POST Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Vol. 17 No. 24 • FREE
Fire Destroys Kaballos Restaurant STAFF REPORT A fire engulfed Kaballos Mexican Restaurant in Middlefield Village the morning of April 13, destroying the bar and roof and resulting in what appears to be a total loss, said Middlefield Assistant Fire Chief Ben Reed. “The employees came in, turned on some lights and smelled something electric burning,” he said in an interview Sunday afternoon, adding no one was injured in the fire. The department was alerted to a fire at 15585 West High Street about 9:30 a.m., Reed said. When fire trucks arrived a few minutes later, the fire was fully involved and there were already flames visible in the bar area, he said. Firefighters entered the front of the building and were able to get the blaze put out fairly quickly, but the roof and air conditioning unit were compromised and there was heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the five-star restaurant, Reed said. Fire departments from Burton, Windsor and Mesopotamia townships automatically answered the call to assist and MFD firefighters stayed on scene until about 2 p.m. working on hot spots in the building, he said. “It was a worst-case scenar-
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A fire at Kaballos Mexican Restaurant, 15585 West High Street in Middlefield, April 13 destroyed the bar and roof, resulting in what appears to be a total loss, said Middlefield Assistant Fire Chief Ben Reed.
io. The fire had too much time to grow,” Reed said. The fire is still under investigation, but he said he considers it to be accidental. Ava Gough, an employee of the restaurant since March 2021, started a GoFundMe page for the owner, Ramon Arellano, and his family. “It’s more than just a job, it has truly been like a second home,” Gough said on GoFundMe page. “Kaballos is a warm, welcoming, family-oriented place. Ramon is a true family man with a deep love
for his community. He and his loved ones pour their hearts into the restaurant every single day.” In December 2023, the Arellanos remodeled the restaurant, Gough said, adding they filled it with personal touches, including a “stunning hand-painted mural created by Ramon’s father.” “When I say this is a family business, I truly mean family,” she said. “This restaurant has been a beloved staple in the Middlefield community for as long as I can remember. It’s a heartbreaking loss,
especially after all the time, love and hard work that went into the recent renovation. “I’m reaching out to the closeknit Middlefield community to help support Ramon and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” Gough added. “Every bit of help makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out — the love and support is deeply felt and appreciated.” For those interested in donating, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-kaballos-after-devastating-fire.
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Commissioners Vote Yes on New Airport Resolution By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com In a split vote, Geauga County Commissioners approved a resolution allocating $800,000 to the Geauga County Airport Authority for construction of a new T-hangar April 8, with Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri the dissenting voice. The decision came after months of stalling, discussion and a conversation Tuesday that quickly became tense. In December, commissioners voted in favor of a request from the airport to allocate $1.3 million for construction of a new T-hangar and upkeep to the facilities, with the transfer of money contingent upon an agreement that was never finalized. In February, commissioners
voted to rescind the old motion and re-negotiate an agreement, after which Commissioner Carolyn Brakey — who is new to the board and was not involved in December’s decision — expressed disapproval of the $1.3 million amount. Commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of putting together a new resolution allocating $800,000 April 1, with Brakey the sole vote against. With a $586,000 grant secured for the T-hangar project, the Airport Authority has expressed frustration with how slowly the process has gone and voiced fears about losing the money as a result. Airport Authority President Chip Hess appeared once again before commissioners April 8 to plead his case. Two resolutions had been prepared, acting County Administrator
Linda Burhenne said — a “simple” resolution and a version with accountability measures. Burhenne noted she was unsure if the measures had ever been sent to the airport authority for consideration. “We’re under the gun. We took bids yesterday and if we don’t get this approved next week, we lose funding,” Hess said, adding the authority had a board meeting the night before and would have liked to have seen the resolution. The resolution would require quarterly reporting, including copies of leases, occupancy rates, rental income and operational costs for three years after the completion of the T-hangar, funds to become a loan in the event conditions were violated and restricted the airport’s
ability to increase wages for staff, among other items. Commissioners would determine instances of noncompliance. There were several items in the resolution the airport authority did not understand or know were coming, Hess said, listing the payback clause, penalty clause and reports. Members of the audience questioned the wages restriction. Brakey said it was a way to cap costs a little, noting the airport is looking to increase revenue. “Who’s running the airport? The airport authority or the county commissioners?” Hess asked. “Well, we’re giving you money, I mean are you going to be a choosy beggar or are you gonna take the money?” Brakey replied. See Airport • Page 3
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