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Community News from Middlefield, Parkman, Huntsburg and Surrounding Areas
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Middlef ield Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Vol. 18 No. 23 • FREE
MiddlefieldVillage Wins Lawsuit Against Former Employee By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com The Village of Middlefield has secured a judgment of more than $38,000 in a civil lawsuit against a former employee who defaulted on a promissory note, Mayor Ben Garlich said April 9. During the regular Middlefield Village Council meeting, Garlich said Christopher Plantz, 33, of Garrettsville, was hired in Febru-
ary 2024 with the understanding he would complete training at the Kent State University – Trumbull Police Academy and serve as a village police officer for five years. The village paid for the training upfront, and Plantz worked in the village police department for eight months while preparing for the academy, the mayor said. “He couldn’t make it through the academy,” Garlich said, adding Plantz refused to repay the cost of
his training despite being offered a payment plan. The refusal led to the civil case, which was heard by Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Matt Rambo. “We found out this week he has filed for chapter seven bankruptcy.” Village Solicitor Luke McConville said he has contacted a bankruptcy attorney to determine whether the village can recover some or all of the debt. “Our debt is a little different —
it’s a governmental debt,” he said. “We might be able to collect.” The next step is for the village to submit proof of its claim to the court, McConville said. “The judgment we obtained was substantial,” he said. Garlich said in a phone interview April 10 that Plantz was released from his position in September 2024. According to court records, See Village • Page 2
Pleva’s Blast Bright Spot In Loss to Edgewood Cardinal junior Emily Pleva hit a no-doubt homerun to left field, her second ever, in the Huskies 12-1 loss to the Edgewood Warriors. It was the Huskies (1-3) first hit of the game. The team is young and inexperience, with only one senior, Maggie Grant. There are four juniors, three sophomores and six freshmen on the roster. Pleva is a four-sport athlete, including soccer, basketball and track. “I think we’re young,” Pleva said. “But I think overall I think we’re going to be pretty good. I just really want the girls to have a good time. And to make sure they are trying their best. My role is to make everyone feel confident.” “She’s doing outstanding at that,” said Brooklyn Whitely. “She always knows how to lift up the girls. And it’s always a good time.” - JAMIE WARD PHOTO BY BILL FUGATE
Community Meetings Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions in Huntsburg, Middlefield and Parkman townships, the Village of Middlefield and Cardinal Schools. Huntsburg Township: April 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road. Parkman Township: April 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted. Cardinal BOE: April 22, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.
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