Wednesday, December 24, 2025 • Vol. 18 No. 16 • FREE
Kaballos Demolition Makes Way For Possible New Business By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
ANN WISHART/KMG
Demolition of the former Kaballos Mexican Restaurant in Middlefield Village began earlier this week. The building was ravaged by a fire in April.
Kaballos Mexican Restaurant was gutted by a fire the morning of April 13, 2025, leaving a blackened shell in the center of Middlefield Village’s largest commercial district. Last week, demolition of the charred structure on 0.8 of an acre at 15585 W. High Street began with giant green containers parked on the snowy asphalt parking lot to be filled with the remnants of the popular family-owned eatery. Larry Shibley, owner of the property, said in a phone interview Dec. 17 he leased the restaurant to Ramon and Maria Arellanos two years ago. In December 2023, the Arellanos family remodeled the building, filling it with personal touches, including a hand-painted mural created by Ramon’s father, according to See Kaballos • Page 3
MPD Apprehends The Grinch The Grinch attempted to steal Christmas donations that were being collected Dec. 14 at The Marketplace Mall in Middlefield. Pictured to the left are Middlefield Police Department officers Cody Napfzger, left and Steve Nadaud arresting the Grinch. Marketplace Mall worked with the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce as one of many collection locations for their Christmas toy drive. The donations were later delivered to Ravenwood Health, which had expressed a significant need due to numerous requests from families. SUBMITTED
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Middlefield Village
Officials May Put Renewal EMS Levy on Fall Ballot Staff Report Middlefield Village officials may consider putting the village’s ambulance levy on the ballot for renewal next November, citing rising service demands and a significant number of calls outside the contract area. Middlefield Village Mayor Ben Garlich said during the Dec. 11 village council meeting the private ambulance company contracted to serve the village and Middlefield Township is responding to roughly one-third of its calls outside the contract area as a mutual aid provider. The village pays Community Care Ambulance $124,317 annually for service, Garlich said. Village statistics show only about twothirds of emergency medical service calls originate within the contracted coverage area, Garlich said. Chris Brook, CCA’s director of customer relations, attended the meeting and said the company is operating at a deficit. He attributed part of the shortfall to state law limiting billing practices for private ambulance providers. Brook said private ambulance companies are legally prohibited from billing patients
Kaballos from page 1
a Kaballos employee who had set up a GoFundMe account to help the family. Shibley said Middlefield Village required the demolition after officials determined the burned-out structure was dangerous. Once the debris is cleared to the pavement, he said he is hopeful the site will be leased by someone interested in starting another business, but he does not plan to construct a new building there. “We’d easily end up spending $2 million putting up a new building,” he said. Talks with the Arellanos family about rebuilding have not progressed and Shibley said he is open to offers. “We will wait to see what we get,” he said, adding the real estate also may be sold, though he is not in a rush. “We’ll decide based on what’s good for the plaza and the community,” Shibley said.
directly and instead receive only what insurance companies pay under the No Surprise Billing Act approved in Ohio in 2022, he said. Middlefield Village voters renewed an ambulance levy in 2022 that yielded $92,406 per year at 100% collection, said village Fiscal Officer Nick Giardina Dec. 15. Because the village ambulance fund carried an excess balance in 2023, council voted to suspend levy collections from 2024 through 2026 to reduce the surplus, he said. At the end of November, the fund balance stood at $96,213.44, which, combined with general fund money, is sufficient to cover the village’s 2026 contract with CCA, Giardina said. “We are not collecting in 2026,” Giardina said, adding council is likely to place the levy back on the ballot for renewal in November 2026, with collections resuming in 2027 if approved. Garlich said in a follow-up phone call the Geauga County Budget Commission required the village to pay down the ambulance fund before resuming levy collections. He reiterated nearly one-third of CCA’s calls are mutual aid responses to townships outside the village and Middlefield Township. “We’ve gotta make sure it's equitable for the village,” Garlich said. He said he offered to establish Kaballos at another nearby site, but the family instead decided to move the restaurant to a smaller space in Newbury Center at the intersection of Kinsman and Auburn roads last summer and has not revisited his offer. “I hear they are doing pretty well. They are a great family,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed working with them. Any way we can help the family move back to Middlefield, we will.” Shibley owns nine Yours Truly restaurants in the Cleveland area but said he does not expect to open one in Middlefield or Burton, though he likes both communities. “We are not planning on coming to Middlefield Village at this point,” he said, noting Yours Truly is undergoing some corporate changes. On the Kaballos website, Ramon Arellanos left a heartfelt message: “During this difficult moment, we find strength in the support of our community. We are truly blessed and we thank God for the gift of belonging to such a loving and united community."
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Middlef ield Community News from Middlefield, Parkman, Huntsburg and Surrounding Areas
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Faith Matters God’s Rescue Mission from Heaven My wife and I had the privilege recently 3:16,17). That is why the angel announced to of reaching out to a 13-year-old girl whose fa- the shepherds in the field, “I bring you good ther is behind bars. He has been in prison for news of great joy that will be for all the peoquite a few years. We met her and her grand- ple… a Savior has been born for you; He is mother in order to give Christmas gifts on be- Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:12,11). half of the dad who is missing from her life. Despite the mission being accomplished The Angel Tree program is designed to fill a (i.e., Jesus’ death on the Cross and resurgap that exists in families affected by a parent rection = the defeat of sin & death), there who has been incarcerated. remains the question of your For half an hour we enjoyed response and mine. The Scripa friendly conversation about her ture says that Jesus came to this life… her schooling, hobbies, etc. world, but the world did not recWe also shared candidly what we ognize that He was God among us have learned about God’s love and (Emmanuel). He came to the very power that can work in circumpeople He created, but they “did stances that we do not consider not receive Him. Yet to all who do good. The Lord specializes in receive Him, to those who believe meeting us and helping us discov- By Roger Kruse in His name, He gives the right to er what only He can do. become a child of God” (John 1:10-12). Isn’t that the real message of Christmas? Imagine if terrible floods forced you to God sent His beloved Son on a rescue mistake refuge on top of your roof, and you had sion. Wayward humanity needed a Savior to no way of escape. Would you accept the resbring us back into life-giving fellowship with cue mission sent to save you, when the hethe God who made us. However, our Creator licopter hovered over your head? It seems gave us all the freedom of choice. Each of us foolish to seriously consider the alternative. determines the individual path we will folNevertheless, people turn their backs on low. We are at liberty to make up our own God’s grace every day. minds and chart our own course. However, The Christmas carol, “Joy to the World” our choices come with a responsibility and exhorts us, “Let every heart prepare Him eventual consequences. room.” In order to discover the real joy of Because we have each one gone astray, Christmas we need to make room in our we find ourselves in a predicament of alienhearts for the Savior God has provided. His ation and estrangement from God. The spirrescue involves not only the forgiveness of itual lifeline intended for us was lost. The our sins, but the gift of His Holy Spirit who Bible says we are “dead in our trespasses and will indwell us and impart to us the peace and sins,” “blinded by the god of this age [Satan] power of heaven. from seeing the glory of Christ.” This is not The joy and wonder of Christmas is not a very flattering picture of our spiritual conwrapped up in gifts from Amazon, TJ Maxx dition. and Kohls. Rather it is the wonder of the SavThus, we see the need for a rescue misior who came to bring us life in all its fullness. sion from heaven. “God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son that Roger Kruse remembers well his first Christwhoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His mas as a new believer back in 1971. The reality Son into the world to condemn the world, of Jesus’ love and life brought the ultimate Yulerather to save the world through Him” (John tide cheer.
Shop with Cops Benefits Eight Local Families
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Middlefield Village police officers acted the part of Santa’s elves at the 13th annual Middlefield Village Shop with Cops Dec. 13 event to make sure eight families enjoyed a Merry Christmas this year. Chief Joe Tucholski said about $4,500 from three anonymous donors made the event possible. Officers Dylan Conent, left, and Matt Spitler help wrap gifts to send home for more than 30 children who attended. Walmart Superstore in Middlefield Village provided the wrapping materials and snacks, Tucholski said.
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Town Crier Family Dinner and Movie Night
Dec. 26, 4 p.m. First United Methodist Church hosts its God Shares a Meal and movie night at the church located at 14999 South State Ave., Middlefield. Dinner is from 4-6 p.m., followed by a family movie at 6:15 p.m. For information, call 440-632-0480.
Bloodmobile
Dec. 29, 12-6 p.m. American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment.
Genealogical Society Meets SUBMITTED
Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield members present a $500 donation to Judy Maloney, of Claridon Community Helps, in support of the organization’s program for Geauga County families.
Jan. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Cheryl McClellan will present “Who Were Northeast Ohio's Prehistoric Native Ameri-
cans?” via Zoom at the next meeting of the Geauga County Genealogical Society. Learn about NE Ohio’s first people, including the “Whittlesey Focus” culture. The program begins after a brief business meeting. Registration is required; visit gcgsoh.org.
Life Recovery 12 Step Meeting
Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. The open group for men and women meets weekly at Horizons Christian Assembly, 14920 White Road in Middlefield and welcomes anyone struggling with grief, alcoholism, addiction, depression, co-dependency or any other habit that lessens the quality of life. The group offers support, encouragement, fellowship and discipleship. Learn more at www.Horizons4you.com/ LifeRecovery.
Holiday Meals Provided Through Claridon Community Helps–Rotary Partnership
Leadership Geauga Class Supports Hunger Relief
Claridon Community Helps (CCH) and members of the Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club joined forces Nov. 25 at Claridon Community Church to pack and deliver Thanksgiving meals to families in need across Geauga County. Six Rotarians, along with several family volunteers, assisted CCH Director Judy Maloney and her team in assembling nutritious holiday meals for distribution. CCH, known for providing thousands of summer lunches to children in Claridon and
The Leadership Geauga Signature Adult Program Class of 2026 focused on food insecurity during its annual Human Services Day on Dec. 5, supporting the Geauga Hunger Task Force with a countywide collection. Class members donated nonperishable food, household and personal care items, paper products, and grocery gift cards to help address local hunger needs. The effort continued later that evening at Leadership Geauga’s Holiday Party, where more than 120 alumni, participants and guests contributed
Chardon, again prepared full Thanksgiving meals for local families facing food insecurity. Eight Rotarians and three additional family members assisted with organizing and packing meals prior to delivery. During the event, Rotary members presented Maloney with a $500 donation to support CCH’s ongoing work. CCH is one of several nonprofits aided through Rotary’s Maple Splash Raffle, which culminates each August at the Maple Splash Festival at Century Village Museum.
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additional items and monetary donations. In total, more than $2,100 was raised for the Geauga Hunger Task Force. During the celebration, representatives from the Task Force and Leadership Geauga alumni shared remarks highlighting the impact of the donations on individuals and families across Geauga County. Earlier in the day, participants also took part in the Holiday Greens Project, creating festive pine arrangements that will be delivered to the Geauga Department on Aging and the Geauga Veterans Food Pantry to spread seasonal cheer throughout the community.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Middlefield Post
Cardinal Schools
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Students in Mr. Toplian’s third-grade class point proudly to their classroom clock during a Dec. 12 celebration recognizing classmates who mastered their multiplication facts through 12, marking the achievement with a well-earned math party.
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Students in Mrs. Mazzolini’s AQR class have been hard at work on their Barbie Bungee projects by using a Barbie doll and rubber bands to collect data and create a linear regression model, all leading up to one final drop in the gym.
Geauga Park District For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Aim For Winter Fun
Geauga Park District keeps its popular archery programs going all winter long by moving indoors to The Rookery’s Great Blue Heron Lodge, 10110 Cedar Road in Chester Township. Introduction to Archery sessions are available on Dec. 28, for families with children ages 9 and older from 1-2:30 p.m.; and on Dec. 29, for kids ages 9-16 from 12:30-2 p.m. and for adults only from 2:30-4 p.m. Attendance at an introduction is required to attend the variety of other archery programs. All participants must be at least 50-inches tall, with adults accompanying children at all times, and wear closed-toe shoes. Also, Archery Games for Adults will be offered on Dec. 28, from 3-4:30 p.m.
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Classifieds FOR SALE Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-4408743. Anchor Brand Folding Bench Wringer Floor Stand: 48” tall, Patent 1896, $240. 440-554-5731. Used 12’ countertop with stainless steel sink, good condition. Make offer. 440-548-2657. Used 38’x50’ blue tarp, $40. 440-548-5801 or 216387-8994. Aguilar DB212 Bass Cabinet. Big time bottom. Mint condition. Never gigged. Comes with cover. No dings or scratches. Paid $1,350. Will sell for $1,000. 440669-2763. Vintage Baby Buggy: $65. 440-487-2955. Nursery Infant Scale-$6. Honda CRV floor mats-$8. Vintage metal tricycle-$15. George Foreman Grilling Machine-$10. 440-346-7708, leave msg.
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. Empty Hanging Plant Baskets, Free. 440-338-3039. OLD CAMERAS, HO Train items, large granite counter-top pieces, copper kettles, fresh/salt water aquariums, old clocks, kerosene lamps. Inquire. 440-3383563. Russell. Teeter Inversion Chair: Excellent Condition, $250. BowFlex Max-5 Elliptical $650. 440-548-7631 or 440669-7666. Parkman, Oh. Cookie Monster Cookie Jar $25. 440-286-4772. John Deere 350B Trackloader $8,000. Ford 8N Tractor $1,500. Text 330-442-0085 for more info. Please leave message if calling. 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.
PETS & ANIMALS RINGNECK PHEASANTS - FLIGHT CONDITIONED: Cock birds $20. Hens $15. Propagation permitted farm. Rome, Oh. 440-387-9857. For Sale: 55-gal and 32-gal aquariums, in double stand $100. 440-729-0070. Dog Boarding Day Care: in-home. Call John 440-5338870. www.happyhoundhouse.com For Sale: Six-month old Hereford Heifer. 440-548-5998. Gray 6 month old tuxedo cat needs indoor home. Neutered, vaxxed, very sweet but shy. Great with other cats. Call Rebecca 440-321-2485. Holland lop rabbits: $5 each. 440-321-8152.
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.
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. .34-acre Bainbridge lot on 306, part of Lake Lucerne community with amenities. Tap into utilities: gas, electric, sewer, private community well and SAVE BIG! 57k. 440-596-2608.
SERVICES Announcing: Newbury Cares Inc, an Ohio domestic non-profit corporation, serving Newbury Township residents with scholarships. More details to come in 2026.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to Buy: One Used Drill Press. 440-635-1901. 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.
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the week ending Dec. 12 and period Dec. 15-17, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
vid D. and Cheryl Lynn Hochstetler, $90,000. (3.62 acres) Mary M. Miller (TOD), 15860 Burton Windsor Road, to Matthew Alan and Malinda Stutzman, $320,000. (3.09 acres)
HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP Andy A. and Linda R. Miller, 13296 Bundysburg Road, to Mahlon D. and Ada A. Mast, $300,000. (6.50 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE NVR Inc., 15261 Timber Ridge, to Kimberly J. Carter, $348,500. (0.21 acres) NVR Inc., 15409 Oak Hill Drive, to Gary N. Bakst, $309,100. (0.25 acres) Middlefield Parkway, 15114 Sawgrass Lane, to NVR Inc., $68,600. (0.19 acres) NVR Inc., 15254 Woodsong Drive, to Kristy M. Russell, $289,600. (0.21 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP The Jake Miller Amish Church, 15261 Hayes Road, to The Board of Trustees of the South Hayes School, $139,800. (0.43 acres) Dan D. L. and Lucinda J. Miller, Hayes Road, to The Board of Trustees of the South Hayes School, $800. (0.14 acres) Willard E. Fisher, et. al, 17611 Kinsman Road, to Samuel W. and Ruth L. Fisher, $129,400. (22.43 acres) Dan D. L. and Lucinda J. Miller, Hayes Road, to Samuel W. and Ruth L. Fisher, $5,000. (1.48 acres) John W. Hershberger and Rachel M. Detweiler, Kinsman Road, to Samuel W. and Ruth L. Fisher, $80,000. (4.00 acres) Joy Stout, 15915 Chipmunk Lane, to Da-
PARKMAN TOWNSHIP Chris L. Natali and Estate of Christopher Louis Natali, 16663 Main Market Road and Main Market Road, to Holly Bond, $234,000. (1.03 acres) Chris L. Natali and Estate of Christopher Louis Natali, Main Market Road, to Holly Bond, $16,000. (1.03 acres) William D. Kuhns (TOD), 16960 Hosmer Road, to Melvin J. Jr. and Rosanna M. Mast, $440,000. (5.79 acres)