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Volume 57, No. 15
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CHESTERLAND NEWS Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967
Resident Input Tops 2026 Agenda By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com Looking to the new year, West Geauga Schools Board of Education members discussed the need to better gauge public opinion and improve communication with residents before pursuing future funding measures during the Dec. 15 board meeting. “Somehow or other, we do need to get a better pulse on the community's thinking about this before we try any more levies,” board member Bill Beers said. On Nov. 4, voters rejected a 4.82-mill continuing substitute levy, with 4,048 voting against it and 2,578 voting for it. “We need to understand better what the community is thinking,” Beers said. “When we put that (levy) on, we thought we understood what the community was thinking. We had people in the community and elsewhere in the tax commission telling us that a substitute was the right way to go, but clearly that was not the general feeling of the public.” Board President Christina Sherwood said she had received positive feedback about the levy. “I got my information from the people that I'm around and I'm around positive people,” she said. “I surround myself with people who are positive and caring and see the future differently, and that's where I got my information.” Board member Pam Claypool agreed with Beers that the district needs to do more to understand public sentiment before pursuing future funding requests. “I agree with Dr. Beers that we definitely need to get more information from the public directly before we do any further funding recommendations,” she said, adding the district could hold more community meetings. Beers responded that such meetings are not always well-attended by residents. “Well, the two ways is to push See Agenda • Page 2
Board of Education Honors Outgoing Board Members By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com The West Geauga Schools Board of Education marked the end of an era Dec. 15, as Christina Sherwood and Mary Michelle Coleman-Walsh said their goodbyes following the conclusion of their terms as board members. Sherwood, who was elected in 2021, lost her bid for re-election Nov. 4 after candidates Mark Vidmar and Ellen Naylor came in as the top vote-getters. Vidmar garnered 3,962 votes, Naylor had 2,938 and Sherwood received 2,848 votes, according to the final official results of the Geauga County Board of Elections. “I have learned so much and this is coming from my life as an educator,” Sherwood said. “I was naive when I came into this and I'm naive going out, too, but slightly less. I'm just so happy that I have been able to come back to
“I’m so proud of the work that this district has done and will continue to do.” – Christina Sherwood
Benincasa
Coleman-Walsh
this district that I love so much, that I graduated from, that my kids graduated from, in a place that we still live and call home. And I'm so proud of the work that this district has done and will continue to do.” Board member Kathy Leavenworth expressed her gratitude to
Leavenworth
Sherwood, who was board president. “Thank you for your leadership and for being such a good school board member,” she said. Superintendent Nancy Benincasa also expressed her thanks for See Board • Page 6
West Geauga Boys Head Into New Year
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
West Geauga’s Vince Vecchio led the Wolverines with 13 points in a road loss to Chardon, 63-49. West Geauga had a strong fourth quarter before coming up short. The Wolverines next play Jan. 6 at Brooklyn and are back home in the Wolvarena Jan. 9 against Orange.
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Chesterland News
Library
Town Crier Young of Heart
Jan. 2, 11:30 a.m. Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Refreshments will be provided. The group will have a social to welcome in the new year. January is the time to pay membership dues. Meetings are canceled if the West Geauga Schools are closed because of weather; members will not receive a call.
Bloodmobile
Jan. 5, 1-6 p.m. American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment.
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.
GEL Breakfast
Jan. 9, 8-9:30 a.m. The program will spotlight professional development for nonprofit leaders at the next Geauga Economic Leadership (G.E.L.) breakfast at Kent State University – Geauga, 14111 Claridon Troy Road, Burton. Breakfast and networking begin at 8 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. For information or to register, call 440564-1060 or email info@geaugagrowth.com.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Genealogical Society Meets
Jan. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Cheryl McClellan will present “Who Were Northeast Ohio's Prehistoric Native Americans?” 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.
Pickleball Info Meeting
Jan. 17, 2:30-4 p.m. A pickleball information meeting will be held at the Geauga West Library for new, first-time and experienced players. Topics will include where new players can learn, league play, tournaments, future court goals and updates from the West Geauga Pickleball Club.
Geauga West Branch Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.
Hook, Line and Stitcher
Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m. • Geauga West Connect with friends while chatting, laughing and working on crafts together.
Library-Led Discussions
Jan. 7, 7-8 p.m. Discuss “Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank. No registration is required.
Wildlife in Person
Jan. 8, 7-8 p.m. Presented by Geauga Park District, the program explores how wildlife and plants adapt to winter.
EMMA MACNIVEN/KMG
The West Geauga Schools Board of Education discusses possible communication methods for future levies during its Dec. 15 board meeting.
Agenda from page 1
and to pull right? We have community meetings where we have, we advertise, we generally invite people in,” he said. “There's also the other way (which) would be for us to attend functions and meetings and other organizations that are already taking place and push our way in, if you will.” Board member Kathy Leavenworth said
the district needs to do a better job of communicating, though she noted that restrictions at the state level make that increasingly difficult. “Our hands are somewhat tied because of what the legislature has done to us of not allowing board members to participate, or superintendent and treasurer,” she said. Leavenworth was referring to rules under Ohio Revised Code Section 9.03, which prohibit employees of a public office from publicly supporting or opposing provisions
such as school levies unless they are “not being compensated by the district and without using district funds,” according to a release from the Ohio Auditor of State. “It's difficult when you have community members who are putting, at best, misinformation out to the community and it's hard for the community not to buy into that when they think it's going to save the money and when our county is not helping us, as well,” Leavenworth said. “We do need to do a better job of communication … but, we also need to do a better job of standing up for ourselves and for countering the negative information that is out there and that is being put forward.” Developing a better communication system will “foster (a) better relationship (with
the community),” Claypool added. Beers said he hopes the district can work with an outside, professional communication team trained to help the board “move forward on developing better communication.” Superintendent Nancy Benincasa said she has already been in contact with a group that assists districts with those needs but said further discussion is needed, she said. “It may be that we need to cast the net a little more broadly and find out if there are people that do these kinds of things for other either nonprofit organizations that are not schools, or maybe even businesses that haven't ventured into the educational (realm) before, but are doing the same type of work,” Beers said.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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Chesterland News
Geauga SWCD Holds Poster Contest Submitted The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has proclaimed April 25 through May 6, 2026, as Stewardship Week, marking the 71st year of the national event. In celebration, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a poster contest with the theme, “Soil. Where it all Begins.” The purpose of the contest is to encourage in youth a connection to the important benefit of protecting soil and water resources. The contest is open to all students in grades K-12 from public, private or home school settings. The 2026 theme must be included. Digital entries are open to grades 7-12 only. Posters must measure 11-by-17 inches, created by an individual student, rather than a team of students. Scanned hand
drawn entries in png/jpeg format will be accepted; digital submissions must be clear and well-framed. Two additional options are available: an inclusive Braille Poster Contest for blind and low-vision students in grades K-12, and an Additional Assist Poster Contest for students who may benefit from extra assistance. Entries are due May 29 and must be submitted to Geauga SWCD, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 240, Chardon, or emailed to Katie Nainiger at knainiger@geauga.oh.gov. First- and second-place prizes will be awarded in each grade category: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. First-place winners advance to state competition, with the potential to move on to nationals. For information and contest rules, contact Geauga SWCD at 440-834-1122 or www. geaugaswcd.com.
Geauga Park District For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Free Snowshoe Borrowing
First-come-first-served snowshoe borrowing is back at The West Woods in Russell Township, and it’s still free for Geauga County residents. At least four inches of suitable snow are required. Conditions can be checked for zip code 44072 or by calling the park district. Availability may be confirmed by phone; how-
ever, reservations are not accepted. Snowshoes may be borrowed for up to two hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and must remain within The West Woods. Borrowers must be 18 or older to sign the loan, complete a waiver and leave a driver’s license. Youth sizes are available; children must be accompanied by an adult. Naturalist-led pop-up snowshoe programs are also offered when conditions allow. Visit the park district website under Programs & Events and select Snowshoeing to join the call list for notifications.
Community Meetings Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices. Chester Township: Jan. 7, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; Jan. 12, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Jan. 20, Land Use Plan meeting; Jan. 21, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.
Russell Township: Jan. 21, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District. All meetings are held in the new Community Room at 8501 Kinsman Road, unless otherwise noted. West Geauga BOE: Jan. 12, 5:45 p.m., tax budget hearing following by organizational and regular meetings at 6 p.m. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
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Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Chesterland News
Russell Township
Local Politician Jim Mueller Leaves Lasting Legacy By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com When Jim Mueller first heard President John F. Kennedy say, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” it not only sparked a lifelong commitment to public service, but also shaped Geauga County — and national — politics for more than four decades, he said during a Dec. 18 interview. Mueller, 81, who has served as Russell Township trustee for 20 years, recently announced his retirement, inspiring some reflection on the many years that led him to this point. Mueller was born in Euclid and attended Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Mueller in the 1970s before earning a degree in chemical engineering from Cleveland State University in 1967, he said. He later moved to Geauga and began his political career in 1971, when he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives for the 74th District, serving until 1974. At 26, he was the youngest member of the legislature, Mueller said, adding he was also the first Democrat from Geauga County elected to the state legislature in 168 years. Among his accomplishments at the Statehouse, Mueller said he played a role in the passage of the 26th Amendment to the U.S.
boardoftrustees@
russelltownshi www.russelltown p.us ship.us 440-338-8912 ex t. 1003 Direct: 440-338 -5798 Fax: 440-338-19 65
RESOLUTION
OF APPRECIA TION for JAMES MUELL ER
EMMA MACNIVEN/KMG
Russell Township Trustee Kristina Port announces a resolution of appreciation for long-time Trustee Jim Mueller, who is retiring from his role Dec. 31.
Constitution, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 in 1971. To pass a constitutional amendment, three-fourths of the states — 38 — must ratify it. Ohio was the 38th state to do so, according to the National Constitutional Center. “‘When those lights all light up and there's more green than red (on the electronic voting board), you will have changed the Constitution of the United States,’” Mueller recalled former Speaker of the House Charles F. Kurfess saying. And they did just that.
WHEREAS, Af ter 20 years of Mueller will re dedicated serv tire from electe ice to Russell Township as d office at the and a Trustee, Jim conclusion of hi s term, on Dece mber 31, 2025 ; WHEREAS, M r. Mueller serv ed as State Repr esentative for 4 years; and WHEREAS, M r. Mueller serv ed as Geauga Co unty Commiss ioner for 16 ye WHEREAS, M ars; and r. Mueller is pr oud of his deca treatment plan des-old succes t on SR 306 wh sful battle to pr ich instead beca event the sewe me the West Ge r auga Common WHEREAS, M s; and r. Mueller has continued his career in Ru campaign again ssell Township st se defending lar commitment to ge-lot, land-ca wer systems throughout his wells & septic pacity based systems; and zoning with a WHEREAS, M r. Mueller ha s shared his ba interjection of ckground as a a science lesson ch was required to aid in trustee de emical engineer when the cision-making; WHEREAS, M and r. Mueller has offered townsh judgment, dire ip elected offic ction, and an un ial s flagging supply and employees years of good of humorous an ecdotes; and WHEREAS, M r. Mueller has put forth his be Township in m st efforts to re atters of public present the pe concern and to ople of Russell protect Russell Township’s wa NOW THEREF y of life; ORE BE IT RE SOLVED, on Russell Townsh beha ip career in public Board of Trustees congratulat lf of the people of Russell To wnship, the service and than es Mr. Mueller on a long and ks him for his distinguished contributions to Adopted by the th e public good. RUSSELL TO WNSHI
See Mueller • Page 5
P BOARD OF
______________ ______________ Christopher Ha re, Trustee
TRUSTEES thi
s 2 nd day of De
______________ _________ Kristina Port, Chair
Russell Townshi
p Board of Trust
ees
cember 2025.
______________ ___________ Karen Walder, Fiscal Officer
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Mueller from page 4
“I was there and I voted for (it),” Mueller said. “(Kurfess) called us into session early (at) like 8:30 in the morning because another state was going to get to do it before us, but (Kurfess) said, ‘I want us to have bragging rights that we're the ones that put (the 26th amendment) over.’” Mueller had moved to Geauga County in search of a more rural atmosphere, he said, adding he served as a Geauga County commissioner from 1976 to 1992 and was the first Democrat elected to that position in 172 years. When Mueller was elected commissioner, plans were underway to install sewer systems on the western side of Geauga County, but he and fellow Commissioner Dick Ford halted those plans, he recalled. “We wanted to keep our community based on wells and septic systems,” Mueller said. “We basically turned the county around and said, ‘No, we're not going to use sewers and city water’ … (and) attract more and more developers and more and more people.” In 1987, Mueller founded PolyScience Engineering Group in Chagrin Falls, a firm providing chemical and environmental engineering services that remains active today. Mueller was later elected Russell Township trustee in 2005. He will officially retire Dec. 31. Unlike many politicians, Mueller said he always enjoyed campaigning. “You know what I just figured out? I said, ‘Everybody that votes eats,’” he said. He said he stood outside the five grocery stores in the county at the time, shaking hands with people as they entered. “Quite often, I would shake hands with three or 400 people in a day and on Saturdays, it was 600,” Mueller said, adding he estimates he shook hands with about 14,000 people during his campaign. One of his most significant accomplishments as trustee was the construction of the Russell Township Police Station in 2008, he said, adding the $1 million project was funded by a state inheritance tax using money saved from three estates. Officials recognized Mueller during a Dec. 2 meeting ahead of his retirement, citing his humor and dedication to keeping Russell “green.” Trustee Kristina Port reflected on her experience working with Mueller over the years. “When I was a Russell trustee from 20082012, my term was marked with less ‘unanimous’ vote decisions by trustees, meaning if I said ‘yes’ in a trustee vote, Mr. Mueller often countered with a 'no’ vote,” Port said. “As I reflect on this term, part of the motivation was due to being of opposite political party; part of it was due to his staunch belief in keeping the status quo in Russell Township to defend large lot zoning and no sewers that ‘Keep Russell green.’” When Port was re–elected as trustee in 2020, she said Mueller’s beliefs remained unchanged. “Mr. Mueller still has his convictions and he weighed in on matters that were consequential and less of those that appeared mundane,” she said. “Mr. Mueller always supported the township service departments (road, fire, police) and their respective personnel. To this end, one can review decisions within the township and find more ‘unanimous’ voting, more commonality and congeniality among trustees in approaches to governing township decisions. Trustees may disagree, yet there is civility, opportunity to present one’s perspective and as Mr. Mueller stated, ‘It’s business, not personal.’ That is the crux of decisions.” She added, “I wish him all the best in his retirement from serving as a Russell Town-
Chesterland News
ship trustee and am grateful to his professional contribution to the township governance.” Fiscal Officer Karen Walder, who has worked with Mueller since 2018, also expressed appreciation. “Russell Township's present-day character is, in large part, a result of Trustee Jim Mueller's dedication to public service and to the causes he believed in,” she said. “I wish Jim Mueller all the best on his well-earned retirement.” Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder previously voiced his gratitude for Mueller this fall, reflecting on their five years working when Chuck served as Russell Township fiscal officer. “I thoroughly enjoyed the banter we had, the camaraderie we shared and I think we accomplished some really big things for the township,” Chuck said. He highlighted Mueller’s role in modernizing the township administration building, restoring the Briar Hill Cemetery Chapel and making Russell the first township in the county to participate in the Ohio treasurer’s checkbook plan. “(The checkbook plan) opened up our accounting and our payments and all of the checks that move through our system to anybody in the community who wishes to look for them,” Chuck explained. “That was very far ahead of its time. That was almost 10 years ago, believe it or not. Back 10 years ago, there wasn't this big push for accountability and transparency, but Mr. Mueller had that and I applaud him for that.” Chuck credited Mueller for the township’s decision to handle its own maintenance, mowing and snow removal, which he said has saved tens of thousands of dollars. Mueller was also instrumental in the design of the Circle K, at 14857 Chillicothe Road in Russell, Chuck said. “That design is a unique design for Circle K’s across the United States,” he said. “You see the building from the road, no matter which view you have, it looks like the front of the building. And that was by design and that has never been done before by Circle K.” Chuck said that despite disagreements, their working relationship remained respectful. “Even though we've disagreed on certain issues and oftentimes, we've had heated debates, we always walked away friends and we always walked away understanding that no matter what the outcome was, we would support either party’s — whoever the victor was — that initiative,” Chuck said. “I think we did that together and I will always remember that lesson that he taught me.” He also joked that his “secret” to working with Mueller was bringing candy to trustee meetings. “When I detected Mr. Mueller was going to resist an initiative, I learned that if I brought candy in and I put it between us and I made sure the candy was very chewable, he would wait a while and then he would jump on that candy,” Chuck said. “It was like a dog on food and he would whoop it down and he couldn't comment, he couldn’t object. He would be so preoccupied eating that candy, it would just get done.” Looking ahead, Mueller joked he hopes to buy a sailboat and keep it off the coast of Florida. “I am deeply grateful to the people in Geauga County, particularly, and some of the people in Lake County (who) gave me the opportunity to be in politics,” he said. “All these years, I have served in different capacities — state rep, county commissioner (and) trustee — for 41 years. I can honestly say that when you've done that as long as I have, it changes your outlook on life.”
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Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Chesterland News
Commissioners Give $1.7 Million Back to Taxpayers By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com
Following an unusually large cash carryover projected for the 2026 budget, the Geauga County Commissioners voted Dec. 16 to return $1.7 million to taxpayers. The carryover was estimated at $15 million, significantly exceeding earlier projections of $6.7 million, according to a press release from the commissioners’ office. “The financial system calculates what is called the ‘unappropriated balance,’” Geauga County Finance Director Adrian Gorton explained Dec. 22. “This, at the time of the tax budget, was the $6.7 million.” This is not a number he calculates, but which ends up serving as the end balance for the general fund in the current year in the 2026 tax budget, he said. “I present a different number at the tax budget presentation in July, a higher number that I estimate,” he said. “I estimate it because the financial system cannot account for additional revenue and unexpended appropriations. The number that I estimated for the carryover into 2026 was $10.5 million, which was still too low due to the extra $4.5 million
Board
from page 1 Sherwood’s and Coleman-Walsh’s dedication to the board. “Christina, we particularly want to honor the unique qualities that made your service so invaluable,” she said. “You brought straight talk and conviction to every discussion. You were never one to shy away from difficult conversation and your willingness to step up and courageously defend our mission even when it meant challenging those who disagreed is a quality we deeply admire and respect. Thank you for your fierce dedication and for always bringing your best, most authentic self to the table. We are a better organization today because of your service.”
in uncertified revenue we will likely collect this year.” The refund would occur via the suspension of a 0.5-mill children’s services levy for the Geauga County Job and Family Services. “This idea of suppressing a levy came up last week following session in our discussion of the budget,” Geauga County Administrator Amy Bevan said. “Following session, I emailed (Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder) to ask him what the procedures are for doing such an action should the commissioners decide that they wanted to take action.” Walder invited Bevan to attend a Geauga County Budget Commission meeting, which she went to along with Commissioner Carolyn Brakey and Geauga County Finance Manager Adrian Gorton, Bevan said. Following discussion, the budget commission agreed to fully suppress the JFS levy, Bevan said, though the timing of the action is late in the budget cycle. “If the commissioners choose to adopt the resolution that’s been drafted today, it would still need to be approved by Columbus,” she said. The Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office prepared a resolution, delivered to commis-
sioners mid-meeting, covering both the levy suppression and an amended rate resolution, Bevan said. Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak said he was in favor of the suppres- Brakey sion, noting commissioners have done it in the past. Both Brakey and Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri concurred. “When we saw the numbers, it was clear,” Spidalieri said in the press release. “We didn’t need this money from taxpayers. JFS will still be fully funded, but we’ll cover it through the general fund.” The money should go where it will be used, Brakey added in the release. “People are feeling the pinch every time they buy groceries or fill up their gas tank. If the county doesn’t need the money, it shouldn’t sit in a government savings account. It should stay with the people who earned it,” she said. According to previous reporting, the former board of commissioners suspended two JFS levies in 2023 to offset increased proper-
ty taxes, planning to use additional revenue generated by those taxes to cover the funding gap. Given the late timing of the submission, Brakey said she would consider it a “Christmas miracle” if the suppression were approved. Later that day, Brakey reported the Ohio Department of Taxation had, in fact, accepted the county’s revised DTE-27 tax form, clearing the way for the refund to move forward. “This was a team effort,” Dvorak said in the release. “We thank the auditor’s office, the prosecutor’s office, the budget commission and our county staff for their hard work in getting this over the finish line. We cut taxes, protected services and still kept the county on solid financial ground.”
Coleman-Walsh previously announced she was not seeking reelection due to health concerns. “Mary-Michelle, you did not just serve, you strengthened our institution,” Benincasa said. “Your most lasting impact comes from your commitment to constructive inquiry. You consistently ask tough questions, challenge the status quo — not out of opposition — but out of a deep-seated desire for excellence. Your dedication to our district improvement as a defining character is characteristic of your leadership and we're grateful for your impact.” Benincasa said the public often does not realize how much goes into serving on a board of education. “One of the things that I have learned is the perception of serving on a board
of education is one of a monthly meeting where you come and say, ‘Aye’ and off you go,” she said. “The misperception is that the hours and hours of time that it takes to prepare for board meetings, to understand the financial impacts, to understand the different world of education, because as much as people liken it to a business — education is not a business. It's a very standalone, different thing.” The superintendent said she appreciates all of the board members she’s worked with
in the past. “On behalf of the entire West Geauga community, we extend our deepest gratitude for the dedication and truly exceptional service of our two outgoing board members,” she said. “Your four years on this board were marked by an unwavering commitment to our mission and a profound clarity of our purpose. You consistently demonstrated the highest level of integrity and professional courage, always prioritizing the well being of the organization over personal comfort.”
Dvorak
Spidalieri
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Dec. 12, Dec. 19 and Dec. 26, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only. CHESTER TOWNSHIP John C. Noernberg Jr., 8189 Mulberry Road, to Joseph A. Melito, $375,000. (1.00 acres) Corrine Kowaleski and Daniel A. Zaller Jr. (trustees), 12695 Chesterfield Lane, to Daniel A. Zaller Jr., $240,500. (3.00 acres) Cathy L. Bodnar, 13031 Dorothy Road, to Sarah Jane Perry, $285,000. (1.15 acres) Caves Road LLC, Mayfield Road, to Christos Petra Properties LLC, $739,700. (11.38 acres) Donald S. Drockton (trustee), 8886 Ranch Drive, to Vickie Gordon and Jason F. Sausville, $405,000. (1.82 acres) Robin Sue Crawford, 12627 Valley View
Drive, to Kendra Coy and Benjamin Al Doory, $180,000. (1.04 acres) RUSSELL TOWNSHIP Michelle A. May, 8529 Perry Drive, to MRP Legacy LLC, $146,900. (1.50 acres) Michelle A. May, 8507 Perry Drive, to MRP Legacy LLC, $121,200. (0.50 acres) Diane A. Ross, 14939 Caves Road, to Newrez LLC D.B.A. Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, $133,400. (0.50 acres) Moulay A. and Venessa M. Meziane, 14869 Trappers Trail, to Harshna and Hiren Patel, $1,475,000. (5.00 acres) David Bakos and Cody Dinardo, 13655 Sperry Road, to Kelly C. Williams, $460,000. (1.80 acres) David Raymond and Valerie Stephanie Arguin, 14350 Hartwell Trail, to David R. and Darlene L. Hauserman, $915,000. (2.23 acres)
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Chesterland News
Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS
REAL ESTATE
BUYING CARS: $Cash$ Paid for cars, trucks, classic cars, tractors, garden tractors, construction equipment running or not, scrap, cleanups. 440-465-8795.
.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. 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.
EVENTS Pickle-Ball Meeting: 1/17/26, 2:30p-4:00p, Geauga West Library. For new/never played before, or experienced, kids and adults. Discussion of league play, tournaments, future goals of West Geauga Pickleball Club.
FOR SALE 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. OLD CAMERAS, HO Train items, large granite counter-top pieces, copper kettles, fresh/salt water aquariums, old clocks, kerosene lamps. Inquire. 440-3383563. Russell. Vintage Baby Buggy: $65. 440-487-2955. 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. Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. 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. Empty Hanging Plant Baskets, Free. 440-338-3039. 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. John Deere 350B Trackloader $8,000. Ford 8N Tractor $1,500. Text 330-442-0085 for more info. Please leave message if calling. FinishPro II 395 Graco Sprayer $2,000/OBO. QEP Professional Tilesaw Mod 60010 2-hp $150/OBO. Mercury 200 outboard, needs coil, make offer. 440-272-5736. Nursery Infant Scale-$6. Honda CRV floor mats-$8. Vintage metal tricycle-$15. George Foreman Grilling Machine-$10. 440-346-7708, leave msg.
SERVICES 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. Experienced Cleaner: will clean your house or office. 440-313-1804. Announcing: Newbury Cares Inc, an Ohio domestic non-profit corporation, serving Newbury Township residents with scholarships. More details to come in 2026.
PETS & ANIMALS For Sale: Six-month old Hereford Heifer. 440-5485998. For Sale: 55-gal and 32-gal aquariums, in double stand $100. 440-729-0070. Gray 6 month old tuxedo cat needs indoor home. Neutered, vaxxed, very sweet but shy. Great with other cats. Call Rebecca 440-321-2485. 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. Holland lop rabbits: $5 each. 440-321-8152.
MISCELLANEOUS FREE advice: need a New Year’s Resolution? No marijuana!!! It will ruin your life!
WANTED TO BUY 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. Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331. Wanted to Buy: One Used Drill Press. 440-635-1901.
www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, December 31, 2025