Kirtland Chronicle 05-07-2021

Serving Kirtland, Kirtland Hills and Waite Hill Since 2013

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Volume 7, No. 10

Friday, May 7, 2021

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CHRONICLE ONICLE ND KIR TLA

City Launches Investigation into Alleged Misconduct in Police Dept.

By Magdalene Pesch news@kirtlandchronicle.com

CHRONICLE

“I take issues of great misconduct very seriously and won’t stand for it. We’ll certainly get to the bottom of any issues that we need The City of Kirtland Police DeD N partment has recently come under R TLA to as quickly as we possibly can.” – Kevin Potter

KI and scrutiny in light of “serious troubling” information brought to Mayor Kevin Potter’s attention.

“I am requesting an independent investigation related to the conduct of an individual within the Kirtland Police Department,” Potter said

during the April 19 Kirtland City Council meeting. “My administration is committed to the utmost transparency and will keep our employees and community apprised as information is made legally available. Please

be advised that any and all questions should be directed to the City of Kirtland’s legal department.”

Additionally, Potter put out a memo April 17 on the city’s website, kirtlandohio.com, indicating

that due to “personal and medical issues,” police Chief Lance Nosse is taking a leave of absence.

“Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, Sgt. Jamey See Police • Page 4

Kirtland Boy Scout Troop Wins Cooking Competition Staff Report Kirtland’s Boy Scout Troop 286 won the prestigious Gold Griddle Competition at the 2021 Lake Erie Council Spring Camporee held April 24-25 at Beaumont Scout Reservation in Ashtabula.

Facing off against 37 other Scout teams, Troop 286 won first place with its delicious “Stoup 286” recipe. This stew/soup hybrid features Hungarian Kolbasz from Kirtland’s own Mike’s Market, fresh vegetables and a savory broth seasoned with the Troop’s secret blend of spices that paired perfectly with the garlic and flavors in Mike’s sausage.

The Gold Griddle is a See Boy Scouts • Page 9

Voters Renew Kirtland Schools Existing PI Levy with Increase page 7

Road Plan is on the Road Again page 13 SUBMITTED

Boy Scout Troop 286 based at the Old South Church in Kirtland has won a prestigious and challenging cooking contest at a recent event using delicious sausage from local favorite Mike’s Market.

And the Hornets are Football Champions Again Whether Flags Or Pads, Kirtland Can’t Be Beaten

By Mason Cole sports@geaugamapleleaf.com

PAUL DICICCO/KMG

Amber Yurick carries the ball for the Kirtland girls flag football team. The team, coached by Tiger LaVerde, the varsity football coach, won the Northeast Ohio Flag Football tournament at Jerome T. Osborne Stadium in Mentor April 23 by a final score of 24-6.

The Kirtland girls flag football team finished their Northeast Ohio Flag Football season as champions.

The Hornets dominated the league.

The team, comprised of multisport athletes such as juniors Macy McIntosh, Erika Zschuppe and senior Leah LaVerde, were coached

by Tiger LaVerde, who also coaches Kirtland’s varsity football team.

The roster is rounded out by seniors Amber Yurick and Mia Rini; juniors Reilly Greenlee and Malia See Football • Page 10

Classifieds page 15

2021 Publication Schedule June 4 October 1 July 2 November 5 August 8 December 10 September 3 The Kirtland Chronicle publishes once a month.

Karlovec Media Group reserves the right to change, cancel or add publication dates at any time.

facebook.com/kirtlandchronicle @kirtlandchronicle

Page 2

Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, May 7, 2021

Friday, May 7, 2021

Kirtland Chronicle

A Note from the Mayor On April 17, my office released a statement Our on-staff arborist, Fornaro, has been pasinforming the community that police Chief sionately advocating for the natural beauty of Lance Nosse had taken personal and medical our city. As a result of which, and in close leave. I also noted that I was requesting an in- partnership with longtime resident Paul Abvestigation in light of information brought to bey, the city will hold an educational event my attention on April 16. I assure the commu- and tree planting in front of city hall May nity that the investigation is moving quickly, 22. The event will be open to the public and fairly and legally. Additionally, as indetails posted on the city website formation becomes available, I will once finalized. continue to update our residents.

For several years now, we have In the meantime, I have asked enjoyed summer concerts at the city Sgt. Jamey Fisher to lead the men hall gazebo, hosted and generously and women of the Kirtland Police Desupported by Friends of the Kirtland partment as the executive officer. I Library. With the blessing of Library have faith that our police department Director Jane Carle, the city will be will continue to work together to keep expanding participation at several of our residents safe. Rest assured, inthese events throughout the sumMayor tegrity, honor and transparency will mer. By early June, expect further Kevin Potter be held in the highest regard. dates and details regarding new food In the absence of an appropriate segue, options and community activities offered in conwe turn now to the positive things happen- junction with these great events. ing in our good city. From planning pickleball Finally, be on the lookout for a communicourts at the Kirtland Community Center to ty-wide survey. The goal and objective of this creating and energizing events that will en- survey is to engage our residents as to their courage community spirit and engagement, thoughts and ideas regarding the future of summer in Kirtland stands to be a good one. Kirtland. This will serve as our first step as I want to thank resident and zoning board the city works to develop and launch a 10-year member Rick Blum, Service Director Joe plan beginning in 2022.

Fornaro, and Councilman Scott Haymer for While we know Kirtland is a great city, their input, assistance and expertise regard- we ask for your input as to how to make it ing the plans for new pickleball courts. While even better for our families, our seniors, our we work through the design and development neighbors and ourselves. We welcome your stages, this long-awaited vision is soon to be- participation to share in that vision for the come a reality for our residents. future and to ensure Kirtland remains and We are pleased to be in partnership with maintains what keeps us unique.

The Holden Arboretum and Kirtland Schools as we plan for an exciting in-school arbor Thank you, event for our third-grade students on May 20.

Kevin Potter

KHS Ranks High on ‘Best High Schools’ List Kirtland High School is a 2021 Best High School, based on rankings from the U.S. News & World Report.

KHS is ranked #17 in Cleveland and #52 in Ohio, out of 683 schools ranked in Ohio.

“I am proud to see that our high school is ranked very high in our area and across the state,” Kirtland Schools Superintendent Chad VanArnhem said. “We are fortunate to have such wonderful students, a dedicated and caring staff, supportive parents and a great community.”

He added, “Our school district strives to continue learning and improving every day as we build empowered citizens at the Kirtland Local Schools.”

We would like to thank the following people for investing in their community and helping to support local journalism through a voluntary donation to the Kirtland Chronicle. We’re an important part of this community, providing a forum for those who wish to speak, celebrating the contributions of outstanding residents, keeping you abreast of local news, school district updates and local business happenings. Now, more than ever, we appreciate your support.

Gary Baur Dorothy & Karl Hein Janice Metcalf Richard & Susan Beck Chuck & Fidelma Judy Moodry Josephine & William Iammarino Don & Sandy Morton Campbell Howard & Loreen Jackson Deloris C. Parsons Joe Dabrowski Celia Kepic William L. & Frances Pastor Jane Dangler Barbara Kurtz Teri & Hank Schenk Susan Demming Joseph & Susan Latessa Mary A. Smith Dann & Sherry Dennis Jim & Fran Lozar Gloria & Alan Wright Thomas A. Dice Barbara Maver William Wright Martha R. Grande Thomas McCreight & Anthony Zack Patti Hammond Stacey Foerstner Steve & Teresa Zienka

Page 3

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Kirtland Chronicle

Page 4

Friday, May 7, 2021

Police

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Fisher has been designated as the executive officer of the Kirtland Police Department and will perform the duties of the chief of police in the chief’s absence,” Potter said. “Sgt. Fisher will serve in this role for an undetermined period of time. I want to thank Sgt. Fisher for begin willing to step up and take on the role of executive officer. I have full faith and confidence in Jamey’s ability to provide continuity in that department as we work through this obviously troubling time.”

Potter said as mayor and safety director, he wants to assure the city’s employees and residents that the integrity of any city department and the safety of all citizens is and will remain his administration’s top priority.

“I take issues of great misconduct very seriously and won’t stand for it. We’ll certainly get to the bottom of any issues that we need to as quickly as we possibly can,” Potter said. “We’ll do it certainly, fairly and we’ll do it legally, and we will be talking about the independent nature of this investigation as we move forward.”

Potter said pertinent information will be shared as able.

“As far as updates to the community and to the council, every moment that information is legally shareable, we will be doing that,” he added. “At this moment, the statement that we released still stands. I can refer you to the law department, but I can tell you, at this moment, nothing more are we able to report.”

Potter also praised the Kirtland police department at large April 19.

“It’s an unfortunate time, but I can tell you that I have full faith and trust in our men and women over there in the police department to execute their duties every single day, to not only the best of their ability, but to the highest standard with integrity. I met with some of them this morning,” Potter said. “We’ll be meeting again tomorrow night, and I’ll be reiterating my belief in them, their interest not

only for our residents, but, in that department and I want them all to be able to hold their heads up high and know they can because there are really decent men and women over there.”

In a May 3 email, Law Director Matt Lallo declined to discuss additional investigation details with the Kirtland Chronicle.

In other council business, council President Richard Lowery announced Ohio Sen. Jerry Cirino will be at the May 17 council meeting to provide “legislative updates.”

City council also learned about a program that will make municipal and state financial records transparent to the public.

In a work session immediately preceding the Apr. 19 meeting, Alaina Bowers, operations specialist for Ohio Checkbook and administrative support for the Ohio Treasurer of State, taught the council members how to use Ohio Checkbook, which allows the public to view municipal and state financial records.

Bowers said Ohio Checkbook costs “zero dollars” to cities that use it.

Council also voted to: • Adopt an ordinance that authorizes the mayor to enter into a contract with the city of Lyndhurst for the purchase of sodium chloride (rock salt); • Adopt a resolution authorizing the city engineer to prepare bidding documents and to direct the clerk of council to advertise bids for the 2021 street repair and maintenance project.

“This will allow to city to get the bid documents out as soon as possible so that we can get more competitively-priced bids on the … programs throughout the rest of the year,” Lallo said.

Council voted to authorize the mayor to retain the services of C.W. Courtney Company as engineers for the design and construction administration of the 2021 street repair and maintenance project.

At the end of the meeting, council entered executive session to “discuss the appointment of a public employee, to consider the investigation of charges against a public employee, and to discuss the potential sale of public property.”

Friday, May 7, 2021

Kirtland Chronicle

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Kirtland Chronicle

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Friday, May 7, 2021

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.

Endowment Fund Makes Donation to Library

The Deloris C. Parsons Endowment Fund Inc. was created to honor Mrs. Deloris C.

Parsons for her 39 years of service to Kirtland Public Library.

Parsons joined the staff of the Library in 1960 as a reference librarian. She was appointed director in 1968. During her tenure, she expanded the collection and the services, moved the library three times, and was instrumental in raising funds for the current library building that opened in 1992.

The endowment fund’s purpose is to offer support to the library as it continues to provide outstanding service to the community.

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Each year, the endowment fund’s Board of Trustees donates to the library to help with a library project that could not be accomplished from the library budget.

In past years, the endowment fund has purchased a ‘smart’ TV for the Community Room, provided funds to support the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program and purchased a small gazebo for one of the courtyards to provide shady seating.

In 2021, the endowment fund donated interactive puzzles and games for the walls of the Picture Book Room; three Apple iPads, microphones and tripods for use with virtual programming; and 10 new computers for the staff.

At its annual meeting in March, trustees elected the following officers: President – Rick Blum; Vice President – Tom Meyer; Treasurer – Bill Pastor; Secretary – Jane Carle. Other members of the board are Deloris C. Parsons, Bill Chamberlin and Kathy Hanson.

If you are interested in learning more about The Deloris C. Parsons Endowment Fund, Inc., or you would like to donate, please contact Jane Carle at the Kirtland Public Library, 440-256-7323.

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 Home Tests are now available at the library, through a partnership with the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Library Council.

Tests are free of charge.

You will need an internet connection, smartphone or tablet, laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, and an email address.

Complete instructions are provided with the test kit.

Tests will be distributed through curbside service. Please call the library when you get here, and a test kit will be brought out to you.

Hotels of Little Mountain

May 11 • 6:30 p.m.

In the 1800s, Cleveland’s millionaires often vacationed at Little Mountain in Mentor. Once home to bath houses and grand hotels, travel back to see how the landscape has changed.

This VIRTUAL program is presented by the Lake History Center and sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library.

Register online at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.

Contact the library via telephone or email, Kirtland.Library@kirtland.lib.oh.us, with questions.

Lake County Summers Gone By

June 15 • 6:30 p.m.

Think about drive-in movies and summer camp as you travel back to your early summers in Lake County. Reminisce about the traditions that explain how and why we relax today.

This VIRTUAL program is presented by the Lake History Center and sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library. Register on the library’s website after May 17.

Contact the library via telephone or email, Kirtland.Library@kirtland.lib.oh.us, and a link will be emailed to you.

Save the Dates!

Summer Concerts at the Gazebo are back. Bring a blanket or chair, and maybe some snacks, and enjoy a lovely summer evening on the lawn near city hall.

These concerts are presented by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library, the City of Kirtland and sponsored by NOPEC. Watch for information about other special events occurring on these dates.

• June 30: The Chardon Polka Band • July 14: The Debbie Gifford Quartet • July 21: Plaid Sabbath • Aug. 18: Bob Wick Duo

Lake County Reads

Join the Lake County Libraries for a one-county, one-book read along during June and July.

We will read “The Cold Millions” by Jess Walter. Each Lake County library will host a book discussion and a special event surrounding the book. The program will culminate with a virtual meeting with the author.

See Library • Page 7

Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, May 7, 2021

Page 7

Voters Renew Kirtland Schools Existing PI Levy with Increase

Library from page 6

The Cold Millions is a novel set in 1909 in Spokane, Wash. It features hobos, evil tycoons, burlesque stars, brothels, the International Workers of the World, a pregnant union organizer and a detective on the take. In other words, something for everyone.

Kirtland’s book discussion will be June 28 at 7 p.m., via Zoom.

The library is hosting a special, virtual event, on July 13 at 6:30 p.m., on The Wobbles and their Songbird.

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), also known as The Wobbles, were a force to be reckoned with in the early 1900s.

They were determined to organize workers, advocate for free speech rights, and be all inclusive to workers of any race or gender who wanted to join their ranks. Music was a fundamental part of the movement and was brought to life by Katie Phar and Joe Hill.

Their stories illustrate how children and songs were active in the IWW movement by creating a musical culture that enriched their cause.

Registration will be available via on the library website beginning in June.

Virtual Family Storytime

Tuesdays • 10 a.m.

Great stories, songs, rhymes and more.

Call the library at to register and the Zoom link will be emailed to you.

Virtual Lapsit

Wednesdays • 10 a.m.

Storytime for families with children ages 2 and under. This short, interactive program will include bounces, tickles, one book and end with shaker and scarf activities. Call the library at to register and the Zoom link will be emailed to you.

Virtual Do Re Me and You Dance Party

May 15 • 11 a.m.

For families with children ages 5 and under. Join us for a virtual dance party on Zoom.

Let loose, get moving and be silly. Call the library to register and the Zoom invite will be emailed out to you before the program.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Read to your young child and the library will cheer you on. Sign up at the Children’s desk to receive your bookbag and first reading log and check out great books to read with your young child. You can track by using an app if you’d rather.

Place a sticker on our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Flower Garden in the Picture Book Room each time you have read 100 books.

Special incentives for 500 and 1,000 books.

Help your child discover the joy of reading.

Tales to Tails

The summer reading program for readers of all ages begins on May 30. Watch for more information about special events.

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Kirtland Schools voters have approved the renewal of the district’s five-year, 1.1-mill permanent improvement levy, with an additional 0.95-mill increase for the continued upkeep of school facilities.

Issue 1 passed by a vote of 1,237 for it to 759 against it, or 62% to 38%, according to the May 4 unofficial final results of the Lake County Board of Elections.

Voters first passed the 1.1-mill permanent improvement levy 25 years ago and have renewed it every five years. The existing PI levy collects approximately $250,000 each year to repair and maintain school buildings.

Leading up to the May 4 election, the district told voters VanArnhem the district’s aged buildings cost more to maintain than before.

In fact, maintenance and upgrade needs now total about $350,000 annually, district officials said.

Kirtland Schools Superintendent Chad VanArnhem said the district added the additional 0.95-mills to this year’s renewal to keep up with rising costs of maintenance and the need to work on other improvement projects that were delayed or deferred due to a lack of funding.

“I am so thankful and appreciative of the community’s support for the permanent improvement levy,” VanArnhem said. “This will allow us to maintain and update our facilities

to support our students for many years to come.”

He added, “We will continue striving to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars while offering high-quality programming and opportunities.”

Some of the projects the district intends to take on with the levy funds include updates to a high school science lab for handson instruction; playground resurfacing, flooring and restroom upgrades; renovation of K-3 classrooms to improve the learning environment, technology improvements, district-wide safety and security improvements, and addressing issues with the high school’s outdated stadium and field.

“These furniture upgrades will be dependent on the state of COVID-19, too, because they bring students closer together to work collaboratively,” the district said in an email to the Kirtland Chronicle. “A committee composed of a variety of stakeholders will begin meeting to provide feedback on the needed updates to the current stadium with the goal to have renovations completed by the fall of 2022.”

Kirtland Schools Board of Education President Jonathan Withrow expressed gratitude for all the residents who came out to vote during the special election.

“Thank you to all voters for coming out during a special election to vote,” he said. “I also want to thank our levy campaign volunteers. Without their effort, we could not have passed this levy.”

With passage of Issue 1, the district said there would be no anticipated future levy request of any kind until 2024 at the earliest.

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By John Karlovec editor@geaugamapleleaf.com

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, May 7, 2021

Hornets Nest

Baseball and Softball Head to Postseason

By Mason Cole sports@geaugamapleleaf.com

Baseball

The Kirtland Hornets had a solid month of April. The Hornets had plenty of bright moments, including an eight-game winning streak from April 3 to April 15, as well as a good mix of pitching, as well as hitting. In April, the Hornets won 11 games while losing 5. Looking back on some of their successes, Kirtland coach Luke Smrdel believes that his team’s winning is due to their fundamental play.

“We’ve had solid pitching throughout the year,” Smrdel said. “Our defense has been pretty good; it’s been a little iffy as of late.

The bats are pretty hot too. Fundamentally, we’re playing pretty well right now.”

Throughout their season, one of the main focuses of the Kirtland baseball team has been to score runs early in games. When the Hornets were able to take the lead in early innings and then rely on the pitchers such as seniors Andrew Spencer or Mason Sullivan, it often led to victory. Creating momentum before games was something that Smrdel and his team focused on.

“We talk about it all the time… getting the lead early,” Smrdel said. “We fall behind in

some games, but we work our way back in.

Even if we get behind, we try to win every inning, try to get back in games even if we’re behind.”

For Kirtland to score runs early or to fight their way from behind, they have had to take advantage of the mistakes of other teams.

One player who is cognizant of that is senior Reece VanArnhem.

“We’ve been taking advantage of error and opportunity when situations arose,” VanArnhem said. “The guys have been getting hits, making plays out in the field, Andrew Spencer out on the mound, he’s been getting it done out there.”

Kirtland has been led by the strong pitching of Sullivan and Spencer. As a pitcher, Sullivan has a 3-2 record with a 3.68 earned run average. Spencer boasts a 3-1 record with a 0.54 ERA. But the Hornets offense has shown some talent as well. VanArnhem has a .486 batting average with 22 runs batted in, and fellow senior Danny Davidson has a .477 batting average with 14 RBI. Seniors have stepped up and performed in big moments for the Hornets. But Smrdel says that his team’s success is from a complete team effort.

“Across the board, we’ve got a lot of guys who’ve stepped up,” Smrdel said. “Danny Davidson has really done a good job as of late…

(Andrew) Spencer has been great on the mound, too. It’s a very good team effort right now. We’ve got a lot of guys who’ve stepped up and they’re getting the job done on a daily basis.”

As the Hornets progress through the season, they look to continue improving and continue working hard. With their work ethic and one inning at a time mindset, Kirtland believes they will continue to see success.

Coach Smrdel believes that his Hornets team has plenty of potential.

“Moving forward the sky’s the limit,” Smrdel said. “These guys have a lot of talent and if they get the job done and come ready to play every day, who knows, maybe we’ll be in Columbus.”

Kirtland’s overall record at the end of April was 13-6 and the Hornets are 8-0 in the Chagrin Valley Conference.

Softball

The Kirtland Hornets softball team knew that they would have an up and down season in 2021. With a roster that featured only three players with prior varsity experience,

the Hornets entered the year hoping to garner some wins but also expecting some disappointing losses.

One of those disappointments came on April 20, when Kirtland played a home game against the Berkshire Badgers. Kirtland came out of the dugout flat, while the Badgers started the game with intensity. In the first two innings, Berkshire scored nine runs, while Kirtland scored none.

The young Hornets were beaten down

by Berkshire in the early moments of their matchup. But, after junior pitcher Giana Cantini was able to get three quick outs in the top of the third inning, head coach Jamie Kamensky tried to rile up her team as they prepared to bat. One player who stepped up to try to lift her team’s spirits was junior Malia Becker, who could be heard encouraging her teammates from the dugout.

In the bottom of the third inning, Kirtland was able to score their first three runs of the game, bringing the score to 9-3. As they left the field, Becker was excitedly telling her team to keep the momentum going. The Hornets were able to muster up three more runs throughout the game, but ultimately, the Badgers proved to be too tough as they clinched See Hornets • Page 9

Friday, May 7, 2021

Hornets from page 8

the game with a 14-6 victory.

Kamensky shared her thoughts on her team’s performance after the game.

“I think we showed up in the third inning,” Kamensky said. “I think part of learning what to do and growing is being ready from the start. We just need to set the tone at a better pace coming out.”

Despite the loss, coach Kamensky was proud of how Becker was able to keep a positive attitude and encourage her teammates throughout the game.

“Malia is the voice of our team,” Kamensky said. “The kid just brings energy day in, day out. She just sets a good, positive tone for everybody. Win, lose, or whatever it is, she just makes it fun.”

Becker is one of the players who has stepped into a leadership role for the Hornets this season. And as one of the veteran players on Kirtland, she has kept a positive outlook on the season.

“We’re still a young team and we’re still trying to get all of our energy up, but honestly, we’ve been doing a lot better than we’ve expected,” Becker said. “We have had our losses but we’re working on getting back up and getting our energy back up and just thinking about the positives rather than the negatives.”

Along with Becker, Giana Cantini and

Boy Scouts from page 1

long-standing Lake Erie Council tradition that pits Scout Troops against each other in a challenging cooking environment. Scouts are provided with only a small charcoal fire on a gravel trail and must produce a delicious and nutritious dish with the ingredients and cooking utensils they carry with them throughout a full day of Scout challenges.

All this must be done without direct help from their adult leaders.

Working together over a few test-runs at other campouts, the Scouts developed a recipe that pleased even the pickiest of eaters,

Kirtland Chronicle

Morgan Carmosino are the other two juniors on the team. At the beginning of the season, Kamensky said she would rely on her older players to step up and take charge of the team. And Kamensky is pleased with how her juniors have performed thus far.

“Giana Cantini, she’s been doing really well,” Kamensky said. “She’s our workhorse, she puts so much on herself… And Morgan Carmosino, she has been very in control in helping our younger players develop, she’s put up some solid at-bats, and (she has been) leading by example, it might not always go her way but she’s still there, she’s still positive, and she’s playing hard.”

Kirtland has seen progress in their younger players. Freshmen Gianna DiFranco and Bella Hostutler have played well. Sophomores Madison Matijevic and Chloe Ungrady have continued to improve as well. But the Hornets know that there is still room for their team to improve.

“The parts we need to fix are just defense and mentality going forward,” Kamensky said.

Becker echoed a similar sentiment.

“I think one thing we can improve upon is we like to get down on ourselves when we make errors,” Becker said. “And that’s completely normal because it’s natural to be bummed at yourself when you do something wrong, but I think we sometimes can start a snowball effect, once we make an error, we keep making errors, but I think we just need to start picking each other up.” and evidently the three-judge panel agreed.

“If they can cook a wonderful meal for themselves in an iron pot on a roadside, they can certainly do it at home in a kitchen,” Scoutmaster Joe Work was heard to exclaim.

Cooking healthy and balanced meals in diverse and challenging situations is one of the many life skills all Scouts are taught through the iconic Scouting program that empowers young people to become confident and competent adults.

Chartered at the historic Old South Church at the corner of state Route 306 and Eagle Road in Kirtland, Troop 286 has been producing engaged citizens since 1958 and is always open to interested youths who have a taste for the outdoors — and delicious food.

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Friday, May 7, 2021

Football from page 1

Becker; sophomore Corinne Greenlee; and freshman Sophia LaVerde.

With their athletic experience, as well as good coaching, the Hornets suffered only one loss during the season, a 19-18 defeat to Brugh Crew. But Kirtland had an opportunity for revenge not long after. On April 23, the Hornets competed in the Northeast Ohio Flag Football tournament at Jerome T. Osborne Stadium in Mentor.

After dominating the early portion of the tournament, Kirtland found themselves playing in the championship game, once again facing Brugh Crew.

The Hornets wasted no time wreaking vengeance against the only team who showed them defeat in the regular season.

Behind great quarterback play from McIntosh, Kirtland scored the first 18 points of the game and entered into halftime with an 18-6 lead over Brugh Crew. Kirtland extended their lead to 24-6 in the second half by using the quickness of Zschuppe to establish the run game. Then, in the final moments of the game, a clutch interception by Leah LaVerde sealed the victory for the Hornets. Kirtland triumphed over Brugh Crew with a final score of 24-6 to win the tournament.

The Hornets did not hide their excitement

PAUL DICICCO/KMG

The 2021 Kirtland girls flag football team won the Northeast Ohio Flag Football championship.

as they ran and cheered across the field. Coach LaVerde was happy to see that his players enjoyed the experience.

“I just wanted my two daughters to have

fun with their friends,” LaVerde said. “They had a lot of fun, they laughed and had a good time, and that’s what it’s all about.”

One player who appreciated the experience

was junior Macy McIntosh who got to share the experience with many of her teammates from other sports.

“I love it,” McIntosh said of her experience playing flag football. “I grew up watching the boys play and working with coach (LaVerde) is great. I have my whole soccer team here with me, it’s everything I could ask for in a season, it was great.”

The Hornets flag football team had the advantage of great coaching and plenty of championship experience with LaVerde. And while LaVerde made sure his players had fun, his competitive nature could be seen through his excitement throughout the games. LaVerde seemed to always be sprinting up and down the sidelines or emphatically communicating plays to his players. McIntosh continued about what playing for LaVerde was like.

“It’s so fun, he’s a fun guy,” McIntosh said of her coach. “He knows what he’s doing, he coaches me so well…He gives me one simple thing to do and it works every time, I love playing for him.”

LaVerde did his best to make the experience fun for his players. And according to McIntosh, playing flag football was great for everyone involved.

“Everyone’s (having) fun,” McIntosh said. “I never met a bad team out here that wouldn’t joke around with us. It’s kind of loose but it’s super athletic, you’re just having fun the whole time.”

Friday, May 7, 2021

Kirtland Chronicle

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, May 7, 2021

Friday, May 7, 2021

Kirtland Chronicle

Road Plan is on the Road Again

By Magdalene Pesch news@kirtlandchronicle.com At its April 5 meeting, Kirtland City Council unanimously approved issuing $2,000,000 in bond anticipation notes toward fixing the city’s roads.

Improvements include reconstructing, resurfacing, grading, draining, paving and making other improvements as designated in the plans presented to city council.

“Can we afford it?” City Councilman John Lesnick asked during the work session prior to the council meeting. “Well, we’re going to end up borrowing more money and paying less per year, so we can get this (road) program started. Again, not a sustainable program … but we will go to the voters either later this year or early next year and look for a different way to change this or it will have to be some other reductions to be able to carry out the total $17 million dollars’ worth of road program over the next five years in order to get that done. But this, at least, gets us started.”

He added it is important to get the ball rolling.

“The real key to getting this started is getting out there and getting the projects to the contractors,” he said. “In order to do

that, we’ve got to get the engineering. In order to do that, we have to secure this financing and we’ve agreed to do that in our budget.

Now, it’s just a matter of formality and saying, ‘Okay, this is how we’re going to do it.’ But, if we don’t get everything started, then it will be doubtful that we’ll be able to (arrange) contracts by June.”

Finance Director Mary Kovalchik confirmed the city can afford the $2,000,000 and Mayor Kevin Potter explained May 4 the annual debt payment will be made from the savings the city achieved through consolidating its police dispatch services and other departmental restructuring in 2020.

Later in the work session April 5, Councilwoman Kelly Wolfe asked what would happen if the city got started on the road projects and then has to go to the voters and they turn down any new monies.

“If that is the course that is ultimately taken, at the very least, we will have gotten a significant amount of our worst roads taken care of that have been let go for way too long,” Potter said. “And the longer we wait, these projects become so much more cost-prohibitive. Further conversation has to continue. All of us have to work together to engage the community to what is going to be the long-term funding solution. We all have

to roll up our sleeves and (ask), ‘What is the best way going forward?’ But we know that this is the best way today that we have at our disposal.”

Financial cutbacks have made road repair possible, Potter added.

“We made significant changes last year in an effort to be able to demonstrate to our residents that we have the resolve, we have the fiscal wherewithal or the guts, frankly, to make some hard decisions, and we made some big steps in that regard,” he said. “So, I think we can all look our residents in the eye tonight and say, ‘We’ve done the hard work.

We got us to where we are today. We’ve got a couple hundred thousand dollars we’re going to commit, out of the general fund, to this road program, and based on that, with the annual savings we talked about, we’ve got the dollars to pay this interest of the minimum back in the short-term.’”

Lesnick said this is a “stop-gap” measure the city is taking so that it did not have to ask voters for more money during the pandemic.

“We can actually get 20 percent, possibly, of the roads that we talked about doing over the next five years done,” he said. “But, trust me, this is not the same discussion we’re going to be having again as a city, next year, for next year’s road program. We can’t.”

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Kirtland Chronicle 440-285-2013

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, May 7, 2021

Knee Pain? Physical Therapy Best Option To Avoid Surgery

By Dr. Adam M. Cramer, DPT The knee is one of the most used joints in the body that can easily take the repetitive stress of day to day use. When the knee is pushed beyond it’s limits or turned in a direction it isn’t meant to it can cause pain and injury. When this happens, physical therapy is the best first option for treatment.

What Can be Done About Knee Pain?

For many, the first step following a knee injury is to consult with a surgeon even though they prefer not to have surgery. Yet these professionals specialty is surgery and they have never made anyone walk again themselves. So if you’re having difficulty with walking because of pain then consult a specialist who foCramer cuses on improving walking and reducing pain themselves such as a independent physical therapist of which should be the first point of contact for pain and especially knee pain. By consulting with a independent physical therapist there is no conflict of interest like in orthopedic surgical groups and hospital systems. Independent physical therapists focus only on cost-effective low risk physical therapy treatment and not high cost high risk surgical procedures.

No referral is needed for physical therapy in the state of Ohio and your medial insurance will cover the cost of treatment.

MRIs and x-rays are not needed to diagnose injuries, especially knee pain when we all have abnormalities within our joints and imaging can produce false positives resulting in unnecessary surgeries. Steroid injections and other injections offered by orthopedic surgeons have demonstrated ineffectiveness with not properly addressing the functional

limitations (lack of motion and strength) that an individual with knee pain has. Based on evidence steroid injections can actually deteriorate tendons, promote cartilage loss and create bone fractures under the cartilage in your joint.

Physical Therapy for knee pain

All of these invasive procedures mentioned above do absolutely nothing to correct the underlying problem in the first place, it’s just treating the symptoms. The underlying problem with most joint pain is lack of motion and strength. It’s quite simple, if you work at improving how well you move, you will move better, plain and simple. Cartilage in joints is like a sponge, when it is used it will soak up all the nutrients around it while getting rid of waste products in the joint that can degenerate cartilage further. Movement is the key. By focusing on the structures that make us move, such as muscles, you will undoubtedly move better with less symptoms.

When the knee is stressed through exercise it promotes strength of it, blood flow increases, oxygenation and ultimately healing.

Physical therapy treatment for knee pain will include hands-on treatment to promote blood-flow, healing and range of motion. Dry needling will help reduce pain while promoting healing and muscle contraction. Therapeutic exercise will promote strengthening and stabilization of the knee joint to reduce excessive shearing/rotational forces that can lead to further damage of the joint. You will have a thorough understanding of how to maintain and treat your symptoms independently. By seeing a independent Doctor of Physical Therapy first who is not affiliated with a hospital or surgeon you will reach your goals fast avoiding surgery all together.

Dr. Adam M Cramer, PT, DPT is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of MyoFit Clinics in Chardon (440-286-1007), Middlefield (440-632-1007) & Ashtabula (440993-1004). MyoFitClinic.com

Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, May 7, 2021

Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS

SERVICES

Cash for Junk Vehicles: running or not, classics/big trucks. etc., free removal, call/text Zac 440-679-7293.

Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.

FOR SALE “Browns Capture Crown, 27-4” Plain Dealer beer mug - 1963. Pictures Jim Brown and Frank Ryan. Call 440-4659101 between 1pm and 5pm. Best offer.

Collectible Stamps: Legends of Hollywood - John Wayne series. Beautiful and in perfect condition. Remember this legend of the Old West movies. 20 stamps, 37 cents face value. Offered 2004. Call 440-465-9101 between 1pm and 5pm. Best Offer.

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Service Directory

WANTED Wanted: 1989-1991 Dodge Cummins, stick-shift 2wd Truck. Wanted Muscle cars, any condition. Cash Paid. Call 440832-1465.

WANTED TO BUY Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

Two used JL Audio 12W6v2 Subs, Two used Pioneer Mono PDX-M6 amps. All wiring included. Excellent condition.

Priced to sell. $250. Text 440-552-4400.

Farm equipment, antique chest, kayaks, old boat motors, cargo carriers, glass top table, kitchen table, 1983 motorcycle.

Must sale. 440-901-4029.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Classifieds 440-729-7667 20 words for $10

Help Wanted

ads@kirtlandchronicle.com

HELP WANTED

Newspaper Delivery Driver needed to drop off newspapers at retail locations throughout Geauga County. Delivery must be done on Wednesdays and Thursdays during regular business hours – completed by Thursday at noon. This is not delivery of individual subscriptions. Must have own vehicle and valid drivers’ license.

Based out of Geauga Maple Leaf’s Chardon office.

For more information, email info@geaugamapleleaf.com

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, May 7, 2021