Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand announced the arrest of a suspect in multiple armed robberies of gas stations and convenience stores in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties at a Thursday afternoon press conference.

David Johnson, 32, was arrested Wednesday at his home in Euclid in connection with at least seven robberies, including two in Geauga County on Jan. 18: the BP gas station in Parkman Township and the Dollar General store in Chardon Township.

Hildenbrand said the crimes grew more violent as the spree progressed.

Johnson currently is on adult parole in Cuyahoga County for involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, illegal conveyance to a detentions facility and drug trafficking. He also is on federal probation for a previous gun charge, Hildenbrand added.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office has issued warrants charging Johnson with two counts of first-degree felony aggravated robbery and Hildenbrand said more charges would be added as the investigation progresses.

Hildenbrand named the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Willoughby Police Department, Euclid Police Department and the FBI as partners in the effort to find Johnson.

“This is how we get these bad guys off the street, the spirit of cooperation that we can have with these agencies that are all around us,” Hildenbrand said. “We’re all here to do a good job and we’re here to make the public safe, and make this a good community to live in, and not have to fear this kind of activity.”

Hildenbrand said witnesses in robberies in neighboring counties identified the vehicle Johnson used as a 2020 Kia Sportage, reported stolen from Willoughby Hills in November 2019.

Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer said the arrest occurred without incident, as his officers knew what they were facing and took appropriate tactical precautions.

A search of Johnson’s home uncovered clothing matching outfits described by victims.

Hildenbrand said detectives located a pair of work gloves that matched the specific description from the numerous robberies, a skeleton mask, a Taurus 40-caliber handgun and numerous other outfits that matched previous robberies in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties.

Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno said when Johnson robbed a Marathon gas station in Perry Township, footage showed him behaving violently toward people in the store.

“He was grabbing individuals, taking them, kidnapping them, throwing them around in the store against counters, out to vehicles, and you saw in subsequent footage that he was doing the same thing in other aggravated robberies that he was doing,” Leonbruno said. “That’s why our great concern was for the citizens, and for the safety of businesses and those individuals.

Leonbruno said that concern led his department to use social media to reach out for tips and ideas from the community. Public tips, he said, really helped to move the case forward.

“I think sometimes law enforcement gets a bad rap, and this is a perfect example of a group of dedicated detectives and patrol officers, and deputies that we all employ,” Hildenbrand said.” And I, for one, am very proud of the job that they did, and as quickly as they did it, and we got this guy off the streets so people don’t have to worry about it.”

A video of today’s press conference will be uploaded and added to this story later today.

Cardinal Schools became the second district in Geauga County to cash in a calamity day, cancelling school Friday for more than 900 students due to illness.

Cardinal Schools Superintendent Bill Kermavner said Jan. 30 about 20 middle school students were sent home with flu or cold symptoms and a full quarter of the teachers were expected to be home sick Friday.

“It’s better to be safe and err on the side of caution,” he said shortly after making the announcement Thursday.

Extracurricular activities at the school will continue, although the middle school dance was postponed until Feb. 7 because of the difficulty of finding healthy adult chaperones for the evening, Kermavner said.

Scheduled basketball games and wrestling meets were expected to go on as planned, he said.

Meanwhile, the school is taking precautions to avoid re-contaminating students come Monday.

“We are sending in the custodial staff to sanitize and clean the classrooms and buses,” Kermavner said.

Illness among students and staff increased gradually over the week until reaching critical mass Thursday.

“It’s never an easy decision to make. We talked to the staff and decided we couldn’t get enough substitute teachers, even bus (driver) subs (to hold school Friday),” Kermavner said Thursday.

Cardinal has about 25 teachers in each of its three buildings and the student population reached 942 after some students open-enrolled to Cardinal in January, he said.

Newbury Schools called took a calamity day Jan. 28 because flu and strep were rampant among students and teachers. Other schools in Cuyahoga County have reported the same problem and cancelled classes, as well, according to a Fox 8 news report.

Kermavner said Cardinal has not used any calamity days due to bad weather or other problems yet this year so taking one for illness shouldn’t put students at an educational disadvantage this semester.

“This should give students time to rest and recover so they don’t get behind in their school work,” he said.

Kinsman Road was temporarily closed Jan. 29 while firefighters from at least nine fire departments battled a blaze at a long-time business in Newbury Township.

A fire at Newbury Sandblasting and Painting, 9992 Kinsman Road just east of Sperry Road, was called in around 7:30 p.m. and by 8 p.m., tankers from Auburn, Troy, Montville, Windsor, Mesopotamia, Hiram, Concord and Thompson townships were called in to help provide water and fight the fire, according to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office.

Newbury Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ken Fagan said his firefighters were on scene from 7:30 p.m. to about midnight when they could get into the steel-sided building and ensure the fire was out.

“When I first got there, I didn’t see anything from the road,” he said Feb. 1. “When I got around back, I could see the fire blowing out from the sliding doors and heavy smoke. Because of the size of the building and I didn’t know what was in there. I called the world.”

In the end, about 24 departments responded, setting up four dump tanks for water at two sites along Kinsman Road, which was closed for hours so water could be shuttled to the site.

Information that the building contained dangerous contents such as paint and a couple of vehicles determined the blaze would be fought from the outside, Fagan said.

“We think it was a propane tank that exploded and put a hole in the roof,” he said.

The fire was out around midnight and the Geauga County Fire Investigation Unit called for the state fire marshal’s office to help determine the cause of the fire, Fagan said.

Christina Livers, of Russell Township, owns the building, but the business is owned by Pete and Pam Peterson and has been at that location for 30 years, according to its website.

Last Thursday morning, Pam Peterson said they hadn’t been able to get into the building because the state fire inspector was evaluating the damage.

“The front looks like a loss,” she said, adding they didn’t know the cause of the fire in the main building where the blasting and painting are done.

Peterson said she is just thankful there were no injuries from the fire.

“The people are the most important,” she said.

Peterson praised the many firefighters who brought tankers from as far away as Streetsboro and Mangia! Mangia! Italian restaurant, which sent pizza over.

“That’s the kind of community we live in, a caring community,” she said.

Newbury Sandblasting has six employees and Peterson said she and her husband hope to keep them working despite the damage to the shop.

“Our hearts go out to our employees and their families,” she said. “They are a resilient bunch of guys.”

A kennel fire early on Feb. 1 took the lives of two puppies and severely burned their mother, said Troy Township Fire Department Chief Eric Mathews.

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire at the home of Dianne Schubeck, 18685 Jug Street in Troy Township, at about 5:12 a.m.

The detached two-car garage converted to a kennel was fully involved by the time firefighters arrived and the roof fell in soon after, Mathews said.

The fire was contained and extinguished by 10 a.m., he said.

Firefighters rescued one female dog while she was in the process of giving birth to 10 puppies, he said.

Schubeck moved the new family into her house, he said.

The other female dog, Amber, was burned when she attempted to retrieve her two puppies that died, Mathews said.

Also responding to the call were firefighters from Auburn, Burton, Garrettsville, Hiram, Middlefield, Newbury and Windham townships.

Freezing temperatures caused Jug Street to become icy and potentially dangerous, Mathews said.

He thanked R. Humr, the township road maintenance contractor, for salting Jug Street and keeping firefighters and equipment safe.

The dogs were being fostered by Schubeck for Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups, a nonprofit rescue in Burton. A post on the organization’s website reads:

“We are so humbled by the outpouring of support we’ve received from dog-lovers across the country over the last 24 hours. We’re overcome with gratitude toward all who’ve donated to our recovery efforts thus far.

“We’ve received notice that Amber’s medical care will cost upwards of $10,000, so please keep the donations and shares coming. Friendship Animal Protective League is taking the lead on Amber’s care, but we will be footing the bill, thanks to your generous contributions.”

The fire also destroyed a supply of puppy food, bowls, vaccines and vitamins, according to the website.

Amber is being treated at West Park Animal Hospital in Cleveland.

Two Geauga County residents were killed in a head-on collision Monday afternoon in Burton Township.

At approximately 2:31 p.m. Feb. 3, state troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Chardon post were dispatched to a fatal traffic crash on state Route 168 at state Route 700. According to the OSHP, 59-year-old John Saffer, of Newbury Township, was traveling south on Route 168 in a black 2007 Pontiac G5. Gustave G. Dasch Jr., 63, of Burton, was traveling north on Route 168 in a white 2015 Subaru Forester.

The preliminary investigation shows Saffer’s vehicle traveled left of center, striking Dasch Jr.’s vehicle head on in the northbound lane. Saffer sustained fatal injuries upon impact, according to OSHP. Dasch Jr. was transported to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Claridon Township, but died during transport.

Both drivers were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident.

Troopers along with emergency personnel from Burton, Troy, Middlefield and Parkman township fire departments, the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and Burton Police Department responded to the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Geauga County Republican Party will host a free candidates forum Feb. 17, from 6-8 p.m., at Chardon Middle School – LGIR Room, 424 North St., Chardon. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The public is invited to come meet and hear from Republican candidates on the March 17, 2020, primary election ballot.

All attendees must have a ticket to attend. RSVP through Eventbrite at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/geauga-county-republican-party-candidates-forum-tickets-91529666697

Ticketing information also is available on Geauga GOP’s Facebook Page and www.GeaugaGOP.com, or call 440-253-9677.

GAME PHOTOS click here.

The Berkshire Badgers were dominant in the team’s 65-25 win against rival Cardinal.

Despite a slow start, the Badgers are now 9-2 after the holiday season.

Lexi Boyk scored 14 points in the first quarter en route to 16 total. But it was Boyk’s defense that gave Cardinal the most problems. From end to end, Boyk appeared to be everywhere, taking the ball away from unsuspecting Huskies. She had 14 steals in the game.

It was a fitting senior night for Boyk and her fellow teammate Alyssa Schafer.

“It feels great to be honest,” Boyk said after the game. “Getting so many steals and so many layups. We’ve been waiting all year to come out with that intensity, and we just need to keep that the rest of the season.

“I think the chemistry is great right now. Nobody is being too selfish. Nobody is too unselfish. We’re passing it when we need to. We’re shooting it when we need to. We’re doing everything as a team.”

Schafer had just one basket in the fourth quarter, but her presence in the low block has been important to the Badgers all season long. She finished with nine rebounds.

“You know, from the beginning of the season we struggled a little bit,” said Schafer, wearing her sister’s Ledgemont Redskins warmup. Schafer came to Berkshire in the 8th grade after Ledgemont Schools closed in 2015. “I have the best teammates I could ask for. We come into practice, and they make me better. That’s all I can ask for.”

Schafer played on the Ledgemont boys team because there were not enough girls for a middle school girls team.

Junior Mollee Chapman led Berkshire with 18 points. Lydia Kastor had nine points, and Maddy Triskett finished with eight.

Berkshire coach James Bosley was excited to see his team’s capabilities when everything clicks.

“I preach constantly we need to start games faster,” Bosley said. “It means a little bit more to them because it’s Cardinal. We’ve been building for this kind of outing.”

A tough schedule was part of the reason for Berkshire’s slower start, he said: “We had been playing underclassmen who are trying to learn.”

Bosley said the team’s two seniors are an important part of the change.

“The way Lexi plays, as hard as she does, like, it’s almost unmatched,” Bosley said. “She is going to play soccer in college; she could just as easily play basketball, lacrosse.”

He continued: “And Alyssa has gone above and beyond what you expect out of a senior captain. She does the little things, like pushing girls. She gets it a little harder from me and it doesn’t faze her at all.”

GAME PHOTOS click here.

There is little doubt that no matter the records, when the Cardinal Huskies and Berkshire Badgers play a game, they play to win.

Energy levels are always high, but execution makes the difference.

At Berkshire High School, the Badgers grabbed an early lead, saw it disappear late in the game to force overtime, then seized the opportunity in that extra session to claim a thrilling 44-37 Chagrin Valley Conference victory.

Jake Sinkenbring and J.T. Bergmeier each hit 3-pointers to open a 6-0 Badgers lead in the first two minutes, and after Cardinal tied the game at 8-8 early in the second period on a Robby Granny basket, two more Berkshire 3-pointers and a two point shot opened a 16-8 lead that lasted until early in the fourth quarter.

Jacob Brown hit the first 3-pointer of the span, and Jay Wolfe hit the next, then followed up with a finishing layup after taking a pass from Bergmeier.

With no secrets between the teams, execution was again imperative, and the Badgers (5-11, 2-7 CVC) worked the ball well all day, but so did the Huskies. With only 21 turnovers combined, the teams attacked after working the ball around for good shots. Three-point shots were the result, and a strength for both teams.

In hitting on 14 of 35 shots for the game, the Huskies (4-12, 3-8 in CVC) succeeded on six long bombs. Jake Bean had some major success, hitting on five of them for his 15 points on the night. Granny and Justin Detweiler each added six points, and Hunter Schaeffer tallied five as seven Huskies scored.

Sinkenbring scored 15 to lead the Badgers. He also snared five rebounds and dished out four assists. Bergmeier had four assists to compliment his six point night.

The Badgers nailed 10 of their 14 baskets from long range, though, while only putting the ball up 29 times.

Both teams hit for high percentages, clearly.

A key for Berkshire was the output from Jay Wolfe. In the preseason, as he adjusted to his role on the team, defense seemed to be his forte. His offense is now catching, just in time for a post season effort. He tallied 12 points in this contest, including a pair of long 3-pointers.

Showing the growth in his team’s season, Matt Heffern came off the bench to provide several big moments to the Berkshire effort. He scored only four points, adding a single rebound and single assist. But his free throw, the first of two attempts, tied the game at 35-35 with 2.3 seconds left in regulation, and his only basket, a 3-pointer, opened the Badgers’ seven-point run that opened the overtime session.

Asked if he battled nerves with his two free throws at the end of the game, the second of which rolled off to the left side of the basket, Heffern said he knew the situation.

“I was glad to hit that first free throw,” he said. “This is an important game for both schools. I wasn’t feeling anything special, I just missed the second one.”

After the 3-pointer that opened the overtime, Sinkenbring completed a conventional 3-point play, and Wolfe hit a pair of free throws to provide some distance on the scoreboard.

“This is a normal neighborhood rivalry game that both teams want to win very much,” Berkshire coach Ryan Dickard said. “There’s a lot at stake for both teams, but I think this will be a normal close game, with whoever finishes best coming out on top.”

Down 28-20 entering the fourth period, the Huskies needed a lift, and Justin Detweiler provided it with a long bomb on the opening possession. Bean followed with another, and Hunter Schaeffer added a layup to tie the score. The teams went back and forth until the 4:05 mark, when Sinkenbring drilled another 3-pointer.

Wolfe gave the Badgers a five point lead, 34-29, but Bean and Detweiler each scored to bring the Huskies back within a point, at 34-33.

Granny snared a teammate’s missed shot with 33.7 seconds left to play to put the Huskies on top by a point, and Heffern hit his big freebie with 2.3 ticks left to tie the score.

Cardinal coach James Heath, while disappointed, also saw many positives in his team this game.

“It just took us so many plays to get back in the game once we fell behind, ” he said. “Casey (Horner) is our floor leader, and when he fouled out we couldn’t come back. We let guys get some open shots, and they hit them, too.

“We’ll take some good things from this game and work harder. I just told the kids that this game is not our final one, and it is not fatal to what we are trying to do this season.”

GAME PHOTOS click here.

The West Geauga girls basketball team won its first Chagrin Valley Conference title in 15 years as the Wolverines enjoyed an emphatic 80-37 victory over Ashtabula Lakeside

Monday night at West G High School.

The Wolverines improved to 18-2 and 11-0 in the CVC, while the Dragons fell to 6-12 and 1-11.

West G scored the first 10 points of the game and never looked back, never trailing.

Second-year West G coach Bob Beutel has the team playing at a very high level.

“At this point and time, the program has a lot of talent,” Beutel said. “We’re gearing up for the tournament. We came out determined.”

West G is the No. 1 seed in the Division II Lakeside district tournament. The Wolverines will play the winner of Painesville Harvey and Glenville on Feb. 20 in Chesterland.

“It’s been 15 years, so this has to be special for the community,” Beutel said. “The kids have been waiting for it and working hard, and now they’ve got it.”

The Wolverines were up 31-5 at the end of the first quarter as Athena Hocevar hit four 3-pointers in the first quarter. She finished the game with five 3-pointers, 27 points and five rebounds.

“Basically, our full-court press is what we rely on,” Hocevar said. “Coach pumped us up. The press fuels our energy and our offense.

“This really feels good. We’ve turned the program around. We’re very proud.”

Nicola Ehrbar was next for the Wolverines with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, followed by M.J. Thomsen with 11 points. Overall, 10 different girls scored for the Wolverines.

Hocevar said the Wolverines can reach another gear.

“We have not peaked,” Hocevar said. “We’re improving every day. We come to practice ready to go. We’ve definitely not peaked. It’s not March yet.

“Being seeded first was definitely a goal. We’re definitely looking forward to playing bigger competition.”

And her coach agreed.

“We still have work ahead,” Beutel said. “We have more to do, more to piece together. But I am really happy with where we’re at right now. Everyone has bought in to play a role. We have 21 kids in our program. They all have to carve out a role.”

Beutel also complemented his staff for the team’s success.

“Kudos goes out to my staff, which does a great job,” Beutel said. “They’ve been with me for many years. They’re a huge part of what we do.”

Damonique Derricoatte led the Dragons with 10 points, followed by Shayla Christian with eight. Hailee Aguinaga had five points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Dragons.

St. Mark’s Jubilee Celebration

March 7, 7 p.m.

All are welcome to attend the St. Mark Lutheran 60th Jubilee Celebration at the church located at 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. The music event features Irish dancers, barbershop quartet, classical instrumental trio, gospel quartet and more.

Admission is free. Free cupcakes will be offered after the performances.

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440-285-2015 or email editor@geaugamapleleaf.com no later than Monday noon. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices. 

Geauga County: Feb. 7, 12 p.m., iSTEM Geauga Early College High School Governing Board, Auburn Career Center Technology Learning Center, 8221 Auburn Road, Concord; Feb. 11, 7:30 a.m., Planning Commission, 470 Center St., Bldg. 1-C, 9:30 a.m. – Geauga County Commissioners. All county commissioners meetings are held at 470 Center St., Bldg. 4, Chardon, unless otherwise noted.

Aquilla Village: Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 65 Turner Drive, unless otherwise noted.

Auburn Township: Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Village: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Village Council; Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Board of Public Affairs. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon City: Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., City Council. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m., Planning Committee, Geauga West Library; Feb. 12, 6 p.m., Park Board; Feb. 13, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Huntsburg Township: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission, organizational meeting. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.

Middlefield Township: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees meetings are held at Township Office, 15228 Madison Road, unless otherwise noted.

Middlefield Village: Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m. – Streets & Utilities, 7 p.m. – Planning Commission; Feb. 13, 5 p.m. – Parks & Recreation, 5:30 p.m. – Finance Committee, 6:30 p.m. – Public Safety, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave.

Munson Township: Feb. 10, 6:15 p.m., Park and Recreation Board; Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Parkman Township: Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: Feb. 10, 6 p.m., Village Council, special council meeting followed by regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Troy Township: Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

Berkshire BOE: Feb. 10, 6 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at BOE offices, 14259 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal BOE: Feb. 12, 6 p.m., regular meeting, BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield.

Kenston BOE: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at Timmons Elementary School, 9595 E. Washington St., Bainbridge.

Newbury BOE: Feb. 10, 6 p.m., regular meeting, Auditorium, 14775 Auburn Road, Newbury.

West Geauga BOE: Feb. 10, 7 p.m., regular meeting, BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road.

Rambo for Judge

I support Matt Rambo for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge in the March 17 Republican Primary. It is time we had a judge who can wisely and competently fulfill the duties of his office relating to our county treasure, the Geauga Park District.

The current probate judge, Timothy Grendell, has jeopardized the GPD since taking office in 2011, by appointing a revolving door of board commissioners whose actions have undermined the park mission to “conserve, preserve, and protect.”

Grendell’s GPD board has banned public comment at its monthly meetings since June 2016.

Judge Grendell does not have a transparent process for recruiting or selecting persons qualified to serve as park board commissioners. There are no open position announcements, application forms or formal review procedures.

Two of the three current GPD board members own and operate businesses that GPD regularly contracts with (Howard Bates of Arms Trucking and Pat Preston of Preston Auto). This conflict of interest requires Mr. Bates and Mr. Preston to abstain from voting on monthly spending plans, an essential component of board oversight. In the past, such voting abstentions have delayed paying the vouchers, disrupting financial management.

Judge Grendell believes in park board member turnover and makes appointments to give opportunities to “people who want to contribute to the good of the county” (Chagrin Valley Times, January 9, 2020, “Judge Names Pat Preston to Geauga Park Board”). I believe Matt Rambo can do much better than the Grendell version of “good.” Surely there are two other people in the county who could serve on the board whose business dealings with the parks don’t create a potential conflict of interest.

Geauga County needs a probate/juvenile court judge who can be judicious, transparent, and accountable in appointing a fully qualified board of commissioners to the Geauga Park Board. It’s time to renew accountability, stewardship and citizen input. Vote for Matt Rambo in the March 2017 Republican Primary Election.

Ann Jacobson
South Russell Village

Marching with Valor

The Newbury Black Knights Marching Band recently came to Chester Township to support “Ride with Valor,” a veteran organization whose primary mission is to assist aging and disabled veterans and widows with home upgrades that allow them to continue living independently.

Not only did the Newbury Black Knights Marching Band perform exceptionally well, they initiated and coordinated a hugely successful food drive for the Geauga County Veterans Food Pantry.

I want to send a very special thank you to the Newbury Black Knights Marching Band and Band Director Caleb Baldwin.

You made a profound difference in the lives of our veterans.

Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts
Chester Township

Russell Taxes

Complaining about high taxes is a common conversation among Russell residents. The standing question is, “Why does this little township create such an extreme tax burden?” With the election next month, there are a few things that residents should know before they vote.

If the new proposed 511 Park levy on the Russell ballot passes, Russell residents will be taxed for three parks. As a past Russell Park Commissioner, I know the 511 Park levy is being promoted by the same group of residents who conducted themselves with “mob mentality” when the Modroo property was being evaluated. Their vulgar, attacking behavior was unwarranted and an embarrassment to our township. These are the people who directly told me that “no park should ever be walked on by humans or dogs” and that “children should not be allowed in the parks because they stomp down the seedlings and scare the animals.”

I support parks being enjoyed by the people who pay for them — Russell residents.

Late last year, I attended a Russell trustees meeting where the Fiscal Officer Karen Walder asked for budget approval of $750,000 for employee health benefits. I asked how many full-time employees were eligible for the plan. The answer was 26.

As a human resources consultant for decades, I sourced, priced and implemented numerous employee benefit plans. I knew immediately that something wasn’t right with this, so I met with Mrs. Walder to confirm. She confirmed the numbers. The budgeted amount per employee comes out to be $28,850 per year.

In today’s market, a very high quality plan should cost approximately $16,000 per employee, if all employees are shown as family, which is not Russell’s case. Using $16,000 for 26 employees would reduce the cost to $416,000 – a savings of $334,000. Russell employees’ contribution is only 15 percent of the cost.

I discovered a couple of additional concerns. First, all employees’ co-pays are 100 percent reimbursed by the township, which is not the case in surrounding townships. As a matter of fact, I have never experienced a plan or a company policy that includes that benefit.

Another interesting fact is that the broker is not local. Rather, it is someone in Columbus. Russell’s plan is not in a Municipal Sharing Group that combines other townships for lower costs. This is due to a previous bad experience that the township suffered through.

I hope Russell residents will consider these facts when they go to the voting polls in March. If we want fair taxation, we need to know who and what we are voting for.

Linda J O’Brien
Russell Township

‘Parksters’ and Pretenders

Judge Tim Grendell’s re-election is opposed Geauga County’s “SWAMP:” “Socialist-Way-out-Anti-Trump-Mean-Progressives” gangstered up with Geauga’s RINOs (good nickname “Parksters?”). 6 years ago Probate Court Judge Grendell “cleaned house” ridding the Park Board of corruption and incompetence.

One former Parks Director, so-called environmental champion, darling of the Parksters, ordered burying a car on Park property, “lost” money and a Thompson sub machine gun in the non-probated Felker Estate. He was recently named a Parkster “Hero of Conservation.”

Parksters set up a semi-environmental non-profit organization instantaneously when Grendell cleared their cronies off the Board. Yet their “Hero” broke numerous laws and trashed the environment. No charges? No trial? Welcome to “Republican” Geauga County.

Ex-Democrat Jim Dvorak crossed over to become a “Republican” perfecting future Democrat “burrowing in” tactics. Grossly unprepared for County leadership, he urged Democrats to vote for him in the Republican primary. Coupled with big donations from all the trade unions in Cuyahoga County and signs in Parksters’ yards (for a REBUBLICAN PRIMARY??!!) and the thinly veiled support of Republican leadership, he won. Shameful.

The Democrat Geauga success formula? Switch parties, be lovingly welcomed by Republican leadership, then run against an incumbent Conservative while paying lip service to Conservative values. The tactic is again underway by the weak, inexperienced Democrat infiltrator that is challenging Judge Grendell in the Republican primary.

This overly ambitious pretender has never set foot in a Juvenile or Probate Court to practice law yet emphasizes “experience.” Obama and Hillary signs in one’s yard ought to say it all. A Democrat official said on their web site that this pretender . . . would be just the kind of Democrat Progressive Judge we need. That was in the last election when he ran as a Democrat and lost, but promised to keep running until he was elected.

Ohio desperately needs a Primary where Democrats and Republicans vote ONLY within their own party. We must stop cross-party meddling and corruption. For Democrat defectors who “see the light” and become cosmetic Republicans, no matter how fine the Republican wine, when mixed with their vinegar, it becomes vinegar. As well RINOs who support this must be replaced.

James R. MacNeal
Troy Township

Lifeline

The loss of another young life in Geauga County due to suicide is heartbreaking.

Over the past two years, no less than six children have lost their lives to suicide in our county. Each one is a tragic loss of a young life with so much promise.

Suicide causes a ripple effect of grief, loss, and confusion for loved ones, friends and community who are affected. For the families of the children we have lost, we pray that they find a way to cope.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death of young people between the ages of 10-24. If you know of a youth who is struggling with depression or despair, or is the victim of bullying, please offer that youth a lifeline.

In Geauga County, you can call COPELINE at 440-285-5665 or 888-285-5665 for assistance, or you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org). If you feel that danger is imminent, call 9-1-1.

Judge Timothy J. Grendell
Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court

Time for a Change: Vote Rambo

After Judge Timothy Grendell was appointed juvenile and probate judge to replace Judge “Chip” Henry, who tragically was killed by a hit-skip driver, troubles started brewing with Grendell’s control of our county park district.

I have been following events of the past several years and am very concerned with several issues, like the frequent appointing of park commissioners, some of whom had no previous interest or professional background in park management, and then their firing after a few months if they didn’t conform to his wishes — or asserted themselves on an issue. Why?

Public participation is no longer allowed at the park commissioners’ public meetings. Why?

And now I see our tax dollars being spent on big blue signs placed around the county, slick brochures and expensive mailings, always with his name and face on them. Why?

This is not how our parks should be run. This was not how Judge Henry ran our parks.  I miss Judge Henry. It’s time for a change.

Rosemary Balazs
Chester Township

Drain the Swamp

Read some of the Grendell’s old articles for the Geauga County Bar Association newsletter “Ipso Jure.” It is clear they are about expanding power of the judiciary and controlling speech against judicial abuse of power. They represent the Republican “swamp” President Trump has tried to flush out in Washington.

It doesn’t matter how many self-proclaimed patriots or religious conservatives in this county have been duped by them. The proof is in the pudding.

Judge Grendell has harmed children and families. He is a political animal who calculates which children and families he can get away with harming. He contracts with numerous attorneys for piece work so they cannot help people who are harmed by bad decisions he makes, due to the conflict of having done work for him. Many attorneys will not even practice in Geauga County because of poor reputation of our juvenile court.

Meanwhile, the people who know firsthand — who could do something about it — do little or nothing to stop his abuses of power. They enable and participate in the harming children and families.

Then there are the harms caused by GCJFS decisions, bad decisions which have led to the passing of Public Law 115-123.

We need separation of powers at the county level. It is an antiquated system. Did you know the juvenile judge also serves as clerk of the juvenile court in some counties in Ohio?

Why do we need our probate and juvenile courts combined today? The function of each division requires specific legal expertise and experience. The juvenile side would be better served by a family court system.

Why is our county prosecutor responsible for defending people he is called to police? That is an obvious conflict of interest. Why isn’t our state providing children in the dependency system with their own attorneys? The attorney for GCJFS is directly paid by the prosecutor’s office.

A conflict exists when they protect the legal interests of GCJFS over what is best for the children. There is federal funding to pay for representation.

Our county system of government allows for too much potential abuse of power. People who like to abuse power, like the Grendells, are not going to fight to change it.

Geauga County is one of the richest counties in Ohio, per capita income. Why aren’t our county commissioners discussing and attempting to address the inherent conflicts of interest our county charter allows? People talk and talk, and talk about how bad things are. It is time for action. Don’t expect power-mongers who profit from the status quo to do anything about it. It is time to drain the Geauga County Swamp!

Robin Neff
City of Chardon

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Jan. 24, 2020, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

David M. II and Linda K. Overholt, 8260 Woodberry Blvd., to Timothy and Jackie Dale McDaniel, $685,000. (1.00 acres)

Amir Aminoshariae, 7980 McFarland Ridge, to Steven L. Fleyshman and Anna Y. Podolska, $585,000. (1.02 acres)

BURTON TOWNSHIP

Robert Gingerich Jr. and Ervin E. Miller, Claridon Troy Road, to Robert Gingerich Jr. and Sylvia E. Hershberger, $67,700. (2.31 acres)

Carl H. and Joyce L. Prinkey, 15003 Kinsman Road, to 15003 Kinsman Rd. LLC, $70,000. (1.00 acres)

BURTON VILLAGE

Marc T. Dasen, 13674 W. Center St., to Jessica M. Frankos, $205,000. (0.75 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Frances Conti, 335 S. Hambden St., to Lisa F. and Ronald E. Bieznieks, $237,000. (1.25 acres)

Mario and Justine M. Ovsenik, 438 North St. (Unit 8A), to Crescent Green LLC, $40,000. (0.00 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Nicholas D. Lucovich, 12866 Sperry Road, to Gregory Jon and Ellen Claire Debrow, $230,000. (1.66 acres)

Eugene A. and Sharon K. Fleischer, 11355 Pine Acres Lane, to Amy and Steve Yates, $280,000. (6.40 acres)

James K. Breen, Chillicothe Road, to M & N Real Estate LLC, $100,000. (3.13 acres)

Karen Eileen Obratil (trustee), 8552 Camelot Drive, to John R. Jr. and Kaylin C. Zele, $245,000. (1.71 acres)

HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP

Dianne M. Johnson, 13140 Woodin Road, to Carol L. Raquet, and Jason J. and Elizabeth A. Valvoda, $172,000. (5.00 acres)

Eugene and Nancy Wetzel, Pearl Road, to Denise R. DeBiase, $35,000. (3.00 acres)

John Stephen and Lynn Marie Manka, 10440 Penniman Drive, to Douglas A. and Michelle M. Reed, $380,000. (3.66 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Donald J. and Constance A. Marabito, 15460 Mayfield Road, to Tracy Telatco and David P. Pierson, $193,900. (1.84 acres)

Luke Ivan Byler, 17726 Mayfield Road, to Ashtabula Resource Enterprises, $5,000. (1.84 acres)

Owen M. and Martin R. Troyer, 11289 Kile Road, to Paul E. Slabaugh, $38,000. (5.00 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Owen J. Miller and Martha W. Weaver, 16948 Nauvoo Road, to Marty M. Miller, $150,000. (2.64 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

Joe J. and Elizabeth U. Troyer, 17430 Farmington Road, to Chester J. Troyer, $210,000. (7.89 acres)

Freeman F. Jr. and Sarah C. Kuhns, 16487 Madison Road, to Dan J. and Cindy Lynn Byler, $17,900. (2.24 acres)

Albert A. Jr. and Rosanne Miller, Bundysburg Road, to Rudy A. Byler, $32,000. (4.01 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Gary C. Barker, Alan L. and Ann L. Tanner (trustees), 14900 Chillicothe Road, to Totable Intelligence Inc., $107,000. (0.75 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

ARC CBSRLOH001 LLC, 1194 Bell Road, to SPP Citizens NLREF V LLC, $818,300. (0.56 acres)

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

Donald J. and Suzette L. Miller, 7461 Clay St., to Joseph T. Faulkner, $375,000. (40.54 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Michael Hudak, 18239 Mumford Road, to Cristy U. and Laura E. Byler, $200,000. (3.20 acres)

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Jan. 24-30, 2020. In total, the sheriff’s office handled 320 calls during this period.

ANIMAL PROBLEM

Jan. 29

8:21 p.m., Burton Windsor Road, Huntsburg. Three loose cows and one bull in the road. Caller is checking with an Amish house to see if they belong there. UTL/GOA.

DISORDERLY

Jan. 24

6:45 p.m., Ravenna Road, Auburn. Caller states he is having a dispute with his girlfriend’s father. Caller is 18. Caller thinks father may have a firearm on him. Caller is walking down the driveway. Father made threats to kill the caller and told him he would beat him up. Caller is waiting at end of driveway for deputies. Caller was asked to leave his girlfriend’s home because he was disrespectful to the father. He was told not to return to the property or he would be charged with criminal trespassing. Caller transported to GCSO to wait for a ride.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Jan. 28

7:18 p.m., Nicki Lane, Hambden. Male is coming off meth. Punched his father twice. No weapons. No access to a vehicle. Male has been awake for five days and is having hallucinations. Caller declined rescue squad. Wife is on the way. Caller is outside. Male transported to UH Geauga for hallucinations from abusing drugs.

FRAUD

Jan. 24

10:38 a.m., Hermitage Road, Chardon. Fell for a scam and gave out her SSN. Would like to speak to a deputy. Advice given.

Jan. 30

5:03 p.m., Kinsman Road, Burton. Caller needs to make a fraud report. He has been exchanging emails with someone he thought worked for the same company, but now they are asking for him to send gift cards. Caller did not provide any information to the subject and wanted GCSO to be aware. Advice given.

JUVENILE PROBLEM

Jan. 29

3:52 p.m., Leader Road, Hambden. Several kids followed his child home from the bus, harassing him. Son is 10. Ongoing problem, not in progress. Caller’s son is being picked on while riding the bus. Caller advised to call Chardon Schools to report the incident and the bus driver. Juvenile being picked on is unable to provide where the two girls live that are making fun of him.

MEDICAL

Jan. 24

6:53 p.m., Ravenna Road, Newbury. Ohio State Highway Patrol got a call from a female who is driving to UH Geauga because he son is in car overdosing. He snorted Percocet, possibly heroin also. Son is 37 years old. He has been unresponsive for approximately 25 minutes. Male is breathing. Report taken.

THEFT

Jan. 28

8:15 p.m., Mayfield Road, Huntsburg. Caller states he left his gun in his vehicle overnight. Woke up this morning and now the gun is gone. Gun is a Walter P99 9mm. Deputy advised.

VANDALISM

Jan. 26

10:24 a.m., Hosmer Road, Parkman. Someone spray-painted profanities on the picket fence out front. Vulgar names spray-painted with white paint on the fence. They also spray-painted the homeowner’s name on the fence. Homeowner feels they know him. No suspects at this time.

FIRST RUN

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate

General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 17-F-000349

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:

COLONIAL PARK OF GEAUGA CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCATION, Plaintiff vs. HARLEY J. OSBORNE, AKA HARLEY OSBORNE, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at the door of the Court House, in the City of Chardon, in the above named County, on Thursday, the 5th day of March, 2020, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 19th day of March, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the City of Chardon to wit:

Situated in the City of Chardon, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio, and known as being all of Family Unit B in Building No. 2, together with an undivided 3.32% interest in and to all the Common Areas and Facilities and Limited Common Areas and Facilities in Colonial Park of Geauga Condominiums as shown by the Drawings recorded in Volume 14 of Maps, Pages 89 through 93 of Geauga County Records, and as further described by the Declaration of said Condominium recorded in Volume 701, Page 987 and By-Laws of said Condominium recorded in Volume 794, Page 923 of Geauga County Records, together with and subject to all rights, duties, conditions, restrictions, and limitations contained in the Declaration, By-Laws, and Drawings referred to above and incorporated herein as though set forth in full, and together with the right to use the Common Areas and Facilities and Limited Common Areas and Facilities referred to in the Declaration and shown on the Drawings, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.

Property Address: 438 North Street, Apartment 2B, Chardon, OH 44024

Prior Deed Reference: OR Book 1839, Page 1020 on March 4, 2008

Said Premises Located at: 438 NORTH STREET, UNIT 2B (UNIT 2B IN THE COLONIAL PARK OF GEAUGA CONDOMINIUMS), CITY OF CHARDON, OH

Permanent Parcel Number: 10-164574

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

Said Premises appraised at ($75,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($50,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND,

Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Dean K. Hegyes, attorney

Feb6-13-20, 2020

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate

General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 18-F-000327

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:

CITIZENS BANK, NA, FKA RBS CITIZENS, N.A., Plaintiff vs. PETER MUSACCHIO, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of a Pluries Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at the door of the Court House, in the City of Chardon, in the above named County, on Thursday, the 5th day of March, 2020, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 19th day of March, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Hambden to wit:

Situated in the Township of Hambden, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio: And known as being part of Lot 3 of the Bond Tract in said Township, and further bounded and described as follows:

Beginning at a point on the. Centerline of GAR Highway (U.S. Route 6) at the northeast corner of land conveyed to J. And L. Niederst by deed recorded in Volume 1089, Page 1123 of Geauga County Record of Deeds, said point being South 86 degrees 37’ East, a distance of 1904.02 feet from a monument found at the centerline intersection of said U.S. Route 6 and Bascome Road;

Thence South 86 degrees 37’ East, along said centerline of GAR Highway, a distance of 307.75 feet to a point;

Thence South 13 degrees 34’ West, and passing over a 5/8” capped rebar set at 30.48 feet, a distance of 175.21 feet to a 5/8’ capped rebar set;

Thence South 2 degrees 47’ 18” West, a distance of 597.53 feet to a 5/8” capped rebar set on a north line of said Niederst land;

Thence North 86 degrees 37’ West along said north line of Niederst land, a distance of 291.94 feet to a 5/8” capped rebar set at an interior corner thereof;

Thence North 4 degrees 03’ East along an east line of said Niederst land, and passing over a 5/8” capped rebar set at 740.00 feet a distance of 770.00 feet to a point on the centerline of said U.S. Route 6 and the true place of beginning and containing 5.0752 acres of land as surveyed in May, 1997 by Jerry W. Daniel, Registered Surveyor No. 6222, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.

Property Address: 14853 Gar Highway, Chardon, OH 44024

Prior Deed Reference: Official Record 1930, Page 2977

Said Premises Located at: 14853 GAR HIGHWAY, HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP, OH

Permanent Parcel Number: 15-002650

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

Said Premises appraised at ($255,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($170,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND,

Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Johna M. Bella, attorney

Feb6-13-20, 2020

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate

General Code, Sec. 11661

Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 19-F-000690

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:

FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF LAKEWOOD, Plaintiff vs. WILLIAM S. KILROY, II, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at the door of the Court House, in the City of Chardon, in the above named County, on Thursday, the 5th day of March, 2020, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 19th day of March, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Village of South Russell to wit:

Situated in the Village of South Russell, County of Geauga and State of Ohio; And known as being Sublot No. 25 and the westerly half of Sublot No. 26 in the Lake Louise Subdivision as shown by the recorded Plat in Volume 7, Page 63-64 of Geauga County Records, and being 225.00 feet on the northerly side of Garden Park Drive, 296.59 feet on the easterly line, 437.99 feet on the westerly line, and having a rear line of 230.00 feet, as appears by said plat, be the same more or less but subject to all legal highways.

Property Address: 25 Garden Park Drive, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

Prior Deed Reference: Warranty Deed dated 06/16/93, filed 06/30/93 in Volume 945, Page 748, re-filed 11/10/93 in Volume 960, Page 1288 of Geauga County Records

Said Premises Located at: 25 GARDEN PARK DRIVE, VILLAGE OF SOUTH RUSSELL, OH

Permanent Parcel Number: 29-040900, 29-041000

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK, payable to the Geauga County Sheriff.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

Said Premises appraised at ($450,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($300,000.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND,

Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Kim M. Hammond, attorney

Feb6-13-20, 2020

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

Geauga County Department

of Water Resources

This is a notice to residents of the Berkshire Heights subdivision in Chardon Township regarding the upcoming sanitary sewer project and wastewater treatment plant project. This includes residents on Thwing Road, Henning Drive, Olmar Drive, Howard Drive, and Helmut Drive. In compliance with Ohio Administrative Code 3745-42-08, residents are notified that the location of the proposed treatment plant at 11088 Thwing Road requires a reduction of the isolation distance (200 FT) between the treatment plant and adjacent structures.

A reduction of this required distance may be granted by Ohio EPA on the basis that there are no other feasible locations for the treatment plant. To compensate for this reduced distance, we would like to assure all residents within the service area that the facility will be constructed all of the necessary odor controls, tress, and fencing to screen the facility from neighboring properties. If granted the reduction by Ohio EPA, this would have no impact on the cost or timeline of the project.

Residents are invited to send written comment in response to this notice to the Geauga County Board of Commissioners until February 1, 2020. Send comments to: Geauga County Board of Commissioners, Attn: County Administrator, 470 Center Street, Building 4, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Jan16-23-30 Feb6, 2020

Geauga County

Foreclosure Auction

Case# 17-F-000940. Citizens Bank, N.A. fka RBS Citizens N.A. fka Citizens Bank, N.A. successor by merger to Charter One Bank, N.A. fka Charter One Bank, FSB vs Juanita Sanders, et al. The description of the property to be sold is as follows:

Property Address: 16668 Dayton Street, Chagrin Falls, Geauga, Ohio, 44023;

Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 02-367000 02-366800 02-366400 02-366500 02-366600 02-366900 and 02-366700

Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on 02/18/2020 at 10:00 A.M. for a minimum of 7 days.

Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time.

Geauga County

Foreclosure Auction

Case# 19-F-000663. U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF10 Master Participation Trust vs Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Patrick J. Henderson, Deceased, Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Alexandra H. Henderson, Deceased. et al. The description of the property to be sold is as follows:

Property Address: 13475 Sperry Road, Chesterland, Geauga, Ohio, 44026;

Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number:11-389175

Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on 03/03/2020 at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.

Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time.

Provisional Sale date: 03/17/2020 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $5000.00  to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.

Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 19F000663 into the search bar.

Feb6-13-20, 2020

Geauga County

Foreclosure Auction

Case# 18-F-000437. LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC vs MARK SUSSMAN, et al. The description of the property to be sold is as follows:

Property Address: 18700 Claridon Troy Road, Hiram, Geauga, Ohio, 44234;

Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number:32-020900

Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on 03/03/2020 at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.

Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time.

Provisional Sale date: 03/17/2020 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $10000.00  to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted.

Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 18F000437 into the search bar.

Feb6-13-20, 2020

BID NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

Geauga County

Board of Commissioners

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners at 470 Center Street, Building #4, Chardon, Ohio 44024 until 1:45 p.m. official local time on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 for the “GEAUGA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – PUBLIC REHABILITATION PROJECT (OPERA HOUSE ELEVATOR)” located in the Opera House at 211 Main Street, Chardon, Ohio. Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud the same day at 2:00 p.m. The estimated cost for this project is $87,500.

The specifications will be available for inspection at the Department of Community & Economic Development, 470 Center Street, Building #8-A, Chardon, Ohio, during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from Thursday, January 23, 2020, UNTIL 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2020. The bid packages may be purchased for $25.00 (CHECK ONLY AND NON-REFUNDABLE), and payable to Geauga County Board of Commissioners, or mailed at the expense of the purchaser. Each bid must be accompanied by either a bid bond in the amount of 100% of the total bid amount with a surety satisfactory to the aforesaid Geauga County, or by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of not less than 10% of the bid amount, in favor of the aforesaid Geauga County. The Bid Guaranty must be submitted as a guarantee that if the proposal is accepted, a proper contract in accordance with the bid, plans, details, and bills of material will be entered into and its performance properly secured.

A copy of this legal notice is posted on the County’s Internet site in the World Wide Web. Go to https://www.co.geauga.oh.us/Notices/Bids and click on the project name to view this legal.

This contract is being funded from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant Program. The successful bidder will be subject to the requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 17010.

Geauga County reserves the right to reject any and all bids or any part thereof, and to waive any informalities and/or irregularities in the bids. The County’s decision on any award is final. Each bidder must insure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of national origin, creed, color, or gender.

BY ORDER OF THE

GEAUGA COUNTY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Christine Blair, Clerk

Jan30 Feb6, 2020

BID NOTICE

Chester Township

Board of Trustees

Sealed bids will be received by the Chester Township Board of Trustees, Geauga County, Ohio, at the Township Office, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio, until 12:00 p.m. February 27, 2020, for the furnishing and delivering to Township storage facilities various quantities of anti-skid materials, slag, limestone, clay, aggregate, and asphalt and asphalt products. These bids will be opened and read aloud at the Board of Trustees meeting on February 27, 2020, at 6:05 p.m. additionally, you can view the bid information on our website at www.chestertwp.org in the Road Department Section.

Specifications and bid blanks may be obtained at the Township Office, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio, 44026.

All mailed bids are to be addressed to the Chester TownHall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio, 44026.

Bids shall be submitted only on blank forms provided for that purpose.

A certified check or bid bond in the amount of $1,000.00 will be required with bid submittal.

The Trustees reserve the right to reject any and all bids or any part thereof, and to purchase only the materials needed.

BY ORDER OF THE

Chester township

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Craig Richter, Fiscal Officer

Jan30 Feb6, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

Request for Quotes

Geauga County Job and Family Services

Notice is hereby given that Geauga County Job and Family Services is soliciting quotes for two (2) new vehicles: (1) compact sport utility vehicle and (1) 7-passenger minivan.

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF QUOTES: 3:00 P.M. on Friday, February 14, 2020.

Copies of the Request for Quote and vehicle specifications are available in person, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at, or by mail request to, Geauga County Job and Family Services; Attn: Paul Reiman; 12480 Ravenwood Drive; PO Box 309; Chardon, Ohio 44024. E-mail requests may be sent to Paul.Reiman@jfs.ohio.gov with “Vehicle RFQ” in the subject line.

All quotes must be received on time and in compliance with the instructions contained in the RFQ. Geauga County Job and Family Services reserves the right to reject any and all quotes and to waive any irregularities in the quote.

Jan30 Feb6, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

BIDS FOR ROAD

MAINTENANCE MATERIALS

Bainbridge Township

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees that the office of the undersigned until 10:00 A.M., February 14, 2020 for furnishing township road maintenance materials. Quantities given are approximate, and the Trustees retain the option of ordering larger or lesser quantities at bid prices as required.

Bidders are required to use Township Bid form obtained from the office of the Fiscal Officer or on the Township’s website at www.Bainbridgetwp.com. All Bids shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Sealed Bids for Road Maintenance Materials.” Proposals for the above shall not be combined with any other Bid(s). Bidder may elect to bid on all items listed or any portion thereof. The Township Trustees reserve the right to reject any, or all, bids to accept a primary and an alternate supplier or suppliers and to waive any irregularities. A certified check or bid bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the total bid must accompany any proposal for the above items only. Proposals must be valid for 20 days. Bids will be opened at 10:05 A.M. on February 14, 2020 at the Bainbridge Town Hall.

Janice Sugarman, Fiscal Officer

Feb6, 2020

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

STATE OF OHIO

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Columbus, Ohio

Division of Construction Management

Legal Copy Number: 20097

Sealed proposals will be accepted from pre-qualified bidders at the ODOT Office of Contracts until 10:00 a.m. on February 27, 2020. Project 200097 is located in Geauga County, Maple Highlands Trail II and is a BIKEWAYS project. The date set for completion of this work shall be as set forth in the bidding proposal. Plans and Specifications are on file in the Department of Transportation.

Feb6-13, 2020

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

STATE OF OHIO

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Columbus, Ohio

Division of Construction Management

Legal Copy Number: 20098

Sealed proposals will be accepted from pre-qualified bidders at the ODOT Office of Contracts until 10:00 a.m. on February 27, 2020. Project 200097 is located in Geauga County, SR 306-12.08 and is a TWO LANE RESURFACING project. The date set for completion of this work shall be as set forth in the bidding proposal. Plans and Specifications are on file in the Department of Transportation.

Feb6-13, 2020

An Amish wedding dinner will be the main feature of a fundraiser being put on Feb. 22 at Century Village Museum in Burton.

Erin’s Umbrella, a nonprofit organization to benefit families of children with Down syndrome, is raising money to help a deserving family go on a Buddy Cruise with Royal Caribbean to St. Thomas in November.

Maria Delpina, one of the organizers, said a Buddy Cruise convention focuses on the families having a good time, getting to know each other and learning more about Down syndrome.

Delpina is especially concerned other parents know about the moyamoya disease that caused the death of her daughter, Erin Farragher, in July.

“Twenty-four percent of all moyamoya victims have Down syndrome,” she said.

The disease causes the carotid artery to narrow or become blocked over a period of time, causing brain damage and seizures.

Erin’s mother and stepfather, John Fisher, have created a scholarship fund with Buddy Cruise, a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Buddy Cruise provides educational opportunities and resources for families while promoting awareness, acceptance and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and all special needs.

Delpina said the organization needs about $3,000 and 200 tickets are being sold.

The fundraiser at the Bond Building in Century Village, 14653 East Park Street, in Burton Village will include the Amish wedding dinner, a raffle of donated items, a Chinese auction, a wine and liquor pull and musical entertainment by Charity Cunningham of the Samfox musical group from Cleveland.

The dinner will be prepared by the Colbentz family, whose daughter attended Berkshire High School with Erin.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 and can be bought at www.eventbright.com or by calling 1-800- 586-1855.

The Geauga County Farm Bureau is offering scholarship opportunities to students pursuing a post-high school education.

Applicants’ parents/legal guardians or themselves must be a current Geauga County Farm Bureau member at the time of application and payout. They must be a full-time enrollee of an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or technical school.

First-year applicants must prove enrollment or admission status. Prior recipients may reapply.

Eligibility and approval of applicants will be determined at the discretion of the Geauga County Board of Trustees or their designee.

No handwritten forms will be accepted . The fillable form is available at the farm bureau’s website, www.geaugafb.org; by emailing geauga@ofbf.org; or by calling the Geauga County Farm Bureau office at (440) 426-2195.

Applications must be received or postmarked by April 10, 2020 . They may be mailed to the office, faxed to (440) 426-9103, emailed to geauga@ofbf.org or hand-delivered to the Geauga County Farm Bureau office at 28 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH 44047.

The Ohio Wildlife Council last month received proposals for upcoming hunting seasons for small game and migratory birds here in the Buckeye State.

The council seeks comment from Ohioans through the first week of March, officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife said.

Included among the proposals are several changes recommended to increase hunting opportunities statewide.

“The proposed hunting season recommendations are developed by Division of Wildlife biologists and combine public input with the best species population science available,” division Chief Kendra Wecker said in a prepared statement. “Population safeguards are designed to support the important activities of hunting and trapping while sustaining Ohio’s wildlife.

“We are proud to continue serving all Ohioans and look forward to another bountiful year for sportsmen and women.”

A change from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to provide additional waterfowl hunting days to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It has been proposed to permit active military and veterans to hunt during the two-day youth waterfowl season, Oct. 3-4.

The opening date for waterfowl hunting in the north zone was proposed to start a week later, Oct. 24, allowing for more November hunting days later in the season, wildlife officials said.

It also was proposed to reduce the daily bag limit for scaup to one bird during the first 15 days of the season and two birds during the last 45 days of the season in the south zone, north zone, and Lake Erie marsh zone, as required in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service season framework.

New proposals include opening the 2021 spring turkey season on Saturday rather than Monday in both the south zone and northeast zone. The proposal was designed to provide two additional weekend days for wild turkey hunters. The south zone opening date was proposed for April 24, 2021, and the northeast zone opening date was proposed for May 1, 2021. The 2021 youth turkey hunting season dates were proposed for April 17 and 18, statewide.

New proposals also include requiring a fur taker permit for coyote hunting and trapping and adding coyote to the furbearer trapping season.

Officials said the proposal was made to better align with other furbearer hunting and trapping regulations and is expected to ensure proper training will be completed prior to trapping coyote by requiring the fulfillment of a trapper education course.

Ohio resident landowners are not required to have a hunting license or fur taker permit when hunting or trapping on land they own, a press release noted.

It was further proposed to close quail hunting on all state-owned or controlled public hunting areas, except for Tri-Valley Wildlife Area and controlled hunts on Crown City Wildlife Area. The quail bag limit was proposed to be reduced to two birds. Ruffed grouse hunting dates were proposed to be shortened from Oct. 10 to Nov. 29 on state-owned or controlled public hunting areas, and from Oct. 10 to Jan. 1, 2021, on private land. The ruffed grouse bag limit was proposed to be reduced to one bird.

Quail and ruffed grouse regulations were proposed to better conserve the current population of birds that have been in decline for several years.

Proposals concerning Ohio’s white-tailed deer hunting seasons are to be presented at the next Ohio Wildlife Council meeting, scheduled next month.

A complete list of proposed hunting season dates for 2020-2021 are available at wildohio.gov, natural resources officials said.

Wildlife officials encourage Ohioans to provide comments on the proposed rule changes, inviting them to do in person or online.

In-person comments may be submitted during the weeklong open house period from March 2-6 at any Division of Wildlife district office, while online submissions can be made at wildohio.gov beginning Feb. 21.

A statewide hearing on all proposed rules will be held 9 a.m. March 25 at the division’s District 1 office, located at 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus.

The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eight-member board that approves all Ohio Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Meetings are open to the public.

Copyright © 2020 The Daily Reporter – All Rights Reserved

School Board Appreciation Month

At their Jan. 29 meeting, Kirtland Schools Board of Education members were recognized for their commitment to the schools for School Board Appreciation Month.

Superintendent Bill Wade thanked board members on behalf of students, staff and community for their hard work and sacrifice for the school district.

“We appreciate all your efforts to work with us to create a vision for our schools to empower our students through personalized learning,” Wade said. “We thank them for their efforts in ensuring our school are safe learning environments so that we can provide our students with a positive educational experience.

“We thank our board for being the community’s voice to ensure we are economical in our approach, and maximize our expenditures so we meet the needs of our students in the classroom.”

Kirtland students used the district Makerspace — a collaborative work space that encourages entrepreneurship in the STEM fields — to design and create T-shirts, mugs and signs thanking board members for their service.

Kirtland Students Present on Energy Savings Measures

Students from Kirtland Middle School English teacher Mary Reilly’s English Language Arts class and STEM teacher Heidi Grunenberg’s Project Lead the Way class recently presented on energy saving measures to the Kirtland Schools Board of Education.

The students researched and reported on a variety of options, including LED lights, light sensors and solar energy. This was an example of the “Excite” phase of the 6-12 College and Career Pathways Program, which promotes career awareness through creation of a pathway portfolio, grade-level exploration and awareness, and experiences through local partnerships.

The goal of the Pathways Program is to empower students with the skills they need to be successful.

Project Lead the Way empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects and problems that build on each other and relate to the world around them. Through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science, students not only learn technical skills, but also learn to solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate and collaborate.

Kirtland Launches Program to Make Students ‘Future Ready’

This school year, Kirtland Schools introduced the new “Excite, Explore & Engage” College and Career Pathways Program for grades 6-12 to prepare students to be “future ready.”

The primary goal of the program is to place students on a path to becoming empowered citizens — someone who seeks opportunities and experiences that stimulate intellectual curiosity, that support the pursuit of their own learning, that foster open-mindedness, and that inspire critical reflection, voice and agency.

FUTURE READY

A productive and empowered citizen is ready for the future. Future Ready means every student deserves a rigorous, personalized learning environment filled with caring adults, and encourages students to take ownership of their learning. Through the College and Career Pathways Program, Kirtland graduates will demonstrate skills as a:

• Resilient, self-directed learner
• Respectful collaborator
• Empathetic, purposeful communicator
• Problem solver
• Inspired innovator
• Self-confident critical thinker

EXCITE

At the middle school level, the new program will “Excite” students and make them aware of various career fields. Students will gain exposure to real-life career opportunities, experience an introduction to planning the college/career pathway, understand self-regulation and positive relationships, ignite intellectual curiosity, and engage with the online learning platform Thrively to identify skills, strengths and interests.

EXPLORE

At the high school level, freshmen and sophomores will “Explore” different career options. Students will gain an understanding of the college/career planning process, develop their own plan, experience the real-life workforce, practice self-regulation, promote positive relationships, and reflect and revise their plan.

ENGAGE

Upperclassmen will “Engage” in the process to make decisions on future studies and/or careers after graduation. They will evaluate the progress of their individual plan; exhibit problem solving skills; model integrity, ethical behavior and leadership; communicate clearly, effectively and with reason; embody creativity and innovative thought; use critical thinking skills and demonstrate perseverance; and revisit and finalize their individual plan.

The Kirtland Local Schools are committed to working with students, educators, families, community members, higher education institutions and the business sector to prepare students for the future pathways through site visits, speaker series, seminar, job shadowing, internships and a Capstone project.

KHS Robotics Team Heading to State Contest

The Kirtland High School Electric Hornets robotics team placed third in their first competition of the season and is headed to the state contest in March.

The Kirtland Electric Hornets FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) 8120 team hosted the Northeast Ohio FTC Qualifying Tournament Jan. 3 and 4 at Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus, taking care of setup, tear down and volunteer duties, including escorting teams to judging, field reset and registration.

The team earned advancement to the Ohio FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship March 13 and 14 at Loveland High School near Cincinnati. The group also will compete at the 2020 FIRST Tech Challenge at Kent State University on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1.

FIRST Tech Challenge teams from grades 7-12 are challenged to design, build, program and operate robots to compete in head-to-head challenges.

KMS Robotics Team Heading to State Championship

After winning awards at two regional contests, the Kirtland Middle School robotics team Buzz Buzz Sting Sting is heading to the state contest in Dayton next month.

This fall, three KMS FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League (FLL) teams – Buzz Buzz Sting Sting, Steel Stingers and Hungry Hungry Hornets – participated in the Lorain County Community College FLL Regional Qualifier tournament.

Hungry Hungry Hornets won the Motivate Award, which celebrates a team that embraces the culture of FLL through team building, team spirit and enthusiasm. Buzz Buzz Sting Sting won the Coopertition Award, which celebrates a team that displays unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. It is the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.

Based on their performance at the regional tournament, Steel Stingers and Buzz Buzz Sting Sting were selected to advance to the Northeast Ohio FLL District Qualifier competition at the University of Akron in December. Buzz Buzz Sting Sting brought home the Motivate Award and was one of the teams selected to compete at the Ohio FLL Championship Feb. 1 and 2 at Wright State University’s Nutter Center in Dayton.

The middle school FLL teams are advised by eighth-grade Social Studies and STEAM teacher Heidi Grunenberg.

FLL introduces students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface.

New Classes Added to KHS Curriculum for 2020-2021

The Kirtland Board of Education approved the 2020-2021 Kirtland High School Program of Studies at its December meeting.

The new high school Program of Studies was redesigned to be more interactive and aligned with Ohio Department of Education standards, according to Kirtland 6-12 Principal Scott Amstutz.

The Program of Studies includes graduation requirements, scheduling protocol, Honors Diploma requirements, cumulative GPA calculation, extracurricular/athletic eligibility, advanced options (Advanced Placement, College Credit Plus), standardized testing and course descriptions.

KHS also will introduce new course in the coming year. They include:

• English (Introduction to Film Studies, Creative Writing, Speech and Communication, Poetry and Journalism)
• Science (Astronomy, Intro to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering)
• Social Studies (Ethics and Philosophy, and Advanced Placement Psychology)
• World Language (French and Spanish conversation classes, and Business/Medical Spanish)
• Advanced Placement Capstone Program (AP Seminar and AP Research)
• Music (Rock and Roll History, Voice class and Treble ensemble)
• Health and Wellness (Personal fitness and overall wellness, and Mindfulness)
• Magoosh ACT prep

The “Excite, Explore & Engage” College and Career Pathways program also is expanding, by providing students with experiences to gain awareness, explore and engage in opportunities that stimulate intellectual curiosity, support the pursuit of their own learning, foster open- mindedness and inspire critical reflection, voice and agency. Focus areas for Pathways experiences include:

Grades 9-10: Explore

– Understand college and career planning

– Develop the plan to a pathway

– Experience real-life work force

– Practice self-regulation

– Promote positive relationships

Grades 11-12: Engage

– Evaluate plan progress

– Exhibit problem solving skills

– Model integrity, ethical behavior and leadership

– Communicate clearly, reflectively and with reason

– Embody creativity and innovative thought

– Use critical thinking skills and demonstrate perseverance

Kirtland Math Textbook Adoption Focuses on Personalized Learning

In early 2020, Kirtland Middle School and Kirtland High School began implementing a new math program to make personalized learning a reality in the classroom.

The Pearson enVision Math 2.0 program – with a math XL online component – and Pearson MyMathLab, a companion online resource for upper-level math courses, offer embedded interactive and digital math tools that empower and aid students in taking more responsibility for their learning.

Personalized math practice and personal study plans provide a powerful scaffolding to help every student grow and master middle and high school math. This new resource fosters a balanced approach to instruction, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and overall application of math practices, while enriching through visual cues and math modeling for a better understanding of math concepts.

The enVision Math with mathXL programs, which align with Kirtland Local Schools and Ohio state standards, provide increased focus, rigor and coherence that meets the needs of high achieving students, as well as those students who need additional time and support.

The enVision Math 2.0 program provides a comprehensive pathway form sixth-grade math through Algebra 2 that ensures all students are college and career ready when they graduate. The middle school program emphasizes ratio and proportional reasoning, number sense, expressions and equations, leading to an understanding of functions and linearity. These concepts are revisited to show interconnectedness at each grade level. Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 are content-specific.

Some of the exciting components of the new programs include:

• Videos and/or interactive technology lessons to support math work.
• Student materials that are accessible at home for a blended learning approach.
• Hands-on situations and real-world/authentic problems that will help students develop a deeper understanding of math and reasoning concepts.
• Math literacy activities that help students develop critical thinking and writing skills.

The goal is to continue to provide all students with a personalized, balanced and flexible resource to foster maximum mathematical growth and academic achievement.