Leaf Thursday, August 22, 2024 Vol. 30 No. 34 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.25
West Geauga Schools
Former PTO Treasurer Accused of Stealing Over $40,000 By Allison Wilson wilson@karlovecmedia.com Kathryn Burry, of Russell Township, former treasurer for the Westwood Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, has been charged with grand theft, a fourth-degree felony, for allegedly embezzling in excess of $25,000. The Rule 4 complaint, filed Aug. 16 by the Russell Township Police Department, issued a warrant for Burry’s arrest and came on the heels of West- Burry wood PTO filing a civil complaint Aug. 9 claiming Burry stole more than $40,000 from the PTO and accusing her of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and unjust enrichment. “The investigation is still ongoing, but I expect additional charges after this matter is presented to the Grand Jury,” Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said Friday, referring to the Rule 4 complaint. Burry — a real estate professional with RE/MAX Traditions and owner of Hipsters Children’s Consignment in Bainbridge Township — turned herself in at Chardon Municipal Court Aug. 19, accompanied by her attorney, Tom Perotti. She was released on a personal recognizance bond and Judge Terri Stupica set her preliminary hearing for Sept. 3. In the civil complaint filed in Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, attorney Jeffery Fanger, of Fanger and Davidson LLC, said See Burry • Page 3
After Ultimatum, Geauga GOP Chair Announces Resignation
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Nancy McArthur Cites ‘Personal Reasons’ for Stepping Down By Amy Patterson amy@karlovecmedia.com
Geauga County Republican Party Chair Nancy McArthur signaled her intention to resign at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 6 from a post she has held for more than a decade, citing personal reasons. “Several weeks ago, due to personal reasons, I decided to resign, soon, as your party chairman and informed our current party officers of my intentions,” she said.
Her decision comes less than Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, Treasurer a week after a group of Chris Hitchcock, Recorder Geauga County elected Celesta Mullins, Clerk of officials gave McArthur an Courts Sheila Bevington ultimatum Aug. 14, telling and Engineer Joe Cattell. her to resign or face a speSeveral signatories cial meeting of the central told the Geauga County committee convened to Maple Leaf they were remove her. McArthur prepared to circulate a The letter was signed by U.S. Congressman David Joyce, petition among central commitas well as Geauga County commis- tee members calling for a special sioners Ralph Spidalieri and Jim Dvorak, Auditor Chuck Walder, See McArthur • Page 4
ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
Families check out the Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter making a special landing Aug. 17 in Middlefield to help educate participants at the first annual Safety Day and Touch-A-Truck event, sponsored by ODOT District 12 and the Geauga County Safe Communities Coalition.
New Safety Day Event Takes Off in Middlefield
By Rose Nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com Eyes were on the skies Aug. 17 as an Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter landed in Middlefield to attend a special day in Geauga County.
Ohio Department of Transportation District 12 and Geauga County Safety Communities Coalition held its first Safety Day and Touch-A-Truck event at 14520 Tare Creek Parkway. “The hope is that the commu-
nity supports our efforts to spread awareness about safety when driving, biking and walking; and the effects of distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding; and the importance of seatbelt usage and See Safety Day • Page 6
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