Wednesday, October 15, 2025 • Vol. 18 No. 11 • FREE
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Community News from Middlefield, Parkman, Huntsburg and Surrounding Areas
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Middlef ield Five Vie for Four Open Seats on Council Five candidates are running for four open seats on Middlefield Village Council in the Nov. 4 election. They are incumbents Kaitlyn Arganti and William Blue, Kyle Kaplan, incumbent Scott Klein and incumbent Chris Michalakes. Below are their responses to our candidate questionnaire. Arganti and Blue did not respond. Why are you seeking this position? Arganti: If re-elected, I will begin my third term and ninth year as a Middlefield Village Councilperson. As a lifelong Middlefield resident, my dedication and commitment to the community is what motivates me to stay involved locally. I have roots in Middlefield and plan to be a part of the community long term.
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Scott Klein
Kaitlyn Arganti
Kyle Kaplan
Age: 29
Age: 44
Current Occupation/ Employer: Manager at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen
Current Occupation/ Employer: Anesthesia technician
Education: Bachelor of Science degree
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration
Kaplan: I am seeking the position of Middlefield Council because I care about the community that I call home. I also believe in the idea of serving others. Serving others is
William Blue Chris Michalakes
Age: 61
No Response
Shady Maple Salvage 17440 Nauvoo Road
Age: 49
Current Occupation/ Employer: Steel Sales, Sheffield Steel
Current Occupation/ Employer: Residential Remodeling-Business Owner
Education: Bachelor of arts degree in communications, BGSU
South Side Salvage Groceries 15740 Newcomb Road
Education: Candidate left blank
a value I live by, and work to instill upon my children. Klein: Having already served 20 years as a village councilman,
I want to continue to build upon our performance of providing excellent services and infrastructure, while maintaining a safe, clean and See Election • Page 6
Three Candidates Compete for Two Seats On Cardinal Board of Education Three candidates are running for two full-term seats on the Cardinal Schools Board of Education. They are incumbent Kristen Klepper, Edna Phile and incumbent Linda Smallwood. Below are their responses to our candidate questionnaire. Phile did not provide contact information. Do you believe board members have a role in the day-today operation of the district? Klepper: No. Day-to-day decisions, staffing, and programs are the responsibility of the superintendent and district administrators. Board members provide oversight and ensure accountability by asking questions and reviewing data, but should refrain from directing staff or becoming involved in operational details. Their role is to focus on governance and big-picture goals. This separation allows the district to function smoothly while maintaining clear lines of authority and accountability between the board and administration.
Smallwood: No. The board of education hires the superintendent and the treasurer. They are responsible for the dayto-day operations. The board works very closely with them and is kept abreast of any situations that arise. The public is welcome to contact board members if their concerns are not satisfied after following the proper channels. This causes less chaos than 5 board members interjecting their opinions into day-to-day operations. Do you believe an individual board member’s opinion on an issue supersedes their obligation to support a board decision? Klepper: No. Once the board has debated and voted, each member is obligated to uphold and support the board’s collective decision, even if they personally disagreed. Individual opinions are important during discussion and deliberation, but they do not override the board’s official actions. Speaking with one voice maintains
Erb’s Variety Store 13924 Bundysburg Road
Circle K 14960 S. State Avenue Marathon Mini Mart / Chagrin Oil & Gas 15385 S. State Avenue Marathon / Circle K 15560 W. High Street Mary Yoder’s Amish Kitchen 14743 Old State Road Subway 15050 Springdale Avenue Kurtz Salvage 15561 West High Street Nauvoo Family Market 15979 Nauvoo Road
Edna Phile Kristen Klepper Age: 44 Current Occupation/ Employer: Vice president, Asphalt Recycling OEM & Contractor Education: Candidate left blank
Linda Smallwood Age: Candidate left blank
No Contact Information Provided
Current Occupation/ Employer: Candidate left blank Education: Some college
the board’s credibility, prevents confusion for staff and the community, and supports effective governance. Board members may still explain their views respectfully, but should avoid undermining the board’s decision or acting independently outside the board’s established process. Smallwood: Yes. A board member should always vote their conscience. Do you believe students should be permitted to request to be addressed by alternative
names or pronouns in a classroom setting without parent approval? Klepper: No. I believe parents have the primary right and responsibility to be involved in important decisions about their children. While students should always feel supported at school, I do not believe staff should use alternative names or pronouns without parental knowledge or approval. Schools should See Cardinal • Page 5
CVS 15925 W. High Street BT Oil 15525 W. High Street Giant Eagle 15400 W. High Street Walmart 15050 Springdale Avenue Middlefield Mini Mart 15965 E. High Street Tractor Supply 15424 W. High Street
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