JANUARY 2026
Since 1992
a g a u g a u e GGea
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CLUES ACROSS 1. Former CIA 4. Language 7. Constrictor snake
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8. Demand 10. Rich man 12. Short-tailed marten 13. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire 14. Superconducting super collider
16. International group of countries within the Americas 17. Sacred state for Muslims 19. Shock therapy 20. Engrave 21. Localities 25. Paddle 26. Periodical 27. Dishonestly gained money 29. Gain possession of 30. Actor DiCaprio 31. High schoolers’ test 32. Mr. October 39. Sign of healing 41. One’s grandmother 42. Entrap 43. One who simultaneously buys and sells 44. __ Francisco 45. Web-based data provider of marine life 46. Type of snake 48. Dark mark or stain 49. Member of the Salii 50. Former measure of length 51. CNN’s founder 52. Witness CLUES DOWN 1. Acquire 2. Console
GeaugaNOW Magazine
3. Hunting expedition 4. Pie _ __ mode 5. Simple shoes for peasants 6. Eurasian shrub 8. Reciprocal of a sine 9. Work together in harmony 11. Grenade 14. File extension 15. Minute pores in a plant 18. Medal of Honor 19. Make a mistake 20. Advance slowly, as if by inches 22. Sandwich meat 23. An awkward stupid person 24. Strong tree 27. Commoner 28. Electroencephalograph 29. __ Mahal 31. Congressman 32. Disorderly crowd 33. 007’s creator Fleming 34. Atomic #55 35. Part of a door 36. Short-tail martens 37. Baltimore ballplayer 38. Cuddle 39. Gang in “The Outsiders” 40. Of Croatia 44. Body cavity 47. Get free of
January 2025
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January 2025
GeaugaNOW Magazine
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Answers to last month’s puzzles WWW.GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM
To advertise in Geauga NOW!, email ads@karlovecmedia.com or call 440-729-7667, ext. 500 FEBRUARY ISSUE PUBLISHES: January 28, 2026 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: January 16 , 2026
You can find the digital edition of Geauga NOW! at GeaugaMapleLeaf.com by clicking on “E-Editions”
karlovec
group
8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026 Phone 440-729-7667 FAX 440-729-8240 ads@karlovecmedia.com
PURE MAPLE SYRUP • RETAIL • BULK • WHOLESALE
r May you be r New Yeat Grea • Maple Candy • Maple Cream • Maple Sugar • Maple Drops
Gingerich Family Sugarbush 4875 Georgia Road
Middlefield, OH 44062
440-478-6201
We ship FedEX or USPS • Call or Write for More Info *We are no longer selling syrup making equipment, but will continue to be a Sunrise metal dealer and do tubing installations.
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ACCOUNTABILITY ACHIEVEMENT ASPIRATION CHANGE COMMITMENT DETERMINATION DISCIPLINE FOCUS
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GOAL HABIT IMPROVEMENT INTENTION MILESTONE MINDSET MOTIVATION OBJECTIVE
PERSISTENCE PLAN PROGRESS PROMISE RENEWAL ROUTINE TRANSFORMATION VISION
January 2025
HOA • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL ROLL-OFF SERVICES
Customer Service: 1-866-797-9018 January 2025
GeaugaNOW Magazine
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Next Step Auto Sales: Quality, Service and Trust for Over a Decade At first glance, Next Step Auto Sales looks like many small, independent dealerships lining Northeast Ohio’s suburban corridors. But inside the modest showroom on Euclid-Chardon Road in Kirtland, owners-operators Steve and Alex have built something far more personal: a customer-focused operation that blends attentive service, transparent pricing and a full range of automotive support designed to make car buying less stressful and more accessible. Founded on the belief that reliable transportation shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone, Next Step Auto Sales has carved out a niche by helping buyers at all stages of life — from first-time drivers to families looking for an affordable upgrade to customers rebuilding credit. Their philosophy is simple: meet customers where they are and guide them step-by-step toward a vehicle that fits their needs and budget. “Our commitment to honesty, transparency and customer satisfaction has resulted in countless 5-star reviews from customers nationwide,” said Steve. “At Next Step Auto Sales, we pride ourselves on delivering reliability, convenience and outstanding service every step of the way, because helping our customers move forward is always our next step.” A key part of that commitment lies in their on-site full-service department, staffed by technicians with more than a decade of experience. “From routine maintenance like oil changes to complex engine repairs, we handle it all under one roof,” said Alex. “Our experienced technicians are skilled in diagnosing both mechanical and electrical issues, rebuilding engines and performing advanced repairs.” He added, “In addition, we have our own professional detail shop and body shop, ensuring every vehicle looks and runs its best before it reaches our customers.”
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That emphasis on confidence is also reflected in their financing model. Next Step Auto Sales works with a variety of lenders and offers flexible financing options, including opportunities for buyers with limited or challenged credit histories. Pre-approval tools on their website help streamline the process, allowing customers to begin their search with clarity about what they can afford—and staff works to make payment plans manageable. Beyond traditional lot sales, the dealership has become known for accommodating out-of-state buyers as well. Video walkarounds, remote paperwork processing and nationwide shipping have become increasingly popular, especially among shoppers hunting for specific models or price ranges. Customers praise the communication and transparency of staff throughout the remotepurchasing process, often noting that vehicles arrive in better condition than expected. In an industry often criticized for high pressure, high prices and low trust, Next Step Auto Sales positions itself as a small business rooted in relationships. Their growth has been steady rather than flashy, driven by word-of-mouth referrals and returning buyers who appreciate being treated like partners in the process, not just purchasers. As the automotive marketplace continues to shift — with rising new-car prices pushing more buyers toward used options — dealerships like Next Step Auto Sales are finding renewed relevance. By offering service, financing, repairs and communication under one roof, they aim to make each customer’s next step not just affordable, but dependable. In a market crowded with used-car dealers, Next Step Auto Sales differentiates itself by offering much more than just vehicles: it combines sales, service, financing and convenience.
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January 2025
Service Directory
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Proudly Serving erving Geauga aC County ounty for 5 59 Years
440 440-636-5111 44 40-63 636 6-51 5111 51 111 1 • 80 800 800-319-2847 0-31 319 31 19-28 2847 284 47 www.timfrankseptic.com
January 2025
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