Volume 57, No. 20
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967 Home & Garden Show Highlights Local Expertise Staff Report The Geauga Home and Garden Show returns this spring with its largest footprint yet, bringing together more than 120 vendors across three buildings and two locations in Middlefield. Now in its 19th year, the annual event will take place from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 27, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28, according to an event press release. The show will span two buildings at Heritage Marketplace and one large building at nearby Fisher Flooring, offering attendees a full weekend of inspiration for home, garden and outdoor projects, the release said. “This year’s show promises to be better than ever,” said show organizer Paul Wengerd in a statement. “Utilizing three buildings across two locations allows us to offer more vendors, greater variety and a truly unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.”
West Geauga Schools
District Falls Victim to $41,500 Email Scam, State Audit Finds By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com A recent audit conducted by Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber found West Geauga Schools Board of Education mistakenly paid $41,500 to a fraudulent vendor in October and November 2024. The district’s insurance company reimbursed $36,500 of the loss, leaving an outstanding balance of $5,000, the policy’s required deductible, according to a press release from Faber’s office. The Feb. 24 audit included a finding for recovery for the $5,000 against Treasurer Karen Pavlat and Accounts Payable Specialist
Susan Rischar, the release said. The district received three emails from what appeared to be a vendor requesting an update to its banking information, resulting in payments totaling $41,500 sent to the fake vendor in October and November 2024, according to the release. Pavlat The email included the owner’s name, vendor’s logo, contact information and an October invoice attachment, Pavlat said in a statement to district parents. “However, the email address was altered by adding an ‘s’ to the owner’s email address do-
BMX Riders Promote Kindness Submitted
Three Buildings Of Inspiration
Visitors can expect a wide range of exhibitors, including home improvement professionals, landscapers, builders and specialty contractors, as well as Amish Country artisans offering handmade furniture, garden décor and unique home accessories, the release said, adding shoppers will also find tools, furnishings and outdoor essentials, many available with show-only pricing and promotions. In addition to shopping and networking with local experts, attendees will have opportunities to participate in giveaways and silent auctions. Prizes include custom lawn furniture and a storage barn from Pine Craft Storage Barns, along with a variety of door prizes donated by participating vendors. See Show • Page 4
main name through ‘email spoofing,’” she added. “The ACH form was sent to the owner’s spoofed email address and then returned with her signature. This third-party scam caused two ACH checks to be rerouted to the fraudsters. Email notifications of ACH payments were sent back to the vendor through the proper email address.” Pavlat said she later received notice from the vendor in January 2025 that two invoices remained unpaid, though she believed they had been paid in October and November 2024. See Scam • Page 4
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BMX riders perform stunts during the No Hate Tour stop at West Geauga High School, delivering an anti-bullying message to students.
The No Hate Tour rolled into West Geauga High School, bringing with it a team of top BMX professionals and a high-energy, interactive program focused on bullying prevention and awareness. West Geauga was proud to be one of the stops on the national tour, as the performers delivered a powerful message in a creative way that both resonated with and entertained students. The school gymnasium was transformed into a BMX stunt course complete with box jumps, professional riders who have competed in the X Games and an emcee who kept the students engaged throughout the show. Between impressive tricks and demonstrations, the team shared an important message about bullying, including key statistics, the different forms bullying can take and practical ways students can respond, support others and stand up as allies.
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CHESTERLAND NEWS
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Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Chesterland News
Town Crier Bloodmobile
M.U.M.S. Winter Ball
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.
March 21, 6-8 p.m. Mayfield United Methodist Church’s Special Needs Ministry will host its annual MUMS Winter Ball, an annual evening for individuals with disabilities featuring music, dancing and a red-carpet entrance. Guests may dress in formal attire and will be escorted by limousine, courtesy of Gattozzi and Sons. Live entertainment will be provided by RockAbility, a local integrated rock band founded by Lori Weber that brings together musicians with developmental disabilities and mentor musicians. The dance is open to anyone in the community with a disability; church membership is not required. The church is located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. For more information, contact the church and ask for Sandy Pavick, ministry leader.
Young of Heart
Easter Plant Sale
The Red Cross will perform free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made now through March 31. Plus, those who come to give will receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767 to make an appointment. March 16, Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 12-6 p.m. March 18, Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 12-5 p.m.
West Geauga Kiwanis Meetings
March 20, 11:30 a.m. Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Refreshments will be provided. Guest speaker Marie of Cardinal Physical Therapy will share exercise tips. A St. Patrick’s Day celebration is planned for March 17 at 3 p.m. at the Silver Skillet Restaurant in Chesterland. The group will attend a movie March 24 at 11 a.m. at Aurora Atlas Cinema. The movie title is to be determined. An outing to Playhouse Square’s Palace Theatre is scheduled for June 17 for “The Great Gatsby,” with dinner included at the Music Box Restaurant. For trip information, call Kimber at 440-668-3293.
Indoor Flea Market
March 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Munson Township’s indoor flea market will be held at the Munson Town Hall and Fire Station Bay, 12210 Auburn Road. The $1 entrance fee for shoppers will go toward the Munson Township Scholarship Fund. Youth 12 and under are free. For more information, call 440-286-9255.
Mayfield Church Garden Ministry is accepting orders for its annual Easter plant sale at the church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township. Flowers may be purchased for home use, as gifts or donated in honor or memory of a loved one to decorate the Worship Center for Easter services. Donated plants may be picked up after Easter. Orders are due by 9 p.m. March 22. Visit mayfieldchurch.org for an order form or call 440-729-4006 for more information.
Free Community Lunch
March 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.
Container Gardening Program
March 25, 7 p.m. The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland will host a free community presentation on container vegetable gardening at the Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road, Chester Township. Enter at the second blue awning. See Town Crier • Page 3
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Town Crier from page 2
Cuyahoga County Master Gardener Kathy Tamerlano will discuss how to grow vegetables on a smaller scale, offering tips for those without the space or time to maintain a large garden.
Christmas in July Craft Show
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road in Chardon, will host a Christmas in July Craft Show and is seeking crafters for the indoor event. For more information, call 440-285-4641.
LCGS Meets
March 26, 10 a.m. The Lake County Genealogical Society will meet via Zoom. Following the business meeting, Cleveland native Deborah A. Abbott will present “Using City Directories in Genealogical Research.” She will introduce the many sections of a city directory and how to use them to trace family and learn more about the city or rural community in which they lived, worked and the schools they may have attended. To receive a Zoom invitation, email lcgsohio@lcgsohio.org at least two days in advance.
Women’s History Program
March 26, 6 p.m. South Newbury Union Chapel will present “Victoria Woodhull – Shattering Glass Ceilings” at Kent State Geauga, 14111 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. The free program, part of Women’s History Month, features a 30-minute film from “Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote,” part of the traveling exhibit from the
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National Archives. A question-and-answer session will follow. Woodhull, an Ohioan, was the first woman to seek the office of U.S. president in 1872, before women had the right to vote.
Free Community Dinner
March 27, 5–6:30 p.m. Mayfield United Methodist Church is hosting its free community dinner at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. The menu will feature corned beef and colcannon. The evening also will include a special performance by students from Chesterland’s Egan Irish Dance School. All are welcome.
GOP Candidates Night
March 30, 6-8:30 p.m. Geauga County Republican Party is hosting a meet and greet for candidates running in the May 5, 2026, primary election in the small gym at the Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road in Chester Township. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided.
GCRTA Luncheon
April 7, 11:15 a.m. The Geauga County Retired Teachers Association will meet at at St. Mary Banquet Center, 401 North St. in Chardon. Social time will be followed by the business meeting at 11:30 a.m. and a catered lunch from Mangia! Mangia! at noon. The program features a presentation by historical reenactor Dale Fellows as President George Washington. For information and reservations, contact Judy Miller at 440-487-4324 no later than March 29. Please bring paper products or canned goods for the Geauga County Hunger Task Force.
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Chesterland News
Scam
from page 1 “Upon investigation and discussions with the vendor, they confirmed a data breach involving the hijacking of the vendor’s email system had occurred,” Pavlat said in the statement. “The data breach allowed someone to access the vendor’s current employees’ emails to obtain information regarding its employees, owners, invoicing of services to third parties, etc.” Pavlat reported the incidents to Faber’s office and local police, she said. “Upon investigation, the police were able to track multiple routings of the ACH payments to various banks but were unable to identify the fraudster or the final destination
of the funds,” Pavlat said in the statement. Faber’s office said in the press release the district did not follow the guidance and standards his office issued in April 2024 on email scams. “And the district treasurer had not adopted cybersecurity policies or employee training to recognize such payment redirect schemes,” the release said. Upon discovering the redirect requests were fraudulent, the district filed a claim with Traveler’s Insurance, according to the audit report. “Prior to accepting the changes to the payment information, the district’s accounts payable specialist did not follow any of the bulletin’s recommended steps to independently verify that the requests were legitimate,” the report said. “In addition, the district treasurer had not adopted a policy or implemented training for employees in her office to recognize vendor redirect schemes. Failure to implement the guidance constitutes negligence under Ohio Rev. Code § 3313.25 (B)(1).” In the audit report, the auditor’s office recommended the district implement policies and staff training to prevent similar scams. Since the incident, the district has taken several corrective actions. Pavlat removed
Rischar from her role as accounts payable specialist. The district shifted from verbal to written mandates, now requires staff to verify vendors using trusted phone numbers and implemented a dual-verification process requiring two individuals to approve changes to vendor files or banking information. The district also deployed a second cybersecurity training program, according to the audit report. “In addition to existing cybersecurity training via Public School Works, the district has deployed the InfoSecIQ platform,” the report said. “This system provides sophisticated awareness training and simulated phishing exercises to ensure all staff remain vigilant against evolving fraudulent schemes. The Treasurer’s staff will also complete specific training for vendor fraud.” Pavlat said the district continues working to strengthen its cybersecurity procedures. “Cybersecurity is an evolving challenge and we are proactive in adapting our defenses to meet emerging threats,” she said in the statement to the district. “We continuously evaluate and update our security protocols, both in the implementation of technology and in staff education, which reflects our dedication to maintaining a secure environment for our students, staff and community.”
Show
couraged to explore the year-round shops and attractions at Heritage Marketplace. These include Country Arts and Jewelry, the Geauga Amish History Center, Yoder’s Bargains, Valley View, Heritage Trailers and Pine Craft Storage Barns, which will offer on-site construction consultations during the event, according to the press release.
from page 1 Event Details
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. To help us continue to invest in the community, we invite readers to show their support through a voluntary newspaper
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The Geauga Home and Garden Show will be held at the following locations: • Heritage Marketplace, 15848 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield; • Fisher Flooring, 16286 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield, located approximately one mile east of Heritage Marketplace on the same side of the road. Admission is $10, with children under 18 admitted free. While attending the show, visitors are en-
Seniors Indigenous Plants as Medicine
March 24, 12-2 p.m. Dr. Michael Maguire will present “Indigenous American Plants as Medicine” at the West Geauga Senior Center, 8090 Cedar Road, Chester Township. A retired Case Western Reserve University professor, Maguire will discuss how Native Americans used plants for healing and treating ailments. A hot lunch will be available from noon to 12:30 p.m., followed by the program. Registration is required by March 16 by calling 440-279-2163.
More Than a Show
For nearly two decades, the Geauga Home and Garden Show has served as both a marketplace and a community gathering, highlighting local talent and supporting small businesses throughout Northeast Ohio. “This event is more than just a show,” Wengerd said. “It’s a destination that brings people together to celebrate craftsmanship, creativity and the unique character of Amish Country.”
Plan Your Visit
Whether planning a renovation, seeking garden inspiration or simply enjoying a day out, organizers say the expanded 2026 show offers something for everyone. For updates and additional information, visit theheritagemarketplace.com or follow Heritage Marketplace on Facebook. Cabela’s will also be at the show with an archery shoot for kids and live vendor demonstrations will be held at 1 p.m. by Flagship Healthcare. For more information, contact Leanna Wengerd at 440-632-0174 or leanna@pinecraftstructures.com.
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Teaching Our Traditions Celebrates First Anniversary Submitted Teaching Our Traditions (TOT), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving generational knowledge, is celebrated its first anniversary in February. In its first year, the organization has grown from a small initiative focused on hunting and outdoor heritage into a community hub offering a curriculum of life-skills in fishing, art, gardening, canning and meat preservation. Celebrating one year of TOT means celebrating the bridge between generations. Field Guide Jeff Martin summarized the mission: “It’s important to remember the past while pursuing the future.” As part of the anniversary celebration, Teaching Our Traditions will launch an After-School Enrichment Program in February 2026 at West Geauga School District facilities. The after-school pilot program, serving students in grades 3-5 through May, connects classroom theory to real-world application. The first session explores Op Art, where students master optical illusions and the perception of depth. Future sessions will focus on architectural design, electric circuitry and nature-based art and environmental exploration. Organizers view the pilot as the foundation for future expansion serving students from elementary through high school. The program emphasizes creativity, collaboration and critical thinking through activities that blend science, math, art and teamwork. The nonprofit relies on parents, mentors
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Teaching Our Traditions celebrates its first anniversary with cassata cakes gifted by the organization’s founder.
and local businesses for support. One student shared, “Teaching Our Traditions has made me more independent and confident. It has
taught patience, perseverance and gratitude.” TOT welcomes mentors, volunteers and business sponsors to help empower
the youth. For more information or to become involved, visit totkids.org.
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West Geauga Schools
Teacher Pens Musical for Lindsey Elementary Production By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com This year's musical at Lindsey Elementary School is extra-special because it was written by fifth-grade teacher Dan Reich and his wife, Megan Reich. “We just spent our evenings writing out ideas and scripts and coming up with things to do with all that, so it (was) pretty fun,” he said. This year's play, "Nursery Crimes: The Case of the Rhyme Land Robber,” follows nursery rhyme characters who band together to solve a mystery, Dan said. “Parts of their rhymes are disappearing or being taken so there's a couple detectives like Simple Simon and Peter Piper, who are detectives in a detective agency, as well as Mary Contrary and they're all getting together to try to find out where all the parts of these Nursery Rhymes have disappeared to and who the main villain is,” he explained. Dan has been directing shows for West Geauga Schools for 25 years and said it is easier to direct a play he helped write. “We would do shows like ‘Little Mermaid’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and things like that … and it's much easier when you kind of put your own show together. That way, you can add characters and do more things for the kids without breaking any, like, copyright rules or anything because it's your own show,” Dan said. The Reichs wrote another version of the play about 11 years ago that was performed at Westwood Elementary School, Dan said. Assistant Director and Producer Andrea Milnar recalled Dan telling the cast 11 years ago, “This is an original show, which means it has never been performed before, so you guys are the first people to ever perform (it) this on stage. And, if it's ever performed again, you get to say, ‘I was in the original.’” “There's not many 10 and 11 year olds that can say that they were an original musical and I just think that's so incredibly special,” Milnar said. Dan decided to bring the play back in
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Lindsey Elementary fifth-grade students rehearse for their upcoming musical, “Nursery Crimes: The Case of the Rhyme Land Robber,” showing March 6 and 7.
honor of two men who were crucial to its creation. One was Jeffery McGuire, who helped write the songs, and John Prexta, who helped design the sets. Both men died last year, Dan said. He and Milnar said they believe student participation in school plays helps with personal growth and skill development. “I think it's important that kids can get up and do public speaking … and just getting up in front of an audience and being able to do something, whether you have one line or you have 100 lines, I just think it's an important thing for the kids to do,” Dan added. The students will perform in front of more than 1,000 people over the course of the weekend, Dan said. “Not every kid is great in the classroom
or good at sports, and having that musical outlet from a young age is beneficial,” Milnar said. “It gets them on the stage, it gets them comfortable in front of a large audience, it makes them step outside of their comfort zones. And even if they just do it to be with their friends, it's just helping them grow as who they are.” The theater “went dark” for three years after the pandemic, she said. “We had 30 kids the first year back, 50 kids last year (and) we have 75 fifth-graders this year,” Milnar explained. About 30 middle and high school students also are helping, bringing total student involvement to more than 100, she added. “We have middle- and high-schoolers
working backstage, running the lights, helping with sound, helping with makeup, running rehearsals, choreography, anywhere that they feel comfortable and want to plug in, we say, ‘Yes,’” Milnar emphasized. Many of those students return to help after participating in earlier productions, she said. “They know how much this meant to See Musical • Page 7
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Chesterland News
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Lindsey Elementary fifth-grade students perform in the original musical “Nursery Crimes,” presented during three sold-out shows after eight weeks of rehearsal.
Musical from page 6
them growing up and doing the shows at Lindsey and they want to give back to the current students,” Milnar added. Her four children have also participated in the school productions, she said, noting her sons Eli, 20, Maveric, 18, and Colton, 15, were in plays at Lindsey Elementary School and the elder two later helped with stage crew. Her youngest son, Xander, 11, a fifth-grader who is in “Nursery Crimes” this year, was born three weeks before Milnar’s first time producing a musical at the school in 2013 and appeared in his first play as an infant, she said. “The next year, (Xander) was just over 1
and we did ‘Lion King,’ and the kids wanted to make him Simba at the beginning, (where) they hold up the baby,” she said. “One of the parents actually bought him a full lion costume (and) we did his makeup. It was adorable. I decided not to let the children raise him in the air. I just thought, live babies can be complicated.” Milnar hopes students who see the play learn that every role, big or small, is important, she said. “Mary Contrary in the play, she never gives up finding the truth,” Milnar said. “She works really hard and she takes the other characters on the journey with her. I feel like that's what we want our children to do in life.” “Nursery Crimes” will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 6, and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. March 7 at Lindsey Elementary, 11844 Caves Road in Chester Township.
Geauga Park District For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org
Be On Amphibian Alert
Register to be placed on the park district’s list to witness the natural phenomenon of spring breeding behavior of wood frogs, spring peepers and possible large salamanders as they move into The West Woods’ woodland pools on a warm, rainy night. The notification should come sometime between early March through early April, a call sharing that the program will occur that very evening from 8-9:15 p.m. or from 9:3010:45 p.m., depending on one’s registration time slot. Participants should dress for the weather and bring flashlights.
The Joy Of Shade Gardening
March 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Dave Tomashefski, of Meadow City Nursery, will present “Shade Gardening: Making the Most of Soft Landing Gardens” at the West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. Learn how the how the shaded areas under trees play a vital role in supporting wildlife. Participants will learn practical, easy-toapply strategies for designing gardens that not only beautify shady spaces but also nurture the full life cycle of beneficial insects. The collaborative program is presented
in partnership with the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio and Geauga Master Gardeners.
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WG Kiwanis Pancake Breakfasts
March 15 and 22, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kiwanis Club of West Geauga will host its 73rd annual pancake breakfasts in the cafeteria at West Geauga High School, 13401 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. The menu features all-you-can-eat blueberry, buttermilk, chocolate chip and buckwheat cakes, along with French toast and beverages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children 6-11 and free for children under 6. An early bird special will be offered from 8-9 a.m. Cases of sausage are available for purchase to take home. Volunteers are welcome. For more information, call 440-221-0112.
American Legion Pancake Breakfasts
Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burton Middlefield American Legion Atwood-Mauck Post 459 is serving its annual all-you-can-eat pancake, sausage and scrambled eggs breakfasts every Sunday through April 19, excluding Easter, at the post located at 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. Cost is $10
for adults, $5 for children ages 6-13 and free for children under 6.
Berkshire Athletic Boosters
Sundays in March, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Berkshire Athletic Boosters are hosting all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts in the Berkshire High School cafeteria, 14155 Claridon Troy Road in Burton.
Burton Fire Station
Sundays in March, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burton Fire Station will serve all-you-caneat pancake and sausage breakfasts at the station located at 13828 Spring St. in Burton. call 440-834-4416 for information.
Geauga Historical Society
Sundays in March, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Geauga County Historical Society is hosting all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts in the Lennah Bond Activity Center at the Century Village Museum, 14653 East Park St. in Burton. For more information, call 440-834-1492.
West Geauga Schools
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West Geauga Middle School seventh-graders participate in mock interviews during Career Connection class, practicing professional communication and interview skills.
Career Path Exploration
Seventh-grade students at West Geauga Middle School are gaining valuable real-world skills through the school’s Career Connection course, designed to help them explore potential career paths as they prepare for high school and beyond. The course features a newly developed curriculum introduced this school year, offering engaging content and hands-on learning experiences. The class encourages students to assess their personal interests and strengths while learning about a wide range of career options that may align with their skills and goals. Lessons include how to write a professional email, how to complete employment applica-
tions and how to understand terms on a typical paycheck, such as the difference between gross pay and net pay, as well as how tax deductions affect earnings. Recently, students had the opportunity to put their skills into practice by participating in mock interviews with their classmates. During the activity, they practiced essential interview techniques, including giving a confident handshake, positive and professional body language, maintaining strong eye contact, speaking clearly and confidently and staying poised even when nervous. The experiences help prepare students for future jobs, internships and leadership opportunities.
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Chesterland News
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Wednesday, March 11, 2026
You Are Not Alone: County Spreads 988 Message By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com Brightly-colored signs bearing three simple numbers — 988 — are appearing in parks across Geauga County in a growing effort to connect people in crisis with immediate, confidential help. Between 2020 and 2025, 74 people died by suicide in Geauga County, said Christine Lakomiak, executive director of the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services. “We noticed a pattern,” she said, which prompted her to take the figures to Geauga County Commissioners, who approved forming a Suicide Fatality Review Board a year ago, which includes Lakomiak; Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tom Rowan; Geauga County Commissioner Carolyn Brakey; Diane Keep of Geauga Public Health; and Tracy Jordan, crisis response director at the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office. While there was a National Suicide Prevention Hotline, in moments of crisis, remembering a 10-digit phone number could be challenging, Lakomiak said. So, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office, working closely with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, helped establish the three-digit 988 hotline program, which launched in 2022. It provides free, confidential, 24-hour support by call, text or online chat at 988lifeline.org for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health struggles, emotional distress or substance use concerns, Lakomi-
ak said in a previous press release. “The intent was to replace the 10-digit number,” she said, noting when people are in that kind of crisis, they need immediate help. There are 19 call centers in Ohio operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Lakomiak said. Anyone who calls 988 will be connected immediately. “The caller will be told, if he or she is a veteran, to press #1 and they will be linked to a veterans crisis line,” she added. If one center is busy, calls are automatically forwarded to another center, where a trained counselor will answer, Lakomiak said. “It links people with local resources. That’s the beauty of it,” she said. The service also is available to those worried about someone else, Lakomiak said in a press release, adding trained crisis counselors provide compassionate, judgment-free listening, de-escalation assistance and connections to local resources. Support is offered in English and Spanish, with interpretation available in more than 240 languages.
Area Parks Step Up
After organizing the review board, members focused on raising awareness of the 988 lifeline. One trend stood out. “Our suicide fatality reviews have consistently shown that many of the tragic incidents involving suicide in Geauga County happen in our beautiful parks and natural areas,” Lakomiak said. Munson Township trustees were among the first to agree to post the 988 signs in vis-
There have been 74 suicides in Geauga County between 2020 and 2025.
ible park locations, including Munson Township Park on Bass Lake Road, Scenic River Retreat on Mayfield Road and Nero Nature Preserve on Bean Road, as well as at the township hall and sports complex on Auburn Road, said Trustee Andy Bushman. Lakomiak said 34 signs will be posted by the Geauga Park District and along the 21mile Maple Highlands Trail. She also hopes villages and additional townships will participate. “Punderson (State Park) reached out and wanted multiple signs,” she said. Chardon and Huntsburg townships have agreed to install signs in their parks. The signs can be customized to include a commu-
nity’s logo upon request, Lakomiak said, adding the board continues to reach out to other local governments. “We’re trying to get on their agendas and ask for partnerships,” Lakomiak said, noting she is scheduled to present at trustee meetings in Chester, Claridon and Parkman townships and to the Russell Township Police Department. “This is a work in progress,” she said. Metal signs cost between $12 and $15 each, depending on size. Government entities can order the signs through Lakomiak and post them using provided metal stakes, she said, adding schools have also received posters promoting the lifeline.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Russell Trustees Give Road Supt. $18.7K Increase By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com Russell Township Trustees recently approved a $18,720 salary increase for Road Superintendent Giovanni Maltese, a move intended to bring his pay in line with comparable positions in neighboring communities. Trustees approved the raise Feb. 19 after determining Maltese, who was hired last May, had been working at a salary they believe was below market rate. “From what I read last year, the board got Giovanni for a song and we had an opportunity to correct that,” Russell Township Trustee Amy Heutmaker said in a March 6 interview, adding she does not speak for the board as a whole. According to township records, Maltese began June 1, 2025, at a rate of $85,280 per year. Trustees increased his salary to $104,000 effective March 1. “What is the most important feature on a car? ‘Tires.’ What do those come in contact with? ‘The roads.’ So … the most important safety feature we have here that we take care of as a township, are our roads,” Heutmaker added. Trustee Kristina Port said the decision was based on both a compensation review and Maltese’s experience. Her rationale was informed by feedback from business management consulting firm Clemans Nelson, of Lima, as well as Maltese’s 26 years of experience working with roads, she said. “We had surveyed the neighboring communities or people that had similar job titles
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Community Meetings Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices. Chester Township: March 17, 6 p.m., Land Use Plan meeting; March 18, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; March 19, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; March 31, 6 p.m., Chester Land Use Plan Public Forum. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701
Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. Russell Township: March 19, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; March 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: March 16, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
in the community, like Bainbridge or Chagrin Falls. So, we had a list of what the salaries were with respect to what was comparable in the area and he was underpaid,” Port said March 9. Road superintendents in nearby municipalities are paid slightly more than $100,000, Heutmaker added. “When you’re 20% underpaid from your foreman and 20% underpaid from the neighboring communities and you were brought in 20% under from those neighboring communities, that can build resentment and we corrected that,” she said. It’s important for the township to retain employees who do good work for the township, Heutmaker said, adding Maltese has saved the township thousands of dollars. “I think retaining our high performing employees is often the most cost effective decision local government can make,” she said. “Turnover is disastrous in key leadership roles and it’s disruptive and expensive when other government agencies in Geauga County are seeing very heavy turnover, low morale in their departments. I think it’s a wise decision for us to invest in our top performers.”
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Feb. 27 and March 6, 2026, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only. CHESTER TOWNSHIP Erin Rae McDowell and Jeffrey Allen, 11661 Sherwood Trail, to Caleb and Rita Polasky, $630,000. (5.39 acres) Kevin R. Young (trustee), 11857 Storybook Lane, to Alec W. Besinger, $315,000. (1.54 acres) Jeremy J. Van Dress (TOD), 8620 Camelot Drive, to Casey N. and Kelley M. Marks, $300,000. (1.73 acres) The Mayfield United Methodist Church, Mayfield Road, to Christos Petra Properties LLC, $600,000. (1.40 acres) Frances L. Noonan, Dustin N. Brown, and Lauren M. Brown, 12931 Westchester Trail, to Breanne N. and Mark A. Wilburn, $530,000. (2.03 acres)
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP 13729 Chillicothe LLC, 13729 Chillicothe Road, to Chillicothe OH LLC, $400,000. (1.00 acres) CFDP LLC, 7686 Clarion Drive, to Maria Grabnar and Christopher Wright, $180,000. (0.31 acres) Krystle and Theodore Ginn Jr., 15370 Fedeli Lane, to Thomas S. and Maria Geraci, $340,000. (5.84 acres) Kevin T. Ruscher, 14873 Hook Hollow Road, to Debra A. and Thomas Delp, $354,900. (1.53 acres) Kathleen Wargo, 13717 Caves Road, to LDR Investment Property LLC, $218,000. (3.07 acres) Blaire E. and Amy Woodward, 14421 Chillicothe Road, to Windsor Road Land LLC, $282,500. (3.50 acres) Blaire E. and Amy Woodward, 14463 Chillicothe Road, to Windsor Road Land LLC, $282,500. (18.49 acres)
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Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Chesterland News
Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS
PETS & ANIMALS
BUYING CARS: $Cash$ Paid for cars, trucks, classic cars, tractors, garden tractors, construction equipment running or not, scrap, cleanups. 440-465-8795.
One Year Old CKC registered Male Beagle. $40. AlsoWanted: Mallard Ducks. 440-321-8152. Nigerian dwarf goats. 2 bucklings, $300 for the pair. Doe and doeling pair. $550. All are blue eyed and disbudded. Middlefield. Text 440-321-9527. Pasture-Raised Cornish Cross broiler chickens: dressed & frozen. Whole bird at $3.50 lb. Average weight 8 lbs. 440-387-9857. Shih-Tzu/Bichon/Poodle Puppies: wormed, vaccinated, vet checked. Ready to go on April 4. $500 each. Pick out yours today with $50 deposit. 440-883-9059. Dog Boarding Day Care: in-home. Call John 440-5338870. www.happyhoundhouse.com One beautiful baby pup! Mini Aussiedoodle 10wks, female $1,000 Partially trained, vaccinated, vet checked. Text 440-796-9682. “Franklin” adult gray tiger cat needs indoor home. 14 pounds of sweetheart! Social, neutered, vaxxed. Good with other cats. Rebecca 440-321-2485.
FOR SALE Werner 40-ft Fiberglass Extension Ladder, like new; $110. 440-313-1178. Vintage Baby Buggy: $65. 440-487-2955. Have you had a sad death in your family? I mourn with you in a book I wrote “Bitter Grief of Parting” $5 each. 330-889-2089. Tanning bed for sale: $525. Wolff System, Sunvision Pro 24 SF. Newer bulbs. Working fine. 440-313-1411. Weak/dead internet areas in your home? Solve your problem. Motorola 3.1 Cable Modem. TP-Link X55 Deco 3-piece satellite router. Easy install. $130. 440-6692763. 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. LAST CALL: Lithograph Prints, signed personally by the artist: Robert Bateman “Midnight Black Wolf” $1,200. Carl Brenders “Monarch Eagle” $300 and “Full House Boxes” $300. 440-729-0070. Small worm composter bin for your garden by Vego Garden, fill with organic peels/cuttings to attract worms, $35, call/text 440-668-8768. 200 feet planed & straight edged Walnut. 200 feet planed Butternut. $6/foot. 1800’s standup grain fanning mill $200. 440-336-2027. Whiskey Barrels, Wine Barrels, Jack Daniel’s Barrels: starting at $125. Great for decorations. 440-3215788. Middlefiled area. Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. 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. Anchor Brand Folding Bench Wringer Floor Stand: 48” tall, Patent 1896, $240. 440-554-5731. 400 piece lot FP GEO TRAX Train set. 60’s vinyl albums. 5 drawer chest. Also, FREE Crib Mattress. 440-7291082. Majacraft Rose spinning wheel. 2 Lazy Kates, 1 extra drive band, 9 bobbins, jumbo flyer, fiber. $1,200. 440-564-1239.
HELP WANTED
CLEANERS NEEDED Local cleaning business is seeking experienced cleaners to work 3-4 days a week. Prior experience in residential cleaning is a must! Must be able to work as part of a team or independently. Pay range is$15-20/hr. depends on experience and motivation!
Please contact us at 216-645-3035
MISCELLANEOUS FREE facts: Marijuana “edibles “ can be cookies. Brownies, candy etc laced with dangerous THC! SO easy for young people to enjoy and be harmed. Beware!
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. For Sale: Mobile Home at Wilder’s Senior Park, Chardon. 2BR, 1.5BA, updates include new furnace/AC. $105,000. 440-567-6128.
SERVICES Independent Provider will come to you home and do Caregiving. Certified with references. 440-313-1804. AM Rides LLC: Reliable transportation for Amish crew hauling, cleaning crews, hunting trips, auctions, and towing. Safe, insured and on time. Airport trips also available. Call Craig: 330-431-8282. 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.
Classifieds 440-729-7667 25 words for $15 Deadline: Friday at Noon
WANTED TO BUY Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331. 4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal.