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. 18, 4 p.m. – Public Library Trustees, Administrative Center, 4 p.m. – Local Emergency Planning Committee, 12518 Merritt Road, Munson Township, 5 p.m. – Board of Health, 470 Center St., Bldg. 8 meeting room; Feb. 20, 9 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners. All county commissioners meetings are held at 470 Center St., Bldg. 4, Chardon, unless otherwise noted.

Auburn Township: Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Bainbridge Township: Feb. 18, 10 a.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting to discuss health care options with Oswald Co.; Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Road, unless noted.

Burton Township: Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Administration building, 14821 Rapids Road.

Burton Village: Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Public Library Trustees. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon City: Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., City Council; Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Municipal Center, 111 Water St., unless otherwise noted.

Chardon Township: Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: Feb. 13, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 20, 3 p.m., Board of Trustees, special meeting with department heads to review their 2020 budgets and goal planning. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Claridon Township: Feb. 17, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees meetings are held at Administrative Building, 13932 Mayfield Road, unless otherwise noted. All Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings are held at Town Hall, 13930 Mayfield Road.

Hambden Township: Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.

Huntsburg Township: Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.

Middlefield Village: 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.

Montville Township: Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road, unless noted.

Munson Township: Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Newbury Township: Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road. (Note: A majority of Newbury Township Trustees may be at each township board or committee meeting, but no decision requiring township trustees approval will be considered.)

Parkman Township: Feb. 18, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. Meetings are held at the Fire-Rescue Station, 14810 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

South Russell Village: Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission. All meetings are held at Village Hall, 5205 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Thompson Township: Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All trustees meetings are held at Ledge Park Building, 16713 Thompson Road.

Troy Township: Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

Berkshire Foundation: Feb. 20, 7 a.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at BOE offices, 14259 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon BOE: Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings held at Ira A. Canfield Building, 428 North St., Chardon, unless otherwise noted.

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Jan. 31, 2020, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Daniel G. Anderson and Laurel Kunsch Anderson, $16990 Moreland Lane, to Matthew C. and Adison L. Pampush, $626,000. (2.01 acres)

Gary and Deborah L. Mizenko, 11740 Edinboro Lane, to LDI Holdings LLC, $665,000. (6.01 acres)

F. T. Associates, 11800 Washington St., to Auburn Corners Investments LLC, $515,000. (2.51 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

H. C. Kassigkeit, 17567 Fairlawn Drive (Unit F6), to Kathleen Ann Caine, $130,000. (0.00 acres)

Canyon Manor Inc., Creek View Trail (s/l 24), to Bruce and Lynn Goodman, $137,500. (0.22 acres)

William E. Shaw, 8531 Washington St., to NM Washington LLC, $1,906,000. (2.01 acres)

Ann L. Sords, 17189 Overlook Drive, to Susan L. Moyse, $415,000. (0.38 acres)

John and Susan Houghton, 7117 Cedar St., to Ryan and Julie Gambrill, $190,000. (0.21 acres)

BURTON TOWNSHIP

Urie U. and Susan J. Byler, and Danny Ray and Sara Jane Mast, 15196 Georgia Road, to Nathan R. and Leona P. Miller, $200,000. (20.47 acres)

BURTON VILLAGE

Richard Chambers and Ann E. Blair, 14737 Shannon Court (Bldg. 6 Unit B), to Roland and Dorothy J. Moses (trustees), $170,000. (0.00 acres)

CHARDON TOWNSHIP

Jeff C. and Juanita A. Herrington, 10894 Thwing Road, to L. Dean Kirby II, $235,000. (1.08 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Margaret Ann Wendell, 12575 Hovey Drive, to William C. Brown, $155,000. (0.69 acres)

Christine M. Golias, 12150 Heath Road, to Megan Himmel and John T. Justus, $272,000. (1.60 acres)

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (trustee), 7262 Sherman Road, to Christopher and Jennifer L. Bryniarski, $144,800. (3.23 acres)

Fernando S. and Rebecca A. Diaz, 12803 Lynn Drive, to Nadia Badlissi (TOD), $169,000. (1.18 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

CVG LLC, Mayfield Road, to Joe and Laura Miller, $42,000. (21.50 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

John R. Petrenchik (trustee), 15397 High Pointe Circle (Unit 69), to Jeanette Meyer, $167,700. (0.00 acres)

Diane S. Orrell, 15063 Primrose Lane (Bldg. 28), to Thomas J. Sr. and Linda A. Sulhan, $177,500. (0.00 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

Jaime and Desiree Planinsek, 15405 GAR Highway, to Michael and Sarah Ridolfi, $490,000. (27.12 acres)

MUNSON TOWNSHIP

Richard R. and Susan M. Pranno, 11300 Hidden Springs Drive, to Philip Joseph and Kelsey Ann Strever, $312,000. (1.56 acres)

Kirtlund C. Frye, 11095 Wilson Mills Road, to David V. and Wendy A. Peskar (trustees), $196,500. (3.01 acres)

Tocky L. Run (trustee), Wilson Mills Road, to Derek W. Long, $129,000. (1.38 acres)

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP

Joseph and Robyn Hensch, 14610 Westwood Drive, to Michael C. Artale, $415,600. (3.00 acres)

Gregory E. and Alice A. Munn (co-trustees), Music Street, to Brett A. and Abigail E. Munn, $15,000. (3.24 acres)

Elaine J. Nicholson (TOD), Overlook Drive (s/l 113-118), to Adam Lynch, $23,700. (0.42 acres)

Banc of California N.A., Elm Drive (s/l 96-99), to Nicole West, $15,000. (0.28 acres)

Judith M. Smith (trustee), Messenger Road, to D. Bradford Kelley, $308,000. (18.44 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

Eli D. and Angela Diane Miller, 16109 Shedd Road, to Noah I. and Barbara E. Yutzy, $175,000. (2.00 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

James Zimmerman, 9641 Music St., to Caroline H. Donaldson, $297,000. (5.00 acres)

Jeffrey B. and Susan D. Linton, 9036 Fairmount Road, to Anthony M. Jr. and Katelyn E. Palcisko, $280,000. (1.57 acres)

SOUTH RUSSELL VILLAGE

Insana Homes Ltd., 1135 Royal Oak Drive, to Ryan J. and Katherine S. Hanson, $420,000. (0.75 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

Wolfgang and Marsha A. Brede, 18989 Jug St., to Christopher M. Nero and Kimberly A. Mattson, $189,500. (2.02 acres)

Photos from the Feb. 7 game against Gilmour, a 58-43 loss.

Click here.

It was a night to remember for Kenston’s three seniors Feb. 7 as they picked up a conference must-win against Eastlake North.

The Bombers trio of seniors scored 31 of the team’s 76 points in its 76-50 victory.

With the win, the team improved to 9-8 overall, and 7-4 in the conference, to remain in third place in the Western Reserve Conference.

After a shaky start, the Bombers led the Rangers 37-25 in the first half.

“This win was huge,” said senior Donny Maynard. “We’ve been on a little bit of a downhill slope lately, and this win really gave us an extra kick to come back, fight and win, and know what we’ve come to do.”

A quick 3-pointer from senior Alan Wood would get his team started early in the third quarter. A timeout taken by North with 3:04 remaining in the third proved Kenston’s dominance as they led 56-33.

A lot of that success came from seniors who wanted to prove something during one of their final home games of the season. The Bombers have been a force to be reckoned with, posting a 6-3 record when they’ve been at home.

“I think one of my favorite memories from this season was a home game against Chardon,” said Maynard, “because the energy and the stands were so intense, and when the whole team is up like that, it’s really nice to feel that energy.”

Wood elaborated on what that Chardon game meant to his team and its season.

“We played together and played great team basketball, and we all were feeding off each other’s energy,” Wood said. “It was a great night.”

The Bombers would beat Chardon, 70-53.

“My favorite memory is honestly all of the home games,” said Jay Middleton. “Everyone comes out to the game and supports us. It’s all with love, and we love that.”

Wood, Maynard and Middleton didn’t always make basketball look easy. After two of the three seniors scored in double digits, you wouldn’t believe it until you heard it. Playing varsity didn’t seem possible when the three played together in middle school.

“It’s funny when I look back to playing in 8^th grade with (Middleton) and thinking that this kid couldn’t make a lay-up or a three to save his life,” Maynard joked. “He’s still working on his three ball, but it’s been a fun ride.”

Wood agreed about the growth in his teammates and himself.

“We were all awful back in the day,” Middleton said. “We really grew close together throughout the years; we’ve been playing together for a while and became close friends.

“In middle school we were horrible. The team was not good, and I’m glad we came back in high school, and we’ve been better.”

Kenston closes out its regular season with a big home matchup with Brush, then one last away game against Western Reserve Academy before heading back home to take on Andrews Osborne Academy.

“A couple tough losses,” Wood said, “(but) this was good to get back in the win column and to feed into the big game against Brush, and hopefully we keep this energy going.”

“Our defense starts with us,” Middleton said. “Sometimes when our defense starts, we get open layups and open shots. It gives us big momentum, the bench and everything.”

The Bombers could make a strong push for these three seniors if a defense-minded team can string together a couple more wins before tournament play.

It was a tale of two cities when Chardon squared off against its Western Reserve Conference rival, Eastlake North. The Hilltoppers took game one back on Dec. 20, convincingly, when they beat North 78-65.

It took all 37 points from junior Brady Toth and an overtime victory to sweep North on the season. The Hilltoppers took game two, 74-72.

Behind Toth’s career night, the Hilltoppers discussed prior to the game their “seven-game season,” as head coach Chad Murawski calls it.

“The season hasn’t gone as planned,” Murawski said. “If you look at the record, it really hasn’t gone as planned. Help from (coaches and our athletic director) gave us the idea to chop off the previous season and go with seven games, and how we can do with seven games left before the tournament run. We are 2-1 in our seven-game season, and that’s our main focus.”

Since the start of their seven-game season, the Hilltoppers have rattled off four straight wins, victories over Madison, North, Riverside and Kirtland.

After a slow first quarter start where the Rangers led 20-17 to start the game, Toth started to heat up. He would lead all scorers with 23 points at the half, while the Hilltoppers were clinging to a five-point lead, 40-35.

Much of the Hilltoppers’ success that night came from the duo threat of Toth and Nathanael Sulka. Toth has had to pick up much of the scoring and leadership roles since Sulka battled injuries at the start of the season.

“We have multiple leaders who, when they need to step, step up,” Toth said. “Sulka is a big leader, too, and that helps us with team chemistry. When all of our leaders step and our chemistry is on, we have a good team.”

“We’ve asked Brady to do a lot from game one,” said Murawski, “and he is going to have to continue to do a lot for the next year and a half. He’s doing everything that we’ve asked of him, and we’re proud of him for that.”

Sulka would add 13 points, while junior Drew Fetchik added eight and a heroic last-second shot to pick up the victory for the Hilltoppers.

“I wanted to do my best to help the team out, and to get a win,” Toth said. “I knew I could take the defender to the hole a lot tonight. I did my best to do that.

“My teammates passed some shots up, and they found me. My teammates contributed a lot to my success tonight.”

When asked about which play Murawski and his coaching staff drew up for Fetchik, Murawski talked about other players needing to step up.

“In that type of situation, you need players to step up and make plays,” he said, “and Drew stepped it up and made a play tonight, and we’re proud of him for that.”

The Hilltoppers close out their regular season with a conference game at Brush. If Chardon can string along some momentum from its four-game win streak, tournament time could be a huge opportunity for these hungry men.

SUBMITTED

Berkshire Recreation’s varsity wrestling team placed a the league’s OYWA sections and were head to districts. Pictured, back row, from left, Caden Klingman, Hudson Hunter, Brayden Calabrese, Danny Tiller, Seth Kellogg, Estevon Huesca, Henry Goldizen. Front, from left, Alex Wilson, Coby Calabrese, Tyson Schaden, Josh Heiden.

DATE OF SALE: Thursday, February 20, 2020 — 10:00 A.M.

MINIMUM

APPRAISAL BID

Auburn Township

Case No. 13-F-000170 — Christopher P. Hitchcock, Treasurer of Geauga County, Ohio vs. Staffordshire Development, Inc., et al., Vacant Land On Staffordshire Court (2.04 acres). PPN: 01-117807. Kristen K. Rine, atty.

Set Minimum Bid: $26,026.96

Sheriff’s land sales are held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday or date scheduled at the GEAUGA COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT HOUSE, 100 SHORT COURT STREET, CHARDON, OHIO, 1st floor lobby by the doors of the Court House.

1. Opening bids start at 2/3rds of the appraisal value. If the property remains unsold after the first sale with a minimum bid of 2/3rds of the appraised value, a second sale will go forward on the next scheduled date with no minimum bid and the property will be sold to the highest bidder.

However, the purchaser at the second sale is still subject to the costs, allowances, and real property taxes.

2. Deposit due at the time of bid, (if you do not have the down payment on your person at the time of the bid, property will be re- bid). Balance due 30 days after confirmation. NO PERSONAL CHECKS accepted by Sheriff’s Office. Deposit by CASH, BANK CHECK, or CERTIFIED CHECK at time of bid. Checks can be made payable to the Geauga County Sheriff or to yourself and endorsed over to the Sheriff if you are the successful bidder. A judgment creditor is not required to make a sales deposit.

3. Deeds are issued after the confirmation of sale, when the balance of the purchase price is received by the Sheriff’s Office.

4. You cannot view the inside of the properties for sale. They are owned by the defendants, and the Sheriff’s Office does not have access to these properties. You buy “AS IS”.

5. Information about the lot size, number of rooms, year built, etc. can be obtained from the Auditor’s Office for a small fee using the permanent parcel number.

6. Federal tax liens are filed in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, Courthouse Annex, 231 Main St, City of Chardon 1st floor, and case files are located in the Clerk of Courts Office, 3rd floor Courthouse 100 Short Court, City of Chardon (www.co.geauga.oh.us click on Departments), and can be researched in the respective offices.

7. Legal descriptions for delinquent tax land can also be found in the Recorder’s Office.

8. Property taxes will be prorated by the Geauga County Treasurer’s Office and paid out of the proceeds of the sale. Tax amount will include arrearages and a prorated estimate to the second sale date.

9. Delinquent tax properties are NOT appraised. They are sold for DELINQUENT TAXES, COSTS, AND PENALTIES. The property is offered for sale two (2) times. If it is not sold on the first sale date, it will be offered again at a later date.

10. The purchaser is responsible for a $50.00 deed fee to be paid to the Sheriff.

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

Feb 6-13-20, 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

Feb 6-13-20, 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

Feb 6-13-20, 2020

DATE OF SALE: Thursday, February 20, 2020 — 10:00 A.M.

Auburn Township

Case No. 13-F-000170 — Christopher P. Hitchcock, Treasurer of Geauga County, Ohio vs. Staffordshire Development, Inc., et al., Vacant Land On Staffordshire Court (2.04 acres). PPN: 01-117807. Kristen K. Rine, atty.

Set Minimum Bid: $26,026.96

Sheriff’s land sales are held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday or date scheduled at the GEAUGA COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT HOUSE, 100 SHORT COURT STREET, CHARDON, OHIO, 1st floor lobby by the doors of the Court House.

1. Opening bids start at 2/3rds of the appraisal value. If the property remains unsold after the first sale with a minimum bid of 2/3rds of the appraised value, a second sale will go forward on the next scheduled date with no minimum bid and the property will be sold to the highest bidder.

However, the purchaser at the second sale is still subject to the costs, allowances, and real property taxes.

2. Deposit due at the time of bid, (if you do not have the down payment on your person at the time of the bid, property will be re- bid). Balance due 30 days after confirmation. NO PERSONAL CHECKS accepted by Sheriff’s Office. Deposit by CASH, BANK CHECK, or CERTIFIED CHECK at time of bid. Checks can be made payable to the Geauga County Sheriff or to yourself and endorsed over to the Sheriff if you are the successful bidder. A judgment creditor is not required to make a sales deposit.

3. Deeds are issued after the confirmation of sale, when the balance of the purchase price is received by the Sheriff’s Office.

4. You cannot view the inside of the properties for sale. They are owned by the defendants, and the Sheriff’s Office does not have access to these properties. You buy “AS IS”.

5. Information about the lot size, number of rooms, year built, etc. can be obtained from the Auditor’s Office for a small fee using the permanent parcel number.

6. Federal tax liens are filed in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, Courthouse Annex, 231 Main St, City of Chardon 1st floor, and case files are located in the Clerk of Courts Office, 3rd floor Courthouse 100 Short Court, City of Chardon (www.co.geauga.oh.us click on Departments), and can be researched in the respective offices.

7. Legal descriptions for delinquent tax land can also be found in the Recorder’s Office.

8. Property taxes will be prorated by the Geauga County Treasurer’s Office and paid out of the proceeds of the sale. Tax amount will include arrearages and a prorated estimate to the second sale date.

9. Delinquent tax properties are NOT appraised. They are sold for DELINQUENT TAXES, COSTS, AND PENALTIES. The property is offered for sale two (2) times. If it is not sold on the first sale date, it will be offered again at a later date.

10. The purchaser is responsible for a $50.00 deed fee to be paid to the Sheriff.

LEGAL NOTICES

Geauga County

Foreclosure Auction

Case# 18-F-000819. JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association vs Francesco Digiannantonio, et al. The description of the property to be sold is as follows:

Property Address: 14470 County Line Road, Chagrin Falls, Geauga, Ohio, 44022;

Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 27-004695

Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on 02/25/2020 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.

Provisional Sale date: 03/10/2020 at 10:00 A.M. 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 18F000819 into the search bar.”

Jan 30 Feb 6-13, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

SALE OF REAL ESTATE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

18-F-000160 – The Bank of New York Mellon, As Trustee for CIT Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-1 (Plaintiff) vs. Weaver, Harvey (Defendants)

In pursuance of an Order of Sale directed to me in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public online auction the following described real estate:

Property Address: 11236 Clay Street, Huntsburg, OH, 44046

Legal Description: A full legal description of the property may be obtained at https://www.privatesellingofficer.com

Parcel Number:16-064100

Said Premises Appraised At: $95,000.00

Minimum Bid: $63,333.33

Location of Sale: https://www.privatesellingofficer.com

Online Bidding Opens: 4/01/2020

Online Bidding Closes: 4/08/2020, unless extended under anti-snipe rules

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of $5,000.00 is due in accordance with the terms and conditions of the online auction. The balance is due within thirty days after confirmation of sale.

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

The auction is subject to postponement and cancellation.

Richard Kruse, Private Selling Officer

rfk@gryphonusa.com

Feb 6-13-20, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

20-F-000087 – CITIZENS BANK, N.A., ETC, Plaintiff vs. THE ESTATE OF MARIA HORVATH, ETC., et al., Defendants

To the Defendants the unknown spouse, creditors, executors, executrices, administrators, heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, and/ or assigns and their spouses, executors, executrices, administrators, heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees and/or assigns of Erno Horvath and Maria Horvath, whose present location is unknown and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained:

Plaintiff has brought this action naming you as a defendant in the Geauga Common Pleas Court, 100 Short Court, Chardon, OH 44024 by filing its Complaint on the 28th day of January, 2020.

The object of the complaint is to foreclose the equity of redemption under a mortgage against the subject real estate located at 12905 Manchester Drive, Chesterland, Ohio 44026; PPN# 11-033400.

The relief demanded by Plaintiff is judgment against the subject real estate in the amount of $96,708.20 plus interest at the rate of 5.490% per annum from May 6, 2019 and at the rate of 4.740% (variable) per annum from December 10, 2019; costs, attorney fees and such other legal and equitable relief to which it may be entitled.

You are required to answer the Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publication of this notice setting forth whatever right, title or interest you have or may claim to have in the aforementioned premises or be forever barred from claiming or asserting same. The publication will be published once a week for six (6) consecutive weeks, with the last publication to be made on the twelfth day of March, 2020.

In case of your failure to answer or otherwise respond as permitted by the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure within the time stated, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

CITIZENS BANK, N.A., ETC.

By Johna M. Bella, Attorney for Plaintiff: Goranson, Parker & Bella Co., LPA, 405 Madison Avenue, Suite 2200, Toledo, Ohio 43604, Phone: (419) 244-9500, Fax: (419) 244-9510

Feb6-13-20-27  Mar 5-12, 2020

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.

Feb 6-13-20, 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.

Feb 6-13-20, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following matters are the subject of this public notice by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The complete public notice, including any additional instructions for submitting comments, requesting information, a public hearing, or filing an appeal may be obtained at: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/actions.aspx or Hearing Clerk, Ohio EPA, 50 W. Town St. P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Ph: 614-644-3037 email: HClerk@epa.ohio.gov

Final Issuance of Permit-To-Install and Operate

Waste Management of Ohio, Inc. – Chardon Central

9954 Old State Road, Hambden Twp., OH 44024

ID #: P0127882

Date of Action: 01/31/2020

Initial PTIO for K001 (paint booth).

Approved Permission for Open Burning OAC Chapter 3745-19

Punderson State Park

11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065

Facility Description: Air

ID #: LK2303

Date of Action: 02/05/2020

This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC.

Approved permission to open burn for natural resource management generated on the premises in accordance with OAC 3745-19 and local guidelines.

Approved Permission for Open Burning OAC Chapter 3745-19

Punderson State Park Golf Course

11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065

Facility Description: Air

ID #: LK2304

Date of Action: 02/05/2020

This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC.

Approved permission to open burn for natural resource management generated on the premises in accordance with OAC 3745-19 and local guidelines.

Final Approval of Plans and Specifications

Dollar General #21638-Montville

14600 Detroit Ave Ste 1500, Lakewood, OH 44107

Facility Description: Public Water System

ID #: 1339899

Date of Action: 01/31/2020

This final action not preceded by proposed action and is appealable to ERAC.

Detail Plans for PWSID:OH2876957 Plan No:1339899 Regarding New Well Site.

Feb 13, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

19-F-000903 – First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Plaintiff vs. Steven Miller, et al., Defendants

Unknown Tenants, Occupants, and Land Contract Vendee whose last place of residence was 618 Bell Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022: and whose present place of residence is unknown. Unknown Tenants, Occupants, and Land Contract Vendee whose place of residence is unknown will take notice on December 05, 2019, Defendant, First Federal Lakewood filed its Answer and Cross-Claim in Case No. 19-F-000903 in the Court of Common Pleas Geauga County, Ohio 100 Short Court Street, Suite 300, Chardon, Ohio 44024 alleging that Defendant, Unknown Tenants, Occupants, and Land Contract Vendee has or claims to have an interest in the real estate described below:

P.P.N. 29-065600

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 618 Bell Road, Chagrin Falls, OH, 44022

A Copy of the full legal description may be obtained from the County Auditors Office.

The Petitioner further alleges that by reason of default of Steven Miller aka Steven J. Miller in the payment of a promissory note, according to its tenor, the conditions of a concurrent mortgage deed given to secure the payment of said note and conveying the premises described, have been broken, and the same has become absolute.

The Petitioner prays that Defendant named above be required to answer and set up their interest in said real estate or be forever barred from asserting the same, for foreclosure of said mortgage, the marshalling of any liens, and the sale of said real estate, and the proceeds of said sale applied to the payment of Petitioner’s claim in the proper order of its priority, and for such other further relief as is just and equitable.

DEFENDANTS NAMED ABOVE ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER ON OR BEFORE THE 26TH DAY OF MARCH, 2020.

First Federal S & L

Association of Lakewood

By Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., L.P.A., Kim M. Hammond (0062572), 75 Public Square, 4th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44113, Tel: (216) 771-6500, courtnotices@weinerlaw.com.

Feb 13-20-27, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ON A MOTION

PROPOSING TO AMEND

THE MUNSON TOWNSHIP

ZONING RESOLUTION

R. C. 519.12 (G)

Notice is hereby given that the Munson Township Board of Township Trustees will conduct a public hearing on a motion which is an amendment, identified as number 2019-02 to the Munson Township Zoning Resolution at the Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

The motion proposing to amend the zoning resolution will be available for examination at the Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from February 13, 2020 through February 25, 2020.

Judith Toth, Fiscal Officer

Feb 13, 2020

BID NOTICES

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.

Feb 6-13, 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.

Feb 6-13, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

Geauga County

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, March 11, 2020 for the Application of Pavement Markings to Various Roads. Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud the same day at 2:05 P.M. The estimated construction cost for this project is $375,000.00.

Copies of the surveys, plans, profiles, cross sections and specifications are on file with the Board of County Commissioners and may be obtained digitally online at https://www.geaugacountyengineer.org/projects-bids/online-plans-and-specifications/ or a hardcopy is available at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

A copy of this legal notice is posted on the county’s internet site on the World Wide Web. Go to https://www.geaugacountyengineer.org/projects-bids/legal-notices/ and click on the project name to view this legal.

A bid guaranty in the amount of one hundred (100%) percent of the bid amount or a certified check, cashier’s check or letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305 of the Ohio Revised Code in the amount of ten (10%) percent of the total bid amount shall accompany each bid. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis.

All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Industrial Relations.

DOMESTIC STEEL USE REQUIREMENTS AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 153.011 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE APPLIES TO THIS PROJECT. COPIES OF SECTION 153.011 OF THE REVISED CODE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE OFFICES OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.

Bids may be held by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.

The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners.

BY THE ODER OF THE

GEAUGA COUNTY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Christine Blair, Clerk

Feb 13-20, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

Geauga County

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, March 11, 2020 for the Guardrail Replacement along Various Roads in Geauga County. Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud the same day at 2:00 P.M. The estimated construction cost for this project is $700,000.00.

Copies of the surveys, plans, profiles, cross sections and specifications are on file with the Board of County Commissioners and may be obtained digitally online at https://www.geaugacountyengineer.org/projects-bids/online-plans-and-specifications/ or a hardcopy is available at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

A copy of this legal notice is posted on the county’s internet site on the World Wide Web. Go to https://www.geaugacountyengineer.org/projects-bids/legal-notices/and click on the project name to view this legal.

A bid guaranty in the amount of one hundred (100%) percent of the bid amount or a certified check, cashier’s check or letter of credit pursuant to Chapter 1305 of the Ohio Revised Code in the amount of ten (10%) percent of the total bid amount shall accompany each bid. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis.

All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will, to the extent practicable, use Ohio products, materials, services, and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must comply with the prevailing wage rates on Public Improvements as determined by the Ohio Department of Industrial Relations.

DOMESTIC STEEL USE REQUIREMENTS AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 153.011 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE APPLIES TO THIS PROJECT. COPIES OF SECTION 153.011 OF THE REVISED CODE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE OFFICES OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.

Bids may be held by the Geauga County Board of Commissioners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.

The Geauga County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners.

BY THE ODER OF THE

GEAUGA COUNTY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Christine Blair, Clerk

Feb 13-20, 2020

A career criminal accused of numerous armed robberies of gas stations and convenience stores in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties is facing multiple felony and kidnapping charges.

On Feb. 12, a Geauga County grand jury indicted 32-year-old David Johnson, of Miller Avenue in Euclid, on two counts of first-degree felony aggravated robbery and three counts of second-degree felony kidnapping for the Jan. 18 armed robberies of the BP gas station in Parkman Township and the Dollar General store in Chardon Township.

Johnson also was charged with two counts of having weapons while under disability, third-degree felonies, as well as two counts of petty theft, first-degree misdemeanors.

Specifications to the charges state Johnson brandished a gun in the commission of the crimes and that he is a repeat violent offender with prior convictions for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery in Cuyahoga County in 2005.

“Due to the defendant’s violent criminal history, he was indicted with enhanced gun specifications and he was found by the grand jury to be a repeat violent offender,” Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz told the Geauga County Maple Leaf. “I applaud the sheriff’s office for its outstanding investigation. They were able to quickly remove a violent career criminal from the streets.”

Johnson was arrested Jan. 29 at his Euclid home in connection with a least seven robberies, including the two in Geauga County. At the time of his alleged crime spree, Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand said Johnson was on probation in Cuyahoga County for involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, illegal conveyance to a detentions facility and drug trafficking. He also was on federal probation for a previous gun charge.

On Feb. 3, Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica set Johnson’s bond at $2 million cash or surety. He remains jailed at the Geauga County Safety Center.

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.

A search of Johnson’s home uncovered clothing matching outfits described by victims. 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 tri-county robberies, Hildenbrand said.

Hildenbrand added Johnson’s crimes grew more violent as the spree progressed.

During a Jan. 30 press conference at the Geauga safety center, 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.”

The case has yet to be assigned to a Geauga County Common Pleas Court judge.

Alerting the court of the existence of “extremely serious” newly discovered evidence in the case against a former St. Helen Catholic Church seminarian accused of soliciting a nude photograph from a juvenile, Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz urged the court not to lower Rev. Robert McWilliams’ bond.

In January, Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica adopted Flaiz’s recommendation of a $150,000 cash or surety bond, finding the case against McWilliams involved allegations of hands-on physical abuse of a real victim and a need to “secure the safety of the community.”

At the time, Flaiz told Stupica prosecutors expected additional felony charges after the case is presented to a grand jury.

The case subsequently was bound over to the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas for future proceedings.

On Feb. 10, Geauga County Public Defender R. Robert Umholtz asked the court lower McWilliams’ bond to 10 percent of $50,000, consistent with an earlier bond modification in a case pending in Cuyahoga County.

Like McWilliams’ Cuyahoga County lawyers, Umholtz argued McWilliams is an ordained Catholic priest who has no prior criminal record, and that the only reason he remains jailed in the Geauga County Safety Center is because neither McWilliams nor his family has enough money to post the bond.

Umholtz also informed Stupica that if he were released on bond, McWilliams would live at this mother’s home in Summit County.

But Flaiz argued McWilliams is a child predator who poses a clear risk to the community. He noted since the Jan. 8 bond setting in Chardon Municipal Court, a Cuyahoga County grand jury has indicted McWilliams on 21 counts relating to child pornography.

More important, Flaiz said investigators have discovered additional information against McWilliams.

“Through a forensic review of electronic items seized from the defendant along with follow up interviews both in Ohio and out of state, an investigator with the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office has uncovered evidence that defendant was engaged in activities involving child prostitution,” Flaiz wrote in his opposition brief filed Feb. 14.

“Due to the extremely serious nature of this newly discovered evidence, the undersigned has met with the United States Attorney’s Office to discuss the further handling of this case,” he added.

Flaiz also said he intends to present a “much higher” bond from the court once the new charges are formally brought in the near future.

On Dec. 5, 2019, Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force officers raided McWilliams’ living space and office in the rectory at St. Joseph Church, in Strongsville, where he was assigned, on a search warrant out of Geauga County. They seized electronic devices, including a cellphone, iPad and laptop associated with McWilliams.

Officers found additional images of child pornography on the devices that were not connected to the Geauga County investigation, which led to the charges in Cuyahoga County. Those charges involved incidents that happened from April 2016 through his arrest on Dec. 5, according to court records.

McWilliams was booked at Cuyahoga County Jail and posted bond before being imprisoned in Geauga County on separate charges.

McWilliams served at St. Helen’s as a seminarian from September 2014 to May 2015, the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, said. It was considered an internship.

In that capacity, McWilliams served the Life Teen Mass on Sundays at 5 p.m. and took part in the youth activities following the service. He also was actively involved in St. Helen School.

According to Geauga County court records, McWilliams allegedly posed as a juvenile girl and coerced a teen boy to send nude photos of himself.

Prosecutors believe McWilliams used a second cellphone number to contact children he knew so he could pretend to be someone else, and used extortion to get the children to send him nude photographs.

The Cleveland Catholic Diocese placed McWilliams on administrative leave following his arrest.

McWilliams has yet to be arraigned in common pleas court and no judge has been assigned to the case.

FY 2019 Audit Available

The Fiscal Year 2019 Audited Annual Financial Report has been released and is available on the district’s website, www.cardinalschools.org, under the Treasurer’s Office section. Contact Treasurer Merry Lou Knuckles at merrylou.knuckles@cardinalschools.org or 440-632-0261 x1002 with any questions.

Geology Rocks

Third graders recently spent a day at the West Woods learning more about the local topography from Geauga Park District naturalists. The visit goes along with lessons currently being learned in their classroom on geology, fossils and earth resources.

While at the West Woods, students investigated the sedimentary rock cycle’s role in the formation of local bedrock, topography and fossils. They utilized a stream table and got up close looks at various rock samples and geology exhibits. They followed the indoor activities with a hike to Ansel’s Cave to view geologic and human features of a major bedrock outcropping.

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.

American Legion Pancakes

Atwood-Mauck American Legion Post 459 is serving all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. Call Larry at 440-479-0502 for information.

Newbury Kiwanis Pancakes

Newbury Area Kiwanis Club is having its all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast Feb. 23 at Newbury High School cafeteria, 14775 Auburn Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and under. Questions? Call 440-897-5616.

VFW Pancake Breakfasts

Chardon VFW Post 6519 is serving its annual pancake breakfasts every Sunday through April 5, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the post located at 752 Water St. in Chardon. Senior and kids menus are available. Breakfast features three kinds of pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, ham, eggs made to order, home fries, toast and beverages. Senior menus are available, too.

For information, call 440-285-3699.

KMS presents Lion King, Jr.

Kenston Middle School presents “The Lion King, Jr.” on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 22 at 1 and 4 p.m. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Auditor Award with Distinction

Auditor of State Keith Faber recognized the Kenston School District with the Auditor of State Award with Distinction.

“By earning this award, these school districts have shown they are committed to educating their students and being transparent with their spending,” Auditor Faber said. “I am honored to present them with this award.”

The Auditor’s Office presents the Auditor of State Award with Distinction to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet the following criteria of a “clean” audit report.

Spelling Bee

For the second year in a row, eighth-grader Jack Beclay represented Kenston at the Geauga County Spelling Bee. He earned this honor by winning the district’s fourth through eighth-grade competition. This year, he placed third at the county level after going 17 rounds.

BWC Safety Grant

Kenston Schools was recently awarded a School Safety and Security Grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. BWC’s School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) Program assists Ohio employers with ensuring the safety of their staff who instruct children throughout the state. The three-to-one matching grant program is available to eligible Ohio employers who wish to purchase equipment to improve the safety and security of facilities substantially, and to reduce or eliminate injuries or illnesses associated with providing educational services to children. Eligible employers may receive up to $40,000 toward equipment purchases.

Kenston’s proposal was accepted and approved for the purchase of 275 Bearacade Lockdown devices for grade four through 12 classrooms and workrooms, adding to a similar door barricade system already in place at Timmons Elementary School. The Bearacade devices will provide staff with a fast and safe means for securing classroom doors.

Additional funds will be used to upgrade the entrance door controls district-wide to utilize the software currently being used at our high school building.

The total cost of this proposal is $48,460, with grant funds covering $36,345.

Professional Development Day

On Feb. 14, Kenston hosted the second professional development day of the school year. Dr. Meghan Barlow, pediatric psychologist, led the day with a keynote for all teachers. The focus of the keynote was on building and strengthening teacher/staff relationships with students and the importance of inclusionary practices in the regular education classroom. She provided specific strategies for engaging students with challenging behaviors in the regular education environment. The remainder of the day was spent exploring the topics Dr. Barlowe introduced through PreK-12 mixed small groups and facilitated by the district design leaders.

Dr. Lori Wilfon also presented for an elementary session to continue her work with teachers in strengthening the writing standards across the curriculum.

Kenston Foundation 

Thank you to Kenston Foundation and its board members for their long-standing commitment to awarding educational grants to benefit Kenston students. Recently, they awarded over $21,000 in grants to extend the existing curriculum. All buildings benefited from their generosity. The board of education accepted $700 for Orff instruments at Timmons Elementary Schools, $3,875 toward the Maker’s Space and math games at the intermediate school, $6,400 for updates to the middle school media center (Flight Deck) and Bomber TV, over $1,000 to purchase “The Nystrom Atlas of United States History,” $2,000 towards social and emotional wellness to be used during the middle school connections periods, $3,000 for sports performance ACL prevention training for middle and high school students and coach education and $3,100 for a virtual reality station at the high school.

Family Ties Night

Kenston is excited to have the second Family Ties Night of the 2019-20 school year on March 4 with no homework assigned, no athletic practices or games after 4:30 p.m. and no meetings or activities hosted in the district. The school district is reaching out to local restaurants and businesses to provide “family-friendly” discounts.

KCAC Alliance

Dr. Tony Podojil, executive director of The Alliance for High Quality Education, spoke to members of Kenston Citizens Advisory Council and the administrative team about the current issues of education policy and funding that the Alliance has been working on at the state level. He also shared the best way for citizens and administrators to campaign for political action.

KHS to Host Sectional Wresting

Kenston High School will host the Division 1 Sectional Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 29, beginning at 10 a.m., with championship finals at 2:30 p.m.

All day admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Finals only tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Competing will be Austintown-Fitch, Bedford, Boardman, Hudson, Kenston, Nordonia, Kent Roosevelt, Solon, Stow and Twinsburg.