POST
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 • Vol. 18 No. 15 • FREE
KraftMaid Workers Provided Free On-site Clinic Staff Report A year ago, KraftMaid Cabinetry began providing free, accessible healthcare for its 1,800 area employees and their families. The addition of an on-site clinic for workers illustrates a new chapter in the company’s 45-year history in Northeast Ohio. After a series of acquisitions and mergers following its move to Middlefield in 1981, MASCO sold the division for $1 billion in 2019 to ACA Products Inc., according to the Tribune Chronicle. Now part of the Cabinetworks Group brand, KraftMaid operates in Orwell, Middlefield and other locations across the country. Jeff Jackson, CEO of Cabinetworks Group, recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with the largest privately-owned cabinet manufacturer in the U.S., according to a company press release. The healthcare program was driven by Jackson. “One thing I’m deeply passionate about is taking care of our team members,” Jackson said in the press release. “Shortly after I joined Cabinetworks, we launched a free on-site medical clinic to ensure our team understood that their health needs are valued. Everyone’s busy and no one enjoys taking time out of their
Home Delivered Holiday Meals Available
The Geauga County Department on Aging and local Christmas sponsors Ohman Family Living and the Chardon VFW will offer a free traditional holiday meal to any Geauga County senior, age 60 and older, who will be home and alone on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. There will be no regular Home Delivered Meal delivery or congregate meals on Christmas Day. Instead, holiday meals are available by preorder only. Christmas Day meal requests are due by Dec. 18. For more information or to sign up for a meal, call the department on aging at 440-2792163 or 440-279-2130.
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A KraftMaid employee receives health services at the free, on-site medical clinic and wellness center at the Cabinetworks operation in Middlefield.
day to sit in a waiting room. Too often, people just push through an illness because they don’t have the time or are concerned about cost. “With our on-site clinic, team members and their dependents can take care of their health quickly, conveniently and at no cost so they can stay at their best,” he added. Medcor Group Inc. opened the clinic at the Cabinetworks manufacturing plant in November 2024. Since its opening, it has treated more than 900 team members, spouses and dependents at no cost to the employees. Illinois-based Medcor provides health navigation, injury and ill-
ness triage, and safety services to employers and their workforces, according to the company’s website. The Middlefield clinic offers free services to the company’s 1,800 area team members, including lab work, routine medical care, wellness exams, physicals, sports physicals and immunizations. More than 5,000 team members participated in a recent town hall meeting in Middlefield focused on the company’s strategy, the importance of operational excellence and efficiency, and efforts to build its various brands. The Cabinetworks’ leadership team’s presentation was livestreamed to operations
as far away as Utah and Oregon. Mike Wothe, chief operating officer for Cabinetworks Group, outlined the company’s goals. “While we are operating in a tough market, Cabinetworks continues to perform above market and that is due to our incredible team of hard-working employees and a renewed commitment to winning market share through efficiency, safety, clean and bright facilities, and investment in more than 150 capital projects to improve our plants,” he said. In addition to the on-site health clinic, Cabinetworks also provides employees with an operational hourly bonus program; financial assistance program that allows team members to apply for a grant or interest-free loan if they have an immediate financial need or crisis; a scholarship program for employees’ children; enhanced tuition reimbursement for team members; increased vacation time for longterm employees; and a corporate benefits program, the release said. “We announced in January that we would launch new products in all four of our core brands – KraftMaid, Medallion, Merillat and Smart,” said Danielle Mikesell, chief marketing officer for Cabinetworks on the website. “Since then, we’ve brought more new products to market than in the past 15 years at Cabinetworks and in doing so, we’ve reinvigorated our brands, energized our team and sparked excitement among kitchen designers.”
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Cardinal High School inducted seven new members into the National Honor Society. They are (l to r) Cecelia Kaplan, Emily Pleva, Delilah Turon, Izzabell Lingler, Garrett Omlor, Oliver Kumher and Alyssa Detweiler.
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Community Meetings Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions in Huntsburg, Middlefield and Parkman townships, the Village of Middlefield and Cardinal Schools. (Please note: These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.) Huntsburg Township: Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road. Middlefield Village: Dec. 11 5:30 p.m. – Finance & Ordinance, 6 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave. Parkman Township: Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted. Cardinal BOE: Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.
Bloodmobile American Red Cross asks donors to give blood or platelets now to help maintain a healthy blood supply. Visit RedCrossBlood. org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment. Dec. 11, Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 29, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.
Library MIDDLEFIELD BRANCH 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 440-6321961. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.
Library Led Discussions
Dec. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Discuss “Someone Else’s Shoes” by Jojo Moyes. No registration is required.
Preschool Process Art
Dec. 18, 11-11:30 a.m. Kids ages of 3-5 will develop their fine motor skills, creativity and confidence through open-ended art activities.
Wreaths Across America Honored at St. Mary Please join St. Mary Chardon’s Beacon of Light group as we honor Wreaths Across America on Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon. Wreaths Across America is a national event, laying wreaths on the graves of veterans to remember and honor our country’s fallen heroes. St. Mary Chardon’s Beacon of Light is sponsoring the event this year at a new location: East Claridon Cemetery, 12545 Old State Road, Claridon. Help us remember the men and women who served our country, honor our military and their families, and teach our children about our freedom and those who protect it. There will be a short opening ceremony starting at 12:00 p.m. followed by the laying of wreaths on more than 150 grave sites. Parking will be available at Highwater Fish Farm, 12589 Old State Rd., Claridon, OH.
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Faith Matters The Winter Blues Revisited It looks like winter is wasting no time • Avoid spending too much time online moving in. The snow and cold are making its with your phone or computer. Likewise, try to presence known. In addition, it seems like limit how much TV you watch. There are much the day ends way too early, with daylight be- better ways to spend your time. Cooking, sewing, woodworking, taking photos and reading a ginning to fade by 5 p.m. If you are like me, you might wish the good book are just a few activities to consider. • Listen to good music, plan your next warmer, brighter autumn weather could be extended a bit longer. Of course, we can’t ex- vacation, get a pet for companionship or join a weekly Bible study. Consider pect that here in Northeast Ohio, looking after a friend’s children so we just have to accept the for a couple hours. Offer to spend changes and make the necessary time with your grandchildren. adjustments. Don’t get bogged down with just No doubt, the next 2-3 months “doing nothing.” Look for creative will be a challenge for some folks ways to spend your time. who battle discouragement or de• If you experience melancholy pression. We talk about the “winthat lingers or becomes too heavy, ter blues” and it can certainly be By Roger Kruse see your doctor, talk to a counselor a reality. Those who face health or at least confide in a friend. We all go through issues, loneliness or other stress factors may difficult seasons of life and need a listening ear find their personal struggle even greater. It and a helping hand. can be helpful to honestly face your own dis• Finds reasons to smile and laugh. position and outlook regarding your day-toLaughter is good medicine for the soul. day life. How are you affected? What changes During a dark season I experienced years could you make to encourage and improve ago, I found a wholesome comedian on Youyour experience during the coming weeks? Tube who made me laugh. I needed that. Every season of life has its positive el• Stop watching the news. It can exacements. We need to focus on those things erbate worry and feed anxiety. If you are a and cultivate a lifestyle that has purpose and Browns fan, consider finding a new team to brings joy. Allow me to suggest some ideas cheer for. (Sorry, that’s my attempt at humor.) that may be helpful. • Let your times of difficulty become an • Daily exercise is important. My wife and opportunity for spiritual growth. Faith often I give priority to taking a walk each day. Of course, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. takes root and deepens during times of hardNevertheless, keep yourself moving. Many ship and testing. Let your weakness become watches can track your steps and provide an an opportunity to discover God’s strength. incentive to reach certain goals. Consider Draw near to God and He will draw close to using a treadmill at home or getting a mem- you. The Lord is near to all who call upon His bership at a local fitness venue. Seniors can name. Read the Bible and watch your faith sometimes enjoy privileges without charge by grow. Talk to Jesus, the Good Shepherd of your soul. He loves you so much. The prayers signing up with the Silver Sneakers program. • Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to of ordinary people who love and trust God friends, relatives and neighbors. Interaction are powerful and effective. and conversation with other people is importRoger Kruse is no stranger to the struggle that ant. Make a phone call, send a text or email and the winter blues can bring. However, by God’s be aware of people who need your encourage- grace and the blessing of His goodness, he emergment. By encouraging someone else you will es stronger and even more appreciative when the Spring daffodils begin to bloom once again. discover that your own spirits will be lifted.
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East Geauga Kiwanis Honors Outstanding 3rd-grader East Geauga Kiwanis Club recently recognized Cardinal Elementary School third-grader Jett K. for his outstanding class performance during the first grading period. He received a certificate and four literature books from the club. SUBMITTED
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Nov. 28 and Dec. 4, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only. HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP Jaws Lumber LLC, 16622 Burton Windsor Road, to Allen J. and Miriam M. Miller, $60,600. (6.37 acres) MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP R. E. Gibco Ltd., 15339 Kinsman Road, to Axel Fisser, $650,000. (29.51 acres) Chester C. and Martha M. Miller, 15972 Madison Road, to Nathan M., Maurine M., Marty J. and Laura M. Fisher, $350,000. (3.60 acres) Linda S. Shank (TOD), 15850 Adams Road, to John Mark and Rhonda Shank, $100,000. (2.25 acres) Darrell S. Moody, 17364 Kinsman Road, to Anthony Mancini, $350,000. (2.39 acres) Darrell S. and Jeffery O. Moody, Kinsman Road, to Anthony Mancini, $150,000. (3.00 acres) MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE NVR Inc., 15420 Oak Hill Drive, to Denzel Andrew and Lashawnna Rae Jones, $411,100. (0.26 acres) NVR Inc., 15255 Woodsong Drive, to Myriam Audate, $313,200. (0.21 acres)
NVR Inc., 15396 Oak Hill Drive, to Bearl F. and Tina M. Merico, $355,900. (0.26 acres) NVR Inc., 15427 Oak Hill Drive, to Richard Allen and Barbara Ann Crevier, $409,600. (0.23 acres) NVR Inc., 15257 Woodsong Drive, to Kraig B. Hoffmann (trustee), $291,600. (0.21 acres) PARKMAN TOWNSHIP Brian T. and Julie L. Hahner, 16995 Bundysburg Road, to Adam James and Katelin Marie Legazza Vaughn, $410,000. (4.07 acres) Joe E. Mullet (trustee), 16451 Newcomb Road, to Lester A. Byler, $200,000. (3.30 acres) JRK Holdings Ltd., Old State Road, to Robert and Leona Graham, $15,000. (2.66 acres) Marlin M. and Fannie S. Kauffman, Nash Road, to Robert D. and Ada C. Slabaugh, $161,200. (14.26 acres) Marlin M. and Fannie S. Kauffman, Nash Road, to James D. Hershberger, $160,400. (14.19 acres) Marlin M. and Fannie S. Kauffman, Nash Road, to Roy M. and Nancy U. Miller, $182,000. (16.10 acres) Larisa Maji, Jennifer Olah and Carla Phillips, 19133 Nelson Road, to David M. and Barbara M. Byler, $271,000. (1.75 acres)
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State Budget Cuts Prompt GCPL to Scale Back Services By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com In addition to remaining closed on Sundays through 2026, the Geauga County Public Library will be implementing other service reductions to absorb a $250,000 loss in funding due to state budget cuts. “We ran a lot of statistics and data that we had about Sundays and we were really looking at ways to reduce our expenditures in ways that would impact the least number of patrons, so that is why we’re closed Sundays through 2026,” GCPL Executive Director Kris Carroll said Nov. 21. The library lost around $250,000 in the state’s biennium budget, she said, adding it would have lost $178,000 as a result of piggyback exemptions.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed Ohio House Bill 96 (the state operating budget) in early July, reducing the library’s funding exponentially, Carroll said. Being closed on Sundays — which began in August — is one way GCPL will continue to operate within its budget, she said. “Sundays is always one of the things that gets cut first, but it’s also one of the things that we bring back as soon as we’re able to afford it,” she added. GCPL also had to cut other resources to stay within budget, including reducing the number of research databases and print magazines available, Carroll said. Program guides, which are produced inhouse, will no longer be mailed to county homes, she said, adding hotspot lending will also be discontinued next year.
Carroll expressed relief that the Geauga County Commissions decided not to opt into piggyback property tax exemptions offered as part of HB 96 after hearing input from local entities. “While House Bill 96 was framed as local property tax relief, this particular provision would have shifted even more of the burden onto our communities over time, either through earlier and larger library levies or further reductions in services,” a GCPL press release said. “County commissioners showed real foresight and restraint by looking beyond a short-term ‘quick fix’ and recognizing the long-term consequences of this provision for libraries, schools, townships and other county-funded services.” Carroll said she remains grateful for the
commissioners’ decision. “We’re very happy that the commissioners and the auditor and everyone took the time to talk to all the entities that would be impacted by that exemption and to really think about how that would impact services in the community,” she said. “We did receive a reduction in funding from the state, but the county commissioners were very thoughtful in their approach to the piggyback exemption and we’re very happy about that. “I understand that people want property tax relief. I understand that completely,” Carroll added. “I think it’s just best if we are thoughtful in how we do it and we make sure we understand what the ramifications of it will be for services for people in the county.”
Laketran, Geauga Transit Secure $2.3M Grant to Expand Job Access Staff Report Laketran and Geauga Transit have received two Workforce Mobility Program (OWMP) grants from the Ohio Department of Transportation totaling $2.3 million — including a new $2 million award — to improve job access and expand regional transit service between Lake and Geauga counties. The funding builds on the 2023 launch of Geauga Transit’s “Wheels to Work” program, which has increased ridership by 16%. With the new award, the agencies will
pursue cross-county service options, with a focus on connecting Amish residents and other transit-dependent populations to employment opportunities. “This is a very exciting opportunity for Geauga Transit and I truly appreciate ODOT’s continued support of our vision for improving regional transportation between Lake and Geauga counties,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “This new award gives us the opportunity to explore cross-county transportation that connects residents to employment throughout the region. We’re
excited to build on the success of the Wheels to Work program and continue expanding mobility and economic opportunity for the communities we serve.” ODOT awarded about $13.5 million statewide in this OWMP round. “The Workforce Mobility Program is a great tool that helps ODOT deliver on its mission to ensure every Ohioan has access to transportation opportunities, regardless of whether they own a vehicle,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvor-
ak noted the significance of the investment. “This is historically one of the largest federal investments for public transit that Geauga County has ever received,” Dvorak said. “I truly appreciate the partnership with Laketran, ODOT and our state representatives that goes into securing these funds to enhance transit options that will benefit our local businesses and workforce.” Laketran and Geauga Transit will begin outreach and planning in 2026 to determine service alternatives and implementation steps.
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Classifieds FOR SALE Anchor Brand Folding Bench Wringer Floor Stand: 48” tall, Patent 1896, $240. 440-554-5731. Hammond Organ A-100, Leslie Speakers 21H and 31H. PR-40 tone cabinet. Looks and sounds great, never gigged, no smoke. $4,750. 440-856-3946. Fisher Price Vintage Airport, complete set-$15. Wooden Doll Crib and Highchair-$20. Nursery Infant Scale-$6. Honda CRV floor mats-$8. Vintage metal tricycle-$15. 440-346-7708, leave msg. John Deere 350B Trackloader $8,000. Ford 8N Tractor $1,500. Text 330-442-0085 for more info. Please leave message if calling. Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Used 38’x50’ blue tarp, $40. 440-548-5801 or 216387-8994. Stained Glass Sheets, HO Train items, large granite counter-top pieces, copper kettles, fresh/salt water aquariums, old clocks, kerosene lamps. Inquire. 440338-3563. Russell. Vintage Baby Buggy: $65. 440-487-2955. Empty Hanging Plant Baskets, Free. 440-338-3039. Cookie Monster Cookie Jar $25. 440-286-4772. Teeter Inversion Chair: Excellent Condition, $250. BowFlex Max-5 Elliptical $650. 440-548-7631 or 440669-7666. Parkman, Oh. Two double-hung Provia replacement windows: combined dimensions 75 7/8 X 53 5/8. Perfect for a front window $500. 440-336-5044 George. Custom sizes & shapes available.
HELP WANTED Part-time Cleaner wanted at St. Anselm School in Chesterland. 4:00pm-9:00pm Monday-Friday. $18 an hour. Must be 18+ and felony free. Call Sal Lazzano: 440897-8931. Part-time Farm Help Needed: Sat/Sun/Wed 8:30am11:30am. Clean and Bed 4 horse stalls. Refill hay nets. Turn out. Misc. other odd farm duties. Must pass background check. No smoking. 440-256-7297.
PETS & ANIMALS Pygmy Buck Goats $80/ea. Nigerian Dwarf/Pygmy cross wether $75. Holland Lop Bunnies $10/ea. Silkie Chickens $10/ea. 440-321-8152. Dog Boarding Day Care: in-home. Call John 440-5338870. www.happyhoundhouse.com RINGNECK PHEASANTS - FLIGHT CONDITIONED: Cock birds $20. Hens $15. Propagation permitted farm. Rome, Oh. 440-387-9857. Gray 6 month old tuxedo cat needs indoor home. Neutered, vaxxed, very sweet but shy. Great with other cats. Call Rebecca 440-321-2485.
MISCELLANEOUS THANK YOU Bainbridge for shutting down the Smoke Shop that was selling marijuana etc to minors! You’re preventing future addictions.
REAL ESTATE Local Investor will pay fair cash price for homes or land in any condition. Fast closing. Call or text 440-3460161 today. Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.
DRIVER FOR AMISH COMMUNITY
12-passenger van Weekly rates from $1,200 to $2,000. Call AMG Rentals at 330-984-1108.
SERVICES
Reliable, dependable, safe, Driver available for work crews, field trips, and taxi services. Please contact 330502-3147 to schedule.
Will do in-home elder care, housework and laundry. Certified with references. 440-313-1804. AM Rides LLC: Reliable transportation for Amish crew hauling, cleaning crews, hunting trips, auctions, and towing. Safe, insured and on time. Airport trips also available. Call Craig: 330-431-8282. Announcing: Newbury Cares Inc, an Ohio domestic non-profit corporation, serving Newbury Township residents with scholarships. More details to come in 2026.
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331. 4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal. Wanted to Buy: One Used Drill Press. 440-635-1901.
WANTED TO BUY
Wednesday, December 10, 2025