Geauga County Maple Leaf 2-20-2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Vol. 31 No. 8 • Chardon, Ohio

www.geaugamapleleaf.com

$1.25

New Club Sews Into Fabric of the Community Chester Township Fire Chief Retires

Shaw

Looks

Forward To Pursuing Photography Hobby

By emma macNiveN

macNiveN@kaRlovecmedia com

After four decades of always preparing for the worst, Chester Township Fire Chief Bill Shaw can’t wait to look for — and capture — the positive in his retirement.

While this won’t be Shaw’s first taste of re tirement, he hopes it will be a bet ter experience than the last one.

Shaw previously retired as fire

Shaw • Page 5

Preston Auto Promises Raffle Vehicle For CABC

By aNN WishaRt

aNN@kaRlovecmedia com

For the third consecutive year, Preston Auto Group is donating a vehicle to the Cardi nal Athletic Booster Club to help raise funds for Cardinal Schools’ athletic program.

A raffle for the donated truck will be launched in March, club President Jennifer Miller said in a recent interview.

Preston’s first contribution — a red Ford F-150 — was raffled off and raised $51,960.

See Preston • Page 4

By R edito

As the mother of an adult daughter with autism, Lori Weber learned it took a team of caring teachers, direct service providers, social service assistants, and other care providers and specialists for her daughter to reach her potential in educa tion.

Graduation changes ev erything for people with de velopmental disabilities.

“While typical graduates go to college or get jobs, DD graduates often fall into a routine that leads to a dormant lifestyle with few opportunities to challenge themselves and grow,” Weber said.

Kindness Sewing Circle

As a result, Weber founded NPower Services, which helps adults with special needs build meaningful lives by finding vol-

fitness and employment-building opportunities.

They also run Project Kindness, which aims to align self-care and service opportunities for adults who want to contribute to

The project recently launched a Kindness Sewing Circle Feb. 7 at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon, for people of all abilities.

See Sewing • Page 5

Newbury Man, Step-Daughter Accused of Stealing SNAP Benefits

staff RepoRt

Kurt Copley, 60, and Brittany Cornman, 26, of Newbury Township, were recently charged with illegally using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits after Copley’s brother, who was the recipient of them, passed away last August.

A Geauga County grand jury handed down a six-count indict-

ment charging Copley with three counts of illegal use of SNAP benefits, a fifth-degree felony, and three

counts of theft, a first-degree misdemeanor; and charging Copley’s step-daughter, Cornman, with two counts of illegal use of SNAP benefits and two counts of theft, according to the indictment filed in the Geauga County Common Pleas Court Feb. 11.

Copley allegedly continued to use his brother’s SNAP benefits card after he passed away last year,

See SNAP • Page 5

Kenston Schools Superintendent Proposes PI Levy Projects

By emma macNiveN macNiveN@kaRlovecmedia com

Kenston Schools Superintendent Bruce Willingham provided more details about the district's plans for its new permanent improvement levy Feb. 10. The 1-mill, five-year levy, which

passed Nov. 5, will collect an estimated $1,196,000, according to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

Willingham presented a two-page document at the Kenston Schools Board of Education meeting that outlined the proposed projects

within seven sections: general/ maintenance, food service, transportation, parking lot, technology, athletic department and the Gardiner Elementary School building.

“The goal with PI is to make

See Kenston • Page 3

Grendell Case Reaches Oral Arguments page 4

Survey Says: Keep Thompson Twp. Rural page 6

Geauga Theater May Not Reopen Until May page 11 Sports pages 12-13

Obituaries page 14

Legal Notices page 18

Classifieds page 20

Shaw

Copley Cornman

See

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

members, from left, Lori Weber, Marian Wernet, Lucy Kulbago, Anne Marie Wolfe, Melissa Kapela and Lauren Carson spread kindness through their love of sewing.

Feb. 13.

The homeowner, Donna Hauser, called the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office emergency number at 4:43 a.m. when she smelled smoke, Montville Fire Chief Ron Jonovich said during a phone interview later that day.

A sheriff’s deputy responded quickly and reported seeing flames in the structure, Jonovich said.

Firefighters arrived at 4:54 a.m. after the

Kenston

from page 1

sure that we're spending our general fund money for instruction and to educate our kids. If you look at our campus, we have a beautiful campus, we have beautiful buildings, but they also have to be maintained,” Willingham said. “Maintaining the roads and maintaining the HVAC and maintaining roofing and all of those things, in addition to all the facilities. Gardiner is part of ours, our stadium is part of ours. That goes into bleachers, that goes into football fields, all of these different things that become big ticket items for us that we have to be able to maintain and not hold that money year in and year out, directly from the general fund, which impacts more kids, more instruction.”

Willingham said the proposed projects

Fourteen departments from Geauga and surrounding counties responded to the mutual aid call, Jonovich said.

“There were a lot of tankers. We never ran out of water,” he said, adding the usual sites for filling tankers in Montville were unavailable because of ice covering the ponds and lakes.

Getting water to the fire was difficult due the layout of the house and icy conditions at

are estimated to cost a total of $1.59 million.

He said some of the things on the list students came up with, such as bathroom dividers in men's restrooms and safety ladders for emergencies in second-floor classrooms.

“Those are some things that the students actually worked with Mr. Parker on,” he said.

School officials also walked around the schools with first responders and members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to get advice on safety measures they could implement in the schools.

“There's some areas that I think we could begin to improve some of our safety,” Willingham said, adding all-glass areas and buzz-in systems are on the list.

Additionally, he hopes to get some donations toward the projects.

“We have an awesome community here, they are super generous with things,” he

“The house is a total loss,” he said, adding the Geauga County Fire Investigation Unit will determine the cause of the fire.

Hauser’s daughter, Missy McHugh, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, said she grew up in the house her father, Ron Hauser, built.

He died in 2023, she said, standing in her mother’s front yard.

“It’s like losing him all over again,” McHugh said.

said. “And that's another thing that would allow us to either take on another project or lessen our dollar amount a little bit if we're able to get some donations.”

The district will also be applying for some grants regarding the safety upgrades.

The superintendent also mentioned the district is considering moving the school year start day to just after Labor Day.

However, if that does change, it would be implemented after this next school year, he said.

In addition, administrators are also looking at adding Jewish and Muslim holidays into the school calendar.

“There's a number of different things that we're going to try to build into the calendar to make sure that we're, you know, responsive to all of our groups and planning,” Willingham said. “If there's anything that anybody you know has, feedback wise, please reach out to me.”

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440285-2015 or email editor@karlovecmedia.com no later than Monday noon. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners; Feb. 24, 1:30 p.m., Geauga Family First Council, Room B167/168; Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners; Feb. 26, Board of Revision, Auditor’s Appraisal Conference Room. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350. Auburn Township: Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 25, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Village: Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Burton Public Library Board of Trustees; Feb. 24, 7 p.m.,

Village Council. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon City: Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at the Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: Feb. 20, 5 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission, at Claridon Town Hall, 13930 Mayfield Road.

Montville Township: Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 25, 6 p.m., Thompson Township will meet with Montville Township for a joint work session to discuss Burrows Road, east of Route 528, improvement. All meetings are held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.

Munson Township: Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals, special meeting. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Parkman Township: Feb. 26, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market

Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 26, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at the Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m., meeting/ work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.

West Geauga BOE: Feb. 20, 7 p.m., special meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Correction

Incorrect information appeared in the article titled “Failed Berkshire PI Levy Puts District in Red in Four Years” in the Feb. 13 Geauga County Maple Leaf. A 0.5% earned income tax increase would cost $250 per year per $50,000 of earned income.

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Grendell Case Reaches Oral Arguments

By allisoN WilsoN WilsoN@kaRlovecmedia com

Last September, the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct recommended Geauga Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell be suspended from the practice of law for 18 months due to alleged misconduct in a case where he ordered two teenage boys to be detained after they refused to see their father.

Grendell appealed the ruling, bringing it before the Ohio Supreme Court, which held oral arguments Feb. 13.

Each side highlighted key points and answered questions from the justices.

The juvenile case is not the only disciplinary matter the board ruled on. They also found ethical violations regarding a dispute Grendell had with the Geauga County Auditor’s Office and his testifying in favor of Ohio House Bill 624, of which his wife, Diane Grendell, was the primary sponsor.

Attorney Stephen Funk, representing Grendell, began by emphasizing why Grendell deserves a ruling in his favor regarding his House bill testimony.

The court has previously held that content-based restrictions on speech must be narrowly tailored to permit judges to speak on disputed legal and political issues, he said, adding it is clear Grendell had a First Amendment right to testify about the bill.

Justice Patrick DeWine questioned if Grendell’s speech being protected conduct had been raised during the investigation. Funk said it had been numerous times and the board of professional conduct said it was not up to them to decide.

When it came to the incident involving the two boys, Funk said the case is only one of thousands Grendell has handled over his career and he had no prior incidents.

“I know there’s a lot of disagreement by the board vehemently disagreeing with the decision to detain the two individuals. And I can understand that,” Funk said. “But the reality is, is that the law permits a juvenile court judge to detain, temporarily, juveniles on unruly charges.”

It is not a willful failure to follow the law, but a disagreement in its application, Funk said, adding the Ohio Supreme Court has also previously held the failure to follow law in and of itself cannot give rise to a disciplinary violation.

There must be a pattern of willful failure to follow the law, he said.

DeWine asked Funk what he thought appropriate sanctions would be if the court thinks there was conduct that violated disciplinary rules in the brothers’ detainment. Funk replied a public reprimand or fully stayed suspension would be the minimum appropriate.

One instance in a long career is not grounds to suspend a license, he added, noting Grendell’s term will expire in 2027.

There is no real opportunity for this to occur again, he said.

“First, I ask the court to rule in Judge Grendell’s favor that there were no disciplinary violations, but if to the extent there were, (for) either a public reprimand or fully staged suspension,” Funk concluded before returning to his seat.

Joseph Caligiuri, representing the disciplinary counsel, was next to take the stand.

“Mr. Funk wants to paint a picture that this was simply legal error, but if you look in the board’s 88 page report, 50 of which dealt with count one, you can see how the board came to its conclusions that the respondent actually created, orchestrated and fabricated trumped up unruly charges as a method to illegally detain these boys solely so he could force them into visiting with their father, whom they hadn’t seen in three years and whom Judge Grendell knew that they legitimately feared,” he began.

They know about the manipulation due to phone records showing the chronology

Preston from page 1

“All those funds were used toward pay-to-participate for the 2023-2024 school year,” Miller said.

The Cardinal Schools Board of Education eliminated pay-to-participate fees the following year, enabling over $30,000 raised in 2024 to cover other athletic needs.

“With Preston's donation of the Kia Telluride in 2024, we raised $32,400 allocated to the Booster’s general fund. We have purchased large ticket (items) like team uniforms and the annual Hudl subscription for the coaches and athletes,” she said.

Jackie Preston-Franck understands what the annual donation means to Cardinal families.

“We are excited to help Cardinal Athletic

of events, he said, adding that everyone involved in the case said the brothers had not been unruly, including Grendell.

The brothers had been dropped off as instructed and had said they were scared and didn’t want to see their father, at which point Grendell had been called and ordered them to be detained, Caligiuri said.

Their mother had then been called to tell them to visit their father.

“The judge knew, well he felt, that the mother wasn’t gonna do that. He was playing a game. He wanted to set her up for a contempt charge,” Caligiuri said, adding the mother had, as a result, encouraged the brothers to go.

The counsel consulted with constitutional experts before proceeding, Caligiuri said.

“Our position on this would be that the subject matter of the testimony, which was the way the (U.S.) Department of Health reports COVID statistics, had nothing to do with the law, the legal system or the administration of justice,” he said.

It was also an abuse of the prestige of Grendell’s office to advance his wife’s interest, he added.

In terms of sanctions, Caligiuri believed suspension for 18 months from the practice of law with six months stayed to be just.

“We expect judges to follow the law. When you’re going to take someone’s liberty away from them willfully and illegally, you deserve a stiff sanction,” he said.

Upon his return to the stand, Funk noted Caligiuri’s statement “illegal detention” and his discussion of errors of law. There is case law supporting each of Grendell’s decisions, he said.

“With respect to the argument about manipulating and fabricating charges, this all happened very quickly in real time,” he said.

There had been a court order visitation and a call that the children were refusing to go, Funk recapped. The mother had been called to persuade the children, but the children still refused.

“We expect judges to follow the law. When you’re going to take someone’s liberty away from them willfully and illegally, you deserve a stiff sanction.”

-Disciplinary

Council Representative Joseph Caligiuri

This is a judge manipulating the system of justice to incarcerate two children, something completely antithetical to what Ohio asks of its judges, he said.

Returning to the topic of Grendell’s testimony on HB 624, DeWine questioned if the disciplinary counsel had made any inquiry into his speech being constitutionally protected.

The First Amendment claims were dubious, he said, asking why counsel had brought them.

Boosters Club again this year with the car raffle,” she said in an email. “ We love how the entire community comes together to support these kids and athletics. We know how important athletic programs are and we are happy to be a part of their efforts to make athletics more accessible to everyone in our community.”

The club has long-term plans for future fundraising, earmarking funds from the third raffle for equipment purchases.

“We are in the final stages of purchasing much-needed volleyball net systems for both of the Cardinal gymnasiums,” Miller said.

“This will benefit the high school, junior high and recreation league volleyball teams. This is an investment in our teams for years to come and we are excited to see this purchase come to fruition.”

Other upgrades depend on the upcoming raffle.

“That is unruly behavior and we cited multiple cases that say that that’s unruly behavior, so under the statutes, they can be detained based upon alleged unruly behavior,” Funk said.

The situation had been an agreed judgement entry, he said — the parents had already agreed it was in the best interest of the kids to visit their father, something he said had been explicitly based upon a report.

Judges have to make decisions about incarceration every day, Funk continued, adding an automatic suspension would have a chilling effect on those kinds of proceedings.

The decision now rests in the hands of the Ohio Supreme Court.

“Another project we look to accomplish with funds from the Preston sports raffle is outdoor batting cages for our softball and baseball teams,” she said. “This will be a great opportunity for our athletes to build their skills.”

She credited the Prestons, school staff and the boosters for all the hard work to support Cardinal athletes.

“We’ve got a great team of folks who work together,” Miller said. “It’s very important that sports programs be available to them and students are able to be active and involved. The investment the coaches put into the kids is so important. Everybody chips in. We are so grateful for Preston's generosity in making a vehicle donation for three years in a row, so we may conduct the Preston sports raffle and raise necessary funds to help keep meeting the needs of our athletes and teams.”

SCREENSHOT

Attorney Stephen Funk, representing Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell, took to the stand during the Ohio Supreme Court’s oral arguments Feb. 13.

The circle provides a creative space for participants to craft projects benefiting oth ers in need.

In collaboration with Sew4Service and Celebration Lutheran, the free event takes place on the first Friday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through May 2, We ber said.

At the first meeting, participants put their love of sewing and caring into creating placemats for the Geauga County Veteran Food Pantry.

“Like all NPower Services’ activities, we hope that all the participants gain a sense of satisfaction for contributing to something meaningful to them,” Weber said. “It has al ways been about helping people feel good in their own skin. After all, it’s tough to be kind to others when we’re constantly battling negative self-talk or focusing too much on our limitations. Sure, it’s important to be realistic about what we can accomplish—but why settle for limits at all? When we focus on what brings us joy and actively pursue it, we build confidence, no matter our abilities. And when we feel good about ourselves, that energy naturally spills over into the larger community.”

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

Kindness Sewing Circle recently created 100 more placemats in spring holiday-themed fabrics. (LEFT) NPower Service’s Anne Marie

She eventually learned how to make quilts she gifted to family members and friends.

their day, but we trust that receiving a handmade item brings them joy and love and helps them know they are not alone or forgotten,” Kulbago said.

The group plans to make a variety of items at their upcoming gatherings — baby burp cloths, tote bags, bowl cozies and more based on the needs of the charitable organizations receiving them.

Marian Wernet, of Chester Township, has been sewing since she was 12 years old, and at age 77, she continues to enjoy the craft and the camaraderie.

“The Kindness Circle is an excellent opportunity to interact with people with special abilities on projects that help others,” Wernet said.

Melissa Kapela, of Bainbridge Township, has been sewing for as long as she can remember.

Her grandma taught her as a child, and at age 98, her grandma still enjoys sewing.

Project Kindness’ activities follow a simple, but powerful formula, Weber said — do something kind for yourself, then do it again for someone else.

“Thanks to (Executive Director) Lucy Kulbago at Sew4Service, who generously shared her creativity and resources, this collaboration has given members of the developmentally disabled community the opportunity to learn new skills, express themselves and

Shaw

from page 1 chief in Solon in March of 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“We were still in the midst of COVID and at that time, retirement just wasn't what I had anticipated it to be with all the shutdowns and restrictions and that type of thing,” Shaw said.

In the fall of 2021, Chester Township Fire Department was in turmoil after its previous longtime Chief John Wargelin was placed on paid administrative leave pending an independent review and analysis of the township’s fire department to determine if any Ohio Revised Code statutes had been violated.

Chester Township Trustees later approved a severance agreement with Wargelin, and the township and chief parted ways.

Shaw, who has worked in fire service for over 40 years, was hired as interim fire chief shortly after.

“It was firefighters that needed help and that's just not something I can kind of turn my back on,” he said, adding he and township officials had agreed early on this would be a

from page 1

said a law enforcement source close to the investigation, adding a fraud investigator for Geauga County Job and Family Services — through which SNAP is provided — obtained a report of several transactions showing the benefits card being used after the recipient had died.

who sew, quilt, crochet and knit, according to the organization.

Weber said by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, they are proving that kindness starts within and has the power to transform communities.

“In the case of this Kindness Sewing Circle, we’re putting people who frequently are labeled ‘disabled’ into a role where they can be on the giving end of service,” Weber said.

The whirr of sewing machines filled the spacious narthex Feb. 7 as members chatted and placed love into their creations.

“They’re spending time doing something they enjoy with other like-minded, crafty people,” Weber said.

Kulbago began sewing shortly after her first child was born by making baby items.

temporary position for him.

The plan at that time was to have parttime firefighter and paramedic Andrew Nagy become the department’s full-time assistant fire chief while Shaw trained him to eventually take over the chief’s role in 2025

“(Chester Township officials and I) came to an agreement on the timeframe and everything and they gave me a pretty clear set of instructions, of goals that they wanted me to reach in that three-year (timeframe) and I'm happy to say that we met all those,” Shaw said, highlighting some of his department’s accomplishments.

“(Our goals were to) stabilize the staffing, develop the officers as far as training and their leadership skills and to find a replacement … to gauge if there were any candidates internally that, you know, either have been thinking about or had the desire to move up to a chief's position,” Shaw said.

Nagy, who became the full-time assistant fire chief last March, is grateful for Shaw’s mentorship.

“It's been a great learning experience,” Nagy said. “I've learned a lot from him being a chief for 30-some years. He had a lot of great knowledge that he's passed on to me, really helped hone my leadership skills and

Video surveillance reportedly shows Copley using the card after his brother’s passing at several area businesses totaling just over $500.

Cornman reportedly identified Copley in still photos of the surveillance video and said he gave her the SNAP card to use. She was allegedly observed using the card on two occasions, totaling $36, according to a source close to the investigation.

If convicted, Copley and Cornman face

“We teach people new skills to empower them to be confident creators and to touch the lives of people and pets in their community,” she said, of Sew4Sew. “We promote sustainable sewing through our upcycling, recycling and environmental impact programs.”

Kulbago enjoys teaching people how to sew and witnessing how proud they are of their creation and the joy in those who receive the handmade items.

Before the Kindness Sewing Circle idea took shape last fall, the group made 100 placemats with fall- and winter-themed fabrics for local veterans.

This time, they created 100 more placemats with St. Valentine's- and St. Patrick's Day-themes fabrics.

“We don't often know who receives our handmade items and the impact it has on

some of the bookkeeping stuff that, as a regular fireman, you're not usually having much experience or exposure to.”

While Nagy’s knowledge and skill-sets have expanded under Shaw’s leadership, the fire chief has also experienced a lot of mental shifts — particularly learning to appreciate things without being reactive.

“It kind of dawned on me last month. So, we had one of those snow events and previously, I would hear the forecast and I would kind of go into planning mode, you know, ‘Oh geez, if the power goes out, are we gonna have to set up a warming center? And do I have to bring extra people in?’ … this and that. I didn't feel that I had to do that because I had Assistant Chief Nagy here taking care of all that for me,” he said. “I was actually able to look at that snowfall and go, ‘Well, that's really pretty outside.’”

Shaw said he is planning to get back into photography, a hobby he enjoyed many years ago.

“So, I'm going to get into that and just hopefully be able to look at the world, to try to look at the good of it, instead of always thinking about, ‘Oh, this is bad, you know, how are we going to react to it?’” he said. “(It’s a) hazard of the business, but you know,

maximum sentences of 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine on the felony charges, and maximum sentences of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine on the misdemeanor charges, said Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz.

Cornman is scheduled for arraignment before Judge Carolyn Paschke Feb. 19 and there is a warrant out for Copley’s arrest, after which he will be scheduled for arraignment, Flaiz said.

“Project Kindness projects are great,” Kapela said. “I love it. I especially like doing things that help veterans. I am a veteran. I served in the United States Navy for three and a half years. So, anything to help vets I love to do.”

The Kindness Sewing Circle welcomes anyone wishing to attend.

“We have room for everyone of all abilities and experience levels,” Weber said. “Come for the whole time, or as long as you are able.”

Contact Anne Marie Wolfe at AnneMarie@NPowerServices.com or register online at www.npowerservices.com.

Sew4Sew accepts donations of supplies and equipment in order to upcycle fabric and yarn into handmade items donated to local charities. Contact Lucy Kulbago at lucy.kulbago@ sew4service.org.

that's what we do and we try to prepare for those unfortunate events.”

Trustee Ken Radtke said Shaw is planning to take some vacation time and Nagy will be appointed as the acting chief.

Trustees will vote on Shaw’s replacement after his retirement is official at the end of March, said Trustee Craig Richter.

“He's turned around the department,” Richter said of Shaw. “(He) got us fully staffed at full time and has just turned around the environment into a very positive culture for the future.”

Survey Says: Keep Thompson Twp. Rural

By allisoN WilsoN WilsoN@kaRlovecmedia com

While only 21% of residents responded to a recent survey about Thompson Township’s land use, 84% of them expressed a desire to keep its rural character in place.

Of the 202 respondents, 73.7% also believed preserving the township’s agriculture industry was important.

A Feb. 6 public forum drew a modest crowd to the Global Connection Academy in Thompson Township, where stations displayed information about the survey and ongoing process to revise the Thompson Land Use Plan.

Thompson’s land use plan was last revised in 2004 and is undergoing significant updates, said Thompson Township Trustee Joseph Cindric in a follow-up email Feb. 10.

The public survey sent to 958 households was part of the updating process, which is approximately halfway through, he said.

A land use plan — as explained by one of the displays at the school — guides land use decisions related to subjects such as housing, transportation or utilities via analysis and public input. It acts as a guide for the community to refer to, as well as an educational document, and can be consulted for zoning requests or for grant applications.

Land use plans do not have the force of the law, but may be used to defend zoning regulation if any are challenged in court.

A number of factors go into creating a land use plan, including public input that may include a land use committee; strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats exercis-

Chardon Will Rejoin the CVC in 2026

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The Chagrin Valley Conference announced it would expand on Tuesday afternoon from 25 schools to 29. The Chardon Hilltoppers, once CVC members before breaking off, will leave the Western Reserve Conference.

After an “overwhelming” vote of approval by member schools, four school districts — Chardon, Eastlake-North, Willoughby-South and Fairport — will join the CVC in the fall of 2026.

“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding schools to the Chagrin Valley Conference,” said Dr. Don Lewis, Conference Commissioner of the CVC. “This expansion not only enhances the conference but also creates new opportunities for student-athletes throughout our region to grow, compete, and build lasting relationships. This expansion fosters both athletic and academic programs and continues to make the CVC the premier conference in the State of Ohio.”

The CVC said more details on scheduling and divisional alignments would be announced in the coming months.

es, surveys; public meetings; and considerations like township history, demographics and facilities.

Per the recent survey, 41% of respondents are somewhat satisfied with Thompson Township zoning and 51% believe the size of the commercial zoning district at Thompson Square should remain the same.

Many respondents were generally happy

with the square, while others want to see some change, according to one station. Half of the latter population would like to introduce more small businesses and the other half would like to focus on a general cleanup of properties in that area.

About 60% or respondents felt the square needs a small grocery store, 57.4% suggested gas stations and 37% suggested services such

as banks, salons or daycares.

The community expressed a mixed sentiment regarding multi-dwelling developments, with many specifically opposing trailer parks, one station read. Support for two-family homes such as duplexes sat at 38%.

Cindric wrote in his email that 51% or people discouraged multi-family dwellings like apartments, duplexes and triplexes.

Some residents argued the township’s dirt roads should be kept as is, while others wanted paving, according to the survey results.

Other township goals included the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and the optimization of amenities at township parks.

Residents also expressed appreciation for the township’s low crime rate and general friendliness.

When it came to home-based businesses, 65.3% of residents supported them, though that number lowered to 29% in favor of shortterm rentals, such as AirBnBs.

As the process moves forward, there are still several key steps remaining, Cindric said.

“First, the committee responsible for drafting the plan will complete their work. Once finalized, the plan will be sent to the township trustees for their review,” he said.

“Following this, the trustees will post the plan on the township's official website to ensure public accessibility. The trustees will then review the plan during their scheduled meetings, allowing for further discussion and any necessary revisions.”

Ultimately, trustees would adopt the plan, making it the new official land use plan, he said.

Trustees Ask County to Ban Big Solar, Wind Farms in Claridon

By aNN WishaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com

Claridon Township Trustees voted unanimously Feb. 17 to ask Geauga County Commissioners to ban big solar and wind farms in the township.

Trustee Jonathan Tiber said if the commissioners designate the township as a restricted area, that will block the construction of solar and wind farms within the township.

“Trustees can’t do that, but the commissioners can do it for us,” he said, adding the restriction is for any facility that creates more than 50 megawatts of energy.

“I think it’s in the best interests of our residents. We are getting a lot of inquiries about medium-sized farms,” Tiber said.

He cited Ohio Senate Bill 52, which took effect in 2021, as the basis for his resolution to the commissioners.

The online summary of the bill includes the paragraph, “County commissioners can designate all or part of the unincorporated area of a county as a restricted area; no ap-

plications or amendments may be e-filed for a facility in the restricted area if the facility type is prohibited in that restricted area. (Rec. 303.58).”

The summary may be found online at opsb.ohio.gov/news/sb52. The resolution specifies that no solar or wind farms producing above 50 megawatts are to be built in Claridon or overlap any township border.

“This zoning resolution is to promote the public health, safety, morality and general welfare and to protect and conserve property and property values,” the resolution read.

Claridon Township’s zoning aims to protect the rural and agricultural character of the township, promote public safety, provide open spaces for light and air, and prevent excessive concentration of population, according to the township.

“Solar and wind farms are not agriculture, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code. The Ohio Power Siting Board regulates solar and wind farms that are 50MW and higher under Chapter 4906 of the Ohio Revised

Code,” the resolution read.

While no townships in Geauga County have addressed the issue, others in Ohio are doing so, Tiber said, adding he borrowed the wording of the resolution from another Claridon Township in Marion County.

Smaller solar and wind farms would not be prohibited if the commissioners grant Claridon’s request.

Most of the online sites explaining how much land would be needed to generate one megawatt of solar power were sponsored.

A current estimation by Community Solar Authority in May 2024 read, “Generally speaking, for every megawatt of solar power you aim to generate, you’ll need anywhere from 5-10 acres of land. The variation in the required acreage for generating a megawatt of solar power isn’t just plucked from thin air; it’s underpinned by solid empirical evidence and fluctuates depending on the technological approaches employed, as well as the specific characteristics of each geographical area.”

Bainbridge Zoning Commission Vacancy – Alternate

Bainbridge Township has a Zoning Commission (Alternate) vacancy that needs to be filled. The term is for a period of two years commencing Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2026.

Interested residents should submit a statement of interest, including name, mailing address, preferred phone number and email address, as well as any additional information that may be helpful.

Statements should be mailed to the township fiscal officer: Janice Sugarman, Bainbridge Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023; or emailed to JSugarman@bainbridgetwp. com

Any questions may be directed to Bainbridge Township Trustee Jeff Markley at jmarkley@bainbridgetwp.com

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Of the 202 respondents to a recent survey about Thompson land use, 84% expressed a desire for the township to retain its rural qualities.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against S. Russell Village

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Former South Russell Village police officer Eric Kimball’s civil rights lawsuit against the village was dismissed on summary judgment, according to an order issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Kimball, who joined the South Russell Police Department as a part-time patrolman in 2015, resigned from the department in January 2023 after being accused of time theft.

wages and benefits and be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

Kimball filed a lawsuit in January 2024 asking to be awarded compensatory and punitive damages, to be reinstated to his position with the village, be awarded all of his lost

The lawsuit contended South Russell Police Chief Michael Rizzo denied Kimball’s due process rights and accused him of wrongful termination, two counts of civil liability for criminal acts, tortious interference with prospective employment opportunities and false light.

Kimball was accused of falsifying a timesheet he submitted in January 2023 after attending the Police Executive Leadership College training program in Columbus, according to court documents.

Rizzo and Lt. Todd Pocek later met with Kimball to discuss potential penalties, which included “suspension, reduction in rank, termina-

tion, in addition to potential criminal charges.”

Rizzo also offered Kimball “another option”— to resign, according to court documents.

Kimball said in his lawsuit he attempted to apply for patrol officer positions in several jurisdictions and claimed Rizzo interfered with his application to at least one potential employer, Mantua Police Department, by not responding to requests for information and “casting suspicion and misgiving upon Kimball’s employment with the village and the separation from the village.”

However, Kimball failed to prove malice on Rizzo’s part, said U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan in her opinion.

“Kimball never offered (the defendants) an explanation for the false timesheet until after he resigned,” she said. “Accordingly, it is undisputed that Chief Rizzo held the belief

that Kimball lied in submitting his timesheet. This court takes no position on the veracity of that belief, but it does inform Chief Rizzo’s calculated comments to Mantua.

“Kimball also references a form Chief Rizzo submitted to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission after Kimball resigned that denoted Kimball’s separation was due to ‘Resignation – Under Investigation,’” Gaughan continued in her opinion. “Chief Rizzo testified that he chose this denotation on the form because he considered it to be the most accurate option. Kimball contends the denotation was false, but Kimball fails to tie this form to any interference with a business opportunity or point to any evidence that it was done with malice.”

As a result, Gaughan granted the village and Rizzo’s motion for summary judgment.

Middlefield Council Approves Annexation Agreement

By aNN WishaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia

com

With minimal fanfare, Middlefield Village Council authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement to annex about 60 acres from Middlefield Township Feb. 13.

The two parcels, owned by Lake Avenue Land Partners LTD, is expected to become a planned urban development of about 65 homes south of the Walmart Superstore. Preliminary plans show a single access will be on Lake Avenue.

Council tabled the ordinance, on its third reading, at the Dec. 12 meeting until Middlefield Township Trustees could take action to allow the annexation. Last Thursday, council unanimously passed the ordinance.

In November, Garlich said the agreement includes sharing with the township 10% of the 1.25% village income tax workers who live in those proposed homes pay.

Average annual income for those workers is expected to be about $64,000, he said.

In other business, council accepted a bid from Ronyak Paving Company of no more

than $341,815 to resurface Tare Creek Park way from Northview Avenue to West High Street.

partment of Transportation facility on the

Chardon City Council Honors Longtime Maintenance Worker

amending set increases in salaries and wages, effective Jan 1, 2025. One amendment set a wage increase cap of 1.5% per year for village employees, not including those in the police department.

Garlich also recommended a wage cap increase of 1.5% for council members, who are entitled to 3% increases per year and a 0% increase for the mayor.

Both ordinances passed unanimously.

ALLISON WILSON/KMG

Chardon City Council passed a resolution of appreciation honoring retiring maintenance worker Terry Delbo, right, who has served the city for over 29 years.

Delbo received a standing ovation from council and his family upon receiving the resolution from Chardon Mayor Chris Grau, left, and members of council and city staff remarked on his character and tenure.

Kimball

JFS Youth Center Slated for Ravenwood

By allisoN WilsoN WilsoN@kaRlovecmedia com

The future Geauga County Job and Family Services’ youth center has officially found its new home — across from the Geauga County Library Administrative building on Ravenwood Drive.

GCJFS looked at a few options for the new center, including putting it on the current youth center’s property on Aquilla Road or on a lot across from it, said Executive Director Craig Swenson, during the Feb. 11 Geauga County Commissioners meeting.

There were cost concerns regarding putting the new building on the current center’s property, as well as concerns about potential impact to two neighboring homes, Swenson said, adding both that lot and the one across the street would cost over $1 million to prepare for construction.

The grade of the property across the street and building placement would have the new center set far back, requiring a long drive and a lot of dirt removal, Swenson said.

There were also concerns about utilities, such as a sewer extension and getting electricity to that property, he said.

The Ravenwood lot came at a significant discount, about $500,000 less than the others, Swenson said, adding the utilities are accessible and no significant tree removal would be required.

Commissioner Carolyn Brakey asked how the lot selection would impact the project’s grant process.

“We have to start all over again,” Acting County Administrator Linda Burhenne rea bit of the work.

Commissioners unanimously passed a motion to put the new youth center at the Ravenwood Drive location.

In other business, Geauga Family First Council Coordinator Tim Kehres requested commissioners pass a motion acknowledging the Family First Council Mutual Funding

youth residential treatment, Kehres said.

“We are in a period where Geauga is an anomaly,” he said, adding just about every other county has seen an increase in residential treatment.

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, they had been expecting a flood of calls, Swenson said.

While that has been the situation for the rest of the state, it hasn’t been for rently looking for possible explanations as

“It makes no sense to collect when we have a cash balance where we can help the

This is the first time in 10 years this has happened, Swenson added.

Commissioners passed a motion for the acknowledgement.

Commissioners also appointed Dave Fabig, Dane Davis and Walter “Skip” Claypool as their alternates to the Geauga County Planning Commission.

Planning Commission Green Lights Pavilion

By aNN WishaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia com

When Gregory Brentnar won the bid for a pavilion auctioned off to help the nonprofit DCC Clinic in Middlefield Township, he hadn’t considered a location for the 12-footby-16-foot structure.

He decided to have it built behind a house he owns on 0.66 acres on Kenwood Drive in Middlefield Village, he told Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission during a hearing Feb. 11.

“No one thought I needed a permit,” Brentnar said, adding he did ask the Amish contractor and others who donated materials

if any paperwork was necessary.

However, while passing through the neighborhood recently, village Zoning Inspector John Boksansky observed the completed pavilion.

“I noticed the accessory structure and sent a compliance letter to the owner,” Boksansky said last Tuesday.

The parcel is zoned for a single family residence and allows only one accessory building. There is a detached garage built in 1996 in the back yard, he said.

“Mr. Brentnar responded and said he wanted to do the right thing,” Boksansky said. “He needs a use variance for a second accessory structure.”

Brentnar, who lives in Chester Township, paid $100 for the zoning permit and $150 for the appeal for the use variance, Boksansky said. Because the pavilion was already in place, the commission had to hold a hearing to approve the structure, the zoning inspector said, noting it complies with all setbacks and height regulations.

Commission member Jim Linberg, who lives next door to the property, recommended approving the after-the-fact variance.

“It’s clearly well-built and not unattractive,” he said, adding the row of arbor vitae shields neighbors from possible activities at the pavilion and the garage is small, so the parcel is not crowded.

Linberg and close neighbors were notified of the hearing, as per legislation, and no one spoke up at the hearing opposing the variance.

“I don’t have a problem with it,” he said.

The commission voted to grant the variance, limiting it to just a pavilion so a future owner doesn’t erect a second accessory building in its place.

Mayor and commission member Ben Garlich warned contractors don’t always know if a building requires a variance.

Commission member Dave Dietrich asked if the village zoning code includes a penalty fee for such a situation.

“No — just a scolding from the zoning inspector,” Boksansky said.

Burton Village Seeks New Utility Billing Service

By aNN WishaRt aNN@kaRlovecmedia.com

The utility billing system for Burton Village properties may be brought up to date soon following a discussion among Burton Village Board of Public Affairs officials at the Feb. 11 meeting.

Village Deputy Administrative Assistant Lynn Biegacki said she is working with MuniBilling, a utility billing service based in Greensboro, NC., to update the village’s archaic water and sewer billing system. Through her research, Biegacki learned there is a problem in matching the current, dated program with any new system so a historic record can be maintained, she said.

“If (MuniBilling) copies our data over,

they have to make sure our data can be transposed onto their software,” she told the board.

If the programs are not compatible, she said she will look for another service to bill the 800 homes in the village.

“If our system is so outdated, we may not find a system that is compatible,” said board member Nick Rundo. “Maybe we should just start from scratch and move forward. Keep two or three years (of records) and start new.”

Board Chair Bill Pinkava said connecting the dated program with any modern system is complicated.

“It’s incredibly difficult to sync the old with the new,” he said.

Rundo said a new system is vital.

“Sometimes, you just have to bite that bullet,” he said.

MuniBilling has the least expensive service, at $810 per month, Biegacki said.

The current system costs about $2,700 per year plus $174 per month for e-billing, she said.

“That’s about three times what we’re paying currently, but what we are getting currently doesn’t do the job,” Pinkava said, recommending Biegacki move forward with MuniBilling.

The company’s website describes its program as a comprehensive, user-friendly utility billing software solution offering easy billing creation, inexpensive bill printing services and an online payment portal with real-time balance.

In other business, Utilities Supervisor Jake Neill reported his department has been

dealing with numerous water line breaks due to the continuing freezing weather.

A 200-foot-long stretch of Carlson Street sprung a leak recently, he said, adding it was probably the sixth break along that length in the last two years.

He also described a break on Cheshire Street and repairs to a bent service curb box where an underground unmarked fiber optic line was discovered close to a gas line, two water mains and the storm sewer.

“It was a soupy mess,” Neill said.

Quotes are being sought for new roofs for structures at the water plant, advertisements for a utilities employee have been placed and the utility map for Dean Court needs to be updated to reflect the new water lines recently installed, he said.

Geauga County Job and Family Services Executive Director Craig Swenson, right, came before Geauga County Commissioners Feb. 11 to discuss

Board Gets Glimpse of Potential West G Campus

By emma macNiveN macNiveN@kaRlovecmedia com

Onlookers and administration were attentive as the GPD Group presented designs for the exterior of West Geauga Schools’ new campus Feb. 10.

West Geauga Schools Board of Education passed a resolution Dec. 16 to place a $128 million bond issue on the May 6 ballot.

The bond would fund a combined-campus, a new auditorium and field house for school and community use. School officials have been exploring facility upgrades and a combined-campus off and on since 2018.

Abby Rainieri, manager of planning and design at GPD Group, presented a master facilities update last Monday during the regular school board meeting with possible design ideas for the combined campus, expected to be completed in fall of 2028.

“The practice fields would essentially go in place of the existing high school and the high school would come down in this proposal,” she said, adding they looked at local architecture to develop the first idea, and the middle school would be on the left and the high school on the right with a central access point.

“We think that the exterior of the building is one of the most important things that we need a lot of public input on,” she said. “But, we took some cues from some architecture in the area and some of the Western Reserve influence in different portions of the district and this is just showing one idea of what the building could look like.”

Rainieri emphasized they’ll be seeking feedback from staff, teachers, parents and ad-

malized” during this process.

“Yep, everything could remain in place until the new building was open and we were ready to swing high school students over,” Rainieri said.

The combined campus would be built on the current practice fields to curb any physical disruptions.

District parent Katie Davis asked questions about youth sports spaces.

“With our current facilities, we really struggle with having enough indoor practice space for basketball and outdoor space for baseball, softball and football, but that's just the sports I know,” Davis said, adding West Geauga doesn’t host their own basketball games.

Davis said she hopes they can keep the amount of fields they have and add more gym spaces in the district.

Board President Christina Sherwood emphasized the proposed design plans are likely to change.

“I think that it's really important to underscore what you were saying about it is purely a conceptual notion of what it looks like right now. It could look entirely different,” Sherwood said. “There has been no plan discussed because we are not there yet. So, if something about that conception is bothersome, definitely reach out. We can talk about it. Nothing up there is for sure.”

Superintendent Richard Markwardt said they did a good job putting together the plan based on the feedback so far.

“I think you've done a nice job of putting together what the various stakeholders said they wanted to see in a building and giving us

ABBY RAINIERI/GPD GROUP

West Geauga Schools’ new campus proposal includes separate wings for the middle and high school on each side of the central entry point.

Farm Bureau Invites New Members, Farmers or Not

By Rose NemuNaitis editoR@kaRlovecmedia.com

The farm bureau is the future of agricul ture for the 400 square miles of rolling coun tryside that make up Geauga County.

“(Geauga County) Farm Bureau is the leading organization that supports and pro motes agriculture in our communities,” said GCFB President Bob Rogish, a 27-year-mem ber. “There are never-ending personal devel opment opportunities that enrich leadership skills and teach you how to be an advocate for agriculture.”

GCFB hosted its pancakes and sausage membership kickoff Jan. 15 at the Geauga County Historical Society & Century Village Museum’s Lennah Bond Activity Center in Burton to network with fellow farmers, con nect with local farm bureau affiliated busi nesses and agricultural organizations.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is made up of all the county farm bureaus throughout Ohio, offering resources and op portunities for young and veteran farmers.

The northeast counties’ region includes

seeing the four counties on a day-to-day basis.

Geauga County’s membership is nearly 900 members, plus their families, which continues to grow, Rogish said.

“Farm bureau is a grassroots organiza-

Farm Bureau at the state level, as well as the American Farm Bureau, nationally.”

Members have access to abundant information on landowner rights, zoning laws and an extensive special member savings program, he said.

“Because of the long-standing partnership between Ohio Farm Bureau and Nationwide Insurance, we receive a discount on our auto, home and farm insurance,” Rogish said. OFB also offers a health benefits plan that Rogish’s farm is a part of, which provides them with a competitively-priced healthcare program, he said.

“Bob and I work very well together even. Though we farm completely different things, we want the same outcome — great product with the best customers,” GCFB Vice-President Kristen Sirna said. “Our goal this year is pretty much the same as every year — education and advocating. The farm bureau is always looking for new members and to get old members to come back. I never realized how many people were apart of Geauga County Farm Bureau until I joined the board. We keep growing. That just shows how much our residents care about our farmers, big and small.”

“Mine is pretty simple. At 12 years old, Iburn — now 43 acres with another 200 leased — and never looked back,” Sirna said.

They purchased their farm from a developer.

“I don’t ever want to see our area with cookie-cutter houses stacked on top of one another,” Sirna said. “You can’t get farmland back once its developed. There is a piece of farming in just about every piece of your life day in and day out from the clothes you wear to the leather on your shoes to the food you eat. Without farmers, there would be nothing. And GCFB is a great way to support all farmers, but most importantly, your local farmers.”

As more and more people are moving out of urban areas to greener places, farmland is diminishing, Rogish added.

“We have mixed areas in the county where it’s common to have farms surrounded by residential development,” he said. “We need to remind our neighbors that without farmers, the food on our tables and the clothes we wear wouldn’t exist. Many smaller farms are operating in our county and reinforcing the farm-to-table and know-where-it’s grown movements.”

hood, President Bob Rogish, Treasurer Rich Ivans, Secretary Carmella Shale and Vice President Kristen Sirna gather at Geauga County Historical

Geauga Theater May Not Reopen Until May

By allisoN WilsoN WilsoN@kaRlovecmedia com

The Geauga Theater, currently closed for renovations due to flood damage, may not reopen until early May, Director of Public Service Paul Hornyak said at the Chardon City Council meeting Feb. 13.

Around a month ago, a frozen heat-exchange unit line caused flooding on multiple floors of the building, Hornyak recapped.

The city quickly contacted insurance and restoration companies.

“Very quick response time, we got dewatered, supplemental heat installed and currently still have supplemental heat,” Hornyak said.

Two separate appraisers visited to look at coverage for the boilers and coverage for the building itself, as they are two separate policies. Two additional quotes for repairs are expected soon, he said.

The city is currently asking for supplemental heat to remain in the building, so as to better protect the lines, he said.

In a January press release about the flooding, officials estimated restoration and replacement of equipment could take up to two months. Hornyak echoed the same time frame, but also said there are no guarantees.

“I don’t have a lot of other information other than the initial proposal to repair the

Farm

from page 10

He added, “It will be interesting to see what the new administration in Washington does to our agricultural communities across the country. Will there be better prices for farmers? Lower crop input costs? Will we see a reduction in overreaching regulations?

Farmers are hopeful for all that, along with Mother Nature’s cooperation this upcoming crop season.”

The GCFB welcomes anyone aligning with their mission.

“You don’t need to be a farmer to join. If you appreciate and support what farmers do and want to keep the rural values of our county, then the farm bureau will welcome you to our organization,” Rogish said.

Businesses are welcome to join as group

heat exchanger would require at least five weeks for backordered material for the pipe repair,” Hornyak said. “That kind of, just a real rough time frame, puts us out to reopen the theater two months at probably the earliest.”

Chardon-based theater organization Curtain 440 originally had a production of “Murder on the Orient Express” slated to open at the theater Feb. 14.

On the same day their season opener would have taken to the stage, the company announced on social media productions of “Godspell” and “The Triangle Factory Fire Project,” both of which were also originally scheduled for the Geauga stage, had been cancelled.

“Murder on the Orient Express” remains postponed while they search for a venue, they added.

“We are very sorry for this delay. We are dressed up and nowhere to go and so looking forward to performing. Thank you to our actors and patrons for hanging in there,” they said.

In other business, council passed an ordinance amending the city’s legislation to regulate camping on city property.

Law Director Ben Chojnacki took a moment to explain the changes.

“This legislation was born out of discus-

members and receive special member benefits, advertising and membership pricing, he said.

“I always feel it’s good to bring people that aren’t farm bureau members to participate in and help with our events.” Rogish said. “It gives community awareness of what the farm bureau does, as well as shows other farmers that we have the support of our friends and neighbors.”

Those interested in joining can fill out an application form online.

“Or (you can) contact someone on the board and we can personally answer questions and get you signed up,” Sirna said. “We post all of our events online and on our Facebook page. Whether you are a member or not, everyone is welcome. Farm bureau is the future of agriculture and we need you to help us step up and drive forward.”

Contact Sirna at KristenGCFB@gmail.com.

sions between and among city staff and the legislative committee,” he said. “As you’re all well aware, camping has been a hot topic of discussion both in the city and with the United States Supreme Court.”

The legislation clarifies what camping in the city means and what the consequences of violating the ordinance would be, he said.

“Broadly, camping is defined to include a host of items and if you use or engage in any of those activities in a prohibited area — any public section, any public space — then you’re subject to criminal prosecution,” he said.

The practical effect is that camping is now banned in any public space including right-of-

ways, the square and city parks, he said. Per the ordinance, camping is defined as “...the erection of temporary living accommodations; the placing or assembling of a shelter, tent or other structure; sleeping making preparations to sleep, placing bedding or any materials used for bedding purposes; lighting of fires and/or using space heaters or other methods of generating heat for warmth; lighting fires and/or using hot plates or other means of preparing food or drinks…”

Violation of the ordinance would result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Repeated violations would be classed as first-degree misdemeanors.

S P O R T S

Underclassmen Lead Bombers to Victory

RNspaN lovecmedia com

As the season began, Kenston Bombers Boys Basketball players told the Maple Leaf that a main goal was to win more games.

After a challenging 2-20, 2023-2024 campaign, the Bombers vastly improved their winning percentage this season.

With their 68-61 victory over the Chardon Hilltoppers on Feb. 14th, the Bombers moved to .500 (11-11) on the season.

To obtain their fifth victory in a row, the Bombers took an early 19-17 lead over the Hilltoppers after one quarter.

The Bombers underclassmen then helped their team pull away in the second quarter to take an 11 point lead into halftime.

Led by sophomore Jackson Allotta and freshmen Ethan Burge and Luke Stupica, these players scored 17 of the Bombers 18 second quarter points.

Trailing 38-27 to start the second half, the Hilltoppers got within 5 points of the Bombers at 59-54 when sophomore Rocco Tarantino converted a layup with 3:42 left in

Critical to the Bombers holding off the Hilltoppers late game charge was Allotta's deep three which put the Bombers up by eight points with less than three minutes to go.

The Bombers then outscored the Hilltoppers 9-7 to close out the game.

Afterwards, Kenston Head Coach Derrick DeJarnette said the Bombers were motivated

to get the win.

“We came in with the mindset to close out the season with a win,” DeJarnette said. “It's a tough atmosphere, I told my guys to buckle up and play hard.”

Underclassmen Allotta, Burge and Stupica certainly played hard and gave great effort

Wolverines Fall Short in Contest With Falcons

By Rich kelly spoRts@kaRlovecmedia com

Honest basketball junkies will always flock to see a game between two teams having great seasons. When an extra few moments of drama are injected to the game before it even starts, eager anticipation rules the night.

So it was on Feb. 11 as the West Geauga Wolverines and Jefferson Falcons did battle in Falcon Gymnasium as the regular season winds down.

The intensity of the game itself was huge, but adding the fact that one player from each team was about to become his school's alltime leading scorer, a not-quite full house, including folks from other area schools and some college scouts as well, saw a battle in which the Falcons did what they do a lot: score 3-pointers early to take a lead and then hung on for dear life to nip the Wolverines by a score of 59-54.

Jefferson senior forward Anthony Covetta needed only a single basket to take the Jefferson all-time scoring lead coming into the

game.

For West Geauga's Landon Lear needed 21 points to take his school's lead.

After Jefferson's Joel Navarro nailed a 3-pointer to open the first quarter, the Wolverines missed on their second opportunity, and down came the Falcons.

Covetta is deadly from any place on the floor, but he took a pass and hit from about 28 feet out on the right wing with 5:42 left on the clock in the first period to set his record.

His shot gave the Falcons a fast 6-0 lead, and as Wolverine shots did not drop early, the lead expanded to as much as 25-11 before West Geauga methodically fought back.

"This was just a good taste of what playoff basketball is about and can be, " said West Geauga coach Micah Young. "The shots just were not falling for us early. When you add in a battle between two great players like Covetta and Landon, you realize it doesn't get much better than this for everybody."

Falcon coach Rob Pisano agreed.

"We knew coming in that this was going to be a special game," Young said. "West Geauga is having a great season, Micah is doing some

great things with their program, we're doing well, and that's what high school basketball is supposed to be about."

Covetta hit for 14 first half points, including a trio of 3-pointers, to lead his team to a 28-21 hafltime lead. The Wolverines were not sharpshooting much, hitting on only eight of 22 shots from the floor in the first two periods, but the Falcons were only slightly better, hitting on 10 of 22.

Good rebounding limited both teams to single shots most of the time, but the Wolverines battled back in the second half with more offensive rebounding to cut into the lead.

After the home crowd had taken in the achievement of Covetta early on, Jefferson fans also knew what was at stake for Lear and his teammates.

Tight defense from Falcon Dylan Beebe, who shadowed Lear everywhere but the officials locker room most of the night, forced Lear to do something he has done very well — passing to teammates.

They did get the lead down to two points,

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Kenston’s Ethan Burge scored 20 points in the team’s 68-61 win over the Chardon Hilltoppers.

See Bombers • Page 13

See Wolverines • Page 13

Landon Lear’s jump shot with 2:49 gave him

1,308 career points, the most in West Geauga varsity basketball history. Lear needed 21 points and scored 25 against Jefferson in the team’s 59-54 loss.

Clutch Free Throws for Tigers the Key to Victory

By alaN koRNspaN spoRts@kaRlovecmedia com

Playoff basketball is often an intense battle between two teams that are extremely motivated to keep their season going.

And although there may be more fans in the stands, and the stakes may be higher, an important element of success in the playoffs is to stay calm, cool and collected under pressure.

The Chagrin Falls Tigers Girls Basketball team showed their ability to handle pressure and adversity in their 36-34 OHSAA Sectional Title victory on Feb. 15 against the Orrville Red Riders.

The Tigers took an early 8-7 lead on their home court after one quarter of play.

They then extended their lead to 19-12 heading into halftime.

Leading the Tigers offensively in the first half was Avery Russell who dropped 14 points.

In the second half, the Red Riders mounted an intense comeback and tied the game late in the fourth quarter at 34-34.

After a timeout with 37.1 seconds left in the contest, the Tigers’ Avery Russell inbounded the ball.

Working the ball around the perimeter and making seven passes, the Tigers attempted a three pointer from the left corner which went in and out of the basket.

Alertly, Tigers All-Ohio guard Lilly Stukus hauled in the rebound and wasted no time attacking the rim with an underhand reverse layup from under the basket.

Although the shot did not drop, Stukus was fouled with 15.7 seconds to go in the game.

Who better to have on the line than the Tigers’ All-Ohioan and senior leader?

Although Stukus said that she felt the pressure in the moment, she was able to manage her nerves with help from her teammates and by going through her pre-shot routine.

She then calmly knocked down both free throws to give the Tigers a 36-34 Sectional Title victory.

Bombers from page 12

“The game hadn't been going my way personally for shooting the whole game,” Stukus said. “But, I think just having my teammates and seeing them really calmed me down. And then I just went up to the line and knocked them in.”

In order to stay calm and focused at the free throw line, many basketball players have a pre-shot routine. Stukus described her routine that she used before knocking down the game winning free throws.

“I do a dribble, spin, and another dribble and then I take a little break, then shoot,” said Stukus.

Before making the game winning free throws, Chagrin Falls Head Coach Brittany Laseak said that Stukus really wanted to get to the rim on that last shot.

“She was really determined there at the end to get herself into the paint,” Laseak said. “Shots weren't dropping for her tonight,

the Bombers leading scorer.

Earlier in the week, on February 12, Burge led the Bombers with 16 points in their 58-56 victory over the Mayfield WiIdcats.

but again it's like you step up and find other ways to contribute. She was able to get into the paint, she was able to get the shot up, and shooters shoot, and she went 2-2 from the line just like seniors do.”

In addition to Stukus hitting the game winning free throws, leading the Tigers offense was sophomore Avery Russell (20 points) who dropped five, three pointers.

Russell, who has led the Tigers in scoring the past three games and is one of the top scorers in Northeast Ohio, said that she felt confident shooting from beyond the arc.

“My three was there today, so I used it,” said Russell. “A lot of my teammates got me open and found me with some good passes, so that was great.”

Coach Laseak said that the Red Riders tried to slow down Russell in the second half.

“Avery has been on this hot streak here and they tried to go box and one on her in the second half and we still found ways to get her the ball,” the coach said.

In addition to Rusell (20 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal) also leading the Tigers was Gabby Byrne (8 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals), Stukus (6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 as-

sists, 1 steal), Molly Wheatley (2 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal), and Abby Kay (8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals).

The Tigers will next travel to Canton South for a District Semifinal matchup on Feb. 18.

Along with the Tigers winning an OHSAA sectional title, other Geauga County girls basketball teams winning OHSAA Sectional Titles and advancing to the district semifinals were the Berkshire Badgers, Cardinal Huskies, and NDCL Lions.

The Badgers defeated Northwestern, 4922 and will host Massillon Tuslaw on Feb. 18. The Huskies defeated Bristol, 37-23, to advance to the District Semifinals where they will host Lowellville, also on Feb. 18.

Leading the Cardinals over Bristol was Ivy Kaminski (14 points), Natalie Soltis (7), Emily Pleva (7), Nova Young (7) and Olivia Krebs (2).

NDCL defeated Youngstown East 58-41 and will travel to Copley to take on the Indians in the District Semifinals on Feb. 19. The Lions were led by Maya Rowan (17 points) and Brynn Munn (14). to help lead the Bombers to victory.

“Those guys work hard at the games and I trust them,” Coach DeJarnette said. “They make things happen.”

Burge, a freshman, played extremely well in the low post.

“We got the rebounds, we got the points, we played great defense, and overall we just did good,” said Burge.

In addition, sophomore Jackson Allotta was stellar from beyond the arc as he connected on five, three pointers.

Down the stretch, in the 4th quarter, Allotta made two crucial three pointers to help stymie the Hilltoppers momentum.

Allotta described his thought process before draining his final three pointer.

“The opportunity came and I shot it,” said Allotta. “Shooting is my thing.”

Coach DeJarnette added: “He's a sharp shooter, so I told him, ‘if you see it pull it, and he did’.”

Leading the Bombers offensively for the game were Burge (20 points), Allotta (19), Stupica (16), Chris Collins (7), and Ethan Black (6).

This was Burge's second straight game as

Also helping to lead the Hilltoppers over the Wildcats was sophomore Eli Ellis who had 13 points.

For the season, Ellis and Burge have been two of the Bombers three leading scorers along with senior Braelyn Akins.

With the strong showing from the underclassmen throughout the season, the future looks bright for Bombers Boys Basketball.

The Hilltoppers also have a bright future ahead as sophomores Tarantino (20 points) and Luke Galfidi (14) continued their excellent play this season against the Bombers.

For the Hilltoppers’ Stone Fawcett and Brendan Ptasznik, it was their senior night.

Fawcett, who had 15 points in his last Hilltoppers regular season game, said that his team gave great effort.

“It was a close game, we gave a ton of effort, not the outcome we wanted,” Fawcett said. “It happens, we played a great game, they played a great game.”

Fawcett said that he has had great memories playing basketball for the Hilltoppers.

“My time here at Chardon is dwindling, but I give everything I can for this program and I love every second of it,” Fawcett said.

Wolverines

from page 12

twice in the fourth period, at 51-49 and 53-51. First, Lear nailed a long 3-pointer from the right wing, and shortly thereafter, he drove the baseline from the left side and sank a nifty reverse layup, but the Falcons hit on nine straight free throws in the last 3:39 of the game to hang on, but they could not stop Lear's efforts.

He finally reached the top of the Wolverines scoring list with 2:49 to play with a long basket from the right wing, nearly the exact same spot as Covetta had done. The game was stopped both times to honor the players, a very much earned honor for both.

"I just hoped to light a fire in my team tonight," Lear said about his achievement. "We got down early, Jefferson is a very good team, and we didn't come back in the game. It's great to get this honor, but frankly, we had some bad moments with our weak side defense tonight, and they took advantage of

it to win."

As you may figure out, Covetta paced the Falcon attack with 33 big points on 12 of 17 shooting. Navarro added 13 points, but possibly the biggest factor in halting the West Geauga comeback was the defensive work of Terrance Brown, who blocked four shots near the Wolverine basket, including a huge one with 11.9 ticks left to play that finished any ideas of a late rally for West Geauga (17-5).

Lear's spectacular regular season career ends with him scoring 1,308 points as the new top guy for the Wolverines. He tallied 25 in this game, with Cooper Paskowski adding 11 and Colin Whiting chipping in eight, as well.

Covetta and Lear have very different styles of play, but when push came to shove, both reached their goals in thrilling fashion. It isn't often when fans get to see two players become their school's top scorers on the same night on the same floor.

For fans watching, it was a great night to remember for sure.

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Chagrin Falls’ Emma Thatcher plays solid defense in the Tigers 36-34 win over the Orrville Red Riders.

Helen C. McAuley

Helen C. McAu

ley (nee Mugridge), age 82, of Middle field, passed away Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025.

Beloved wife of Thomas for 59 years. Proud mother of Thomas R. (Kris tina Gedeon). Sister of Edwin (Karen), Thomas (Pat), Meri (Tom) Shreve and Ruth.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Helen Mugridge; and her brother, Don Mugridge.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at St. Lucy’s Church, 16280 E High St., Middlefield.

Family will receive friends at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High St., Middlefield, from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Private burial will be held at later date in Middlefield Cemetery.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.

Floyd Reichert

Floyd "Carl" Reichert, age 72, of Painesville, passed away Feb. 10, 2025.

Carl was born to George and Doris (nee Thompson) Reichert (both deceased). His two brothers, George and Dennis, and stepmother, Virginia Re ichert, are also deceased.

Carl grew up in Geauga County before moving to Lake County in 2013. He attended Chardon High School, class of 1970.

In 1979, Carl married Carol (nee Prosser) Reichert and they were happily married 45 years. Carl and Carol have three grown children, Cory (Marla), Erica and Kevin (Stephanie), and three beautiful granddaughters whom he loved and cherished, Ana, Mackenzie and Madelyn.

Besides his immediate family, he leaves behind his sister-in-law, Laura Prosser and family; and many friends and coworkers he's made over the years.

Carl worked for Universal Disposal and then Waste Management, retiring in 2023 after 50 years. After retiring, his family knew he couldn't sit still and he got a part-time job at Wilder's Mobile Home Park in Chardon. He worked with some terrific guys but unfortunately had to give it up after his cancer diagnosis in September 2024. Carl fought a very hard battle in just a short time and met some of the most compassionate healthcare workers along his journey.

Our family would like to thank Seidman Cancer Center in Mentor, downtown Seidman, UH Home Care, Hospice of the Western Reserve - Mentor team, and finally the David Simpson Hospice House in Cleveland, all of which were absolutely wonderful to Carl and all of us.

Per Carl’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Thank you to everyone who visited, sent cards, provided meals, sent comforting texts, and for his special blanket from Tiffany that we will with snuggle in for years to come.

Carol Marie Klatik

Carol Marie Klatik (nee Emerick), age 77, passed away on Feb. 10, 2025, in Chardon.

Obituaries

Born on Aug. 30, 1947, to Carl and Marie Emerick, Carol was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who found her greatest joy in the love of her fam ily.

Carol was happiest when by the side of her beloved husband, Carl, the love of her life.

She cherished her role as a grandmother, showering her grandchildren with love and affection.

Her passion for owls was evident in her vast collection of figurines and knickknacks, each a reflection of her personality and warmth.

A true homebody, Carol found comfort in the simple pleasures of life, whether watching her favorite crime television shows or enjoying time with her family. At gatherings, her lively spirit filled the room and her legendary cheesecake was always the highlight of the celebration.

Carol is survived by her sons, Wayne Klatik and Jeffrey Klatik; siblings Ken (Pam) Emerick, Pat Bowe, Sue Emerick, Sylvia Angel, Cynthia Finney, Linda Cherry, Deborah Chindland, Joyce Baus and Shirly Schafer; brother-in-law, Clifford Klatik; and many other loving family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Marie Emerick; and siblings Stephen Klatik, Gloria Kirby, Mary Berry, Paul Klatik and Dennis Klatik.

Carol’s warmth, love and vibrant energy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A private family gathering will be held in her honor at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.

Marjorie Ann Malensek

Marjorie “Margie” Ann Malensek (nee Urbanowicz), age 88, of Troy Township, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Feb. 9, 2025, at home while surrounded by her family.

She was born in Troy on April 5, 1936, to the late Stephen and Sarah (nee Dyke) Urbanowicz.

Margie is once again reunited with her loving husband, Matthew Malensek, who died Sept. 21, 2007.

After graduating Burton High in 1954, Margie married Matthew Malensek on June 16, 1956, and began their beautiful life together. They enjoyed spending as much time together as possible, which included often going fishing and league bowling on the same team.

She worked as a secretary at Johnson Rubber in Middlefield before becoming a mom.

Margie then loved raising her children and being a homemaker. She was an avid reader and passionate Cleveland sports fan. Margie also liked birdwatching, especially hummingbirds, crocheting, doing jigsaw puzzles, and having tea parties with her great-granddaughter.

Margie was also active in the community as a member of the American Legion Post #459 Ladies Auxiliary, the Troy Ladies 55 Club, and played the clarinet in The Great Geauga County Fair Band in the mid 1950s.

Margie will be missed by her children, Phillip (Pam) Malensek, Sally (Ernie) Haaser; grandchildren, Amanda (Jared) Nolin, Matthew (Malisa) Malensek, Meredith (Samuel) Severt, Luke (Kalah) Malensek, David (Melissa) Haaser, Lauren Sankovich; great-grandchildren, Xion, Corban, Azalee, Oziah, Jackson, Zoey, Micah, Jacob, Nikolas; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Margie is preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Matthew; sister, Elaine Malensek; and nephews Stephen and Craig Malensek.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Margie’s aide, Lisa Murphy, along with her grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew and Malisa. Their loving care and personal sacrifices enabled Margie

to remain at home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 14, 2025, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 16150 Center St., Parkman Township, with Father John Burkley officiating.

Family and friends were received Feb. 13, 2025, at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, and prior to the mass at the church.

Margie’s final resting place will be in Slitor Cemetery, Burton Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margie’s name are requested to be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox. org.

Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Geauga Park District

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

How Sweet It Is!

The park district’s annual Sap’s-a-Risin’ celebration returns to Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield.

Festivities on three Sundays – Feb. 23, March 2 and March 9, all from noon to 4 p.m. – include sap-gathering in the sugarbush with a horse-drawn sap sled, sugar house tours with sample tastes of fresh syrup, and historical stations with costumed interpreters displaying and demonstrating maple sugaring methods from prehistoric to modern day. Plus, visit Swine Creek Lodge to warm up with free maple treats and live music featuring the Raccoon County Ramblers on Feb. 23, Mr. Haney String Band on March 2, and The Real Deal String Band on March 9. Maple syrup produced right onsite will also be available for sale while supplies last.

For each new Agents of Discovery mission in 2025, the Agents app will reveal which trails in the park to explore, and as one approaches each of the challenges, the device will alert when it’s time to play one. Challenges for the “Maple Madness” mission include From Sap to Syrup, Sap Collection, Sweet Like Sugar and Tapping Tools.

Upon completion, agents may also head over to The West Woods Nature Center through show a screencap of their completion screen to choose a reward from a grab bag of fun Geauga Park District and Agents of Discovery items: a frisbee, whistle flashlight keychain, zipper pull, plastic cup, button and lapel pin.

Exploring – Inclusively

Feb. 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Swine Creek Reservation is a featured stop on two drive-it-yourself tours on March 2 and 9: the Ohio Maple Producers’ Maple Madness Tour and the more local Northeast Ohio Maple Tour. Tour maps with complete lists of participating sugar houses are available at ohiomaple. org and mpneoh.com.

Be An Agent of Discovery

Embark on a fun, interactive learning experience using the park district’s location-based game, Agents of Discovery. Just bring a smart device to Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield, open the free Agents of Discovery app, and search for the “Maple Madness” mission, available Feb. 21 through March 31.

Those in the developmental disability community can learn more how to become a wildlife detective during a special program at Big Creek Park’s Meyer Center in Chardon.

During Inclusive Experience: Wildlife Detectives, a naturalist will lead the group in discovering some amazing animal clues and trying to decipher who they belong to. Registration is required for all participants.

Meet the Artists

March 1, 1-3 p.m.

Journey through a diverse collection of images portraying details big and small, all celebrating the colors and life present on Earth at the West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. In the display, “Vivid Plant,” artists Deb Berkebile and Brittany Paynter have expressed their visions through textiles, pottery, paint and watercolor.

Flockmasters

Flockmasters 4H Club kicked off the new year with an officer election and a special candlelight induction ceremony. The 2025 officers are Lillian Hissa, Opal Delierie, Gwen Hess, Charlotte Tiber, Claire Wilson, Anna Risk, Erin O'Reilly, Oliver O'Reilly and David O'Reilly, president.

The club members also spent time learning about livestock identification skills, such as ear notching and tattooing. These handson activities not only build practical skills but also deepen members’ connections to agricultural practices.

Swingin’ Hams

Bulletin Board

For-profit and nonprofit organizations or groups will need to purchase a paid advertisement for an event anytime tickets are sold, a fee is charged or a freewill donation is taken. If an organization or group does not wish to buy an ad to promote their event and connect with our readers, Karlovec Media Group will print a simple liner-type ad identifying the event, date/time/place and a number to call for more information. Email submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

Gardening 101

Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteer Charlie Stevens for a discussion regarding site selection, soil testing, preparation and common pitfalls to avoid when starting a garden. Class will be held at the Geauga County Extension Office, Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Registration is required by calling 440-834-4656.

Auburn Pancake Breakfast

Feb. 23, 8 a.m. to noon

Members look forward to growing in their skills and leadership in the community this year. Stay tuned for more news and information. (Submitted by Lillian Hissa, news reporter)

Swingin’ Hams 4-H Club held its first meeting of the year on Feb. 4. Members discussed fundraising ideas and order due dates. Turkey orders are due March 15. Chicken orders are due April 15.

The next meeting will be on March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Hambden Town Hall. (Submitted by Brady Bacha, news reporter)

Geauga Public Library

Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Include an email and phone number when registering for programs to receive updates about all programs. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.

Civil War Archaeology

Feb. 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Virtual

Even though the American Civil War ended over 150 years ago, artifacts are still being found throughout the country. Jump on Zoom to learn how these relics are being found and what ethical issues arise during their excavation.

4-H Information Fair

Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon • Middlefield

Four-H curious families will preview various 4-H opportunities available in the community and discuss how they can get involved.

Sky Legends & Lore

Feb. 25, 6-7 p.m. • Thompson

From “The Man in the Moon” to “Taurus the Bull,” the heavens have always been a source of legend and lore. Join the Geauga Park District to hear about a few of these tales and more.

Library Led Discussions

No registration is required.

• Virtual, Feb. 27, 7-8 p.m., “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks

• Chardon, March 4, 2-3 p.m., “The Last Bookshop in London” by Madeline Martin

• Geauga West, March 5, 7-8 p.m., “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho

Craft Supply Swap

March 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Middlefield

Celebrate National Craft Month by bringing some new or gently used craft supplies in tow to swap with other Geauga crafters. Registration is not required.

My Little Pony Party

March 1, 10-11 a.m. • Bainbridge

Youth in grades K-5 will celebrate My Little Pony and their favorite characters with themed crafts and games.

Michael the Recycler

March 3, 4-4:45 p.m. • Middlefield

Youth in grades K-5 will connect with Geauga Soil and Water Conservation and their friend Michael the Recycler, a young superhero who helps spread awareness about recycling and the different ways people can keep the planet clean.

Trees Are More Than Leaves

March 3, 7-8 p.m. • Chardon

Listen as a Geauga Park District naturalist details all the fascinating stories trees have to tell and explains the important role they play in human lives and the environment.

Beekeeping Bee-yond the First Year

March 4, 6:30-8:15 p.m. • Middlefield

Join beekeeper Trish Harness to learn about the growth of beehives in the spring and summer and when the best time is to harvest honey.

Auburn Boy Scout Troop 101 will host its annual all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast at the Auburn Fire Station, 10950 E. Washington St., Auburn Township.

Family First Council

Feb. 24, 1:30 p.m.

Geauga Family First Council will meet at the Geauga County Office Building, Suite B168/Carlton Room, 12611 Ravenwood Drive in Chardon. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information, contact Tim Kehres, Geauga Family First Council coordinator, at 440-285-1201.

Abundant Life Pancake Breakfasts

Saturdays in March, 7 a.m. to noon

Enjoy all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake breakfasts with real maple syrup at Abundant Life Ministry Center, 13724 Carlton St. in Burton. There will be three varieties of pancakes along with sausage for $10. Check out the book sale with elementary library books and desks.

Maple Driving Tour

March 1, 2, 8 and 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Maple Producers of Northeast Ohio is hosting the 2025 “How Sweet It Is” self-guided Maple Tour. Maple syrup producers across northeast Ohio will open their sugarhouses to visitors to learn about their operations and see how maple syrup and maple products are made. For more information, including a complete list of participating producers and a map of locations, visit mpneoh.com.

Meet Us In The Garden

March 1, 10 a.m.

The OSU Lake County Master Gardener Volunteers host their first Meet Us in the Garden talk of 2025 at the Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave.

Join for “Identifying Alternatives to Using Peat” to learn if there is a more sustainable option in light of climate change.

The session is free, but registration is required. Visit mentorpl.org or call 440255-8811.

Montville Chili Cook-Off

March 1, 5-7 p.m.

Montville Firefighters’ Association will host a chili cook-off at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road. To enter, leave message at 440-968-3779 or email mrsb53@hotmail.com before Feb. 22.

Career Exploration Open House

March 4, 5-7 p.m.

High school and college graduates, high school students and job seekers are invited to a free Career Exploration Open House at KSU Geauga, 14111 Claridon-Troy Road in Burton. Sponsored by OhioMeansJobs Geauga County, Geauga Growth Partnership and Kent State University-Geauga, the event will provide valuable opportunities for attendees to connect with potential employers and explore career pathways. No registration is required. Prizes will be given to all attendees. Call Maggie Carpenter at 440-564-1060 with questions or to register.

CWC Luncheon and Program

March 19, 12-1:30 p.m.

Join Chagrin Valley Christian Women’s Connection for a luncheon at the Chagrin Valley Athletic Club, 17260 Snyder Road in Bainbridge Township. The program features travel tips from local expert Kathy Shimer, of Destination Geauga. Stonecroft Ministry inspirational speaker Nancy Williams will share, “You are Priceless and Can Live Above Any Circumstances.” RSVP by March 12; call 440-213-1205 or email cwcchagrin@gmail.com for information.

Barbee and Morgan Narusch; 10th-graders Meranda Gullett and Alexa Pfeiffer; 11th-graders Andrew Baker and Talon Duncan; and 12th-grader Laila Mathews. Cowboy Creamery sponsors the Citizens of the Month program. Submitted

Students of the Month

Cardinal Local Schools congratulates its Students of the Month for January. Thank you to the East Geauga Kiwanis and Zeppe’s of Middlefield for sponsoring the Students of the Month program.

They are: kindergartners Kira Switzler, Joshua Graley, and Case Ruskiewicz; first-graders Rhaella Hopkins and Abigail Walters; second-graders Chase Haley and Maelynn Klatik; third-graders Isabella Mattingly, Abigail Whetstone and Taylor Slezak;

fourth-graders Rayna Hall and Alayna Knauff; fifth-graders Vanessa Skaife, Addison McDou gall and Phoenix Wright; sixth-graders Melis sa Mathys, Quinn Pliml and Michael Darling; seventh-graders Blake Hollesh and Annas tyn Jones; eighth-graders Eliza Schrock and Brooklyn Salvaggio; ninth-graders Joey Komandt and Kaitlyn Omlor; 10th-graders Alayna Hall and Cecelia Kaplan; 11th-graders Garrett Omlor and Joshua Phillips; and 12th-graders Chase Harris and Maddie Ehrhardt.

100th Day of School

The kindergarten and fourth-grade students at St. Helen School marked the 100th day of school, celebrating all the learning they have achieved up to this point. The kindergarteners dressed up as 100-year-old individuals, while the fourth-graders embraced the fashion of different decades.

Seniors with Seniors Book Club

Chardon High School AP Literature students have partnered with Chardon-area senior citizens to start a book club.

“Every time we get seniors and seniors together, it is a really positive experience for all,” Madelon Horvath, one of the organizers of the club, said. “The folks I did talk to really enjoyed the experience and are so impressed with the maturity and welcoming attitude of the students.”

The students have greatly enjoyed getting together for the book club. They said they appreciate the added perspectives the senior citizens bring to their reading.

The club’s first meeting was Feb. 10 and it will run through March 7.

Science Olympiad Competition

Chardon Local Schools’ Science Olympiad teams achieved outstanding success at the highly competitive Mentor Invitational on Feb. 8.

Middle school placers were: first place, Meteorology - William Monkiewicz, James Wroblewski; first place, Fossils - Colby Sapp and Ben Majetich; second place, Road Scholar - William Monkiewicz; third

place, Codebusters - Ryan Furjanic, Samuel Monkiewicz and William Monkiewicz; third place, Dynamic Planet - Ryan Furjanic and William Monkiewicz; third place, OpticsJames Wroblewski and Ben Majetich; sixth place, Entomology - Colby Sapp and Ava Galhotra; sixth place, See It, Don’t Say It - Addison Fabian and Luke Flamm; seventh place, Ecology - Colby Sapp and Ben Majetich; seventh place, Tower - Samuel Monkiewicz and Adriana Baldwin; seventh place, HelicopterWilliam Monkiewicz and James Wroblewski; seventh place, Reach for the Stars - James Wroblewski and Nathan Germovsek; and eighth place, Anatomy & Physiology - Colby Sapp and Samuel Monkiewicz.

High school placers were: second place, Fossils - Seianna Coon and Tim Wilder; second place, Entomology - Andrew Prats and Seianna Coon; third place, Dynamic Planet - Seianna Coon and Cassie Bright; fourth place, Electric Vehicle - Alex Monkiewicz and Abby Prats; fourth place, Robot Tour - Alex Monkiewicz and Tim Wilder; fifth place, Write It, Do It - Abby Prats and Austin Prats; sixth place, Geologic Mapping - Seianna Coon and Alex Monkiewicz; and seventh place, Codebusters - Alex Monkiewicz, Abby Prats and Cash Johnson.

participate in Global School Play Day on Feb. 5.

The purpose of the day is to provide students an environment of supervised, unstructured play to be creative, problem-solve and socialize. No electronic devices are allowed.

Classrooms featured amazing fort structures built with boxes and blankets – designed, decorated and enjoyed by the kids - along with board games, crafts, puzzles and trains. One classroom even had a “creation station,” where students created anything using boxes and recyclable materials. Students were free to let their imaginations run wild.

West Geauga STEM Fair

Students at West Geauga middle and high schools participated in the annual STEM Fair (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sponsored by the West Geauga Kiwanis.

The challenge consisted of Junk Box Wars where high school teams were given a box of random materials and a set timeframe to build a mechanism to carry out a

Vash, first; Myca Mykhaela and Matilda Tu mada, second; and Tristan Morgan, third.

Middle School Individual Projects: Michael Yeager, first; Adleigh Vodika, second; Sam Geraci, third. Elementary school winner, Paul Wright.

High School Math Competition: Paul Barras

Middle School Math Competition: Kaz Southard

How Do I Fare?: Charlie Allin and Robert Meyer, first; Lola Franceschini and Savannah Sinkovec, second; and Lincoln Shirey and Kaz Southard, third.

Junk Box Wars: Capri Burch, Gabriella Ohlsen and Isla Yellen, first; Hayden Makuch, Connor Northup and JJ Rubinski, second; Tristan Morgan, Anderson Osolin and Mason Starr, third; and Best Design –Henry Duxbury, Joseph Kreuz and Darren Prince-Wright.

Kindergarten Registration

West Geauga begins 2025-26 school year registration for kindergarten and new students on Feb. 20. Registration is completed online. Visit www.westg.org for information.

Legal Notices

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000803 – CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC, Plaintiff v. UNKNOWN ADMINISTRATOR, EXECUTOR OR FIDUCIARY, UNKNOWN HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, UNKNOWN SPOUSES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE ESTATE OF ROGER L. BURKE, et al., Defendants

To: Unknown Administrator, Executor or Fiduciary, Unknown Heirs, Next of Kin, Unknown Spouses, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors and Beneficiaries of the Estate of Roger L. Burke and Unknown Spouse of Roger L. Burke, if any, Name Unknown, you will take notice that on December 3, 2024, Plaintiff, filed a Complaint for foreclosure in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, Ohio 44024, being Case No. 24-F-000803, alleging that there is due to the Plaintiff the sum of $254,282.40 as of November 30, 2024. In a reverse mortgage, all advances are added to the loan balance, per the terms of the Note. As such, the principal balance continues to grow due to monthly servicing fees, mortgage insurance premium, and other costs set forth under the terms of the Note and Mortgage. The Property address of 11897 Pekin Road, Newbury, OH 44065, being permanent parcel number Parcel Number: 23042630.

Plaintiff further alleges that by reason of a default of said Promissory Note, the conditions of said Mortgage have been broken and the same has become absolute.

Plaintiff prays that the Defendant named above be required to answer and assert any interest in said real property or be forever barred from asserting any interest therein, for foreclosure of said mortgage, marshalling of liens, and the sale of said real property, and that the proceeds of said sale be applied according to law.

Said Defendant is required to file an Answer on or before the twenty-eighth day following the last date of Publication.

CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC

By Brian S. Jackson, 0068516; Patricia L. Johnson, 0076669; Crystal L. Saresky, 0091328; Brandon W. Ellis, 0099077; Austin R. Decker, 0100918; Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 2400 Chamber Center Dr., Suite 220, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017, Telephone: 470-321-7112, Facsimile: 833310-1332, Email: kyohfil-ings@raslg.com. Jan16-23-30 Feb6-13-20, 2025

NOTICE

BID

Chester Township

Sealed bids will be received by the Chester Township Board of Trustees, Geauga County, Ohio, at the Township Office, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio, until 12:00 p.m. March 20, 2025, for the furnishing and delivering to Township storage facilities various quantities of anti-skid materials, LSM, MS concrete, 57, 411, 304 limestone, clay, 601,B,C,D, and asphalt and asphalt products. These bids will be opened and read aloud at the Board of Trustees meeting on March 20, 2025, at 6:35 p.m. Additionally, you can view the bid information on our website at www. chestertwp.com/Roads/Bids Specifications and bid blanks may be obtained at the Township Office, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio, 44026 or on the Township website.

All mailed bids are to be addressed to the Chester Township Board of Trustees, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio, 44026. Bids shall be submitted only on blank forms provided for that purpose.

A certified check or bid bond in the amount of $1,000.00 will be required with bid submittal. The Trustees reserve the right to reject any and all bids or any part thereof, and to purchase only the materials needed.

BY ORDER OF THE CHESTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Patricia Jarrett, Fiscal Officer Feb6, Feb20, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

CASE NO.: 2024-M-000624 - ROBERT V. BUNDY, et al., Plaintiff, vs. DAVID OIL COMPANY, LLC.

To: David Oil Company, LLC., whose last known address is 7001 Center Street, Mentor, OH 44060, otherwide whose address is unknown. You will take notice that on September 27, 2024, Plaintiffs filed a Complaint against you

in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, 100 Short Court Street, Suite 300, Chardon, Ohio 44024, being Case No. 2024-M-000624. The Plaintiffs are a seeking a declaratory judgment, which would declare them to be the lawful owners of personal property located on their real property, which is a vacant piece of land located in the Township of Auburn, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio. The parcel is identified by permanent parcel number 01-105710. The personal property in question is an oil and gas well known as the Bundy Well along with the various equipment located above and below Plaintiffs’ ground.

Plaintiffs alleges that you have abandoned the aforementioned personal property and have waived all right, title and interest to the Well and the equipment that was installed below and above ground for its operation and consented by your conduct to Plaintiffs ownership of the Well and the equipment that remains on Plaintiffs’ property.

Plaintiffs pray that the Defendant named above be required to answer and assert any interest in said personal property or be forever barred from asserting any interest therein, and that Plaintiffs be declared the rightful owner of all personal property still remaining on its realty, including but not limited to the Oil and Gas Well.

Said Defendant is required to file an Answer 28 days following the last scheduled publication date.

By Cory C. Funk, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiffs, c/o Lemire & Associates LLC., 531 E. Beech St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047. (440) 5769177. Jan16-23-30 Feb6-13-20, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE 2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual Financial Report for Auburn Township is completed and posted online @ www.auburntownship.com and is also available for viewing at the Township Administration Building, 11010 Washington Street, Auburn Township, OH 44023 Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm BY THE ORDER OF THE AUBURN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

Daniel J. Matsko, Fiscal Officer Feb20, 2025

BIDS FOR

ROAD MAINTENANCE MATERIALS

Bainbridge Township

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees at the office of the undersigned until 10:00 A.M., March 7, 2025 for furnishing township road maintenance materials. Quantities given are approximate, and the Trustees retain the option of ordering larger or lesser quantities at bid prices as required.

Bidders are required to use Township Bid form obtained from the office of the Fiscal Officer or on the Township’s website at www.Bainbridgetwp.com. All Bids shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Sealed Bid for Road Maintenance Materials.” Proposals for the above shall not be combined with any other Bid(s). Bidder may elect to bid on all items listed or any portion thereof. The Township Trustees reserve the right to reject any, or all, bids to accept a primary and an alternate supplier or suppliers and to wave any irregularities. Proposals must be valid for 20 days. Bids will be opened at 10:05 A.M. on March 7, 2025 at the Bainbridge Townhall.

Janice Sugarman, Fiscal Officer Feb20-27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

CASE NO.: 2024-M-000581 - MICHAEL GATTO, et al., Plaintiff, vs. DAVID OIL COMPANY, LLC.

To: David Oil Company, LLC., whose last known address is 7001 Center Street, Mentor, OH 44060, otherwide whose address is unknown. You will take notice that on September 10, 2024, Plaintiffs filed a Complaint against you in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, 100 Short Court Street, Suite 300, Chardon, Ohio 44024, being Case No. 2024-M-000581. The Plaintiffs are a seeking a declaratory judgment, which would declare them to be the lawful owners of personal property located on their real property, which is commonly known as 9525 Mayfield Road located in the Township of Chester, County of Geauga, and State

of Ohio. The parcel is identified by permanent parcel number 11097300. The personal property in question is an oil and gas well known as the Gatto Well along with the various equipment located above and below Plaintiffs’ ground.

Plaintiffs alleges that you have abandoned the aforementioned personal property and have waived all right, title and interest to the Well and the equipment that was installed below and above ground for its operation and consented by your conduct to Plaintiffs ownership of the Well and the equipment that remains on Plaintiffs’ property.

Plaintiffs pray that the Defendant named above be required to answer and assert any interest in said personal property or be forever barred from asserting any interest therein, and that Plaintiffs be declared the rightful owner of all personal property still remaining on its realty, including but not limited to the Oil and Gas Well.

Said Defendant is required to file an Answer 28 days following the last scheduled publication date.

By Cory C. Funk, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiffs, c/o Lemire & Associates LLC., 531 E. Beech St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047. (440) 5769177.

Jan16-23-30 Feb6-13-20, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

24-F-000765 – Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC, Plaintiff vs. Melissa Sharpe, et al., Defendants The Unknown Heirs at Law or Under the Will, if any, of Lillie Manuel-Walker aka Lillie S. Manuel-Walker, Deceased, whose last place of residence/business is unknown whose present place of residence/business is unknown will take notice that on November 18, 2024, Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC filed its Complaint in Case No. 24-F-000765 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, located at 100 Short Court Street, Suite #300, Chardon, Ohio 44024, Ohio alleging that the Defendant(s) The Unknown Heirs at Law or

Under the Will, if any, of Lillie Manuel-Walker aka Lillie S. Manuel-Walker, Deceased, have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below: Permanent Parcel Number: 02-383200, 02383400, 02-383300, 02-383100; Property Address: 16700 Kent Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. The legal description may be obtained from the Geauga County Auditor at 231 Main Street, Suite 1-A, Chardon, Ohio 44024, 440279-1600.

The Petitioner further alleges that by reason of default of the Defendant(s) in the payment of a promissory note, according to its tenor, the conditions of a concurrent mortgage deed given to secure the payment of said note and conveying the premises described, have been broken, and the same has become absolute.

The Petitioner prays that the Defendant(s) named above be required to answer and set up their interest in said real estate or be forever barred from asserting the same, for foreclosure of said mortgage, the marshalling of any liens, and the sale of said real estate, and the proceeds of said sale applied to the payment of Petitioner’s Claim in the proper order of its priority, and for such other and further relief as is just and equitable.

THE DEFENDANT(S) NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE THE 13th DAY OF MARCH, 2025. BY: REIMER LAW CO. Donald Brett Bryson, Attorney at Law, Attorney for Plaintiff-Petitioner, P.O. Box 39696, Solon, Ohio 44139. (440) 600-5500. Jan30 Feb6-13, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

Bid Proposals for Mental Health and/or Recovery Services:

The Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services will be accepting bid proposals for mental health and/or recovery services for SFY2026. The application will be available through the Board’s website at www. geauga.org on February 21, 2025. Proposals must be received no later than 4:00 PM on March 28, 2025. Feb20, 2025

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for Feb. 10-13, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Michael K. Topalian, 17549 Fairlawn Drive, to James William and Amanda Kristin Grubbs (co-trustees), $280,000. (0.00 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Brenda L. and James C. Gordon Jr., 404 E. Barrington Drive, to Laurie C. Bruening, $235,000. (0.00 acres)

NVR Inc., 161 High Fox Drive, to Tristine and Scott Obranovich, $434,700. (0.17 acres)

Barbara L. Kiebler, 123 Water St., to Holly Krueger, $145,000. (0.25 acres)

Ruth Anne Morlocke (trustee), 207 Water St., to Paw Places Limited, $95,000. (0.22 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Cyndi and Larry Nicholson, 13386 Shady Lane, to Nicole and Adam Mocny, $318,500. (2.26 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Walter L. Wallace, Venus Road, to Jason Donald and Stephanie Kristine Beyer, $60,000. (1.00 acres)

Kathy Disien, 14086 Rock Creek Road, to Melissa Jeric, $185,000. (1.50 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Martin D. Prendergast Jr., 12216 Brookview Road, to Darlene P. Prendergast, $115,800. (4.15 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Jake V., John V., and Joe V. Troyer, 17641 Nauvoo Road, to Jake V. Troyer, $84,400. (4.03 acres)

Melvin J. and John L. Gingerich, 16239 Newcomb Road, to Melvin J. Gingerich and Laurie P. Miller, $50,000. (2.87 acres) George and Jean Amato, 15317 Kinsman Road, to Spidalieri Enterprises, LLC, $265,000. (2.50 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

ABRR Homes LLC, 15231 Woodsong Drive, to Thomas E. and Gloria J. Schaeffer (co-trustees), $347,000. (0.21 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

Richard E. and Georgia L. Young, 15263 Rock Creek Road, to Lucas and Elizabeth Chuha, $250,000. (24.97 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

The Hampshire Beacon Company LLC, 10569 Mulberry Road, to Sean Francis and Mary Ann Carmen Lawlor, $386,000. (1.51 acres)

Ronald G. and Alice M. Atkinson, 11800 Pinehurst Drive, to Josip Injic, $470,000. (2.60 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Mark E. Graham, 11140 Kimmeridge Trail, to Andrew Bennett and Peyton Mastroianni, $265,000. (0.78 acres)

Thomas L. and Rebecca S. Peterson (TOD), 16275 Lucky Bell Lane, to Kyle Venaleck and Rachel Lynch, $525,000. (5.43 acres)

Geauga Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Feb. 7 to Feb. 13, 2025.

ANIMAL PROBLEM

Feb. 10

2:30 p.m., Clark Road, Chardon. Between this address and the new build, there is a goat is loose and keeps crossing the street. Goat is wearing a collar. Unable to locate the goat in roadway.

INFO REPORT

Feb. 13

12:33 a.m., Ravenna Road, Munson. Caller states his ex-girlfriend hacked his phone and his cameras. Believes she has been in his house at some point too. Caller states this has been going on for over a year. Caller seems very irritated and states he doesn't want a deputy to come to the house or to call him because of corruption in the system. He just wants this documented. Made comments about his phone being hacked, believes his ex is taking money to control his electric. Believes there are things missing from the house and that have been moved from the house. Caller advised he was in a mental hospital in the past because of no one believed him about these things, and even the therapist was in on it. Caller advised he may come to the Lobby in the morning so someone can look at his phone.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Feb. 12

6 p.m., Shedd Road, Middlefield. Husband got home from work, he's very upset. He chased the caller and tried to grab her. He pushed her into the corner of the wall. She does not feel safe. He is still in the house with their daughter. Caller has a support group coming to the house. This is an Amish support group. The male yelling at the daughter, he is still upset. Male

became upset over feeding the goats apples when caller asked him not. No charges wanted at this time.

SUSPICIOUS

Feb. 8

4:50 p.m., Old State Road, Claridon. Caller states someone is flying a drone over his property. Homeowner is in the back wooded area and would like to file a report. Caller states he has some friends over and one of them is stating he was followed up to the house by the drone. Caller will meet deputy towards the front of the house. Drone was observed over his house and left traveling south. Caller wished to have incident documented.

Feb. 12

1:57 a.m., Old State Road, Parkman. Complainant advising a male is in his bedroom trying to light the mattress on fire. Plaid sweatshirt, beard. Nature change from Burglary to Suspicious. Deputy and MFPD checked the residence and did not locate anyone. Complainant advised he may have thought he saw someone and smelled the smoke from his fireplace. Male denied a ride to the hospital for a voluntary evaluation but stated he will set an appointment up in the morning.

Feb. 13

5:32 p.m., Washington Street, Auburn. Caller was pumping gas and got distracted while on the phone. After several minutes she got out to put the pump back up and realized that she had pumped over 25 gallons in gas and her car only holds 12 to 15 gallons. The pump was no longer in her car. She believes while distracted a strange car in the lot may have stole gas into a can and left. Caller is certain that she did not remove the pump from her car because she was on the phone in the vehicle.

Classifieds

AUTOS & PARTS

1971 Honda Passport Motorcycle, for sale: Excellent shape! Runs good. No title. 1,600 mi. Best Offer buys it. 440-904-0408.

(4) 195/60 R15 Sumitomo snow tires, $200/OBO, like new. 440-431-6944.

FOR RENT

Middlefield Township Apartment: 3BR, 2BA, 2 stories, large private deck. $1,250 monthly plus utilities and deposit. NO PETS. 440-665-2345.

Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. $975/mo. Call 440-2210649.

FOR SALE

B&G Mother’s Day Plates. large wooden rocking horse, copper kettles, many aquariums, clocks, kerosene lamps, pottery jugs, electric log splitter. Inquire 440338-3563.

New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $125 each. George 440-336-5044.

Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.

Ford 9N Tractor, loaded with new parts, new tank, runs good, $2,200. ‘64 Chevy, powerglide transmission $350. Ariens Snowblower, 32”, electric-start, like new, $450. 440-313-5896.

Ladder jacks $50. 12-foot expanding plank $100. Mantis Tiller $200. Hitch Carrier Tray $100. Hand-held electric leaf blower $50. 440-554-5731.

Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total (2 double lots): Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $8,000 each dbl. 440-729-0070.

ANTIQUES: Mahogany Dining Set w/table, chairs, buffet, hutch, great condition $2,950. Jenny Lind 3/4 Bed $300. Bureau w/mirror $150. Maple 4-pc Bedroom Set $150. 216-598-6652.

Firewood: mixed hardwoods, 4’x8’x16-inch pieces, $135. Delivered within 15 miles of Chardon. 440-687-5404. Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743.

HELP WANTED

Seeking Amish handyman services for a number of small repair items on a property I own in Rocky River. If interested in helping out, please send me an email at brennen@rockyriverfurnished.com. or call at 901-2362327 and I can provide detailed SOW with photos. MSI is hiring PT/FT Drivers and Direct Care staff. Benefits available. For more info call Cara at 440- 564-1027 ext.1.

PETS & ANIMALS

Adult German Shepherds, AKC: (1) male, sable, 3yo. (1) female, black/tan, 2yo. Best Offers. 440-5485749.

Barn homes needed for a number of fixed & vaxxed semi-feral cats whose elderly caretaker was evicted. Help us help them. Rebecca 440-321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: smoking weed will make you nauseous and vommit! So WHY do it?

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.

SERVICES

Need help organizing or clearing your clutter? Organizer Sharon can help! Charging by the hour. Call/text 440668-8768.

Will do housework, cleaning, laundry, and elder care. Experienced with references. 440-313-1804.

Square Dance Lessons! Middlefield, Perry, Bainbridge, Willoughby. Family Friendly dance for mind and body. Friendship set to music. Call 440-667-2446.

WANTED TO BUY

Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.

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.

Ground Maintenance Contractor

Newbury Township seeks contractor to mow and perform ground maintenance for our four cemeteries and town hall. 1) South Newbury Cemetery is located on SR 44 just south of Music St on the west side of the road 2) Morton Cemetery is located on the north side of Bell Rd near 10608 Bell Rd 3) Munn Cemetery is located at 10189 Music St 4) Center Cemetery and the Newbury Town Hall are located at 14899 Auburn Road.

Interested parties can find an RFQ Form on the Newbury Township website: www.newburyohio.com or call the township office at 440-564-5997. All submissions must be received at the town hall (14899 Auburn Rd Newbury, OH 44065) or via email at admin@newburyohio.com no later than noon on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Newbury Township Trustees reserve the right to reject any and all quotes or any part of the quote.