Kirtland Chronicle 1-12-2024

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Volume 10, No. 6

Friday, January 12, 2024

Mayor Predicts a ‘Very Good Year for ND KIR TLA Kirtland’

Kirtland Public Library page 2

CHRONICLE

By Sherry Gavanditti

A Note from The Mayor page 3

Classifieds page 5

news@karlovecmedia.com

As he looked back on 2023 and teased what’s to come, Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter told the Kirtland Chronicle Jan. 8 there was much accomplished over the last 12 months and plenty more in store for the city in 2024.

Economic development and road repair go hand in hand, Potter said, predicting 2024 will be a “very good year for Kirtland.”

“The economy in Kirtland has been very good the last few years,” he said. “The work-from-home trend has been really impactful for the city in terms of income taxes.

They have grown quite a bit and wages have gone up. It’s a large piece of where the city gets funding.”

He added, “I’m proud of the fact that we were able to complete a little over a million dollars in road repairs in 2023.”

In 2024, the city will continue to fix roads, he said.

“We have put over a million a year in our roads over the last four years without raising taxes,” he said.

See Potter • Page 4

Kirtland Schools Update page 7

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Kirtland’s Jack Green had 12 points in a dominant low performance in the team’s 65-62 win over Independence. Green also had five blocked shots and nine rebounds. The Hornets started the season 4-0.

color Winter Teams Look copies Forward to the New Year ¢

By Alan Kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com

Kirtland finished 2023 with four straight victories, including an intense, well-fought win, 65-62, against the Independence Blue Devils Dec. 29 in a road game.

The contest was close throughout as Kirtland led by five at the half and seven points at the end of the third quarter. The Hornets then opened up a ten point lead with 5:40 remaining in the game.

However, the Blue Devils were quickly able to overcome the fourth quarter deficit and take the lead. This forced the Hornets

to make a dramatic and thrilling comeback in order to get the victory in the final minutes.

Leading scorer, Nick Barisic, who just recently won a state championship with the Hornets football team, discussed the importance of getting the victory and what happened in the final minutes of the game.

“We knew we had to come out and get this win,” said Barisic. “Independence went on a little run (late in the second half), and we kind of went dry. So towards the end they took the lead. Jack (Green) hit a big shot to put us up one. Then we played great de-

fense. Then Vince had a layup to seal the deal.”

Vince Carriero, who had 16 points on the night, also provided his thoughts on this dramatic victory.

“We kind of slowed down in the fourth quarter and let them come back,” said Carriero. “We were down a little bit at the end of the fourth quarter, but we made some big shots to seal it. And we were able to handle the ball at the end.”

Both Barisic and Carriero led the Hornets offensively in the first half and throughout the game.

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, January 12, 2024

Kirtland Public Library The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about any of these programs or to register, please call the library at 440-256-7323 or visit www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.

beginning to rise, taste slices of previously baked bread with different toppings.

Take your dough home and let it rise on your counter for 8-24 hours, then bake in your own pot in a 450-degree oven. Please register for this event.

Learning is Fun at KPL

Jan. 24 • 4:30 p.m.

Kids grades 3 through 6, celebrate the snowy season by using sugar cubes and glue to create your own igloo, or any other structure that intrigues you. Please register every adult and every child attending.

The Children’s area at the Library was the grateful beneficiary of funds raised by Shamrocks & Shenanigans in 2023. Those funds, along with significant donations from the Kirtland Area Service Council, Kiwanis Club of Kirtland, Friends of the Kirtland Public Library and The Deloris C. Parsons Endowment Fund, Inc., were used to purchase two new tablets with educational software for use by kids.

The tablets were purchased from AWE Learning and each has over 85 educational titles with award-winning STREAM-content, including science, technology, reading, engineering, art and music, and math. These devices are not connected the internet. The tablets will be available for use in the library.

Just ask at the Children’s Reference Desk.

In addition, these generous donations will allow the library to increase its collection of audio readers in the Children’s Department.

These are picture books with an audio reader built into the book. These books are shelved in the Picture Book Room at the library.

Sugar Cube Igloos

Lapsit

Tuesdays • 10 a.m.

Bounces, rhymes, one book, scarves and shakers, geared for families with children under the age of 3. No need to register.

Storytime

Wednesdays • 10 a.m.

Enjoy great books, rhymes, songs, and surprises with your child. This storytime is geared for families with children age 5 and under. No need to register.

January Adult Clubs Knit & Crochet:

January Youth Programs LEGO Club

Jan. 13 • 10:30 a.m.

Families, spend an hour creating with the library’s LEGO brick collection. Once you have completed your creation it will be placed in the library’s display case for all to see. Please register for this program.

Teen Artisan Bread

Jan. 16 • 3 p.m.

Youth in grades 6 and up, create bread dough for artisan bread. Then, while it is

Knit & Crochet Club is a drop-in event hosted it the first Monday of each month, from 6-7 p.m. It is open to anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting or is interested in learning.

Bring your own supplies. No January date. Meet on Feb. 5.

Cookbook Club

Jan. 16 • 6 p.m.

Check out the “Cook's Illustrated AllTime Best Appetizers” and make something for everyone to sample. Don’t forget your place setting and beverage.

January Adult Special Events No Pressure Book Discussion

Jan. 22 • 1:30 p.m.

Join us in the Community Room to talk

SUBMITTED

Lucas Zupancic uses one of the library’s new AWE tablets, which contain more than 85 educational titles with award-winning STREAM-content. The tablets are available for use in the library. Just ask at the Children’s Reference Desk.

about books in January. Any books you've read recently you want to recommend to others.

Candle Making Workshop

Jan. 23 • 5:30 p.m.

Make your own scented candle. Cost is $10 cash at the door. Registration required, so there are enough supplies.

Holiday Junk Journaling

Jan. 27 Ready to recycle some old holiday cards?

Use them to make a junk journal.

These are a great place to record memories in a beautiful, fun journal. Sign up online and bring any old holiday cards, stickers, etc. with you.

Tiramisu Culinary Class

Jan. 29 • 5:30 p.m.

For this class, make a recipe of tiramisu that is simplified and easy. Sample and take some home, too. The cost for this class is $10 cash at the door. Eat dinner first, this is a rich dessert. Registration required.

Aerosmith to ZZ Top

Jan. 30 • 6 p.m.

Join local author Terry Armstrong as he takes us on musical journey that spans 27,000 miles and over 200 performers with his daughter, Moira. He will share some great pictures and behind the scenes stories from their adventures. Registration is required for this event:

Friday, January 12, 2024

A Note from the Mayor I have to say, 2024 started a bit rough. On taxpaying residents.

By setting goals and objectives, we can Sunday, Jan. 7, Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley passed away. Dennis was not only a great create the right conditions for economic demayor and tremendously positive leader in velopment opportunities that enhance job Lake County, but he was a great friend to growth in Kirtland. This can help forecast me and so many others. Dennis led the Lake new revenue and work toward a sustainable County Mayors and Managers Association economic future for Kirtland. The good news with pride and exuberance, and his presence is, we have a hard-working city council and a and guidance will be sorely missed. To Den- great advisory team in place that will enable the thoughtful dialogue necessary to nis’s family, friends and residents create the right solutions. of Eastlake, I am so very sorry for In closing, I’d like to thank outgoyour loss and would like to thank ing assistant Law Director Tom Lobe you for sharing your beloved leadfor his four years of service to Kirter with the rest of Lake County. land. Tom was integral throughout Not having a great segue out of that topic, I’ll move on to matseveral challenging situations that ters here in Kirtland. January presented themselves to our city marks the beginning of budget over the last four years. Most notaMayor season here at City Hall. As albly, when an entirely difficult situaKevin Potter ways, we will be balancing revetion with the former police chief prenues with necessary expenditures to keep sented itself, Tom, with his infinite wisdom, the quality services and safety our taxpayers helped establish and navigate a process that deserve. In addition to maintaining standards led to the successful removal of that chief. of service our residents have come to know Because of Tom’s knowledge and understandand appreciate, we will be looking at how to ing of law, he not only helped guide the city best manage our growing capital equipment through the removal process, but his diliand infrastructure needs. gence during the investigation and prosecuWe’ve been fortunate over the last sever- tion set the city up for success in a series of al years to have been able to professionally appeals by the former chief. Thank you, Tom. pave, repair and maintain more than a million In closing, I want to thank the Kirtland dollars’ worth of aging Kirtland roads. In ad- Chronicle for its excellent coverage of all dition, we’ve picked away at looming neigh- things Kirtland. We are lucky to have this borhood drainage issues that cause havoc for local publication that, each month, brings residents but also create underlying issues us the happenings and events around our for many of our city streets. As I said many city. The paper is solely supported by busitimes, although we’ve done well, we still have ness advertising and today, because of all the much work to do to. digital media that exists online, that can be As part of this year’s budget process and a tough endeavor. My ask is, if you feel as beyond, I will be working with city council, I do, and want to ensure we keep our local our economic development team, and our paper, please consider making a donation to city finance director to establish both short the Kirtland Chronicle. and long-term financial strategies. The goal is to chart a course for the city that will ultiThank you, mately relieve the immense burden for our Mayor Potter

Kiwanis Korner

By Kathy Talty The Kirtland Kiwanis are beginning the New Year with a health education service program presented by Nick Angie. CPR, operating an AED and taking care of a choking situation will be taught this January. The Kirtland Kiwanis annual Citizen of Year Celebration dinner is also taking place at the end of this month at Sausalito.

Out with the old and in with the new. The Kirtland Foundation is beginning to collect your junk to be transformed into someone else’s treasure for their annual rummage sale May 9-11 at Pumpkinville. Household items, tools, toys and collectibles are great. Tires, upholstered furniture and clothes will not be accepted. Please call Mary Sams at 216-3470771 to have your donations picked up. All

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Kirtland Chronicle

the proceeds from the Kirtland Foundation’s rummage sale goes to the Kirtland Kiwanis scholarship program for our graduating seniors.

What all the students in the Kirtland area from grades 6-12 have been waiting for: The Creative Writing Contest is going to begin Feb. 1. Submissions need to be turned in by March 22.

The theme is, “What Does Love Have To Do With It?” Details for where to post your submission and great prizes will be coming soon.

From our president of the club, Jerry Bartels: “Looking forward to empowering our community to improve the world in 2024, by making lasting differences in the lives of our children.”

Students of the Month

CHUCK BICKART/KIRTLAND KIWANIS

From left, “Students of the Month” Lexi Jackson, of KES, Connor Clancy, of KMS, and Knox Crisci, of KHS.

Submitted The Kirtland Kiwanis “Students of the Month” for January 2024 are fifth-grader Lexi Jackson, of Kirtland Elementary School, sixth-grader Connor Clancy, of Kirtland Middle School, and 11th-grader Knox

Crisci, of Kirtland High School.

The Kiwanis sponsors the “Students of the Month.” The principal and staff chose one student from each school to be recognized. Each student has their picture taken, receives a certificate and a T-shirt that says “Student of the Month.”

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Kirtland Chronicle

Potter

from page 1 As for economic development, Potter said the city will be working on opportunities for the town center, and state routes 6 and 306 planning.

“We’re working with Lake County utilities to create a plan to extend sanitary sewers to that intersection. We had interesting conversations in 2023 that may serve as the impetus to get sanitary sewers at that intersection,” Potter explained, adding the area has sat for years without sanitary sewers, stunting economic growth.

“For decades, residents have been told no economic development of relevance could happen at 6 and 306, and that it was ‘too expensive; the city couldn’t figure out how to do it; it’s not achievable.’ I think it is,” the mayor said.

A proposed nursing care facility/shortterm rehabilitation center for seniors is being considered in that area, he mentioned as an example.

While that would not be a senior living facility, Potter said the city is hoping to eventually bring in senior apartments with a smaller ranch level feel in 1,000 to 1,500-square-foot lots.

“We’re definitely cognizant of being the 10th most aged population in the state with a quarter of our residents being 64 and older,” Potter said. “Many residents nearing that age group would love to remain in Kirtland, but maintaining 3,000-square-foot or 1-acre lots is not always a good option.”

He hopes to create housing downtown for

seniors with shopping, dining and recreational opportunities.

Potter lauded the growth of Kirtland’s senior services department.

“In recent years, we’ve more than doubled our membership at our (Kirtland) Senior Center and it really has become one of the most successful centers in Lake County,” he said, adding seniors from other communities are flocking to Kirtland’s facility due to the nature of activities offered there.

This year may bring more internet connectivity for Kirtland, as well, Potter said.

“We have a real opportunity to work with a utility provider to expand fiber to every neighborhood throughout the city. This will be beneficial to all our residents — especially those working from home, as well as our business community,” Potter said, adding the city is looking for interested parties to negotiate costs and make it affordable at no extra cost to taxpayers.

“A lot of people work from home and it’s part of our increasing income tax base,” the mayor said. “People need good reliable internet and fiber is the best way to do that. Sometime this year, we hope to have an actual plan in place to make that happen over the course of the next few years.”

Residents will also benefit from continued partnerships, Potter noted.

In 2023, Kirtland worked out an arrangement with Holden Arboretum by assisting them with a grant through the State of Ohio which resulted in Kirtland residents getting a pre-arranged free week of admission per year, he said.

The city worked with Lake MetroParks to create an entrance to Penitentiary Glen Res-

Friday, January 12, 2024

SUBMITTED

Mayor Kevin Potter takes a look back at 2023 before turning his sights on goals for 2024, which include economic development and continued road repairs.

ervation near the entrance of the Silver Fox neighborhood, Potter said, adding Kirtland will also continue to partner with Friends of the Kirtland Library’s summer gazebo concerts, even providing food before concerts for patrons.

The mayor said he’s very proud of the city’s Action Network, which is bringing churches and civic organizations together for volunteer projects that help seniors and military veterans.

A couple hundred volunteers come out a couple times a year to help with yard cleanup in the spirit of community, Potter said.

“Helping seniors is important,” he said.

“We did close to 50 in the spring and fall of 2023.”

Kirtland Schools is another source of

pride for the mayor.

Year after year, the school district has hit some of the top marks in Northeast Ohio, he said.

“Folks are always trying to move to Kirtland to get in the school system As people sell or move back, (they are) invariably younger folks with school age children,” he said.

The mayor also touted the city utilizing a grant to increase the staffing at the Kirtland Fire Department at no cost to the city’s budget.

“In 2024, my only promise is to work even harder for our community as we seek the best strategies to keep moving Kirtland forward,” Potter said. “We have a city council with varying skills and backgrounds that will serve our residents and city government well.”

Friday, January 12, 2024

The News You Need Kirtland City Council held its first meeting of 2024 on Jan. 3, with all seven council members present.

Mayor Kevin Potter said he will be working with Finance Director Louis Slapnicker to “sketch out” budget scenarios for 2024.

“Obviously, we have a lot to consider every year and this year is no different than that,” Potter said. “Wages and buildings, and equipment, roads, drainage, so we’ll be working on all that. We’ll be working on our debt calculations, what’s the attainable or right amount to be putting toward our debt this year, and then always working on shortand long-term financial strategies.”

Potter also said he, Service Director Joe Fornaro, City Engineer Doug Courtney and economic development consultant Eddy Eckhart met with Lake County officials regarding a potential extension of sewers up to the intersection of state routes 306 and 6, “to start the groundwork for those discussions.”

In addition, Potter said he and Eckart have been working with some developers and business owners on some potential development or business opportunities in “downtown” Kirtland as well as routes 6 and 306.

“A fair amount going on related to that,” he added.

Department Reports

• Fire Chief Anthony Hutton reported the fire department finished 2023 with just under 1,400 calls, including 625 EMS transports. More details will be shared at council’s next meeting.

Hutton said there is one truck out of service and the department’s two engines are “getting older.”

“We had to borrow an engine from Willoughby; we still have it for the time being,” he said. “The two American LaFrances are getting up there in age and it’s getting difficult to find parts.

Added Hutton, “We’ll be working on getting some specs done on that this year and hopefully discuss it through the budget process, the new engine.”

Hutton said the department’s three engines all should be back in service in several weeks.

• Police Chief Brian McCallister said his department is finished the year with approximately 15,000 calls for 2023, up from

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Kirtland Chronicle

Highlights of Dec. 18 Council Meeting • Fire Chief Anthony Hutton told council his department was on pace “for one of the busiest years ever.”

• Police Chief Brian McCallister said every tag on the Giving Tree inside City Hall was taken and all gifts fulfilled by the community.

McCallister updated council on a bomb threat email sent to school districts throughout Ohio as well as other states, including Indiana, Texas and California, threatening violence with explosive devices within schools.

“We had contacted the FBI and they looked into it and couldn’t determine there was any credibility to it (threats),” McCallister said. “I know they were looking into it more, but I haven’t heard anything else after that.”

• Council passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Kevin Potter to negotiate terms for citywide broadband internet services.

• Council passed a resolution authorizing Potter to enter into a contract with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

• Council passed a resolution providing temporary appropriations for the threemonth period ending March 31, 2024.

11,000 calls in 2022. Arrests were up from 92 in 2022 to 138 last year, and reports were up from 589 to 720.

“Now that we’re full staff we’re really anticipating seeing even more activity out of the officers, so I’m excited for 2024,” McCallister told council.

• Service Director Joe Fornaro reported there seven events up until Christmas 2022 and this year there were five.

“Last year (2022) we used roughly 700 tons of salt, this year we’re at 550,” Fornaro said, adding those were “rough” numbers.

• City Engineer Doug Courtney said 24 streets were planned for work in 2024.

Also, the bid opening for Phase 2 of the Old Town sewer project is scheduled for Jan. 17. Up to 11 firms are expected to submit bids.

There were no updates on the bridge or stormwater projects.

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Friday, January 12, 2024

Hornets from page 1

In the first quarter, Carriero scored five points to lead the Hornets to a 13-12 first quarter lead. In addition, Aaron Fortuna added 4 points.

Barisic helped the Hornets extend their lead in the second quarter as he had seven points. In addition, Carriero connected on a three pointer, while 6’6” inch senior center, Jack Green, added four points as the Hornets took a 31-26 lead into halftime.

The Hornets extended their lead to 5043 in the third quarter as they outscored the Blue Devils 19-17. Barisic led the Hornets with eight points in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Carriero had six clutch points to foil the Blue Devils comeback attempt.

After the game, Carriero talked about his excellent offensive performance.

“I hit a couple 3’s in the first and then I just had a lot of points in transition, just getting down the floor and getting some easy layups.”

For the game the Hornets were led by Barisic who had 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and a blocked shot.

Additionally, Carriero had 16 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the victory over the Blue Devils.

In fact, over the past two games, Carriero is averaging 19 points per game as he was the Hornets leading scorer in their victory over West Geauga.

Against the Wolverines, Carriero had 22 points, two rebounds, one assist and three steals.

Jack Green also had an excellent game against the Blue Devils. Green had 12 points and was dominant in the low post, collecting five blocked shots and pulling down nine rebounds.

Green’s rebounds contributed to one of the main reasons the Hornets defeated the Blue Devils. For the game, the Hornets out rebounded the Blue Devils 35-21.

In addition to dominating the boards, the quickness of the Hornets guards was on display throughout the game as they amassed 12 steals.

Also contributing offensively to the victory were Danny Alfieri (5 points), Aaron Fortuna (4), Jake LaVerde (4), Will Sayle (4) and Aiden Hurd (2).

Kirtland Wrestling

Kirtland Wrestling is off to a good start this season as four wrestlers placed in the first tournament of the season at Willoughby South.

Then, on Dec. 22 at the Joe Novak Tournament, the Hornets won an individual title, and three additional wrestlers made the podium.

At the Kenston Invitational on Dec. 28, first year Head Coach Dan Cosimi talked about how the season has been progressing throughout the first month.

Coach Cosimi explained that the team is very young with many freshmen and sophomore wrestlers, but few upperclassmen.

Cosimi emphasized that he is proud of the dedication and hard work that his wrestlers have shown so far.

“I think the kids are doing an awesome job,” said Cosimi. “They are putting forth tremendous effort. We are definitely seeing strides every single week. We have a great group of kids, and the families with them are so supportive.”

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

Kenston senior heavyweight Jerry Zovko’s season is off to a good start as he has pinned both dual meet opponents and made the podium at the Willoughby Rebel Invitational.

In the Hornets first tournament of the season, the Rebel Invitational at Willoughby South, Kirtland had four wrestlers reach the podium.

Preston White, a sophomore, finished sixth in the 106 pound weight class. While freshman Ryan Robinette (138 pound weight class) and Brandon Oppenheim (165) both placed eighth. In addition, senior heavyweight wrestler Jerry Zovko also finished on the podium with an eighth place finish.

The next week, at the Joe Novak Tournament on Dec. 22, Coach Cosimi said the team had a great breakthrough. In particular, all four freshmen who participated had great performances.

In fact, Brandon Oppenheim won the 165 pound title. Oppenheim pinned his first three opponents from Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Harvey, and Riverside. None of the first three matches lasted beyond 2:30.

In the championship match, Oppenheim pinned his opponent from West Geauga in 2:25.

Freshman Howie Ayers also had a great performance at the Joe Novak Tournament, finishing second.

In getting to the finals match, Ayers pinned wrestlers from Canton South, Harvey, and Conneaut. None of his first three matches lasted beyond 2:23.

“Last week, I went to a Chardon Tournament (Joe Novak Tournament), and went 4-1, took second, and had four pins which was pretty awesome.”

In addition to reaching the podium at the Joe Novak Tournament, Ayers discussed his excellent match at the dual with South.

“We had a dual at Willoughby South, it was a really good match against a really good kid,” Ayers said. “We went into the third period and were battling it out the whole time.

He was tired, so I took my chances and I ended up pinning him. It was a really good moment for me.”

Also, placing at the Joe Novak Tournament was Preston White who finished fourth.

In addition, Coach Cosimi said that White, a sophomore, had a great match against a senior wrestler from South who White pinned.

Coach Cosimi explained that the Kenston Invitational Tournament which was held on Dec. 28 and 29, had many great wrestlers and thus it was a great test to help his wrestlers see where they were and what they could improve upon.

Cosimi believed that wrestling in a chal-

lenging tournament like the Kenston Invitational helps his wrestlers focus on improving every time they wrestle.

After the holiday, the Kirtland wrestlers return to the mat on Jan. when they will be participating in the Jackson-Milton Invitational.

Girls Basketball

The Kirtland Hornets Girls Basketball Team hosted the Brooklyn Hurricanes in a Chagrin Valley Conference match up on Jan. 3.

And after a long holiday break, the Hornets started somewhat slow. However, although the first quarter was quite close, the Hornets picked up the pace in the second quarter as they ran the court in transition.

This fast break strategy propelled the Hornets to a big second quarter quarter run and they never looked back as they defeated the Brooklyn Hurricanes 64-43.

Throughout the game, the Hornets focused on playing fast and looking for fast break opportunities.

When the Hornets had to move into a half court set, they utilized an inside out game with excellent passes and splendid off ball movement.

“Today we had a great offensive performance and we really passed the ball well, passing the ball up the court, and getting easy layups,” said junior forward Kristiana Katic.

In addition to the excellent offense played by the Hornets, senior Brynn Bradac noted that the excellent defense helped the team get fast break opportunities leading to many uncontested layups in transition.

“Our defense really helped the offense, grabbing steals and rebounding, and getting up the court fast, and just making fast layups,” said Bradac.

In addition to getting out and running and scoring on the break, the Hornets players talked about their excellent three point shooting. For the game the Hornets connected on five three pointers.

Bradac emphasized the importance of making sure they were moving without the ball which allowed the Hornets opportunities to get open looks and thus increased their chances of knocking down outside shots.

“Moving it around the floor really helps open it up and helps us get shots from the outside,” said Katic.

Katic mentioned that in the contest against Brooklyn, when the Hornets were running their set offensive plays, they often got double teamed in the post. When that occurred Katic said the focus was then to kick the ball back out onto the perimeter.

The Hornets then finished the second quarter on a 5-0 run to take a 27-10 lead into halftime.

At the end of three quarters the Hornets led 46-19. Then immediately to start the fourth quarter they got five quick points to go up 51-19. The Hornets added an additional 13 points in the remainder of the game to make the final score 64-43.

For the game, the Hornets shot 42 percent from the field. The Hornets excellent defense held the hurricanes to just 22 percent from the field. In addition, a statistic demonstrating how well the Hornets were able to move the basketball and get open was their assist total. For the game, the Hornets had 22 assists.

Leading the Hornets offensively for the game were Kristiana Katic (14 points), Brynn Bradac (13), and Emily Ridgeway (9).

Also contributing offensively were Olivia Dolovacky (7 points), Anna Dumstorff (5 points), Jaden Attinato (3), Kennedy Boyd (3), Addison Fleming (2), Chloe Hansen (2), Lauren Palagyi (2), and Kelsey Sayle (2).

Head Coach Matt Ridgeway is very happy with how the team has progressed so far this season.

“We’re 4-4, and honestly we don’t look at wins, we look at experience,” said Ridgeway.

“We want this to be a great experience and we feel like if we do that, then we’re going to play our best at the end of the year and that’s when we want to be at our most dangerous.

And today was the start of season two.”

“We went through our preseason, and our first games up until Christmas, now this is the start of season two and we want to see what we can do the next 15 games, and see how well we can play by the end of the year.”

With the victory over Brooklyn the Hornets moved to 4-4 on the season.

Friday, January 12, 2024

Kirtland Chronicle

Page 7

Kirtland Schools Update

Hello Kirtland Community, KES honored first responders on September I hope that everyone had a wonderful 11th, 4th and 5th graders wrote Veterans Day holiday season! As we embark upon the com- letters to Veterans at a local assisted living famencement of the second semester of the cility, elementary school art students created academic year, the Kirtland Local holiday cards for our partnerships Schools are filled with anticipation in the community, volunteered to and enthusiasm. The district has work at Pancakes with Santa, visrecently inducted 19 outstanding ited the rehabilitation center on individuals into the esteemed NaHalloween in costume, made holtional Honor Society.. These stuiday ornaments for the rehabilitadents have exhibited exceptional tion center, worked at the Kiwanis qualities in character, scholarship, senior holiday dinner and volunleadership and service. Congratuteered to run the concession stand

By Chad VanArnhem, lations to the 2023 Inductees: at girls and boys basketball games.

Superintendent Elise Beinhardt, Ainsley There has been a lot of disBorthwick, William Burt, Knox Criscussion around the total cost of the Science Lab ci, Clare Davidson, Bo Garth Famrecent stadium renovation projularcano, Kiera Fortney, Samuele ect. First, I am extremely proud Gordon, Harper Hammond, Marin to inform our community that the Haupt, Matthew Kahley, Sean Kats, project was completed on time and Walter Knoop, Sean Lowery, Grace within 1% of budget even through Mastrangelo, Maxwell Paul, Kyle high inflationary costs, labor shortPilarczyk, Emily Ridgeway and Niko ages and supply chain issues. The Samac. total cost of the stadium was $4.2 Kindergarten We are so appreciative of the million which includes the archioverwhelming support in our comtect fees. Second, the district munity for our students. I am very borrowed $385,780 to upgrade to proud to highlight the noble work a digital scoreboard (to generate that our students are doing to give revenue) and upgraded turf (has a back to those in our community and two year longer warranty). Third, within the school district. through the generosity of our comIn the first semester, our high school munity businesses, we have already received students have already logged over 400 hours $202,600 to cover the cost of the upgrades. of community service. Knox Crisci designed The stadium renovation has allowed for so the holiday banner proudly displayed in front much more use of the facility for our students of city hall. Our students have participated and community. Lastly, our students have in: a food drive for Kirtland Area Service benefited from a state of the art science lab Council, Penny Wars for Project Hope raising in our high school that was a part of this proj$600, the PTA Holiday Boutique, Breakfast ect. Please scan the QR code for highlights of with Santa, First Lego League mentoring, tu- the renovated science lab and stadium and to toring of students, Kirtland Youth Basketball see a more detailed cost breakdown.

League volunteering, tech department help, The arts have been proudly showcased

throughout December. There were numerous choir and band concerts performed in the elementary, middle and high school. The fifth grade and Mr. Lasecki also put on their annual Christmas Carol play to packed houses.

Kindergarten registration for the 20242025 school year has started. Incoming kindergarten students must turn five years old

by September 30, 2024. Parents of incoming kindergarten students can begin the registration process by visiting the Kirtland Local

Schools website, click on the Parents tab and then the Kindergarten Information. Or they can scan the QR code.

We look forward to an exciting and successful second semester! Thank you for your continued support of our school district and go Hornets!

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, January 12, 2024