Geauga County Maple Leaf 5-15-2025

Leaf

Yost Approves Petition to Abolish Property Taxes

By caSSandRa ShofaR caSSandRa@kaRlovecmedia com

The Committee to Eliminate Ohio’s Property Taxes passed its first hurdle on the path to the November ballot after Ohio Attorney General David Yost certified its petition May 9.

The citizen-led initiative aims to have a constitutional amendment abolishing Ohio’s property taxes placed on the Nov. 4 ballot, said committee member Brian Massie in a May 2 press release.

“It is very clear to most Ohioans that the current property tax system is excessively burdensome on citizens who are least able to pay,” Massie said in the release. “It promotes government growth

See Petition • Page 4

subsequently traveled off the west side of Route 608, with the Elantra striking a tree and the dump truck striking the ditch, Jones said.

Rotary Fishing Event Lures In Connection, Community

This year’s school out ing welcomed 52 students from Chardon, Berkshire, Crestwood and West Geauga Schools. Dvorak said all the students caught at least one fish.

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440285-2015 or email editor@karlovecmedia.com no later than Monday noon. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: May 19, 1:30 p.m., Family First Council, Room 168. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Auburn Township: May 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 22, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Burton Township: May 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Burton Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road.

Chardon Township: May 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: May 15, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 21, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: May 19, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees, at Claridon Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road.

Hambden Township: May 21, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.

Huntsburg Township: May 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, with an information session concerning an application for a grant to improve the courts at Huntsburg Recreational Park. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.

Montville Township: May 15, 7:30 p.m., Zoning

IMAGES Hair Salon

8228 Mayfield Rd #3A, Chesterland, OH 44026 (440) 729-2777 is still OPEN and NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS.

An advertiser gave incorrect information for a GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE published in the May 7 issue of the Chesterland News and May 1 issue of the Maple Leaf.

Commission; May 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.

Munson Township: May 21, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Newbury Township: May 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Parkman Township: May 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: May 15, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: May 20, 5:30 p.m., Architectural Review Board; May 21, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at the Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Thompson Township: May 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, at the Thompson Community Center at the Thompson Square.

Troy Township: May 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

Chardon BOE: May 19, 5:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at Ira A. Canfield Building, 428 North St., Chardon, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: May 19, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

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Auburn Career Center Taps Joe Glavan as Next Leader

By alliSon WilSon WilSon@kaRlovecmedia com

Auburn Career Center’s search for a new superintendent has come to a close, with the ACC Board of Education voting unanimously to appoint Joe Glavan to the post at its May 8 meeting.

“I’d like to begin by sincerely thanking you for providing me this incredible opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of Auburn Career Center,” said Glavan, who will step into his new role Aug. 1, upon his appointment. “It’s truly an honor to lead an institution so vital to the future of workforce education in our region.”

Glavan — who will be replacing retiring Superintendent Brian Bontempo — also thanked his family, noting how their unwavering support helped him along the way.

“As you guys know when we talked the other night, I had to confer with (my wife),” he recalled, laughing. “I said, ‘Guys, I appreciate this, but there is no way I can do anything until I talk with Heather.’”

ACC has a far reaching impact and the school is building an extraordinary educational experience, he said.

“Our belief and purpose has not changed since Auburn’s founding as the first career technical education center in the state of Ohio,” he said. “59 years ago, when the building was being dedicated for ACC, the first superintendent, Henry LaMuth, he talked about it … and he said, ‘While this will provide the knowledge and work skills necessary

Petition from page 1

with limited transparency, is overly complex, unsustainable and disregards your ability to pay. Property ownership in Ohio feels more like renting from the government, hindering true ownership. This limits our freedom, obstructs wealth transfer to future generations and keeps families in poverty.”

Ohio families are stretched thin and the government just keeps taking more, Massie said in the release, adding for years, state legislators have looked the other way, “slapping on short-term fixes while the real problem — runaway spending — keeps getting worse.”

“This isn't about not having enough money. It's about the public sector that has outgrown what everyday taxpayers can support,” he added. “Any tax causing a citizen to become homeless is immoral.”

Next steps for the initiative include the attorney general forwarding the petition to the Ohio Ballot Board, which has 10 days to evaluate it to ensure it contains only one constitutional amendment, Massie said in the press release.

“After the ballot board certifies the petition, a verified copy of the proposed constitutional amendment, together with its summary and the attorney general’s certification, must then be filed with the secretary of state,” he said, adding the committee may then begin collecting the approximately 500,000 signatures needed to get the amendment on the ballot, which need to be filed with the secretary of state no later than July 1, 2025.

Grassroots Planted in Concord

Massie’s journey to Columbus started 10 years ago, when he saw his personal property taxes in Concord Township had increased

for employment, it will develop the abilities, attitudes, work habits and appreciations which contribute to a satisfying and produc tive life.’”

That vision still guides ACC in modern day and it still aspires to provide an experi ence allowing students to find their purpose and lead meaningful lives, he said.

“I look forward to working closely with our families, students and staff, and commu nity members to ensure they are informed, supported and empowered through every step of their journey. The future of workforce education in Northeast Ohio is bright and it starts right here at Auburn,” he said.

Board President Roger Miller expressed his excitement to have Glavan come aboard in a May 9 press release.

“His passion for career-tech education and his forward-thinking leadership will be in valuable as we continue to grow and innovate to meet the needs of our students and the regional workforce,” he said in the release.

“We look forward to the direction he will take Auburn.”

Likewise, Bontempo looked towards the future under Glavin in a statement May 12.

“I am excited to see the future of Auburn. Career and Technical education is so important to our region and I look forward to watching Joe Glavin take Auburn to the next level,” he said.

Glavan previously was director of workforce development for both Mentor Schools and Lakeland Community College, director

40% in 10 years.

“I started warning people at the state and local level about the ever-increasing property taxes pricing seniors and those living on fixed incomes out of their homes,” he said in a follow-up interview. “I am very concerned that the public sector's growth is outpacing the private sector's ability to pay for the services.”

Within the last year, his group, “Committee to Abolish Property Taxes,” united to educate people on property taxes, he said, adding their group is part of a grassroots effort supported by Lobbyists for Citizens, an apolitical citizens’ group based out of Lake County and registered as a domestic nonprofit corporation, according to its website.

“The current system is overly complex and is a broken system that is barely understood by homeowners, and even some legislators and county auditors,” Massie said. “It is an unfair and inequitable way to fund government services that taxes unrealized gains, and uses a mass appraisal method that is very arbitrary and not transparent to the citizens.”

Massie’s committee is joining others, such as Cuyahoga County’s Ohio Citizens for Property Tax Reform, to “restore real property ownership in Ohio,” he said.

“Homeownership is the foundation of our freedom and liberty. It also enables families to get out of poverty by allowing generational wealth transfer,” Massie said. “Without true home ownership, we are merely renters from the government. Property taxes are the most expensive tax to administer, are a tax on unrealized gains, has enabled uncontrolled spending and growth of government at the state and local levels. It is the most regressive tax of them all and has produced unvoted tax hikes.”

The 20-mill floor treats outside millage as inside millage, Massie added.

“The Ohio Constitution permits a maximum of 10 mills of inside millage. Our posi-

of business partnerships and career-technical education, and director of the Lake Shore Compact, according to the press release.

Glavan has a doctorate in educational leadership from Youngstown State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Lake Erie College and a bachelor’s degree in integrated health studies from Kent State University, the release said, add-

tion is that the 20-mill floor violates the Ohio Constitution,” he explained. “If it is treated like inside millage then it is inside millage, regardless of what you call it.”

Funding Questions Arise

While the proposed amendment still has a ways to go before it is approved for the ballot, it is on Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder’s radar.

“As county auditor, many of my duties are ministerial. Therefore, I cannot predict what scenario would be in existence should this proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution pass,” Walder said. “As you know, most of the funding for local government is collected currently through property taxes. These taxes are in the form of both inside millage (at or below the 10-mill limitation) and outside millage (above the 10-mill limitation).”

Inside millage is unvoted and provided for in the Ohio Constitution, Walder said.

“Outside millage, on the other hand, is voted by the people,” he said. “This amendment would apparently eliminate both components as they are assessed in Ohio through taxes on real property.”

A natural question that comes to mind is how local governments and taxing authorities are going to be funded to operate and perform their statutory duties if this amendment passes, he said.

“This is a complex issue as it would affect public schools, townships, villages, cities, counties, libraries, parks and all other taxing authorities throughout the state,” Walder said. “Within local governments, funding for police, fire, roads, cemeteries (and) other levied services would be theoretically affected.”

While the proposed amendment appears simple in theory, it opens a myriad of questions that are currently unanswered, Walder said.

ing Glavan holds a principal licensure from Cleveland State University.

“Glavan brings a strong commitment to career-technical education, a student-centered philosophy and a proven track record of innovative leadership,” ACC said in the release.

“(He) is eager to begin collaborating with students, staff, families and community partners as he assumes his new role this August."

“I have heard thoughts that funding could be through some other mechanism or assessment,” he said. “Regardless, there is too little information now to provide any meaningful hypothesis for implementation. Again, as my duties are largely ministerial, I will do what is required by law.”

Raising revenue in the state for any of the “ever-increasing taxing authorities” is not a problem in Massie’s view.

“The problem is in the ability to curtail spending and accumulation of unrealistic cash reserves by the taxing authorities,” he said. “There must be checks and balances added to the state and county governments in order to control the spending of the tax authorities. The current county entity, known as the budget commission, is just a rubber stamp for the taxing authorities. In other words, no one is looking out for the financial interests of the average citizen.”

While Walder could not speak to Massie’s experience with budget commissions, he emphasized that in Geauga County, the budget commission, of which he is a member, takes its responsibility “very seriously.”

“I stand by our local record of returning money to taxpayers when need is not demonstrated,” he said. “I believe Mr. Massie's comment is an overgeneralization and perhaps more reflective of his experience in Lake County.”

As for school funding, Massie said he believes “mission creep” has impacted many districts, referring to the notion that district leaders have lost focus of their original objectives.

“They no longer seem to be concerned with the three R's (reading, writing and arithmetic),” he said. “Ohio's overall educational results leave a lot to be desired; therefore, we are adopting the stance that public schools must compete for the children and the financing.”

Newbury Township

Green Flush Restrooms Get the Go-Ahead After Temporary Clog

By emma macniven macniven@kaRlovecmedia com

Newbury Township Trustee Bill Skomrock announced he has finally received the go-ahead to move forward with Green Flush restrooms at Oberland Park after delays due to a potable water requirement.

The environmentally-friendly restrooms,

However, Geauga Public Health recently approved a variance that allows a 240-gallon tank instead of the 1,000-gallon tank that is required by the Ohio EPA.

“Everything's moving along smoothly now,” said Skomrock, who, after frustrating delays, said last month he was “about ready to throw the towel in.”

Newbury Township received a $100,000

Wells

from page 1

indicate a well in that location would yield 500 to 600 gallons of water a minute.

There is a good deal of further testing and work to be done before the village applies for a license for the well, he said, adding the water from the test hole looks clear and smells good.

In March, council gave Garlich authority to sign a purchase agreement for the property with the intent of renovating it into a medical center in partnership with University Hospitals.

Following a planning and zoning meeting May 6, Garlich said the village bought the property with both possibilities in mind.

The village has been operating on water

Accident

from page 1

Hazen was pronounced dead on the scene and Taddeo was transported to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, the lieutenant said in the release.

The intersection was closed for investigation at the time of this article’s posting.

The Chardon Fire Department — who responded to the scene alongside the Geauga

This is what the restrooms at Oberland Park in Newbury Township could look like, including four stalls and a covered porch.

quired to post near or on the structure, citing they received funding from ODNR for the Skomrock said he and his wife, Sue, de-

Fishing from page 1

and all the equipment for many years to serve the community and open doors and opportunities for these children.”

Ashley Brzozowski, Berkshire Schools director of pupil services, has been bringing students to the fishing event since she was an intervention specialist in Geauga County. She said even though her role has changed, she still makes it a priority to attend.

“Watching our teachers support the students and seeing their excitement is one of the highlights of my year,” she said. “This year, we brought 15 students and it was as special as ever. This trip is more than just fishing. For many of our students, it’s their first time holding a rod, casting a line or even stepping into a park like this. It’s a chance

help fund the project.

A third well was recently drilled near the Maple Highlands Trail, but it will be about 18 months before it can be connected to the water system, Garlich said, adding efforts to drill a fourth well were not successful.

Garlich has high hopes this fifth well would be productive.

“We need water. We need it to run and protect the village,” he said last Tuesday. “We’re very excited about it.”

Drilling a well is relatively inexpensive, but as much as $2 million may be needed to finish the project, he said.

Because the property is in the township, waterlines would have to go along the Kinsman Road right-of-way, he said, adding the village is not “stealing” water from the township because “nobody owns the aquifer.”

The village plans to apply for grants to

County Sheriff’s Office, OSHP, Burton Fire Department, Hambden Fire Department, Geauga County Coroner and Ohio Department of Transportation — put out a statement May 7 regarding the dangers of that intersection.

This marks the third crash at Route 608 and Chardon Windsor Road since late April that Chardon FD has posted about — the others were on April 27 and May 2.

“Chardon Fire will be working with Claridon Township Trustees, ODOT and the Geauga County Engineer's Office to plan for changes at this intersection, as we try to

cided on a cream interior color, white ceiling, a dark green for the trim, doors and frames and a grey color for the window frames.

In addition, they chose a darker sage green for the roof, instead of the originally planned red to match the other building at the park, he said, adding the red roof and green building would have looked like a “Christmas design.”

“I asked him (Micah Wirhol, Green Flush project manager), if he could send me a finished product picture and he (said), ‘No, we can't do that,’” Skomrock said.

Trustees decided in January 2024 to contract with Green Flush Technologies in Washougal, Wash., for the units.

The project, which was originally expected to be completed in July of this year, is now expected to be completed in early October, officials said.

to connect with nature, build confidence and experience joy in its purest form. The first responders go above and beyond to make each child feel supported and celebrated—it’s a reminder of the good in our community.”

One of her students caught a fish and shouted, “I’m going to be famous now,” while another spent most of the day chatting and learning how to tell if a fish is a keeper.

“These little moments of connection, laughter and learning are what make this day so meaningful,” Brzozowski said. “We’re grateful for the continued partnership with our local first responders and Mr. Dvorak, they help create lifelong memories for our students.”

Dvorak said children love seeing the fire trucks and the first responders.

“More children should enjoy the Geauga Park District and the great outdoors,” he said. “Once people help out or participate in these special needs fishing events, they are hooked.”

“If this well is a success, we’ll be set for 50 years,” Garlich said. “It will be beneficial for all of us.”

Talks with UH regarding the medical center are ongoing, he added Thursday.

Garlich also asked spreadsheets be created for large projects to make it easier to track expenses as they occur.

In other business, Tucholski said plans for pickleball courts have changed due to costs.

Estimates to construct the courts near the Eagle Park splash pad ranged from $150,000 to $165,000, including asphalt, excavation, gravel, fencing and coating, he said.

The alternate plan is to temporarily repurpose the skate park at Mineral Lake Park, which has an asphalt surface.

“That’s a good way to test for pickleball popularity,” Garlich said. “Let’s not spend

make it safer for motorists traveling through there,” the fire department wrote.

The fire department also reminded drivers to look twice in all directions before proceeding into an intersection.

“Accidents that occur at these intersections will demand the full on-duty staff and equipment response,” it wrote. “These calls may involve the use of the jaws of life and other equipment, mutual aid from surrounding communities, medical helicopters and putting our local hospitals on trauma alerts. Please be safe while traveling.”

that kind of money and have (a pickleball court) sit empty. If it’s as popular as I think it will be, go ahead with the original plan.”

Council also voted unanimously to charge double zoning permit fees for construction projects undertaken before the builder applies for a permit.

Geauga County Commissioners

Officials Push Back on FirstEnergy Consolidation

By alliSon WilSon WilSon@kaRlovecmedia com

Geauga County Commissioners do not believe The Illuminating Company’s assertions that closing its Middlefield line shop and consolidating operations in Concord Township will not negatively impact response times.

FirstEnergy Local Engagement Specialist Dave Conley and Director of Operations Tinh Khongphatthana appeared before commissioners May 6 in response to a letter commissioners sent FirstEnergy President Torrence Hinton outlining their concerns about the Middlefield office’s impending closure.

“To ensure responsible resource management, The Illuminating Company plans to consolidate operations currently handled at the Middlefield line shop with our Concord line shop,” Conley recapped. “The date for this consolidation remains under review and has not been established, yet.”

Relocating the workers from the Middlefield line shop would not impact response times to outages and emergencies, nor would the process for handling those emergencies change, Conley said.

“The company’s first responders to emergency situations are called trouble crews and currently, no trouble crews report out of the Middlefield line shop,” he said, adding the closest trouble crews are often dispatched from Concord.

Line crews are dispatched after trouble crews on scene to diagnose the problem, he said.

“The line crews currently assigned to the Middlefield service center will continue the same work they do day to day, they just will start their days at the Concord line shop,” he said.

Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri disagreed with Conley about response times, expressing concern not having a crew in Middlefield would slow response — something that could be damaging to a village packed with industry.

“When Middlefield goes down, that’s an enormous amount of dollars to those factories,” he said.

A situation with wires down is also dangerous and could put people at risk if not repaired quickly, he said.

“I just think that there’s other areas you probably could cut on before you take Geauga’s service away,” he said.

Service always prioritizes more densely populated areas, Spidalieri said, adding neighboring Lake County has a higher population and lots of industry.

Khongphatthana reiterated there would not be a delay in service.

Commissioner Carolyn Brakey noted Concord Township is 30 minutes away from Middlefield.

When the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is deciding FirstEnergy’s base distribution rates, they are looking at the costs from

2024, which included the Middlefield shop, Brakey said.

They are taking the shop off the books to save money while basing the rates everyone pays on 2024, she said.

“That doesn’t seem like a good-faith negotiation with the PUCO regarding what customers’ rates should be,” she said.

Brakey also raised ongoing depositions before the PUCO regarding FirstEnergy’s rates.

As part of his deposition, Hinton said on the record that the shop’s removal from Geauga would have a negative impact to service times, she said.

Middlefield Mayor Ben Garlich recalled the power being out constantly before new power lines and a substation were installed.

“It cost us thousands and thousands of dollars,” he said.

This is a step backward, Garlich said.

“Not only do we need a service team there, we need a first responder team there,” he said, adding he was surprised no one in Middlefield could be the first onsite.

Garlich requested Middlefield retain its service team and have a first responder team on hand so problems could be diagnosed faster.

Service has declined in Middlefield over the years, Garlich added.

Acting County Administrator Linda Burhenne questioned if FirstEnergy’s decision to consolidate with Concord would save any money.

Breeders & Feeders

“If you’re not reducing staff and you already own the (Middlefield) building, how is this action really saving you money?” she said.

The move is responsible resource management, Khongphatthana replied.

Conley emphasized he and Khongphatthana are not the ones who made the decision.

Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildebrand said his department has also had problems with FirstEnergy’s response times.

“Right now, if we call for FirstEnergy to come out, their standard answer is one-to-two hours,” he said. “That’s if you’re not in storm mode. As soon as it snows a little bit, or rains, or wind blows, you go into storm mode and we have no idea how long it’s gonna take.”

He cannot believe the response time will be the same from Concord, Hildenbrand said.

“I truly think that it’s gonna affect us. Your response time, quite frankly, is not good as it is,” he said. “Now, you’re gonna pull the only garage you have in Geauga County out and move it out there.”

This will impact emergency services and FirstEnergy will be responsible for that, he said.

Conley said he would share the information they gathered from officials with their management.

As FirstEnergy is not reconsidering the decision, Geauga County would be filing public comment with the PUCO in FirstEnergy’s rate case, Brakey said.

4-H News

The Breeders & Feeders 4-H Club has been busy spreading kindness across Geauga County, and members are just getting started.

In the spring, club members took on a heartwarming countywide service project by collecting birthday kit supplies for local food pantries. The kits included cake mixes, frosting, sprinkles, plates, napkins and candles — everything needed to help families in need celebrate birthdays with joy and dignity.

But the giving doesn’t stop there. Starting in May and continuing through the summer, Breeders & Feeders is partnering with Claridon Community Helps, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families and individuals in Claridon Township and surrounding communities who have fallen on hard times.

Their mission is to offer practical assistance, compassionate support and hope for a better tomorrow.

Together, the groups are joining forces for the “Now That’s What I’m Talking About” summer lunch program, which ensures that school-aged children have access to nutritious meals even when school is out. The club will be collecting nonperishable food donations, as well as monetary contributions through PayPal and Venmo, to help keep kids fed and families supported all summer long. Visit www.claridoncommunityhelps.org to learn more or make a donation.

The Breeders & Feeders 4-H Club is proud to live out the 4-H pledge by giving our “hands to larger service.” Stay tuned for more community-focused projects from the dedicated group of young leaders. (Submitted by Campbell Reese, news reporter)

Blue Spruce Mercantile Promotes All Things Local

By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com

The grand opening of Ed Malovec’s Blue Spruce Mercantile May 2 and 3 was the cul mination of several years of planning and evaluating the area market for his artisan wares.

Malovec, 58, nurtured his interest in re purposing furniture and décor on the side while working in aerospace manufacturing in Mentor before renting the space at 14528 North Cheshire in Burton Village.

“I knew I wanted to do something for my self,” he said during a recent interview.

So, he started displaying his projects in craft show booths and other events, eventual ly leasing space in Off Center Vintage, a thrift store in Burton that is now closed.

“I was welcomed in there. It went really well,” Malovec said, adding that experience led him to consider leasing about 850 square feet nearby.

“I always wanted to own my own store,”he said.

Malovec tapped the many artisans he knew to line up inventory and when the holidays were over, went to work, tastefully displaying a wide variety of artistic or whimsical gift items in the large, well-lit unit.

“I wanted to create a space where people could walk through,” Malovec said, adding timing was important.

There is a lull in shopping activity between early January and spring, he said.

“That was the time I used to start this place up, taking advantage of the slow time,” Malovec said, adding the tourist season is starting to bring in more shoppers.

On a stroll through Blue Spruce Mercantile, a visitor will see hand-thrown stoneware

Geauga Public Library

Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Include an email and phone number when registering for programs to receive updates about all programs. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.

Yoga: The Science of Stretch

May 15, 7-8 p.m. • Thompson

Bring a yoga mat and small pillow to stretch hips, hamstrings, shoulders and lower back in a yoga program perfect for beginners, athletes, busy moms and seniors.

Perennial Exchange

May 17, 9:30-11 a.m. • Chardon Trade perennial plants with other library patrons to expand yards and gardens.

Women of the Civil War

May 17, 2:30-3:30 p.m. • Virtual

Connect with the James A. Garfield National Historic Site on Zoom to learn about two influential women of the American Civil War: Clara Barton, nurse and founder of the American Red Cross, and Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a physician and the sole female recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Messy Mondays

May 19, 10 a.m. to noon • Thompson

Families will enjoy messy outdoor fun with do-it-yourself arts and crafts. No registration is required.

Stitching Circle

May 19, 6:30-8 p.m. • Bainbridge

Work in the company of friends at a closeknit program full of cross-stitchers, crocheters, knitters and more.

health and body care products fill shelves. Julie Hunter’s spruce tree-themed Julery Creations, of Chardon, has its own space, as well.

Malovec also sources from internet sites, such as Cooper Mill Jams in Bucyrus and for specialized organic olive oil.

“It’s the only way you can do it,” he said, adding there are some popular items not produced in Northeast Ohio.

“Geauga County isn’t known for its olive oil,” Malovec said. “But, I’m trying to stay as local as possible. A lot of this is made locally.” He collects ideas as he shops around or when people come in asking if he carries an item, which then leads him to reach out.

“I called (McCunes) to see if they wanted to come in. They were interested for sure,” he said, noting the well-known beekeeper now has an outlet in Burton.

“Traveling to different stores, I’m always looking for something unique. Then, I see if they are interested in coming in,” he said.

Huffman was selling her products during an event on Burton Village Square when he recruited her for the mercantile.

In a small cooler, he stocks Wild Patch LLC fresh micro-greens grown in Chester Township and, near the door, colorful gardening gloves and boots.

from Brown Bear Pottery in Newbury Township, fresh traditional sourdough bread, butters and cookies from nearby Willow Farms, Yoked Beef Jerky from Thompson Township and biscotti toscani made by local Sugar and Spice Bakery.

Mixing bowl sets and cake stands from Mosser Glass Company, in Cambridge, Ohio, are displayed on a vintage cabinet Malovec repurposed.

Honey from Gene McCune’s hives in Auburn Township and Shannon Huffman’s

One of Malovec’s challenges is visibility. Located at the north end of Burton’s commercial district on North Cheshire Street, Blue Spruce Mercantile does not have much of a store front.

But, the owner said he plans to put out sandwich boards on the tree lawn and have planters on the steps leading to the entry so people notice the establishment.

“I’m trying to work with as many locals as we can to promote local artisans,” he said. “I’m trying to help these people.”

Viewpoint

Open Letter to Auditor Charles E.Walder, Prosecutor

Jim Flaiz and Treasurer Chris Hitchcock

By don hoRnak BuRton toWnShip

My name is Don Hornak. In the past I’ve been elected to the Berkshire Board of Education three times. My topic is the Geauga County Budget Commission ruling on the Berkshire Board’s action on inside millage. I’m personally stunned by the nasty and disrespectful comments by the commission such as, “doesn’t smell right,” their dismissive attitude and responding to one of the best treasurers in Ohio’s statement to “do the math” with “one of us should.”

From my perspective, local boards of education have two primary responsibilities:

1. Hire a superintendent and hold him/ her responsible for educational excellence.

2. Providing funds necessary to operate their school district.

In my opinion, the elected representatives voted 3-2 to increase inside millage as the most responsible action to continue the momentum of the most innovative and exciting school system in the county. They made the decision that would be the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Our regularly decorated treasurer, Beth McCaffrey, feels that this action is in the

best interest of voters.

This action is legally provided to school boards when justified in their discussions. As a former member of the board, I had to make decisions that frequently differed from public opinion, who often did not have access to the facts, or contrary to another on the board. During my 12 years on the board, I have been one of the two on the 3-2 vote. That is how it is designed to work and the system is better for it.

In Ohio, the legislature has made it difficult financially for public schools, in a state system that was deemed unconstitutional decades ago. The Berkshire Board does not need this difficulty. Our treasurer says that there are currently 14 pieces of legislation dealing with school funding and taxpayer relief. It’s impossible to make any guarantees until we see what the assembly will do.

These distasteful remarks were made of public servants who work tireless hours and whose only interest is the interest of our children. The voter’s recourse is to replace the board at the ballot box.

Your commission is not the conscience of our district. Please reconsider your opinion and allow this legal action of the board and save the board from further confusion and expense.

Bainbridge Town Hall Renovations Underway

By emma macniven macniven@kaRlovecmedia com

Renovations at Bainbridge Township Town Hall have officially begun, starting with the service department performing various work on utilities in the basement, officials said May 12.

The renovation project — which would include demolition of the room cap and the basement — was fast-tracked in February after Drew Thompson, of DS Architecture, told township officials the town hall was dangerous and should be closed immediately.

“Based on our professional assessment, there is a substantial risk of catastrophic structural failure, posing a serious threat to the health, safety and welfare of all occupants,” Thompson said in a letter to officials. “Given these concerns, we strongly recommend that the entire town hall building and surrounding area be temporarily vacated as a precautionary measure.”

Only two construction companies bid on the project March 28, said Jeff Myers, of DSA, an architecture firm based out of Cleveland.

Despite DSA providing an estimated cost of $600,000 earlier this year for renovations to the town hall, the lowest bid for the project came in at $934,000, Myers said during the April 14 Bainbridge Township Trustees meeting.

According to Ohio Revised Code Section 153.12, a project cannot exceed 20% more than the estimated cost.

As a result, trustees voted to decline both bids last month and asked DSA to redraw the renovation plans within four weeks at no cost to the township. They also decided some things could be taken out of the estimate and handled in-house at a lower cost.

“(As for the) town hall, all existing underground utilities have been marked,” Bainbridge Township Assistant Service Director Alex Hansel said at the May 12 trustees meeting.

The service department is working with six contractors: D.E. Williams Electric, of Chagrin Falls, for electrical equipment; Cable Communications, of Chagrin Falls, and Spectrum for establishing the line between fire and police; Monroe Plumbing, of Burton, for capping the gas line; Geauga ADP to establish final connections; and Baumann Enterprises, of Cleveland, to do the demolition of the room cap, Hansel said.

“HVAC has been disconnected, electrical is in the process of being moved to the remaining portion of the basement,” he said. “We're working with a contractor to establish a connection between fire and police for the firewall move.”

DSA will be present at the next trustees meeting May 27 at 7 p.m. to provide trustees with the updated drawings, as requested.

New Street Cameras ‘Flock’ to Chardon

Staff RepoRt

Keen-eyed members of the public may soon notice new cameras around town, with Chardon officials planning to install Flock cams.

Seven cameras were included in a pro posal to Chardon City Council at their May 8 meeting, six of which were license-plate read ing and the final, a pan/tilt/zoom camera to monitor intersections, Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus explained last Thursday.

Flock is a nationwide network that alerts law enforcement about vehicle plates entered into the system under circumstances such as a warrant for arrest being out on the driver or stolen car, Niehus explained.

The system can also be useful in looking for missing people, he said, adding Chardon police were already assisted by Flock in two instances of missing elderly citizens who had traveled a distance.

“It’s something a number of communities around us have explored and have actually implemented,” Niehus said. “In fact, there’s upwards of 30 Flock cameras already established in the county currently.”

This would just make that network more robust, he added.

The “criminal element” has notably avoided areas that openly advertise their Flock cameras, Niehus said.

“In some arrests that have been made, in interviews conducted … they’ve had folks tell them there’s communities they know those cameras

state opioid settlement funding, City Manager Randy Sharpe said.

The cost is about $3,000 per camera, council member Andrew Blackley said.

No vote was needed on the matter.

In other business, Sharpe provided an update on the renovations to the Geauga Theater, which is currently closed due to flood damage from a broken heat exchange unit earlier in the year.

The city has accepted the insurance company’s proposal to repair the heat coil rather than replace it, Sharpe said, adding the repair has been authorized.

Once it is done, the boilers will need to be activated. Should the boilers also need repair, another insurance claim will commence, he said.

“This is just kind of the beginning of getting us to where we need to get to,” Sharpe said.

Kenston Schools Prepare for Possible Cell Phone Ban

Staff RepoRt

Kenston Schools is bracing for possible changes to its cell phone policy as Ohio lawmakers consider a statewide ban under Senate Bill 158. The state is already requiring schools to implement a phone policy that restricts phone usage by July 1 through H.B. 250, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law May 2024.

It gives districts the ability to come up with their own policies as they see fit for their district. However, S.B. 158, if passed, would ban cell phone use overall in public schools and on school grounds, according to the governor’s office.

Kenston Schools is prepared to make those changes if needed, said Kenston Superintendent Bruce Willingham at the board meeting May 12.

Bloodmobile

“One big thing that I know we're gonna be working with the high school on … is the conversation with parents about what cell phones are going to look like here at the high school next year,” he said. “That is going to be something we'll make sure to communicate.”

DeWine made a statement in a press conference last month supporting the bill.

“It’s clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms,” he said. “The constant distraction of cell phones makes it nearly impossible for students to focus and learn. Not only do they negatively impact student performance, but they can also be harmful to kids’ mental and emotional health.”

If the bill passes, schools would need to ban cell phones by Sept. 1 for the 2025-2026 school year.

Health

May 29, Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon, 12–6 p.m.

American Red Cross donation appointments may be made by downloading the free Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

May 16, Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township, 12-6 p.m.

May 21, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.

May 28, Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, Parkman, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Family First Council

May 19, 1:30 p.m.

Geauga Family First Council will meet at the Geauga County Office Building, Suite B168/Carlton Room, 12611 Ravenwood Drive in Chardon. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Tim Kehres, Geauga Family First Council coordinator, at 440-285-1201.

Robertson Throws No-Hitter to Lead Bombers

By alan koRnSpan SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia com

Kenston Bombers Sophomore Quinn Robertson was masterful on the mound on May 9 as she threw a no-hitter in a 10-0 victory over the Chagrin Falls Tigers at Chagrin Falls High School.

For the game Robertson allowed no hits, no runs, and struck out eight for the complete game victory.

Afterwards, Robertson discussed the importance of staying calm, cool and collected in order to achieve this amazing accomplishment.

“It's very exciting, it's my first career no hitter,” Robertson said. “Basically, I just tried to keep my composure throughout the whole time, didn't get too excited, didn't get too disappointed if I gave up a walk. I was just keeping a straight composure throughout the whole game.”

In addition to staying relaxed on the mound, Robertson said that her go to pitches were the curveball and the rise ball.

“(My go to pitchers were) definitely my

curveball, and my rise ball,” said Robertson. “My rise ball really killed it today. I got a lot of strikes outs on that, and swings and misses. My curveball, I got a lot of strike calls on that too.”

Throughout the game, as Robertson continued to dominate on the mound, she said that she was not aware of throwing a no hitter.

Robertson emphasized that in softball it is a tradition that when a no hitter is being thrown, coaches and teammates do not talk about the no hitter with the pitcher.

“In softball you don't talk about a no-hitter during a game or else you'll jinx it,” Robertson said. “So I didn't know it was happening. No one was talking about it. It was a complete shocker to me.”

Robertson said she did not find out that she threw a no-hitter until after the game when Kenston Bombers Head Coach Anne Dubovec provided her with the news.

“My coach told me at the end and awarded me with the game ball,” Robertson said.

In discussing the no hitter, Coach Du-

Lions Run Fast At Conference Championships

Championships at Padua Franciscan High School, the NDCL Lions Boys Track Team demonstrated the importance of teamwork in winning three conference relay titles (4x100m, 4x400m, 4x200m).

In analyzing the Lions’ relay success, the phrase, “The sum of the parts is greater than the whole” seems particularly relevant.

Lions Head Coach Ralph White, a former NCAA Division I Coach who also coached United States Olympians, explained that sometimes the relay team with the fastest individual four times doesn't always win the event.

Teams with slower individual times can win relays with better technique and team chemistry.

In particular, an important technical element that Coach White emphasizes with his team is the importance of exchanging the baton effectively. Thus, one of the things that the Lions do every day at practice is work on handoffs.

When the Lions practice handoffs, they focus on the incoming runner making sure that they get the baton in the hands of the outgoing runner.

“We work on that a lot,” Coach White said.

To master the exchange of the baton, Coach White said that he has a great group of assistant coaches who help teach this important skill.

In addition to working on coaching the technical aspects necessary for successful relays, Coach White highlighted the importance of building team chemistry in order to achieve optimal performance.

“The past four years, (building team chemistry) is one of the things we have always done,” said Coach White. “It's a culture, it's a culture thing. We work on that, we

preach it and our kids are very receptive.”

White continued: “Many times at least three out of four run their personal best, because they are running for their teammates. Sometimes when you run for your teammates you run a little harder than you do just for yourself.”

Utilizing sound technique and strong team chemistry, the Lions Boys 4x100m relay team (Tyler Cudo, Brandon DiPasquale, Casey McInnerney, Ryan Thomas) ran 45.02 to edge CVCA by .34 seconds and win the conference title.

Afterwards, McInnerney said that the 4x100m relay team persevered as they were not feeling optimally heading into the relay.

“We didn't have the best circumstances today,” said McInnerney. “We weren't feeling the best, but we all came out and did what we needed to do, and we all rose to the occasion, and just did our best.”

Added senior Ryan Thomas, “It took a lot of improvising to get to where we are. But,

this is what we are taught, we step up in big moments, and we always get the job done.”

After winning the 4x100m relay, the 4x800m relay and finishing as runners up in the 4x200m relay, the Lions finished the conference championships by winning the 4x400m relay (Rob Bonchak, Brennen Burke, Sean Butler, Daniel Noronha).

Coach White said that the mile relay is an event that the Lions Boys Track and Field team takes a lot of pride in.

“It's the last event of the day, that's the one people seem to remember,” Coach White said. “If you do well in that, people feel good. So we put a lot of emphasis on that last event of the day.”

Coach White said that since their state championship runner, Rob Bonchak, was just returning to the lineup, they did not have him run all out. However, the rest of the 4x400m team rallied.

Indeed, both Sean Butler and Brennen Burke both obtained personal bests for their

400m relay split times.

Also performing exceptionally well in individual events for the Lions at the conference championships was freshman Owen Thomas and senior Brennen Burke.

Thomas won the conference title in the 3200m.

“I just came from a meet on Saturday where I ran a 9:44, so I was just trying to win the meet, and luckily I did,” Thomas said. “It's really big for me (to win the conference title). It's my first win of the year too, and I didn't win conference in cross (country), so I had to get it back here.”

Also, Burke set two school records for the Lions including the 100m (11.13) and 200m (22.45).

Overall, Coach White was happy with how the Lions performed at the North Coast Conference Championships.

“We were quite pleased,” said Coach White. “We had 3 school records and 26 pr's (personal records), so a pretty good day.”

Bombers from page 16

bovec said that Robertson did a great job of adjusting well to the umpire's strike zone.

In the no-hitter, Coach Dubovec said that the umpire liked the ball lower, so Robertson made sure to keep her pitches toward the bottom half of the strike zone.

“She (adjusted) well to the zone of the umpire,” said Coach Dubovec. “She is able to adjust to the umpire very beautifully, and obviously it worked really well today.”

In summarizing the meaningfulness of this amazing accomplishment, Coach Dubovec said that she hopes Robertson remembers the no-hitter forever.

“I know she is only a sophomore, but still, it's one of those exciting things that I hope she remembers forever,” Coach Dubovec said.

Along with Robertson's excellent pitching performance, the Bombers batters also had a great day at the plate.

The Bombers offense gave Robertson the lead in the top of the third inning as they plated three runs.

The Bombers scored first when Kherington Swader drove in two runs on a single to center field to give the Bombers a 2-0 lead.

The Bombers then added an additional

Hawken

from page 15

Twardokus. Asher Kimball delivered with a two-out, two-run single, with three more runs crossing thanks to an Ethan Gipson fielder’s choice, a Grant Namy single, and a bases-loaded walk to Maddox Ruch for a 6-0 lead after four.

Jack Ruple hit an RBI double in the fifth, with back-to-back RBI singles from Ruch and Gipson capping off a 9-0 lead after five, and Ruple later added on in the sixth with an RBI single, while Eli Mester crossed the dish on an error for an 11-0 win.

This win was the 300th career win the coach who took the job all the way back in 2004.

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Brandt said. “I’ve had so many good players over the years, so many good families to work with. I’ve been lucky enough to coach my own son, but a lot of other kids that feel like my sons.”

The Hawks got rolling in Game 2 with a three-run rally in the bottom of the third with a Namy RBI single, followed by a Miles Hamilton run-scoring base hit, and Twardokus added the final run on a fielder’s choice.

Kimball ignited a five-run fourth with a RBI triple, with Namy adding a two-run single, and another Twardokus RBI with a sacrifice fly. Dilan Nadkarni punched an RBI single to right for an 8-0 lead after four.

Gipson came up with the bases loaded and walked off the Wolverines with a tworun single for a 10-0 five-inning win to complete the sweep.

In both games, Hawken started a little slow but then got rolling with crooked numbers to score 21 total runs between the two games.

“That’s been our M-O all year,” Brandt said. “It’ll be the third or fourth inning and I’ll start getting nervous, and then we put together big innings where it keeps rolling. That’s high school baseball. The West G pitchers were both rolling good through

run in the third inning when Swader scored on a passed ball.

After adding two runs in the fourth, and a run in the fifth, the Bombers scored four more runs in the top of the sixth to take a 10-0 lead.

Leading the Bombers offensively against the Tigers were Swader (2-4; 4 RBI) and Mira Jarzembak (2-3).

The Bombers ended the week on May 10 with an 8-7 victory over the Wickliffe Blue Devils.

Heading into the top of the 7th inning, the Bombers and Blue Devils were tied at 7-7.

With one out in the 7th, Kendall Robertson singled to right field and then took second on Quinn Robertson's sacrifice bunt.

Kendall Robertson then stole third base.

With two out in the top of the seventh inning, Aurora Young had the game winning RBI as she drove in Kendall Robertson, giving the Bombers an 8-7 lead.

Leading the bombers offensively in the victory over the Blue Devils were Kendall Robertson (3-3), Young (2-4; triple; 2 RBI), and Daphne Uhlir (2-4; 2 RBI).

With the victory, the Bombers moved to 14-7 on the season.

The Bombers next play on May 12 when they host the Willoughby South Rebels.

three innings, and then all of a sudden, we just jumped on them and had a big inning.”

The Hawks’ two conference losses came against Perry amid a three-game losing skid, but they have since turned the corner and are rolling with a nine-game winning streak, gearing up for postseason play.

“I give all the credit to our senior leadership; we’ve got a tremendous group of seniors,” Brandt said, pointing out the key to the nine-game streak. “All eight of those guys are stepping up and finding ways to bring the younger guys along in a way that everyone feels like a big part of the team. That’s really rolled for us.”

The cherry on top of the second, outright CVC title clinching win game, was the five-inning no hitter by sophomore Cole Twardokus, making it two years in a row, two CVC clinching scenarios, two no-hitters.

Last season, in a 10-0 win over West Geauga on May 6, 2024, then-senior Lucas Brandt threw a no-hitter to clinch a share of the league title. Fast forward 365 days, with sophomore Cole Twardokus on the mound to clinch the outright league title, another no-hitter.

“The cherry on top of the day was to have a sophomore come out and throw a no-hitter,” Brandt said. “A year prior, we had a senior throw a no-hitter in the same situation. Last year, a tie, this year, an outright title. That’s some good karma for us.”

Between the two games, Gipson and Kimball paced the offense, both going 3-for5 with three RBI, while Namy went 3-for-7 with four RBI. Twardokus went 2-for-6 with two RBI, while Ruple finished 3-for-8 with two RBI.

Gipson earned the win in game one, going six shutout innings, allowing six hits with two walks and four strikeouts, while Twardokus pitched a five-inning no-hitter, allowing one walk with seven strikeouts for the win in game two.

Hawken wraps up conference play at 8-2, and sits at 14-4 to start the week.

Each year, the senior class sets aside a day to represent and celebrate their post-graduation plans. Whether pursuing higher education, joining the military or entering the workforce, the Cardinal Schools community proudly honors their dedication, perseverance and achievements - Commitment Day 2025

Chardon Schools

The Chardon Education Association presented its 2025 Friend of Education Award to longtime educator Frances Donahue during the CEA’s annual recognition dinner on April 28.

The award was presented to Mrs. Donahue in recognition of her honorable dedication to the Hilltopper community through district and ongoing support.

In addition, the Superintendent’s Award was presented to the Chardon Smile Center in recognition of its commitment to and support of the district.

The district thanks Mrs. Donahue and Chardon Smile Center for their continued support of Chardon Schools.

Kaylee Elaine Clayman

Kaylee Elaine Clayman, 33, of Mentor, passed away unexpectedly at her home on May 3, 2025. She was born Feb. 17, 1992, in Euclid.

Kaylee worked as a heavy hauler with Maverick Environmental for nearly two years and absolutely loved every minute of it. She found her groove in the multi-axle setups and loved a good challenge. She considered “Team Mav” a second family to her and enjoyed having holiday parties and get-togethers at Tim and Lori’s (her work Mom and Dad). She looked forward to the huge box of meats they would give her after the fair every year. She said it was like Christmas Jr.

Before Maverick, she was an OTR truck driver and got to experience the 48 states and Canada in a semi. From mountains to swamp lands, to flat lands, ocean sides and winding through the huge redwoods, she got to see it all and made a whole lot of friends along the way. She hauled everything during that time and was able to stop at her favorite places like Maria’s Tacos, Midland, Barstow, Iowa 80, Las Vegas Speedway and Beaver, Utah, just to name a few.

One of her favorite jobs she got the chance to be a part of was hauling stage equipment for Shomotion and touring with her Shomotion trucker family. She also got to haul equipment and travel with a German heavy metal band, Rammstein, and attend all of their concerts.

Kaylee knew where to go to get the best tacos in the country—and it shouldn’t surprise you that it came from the back of a minivan on the Mexico border from a sweet lady who spoke no English. Second to that was her favorite Mexican restaurant, El Rodeo, in Mentor, Ohio, which came in the closest with their birria tacos.

Kaylee loved spending time with her horses, Pistol, Partner, Penelope and Howitzer. She was her sister’s ride-or-die pick-up man and would ride right alongside her and always ready to catch her if things got a little too hairy. The last time she rode with her sister was in the blistering cold and snow over Thanksgiving through Christmas out at TJ’s. Looking back now, we are so thankful they got those last rides together...even when they couldn’t feel their hands and feet for a while afterwards.

She enjoyed customizing her pickup truck “Betty White” and making it smell good. She had a wild side that included getting tattoos and piercings that made her happy and going out to the movies with her son and family and getting popcorn in buckets bigger than their heads, laughing, and having a good time.

Kaylee could Amazon and online shop to her heart’s content. She loved supporting small and up-and-coming businesses and always tried to have 100 pairs of jeans on standby at home.

Kaylee enjoyed being a girly girl when she wasn’t slinging chains and binders. Getting her hair done with her best friend and stylist, Jesse, and her nails done with her good friend and master nail tech, Tre. When she was done getting all fresh, new and “basic,” she enjoyed just being in her PJ’s and spending time at home with her family and son.

Catching up and binge watching shows with her dad, mom and brother was so important

Obituaries

and special to her. She loved eating homecooked meals by her mom because the food on the road just wasn’t what she had a taste for, even though some of the Canadian food came close.

Going to hockey games with her son and brother were also a huge highlight in her life. She loved going to sporting events with her brother, especially football games. She would surprise her sister with VIP passes to concerts all the time and then have her sister pretend to be “hurt” so they could park near the tour buses.

She enjoyed watching her trainer, TJ Pumphrey, of M Bar P Performance Horses, of Pierpont, Ohio, show her horse to his best ability and rock it across many arenas such as The All American Quarter Horse Congress, WEC of Ocala, the Virginia Maiden and the Buckeye Classic. Howie was just scratching the surface of his show career and Kaylee couldn’t be more proud of him. She never thought she would see the day he would even be riding because his mom had a strong dislike for him at birth. Kaylee slept with Howie in the barn or in her car outside the barn and helped him latch onto his mom every two hours. She had to flip him like a pancake when he was laying on one side too long to keep him from getting pneumonia. She became momma and is the reason he thrived and is the horse he is today. Her adult success would not have been possible without her upbringing.

Kaylee excelled at absolutely everything she did. She was second chair with the bass and played in the chamber orchestra. She was a proud member of The Lake County 4-H in a club that her mom started for her kids, Spinnin’ Spurs, and got to show all disciplines with her horses. She also took a venture into livestock and had a ball showing market sheep with the Flockmasters Unlimited Club.

Kaylee played lacrosse and was a goalie for Mentor High School and a scorekeeper for basketball. During her last two years of high school, she went to Lakeland Community College for CAD engineering and was student of the year for both years. She always said she got the work ethic you all see as an adult from working at a traveling pony ride called the pony ride express starting at 8 years old until 16.

One of the biggest fans in her life has always been her Mimi. She took her to art classes, got her first heart horse Dooley, got her a bass as a step up from the cello and watched her carefully through her life as she took on her new careers and then was thrilled to see her find great happiness in truck driving.

Above all, Kaylee’s son, Koenraad, will always be her proudest achievement in her life. She would go to the ends of the earth to make him happy and give him a good life. Now she is his angel above, watching and protecting him forever.

Survivors include her son, Koenraad; parents, Barry and Debra Clayman; siblings, Kourtney (Christopher “Topher”) Hinkle and Kyle Clayman; maternal grandmother, Janet “Mimi” Dyer; her aunt and uncle, Cindie Wright and Harold “Keith” (Adele) Dyer Jr.; many, many more wonderful cousins and dear family; and her entire trucking family and friends from all over the world (sticky side down/shiny side up).

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Harold “Duke” Dyer Sr.; grandparents, Harry Clayman and James Eu-

gene “Jim” “Gene” and Margaret Patrick; uncle, Kenneth “Kenn” Dyer; aunt, Terry Long. Her heart horses, Poncho, Tuff and Dooley.

The family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, and again from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor.

A funeral service to conclude the gathering will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made directly to the family to provide further support for her son. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Jeffrey Hazen

With heavy hearts and deep faith in God's promises, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Jeffrey Hazen, who was called home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2025, at the age of 67.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Chester Christian Center Kingdom Builders, in honor of his legacy of faith and service, at 11815 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.

David A. Sommer

David A. Sommer, 85, of Ashtabula, passed away peaceful ly on April 28, 2025, with his loving wife by his side.

Jeffrey was preceded in his death by his father, Gale; and his mother, Margaret.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughter, Jennifer (David Fay), and their children, Nicholas, Zachary, Haylee, Jenna and Daniel, his son, Daniel (Allie), and their children, Hadleigh, Grayden, Harper and Sloane; youngest son, Jordan (Jessica), and their children, Peyton, Paxton and Piper; and his sister, Sharon (Jim Ilersich).

Jeffrey Hazen was a man of unwavering faith who lived each day in humble service to God and others. His love for the Lord was the foundation of his life, evident in the way he cared for his family, served his church and encouraged everyone around him. He believed in the power of prayer, the truth of Scripture and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

He was a devoted husband to his cherished wife, Karen, with whom he shared 45 years of love, laughter and partnership rooted in faith. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, joy and God’s presence.

As a father, he was gentle, wise and steadfast. His children—Jennifer, Daniel and Jordan—knew him as a guiding light, a patient teacher and a source of strength. His love extended to his 12 grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. He was often found sharing stories, laughter and prayer with them, passing on the legacy of faith.

Jeff was the owner of Hazen Contracting Inc., where he carried on a family business that has continued for over 98 years.

A friend to many, Jeff offered kindness, wisdom and a listening ear. His quiet strength and gentle spirit were a blessing to all who knew him.

Jeffrey Hazen lived a life of purpose, grounded in the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing he now rests in the presence of the Lord.

Calling hours were held May 13, 2025, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

A celebration of his life and faith was held on May 14, 2025, at Morning Star Friends Church, 12550 Ravenna Road, Munson Township.

Dave was born in Old Brooklyn in Cleveland, the son of Leonard and LaVerne (nee Decker) Sommer. He graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland and then headed to Chi cago’s George Williams College, where he earned a degree that prepared him for his long career working for the YMCA.

Beginning as the Youth Director at the Geauga Y, running Trail Blazer after-school programs and leading camping, biking, and canoeing trips, he later became the Executive Director of the branch. The Chardon Rotary honored him with the title of Mr. Geauga Y.

Dave later became the Executive Director of the Cleveland YMCA Camps Division and was the onsite director of Centerville Mills Camp. Later, he directed the Ashtabula County YMCA.

He became a minister of the United Church of Christ and served as an interim minister and filled pulpits around the county.

David and his wife, Linda Sue (nee Macek) Sommer, were married in the chapel at Centerville Mills Camp in 1980.

David is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Kristin Sommer (Ted); son, Lynn Sommer; grandchildren, Justine and Harrison; great-granddaughter, Hadley; and sisters Christine (David) Krisak and Wendy (Gary) Carter. He was also the fun uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John (Suzanne) Sommer; and sister Janice (Charles) Arkangel.

Dave was a charmer who had an uncanny knack for remembering people’s names and faces. He loved his family, the outdoors, singing and telling stories about the great adventures in his life. He may be gone from our sight, but he will live forever in our hearts and our memories.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 7, 2025. Visitation will continue until 3 p.m. at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. The event will be livestreamed, which will be available by going to the Burr Funeral Home website and going to David’s obituary.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.

Arthur Eugene Barringer

Born Dec. 10, 1947, in Warren, Ohio, to Harold and Thelma (nee Wat terman) Barringer, Arthur “Art” Eugene Barringer passed away on May 5, 2025, at Danbury Senior Living in Westerville, Ohio, after a coura geous battle against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Art married his high school sweetheart, Roberta (nee Buckley), on Nov. 19, 1966.

A proud graduate of Cardinal High School, Class of 1966, Art served eight years in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed for a time in Anchorage, Alaska, where he and Roberta welcomed daughter, Michele. Following his honorable discharge, Art returned with his family to Northeast Ohio where he worked for Schloss Paving for over 25 years until his retirement.

Obituaries

other World Series title in her lifetime. She followed the players each season, listening to the games on the radio when not available on

She enjoyed quilting and sewing, having crafted several cherished quilts for her children. She spent much of her free time outdoors gardening and she enjoyed live music

Wilma leaves behind her three children, Charles Jr., Lisa Scoville (Ken) and Alice (Mireno); and two grandchildren, Greg Scoville and Megan Scoville. She will also be missed by her sister, Marilyn Demaline, as well as her sister-in-law, Connie Buechele, and many treasured friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband of 59 years, Charles.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Wilma to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Nicholas Vizy’s life was defined by love, humility and strength. His enduring presence will be deeply missed, but the memories he created will continue to inspire and comfort those who knew him.

A visitation for friends and family will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 12-2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of one’s choice in Nick’s memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and shared memories may be offered at www.burrservice.com.

Violet H. Korpowski

Art loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and embodied the words of Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” living his faith through acts of service and love.

Art is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Roberta; his daughter, Michele (David) Meulenberg; his grandson, Justin Mills; his sisters, Anne (Mike) Barringer-Stoops and Edna (Tony) Perry; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Having relocated to Westerville in 2021, friends and family were invited to pay their respects during a visitation at Hill Funeral Home, located at 220 S. State St., Westerville, on May 13, 2025.

A service celebrating Art’s life was held at First Presbyterian Church of Westerville, 41 W. College Ave., Westerville, on May 14, followed by interment at Blendon Central Cemetery, 6330 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville.

For those in Northeast Ohio, a local celebration of Art’s life will also be held at Grace Evangelical Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road, Newbury Township, on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. A light luncheon and time to visit with Art’s friends and family will follow the service.

Wilma W. Buechele

Wilma W. Buechele (nee Jent), of Newbury Township, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at the age of 86.

Wilma was born in Cleveland to parents William and Florence (nee Mahnke) Jent. She grew up in Westlake, attending Westlake High School, where she made dear life-long friends.

Wilma was married in 1962 to Charles Buechele and eventually moved to Newbury, where she was enthusiastically involved with her children’s activities at Newbury Schools, including music boosters, marching band, volleyball and softball. She was “Chief in Charge” of the family security alarm business, managing the company until her retirement.

Wilma was a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan, taking the bus to games as a child with her sister, Marilyn, and she had hoped for an-

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Wilma at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland, 12811 Chillicothe Road, just south of Mayfield Road, on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Burial immediately following at Munn Cemetery.

Online obituary, guestbook, and order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com.

Nicholas Vizy

Nicholas Vizy, age 83, of Mantua, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at Au rora Manor Special Care Centre.

Violet H. Korpows ki, 93, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2025.

“Vi” was born on Jan. 4, 1932, in Cleve land, to James and Anna Mary Alex.

In her early years, she was a proud member of the Shaker Heights High School band, where she played the drums for four years. At home, she enjoyed playing the accordion and the organ.

Violet graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1950 and went on to marry the love of her life, Andrew J. Korpowski.

Born on Aug. 6, 1941, in Budapest, Hungary, to Joseph and Helen Vizy, Nick’s life was a journey of resilience, devotion and unwavering love for family.

In 1963, Nick married the love of his life, Mary Ann Toth, with whom he shared near ly four decades of cherished memories until her passing in 2002. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work, family values and deep compassion. Their love endured life’s challenges with grace and warmth, a testament to the strength of their bond.

Nick dedicated his working years as a lineman for CEI, proudly serving his community with steadfast commitment.

He was a proud member of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 270, and his strength, work ethic and camaraderie earned him deep respect among his peers.

In 1977, he settled in Burton and later made his home in Mantua, in 2010, where he found peace in the quiet beauty of rural life.

Nick’s legacy lives on through his four beloved sons: Nick (Barbara) Vizy, of Hiram, Mark Vizy, of Kentucky, Neal (Diane) Vizy, of Mantua, and Nathan Vizy, of Chardon. He was a loving and devoted grandfather to six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who will remember his gentle heart and his quiet wisdom.

He is now reunited in eternal peace with his dear wife, Mary Ann; his parents; his son Michael J. Vizy; and his brother, Kalman Vizy.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Father Jacob Bearer officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the Funeral at Overlook Cemetery in Parkman Township. Virginia Davis

With deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Virginia "Ginny" Davis, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 7, 2025, just shy of her 93rd birthday.

Violet worked at Troy Precision in Welshfield and later as a bookkeeper for Master Pneumatic Tool in Bedford before becoming a dedicated homemaker and mother.

She had a deep love for the outdoors and took pride in maintaining her yard—cutting grass with a Lawn-Boy push mower and plowing the driveway so her husband could return home safely from second shift.

She enjoyed canning, baking bread, making recipes from her grandmother’s Hungarian cookbook and even splitting and stacking firewood.

Violet will be deeply missed by her son, James.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andy; her parents; her sister, Mary E. Wilick; and her niece, Irene Bowman.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all of Violet’s friends and neighbors, old and new, from her 75-plus years of living in Troy Township. Special thanks go to the Rick Briggs family, the Dee Love family, the Chris Cervenka family, the Tina Mooney family, Christina (Irene's daughter), and Freeman and Ella Gingerich and their family for all their love and support.

Thank you also to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice for your compassionate care.

Violet will be remembered for her hard work, loving heart, quick wit, sincere care for others and her strength in navigating life’s daily challenges.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant something in Violet’s memory and enjoy watching it flourish and grow—just as she did throughout her life.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High St., Middlefield.

Born in Middlefield, on May 18, 1932, Ginny lived a long, spirited and deeply connected life which truly impacted everyone. She was a fiercely independent woman who touched countless lives with her warmth, humor and unwavering love for her family and her community; which included her breakfast, swim and card groups.

She is survived by her older sister, Barbara McClurg. She is the cherished mother of Tom (Karen), late Bonnie (Jim Soltis), Gary (Janice), Barry and Larry (Teresa); and a proud grandmother to 16: Scott (Annie), Anessa (Marty), Adam (Stephanie), Jeremiah (Lynda), Amy (Neill), Heidi (Joe), Charlie (Michelle), Isaiah (Melissa), Erin(Nick), Jimmy (Kristin), Leona (Rob), Rebekah (Stacey), Jesse (Katherine), Heather (Eric), Katie (Tony) and Duke. Her great legacy continues through her 46 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. She was preceded in death by her loving husbands, William "Bill" Shipman and Griffith "Gene" Davis; her sister, Helen Harrington; and her daughter Bonnie Soltis.

A true Cardinal Huskie for life, Ginny was a devoted sports fan who never missed a game. Her loyalty to the Huskie community and beyond was unwavering, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ginny will be remembered for her enduring strength, her joyful spirit and her unconditional love. She was deeply loved by many and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those she touched.

A celebration of her life will be held at Cardinal High School on Sunday May 18, 2025. All are welcome to honor and remember a remarkable woman who gave so much to so many. Doors open at 12 p.m., service begins at 12:30 p.m. and a picnic lunch to immediately follow in one of her favorite places, Cardinal High School.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Cardinal Athletic Boosters, a group started by Ginny and her husband many years ago. By mail, please Reference Ginny Davis and mail checks to Cardinal Athletic Boosters, P.O. Box 41, Middlefield OH 44062 or via Venmo @Cardinal_Athletic_Boosters.

Notices should be sent in writing to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 44024-5166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Obituaries

Billy Edward Bowles

Billy Edward Bowles, age 88, of Chardon, passed away peacefully at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center on May 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, teacher and friend, Billy lived a life marked by dedication, quiet strength and unwavering love for those closest to him.

Born on Jan. 13, 1937, in Cincinnati, Billy was the son of Earl and Fonna (nee Garner) Bowles. He proudly served his country and continued to honor that service as a member of the VFW Post #6519 and the Aerie Eagles #2261.

Billy earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and went on to share his passion for art as a teacher in the Mayfield Heights school system. Later, he built a successful career as a real estate appraiser.

After retirement, Billy returned to his artistic roots, spending his time painting and creating with the same devotion he brought to every aspect of his life. He enjoyed the peace and reflection that came from fishing and valued the friendships and time spent playing poker at the Eagles.

On Aug. 18, 1978, Billy married his beloved wife, Sally Ann Roby, in South Euclid. They shared a beautiful life together with many adventures, spending 17 years in Las Vegas before making their home in Chardon for the past 11 years.

Billy is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sally; his children, Michael Bowles, of Lyndhurst, Kim (Todd) Arganti, of Hambden Township, and Kathleen Savarino, of Lyndhurst; and his cherished grandchildren, Dominic, Madison and Olivia Arganti.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and two sisters.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4-7 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m.

Billy will be laid to rest with military honors at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio.

Billy lived a life of purpose, compassion and strength. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the life he shaped with integrity and care.

In honor of Billy’s life and legacy, the family suggests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.

Charles Ray Knotts

Charles Ray Knotts, age 85, of Chardon, passed on May 3, 2025.

He was born to Clarence and Isabelle (nee McCoy) Knotts on Sept. 12, 1939, in Wendel, W. Va.

Chuck married Kathryn Briggs on Sept. 24, 1977.

Chuck supported his family and helped raise five children while working countless hours as a stationary engineer. While at Allied Chemical, he obtained a stationary engineer’s license before moving on to Diamond Shamrock, Republic Steel and LTV Steel. His final stop at Painesville Electric Plant gifted him the opportunity to work with his daughter, Karen, before retiring at the age of 74.

Chuck was a very talented and creative wood carver. He enjoyed camping, reading Stephen King novels and watching comedy. Cleveland sports always brought him what he valued most, sharing time and laughs with family. He had a warm way of making everyone feel comfortable and welcome. His quick wit and legacy of “earned, not given” lives on in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by sons, Robert (Mary Joan) Knotts, of Maryland, Ronald Knotts, of Ohio, Bradley Knotts, of Washington, Joe (Amy Rose) Knotts, of Ohio; six grandchildren, Megan Knotts, Timothy Knotts, Grace Lease, Carly Rose, Colton Rose, Faith Knotts; and four great-grandchildren, Kara, Sofia, Jackson, Theo; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, their families and dear friends.

Preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Kathryn Knotts; daughter, Karen Knotts; daughter-in-law, Pamela Knotts; parents, Clarence and Isabelle Knotts; brother, John ‘Bucky’ Knotts; sister, Ellen Ahlborn.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the memorial service to follow at 1 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

The family asks for friends to join them after the service to celebrate the life of Charles Knotts at The Lodge at Bass Lake, 426 South St., Chardon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org in honor of Charles.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.

Bulletin Board

For-profit and nonprofit organizations or groups will need to purchase a paid advertisement for an event anytime tickets are sold, a fee is charged or a freewill donation is taken. If an organization or group does not wish to buy an ad to promote their event and connect with our readers, Karlovec Media Group will print a simple liner-type ad identifying the event, date/time/place and a number to call for more information. Email submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

Rummage and Bake Sale

May 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 17, 9 a.m. to noon

Peace Lutheran Church will host a rummage and bake sale at the church located at 12686 Bass Lake Road, Munson Township. Parking is available behind the church at the lower level entrance.

Herb and Plant Sale

May 16 and 17

The Chagrin Valley Herb Society is holding its annual herb and plant sale at the Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. Hours are 1-3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds help to rebuild and maintain the herb gardens and tea house at the library. For more information, contact CVHS at chagrinvalleyherbsociety@gmail.com.

FGP Explorers Series

May 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for “Towering Giants & Woodland Wonders” at the Affelder House at the West Woods, 15139 Chillicothe Road in Russell Township. Join Naturalist Vicki Solomon on a scenic 2.5-mile hike on Geauga Park District’s new Tulip Trail. For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks. org or call 440-564-1048.

Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour

May 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Destination Geauga’s 21st annual self-guided tour of Geauga County with 25 participating businesses throughout the county. Each stop offers either a discount, giveaway or sample to enjoy. Pick up a map of participating businesses and collect a stamp at each stop.

At the end of the tour, head to Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, for the finale with music, snacks and a chance to win prizes from local businesses.

Those who visit 10 or more participating businesses will be entered to win the grand prize. The drawings begin at 4 p.m. For more information and the list of participating businesses, visit www.destinationgeauga.com or call Kathy at 440-6321538.

Disc Golf Ribbon Cutting

May 17, 11 a.m.

Munson Township Trustees and the Munson Park and Recreation Board are hosting a ribbon cutting and free disc golf clinic at the new Munson Disc Golf Course located at 12150 Bean Road at Nero Nature Preserve. The course consists of nine baskets with 18 grass tee boxes. Situated amongst the trees in the center of the park, the course is for both seasoned players and those new to the game.

Garage Sale

May 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tikvat Yisrael is hosting a community garage sale at the synagogue located at 9319 Mayfield Road in Chester Township. All sales support the youth group ministry.

Gospel Disciples in Song

May 18, 10:30 a.m.

The Gospel Disciples in Song will be singing during the worship service at Chesterland Baptist Church, 12670 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. The large group is composed of Christian men from many denominations who spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in four-part harmony.

Women’s Club Scholarship Lunch

May 21, noon

The Chagrin Valley Women's Club is hosting a scholarship luncheon at Hillbrook Country Club, 14800 Hillbrook Drive, Russell Township.

Proceeds will go to support its annual scholarship fund to worthy local high school students. Reservations are required. RSVP to Carole at 440-552-4385. All are welcome.

Gardening 101

May 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ free Gardening 101 series continues with “Harvesting and Preserving your Bounty” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Master gardeners Mirko Antloga and Deb Miller will cover when and how to determine when vegetables and fruits are at optimum ripeness and how to preserve flavor qualities and nutritional value for both short and long-term storage.

Registration is required; call 440-8344656. For more information, visit geauga. osu.edu.

Donations Needed

Donations are needed for Middlefield Historical Society’s upcoming Trinkets & Treasures Sale being held June 5-7. Donations of anything except adult clothing may be dropped off on May 23 and 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Call Barb at 440-503-6444 for information or pickup.

Holiday Polka Party

May 26, 1-7 p.m.

A Memorial Day polka dance party will be held at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland. Enjoy ethnic food and live music featuring the orchestras of Frank Stanger and Frank Moravcik. Open to the public. For information, call 330-318-3004.

LCGS Meeting

May 29, 10 a.m.

The Lake County Genealogical Society will meet on Zoom. Following a short business meeting, Mary Huey, first vice president of LCGS, will lead a discussion of “Genealogy, A Gateway to History,” with uncovered pieces of history while researching family genealogy. Huey will encourage the Zoom participants to share a discovery of their own. Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more information and the invitation to the Zoom meeting. One does not need to be a member to attend the monthly meeting.

to awarding the contract. The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/ BY THE ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Christine Blair, Clerk May15, 2025

LEGAL

NOTICE

The Asphalt Resurfacing of Sections C-E of Fairmount Road Geauga County, Ohio

Bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on May 30, 2025 and read publicly at 10:10 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $700,000.00. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Bids may be held by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/. BY THE ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christine Blair, Clerk May15, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads Munson Township, Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on May 30, 2025 and read publicly at 10:14 AM at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $960,000.00. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be

obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening.

All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Bids may be held by the Munson Township Board of Trustees for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Munson Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Munson Township Board of Trustees.

This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/ BY THE ORDER OF THE MUNSON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Todd Ray, Fiscal Officer May15, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Resurfacing of Various Roads Chardon Township, Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on May 30, 2025 and read publicly at 10:12 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $1,525,000. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening.

All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Bids may be held by the Chardon Township Board of Trustees for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Chardon Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Chardon Township Board of Trustees.

This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/.

BY THE ORDER OF THE CHARDON

TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Edward Slusarski Fiscal Officer May15, 2025

Geauga Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office May 2 to May 8, 2025.

SUSPCIOUS

May 2

12:28 a.m., Bridge Creek Trail, Auburn. The seniors did their prank, saran wrap, and left to get food. When they came back to pickup their cars there was bleach and paint thrown by students who did not participate in their prank. Two males ran away on foot wearing all black and masks.

THEFT

May 6

5:01 a.m., Madison Road, Parkman. Some-

one broke in last night and stole multiple items. Parkman Contractor Supply. The business was broken into sometime last night. Multiple items were stolen from the business. The incident is under investigation. See report.

THREATENING

May 7

9:24 a.m., Moss Glen Trail, Newbury. Munn Septic Co. came to the house this morning. Driver got out and make a comment about “kicking dog for running up on him.” Caller asked him to leave after a bit and then he called the office and spoke with them. Would like to file a report.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending May 9, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Peter W. and Mary E. Hankee, 112 Signal Hill, to James P. Barber, $303,000. (0.00 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Skymount Solutions LLC, 9680 Riverwood Lane, to Donald Healy, $485,000. (5.35 acres)

Colleen Marie Martin and Edward Thomas Novak, 8619 N. Spring Valley Park Drive, to Colleen Marie Martin, $100,000. (1.50 acres)

Bravo Homes LLC, Canyon Ridge, to Scott T. and Cheryl A. Wilson, $165,000. (0.42 acres)

BURTON TOWNSHIP

Elizabeth Scoville, 12532 Lake Road, to Mystic Earth Ltd., $75,000. (0.35 acres)

BURTON VILLAGE

Marcianne E. Kimpton (TOD), 13736 W. Center St., to Michaela S. and Michele Lee Shanower Mansfield, $264,000. (0.35 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Zachary Mlakar, 464 Karen Drive, to Casey R. Clark and Lauren N. Sukalac, $260,000. (0.22 acres)

Barbara C. Chiudioni, 130 Woodiebrook Road, to James A. and April M. Clark, $492,000. (1.91 acres)

NVR Inc., 121 High Fox Drive, to Alexandra and Zachary Mlakar, $442,500. (0.22 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Mark L. Rajko, 11420 Hosford Road, to Joshua and Lauren Mullins, $747,000. (3.00 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Arthur G. and Sylvia G. Schultz, 11811 East Hill Drive, to Timothy James and Jade Alexandria Helton, $85,000. (3.06 acres)

Michael John Tarajcak and Mary Beth Trela (co-trustees), 11801 Sperry Road, to Lee Michael Tarajcak, $307,500. (4.31 acres)

Matthew Spetrino, 9180 Cedar Road, to Patrick Della Ratta, $355,000. (0.83 acres)

Opendoor Property Trust I, 8268 Maple Drive, to Gabriel and Maria Haase, $325,000. (1.00 acres)

Marsha Smith, Mulberry Road, to Daniel and Brooke Potter, $40,000. (1.13 acres)

Joseph Znidarsic, 12184 Heath Road, to Stephen J. Clucas, $565,000. (2.00 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Christine Cassella, 12987 Gar Highway, to Michael Benett, $300,000. (1.73 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Middlefield Parkway, 15265 Timber Ridge, to NVR Inc., $66,600. (0.33 acres)

Frederick and Bonnie Nedved (trustees), 15411 Royal Oak Drive, to Jennifer L. Reed (trustee), $269,900. (0.23 acres)

NVR Inc., 15268 Woodsong Drive, to Tyler J. and Alanna C. Mazanec, $411,400. (0.37 acres)

NVR Inc., 15262 Woodsong Drive, to Richard D. Waugh, $358,800. (0.21 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

Anthony M. Carter, 10525 Clay St., to U.S. Bank Trust National Association, $225,600. (1.95 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Michael and Darla Hollowell, Arborwood Way, to Christopher and Deanna Hurst, $142,800. (3.83 acres)

Michelle L. Graziano, 11335 Hidden Springs Drive, to Vicki and Jerome O’Hara, $389,000. (1.80 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Judith M. Tommasone, 10419 Cedar Road, to Kaitlyn M. and Amanda C. Aguilera, $255,000. (1.50 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

Elizabeth K., Samuel S., and Maurine N. Weaver, Newcomb Road, to David D. and Ann S. Weaver, $70,400. (8.80 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Lee Ann S. Stueber (TOD), 1127 Sheerbrook Drive, to Ashley K. and Paul J. Rozsa, $519,000. (0.84 acres)

Zevidah Vickery, 43 Maple Hill Drive, to Matthew Jay and Tonya Marie Bernius, $332,900. (1.00 acres)

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

Jonathan D. Hildenbrand, 6956 Dewey Road, to Jason T. Huber and Gabriella M. Ferreira, $373,000. (8.24 acres)

Classifieds

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

Remodeling: 5BR, 2BA. Includes laundry room, rec room or 6th BR, basement, garage. Large closets, 2 are walkin. No pets, No smoking. Huntsburg. 440-636-5747.

Burton: 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch condo, 2 car attached garage, laundry, AC. Energy efficient, private. No pets. No smoking. $1,600 per month includes snow plowing, lawn & trash. Senior discounts. 440-221-0649.

Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. No smoking. $950/mo. Call 440-221-0649.

FOR SALE

Mercury 200 outboard motor, needs coil, make offer.

Stanley hydraulic jackhammer $300/OBO. 200cfm King dust collector, $300/OBO. 440-272-5736.

Antique Dining Room Set for sale: Lifetime furniture. Table with leaf, 6 chairs, buffet, sideboard, China cabinet. Good condition. Call/text 440-223-9023.

Pampered Chef Multi Cooker: brand new, never used. Retails $229, will sell for $150. 440-632-0518.

Engine Hoist: 2 ton. w/8-ton long ram cylinder. $250. 440-487-2955.

Antique Curio Cabinet: glass sides, glass door, mirror back, 8 adjustable shelves, 85” tall, 22” wide, 17” deep, Excellent Condition, very unique; $480. 440554-5731.

New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $95 each. George 440-336-5044.

Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706.

Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total (2 double lots): Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $8,000 each dbl. 440-729-0070.

Brand new 6-cube organizer with 4 cubes; $60. 3-pc coffee end table set, homemade rustic style; $160. 440-632-1415.

DEER HUNTERS: (40) Deer Hunter and (73) Bow Hunter Magazines. Vintage, Excellent Condition. Great reading and informational. Harvest that Big One!! Inquire. 440223-9471.

Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-4408743.

Golf Clubs, $200: Datrek Golf Bag, Taylor Made Big Bertha Driver, Adams Tight Lie #5, 3-4-5-6 King Cobra Bafflers, 1-7-8-9 Nicklas Irons, 60-degree Loft Callaway, Nickles Pitching Wedge, King Sand Wedge, Master Grip Putter, Range Scope. 352-446-6129.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

UNIQUE GARAGE SALES: Weekly April - Oct, 4 buildings, Thursday thru Saturday, 9am-5pm. $1 most items. 9098 Old State Rd, (Rt 608, Chardon). Something for everyone! Unbeatable Bargains May 23-24, 9a-4p, 16920 Hazy Morning Drive, Middlefield. Camping gear galore, tents, sleeping bags. Glass computer desks. And much more!

Neighborhood Yard Sale: May 22-24, 9a-5p, Mulberry Road between Sherwood Trail and County Line. Look for the signs and balloons! No Early Birds.

5/14-5/16: 8a-5p, 17121 Shed Road, Middlefield. New patio set, 2 new twin mattresses, lots of new items, households and Christmas, books, weight set.

HELP WANTED

Hiring Part-Time Seasonal Landscape Help: Looking for a few reliable individuals with lawn mowing experience. Just a day or two per week for mowing, trimming, and clean up. Flexible days and hours. Pay based on experience. Perfect if you’re looking for a little extra work! Pay $20-$25/hr based on experience. All applicants welcome, please call 440-336-4969.

Yard Worker wanted for Spring, Summer, Fall. Starting at $16/hr, cash daily, more with experience, driver’s license preferred. 440-338-3563. Russell address.

PETS & ANIMALS

Reggie, 8yr white-with-black cat needs an indoor home. Neutered. Super friendly, talkative, good with other cats. Rebecca 440-321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: Police are reporting car crashes by drivers using drugs. Your life is at risk, especially if there’s a marijuana dispensary near you!

REAL ESTATE

Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.

Local Investor will pay fair cash price for homes or land in any condition. Fast closing. Call or text 440-3460161 today.

SERVICES

Experienced Landscape Company looking for lawns for the 2025 season. Service Contract includes: cut, trim and blow. Call/text 440-883-9124 for estimate. Tall Oaks Landscaping LLC.

Caregiver: will do in-home personal care, cleaning, light housework, laundry. Licensed with references. 440313-1804.

Don’t let all their hard work be wasted! SPED Teacher tutor for reading & writing this summer. $35 per hour. 440-636-2421.

Albert’s Complete Tree Service: 45+yrs experience! Competent in all aspects of Arboriculture, Forestry and Land Clearing. Also, Firewood, Excavation and Sewer Work. Free Estimates. 440-687-5404.

Team R Painting: We are here to meet all your interior and exterior painting needs! Give Jaden a call at 330531-3870 for your free quote today!

WANTED TO BUY

Buying all Stanley Bailey planes. Call Karl at 440-8123392.

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.