Russell Township, ADP Resolve Dispute After 6 Months
By Emma macNivEN macNivEN@karlovEcmEdia com
Russell Township Trustees voted Feb. 2 to pay a $4,700 invoice from the Geauga County Automatic Data Processing board for work performed during a cybersecurity incident involving the Russell Township Police Department last fall.
The move resolved a dispute that lasted more than six months.
The incident involved an outside vendor, Simvay, installing SentinelOne antivirus software on the department’s mobile data terminals. The software conflicted with ADP’s required CrowdStrike antivirus program, said ADP Chief Deputy Administrator Frank Antenucci.
ADP acted out of caution after detecting a potential security issue, blocking the department’s email domain due to safety concerns, Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder — who sits on the ADP board — said last fall.
The township was originally invoiced $5,700 for ADP’s work, which included email and phone correspondence, after-hours alert monitoring and the attendance of six ADP employees at a Sept. 18 trustees meeting.
“Significant county resources were invested in responding, investigating, managing and attempting to remediate this issue from September 2025 through the present,” Walder said in a Jan. 7 letter to trustees. “As the associated costs were incurred solely due to Russell Township’s police department email incident and subsequent lack of fulfilling committed obligations, they should not and cannot be absorbed by the broader county user base or its taxpayers. An itemized invoice is enclosed and we respectfully request reimbursement.”
Trustee Chair Chris Hare
See Russell • Page 7
West Geauga Director of Instructional Technology and Operations Scott Amstutz and Osborn Engineering Director of Architecture Scott Brandt.
West G Board Weighs Proposals For Water Treatment Plant
By Emma macNivEN macNivEN@karlovEcmEdia com
After a two-hour review of two proposals for a new water treatment plant and maintenance facility Jan. 27, the West Geauga Schools Board of Education scheduled a mid-February vote to choose between the plans.
Higley Construction, of Cleveland, submitted a bid totaling $4.8 million and Cold Harbor Building Company, of Chardon, submitted a bid for $5.2 million, said district Treasurer Karen Pavlat in a follow-up interview Feb. 2.
Both proposals include the water treatment and maintenance facilities.
Higley’s proposal included 23
West Geauga Schools
exclusions, which are services removed from the project scope, said Scott Vura, executive vice president and principal of infrastructure for Osborn Engineering.
“We’re concerned about Higley treating this more like a bid and then coming back with the old ‘nickel and dime’ type,” he added.
See Proposals • Page 5
Summer Projects Aim to Update Roof, Track & Classrooms
By Emma macNivEN macNivEN@karlovEcmEdia com
West Geauga Schools Director of Instructional Technology and Operations Scott Amstutz presented the district's planned summer projects at the special board meeting Jan. 27, including a new roof for the high school and a track replacement.
“(We are) looking at age in many different areas when we look at projects and priorities for the next five years," he said. “Some of them are cyclical and things that we have bought or we have purchased every single year, and some of them are things that we've deemed necessary because of multiple things, end of life or the replacement because of the nature of how they're functioning at this point in time.”
Items that are purchased every year are new buses and vans, Amstutz said.
The district is also planning a
“This year, we are purchasing one bus and three vans because our vans are pretty old,” he said, adding the vehicles will cost the district $300,000.
Mark Vidmar and Superintendent Nancy Benincasa. Front row, from left, are Osborn Engineering Project Manager Dom Vokic, Executive Vice President and Principal of Infrastructure Scott Vura,
Town Crier
WG Kiwanis Pancake Breakfasts
The West Geauga Kiwanis Club’s 73rd annual pancake breakfasts are beginning March 1. Volunteers are welcome. Call 440-221-0112.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Feb. 13–16
Blackbrook Audubon invites birders of all ages and skill levels to join the Great Backyard Bird Count by tallying bird species and individuals for at least 15 minutes on one or more days Feb. 13–16. Instructions, apps and bird ID tips are available at birdcount.org.
Count birds with Geauga Park District staff at The West Woods Nature Center, Friday–Sunday, Feb. 13–15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is required. Indoor viewing is also available at the Window on Wildlife at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center in Kirtland, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Data collected helps scientists study bird distribution, migration, disease spread and the effects of weather and climate. For birding location ideas, email blackbrookaud@aol.com.
Outreach Spaghetti Dinner
Feb. 19, 6-7 p.m.
Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.
Young of Heart
Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m.
Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Refreshments will be provided, followed by polka music from Polka Jake of the Chardon Polka Band.
Dues for 2026 must be paid by the end of February to be included in the membership directory. Residents of Geauga County age 55 and older are welcome to join. Dues may be paid at the meeting or by calling Monica at 216-659-8117.
A trip to the Aurora Atlas Movie Theater is planned for Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. The movie selection is to be determined.
Additional trips include Seneca Allegany Casino on March 13 and Playhouse Square’s Palace Theatre for “The Great Gatsby” on June 17. For trip information, call Kimber at 440-668-3293.
If West Geauga Schools are closed due to weather, the meeting will be canceled.
CV Herb Society Meets
Feb. 20, 12:30 p.m.
The Chagrin Valley Herb Society will meet at the Bainbridge Library. Following some light refreshments, Edgar Stehli, from Windswept in Time, will present a program on orchids. To register by Feb. 17, email CVHS at chagrinvalleyherbsociety@gmail.com.
Gardening 101
Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to noon
Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers are offering a free, four-part Gardening 101 series for those interested in vegetable and fruit gardening. The classes will be held in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. The series opens with “Site Selection and Preparation.” They are also offering a free “All About Tomatoes” class on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Registration is required; call 440-8344656. For more information, visit geauga. osu.edu.
Auburn Pancake Breakfast
Feb. 22, 8 a.m. to noon
Auburn Scout Troop 101 will host its annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Auburn Fire Department, 10950 E. Washington St. The menu includes buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip and buckwheat pancakes, along with sausage links and beverages.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children, seniors and veterans.
Free Community Lunch
Feb. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All are welcome to attend a free community lunch presented by the Women’s League of St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township.
Woodland Wednesdays
Feb. 25, 1-3 p.m.
Join Woodland Wednesdays for a “Winter Timber Harvest Tour” in Kirtland. See firsthand what logging and timber harvest best management practices look like in the field and how they benefit the forest during and after a harvest. The program is free, but registration is required by visiting bit.ly/WWFeb2026. Property address and details will be provided closer to the event.
LCGS Meets
Feb. 26, 10 a.m.
The Lake County Genealogical Society will host a Zoom meeting featuring a program on reading handwritten letters and documents. Following the business meeting, Carla Cegielski will present “Mastering the Art of Reading Old Handwriting: Strategies for Success.” To receive a Zoom invitation, email lcgsohio@lcgsohio.org at least two days in advance.
Chester Grave Hunters Meet
March 2, 7 p.m.
The Chester Grave Hunters will meet at the Geauga West Library as the group continues projects highlighting America’s 250th anniversary and Chesterland’s 225th anniversary. Planned efforts include cemetery tours in May and October, research on Revolutionary War connections and early settlers and preservation of Chester’s historic cemeteries. Residents interested in local history, genealogy and preserving Chesterland’s heritage are welcome to attend.
Spring Tree Sale
April 16 and 17
Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its spring tree sale. The sale offers a streamlined selection of both bareroot seedlings and 1-3 gallon container trees and shrubs. Rain barrels are also available.
For more information, tree descriptions and to place orders, visit geaugaswcd.com. Order deadline is March 30. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The pickup dates are in April at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton. Questions? Call 440-834-1122.
Community Meetings
Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.
Chester Township: 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. 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.
Farm Bureau Scholarships Available
Geauga County Farm Bureau is offering scholarship opportunities to students pursuing post-high school education. The number of acceptable qualifying applications determines the scholarship amount.
Applicants do not have to be enrolled in an agricultural field of study. However, the scoring system places a higher emphasis on applicants with agricultural involvement, Farm Bureau involvement and membership history.
The applicant must be either a current Geauga County Farm Bureau member or a family member whose parent/guardian is a current Geauga County Farm Bureau member at the time of applying and at the time of scholarship payout.
Applicants must be a part-time or fulltime enrollee of an accredited two- or fouryear college, university or technical school. Prior recipients may reapply but may receive
a scholarship no more than four times. For first-year students, the applicant must prove enrollment or admission status.
Recipients of a scholarship or a representative must attend the Farm Bureau annual meeting held in September, and recipients or their parent/guardian must work at least one shift in the Farm Bureau tent at the county fair during the award year.
Scholarship funds will be distributed after the recipient completes one quarter/semester and submits grades to the Farm Bureau office, provided membership is in good standing at application and payout.
The fillable form is available online at www.geaugafb.org or by emailing geauga@ ofbf.org. No handwritten forms will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by March 31.
For more information, contact the county Farm Bureau office at 440-426-2195.
Teens in grades 6-12 will get creative while enjoying a relaxed afternoon mixing up
Projects
from page 1
ten facility, combining the two pre-kindergarten rooms and expanding the bathroom and changing area. The project will cost $150,000, Amstutz said.
Another $400,000 will be spent on new teacher technology, such as laptops, he said.
“We're going to see how these devices have — the aging of those devices, but we're looking to get, hopefully three, four, maybe five years out, depending on the functionality (of them),” he said.
The district is also looking to purchase a new plow truck for $150,000, as it handles snow removal at its facilities, Amstutz said.
He also noted the high school track will need replacement. It was last rejuvenation in 2015 by The Vasco Group, of Massillon.
“We are on the cusp of needing to replace that entire track, if it's this year or it's next year, but it's going to have to be replaced,” he
face masks, hair masks and more — perfect for a day of self-care.
What is Creative Journaling?
Feb. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. • Geauga West
Explore the world of creative journaling. Participants will start with a brief overview of different journaling styles, then dive in with hands-on activities to try a variety of journaling ideas and techniques.
said. “We did get specific proposals through Vasco, who has done our work on our football field, done all our testing, they did the rejuvenation and they've done all the maintenance on our track.”
The high school roof is scheduled to be replaced in a $1.8 million Phase 1 project, Amstutz said.
“We do have some areas that have saturated insulation (and) we have pooling,” he said, adding there’s also a “freeze thaw” issue that could create more leaks in the roof.
The district has received four bid proposals for the roof project.
Other planned projects include installing new switches, upgrading the Lindsey Elementary School parking lot, updating classroom technology, and adding new water filtration equipment at Westwood and Lindsey Elementary schools.
The board will vote on summer projects at its Feb. 17 meeting.
Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter Allison Wilson, Staff Reporter Emma MacNiven, Staff Reporter Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher John D. Karlovec, Editor Deadlines
Clay Karlovec, Sales Representative
Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative
Amber Ballard, Sales Representative Regina Swinerton, Classifieds Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design Emma McGuire, Paginator
• Editorial submissions are printed as space is available, at the publisher’s discretion, and may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. All submissions are due by noon on the Friday prior to the Wednesday publication date for consideration for that edition.
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Circulation
• The Chesterland News is distributed for free to homes and businesses in Chester Township. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.
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• In case of error, we will re-print that portion of an advertisement that was in error. Notification of error should be made within three days of published date.
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Help Support the Chesterland News and Local Journalism
The Chesterland News and newspaper journalism are critically important and essential in protecting the vibrant community in which we live.
The Chesterland News stitches the communities we serve together. From news to in-depth articles on topics that deeply affect the community, the Chesterland News strives to bring you complete coverage.
The cost of publishing this newspaper — editorial, printing, mailing and other production costs — is accomplished primarily through the support of generous advertisers. These advertisers are community leaders who understand the value of a stronglocal newspaper. We appreciate each and every one of them.
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For any donation of $50 or more, we’ll even toss in a free gift in appreciation:
1. FREE one-year online-only subscription to the Geauga County Maple Leaf, a six-time winner of Ohio Newspaper of theYear, OR 2. Five FREE 25-word classified ads over the next year.
As always, we greatly appreciate the support you give us, whether it’s financially or simply by continuing to be a loyal reader of the Chesterland News.
Jeff and John Karlovec
Kiwanis STEM Fair Showcases Innovation
SuBmitEd
The West Geauga Kiwanis Club hosted its annual STEM Fair on Jan. 31 at West Geauga Middle School, bringing together students from local schools to showcase skills in science, technology, engineering and math.
Students participated in a variety of individual STEM projects, problem-solving challenges and hands-on activities designed to encourage innovative thinking and collaboration. One of the featured events was Junk Box Wars, an engineering challenge in which student teams were given boxes of assorted materials and a limited amount of time to design and build a functional solution to a specific problem. The activity emphasized teamwork and creativity.
The fair also included a traditional timed 30-minute math test for elementary, middle school and high school students. Beyond the math competition, the remainder of the fair focused on celebrating ingenuity and creativi-
ty through science and technology.
Another featured event, “How Do I Fare? in Science & Technology,” was open to students in grades six through eight. The teambased competition paired students in groups of two to solve puzzles using logic, problem-solving skills and real-world reasoning. Teams rotated through 12 stations set up across three science classrooms, with five minutes allotted at each station to solve a challenge and answer a bonus question.
Junk Box War winners are: first placeNaomi Mortinez, Tylor Kuhn and Elsa Henderson; second place - Robert Meyer, Charlie Allin and Logan Klarich; third place - Connor Northrup, Jack Patterson and Marley Bulzan; and Most Creative - Caroline Yeager, Elizabeth Grisez and Danica Talcott.
“How do You Fare” winners are: first place - Freeland Southard and Lincoln Shirey; second place - Savannah Sinkovec and Lola Franceschini; and third place - Libby Mayer and Mary Alice Stevenson.
8 a.m. through
early afternoon and included time for judging, project displays and award announcements.
The STEM Fair ran from
Proposals
from page 1
“One (thing that stood out about Cold Harbor) was they didn’t have any exclusions. They sort of went the other way. They put in a series of allowances, sort of as an ‘if needed.’”
Cold Harbor’s proposal also includes a temporary access road into their budget, which could later be upgraded to asphalt or concrete and used as the main access road to the property, Vura said.
“(Cold Harbor was) so specific (in) how they’re going to prepare the site for construction,” he said.
To prepare the construction access road, Cold Harbor proposed using a foot of 1-and-2inch limestone and a 6-inch layer of another limestone base, Vura explained.
“So, this would be their work platform throughout the whole entire construction and then when they’re done, we could leave that access road as limestone,” he said. “They don’t want mud, they don’t want to be held back by weather, they don’t want to be held back by snow, they don’t want to worry about (getting) a truck stuck.”
Cold Harbor’s budget includes costs from the beginning of the project through completion, he said.
Higley’s proposal does not include pricing for a temporary access road, Vura said.
“(Cold Harbor was) trying to present a complete budget — all in,” Vura said. “We’re going in one time for a procurement and the dollars are the dollars period like this is to cover us from the start of the design phase through construction turned over to you.”
Higley’s proposal estimates project completion to be sooner than Cold Harbor’s timeline, Vura added.
“When I compare the two schedules, the tightness of the Higley schedule makes me think that they’re not putting enough float (time) in,” Vura said. “I don’t think (Higley is) putting in enough allowance for setbacks,
unforeseen conditions (like) a permit being delayed. Whereas, I think the Cold Harbor schedule has that schedule float built into it. It seems more realistic.”
Vura also noted Cold Harbor’s reputation as a water and wastewater management company.
Board member Mark Vidmar later asked Facilities Manager Mark Richardson to clarify the need for the project.
Richardson said the district needs a centralized shop area to work in and storage space for vehicles that are currently housed at at least three locations across the county.
“I love guys that do maintenance. I’m a guy that turns my own wrenches too, right?” Vidmar said. “So, I totally appreciate having a work area and somewhere to work. I’m just trying to get my head around spending 1.2 million bucks for a shop area, right? … I guess I’m just trying to get my head around why we (need a new building) versus what we have right now.”
Board member Kathy Leavenworth said the district’s current facilities do not sufficiently support maintenance staff.
“We’re asking our employees to be doing the best work that they can possibly be doing in space that is inadequate,” Leavenworth said. “It’s not a Taj Mahal. It’s not a — ‘This is the top of the line.’ It’s giving them space that is safe and that is thanking them in a way for the wonderful work that they do and giving them the opportunity to work in a viable, workable space.”
Superintendent Nancy Benincasa also addressed the need for the new building.
“Part of our charge is to prioritize what we’re going to tackle for our district and for our kids,” she said. “The board’s wherewithal and fortitude in choosing Osborn to kind of lead us through this process is making it one that I think it’s obviously going to benefit our campuses — in not maybe the sexiest of ways — but in terms of running and being safer, it’s certainly important.”
The board is expected to vote on the proposals at its Feb. 17 board meeting.
Geauga Park District
For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org
A Creative Take On Birding
Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m.
Explore bird identification through art during “Bird ID Through Art” with Geauga Park District Naturalist Trevor Wearstler at The West Woods Nature Center. Registration is recommended to receive updates and reminders, but not required.
The program highlights how artists use key field marks — shape, color patterns and posture — to capture birds on canvas, offering a fresh and less intimidating approach to learning bird ID. Participants will view birdthemed artwork and gain tips to sharpen observation skills for use in the field.
The program also serves as a precursor to the park district’s “On the Wing…Nature That Takes Flight” community art show, with online artist applications accepted Feb. 12 through March 12. The exhibit will be on display at The West Woods Nature Center from March 28 through July 26.
Spring Turkey Hunt
Applications due March 15 for youth hunt, March 30 for regular hunt
Geauga Park District is offering a turkey
Jacqueline Ruddle
Jacqueline Ruddle (Nee Naylor), age 89, of Chester Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Jan. 28, 2026.
Obituaries
Known as Jackie to her friends and family, she was born on June 20, 1936, in Derby, England, the daughter of Muriel (nee Lawrence) and Fred Naylor.
In 1957, Jackie married Peter L. Ruddle and in 1967 they came to the United States with their daughters. They lived in Rockford, Ill., and Pittsburgh, Pa., before Peter’s work took Jackie and Peter to live in Belgium, Japan and Taiwan. They returned to the U.S. living in Pittsburgh, and upon retirement to warm Arizona, before settling in Northeast Ohio, Chester Township (Chesterland), in 2014.
Jackie delighted in watching movies, reading and working through puzzle books.
She never met a stranger, was always eager for a good bit of gossip and a friendly conversation.
Jackie will be remembered as an authentic and loving soul, a devoted mother to her two daughters, Susan Laybourn, of Aldbourne, England, and Caroline (Christopher) Concilla, of Chesterland; a doting grandmother of Alex (wife, Anna), Michael and Nathaniel; great-grandmother of Graham and Andie. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her, including her sister Wendy Palmer.
Jackie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Peter; and siblings Faye Naylor, Michael Naylor and her twin, Josephine Capenerhurst; and son-in-law, Peter Laybourn.
Visitation for Jackie was held Feb. 7, 2026, at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland.
Share a fond memory or condolence at www.gattozziandson.com.
hunting opportunity again this spring within its Longo and Farley properties.
For the option to participate, applicants must complete the form located on the park district’s website and email it to permits@geaugaparkdistrict.org or drop it in the mail.
Free Tax Assistance Available for Seniors
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 other rel-
evant 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.
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Jan. 23, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, 2026, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Insana Homes Ltd, 9613 Kim Drive, to Matthew T. Aini and Sally E. Macphedran, $327,000. (1.28 acres)
Michael D. Kobella (trustee), 13475 Sperry Road, to Scott Sharp and Latasha L. Moore Sharp, $280,000. (5.21 acres)
Dale E. and Marybeth C. Mack, 11915 Oakwood Lane, to Evan and Erica Ishida, $539,000. (3.6 acres)
Dale J. and Jacqueline A. Rusnik, 9471 Sherman Road, to Thomas M. and Stephanie Ann Kaufman, $560,000. (5.47 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP
Rose Ann Bandelow, 8198 W. River Drive, 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)
Adrian M. and Criselda Grey Altura, 14942 Hillbrook Lane East, to Jacob C. Ebright and Emily Leatherman, $675,000. (1.50 acres)
Bagheri Roya Rafieh and Sharma Ritesh Kumar, 8457 Ridgewood Lane, to Neil and Diane Hunt, $385,000. (2.17 acres)
CFDP LLC, 15809 Hemlock Road, to Karen and Kenneth L. Conley, $180,000. (0.31 acres)
Gary Laufenberg (trustee), 7575 Water Fall Trail, to Aaron P. and Emily Snyder, $1,900,000. (5.67 acres)
Steven A. Difranco and Kevin T. Ruscher, 15508 Chillicothe Road, to Steven A. Difranco, $91,600. (1.00 acres)
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scheduled a special meeting Jan. 29 to review the invoice, expressing qualms about the charges and discussing the possibility of refusing payment.
Russell Police Chief Tom Swaidner warned trustees that failing to pay could result in ADP cutting off its services to the township.
“We risk suspension of performance (and) the suspension of clients’ access to services,” Hare added.
Swaidner said such a move could violate the Ohio Revised Code.
“Under the Ohio Revised Code, under 2909.04, disruption of public services, it does state, ‘No person shall knowingly use any computer, computer system, computer network, telecommunication device or other electronic device or system or the internet so as to disrupt, inner interrupt or impair the functions of any police, fire, education, commercial or government operations.’ So, if (cutting off services) is the response if you respond you’re not paying (the invoice), and they shut your services off, I would believe that they would fall under that revised code and that is a felony in the fourth degree.”
Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz later disputed that claim.
“That’s an incredibly irresponsible thing for a police chief to say in a public meeting, and the prosecutors and the grand jury ultimately make those decisions,” he said in a Feb. 3 follow-up interview. “I can’t imagine a scenario under that law where criminal charges would be applicable because of a contract dispute. Certain matters are criminal
and certain matters are civil.”
Antenucci also responded to the allegation.
“I’m aware of Mr. Swaidner’s comments and my opinion is that a ‘Google search’ is not a substitute for a legal analysis of contract law,” Antenucci said Feb. 3. “Questions about whether conduct implicates the revised code belong with the prosecutor’s office.”
Four days after the Jan. 29 meeting, Hare called a second special meeting and invited Walder, Antenucci and Flaiz, he said Feb. 2.
Trustees raised several objections to the invoice, including concerns that ADP performed work without a formal work order, Trustee Amy Heutmaker said.
“Under Section C of your contract, paragraph one, ‘ADP may not perform work without first having a work order from the client or monies in full,’” Heutmaker said. “My question is, can either of you identify a written work order service request or an authorization initiated by Russell Township or Russell Township Police Department that triggered the MDT installation work built by ADP?”
Walder explained Feb. 2 the township had previously agreed to ADP’s cybersecurity policy, which includes an “endpoint quarantine policy.”
“That endpoint quarantine policy sets in motion that the county is an ‘act first, investigate second,’ incident response crew,” Walder explained. “So, we do that to secure the vital business systems that the county operates under. In this particular case, the business system involved was the county’s Spillman system, which is a law enforcement system we consider a critical environment system. As such, we don’t wait for confirmation. We don’t wait for proof of issue. In this particular case, when the scoring is at a certain level, it informs us to isolate and quaran-
tine. We follow that policy, regardless of what the incident is or who it is with.”
Swaidner also questioned the charges, noting ADP had previously said the police department was not an ADP client, but rather a client of the sheriff’s office, which requires the antivirus software.
Walder clarified Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand serves as an extension of ADP because he sits on the ADP board.
Trustees objected to the line items labeled “Phone Call with Auditor Walder,” which appeared three times on the invoice, Trustee Kristina Port said.
Walder explained the charges were for calls with ADP technicians, which Antenucci admitted were wrongly labeled. Walder said he does not bill for his time as a public official.
Trustees also objected to being charged for six ADP staff members attending the Sept. 18 trustees meeting without invitation or notice.
“I have some disagreement about just bringing the staff without agenda notice on Sept. 18,” Hare said. “That is the only line item on the bill I personally contest.”
Port added, “I was chair at the time and didn’t really have any heads up that there was going to be (six) people attending (Sept. 18). I would have thought that it would have been courtesy if you let our board administrator know if you needed to speak on the agenda as an item to talk about ADP incidents at that time, (it) would have been the more correct way of approaching this, as opposed to just being in the crowd in attendance.”
Walder agreed to remove the three phone calls and the Sept. 18 staff attendance from the invoice, reducing the total to $4,700.
Trustees unanimously voted in favor of paying the amended invoice.
Trustees and ADP officials also discussed
potential legal action against Simvay.
Simvay’s installation violated county protocols, Flaiz said.
“The MDTs are supposed to be imaged by the (Geauga County) Sheriff’s Office. They were not,” Flaiz said Feb. 2. “They were imaged by an outside vendor, which we would never allow. It’s completely against our protocols and that outside vendor was loading on software that we’re unaware of.”
“Essentially, this invoice is really a recourse against us because of reactions taken against us by our vendor,” Hare said.
Walder said ADP has no legal standing against Simvay.
“I don’t know what the scope of agreement was with Simvay, but if they — like any other contractor — if they either fail to perform or in doing their work (and) there’s consequential damage, then you have certain rights under contract that you could pursue,” he said. “But again, that’s not a contract that ADP has. We did not contract with Simvay, so we have no recourse to Simvay.”
Flaiz said the township would need outside counsel to pursue action against Simvay, as the county prosecutor’s office also represents the county. He added the township’s assistant prosecuting attorney has recused herself from the matter.
“I would also be interested in the subrogation part of it somewhere along the line, too,” Heutmaker said. “I still think we do have an entity (Simvay) that has admitted some fault in this, so I think that is still an option to look into. I think based on what we heard this evening, that that does become our responsibility in looking to collect funds in a fiduciary way on behalf of our residents.”
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
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.
Burton: Large 1 BR apt with den, laundry room, large garage, AC, private patio. No pets. $1,050. Call 440221-0649.
FOR SALE
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. Jenny Lind Bed: needs re-homed, some repairs, not free but reasonably priced, photos available. Also, vintage and antique rockers. 3rd-7th generation. 440-6362853.
Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Fine China, plates, bowls, cups, dessert plates, demitasse, gravy, creamer, platters, and more, place setting for 12+, English Garden pattern of blue flowers with silver rim, only $120, call/text for pictures 440-668-8768 Newbury.
Honda HRX217 Lawn Mower: great shape, would cost about $800 today new. Yours for $250. 440-5482414.
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.
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.
STIHL BG 86C gasoline leaf blower: used $150. STIHL FS 85 gasoline weed trimmer: used $150. SCOTT spreader/broadcaster: used $25. 440-785-1590.
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.
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.
Seven MAD Magazines: between 1968 and 1971. $10 each or take all for $50. Call for details. 440-883-9059.
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.
All classified line ads run in The Geauga County Maple Leaf on Thursdays, and in the Chesterland News and Middlefield Post on the weeks each newspaper is published. The Chesterland News and Middlefield Post are published every other week on opposing weeks.
HELP WANTED
Now Hiring Maintenance Associates! Full and part-time positions available at Legacy Village and Oakwood Commons. Apply: hiring@first-interstate.com Wanted: need someone to reupholster two recliners. Also need ride to work, from about Burton Square to Madison Road in Middlefield, 6am-3pm, flexible. 440834-8104.
PETS & ANIMALS
“Johnny,” gray 10 month old tuxedo cat needs indoor home. Neutered, vaxxed, sweet, playful, but shy. Great with other cats. Rebecca 440-321-2485.
Toy F1b Aussiedoodle pups born Christmas morning! $1,000/female, $800/male. Super Cute! Hypoallergenic, smart, sweet, loyal, between 10-13lbs full grown. Text 440-360-9881 for website/application info. (4) 18-month old chickens. Free. 440-548-5749. Middlefield.
Pasture-Raised Cornish Cross broiler chickens: dressed & frozen. Whole bird at $3.50 lb. Average weight 8 lbs. 440-387-9857.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE fact: “winning” is raising happy, drugfree children. Better than Olympics!
REAL ESTATE
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. .34-acre Bainbridge lot on 306, part of Lake Lucerne community with amenities. Tap into utilities: gas, electric, sewer, private community well. SAVE BIG! 75k . 440-574-1599.
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.
Buckeye Landscaping looking for new clients for upcoming season. Services including mowing, mulching, pruning, spring/fall clean-ups, also snow plowing. Call 440 883 9124.
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.
$60 for an in-county 12-month
(subscription
Taking Bids on 1 acre (building included) prime location, Rt 534 & Rt 322, Windsor Oh. Starting Bid $20,000. 440-272-5534 or 440-313-2682.
