Leaf Thursday, March 6, 2025 Vol. 31 No. 10 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.25
Parents Beware …
GPH Ceases Livestreaming, Evaluating Options
Sheriff’s Office Highlights Risky Apps for Kids By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com
ALLISON WILSON/KMG
As the amount of apps targeting children and teenagers continues to grow, so do the dangers, said Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand. The sheriff’s office recently highlighted nine apps parents may not be aware of that could potentially harm their youth.
“The internet offers endless exciting opportunities for children to satisfy their natural curiosity, explore interests, find entertainment and discover new things. It’s a world at their fingertips — a TV, a textbook and a means to their curiosity,” the sheriff’s office said See Apps • Page 4
Kathryn Burry reads a statement to the court expressing her regret.
page 6
Attempted ATM Theft Leaves Suspects EmptyHanded page 7
GPD Art Exhibition Embraces Nature’s Vivid Colors
Former PTO Treasurer Receives 90 Days in Jail
page 10
By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com
Former Westwood Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization Treasurer Kathryn Burry was sentenced to 90 days in the Geauga County Safety Center Feb. 28. Burry, who was charged with money laundering, a third-degree felony; grand theft, a fourth-degree felony; and telecommunications fraud, a third-degree felony, stole approximately $40,000 from the PTO during her time as treasurer. She pleaded guilty to grand theft Jan. 7, with Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Carolyn Paschke dismissing the money laundering and telecommunications fraud charges at her sentencing. Per a civil complaint filed by the See Burry • Page 6
Sports pages 13-16
Obituaries page 9
Sheriff’s Sales & Legal Notices
Berkshire Schools
BOE Votes 3-2 to Transfer Inside Millage Board Considering Alternative Ballot Issue By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
In a split, 3-2 vote Feb. 26, Berkshire Schools Board of Education passed legislation to transfer 2.5
mills of inside millage to the permanent improvement fund in 2026. There is a caveat, however. After half an hour of comments from residents, some of whom opposed the transfer — which would increase property taxes in the district — board members agreed to consider in March placing a 2.5-mill
permanent improvement levy or an additional 0.5% earned income tax on the November ballot specifically for permanent improvements. The district already has a 1% earned income tax going to the general fund. If voters pass either measure put on the ballot, board President
John Manfredi promised the board would cancel the inside millage transfer. Manfredi and board members Linda Stone and Bryan Wadsworth voted in favor of transferring 2.5 mills from the inside millage to the general fund, while board members See Berkshire • Page 5
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