Chesterland News 1-28-2026

Chester Trustees Move Toward Bidding on Road Garage

emmA mAcniven cniven@KArlovecmediA com

Chester Township Trustees informally agreed Jan. 22 to move forward with the bidding process for a new road garage, though some concerns remain about the project’s location.

Trustee Brandon Davis said he wanted to clarify he is not opposed to building a new road garage, after raising questions about its proposed location at the Jan. 8 meeting.

“What I was doing — and what I think we all were doing — was we're trying to figure out the right decision to make and the right design,”

Davis said. “It's a 50-year decision. It's $3 million, which is like a third of our annual cash flows.”

Trustee Craig Richter emphasized the importance of ensuring all trustees are comfortable with the project before moving forward with bidding.

“ We slowed it down so that (Davis) can get comfortable with it because it was a change of a trustee,” Richter added, referring to Davis, who was elected to the trustee seat last November, being new to the role.

Richter also stressed the need to determine the project’s actual cost.

Cavelli Leads Geauga Gymnasts

By AlAn KornspAn sports@KArlovecmediA com

Here in Geauga County the High School Gymnastics season is in full swing.

Gymnasts from Chardon, Kenston, NDCL, and West Geauga have been competing since the first week of December as they prepare for the OHSAA Tournament.

Most recently, gymnasts from the Chardon Hilltoppers and West Geauga Wolverines competed at the Berea-Midpark Senior Night Meet on Jan.17 at X-treme Gymnastics in Middleberg Heights.

Both teams performed well as the Wolverines finished in second place (116.4 points) while the Hilltoppers finished third (115.3).

Leading the way for the Wolverines was senior Ava Cavelli.

Finishing second in the individual all-around competition with a combined score of 34.95, Cavelli scored 8.4 points on the bars, an 8.8 on the beam, 8.85 on floor and an 8.9 on vault.

In the individual events, Cavelli tied for first place in the vault with Reese Kost from Kirtland. In addition, she also finished second on floor

Geauga Public Library

Geauga West Branch 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www. geaugalibrary.net.

Beginning Genealogy

Jan. 28, 7-8:30 p.m.

Join the library’s family and local history specialist for a beginner course on genealogy research, documentation and organization. No registration is required.

Owls of Northeast Ohio

Feb. 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join local nature photographer and artist Aimee Pierson for a photographic journey exploring the habits and habitats

of Northeast Ohio’s owls. Learn about the seven species found in the area and their migration, hunting, nesting and parenting behaviors.

Teen Podcasting Workshop

Feb. 3, 3-4:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 6-12 will learn the basics of podcasting, including setting up a show, recording interviews and basic audio editing using equipment from the Digital Legacy Lab.

Library Led Discussion

Feb. 4, 7-8 p.m.

Discuss “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano. No registration is required.

New After-School Program Launches

suBmitted

Teaching Our Traditions (TOT) is launching a new after-school enrichment program beginning in February, starting with students in grades 3–5. The pilot program will run February through March and will feature hands-on, skill-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

Operated independently by TOT, the program emphasizes creativity, teamwork and problem-solving through engaging experiences in areas such as science, math and the arts. Activities are designed to be age-appropriate, inclusive and focused on participation and enjoyment.

The program will take place in supervised indoor spaces with trained staff, clear safety protocols and structured dismissal procedures. Following the pilot, the initiative is expected to expand to serve students from early elementary through high school, with a continued focus on experiential learning, skill development and community engage-

ment. Additional program details will be shared with West Geauga families through the school newsletter.

TOT will offer local businesses opportunities to co-align with the after-school enrichment programs, creating meaningful connections between education, workforce skills and the local community.

As the program expands beyond the initial pilot, businesses may participate through sponsorships, mentorship, guest speakers, hands-on projects and career exploration experiences. Partnerships are designed to support student learning while helping businesses engage early with future talent and contribute to community development.

Visit the TOT website at totkids.org for more information on the sponsorship and business partnership opportunities.

To learn more about Teaching Our Traditions, the public is welcome to attend a TOT International general meeting. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Geauga Middle School library.

Town Crier

Food Pantry Open

Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to noon

The food pantry at the Chester Christian Center church is open to anyone in the community in need of food. One does not need to be a member of the church to attend.

The church is located at 11815 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Free Community Dinner

Jan. 30, 5-6:30 p.m.

Mayfield United Methodist Church is hosting dinner at the church located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. Carryout is available.

Appalachian Spring Concert

Jan. 31, 4-5:30 p.m.

Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra presents “Appalachian Spring,” featuring conductor Greg Hillis and soloists Alan Miller and John Paul Leopold, of The Stars of Summer International Piano Competition, at Chardon United Methodist Church.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for stu-

dents. For information, call 440-296-9610 or visit snowbeltmusical.org.

West Geauga Kiwanis Meetings

Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m.

West Geauga Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at the Chesterland Baptist Church, 12670 Chillicothe Road. Join for a free dinner and learn how Kiwanis serves local students and the community. Learn more at wgkiwanis.org.

Young of Heart

Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Refreshments will be provided. The program, “Bee Like Honey,” will explore bees and include a honey tasting.

Dues for 2026 must be paid by the end February to be listed in the membership directory. Anyone who is 55 or older and a resident of Geauga County is welcome to join. Meetings are canceled if the West Geauga Schools are closed because of weather; members will not receive a call.

LCRTA Luncheon

Feb. 10, 11 a.m.

The Lake County Retired Teachers Association will meet at Mama Roberto’s, 8658 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Social time will be followed by the program at 11:30 a.m. and a buffet lunch.

Three-piece band Murch’n Spice will perform “Harmony Ever After.”

Members are asked to donate nonperishable items and paper goods for the United Way.

For reservations, contact Karen Sawitke, 9399 Ridgeside Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 by Jan. 30. For more information, visit lakecountyrta.weebly.com.

Genealogical Society Meets

Feb. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.

Alan Jones will present “Using AI and Other Genealogy Innovations” via Zoom at the next meeting of the Geauga County Genealogical Society. He will discuss major innovations that help with family research.

The program begins after a brief business meeting. Registration is required; visit gcgsoh.org.

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

West Geauga sophomore Luke Ottman during the Wolverines’ 79-77 loss to Kenston. Ottman had 18 points in the game. The Wolverines next host Perry on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Wolvarena.

FGP Offers Scholarships

The Foundation for Geauga Parks (FGP) is offering $10,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in or attend school in Geauga County and plan to pursue studies in nature- or environment-related fields.

Applications for the FGP Conservation Scholarship Program are open through Feb. 27. Individual awards are typically $1,000 or $2,000.

Garage

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“We need to start thinking about that bid package and when we're going to put it out and if we're going to put it out because, if we're comfortable with the drawings … we have to go out and find out how much this is going to cost,” Richter said.

Past projects, such as the road department garage, have sometimes come in at double the expected cost, he added.

“App Architecture is pretty much paid already, so they're paid for this stuff,” Richter said. “So, the only cost that I can see — and correct me if I'm wrong — the only cost I can see at this point, if we go out to bid, is advertising for putting together the bid and then going out for the advertising. So, I'm not sure if you're ready to do that or you want to wait (for) another meeting, but we got to start thinking about doing it.”

Trustee Ken Radtke said he is ready for the bid announcement, but understands

Eligible applicants must graduate in spring 2026, have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, plan to attend an accredited twoor four-year college, university, or career or technical institute in fall 2026, and intend to major in a nature- or environmental-related field.

More information and the online application are available at foundationforgeaugaparks.org.

Davis still has concerns about the location.

Township Administrator Mark Purchase said the architectural drawings have already been paid for through App Architecture and the next step is to deliver the drawings and prepare for the bidding process.

“I still have some questions that I'm trying to get answered,” Davis said, adding he would like to meet with Road Superintendent John Onyshko to confirm whether the site is the best operational location.

“My stuff is more about the long-term planning for the site,” he said.

Fiscal Officer Patricia Jarrett agreed with Richter and Radtke that Davis should feel comfortable with the project before moving forward.

“You're new,” she said. “You need to take the time.”

Purchase said he will return to trustees for a formal motion to advertise for bid, but wanted trustees to give verbal consensus at the meeting to proceed with that step, which they did.

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From Orphanages Abroad to Fundraising in Chester Local Family Brings Global Experience Back Home

By Ann WishArt Ann@KArlovecmediA com

When 2003 West Geauga High School graduate Jeff Wright accepted a job with an orphanage in Bolivia in 2012, he did not plan to return to Chester Township to raise his family and start a business helping area nonprofits raise funds.

Instead, his life — and that of his family — followed a long, winding path back home.

Jeff majored in Spanish language and literature at Davidson College in North Carolina and later returned to Northeast Ohio, but South America continued to fascinate him, he said in a recent interview.

In 2010, he married Rachel Kutsko, his high school sweetheart. Two years later, he accepted a position at an orphanage in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where he could combine his education with his dream.

“As a Christian, I felt I should serve and I’d always wanted to go to South America,” Jeff said. “We went down, sight-unseen.”

What they expected to be a one-year commitment became five years. During that time, they began the adoption process for two local orphans, Freddy and Nathan, while Rachel was pregnant with their daughter, Hannah, he said.

Delays in the adoption process led to overlapping timelines.

“Nothing goes according to plan,” Jeff said. “We went from one to three children in 36 hours.”

Both Hannah, now 11, and Lucas, now 8,

were born in a clinic in La Cancha, the largest open-air market in South America, he said.

After five years in Bolivia, the family moved to Phoenix, where Jeff took a job with Disciple Nations Alliance, a faith-based organi zation that supports missionaries worldwide.

“That’s where I really cut my teeth in in vestor relations,” he said.

It was also where their fifth child, Cora, was born.

Although they had family in Phoenix and reasons to stay, they never felt settled there, Jeff said. The cost of raising five children in a large city was also significantly higher than in small-town Ohio.

“We tried for five years to put roots down, but we wanted to be with our moms,” he said. Both mothers live in Geauga County.

By July 2023, the family had returned to Geauga County. Jeff accepted a position with a company but was laid off shortly thereafter along with other employees, he said.

“It was just by the hospitality of in-laws that we survived,” Jeff said.

It was a time to regroup, and after reassessing his experience — including a decade in fundraising — Jeff decided to start his own business.

The decision was reinforced after conversations with executive directors of several nonprofits, he said. He concluded many could not afford a full-time fundraiser and often struggled to integrate effective fundraising strategies into their nonprofit organizations.

“They do not have a strategy or a plan for fundraising, effectively,” Jeff said, noting

about 90% of nonprofits in the United States operate on annual budgets of less than $1 million.

“They can’t afford me,” he said. However, his proposal to contract with organizations for fundraising support generated more interest.

Working from his home in Chester Township, he launched Nonprofit Fundraising Advisors, currently a one-person operation, he said.

“The ‘s’ in ‘advisors’ is optimistic,” Jeff said with a smile.

Fundraising for emerging and small nonprofit organizations in Ohio required a shift in approach from earlier work in Bolivia.

“Our fundraising efforts there were mostly about asking people who liked us (for money)” Jeff said.

Now, he said, he focuses on presenting an organization's mission and vision and inviting

See Wright • Page 5

Youth Baseball Clinic

The West Geauga High School baseball coaching staff and players hosted a well-at-

outfield skills, pitching and hitting, gaining hands-on instruction from the high school

Seniors

Free Tax Assistance Available

from page 4

potential donors to participate rather than simply asking for donations.

The contracts he has secured typically range from six months to two years, Jeff said.

He applies the concept of the Pareto principle — commonly known as the 80-20 rule, that 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes — in his work, and part of his role is educating nonprofit leaders on how to sustain their own fundraising efforts.

The organizations he serves are often small teams that must be strategic and consistent to survive, he said.

“They need to form core groups of major donors,” Jeff said, adding he helps clients build relationships with supporters aligned with their missions.

He also acknowledged that building this career has come with its own learning curve.

“I’m still learning how to run a business,” Jeff said, adding that includes how to write contracts that are fair to all parties.

“I do flat rate. That’s the biggest challenge of this business,” he said. “I ask myself, what’s the biggest impact of value I can give somebody at a price point that makes sense to all parties?”

On the home front, the family learned around Thanksgiving that their son, Nathan,

Their four oldest children attend West Geauga Schools, representing the third generation of Wrights to do so.

In fact, the family has deep roots in the area and a lot of support, Jeff said.

“Dad (Rick) and Mom (Gwen Davis) met at West G,” he said, adding his father was one of five boys raised in Chester Township and many cousins live locally.

“There’s a whole lot of Wrights in my generation,” Jeff said.

Rachel, a part-time nurse at the school, also has longstanding ties to the area. Her mother, Cheryl (Chris) Bednar and stepfather, Pete Bednar, opened their home to the family when they returned from Phoenix, Jeff said, adding Rachel’s father, Gary Kutsko, lives in Brecksville.

Support has also come from extended family, friends and members of Riverview Church on Chillicothe Road.

“It’s a really good community to be part of,” Jeff said. “I have to coach myself to let people know we have needs. (Riverside) has been thoughtful in how they stepped up to help us.”

Looking back on his time in Bolivia, Jeff said he is struck by how life has unfolded.

He added, “I never thought we would be (another) generation in Geauga County.”

Free tax assistance will again be available to Geauga County seniors, 60 and older, at the Geauga County Department on Aging, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 200, in Chardon. Appointments are required and will be offered from early February through April 10.

Appointments may be scheduled beginning Feb. 2 by calling 440-279-2130, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tax preparation is provided by IRS-trained and certified volunteers using the electronic E-filing method. Appointments are limited.

Two forms of identification are required for each taxpayer. One must be a photo ID, such as a U.S. driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID. The second may be an original or copy of a Social Security card, ITIN card or letter, if applicable.

Do not discard the end of year Social Security statement as it indicates the benefits one has received.

Taxpayers should bring all 2025 tax documents, including W-2s, 1099s and oth-

er relevant forms; an end-of-year Social Security statement (Form SSA-1099); a copy of the 2024 tax return for comparison; and bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit or direct debit.

Refunds may be deposited directly into a bank account.

A tax credit update notes that 2025 is the final year to qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Supporting documentation is required for eligible improvements, including exterior doors, windows, insulation, heating and cooling systems, water heaters and home energy audits.

Tax credit update: 2025 will be the last year to qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Supporting documentation is required. These improvements include exterior doors, windows, insulation, heating and A/C systems, water heaters and Home Energy audits.

If phone lines are busy, callers are asked to leave one voicemail message with name and phone number.

Bees Club is Buzzing at West Geauga High School

West Geauga students in the West G’s Bees Club provided an update to the West Geauga Schools Board of Education at the January meeting on their exciting program. Founded less than a year ago, the club received board approval during the 2024-25 school year to install a beehive on campus in partnership with Youth Bee Works. Since then, students have been actively involved in caring for the hive, culminating in the club’s first honey extraction this fall.

The harvest yielded 44 four-ounce jars of honey and one pound of beeswax. The honey sold out at the club’s first event, and the club looks forward to introducing beeswax lip balm to the market soon. Proceeds from sales have been reinvested in additional bee suits and supplies, and the club is eager to continue growing the program, with hopes of adding another hive in the future.

Gymnastics

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and fourth on both the beam and the vault.

Overall, Cavelli was happy with her performance.

“Overall, my vault was pretty good,” Cavelli said. “I got pretty good scores for what my routines were.”

Also finishing in the top 10 for the Wolverines in the individual all-around competition were seniors Jenna Aquila (7th place - 28.55 points - bars - 5.5, beam - 7.95, floor - 7.55, vault - 7.55) and junior Gabriella Gideon (10th place - 27.2 points - bars - 6.5, beam6.3, floor – 7.45 and vault - 6.95).

Three Wolverines finished in the top ten for vault including Cavelli (1st place), Aquila (8th) and Taylor Kuhn (10th).

Also, Cavelli (4th place) and Aquila (9th) both finished in the top ten on the beam.

Starting the season on Dec. 3 at the Magnificat Meet, Cavelli finished first both in the vault and on the bars. In addition, she was runner up in the all-around competition and finished in the top ten on the beam (2nd place) and floor (7th).

Then, on Dec. 21 at All-Around Gymnastics, Covelli finished runner up in the all-around competition and in the top ten in bars (2nd place), beam (2nd), floor (8th) and vault (2nd).

At the Lakewood Meet on Jan. 4, Covelli also finished as runner-up in the all-around competition and in the top ten in the bars (1st place), beam (5th), and floor (2nd).

As a team this season, the Wolverines gymnasts have accumulated three, 3rd place finishes and were runner-ups most recently on Jan. 17.

“The team has been pretty good,” Cavelli said. “I think we have had high scores, and not a whole lot of falls, especially with a lot of new people. I think everyone is doing really good.”

With an excellent season so far, Covelli said that she hopes to qualify for states.

“My main goal is to definitely make it to

states and just keep placing well and improve anything I can in my routines,” Cavelli said.

Like the Wolverines, the Hilltoppers are also having a good season. In fact, they finished in first place in the All-Around Gymnastics Meet in Mentor on Dec. 21 with Angelina Colombi (5th) and Allison Richards (7th) finishing in the top ten in the individual all-around competition. Then, on Jan 6 at the Lakewood meet, the Hilltoppers finished in fourth place and Allison Richards finished in the top ten (6th place) in the individual all-around competition.

At the Berea-Midpark Senior Night Meet, the Hilltoppers had two gymnasts finish in the top ten for the all-around competition.

For the Hilltoppers, finishing in fifth place was Allison Richards (31.25 points - bars - 7.8, beam - 8.15, floor - 8.05, and vault - 7.25). Also finishing in the top ten for the Hilltoppers was Abby Clute (8th place - 28.2 points - bars 6.4, beam - 6.9, floor – 7.9 and vault - 7.0).

Richardson said that her floor routine went well as she felt very energetic.

“(On the floor) I had a lot of energy, and I stuck all my landings,” Richards said.

Certainly, the energy created by her teammates cheering as they watched her perform can help to create high energy and positive social facilitation.

“We’ve been doing a lot of good cheering,” Richards said. “We’re always good at just cheering for each other, and being there for each other.”

Also for the Hilltoppers finishing in the top ten on the bars and the floor was Audrey Andler. She finished 6th (8.15 points) on bars and 9th (7.85) on floor.

Andler emphasized that the keys to success for her on the bars and floor were to focus on the small technical details that lead to success and to have fun while performing.

The Kenston Bombers Gymnastics Team began their season on Dec 19.

Picking up right where she left off, Bombers 2025 individual All-Around OHSAA State Champion Sofia Macias (37.05 points) finished first in the Solon Invitational at the Elite Gymnastics Academy. Also finishing in the top ten in the individual all-around for the Bombers were Ryleigh Offutt (2nd place34.35) and Lacy Lombardo (5th - 31.95).

Then, on Jan. 9 at the Rubber City Rumble at Goodyear Hall in Akron, the Bombers were runner-ups. Also, Macias again won the individual all-around title and Offutt finished in the top ten (6th place).

The NDCL Gymnastic Team also began their season with an excellent start as they finished in third place on Dec. 11th competing against some of the top gymnastics teams in Northeast Ohio at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School. Then, on Dec. 19, the Lions defeated the Solon Comets, 121.295.75, and lost by less than two points to the Mayfield Wildcats, 122.95-121.2.

Most recently the Lions competed at the Twinsburg Meet on Dec. 30.

At the Twinsburg Meet, the Lions finished in fourth place. Lions gymnasts were led by seniors Ava Lewandowski (6th place) and Anna Barabas (8th) who both finished in the top ten in the individual all-around competition. Also, Lewandowski finished in the top ten on the beam (4th place) and vault (5th). Barabas finished in the top ten on the bars (2nd).

WG New Student Registration

West Geauga recently hosted its first-ever elementary school open house for prospective new families. For those who could not attend and would like more information, visit www.westg.org or call 440-729-5900.

Kindergarten and new student registration begins online Feb. 19 for the 2026-27 school year.

Geauga SWCD Promotes Winter Salt Week

Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is joining partners across Northeast Ohio to promote Winter Salt Week, Jan. 26–30, a national effort to raise awareness about salt pollution and encourage smarter winter maintenance practices. Strengthening Geauga County’s 2026 stormwater theme, “On the Road to Clean Water,” Winter Salt Week highlights the importance of working together to protect local freshwater resources.

Road salt that washes into lakes, streams and drinking water can permanently damage freshwater resources and infrastructure. Winter Salt Week highlights how communities and residents can reduce salt use while keeping roads and sidewalks safe through better snow removal, calibrated equipment and right-sized applications.

Free daily livestreams and educational resources are available at wintersaltweek.org.

Community Meetings

Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Chester Township: Feb. 4, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Feb. 11, 7 a.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting; Feb. 17, 6 p.m., Land Use Plan meeting; Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701

Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. Russell Township: Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Feb. 19, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 25, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held in the new Community Room at 8501 Kinsman Road, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Obituaries

Patricia A. Politi

Patricia "Pat" A. Politi (nee Neeson), a cherished, faith ful and kind-hearted woman, passed away on Jan. 13, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 87.

Born on May 4, 1938, in Glasgow, Scotland, Pat was a World War II survivor who moved from Britain to the United States with her late husband, Ron, in 1980. Since then, she had been a resident of Chester Township, Ohio, and an active member of St. Anselm Church.

Pat was an avid reader who enjoyed gardening, although her main focus was always her friends and family.

Pat is survived by her sons, Marc (Dina), Paul (Anne) and Michael; grandchildren, Justin, Sean, Alex and Robbie; sisters, Margaret McGill, Eileen McGuire and Ann (Gordon) Runciman; and sister-in-law, Maureen Neeson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; brother, William "Bill" Neeson; and parents, William and Elizabeth (nee Davidson) Neeson.

Family and friends called at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Jan. 25, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place at Saint Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Jan. 26, 2026. Entombment followed at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township, Ohio.

Judy Newell

Judy Newell (nee Olson), age 80, of Russell Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2025. She was a longtime resident of Russell.

Judy was born on May 31, 1945, in Taunton, Mass.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Judy is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Susan Whitmer and Shelley Newell as well as daughter-in-law, Elaine Newell; sister, Joyce Pring; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Newell; and her son, David “Dave” Newell.

Judy was a devoted Christian and woman of faith. She especially enjoyed spending time with family.

An avid reader, she loved a good book. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers, taking walks and her pets.

There is a celebration of life planned for May 30, 2026, from 1-3 p.m., at Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park, 7940 Cedar Road, Chester Township.

Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $150 per obituary, including a photograph.

floor.

In a full day of events, West Geauga trav eled to Hawken on Jan. 10 for Swoopfest. Middle school boys and girls basketball and wrestling opened the event, followed by high school swimming, wrestling, and boys and girls basketball. Donations from the event benefited the Cleveland Foodbank.

Little Wolverines Preschool Earns Gold Rating

suBmitted

The new West Geauga Little Wolverines Preschool opened its doors to the community’s youngest learners in the fall. The preschool classroom is fully integrated within Westwood Elementary School, which also serves students in kindergarten through second grade, creating a seamless learning environment from preschool through the early elementary years.

“It has been rewarding to see our vision of offering an in-house preschool program come to life this fall,” said Assistant Superintendent Amy Davis. “Our mission was to design a program that provides exceptional care and creates an environment where every student can thrive.”

The Ohio Department of Children & Youth recently awarded the Little Wolverines Preschool a gold rating, the highest tier of early learning achievement through Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program. The distinction reflects West Geauga’s ongoing commitment

to maintaining high standards of education at every level. From staffing and curriculum to classroom furnishings and technology, every detail was thoughtfully planned to ensure the new preschool program is able to meet the diverse needs of each child served.

“The Little Wolverines Preschool has been a wonderful addition to Westwood Elementary,” said Principal Megan Watson. “We are thrilled to offer a program that provides strong early learning experiences and a smooth transition into the kindergarten classroom. Receiving the Gold Award reflects the high-quality learning our staff is committed to providing for our children and their families.”

Little Wolverines Preschool continues to expand opportunities for families in the community.

Anyone with a child interested in joining the Little Wolverines Preschool Program for the 2026-27 school year as a Peer Model may sign up on the Westwood Elementary Preschool page on the district website to attend the Preschool Peer Screen taking place Feb. 13.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Jan. 9 and Jan. 16, 2026, and the period Jan. 20-21, 2026, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Oleg Falkov, 11211 Winding Brook Lane, to Christina Brook Praprost and Kyle James Smith, $528,000. (5.00 acres)

Jared B. Wittensoldner and Samatha L. Poe, 12910 Westchester Trail, to Michael James and Heather Jane Kramer, $225,000. (1.84 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Stanley B. and Joseph S. Friedlander,

14903 Hillbrook Circle, to Marina Kinash, $550,000. (1.50 acres)

Traci Le Rourke (trustee), 15341 Russell Road and Russell Road, to Elizabeth M. Jones (trustee), $2,407,870. (24.02 acres)

Lisa Rose Dobe (trustee), 14636 Russell Lane, to Adam Jeremy Bishko, $463,600. (1.58 acres)

Rose Ann Bandelow, 8198 W. River Road, to Oleksandr and Iryna Lashkova, $245,000. (1.51 acres)

Carole Stanley (trustee), 14545 Shire Court, to Leanne and Michael D. Rainer (co-trustees), $1,450,000. (9.28 acres)

Todd C. Korner, 7300 Kinsman Road, to Frank and Natalie C. Wardega, $400,000. (5.35 acres)

AUTOS & PARTS

BUYING CARS: $Cash$ Paid for cars, trucks, classic cars, tractors, garden tractors, construction equipment running or not, scrap, cleanups. 440-465-8795.

FOR RENT

Burton: Large 1 BR apt with den, laundry room, large garage, AC, private patio. No pets. $1,050. Call 440221-0649.

Middlefield Village rentals: 3BR house downtown. No lawn-work. Newly updated. Also, 3BR home in desirable location, with space for entertaining, fenced backyard, attached garage. 440-632-0480.

Middlefield: approx 1200 sq ft. 2BR, laundry hook-up, garage, non-smoking, no pets. Security Deposit. 440636-2853 or mjtdyes@gmail.com.

FOR SALE

Teeter Inversion Chair: Excellent Condition, $250. BowFlex Max-5 Elliptical $650. 440-548-7631 or 440669-7666. Parkman, Oh.

Anchor Brand Folding Bench Wringer Floor Stand: 48” tall, Patent 1896, $240. 440-554-5731. Vintage Baby Buggy: $65. 440-487-2955. Honda HRX217 Plower: great shape, would cost about $800 today new. Yours for $250. 440-548-2414.

Massage Table: holds 300 lbs, w/head rest and bolster $150. Home Gym: w/5 DVDs and all attachments, like new, hardly used $350. Call Vicki 440-286-6878.

RECORD ALBUMS, Old Cameras, HO Train items, large granite counter-top pieces, fresh/salt water aquariums, old clocks, kerosene lamps. Inquire. 440-338-3563. Russell. Nursery Infant Scale-$6. Honda CRV floor mats-$8. Vintage metal tricycle-$15. George Foreman Grilling Machine-$10. 440-346-7708, leave msg.

Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Lithograph Prints, signed personally by the artist: Robert Bateman “Midnight Black Wolf” $2,000. Carl Brenders “Monarch Eagle” $600 and “Full House Boxes” $600. 440-729-0070.

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.

Seven MAD Magazines: between 1698 and 1971. $10 each or take all for $50. Call for details. 440-883-9056. Used 38’x50’ blue tarp, $40. 440-548-5801 or 216387-8994.

VINTAGE WWII RADIOS: need new home, radios are complete, working status unknown. For details email DBAKSA1517@GMAIL.COM. Hallicrafters Patterson 1942 Naval Aeronautics Transmitter.

Classifieds

For sale - 4 sheets 5/8x12 drywall. $10 a sheet. 440632-3173.

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.

Small Wood or Brick Stove: good for shop, garage, or small house, heats good. Asking $200. 440-321-5788.

PETS & ANIMALS

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.

Toy F1b Aussiedoodle pups born Christmas morning! $1,200/female, $1,000/male. Super Cute! Hypoallergenic, smart, sweet, loyal, between 10-13lbs full grown. Text 440-360-9881 for website/application info.

MISCELLANEOUS

IN MEMORY: Jamie Ellen Burzanko. We love you and miss you. Feb. 10th 2001 to Dec. 14th 2021. In our hearts always! Grandma and Grandpa B. FREE fact: marijuana use affects driving! Judgment. Reaction time. Traffic signals. Deadly crashes. SO — pot affects us ALL.

REAL ESTATE

.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.

Private 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.

RENTAL WANTED

Professional mural and fine artist seeks a live/work studio rental. Preferably cabin-type home. Clean, quiet, respectful. Ready for move in now. Call or text 440-915-6486.

SERVICES

Independent Provider will come to you home and do Caregiving. Certified with references. 440-313-1804.

WANTED TO BUY

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.

group 8389 Mayfield Road, B-5 Chesterland, OH 44026 Fax: 440-729-8240

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.

To advertise in the Classifieds, contact the advertising department at 440-729-7667 ext. 500 or email your ad directly to ads@karlovecmedia.com

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:

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