Leaf Thursday, June 26, 2025 Vol. 31 No. 26 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.25
Sting Busts Elderly Investment Scam By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com A multi-agency investigation uncovered a complex fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims under the guise of investment assistance, local authorities announced last week. Investigators from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Chester Township Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s See Scam • Page 4
Chuha Gets 6 Months in Jail On Child Porn Charges
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Judge Also Orders 3 Years of Community Control By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com
Ken Chuha, 69, of Chardon, was sentenced to six months in jail and three years of community control for child porn-related charges June 20. In front of a packed courtroom, Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Matt Rambo handed down the sentence to Chuha, who previously pleaded guilty of two counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material, a fifth-degree felony.
A sentencing memorandum and supplemental memorandum filed with the court prior to Chuha’s sentencing included over 25 letters in support of him. Chuha’s wife, Chardon City Council member Deb Chuha, and his daughters were among those present Friday morning, as well as Chardon City Council member David Lelko. Chuha’s attorney, Steven Bradley, emphasized his client’s remorse. “He certainly accepts full responsibility for his conduct,” Bradley said. See Chuha• Page 7
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Ken Chuha enters Geauga County Common Pleas Judge Matt Rambo’s courtroom for his sentencing June 20.
Bainbridge Bids Farewell to Historic Town Hall Gym By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com
Chardon Council, BOE Pass Resolutions Opposing HB 335 page 4
Commissioners Vote to Guarantee Engineer Seat on NOACA page 6
After nearly a century at the heart of the community, the historic Bainbridge Township Town Hall gym room was reduced to rubble June 17 — its demolition marking the end of a long-debated project fueled by safety concerns, structural warnings and bittersweet memories.
Trip Down Memory Lane SUBMITTED
The Bainbridge Township Town Hall gymnasium is demolished June 17 after being deemed unsafe.
One of the challenges officials See Gym • Page 5
Tradition, Flavor Top Menu at Amish Country Kitchen By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
The grand opening of Amish Country Kitchen in Middlefield June 16 ushered in delicious, fresh and locally sourced meals for area diners seven days a week. The spacious dining room, at 15015 Kinsman Road, provides a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and a buffet or table service by an experienced wait staff, said owner Christopher Kanieski during an interview June 23. Many of the employees are See Kitchen • Page 6
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A grand opening June 16 of the Amish Country Kitchen shows off its landscaping and sign.