Wednesday, February 7, 2024 • Vol. 16 No. 19 • FREE
Heritage Marketplace Event Center Draws Amish Youth By Ann Wishart
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When Paul Wengerd was first offered 18 acres and several buildings on Nauvoo Road in Middlefield Township in 2016, he didn’t take the proposal seriously. “The owners wanted me to buy it. I said it was impossible. I almost took it as a joke,” he said. Within the year, the Amish owner of Pine Craft Storage on state Route 528 was reconsidering. “I needed a place to move my business to,” he said. He and four partners formed Stewardship Visions and bought the property in 2018, including some retail operations located there. They immediately began changing the landscape. The first order of business was to build a production facility and retail space for Pine Craft on the property, Wengerd said during a recent interview at Heritage Marketplace. “We turned some storage buildings into retail buildings,” he recounted.
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Town Crier page 3
Faith Matters page 7
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Auction enthusiasts visiting Heritage Marketplace on Nauvoo Road in Middlefield Township can buy a meal at the Farmer’s Grill. Auctions are held Monday and Friday evenings at the event center.
In 2019, Heritage Trailer moved into one of the emptied structures. By 2021, the owner, one of the part-
ners, outgrew the original structure and built a big addition. As improvements were made,
more businesses arrived. “We have grown. Every building is See Marketplace • Page 2
East Geauga Kiwanis Honors Outstanding Third-Graders
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East Geauga Kiwanis Club recently gave recognition to Berkshire Elementary School third-graders for their outstanding performance in class in the second grading period. Each student received a certificate and four literature books. From left is Kiwanis member Claire Zurbuch (Mr. Z) with students Erynn Koerlin, Sadie Neely, Lyndon Davis, Kade Horn and Gunner Quinn.
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Marketplace from page 1
rented out,” said partner Jerry Miller during the interview. The expansion includes seven buildings, some with multiple tenants, and the Marketplace Mall, with two floors of retail booths, Jerry Miller said. The auction hall/event center stayed busy and the variety of uses expanded exponentially. The basketball courts became occupied almost every evening by teams of Amish players and it soon became clear more space was needed to accommodate twice-a-week auctions, athletics, seminars and various events, such as weddings, church services and reunions. “The event building was not big enough for what the community needed,” Wengerd said. As COVID-19 was ramping up, the partners — including Nathan Stutzman, Robert Miller and Jerry Elliott — decided to add onto the event center. Construction started in 2021 and continued through a memorably wet winter. “Who could forget all that mud?” Jerry Miller asked. The 6,000-square-foot addition opened in 2023 and provides space for volleyball games and a loft over the entrance for storage of auction items. Ping pong tables and cornhole games are popular, as well. While keeping the business side of the complex going and growing, the partners pursued a farther-reaching vision to benefit
the future of the growing Amish community. “We want to provide a safe place for our young folks to come and have fun and fellowship on weekends — to give them a different option than partying,” Wengerd said. “That’s happening.” Jerry Miller, who holds the title of administrator, is in charge of scheduling events and it keeps him busy. “My phone keeps ringing. It’s hard for me to shut it off,” he said, adding he took care of maintenance until a handyman was hired. “We waited a year too long on that,” Wengerd said. Jerry Miller has been working with Atlee Raber Auctions to set up a high-end antique auction at the event center Feb. 26 — one of a list of consignment auctions scheduled for Monday evenings. “Most Friday nights, we have benefit auctions to support nonprofits and people in need,” he said. Wengerd noted the large kitchen has a fully stocked, walk-in freezer and plenty of counter space. “Everything is here — all you do is bring energy,” he said. On Mondays, some of the retail stores stay open late so visitors can shop, then eat at the Farmer’s Grill and stay around for the auction that starts at 5:30 p.m. with local auctioneer Aaron Mast at the podium, Wengerd said. “We want to be a service to the community. We didn’t begin it to make a big profit. This needs to support itself so we can support the community,” he said. “We’re headed in the right direction. We’re not where we want to be, but we keep making improvements and making it better.”
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Town Crier American Legion Pancakes
Sundays, Feb. 11 – April 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. American Legion Post 459 is serving its annual all-you-can-eat pancake, breakfasts every Sunday through April 17, excluding Easter Sunday, at the post located at 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton.
Blackbrook Audubon
Feb. 11, 9 a.m. Join Blackbrook Audubon to search for open-country birds. Meet at the lot of the north entrance to Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve, 11620 Ravenna Road, Munson Township and caravan to the fallow fields along Soltis Road south of Parkman, then to fields beside Hayes Road. RSVP to blackbrookaud@ aol.com. Bring a spotting scope if available. The walk leader will have binoculars to lend.
Dems Women’s Caucus Meets
Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Join for the monthly meeting of the Geauga Democratic Women’s Caucus at the Democratic headquarters, 12420 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township. Social hour is at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. For information, call 440-2738200 or email geaugademwomen@gmail.com
Dorothy's Porch Giveaway
Feb. 15 and 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dorothy’s Porch, a free community giveaway of clothing for the family, bedding, pillows, household items, toys, books and more, will be held at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.
Great Geauga Seed Swap
Feb. 17, 12-4 p.m. Gardeners and growers may join the seed swap at Heritage Marketplace Event Center in Middlefield. Event includes keynote speaker Lee Jones, of the Chef’s Garden; six expert panels; a host of vendors and experts; and networking with hundreds of gardeners and growers. For more information and tickets, visit TheOxShoppe.org.
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GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. Geauga County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day dinner will be held at the Tanglewood Club, 8745 Tanglewood Trail, Bainbridge Township. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. followed by a plated dinner served at 7 p.m. Cash bar available. Keynote speaker will be Ohio Congressman Warren Davidson. Local and state Republican officeholders and candidates will be in attendance and all Republicans are invited to attend. Visit www.GeaugaGOP.com to RSVP by 9 p.m. Feb. 7.
Maple 101 Workshop
Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to noon Ohio State University Extension Office Geauga County will present Maple 101 at the West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. The beginner class takes participants through the entire process of making maple syrup, from tree ID to successfully producing bottles of pure maple syrup. The program is designed not only for the hobby producer but also for the small producer. Sponsored by Geauga County Park District, the program is free. Preregistration is requested by Feb. 15, by calling OSU Extension Office at 440-834-4656.
Gardening 101
Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to noon Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers are offering a free, four-part Gardening 101 series for those interested in vegetable and fruit gardening. The classes will be held in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. The series opens with “Site Selection and Preparation.” Future sessions are “Seed Selection and Planting Plan” on March 23; “Working the Garden” on May 4; and “Harvesting and Preserving Your Bounty” on July 27. Registration is required; call 440-8344656. Attend one class or all four. For more information, visit geauga.osu.edu.
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Middlefield Post
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Cardinal
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East Geauga Kiwanis recently donated reading books to every second-grader at Jordak Elementary School.
Real Estate Transfers Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks of Jan. 15 and Jan. 22, 2023, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only. MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE NVR Inc., 15245 Woodsong Drive, to Gabriel and Alicia Plonske, $428,800. (0.21 acres) NVR Inc., 15249 Woodsong Drive, to Seth Christopher Jones, $307,400. (0.21 acres) Robert S. and Diane A. Baumgartner, 14823 Thompson Ave., to Heather M. and John Raymond Smith, $80,000. (0.42 acres) PARKMAN TOWNSHIP Mark M. and Ruby M. Byler, Nash Road,
to Allen M. and Martha R. Miller, $282,000. (54.69 acres) Owen L. and Betty E. Schmucker, 17710 Tavern Road, to Matthew C. and Elizabeth R. Yoder, $200,000. (2.67 acres) Michael D. and Cynthia Derfield, 18233 Smith St., to Two Ducks & A Hammer LLC, $105,500. (0.33 acres) Michael D. and Cynthia Derfield, 16134 Center St., to Two Ducks & A Hammer LLC, $105,500. (0.34 acres) Michael D. and Cynthia Derfield, 16144 High St., to Two Ducks & A Hammer LLC, $105,500. (0.50 acres) Ricky E. Trendle, 17126 Old State Road, to Brian R. Trendle, $90,000. (15.12 acres)
Community Meetings Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in Huntsburg, Middlefield and Parkman townships, the Village of Middlefield and Cardinal Schools for the month of February. (Please note: These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.) Huntsburg Township: Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road. Middlefield Township: Feb. 12, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees meetings are held at Township Office, 15228 Madison Road, unless otherwise noted.
Middlefield Village: Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m. – Recreation, 6 p.m. – Finance & Ordinance, 6:30 p.m. – Safety, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave. Parkman Township: Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted. Cardinal BOE: Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting; Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Middlefield Post
Faith Matters Taste and See God’s Goodness Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s worshiped and served the surrounding comthere was a powerful movement of God’s munities. That same summer, a Billy Graham Spirit among young people. In 1971, a Time Crusade was held in Cleveland. I remember Magazine cover called it the Jesus Revolu- going into the neighborhoods of East Clevetion. Also known as the Jesus Movement, it land and downtown, inviting people to come was much more than a fad that started among that evening to the old Municipal Stadium. hippies in California. It was a genuine work of Over 350,000 seekers attended the meetthe Lord that brought about a spiritual awak- ings during those 10 days. Thousands came ening that spread across America forward to give their hearts to and other parts of the world. Christ. It was in that same year that Since then my life has been an God forever changed my life. My adventure of serving the Lord. I heart was searching for answers have visited many nations, privrelated to the world’s troubles, ileged to share the Good News inner peace and a discovery of my and serve the needs of people in own true identity. Through the the developing world. I lived in sharing of a couple good friends India and Indonesia for several from high school, I was challenged By Roger Kruse years, learning new languages and to turn away from my sins and meet Jesus, cultures in order to connect effectively with by personally receiving Him into my life. Dethose God sent me to. I also pastored churchspite a religious connection to the church es in Northeast Ohio and raised a family right growing up, I had never understood that faith here in Middlefield for the past 30 years. required my response to God’s invitation of My encouragement for you is to reflect on grace. It wasn’t long after my prayer that God your own spiritual journey. Take time to ask began to make Himself very real to me. yourself honest questions about your faith. I started reading the Bible and its words God’s love in Jesus is always reaching out to illuminated my soul and fed my faith. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit began to you. He cares for you and will meet you right show me what was pleasing to God. Chang- where you are at. Read the Bible, humble es were many as I aligned my life with God’s yourself, and ask the Lord to speak to your Word. There was a newfound awareness of heart. Visit a local church and meet some Christ’s living presence in my life, bringing Christ-followers who can encourage you. In Psalm 34, David exhorts us to “Taste joy and peace. I began to see people and the and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the world around me through new eyes. person who takes refuge in Him.” To “taste” My friends took me to a church made up implies a willingness to take a step of faith. of the old and young, as well as black and God reveals Himself when we draw near and white. There was a unique fellowship of love seek to know Him. The Lord responds when and a sense of family among God’s people. we ask and allow Him to work in our lives. We celebrated God’s goodness and a deep His love in Jesus brings a profound hope and desire to live my life for the Lord took root a new source of loving and forgiving others. in my heart. The teaching of the Bible and its practical application became my compass Roger Kruse is just an ordinary guy who for life. discovered that God’s love in Jesus is real and I participated in the Explo ‘72 gathering life changing. For that reason, he shares the of over 100,000 Jesus-followers at the Cotton Good News. Bowl in Dallas, Texas. For a week we learned,
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Classifieds FOR RENT Office Space in Chardon: second floor, Main Street, approx. 535 square feet. $600/month, includes HVAC and water. Call 440-285-2247.
EVENTS ALL YOU CAN EAT! Pancake Breakfast: Sunday 2/25 8a-12:30p, at Auburn Fire Station, 10950 E. Washington St., hosted by Scout Troop 101. Prices range $7$10/person.
FOR SALE Horse Buggy: smaller, single, black buggy for Hackney sized or bigger pony $1,350. 440-313-1804. West G Band Drumline winter jacket: wool/leather, size medium with extra long arms, includes patches, only $25. Call/text 440-668-8768. Spinet piano: good condition, built-in dehumidifier; Free. Two speaker cases: 30” by 20” enclosing three speaker each; Free. 440-488-2851. Chainsaw: 395 Husqvarna, “like new”, $900/OBO. Also, 460 Stihl rebuild $800/OBO. 440-272-5736. 6x14 single axel enclosed trailer with ramp door, good condition $2,100. Also 9 older hens, Free, can drop off. 440-313-4995. Toro two-stage snowblower with electric starter, EC, $900. 440-431-6944. Solid Cherry Corner Desk: like new, 78” tall, 48” depth, 64” wide, paid $2,250, asking $1,480/OBO. Antique French round marble table w/4 chairs, $1,600/OBO. 440-338-3563. Universal Grain Drill: 6foot, cast iron, w/wood boxes. Great working condition for horse pull or tractor. $500. Parkman. 440-548-2414. Living room couch $100; Love seat $75; both floral print, in good shape, ready to sell. 440-632-9675. Meyers Snow Plow: with lights and wire harness, $700. Snow Tires: Four(4), like new, with heavy duty aluminum Chevy rims, P245/75R16, $400. 440-622-9201.
PETS & ANIMALS Sammy needs an indoor home! Large, handsome, black & white 6-yr old cat. Very sweet. Loves being petted & brushed. Neutered, vaccinated. Rebecca 440321-2485.
REAL ESTATE Russell Township: Completely Renovated 4 bedroom, 2 full/2 half bathroom home on a quiet cul-de-sac street. Call Rick for showing 440-708-8414. $79.9k .34 acre lot, a part of sought-after Lake Lucerne. Gas, Electric, Sanitary Sewer, Well Water all available. Listed on Zillow. 440-596-2608.
SERVICES Did you know Karlovec Media Group prints business cards? Prices start at only $30 for 500 (B&W, 1-sided, no bleed). Call 440-729-7667 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com. Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552. Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.
WANTED TO BUY
HELP WANTED Caregiver Needed for bed ridden senior citizen in Chesterland. Part time hours, flexible, days or nights. May become full time. Work references required. 440-339-0519.
4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392. Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024