Geauga Maple Leaf 4-17-2025

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Vol. 31 No. 16 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com

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McCune’s Bees Busy Despite Huge Die-Off

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

Gene McCune, of Auburn Township, considers himself lucky this year — only about half his bee hives died during the winter.

Throughout the apiary industry, many beekeepers lost up to 80% of their hives since last fall, he said, adding the almond industry in California that depends on commercial beekeepers hauling thousands of hives in to pollinate their trees may be in trouble.

“This was a sad winter. It was the worst die-off in 20 years,” McCune said, standing by a row of wooden hives in his side yard.

Six painted hives were buzzing with bees arriving with yel low, pollen-laden legs.

Six hives were full of dead bees.

Founder and own er of McCune Fami ly Apiaries, the township trustee has about 200 hives in 15 locations around Northeast Ohio, and said he expects to lose at least

Chardon Schools

2nd Parent Speaks Publicly on Sexual Assault Allegations

By Cassandra shofar Cassandra@karloveCmedia Com

School’s choir program, expressing frustration with how the district has handled the situation.

ter was one of several victims in the alleged incidents, which reportedly occurred over the past

See Bees • Page 6

By allison Wilson Wilson@karloveCmedia Com

Demonstrators stood in front of the Geauga County Safety Center on April 12 to rally against the

detention of immigrants in the jail and nationwide, marking three months of protest at the facility.

About 30 demonstrators of all ages trickled in across an hour of speeches and chants, many carry-

“I feel like everything was pushed under the rug and it’s

ing homemade signs.

Previous protests have attracted 50 to 100 demonstrators despite the distance from Cleveland and Akron, said Sean Sullivan, an

See Protest • Page 4

Fire Destroys Kaballos Mexican Restaurant

A fire engulfed Kaballos Mexican Restaurant in Middlefield Village the morning of April 13, destroying the bar and roof and resulting in what appears to be a total loss, said Lt. Ben Reed, of the Middlefield Village Fire Department.

“The employees came in, turned on some lights and smelled something electric burning,” he said in an interview Sunday afternoon, adding no one was injured in

The department was alerted to a fire at 15585 West High Street about 9:30 a.m., Reed said. When

fire trucks arrived a few minutes later, the fire was fully involved and there were already flames visible in the bar area, he said.

Firefighters entered the front of the building and were able to get the blaze put out fairly quickly, but the roof and air conditioning unit were compromised and there was heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the five-star restaurant, Reed said.

Fire departments from Burton, Windsor and Mesopotamia townships automatically answered the call to assist and MFD firefighters stayed on scene until about 2 p.m. See Fire • Page 3

page 22 Opinion page 21 Sports pages 19-20 Legal Notices page 25

page 27

Fire from page 1

working on hot spots in the building, he said.

“It was a worst-case scenario. The fire had too much time to grow,” Reed said.

The fire is still under investigation, but he said he considers it to be accidental.

Ava Gough, an employee of the restaurant since March 2021, started a GoFundMe page for the owner, Ramon Arellano, and his family.

“It’s more than just a job, it has truly been like a second home,” Gough said on the GoFundMe page. “Kaballos is a warm, welcoming, family-oriented place. Ramon is a true family man with a deep love for his community. He and his loved ones pour their hearts into the restaurant every single day.”

In December 2023, the Arellanos remodeled the restaurant, Gough said, adding they filled it with personal touches, including a “stunning hand-painted mural created by Ramon’s father.” “When I say this is a fam-

in the Middlefield community for as long as I can remember. It’s a heartbreaking loss, especially after all the time, love and hard work that went into the recent renovation.

“I’m reaching out to the close-knit Middlefield community to help support Ramon

a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out — the love and support is deeply felt and appreciated.”

For those interested in donating, visit www. gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-kaballos-after-devastating-fire.

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: April 21, 1:30 p.m., Family First Council, County Office Building, First Floor; April 22, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners; April 23, 9 a.m., Board of Revision, Auditor’s Appraisal Conference Room. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Auburn Township: April 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 24, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Burton Township: April 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. The meeting will be held at the Burton Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road.

Burton Village: April 17, 7 p.m., Burton Public Library Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon City: April 22, 6:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at the Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: April 17, 5:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: April 21, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees, at Claridon Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road.

Montville Township: April 23, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; April 24, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madi-

son Road, unless noted.

Munson Township: April 22, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Newbury Township: April 23, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Parkman Township: April 22, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: April 17, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 23, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: April 23, 6:30 p.m., meeting/ work session. All meetings are held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.

Chardon BOE: April 21, 5:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at Ira A. Canfield Building, 428 North St., Chardon, unless otherwise noted.

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organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

“We know that anyone that was taken from Cleveland and Akron has been detained here, so it seemed imperative that we go to this (jail) because our community members are being detained here,” Sullivan said.

PSL, which organizes the monthly protests in collaboration with Like Minded in Lake County, seeks the release of ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) detainees, both state and nationwide, Sullivan said.

“Not just the immigrant detainees, but also the students who have been detained, like Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk and others,” they said. “Our major goal is just standing up against the fascist, racist rhetoric of the Trump administration, to show people that we are going to be out here no matter the weather to stand up for our community members.”

Mahmoud Khalil is a Columbia University graduate student — and permanent U.S. resident on a green card — who an immigration judge recently ruled in favor of deporting as a national security risk, according to the Associated Press. Khalil was at the center of Columbia’s pro-Palestinian protests.

Ozturk, a doctoral student from Turkey at Tufts University and another pro-Palestenian voice, was detained by plain-clothes immigration officials March 25, according to the AP. Ozturk has stated her requests to speak to a lawyer were denied and she was not given a reason for her arrest.

“They are literally grabbed off the street. They’re denied talking to any type of lawyers, especially with the student protests. I think it took Mahmoud’s lawyer over a week to be able to talk to him,” Sullivan said.

There are currently 37 ICE detainees held at the Geauga jail, Geauga Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand said in a phone interview April 12.

While a large number of ICE detainees were brought to the jail in January, that event was an anomaly, he said.

“They’re being held in good conditions,” he said, adding ICE inspects the jail three to four times a year and has higher standards than the state of Ohio in some aspects.

Geauga detainees are provided the information they need in whatever language they speak, he said, adding the jail has a set-up for video conferencing with judges and attorneys.

National Issues, Local Concerns

In March, the Alien Enemies Act was used to deport Venezuelan migrants accused of being gang members to an El Salvadoran prison. Per the AP, the deported men did not get a chance to challenge the order and many have attorneys arguing there is no evidence they are gang members.

“No due process. No charges except for being an immigrant,” said Sullivan, speaking generally.

The United States is a nation of immigrants, they added.

“To demonize people coming over here to seek a better life feels incredibly hypocritical. And the U.S. wars abroad, through destabilizing Central and South America in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, is a direct cause of the

A similar sentiment was expressed by Marilyn, who came out from Fairport Harbor to protest, and asked to be referred to by first name only.

“The immigrants in our community are the fabric of our community. They are important to us and whether they’re here undocumented or not, we consider them as important as anyone else,” she said. “No human is illegal.”

Marilyn carried a sign calling for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man legally working in the U.S. who was deported to an El Salvador prison.

ABC reported Friday Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign was unable to provide information as to Garcia’s whereabouts when pressed by the federal judge overseeing his case.

“This is facism. This is not our country,” Marilyn said. “This is not my America and I refuse to be part of it.”

Ohio Universities Also Affected

In between speeches on the nature of the arrests and deportations, protesters banged drums and chanted anti-ICE intonations and messages of unity in both English and Spanish.

Jenelle Vincent, a speaker with the PSL,

Akron University, Ohio State University, all came out with statements in the last week saying they have had international students whose visas have been terminated,” she said.

Three KSU graduates with post-grad work permits, one KSU student, four WU students, two UA students and 11 OSU students have had visas revoked.

President Donald Trump is “pushing” these policies to see how far he can go and he is starting with university students, the heart of the resistance, Vincent said.

In Geauga, Hildenbrand said he was unaware whether any of the detainees are international students, or where they originate from.

The sheriff’s department cannot release the names of ICE detainees per their contract with ICE, he said.

Hildenbrand expressed confusion regarding the protests.

“I don’t understand why all of a sudden it’s an issue for them,” he said. “We’ve been housing ICE inmates for over 20 years.”

The protestors have stayed within the area secured for them and have not violated the security of the jail, he said.

“They’re welcome to do that whenever they want,” he said. “It’s nice that they let us know ahead of time.”

Maple Festival Gearing Up for 2025

By allison Wilson Wilson@karloveCmedia Com

Every year, at the end of April, Geauga County residents cross their fingers, hoping the weather holds out for when the annual Geauga County Maple Festival comes to town.

The festival, held April 24-27, will take over Chardon Square and feature a roster packed with fun for the family.

While festival organizer Jen Freeman didn’t have an exact figure for the number of guests the event saw last year, she estimated it to be one of their highest attended festivals.

“Based on vendors’ feedback, they were running out of food by Sunday afternoon,” she said, adding the number of attendees is weather dependent.

“They’re pretty hardy. People come out anyway, it’s usually well attended, but if it’s raining or snowing, then it definitely cuts down on the crowd,” she said.

The festival will open at noon Thursday with concessions. Rides start at 4 p.m.

While there are always new acts on the entertainment stage, the event is, otherwise, the traditional festival people look forward to, Freeman said.

Entertainment Director Ron Spangenburg, however, is stepping a bit outside the norm this year.

“Thursday night, I broke tradition. I’ve got a DJ coming up there,” he said.

DJ Brandon Stray, with All About You Entertainment, will be coordinating with dance

SUBMITTED

group Burton Ballet, who will perform while he plays.

“I told ‘em do whatever they want,” Spangenburg said. “They’re coming up with a show, it outta be pretty good.”

Thursday night can be questionable in terms of attendance, especially if the weather is bad, Spangenburg added.

“I’ve brought bands up there and they’ve played to an empty street,” he said.

While Friday and Saturday often draw adult crowds, Thursday usually attracts more

teenagers, leading Spangenburg to seek out music that appeals more to the younger generation.

The Chardon Polka Band will be performing Friday night, with Americana group The Hickory Rockers playing as an opener. Rock and roll band Ricky and the Rockets will take over the stage Saturday.

While there aren’t any major changes this year, Spangenburg said he tried to include as many dance troupes as he could.

Two adult troupes will be performing in

the street Saturday, with a hip-hop group at 12 p.m. and the Senior Squad Dance Team following at 12:30 p.m. This marks the third year giving dance troupes a street takeover, he said.

Acts are primarily local, Spangenburg said — anyone not from Geauga is still from somewhere near by.

There was a lot of interest from bands this year, but many reached out too late to be scheduled, he said.

Despite newer acts like the dance troupes and Thursday’s DJ, traditional entertainment still has a large appeal to festival-goers, he said.

“When the rides are operating, you can hardly walk up there,” he said. “It’s almost like mechanical entertainment away from digital entertainment has really come back into its own.”

While the festival has tried digital entertainment in previous years, people just aren’t interested, he added.

The draws are traditional music, the Chardon Polka Band and the parade.

Last year’s festival accommodated ongoing construction at the Geauga County Courthouse. As the renovation work is still underway, this year’s festival will look very similar, Freeman said.

“We had to take out two rides last year and then (the lumberjack competition) moved to between the library and the school. So, that’s going to be the continued plan this year, as well,” she said, adding the festival committee has actually liked the new placement better than the old one behind the courthouse.

The Geauga County Maple Festival is ready to take over the Chardon Square for its 2025 season. This year’s event will feature a variety of bands, a DJ and several dance troupes among the traditional rides and vendors.

35% of his bees every year.

“Forty years ago, you would expect to lose 10-to-15%. Now it’s 35-to-50%,” McCune said.

Good hive management can minimize losses, but beekeepers are not able to successfully combat the tiny mites that kill whole hives in a single season, he said.

The mites came from Asia and were first found in Florida in 1987, spreading inexorably across the country. Within five years, they arrived in Geauga County.

“By 1993, I had 125 hives. I came out of that winter with two hives still alive,” McCune recalled.

The mites infest the hives and, through the winter, they suck all the fat out of the bee larva so there are no young bees come spring, he said.

“Now, they are also vectoring viruses in the hives,” McCune said, adding there are four or five different viruses spread by the mites.

Bees faced an additional challenge last fall as they gathered food to store for the cold season, he said.

Some experts suggest plants produced low quality pollen last fall, causing the queens to stop laying eggs late in the season, McCune said, adding no baby bees is a bad sign as temperatures drop.

“You need a big supply of winter bees to keep the hives going,” he said.

people who believe honey helps relieve their McCune’s interest in bees and honey started about 40 years ago when he needed

cided to improve his berry yield by acquiring a

“I went from five hives to 10 hives to 50

hives to 100,” he recalled. “It’s a passion.”

In 1989, he created McCune Family Apiaries, favoring the new world Carniolan breed over Caucasian and Italian bees.

“They’re good producers and they’re gentle,” McCune said, admitting, however, he has been stung thousands of times over the years.

When the combs in the hives are full of honey, McCune collects the golden liquid in his workshop, bottling it — raw and unfiltered — for sale.

Four stainless steel tanks labeled wild flower, sweet heat (flavored with habanero peppers), lavender and bourbon barrel set on a bench, filled with honey being infused with flavor.

“Last year, I processed more than seven tons of honey,” McCune said.

All his bees are domesticated. There may be no wild bees anymore. Those bees homeowners see are likely from a busy hive, somewhere nearby, he said.

“Before the mites, I used to get 100 swarm calls a year,” he said.

Now, if McCune sees a swarm, he knows someone isn’t taking care of their hives and the bees are looking for a new location.

“If you’re a good beekeeper, that doesn’t happen,” he said.

Burton Village

“I ask my neighbors not to cut their grass until the dandelions have a good thing going,” he said.

In the fall, his bees visit a nearby field of goldenrod to help fill the hives. McCune said

When the spring heats up, queens start laying between 1,500 and 2,000 eggs per day. lions — the favorite source of pollen for hon eybees, McCune said.

Water Rate Increases To be Reviewed in ‘29

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

Burton Village Council debated a suggestion April 14 that the water rate increases — set in an ordinance in 2024 at 4% per year — be voted on every year or two.

“In 10 years, (rates) will be up 40%, whether we need it or not,” said council member Craig Martin, who recommended council change the language in the ordinance to include regular votes on the increases.

Burton Village Board of Public Affairs member Curt Johnson said the cost of utilities is subject to the vagaries of the economy.

“For 20 years, prior to 2010, rates were not raised. That set us back, right there,” he said.

In 2010, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership recommended a 3.5% annual increase for water rates, which council dropped to 3%, since everything was going along smoothly at the water plant, Johnson said.

“All of the sudden, the cost of operating went up,” Johnson said.

The village maintains 12 miles of water lines plus valves, many of which have been in place for nearly 100 years, he said.

RCAP’s 2024 study, which cost more than $4,000, recommended the 4% annual increase for water customers, Johnson said.

Looking into the future, he noted the water tower on the square was put up in 1959 and the water plant was built in 1985.

“Are we raising (the water rate) enough?” Martin asked, voicing concern that either facility might need to be replaced.

Johnson said he doesn’t believe the village needs a new water plant, yet, and recommended council revisit the rate issue every three to four years.

“I can get on board with three or four years,” Martin said.

In four years, the RCAP-recommended sewer rate increases will have leveled off.

In late 2024, council passed an ordinance

setting sewer rates, per RCAP’s advice, to increase 20% in 2025; 12% in 2026; 7.5% in 2027; 5% in 2028 and 5% in 2029, to cover the cost of doing business rather than depending on the general fund.

Sewer tap-in fees, now at $15,000, were also discussed.

Johnson said the village engineer determined that figure by taking the tap-in fee cost in 1928 and increased it according to inflation over almost 100 years.

“The other way would be to take the cost of the sewer plant ($13 million) and divide it by the capacity of the sewer plant. Right now, the cost is $15,000. Using this other method, it would be $13,000,” he said.

Martin said the tap-in fee should be put on the website.

“If I was building or buying a lot, I’d like to know what it costs — not have it determined by the engineer,” he said, adding it would be more transparent.

“We need a number,” he said.

Johnson said the tap-in fee should follow inflation.

Village Fiscal Officer Jennell Dahlhausen recommended the fee be reviewed annually and increased as needed and that the utility fees should follow RCAP’s recommendation for four years.

Martin agreed with having another assessment in 2029.

During public comment, Joe Walkis, of Colony Lane, spoke up against rezoning the 5-acre parcel on the north side of Colony from residential to industrial use.

The property, owned by Ronyak Bros. Asphalt and Concrete, includes a closed-off driveway from the Ronyak yard to Colony.

Walkis reiterated the residents’ concerns about increased traffic and dust brought up at a recent hearing.

Mayor Ruth Spanos said a public hearing on the proposed zoning change will be held at the April 28 council meeting.

Claridon Township

Dirt Bike Track Stirs up Zoning, Soil & Water District

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

A dirt bike track on an Aquilla Road property may or may not be a violation of Claridon Township zoning regulations, but the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is pursuing the owners.

Township resident Luke Wyatt, of Aquilla Road, attended the trustees meeting April 7 to ask them to enforce a “clear zoning violation” against his neighbors, Stacy Crute IV and Nicolina Vencl, who own 4.4 acres along Wyatt's south property line.

Trustee Jonathan Tiber agreed the dirt bike track is in violation per the township zoning resolution.

“There is a long list of permitted uses. If (a dirt bike track) is not listed, it is not permitted,” he said at the beginning of the meeting.

However, Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Krissy Rine informed the township a dirt bike track is considered a recreational use of property, much like a swing set, Tiber said.

“I don’t believe that,” he said.

When asked, trustees Roger Miller and Sherman Cooper were unwilling to pursue legal action against the track.

“I don’t like the way it was set up, but I

Allegations

from page 1

so upsetting,” she said. “We didn’t get any emails. Not one time was this brought up.”

Her daughter first reported an incident involving the male student in December. However, she said the school took no immediate action.

“She brought it to (the school’s) attention and nothing was done,” the mother said, adding her daughter felt like she was being brushed off.

Waiting until after the holiday break, the parent said she contacted the school board in January.

“The board of education seemed completely confused that nothing was brought up. This was in January,” she said.

She expressed concerns the district was dismissing the issue, citing generational behavior and social media as explanations.

“It’s not OK to be touching,” she said. “Verbal stuff is bad enough. My girls have had a lot of verbal comments about their body told to them. I’ve told the office. The girls come home, they say no one’s talked to them about it.”

The mother said her daughter was not asked to submit an official report until February — after several other girls came forward. At that time, the students were brought together to write statements about their experiences.

“(My daughter) told me the other girls were terrified to say anything,” the parent said. “That made me feel sick. The school is supposed to make kids feel safe.”

She recalled receiving just one phone call from the middle school’s vice principal, who informed her the district was investigating the situation and that the students were safe.

The male student reportedly was suspended for three days in March. Upon returning to school, he was seated near the victim,

don’t see it as a use violation. There are a lot of people with other tracks — we can’t pick one out,” Cooper said. “His track’s pretty extreme. I don’t feel we can have a use-violation on something being used recreationally.”

Miller agreed.

“It doesn’t matter what our opinion is. What matters is how our zoning inspector interprets it,” Tiber said, adding former zoning inspector Chris Alusheff believed the track was in violation and so did recently-hired Sheila Drollinger.

Drollinger is writing a letter informing the property owners they are in violation, Tiber said, adding if the prosecutor’s office doesn’t see it as a violation, the township has no teeth unless trustees decide to hire outside legal counsel and go to court.

“When (the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office) speaks, we are limited in what we can do. We can’t afford outside counsel,” he said.

Wyatt said his complaint was first brought to the township zoning inspector in May 2024 and he is concerned his property value will decline because of the neighboring track, the erosion of soil into his large pond and the stress the activity causes him.

“It’s a huge nuisance. I would argue he’s a professional dirt bike racer,” he said.

When contacted by phone April 14, Crute

the mother said.

“(My daughter) texted me, ‘Mom, we thought he was gone. He came back and he’s sitting a couple spaces away from me. Can you email (the teacher) and have him moved?’” she recalled.

The parent said she considered contacting the police herself but had been under the impression the school would be forwarding students’ reports as part of the investigation.

One parent did file a police report in February with the Chardon Police Department. Police Chief Scott Niehus confirmed the department received the report on Feb. 24 and referred the matter to the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office for investigation.

“This is an active investigation and no further information is being released at this time,” Niehus said last week. “Also, I will not be commenting until the investigation is completed.”

County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz also declined to comment, citing a pending grand jury investigation.

The parent who filed the police report previously told reporters she did not believe the school district handled the allegations appropriately. According to her daughter, the male student involved is the son of a Chardon Schools Board of Education member. She added that, to her knowledge, at least eight female students have been affected by his behavior.

In response to a request for comment, Superintendent Michael Hanlon issued the following statement on April 5:

“The Chardon Local School District places a high priority on the safety of students, staff and community in our schools. To the extent your request pertains to the district’s internal investigation into allegations of student misconduct or any related administrative actions or decisions, please note that the district is prohibited by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Section 3319.321 of the Ohio Revised

“There are a lot of people with other tracks — we can’t pick one out.” – Cooper Sherman

said he rides his dirt bike with his son “a handful of times a month” and he and Vencl don’t want to have problems with their neighbor.

“This is just a hobby for my family. We don’t want it to be a negative thing,” Vencl said.

The track was built about two years ago for the enjoyment of Crute and his 8-year-old son.

“When we initially put the track in, it caused a ruckus,” Crute said.

Heavy fall rains caused dirt to run into Wyatt’s pond, but Crute said he didn’t realize it was a problem until he received a letter from the GSWCD about the erosion.

When a ditch in front of their property was cleaned out by the county, the runoff from the road no longer flowed across their property to Wyatt’s pond, Vencl said.

In addition, last summer, a lot of weeds grew up on the track, slowing erosion, as well, Crute said.

Hanlon Issues Letter to Parents

“I do understand it became unsightly this past year. I wasn’t happy with the way it looked,” he added.

When he had a new track put in, a lot of dirt was disturbed, but Crute said the track is now on less than an acre.

Vencl said they talked to an engineer and are planning to seed and mulch the area if they can learn what the district requires.

GSWCD Director Carmella Shale said during a phone call April 8 the owners of the track were informed two years ago they were out of compliance with district regulations and needed to submit a water management and sediment control plan.

When the property owners regraded and excavated the parcel, which had grown over the year before, they were again out of compliance, she said.

“It’s all bare again,” she said, noting the area without vegetation is more than an acre.

A silt fence was erected, but has not been maintained and no plan was submitted, Shale said.

Wyatt complained to trustees the township and county are taking a long time to enforce their regulations.

Shale agreed it takes a long time to go through all the legal steps.

“There’s a process that has to be followed,” she said.

Chardon Schools Superintendent Michael Hanlon issued the following letter to parents April 13:

“This letter addresses recent questions regarding a disciplinary incident at Chardon Middle School. We understand these concerns, and want to provide clarity on our response and limitations in sharing information.

“Upon receiving a report of alleged misconduct at the middle school, school administrators immediately initiated a thorough investigation. We promptly addressed the situation with all students directly involved or impacted, taking appropriate action based on the findings.

“We recognize that some may have questions about the specifics of the allegations and the disciplinary actions taken. However, we are legally and ethically bound by confidentiality requirements. Both state and federal law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, strictly prohibit the disclo sure of student records and personally identifiable information related to disciplinary matters. Furthermore, we must be care ful not to compromise any potential ongoing investigation by Geauga County authorities with whom we have a positive working relationship.

“It is also important to understand that disciplinary decisions are made based on a careful and comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances unique to each situation, guided by the professional judgment of our administrators. We cannot alter disciplinary outcomes based on parent sentiment or opinion, as these decisions require a complete understanding of all relevant information.

“Moving forward, we respectfully request that you honor the privacy of all of the students and the families involved. It is crucial that students are not subjected to judgment in the court of public opinion.

“We recognize the desire for more information and are available to discuss our processes and commitment to student safety. However, please know that we cannot share specific details about this particular incident due to legal and privacy regulations.

“Please be assured that the safety and security of all our students at Chardon Middle School and across the Chardon Schools remains our top priority. When concerns are raised, we address them appropriately. We are committed to treating every student with dignity and respect throughout any disciplinary process, and we trust that you, as parents, will do the same.”

Code from disclosing such information.

“The Chardon Local School District prioritizes compliance with all legal requirements regarding the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect and conducts regular staff training on this topic. The district has no record of any staff member failing to comply with the mandatory reporting requirements set forth in Section 2151.421 of

the Ohio Revised Code.

“Chardon Local Schools maintains a strong, collaborative relationship with local law enforcement and county agencies, and we engage regularly with families to support students. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority, and we remain committed to creating a secure learning environment for all.”

Hanlon

Fate of Bainbridge Town Hall Hangs in the Air

By emma maCniven maCniven@karloveCmedia Com

Unexpectedly high construction bids have thrown a wrench into the Bainbridge Township Town Hall project.

Despite DS Architecture, of Cleveland, providing an estimated cost of $600,000 earlier this year for renovations to the town hall, the lowest bid for the project came in at $934,000, said Jeff Myers, of DSA, during the April 14 Bainbridge Township Trustees meeting.

Only two construction companies bid on the project March 28, Myers said.

“Some of that can be contributed to the building compromise, potentially, some of it can be contributed to the political environment and the cautiousness of tariffs and stuff like that,” Myers said.

According to Ohio Revised Code Section 153.12, a project cannot exceed 20% more than the estimated cost.

As a result, trustees voted to decline both bids Monday.

The renovation project — which would include demolition of the room cap and the

basement — was fast-tracked in February, after Drew Thompson, of DSA, told township officials the front room of the town hall was dangerous and should be closed immediately.

“We observed what appears to be a significant escalation in structural damage to the Bainbridge Town Hall gym. Based on our professional assessment, there is a substantial risk of catastrophic structural failure, posing a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of all occupants,” Thompson said in a letter to officials. “Given these concerns, we strongly recommend that the entire town hall building and surrounding area be temporarily vacated as a precautionary measure.”

After rejecting the construction bids, trustees asked DSA to redraw the renovation plans within four weeks at no cost to the township and asked that some things be taken out of the estimate and could be done in-house.

While trustees Kristina O’Brien and Michael Bates voted for the re-draw, Markley believed it would be best for the township to move in another direction.

“(I vote) absolutely not. Yeah, I think this is a mistake,” Trustee Jeff Markley said. “We're going down another road. We've al ready been sold a bill of goods that hasn't performed well, so we are stuck.”

He also believed the township was given the runaround regarding the building's haz ardous state.

“We were being told from up above that you're done — this building's gonna collapse any minute now, but it hasn't, and the build ing still remains, and it's been there for 100plus years,” he said.

Myers said he would not want to be in volved in the project if trustees decided not to structurally repair the building.

Bates emphasized to those in attendance the building is a hazard.

“We talked about this project the very first month that I was a trustee and I'm now in my last year of my first term and it's time to do something,” Bates said. “The building is falling down. I watched (Service Direc tor Jim Stanek) move those walls (with his hands). I felt like running for cover when he did it because I thought the roof was going to fall down on top of me. It was scary.”

Auburn Career Center Considers HB 96 Impacts

By allison Wilson Wilson@karloveCmedia Com

As Ohio’s biennial budget continues its advance through the state’s legislature, Auburn Career Center Treasurer Sherry Williamson updated the ACC Board of Education April 8 as to what may be in store for career and technical education.

“They are not going to do the last two years of the Fair School Funding Plan. They’re doing what’s called a ‘bridge formula,’ which is basically, everyone gets the same amount they got last year,” Williamson said.

A bridge formula is not a new way to fund schools, she said, adding Ohio had a bridge formula in 2013.

“This is just a way to not finish the last two years and update the base costs, and say everybody gets the same amount,” she said.

An amendment was added to the budget

— House Bill 96 — April 1 that would prohibit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce from making payments under FSFP fiscal years 2026-27. Traditional school districts would be paid “temporary foundation funding” instead, according to Williamson’s presentation.

Ohio has seen a variety of school funding formulas over the years. The current one, FSFP, is in year four of a six-year phase in.

Schools across the county have expressed concern about HB 96, which does not update the base costs of the formula, thus decreasing the state’s share of funding to schools and putting a greater onus on local communities.

The Ohio House recently passed the budget, advancing it to the Ohio Senate.

“We currently receive $191,167 in career awareness and exploration funds. They’ve defunded that. They are no longer gonna provide that,” Williamson said. “Those were the funds that we used annually to offset some of the implantation that we did for — we originally started with the career education minigrant and now we’re going into the vocational middle school grant, and we also have high school (career and technical education).”

The final budget is still months away from approval, Williamson emphasized, adding this is just an update.

“They’re estimating the school funding formula, the cut would be $20.7 million in 2026 and $34.7 million in 2027. And that’s just for CTE because of the way they are now funding it,” she said.

The Ohio legislature is also considering

preventing school districts from spending more than 15% of their annual operating budget on administrative salaries, benefits or other administrative costs.

ACC is currently under 10%, Williamson said, adding the “big item” under consideration is prop erty reform.

Per the Ohio Capital Journal, the budget directs counties to re duce a district’s property taxes if the district has a balance worth more than 30% of their annual budget.

$350,000 into the capital improvement fund for building maintenance, she said.

Cuts would be for one year, Williamson said.

She is concerned it may look like ACC has a carryover of 30% and suggested money be moved to special use funds in order to safeguard the school’s commitments.

“One of the things we might need to look at is, these committed funds we have out there, we’ve only ever had one fund and it’s our general fund. We don’t have a permanent improvement fund … when I started here, we didn’t even have a capital improvement fund,” Williamson said.

Every year, the district would put

However, 2025 costs are much greater than when she started in 2014 and $350,000 isn’t cutting it anymore, Williamson said.

“The one recommendation I would make before we end this year is to increase that from $350,000 to $500,000, and do another $150,000 before the end of the fiscal year,” she said.

ACC has commitments to consider, she added.

“I don’t want it to look like we have this arbitrary, over the max of 30% and they start cutting our taxes — I’m not sure if they’re gonna do this. I have no idea. But … we’ve talked about two facility construction renovations, we still have the IT wing, we still have the horticulture building that needs to be addressed, we have a five-year technology budget.”

Williamson went on to list several more commitments, adding there is a lot going on in Columbus that is yet to be determined.

“We’re just going to have to keep watching it,” she said.

What Are They Teaching Kids Today?! staff report

The League of Women Voters of Geauga invites the public to attend an engaging and timely panel discussion entitled “What Are They Teaching Kids Today?! Civics Education in High Schools.”

The event takes place April 23, 6:30 p.m., at the Geauga County Library Administration Building, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Claridon Township.

This moderated discussion will feature government educators from public, private and homeschooling backgrounds, offering a comprehensive look at how civics is currently being taught to high school students across Geauga County and beyond.

Attendees will gain insight into the

structure, goals and challenges of today’s civics curricula, and explore how education is preparing the next generation for engaged citizenship.

“In an era where civic understanding is more important than ever, this conversation is vital,” said Carol Benton, president of the League of Women Voters of Geauga. “We’re excited to bring educators together to share their perspectives and help our community better understand the role of civics education today.”

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend and come with questions. Registration is recommended at www.lwvgeauga. org

Williamson

A warning stands in front of the Bainbridge Township Town Hall after it was deemed too hazardous for occupants in early March.

Rotary Clubs Continue Mission for Positive Change

By rose nemunaitis editor@karloveCmedia Com

Ward Lawrence is a living example of the enduring impact values can have on helping inspire future generations to have a strong sense of caring, action and commitment to community.

Lawrence was recently recognized for his 60 years of perfect attendance as a Chardon Rotarian by his grandson, Brandon Crane, who joined Chardon Rotary in 2022 to spend more time with his grandfather.

“Chardon Rotary was established in February 1965 and I was fortunate to be one of the original members,” Lawrence said.

“Rotary is a global network of more than 45,000 clubs worldwide, (which includes) more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves,” according to Rotary International website.

Chardon Rotary

Chardon Rotary comprises about 65 members who meet at 12 p.m. Mondays upstairs at The Lodge at Bass Lake.

President David Johnson said their club’s largest fundraisers are Harvest Auction every fall and car parking at the Geauga County Maple Festival.

“(Chardon Rotary) is a group of professionals that truly have a heart for our community and Rotary gives back to all local needs, Veterans Food Pantry, Woman Safe, scholarships to high school students, participation in local events like Chardon’s July 4th celebration on the square, litter cleanup along state Route 44 from city limits north and so much more,” Johnson said.

Anyone who works or lives in Chardon is eligible and may be invited by an existing member to join, Johnson said, adding some criteria includes community involvement, helping with projects, donating to the community, acts of giving, etc.

“The group is a group of people with a real desire to give back to their community,” Johnson said. “A lot of our members are longtime professionals or residents.”

Crane said getting involved with the club has allowed him to get to know great people who care about their community, as well as learn about local businesses, history and current events.

“As a new member, I appreciate all the opportunities that Rotary provides to do good in Chardon,” Crane said.

Growing up, he remembers his grandfather attending Rotary meetings whenever he and his grandmother visited family. They lived in Alaska at the time.

“Although I didn’t know much about Rotary then, I could tell from a young age that it was deeply important to my grandfather,” Crane said. “His award for 60 years of perfect attendance is a testament to his dedication and I’m grateful to share this special time with him. Others should consider joining a Rotary club if they want to help people locally or internationally in meaningful ways.”

Former Leadership Geauga Executive Director Melanie Scanlon joined the club in 2016.

“When I first started working in Chardon, I wanted to connect with people who shared my passion for giving back,” Scanlon said. “That’s what led me to the Chardon Rotary club, a multigenerational group of business, community and local leaders who serve not

and have a heart for service, I encourage you to get involved. Rotary is more than just a club— it’s a movement of action. It’s a way to strengthen your local network, deepen your connection to the community, and witness firsthand the impact your time and resources can make. The work is meaningful, the friendships are lasting, and together, we are building a stronger Chardon — one act of service at a time.”

The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield

Larry Fox serves as Burton/Middlefield Rotary Club president and Maple Splash Raffle chairman.

Last year, the Maple Splash Raffle and Festival collectively raised over 200,000 with the proceeds going to assist numerous organizations.

Fox hails from a long lineage of service-oriented family members.

“My father was my role model and with his involvement in a Kiwanis Club, I witnessed firsthand how important community service is for every citizen,” Fox said. “My father and his siblings lived next to the Welshfield Inn during The Great Depression, and he often spoke about how grateful he was to the inn for they often gave them food out the

Above Self,’” Fox said. “Anyone who has a desire to serve the community may attend.”

Geauga West Rotary

Ed Slane became president of the Geauga West Rotary Club on July 1, 2024, and has been a member since 2004.

Their club has 29 members and meets at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays at Mayfield Methodist Church in Chester Township.

Their main fundraising events include the Summer Golf Classic in July and the Hearts for Service dinner/dance held every Valentine's Day weekend.

“I was attracted to Rotary because it has both an international breadth and a local fo-

ple, and would like to increase their foundation funds so they may sustain and increase their larger grant impact in the community and schools.

“With 1.3 million members in over 40,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary is, by its very nature, inclusive,” Slane said. “But, it is not for everyone. Our motto is ‘Service Above Self.’ Planning and executing effective projects and programs requires each member to be willing to contribute time, talent and treasure. If a person is not really committed to that, then membership will probably not work out.”

Those interested in joining any of the above Rotary clubs can visit their websites for more information.

Small Business Owners Rediscover Magic of Brick-and-Mortar

By emma maCniven maCniven@karloveCmedia Com

While most businesses might be moving their retail products to an online store, Sam and Kristy Lardomita are opting to bring their online, personalized gift business to a local storefront in early May.

Sam and Kristy, of Chardon, want to change their online business dynamic, having sold their products online at several major platforms, including their own, for 12 years.

“When you come in here (Benchmark Signs and Gifts), you'll be able to get a one-on-one experience, rather than the kind of impersonal, point-andclick, order online world that we've gotten to be these days,” he said. “I really think people would appreciate being able to walk into a place, talking to the owners, talking to the maker.”

Benchmark Signs and Gifts’ storefront will take over their current office space at 10180 Queens Way, Unit 5, in Chagrin Falls, where they’ll feature handmade furniture and personalized wooden signs, tumblers, awards and plaques. They will also feature handmade items from

The experience at Benchmark will differ from customer’s online experiences, Sam said, as he’ll be working with customers and giving them the products

small business means for the Lardomitas and going for a mom-and-pop small business feel. Sam hopes by opening a storefront, he and his wife can build relationships with the community and other small business owners,

Benchmark’s grand opening is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3.

To have your company featured in an upcoming Business Spotlight, email the KMG advertising department at ads@karlovecmedia.com.

he’s made.

Heritage Pointe Rezoning Paused for Public Comment

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan for phase one of Heritage Pointe housing project April 8, but the rezoning and annexation of the development won’t come before village council until mid-June.

Last Tuesday, Heritage Pointe developer Joe Svete of Lake Avenue Land Partners LTD, asked the commission to rezone the acreage south of Walmart Superstore from residential to residential-planned urban development, allowing high-density housing.

However, the fields and woods are in Middlefield Township. The parcels won’t be part of the village until council approves the annexation after the 60-day waiting period, which will be up May 18, said village Administrator Leslie Gambosi-McCoy.

“We can do the annexation in the June meeting and rezone it from R-1 to R-PUD after the annexation hearing,” she told the commission.

Svete responded with a request that the commission recommend the changes to council.

Phase one consists of 38 subplots in the northeast corner of the 207-subplot development. Svete said build-out should take six to eight years for the entire development if 30 homes are contracted per year.

He is negotiating with a builder and he estimated home values to be higher than those in the neighboring Woodsong development.

“We expect younger families, so we’ll need bigger homes,” Svete said, adding the minimum size for a home in Heritage Pointe

will be about 1,400 square feet, but others may be larger than 1,800 square feet.

Three water retention ponds are planned. A few acres on the north side of the develop ment will be preserved as wetlands and pro vide an open common area, he said.

Mayor Ben Garlich, who sits on the com mission, said more families with school-age children are needed in the village.

“If your school is going to survive, we have to have people living here,” he said.

Commission Chairman Scott Klein agreed.

“If each house has two kids, that’s 400 more kids,” he said, adding it is a topic for the economic development committee.

Plans for Heritage Pointe were first pre sented to the commission in January by Svete and LALP managing member David Zook, of Bristolville.

Access to the development will be off Lake Avenue, according to the site plan.

In other business, village Zoning Inspec tor John Boksansky said the warehouse being built on East High Street needs an easement on private property so a sewer line can be rerouted around the building under construction.

In June 2024, Diversified Plastics Inc., formerly Dillen Properties LTD, proposed consolidating two properties totaling 44 acres to accommodate a warehouse of more than 750,000 square feet for product storage at 16455 East High Street.

Village engineer Tom Capella said it's better to have the builder reroute the line now so, if the village needs access to the line, an entire replacement would not be needed.

County Commissioners Tweak Public Comment Rules

Spidalieri Asks for Letter to Support CEI in Middlefield staff report

With two months having passed since the Geauga County Commissioners adopted a formal public comment policy, the board took a moment at the end of their April 8 meeting to discuss the new rules and adjustments they believe should be made.

The new policy stipulates individuals have two minutes each to speak during the public comment section of a meeting. Acting County Administrator Linda Burhenne sets a physical timer and the speaker must stop when it goes off.

Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri expressed a dislike for the timer Burhenne uses. Commissioner Carolyn Brakey noted during her time on the Geauga County Board of Health, a digital timer was displayed on the screens behind the board, allowing each person to see how long they had to speak.

Burhenne said she could look into a visible solution and asked if the board still believes two minutes is long enough to speak.

“I don’t think two minutes is enough for a good discussion,” Spidalieri replied.

Commissioner Jim Dvorak said he would be comfortable with a three-minute maximum.

Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair also checked to see if commissioners were still okay with the public comment section being limited to 20 minutes, unless extended by a motion.

“We’ve actually exceeded that at one of the meetings,” she said.

Brakey expressed favor for the limitation, so long as commissioners can still vote to extend.

“We do need to conduct business in an efficient manner, so I think we need to have some guardrails on our public comment,” she said.

In other business, Spidalieri asked commissioners to draft a letter of support to retain Middlefield’s Illuminating Company office.

“They’re consolidating that to Concord Township. I think that’s a big loss for Geauga County based on the fact that where it’s situated right now is in Middlefield … and their ability to respond to Geauga County is very much a big thing,” he said.

The time of travel from Concord to locations like Bainbridge compared to the travel time from Middlefield is notable, he said.

Middlefield also has factories that would require a rapid response in an outage and it is beneficial to have a crew close to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, he said.

“I feel that our response time would go down,” he said.

He would like to get a letter of support to a representative advocating for construction crews and line people to stay in Geauga, Spidalieri said.

“It’s a small unit, but they’re very effective and they do good work,” he said. “And I think that it’s a big thing for our county to lose that.”

Burhenne offered to draft the letter.

developer, he said.

Wilson said new design plans would be ready in a week and the change should not delay the project, which has a strict deadline.

The commission voted in favor of the easement subject to a separate easement agreement between the village and property owner, provided additional contingency drawings are presented promptly.

The commission also voted to recom-

to discourage construction of non-permitted items.

When the zoning inspector finds a structure or addition built without a permit, the owner will be charged twice the cost of a permit.

For example, Boksansky said a permit for a permanent sign is $270. If the sign is put in place without a permit, the owner would be charged twice that amount.

Chardon Student Plans Memorial Park Restoration

By allison Wilson Wilson@karloveC

Chardon Memorial Park is due an upgrade and Chardon High School sophomore Jack Bennett may soon be able to provide one cour tesy of his upcoming Eagle Scout project.

Jack came before Chardon City Council April 10 to discuss his plans.

“(The project) is a restoration of the Chardon Memorial Park, by the chalet,” he explained.

Jack will be working with the city to solve ongoing issues with the trails, such as flood ing and erosion.

“I met with some people from the city and we kind of decided that you can’t really stop water. So, we decided the best course of action was to build a boardwalk that goes over the water and then put a drainage pipe in front that’ll pour the water off into the creek,” he explained.

Mayor Chris Grau commended Jack. Jack said he will be accepting any volunteer help he can get.

The boardwalk will not cover the whole trail, as the rest will be graveled, he said.

Another area was identified as a wash-out zone.

“The ground’s kind of unstable, it’s sort of on the edge of a cliff,” he said. “So, instead of trying to remodel that trail, we’re going to move it back about 50 feet uphill. That way, that trail isn’t a safety hazard anymore.”

Jack identified a large amount of deadfall — tangled masses of fallen trees and branches — in another area.

“That will be removed with hand tools, chainsaws, that sort of thing,” he said.

The location also has drainage issues, he added.

“We’ll solve that by graveling the trail and then cutting out slots in the side so it drains into a creek nearby,” he said.

The total cost of the project is around $7,000, with the majority going toward materials, Jack said.

The city will provide asphalt grindings for gravel — an item taking up about $5,000 of the budget — and Jack said he will be looking into fundraising options with hardware stores for materials like lumber.

Adults will be involved in the project and would handle the dangerous work with power-tools and chainsaws, he said, adding city workers will be operating the heavy machinery.

“This is a project that’s been on my to-do list for many years, so when I was approached that a young man wanted to take this on, I was like, ‘Wonderful,’” City Manager Randy Sharpe said. “It’s going to be a big help and really improve the trails a lot.”

In other business, the city is continuing to wrangle with insurance companies over the restoration of the Geauga Theater, Sharpe said.

The theater is currently closed for renovations after a frozen heat-exchange caused flooding on multiple floors earlier this year.

“We have begun this week the drywall and floor flood damage restoration,” Public Service Director Paul Hornyak told council.

While their insurance agent is advocating for them, Hornyak is not in favor of the adjusters’ stance on repairs.

“We wanted to have the whole thing replaced — the coil, remember the coil broke — rather than patched. They are taking the stance they will patch it, they will pay for it being patched and then do the assessment of what else needs done after that point,” Hornyak said.

As the theater’s unit is from 1937, there are no spare parts available. The cost to manufacture a new coil would be $42,000, which the carrier and adjusters have decided is too much, Hornyak said.

“Over the course of the last five or six weeks, they’ve decided that’s too much and they are just going to repair the existing coil for about $9,800,” he said. “We can’t get anybody to guarantee the work, no warranty, and I don’t feel that’s a suitable resolution.”

A check will be cut for that amount and “whatever we choose to do, we choose to do,” he said.

“They also want me to authorize the work. Which I won’t do,” Hornyak said.

This has become a borderline legal issue, he added.

as part of local student Jack Bennett’s Eagle Scout project.

project, renovating Chardon Memorial Park.

Claridon Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Fatal Ambulance Crash

staff report

The man accused of hitting an ambulance and killing the man being transported and injuring two paramedics was sentenced to four years in prison April 14 in Geauga County Common Pleas Court.

Jason A. Slepsky, 36, of Chardon Windsor Road in Claridon Township, pleaded no contest Feb. 6 in front of Judge Carolyn Paschke to three third-degree felonies: aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault.

Police originally said Slepsky was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana in September of 2023 when he ran a stop sign driving east on Chardon Windsor Road at state Route 528, Ohio State Highway Patrol said.

During the sentencing, Slepsky's lawyer, Catherine Meehan, said Slepsky had used marijuana in the weeks prior but had not used it on the night of the crash.

Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz told the judge Slepsky had used alcohol on the night of the crash but was not over the legal limit.

Slepsky's vehicle, a 1995 Jeep Wrangler, struck a 2022 Ford F550 ambulance from

19 ACTION NEWS LIVE COURT FEED

Jason Slepsky addresses Judge Carolyn Paschke in Geauga County Common Pleas Court before he received a four-year prison sentence for a fatal crash he caused in September of 2023 involving him hitting an ambulance, killing the man being transported and injuring two paramedics.

the South Central Ambulance District in Ashtabula County that was traveling southbound on Route 528 to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, the OHP said.

The ambulance overturned, traveling off the west side of the roadway and the Jeep caught on fire after the crash, the OHP said.

Auburn Career Center

Union Lawsuit Saga End in Sight

staff report

A decade-long lawsuit may soon be over after the Auburn Career Center and teacher’s union signed an agreement April 8.

In 2011, the Career and Technical Association (teacher’s union) sued ACC for back wages.

After numerous failed appeals from ACC, Lake County Court of Common Pleas Judge Patrick Condon ordered the school to pay $1,486,045 to multiple current and former teachers in 2021.

A second order was filed late in 2023 to clarify the distribution of funds, saying teachers were entitled to the money “less governmental withholding and the stipulated amounts owed to (State Teachers Retirement System).”

With CATA and ACC clashing over the meaning of the clarification, no funds were paid.

CATA filed a motion for contempt in December 2024 and the case once again entered Condon’s courtroom Feb. 20. No resolution was reached during that hearing and the case was continued to April 11.

CATA filed for a motion to postpone the hearing April 9, citing an agreement between both parties as the reason.

ACC’s board of education unanimously passed the agreement during their April 8 meeting, with little comment from anyone in the room.

Superintendent Brian Bontempo did not respond to a request for comment prior to press deadline.

ACC agreed to pay the $1.4 million to the teachers “less the employee’s share of governmental withholdings and the amounts designated … as the employee’s STRS contribution, the total of which is $188,108.”

ACC will also be responsible for its share of payroll taxes and STRS contributions, amounting to $208,046, and will be responsible for any interest or penalties decided by STRS, according to the agreement. These amounts are to be treated and reported as W-2 wages.

“Typically, a portion of the employee's

William Maley, 47, of Dorset Township, who was inside the ambulance, was pro-

Paramedic Jesse Sopko was transported to an area hospital via medical helicopter where he underwent surgeries. Another

Meehan asked Paschke to give the manAlesa Slepsky, the defendant's mother,

“My son has been very remorseful and he does live with us everyday and we do discuss it on a very regular basis,” Alesa said. “I know there are a lot of people praying for him today.”

“I would just like to apologize for everything that happened,” Slepsky said. “I do understand the situation. It was an accident. I do think about it everyday. I do hope you have some look-down upon me, and ask for the minimum sentence considering the situation of the case.”

Rose Maley, the widow of the deceased, then addressed the court.

“I've been without my husband for about a year and a half now,” she said. “I lost my husband, my best friend, and so much more. I've lost all of my dreams of moving out here

to the country so we could grow old together. My life is all but over.”

Flaiz told Paschke that Slepsky had marijuana in his system and that he failed to stop at a stop sign, causing the accident.

“I guess in these cases, this was an accident, and that term is used by a lot of people, and maybe that's the way to characterize this, but it's the state's position that he was under the influence that night,” Flaiz said. “How do you run a two-way stop sign right by your house that you're very familiar with and fail to see an oncoming ambulance?

Probably because you were under the influence. According to the law, he was under the influence.”

Flaiz asked for a five-year prison sentence. Paschke told Slepsky this situation was a result of his actions.

“And now we have to deal with them,” the judge said.

Slepsky was sentenced to four years on the first count, four years on the second count and three years on the third count. All the sentences will be served concurrently, Paschke said.

Slepsky's driver's license will be suspended for six years.

paycheck comes out from the employee to go to the STRS, and the employer has to make a separate contribution. We’ve made it clear in this agreement that only the employees’ share is to be deducted from that $1.4 (million) for each of the teachers' own amounts,” CATA attorney Ira Mirkin said in an April 14 phone call.

The employer will separately pay STRS for their share, he said.

The board must also pay 3% interest per year from Oct. 14, 2021, to the date of each employee’s payment. This will be done via separate check, with the interest due totalling $159,601, according to the agreement.

ACC has 30 days to satisfy the terms of the agreement, after which CATA will file a motion indicating the judgement has been fully paid and withdraw their motion for contempt, including requests for ACC to pay attorney fees.

If the agreement is not satisfied by April 30, CATA may continue to pursue its motion for contempt.

Camp Ho Mita Koda – Changing Lives, Helping Families

By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com

Summer camp in Northeast Ohio takes many forms — from basketball camp to science camp, horse riding camp to church camp — there is something to attract every child once school lets out for the season.

For 95 years, Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury Township has welcomed children who have a very specific medical condition, type 1 diabetes, to spend a week in the woods learning from staff and friends how to manage their illness.

Thanks to new technology, the medical devices a diabetic needs to wear are small, but for a child, the device often makes them feel they are different and they tend to feel ashamed and are overly-cautious as a result, said Alexandra Richardson, camp director.

“When kids come the first time, they cover their devices,” she said, adding they wear bulky sweatshirts in the heat of July.

“By the end of the week, they have gone from hiding them to decorating them,” she said.

Richardson recalled a first-grader who de pended entirely on her mother to attach the insulin pump.

When the young girl was scared to do it herself during camp week, a younger camper approached her, Richardson recalled.

“She said, ‘I went through the same thing last year. Let’s do it together,’” she said.

With the help of a nurse, devices were located and activated at the same time, Rich ardson said.

It was one example of the many ‘firsts’ campers experience at Ho Mita Koda. Others include supervised kayaking, swimming in a lake and rock climbing — fun activities that give children confidence, she said.

Being diabetic can be very isolating to a child in a classroom of other children. Spend ing a week with other individuals with the same condition gives them more than fresh air and exercise, Richardson said.

“What’s really valuable to campers is the sense of community,” she said. “Ho Mita Koda allows a child to be a child. In six short days, we see a huge transformation.”

Family Relief

Having a child diagnosed with diabetes is extremely stressful and can alter a family dynamic in many ways, said Kristin Frankenberry, staff director.

“Parents struggle to sleep through the night. Diabetes doesn’t take time off,” she said.

Richardson is familiar with the emotional distress parents often feel when they learn their child has diabetes.

“They need to be talked off the ledge,” she said.

The camp office is staffed year round, so a family feeling their situation is untenable can get advice and encouragement by picking up the phone, said Elizabeth Johnson, camp development director.

Leaving a child at the camp for the first time is a challenge for some parents, Fran-

“Ho Mita Koda allows a child to be a child. In six short days we see a huge transformation.” – Alexandra Richardson

kenberry said, but Ho Mita Coda does everything possible to reassure parents.

All activities are closely supervised during the five separate week-long camp periods from May through August, Johnson said.

An overnight counselor and a healthcare assistant stay with campers in boys’ and girls’ cabins. A licensed overnight medical team is on site monitoring the blood glucose levels of See Ho Mita Koda • Page 15

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Mita Koda

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every camper, she said.

“They can see if it is high or low and can treat the child, as needed,” Johnson said.

In addition, the camp offers financial help in the form of full and partial scholarships for those who qualify. By mid-April, there were 56 financial aid awards already arranged, Johnson said.

Many of the 300 or more children in kindergarten through 12th grade will be on some sort of scholarship, she said.

Those who have been diagnosed in the last year receive a full scholarship, Frankenberry said.

Parents can call the camp for an update 24/7. Staff members are able to remotely monitor each device on a screen in the office to ensure a camper isn’t having a problem, she said.

“We provide all the insulin the campers need and four disposable boxes of test strips,” she said. “We tell (parents) to leave the worry to us.”

Campers also learn how to manage their

diabetes regarding diet and activity level and there is a supportive weekend program for families to help them adjust to the new dy namic, Johnson said.

A women’s support group and one for teens is part of the overall camp culture, she said.

“We are serving everyone affected by type 1 diabetes,” Richardson said.

Generous Donors

Taking into account all the expenses of a nonprofit camp, including about 100 seasonal employees, it costs about $1,500 to support one camper for a week, Johnson said.

The camp charges $800 for a camper not on a scholarship, but any child will be accepted, regardless of economic issues, she said.

“Finances will never be a barrier. We’ve never turned a child away because the family can’t pay,” Johnson said, adding the camp also helps with transportation, if needed.

“Families with a child with T1D have a lot of other expenses,” she said.

Thanks to generous donors, such as local Masonic lodges, a number of Lions clubs and hospitals, the camp is able to help chil-

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dren with diabetes, as well as offer separate sessions for those with cancer and special needs, Johnson said.

“Individual contributions are huge,” she said. “We are the only camp of this kind in

Northeast Ohio. Ho Mita Koda is the world’s oldest operating camp for kids with diabetes.”

While most campers are local, the 72acre Ho Mita Koda sees children from all the neighboring states and even some from over-

Many are repeat campers and some sign up for two sessions, Frankenberry said.

“They keep wanting to come back,” she said, adding once they graduate from high school, many return as employees.

During the off season, the camp is available to rent from the end of August to the middle of May, Johnson said.

Weddings, family reunions, corporate outings — all are welcome, Johnson said.

But, the main focus is on the five weeks of diabetes camp and the families who are grateful for the support and for helping their children broaden their horizons.

Richardson — who has experience at other camps before coming to Ho Mita Koda nine years ago — has seen that relief and joy at Ho Mita Koda when the session ends and families come to collect their children.

“This is the only program where parents are crying and thanking us profusely for changing their lives,” she said.

Campers at Camp Ho Mita Koda on Auburn Road in Newbury Township learn during summer sessions they can do anything despite having type one diabetes. Supervised kayaking and rock climbing are among the activities they enjoy.

Animal Camp Offers Interactive Farm Experience

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Rising River Farm, at 6618 Chagrin River Road, is a unique farm day camp experience for kids ages 5-13. Since 2006, we have honed an interactive self-directed, technology free experience for the children of our community.

Kids enjoy and explore farm animals (horses, cows, goats, bunnies, chickens, dogs and cats); participate in horseback riding (weather permitting); an end-of-week trail ride, crafts, games; cooling off in the Chagrin River, which is both shallow and located on the property; and participate in “Feed-em-Friday,” when kids are permitted to bring apples and carrots to feed the animals.

We offer 11 individual sessions during June, July and August from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Campers are welcome to participate

in one or multiple sessions. All activities are supervised by experienced counselors, many of whom are Animal Camp graduates. The typical ratio of camper to counselor is 4:1.

Horseback riding helmets are provided. Sneakers or boots, water bottles and lunch are required. Please email Krista at khanimalcamp@gmail.com with any questions or information requests. Like Rising River Farm on Facebook to stay up to date on available experiences and activities.

Visitation of the farm is encouraged prior to the commencement of camp and may be scheduled via email. Rising River Corporation is a 501c-3 dedicated to equine education, vocational opportunities and horse rescue/sanctuary. The majority of the animals on the farm are rescue animals. Visit RisingRiverCorp.net or call 440-463-3146 for more information.

Choosing a Summer Camp Just Got Easier — Emeth Gym Has It All

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We get it — picking the right summer camp for your kids is a big decision. You’re asking:

• Is it a safe environment?

• Will they be challenged to learn and grow?

• Will it really be that much fun?

• Can all my kids go to the same place?

At Emeth Summer Day Camps, the answer is a resounding yes to all the above.

Safe & Structured

•Coaches are certified by USA Gymnastics and receive quarterly safety training.

• We maintain small camper-to-coach ratios for personal attention and care.

• Every day is thoughtfully planned to keep your child engaged and secure.

Challenging & Character-Building

•Daily gymnastics or ninja training keeps kids moving and growing.

• Games challenge both the body and brain.

• Kids participate in daily character-building activities and meaningful discussions.

Fun & Unforgettable

• Kids stay active with a mix of indoor and outdoor fun.

• Weekly special guests and surprise programs add even more excitement.

• Our coaches pass the ultimate test — they know how to bring the FUN!

For Ages 3 and Up

• No more juggling multiple drop-offs — siblings can all attend together!

• Half-day or full-day options with early drop-off and late pickup available.

• Save with sibling discounts up to 40%.

Let your kids experience the joy of real friendships, physical activity and unplugged adventure — while you enjoy less stress and more smiles. They’ll walk away with confidence, new skills and amazing memories.

Check out our eight awesome themes and pick the weeks your kids will love most — or get a pass and customize your summer.

Register now to secure your spot: emethgym.com/Summer25ML or call 440-834-0800.

Unleash Your Child’s Creativity at Fairmount Arts Camp

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If you have a school-aged child, you’re likely already thinking about camps for your child this summer. If your child loves to create, whether it's through drawing, music, dance or theatre, summer camp at Fairmount Center for the Arts could be the perfect opportunity for them to explore their artistic talents. Here's how to tell if they’re ready and how to get started:

Signs Your Child is Ready for Arts Camp

If your child is excited about exploring the arts or has shown a strong interest in creative activities, they’re likely ready for an arts-focused camp. Whether it’s painting, acting, or music, if they’re eager to try new things or have been expressing themselves artistically at home, it’s a good sign.

Starting the Conversation

To kick things off, come prepared with a few camp options to discuss. Fairmount has

current camp offerings on their website and the summer catalog is now available, so you can explore them together. Showing your child the different camps can help spark excitement and give them a sense of involvement in the decision.

Choosing the Right Camp

Consider your child’s artistic interests. Do they love painting? Find a visual arts camp. If they're into performing, look for theater or dance programs. Not sure yet? Try the full-day multi-arts camp where they can try different things. The key is to find a camp that aligns with their passions so they can explore and grow in a creative environment.

Preparing for Camp

Once you’ve chosen a camp, talk to your child about what to expect — daily activities, projects and any special performances or showcases. Check the requirements about what to pack and what to wear. This helps ease their transition and gets them excited about the experience.

Involving Your Child In the Decision

Including your child in the camp decision helps them feel more in control and excited. When they choose a camp that matches their interests, they’ll approach it with more enthusiasm and confidence.

Summer camp offers a great opportunity for your child to nurture their creativity, try new things, and have fun. By recognizing their artistic interests and involving them in the process, you’re setting them up for a

growth-filled summer.

learn more or to sign up, visit online at fairmountcenter.org/camps, call at 440-3383171 or email info@fairmountcenter.org.s

CVLT’s Summer Camps: Inspiring Young Stars On and Off Stage

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Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, a nonprofit community theatre located in historic Chagrin Falls, has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1930.

Now approaching its 96th season, CVLT continues its commitment to encourage children and young people in acting, with the belief that performing on stage in front of an audience teaches children discipline, self-confidence and responsibility.

Even if they never pursue acting as anything more than a hobby, they will still have an enriching experience and a whole lot of fun.

Chagrin Valley Little Theatre’s Youth Theatre program was first established in the 1950s and has fulfilled the theatre's educational mission with dedication and professionalism, while fostering cherished memo-

ries and a lifelong love for the stage in young people.

This legacy carries on with the 2025 Summer Youth Theatre Camp, which runs from July 7-24. The camp is led by instructor Alex Petsche, who is not only an Ohio-licensed teacher, but also a life-long performer with many roles to her credit on the CVLT stage and beyond.

CVLT's Youth Theatre Camp is designed for aspiring actors, singers, dancers and creatives in grades K-8. It offers a fun and supportive environment to explore the performing arts, develop new skills and gain confidence both on and off stage.

Over the course of three weeks, participants will engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including acting workshops, vocal coaching, dance classes and behind-thescenes production work.

CVLT’s experienced instructors, including visits from professional theatre guest artists and educators, will guide students through the creative process, from rehearsing scenes and monologues to developing original works and learning about technical theatre aspects like lighting, costumes and stage management.

The program culminates in a final performance, where students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to family and friends in a fully-staged production.

The camp will provide a structured environment where students can refine their technique, enhance their emotional range

and develop a stronger understanding of character and storytelling.

In addition to the Summer Camp, CVLT also offers acting, dance and technical theatre skills workshops during the school year.

Whether they’re looking to pursue a career in the arts or simply explore their creativity, participants will leave with a sense of accomplishment, new friendships and a deeper love for the arts.

Information and links for all Chagrin Valley Little Theatre productions and programs are available at CVLT.org. Contact youth@ cvlt.org for more information.

Creative Adventures Await at Rabbit Run’s Fine Arts Camps

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So much summer fun is in store for young campers at Rabbit Run Community Arts Association in Madison, where creativity takes center stage in a wide variety of fine arts camps.

Youth Art Camps are perfect for kids who love to be creative — and don’t mind getting a little messy in the process.

In these one-week camps, children from preschool through age 12 dive into painting, sculpting, sewing and more, creating original two- and three-dimensional works of art. Camps are offered by age group: Preschool Art Camp, Primary Art Camp and Youth Art Camp.

New this year is Adapted Art Adventures for children ages 5-12 with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities. This inclusive camp meets three times throughout the summer on June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16.

Budding performers can explore all aspects of theater in Junior Theater Camp (ages 4-8) and Explorer’s Theater Camp (ages 8-12). Campers experience drama, music, dance, costumes, makeup and stagecraft.

Both camps also include arts and crafts

and age-appropriate games. Each session ends with a fun performance for families to showcase what campers have learned.

Explorer’s Theater Camp is a great introduction for kids new to the world of drama, while Just for Junior introduces younger children to theater through song, dance and imaginative play. Both camps run July 21-25.

Students interested in dance can register for the Summer Dance Session, running from June 21 to Aug. 2, with classes in jazz, tap, ballet and creative movement.

For those looking to improve or begin an instrument, private music instruction is available during a special summer session from June 2 to July 24. Weekly 30-minute lessons are offered for brass, guitar (acoustic and electric), voice, woodwinds, percussion, piano and stringed instruments.

For more information or to register, call RRCAA at 440-428-5913 or visit rabbitrun. org.

RRCAA is a nonprofit organization offering year-round instruction in all major disciplines of the fine and performing arts. The association receives partial funding from the Ohio Arts Council.

S P O R T S

‘Gritty Tigers’ Defeat Hilltoppers 7-6

By alan kornspan sports@karloveCmedia Com

The Chagrin Falls Tigers and Chardon Hilltoppers Girls Lacrosse teams have developed quite an intense rivalry over the past five years.

Meeting six times since 2021, the Hilltoppers and Tigers have split the series 3-3.

Although the 2021 and 2022 matchups resulted in lopsided Tigers victories, the Hilltoppers rebounded to win three straight rivalry games.

Breaking through in 2023, the Hilltoppers defeated the Tigers 13-7 to advance to the OHSAA Regional Title Game.

In 2024, the Tigers' returned serve with a 8-5 Regional Title victory over the Hilltoppers to advance to the OHSAA Final Four.

In a highly anticipated April 9 rematch at CS Harris Stadium, the Tigers claimed a season opening 7-6 victory over the Hilltoppers. This extremely intense matchup was a hard fought battle filled with multiple lead changes and ties.

Just like the “Gritty Detroit Tigers” refused to give up during the 2024 MLB baseball season, the Chagrin Falls Tigers Girls Lacrosse Team demonstrated this same characteristic in their season opener.

Lions Thrilling in Gritty Comeback 7-6 Victory

B a k media Com

On the field of play, the resilience necessary to overcome adversity is often para-

Indeed, athletes and coaches frequently cite having grit as an essential component of overcoming competitive obstacles.

Grit, or having the mental toughness to keep focused on the task at hand after experiencing adversity, is a concept popularized by University of Pennsylvania professor, Dr. Angela Duckworth in her bestselling book, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”.

In professional football, Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell embraced the concept of grit in order to change his teams culture. In fact, Campbell referred to the Lions mentality as “313 Grit”.

After Campbell instilled a “Grit City” mentality, the Detroit Lions went from 3-13 in 2021 to one of the best teams in the NFL as they compiled a 15-2 record in 2024.

Just like the Detroit Lions in the “313”, the NDCL Lions Boys Lacrosse Team has demonstrated a grit mentality in the “440” over the past few seasons.

Going from 2-13 in 2023, the Lions have now started the 2025 season at 7-4 and have

won four games in a row.

In their victory over the West Geauga Wolverines at West Geauga High School on April 9, they demonstrated “440 Grit” in a 7-6 triumph.

After defeating their opponent, Lions’ senior Luke Miller viewed the comeback as a demonstration of grit.

“(My teammates and I), we had a great comeback and we really showed the grit that we have on this team,” said Miller.

Miller noted that the Lions came into the game ready and excited to compete.

Their enthusiasm was shown early as the Lions opened up a first half advantage on two goals by Miller and another by senior Jacob Begovic.

The Wolverines added a first half goal by sophomore Lincoln Nye and the Lions went into halftime leading 3-1.

After intermission, Miller said that the Lions were caught by surprise as the Wolverines dominated the third quarter.

The Wolverines quickly scored three straight goals, two by Nye and one by Zack Metz, as they took a 4-3 lead with 4:26 left in the quarter.

“(After halftime) we were in shambles,” Miller said.

BILL FUGATE/KMG

Chagrin Falls Brix Niethammer is chased by the Chardon defense during the Tigers’ 7-6 win over rival Chardon. With the win, the Tigers took a 4-3 lead in the series dating back to 2021.

See Girls Lax • Page 20

NDCL’s Luke Miller scored three goals in his Lions’ 7-6 comeback win over West Geauga, and had the game-winning pass to Sal Leccese who scored with 1:59 left in the game.

Lions Rebuilding in 3rd Boys Volleyball Season

By Cameron palmer sports@karloveCmedia Com

As of April 13, the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Lions boys volleyball team is 0-5. The program is in its third straight retooling year, and the team is working through a retooling year.

Last year’s Lions won a program-high four matches, and only three players return to join the 2025 team, setting up a tall task for third-year Head Coach Anne Mann.

“We only have a couple of returning players, and only one has been here for the full three years,” Mann said. “We’re just back to the basics and working on them. We have a set schedule now, so it’s hard to get the practices in. We’re focused on the basics, building each other up.

“These kids are great, and they want to do the work. They’ve been here over the summer and in the fall. They want to get better, and that’s half the battle.”

Committing to the work is indeed the first step, giving Coach Mann trust that progress

Boys Lax

from page 19

Miller attributed the Lions third quarter difficulties to thinking too much.

“We were in our own heads, we did not know what to do,” Miller added.

Leading by one goal entering the fourth quarter, the Wolverines extended their lead to 5-3 on Metz's second goal of the game.

At this point, Miller said that a crucial timeout was called by NDCL Head Coach Joe Muscatello. Stressing the need to refocus, Coach Muscatello emphasized the importance of taking control of the situation.

“(Coach Muscatello) told us to keep our heads in the game, don't get down on ourselves and go out there and do what we know we can do,” said senior Sal Leccese.

The timeout allowed the Lions to regroup and get their mentality back to focusing on

Girls Lax from page 19

With emotions running high and pressure mounting, the “Gritty Tigers” demonstrated mental toughness and perseverance as they claimed a 7-6 victory over the Hilltoppers.

Afterwards, Chagrin Falls Head Coach KC White, who has a masters degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and is a mental toughness coach, said that she was proud of how her players stayed focused and did not give up even as the Hilltoppers were gaining momentum.

“Grit and perseverance as you know are two of my favorite words,” Coach White said. “I was really proud of the team, and how we stayed in the game even when things weren't exactly going our way. We didn't give up on ourselves, we didn't give up on each other, and we just stayed in the moment until that final whistle blew.”

Post-game, Tigers seniors Emma Thatcher and Mary-Claire Holdren provided insight on how their grit and mental toughness foiled the Hilltoppers comeback attempt.

Thatcher said that the Tigers were very excited after taking an early 3-0 lead.

Although the Hilltoppers came back quickly, Thatcher noted the importance of her team's

will be made.

The driving force behind that commitment is junior Brennan Kogosvek, who enters this season with 149 assists, 121 digs and 49 service aces, along with 35 kills in the attack.

“He knows the game well,” Mann said of Kogosvek. “He’s played club volleyball this past year, and he’s learned a lot, and he’s bringing some of that over as far as the commitment and intensity it takes. He’s helping us have the high standards we want to build with these guys. He’s great to have around.”

Kogosvek is now a third-year varsity player for the boys volleyball team at NDCL, and he knows what it takes to get better.

“We can’t get down on each other,” Kogosvek said after a 3-0 loss to Independence on April 7. “Throughout the game, we got harsh on each other, and it makes us play worse. We can’t let that happen, we have to stay positive and control the controllables. That’ll help us get better, and then we can improve from there.”

the task at hand, Miller recounted.

“(After the timeout), we regathered ourselves, defense got recollected, (Jacob) Ferencak (Lions senior goalie) made some great saves, and we had some good fast breaks, some good clears and a few great shots and that's all we needed to get back on top,” Miller said.

The remainder of the contest was a roller coaster of emotions, with both teams giving it their all.

With renewed focus, the Lions quickly recorded goals by sophomore Carmen Cirino and senior Patrick O'Brien to even the match at 5-5.

ability to handle adversity by staying focused on the process of what they could control.

In particular, the Tigers utilized positive communication and positive self-talk to keep their cohesion high.

“During the game we made sure to huddle up and build each other up, saying ‘we got this, we got this’,” Thatcher said. “When they came back, (we said) ‘time to get going’, ‘time to play defense’, ‘we got this’.”

Holdren noted that her team played well by not thinking about the past and staying focused on the present.

“I think just keeping our head up really helped us persevere through this game,” said Holdren. “I think it's mainly just not getting in our heads and just not dwelling on the past and focusing on making that next pass.”

Holdren said that the team trains mentally in practice to prepare for these challenging situations.

As a leader, Kogosvek and his experience can help the Lions stay cool, calm and collected when the road gets rocky.

“I just tell the guys to focus on the next ball,” he said. “If you keep focusing on your last mistake, you’ll keep making that mistake. We want to control what we do.”

Throughout any sport on all levels, controlling the controllables is a consistent message.

Despite the early season struggles, the junior has seen strides through the early part of the year.

come season’s end.

“We’re looking for game knowledge,” she said. “We have to learn the game all over again with all the new guys. So, learning the game, being able to place the ball, lots of ball control, and putting the ball where they’re not is important. Lastly, be consistent with our serves.”

“We’ve made a lot of growth,” Kogosvek said. “I think it’s been exponential growth. Coming into this season, we didn’t have a lot of people playing volleyball, so we had a fresh new roster. We’re improving, we’re getting the controllables down, and the skill we need to compete. We’ve made a lot of improvement since the start of the year.”

Coach Mann knows her squad well and knows the goals she wants her team to reach

But the Wolverines countered, taking a 6-5 lead when senior Aidan Weir found the back of the net with 5:36 left in the fourth quarter.

Not to be deterred, Miller responded with his third goal of the game to tie the score at 6-6.

In discussing Miller's excellent game, Coach Muscatello said that Luke is very difficult to stop because of his excellent accuracy on net.

“His shot is always accurate, and so that makes it really tough to stop him,” Coach Muscatello said. “If he gets five, six shots a game, he's going to get at least half of those in.”

The need for the Tigers to utilize these important mental skills arose early against the Hilltoppers.

After the Tigers got off to a great 3-0 start in which Thatcher, Claire Hoelzel, and Holdren all found the back of the net, the Hilltoppers quickly responded.

The Hilltoppers, also displaying a high level of grit and mental toughness, evened the score at 3-3 with goals by Morgan Slack, Kaelyn Cardina and Elle Deszczykiewicz.

Holdren then got her second goal of the game to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead heading into halftime. In a back and forth tension filled second half it was necessary for both teams to demonstrate grit and perseverance as the Hilltoppers evened the score on three occasions and the Tigers took the lead three times.

The Hilltoppers outscored the Tigers 2-1 in the third quarter to even the contest at 5-5.

Landing two goals in the third quarter for

Coach Mann has been a coach, in any capacity, for the last six years, including time with the Cardinal girls volleyball team, then both girls and boys volleyball at NDCL.

On top of that, she played collegiate volleyball at Cleveland State. Years worth of experience can help this youthful Lions group find its way.

“It’s all about being patient with them and instilling the love of the game in them,” she said. “We want to make it exciting and fun while also learning. They keep coming back, so we’re excited to have those kinds of game.”

Tied at 6-6 with less than five minutes to go, the pressure mounted for both teams.

With the Lions’ Miller already with three goals, and the Wolverines’ Nye also with a hat trick, both defenses had their hands full in trying to stop both players in the final minutes.

The game winning goal, though, belonged to Lions’ senior Sal Leccese as he found the back of the net with 1:59 left in the game to give his team a 7-6 victory.

“(On the game winning goal) my teammate Luke Miller gets the ball on the break and he finds me on the wing,” Leccese said. “(And) I just let it fly, bottom corner.”

Added Miller, “We came running down, I saw Sal to my right.”

“I just had to draw the one guy to me. The second he came to me, I gave it to Sal.” “Great shot!” in the 440.

After defeating the Wolverines, the Lions improved their record to 7-4 with a 7-6 victory over the Saint Vincent St. Mary Fighting Irish.

the Hilltoppers on excellent assists from senior Lauren Jackson was senior Mercyhurst University commit, Payton Platz.

Scoring the Tigers third quarter goal was Thatcher. In the final quarter, the Tigers took the lead 6-5, on a goal by freshman Ella Catney with 7:32 left in the game.

The Hilltoppers then tied the game at 6-6 with 5:49 left on Elle Deszczykiewicz's second goal of the contest.

The game-winning goal was scored by the Tigers’ Thatcher, her third of the game, with 5:18 to go.

Coach White said that the coaching staff knew that if Thatcher could create a small amount of space from her defender she could score because of her excellent shooting ability.

“It was a big time goal for Emma that put us ahead,” said Coach White.

In discussing Thatcher's hat trick, Coach White noted Thatcher's excellent scoring range.

“She's just a really dynamic shooter,” Coach White said. “She scored a couple that were further up on the eight and I just love that versatility of her game. She also scored around the crease.”

With the grit and mental toughness displayed by both the Tigers and the Hilltoppers, it would not be a surprise to see these teams square off for the 2025 Regional Title at the end of May.

Kogosvek

Protect Ohio’s Public Libraries

Where can a person go for rare information, for online databases, for transfer of photos and movies to discs, for hobbies, for meeting rooms, for advanced computer use with free help, for 3-D and standard printing, along with the latest scanning services, for passport applications, and to check out books and publications?

Where can you find a community hub with so many worthwhile workshops and programs?

Our public libraries. For Ohio residents there is a bonus. Our state enjoys not only the number one library system in the United States, but it is also home to another first, the Cleveland Public Library with its many unique collections. Ohioans have set the record for the most attendance as well.

The attempt by the Ohio House and Senate to change the way our public libraries are funded is an Orwellian gimmick to fool voters into believing it will benefit libraries. The truth is that it is a slippery slope to ultimately destroy our renown libraries.

Librarians earn a master's degree to help patrons. They guide people in finding what they need; they teach the latest use of new technology; they help in learning how to find

Letters to the Editor

jobs; they provide people with opportunities to discover their heritage; and to understand every discipline known to humankind.

Libraries serve as the guardians of our historical records and they contribute to preserving our cultural, economic, political and geographic systems. They are the backbone for students needing research help as well as others.

History has proven there is no better means for passing down valuable information to future generations than libraries. They promote literacy, the key to maintaining our form of government, and they are peaceful havens. During emergencies, they provide friendly, comforting shelters.

Why would any state representative or state senator vote for a budget bill that harms funding such a venerable institution? There are certain institutions that are sacrosanct and must never be harmed, like our treasured library system. Please let your voices be heard by contacting your state representative and your state senator no later than June 1.

Governor DeWine has asked the state legislature to increase the 1.7% funding for libraries to 1.75%. He wants to protect what serves all of us so well. Let's help him do that. Make your calls today.

Eileen

Marie Russell Township

Public Schools Being Undermined to Benefit Private Interest

Right now, the Ohio legislature is preparing the budget that will affect public education for the next two years. This budget will decrease funding to the 90% of students who attend public schools to give even more money to private schools, which already receive more money per pupil than our public-school students do. (Public schools also provide busing to private/religious schools and they also must meet standards mandated by the state that private schools do not have to meet.)

Of course, this will make schools less and less able to do their jobs; namely, educating ALL students (those who come hungry, those who come without solid families, those who have learning or physical disabilities, those who are brilliant, those who do not speak our language).

I have always thought the purpose of public schools is to create a way to give all our children a shot — at success in a job, at being a solid citizen and at the opportunity to be a part of our community, a contributing member of society — who makes the world a little better because they are in it.

fect immediately and will run for two years. We can do something about it by telling them NO.

Public schools are being undermined for the benefit of private interests. This not only violates the spirit of the Ohio Constitution but also the trust of Ohio families who rely on strong, consistent and equitable public education.

Madelon Horvath

Richard Bair

Keith Brewster

Guy Wilson

Joel and Sandy Wilcox

Diane Stocker

Catherine Whitright

Shirley Schellentrager

Joseph Schellentrager

Sheldon Firem

Roz Kvet

Debbie and David Linn

No Additional Energy Restrictions

Regarding the Feb 20 article, "Trustees Ask County to Ban Big Solar, Wind Farms in Claridon," this year's Earth Day theme is "Our Power, Our Planet." The proposal aims to put restrictions on both.

Firstly, it takes away existing landowner rights to generate power on their property. This is concerning because once rights are taken away (even by a little), they do not come back.

Burton Chamber of Commerce

April 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Burton Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an Easter event at The Great Geauga County Fairgrounds. Join the Easter egg hunt with a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and the Burton Fire and Police departments. The event includes games and giveaways.

Chardon

April 19, 9-11 a.m.

Chardon Square Association will host a pancake breakfast with the Easter bunny at Pilgrim Christian Church on Chardon Square. There will be photo opportunities.

At 11 a.m., Chardon Chamber of Commerce will host a free Easter egg hunt for children 10 and under in the park. Bring a basket.

Visit chardonsquareassociation.org for more information.

Montville

FD Easter Egg Hunt

April 19, 10 a.m.

Montville Fire Department will hold a community Easter egg hunt for children ages preschool through 10 at the Montville Community Center pavilion and ball field, 9755 Madison Road. Easter Bunny arrives at 10 a.m., with the egg hunt to follow. Event will be held outside, rain, snow or shine. Bring baskets for gathering eggs.

Munson Township

April 19, 10:15 a.m.

Munson Township will hold its annual Easter egg hunt, rain or shine, at Munson

Township Park, 12641 Bass Lake Road. The Easter bunny will arrive at 10 a.m. and the hunt begins at 10:15 a.m.

Bring a basket or bag to collect the eggs, which will be turned in for a bag of goodies. Children will be divided into two age groups: 2-5 years and 6-9 years.

Contact the township office at 440-2869255 or www.munsontwp.com for information.

New Promise Church

April 19, 10 a.m. to noon

Journey To Easter: Travel the streets of Jerusalem while enjoying an egg hunt, bounce houses, petting zoo and more at New Promise Church, 8671 Euclid-Chardon Road in Kirtland.

Parkman Easter Egg Hunt

April 19, 11 a.m.

Parkman Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Easter egg hunt at Parkman Overlook Park.

Wiggly Easter Service

April 19, 11:30 a.m.

Join for a Wiggly Easter service, cookout and Easter egg hunt at First United Methodist Church pavilion, 14715 Old State Road, Middlefield. Call 440-632-0480 for information.

Our public schools are being undermined in every way possible by our elected legislature and it is a disgrace. We hear constantly about how education is failing us; yet, when people are asked about their own schools (and not public education in general), they express satisfaction. And 90% of our children attend public schools. Where is half of our town every Friday night in the fall? Or on the weekends of the Fall Play and the Spring Musical? Or at the Christmas Concerts? Public schools are the backbone of our communities. They deserve credit for what they do.

Here's what the legislature is up to in Columbus, right now.

They are planning to dismantle the Fair School Funding Plan, a thoughtful and research-based solution to the inequities plaguing our school system. This bipartisan plan was crafted by superintendents, treasurers and lawmakers over a period of years, based on the actual costs of educating our students. The proposed “bridge” formula abandons this principle and instead reverts to a system that again privileges wealthy districts and leaves lower-income and rural districts under-resourced. Ohio’s children deserve better than another temporary patch.

I am especially concerned by:

The inadequate increases in public school funding that fail to even keep pace with inflation;

The dramatic expansion of private school vouchers, diverting hundreds of millions of public dollars away from most students who attend public schools; and

The provision capping district cash reserves that undermines local control and fiscal responsibility by penalizing districts for sound financial planning. (In other words, schools will not be able to minimize the numbers of levies by saving money and holding it for that purpose.)

This budget is now being prepared and will be voted on by June 30. It will take ef-

Secondly, it discriminates by the way power is generated: for some reason wind and solar need local bans but not other energy types.

Lastly, these proposals expand by the time they're implemented. For instance, in Stark County, Commissioners ended up banning energy facilities as small as one-tenth the size of Claridon's proposal, across nearly all their townships.

Our property rights and pocketbooks are best served by a flexible, free-market approach rather than picking categorical winners and losers by ban. This Earth Day I hope you'll join me in contacting your county commissioners and trustees (to whom they may defer) to ask them not to implement additional energy restrictions in Geauga.

More at fb.com/groups/GeaugaSolar.

David P. Fuhry

Bainbridge Township

Journalism that Depicts Residents’ Concerns

Thank you for your great reporting on the ICE detention center protest. It is good to see journalism that depicts the concerns of residents in Geauga. Your coverage is very appreciated.

Lisa Cyrocki

Munson Township

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared online at www.geaugamapleleaf.com.

Susan Jane Burt

A Memorial Ser vice will be held on April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Huntsburg Community Center, 12396 Madison Road, Huntsburg Township, for Susan Jane Burt and her daughter, Danielle Marie Tarbox. A light lunch will be served after the service.

Susan Jane Burt, age 73, of Willoughby, formerly of Reminderville, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

She was born Dec. 3, 1950, in Painsville, to the late Richard and Frances (nee Vondrasek) Burt.

Susan graduated from Middlefield High School in 1968 and received her associate degree from Baldwin Wallace University and Lakeland Community College.

She was the director of human resources for AeroControlex for almost 40 years.

Her many friends will miss girl shopping trips, antiquing, many spa days and lunches with friends. She loved everything pink and Audrey Hepburn. She was independent and spunky.

Susan will be sadly missed by her daughters Nichole (Ronald) Huge, of Champions Gate, Fla., Daniele Tarbox, of Willoughby; grandchildren, Paul (Laura) Bellitto, Bailey (Brien) Mullinger, Calie Huge, Riley Huge; great-granddaughter, Baylen Mullinger; sisters Frances (Bob) Schmidt, of California, Constance (Jeff) Kraengel, of Florida; nieces, Jennifer Alvelo Rodriguez, Erica Conover, of Florida; and several other nieces, nephew and her dog “Little Liv.”

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Phyllis Coladangelo.

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

Danielle Marie Tarbox

Danielle Marie Tarbox born on Oct. 2, 1975, in Minneapolis, Minn., passed away on Oct. 6, 2024, in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Danielle’s journey began in the halls of West Geauga High, where she graduated in 1994. Her adventurous spirit soon led her to the sunny shores of San Diego, Calif., where she embraced life as a bartender on the beach, sharing her vibrant energy with everyone she met.

Later, returning to Ohio, she pursued a new path by enrolling at the Brown Aveda Institute. After graduating in 2015, she joined Northcoast Laser Medspa, where she brought her passion for wellness and beauty into her professional life.

Dani found joy in life’s sensory experiences. She had a deep love for dancing and electronic music, expressing herself through rhythm and movement.

The beach was a constant source of peace and inspiration, whether close to home or during travels. Dani also delighted in spa days, healthy cooking and fashion, approaching each with creativity and enthusiasm.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Obituaries

A memorial service will be held on April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Huntsburg Community Center, 12396 Madison Road, Huntsburg Township, for Susan Jane Burt and her daughter, Danielle Marie Tarbox. A light lunch will be served after the service.

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

Robert B. Marotta

Robert B. Marotta, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on April 10, 2025.

Born with a natural charm and a warm heart, Robert lived a life full of love, laughter and dedication to family.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965.

Robert met the love of his life, Margaret, in 1958 at a little coffee shop called Pixies. Together, they built a beautiful life and would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this June.

After his military service, Robert worked as a skilled machinist and mechanic for National Acme until his well-earned retirement. He carried his passion for mechanics into his hobbies, especially when he and his son, Bobby, painstakingly deconstructed and rebuilt a 23T Bucket Hot Rod, part by part.

Long before his career began, Robert’s love for music led him to play saxophone in a band called The Mist Weavers, a chapter of his life he always remembered fondly.

Robert’s talents extended into the kitchen, where he was famous for his stuffed cabbage — the perfect complement to his son’s St. Patrick's Day corned beef.

His love for dogs was a lifelong constant and many beloved pets shared in the joy of his home over the years.

Above all, Robert was a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grandfather. His kindness, quick wit and easy charm left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (nee Mayer) Marotta; daughter, Margaret “Margie” (Mack) Duplaga; son, Robert Jr. “Bobby” (Kathleen) Marotta; cherished granddaughters, Ashley and Natalie; and his adored granddogs, Marshall and Micah.

His father, Benjamin Marotta; and his mother, Sabina (nee Bamberga) Marotta, preceded him in death.

Robert’s memory will be treasured forever by those who loved him, and his legacy of love and laughter will continue to shine through his family.

Arnold Paul Volkmann

Arnold Paul Volkmann, age 81, of Hambden Township, passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2025.

Paul was born Nov. 14, 1983, in Brooten, Minn., the son of Arnold Paul and Leila (nee Eastman) Volkmann.

Paul married Terese L. (nee Kren), in Chardon, on June 18, 1977. Together they raised three daughters, Victoria F. (Christpoher) Intihar, of Windsor, Abigail L. Volkmann, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., and Emily L. (Russell)

Hockenbrough, of Garrettsville.

He was a loving “Pop Pop” to grandchildren Oliver and Leila Gothrup (father Thomas Ryan Gothrup).

In 1980, Paul and Terese opened Geauga Glass Service. Paul became an expert glass installer and the business grew. He was known to be able to figure out how to resolve just about any glass problem and fix it.

He is survived by his sister, Doris (Loris) Weisphenning, of Villar, Minn.; brothers, William (Lorise), of Port Saint Lucy, Fla., and Leo (Rachel), of Annandale, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Scott Paul and Theodore James; and son-in-law, Christopher Intihar.

A Gathering of Remembrance will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Cardinal Elementary School auditorium, 16175 Almeda Drive, Middlefield, with visitation afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to Burton Public Library.

Czup Funeral Home, Ashtabula, is handling arrangements.

Robert Howard Fisher

Robert Howard Fisher, age 80, of Kirtland, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at his home.

Born on May 30, 1944, in Cleveland, to Howard and Louise (nee Moldwin) Fish er, Bob lived a life of quiet strength, unwaver ing work ethic and deep devotion to his family and friends.

ny Fisher, Karly Turner and Hannah Pastwa. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Oatess and Janet Gockel; and many cousins and lifelong friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Danny Fisher, who gave his life in the Vietnam War — a loss Bob carried with deep pride and quiet reverence.

The family suggests donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America at www.vva.org/donate.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A Memorial Service will follow at 7 p.m., officiated by Pastor Nicholas Chesnes of North Star Church in Perry.

The family would love their guests to wear their favorite sports attire in honor of Bob’s deep love for Cleveland and Ohio State sports teams.

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

Bob Fisher was a good man and deeply loved. His legacy lives on in the hands he held, the lives he touched, and the family he built.

He grew up in Mayfield Village and attended Mayfield High School, where he met the love of his life, Annette DiBarto. They were married on Feb. 6, 1965, in Lyndhurst, and together built a beautiful life in Kirtland filled with love, laughter and memories that will last forever.

A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Bob was the rock of his family — steady, dependable and always there when it mattered most.

Bob was a man who could fix just about anything, especially when it came to cars and things around the house. He had a natural gift for working with his hands and was always ready to tackle a project, big or small, without ever needing to be asked.

Though he was a man of few words, Bob’s actions spoke volumes. He lived by example, through hard work, honesty and helping others without hesitation.

He loved the outdoors, fishing, boating, playing horseshoes and watching Cleveland and Ohio State sports with a cold beer and good friends.

His favorite place on earth was his summer retreat in the 1000 Islands of New York, where he felt at home on the water, surrounded by his family and the peace he loved most.

In his younger days, he enjoyed drag racing. He was also a great cook and someone who took pride in keeping his home and yard just the way he liked it. Stubborn in the best way, Bob never asked for help, he was always the one giving it.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Annette Fisher, of Kirtland; son, Robert (Diane) Fisher, of Chardon; daughters, Patricia Turner, of Kirtland, and Lori (Doug Hecker) Fisher, also of Kirtland; and his beloved grandchildren, Kelly Fisher (fiancé Ryan Cahill), Dan-

Emma M. Kallage

Emma M. Kallage (nee Hogeman), passed away peacefully April 10, 2025.

She was born March 31, 1931, in Garrel, Germany, to her parents, Antone B. Hogeman and Agnes (nee Bockman) Hogeman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry (Heinz) Kallage, married for 47 years; and by her companion, Horst G. Baier, of eight years; as well as all her siblings.

She will be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews, who came to the United States to visit from time to time; the many lifelong friends and acquaintances here and in Europe; as well as the Suing family, her Godson Steven Suing.

She will be especially missed by Horst’s daughter, Marlies, who helped her with many things, as well as husband, Mike, and son, Michael.

Emma loved to garden, spend time outdoors and was an avid crafter while sewing and knitting many things.

She had a passion for collecting many things, but some of her favorites were costume jewelry and dolls.

Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on April 22, 2025, from 9-10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. April 22 at the Church of Saint Anselm, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Interment at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland.

In lieu of flowers, Emma had requested donations to the Cancer Society or Western Reserve Hospice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. gattozziandson.com for the Kallage family.

Geauga Park District

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

It’s An Egg-Stravaganza

April 18, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Go on an indoor/outdoor adventure to explore local wildlife and their eggs in this egg hunt with a nature twist at The West Woods in Russell Township. All participants ages 3 and up with an adult will be awarded fun prizes upon completion. Drop in anytime during program hours. Registration is required.

Spring Birding

Continuing a Greater Cleveland tradition since 1933, the annual Spring Bird Walk series returns – April 20 at Frohring Meadows;

April 27 at The Rookery; May 4 at Eldon Russell Park; May 11 at Big Creek Park; and May 18 at Swine Creek Reservation. All are Sundays from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and among the naturalist staff’s Nature’s Not to Be Missed opportunities. Join the Birding for Beginners seriesMay 2 at 9 a.m. at Veterans Legacy Woods; May 4 at 9 a.m. at Observatory Park; and May 7 at 6 p.m. at Eldon Russell Park. Experienced leaders will assist participants with observation and identification during these slow-paced bird walks, and binoculars will be available to borrow.

With more interest, May is also home to the Let’s Go Birding program on May 10 from 8-10 a.m. at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve and World Migratory Bird Day Bird Sit on May 17 from 6:30-11:30 a.m. at The Rookery.

Geauga Public Library

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

Yoga: The Science of Stretch

April 17, 7-8 p.m. • Thompson

Stretch hips, hamstrings, shoulders and lower back in a yoga program perfect for beginners, athletes, busy moms and seniors. Bring a yoga mat and small pillow.

Adventures in VR

April 18, 2-4 p.m. • Bainbridge

Explore virtual reality with the branch’s Oculus Quest and collection of family-friendly games. No registration is required.

Volunteer Fair

April 19, 9 a.m. to noon • Chardon

Connect with local agencies and organizations to learn more about volunteer opportu-

Arts

Fairmount Speaker Series

April 27, 3-4 p.m.

Fairmount Center for the Arts continues its Pull Back the Curtain speaker series with “Building RUST: A Story of Steel and Grit” at the center located at 8400 Fairmount Road in Russell Township. Erin Dolan, director of programs, Dobama Theater, will discuss how Cleveland’s Off-Broadway Theater commissioned a new script from treasured playwright George Brant.

Light refreshments will be served. Advance reservations are recommended for the free lectures by calling 440-3383171 or visiting fairmountcenter.org.

nities available in Geauga County.

Goldilocks & the Three Bears

April 21, 11 a.m. to noon • Geauga West

Experience the magic of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” a timeless classic performed by the Great Lakes National Puppet Theater.

Geauga Amish History

April 22, 7-8:30 p.m. • Geauga West

Connect with Chester Kurtz, a member of the local Amish community and Geauga Amish Historical Library board, to learn about the history of the Amish, from their origins in Europe to the modern challenges facing the community and more.

All Guts No Glory

April 24, 7-8 p.m. • Bainbridge

Join Beth Halasz, a certified professional medical illustrator and associate professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art, and listen as she chats about this unique field, how she became interested in it, and how a simple sketch transforms into an informative diagram.

Library Led Discussion

April 24, 7-8 p.m. • Virtual

Discuss “The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, & A Dangerous Obsession” by Michael Finkel.

Puzzle Exchange

April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Bainbridge Exchange gently used puzzles (with no missing pieces) for new-to-you-used puzzles. No registration is required.

Make a Poster in Illustrator

April 28, 6-7 p.m. • Geauga West

Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator’s shape and type tools to create a simple poster to hang in an office, home or school.

Spring At Observatory Park

Observatory Park in Montville Township is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. now through Memorial Day, then 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. through Labor Day, and naturalists, including “Astro-Nat” Chris Mentrek are eager to show guests around the International Dark Sky Park.

To kick off warmer weather, outdoor movie nights return to Observatory Park beginning with “Finding Nemo” on June 14, then “Men in Black” on July 26. Showtimes are earlier in the evening this year, so be in place by 7 p.m. with blankets, chairs and refreshments to start watching.

Springtime Full Moon Hikes will be held May 12 (The Whippoorwill Moon) and June 11 (The Strawberry Moon), no registration required.

Birding for Beginners will be held May 4, from 9-11 a.m., for anyone who wishes to learn the basics of bird identification along a slow-paced bird walk, no registration required. An experienced leader will assist participants with observation and identification, with binoculars available to borrow. Naturalist Renell will lead her quarterly Nature Journaling course on May 4; supply fees vary depending on experience with her series, with more details available at registration. Naturalist Karie will lead a Hound Hike for dogs and their humans on June 29; no registration required.

And finally, now on Saturday afternoons, “Astro-Nat” Chris presents his famous Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows in the Robert McCullough Science Center on April 26 at 2 p.m. and May 24 and June 28 at 3 p.m., no registration is required.

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

Good Friday Meal

April 18, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Chardon VFW Post 6519 is serving up a Good Friday meal at the post located at 752 Water St. Menu items include fish, shrimp, chicken, pierogies and more.

The public is welcome. Carryout is available. Call 440-285-3699 for information.

Family First Council

April 21, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

Geauga PERI Meets

April 23, 11 a.m.

The Geauga County Public Employee Retirees Chapter 86 will meet at St. Mary Banquet Hall, Chardon. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Geauga County Commissioner Carolyn Brakey. Call 440-4791952 to RSVP by April 18.

Shop Bargain Box Sale

April 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Women’s Guild of St. Christopher’s by-the-River Church is holding its semi-annual Bargain Box sale at the church located at 7601 Old Mill Road, Gates Mills. The sale features housewares, linens, furniture, rugs, books, a

seasonal corner and our boutique of collectibles, antiques toys and children’s clothing.

Early bird entry from 8-9 a.m. has a fee. Call 440 423 4451 for information.

Auburn Roadside

Litter Pickup Day

April 26, 8 a.m. to noon

Auburn Township is participating in the annual Great American Clean-up campaign hosted by Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District. The community is invited to join dedicated Scout troops and 4H clubs to clean up littered township roadways and properties.

Meet at the township service garage, 17666 Auburn Road. Auburn Trustees will grill out hot dogs and provide snacks and beverages following the event.

Happy Tails Benefit Dinner

May 4, 2-5 p.m.

The non-profit, no-kill Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary is holding its third annual “Sunday Dinner with a Purr-pose” benefit at St. Noel Banquet Center, 35200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills.

Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. with a family-style dinner at 2:30 p.m. Event includes silent and Chinese auctions, 50-50 raffle and live entertainment.

Tickets are $75 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets by April 27, call or text Doreen at 440-759-0076. Donations of cat food and kitty litter brought to the benefit would be appreciated.

STEAM Night to Remember

Berkshire Middle School recently hosted an unforgettable evening of fun, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) based activities titled S.T.E.A.M. Night to Remember and Science Olympiad competitions. Families, staff, board members, and community members filled the gymnasium to experience the impressive display of student learning.

Attendees had the opportunity to view independent science projects from talented sixth-grade students, meet members of the middle school S.T.E.A.M. Club, and interact with scientists from Ohio Natural Energy. Additional activities included a mock crime scene created by sixth-grade students, an exploration of the constellations and planets in the Geauga Park District’s Solar System Dome and a series of exciting experiments performed by science teacher Mrs. Maske and students.

The engaging and interactive experience brought together the entire school community and spotlighted the project-based learning in the Berkshire Local Schools.

Ohio Cat Partnership

The Berkshire Local Schools were recently informed of its recognition as an Ohio Cat Tier 1 School, entering an exclusive part

Berkshire

nership with Ohio Cat, that includes only 15 schools in a tri-state area. With the Tier 1 recognition, Berkshire High School students will have the opportunity to become exposed to co-op and internship opportunities, proj ect-based learning support to its schools, ac cess to the Ohio Cat curriculum and online materials at no cost, one engagement with their team per quarter, swag, sponsorships and more.

Ohio Cat, in a recent correspondence with the Berkshire Schools, shared that they “were impressed by both your engagement with Ohio Cat as a partner and your commit ment to your students.”

Competing against school districts from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, Berkshire’s ele vation to the Tier 1 schools gives students a top-of-the-line career readiness opportunity, aligned with its efforts over the last several years to prepare students with life skills, crit ical thinking and problem-solving application of the most rigorous type.

Medieval China Exploration

The seventh-graders in Mrs. Bartosic’s world studies class enhanced their study of medieval China with a Chinese Invention Shark Tank project based on the hit TV show “Shark Tank.”

The students first researched medieval

ROX Club Inspires Students

ticipating in Chardon Middle School’s news club, Ruling Our eXperiences. ROX is a nonprofit program based in Columbus that seeks to equip girls with the skills they need to navigate today’s challenges.

The amazing team contains a group of girls who present leadership skills, a tenacity for the values of girlhood and involvement at CMS. They were thrilled to receive fun swag. They are loving ROX so far and are happy to be part of an amazing group.

inventions such as gunpowder, the magnetic compass, dragon backbone pump, movable type, paper money, and porcelain. They watched video clips of “Shark Tank” and wrote scripts designed to pitch their inventions to the “Sharks.”

Each group created a prototype of their

Chardon

Brooker competed against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin in the annual Chardon Rotary 4-Way Test Speech Contest on April 7 at The Lodge. Connor, a senior, earned second place with a speech advocating political discourse. Will, a junior, earned third place, promoting the merits of self-confidence.

The district is proud of how well they represented Chardon Schools. The school community is looking forward to Connor’s

product. Finally, the students presented their inventions to the Sharks and bargained investment deals with them. Fortunately, each group was able to reach a deal for an investment from the Sharks in exchange for money to sell their inventions throughout China and along the Silk Road.

Regional Science Fair

Thirteen student scientists from Chardon Middle School showcased their projects at the Ohio Academy of Science’s 2025 Regional Science Day at Kent State University March 22. It was the most scientists CMS has sent to the regional fair. Attending were fifth-grader Elijah Leslie, sixth-grader Michael Mele and seventh-grad-kley, Yuna Bielata, Matthew Ciolek, Gabby Deiuliis, Eden Hegfield, Deacon Nocero,

Of the 13 scientists, nine received Excellent ratings and four received Superior ratings and are moving on to the State Science Dayon May 10. This is the most scientists CMS has ever qualified for the state fair. Students moving on are Katie Brinkley, Eden Hegfield, Michael Mele and Ryan Wolfe. Eden Hegfield was also awarded a scholarship for a science summer camp.

Legal Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Case No. 25-F-000129 - Christopher P. Hitchcock, Treasurer of Geauga County, Ohio, Plaintiff, vs. Joseph L. Sanders, et al., Defendants

Joseph L. Sanders, and the Unknown Spouse, if any, of Joseph L. Sanders, whose last known address was 7196 Woodlands Ave., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, address is unknown, and cannot, with reasonable diligence, be ascertained shall take notice; and, if deceased, their unknown heirs, devises, legatees, administrators, executors, and assigns will take notice that on the 25th day of February, 2025, the Treasurer Of Geauga County, filed a Complaint in the Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, 100 Short Court Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024, entitled Christopher P. Hitchcock, Treasurer of Geauga County vs. Joseph L. Sanders, et al., Case No: 25F000129, against the above-named parties, praying that the premises hereinafter described be sold for the collection of delinquent real estate taxes, owed and unpaid, is $880.62 together with accruing taxes, assessments, penalties, interest, and charges; as well as court costs. Said premises is described as permanent parcel number(s) 02-308800 and 02-309000. A complete legal description of the parcel(s) can be obtained from the Geauga County Recorder’s Office. The volume and page number for the parcel(s) can be obtained from the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

The object of the action is to obtain from the Court a judgment foreclosing the tax liens against such real estate and ordering the sale of such real estate for the satisfaction of delinquent taxes.

Such action is brought against the real property only and no personal judgment shall be entered in it. However, if pursuant to the action, the property is sold for an amount that is less than the amount of the delinquent taxes, assessments, charges, penalties and interest against it, the Court, in a separate order, may enter a deficiency judgment against the owner of record of a parcel for the amount of the difference; if that owner of record is a corporation, the Court may enter the deficiency judgment against the stockholder holding a majority of the corporation’s stock.

The above-named parties are required to answer on or before 28 days after the last date of publication. Such answer must be filed with the Clerk of Courts, and a copy must be served on the Prosecuting Attorney.

By Kristen Rine,

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Attorney for Plaintiff. Apr3-10-17, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

GEA – WASHINGTON ST/BAINBRIDGE RD Auburn 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 AM local time on May 2, 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 $610,000. 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. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Davis Bacon Act. Domestic steel use requirements as specified in Ohio Revised Code §153.011 apply to this project. Copies of §153.011 can be obtained from any of the offices of the department of administrative services or through http://codes.ohio. gov/orc/153.011.

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 Apr10-17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE Passage of Ordinances & Resolutions City of Chardon

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Chardon, duly passed and/or adopted the following legislation:

RESOLUTION NO. 8-25

A RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS IN THE CITY OF CHARDON TREASURY FOR 2025 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 10th day of April, 2025.

ORDINANCE NO. 3306

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE CITY OF CHARDON TREASURY FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 2025 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 10th day of April, 2025.

ORDINANCE NO. 3307

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN ODOT COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 10th day of April, 2025.

The complete text of these ordinances and resolutions may be viewed or obtained at the office of the Clerk of Council, 111 Water Street, Chardon, Ohio, during regular business hours. By order of the Council of the City of Chardon, Ohio.

AMY DAY, CLERK OF COUNCIL Apr17, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Asphalt Resurfacing of Section B of Nauvoo Road, TR-0123 Middlefield Township, Geauga County, Ohio

Bids will be received by the Middlefield Township Board of Trustees 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 AM local time on May 2, 2025 and read publicly at 10:14 AM local time at the above address.

The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $555,000. 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.

All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Bids may be held by the Middlefield Township Board of Trustees 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 Middlefield Township Board of Trustees 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 Middlefield Township Board of Trustees. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/. BY THE ORDER OF THE MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mary Ann Pierce, Fiscal Officer Apr17, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Replacement of the Haskins Road Bridge, Structure #0191-03.210 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 10:00AM local time on May 2, 2025 and read publicly at 10:10 AM local time at the above address.

The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $380,000. 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 Apr17, 2025

LEGAL

NOTICE

The Replacement of the Riverview Drive Bridge, Structure #0380-00.310 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 10:00AM local time on May 2, 2025 and read publicly at 10:12 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $510,000. 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 Apr17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Passage of Ordinances & Resolutions City of Chardon

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Chardon, duly passed and/or adopted the following legislation:

ORDINANCE NO. 3302

AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS DEDICATED BY FLG-CHARDON, LLC FOR PUBLIC USE, AUTHORIZING THE RECORDING OF A DEDICATION PLAT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 13th day of February, 2025.

ORDINANCE NO. 3303

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 521.17 AND 945.12 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO REGULATE CAMPING ON CITY PROPERTY, CITY BUILDINGS, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE CITY OF CHARDON AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY’ PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 13th day of February, 2025.

ORDINANCE NO. 3304

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF CHARDON, STATE OF OHIO DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 6th day of March, 2025.

ORDINANCE NO. 3305

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ACCEPT NORTHEAST OHIO PUBLIC ENERGY COUNCIL (NOPEC) 2025 ENERGIZED COMMUNITY GRANT FUNDS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 13th day of March, 2025.

RESOLUTION NO. 5-25

A FINAL RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY’S CONTRACT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE RESURFACING OF WATER STREET (US 6), MAIN STREET (US 6DA) AND SOUTH STREET/CENTER STREET (SR 44) (PID NO. 110950).

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 13th day of February, 2025.

RESOLUTION NO. 6-25

A RESOLUTION ADVANCING FUNDS IN THE CITY OF CHARDON TREASURY FOR 2025 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 13th day of February, 2025.

RESOLUTION NO. 7-25

AN AMENDED FINAL RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY’S CONTRACT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE RESURFACING OF WATER STREET (US 6), MAIN STREET (US 6DA) AND SOUTH STREET/CENTER STREET (SR 44) (PID NO. 110950).

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 4th day of March, 2025. The complete text of these ordinances and resolutions may be viewed or obtained at the office of the Clerk of Council, 111 Water Street, Chardon, Ohio, during regular business hours. By order of the Council of the City of Chardon, Ohio. AMY DAY, CLERK OF COUNCIL Apr17, 2025

Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office April 4 to April 10, 2025.

ANIMAL PROBLEM

April 10

3:30 p.m., North Woods Circle, Chardon. Caller is advising his neighbor allows his chickens all over their yard. No active arguing, just an inconvenience. Caller is upset because his yard is being eaten. Caller's wife does not want her neighbor charged with animal at large, only request documentation that white turkeys and chickens were in her flower beds. Also, did not request me to go speak with the poultry owners. See attached photos.

CITIZEN DISPUTE

April 4

8:06 a.m., Crackel Road, Auburn. Husband removed a tire and license plate of the caller's vehicle rendering it disabled in the driveway. Caller arrived at her home, but is currently separated from her husband since November. Caller wanted to pick up her car which is in her name. Husband took the license plate and the tire off the car. Female also needed to get the dog out of the house because the husband is currently in Florida.

DISORDERLY

April 5

1:37 p.m., Mayfield Road, Munson. There is a male on a bike at pump 5 that is telling people to "f off" and the store wants him to leave. Male wearing a blue beanie cap, holding a cane, has red shorts and a black shirt. Advised he had a brief argument with a female that was here. Circle K did not want him trespassed, just did not want him to interfere with other customers. He left the area, and advised he was going to the YMCA.

HARASSMENT

9:44 p.m., Merritt Road, Sheriff's Office,

Munson. Caller believes hes being cyber stalked on the Facebook group “Meanwhile in Geauga County.” He believes people are taking and posting photos of him on the group. Was advised to contact Garrettsville Police in reference to making the report and that since he is in public view he has no expectation of privacy. State there are comments which people have threatened to fight him or run him over. This matter is being investigated by Chardon Police. Chargers were determined not to be filed. Was advised of the difficulty of solving the case due to social media and the ability to prove who the physical person making the threats was. Deputy later attempted to locate said group in which he was unable to locate Exposed Geauga County Facebook Group on the internet.

SUSPICIOUS

April 4

5:26 a.m., Ravenna Road, Munson. About 50 feet from caller's driveway by welcome to Chardon sign. Can their stuff by the sign but doesn't see them. Caller describes them as two homeless men that are always hanging out in Chardon. Would like a phone call from deputy. Caller thinks they may be camping in the woods. The property is owned by Geauga County.

April 4

7:41 a.m., Kinsman Road, Burton. On Route 87 by Post 2 male pushing a shopping cart in the middle of the roadway. Riding his bike back to Cleveland.

April 5

11:43 a.m., Nelson Ledge Road, Parkman. Three minutes ago there was a loud explosion in the area rattled windows and neighbors also felt it. Caller heard two loud explosions the second one was not as powerful as the first one. Checked Nel-

son Ledge Road and Main Market unable to locate anything.

April 8

2:45 p.m., Auburn Road, Munson. Three black males entered the center, caller states they didn't have business there. Caller is not sure why they entered the facility. One male asked "Do you pray for N*****s here?" The males left in a white sedan. Three males came into the Sisters of Notre Dame Center and were using profanities towards the staff. The males left in a white SUV in an unknown direction of travel. Deputy Anderson requested video from the incident. Under investigation.

THREATENING

April 7

10:58 a.m., Munn Road, Newbury. In lobby to speak to a deputy regarding threats, harass-

ment, Trespassing and Fraud. Complainant advised that Newbury Township Zoning is harassing him and his family due to an on going issue of junk vehicles" on the property. Advice given. Nothing criminal.

VAGRANCY

April 4

7:39 a.m., Ravenna Road, Munson. On Route 44 south end of the Chardon city line there is an encampment on the side of the road. Checked on earlier and is being handled.

April 5

8:45 a.m., Kinsman Road, Newbury. Brothers are camped outside of the property in front of Designs by Diana. Sleeping in front of Designs by Diana. Moved along advising he was heading to the YMCA to shower.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending April 11, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Kenneth R. Gibb, 11591 Washington St., to Tony F. and Denise L. Suglia, $245,000. (7.51 acres)

George J. Gaspare, 9704 Cleveland Drive, to Iris Fuentes, $75,000. (0.36 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Amy Chapman, 8691 Lake Forest Trail, to Russell M. Costello (trustee), $470,000. (0.46 acres)

Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Canyon Ridge, to Bravo Homes LLC, $165,000. (0.42 acres)

RMHA Ltd., 16740 Knolls Way, to Mark J. and Wanda K. Hsu, $698,900. (0.00 acres)

Fifth Third Bank (trustee), 16915 Knolls Way, to Robin and William A. Abrahamson, $515,000. (0.00 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Beverly Sue Alvord Chuha, William J. Alvord, James P. Alvord, and Jennifer J. Alvord Gambale, 216 Allynd Blvd., to Leslie H. and Barbara A. Ash, $275,000. (0.37 acres)

Paul Edward Schneider, 341 Washington St., to Geauga Faith Rescue Mission Inc., $167,000. (0.15 acres)

FLG Chardon LLC, 247 High Fox Drive, to NVR Inc., $90,000. (0.18 acres)

Steven C. and Maria I. Pounds, 211 South St., to Everett, $323,000. (0.44 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Janis A. Janecek, 8566 Auburn Road, to Nicholas Jon Janecek, $185,000. (6.25 acres)

CLARIDON TOWNSHIP

Lynne N. Reno (trustee), 14630 Mayfield Road, to Christopher J. Hinkle, $225,000. (5.89 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Christine Cassella, 12967 Gar Highway, to Michael Bennett, $400,000. (27.78 acres)

Margaret C. Friedel, 8924 Brakeman Road, to Vel Theims, $590,000. (12.00 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Daniel Guilliams, 12500 Eastpoint Drive, to Brandon J. and Sara Fahey, $519,000. (4.00 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Kinson, 16229 Old State Road, to Susan M. Sullivan, $79,200. (2.09 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

NVR Inc., 15404 Oak Hill Drive, to Robert M. and Suzanne E. Jerin, $353,100. (0.21 acres)

Bradley J. and Gina T. Wallace, 14873 Glen Valley Drive, to Tori D. Greathouse, $228,000. (0.23 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Darrell L. Langford Jr. (trustee), 14804 Highview Ave., to Diana L. Pica, $159,000. (0.56 acres)

Dan E. Masek, 14740 Edgewater Drive, to Kevin Redding and Diane T. Nickoson, $90,000. (0.35 acres)

Patricia Reed, 11951 Music St., to Bordonardo, $370,000. (2.14 acres)

Wayne Klatik, 12430 Butternut Road, to Justin Heil, $267,000. (1.68 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Ronald E. and Joan Koeritzer (TOD), 7891 Thornapple Drive, to Alexa A. and Joseph C. Mazzurco II, $335,000. (1.54 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Carrie B. and Richard G. Volkmann, 98 Countryside Drive, to Kelly Conant and Dominic Anthony Rapposelli Sr., $607,500. (0.75 acres)

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

Stephanie J. and Joseph D. Wade Sr., 15548 Trask Road, to Laing, $270,000. (1.00 acres)

FOR RENT

Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. $1,050/mo. Call 440-2210649.

Burton: 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch condo. 1200 sq. ft., 2 car attached garage, laundry, AC. Energy efficient, private. No pets. No smoking. $1,600 per month includes snow plowing, lawn & trash. Senior discounts. 440221-0649.

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

Office/Medical: 1,500sq ft, Full-time lease or timeshare, includes utilities and maintenance. South Russell Medical Center, Bell & 306. Contact Dr. Rood at 440-338-3366.

FOR SALE

Like-new 5 cubic ft GE Chest Freezer: $75. 31” tall, 28” length, 22” wide. 440-279-4310.

Couch & Love Seat w/fitted covers. Good to Excellent shape. You haul it. Cash Only. $80 for the pair. Color: tan. 440-632-9675.

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

Avon Cape Cod Glassware: 2 candlestick holders, 2 coffee mugs, condiment tray, 12 dessert dishes, 2-tier server. 440-286-4772.

Celli Spading Machine for 3-point hitch tractor, NYP130 spades 51” wide and up to 12” deep, barely broken in; Like New. $4,000. 440-548-2414.

Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $95 each. George 440-336-5044.

Engine Hoist: 2 ton. w/8-ton long ram cylinder. $250. 440-487-2955.

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

Antique Dining Room Set for sale: Lifetime furniture. Table with leaf, 6 chairs, buffet, sideboard, China cabinet. Good condition. Call/text 440-223-9023.

Antique Curio Cabinet: glass sides, glass door, mirror back, 8 adjustable shelves, 85” tall, 22” wide, 17” deep, Excellent Condition, very unique; $480. 440554-5731.

DEER HUNTERS: (40) Deer Hunter and (73) Bow Hunter Magazines. Vintage, Excellent Condition. Great reading and informational. Harvest that Big One!! Inquire. 440223-9471.

KMM-FFL Ruger Charger for sale, any other make and type as well. Your source for 1911 and Red Dot. KMM. FFL@protonmail.com.

Portable gas Troy-bilt generator: 5550 watts, rope start, $350. Kenmore dry dehumidifier: 70 pints, $75. Craftsman electric hedge trimmer: 25” blade, $25. 440-834-1753.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Wed 4/30 thru Sat 5/3, 9a-5p. 9347 Northstar Road, KIRTLAND. Dining table w/chairs, China cabinet, hospital bed, clothes, teacher aids, scrapbooking kits, kitchenware.

Mutli-Family Yard Sale: 4/29-4/30. 17071 Tavern Rd., Middlfield. Tools, Bolts, Hunting, Fishing, Propane Heater, Microwaves, Books, Household. Early Birds Welcome. Cash Only.

HELP WANTED

HIRING DRIVERS for full time Amish work crews. Must be 25 or older and have a clean driving record. Please call 330-240-1895 or 330-219-8596.

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.

PETS & ANIMALS

Semi-feral cats need safe barn homes after elderly caretaker evicted during winter. They’ll be fixed & vaxxed before placement. 440-321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: marijuana PERMANENTLY affects the developing brain! THINK about that! Warn them!

Classifieds

Local Investor will pay fair cash price for homes or land in any condition. Fast closing. Call or text 440-3460161 today.

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

SERVICES

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

Experienced Caregiver seeking part- time or full-time clients. 15+ year’s experience with references. 216409-6904.

Caregiver: will do in-home personal care, cleaning, light housework, laundry. Licensed with references. 440313-1804.

Team R Painting: We are here to meet all your interior and exterior painting needs! Give Jaden a call at 330531-3870 for your free quote today!

Experienced Landscape Company looking for lawns for the 2025 season. Service Contract includes: cut, trim and blow. Call/text 440-883-9124 for estimate. Tall Oaks Landscaping LLC.

Ace Drywall & Home Repair: We are based out of North Bloomfield, Ohio. If you have some holes that need repaired or drywall that needs installed and finished, look no further. We fix drywall that was damaged from roofs and plumbing leaks to cracks in your walls. Give us a call for a free estimate. 234-600-0001.

Albert’s Complete Tree Service: 45+yrs experience! Competent in all aspects of Arboriculture, Forestry and Land Clearing. Also, Firewood, Excavation and Sewer Work. Free Estimates. 440-687-5404.

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

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

330-647-5922.