Leaf Thursday, December 5, 2024 Vol. 30 No. 49 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.25
Burton Village
Environmental Report Next Obstacle to Building Residents Voice Concerns On Hillside Village Project By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com Residents along Bigelow Road in Burton Township voiced their objections Nov. 26 to the residential development of more than 30 acres next door. Property owner and developer Dan Demko responded to their concerns during the Burton Village Board of Appeals and Planning Commission hearing on the Hillside Village project. He also said he was concerned about the Army Corps of Engineers approving the environmental engineer’s report before Dec. 24. See Burton • Page 5
Chardon Man Charged with Aggravated Burglary Staff Report Chardon resident Jack Scott, 62, was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, after an incident Dec. 1 at the Burlington Oval Condominium Develop- Scott ment, said Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus in a press release. “At 8:43 p.m. Sunday, a resident See Burglary • Page 5
A History in the Making Aquilla Dissolution May Set State Precedent By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
As the dissolution of Aquilla Village progresses, the board in charge of the process may set a precedent for other villages in Ohio considering the same. Geauga County Auditor Chuck Walder virtually joined the first meeting of the transition advisory board Nov. 26, talking about the decision of Aquilla Village Council to dissolve the village, with the
community becoming part of Claridon Township. Aquilla’s voters approved a ballot issue Nov. 5 in favor of surrendering corporate power. The alternative to dissolution was to pass a large levy so the village responsibilities could continue to be met. It is the first village to dissolve since new legislation was passed earlier this year, Walder said, adding two villages in Summit County placed dissolution on their November ballots, but those issues failed.
Aquilla Village Council officially held its last meeting Nov. 15.
The transition advisory board came into existence on the effective date of Aquilla Village’s dissolution See Aquilla • Page 3
CCH Thanksgiving Dinners-to-Go Touch 20 Families page 11
ALLISON WILSON/KMG
Chester residents braved the cold Nov. 30, as children and adults alike gathered at the township park for Winterfest.
Chester Winterfest a Community Wonderland
By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com
Chester Township’s dreams of a white Christmas were very nearly achieved Nov. 30, as locals braved freezing weather to gather at the township park for Winterfest in the few hours before snow struck. The event, hosted by the West Geauga Rotary Club, brought holiday cheer to children and adults alike. Hot chocolate and a bonfire
near the gazebo provided reprieve from the chill, and while the township’s youngest residents waited in excitement for Santa’s arrival, a man about to reach 100 years of age received a proclamation from the township and offered slices of birthday cake to well wishers. Chester Township Police Chief Craig Young grilled hotdogs and township staff sandwiched together s’mores. Following a countdown, the crowd applauded as
fairy lights on the Christmas tree and gazebo were lit. Any magical event has plenty of hard work behind the scenes and Winterfest is no exception. “(Rotary has) been doing that for a long time, of course with the help of the township trustees,” said Rotary Vice-President Bob Voss in an interview Nov. 27, noting the Rotary provides all the volunteer manpower. See Winterfest • Page 4
Chardon Courthouse Contribution Capped at $2M page 4
Chipotle Makes Headway in Chardon page 8
Obituaries pages 11
Sheriff’s Sales & Legal Notices page 13
Classifieds page 15 Single Edition $1.25