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Hornets Regional Champions For Second Consecutive Season
by AlAn KornSpAn SportS@KArlovecmediA com
Before last season, the Kirtland Hornets Boys basketball team had only won one OHSAA Regional Title way back in 1991.
However, over the last two seasons under the leadership of Head
Coach Shawn McGregor, the Hornets compiled a 43-14 record, won two OHSAA District Championships, two OHSAA Regional Titles, and also played in two OHSAA Final Fours.
Simply a remarkable run for Hornets Boys Basketball!
Leading these seasons were seniors Lucas Renfro and Ben DiFran-
co, and 2025 alum Vince Carriero. These players were simply difference makers!
The contributions of these three players certainly did not go unnoticed in Northeast Ohio and throughout the state.
In fact, for the 2024-2025 season, Vince Carriero was named Div. VI
Second Team All-Ohio after averaging 22.1 points per game. In addition, last season as a junior, Renfro earned Div. IV All-Ohio Honorable Mention.
This season, Renfro (averaging 18 points per game) and DiFranco (14.6 points per game) both earned Div. VI Second Team All-Ohio Honors.
See Basketball • Page 5
Petric Promoted to Sergeant for Kirtland PD
Two New Officers
Added to Roster
Submitted
As part of several recent hirings and promotions within the Kirtland Police Department, Zachary Petric was elevated to the rank of sergeant Jan. 5.
Mayor Kevin Potter officially swore him in during the regular Kirtland City Council meeting, with his daughters, Harper and Brook, by his side.
“Sgt. Petric is known for his community-first approach. He’s professional, fair and he is service oriented in his daily work,” said then-Police Chief Brian McCallister. “He serves as a field training officer. He has also worked as a detective, including experience supporting the U.S. Marshals Task
Force and brings specialized skills and computer forensics. I’m confident he will serve the department and community well.”
The mayor also recently swore in two new officers, Joshua Grigus, who previously worked for the Orwell Police Department, and Seth Jewart.
“(Grigus has) got prior experience with the Cleveland Division of Police. He’s also served with the Montville Fire Department since 2017, where he holds a rank of lieutenant,” McCallister said Jan. 5. “Based on his experience, work ethic and references, I recommend his appointment and look forward to him serving the community.”
During Kirtland City Council’s March 16 meeting, current Police Chief Jamey Fisher introduced Jewart to the community.
See Police • Page 3
SUBMITTED
Mayor Kevin Potter officially swears in Sgt. Zachary Petric during a recent Kirtland City Council meeting as then-Chief Brian McCallister looks on. Also pictured are Petric’s daughters, Harper and Brook.
Electolite Lights the Way with Decades of Trusted Service
by John KArlovec John@KArlovecmediA com
For more than three decades, Electolite has quietly built a reputation as one of Northeast Ohio’s most reliable lighting service providers. Based in Chesterland, the locally owned company has become a trusted resource for homeowners and businesses seeking quality lighting solutions paired with dependable, personal service.
Founded in 1989, Electolite operates under a guiding philosophy reflected in its longtime motto: “Lite For Life — illumination beyond expectation.”
ty lighting, and energy-efficient upgrades that deliver long-term value.
Customers say the experience is straightforward and reassuring.
“From the first call to the final walkthrough, Electolite was professional, responsive and easy to work with,” one customer said. “They explained everything clearly and delivered exactly what they promised.”
Much of Electolite’s business comes from repeat clients and referrals, a reflection of the trust the company has built throughout Geauga County and surrounding areas.
“We’ve used Electolite for years, and
of itself.”
“From the beginning, our goal has always been simple — do quality work, treat people fairly and stand behind what we install. If you do those things consistently, the business takes care of itself.”
Electolite specializes in lighting installation, repair and maintenance for both residential and commercial customers. The company works on interior and exterior lighting systems designed to improve safety, efficiency and overall appearance. Projects often include fixture installation, outdoor and securi-
end of the day it’s still about people,” he said. “Homeowners and business owners want someone they can trust in their space, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
In residential settings, Electolite helps homeowners modernize outdated lighting, enhance renovations and improve outdoor visibility and curb appeal. Thoughtful lighting design, Covert notes, can dramatically
– Tim "Sparky" Covert
change how a space feels without requiring major construction.
“The new lighting completely changed how our home feels,” a residential customer said. “It’s brighter, more inviting and much more functional than before. We wish we had done it sooner.”
Commercial clients rely on Electolite for efficient service that keeps properties functional and well-lit while minimizing disruptions. From small businesses to larger facilities, the company focuses on practical solutions that make sense operationally and financially.
“Electolite understood our business needs and worked around our schedule,” a commercial client said. “The upgrades were efficient, well-planned and caused minimal disruption to our operations.”
tolite has kept pace, regularly working with LED systems and energy-efficient solutions that offer improved performance and longevity.
While technology continues to change, Covert believes experience remains just as important.
“Lighting technology has changed a lot since we started,” said Covert. “We stay current so we can offer modern solutions, but experience still matters when it comes to doing the job right.”
More than 35 years after opening its doors, Electolite continues to serve Northeast Ohio with a steady focus on quality, service and community connection — proving that consistency and craftsmanship remain timeless.
A Note from the Mayor
Boy, what wild weather that was on Tuesday night! As I write this (morning after), our public works department is assessing damage and managing the cleanup. Thanks to them, along with our police and fire departments, for working to keep the community safe during these volatile storm events. Additionally, thank you to the Kirtland community for your patience and willingness to help your neighbors. Time and again, Kirtland residents rise to the occasion when it comes to helping.
As luck would have it, Spring brush cleanup begins the week of April 6. The schedule is as follows: Week of April 6 - Ward 4, Week of April 13 – Ward 1, Week of April 20 – Ward 2, and the Week of April 27 – Ward 3. You may visit www.kirtlandohio.com and click on the service department page to view the requirements for brush pickup.
In essence, the requirements are designed to allow the depart ment to move efficiently through each ward, and asks that brush be placed along the roadways (not in ditches), branches no larger than 3 inches in diameter and that the piles be set in an organized manner. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
On March 11, I had the honor of joining Mayors Fiala of Willoughby, Sacaks of Wick liffe, Vanni of Willowick, Hallum of Willough by Hills, and Mayor Kostelnik of Eastlake for the annual Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber’s State of the Cities. As part of my presentation, I had the pleasure of introducing two of Kirtland’s finest restaurateurs, Teanna Vitantonio of Tavern 6 and Dennis DiSanto from Angelo’s.
to invite the wider Lake County community to Kirtland so that they may experience Kirtland’s growing “food scene.”
Along with highlighting Tavern 6 and Angelo’s, I lauded the eateries of Biga Woodfired Pizza, Crowley’s, Casa Rosa, Down the Block, and Sausalito. In addition, it was noted that Maggie’s Doughnuts, Sweeter than Honeycomb Bakery, the Kirtland Creamery, Honey’s café and The Well are all establishments that are not only worth patronage, but that they all work to enhance Kirtland’s community and business environment. Thanks to all!
At the chamber breakfast, I also had a chance to thank Congressman Dave Joyce’s office for the $2 million dollar grant award that will help Kirtland extend its sanitary sewer network to the Route 6 and 306 intersection. Showcasing Biltmore Healthcare’s planned investment, I explained how the nursing home slated for the northwest corner of the intersection can serve as the impetus to advance our infrastructure and help unlock real business development in that area. Since the announcement of the federal grant and subsequent discussion related to sewer funding, we have heard from several potential businesses that are now interested in investing in Kirtland.
As noted in previous Kirtland Chronicle posts, we continue to work with the developer, as well as our finance and economic development teams regarding finance mechanisms for the project. Stay tuned for updates as this is an exciting opportunity to help grow Kirtland’s commercial tax base.
At the event, I spoke of Kirtland’s many great restaurants and eateries. I was proud
Thank you, and Happy Easter! Mayor, Potter
Happy Tails to Host Benefit May 3
Submitted
Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary will be holding its fourth annual "Sunday Dinner with a PURR-pose" benefit on May 3 at The Banquet Center at St. Noel, 35200 Chardon Road, in Willoughby Hills.
The event, from 2- 5 p.m. with begin registration at 1:30 p.m., and cost $75 per person, which covers a family-style dinner served at 2:30 p.m.
courtesy of Pure Image Photo Booth.
For inquiries or to make reservations (with an R.S.V.P. deadline of April 26), call Doreen at 440-759-0076 or email HappyTailsCatSanctuary@gmail.com.
The offerings include: beef, chicken, salmon, and pasta entrees (and vegan options available with advance notice); two vegetable side dishes; coffee and tea; soft drinks; juices; beer; wine; and desserts of cake and strudel. The event also features a silent auction, a Chinese auction, and a 50-50 raffle.
Free photos of attendees are available
Police from page 1
“Seth graduated from Stow-Monroe Falls High School. He continued his education at Malone University,” Fisher said. “Seth re-
Checks or money orders for reservations and/or donations can be mailed to: Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary, P.O. Box 581, Chesterland, OH 44026. To use PayPal, go to the donations section at HappyTailsCatSanctuary.org.
Happy Tails is a nonprofit, mostly cage-less and no-kill sanctuary in Geauga County, with foster homes in Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga counties. Some of the cats are adoptable, but others will remain at the sanctuary indefinitely due to physical or behavioral challenges. The cats are provided with food, shelter, attention and (when needed) veterinary care.
cently completed the Kent State University Police Academy. This is a significant accomplishment. It marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long and successful career in law enforcement. We look forward to supporting Seth as he begins this journey of serving the residents of Kirtland as a police officer.”
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Mayor Kevin Potter
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
Adult Programs
Chair Yoga
April 6 • 2 p.m.
Anne Owens leads gentle chair yoga. All levels welcome to this free event sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library. Please register.
Knit & Crochet
April 6 • 6 p.m.
April 21 • 6 p.m.
Drop in and get hooked with our knit and crochet club. Bring your own supplies and enjoy an evening of creating and chatting with fellow crafters.
Cricut Flowers
April 7 • 4 p.m.
Participants will learn how to design and cut a flower from a book page or cardstock using the library’s Cricut. All supplies will be provided; no experience is necessary.
Style It
April 10 • 1:30 p.m.
Want to design your own clothes? Bring your plain, boring shirts, shorts, hats, bandanas, canvas bags, etc. to this event and give them new life. We will provide fabric markers, stencils and stamps. You provide the base for your creativity and imagination. Come to this event and make one-of-a-kind clothing you will love. Cotton clothing is recommended and all fabrics should be washed before they’re decorated.
3D Print: Garden Stakes
April 14 • 2 p.m.
Participants will learn how to design their own, personalized garden stake in Tinkercad. This class is designed for beginners; no previous experience with Tinkercad is necessary. Registration is required. Prints will be ready 1-2 weeks after class.
Kirtland Library
Reduce Reuse Recycle Faire
April 18 • 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
A Goodwill truck will be on site to accept donations from the community. Help us collect enough donations to benefit the library. While you're here, join us for recycled and upcycled crafting for all ages. Activities include creating a gift envelope from the pages of old books and yarn wrapping shapes to make a unique decoration.
Edible Book Fest
April 18 • 12-3 p.m.
Make an edible book for our second Edible Book Festival. The rules are it must be entirely edible and it must represent a book title. It can be any book; it does not need to be shaped like a book or a cake.
Be creative and have some fun. The "books" will be admired, judged and then eaten. Bring in your piece by 12 noon. The age categories are 0-15 and 16 and up.
The prize categories are as follows for each category: funniest, most unique, most realistic, and one grand prize.
Maintenance of Perennials
April 20 • 6 p.m.
Perennial gardens require less maintenance than lawns, but they need regular care to look their best and stay healthy. Learn about some of the tasks that will keep your perennial beds looking beautiful from year to year.
Lithophane
April 23 • 11 a.m.
Participants will learn the basics of 3D design and create their own custom lithophane nightlight, using an image that they provide. To register, please contact the reference desk to reserve a half hour tech-one-onone slot. Please bring a flash drive with three images on it and we will use whichever one works best for the final project.
No Pressure Book Discussion
April 27 • 1:30 p.m.
Ready for some new book suggestions? Bring any suggestions for good books you have read and get some new ideas too. Bring a bag lunch if you like. Just drop in; no registration required
Cookbook Club
April 28 • 6 p.m.
Want to expand your kitchen skills? Every month, we cook up a new dish from a different theme. Bring your own place setting and beverage and the dish you prepare. Please sign up for more information. April will have us all exploring recipes from the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. Choose any recipe from her repertoire to make and share with the group.
Youth Programs
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 aged 5 and under. No need to register.
Special Events
Register for events at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us
LEGO Club
April 4 • 10:30 a.m.
Families, spend an hour building with the library's LEGO bricks. Once you have completed your creation place it on display until the next LEGO Club.
Dirt and Bugsy, Bug Catchers
April 6 • 10:30 a.m.
Explore the world of Dirt and Bugsy. Participants up through Grade 5 and their adults will hear the story of “Dirt and Bugsy, Bug Catchers” and color their own bug hotels. Please register every adult and child attending.
Holden Arboretum Tree Tale Tellers Story Time
April 8 • 10 a.m.
Families with children up through age 5, enjoy songs, rhymes, books and surprises with your child. Today's storytime will be led by Holden Arboretum Tree Tale Tellers. Come here stories and sing songs about trees, in honor of Arbor Day. No need to register.
Prom Makerspace
April 9 • 5-7 p.m.
In this two-hour program, participants will design their own corsage and boutonniere using the Library’s Cricut. There will also be an opportunity for participants to customize items that they bring, such as a clutch bag, with heat transfer vinyl.
Toddler & Preschool Dance Party
April 10 • 10:30 a.m.
Families with kids age 5 and under, spend half an hour dancing together and have fun with that energy. We will use different props like shakers and scarves. Please register for this event.
Teen Dip Party
April 21 • 3 p.m.
Youth in grades 6 and up, work in groups to create a variety of dips and enjoy them with chips, pretzels, fruit and vegetables. Dips will include hummus, guacamole and chocolate dips. Please register.
Meet Me at the Library
April 24 • 10:30 a.m.
Families with children age 5 and under, make new friends as you play with library toys that are not regularly out for use. Please register for this event.
Practice ACT Test
April 25 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Take a full-length, three-hour practice ACT and receive feedback regarding the results. This practice ACT will be free to attendees. (The fee is usually $195.)
Students should bring their own calculators (the same one they use for school; phones are not permitted). Test scores are not reported and will not impact students' college admission processes.
Coding Club
April 28 • 4 p.m.
Students from grades 3 through 5 are invited to join us for coding club. Using Code.org, we will learn the basics of how to code. No prior coding knowledge is required and laptops will be provided. Please register to attend.
Practice ACT “Scores Back” Session
April 30 • 6 p.m.
This is a score review session for the ACT practice test. Test-takers will receive a detailed score report and test analysis and discuss how their scores will affect the college admissions process. Please register for this event if you attended the ACT practice test at Kirtland Public Library.
from page 1
When Renfro and DiFranco were asked on senior night about their favorite memories as Hornets basketball players, they both discussed the excitement of playing at the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse during last season's OHSAA Regionals.
“Going to the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse, I didn't know what to expect,” DiFranco said. “We went in there and I think Dalton and Campbell Memorial were playing and they were scoring and it got super loud and we were star struck. Once we started playing on the court, the nerves went away. I really admired that place (Canton Memorial Fieldhouse) and how amazing that place was.”
With playing basketball at Canton Memorial Fieldhouse as a favorite memory, it is not surprising that Renfro and DiFranco played so well in an effort to return to the arena for the 2026 OHSAA Regionals.
After winning their District Semifinal matchup 59-51 over St. Thomas Aquinas on Feb. 28, the Hornets claimed the OHSAA District Title with a 63-43 victory over the Oberlin Phoenix on March 7 at Salem High School.
Renfro (20 points) and DiFranco (12) led the Hornets offensively in the District Championship Game.
With their victory over the Phoenix, the Hornets returned to the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse for the OHSAA Regionals for the second year in a row.
On March 10, the Hornets defeated the Grand Valley Mustangs in the OHSAA Regional Semifinals at the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse, 79-58. Renfro led the Hornets with 31 points while Jake LaVerde added 14 points, and DiFranco had 10 points.
Then, on March 13, also at the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse, the Hornets faced the Richmond Heights Spartans in the OHSAA Regional Title Game.
After the Spartans got out to an early 15-9 lead after one quarter of play, the Hornets came back strong in the second quarter.
Outscoring the Spartans 24-12 in the second quarter, the Hornets took a 33-27 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Hornets outscored the Spartans 38-34 to claim a 71-61 victory and punch their ticket to the Final Four in Dayton.
To lead the Hornets to their second consecutive OHSAA Regional Title, Renfro made the difference as he dropped 36 points to lead all scorers.
For the two, 2026 OHSAA Regional Tournament games, Renfro averaged 33.5 points per game.
After leading his team to their second consecutive OHSAA Regional title, Renfro said that he enjoyed playing at the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse.
“I always feel good playing here,” Renfro said. “It’s an amazing gym, great energy, and I think that makes me play better, for sure.”
In addition to Renfro’s 36 points, also leading the Hornets offensively in the OHSAA Regional Title Game victory were Jake LaVerde (12 points), Mike Dumstorff (8), DiFranco (7), Sam Ridgeway (6) and Ryan Caimi (2).
The Hornets season came to an end on March 20 against the Hiland Hawks (the 2026 Div. VI State Champions), in the Div. VI OHSAA Final Four at Wright State University.
As the Hornets basketball season came to a close, Renfro and DiFranco talked about the fun and enjoyment they had playing basketball at Kirtland and the commitment necessary to excel.
“I just want to say thank you to everybody for accepting me first of all,” Renfro said. “It’s been great. I poured my heart out into this. I did my best. It’s not the result I wanted tonight (in the OHSAA State Semifinal Game against Hiland). But I can look back on the two years and just be very proud of myself and also my teammates as well.”
Added DiFranco, “Last year we started off pretty rough and it felt like it was just going to be another season, you know, ‘Maybe we’ll fizzle out in the district round’. But towards the new year, we realized we really wanted this and we really had something special. And from that point on we never let up. And that led into this season. We practiced for six months straight and it was some of the most fun I have ever had in my life. And that’s very hard to practice for six months straight. But I think that senior leaders and juniors, and even underclassmen enjoyed it every bit and got better every time.”
Kirtland Schools
Many great things continue to take place at the Kirtland Local Schools.
Congratulations to the Kirtland Middle School First Lego League (FLL) Team who qualified to compete at the state level. The team continued to improve with each robot run and had a final score of 320. This was their best run of the season where they placed 19th in a very competitive field. The Buzz Buzz Sting Sting team, including Sofia Kosta, Nathan Turn er, Gianna Milazotto, John DeGreen, and Naomi Blankenship, Congratulations to the Boys’ Basket ball Team on earning a berth to play in the Final Four for the state championship for the second season in a row and third time in school history. The players are Jake Laverde, Ryan Caimi, Ben DiFranco, Jackson Cramp, AJ Runyan, Mario Lorber, Sammy Ridgeway, Nick Nead, Lucas Renfro, Jay’Veon Ware, Ryan Green, Caden Fall, Mike Dumstorff and Jared Cottrell. Thank you to Coach McGregor, Coach Bastian, Coach LaVerde, and Coach Ridgeway for their support and leadership. Thank you to our KHS Cheerleaders and Coach Tarasco bringing that energy and Hornet Pride all season.
By Chad VanArnhem, Superintendent
Congratulations to the KHS Robotics First Tech Challenge (FTC) Team who competed in the State Championship in Troy, Ohio. The team consists of Faith Blankenship, Ben Bran-
dal, David Blankenship, Alden Bradshaw, Will Cihula, Mason Picard, Ben Shepard, Noelle Fisher, Audrey Knaus and Andrew Urban. Ms. Heidi Grunenberg was recognized as the second place Compass Award winner. This nomination was generated and created completely by the FTC members in recognition of her unwavering support of this program.The Compass Award recognizes an adult coach or mentor who has given outstanding guidance and support to a team throughout the year and demonstrates to the team what it means to be a Gracious Professional. The Connect Award recognizes the team that most effectively connects with their local science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) community. The winning team demonstrates they are a
Congratulations and thank you to the coaches: Ms. Grunenberg, Mr. and Mrs. Rudder, Mr. Knaus, Mr. and Mrs. Blankenship, and Mr. Morris.
Congratulations to the KHS Key Club who attended the 76th annual Ohio District Key Club International Convention in Dublin. At the convention, students had the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, participate in a service project, attend caucusing, and socialize with other Key Club members around the state. The club won numerous awards and scholarship money including: 1st Place K-Family Project, 2nd Place Service Project, Distinguished VP Lauren Palagyi, Distinguished
Key Club Quality Sponsor Award, Distinguished Club President Matty Jankowski, 2nd place Club Achievement Report, Governor’s Support Award Priscilla Pennza, Thirst Project $1885 raised in 24 hours (Lauren Palagyi $297 2nd highest individual $ raised for Thirst Project), Scholarships (Lauren Palagyi $250, Corbin MacGillis $250, Matilda Jankowski $1000, Ohio District foundation Scholarship-Matty Jankowski), retired board members: Priscilla Pennza (District Webmaster), Tori Brown (LtG- 2 years), Charlie Whittaker(LTG) and inducted new LTG - Gia DiRenzo.
See Schools • Page 7
Play: : Murder with Tomato Sauce
By David J. LeMaster
Kirtland Key Club Earns Top Honors at District Conference
StAff report
Kirtland High School’s Key Club earned multiple statewide honors and individual recognitions during the 76th Annual Ohio District Key Club District Leadership Conference, held March 13-15 in Dublin, Ohio.
Led by advisor Meriah Duncan, 20 Kirtland students attended the conference, joining peers from across Ohio for a weekend focused on leadership, service and collaboration. The event included leadership workshops, a large-scale service project, caucusing sessions and networking opportunities with fellow student leaders.
Kirtland’s club was recognized for its service impact, earning first place for the K-Family Project and second place for Service Project.
Several students also received individual awards. Lauren Palagyi was named Distinguished Vice President, while Corbin MacGillis earned Distinguished Treasurer. Matty Jankowski was recognized as Distinguished Club President and received both the $1,000 Ohio District Key Club Scholarship and an approximately $1,000 Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship.
Priscilla Pennza, Ohio District webmaster, received the Governor’s Support Award for her service to the district executive
Schools from page 6
Thank you to all of our students and advisor Mrs. Duncan for their dedication to serving others and growing as leaders! Congratulations to seventh grader Lina Schneider who qualified for the State level of Power of the Pen Tournament! She will be joining the best young writers from across Ohio for the final round competition May 17-18. Lina was coached this year by Ms. Hedger and Ms. O’Donnell and supported by her teammates Sienna Praznovsky, Crosby Loschert, and Clint Hill.
board. In addition, Palagyi and MacGillis each earned $250 scholarships through the Ohio District Foundation.
The club also received the Key Club International Week Award, Teacher Appreciation Week Award and second place for the Club Achievement Report. The Kirtland Kiwanis was honored with the Key Club Quality Sponsor Award for its continued support of the organization.
Students also contributed to a fundraising effort for Thirst Project, a nonprofit that provides safe drinking water worldwide. Conference participants raised $1,885 in 24 hours, with Palagyi contributing $297—the second-highest individual total.
The conference also recognized 10 graduating Kirtland Key Club seniors for their years of leadership and service.
Duncan said the event provided an opportunity for students to grow as leaders and connect with peers from across the state.
“Kirtland students represented our school and community incredibly well,” Duncan said. “Their dedication to helping others and growing as leaders continues to make a meaningful impact.”
The Ohio District Leadership Conference supports the mission of Key Club International, which promotes leadership development through community service.
Kirtland Area Service Council, Kirtland Kiwanis (Mary and Mike Sams), Sherwin Williams (Austin Marthe and Alex Wade), the Builder’s Club and UH. The donations of items and funds to purchase items is very much appreciated. Thank you to all!
Kindergarten registration has started at Kirtland Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year. Families can register by visiting the Kirtland Local Schools website.
Thank you to all that helped provide safety buckets for every classroom in the school district. These buckets are a resource that would be utilized if students and staff had to be “locked down” for an extended period of time in their classrooms. The buckets are another example of the community coming together to support our school. A huge thank you goes to Julia Dewolf at the Senior Center Volunteer Group,
The Kirtland Local Schools will host its annual Senior Citizen Appreciation Night on Thursday, April 16th with a dinner and show. The cost is $5.00 for dinner and the show is FREE. Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm in the Kirtland High School Cafeteria followed by the play "Murder with Tomato Sauce" by David J. LeMaster at 7:00 pm in Hornet Hall. Reservations are required and can be made at the Senior Center, online using the QR code. Please make checks payable to Kirtland Local Schools. The deadline for reservations is April 10.
Thank you for your continued support, and go Hornets!
Kirtland High School Key Club members pose at the Ohio District Leadership Conference in Dublin,
From left, “Students of the Month” Gracie Heising, of KES, Holly Loncar, of KMS, and Corinne Ayers, of KHS.
April Students of the Month
The Kirtland Kiwanis “Students of the Month” for April 2026 are fifth-grader Gracie Heising, of Kirtland Elementary School, seventh-grader Holly Loncar, of Kirtland Middle School, and ninth-grader Corinne Ayers, 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.”
tournament after competing at Hudson Mid dle School, where she placed in the top 50% during three rounds of extemporaneous writing against other seventh-grade students.
She will compete at the state competition
by KAthy tAlty
May 17-18 at Ashland University. The event will include three additional rounds of writing, along with creative writing workshops and a
Schnieder was coached by Kelly Hedger and Andreha O’Donnell and supported by
schert and Clint Hill.
School officials congratulated Schnieder on her achievement and wished her success at the state competition.
Kiwanis Korner
Congratulations to our very hard-working KHS Key Club members for all their service and leadership. At the Ohio District Leadership Conference in mid-March, our Key Club received 10 awards including Distinguished Club President - Matty Jankowski; Distinguished VP- Lauren Palagyi; Distinguished Treasurer- Corbin McGillis; and Governor’s Support Award- Priscilla Pennza; as well as 10 seniors being recognized. The Kirtland Kiwanis also received the Quality Sponsor Award.
Another service leadership group, Builder’s Club, were busy assembling 12 Easter baskets for KES families in need.
Our younger SLP group, K Kids, listened to Lake Metroparks Executive Director Paul Palagyi speak about the animals at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. They also had the Kirtland High School Robotics Club show all their robots they have been busy designing for the state competitions.
And lastly, our Aktion Club collected approximately 224 pounds of pull tabs to help the Ronald McDonald House.
To learn about our Kiwanis Club, please join us April 16th for our open house at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and then explore our different committees at 7 p.m. at the Kirtland Community Center.
The Kiwanis would like to congratulate the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints on their commemoration of 190 years of the Historic Kirtland Temple.
The Rummage Sale is May 14-16 at the Community of Christ Church. If you have any treasures to donate, call Mary Sams at 216347-0771.
Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast at the Community of Christ Church the first Saturday of every month with donations given to local charities.
Queen Bee quote inspired by James Matthew Barrie: Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
CHUCK BICKART/KIRTLAND KIWANIS
KMS Robotics Teams Earn Recognition in FIRST LEGO League
StAff report
Three Kirtland Middle School robotics teams earned honors during the 2025-26 FIRST LEGO League season, highlighting students’ skills in innovation, teamwork and problem-solving.
The Steel Stingers, Hungry Hungry Hornets and Buzz Buzz Sting Sting teams spent months designing, building and programming robots while developing solutions to real-world challenges.
Steel Stingers team members included Liam Brown, Calvin MacGillis, Luke Loncar, Bo Brauer and Danny Bryant.
The Hungry Hungry Hornets team—Cole Prymicz, Westley Kelly, Ronan Popovich, Crosby Loschert and Connor Sousaris—
earned the Innovation Award at a regional competition, advancing to the district level.
Buzz Buzz Sting Sting, comprised of Sofia Kosta, Nathan Turner, Gianna Milazotto, John DeGreen and Naomi Blankenship, advanced to the Ohio FIRST LEGO League Championship in Troy, where teams were evaluated on robot design, performance, core values and an innovation project.
At the state competition, Buzz Buzz Sting Sting earned both the Engineering Excellence Award and Innovation Award and placed 19th overall in robot performance.
School officials said the teams’ success reflects strong participation in STEM programming and students’ dedication to learning and innovation.
Garden Club to Discuss Tea Gardens May 7
The Garden Club of Kirtland will have a presentation on tea gardens at its May 7 meeting, which starts at 6 p.m.
Those in attendance will make a tea blend and learn from the guest speaker about her garden and process. Everyone will go away with a container of loose tea as well as some tea bags.
The club’s annual plant sale will be held May 15-16 at the Community of Christ, 9017 Chillicothe Road. Please start dividing your plants and thinking spring.
For more information, contact Mary at GardenClubofKirland@gmail.com
Genealogical Society Meets
April 30
Submitted
The Lake County Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting on April 30, via Zoom, with Merralee Retallick as the guest speaker.
Retallick will be presenting an "Introduction to AI for Genealogy," which will include basic terminology of artificial intelligence and a bit about where it has been and where it is going in relation to genealogy. She will review common genealogical applications and tips for getting the best results with AI.
As a youngster, Merralee was fascinated by what stories were behind the inscriptions, dates and symbols on headstones in cemeteries. One of her grandmothers introduced her to genealogy. As artificial intelligence is becoming more mainstream, she has become fascinated, curious, excited, and sometimes terrified by its prospects.
Merralee is semi-retired, and when she isn't working with AI while building a company with her two co-founders, she is trying to apply it to genealogy.
The Lake County Genealogical Society will meet using video conferencing with Zoom beginning at 10 a.m. on April 30. Any person interested in family history or genealogy is invited to join. To receive an invitation to the Zoom meeting, send an email at least two days in advance of the meeting to lcgsohio@ lcgsohio.org or use contact form on the LCGS website.
To
Investor paying cash for homes/land in any condition. Call or text Brian today at 440-346-0161 for a No-obligation offer. No repairs needed. Fast closings.
Call to Crafters
St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 11519 Wilson Mills Road, Chardon, Ohio will be hosting a Christmas in July Craft Show on July 18th, 2026 from 9-4. At this time we are looking for crafters for this event. For more info call 440-279-4022.
Host ‘Mad Hatter’s Mischief’ program April 14
Submitted Retired teachers
The Lake County Retired Teachers Association will host its next luncheon meeting April 14 at Mama Roberto’s, 8658 Mentor Ave. Social time begins at 11 a.m., with the program at 11:30 a.m.
Local historian Ginnie Jeschelnig will present “Lake County Crime Files: The Mad Hatter’s Mischief,” highlighting the story of Nelson Radabaugh, a 1940s hat designer whose successful career and unexpected encounters with the law make for a compelling local history tale.
The luncheon includes a buffet with a choice of chicken Florentine or breaded walleye, along with sides, dessert and beverages. Members are asked to bring donations for the Sub Zero Mission, including men’s winter coats, hats, gloves, boots and new socks. Aluminum pull tabs will also be collected for Ronald McDonald House.
Reservations are required by April 3. Cost is $21 per person. Checks payable to LCRTA should be mailed to Karen Sawitke, 9399 Ridgeside Drive, Mentor, OH 44060, with meal choice noted.
The organization welcomes new members, including retired teachers and others interested in supporting education. For more information, visit lakecountyrta. weebly.com
