signed a first team Major League Soccer (MLS) contract
2026 season.
Markwardt
Town Crier
Labor Day Dance
Sept. 1, 1-7 p.m.
A Labor Day polka dance party will be held at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland. Enjoy ethnic food and live music featuring the Frank Stanger Orchestra and the Zolkas. Open to the public; families are welcome. For information, call 330-318-3004.
Dorothy's Porch
Sept. 4 and 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dorothy’s Porch, a free community giveaway of clothing for the family, bedding, household items, toys and books, will be held at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.
This & That Garage Sale
Sept. 4-6
The St. Mark Lutheran Church Women’s League will hold its annual garage sale at the church located at 11900 Chillicothe in Chester Township. Hours are Thursday, 5:30-8 p.m., with a $5 donation at the door; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free Friday and Saturday. Proceeds benefit monthly community lunch and mission grants.
Young of Heart
Sept. 5, 11:30 a.m.
Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Refreshments will be provided. Tom Todd will entertain with his guitar, banjo and vocals. Final payment is now due for “Noah” at the Sight and Sound Theater. Call Kimber at 440-668-3293 for more information.
Seeking Craft Vendors
St. Anselm Women’s Guild is accepting vendors for its Christmas Boutique on Nov. 8. If interested, contact Shirley Chambers at 216-832-5158 or shirlthewhirl76@yahoo.com.
Kiwanis Leave and Take
Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kiwanis Club of West Geauga and Chester Township are hosting a “Leave and Take” event at Chester Recycle Park. On Saturday only, drop off useable items in good, working condition that are no longer needed or wanted, including housewares, bikes, small appliances, tools, toys, sporting goods, chairs and tables, instruments, school supplies, books, lamps and more.
On Saturday and Sunday, take anything for free. Any items left over will be donated to Goodwill or taken to the Chester Cleanup dumpsters.
The community event is free to all residents, with no residency requirement.
Volunteers are welcome. For more information, or to inquire about joining Kiwanis, contact Ken Mantey at 440-729-2869 or visit www.wgkiwanis.org.
FGP Explorers Series
Sept. 6, 1-3 p.m.
Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for “Pollinators Aplenty Amid Fields of Flowers” at Katydid Lodge, Frohring Meadows, 16780 Savage Road in Bainbridge Township.
For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440-5641048.
LCRTA Luncheon
Sept. 9, 11 a.m.
The Lake County Retired Teachers Association will meet at Mama Roberto’s, 8658 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Social time will be followed by the program at 11:30 a.m. and buffet lunch. Bill Siegferth from Summit County Retired Teachers Association will address the group.
Members are asked to donate nonperishable items for the Salvation Army.
For reservations, contact Karen Sawitke, 9399 Ridgeside Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 by Aug. 29. For more information, visit lakecountyrta.weebly.com.
Taste of Heritage
Sept. 9, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Leadership Geauga is hosting Taste of Heritage at Geauga Park District’s Claridon Woodlands. The event welcomes Heritage Program alumni and those interested in learning more about the program for an evening of connection, appetizers and stories from graduates. For information, visit leadershipgeauga.org.
Boots, Barrels & Glitz
Sept. 10, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Friends of WomenSafe is sponsoring its annual Boots, Barrels & Glitz fundraiser at Tall Oaks Resort in Kirtland.
Purchase tickets at friendsofwomensafe. org or call 440-285-3741. Proceeds will be used to increase awareness of domestic violence and the support services provided by WomenSafe, Inc.
Free Chainsaw Safety Class
Sept. 13, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Woodland Wednesdays partners, along with the Maple Producers of Northeast Ohio, are offering a free introductory Chain-
saw Safety Awareness that Works (CSAW) course through the Ohio Forestry Association at Adam Hall, 11455 Washington St. in Auburn Township.
The demonstration class will cover the basics of safety and equipment and review personal protection equipment, chainsaw safety features, proper maintenance, safe starting and handling, actions of a chainsaw, a felling plan walk-through and spring pole/ hazard mitigation.
Lunch will be provided. Held rain or shine, the free program includes indoor and outdoor sessions.
Visit geaugaswcd.com to register by Sept. 1. Questions? Contact 440-834-1122.
Community Cleanup Day
Sept. 13, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chester’s Community Cleanup Day will be held at the Chester Recycle Park. Call the road department at 440-729-9110 with questions regarding acceptable items.
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 local youth and the community. Learn more at wgkiwanis.org.
Senior News
Chester Senior Trash Pickup Days
Sept. 8-10
The Chester Township Trustees and Road Department are joining forces with the Geauga County Department on Aging to offer senior trash pickup to Chester seniors 60 and older.
Seniors must first register and complete the trash pickup intake with the department on aging by Sept. 1 or earlier.
Road crew and department on aging cannot enter homes. All refuse items must
be outside by garage, outbuilding or in the driveway on Sept. 7, the evening before the pickup. Do not leave items by curbside. There is a limit of 10 household items per home.
Residents are reminded that newspapers, magazines and cardboard are recyclable and can be brought to Chester Recycle Park. Residents are also asked not to bring items that can easily be disposed of in the resident’s weekly curbside pickup.
For specific allowable trash guidelines or to register, call 440-279-2130.
Community Meetings
Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.
Chester Township: Sept. 3, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Sept. 8, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Sept. 16, 6 p.m., Land Use Plan Committee; Sept. 17, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: Aug. 27, 4 p.m. – Citizens’ Park District, 6 p.m. – Zoning Commission; Sept. 4, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees; Sept. 8, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Sept. 17, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District; Sept. 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
West Geauga BOE: Sept. 15, 7 p.m., fiscal year closing. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
Letters to the Editor
Proud of West Geauga, Committed to the Truth
I want to respond to Anthony Zaffiro's letter to the editor in the last issue of the Chesterland News. Although I have always appreciated reading and teaching fiction, I did not appreciate his attempt to spread misinformation, even if it was not surprising.
I believe it’s important to provide accurate information. Before addressing specifics, I want to share how proud I am of the West Geauga Local School Board. We don’t always agree, but we do engage in open, honest and respectful conversations. Together, we work for what is best for our students, families, and community.
My role, specifically as board president, has no special authority besides reviewing upcoming agendas and leading our meetings. I did, however, add a section to the agenda that allows the board to address public comments which did not exist before.
Here are the facts:
• Bond Issue: The proposal for a new school was removed from the ballot after considerable discussion both at board meetings and with members of the community. Many of the board members met or talked to numerous seniors in our community and many agreed that facility needs exist, but felt the timing was not right given recent property revaluations.
It is our responsibility to protect not just our electorate but pay attention to our seniors’ needs and what they can afford. This was a unanimous decision made by the board.
• Facilities Master Planning Committee: This committee was established before I joined the board. As a parent and alumna, I began attending meetings to stay informed about prior work.
These meetings were planned and scheduled by a former administrator. On only a few occasions were multiple board members present and no board business was conducted. I take the responsibilities of public office seriously and follow open meeting laws closely. I do not believe that the one singular meeting this community member attended would be enough to fully grasp what happened during them.
• Committee Recommendations:
The board carefully considered the options presented publicly by the Master Planning Committee. After discussion, we decided on the single-campus approach because it addressed key concerns voiced by families: security, transportation and greater access to advanced courses for middle school students.
• Lawsuits: Recent lawsuits are not unique to West Geauga. A single litigious individual, who does not even reside in our community, has filed a significant number of suits across Ohio. It appears that some people aim to dissemble their actual motives. Often, organizations choose to settle, not due to wrongdoing, but because litigation costs are high versus the low settlement costs and resources are better spent improving our schools, particularly the middle school.
• Leadership: Dr. Benincasa has been a dedicated member of West Geauga for more than a decade. Her leadership in curriculum helped raise our district ranking from 133 to 9 in Ohio over the last three years. With that track record, it was a natural transition for her to become superintendent. She has the authority to select her leadership team, including the assistant superintendent.
• Facilities: The high school tennis courts have long been in a challenging location and many districts instead rely on municipal courts. Anyone wishing to address this concern should consider raising it with township trustees.
Meanwhile, the stadium turf has been on a replacement cycle since installation, with budgeting planned accordingly.
I will end with this: public service is not always easy but those who choose to insert themselves into it anyway usually do so because they believe deeply in their ability to promote positive change. It is easy to create divisiveness; we see it every day in the media (local and national) but that is not my goal in our community. I wish I could say the same about Anthony.
My goal is to be as positive and collaborative as I can be while doing the work that needs to be done because that is what our kids and our community deserve.
Christina Sherwood Chester Township
8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5
Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Phone
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Growing Wolverines Fall Short at Spire
By rich Kelly sports@KArlovecmediA com
Leading up to opening night of the high school football season, the West Geauga Wol verines, under first-year head coach Rossi Santo, have focused on building a new cul ture.
Despite a new outlook, though, mistakes got in the way and they still fell, 28-18, to the Geneva Eagles.
Recent seasons have seen issues pop up from time to time that spoiled Wolverine sea sons. Coach Santo, who has played at Kirt land and coached at both his alma mater and at Riverside, dove head-first into his first sea son as a head coach with a great outlook on building tradition for his team.
West G got off to a quick start Aug. 22 at the Spire Institute against a very sol id Geneva team also building a tradition of playoff football. The first two possessions for the Wolverines resulted in drives of 72 and 61 yards for touchdowns, and the outlook seemed to be growing for a big start.
As peat moss helps many things grow, the Eagles relied on tailback Bryce Peet for their growth. Doing what running backs are taught all the time, but is seldom seen with such success, Peet broke several big runs all night. His two-yard touchdown run with 30 ticks left in the first period cut into a 12-0 Wolverine lead, and his repeat effort from a yard out with 11 seconds before halftime gave Geneva a lead to work with.
West G mistakes also came into play.
"We struggled without tackling tonight quite a bit," Coach Santo said. "That Peet kid is something special, too, We couldn't wrap him up. We had too many mistakes with penalties, too.
“Near the end of the first half, we got the ball close to the goal line and shot ourselves in the foot with penalties, then had a field goal blocked. You can't do that. We played well, but Geneva is a good team and wore us down in the second half."
Peet finished the night with 217 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns. He was aided by Caden Proy. After a fake to Peet sent
multiple tacklers slow him down, only to find Proy going around end, the Eagles ground out 348 yards on the ground for all their offense, keeping a potent West Geauga offense at bay.
Senior quarterback Finn Keenan found Tyler Fink on the sideline of the end zone
with 7:29 on the clock in the third period to give the Wolverines an 18-14 lead, but in their high-powered offensive sets under Coach Santo, cramps became a big part of the night, and Geneva got the better of things with a pair of scores in the fourth period — one each from Proy, on a six-yard run, and a 48-yard burst from Peet.
The Wolverines just couldn't find the energy to come back again.
"Finn can throw the ball well," Coach Santo said. "You just can't get the ball close to the one yard line and then have penalties push you back. We're putting in a new system this year. It's tough to do, but this is a special group of kids that we are building around."
Keenan passed for 170 yards and scores of 23 yards to Mickey Keenan and 13 yards to Fink, also running in for a two-yard score, the first score of the season.
Miles Baker gained 81 yards on 13 carries, as well, for the Wolverines. But in the end, eight penalties and several missed tackles, mostly as bodies bounced off of Peet, could not keep West Geauga from tiring late in the contest.
MICHAEL KELLY/KMG
West Geauga’s marching band performed at the Spire Institute in Geneva as the Wolverines lost Week 1 to the Geneva Eagles 28-18.
Soccer
from page 1
match and I got to express myself to the fans, which I thought was really cool,” Sarver said.
Growing Up in Chester And Geauga County
Long before becoming a professional soccer player in the MLS, Sarver grew up playing soccer in Chesterland.
For Sarver, growing up in Chesterland was very meaningful.
“My dad still lives in the same house I grew up in,” he said, “so it's very nostalgic. Some of my core memories are being so close to Hawken High School and just going up there and playing (soccer), whenever that may be.”
Sarver's father, Dave, recalled his early experiences with the sport of soccer and growing up in Chesterland and Geauga County.
When Sam and his sister, Sydney, were young, Dave said the family enjoyed a lot of outdoor recreational activities, like riding ATVs and tractors, on their farm in Newbury.
The family attended The Great Geauga County Fair every year and spent time together at The West Woods Nature Center.
Dave recalled that when Sam was 4 and a half, Sam and his mother, Lori, were driving somewhere when Sam saw kids playing soccer from the car window.
“(Sam said), ‘Mom, hey, what's that,' and she said soccer, and he said, 'I want to do that,' ” Dave recalled.
Soon after, Lori signed Sam up for an area recreational soccer league.
Dave said he'll never forget the amoeba-like formations that would form on the field when Sam began playing soccer. The players would swarm after the ball, and Sam would emerge from a pack of players and head down to the other side of the field to score.
“I remember, at 4 and half, he would be
at his own goal and he would end up with the ball and he would bolt around the outside, run the whole field, and blast it in the goal around the amoeba,” Dave said. “Sam just knew how to (have a) ‘nose for the goal’ at 4 and a half. And to this day, that's his success, he's got a ‘nose for the goal.' ”
At that point, Sam's father built a soccer field outside of the family's home for his children to play and train on.
“At the bottom (of the hill outside our house) there was a flat spot, and there was a creek with waterfalls and a gully, and I went out and bought a tractor and I irrigated this flat spot,” Dave said. “I reclaimed this land and I built a soccer field, and I put up a 20-foot-high net with the tree line on the edge of the gully.
“We never lost a ball.”
When he reflects upon these early years, Dave said he knows those were amazing experiences that contributed greatly to Sam's success.
“Those were golden moments of community,” Dave said. “Having a community around you that offers opportunities for kids to play soccer or to play violin, or whatever it is, (is important for development). It takes a village, (and) we're all contributors to that.”
Club Soccer with Cleveland Select
Living near Hawken, the Sarvers were aware of the great success of Hawks Head Boys Soccer Coach Dani Giulvezan.
Thus, Sam began to play soccer for Coach Giulvezan's club, Cleveland Select, which trained at Hawken.
In addition to his memories of Cleveland Select, Sarver fondly remembers having dinner at Guido's Pizza Haven Restaurant on Chillicothe Road and getting dessert at the Dairy Queen across the street.
“My family and I would get (Guido's) so much,” he said. “That whole little area in the township, there's that Dairy Queen and then across the street there's Guido's. Those are
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, 2025, as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
James W. Hart (trustee), 13475 Sperry Road, to Michael D. Kobella (trustee), $209,000. (5.21 acres)
Zachary H. Rosboril, 13458 Chillicothe Road, to Troyer, $378,000. (3.11 acres)
Jennifer Davison, 8347 Merrie Lane, to Karen Eve Polonsky, $540,200. (2.31 acres)
Janene D. Weills, 12980 W. Geauga Trail, to Reginald J. Williams and Caitlin E. Naylor, $381,000. (1.26 acres)
Artem Yesinovskiy, 13232 Sperry Road, to Andrew and Abigal Dyet, $298,000. (1.10 acres)
Jennifer Laboda (successor trustee), 8629 Ranch Drive, to Jennifer Laboda, $68,900. (1.53 acres)
Adrienne Fleck, 12378 Harold Drive, to Rodney Apgear, $251,000. (1.00 acres)
Jean Gay Welsh, 12425 Sperry Road, to Thomas and Katlyn Kuenzig, $455,000. (5.12 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
Daryl L. and Jodi A. Martin, 14149 Caves Road, to Chagrin Ventures LLC, $490,000. (3.21 acres)
Allen Ashton and Samuel Hitchcock, 8619 Sugar Tree Drive, to Jacob Robash and Jessica Hippler, $345,000. (1.50 acres)
Edith M. Block (TOD), 8960 Lanes End Drive, to Jerimy Brockway, $1,237,500. (3.55 acres)
the memories I have a lot of, just because I love that food so much. It was such a big part of my childhood.”
After starting club soccer with Cleveland Select, Sarver joined AC Premier, where he was coached by Zel Murasic, a former Cleveland State soccer player and college soccer coach at Miami University and Lakeland Community College.
High School and College Years
Sarver's high school years were unique, as he attended four different schools.
As an elite athlete, he was part of the Columbus Crew SC Academy and also competed as part of the U16 U.S. Youth National Soccer Team.
After high school, Sarver played soccer for Indiana University.
“Indiana was an unbelievable time as well, (and) I wouldn't trade it for the world,” he said.
Playing at Indiana worked out well, Sarver said, since it was far enough for him to feel like he was away from home but close enough for his dad to travel from Chesterland.
“It was cool to have him at most of the games,” Sarver said.
Signing a Professional Soccer Contract with FC Dallas
Sarver said that getting drafted by FC Dallas was a dream come true: “Getting drafted was obviously one of my dreams, and they (FC Dallas) made that come true.”
Then he was offered a second team contract to play for North Texas FC.
“I told myself to put my head down and
work and see where it goes,” he said. “(With) Dallas, I'm super fortunate and blessed to end up here. It’s a club that rewards their second team players if you perform, which is really important. And obviously they did.
“It’s an incredible feeling to actually say you're an MLS player, because it's something I dreamed of since I was little.”
For those aspiring to similar goals and hoping to go pro, Sarver offers these words of wisdom.
“Number one thing I'd say is: dream very, very big, Because even if you don't accomplish that specific dream, if you fall short, you can still accomplish something incredible. Definitely dream big, overshoot your goals.
“As long as there is a percent (who become professional athletes), it could happen to you as well. If it's not zero (percent), it can happen to anyone. You just got to believe it. You're only going to be as good as you tell yourself you can be.”
From Trees to Degrees
suBmitted
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District awarded full scholarships to Isabelle Armstrong, a homeschool student enter ing ninth grade, and Caleb Wright, a West Geauga High School sophomore, to attend this summer’s Camp Canopy at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carrollton. The program of fers hands-on classes in forest ecology, wild life management and dendrology, along with activities such as a team-building adventure course, a night hike and paddleboarding. At the end of the camp, students had the chance
to earn college scholarship money through
earned a $1,000 scholarship to Hock
Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 7 began with a presentation by Oswald Insurance representative Austin Bennett providing some explanations regarding the policy increases through the township’s insurer, Ohio Township Association Risk Management Association (OTARMA). Bennet explained that claims by the group, rise in property and equipment values and the restructuring of re-insurance are primary factors. The board passed a motion for $148,205 for the township’s property and liability policy, an unfortunate increase of about $34,000 or 30 percent.
Next, the Chester Grave Hunters, led by Diana Kresnye and George Zehnder, provided an update on their efforts to clean and restore Revolutionary War soldiers’ headstones as well as their plans for tours at Quirk Cemetery in October.
In road department business, there was discussion about drainage issues on Marilyn Drive; the upcoming repairs to the salt dome in the amount of $136,535 by Ram Construction; and paving a portion of the road department driveway and inside the salt dome in the amount of $46,850 by Always Construction. Funds in the amount of $6,000 to Podojil Excavating were approved for drainage work at storm water retention basin at the Chester Cemetery.
The board also approved the agreements with the West Geauga School District to provide a school resource officer and two school safety officers, providing security in each of the school buildings during regular school hours.
The Chester Community Cleanup Day is scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Chester Recycle Park. Senior Cleanup will be from Sept. 8-10. Watch for ads in the Chesterland News and updates on the township website: chestertwp.com.
On Aug. 11, the public hearing for rezoning Chester Fire Station No. 2 to industrial was held. It was a continuation from an earlier meeting in July. Several residents asked questions and spoke in opposition to the change out of concern for impacts to the neighborhood. It was explained that with certain setbacks, the area is limited in what can be developed. No decision has been made and the hearing was continued to Aug. 25.
On Aug. 18, the board of trustees, fiscal officer and township administrator met with the Geauga County Budget Commission to review Chester’s 2026 temporary budget, which was unanimously approved by the GCBC.
Submitted by Chester Township Board of Trustees
Geauga Park District
For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Be An Educated Hunter
Sept. 13 and 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Geauga Park District’s Ranger Department is offering a Hunter Education Course at Big Creek Park’s Donald W. Meyer Center. Coursework will be for first-time hunters who want to acquire a hunting license, covering a range of topics from conservation, safety
and ethics to the proper handling of firearms, bowhunting gear and more. All necessary equipment will be provided. Bring a pencil or pen and highlighter.
Registration is required on the Ohio Division of Natural Resources’ website at oh-web. s3licensing.com.
Students must attend both days and pass a 100-question multiple choice exam by a score of 75% or higher in order to obtain certification toward a hunting license after the course. All under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Isabelle
Armstrong Wright
AUTOS & PARTS
EVENTS
FOR SALE
Queen Sleeper-sofa, like new, $400. Chair w/ottoman
$75. Two 8x11 rugs, $40/ea. Drop-leaf table $20. Computer desk $50. Treadmill & Stair-stepper $25/ea. 440-285-3736, leave msg.
Futon: good shape. $150. Call for details. 440-2781183. Wood-burning insert $200. Call 440-338-5201. DEER HUNTERS: (40) Deer Hunter and (73) Bow Hunter Magazines. Vintage, Excellent Condition. Great reading and informational. Harvest that Big One!! $100 TAKES ALL. 440-223-9471.
Anchor Brand Folding Bench Wringer Floor Stand: 48” tall, Patent 1896, $240. 440-554-5731.
Pampered Chef Multi Cooker: brand new, never used. Retails $229, will sell for $100. 440-632-0518.
Tandam Axle 12,000 GVW Utility Trailer: good tires, electric brakes, never in salt, self raising ramps, sideboards and extras included. Title included. $2,000. Text 440-313-1178.
1989 T 1400 Kubota Tractor 40” mower deck 13.5-hp, First $250. 440-543-8118.
Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone. To inquire, call 440-476-0706.
Mini Fridge: 2.33 cubic feet, dorm style, with freezer. Old, but works! $60. Call or text 440-478-2218.
Executive Desk (Arhaus Alderson) and matching file cabinet. Solid wood, gently used. Desk 70” wide, 32” deep, 32” high. Asking $350 for set. Call 440-4797241.
Kubota KX-71 Excavator: 42.7 hours. Aluma aluminum tilt bed trailer: 10k axles tilt bed. Lesco lawn aerator w/ Honda engine. F-250 4X4, 8k miles. 440-376-8733. New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $75 each. George 440-336-5044.
REDUCED: Kayaks 2 Precision and Dagger, $400 each. Spinner Exercise Bike, like new, $175. Rototiller, $125. 440-901-4029.
DR PREMIER 26 Field and Brush Mower: 10.3hp motor. 6 years old. Excellent condition. Currently retails $1,999. Asking $1,200. richardjanet1970@yahoo.com or text 216-316-1526.
Speakers: Two Infinity 10” woofer 4-ohm 200 watts speakers. Yamaha 200 watt receiver w/remote. $200 for all. 400-431-6944.
Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Maple matching twin beds: $150 for both. Geauga area, can deliver. 440-635-1901. Solid oak, corner entertainment center. Amish built. Very good condition. 61-1/4” wide x 27-1/2” deep x 78” high. $200. 440-635-7183. Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total: Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $7,500 each dbl. or $3,750 for single. 440-729-0070.
Engine Hoist: 2 ton, w/8-ton long ram cylinder, $250. 440-487-2955.
Carpet: 19-ftx14-ft, 266 sq-ft. Clean, beige, like new, w/10-lb padding; $300. Burgundy leather swivel chair; $200. 440-834-1177.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
Aug 29-31, 9a-4p, 12806 Lynn Dr, Chesterland. Aug 30-31, 9a-5p, 14965 Auburn Rd, Newbury. Multi-Family Sale: furniture, plus-sized women’s clothing, many decorative items. Rain or Shine! No Early Sales.
Aug. 29 Noon-8p, Aug. 30 9a-8p, Aug. 31 9a-5p, 15043 Sperry Rd, Novelty. Children’s items. Housewares. Catering items. Carhartts. Vintage Arborwear. Clock and camera collections. And much more.
Aug 29-30, 7a-5p, 13382 Rockhaven Rd, Chesterland. Barn Sale: tools.
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!
Aug 28-31, 10a-8p, 16445 Hosmer, Rd., Middlefield. Big Bin Binge: Women’s clothing, shoes, purses, bags and more. Children’s clothing, shoes, toys, games, books, strollers, bedding. Seasonal and home decor. Priced to sell!
This Friday & Saturday: 10a-3p, 9600 Fairmount Rd, Russell. 3-Estates Sale: 70yrs collecting. Downsizing. Antiques, collectibles, miscellaneous items. Cash Only.
PETS & ANIMALS
Pork Harvest: Natural fed, local grains & grasses. Middfield/Huntsburg area. Contact Larry Miller by 10/3 for details. Please leave message at 440-636-6239. Used Wooden Chicken Coop w/Run for 6. Buyer must dismantle/transport. Chardon. $500. 440-479-3390.
PASTURE RAISED free range BROILER CHICKENS: Available now. Order now: 3.25 pound whole bird. Rome, Oh 44085. Call/text Ian 440-387-9857.
Semi-feral cats need safe barn homes. They’ll be fixed & vaxxed before placement. Call Rebecca 440-3212485.
Mute Swans: beautiful, breeding pair of adults who nest and have babies every Spring, will not separate. $850 a pair to a good home. 440-221-0649.
Big Black Fancy 3-year old Dutch Morgan Horse, bin and buggy, needs more training. $3,900. 440-313-1804.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE fact: Unfortunately parents need to talk to their children as early as elementary school about the dangers of drugs and how it affects the brain.
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 Aug 30, Noon-2p. 16270 Mayfield Rd, Huntsburg. Farmhouse on 10 acres. $279,900. Century 21 GoldFire Realty, James Peet 216-218-8088.
Local Investor will pay fair cash price for homes or land in any condition. Fast closing. Call or text 440-3460161 today.
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.
WANTED TO BUY
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.
words for
Deadline: Friday at
Menno’s Fine Carpentry. Additions, old home restorations and renovations & more. Call 440-850-1118.
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!
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