ownship
T Chester 5 Years [ brating 22 ^ Cele
LocaL PostaL customer ecrWss/eDDm
Volume 58, No. 7
stanDarD Postage & Fees PaiD WiLLoughby, oh Permit 42
Chesterland CHESTERLAND News NEWS Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967
Patti Named New Tax Laws Put Pressure Principal of On West Geauga Schools The Year Submitted West Geauga High School Principal Ryan Patti has been named Ohio High School Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA). An OASSA Board of Directors committee selected Patti from principals across the state following a competitive review process. Patti is entering his sixth year as principal Patti of West Geauga High School and his 15th year as a school administrator. Under his leadership, the school has seen significant academic growth and expanded opportunities for students. “Leading a school is about building the systems and culture that allow teachers to do their best work and students to reach their potential,” Patti said. “Our greatest successes have come from creating a shared responsibility for learning and giving both teachers and students the tools they need to succeed.” Patti has served on the OHSAA/ OASSA Principals Advisory Committee and the EXCEL TECC Advisory Council since 2013. He was named OASSA/NASSP Ohio Assistant Principal of the Year in 2019 and received the Geauga County Award for Public Service and Safety in 2023. Superintendent Dr. Nancy Benincasa said the honor reflects Patti’s impact on students, staff and the broader school community. “Ryan’s leadership is grounded in a clear belief that every student deserves access to meaningful opportunities and that strong schools are built through collaboration,” Benincasa said. The award recognizes Patti’s contributions to education and his commitment to developing the next generation of school leaders.
By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
A wave of new Ohio property tax laws could strip away millions of dollars of revenue from West Geauga Schools over the next five years, while the district faces decisions on renewing two local levies, Treasurer Karen Pavlat said Aug. 17. Pavlat walked the West Geauga Schools Board of Education through her current five-year financial forecast, which was due to
the state Aug. 31 under a revised filing schedule. She cautioned that the forecast remains preliminary. Summer property tax settlement data was not due from the county until Aug. 4, and final 2026-27 appropriations will not be locked in until Sept. 30 — but she said the broad trend is clear. “There will be changes in the February forecast,” Pavlat said. Four pieces of state legislation passed over the past two years
are changing how much of the district’s budget comes from local taxpayers versus the state, Pavlat said. House Bill 129 folds the district’s former “emergency levies” into Ohio’s 20-mill floor calculation, a change Pavlat estimated will cost the district $1.8 million in revenue over five years. House Bill 186 created an “inflation cap credit” that Pavlat said will claw back a projected $2.6 See Schools • Page 4
Dog Registration Fees to Rise in Geauga County page 5
County Suspends JFS Levy Collection for Third Year page 6
Obituaries page 3
Classifieds page 7
Hillebrecht Arraigned, Faces Up To 15 Years in Prison Staff Report Steven B. Hillebrecht, 47, sat impassively Aug. 27 as Geauga County Common Pleas Judge Matthew Rambo read 32 felony counts against him during his arraignment. The charges stem from allegations that Hillebrecht, formerly of Chester Township, photographed minors without their knowledge and possessed material depicting minors engaged in sexual activity, according to court records. The case has been billed by Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz as “one of the worst child pornography cases” he has ever seen. According to the indictment, Hillebrecht, now a Kirtland resident, photographed or produced pornographic material involving minors on or about Feb. 13, April 27 and Nov. 23, 2023. The indictment also alleges Hillebrecht secretly recorded minors in places where they had a reasonable expectation of privacy during that same time period, and accused him of soliciting, receiving or possessing material depicting minors engaged in sexual activity, including material involving a 12-year-old and a dog. Four individuals, who were
ANN WISHART/KMG
Former Chester Township resident Steven B. Hillebrecht, left, appears in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Aug. 27. Also pictured is public defender Paul Mooney.
heard saying in the lobby before the hearing that they were victims of Hillebrecht’s alleged crimes, sat quietly in the back of the courtroom last Thursday as Rambo read the charges. Hillebrecht was arrested June 17 by Chester Township Police Department and other law enforcement agencies and was indicted on July 13 by the Geauga County grand jury, according to court records. The first six counts charge Hillebrecht with the illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented materi-
al, second-degree felonies. Each count carries a prison sentence of two to eight years, with a possible 12 years to be determined by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, and a fine of up to $15,000, Rambo said. Counts seven through 10 charge voyeurism, fifth-degree felonies punishable by six to 12 months in prison and fines of up to $2,500, he said. Charges 11 through 24 include pandering sexually-orientSee Hillebrecht • Page 3
facebook.com/chesterlandnews @chesterlandnews
Page 2
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Chesterland News
Town Crier Dorothy’s Porch Giveaway
Sept. 10 and 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dorothy’s Porch, a free community giveaway of clothing for the family, bedding, pillows, toys and household items, will be held at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.
This & That Garage Sale
Sept. 10-12 The St. Mark Lutheran Church Women’s League will hold its annual garage sale at the church located at 11900 Chillicothe in Chester Township. Hours are Thursday, 5:30-8 p.m., with a $5 donation at the door; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free Friday and Saturday.
Kiwanis Hosts Leave and Take
Sept. 12 and 13 The Kiwanis Club of West Geauga will host its annual Leave and Take event at Chester Recycle Park, 12535 Chillicothe Road. Residents may drop off unwanted, usable items and take anything they would like for free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Sept. 13 will be a take-only day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Accepted items include housewares, tools, small appliances, sporting goods, toys, bicycles, chairs, tables, instruments, school supplies, books, shoes and lamps. Large appliances, upholstered furniture, mattresses, clothing, linens, televisions, desks and items weighing more than 50 pounds will not be accepted. Participants should enter the park via
Seminary Lane. Items remaining after Sunday will be donated to Goodwill, with any remainder placed in Chester Cleanup Day dumpsters. The free event is provided by the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District, West Geauga and Kirtland Kiwanis clubs, Chester Rental and Chester Township. Volunteers are also needed. For more information, visit wgkiwanis.org or call Ken Mantey at 440-729-2869.
Community Clothing Closet
Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Community Church of Chesterland will host a Community Clothing Closet at the church located at 11984 Caves Road. Clothing and accessories for all ages and genders will be available. Items are free to anyone in need. Donations are welcome but not required. Everyone is welcome.
Teaching Our Traditions Banquet
Sept. 12, 5 p.m. Teaching Our Traditions (TOT) will host its second annual fundraising banquet at the E.O.U.V. Club in Russell Township. The event will feature dinner, beverages, door prizes, raffles, baskets and a Chinese auction. Proceeds benefit TOT programs that introduce youth to fishing, hunting, conservation, culinary arts, trades and business opportunities. For information or tickets, visit totkids. org/events. Contact Kenny Leonardi at k.leonardi@totkids.org with questions.
Kids’ Clothing Exchange
Sept. 15, 4-6 p.m. Mayfield Church will host a free Kids’ Clothing Exchange in Fellowship Hall, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township. Families may donate gently used children’s clothing, exchange items or simply take what they need. No donation is required to participate. The exchange will feature sizes 4T-10, including everyday clothing, school spirit wear, sports uniforms, coats, jackets and snow pants. Donated items should be clean, stainfree and gently used. Donations may be dropped off at the church’s main entrance Sept. 1-11. Those donating 15 items or fewer may also bring them up to 20 minutes before the event begins. The exchange is open to all families in the community and surrounding areas.
service to lower income Geauga County residents the third Saturday of each month through October. Please bring ID and bags
Get Septic Smart
Sept. 22, 6-7:30 p.m. Join the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District and Geauga Public Health for a free SepticSmart program at the Geauga County Public Library Administrative Center, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon. Resource professionals with Geauga Public Health will discuss how a home septic system works, how to maintain a home’s sewage treatment system and what to do when it appears to not be working properly. Registration is required by visiting www. geaugaswcd.com or calling 440-834-1122.
LCGS Meets
Sept. 16, 12-5 p.m. American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township. All donors receive a $25 gift card. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
Sept. 24, 10 a.m. The Lake County Genealogical Society will meet via Zoom. Following the business meeting, genealogical speaker, writer and editor Sunny Morton will present strategies for "Finding and Using Obituaries More Effectively.” To receive a Zoom invitation, email lcgsohio@lcgsohio.org at least two days in advance.
Outreach Spaghetti Dinner
Girl Scout Info Session
Free Fresh Produce
Seeking Craft Vendors
Bloodmobile
Sept. 17, 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.
Sept. 19, 9-11 a.m. Newbury Community Church hosts a fresh produce giveaway at 14916 Auburn Road. Cleveland FoodBank provides the
Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. A Girl Scout informational session will be held at West Geauga Library, 12455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Girls in all grades are welcome. Questions? Email wgsu773@gmail.com
St. Anselm Women’s Guild is now accepting vendors for its Christmas Boutique which will be on Nov. 14. If interested, contact Shirley Chambers at 216-832-5158.
Community Meetings Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices. Chester Township: Sept. 14, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Sept. 15, 6 p.m., Land Use Planning Meeting; Sept. 16, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. Russell Township: Sept. 14, 7 p.m.,
Board of Zoning Appeals; Sept. 16, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District, Historic Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road; Sept. 17, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Sept. 23, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held in the new Community Room at 8501 Kinsman Road, unless otherwise noted. West Geauga BOE: Sept. 22, 6 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Obituaries Judith Margaret Schwed
Judith Margaret Schwed, age 87, died on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. She was born on Jan. 14, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Laura Charlotte (nee Stringer) and William E. Bebout Jr. Judith was a 1957 graduate of West Geauga High School and a lifelong resident of Chester Township, Ohio. She married Donald W. Schwed on June 13, 1959. Judith enjoyed cooking, sewing and gardening. If there was a meeting, you would find Judith! She attended zoning and township meetings and was known as the “Queen” and in charge. Judith volunteered and served as president of the Chesterland Historical Village for
Page 3
Chesterland News
many years. She always seemed to be rescuing an animal, her last being, Tobey the cat. Judith is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Donald; and two brothers, Robert Bebout and William Bebout. Survivors include her daughter, Laura L. Schwed-Koehler, of Fort Myers, Fla.; and her grandson, Corey (Amanda Kochman) Koehler, of Mentor, Ohio. Visitation and a celebration of life were held Sept. 4, 2026, at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chesterland Historical Society, P.O. Box 513, Chesterland, OH 44026; or to Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072. Share a fond memory or condolence at www.gattozziandson.com.
8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026 Phone 440-729-7667 OFFICE HOURS FAX 440-729-8240 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. ads@karlovecmedia.com Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday editor@karlovecmedia.com Closed Wednesdays Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher John D. Karlovec, Editor Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter Allison Wilson, Staff Reporter Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor
Clay Karlovec, Sales Representative Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative Regina Swinerton, Classifieds Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design Emma McGuire, Paginator
Deadlines • 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. • Email all editorial submissions to editor@karlovecmedia.com. • The space reservation deadline for paid advertisements in that week’s Chesterland News is 4 p.m. on the Thursday prior to publication. Late ads may be accepted at the discretion of management. • Email advertising requests and questions to ads@karlovecmedia.com.
Circulation • The Chesterland News is distributed for free to homes and businesses in Chester Township. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.
• Copies are also available at rack locations within Chester township. • Produced by the Chesterland News, LLC. • In case of error, we will re-print that portion of an advertisement that was in error. Notification of error should
Hillebrecht from page 1
ed matter involving a minor and one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor, all fourth-degree felonies. Rambo said each count carries a possible sentence of six to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Hillebrecht also faces seven counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, fifth-degree felonies, for allegedly possessing or viewing images of minors in a state of nudity. Those charges carry a possible combined sentence of 15 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000, the judge said. The final count charges Hillebrecht with possessing criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony. The indictment includes a forfeiture specification seeking a Synology DS220+ storage device, a computer and three mobile phones prosecutors allege were used in the offenses. That charge carries a possible sentence of six to 12 months in prison, a fine of up to $2,500 and forfeiture of the listed items. Rambo said the sentences could run concurrently and confirmed Hillebrecht entered a plea of not guilty.
As Hillebrecht's attorney, Reid Yoder, of Akron, was unavailable for the arraignment, Paul Mooney, of the Geauga County Public Defender's Office, appeared on Hillebrecht's behalf. Mooney noted Hillebrecht voluntarily appeared for the arraignment after being released on bond following his indictment and continues to wear a GPS monitor. Court records show Yoder requested the existing $5,000 bond, set when the original charges were filed, remain in place, citing Hillebrecht's lack of a criminal record and his appearance at all court proceedings. Assistant Geauga County Prosecutor Nick Burling argued the bond should be increased by $20,000 because 30 additional felony charges had been added since the original bond was set. Rambo increased the bond, telling Hillebrecht that if he could not post cash or surety, he would be taken into custody. David Toth, of Sly Bail Bonds in Canton, posted the bond, according to court records. It also was announced at the end of Thursday's proceedings that Geauga County Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke will preside over the trial.
be made within three days of published date. • The Chesterland News, LLC assumes no responsibility of error contained in any pre-printed material delivered with the paper as an insertion therein. • The Chesterland News, LLC reserves the right to reject or revise any advertisement or news item for publication. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinion of those signing them and not necessarily that of either the Chesterland News, LLC, its affiliates or its advertisers. All letters submitted are subject to editing, and none will be returned. • The opinions and representations contained in advertisements are those of the advertiser. They have not been verified by the Chesterland News, LLC, nor should they be construed to represent the position or viewpoint of this newspaper or its publisher. • Under no circumstances will any record filed in the county be suppressed at any time for anybody, except by order of court.
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 strong local 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
subscription. If you value strong community journalism, please consider helping us with a voluntary subscription. The amount is entirely up to you. Simply complete the subscription form in this edition or call 440729-7667 ext. 500. 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
YES! I Want to Invest In My Community
Here is my donation of $____________
Donations of $45 or more includes a choice of:
$75 value
☐ 5 FREE Classified Ads in Chesterland News Valid every 12 months ☐ 1 YR. Online Subscription to the Maple Leaf $60 value Name: ____________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________, Ohio
ZIP: ________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________ Please send this form and your contribution to:
KARLOVEC MEDIA GROUP 8389 MAYFIELD ROAD, STE. B-5 CHESTERLAND, OH 44026
Page 4
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Chesterland News
Schools from page 1
million this year and roughly $13 million over the five-year forecast period — though the district is disputing the state’s math. Pavlat said West Geauga appears to be one of only a few Ohio districts whose numbers look off, possibly because the calculation is not properly crediting a $2.35 million levy the district voluntarily suspended in 2024. “We’re hoping they just missed a decimal (point),” she said. “We need details from the (Ohio) Department of Education to try to understand this a little better.” By comparison, neighboring Berkshire Schools saw an $81,000 clawback against $897,000 in state reimbursement — “a little out of whack,” Pavlat said, adding the district has asked the Ohio Department of Taxation and ODE for a detailed breakdown of the calculation and is working with outside counsel to pursue the issue. Two additional laws are adding to the district's financial pressure, Pavlat said. House Bill 309 allows county budget commissions to make certain reductions to school district levies based on cash balances, Pavlat said. The law is related to the mechanism that led to the district's 2024 levy suspension. House Bill 335 limits growth in revenue from unvoted “inside millage” following a property reappraisal or update, tying the increase to inflation, she said. A separate provision, if adopted by Geauga County Commissioners, could cost the district another $943,000 in a single year, Pavlat said, adding, however commissioners have twice declined to adopt it. The referenced “piggyback” provision, allowed in House Bill 96, would supplement state homestead and owner-occupied property tax credits by reducing property tax disbursements. The combined effect, Pavlat said, is a reduction in the share of the district's funding coming from the state, even though state officials once called comparable funding ratios unconstitutional. Pavlat said the current split shows roughly 71% of West Geauga's funding comes from local sources, while 29% comes from the state. The district's financial outlook also depends heavily on two local levies scheduled to expire, according to the five-year forecast. A $3.7 million levy is set to expire in 2027, while a $2.35 million levy expires in 2031. Without renewal of the two levies, the district's forecast shows it running out of cash by 2030. A continuing substitute 4.82-mill levy failed by a large margin in November 2025. If voters approve the upcoming levy renewals, the district would finish the five-year forecast with approximately $4.3 million in reserves. However, deficit spending is still
West G Plans Facilities Assessments After a lengthy discussion, West Geauga Schools Board of Education voted Aug. 17 to seek qualifications from architecture and engineering firms to conduct a broad assessment of district facilities, with the high school’s mechanical, electrical, safety and structural systems identified as the top priority. The request for qualifications also will cover planning for a new veterinary technology program, potentially at the middle school, as well as a drainage study for the Westwood Elementary School parking lot. Board members spent about 15 minutes debating whether to combine the three projects into a single request or handle them separately. Some members questioned whether unrelated projects should be bundled together and raised concerns about hiring firms that could later benefit from recommending construction work. District staff clarified that the request for qualifications would establish the scope of work firms could be considered for but would not commit the district to any future construction projects. The board ultimately agreed to issue one combined request while keeping the resulting studies separate and individually trackable. In other business, Superintendent Nancy Benincasa reported strong enrollment growth, with approximately 65 new students in first-12th grade and higher-than-expected kindergarten enrollment. projected to begin in 2028 without additional cuts, according to the forecast. Board members discussed when to place the larger levy renewal on the ballot, noting the district has three remaining election windows — November 2026, May 2027 and November 2027 — before the levy expires. Pavlat said the district has already taken steps to control costs. Six staff retirements this year were not filled, saving approximately $700,000. The district also brought preschool instruction in-house and now operates three preschool classrooms rather than contracting with the county, saving about $250,000 in tuition payments. Rising fuel and health insurance costs remain additional pressure points heading into the next budget cycle, Pavlat said. Fuel costs have increased approximately 53% since February.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Chesterland News
Dog Registration Fees to Rise in Geauga County Staff Report Dog and kennel registration fees will increase Dec. 1 after Geauga County Commissioners approved the increases Aug. 18 following a presentation from Dog Warden Matt Granito. The new fees boost one-year dog registration to $20, a three-year dog registration to $60, a lifetime dog registration to $200, and kennel registration to $100. Granito said the last fee increase was in 2013. “We’ve been talking about this for a while, for an increase,” he said. “I know that the support has been for you guys to give us an increase and we just need it at this point.” The dog warden’s office has been operating at a slight deficit for the past five years, he said. “We just break even on these dogs and that’s not even the amount of time we spend with them,” he said. “But (if) we go any higher with our adoption fees, we’ve seen that we lose adoptions.”
Funding for the office must come from the dog license fees, Granito said. He projects the office will face a $40,000 deficit next year, which the fee increase is expected to cover. Without it, the office would have to consider other options, including additional fee increases, reducing 24-hour service or reducing staff. “There are a lot of things, but all those things hurt the dogs, ultimately,” Granito said. He noted he intends to seek an increase in impound fees later this year. In other business, commissioners approved a $129,894 construction agreement with Grunwell-Cashero Company for masonry repairs and restoration work on the Opera House on the Chardon Square. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, said Geauga County Maintenance Department Project Manager Chuck Tkach. The building's masonry has not been updated, its mortar repaired or its exterior repainted since about 2004, Tkach said.
Geauga Public Library Geauga West Branch 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.
Library Discussions
Registration is not required. • Virtual, Sept. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., “Kill the Farm Boy” by Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Herne
Meet West Geauga Leaders
Sept. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Meet West Geauga Local Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Nancy Benincasa and High School Principal Ryan Patti for an informal Q&A, followed by a brief update on academic offerings and student achievements. Registration is not required.
Leadership Geauga Heritage Program
Sept. 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Designed for retirees and those approaching retirement, this program offers meaningful ways to stay active, engaged and connected within Geauga County, including building
relationships with local leaders and finding volunteer opportunities.
Texture Scavenger Hunt
Sept. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kids in grades K-2 are invited to join in as staff read “How the Forest Feels: Sensory Play Nature’s Way” by Wendie Silvano and then embark on an indoor/outdoor texture hunt.
Page 5
Page 6
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Chesterland News
County Suspends JFS Levy Collection for Third Year Staff Report Geauga County Commissioners voted Aug. 25 to suspend collection of the county’s 0.5-mill county Jobs and Family Services levy for tax year 2026, marking the third time in four years they have taken the action. Commissioners previously suspended collection in 2025 due to an unusually large cash carryover and in 2023 to help offset increased property taxes. “We’ve almost done this every year,” said Commissioner Jim Dvorak. The levy generates about $1.6 million annually. Commissioner Carolyn Brakey said while that amount is significant, the savings for individual taxpayers will be relatively small. “I’ll note this should amount to over $1.6
million in tax relief for our residents, which that number is substantial but I recognize that spread out across all of Geauga County and all of our residents, all of our taxpayers, it’ll be relatively modest,” she said. Regardless, the decision will allow taxpayers to keep money that otherwise would have been collected, she said. In an Aug. 27 Facebook post, Brakey said the county’s general fund will make up the difference in revenue and that GCJFS operations will not be affected. Assistant County Administrator Mark Jimison said no representatives from GCJFS attended the meeting, but they wanted the public to know they support returning money to taxpayers while also recognizing the department’s need for the funding. Commissioners approved the measure unanimously.
Geauga Park District karlovec
group
8389 Mayfield Road, B-5 Chesterland, OH 44026 Fax: 440-729-8240
To advertise in the Classifieds, contact the advertising department at 440-729-7667 ext. 500 or email your ad directly to ads@karlovecmedia.com
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT NOON PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE 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.
☐ Here is my ad. The per week cost is $15 for the first 25 words, plus 50¢ for each additional word. ☐ I am a PAID MAPLE LEAF SUBSCRIBER entitled to 25 WORDS or less FREE each week. (Words over 25 will be billed at 50¢ per word.) NO BUSINESS ADS. Please include subscriber number ___________ (found on mailing label)
☐ I would like to be a MAPLE LEAF SUBSCRIBER and advertise for FREE. Enclosed is $60 for an in-county 12-month subscription (subscription rate valid through 12/31/26). Write Your Classified Line Ad 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Number of weeks to run ad: Free Subscriber Ads can run a maximum of four weeks, then MUST be renewed.
INFORMATION FOR OFFICE USE BELOW THIS LINE – WILL NOT APPEAR IN PRINT
NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP PHONE EMAIL PAYMENT INFORMATION Make checks payable to “Karlovec Media Group.” Credit card charges will appear as “Karlovec Media Group.”
☐ Mastercard
☐ Visa
☐ Discover
☐ American Express
NAME ON CARD BILLING ADDRESS CARD # SIGNATURE
EXP
CVC Code
For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Space Race Returns
Oct. 3, 4-6 p.m. Geauga Park District will host its fifth annual Space Race at Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville Township. Participants may run, jog or walk as many 0.85mile laps of the Planetary Trail as possible
during the two-hour event, with each lap representing a journey farther through the solar system. The $20 registration includes a medal for anyone completing at least one lap, with ribbons recognizing the distance traveled. Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers. T-shirts are available to the first 250 participants. Registration is required at bit.ly/spacerace2026
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the week ending Aug. 28 and period Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, 2026, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only. CHESTER TOWNSHIP Molly Helton and Charles Barnes, 11535 Blackberry Lane, to James Philpott, $625,000. (5.26 acres) Kenneth M. and Linda L. Fruscella, 8325 Lincoln Drive, to Emily Marcia and Brent Irwin, $400,000. (3.61 acres) Mary A. Cogar, 8882 N. Shiloh Drive, to Alexander and Elizabeth Keil, $330,000. (1.62 acres) Linda L. Gifford (trustee), Spruce Drive, to Thomas J. and Mary J. Tongel, $1,300. (0.47 acres) Richard Leasure and Bridgette Declemente, 13330 Hickory St., to Cassidy and Cameron Livingston, $429,900. (1.01 acres) 11425 County Line LLC, 11425 County Line Road, to Jay Engler, $300,000. (5.30 acres)
Jeanine and Gregory Lee Caldwell, 11865 Africa Acres Drive and Africa Drive, to Joseph Nicolas and Michele Delaney Trolli, $800,000. (17.81 acres) Gunter Schwegler (trustee), Kristine Drive (s/l 18), to 11565 Kristine Drive LLC, $85,000. (3.05 acres) RUSSELL TOWNSHIP Kurt William Hanna (trustee), 13540 Ledgebrook Lane, to Andrew and Natalie Kirschenbaum, $725,000. (5.56 acres) Marc A. and Joyce B. Charney (TOD), 8422 Holly Hill Road, to Travis Boothe, $340,000. (1.51 acres) Scott Shackleton and Katelyn Ristau, 14631 County Line Road, to Laura M. Scharfenberg and Justin T. Rogers, $1,007,500. (3.26 acres) Christine Marie Neuman, 14770 Hillbrook Lane East and part s/l 17, to Jason Veloso, $1,236,000. (2.75 acres) Chad Komocki (trustee), Whispering Pines Drive (part s/l 9 and 10), to Christine and Mark Goodrick, $200,000. (8.04 acres)
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Page 7
Chesterland News
Classifieds FOR RENT Claridon Twp: Efficiency Apartment Rental, $450/mo. Singles only. No pets. Please call 440-479-4961 after 5pm. Middlefield Village: 1,000 sqft 2BR townhouse apt. No pets. $1,250 and up. 440-286-3653.
1978 Itasca 23’ Motor Home: sleeps 4, AC, generator, fridge, range, full bath. Very Good Condition. $7,500. 440-221-0079. Mower: Craftsman riding mower, 23-hp, 50” cut. $400/OBO. 440-636-6220, leave message.
Middlefield Historical Society Christmas Sale is November 21. DONATIONS NEEDED. Call Barb 440 5036444.
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. Wanted: two to five acre buildable lot, heavily wooded, in either Chester, Russell, Bainbridge, Munson, Newbury or Auburn. Call 216-570-9584. .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. Family looking to purchase well-loved home to put down roots, grow memories. If you’re thinking of selling we would love to hear from you! 440-708-8654.
EVENTS Girl Scout informational session. All grades welcome. Wednesday, September 30th, 6:30pm. West Geauga Library, 12455 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland. Questions? Email: wgsu773@gmail.com
FOR SALE Myers Craft 12-ft flat bottom boat w/oars; asking $400. Mac Tools and S+S motorcycle toolbox, complete with tools; asking $1,000. 440-635-1901. Local Pork Harvest, October: Natural feed. No antibiotics. No hormones. $3.50/lb hanging weight. Cutting and vacuum sealing included. 440-636-2853, or mjtdyes@gmail.com Buck stove insert, old Magnavox radio, 200v/200w light bulbs. 440-338-5201. Champion Dual Fuel Generator 6250 Gas 5600 Propane, 125 hours. Includes Propane Hose 4-Prong Electric Cord and 2 full Propane Bottles; $500 OBO 602538-7799. 2007 Yamaha RS Venture Snowmobile: 2-up cruiser, 120-hp, 687 hours, $5,000. Call 440-749-0182. Miscellaneous Stones: foundation and field stones. If interested, come and look. Montville area. Call or text 440-478-2218. Field Stones: from big to small sizes. Electric Makita Skilsaw. DeWalt 1/2” electric drill. Make Offer. 440548-2657, Middlefield area. WOODWORKERS: Free! 200+ board feet, Walnut, Oak, Hickory, Cherry and Maple Hardwood. 3/4”, 1/5”, 2” long and short pieces. 440-383-3039. Snow Blower: Ariens ST524, brand new, electric start $200. Scaffold: Safeway/Waco, with frames, platforms, leveling jacks; Inquire. Wheel Horse w/cart $150. Riding Tractor; Inquire. 440-773-7970. LATHEM TIME RECORDER CLOCK, RECORD ALBUMS, Old Cameras, large granite counter-top pieces, fresh/ salt water aquariums, old clocks, kerosene lamps. Inquire. 440-338-3563. Russell. John Deere 2014 tractor: D-105, for parts. New motor, newer belts and seat, deck shot, $150. 440-479-0369. Honda Quad 450 Rancher: Red, 2007, front and rear racks, electric winch, new battery. Good Condition. $3,150/OBO. 440-487-1220. HONDA EM5000 SX Portable Generator: like new, 160 hours, electric start. $2,000. Chesterland. Call 440729-7958. 2 Premium Burial Lots: Western Reserve Memorial Garden, Old Rugged Cross area. $3,200/OBO. Will pay transfer fee. 440-477-2809.
MISCELLANEOUS
SERVICES GARAGE/ESTATE SALES Chardon: 9/10-9/13, 9a-5p, 10925 Forest Oaks Dr. Depression glass, Carnival glass, Fiesta, much glassware, 1920 books, rocking chair, embroidered pillowcase, vintage tablecloths, light fixtures, 2 Xmas trees, tree lights, ornaments, many decorations. Camouflage clothes, yarn, 1940 double bed, professional size cake pans. Much More! Cash Only. Burton: 9/10-9/19, 9a-5:30p, 13955 Goodwin St. HUGE SALE! Mens’, women’s, jeans, clothes. Glassware, towels, sheets, plumbing. Xmas, Halloween lights. Cookware, golf, chain saw. UNIQUE WEEKLY SALES: Something for everyone! All items priced low. Monthly drawings too. Thurs-Sat 9am5pm. 9098 Old State Rd, (Rt 608, Chardon). More info 440-940-4020.
HELP WANTED Geauga County Public Library is looking for a FT Maintenance Worker. If interested, please apply through our website: GeaugaLibrary.net/about/careers
PETS & ANIMALS Need to Get Your Dog to Listen? Gain peace of mind and train your dog the positive way. Four Legged Scholars 440-548-7312. Ohio4LeggedScholars.com 135-gal aquarium, all glass $125. 185-gal fiberglass in-ground pond tub $225. 440-729-0070. Small pet water fountain $5. Indoor cat cube 13”x17”x11” $8. Set of 14 “At Home with Georgia Lap Quilting” VHS, Free. 440-346-7708, leave message. “Franklin,” 4-6 year old gray tiger cat needs an indoor home. He’s 14 pounds of pure sweetheart! Neutered, vaxxed, and good with other cats. Call Rebecca 440321-2485.
karlovecmediagroup Seeking Sales Rep Karlovec Media Group is hiring account representatives to sell print and online advertising in and around Geauga County, specifically in the Chesterland and Kirtland areas. Candidates must be able to manage time wisely, meet deadlines and have reliable transportation. All of our staff must be willing to work in a team environment to help grow our newspapers. The ability to understand and live with a deadline-driven business is a must. The ideal candidate would have at least two years of sales experience.
Submit resumes to editor@karlovecmedia.com
Middlef ield Community News from Middlefield, Parkman, Huntsburg and Surrounding Areas
POST
Offering Junk Removal and Demolition: 440-883-9124. 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. *2K Land Solutions*: We do-Gravel Driveway Refurbishing, Dirt Work, Brush Hogging, Landscaping, Hardscaping, Fall Leaf Pickup, Flatbed/Dump Trailer Hauling, Snow Plowing. Call Kourtney today: 440-749-7672 ED’S PAINTING, PLASTERING & POWER WASHING: Quality Work. Reasonable Rates. Interior and Exterior. Call Ed today at 216-323-6744. Free Estimates! Handyman Doing Construction Work: Framing, siding, metal roofing, decks and garages. 440-321-8909. Will do housekeeping, cleaning, and help in Air B&B, and overnight facilities. 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. FOUND OLD SPORTS CARDS? I buy baseball, football & basketball collections for cash. Attics, basements, inherited collections. Local buyer. Call/text Seth 216276-1626. Wanted: Do you have a used wood or coal stove siting around, that you would like to sell? Stove must be salvageable. Harman, Quadrafire, Napoleon, Dutchwest, and others. Call Bill 440-636-3323. 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.
Page 8
Chesterland News
Wednesday, September 9, 2026