Geauga Maple Leaf 2-27-2025

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Vol. 31 No. 9 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com

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Dog Warden Suspended for Three Days

By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com

Geauga County Commissioners ordered Dog Warden Matt Granito be suspended without pay for 24 hours, amounting to three working days, during their Feb. 20 regular meeting.

Bainbridge Township Developer Shows Housing Plan for Geauga Lake

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

A proposal to build a high-end housing development of 78 lots on the shore of Geauga Lake was presented to Bainbridge Township Trustees Feb. 24.

Developer and builder Jeff Smul said Lakeview Villas at Geauga Lake, an Epcon community, has been on the drawing board for a while.

“We’ve been working with various Bainbridge officials for the last two years. Hopefully, we are going in the right direction,” he said.

20th Century Construction, of Painesville, is partnering with Epcon Communities to develop an

Commissioners voted 2-1 on the motion following an executive session for the purpose of discussing the discipline of a public employee due to conduct violations.

Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri abstained, saying he hadn’t had a chance to review some of the details of the matter.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident asked what Granito had done that required three days of penalty. While commissioners confirmed the actions are in writing, they did not publicly say what happened.

A reporter asked Spidalieri why he did not have enough information

to vote. Spidalieri replied he did not see the items on the write-up and did not feel comfortable voting on it.

Granito’s notice of discipline, which the Geauga County Maple Leaf obtained Feb. 23, gave two reasons for the suspension — one dealing with a mishandled case and

See Granito • Page 5

Jesenovec Moving Thompson PD Forward

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA

A new broom is sweeping through the Thompson Township Police Department in the hands of Chief Jeremy Jesenovec.

Hired last May, Jesenovec, 53, installed a new lieutenant — former township Police Chief Bill Holbart, who is also chairman of the Geauga Safety Council and a former Montville Township fire chief — to replace Bob Marshall after he resigned.

The chief then began an ongo ing search for new officers.

Josh Miley, who has been with the department for seven years, and the recently-hired Kristen Wheel er are certified officers, the chief said during an interview Feb. 21 inside the department’s new sta tion at 6757 Madison Road.

See Geauga Lake • Page 4 See Jesenovec • Page 5

Residents Petition Trustees For Agler Road Repairs

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Half a dozen residents pelted Parkman Township Trustees Feb. 18 with complaints about ditch-toditch potholes along Agler Road. Rod Zeigler aimed his observations at Trustee Lance Portman, who serves as liaison for the road department. Zeigler said he knew the gravel road was in trouble last fall.

“I sent pictures in November. Nothing was done. A truck did show up, but they didn’t do anything to repair the holes,” he said.

Zeigler agreed the road has been frozen for much of the winter, so repairs couldn’t be made, but said some proactive work would have ameliorated the damage.

“In November, Agler wasn’t frozen,” he said.

See Parkman • Page 5

Parkman Township

Rod Zeigler, right, complains to Parkman Township Trustee Lance Portman about the potholes on Agler Road. He and several neighbors attended the Feb. 18 meeting to ask trustees to prioritize repairs on their road.

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: March 4, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners; March 5, 10 a.m., Northeast Ohio Consortium Council of Governments (NOC COG-Area 19) Board, at meeting room B167-B168, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Claridon. 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: March 3, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Burton Township: March 3, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. The meeting will be held at the Burton Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road.

Chardon Township: March 3, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; March 5, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: March 6, 7 a.m. – Board of Trustees, special meeting, 6:30 p.m. –Board of Trustees, regular meeting, 7 p.m. – Zoning Commission, meeting with Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: March 3, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees, at Claridon Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road.

Hambden Township: March 3, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; March 5, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.

Huntsburg Township: March 4, 7 p.m., Board of

Two Chardon Residents Injured In Car Accident

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Two Chardon residents were injured in a two-vehicle crash early Feb. 20 at the intersection of Mayfield and Auburn roads in Munson Township, according to an Ohio State Highway Patrol report.

At about 5:25 a.m., a 2010 Ford Fusion, driven by Elmer Decipeda, 57, of Chardon, was westbound on Mayfield Road when it ran a red light and was struck by a northbound 2025 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, driven by Kevin Goodge, 57, of Chardon, according to OSHP Sgt. Scott Schweinfurth.

Emergency personnel from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, and Munson and Chester townships responded, Schweinfurth said.

The impact forced the vehicles into a yard on the northwest corner of the intersection, he said.

Also injured was Elmer’s wife, Marites Decipeda, 57, of Chardon, a passenger in the Fusion, who was transported to Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital with serious injuries.

Elmer was taken to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, Schweinfurth said, adding Goodge was not injured in the accident.

Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.

Montville Township: March 4, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.

Munson Township: 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.

Newbury Township: March 5, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Parkman Township: March 4, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road,

unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: March 6, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: March 4, 5:30 p.m., Architectural Board of Review. All meetings are held at the Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Thompson Township: March 5, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, at the Geauga County Public Library – Thompson Branch.

Troy Township: March 4, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; March 6, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

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Geauga Lake from page 1

active-adult development, he said.

The Epcon brochure advertises “luxury ranch homes” and a “simply luxurious lifestyle.”

Smul said a clubhouse with a swimming pool, a fire pit and possibly a bocce court are part of the plan, which also includes walking trails.

The Epcon brochure showed three floor plans. Smul said the homes would be privately owned and Lakeview Villas will have a homeowners' association.

“(Residents) will have the best of both worlds — low maintenance living,” Smul said, adding the homes are designed on one floor so buyers would be able to age-in-place.

He noted the exteriors would be designed to reflect the amusement park’s history — with the tagline, “Where nostalgia welcomes you home” — and the plan calls for using all natural materials and a patio for each home.

The project would cover about 23 acres of land that is currently undeveloped and homes would be about 12 feet apart with no outbuildings, he said.

Smul said 20th Century has been a family-owned and operated builder of custom homes since 1981.

Trustee Jeff Markley recommended Lakeview Villas homes be sold with a deed restriction limiting ownership to individuals age 55 and older to meet the active-adult description.

Smul said the plan would be marketed as active-adult and age restrictions can be included. In other Epcon developments, the

buyers are single, he said.

No playgrounds are planned and, without families, the traffic flow in the community would be low, Smul said.

“You can have 55-year-olds with kids — it’s happening more and more,” Markley said.

The single ingress and egress is on the as-yet-undedicated Big Dipper Road.

Markley emphasized the builder is not proposing rental units.

“The property owner will own the (building) footprint,” he said, adding the owner would have exclusive use of a narrow strip around the house.

The common area, depicted in dark green, would be available for use by all owners, he said.

Township Assistant Zoning Inspector Dave Dietrich said he toured other Epcon communities in Concord and Fairlawn, both on private roads.

The brochure shows homes with two to three bathrooms and bedrooms and floor plans ranging from 1,888 square feet to almost 3,000 square feet, with an option of a second floor bonus suite.

When asked about pricing, Smul said Epcon homes at the locations mentioned sell for $400,000 to $500,000.

Other items, such as landscaping, would be included in future plans, he said.

Markley noted a major shopping center will be located nearby and security camera systems should be included, as well, with some items left to recall the amusement park days.

“The grizzly bear will remain,” he said, referring to the concrete grizzly bear wall left over from the former theme park.

Parkman

from page 1

Portman said he traveled the 1.5-mile stretch when Zeigler contacted him and then directed the road crew to put stone down on the road.

“Tailgating (the stone) does not fill in the holes. The holes get bigger and bigger and bigger,” Zeigler said.

The limestone needed to be shoveled into the holes and raked, he added.

“Then, we would have a road that would be passable and we wouldn’t be here today,” he said. “Why was this not resolved in November?”

Portman said the need for more work was not communicated well.

“There’s no reason for it,” the trustee

Jesenovec

from page 1

“I’m trying to get it organized and cleaned up,” he said, referring to his staff and the two-story house on the square. “I want to professionalize the department.”

That includes ongoing training for officers, as well as updating records, policies and procedures for the part-time staff.

Jesenovec uses a program called Lexipol, which provides a library of enforcement policies and automatically updates them in sync with state and federal legislation, as well as court decisions, according to its website.

Lexipol has a training platform that provides online courses for officers to meet training requirements and also provides grant assistance to make the police budget go farther, according to the site.

“Many departments use it,” Jesenovec said, adding he has past experience using the program.

Officers must have 24 hours of continuing professional training a year, he said.

Community Oriented

Jesenovec said policing a rural community is very different from suburban and urban law enforcement.

Granito

from page 1

one dealing with employee conduct.

Regarding the first, the dog warden’s office was notified in October of a 79-year old man who had been attacked by a dog and sustained injuries to the face, buttocks and leg, according to the notice, which added a dog warden employee said they would not be coming out and asked for the incident report.

No one from the warden’s office responded to the scene, the home of the dog or contacted the victim or his wife, the notice said.

The incident report described the victim having to hold his face together and notes a large portion of his lip was missing. Despite the missing lip being located and brought to the emergency room, 30% was lost.

The dog was classified as dangerous rather than vicious until the victim’s wife came to see Granito and asked both about the dog’s status and lack of response from the warden’s office. At that point, Granito changed the classification, the notice said.

said. “There’s no way around the holes. We’ll get it fixed.”

Agler Road residents have signed a petition requesting repairs once the frost is out of the ground, Zeigler said.

“Agler has been neglected for a long time,” he said. “We’re not looking for a fantastic road, but it’s got to be fixed. It’s hard on everyone’s equipment.”

Zeigler’s wife, Pam, said vehicles are not the only victims of Agler’s poor condition.

Horses pulling Amish buggies have been injured on the icy surface, she said.

Portman said the grading of the road has not been optimal and a berm of dirt and stone has built up along the edges, keeping water from flowing into ditches.

The township plans to remove the berm come summer, he said.

Other unimproved roads — specifically

Felonies are rare and even traffic tickets are seldom issued, he said.

“We don’t have a lot of calls we have to investigate,” the chief said, noting officers mainly respond to traffic accidents and other 9-1-1 calls.

“We’re not here to write a lot of tickets,” he said. “We want to establish a good relationship with the community.”

Chimney fires are a common call this time of year and officers on duty will respond to lend a hand to the fire department and support the family, he said.

When a home burned recently and displaced the family, his officers dug into their own pockets to help the victims out, the chief said.

That illustrates the kind of personnel Jesenovec is hoping to attract.

The police department could use another three to five part-time officers, he said, adding he would like to have enough personnel to fill one full shift per day.

“The idea is to support the residents who support us,” he said, adding he works 20 to 30 hours per week and does some paperwork for the department from his home in Willowick.

When not there, he can be reached through the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center.

More community-orientation officers

Despite receiving the police report, Granito claimed he was unaware of the severity of the attack until the wife’s visit, it said.

After Granito did not follow up with the wife after her visit, she filed a complaint with the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office. The notice described Granito as confrontational and argumentative when contacted by an employee from the prosecutor’s office about the incident.

The second reason for discipline pertains to a video Granito posted to the dog warden Facebook page following a December meeting regarding the possibility of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office taking over the warden’s duties.

Granito was disparaging and aired personal grievances about elected officials, using language indicating officials were out to get him, the notice said.

“I’ve had extensive conversations with Mr. Granito about these issues, dating back to before I even took office. It is clear to me that he understands where his conduct fell short and recognizes the need for improvement,” Commissioner Carolyn Brakey said in

Patch and Swine Creek roads — have held up and most of Nash Road is passable, but even chip-and-seal roads have suffered and repairs this year will use up a lot of resources, Portman said, noting the deep frost has caused a lot of damage.

“The roads are going to be horrendous this year,” he said.

Trustee Joyce Peters said Agler is on the schedule to be chip-and-sealed.

“In 2021, (a previous board of trustees) put together a plan for the roads. We are behind a year because we had a contractor who didn’t do the job,” she said. “Originally, Agler was supposed to be done in 2026. Unless we can speed up the process, somehow, that puts it off to 2027.”

Agler is in the southwest corner of the township going west from McCall Road to Mumford Road in Troy Township. About 1.5

would benefit the residents, Jesenovec said.

“I feel it’s very important we bring in qualified people with a community focus,” he said.

Due Diligence

When Thompson Township Trustees were searching for a chief last year, they took advantage of Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand’s offer to run thorough background checks on candidates, said Trustee Joe Cindric, liaison between trustees and the police department.

The department had endured a rocky few years, with Holbart resigning when a previous board of trustees hired Christopher DiDomenico in June of 2022 as chief and fired him almost a year later when it was discovered he was not certified.

They subsequently hired Mitchell Kaspy in May 2023, but he resigned in August, citing personal reasons.

As a result, the current board of trustees made due diligence their focus when searching for their next chief.

Jesenovec was sworn in as chief May 1, 2024. He is a part-time instructor at the Lakeland Community College police academy.

In his application, Jesenovec said the rural nature of Thompson appealed to him, as well as the fact that, despite difficulties in hir-

a Feb. 23 email, expressing respect for Granito in taking accountability.

“This decision was made through an extended deliberation process, including a prior executive session held by the commissioners and consultation with both human resources and the prosecutor’s office,” she said.

Brakey was unaware of when the suspension dates would be. The decision was made in February due to the length of the investigation, Commissioner Jim Dvorak said in a phone call Feb. 21.

“Having the opportunity to serve Geauga County, a place that values both its people and its animals, is truly a dream come true,” Granito said Feb. 23 in response to a request for comment. “I am honored to dedicate my life to this mission and to be part of a community that supports and understands the importance of responsible dog ownership.”

Conversations surrounding the warden’s office and duties have also continued since December.

“(Acting County Administrator Linda Burhenne) and I met with the dog warden and the (prosecutor’s office), sheriff’s office and representatives from Rescue Village,”

miles is in Parkman and half a mile is in Troy, according to the Geauga County map.

At the Feb. 4 trustees meeting, a discussion revolved around 800 feet of Nash Road that had disintegrated over the winter and the expense of repairing it.

At the end of last Tuesday’s discussion, Peters recommended trustees and the fiscal officer appropriate as much of the budget as possible to road maintenance and improvement.

As soon as the ice and snow retreat, the problem areas need to be assessed and the township needs to advertise for bids so work can begin early in the season, she said.

“We have this big repair work to do and we want to stay on track with our plan,” Peters said.

ing a chief, the residents voted for a 1.5-mill police renewal levy to keep the department going.

“That was one of the things I was impressed with,” the chief said.

One of his first assignments was to move the department from the administration building on the south end of the square to a renovated structure a few hundred feet north.

The files and some furniture were moved from the old office, he said.

The new Thompson Administrative Office, which also houses the township zoning department office for Zoning Inspector Noell Sivertsen on the second floor, features a steel ramp to the front door, a computer and security room in the front of the building, a conference room in the former dining area and a large kitchen.

The carpet in Jesenovec’s office has yet to be replaced with vinyl flooring and a vintage wooden desk takes up much of the space. He said he wants to install lockers at the back of the kitchen for his officers.

The facility is a work in progress, he said.

Cindric said the old barn in the rear was demolished last year and a two-bay garage built to house the township’s two cruisers.

The rough backyard will be leveled and planted this summer, he said.

“We’re continuing to make improvements as we go,” Jesenovec said.

Brakey said at the meeting. “The purpose of the meeting was to clarify roles and responsibilities in animal control in the county.”

The prosecutor’s office emphasized the dog warden must be available 24/7/365 for certain cases and failure to perform statutory duties could lead to prosecution for dereliction of duty, she said.

“Rescue Village clarified that, as a nonprofit, it’s not obligated to act as a first responder, it’s no longer going to be assisting the dog warden unless there’s a formal contract in place and it seems like there was some desire to put a formal contract in place between the parties,” she said.

The Rescue Village humane officer will be meeting with the local police chiefs at their next monthly meeting to explain their role, as there has been some confusion over when they can help and when they can’t, Brakey said.

A memorandum of understanding will be drafted to clarify the humane officer’s responsibilities.

In time, there will be a standard operating procedure, so everyone knows what to do in any given scenario, Dvorak added.

Governor’s Budget Flat-Funds Area Schools

By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com

Chardon Schools is projected to see a reduction of approximately $750,000 in state aid over the next two years, Treasurer Deb Armbruster said at the Feb. 18 Chardon Schools Board of Education meeting.

The change comes as part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s introduction of the biennial budget, Superintendent Mike Hanlon explained.

The change is for projected revenue, not revenue that has already been received, Armbruster emphasized.

“One of the key elements of the governor’s, they call it the blue book, is how school funding is going to look for the next two years. When we do a deeper dive or closer look into Chardon, the governor’s proposal essentially flat-funded the district for the next two years in terms of state support and by doing that, what that does is it reduces our state share and shifts more of the responsibility to funding the base costs to the local community,” Hanlon said.

He explained the reason for the revenue change is because years five and six of DeWine’s Fair School Funding Plan will be raising the percentage of implementation to 83%, then to 100%.

The FSFP was the result of frustrated legislators in 2017 working together to address the fact no school districts were following the funding formula in law at the time. They were all capped or on guarantees, he said.

“Capped means that a district is receiving less funds than the formula calculated. Guarantee means that they are receiving more than the formula actually calculated,” Hanlon said in a follow-up email Feb. 24, adding there are multiple reasons for guarantees.

“Nobody was actually on the formula. In essence, the formula did not work,” he said.

Eight superintendents, Hanlon being one, and eight treasurers were brought in to develop a funding formula. The plan, signed into law in 2021, is now four years into a sixyear implementation.

“Because the governor did not recommend updating the day-to-year inputs that inform the base cost, it shifts that burden for the increased implementation to the local school community,” the superintendent explained during last week’s meeting.

The funding floor — put into place to provide some state share for districts — for Chardon is 10% of the base cost. Per the formula only, Chardon would be getting less than 10% of per-pupil funding from the state, Hanlon said.

“That 10% minimum lifts us to that 10% number,” he said. “In the eyes of the formula, without updating the inputs … that’s a key ingredient in order for the funding formula to work properly in the state, and it is something that we will be advocating for over the next several months as that biennial budget process plays out.”

Under the FSFP, three elements are taken into account to determine the base cost, as well as the state and local share, Hanlon explained in his followup email.

“Base cost is determined by the ‘inputs.’ As education is a people-intensive business, the most significant are average salary and benefits costs,” he said.

The challenge the district is facing with the proposed budget is local property valuation and local income numbers were adjusted to current levels, but the inputs were not, resulting in the district appearing to have a greater local capacity and more cost shifted

to the district.

When base costs and inputs are properly updated, districts come off guarantees and the formula functions as it should, Hanlon said.

The biennial budget begins with the governor introducing the state budget, which then makes it way through the Ohio House and Senate, Hanlon explained Feb. 18, adding it is generally adopted by July 1.

Hanlon encouraged staff, lead ership and others to contact legis lators over the issue.

“Encourage them to not only complete the implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan, but also continue to address the updating of the base costs inputs, which go hand in hand to that for mula working correctly,” he said.

sequences at this moment.”

Several board members questioned why the formula is not being followed.

The blue book budget is a very flat budget, Hanlon replied, adding the state is concerned about economic conditions and revenues.

Hanlon said while he is not intimately familiar with other department’s budgets, the issue is not specific to schools.

The district’s current goal is to send 1,000 letters from staff, parents and community members to Ohio Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur and Sen. Sandra O’Brien, board member Andrea Clark said in a Facebook post Feb. 17.

Legislators have indicated to Hanlon receiving a “non-boiler plate,” personal letter is important, with one legislator saying handwritten letters, specifically, make an impact, he said.

About 14% of the district’s funding comes from the state, Clark said in her post.

“Chardon Schools is on a guarantee and the governor's proposed budget is aiming to reduce the money given to schools on guarantees,” she wrote. “Please keep in mind, we are also staring down the need for a (permanent improvement) and/or operating levy in the upcoming years, so less money from the state is bound to create terrible budget con-

“I don’t want to make this about vouchers, but by implementing the phase in years five and six, that rising tide lifts vouchers and other areas — that they get the full benefit of that increase,” he said.

Vouchers represent allocation of public funds from the state to pay for the costs of students at non-public schools in order to promote choice, with voucher amounts varying depending on a family’s income, Hanlon said in his followup email.

Voucher spending increases by $265.4 million dollars over the biennium, he said.

Looking at the state simulation data, voucher spending is going up at a higher rate, he said.

In terms of the district’s five-year forecast, simulation was done using the fully-phased formula with 2024 inputs, Armbruster said last week.

“By backing it back out, we lose about $750,000 over the next two years of projected revenue,” she said. “We are not losing revenue we already received. It’s revenue we had projected.”

The Chardon Education Association called Clark’s statement a critical call to action in a Facebook post Feb. 17, which was followed by a post Feb. 19 showing teachers rallying to write their letters.

Officials Approve Apt. Occupancy — with Conditions

By emmA mAcniven mAcniven@kArlovecmediA.com

Bainbridge Township Trustees approved a resolution Feb. 24 to grant conditional occupancy for four buildings totaling 16 units called VC Park at Geauga Lake.

Trustees had halted progress on the project at their Feb. 10 meeting because the master developer, Industrial Commercial Properties, of Cleveland, has yet to build a road, signage and accessibility for emergency services.

Monday, Trustee Jeff Markley said the Ohio Department of Transportation approved the construction of Big Dipper Road on Feb. 21, action that provides emergency access to the apartments.

Monday’s resolution read, in part: “The board agrees that granting the requested approval, with certain conditions, will help avoid the asserted economic hardships identified by the Vision (Development) parties and encourage and support responsible development in the township…”

However, apartment tenants will have to use Depot Road to come and go and, at state Route 43, be limited to right-in, rightout access and egress, Markley said during the meeting.

“Any other applications that they have for occupancy — conditional occupancy requests — will be tied to fully completed units,” he said. “It's got to be tidied up and neat and safe before they get any more (units approved).”

Vision Development received conditional occupancy permits for four units at the Feb. 24 Bainbridge trustees meeting. Residents will have to come and go via a right-in, right-out system onto state Route 43 until Big Dipper Road is complete.

ICP, which is expected to build a total of 331 units, received approval from ODOT to complete Big Dipper Road, which Markley believes will be finished in October, he said.

Markley detailed some of trustees' ongoing concerns at the Feb. 10 meeting.

“In order to give (Vision Development) the ability to begin renting out the facilities, we have to make sure that there's a safe ingress and egress, that there's access for our safety forces,” he said. “That entrance just has to be approved for public use before it can be used that way and a barrier needs to be in place until it's been approved.”

In a follow-up interview, Markley detailed

the requirements needed of the developers.

“For the township to approve (future) conditional occupancy permit(s), the buildings must be complete. Meaning carpet, paint, everything is ready to go. Signs, address signs, all that kind of stuff are up. The roads are clean, safe, accessible. The internal driveway, roadway system (are accessible),” he said.

Neither the Geauga County engineer nor the Bainbridge Township Fire Department can sign off on the permits until these conditions are met on the remaining units, Markley said.

ICP and Vision have to meet all of the conditions every time they ask for an occupancy permit, the trustee added.

Vision’s website listed more apartments as being available in the spring of 2025.

A barrier has to stay up blocking off Big Dipper Road, which is currently a private road, Markley said.

The address, listed on Vision’s website, is also not yet registered to what is currently a private road.

Geauga County Engineer Andy Haupt said last week the road has not yet been dedicated as they are waiting for developers to work with ODOT on resolving some of the issues.

“ICP has really gone very slowly and dragged their feet on getting this road done and getting it approved with ODOT,” Markley said, later adding he projects it won’t be complete until October.

“There's still a lot to do and there's also what they call lead time on ordering material,” he said. “The traffic signals have a long lead time to order and the developer, ICP, has not even placed that order, yet. It's very frustrating when, in fact, we were talking about this a year ago in March when I said you need to order these things because these are large, long lead times.”

Since it’s a private road, the apartment complex will be responsible for the township’s gratuities, Markley said.

“(It is) effectively a private road, which will not have been dedicated publicly, which we will not be plowing, we will not be salting for ice, we will not be policing on a regular basis,” he said. “It's no different than somebody's parking lot or driveway. The police officers do not control those areas.”

Trustees ultimately hoped halting the permits would apply pressure to the developer to get these outstanding projects done.

“(We’ve) put on our government hats and a lot of these (conditions) are going to stay,” Trustee Kristina O’Brien said Feb. 10.

“We recognize you've got money in the ground and you're trying to recoup some of that. We get that,” Markley added in a follow-up interview. “From an economic development perspective, we're sympathetic, however, we're not going to compromise safety for economic development.”

Representatives for ICP and Vision deferred to the other when asked for further comment.

Hanlon

Bainbridge Township

Input Sought on Waste Management Five-year Plan

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Trash essentially funds the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District’s new disposal facility in Claridon Township, Director Jennifer Jones told Claridon Township Trustees Feb. 17.

The revenue coming from bottles, cans and paper left at recycle yards is only part of the district’s annual budget, she said.

The rest of the $2.2 million a year spent primarily comes to the district from landfills, Jones said, explaining the rather convoluted way the district is funded.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency requires part of the gate fee for every ton of trash dumped at landfills be kicked back to the district from which it came. If the truck has been collecting in Geauga County, the driver is required to inform the landfill personnel of the load’s origin and $5.50 per ton comes out of the gate fee back to the district.

Haulers such as Waste Management, Dumpster Bandit and Major Waste are charged between $45 to $67 per ton to dump their loads of trash, Jones said.

The district’s plan for the next five years, effective in 2026, proposes an increase in gate fees to $7.50 per ton, which comes out of that gate fee, Jones said.

“This is not billed directly to any person, household or business. Our fee payments come only from landfills,” Jones emphasized in an email. “The actual increase seen by an average family or business completely depends on how it would trickle down from

hauler raising fees to the individual home owners/businesses paying for their trash service.”

If haulers pass this increase on to homeowners and businesses, Jones estimated bills may go up just a few dollars per year, which the hauler would determine, she said.

“On average, each person produces about one ton of trash per year,” Jones said. “With our proposed fee increase, that would be an increase of $2 per person for the entire year.”

All haulers will be paying the increased gate fee if it is approved.

Dumpster Bandit owner Mark Horvath, of Munson Township, said the proposed increase to his customers will be very minimal and not likely to go into effect for two years.

“They’re giving us ample notice,” he said over the phone Feb. 24.

His costs are dependent on fuel, employ-

which operate in Geauga County, and utilize Lake County Landfill and transfer stations in the region.

If those locations raise their gate fees, he and other haulers may have to increase their customer bills, he said.

Currently, Dumpster Bandit charges residential customers $325 per year, which is the standard across the country, Horvath said.

While speaking to Claridon trustees, Jones itemized the services the district provides with no direct cost to residents, such as safe chemical disposal, recycling of household items at drop off sites and the annual tire collection.

Also, funding for roadside litter cleanup and for communities to hold paper-shredding days is figured into the budget, she said.

GTSWMD recently built a collection facility on Merritt Road that has seen a lot of traffic, Jones said.

“The Geauga facility had 8,550 residents use its services last year. That is a 46% increase over 2023 and doesn’t include that some Geauga residents visit the Trumbull (County) collection facility because it is closer,” she said in the email.

Several communities still have local dropoff sites where containers are emptied up to three a week, Jones said.

The cost to the district used to be $650,00 per year, but has gone up to about $900,000 per year, Jones told trustees, adding recycling at the Merritt Road facility runs about $500,000 per year.

So far, about one million pounds of materials per year have been received at the Merritt facility, she said.

Before the OEPA can approve the district plan, a public hearing is required. Subsequently, 60% of all boards of trustees and village and city councils in the two-county district must pass a resolution accepting the plan, Jones said.

Written comments from residents on the draft plan update will be accepted through March 5 and should be sent to: Jennifer Jones, Director, Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District, 5138 Enterprise Dr., Warren, OH 44481.

Comments may also be emailed to jenn@ startrecycling.com.

The district will hold a public hearing for oral comments regarding the draft plan update at 3 p.m. March 12 at the above district office address.

For more information, visit startrecycling.com/district-management/.

Public Safety Facility Upgrade Complete, Health Wing to Begin

By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com

Auburn Career Center abounds with proj ects, having just started renovation on the school’s health wing in the wake of complet ing a public safety training facility.

The safety facility is a 12,000-squarefoot building equipped with three high bays intended to house firetrucks and large appa ratus, ACC Superintendent Brian Bontempo said in a Feb. 21 phone interview.

Alongside the high bays are four class rooms, which Bontempo described as open and with high ceilings to allow for fire train ing.

The property also includes a burn sim ulator, which was phase one of the project and cost approximately $350,000, the ma jority of which was paid through grant fund ing, Bontempo said, adding a combination of a loan and general fund dollars paid for the 12,000-square-foot building.

EMTs,” he said.

“All of the instructors, everybody’s really excited, our community members — the fire community’s really excited about it,” he said. “One of the statistics that’s really important to think about is that in Ohio, I have heard … approximately 15% of our firefighting community is retiring.”

The rates of students in programs is about half of that, he said.

“Not only is it important to do this for our current firefighters so they can get additional training, but we also need to have really cool training facilities to recruit talent for our next generations of firefighters and other first responders, which includes paramedics and

Previously, the school used a house on their property for training on techniques such as how to enter a window, Bontempo said, adding when it came to burn simulators, the school had created makeshift equipment and the fire truck may be outside rather than inside.

“(The new building) gives us indoor space to be able to do that and also gives us much more real-life practical experience for the students,” he said

Classes began using the new facility this semester after work started last spring, he added.

The school is now working on renovations of its health facilities over four phases, which will allow them to keep buildings open and

operational rather than teaching students in trailers, Bontempo said.

The project began in early January, with the fourth phase expected to finish around September, he said.

Phase one encapsulates the exterior of the health wing, Bontempo said, adding there will be open classrooms, as well as instructor space and labs for nursing programs.

Phases two and three are complete renovations of the shared emergency medical, high school and adult nursing spaces.

“We want to try to simulate what it’s like going into a doctor’s office or into a hospital, and so we’re working with our teachers and our advisory committee to make sure that we’re putting the best and most current equipment in front of students,” he said.

Bontempo described the renovations as a complete transformation of the space.

“What you might see as a traditional classroom is now going to look like a hospital room or a doctor’s office,” he said.

The fourth phase will introduce space for a new exercise science program to the school, something Bontempo noted Lakeland Community College and Lake Erie College are also now offering.

It’s a regional workforce need, he said.

“We’re taking two classroom spaces currently and going to open them up and make it one large space, which has a class and then all the exercise science high tech equipment,” he explained.

The project costs around $4,000,000 and is being funded via grant money, he said.

French Students Say ‘Bonjour’ to Geauga During Visit

By rose nemunAitis editor@kArlovecmediA.com

Local school closings due to frigid temperatures scrolled across the bottom of television screens Jan. 21 as eight students and two chaperones from the south of France arrived at Hershey Montessori School’s Huntsburg Township campus.

With classes canceled, guests from Mios Montessori School had additional time to assimilate and connect after their warm welcome from students and staff for their threeweek exchange experience.

“The snowy landscape was breathtaking, something we rarely experience where we live,” French guide Estelle Luxey said.

The campus at 11530 Madison Road has a working farm, residential housing, program barns, bio-shelter and classroom building on its sprawling 97-acres.

“I think the cold and snowy conditions have been a challenge, but also a new experience for the French students — it does not get nearly this cold in their area,” Huntsburg Campus & Upper School Director John Buzzard said. “The day they arrived, temperatures were negative with the wind chill and I know that must have been quite a new experience.”

Programs at the Huntsburg campus serve students from 12 to 18 years of age.

“The Montessori method of educating children is a time-tested, scientifically-validated approach that centers on the individualized educational and developmental needs of the child,” according to the school website.

“Children learn at their own pace, exploring advanced academic concepts and skills through hands-on materials and freedom of choice. Adolescents apply formal academic skills and concepts through projects that are solving genuine needs of the land or the many businesses on the farm.”

Highlights of their stay included the farm’s birth of baby goats, which students from France were able to witness and participate in.

“American and French students together helped with the birthing of new goat kids,” Buzzard said.

Some students had the opportunity to

and it was great to have the French students joining in on those tasks,” Buzzard said.

The oldest French students were able to quickly join in with the student community and feel at home, Luxey said.

While English is a required class in French schools, the younger students had a bit more of a challenge with language, she said, adding, however, they still enjoyed their stay and the opportunity to learn more English and spend time on the farm.

“It was an incredible learning experience,” Luxey said. “The students enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and a new Montessori environment. They were fully engaged and included with the boarders, participating in dinners, skiing, ice skating, working out at the YMCA and even

— was engaging and students enjoyed diverse activities for creative expression, along with the setup for the sugarbush, she said.

“They were fascinated by the friendliness of people and the vast open spaces,” Luxey added.

Students also shared their individual highlights.

“Everybody has been really nice,” Melusine said. “I truly enjoyed making new friends with Americans. I truly loved going skiing and to museums. I must admit, I really loved the food here.”

Luxey said students particularly enjoyed Rice Krispy treats and the tradition and consistency of having dinner together at 6 p.m.

Viktoriia liked experiencing the differences of climate, landscape and people in Northeast Ohio.

she said. “I love how Americans put flags in their gardens in case we don’t know where we are.”

Cloe played in the snow, noting in the South of France, at this time, the temperatures are often warmer.

“This year, we agreed to host students from France and then to make connections for some of our students to visit,” Buzzard said. “We are hoping to set up a more formal exchange for next year. We are working to have a small number of students visit France in June, after school is out for us.”

As for the American students, Buzzard said they were thrilled to have new community members joining them, particularly during this cold, dreariest part of the year.

The opportunity to make new friendships and new experiences was invaluable, he said.

Scott Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ to Robbery, Firearm Charges

By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com

Jack Scott, a Chardon man charged with counts related to robbery and firearms, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Feb. 19.

Scott, 62, was arrested following a Dec. 1 incident at the Burlington Oval Condominium Development in which he allegedly crashed his car, fled the scene of the crash, broke into a home and discharged a firearm multiple times.

Scott is being charged with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony; two counts of improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation, a second-degree felony; and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony.

“The investigation by the Chardon Police Department revealed that the defendant discharged his firearm in the victim’s residence and outside his own residence where at least one round struck another home,” Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz previously said. “He also shot at least two rounds from his vehicle before he crashed into a tree.”

Judge Carolyn Paschke informed Scott of

ALLISON WILSON/KMG

Jack Scott, left, and attorney Douglas Merrill, right, appeared before Judge Carolyn Paschke in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Feb. 19 for Scott’s arraignment.

his maximum possible sentencing if convicted of his charges.

The aggravated burglary charge carries a prison sentence of three to 11 years, plus an additional five and a half years, and a maximum fine of up to $20,000. There would also be mandatory post-release control for up to five years and not less than two years, she said.

That count also carries a gun specification, adding a mandatory additional three

years of prison.

Counts two and three, improperly discharging a firearm, also carry a firearm specification, and could result in a prison sentence of two to eight years, plus an additional four years, as well as a fine of up to $15,000 and mandatory post release control for up to three years and not less than 18 months, Paschke said.

Improperly handling firearms could carry a possible six to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of up to $5,000, she said.

Scott is currently at an inpatient treatment facility, attorney Douglas Merrill said, asking the court to maintain the current conditions of his $100,000, 10% cash or surety bond.

Scott was initially at a facility that did not abide by the court’s orders and was temporarily returned to the jail until he could be put into one that would, Merrill said.

“He’s been doing very well there. He’s been following all the rules. The facility has an understanding of what the previous court ordered and they’ve been in complete compliance with that,” he said.

Scott’s case was assigned to Judge Matt Rambo.

UH-Geauga: Screen a Heart, Save a Life

By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com

During a month focused on Valentines and paper hearts, people might also want to honor the physical organ inside their chest.

For Mark Carlucci, bringing attention to his literal heart was not only a gesture of care, it saved his life.

Carlucci, of Ashtabula County, took a free University Hospitals coronary artery calcium score test, which determines an individual’s risk of heart attack and measures the amount of calcium accumulated in the walls of the coronary arteries.

According to UH, a score of zero means no calcium was detected, indicating a less than 1% chance of a heart attack in the next 10 years. Scores of 1-99 and 100-399 indicate low and moderate risk, respectively, and show there has been some hardening of the arteries.

A score of 400 or greater indicates high risk, with extensive hardening of the arteries and the need for aggressive prevention strategies.

Mark’s score was 1400.

Ashley Carlucci, Mark’s wife — who is also the chief nursing officer for UH’s East Market region — recalled being shocked and confused when she saw the results.

“I actually called the doctor and said, ‘Is this wrong?’ Because it was so high and he had no symptoms,” she said.

The cardiologist told them to come in right away, she said.

Had Mark’s test not been part of a regular checkup, he would likely not have done it, he said in a phone interview Feb. 19.

“It was just an annual screening and it’s offered. So, (we thought), let’s go do it,” Ashley said, adding it would not have otherwise crossed their minds.

There were no symptoms or signs, Mark said.

Ashley described her husband as someone who is very active, who hunts, walks and tinkers around in the garage.

Prior to the screening, Mark had done a stress test, a test done to determine how the heart responds to stress by monitoring it during exercise, which he said he passed with flying colors.

After the calcium score, a cardiac catheterization — which is a procedure where a camera is put through a patient’s arteries to look at their heart — was done to investigate, Ashley said.

Mark was too far blocked for a stent to be put in, she said, adding as a result, he had to get a double bypass surgery for the blockage.

Ashley recalled compassionate staff helping every step of the way.

“There was not one time where I felt like something bad was gonna happen. I really felt the entire time that he was being taken care of,” she said.

Had he not been married to a nurse, he would have been done after the stress test results, Mark said.

With no symptoms, Mark would have died without the test, Ashley added.

“He would have had a massive heart attack and he probably would not have made it to the hospital,” she said.

The couple highly encourage people to get the screening done.

“It’s free and it can save your life,” Mark said.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, said Dr. Gregory Stefano, director of the Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute at UHGMC, in a Feb. 24 email.

“The major risk factors for having coronary artery disease are cigarette smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history and systemic inflammatory diseases,” he said. “However, you do not have to necessarily have any of these conditions to have coronary artery disease.”

Stefano listed not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercise and a heart healthy diet as the best ways to prevent heart disease.

He also recommended discussing with a physician if medications like aspirin or cholesterol and blood pressure medications are needed.

Per the United States Food and Drug Administration, the chemicals in cigarette smoke can interfere with the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and can damage

your heart and blood vessels.

For diet, the FDA recommends eating foods low in salt, and cutting back on sugar and trans fat.

The signs of a heart attack can also be different in females and males, the FDA said, noting while chest discomfort is the most common symptom for both genders, heart attacks can happen without chest pain or pressure.

The FDA lists participation in a cardiac rehab program post heart attack as an important part of recovery, adding cardiac rehabilitation programs may include physical activity, counseling and education about healthy living.

Auburn Career Center Lawsuit Enters Courtroom — Again

By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com

It has been over 10 years since the Career and Technical Association — Auburn Career Center’s teacher’s union — sued ACC officials for back wages.

Despite a 2021 decision ordering the school to pay $1,486,045 to multiple current and former teachers, they have yet to receive any money.

ACC owes stipends to teachers who performed an extra classroom period of duties instead of a planning period between the 2011-12 and 2020-21 school years, according to the court order.

The judge subsequently filed a second court order on Nov. 20, 2023, clarifying the distribution of funds, holding the teachers were entitled to the money “less governmental withholding and the stipulated amounts owed to (State Teachers Retirement System).”

However, ACC and CATA’s differing interpretations of the order’s clarifying language resulted in a stalemate, bringing the issue back into Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Patrick Condon’s courtroom on Feb. 20.

Does ‘Less’ Mean More?

“When you are a teacher and you get a paycheck … teachers have money taken out for the state teacher’s retirement system,” CATA attorney Ira Mirken explained in a Feb. 24 phone interview. “The teachers pay a portion and the board pays a portion for service credit at STRS.”

The employer has an obligation to deduct teachers’ portions of the STRS contributions from their paychecks and forward them to STRS, along with their own portion, he said.

ACC and CATA, however, have differing opinions on what the word “less” means in Condon’s ruling.

“Compare the dictionary definition of the

ALLISON WILSON/KMG Career and Technical Association attorney Ira Mirkin listens while Auburn Career Center attorney Matthew Markling presents his opening statements before Judge Patrick Condon in the Lake County Court of Common Pleas Feb. 20.

term ‘less’ as meaning either ‘minus’ or ‘to a lesser extent or degree’ with the dictionary definition of the term ‘plus’ as meaning either ‘increased by’ or ‘with the addition of,’” ACC wrote in a Q&A document distributed at a March 5, 2024, school board meeting.

ACC said at that time it was appealing the amount owed to the teachers, asking the court to rule they owed only about $1.1 million — the original amount minus government withholdings and retirement contributions.

CATA, however, sees things differently.

In a Dec. 30 motion for contempt, CATA attorney Andrew Lock argued the $1.49 million payment should be net of the employees’ share of the STRS contributions and the employees’ share of taxes. In other words, the STRS contributions and government withholdings would be in addition to the $1.49 million owed.

He asked Condon, among other things, to hold the ACC board in contempt and order ACC to immediately comply with the final judgement, and pay statutory interest on the amount owed.

Feb. 20 Contempt Hearing

In his opening statement last week, Mirkin reiterated the statements made in Lock’s motion for contempt.

“The Auburn board has paid nothing. People on (the list of recipients) have died. The people have waited long enough to get this money,” Mirkin said.

A degree of duplicitousness has become apparent over the past several years, he added.

Mirkin argued the ACC board’s interpretation of the clarifying language would be illegal.

“We (were) told they (were) going to comply by Sept. 29, 2024,” Mirkin said. “Instead, they file what we refer to as a frivolous motion . . . We were told on Jan. 14 they’d be compliant. Now, we’re being told Feb. 25.”

ACC attorney Matthew John Markling addressed the second court order, which he said the ACC board submitted to STRS, asking how payment could be made to comply with it.

A line item is included in the district’s five-year forecast reflecting the court-ordered amount and reserving the funds as parties await final direction from the court, he added.

The ACC board wanted to satisfy the judgement, but Markling explained it could not obtain permission to pay the individuals as some CATA members wanted to be STRS deductible and others didn’t.

“You have no intention of paying this until it’s litigated,” Condon said. “You’re willing to pay what you think it says, but you’re unwilling to pay what the order says and the law requires. Isn’t that basically why we’re here?”

Condon asked what the ACC board would be willing to pay.

“The order (says ACC has to) pay $1.486 million, less the STRS-stipulated amounts and government withholdings,” answered Markling.

CATA, however, is unwilling to accept

payment based upon ACC’s interpretation of the order, Condon said.

Markling replied the ACC board has to satisfy the judgement.

“But you’re not,” the judge said. “That’s the problem. You are reading it one way. You are unwilling to give them the amount of money that the order and the law requires because you don’t read it that way.”

Condon asked Markling if ACC was willing to give CATA the amount CATA believes it is owed. “Don’t be cute in your presentation here,” Condon admonished. “Just call it like it is. ‘We’re not gonna pay what they think they’re owed under the order.’”

Markling replied he is being honest and transparent.

“That’s debatable,” Condon said.

Markling told the court his client was bordering on contempt, but was prepared — and has been prepared — to issue payment.

Witness Testimony

ACC Superintendent Brian Bontempo was the first witness called to the stand. He testified no payments have been made and there were no accounts segregating the money, as it was included in the five-year forecast.

When questioned on the defense’s statement that the board had accepted a proposal from CATA, Bontempo could not initially recall if the union had ever been notified, but later said he believed he had informed then-CATA President Bob Hill of the acceptance.

Hill, the second witness to testify, said that conversation had never happened.

ACC Treasurer Sherry Williamson testified STRS’s interpretation of Condon’s order was based solely on ACC’s representation of the order.

With no resolution reached, the hearing was continued to the next week.

Bainbridge-Aurora JEDD Gains Traction with New Member

By emmA mAcniven mAcniven@kArlovecmediA.com

The Bainbridge-Aurora Joint Economic Development District continues to come to fruition after its governing board held its first meeting and appointed a neutral member Feb. 19.

The JEDD, which covers 600 acres of property that was formerly Geauga Lake Amusement Park, was officially created in 2020. JEDDs allow entities with shared property —

in this instance, a township and city — to collect income taxes from employees of the district.

“It’s an economic development tool and because we're a township, we cannot charge income tax,” Bainbridge Township Trustee

Kristina O’Brien said in a recent interview.

“This is a vehicle in this specific district … that the township can charge an income tax because of the JEDD board and the relationship with Aurora.”

Under their agreement, the township and

Russell Community Room Almost Done

stAff rePort

Despite Russell Township Trustees approving the use of the new community room for the May 6 primary election Feb. 20, the building is still not complete.

Currently, trustees are concerned with the acoustics of the newly-constructed community room by the admin building at 8501 Kinsman Rd in Russell.

Trustee Kristina Port said Zoning Inspector Shane Wrench got quoted for $3,200 plus up to $300 reversible expenses to hire an acoustic engineer to address the echoing.

They approved hiring Thomas Ryan, an acoustic engineer from Technological Design Studios, of Maryland.

In regards to the alarm system, they are awaiting approval from Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz. The U.S. Protective Services alarm system will cost them $785 initially, then $2,875 every month, Port said.

“(Shane) sent it to our assistant prosecu-

tor for review and as of this evening, we have not heard back,” Port said. “Without that, we can't get a wiring done and the testing done.”

Fiscal Officer Karen Walder said the occupancy permit is dependent on having the alarm system in and tested.

“I have strong reservations about executing the substantial completion certificate at this time due to the number of issues that are outstanding at this point, and the fact that we can't get an occupancy from it until this alarm system is completed,” Walder said.

While Trustee Jim Mueller thought the building was ready to issue substantial completion — meaning, the building was ready to be used for its intended purpose.

“I feel like after this meeting today, I still have an uneasy feeling about potential things that still need to get completed or addressed,” Port said.

Trustees decided to delay substantial completion until the incomplete projects are done.

Letters to the Editor

Worms Are a Good Thing!

As a Geauga County resident, I am deeply concerned. Destroying the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will have extremely negative effects on Ohio farmers and businesses.

Despite Elon Musk calling USAID “a ball of worms,” it has been an important partner for American farmers, purchasing substantial quantities of U.S.-grown commodities to support global food aid programs.

We should collectively urge Senators Bernie Moreno (202-224-2315) and Jon Husted (202-224-3353) to defend USAID and support Ohio’s agricultural community and the livelihoods of Americans.

As any farmer will tell you, worms are a good thing! And so is USAID.

Stephanie Larson Troy Township

Neanderthals

Since the first Neanderthal spied the first modern hominid on the horizon, individuals, ethnic groups, presidents and nations have attacked, pillaged and raped their nearby neighbors, while blaming their neighbors for alleged provocation and the audacity to defend their own territory.

Hey Neanderthals at the Ukraine "Peace" Negotiations, "there you go again."

Sheldon Firem Hambden Township

Stand Up for Scientific, Medical Expertise

In my 78 years, I’ve lived through many political crises in this country and I have never witnessed an attack on our democracy and expertise like we are currently experiencing.

In the past, there was appreciation for the scientific community who moved us forward and enabled us to offer support to those in need. There were facts, not alternate facts. Today, the disregard for scientific and medical expertise puts us all in great danger.

I was a “Polio Pioneer” in 1954. I lined up with other students in my elementary school to participate in that grand experiment. Unfortunately, I don’t have my “Polio Pioneer” card anymore; I do have that special memory of participating in a grand scientific experiment to benefit humanity. The country wanted our country to become a safer, healthier place to live.

As a country, vaccines have kept all of us, especially children, the elderly and the immunocompromised, protected from serious illness and possible death. Now, the workforce of the CDC is being decimated. There is an ever-growing outbreak of measles in Texas and New Mexico. We have a Secretary of Health and Human Services who questions the efficacy of vaccines.

Please contact your representatives and senators and ask them to stand up to support the work of the CDC and the reinstatement of the experts who will help to keep our grandchildren, great-grands and us safe.

Lani

Aurora will share the income tax revenue of mixed-use commercial and housing development projects currently underway on the property, with 25% going to Bainbridge.

The township will also collect all the property tax and provide services and maintenance to the district, according to previous reporting.

O’Brien said the JEDD board will be made up of five members from both entities — two from each community and one neutral member.

“One is a community member, neutral community member, business owner and employee in the district,” O'Brien said at the Feb. 10 trustees meeting.

Prior to Feb. 19, O’Brien and Ann Womer Benjamin, the mayor of Aurora, were the only two members on the board.

Bainbridge Township Trustees voted unanimously Feb. 10 to appoint Christ Patno

to serve as the neutral party for a four-year term on JEDD.

JEDD board members also approved Patno Feb. 19, leaving two more members to be appointed, O’Brien said.

“(Patno is) an attorney. I actually know him, (have) known him for a long time,” O’Brien said. “He is an Aurora resident, but that doesn't matter. This is the neutral party.”

Trustee Jeff Markley added he hopes they can take turns every term regarding which community the neutral party is from.

O’Brien said once more construction starts in the district, the board will become more involved.

“The construction will garner some tax revenue and that just … has not started, yet. It should,” she said. “We do need some information from Vision (Development). We are on it to get that information.”

Viewpoint

The SAVE Act - Unnecessary Burden to US Citizens

By cArol Benton, President leAgue of Women voters of geAugA

The Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is being debated in the U.S. Congress now. It would require citizens to submit documents ‘in person’ to prove their U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. This act is unnecessary and, if passed, would unduly burden millions of eligible voters, particularly women, the elderly and disabled.

First, the SAVE Act is designed to address a non-existent issue. The ‘Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996’ made it illegal for a non-citizen to vote in the U.S. An ineligible person who violates the law is subject to fines, imprisonment or both.

Baseless claims that non-citizens have voted in large numbers in recent elections have been studied repeatedly by organizations across the political spectrum. All have found that the level of non-citizen votes is miniscule with no discernable impact on election outcomes. Here are a few of organizations to check: The Cato Institute, Bipartisan Policy Center, NPR, Brennan Center for Justice.

Here in Ohio, Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State, announced in an August 2024 press release that he had “initiated the most extensive citizenship verification audit ever conducted by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. The analysis included cross-checks against records provided by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, the Social Security Administration, federal jury pool data, and other resources” and found only 597 potential non-citizens out of over 8 million registered voters in Ohio. That is 0.00007%. Of the 597, Attorney General Dave Yost indicted six for voting in a past election unlawfully. SIX.

Misinformation and disinformation are spread maliciously and rampantly on this topic. As always, check the source, get the facts and then make an informed decision. Second, the SAVE Act would create un-

fair burdens for many U.S. citizens to register to vote. Under the act, a citizen would have to present documents proving his or her U.S. citizenship and identity such as a U.S. Passport, Ohio State ID or a REAL ID driver’s license

In the U.S., it has long been customary for a woman to adopt her husband's last name after marriage. As a result, a married woman must provide both a birth certificate and a marriage certificate to obtain the necessary identification. Contrary to what some might assume, marriage certificates aren't always readily available. Many women may need to visit a government office and potentially pay a fee to acquire one. This is a hurdle men simply don’t face. Personally, this situation hits close to home. My elderly mother, for example, would not be able to obtain one of these forms of identification. While she miraculously has her birth certificate to prove she was born in the U.S., she lacks her marriage certificate. She married my father in 1949 in New Jersey, but online records in the state don’t reach that far back. Although she had a passport and driver’s license, they have long expired.

If someone can prove their citizenship with sufficient documents, they still need to present them ‘in person’ to register. This presents a problem for disabled individuals who cannot easily visit the local Board of Elections on their own.

Travel would be also difficult for citizens in rural areas in Ohio where there is only one Board of Elections per county. These are challenges many U.S. citizens would likely face.

It is easy for someone to say that ‘even if one non-citizen votes, it’s too many.’ Please pause and think about that for a moment. If we enact a law that knowingly creates barriers for potentially millions of eligible native-born U.S. citizens to vote, isn’t that too many?

The League of Women Voters believes that our democracy works best when all eligible Americans can vote. Tell your members of Congress to oppose the SAVE Act. It is simply a gratuitous smokescreen.

Ritter Hall Munson Township

DID YOU KNOW?

Courtesy of Maple Producers of NE Ohio

Maple Syrup is Healthy for You!

Pure maple syrup is high in antioxidants! It’s also full of minerals like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Only 52 calories per tablespoon!

Are the Maple Trees

Hurt by Tapping Them?

No, while there is a small hole where spile is inserted; the trees are resilient and heal very quickly. Many producers use the same trees for decades!

Why Does the Sap Flow out of the Tree?

Through the year, maples convert starch into sugar. The sugar mixes with water absorbed by the tree roots. Cold nights make the tree suck the sap upwards. The warmth in the day lets the tree release the sap - the sap flows down and comes out of the tap.

How Much Sap Does It Take?

It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup! The sap that comes out of the maple tree is made up of water and sugar. The sugar is much lower than the water. When the syrup producers boil, they are boiling the water out of the sap and leaving the sweet maple sugar!

Maple Grades

Maple syrup has 4 different grades. Try them all to see what you like the best!

Golden Maple Syrup with a Delicate Taste

Pure maple syrup in this class has a light to more pronounced golden color and a delicate or mild taste. It is the product of choice

if you prefer a lighter colored maple syrup with a delicate or mild taste.

Amber Maple Syrup with a Rich Taste

Pure maple syrup in this class has a light amber color and a rich or full-bodied taste. It is the product of choice for prefer sweet rich flavor.

Dark Maple Syrup with Robust Taste Color

Pure maple syrup in this class has a dark color and a more robust or stronger taste than syrup in lighter color classes. Hearty robust flavor.

Very Dark Maple Syrup with a Strong Taste Color

Maple syrup in this class has a very strong taste. It is generally recommended for cooking purposes but some may prefer it for table use.

Sweetest of the Trees

There are many different kinds of trees in the forest, but the sweetest tree is the sugar maple. The sap from this tree is used to make pure maple syrup. Sugar maple trees are unique to North America and grow naturally only in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.

The traditional season to make maple syrup in NE Ohio extends from early February until late March. This is called “the sugaring season”. Freezing nights and warm, sunny days are necessary for the maple tree to yield sap, a colorless liquid with a light, sweet taste (2%-4% sugar). Maple syrup producers, also referred to as sugarmakers, collect this maple sap, and through boiling, the maple taste and amber color are formed

100% pure NE Ohio Maple Syrup is the finest, most wholesome maple syrup there is!

in Northeast Ohio

How Sweet It Is Tour

1. Bissell Maple Farm

27 N. Elm St, Jefferson, OH 44047

March 1 & 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

2. Burton Log Cabin

14590 E Park St, Burton, OH 44021

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 11 a.m – 4:30 p.m.

3. Butternut Maple Farm

12911 Butternut Rd, Burton, OH 44021

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

4. Geauga Park District Sugarhouse 16004 Hayes Rd, Middlefield, OH 44062

March 2 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

5. Grossman Brothers Maple

12147 Claridon Troy Rd., Chardon, OH 44024

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

6. IQ Maple Syrup

18266 Thorpe Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH, 44023

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

7. KC Maple Syrup

16350 Hart Rd, Montville, OH 44064

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

8. Messenger Century Farm

17098 Messenger Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

9. Mother Hen Farm

8201 Pettibone Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

March 1 & 2, 8, Closed March 9

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

10. Mowry Maple Farm

3736 State Route 13, Lexington, OH 44904

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pankcake Breakfast

1. Bissell Maple Farm

March 1 & 2nd, 9 a.m. – 2p.m.

3. Butternut Maple Farm

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

10. Mowry Maple Farm

March 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

11. Munn Farm Sugarhouse

March 1 & 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

19. Sirna’s Farm Fresh Kitchen

March 1 & 8, 8am – 12pm

in Northeast Ohio

11. Munn Farm Sugarhouse

15560 Munn Rd, Newbury Twp., OH 44065

March 1 & 8, Saturdays Only

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

12. Pleasant Valley View Farm

8810 Madison Rd, Montville, OH 44064

March 1 & 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

13. Richards Maple Products

545 Water St, Chardon, OH 44024

March 1 & 8, Saturdays Only 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

14. Salo Maple Products

16434 Leggett Rd, Montville, OH 44064

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

15. Seldom Seen Farm

10055 Madison Rd, Montville, OH 44064

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

16. Sugarbush Creek Farm

13034 Madison Rd, Middlefield, OH 44062

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9

Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

17. Sugar Valley Maple Products

15755 Chipmunk Ln, Middlefield, OH 44062

March 1 & 8, Saturdays Only 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

18. Sumner Farms (Hobbyist) 7925 Sumner Rd, Thompson, OH 44086

March 1 & 8, Saturdays Only 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

19. Sirna’s Farm Fresh Kitchen 11773 E Washington St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

March 1 & 8

20. White House Chocolates

14607 Kinsman Rd, Middlefield, OH 44062

Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

in Northeast Ohio

How Sweet It Is: Maple Tour of Northeast Ohio

Sponsored by the Maple Producers of Northeast Ohio & the Ohio Farm Bureau

March 1-2 & 8-9, 2025 Northeast Ohio

www.mpneoh.com/ maple-tour

Baking with Pure Maple Syrup

• Decrease oven 25° F .

•For each cup o f sugar:

Add up to an additional 1/4 cup maple syrup. Decrease liquid 2-4 TBSP.

Add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp baking soda if recipe does not use buttermilk, sour milk or sour cream.

Storing Pure Maple Syrup

• Unopened store in cool location or freezer.

• Unopened syrup keeps well for years.

• Refrigerate open syrup containers.

• Syrup can be rewarmed to serve.

• Candy should be tightly sealed.

• Cream should be refrigerated.

• To divide, heat to 180° F, pour in sterilized jars, seal tightly and tip to sterilize lid. If mold forms, skim, bring to boil and bottle.

Maple Syrup Facts

• 43-50 gallons of sap make 1 gallon of syrup.

• Sap is only 2-3% sugar.

• Maple syrup is 66.5% sugar.

• Maple syrup has 13gm/TBSP. Carbohydrate.

• Maple syrup weighs 11 pounds per gallon.

Ohio Maple Madness Driving Trail

Sponsored by the Ohio Maple Producers Association

March 1-2 & 8-9, 2025 Statewide

www.ohiomaple.org/ maple-madness.html

Recipes to Try for Every Grade

Golden Microwave Candy

(For adults only to prepare due to handling boiling syrup!) Coat the upper inside edge of a deep pint or larger microwave safe bowl with butter (this will prevent the boiling syrup from escaping) Put 1/2 cup syrup in bowl. Microwave on high 3-4 min. Remove and stir constantly until it turns opaque and loses its shine. (A tsp. of butter, nuts or peanut butter may be added at this point) Quickly spoon onto wax paper to cool and harden. Store in an airtight container.

Amber - Maple Cream Pie

Combine 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 2/3 cup Maple Syrup in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat stirring constantly until boiling. ll not starting to thicken, boil an additional minute or two until it does. Pour into pre-baked or graham cracker pie shell. Refrigerate two or more hours. Top with real whipped cream or whipped topping and sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted salted pecans or walnuts on top.

Dark - Maple Pecan Squares

1/2 cup butter or margarine, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour.M ix and press into 8” x 12” baking dish. Bake 5 min. at 350° F . Mix following ingredients, spread on top of crust and return to oven. 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1 cup Maple Syrup, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup butter OI margarine, 2 tsp flour, 2/3 cup nuts, 1/2 tsp vanilla. Bake at 400° F for 4 min., then reduce to 350° F for 20 minutes.

Very Dark - Maple Baked Beans

2 lb. can baked beans, 1/4 cup onion chopped, 1/4 cup diced green pepper, 1/4 cup ham or bacon, 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard, 1/2 cup Maple Syrup. Blend all together, but sprinkle ham or bacon on top. Bake uncovered at 350° F for 50 -70 minutes.

Baking, storing, facts and recipes courtesy of Ohio Maple Producers Association

in Northeast Ohio

Open daily: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., regular store hours

9. Grossman Brothers Maple Products

12147 Claridon Troy Rd., Chardon, OH 44024

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

11. Mother Hen Farm

8201 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

March 1 & 2, 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

12. Messenger Century Farm 17098 Messenger Rd., Auburn Township, OH 44023

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

14. Hershey Montessori School Sugarhouse

11530 Madison Rd., Huntsburg, OH 44046

March 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

15. Salo Maple Products

16434 Leggett Rd., Montville, OH 44064

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

16. K-C Maple Syrup

16350 Hart Rd., Montville, OH 44064

March 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

8810 Madison Rd., Montville, OH 44064

March 1 & 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

19. The Ox Shoppe Cafe 6661 N Ridge Rd., Madison, OH 44057

Tuesday thru Friday: 6 a.m.– 12 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

20. Bissell Maple Farm

Ashtabula Fairgrounds Expo Center, 127 N Elm St, Jefferson, OH

March 1 & 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

in Northeast Ohio

A Few Thoughts on Tapping

By les oBer

Tapping a maple tree – how hard can it be? Drill a hole, drive in a spout and hook up tubing or hang a bag/bucket. Not rocket science, right? No, it’s not rocket science, but it is also not a task to turn over to a nov ice. Tapping, of all the activities that lead to a maple season full of sap, is the single most crucial task of the year.

When you put together a tapping crew, that crew must be comprised of trained in dividuals. Each step in the tapping procedure needs to be thoroughly explained and rehearsed. Here are 10 steps to successful tapping:

es deep and certainly no more than 2 inches deep.

1. Observe the tree. Look for damaged areas in the trunk and the crown. Avoid tapping into areas below the injury. If it snows, I want to see tracks around encircling the tree. This indicates that the person tapping has studied the tree, identified last year’s taphole, and has taken the time to tap into conductive wood.

2. Pay attention to the color of taphole shavings evacuated by the bit. White equals conductive wood and brown is non-conductive dead wood. Know the difference.

3. Tap with a sharp drill bit that is designed for drilling trees not steel.

4. Handle the tapping drill properly by holding with both hands to maintain complete control of the drill. Look down to ensure good footing, and do not try to stretch on your tip toes to gain excessive height as that will cause you to lose control.

5. Find your new mark between 2-4 inches to the side and 6 or so inches above or below an old tap hole. Doing so will drastically increase the chances of hitting conductive wood.

6. Drill straight in. No wobbles. 1.5 inch-

7. Drive the spout with a proper tool. Ballpeen and framing hammers should be left in the toolbox. Choose a light tapping hammer made of plastic or wood.

8. Seat the spout so that it is snug. Overdrive the spout and you will lose sap production. Under-drive and your taps may leak. You should hear a tone change in sound coming from the hammer when you have achieved the proper depth.

9. If you have several workers who are new to tapping, purchasing a “Precision Tapper” makes tapping easy for beginners. At the end of a long day, even old pros might be reaching for a Precision tool.

10. Remember when you tap, you only have one opportunity to get it right the first time.

Follow these 10 suggestions and you will be well on your way to making a half gallon of syrup per tap.

Les Ober is an educator at The Ohio State University Extension who specializes in maple syrup production and agronomic crop production.

Ice Wine Festival

March 1 @ 12:00 pmMarch 31 @ 5:00 pm

locations

1. Cask 307 Winery

2. debonnE vineyards

3. Ferrante Winery

4. Grand river Cellars

5. Laurello vineyards

6. South river vineyards

7. Red Eagle Distillery

Microclimate Makes Nice for Ice Wine Festival

suBmitted

The cold of Northeast Ohio brings out the sweet nectar frozen on the vines in snow-laden vineyards located south of Lake Erie. This creates a microclimate that allows Ohio winemakers to grow grapes and make exceptional ice wines.

Authentic ice wines are a challenge to produce and, therefore, are rare and special. Ice wine grapes generally are harvested in the early morning hours when temperatures dip well below freezing and pressed within hours of the first sustained freeze. The natural water content that is found in the grapes needs to be frozen when harvested. This results in a concen-

turn, is used for ice wine. Typically, the brix level is between 37-40 brix, which is ideal for producing this decadent dessert wine.

Ice wine varietals in the Grand River Valley region of NE Ohio include Vidal Blanc, Concord, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Each varietal has its own set of unique characteristics that are sure to be palate pleasing.

Flavors of sweet peach, apricot, honey, cherry and citrus can be found in these delicious ice wines. Pair any of these dessert wines with pungent cheeses like gorgonzola and goat cheese or go sweet and enjoy with chocolate hazelnut spread or white

During March, join the wineries of the Grand River Valley: Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, Cask 307 Winery, South River Vineyards and Red Eagle Distillery for an afternoon of ice wine sampling perfectly paired with appetizers for $10 at each location.

Guests will visit each of the official seven participants in any order they choose. Each location will provide samples of their ice wines along with a delicious appetizer

and souvenir glass.

Area maps will be provided at all wineries to help patrons plan their route. Be sure to check out the Wine Growers of the Grand River Valley events calendar for March, filled with great events to extend your stay in the Grand River Valley Wine Region. Overnight packages are available for 2025. Bundle an overnight stay with transportation to each festival location and two festival passes in one convenient transaction. Visit www.wggrv.com.

Ice Wine Festival

March

@ 12:00 pmMarch 31 @ 5:00 pm

Rocoto Pepper Jam Cocktail Sausages over Cheesy Grits

2023 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine Cherry Bourbon Ice Wine

• PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE DEBONNE FESTIVAL GLASS

• SPARKLING FROSTBITE ICE WINE SPECIALTY COCKTAIL

• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FRI, SAT & SUN

• ICE WINE PROGRESSIVE DINNER - 1ST 4 FRIDAYS IN MARCH RESERVE AT WWW.DEBONNE.COM/UPCOMING-EVENTS/

While you are there Festival Saturdays

•PEPPERS 4 FUN PEPPER JAMS

•THE BOM FEATURING ADULT TRUFFLES

•XOXO PERMANENT JEWELRY

Pulled Pork Slider *gluten free option/ dairy free option

appetizer featured Wine

2023 Vidal Blanc Ice

While you are there Festival Saturdays

S P O R T S

Lions’ Dynes and Tigers’ Mateyo Stand on Swimming Podium

By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA com

To make the podium at an OHSAA State Championship is often a dream for many high school swimmers in the State of Ohio.

Of course, this is not easy as it takes hard work, physical and mental discipline and often a commitment to year round training.

For Geauga County swimmers Brooke Dynes and Cam Mateyo, this amazing accomplishment became reality on Feb. 21 at the C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton.

NDCL Lions Girls Team swimmer Brooke Dynes stood on the podium with an 8th place finish in the 100-yard Breaststroke at the OHSAA Swimming State Championships.

Also, Chagrin Falls Tigers swimmer Cam Mateyo made the podium at the State Championships twice with a 6th place finish in the 100-yard Butterfly and an 8th place finish in the 100-yard Breaststroke.

For the Lions’ Dynes, she said the preliminaries on Feb. 20 were extremely exciting and filled with positive emotion.

“(February 20th) was a huge deal for me, I was so ecstatic,” said Dynes. “Just really getting to have this experience and everything is just amazing and I'm so blessed.”

In order to make the podium, Dynes had to first qualify in the preliminaries for a spot in the finals.

Dynes said that going into the preliminaries she was focused on doing what she needed to do to be successful.

“I just kind of went out and did what I needed to do, what I know to do and just kept trying to do my best,” said Dynes.

Dynes spoke of the joy and excitement she experienced when she looked up at the scoreboard after the preliminary race and realized she made the finals.

“I was jumping up and down, so excited, I had all my friends around me which I'm so grateful for,” said Dynes. “We were just so excited, I don't even know if I can describe it. It was amazing, it was truly one of the moments I'll remember forever in my life.”

In the finals, Dynes was happy with her pre-race preparation and overall she felt that she swam a great race.

NDCL Head Coach Bryan Scheider said that Dynes accomplished her goal.

“The whole season leads up to this,” said Scheider. “This was part of the plan all year long. Last year she made it, but the plan was to get her on to the podium today. She accomplished that goal.”

Along with Dynes, also competing at the State Championships for the Lions was Lexy Laven.

Laven finished 28th in the 200-yard Freestyle and 28th in the 500-yard Freestyle.

“It was just an honor to be here two years

in a row with my best friend Brooke and get ting to do what I love most and swim with my heart,” said Laven.

Leading the way for the Chagrin Falls Tigers swimmers was Cam Mateyo who finished on the podium twice.

Mateyo, a senior, said that he had a great time swimming at Chagrin Falls.

“It's been a great four years,” said Mat eyo. “A lot of great teammates and I have been fortunate to come here (OHSAA State Championships) three times now and we get better every year. Although it's sad that this is coming to an end, this couldn't be a better way to go out.”

All Three Barans Advance to Districts for Bombers' Wrestling

By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA

com

In high school sports you often see siblings follow in each other's footsteps.

For instance, after one child has a successful varsity athletic career in a particular sport, another child from the same family often has varsity success in the same sport a few years later.

What is not seen as often is three siblings having great varsity athletic success in the same sport at the same time.

However, currently in the Kenston Bombers Wrestling program, three Baran family brothers are having excellent seasons as they have led their team to success.

Junior Brady Baran (36-6 heading into sectionals), the number 17th state ranked Div. II wrestler (126 pounds), was the 126-pound division WRC Champion, while older brother, senior Aiden Baran (34-11) was the 132-pound division WRC Champion.

The youngest Baran brother — freshman Carter Baran (27-10), who is currently the state of Ohio's 18th ranked 113-pound Division II wrestler — was also the his weight division's WRC champion.

At the OHSAA Wrestling Sectional Championships at Kenston High School on Feb. 22, all three Baran brothers qualified for next

See Wrestling • Page 19

Badgers End Strong Season With 17 Hardcourt Wins

By rich kelly sPorts@kArlovecmedi

In the new playoff formula, Ohio high schools it's easier to end up playing teams you may normally not see during the regular season.

Levels of competition alter won-loss re cords and seedings for the tournaments, but playing good teams also is a regularity.

The Berkshire Badgers girls basketball team, under first-year head coach Dave Al bert, hosted a Tuslaw Mustangs team Feb. 18 with a similar record.

Tuslaw has built a solid program over the years. Coach Albert was well aware of it, but when push came to shove, the Mustangs used the inside power of Breanna McCabe and Destiny Dulkoski to power their way to a solid 56-30 victory over Berkshire.

The loss ended a fine 17-7 season for the Badgers in Div. V action against top quality teams, but the Badgers had not seen a tan dem with the dominating inside game which Tuslaw put on the floor.

"We've taken immense strides since the start of the season here," Coach Albert said. "It's not easy for a team to get used to a new system like I gave them and expect much suc cess, but these girls made me so proud with how hard they worked and were so coachable for me this year. They picked up on things in a hurry, and the work ethic was just unbelievable. I'm so proud of them, and to win 17 games like they did, with veteran and new players working as a team, this was the most wins for a Berkshire team in 14 years, and it's all due to how they worked together."

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Olivia Masink saw her high school basketball career come to end with five points and nine rebounds in the Badgers’ 56-30 loss to Tuslaw in the Div. V OHSAA basketball tournament at Berkshire High School.

McCabe hit a pair of buckets to close out the first period on a 6-0 run to give Tuslaw a 15-7 lead, and as the Badgers realized what they were in for — a regular dosage of McCabe— Tuslaw changed things up a bit with Leedy finding Dulkoski twice as the lead grew to 26-12 at halftime.

The Badgers were still right there, but shots were not going in for the locals.

Ivy Martin, a sophomore guard, tallied five points and freshman Stella Bateman added four as she tried hard to battle the double

After Meredith Bors hit a short jumper in the lane and Martin hit a jumper from the right wing to open the third period, Malia Mizeres stepped up her offensive output to take the pressure of the Mustang powerhouses McCabe and Dulkoski, and the Badgers just could not put any scoring runs on the

McCabe had her usual double-double, scoring 21 points to go with 10 rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Mizeres scored all 10 of her points in a 23-point third quarter outburst for Tuslaw. Leedy hit for nine points, Dulkoski and Karleight Tully added eight each as the Badgers could not keep up.

Martin paced Berkshire with 10 points, five in each half. Bateman added six as she battled inside all night, and Masink saw her high school career come to halt in a five point, nine rebound contest.

The tone for the game was set in the

Swimming from page 18

Also swimming at the OHSAA State Championships for the Tigers Boys Team were Noah Publicover (50-yard Freestyle - 24th place), Nicholas Tropf (100-yard Backstroke - 27th) and the 400-yard Freestyle Relay Team (Wade Daugherty, Mateyo, Publicover, Tropf - 13th).

Swimming for the Tigers Girls Swim Team at the State Championships were the Girls 200yard IM Medley Team (Gracie Ryan, Hayden Schron, Claire Simon, and Aletha Svette - 22nd) and Gracie Ryan (50-yard Freestyle - 32nd).

Swimmers from Chardon, Hawken and Kenston also swam at the OHSAA State Championships.

Chardon Hilltoppers Boys Team swimmers included Toby Rogers (100-yard Freestyle - 18th; 100-yard Backstroke - 100-yard Backstroke - 15th), and the 400-yard Relay Team (Jack Bennett, Danny Greene, Brayden Marker, and Toby Rogers - 16th)

Briella Hewitt represented the Hilltoppers Girls swim team in the Div. I OHSAA State Championships on Feb. 22 in the 200-yard IM (23rd place) and the 100-yard Breaststroke (21st).

Representing the Hawken Hawks Girls Swim Team was Addy Pruce (100-yard Freestyle - 17th place; 200-yard Freestyle - 10th place).

Hawken Boys Swimmers swimming at the OHSAA state championships were Everett Losch (100-yard Freestyle - 11th place; 100-yard Breaststroke - 10th place) and William Butler (500-yard Freestyle - 31st place).

Also competing at the OHSAA State Swimming Championships was Kenston Bombers Boys Team swimmer Luke Schmidt (100-yard Breaststroke - 18th place; 100-yard Butterfly - 23rd).

first minute. Dulkoski took a pass from Abby Leedy at the high post, and zipped a quick pass to the basket for 6-foot senior McCabe, who put the ball in easily. Leedy hit a 3-pointer with 2:21 gone in the game for a 5-0 lead, and Coach Albert called a quick timeout.

Wrestling from page 18

week's OHSAA District Championship.

Brady Baran began his OHSAA Sectional Title run by pinning his opponent from Padua Francsican early in the match.

Baran then defeated Nicholas Hayes from Hawken, 16-0, in the quarterfinals and followed that match by pinning Jeremiah Brumfield from Kent Roosevelt in the semifinals.

In the finals match, Brady Baran defeated Michael Surovi from Bay, 15-0, to win the OHSAA Sectional Title.

Afterwards, the Baran brothers talked about how exciting it was for all three of them to qualify for the OHSAA District Wrestling Championships which will be held on their home mats in the Kenston Gymnasium.

“It's really special,” said Brady Baran. “Just being with these guys all season, we worked so hard for this moment. It means a lot, there's only one year where we're all in high school (together). It’s crazy that we all made it to districts, it's a great accomplishment.”

Senior, Aiden Baran added: “I'm just glad that we’re all here now, me and my

Grit has been a regular thing for these Badgers all season. They responded coming out of the timeout as Jenna Ronyak fired a pinpoint pass to Olivia Masink for the first Berkshire points of the night, but Tuslaw responded as any good team will.

two younger brothers, we’re all going to districts, and we'll see where we can go from there.”

Freshman Carter Baran also expressed his excitement to represent the Bombers at districts and to have qualified with both of his brothers.

“It's really just a great experience,” said Carter Baran. “Being able to be in the room with my brothers, it's really crazy, especially being the only three on the team that are going to districts. It's just a monumental moment for the school and me as well. I'll always remember it and it's great to be in the room with my brothers.”

In addition to seeing all three Baran brothers qualify for the OHSAA District Championships, Geauga County wrestling fans got to watch the No. 1 ranked Div. II heavyweight wrestler in the State of Ohio, Hawken's Will Greenberg.

As expected, Greenberg had a dominant performance on his way to winning the OHSAA Sectional Title, 285 pound division.

In his first three matches, Greenberg pinned opponents from Bay, University, and Brookside in an average time of 26 seconds.

In the title match, Greenberg defeated Noah Dunlap from Kent Roosevelt, 21-6.

Afterwards, Greenberg said that it was nice to win a Sectional Title and that he was

Meredith Bors added six points, but the Badgers could hit on only 32.5 percent of their shots, keeping them from lengthy scoring bursts as they battled back.

They left it all on the floor, however, which is what any coach and fan hopes to see.

focused on keeping his offensive wrestling skills sharp.

“I was just focused on my offense, making sure I was explosive, making sure I was fast, just fine tuning some things for the next couple weeks,” said Greenberg.

At the same time Kenston was hosting OHSAA Sectionals, other Geauga County wrestling teams were competing in sectional tournaments throughout Northeast Ohio.

The West Geauga Wolverines won the OHSAA Sectional Wrestling Title at Canal Fulton Northwest.

Seven Wolverines wrestlers won individual district titles including, Caden Kaleal (120 pound division), Zander Joltin (126), Brian Denamen (165), Austin Wheatley (175), Nasir Levy (190), Blake Welker (215) and Maveric Milnar (285).

Also winning OHSAA Sectional Titles were Danny Tiller (190 pound divisionBerkshire), Caden Foley (144 - Chardon), Dylan Kick (150 – Chardon) and Alex Ash (157 - Chardon).

Geauga County Wrestlers will next wrestle in the OHSAA District Championships on Feb. 28 and March 1 in the Div. II District Championships at Kenston and the Div. III District Championships at Independence High School.

Shirley Lukert Rodgers

Shirley Lukert Rodgers, age 92, of Willoughby, passed away on Feb. 13, 2025.

She was born to John M. Lukert and Eva (nee Fletcher) Lukert in Moriches, Long Island, N.Y., on Feb. 17, 1932.

Shirley was a devoted wife to Charles T. Rodgers Jr. for 55 years before his passing in 2009. Together, they shared a love for seeking out and trying local ice cream shops.

She was also an active member of the Grace Women’s Group in Wilmington, Del., where she deeply enjoyed knitting and crocheting for her church and fellow group members. Shirley became known as an aficionado in the craft, always selecting the perfect wool for her projects, which showcased her attention to detail and love for the art.

In her 60s, Shirley returned to school at Widener University to earn her an associate degree, exemplifying that it’s never too late to start something new.

Throughout her life, Shirley lived in various states before settling in Delaware, where she created many cherished memories with family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Charles (Barbara) "Chip" T. Rodgers III, Mark S. (Hope) Rodgers, and Ronald "Ron" F. (Ann) Rodgers; sister Patricia Baker; grandchildren, Kimberly (Mathew) Townsend, Amy (Justin) Smith, Ian Rodgers Fletcher, Eliot Rodgers, Benjamin (Maria) Rodgers, and Emily (Heather) Rodgers; and great-grandchildren, Lincoln and William.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eva Lukert; as well as several siblings.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge in King of Prussia, Pa.

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

William Griswold

Bill Griswold, of Chardon, eternal opti mist, supportive fam ily man and humble know-it-all, died on Feb. 15, 2025, at the age of 71. He was born Oct. 8, 1953.

Bill had some thing in common with everyone, always happy to lend an empathetic ear. He had a genuine interest in what you were saying, waiting patiently for an opening to impart his 15 minutes of wisdom.

He was generous in every respect, with his time, his love, his DIY talents and his money; he’d give you the clothes off his back before you even thought to ask for them. He dedicated himself to his career, but his favorite part of his job was helping other people. He loved his coworkers and the community he served for so long.

Bill was well acquainted with heartbreak and defeat thanks to his lifelong love of Cleve-

Obituaries

land sports, from the perennially disappointing Browns to multiple World Series losses. Luckily, the title winning Cavs and multiple Ohio State championships, including the recent 2024 win, helped to stave off the anguish.

Full of the spirit of adventure, Bill loved to travel near and far — and equally enjoyed stories of other peoples’ journeys. He organized family vacations everywhere from Ireland to West Virginia, Yosemite to the Outer Banks, Aruba to Las Vegas. He was as much at home sitting at the blackjack table on the casino floor as he was barbecuing on the deck at the vacation house.

Bill loved hosting lively family get-togethers. Elaborate meals sourced from all corners of the internet graced his table. He took pride in his extensive home bar, offering guests single malt whiskeys or fancy mixed drinks, depending on their mood.

A devoted fan of practical jokes, you never knew when you might find a fake spider or severed hand next to your drink.

Eternally grateful for the love shown to him by his parents, he passed it on to his own family, prioritizing them above everything else in his life. The family that will forever carry him in their hearts includes his wife, Ruth; children, Jennie (Matt), Molly (Ryan), Marissa (Tim) and Gina (Chuck); grandchildren, Nathan, Owen, Tyler, Gia, Parker, Charlie and Nora; sister, Cindy (Bruce); and former wife and friend, Kathy.

Bill’s large extended family will miss him dearly.

He was a schemer, a dreamer and, more than anything, we are all better for having had him in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Dave Thomas Foundation, a cause Bill contributed to and believed in, by going to their website www.davethomasfoundation.org

Services will be held privately.

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

Loretta

Higgins

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Proverbs 31:31

Loretta Higgins, beloved wife, moth er, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Feb. 4, 2025, at the age of 99.

AJ, Charlie, Devonie, Denae, Caston, Kenzie, Johnny and Keegan.

Loretta was an avid traveler, having visited all 50 states and several foreign countries.

She was a passionate gardener, card player and golfer. She loved music and dance. She helped countless people through her involvement in the Al-Anon Program.

Loretta was warm, generous, funny, the life of the party, and met life’s challenges with dignity and courage.

Although Loretta is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.

Services will be held privately among her family.

Gregory Burzanko

Gregory Burzanko, age 67, of Mooresville, N.C., died peacefully at S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville on Feb. 12, 2025, following a period of declining health.

Greg was born on Sept. 2, 1957, to the late Nick Burzanko and Irma Jean Tompkins Burzanko. He grew up in Burton and spent his time when he was young learning to make maple syrup and tend to the needs of local farms. He was happiest spending time outside, and his grandkids always brought the biggest smiles.

Greg’s legacy will be in the lessons he taught us about showing up for your people, gardening and caring for the yard, making sure birds are fed, and knowing that no struggle is too great.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Debi Farley Burzanko; his brother Rick; and a wide, close family of aunts, uncles and cousins who we are sure were waiting to greet him with open arms, big smiles and his special family nickname.

Greg is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Burzanko) Medlen; his wife of 40 years, Louise Burzanko; son-in-law, Rob Medlen; triplet grandchildren, Toby, Eleanor and Callista Medlen; sister, Vicky Meadows; brother Bill Burzanko; aunt, Barb Sanford; sisters-in-law, Leesa Burzanko, Linda (Bob) Hazel and Diane (Kevin) Laymon; chosen family, Joy (Tom) Brown-Latimer; and more cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews than Greg could ever keep track of.

She was born on June 24, 1925, in Gates Mills, to parents Walter and Agnes Krupinski.

Loretta married her childhood sweetheart, Robert, on June 7, 1947, and they remained married for 66 years until Robert’s passing on July 30, 2013. Together, they built a house in Russell Township in 1955 and lived there for 59 years.

Loretta and Robert’s descendants are children Jim, Peggy, Mya, Donna and Tim. Their grandchildren are Maureen, Sonya, Michelle, Jimmy, Billy, Chris, Jessica, Jonathan, Johnny, Bobby, Amber, Paul, Jason, Ryan and Casey. Their great-grandchildren are Joey, Sam,

Stella, Cylas and Miles, and Lexi, Ryan, and Lily. She also leaves behind her dear Uncle Nelson, Aunt Marie and so many loving cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Jennette Zagara; her brother Frank Zagara Jr.; and her sister, Mary Grace Healy.

A graduate of Mayfield High School in 1973, Conni dedicated her life to raising her children and running a small business in Chesterland with her husband, Clay. Together, they operated Summerwind Stables, a horse farm that became a cherished haven for thousands of children across Northeast Ohio. Conni’s passion for horses and her talent for teaching children to ride fostered a love for these magnificent animals in many young hearts.

A devoted animal lover, Conni had a special fondness for her West Highland White Terriers. Raising these spirited dogs brought her immense joy, and they were a constant source of companionship and happiness in her life.

Conni was a true social butterfly, nurturing friendships across the Chesterland area. She particularly loved playing cards and mahjong, often gathering with friends for lively games. A supportive friend to many, Conni was always there to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her cousin and best friend, Julie, played an integral role in her life, sharing countless memories and adventures that enriched their bond.

Family was the cornerstone of Conni’s existence. Her unwavering devotion to her husband and children knew no bounds; she would sacrifice anything for their happiness. Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by her family, and she relished her role as "Tatah" to her nine grandchildren. Her love for them was profound, and she actively participated in their lives, always cheering them on and celebrating their achievements. Conni will be deeply missed but will always be remembered for her kindness, her love for horses and dogs, her unwavering commitment to her family, and her ability to bring people together.

Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 1-5 p.m.

The family is thankful for Hospice of Iredell County and the programs made possible by this supportive government service.

Conni Marie Bryan-Lawrence

Conni Marie Bry an-Lawrence (nee Za gara), born on June 21, 1955, in Cleve land, passed away peacefully on Feb. 22, 2025.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grand mother, sister, cousin and friend, leaving be hind a legacy of love and devotion.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Church of Saint Anselm, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Interment at Chester Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Conni's name to ResVillage in Russell Township.

Conni is survived by her loving husband, Clay Lawrence; her brother Chuck Zagara; and her five cherished children, Bill (Sarah), Nick (Hayley), Katy (Stephen), Mike (Kristi) and Tommy (Samantha).

She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Drake and Kole, Delilah and

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.

Be On Amphibian Alert

Register to be placed on the park district’s list to witness the natural phenomenon of spring breeding behavior of wood frogs, spring peepers and possible large

salamanders as they move into The West Woods’ woodland pools on a warm, rainy night.

The notification should come sometime between early March through early April, a call sharing that the program will occur that very evening from 9:30 to 10:45 p.m. Participants should dress for the weather and bring flashlights.

Bloodmobile

The American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood or platelets to help protect the blood supply from the impact of ongoing weather events, which have caused the cancellation of nearly 500 blood drives.

Donation appointments may be made by downloading the free Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-7332767.

March 3, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 12-5 p.m.

March 6, Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, Parkman, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 11, Cardinal High School, 14785 Thompson Ave., Middlefield, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 11, Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township, 12-6 p.m.

March 17, Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 12-6 p.m.

March 21, Centerville Mills, 8558 Crackel Road, Bainbridge Township, 12-6 p.m.

March 23, St. Helen’s Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 27, Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon, 12–6 p.m.

March 27, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.

March 28, Lord of Life Church, 17989 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge Township, 12-6 p.m.

St. Helen School

Abundant Life Ministry

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.

American Legion Pancakes

Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

American Legion Post 459 is serving its annual all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfasts every Sunday through April 6 at the post located at 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton.

Bainbridge Civic Club

March 2, 9 and 16, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Bainbridge Civic Club hosts its annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts in the Kenston High School cafeteria, 9500 Bainbridge Road in Bainbridge Township. For more information, visit TheCivicClub. org.

Berkshire Athletic Boosters

Sundays in March, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Berkshire Athletic Boosters are hosting all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts in the Berkshire High School cafeteria, 14155 Claridon Troy Road in Burton.

Burton Fire Station

Sundays in March, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Burton Fire Station will serve all-youcan-eat pancake and sausage breakfasts at the station located at 13828 Spring St. in Burton. call 440-834-4416 for information.

Chardon VFW Pancake Breakfasts

Sundays in March, 8 a.m. to noon

Chardon VFW Post 6519 will be serving its annual pancake breakfasts at the post located at 752 Water St. in Chardon. Breakfast features three flavors of pancakes, French toast, eggs made to order, home fries, sausage, bacon, ham and toast. Call 440-285-3699 for takeout orders.

CHS Earns Momentum Award

Gates Mills Community Club

March 2, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gates Mills Community Club is hosting its second annual all-you-caneat pancake breakfast at the Community House, 1460 Chagrin River Road in Gates Mills. All proceeds support scholarships and civic projects. Questions? Email GMCC44040@gmail. com.

Geauga Historical Society

Sundays in March, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Geauga County Historical Society is hosting all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts at the Century Village Museum, 14653 East Park St. in Burton.

For more information, call 440-8341492.

Huntsburg CC

March 1 and 8, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Huntsburg Congregational Church is hosting its all-you-can-eat buttermilk and blueberry pancake breakfasts at the church located at 12435 Madison Road, Huntsburg Township. There will be 50/50 and basket raffles. Carryout is available. For information, call 234-600-9582.

Parkman Chamber Pancakes

March 9, 16, 23 and 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parkman Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual pancake and sausage patties breakfasts at Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road. Eat-in or drivethrough options are available.

WG Kiwanis Pancake Breakfasts

March 2, 9, 16 and 23, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kiwanis Club of West Geauga is hosting its 72nd annual all-you-can-eat pancake, sausage and French toast breakfasts in the cafeteria at West Geauga High School, 13401 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children 6-11. Children under 6 are free. All proceeds support the community.

The club welcomes groups and individuals to volunteer for the community event. For more information, call Les Scott at 440-221-0112 or visit wgkiwanis.org.

Cardinal High School has received the Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for significant improvement in growth and achievement on the 2023-24 Ohio School Report Cards. Congratulations to the school’s dedicated students, staff and community for their hard work and commitment to excellence.

East Geauga Kiwanis Honors Outstanding Third-Graders

Senior News

Aluminum Ramps Needed

The Geauga County Department on Aging’s Home Safety Program is seeking preowned aluminum wheelchair ramps for local seniors. Some residents no longer need the aluminum ramps that they have had installed at their homes. The department on aging receives constant calls from seniors who need ramps installed at their homes.

The home safety program cannot keep up with the number of ramps needed because new ramps are very expensive, and Medicare does not pay for these adaptations.

To donate a ramp for removal and reuse, call the department on aging at 440-279-2135.

Students Spread Kindness

On Feb. 13, students in Miss Kelly Fisher’s second-grade class at Park Elementary School celebrated Kindness Week and Valentine’s Day by writing sweet notes on hearts for each of their classmates. Every heart had a student’s name and was filled with kind words from their peers.

“Watching their faces light up as they read each message was a beautiful reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference,” Miss Fisher said.

Academic Decathlon

The CHS Academic Decathlon team traveled to Riverside in early February to complete the final two disciplines of the Ohio Regional Competition.

This year’s theme, “Our Changing Climate,” was the focus of proctored online tests in literature, science, music, art, mathematics, economics and social sciences, along with a timed essay. The remaining events included a judged speech competition featuring both prepared and impromptu speeches, as well as a college-style interview.

The day concluded with Super Quiz, a

Matter of Balance Classes

Geauga Department on Aging and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center are sponsoring Matter of Balance classes to Geauga seniors 60 and older interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength and learning how to identify and control their fear of falling.

Class will be held every Monday and Friday, March 3-28, from 1-3 p.m. at the Chardon Senior Center, 470 Center St., Building 8, Chardon.

To register, call Melissa Wheeler at 440279-2167. Class is free for all registered seniors.

Has Geauga County’s #1 Dog

stAff rePort

Lindsey Elementary School fifth-grader Avery Ruthenberg — and her 2-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Roxy — is the winner of the Geauga County Auditor’s Office’s 2025 #1 Dog Essay contest.

Geauga County Auditor Charles Walder presented Avery with the #1 Dog tag and certificate. Avery also received several gifts and Walder personally donated $250 to her teacher for a class project.

The auditor’s office received numerous essays — the #1 Dog is determined by a short essay written by any fourth- or fifth-grader in Geauga County — and the judging was not easy, according to a Feb. 10 press release, but Avery’s essay conveyed her true loyalty and love for Roxy.

Avery said she knew Roxy was the #1 dog for several reasons.

“First, she is so cute and makes people feel better when they are sad. Roxy makes everybody smile because she is so pretty and what she does is super cute,” Avery wrote in her essay. “Also, she can tell when you are sad because she will come up to you and give you a kiss or lay her head on you. Sometimes she even brings one of her toys over.”

Second, Roxy helped Avery’s family make friends with one of their neighbors.

“One day we were walking Roxy and there was a puppy out and Roxy loved playing with him. His name was Roco. Then they started taking walks and seeing us outside so they started letting Roxy and Roco play,” Avery wrote. “My mom and dad became friends with their owners and I became friends with their kids. Now every time we see them Roxy gets so excited, so do I. The reason I decided to write about it is because without the help of Roxy, we probably would not have been friends with them for a while, maybe even never.”

Roxy also has many different personalities.

“For example, one second she could be crazy, then 10 seconds later she stops and lays down,” Avery said. “The reason I love this about her is because she is not always crazy or annoying or lazy. It’s more like having more than one dog I love so much.”

Finally, Roxy has endured many medical problems and surgeries, including urinary tract infections and being spayed.

To learn more about the #1 Dog Contest, visit the Geauga County Auditor’s Office website.

petition, followed by an awards ceremony. CHS earned 32 medals, including 12 golds, winning in all 10 events. Every team member took home at least one medal.

event included: Connor Mosher, Caroline Bates, Kayla Schneider, Sydney Scheid, Courtney Lawrence, Maddy Cresho, Gus Schneider, Jack Bennett, Danny Greene,

Dewey. Next up is the state competition to be held at John Carroll University on March 7 and 8.

SUBMITTED

East Geauga Kiwanis Club recently recognized Berkshire Elementary School third-graders (l to r) Aubree Jones, Gracie Sherman, Preston Yurick, Evelyn Morris and Jami O’Neill for their outstanding performance in the classroom. They are pictured with teacher Mark Allison.

Scholarships Available

PGP Offers Scholarships

Protect Geauga Parks is offering its eighth annual Bob McCullough Memorial Conservation Scholarships to assist Geauga County high school seniors who will be attending two or four-year colleges, as well as those interested in pursuing non-degree technical programs that focus on environmental sustainability.

Three scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded. Applications are due by midnight March 16.

Visit ProtectGeaugaParks.us for application information and eligibility.

Questions? Email info.protectgeaugaparks@gmail.com.

Academic Awards Available

The Awards Committee for the First Congregational Church of Claridon announces the availability of awards for the 2024-25 academic year. The purpose of the award is to encourage people to further their education through a traditional college, trade school or the equivalent.

Graduating high school seniors, college students or high school graduates are encouraged to apply. Candidates should be prepared to write about church, school and community involvement.

Application forms are available through the guidance offices of Chardon, Berkshire, Cardinal and Agape schools or through Claridon Congregational Church.

Applications are due no later than March 30 via email at awards.ccc@gmail.com.

Farm Bureau Scholarships

Geauga County Farm Bureau is offering scholarship opportunities to students pursuing post-high school education. The number of acceptable qualifying applications determines the scholarship amount.

Applicants do not have to be enrolled in an agricultural field of study. The scoring system places a higher emphasis on applicants with agricultural involvement, as well as Farm Bureau involvement and membership history. Prior recipients may reapply.

The applicant must be either a current Geauga County Farm Bureau member or a family member whose parents/guardian is a current Geauga County Farm Bureau member at the time of applying and at the time of scholarship payout.

Applicants must be a part-time or a fulltime enrollee of an accredited two or fouryear college, university or technical school. For first-year students, the applicant must prove enrollment or admission status.

Recipients of a scholarship or a representative must attend the Farm Bureau annual meeting held in September. If unable to attend, the county board/office must be notified at least 24 hours before. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.

The fillable form is available online at www.geaugafb.org or by emailing geauga@ ofbf.org. No handwritten forms will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by March 31.

For more information, contact the county Farm Bureau office at 440-426-2195.

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

Food Pantry Open

Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to noon

The food pantry at the Chester Christian Center church is open to anyone in the community in need of food. One does not need to be a member of the church to attend. The church is located at 11815 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

FGP Explorers Series

March 1, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks to “Sneak a Peek” at Tupelo Pond, Big Creek Park, 9373 Ravenna Road in Chardon. For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440-564-1048.

Montville Chili Cook-Off

March 1, 5-7 p.m.

Montville Firefighters’ Association is hosting a chili cook-off at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road.

Burton Library Book Sale

March 2, 8, 9, 16, 23 and 30

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stop by after one of the local pancake breakfasts to shop Burton Public Library’s book sale. Entrance to the book sale is at the back of the building located at 14588 W. Park St.

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.

Have A Heart Spay/Neuter

Valley Save-A-Pet will open its 2025 Have A Heart low cost spay/neuter program on March 3. The program offers cat and dog sterilizations at a discounted rate to pet owners.

Call 440-232-2287 any Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for information and to apply for a spay/neuter certificate. Calls will also be answered on the first Saturday of the month beginning in April. Fe-

ral cat caregivers are also encouraged to call.

To learn more about the organization’s programs and events, visit www.valleysaveapet.org.

CVWC New Member Luncheon

March 5, 12-2 p.m.

The Chagrin Valley Woman’s Club is hosting a new members luncheon at Welshfield Inn, 14001 Main Market Road, Burton. Reservations are a must. RSVP to Carole at 440729-4722. The public is welcome.

Berkshire Alumni Networking Event

March 5, 6-8 p.m.

A special networking event is being organized in the Berkshire High School auditorium to reconnect former Berkshire-area alumni and establish new connections. Designed to bring together past graduates, the gathering will provide opportunities to celebrate the past and present spirit of the Badger community.

The event includes appetizers, a brief welcome from Superintendent John Stoddard, student-led tours and more.

All alumni are welcome. Visit https:// forms.gle/fCsDChnt3vPm7ZhZ8 or see a QR code in the ad on page 3 of this week’s edition of the Maple Leaf for information and to register.

Kindness Sewing Circle

March 7, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

NPower Services hosts a Kindness Sewing Circle at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon. The monthly gathering is open to people of all abilities and provides a creative space for participants to craft fabric projects that benefit others in need.

In collaboration with Sew4Service and Celebration Lutheran, the free event will take place on the first Friday of each month through May 2.

Anyone interested in participating may email Anne Marie Wolfe at AnneMarie@ NPowerServices.com or register online at www.npowerservices.com.

Young of Heart

March 7, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Snacks and beverages are provided.

Dan Karl will entertain the group with his keyboard, guitar and vocals.

A trip has been planned to the Tulip Festival in Holland, Mich., on May 6-8. Call

Kimber at 440-688-3293 or Kit at 216-5434442 for availability.

Polka Dance

March 8, 1-5 p.m.

Open to the public, Val’s Polka Dances and American Legion Post 432 are having a polka dance at 2 Cherry St. in Sharon Pa. There will be music by the Bob Zolka Band and ethnic foods from Catering by Carol. For more information, call 330-318-3004.

Groundwater & Well Maintenance

March 11, 6-8 p.m.

Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, Geauga Public Health, Geauga County Department of Water Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency are collaborating to present “Well Educated: A Deeper Look at Groundwater and Well Maintenance” at the Geauga County Public Library Administrative Center, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon.

Free and open to the public, the program will feature an overview of groundwater in Geauga County, the public’s role in maintaining water wells, the importance of testing and helpful resources that are available.

Reservations are required by March 3. Geauga SWCD also offering free total coliform bacteria drinking water tests to county residents who register and attend.

For more information or to register, contact Gail Prunty at gprunty@geaugaswcd.com or 440-834-1122.

DTJ Nut Rolls

DTJ Taborville is selling apricot, nut and poppy seed rolls. Orders must be received by March 13. Call 440-543-8494.

Indoor Flea Market

March 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Munson Township’s indoor flea market will be held at the Munson Town Hall and Fire Station Bay, 12210 Auburn Road. The $1 entrance fee for shoppers will go toward the Munson Township Scholarship Fund. Youth 12 and under are free.

Contact the township office at 440286-9255 for more information or to rent a space.

Talk to a Master Gardener Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come to Burton Public Library for free gardening advice from Master Gardener Volunteers of Geauga every Thursday through April. Get answers to any gardening issue.

Legal Notices

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 23-F-000514

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: THE MIDDLEFIELD BANKING COMPANY, Plaintiff vs. DOUGLAS ALAN HATCH, AKA DOUGLAS ALLAN HATCH, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 27th day of March, 2025, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 10th day of April, 2025 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Middlefield to wit:

Situated in the Township of Middlefield, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio:

And known as being a part of Lot 43 in Middlefield Township and further described as follows:

Beginning at a point in the centerline of Bridge Road (60’ R/W) and the north line of Lot 43 and being N 88° 40’ E, 954.06’ from an iron pipe found at the intersection of said road centerline with the centerline of Adams Road; thence N 88° 40’ E, 270.00’ along the centerline of Bridge Road and the north line of Lot 43 to a point; thence S 1° 20’ E, 741.18’ to an iron pipe set and passing over an iron pipe set 30.00’ from the road center; thence S 88° 40’ W, 270.00’ to an iron pipe set; thence N 1° 20’ W, 741.18’ to the beginning and passing over an iron pipe set 30.00’ from the road center.

Containing 4.594 acres of land, be the same more or less but subject to all legal highways, as surveyed in September, 1996 by Edward J. Collier, Registered Surveyor No, 7141.

Being a parcel of land divided out of property deeded to D.K. Reese, D.W. Hatch, T.A. Hatch and D.A. Hatch in Volume 816, Page 320 in the Geauga County Records.

Said Premises Located at: 16659 BRIDGE ROAD, MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 18-000100

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

Said Premises appraised at ($250,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($166,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Anthony J. Gringo, attorney Feb27Mar6-13, 2025

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 24-F-000642

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED LOANS STRUCTURED TRANSACTION TRUST SERIES 2020-3, Plaintiff vs. JASON W. HEIDEN, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 27th

day of March, 2025, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 10th day of April, 2025 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Claridon to wit:

Situated in the Township of Claridon, County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and known as being Sublot No. 10 in Frank and Irma Marincek’s Plymouth Acre Subdivision and being part of Original Lot No. 18, Holmes Tract as shown by the recorded plat in Volume 9 of Maps, Pages 55 of Geauga County Records, as appears by said plat, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.

Commonly known as: 13136 Aldenshire Dr., Chardon, OH 44024

Said Premises Located at: 13136 ALDENSHIRE DRIVE, CLARIDON TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 12-011000

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

Said Premises appraised at ($285,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($190,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Brandon W. Ellis, attorney Feb27Mar6-13, 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

2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

CLARIDON TOWNSHIP

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 annual financial report for Claridon Township is completed and available for public inspection at Claridon Township Administration Building, 13932 Mayfield Road. Please contact the administration office for an appointment at 440635-0648.

Paula J Hietanen, Fiscal Officer Feb27, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE Village of Middlefield Notice is hereby given that during the Council Meeting Public Hearing held on February 13, 2025, The Village of Middlefield passed the following legislation:

Ordinance 25-102 An Ordinance Establishing the Salaries and Wage Rates for the Elected Officials of the Village Effective January 1, 2025, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 25-103 An Ordinance Establishing the Salaries and Wage Rates for the Non-Police Employees of the Village Effective January 1, 2025, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 25-104 An Ordinance Establishing the 2025 Wage Rates for Police Officers of the Village Effective January 1, 2025, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 25-105 An Ordinance Accepting the Bid of Ronyak Paving Company for Tare Creek Parkway Resurfacing Project in an Amount not to Exceed $341,815.00 as the Lowest and Most Responsive Bid, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 25-106 An Ordinance Authorizing all Actions Necessary to Accept Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) 2025 Energized Community Grant, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 25-108 An Ordinance Reviewing the Schedule of Fees Imposed by the Village Pursuant to Section 135.09, and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 25-109 An Ordinance Amending Codified Ordinance Section 911.07 Entitled “Connections Regulated; Tap- In Fees,” and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 25-110 An Ordinance Amending

Codified Ordinance Section 907.05 Entitled “Connection Charges,” and Declaring an Emergency.

Ordinance 24-156 An Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into an Annexation Agreement with Lake Avenue Land Partners, Ltd. and Middlefield Township and Approving the Form of Annexation Petition, and Declaring an Emergency.

The Complete Text Of These Resolutions And Ordinances May Be Viewed Or Obtained At The Office Of The Fiscal Officer, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield, Ohio During Regular Business Hours.

Cindy Naftzger, Administrative Asst. /Billing Clerk Feb27, 2025

NOTICE OF MEETING CHANGE

Geauga County Airport Authority

The Geauga County Airport Authority March Meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM in the Airport Conference area in Hangar 3. The meeting was originally scheduled for March 3 at 6:00 PM Richard Blamer, Airport Manager Feb27, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO PROPERTY OWNER (APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE) HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP, GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

The Huntsburg Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application, identified as number 2025-01, for a Variance, on Tuesday the 18th day of March 2025 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Huntsburg Community Center located at 12406 Madison Road, Huntsburg, Ohio.

The application submitted by Marvin D. Miller to request he be granted a variance for area to allow for a family residence with an in-law residence at 13280 Clay Street, Parcel No. 16078734, Huntsburg Township.

Persons affected or wishing to comment may speak for or against either in person or by an attorney at said hearing.

David Peterson, Chairman Feb27, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL FOR AN AREA VARIANCE TO THE CHESTER TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the Chester Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application identified as number ZA-2025-1, on an appeal for an area variance to the Chester Township Zoning Resolution on the 10th day of March, 2025 at 7:00

p.m. at Chester Town Hall.

The applicant, Sharon Bennett, is requesting an Area Variance for her property located at 8275 Wilson Mills Road. She proposes building an accessory building to the front of the primary structure and in excess of the maximum combined 2,500 square foot permitted for accessory buildings.

This application fails to meet Section 5.01.03 of the Chester Township Zoning Resolution. Kathleen McCarthy, Administrative Assistant Feb27, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL FOR AN AREA VARIANCE TO THE CHESTER TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the Chester Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application identified as number ZA-2025-2, on an appeal for a Use Variance to the Chester Township Zoning Resolution on the 10th day of March, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at Chester Town Hall.

The applicant, Dave Walters of Castle Energy, is requesting a Use Variance for the property located at 8029 Sherman Road. He proposes adding solar panels to the roof of the primary structure.

This application fails to meet Section 5.01.02 of the Chester Township Zoning Resolution as there is no provision in the Zoning Resolution to allow solar panels.

Kathleen McCarthy, Administrative Assistant Feb27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

CLARIDON TOWNSHIP

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 annual financial report for Claridon Township is completed and available for public inspection at Claridon Township Administration Building, 13932 Mayfield Road. Please contact the administration office for an appointment at 440-635-0648.

Paula J Hietanen, Fiscal Officer Feb27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

The Cash Basis Annual Financial Report to the Auditor of State for the year ending 2024 has been completed and filed.

The report is available for inspection at the Office of the Township Fiscal Officer at 13887 GAR Highway, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Arrangements to view said report may be made by calling 440-286-4364 x2. Mike Romans, Fiscal Officer Feb27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual Financial Report for Montville Township is complete and available for public inspection at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Rd., Montville, Ohio by calling 440-968-3784 or emailing khawkins@ montvillegeauga.com for an appointment.

Karen Hawkins, Fiscal Officer Feb27, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF BURTON

A Planning Commission Meeting has been scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM at Village Hall, second floor of the Burton Public Library.

The Board will review a “Petition for a Zoning Amendment-Rezoning of Property” from Mr. John Stoddard, Superintendant of the Berkshire School District. The property in question is located at 13595 West Center St., Burton, OH. This facility will be transitioning into a workforce development for Berkshire Schools with a Diesel Mechanics Program as well as a live auto repair for the Preston Superstore. Lynn McCollum-Arnold, Deputy Administrative Assistant Feb27, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A MOTION PROPOSING TO AMEND

THE CHESTER TOWNSHIP

ZONING RESOLUTION

O.R.C. SECTION 519.12 (G)

Notice is hereby given that the Chester Township Board of Trustees will conduct a public hearing on a motion which is an amendment, identified as number ZC-20251 to the Chester Township Zoning Resolution at the Chester Town Hall located at 12701 Chillicothe, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The motion propsing to amend the Zoning Resolution will be available for examination at the Chester Town Hall during regular office hours and available on the Chester Township website through all Public Hearings 2025. It is also available at www.chestertwp.com/ upcoming-zoning-amendments/.

Kim Bican, Administrative Assistant Feb27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Geauga County Historical Society Notice is hereby given to general public that the Geauga County Historical Society, a nonprofit organization, pursuant to Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a registered nonprofit organization in the State of Ohio, located in Burton, Geauga County, Ohio, is in possession of items in the collections of the Century Village Museum that were not properly accessioned by, and donated to the Museum during a time period greater than seven (7) years from the date of this notice. These items are, henceforth, the property of the Geauga County Historical Society, and may be used for historical, cultural, or educational purposes. This notice is being issued under provisions of Section 3385.07 of the Ohio Revised Code - the presumption of gifts to a museum.

Feb27 Mar6-13-20-27 Apr3, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Replacement of Culverts on Various Roads Munson Township Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 local time on March 14th, 2025 and read publicly at 10:05 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $280,000.00. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing).

Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening. Bids may be held by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and

to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/. BY THE ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christine Blair, Clerk Feb27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

Alterations to Bainbridge Town Hall, for Bainbridge Township, 17826 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

Sealed bids for the Alterations to Bainbridge Town Hall will be received by Janice Sugarman of Bainbridge Township Fiscal Office, 17826 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023 until March 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m. lo-

cal time, as described in plans and specifications, prepared by DS Architecture, LLC. Bids will be opened publicly immediately thereafter and read aloud. Late bids shall not be accepted and will be returned, unopened. Conditional or Qualified bids will not be accepted. The award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

Statement of Probable Cost:

All-encompassing General Work as described: $ 500,000

Anticipated Construction Start/Completion: May. 1, 2025 to Sept. 26 2025

Drawings and specifications for use in preparing your proposal can be purchased for a non-refundable fee via the SE Blueprint Planroom database starting Friday, February 28, 2025. Please email seblue@seblueprint.com or call with quantity requests to order. Individual drawing or specification sheets will not be dispersed. Direct all questions in writing to the Architect: Attention: Drew Thompson, Project Architect, (Phone 216-835-7286, Email: athompson@dsarchitecture.com.

Each bidder is required to furnish with its proposal a Bid Guaranty and Contract Bond in accordance with Section 153.54 of the Ohio revised Code. Bid security (100% of the bid amount) furnished in Bond Form, shall be issued by a Surety Company or Corporation licensed in the State of Ohio to provide said Surety.

Each proposal must be on bid forms supplied in the bid package and must contain the full name of the party or parties submitting the proposal and all interested therein. The contract will be awarded to the “lowest responsive and responsible bidder”. Bidders note that all proposed Subcontractors are to be listed on the Proposal. Bidders are cautioned that failure to name Subcontractors in the Proposal may be cause for rejection of the bid.

A highly recommended Pre-bid conference will be held at Bainbridge Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, on March 17th, 2025 at 9:00 AM.

All bids will be good for 60 days from the time of the Bid receipt. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid which it deem most favorable. Proposals are due at Bainbridge Town Hall Fiscal Office, 17826 Chillicothe Rd. Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, Attention: Janice Sugarman, Fiscal Officer, on or before 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2025. No extensions of bid due date will be granted. Proposals shall be submitted on the bid form. The words “Proposal for Bainbridge Town Hall Renovations – Attn: Janice Sugarman” and the Bidder’s name shall appear on the envelope.

A post-bid meeting will be held on April for each of the two lowest bids following opening. These meetings will be held on 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025 respectively.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

Janice Sugarman, Fiscal Officer Feb27, 2025

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for Feb. 18-20, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Diann R. Kesler (trustee), 16708 Auburn Road, to James M. Galm, $350,000. (1.62 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

David J. Haynes (TOD), 8360 Bainbrook Drive, to Sharon L. and Danny S. Anderson, $600,000. (0.52 acres)

Nicole M. Dudas, 17793 Lost Trail, to Brynna and Christopher Dauchot, $435,000. (1.07 acres)

Maria Chelbezan, 8826 Washington St., to Christi Anne and Peter J. Moran II, $493,000. (1.62 acres)

Martha B. Bistritz, Rebecca B. Reed, Susan K. Beattie, and The Beattie Farm LLC, Washington Street, to The Beattie Farm LLC, $171,200. (20.22 acres)

Martha B. Bistritz, Rebecca B. Reed, Susan K. Beattie, and The Beattie Farm LLC, Washington Street, to Martha B. and Richard Bistritz, $283,100. (20.22 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Randy and Diana Reed, 9584 Auburn Road, to Windsor Road Land LLC, $183,400. (1.44 acres)

CLARIDON TOWNSHIP

Hilltop Holdings LLC, 13270 Stoney Springs Drive, to Carolyn G. and Anthony Souza Jr., $401,700. (3.01 acres)

Diana Markus, Patricia A. Glaze, and Bonnie Burckel, Old State Road, to Norman and Fannie Byler, $65,000. (11.51 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Barbara C. and Barbara Z. Basler, 11841 Bean Road, to Alexander C. and Kelly A. Kimball, $260,000. (1.82 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Alice Hutch (trustee), 121 Manor Brook Drive, to 121 Manor Brook LLC, $490,000. (0.00 acres)

Karen C. and Mike J. Miller Sr., Bell Road, to Adam Valencic, $255,000. (1.83 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Robert A. Pfeiffer, 18900 Mumford Road, to Nathaniel M. and Rosanna Miller, $450,000. (19.66 acres)

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Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, 2025.

ANIMAL PROBLEM

Feb. 17

4:56 p.m., Moseley Road, Thompson. Two dogs locked in a car for more than an hour.. Caller is worried the dogs are in distress due to the colder weather. Dog warden paged.

Feb. 17

5:37 p.m., Moseley Road, Thompson. Caller would like advice about the dogs being in the car. Caller advised the neighbor walked up to the car in the driveway and yelled at the dogs in the car. Caller wanted it noted that the neighbor came up to his aunt's car and "yelled" something to the dogs. His aunt is visiting and the dogs are in her car with it running for heat.

CITIZEN DISPUTE

Feb. 15

3:35 p.m., Grove Road, Troy. Dispute over the property line, verbal only. Was getting out of hand, parties are separated. Caller will be waiting inside the residence. Spoke with who advised that his neighbor was upset about his sump pump draining possibly onto his property. He spoke with his neighbor and calmed things down and there are no issues. He did want me to speak with his neighbor.

Feb. 17

11:47 a.m., Madison Road, Huntsburg. The neighbor plowed my driveway apron without asking and caused damage. No mailbox but the address is on the telephone pole the number is on the porch. There's a camper in the driveway and some enclosed trailers. They worked it out.

HARASSMENT

Feb. 15

7:17 p.m., Taylor Wells Road, Claridon. Pizza was just delivered to the house that they did not order. Caller believes they know who is doing this. Caller's husband had an affair last summer, and the female is now harassing the family. They also had a DoorDash order delivered at 3:30 a.m. She was also calling several times on both the caller's phone and her husbands. Caller received a text from her that said she is following her to work. Ex-girlfriend is harassing him via text and now sending him DoorDash and other food deliveries. Advised male to send certified letter stating no contact is to be made. Deputies also attempting to contact ex-girlfriend to advised her as well.

INFO REPORT

Feb. 18

3:02 p.m., Bundysburg Road and Nauvoo Road, Middlefield. Four Amish boys were ganging up on one Amish male over the weekend. They took his pants and made him scoot home like that. Caller does not know who the subjects are but has the video of it happening. Caller feels this should be reported. Caller would like a deputy to call him back. He believes they are all 18 since they are at a amish party. Is not exactly sure if the location he provided is correct. Was advised if he found out information that could be useful, to contact our office.

SUSPCIOUS

Feb. 14

7:19 p.m., Hart Road, Montville. Caller states her daughter was on a dating app and her location was shared with a male by the name of his location can also be seen and he is on his way to the caller's house. Caller feels threatened. Nature change from Threatening to Suspicious. But no threats have been made directly. Caller can see his location on Snapchat after blocking him on the dating app. Male has brown facial hair, brown hair and on the heavier side. Last seen in Mayfield head-

ed east on Route 322 into Chesterland. Caller states her daughter had been receiving messages from that he planned on coming out this way. Caller's daughter was on a dating app male asked her out to dinner and she did not answer right away. When she saw his location moving from the Avon Lake area to Mayfield area she became afraid.

Feb. 14

10:50 p.m., Chardon Road, Chardon. Someone tried to break into his vehicle. Caller said she was parked in front of the house and thinks that vehicle just left. Vehicle was locked so he does not believe she gained entry. Deputies spoke with male, there was no evidence in the snow that anyone was near the truck. Advised male to call if female comes back.

Feb. 15

12:17 a.m., Taylor Wells Road, Claridon. Caller received a strange phone call that stated her husband was cheating, no threats made. Unknown who made the call, was able to point out specific details about the caller's life. Came from the number. Caller now receiving texts. Caller says she blocked the number and is still receiving texts. After speaking it was determined that it was spam texts. Deputies advised to block all numbers and if they notice anything suspicious around the house to call.

Feb. 18

10 a.m., Taylor May Road, Auburn. Someone is coming around the house knocking on windows and throwing a ball possibly for a dog. They stay just out of range for the cameras. Just moved in still has pods in driveway. Complainant stated that a person has been walking up to their basement door and knocking on the window. This has happened four times in the past week. Complainant stated that there were shoe tracks in the yard. Responding officer looked at the tracks in the snow. The tracks in the snow were from deer coming up to the front of the house to eat the shrubs. Complainant was advised. Complainant would still like extra patrol in the area and will call if they have anymore problems.

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.

EVENTS

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

FOR SALE

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

Alpina Sports Red Bird Cross County Skis w/poles, 210cm/6’.5”; Alpina Touring Boots size 11, EC, $170. Fischer Jupiter Control Cruising Skis w/poles, 200cm/6’.2”; Alpina Ski Boots size 8.5, EC, $180. 440-343-9446.

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.

Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total (2 double lots): Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $8,000 each dbl. 440-729-0070.

Firewood: mixed hardwoods, 4’x8’x16-inch pieces, $135. Delivered within 15 miles of Chardon. 440-6875404.

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

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.

Antique Dining Room Set for sale: Lifetime furniture. Table with leaf, 6 chairs, buffet, sideboard, China cabinet. Good condition. Call/text 440-223-9023. New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $125 each. George 440-336-5044.

HELP WANTED

RUSSELL: Stable help needed. 2 senior horses. Feed, clean stalls and let out. Morning and evenings. Possible apartment available. Must have experience and love horses. Call 540-355-8799, leave message. Yard Worker wanted for Spring, Summer, Fall. Starting at $16/hr, cash daily, more with experience, driver’s license preferred. 440-338-3563. Russell address.

Classifieds

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

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: marijuana is WAY more potent and harmful than ever before! Don’t be naive. Educate yourself and especially young people.

REAL ESTATE

HOUSE WANTED IN CHESTERLAND. MINIMUM 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, 1800+ SQUARE FEET, and 1 ACRE IN GOOD CONDITION. PREAPPROVED AND READY TO BUY. I AM NOT A FLIPPER! Call or text John (352)496-0897. If no answer, leave message. I ALREADY HAVE A REALTOR. For Sale By Owner is OK.

Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.

SERVICES

CHESTERLAND: Private Caregiver for Elderly. Available part-time, mornings and afternoons. Experienced. Reliable. References avail. 440-226-2244.

All Season Tree and Landscape LLC: Insured! Removals, Machine work, Climbing, Crane work, land clearing, trimming, storm damage. No job too small, no job too big!! CALL the pros you won’t regret it. References upon request. SENIOR, VETERAN, FIRST RESPONDERS DISCOUNTS. Call Mitchel 440 622 2049.

Seeking Sales Rep

Karlovec Media Group is hiring account representatives to sell print and online advertising in and around Geauga County, specifically in the Chesterland and Kirtland areas. Candidates must be able to manage time wisely, meet deadlines and have reliable transportation. All of our staff must be willing to work in a team environment to help grow our newspapers. The ability to understand and live with a deadline-driven business is a must.

The ideal candidate would have at least two years of sales experience. Submit resumes to editor@karlovecmedia.com

Will do housework, cleaning, laundry, and elder care. Experienced with references. 440-313-1804. Need help organizing or clearing your clutter? Organizer Sharon can help! Charging by the hour. Call/text 440668-8768.

ALL SAW PROS: All makes and models, Chainsaw Repair, General Maintenance, Porting, Rebuilds. Fast, friendly, efficient and reasonably priced!! Multiple References. Call Mitchal 440-662-2049. Senior, Veteran, First Responder Discounts!!!

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

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

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.