Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • Vol. 19 No. 2 • FREE
Maple Splash Festival Returns July 11
Large Hartville Hardware Sign To be Erected Near Driveway
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By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
The Burton Middlefield Rotary is proud to host the annual Maple Splash Festival on Saturday, July 11, from 2-9 p.m. on the historic grounds of the Century Village Museum. This free, family-friendly community event promises an afternoon packed with premier regional entertainment, delicious local food trucks, and unparalleled prize giveaways. In alignment with Rotary’s core mission of community service, this year’s festival will also double as a donation drive for the local veterans' food pantry. Organizers are encouraging all festival attendees to bring non-perishable food items to help support local veterans and their families. Collection bins will be centrally located near the main entrance hubs. This year's entertainment lineup features two powerhouse musical acts: the high-energy sounds of Rockability, followed by the dynamic classic rock and powerful horn section of Pieces of Eight and the Lakeside Brass. Alongside the See Maple Splash • Page 2
Middlefield Village Council offered no objection June 11 to Hartville Hardware’s application for variances for a 22-foot-tall sign at 15260 Kinsman Road on the west side of the village. Zoning Inspector John Boksansky said the company provided a drawing of the proposed sign to be erected near the new store’s driveway. The sign, which will measure a total of about 102 square feet, includes an electronic reader board below the sign, he said. The village planning commission approved the sign at its June 9 meeting following a public hearing on the matter, Boksansky said. “There are a lot of benefits and no detriment to giving them a sign,” he said, adding the size of the sign will match the size of the building, which sets several hundred feet off Kinsman Road. The current, temporary two-sided sign is located in the middle of the 700-foot frontage while the driveway is on the west side of the parcel. See Hardware • Page 7
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Community Meetings Huntsburg Township: July 7, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; July 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road. Middlefield Township: July 23, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Office, 15228 Madison Road, unless otherwise noted. Middlefield Village: July 7, 5:15 p.m. – Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee; 6 p.m. – Planning Commission; July 9, 5:30 p.m. – Recreation Committee, 6 p.m. – Finance Committee, 6:30 p.m. – Safety Committee, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave. Parkman Township: July 7, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; July 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.
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Hartville Hardware will be allowed to erect a 22-foot-tall sign near the store’s driveway at 15260 Kinsman Road following a public hearing at the June 9 Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Cardinal BOE: June 24, 6:30 p.m., work session; July 8, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting; July 22, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.
Decorating Contest Celebrates America 250 Staff Report The Village of Middlefield is inviting residents, businesses, churches, schools and community organizations to help celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by participating in the Middlefield America 250 Decorating Celebration. Under the theme, “Middlefield – Where Patriotism Grows Strong,” the community-wide decorating contest encourages participants to showcase their patriotic spirit by decorating homes, businesses, storefronts and public-facing properties in honor of this historic national milestone. The celebration officially launches June 22, 2026, with decorating encouraged through Veterans Day. Contest judging will take place during
the week of July 4, when America commemorates 250 years of independence, freedom and opportunity. “Our nation only turns 250 once,” said Mayor Ben Garlich. “This is a chance for our community to come together, celebrate our shared heritage, honor those who came before us, and showcase the pride we have in Middlefield and in America.” Residential categories include Best Front Porch; Best Lighting Display; Most Creative Americana Theme; Best Historic Theme; and Best Neighborhood Spirit. Business categories include Best Storefront Display; Best Window Display; Best Restaurant or Hospitality Display; Best Community Spirit; and Best Overall Business Display. Participants are encouraged to
share photos of their displays on the Village of Middlefield Facebook page throughout the celebration. Award winners will receive official “America 250 Decorating Award Winner” yard signs and recognition through village social media channels, the village website and local media coverage. Winners may also be recognized during a village council meeting. To encourage community participation, official “Proud Participant – America 250 – Middlefield, Ohio” yard signs will be available through the village along with entry forms. The signs will help identify participating properties throughout the community while promoting friendly competition and neighborhood pride. In addition to decorating, local
businesses are encouraged to participate by offering America 250-themed promotions during judging week. Contest entries will be judged using a 100-point scoring system based on overall visual impact, creativity, patriotic theme, effort and detail and community spirit. Village officials hope the celebration will create a festive atmosphere throughout Middlefield while encouraging community engagement, civic pride and appreciation for America’s 250-year history. Additional information, entry forms, and participant yard signs will be available through the Village of Middlefield. For more information, contact: Village of Middlefield, 14860 North State Ave., Middlefield, OH 44062; or at 440-632-5248.
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