Leaf Thursday, June 20, 2024 Vol. 30 No. 25 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.25
Chardon Fireworks Relocated – for Now Future of Show Remains Up in the Air
By Amy Patterson amy@karlovecmedia.com While Chardon’s Independence Day fireworks display has had a home at Chardon High School for decades, a few wrinkles — and a lot of yard litter — put a wrench in plans to keep them there this July. Organizers Ed Babcock and Dave Jevnikar suggested to Chardon City Council June 13 the show move to a new location at the end of Loreto Way, also known as Meadowlands Extension. The fireworks display is scheduled for July 6, with a July 7 rain date. Babcock and Jevnikar said the higher elevation will give everyone a better view of what could be See Fireworks • Page 6
Prostitution Raid Closes Chester Spa By John Karlovec john@karlovecmedia.com Chester Township police with the assistance of Geauga County sheriff’s deputies raided and closed the Ocean Spa and massage parlor last Wednesday morning, following complaints of possible illegal sexual acts being performed there. Complaints about the spa began almost immediately after it opened earlier this year at 12661 Chillicothe Road, less than 100 feet north of the town hall, where Chesterland Safety Town is scheduled to begin Monday. Chester Township Police Capt. Jeff Sherwood said Friday the complaints concerned potential prostitution occurring at the spa. The investigation initially was turned over to the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which is made up of federal, state and local agencies investigating sex and labor trafficking cases,
Middlefield Village
Lot Consolidation Could Lead To Warehouse Construction
County Budget Stretched, But Solid Opinion page 8
Obituaries pages 18-19
Sheriff’s Sales & Legal Notices start on page 21
Classifieds GOOGLE PHOTO
The Ocean Spa, just north of Chester Township Hall, was raided June 12 following a months-long investigation into suspected prostitution.
Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said. When it appeared the investigation was slow-walking, Chester police and the prosecutor’s office sprang into action. Flaiz said Chester police con-
ducted a covert surveillance of the business. Thereafter, police interviewed several male customers whose vehicles were observed in the parking lot. The men were See Raid • Page 5
page 23
Geauga Pride: A Colorful Show of Solidarity pages 12-13
Thompson Admin. Offices, Police Move to New Location By Ann Wishart
Contamination near Proposed Housing Concerns Official By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com
The Thompson Township Police Department and administrative offices are currently on the move to a new location with more room. The department is moving around the corner from 6784 Madison Road to 6751 Madison Road, Police Chief Jeremy Jesenovec told Thompson Township Trustees during their June 10 meeting. Space and safety were the main reasons the township purchased the two-story house where they will be relocating township offices, as well as the police personnel, files and equipment. “The current building is very old and dilapidated,” Jesenovec See Thompson • Page 3
SCREENSHOT
Middlefield Village Planning Commission approved consolidating two parcels for a proposed warehouse near Madison and Kinsman roads.
page 6
page 9
ann@karlovecmedia.com
Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission members voted on two potential projects in the southeast sector of the village during their June 11 meeting. Zoning Inspector John Boksansky reported Bonner Ohio Properties LTD has proposed consolidating two properties to create one 44-acre parcel near the intersection of East High Street and Madison Road. The Geauga County Tax Map Department approved the consolidation, but the village engineer has not signed off on it, yet, Boksansky said. See Zoning • Page 5
Trustees, Auditor Plan to Return $700,000 to Taxpayers
SUBMITTED
Thompson Township Trustees purchased the house on the east side of the square last winter to become its new administration building.
Single Edition $1.25