DATE OF SALE: Thursday, February 20, 2020
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. SOLD TO SUZANNE FINNERTY FOR $32,600.00.
Contrary to the popular image of fresh air and peaceful surroundings, a farm is not a hazard-free work setting. Every year, thousands of farm workers are injured and hundreds more die in farming accidents. According to the National Safety Council, agriculture is the most hazardous industry in the nation.
In an effort to make safety meetings more accessible to you, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull county Farm Bureaus are offering two safety events in the area.
The first event is March 24 at St. Mary’s Hall, 103 North Maple St, Orwell. The safety program starts promptly at 6:30 p.m., with registration starting at 6 p.m., and will address noise and hearing conservation, respiratory protection, pesticide and fertilizer handling, and health and wellness. Register by March 23 by calling 440-426-2195, emailing nefarmbu@ofbf.org or online at safetymarch24.eventbrite.com. Light refreshments will be provided.
The second event, Ag Safety Day is March 28 at Sunrise Farm, 13115 Kinsman Road, Burton Township. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. and the program starts at 8:30 a.m. Safety presentations and demonstrations will cover tractor and equipment safety, and chainsaw safety. Seating is limited. Registration is required by March 25 by calling 440-426-2195, emailing nefarmbu@ofbf.org or online at safetymarch28.eventbrite.com. Continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided.
These events meet requirements outlined for OFBF Workers Comp Group Rating Program. Both events are free for Farm Bureau members and $5 for non-members.
For more information visit ofbf.org/counties.
The Ohio Department of Health will start a new process for publicly sharing updates on Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Starting March 2, the department will begin posting numbers of any confirmed COVID-19 cases and PUIs in Ohio on the ODH website by 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
As PUIs are resolved as either positive or negative, these also will be reported on the website following the same posting schedule. If there happens to be a confirmed case, ODH will update the local health department and the general public to provide guidance as appropriate regardless of the posting schedule.
Local health districts and ODH are committed to monitoring and promoting the public health and welfare, the ODH said in a March 2 news release. As local health districts monitor situations of infectious disease in the community, information will be shared as necessary to protect the public while also considering the privacy rights of any ill individuals.
“We want to be as transparent as possible when it comes to giving the latest information about COVID-19,” said ODH Director Amy Acton. “Ohio stands prepared, and we have taken a very aggressive approach to make sure we are ready if a case does happen in Ohio.”
Ohioans in general remain at low risk and there have been no confirmed cases in the state, the ODH said.
There are currently 212 people in Ohio who have returned to the U.S. after having been in China within the past 14 days. These numbers are a rough estimate and not to be considered an exhaustive count of all travelers in Ohio, according to the ODH.
“The numbers will fluctuate depending on the investigation. None of these travelers fit the criteria to be considered a Person Under Investigation (PUI) for possible COVID-19, none are showing symptoms and will not undergo laboratory testing unless those criteria are met,” the ODH release said. “We will update this number every Wednesday.”
For more information about COVID-19 and Ohio’s response, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.
The League of Women Voters of Geauga County will host a candidates forum for the upcoming March 17 primary election in the Kenston High School auditorium in Bainbridge Township. The event is free and open to the public.
Candidates and issue representatives will make short presentations, followed by questions from the audience. Candidates have also been invited to participate in a short meet and greet immediately following the event. Campaign materials will be available.
The forum is co-hosted by Political Action Committee of Kenston (PACK), a non-partisan student club that discusses and debates current political topics.
The League extended invitations to candidates for the 14th Congressional, 18th and 32nd Ohio Senate, 76th and 99th Ohio House, 11th District Court of Appeals and all Geauga County races.
Dear Fellow Geauga County Residents, I hope that you are paying close attention to the primary election, which is fast approaching on Tuesday, March 17.
Voters have a choice of casting a Partisan or an Issues Only ballot; however, to weigh in on county candidates, voters will need to ask for and vote a Republican Party ballot as no other party candidates filed to run.
There are a few contested primary Republican races; therefore, the Geauga GOP wants voters to be informed and educated when casting their ballot which is why we produced a Candidates Guide and held a Candidates Forum on Monday, Feb. 17. The candidates guide and a videotape of the forum can be found on our Facebook Page and on our website at www.geaugagop.com.
Historically, our county Republican Party has chosen NOT to endorse in primary races because we want voters to decide who should best represent them in the county, in Columbus and in Washington, D.C.
Regrettably, some Republican candidates claim an endorsement by the Ohio Republican PAC and/or the Geauga County Republican PAC. These FAKE Republican PACs are NOT affiliated in any official way with the Republican Party and I caution voters not to be fooled by them. They did not contact all the candidates on the ballot for their PAC endorsement; they picked the candidates they want to win.
Much noise has also been made about who is the real Republican in the judicial race between candidates Matthew Rambo and Tim Grendell. Throughout Rambo’s entire voting record, beginning in the late 1990s and from 2012-2016, he was affiliated with the Republican Party for a combined total of about 18 years. For a short while, Rambo was affiliated with the Democratic Party, in 2010 and in 2017 and 2018 when he was a Democratic judicial candidate.
However, he has stated that he fully supports the Geauga County Republican Party platform and recently cast his early absentee ballot as a Republican. Therefore, he IS a Republican. As reported in The News-Herald, in 2008 when Tim Grendell was an Ohio State Senator, he was censured by the Lake County Republican Party for supporting Democratic candidate Mark Schneider, who defeated incumbent Republican House Representative Carol-Ann Schindel. Party Chairman Dale Fellows has said that the censure is still in effect to this day. Ultimately, it is up to you, the voter, to decide how much of a litmus test Republicanism matters when you cast your ballot on March 17.
I speak for our Party when I say that we welcome people into our Republican tent who share our principles and our core values. President Trump was elected in 2016 when many voters crossed party lines after feeling abandoned by the now far left Democratic Party, and I predict that they will do so again this November.
This primary election is very important for the future of Geauga County, and I ask that all registered voters participate in deciding who will best represent us. Thank you.
Nancy McArthur, Chairman
Geauga County Republican Party
Many good things are indeed going on in Geauga Park District, well deserving of the votes cast this past November to pass the park levy.
However, I take issue with claims by Probate Judge Tim Grendell and Executive Director John Oros that Geauga Park District is greater than ever.
I retired this past fall after almost 33 years with Geauga Park District. During the first 26 years of my tenure, Geauga Park District evolved into one of the best park systems in Ohio, well respected by park professionals statewide and beyond.
The untimely tragic death of Geauga County Probate Judge Chip Henry, a man of great integrity, had far-reaching consequences in Geauga County, including the appointment of Timothy Grendell as Judge Henry’s replacement.
During Judge Henry’s years, Geauga Park District was unmolested by politics, its progress guided by the visionary leadership of park commissioners committed to the stewardship of Geauga’s natural heritage for the life-enriching benefits that nature holds for people. Under capable directors, the development of park facilities, management of parklands to protect Geauga’s rich biological diversity, creation of appropriate recreation opportunities and diversified educational programming proceeded with a skilled, dedicated and motivated staff aided, in many ways, by devoted volunteers.
Leadership starts with the probate judge who appoints park board members. Park commissioners should possess a well-informed conservation ethic, familiarity with Geauga Park District’s formative years and a true understanding of the park district’s role and responsibility for preserving, protecting and fostering appreciation for Geauga’s natural features — qualities lacking in many of Grendell’s choices of park commissioners.
Park board appointments seem more of a means of gaining or elevating political allies. Under Tim Grendell, park board membership has been a revolving door, a new mix every year with shifting priorities that stymies long-range strategic planning.
I have found it particularly offensive that Judge Grendell has co-opted Geauga Park District as a vehicle for self-promotion — under the guise of park promotion — at taxpayer expense. Virtually every piece of park district print media, ostensibly to highlight and promote park offerings, features the judge’s image, name and title. The park board and director are included to somehow make it less obvious that it’s not all about the judge.
The most blatant example is a billboard on U.S. 322 in the hamlet of Fowler’s Mills prominently featuring the judge during his re-election campaign.
I firmly believe that Matt Rambo, as Geauga County Probate judge, is the person to get Geauga Park District back on the right path to achieving its greater potential and higher calling to regain and retain its reputation of being among the finest park systems in the Great Lakes Region.
For those of you voting Republican in the Ohio primary election, please give Matt Rambo your vote for probate judge in the March 17 primary. It’s the only opportunity to unseat incumbent Grendell for another six years. With his appetite for controversy and conflict so amply demonstrated in so many aspects of his judgeship, it’s time for him to turn in his robe.
Dan Best
Retired Naturalist, Geauga Park District
City of Chardon
I am proud and honored to say I have known Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand for a very long time. He is the epitome of everything that makes our county great. I cannot think of a more sincere, honorable and hard-working individual who has dedicated his life to serving the people of Geauga County.
While I was Geauga County Township Association president, I asked Scott to serve on the township sssociation Kent State Geauga scholarship committee with me and six others. Together, we worked to provide a fully funded/endowed scholarship.
Scott is a dedicated (Chardon) Rotarian and helps annually with our Special Needs Fishing Event at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve each May. The Rotary motto is “Service above Self” and that is what our sheriff is all about.
Our sheriff’s unwavering years of service continue to unite and ultimately strengthen our Geauga County safety forces.
As a life-long county resident, he has made it his personal calling to serve our county. It is in everyone’s best interest we keep Sheriff Hildenbrand as our respected sheriff.
We are “Geauga Strong” with Scott as our sheriff.
Jim Dvorak
Geauga County Commissioner
Burton Township
It is only by experience that wisdom is gained to produce strong leadership that generates great results. Ralph Spidalieri is the only choice for the contested seat of Commissioner of Geauga County.
His 20-plus years of successful business ownership has given him the skills required to turnaround the board of commissioners over the past eight years. He has created strategic alliances with other Geauga departments that have helped reduce red tape and create jobs in Geauga County. He has brought sound business leadership to his government role.
His team orientation has contributed greatly to eliminating the county’s $6 million deficit and producing the current $10 million surplus. Now Geauga County is prepared for the demands that the future may bring.
When Ralph first became commissioner he promised to reduce debt and he has kept his promise.
Additionally, Ralph has over 30 years of law enforcement service. His commitment and heartfelt compassion for those who protect our communities led him to create Blue Line Unlimited, where he serves as vice president. This non-profit provides financial support, assistance and equipment to officers and their families. To date, the organization has raised over $150,000.
Ralph is a patriot committed to America’s founding documents, protecting the unborn and supporting America’s veterans and seniors. He is a lifelong Republican with conservative values. He is committed to give Geauga County the results centered leadership that it deserves.
Linda J. O’Brien
Russell Township
Judge Tim Grendell’s unjudicial behavior hit a low point last week when he gleefully reported that he knew the political affiliation of residents who have his opponent Matthew Rambo’s signs in their yards.
He made this statement both at the Geauga Tea Party candidates night (video posted online) and at the Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial board’s interview to determine endorsement in the Geauga Juvenile/Probate judge race. (They endorsed Matthew Rambo.)
How the heck would he know that without doing a drive by, checking addresses, matching them to property owners, then checking their voting history? Is he in the surveillance business?
At the candidates night event, he also said that signs were in a yard of a person who had appeared in his courtroom regarding a juvenile case as well as another person who had a history of drug use. In my opinion, this is a blatant violation of judicial ethics.
But wait – perhaps he didn’t look them up – perhaps this was done by his constable or his court administrator – both positions paid for by public funds. It takes a long time to drive up and down every road in the county. Were they reimbursed for mileage?
Are voters in Geauga County going to continue to tolerate this kind of invasion of privacy? Are voters in Geauga County going to continue to look the other way and value his name recognition over his self-aggrandizing arrogance?
Let’s stop this madness. Vote for a change. Vote for Matt Rambo for Judge in the March 17 Republican primary.
Barbara Partington
Munson Township
Are You an Undecided Voter?
Undecided about who to vote for in the Republican Primary for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge? I’m voting for Matt Rambo. Here’s why.
Matt Rambo is an even-tempered man who will work collaboratively with other county officials and agencies to provide the best services possible to the people of Geauga County. Unlike the current judge, Matt Rambo won’t regularly threaten hardworking county employees with contempt in order to get his way.
Matt Rambo is a fiscal conservative who will reign in the wild increases in the court’s budget – a $1,000,000 increase since the current judge took office in 2011, despite a drop in the caseload.
Matt Rambo is a humble man who has a calling to serve the public as a judge and whose legal career reflects his preparation for public service, unlike the current judge who is a career politician and runs to his friends in the legislature anytime he wants to change the law to give himself more power.
Matt Rambo will not use public money to plaster his own face and name all over mailers, yard signs and billboards. The current judge has spent tens of thousands of our dollars on self-promotion, using court programs and the county park district as a means to increase name recognition and feed his ego.
Matt Rambo won’t be in the newspapers or on the streets of Chardon Square yelling at police officers. He’ll be working in the courthouse, serving the people of Geauga County.
Still not sure who to vote for? Ask your local law enforcement officer or elected official who they’re voting for. They may not be able to say so publicly, but privately I suspect most of our public servants will tell you they’re voting for Matt Rambo.
Vote Matt Rambo for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge. He will be the best thing to happen for Geauga County’s children and families since Judge Chip Henry.
Shelley Chernin
Russell Township
On March 17, 2020, we, the voters of Geauga County, have the opportunity to end what has been an ongoing and expensive public embarrassment for us, for far too long.
We can end the reign of interference and judicial abuse by Tim Grendell by supporting Matt Rambo for Probate/Juvenile Court judge.
Thomas Jefferson warned of the judiciary being the despotic branch, and it certainly rings true in Geauga County. Judge Grendell has a well-established pattern and practice of adversarial behavior toward anyone who disagrees with him or questions the lawfulness of his (many) orders. That list of adversaries includes former Commissioner Blake Rear, county Auditor Chuck Walder, Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, Republican Party Chair Nancy McArthur, Russell Township Trustees, Chester Township Trustees, government employees and private citizens and organizations.
Calling citizens ‘howling coyotes,’ as Tim Grendell has publicly done, shows a lack of judicial restraint and a serious character flaw. Can you name any other judge in the State of Ohio that has acted in such a manner?
Issuing (unlawful) subpoenas to compel people into his courtroom is a form of intimidation. Russell Township Trustees had to defend themselves against that abuse. When I and fellow Chester Trustee Mike Petruziello refused to follow his unlawful orders, Tim Grendell abused the power of his office by initiating a criminal investigation — alleging third-degree felony intimidation, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Judge Grendell even claimed I violated HIS constitutional rights.
Justice did persevere when his orders were reversed and vacated, but at a cost of more than $100,000 to the taxpayers of Chester. This travesty of justice could have been avoided if Judge Grendell conducted himself consistent with the requirements of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct.
One becomes his political enemy when you disagree with Tim Grendell. That is not judicial temperament, it is judicial abuse.
On the other hand, in my engagements with Matt Rambo, I find him reasoned and reasonable — qualities that will serve him well as our next Probate/Juvenile Court judge.
Grendell pays no penalty for his abuse of power. Only we the people of Geauga County can administer justice by voting for Matt Rambo on March 17, 2020.
Ken Radtke Jr.
Chester Township Trustee
I am writing in support of Sheriff Scott A. Hildenbrand’s candidacy for Geauga County Sheriff.
In my previous position as fire chief for Hambden and Concord townships, I had many occasions to work closely with Scott. I have known Sheriff Hildenbrand for over 35 years, since he was 18 years old. I have found him to be a caring, kind, effective, honest and trustworthy.
I have worked closely with Scott on numerous occasions. His “can do” attitude and willingness to collaborate closely with other agencies greatly enhances the safety of the citizens of Geauga County.
The relationships of the numerous law enforcement and fire agencies in Geauga and Lake counties has never been better and Sheriff Scott A. Hildenbrand is a large part of that successful collaboration. He works well with others in the solution of mutual problems, such as his ability to accomplish results without creating friction. He helped bring law enforcement and fire agencies together dealing with such things a dispatching, information sharing and radio communications; all vital to cooperative services.
The leadership and wisdom that come with rising through the ranks within the Chardon Police Department, the Hambden Fire Department and his 13 years as chief deputy with the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office is very beneficial because the sheriff office is unlike any law enforcement agency. As sheriff, Scott will understand the details of running a sheriff’s office. His management style appears to unite, rather than divide employees.
I was born in Chardon, raised in Chardon, graduated from Chardon High in 1968, enlisted in the Army and served two tours in Vietnam, and returned to Chardon. Married my wife, a Cardinal 1970 graduate, raised two sons in Hambden Township, both graduates of Chardon High School. I joined the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department in January 1976, rose to the rank of fire chief until 1995, then moved to Concord Township and served as fire chief until January 2016. Geauga County was my home for 45 years.
I can think of no one better to continue to serve as Geauga County Sheriff than Scott A. Hildenbrand. I urge everyone to vote for Sheriff Scott A. Hildenbrand in this primary election.
A quote from Booker T. Washington about sums it up: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”
R. Mike Warner
Concord Township
This may be more a public “Thank You” than a letter of support, but the large sign for Sheriff Hildenbrand in my front yard is about more than an election. It is a sign of true gratitude and appreciation.
When I was treasurer of The Great Geauga County Fair, Sheriff Hildenbrand, as previous sheriffs, took very good care of not only the fairgoers, but also the fair workers responding to both routine duties and emergencies. This was no small effort for with 24 hours, five days, nearly to 200,000 people on the grounds with many animals and large moving parts, and huge pieces of equipment — you better believe it was high alert just below the surface of the best and biggest event in Geauga.
So in my mind, it’s not just experience that matters, but it is awareness of your community, its needs and a desire to make Geauga a safe and solid place to live while maintaining the “high alert” just below the surface.
All our first responders have been stretched nearly to capacity with the opioid crisis, and since 2016, just as Sheriff Dan McClelland was retiring. I have worked with Sheriff Hildebrand and the Geauga Task Force to push back against the many forces promoting and profiting from the tragedy of addiction.
Sheriff Hildenbrand understands that this is a team effort. He has worked to coalesce various groups and agencies, including the Chardon Rotary, when he was president, to fight against this difficult problem. This resulted in the Call to the Heart – 2018 donation going to the Red Tulip Project of Geauga that donated over $48,000 going to build the first recovery home for women in Geauga.
Just like the fair, it is good to know that a competent, experienced, community-minded, team builder has your back and watches over not just the Red Tulip, but all of us. Thank you for all your hard work, Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand.
Dianne Kellogg
Treasurer, Red Tulip Project
Claridon Township
I live in Cuyahoga County and have been a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Geauga County for several years. The residents of Geauga County are blessed to have Tim Grendell as juvenile court judge. He appoints CASAs to children’s cases and makes each child’s best interest the top priority at every hearing.
In 2019, closed CASA cases had a 74 percent reunification rate; the national average is only 40 percent. You would do the families of Geauga County a great justice by re-electing Judge Tim Grendell.
Staci Balantzow Block
South Euclid
The full-page ad in last week’s paper was deeply discouraging. Judge Grendell’s use of a PAC to malign Matt Rambo was wrong. It was even more distressing to see that Rambo’s home address was clearly placed in the center of the ad. What was the purpose of this? Was it harassment or intimidation of the candidate? We can’t really say.
As parents of two children, we do know that had this happened to us we would have felt menaced. We have seen Rambo at a variety of community events with his children. Does he have to reconsider bringing them now?
Whether Judge Grendell had any part in creating this ad is irrelevant. As a judge, as a citizen, and as a father himself, he has the obligation to renounce this ad and this kind of dirty politics. There is no excuse for tolerating this kind of behavior.
Peggy and Mike Saxon
Munson Township
I apologize to Scott Hildenbrand. He was right; I am wrong about the cost of the Geauga County Safety Center. My source of information was wrong and I should have cross-verified. Lesson learned. I do apologize and appreciate his calling me out for this.
In response to my public information request for Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Furtherance of Justice funds, I received receipts that were blackened out and unexplainable. Administrative Assistant Christine Kennedy referred me to the auditor’s office for “clean” copies when she knew full well that the auditor’s office does not audit or keep receipts for the FOJ fund.
The sheriff’s office claims that “personally” purchased items on the blackened invoices were paid for separately, but they have not and cannot provide the documentation to clarify the purchases and monies spent.
As for the temperature in the jail, specifically cell block 15, a deputy reported that it’s a lot warmer now . . . nothing like a little “letter to the editor” to turn up the heat.
Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts
Chester Township
The twists and turns for Russell Township’s Issue 3 leaves voters in a quandary. To quote the skillful and passionate leader of Issue 3, who does not own property in Russell Township, “The controversy surrounding our township parks over the last couple of years has been difficult but the quarrels have ended.” This is all we asked and we achieved it.
So why create a political circus? How is it cost-efficient and prudent for Russell taxpayers to have two park districts, with the same objectives, competing for the same tax dollars, with two separate taxing authorities taxing every owner twice for the same benefits?
In October 2017, beautiful brochures were mailed to property owners. The brochures stated that a ‘yes’ vote for the establishment of a second park district, called the Russell Citizens Park District, meant no levy, no tax of any kind.
The following month, the wording on the Nov. 7, 2017, ballot to establish the Russell Citizens Park District did not meet Ohio ballot guidelines. It was designed to favor a ‘yes’ vote. When I leaned about it, I was told by the assistant to the Secretary of State that it was too late to correct the matter. With both types of promotions, Russell voters approved the establishment of the Russell Citizens Park District.
This year, Russell voters are being asked to vote for Issue 3, which is a five-year tax levy for the Russell Citizens Park District, that can total four figures. What will the next one cost?
Yet, it was sold to voters as a no levy park district. Now a vote for Issue 3 is being advertised as “a replacement levy,” even though it absolutely replaces nothing. It is a new tax levy period.
Since 1984, for 36 years, Russell residents have been paying taxes to buy and maintain 430 acres belonging to the Russell Park District. How can we just abandon 430 pristine acres and all the money we invested? What will this do to our property values if the lovely picnic areas, trails, parking lots and structures cannot be maintained because we are now forced to choose between an established park district and a new one that can destroy the other?
That is what will happen if taxpayers cannot support both districts. I just cannot see the value in opening a can of worms.
Since 1964, for 56 years, except for only two failed levies, Russell voters have paid thousands of dollars to the Geauga Park District for the benefits of 10,600 acres. How many wonderful acres can we enjoy, rightfully preserve, and at what cost in one lifetime? I am left to ponder when is enough, enough?
Eileen Marie
Russell Township
I have had the pleasure of working under three Judges over the past 23 years, and two in Geauga County with Judge Henry and Judge Grendell, with whom I hold the highest regard and respect. Why? Because of their dedication to the citizens they represent, the children and the services they have protected.
Judge Tim Grendell has proven to be an honest and just judge. His integrity is above reproach. He takes the utmost measures to protect our children and seniors, and keeps our community safe.
Please, do not believe all the negative things that have been falsely printed and said about Judge Grendell. If you have questions on what he is doing for the community, I am sure he would take the time to answer all of your questions and concerns. Why? Because he is a man who genuinely cares.
What the community needs to know about Mr. Rambo is that he crossed his own Democratic Party line to run against Judge Grendell as a Republican. How can you trust someone who was a progressive Democrat one day and claim to be Republican the next? How does such flip-flopping of political opportunism instill pride in a judge?
By his own admission, Mr. Rambo has said he has never represented anyone in the Geauga probate and juvenile court. Do you, as a community, want this inexperienced person looking after the welfare of our children and our seniors? Experience . . . he has none.
Judge Grendell has provided so many new programs at the court designed to help our residents, seniors and families by implementing the court’s Help Center and The Good Deeds program. Programs that help our seniors understand the probate process and programs for families who cannot afford representation, but need help in understanding what they need to do to make their lives less stressful.
Judge Grendell gets out there and meets with the people of our community, stays in touch with our police and fire departments, and school representatives. He answers questions of a complex nature and gives them his best advice.
Vote for the man who is most qualified for this important job in our community. We need a judge with years of experience, not someone who has none.
Please, on March 17, 2020, go to your polling place and vote. Vote with the knowledge that you are making the right choice for your county, your families and, more importantly, the children and seniors of our community.
Katherine Madda
Leroy Township
Recent campaign tactics by Judge Tim Grendell are wrong. He is basing his race to continue as Geauga Probate/Juvenile Judge on party and experience (not performance).
Grendell has overspent, using taxpayer money, and does not respect or work together with other Republican officials, so is he a true Republican? (See these articles: “Judge Grendell’s Kangaroo Court-like proceedings against GOP official in Geauga County require a judicial rebuke” – The Cleveland Plain Dealer; “Pay dispute between judge, auditor heads to High Court” – The Times; “Judge Issues Blistering Rebuke of Grendell Orders” – Geauga County Maple Leaf.
Grendell had no experience with abuse/neglect cases prior to being appointed a judge. Juvenile cases (abuse, neglect, dependency, legal guardianship and delinquency) are confidential for important reasons, but that does not allow the public to know what happens in these cases.
In my role as staff/director of CASA for KIDS (1998-2015), I spent much time in court. Judge Grendell initially had little understanding of the complicated issues that presented in abuse/neglect cases. For example, in a case where a father was legally mandated to receive treatment for alcohol addiction (he had violent incidents when drinking – another court ordered that he give up his guns), Judge Grendell told the dad to be sure to refrain from drinking when he had weekly visits with his children. This was not consistent with the treatment plan.
Judge Grendell often did not respect or listen to the input and knowledge of the caseworkers from the Job & Family Services agency. Court decisions were influenced by Judge Grendell’s mood. In one case, he threw a 10-year CASA volunteer (awarded for her thorough, outstanding advocacy) out of court and off a case because he did not like the recommendation she made regarding the best interest of the children.
Grendell then dismissed the attorney representing that CASA volunteer from the courtroom. This attorney, who was a valuable legal consultant for the CASA program, quit the position as a result of the judge’s action.
I have been very disheartened to hear during the last few months of this campaign season of respected foster parents who will no longer foster children from Geauga County because they have been unhappy with decisions made by Judge Grendell. Unfortunately, due to confidentiality, they cannot speak up. Enough! We cannot allow the lives of children and families to be negatively impacted.
Matt Rambo has knowledge of abuse/neglect cases as a guardian ad litem representing the best interest of children in the Ashtabula County Juvenile Court. He has a calm demeanor and a desire to serve the public, not himself. I will choose integrity (Matt Rambo) over so-called experience when I vote.
BTW, Judge Charles Henry (1994-2011) had no prior experience as a judge before being appointed, but his demeanor, respect for the family/child service providers and desire to help youth and families enabled him to become outstanding and highly respected.
Christine Steigerwald
Bainbridge Township
On March 17, the election of the sheriff of Geauga County will be decided on the Republican primary ballot, as there will be no Democrat candidate on the November general election ballot.
As 25-year residents of Geauga County, we have observed the changes in our county leadership with interest. Some things have gotten better over the years, and some things have not.
This year, our voters have the opportunity to significantly advance the effectiveness and professionalism of our county’s law enforcement systems by electing Jimmy Lee Holden to be our sheriff.
We have respected Jimmy Lee for years and know him to be an honest, capable, committed and practical law enforcement professional. Jimmy Lee’s 35 years of policing experience – serving successfully in a diversity of roles and responsibilities – have equipped him very well to lead our county’s law enforcement operations.
He has depth of experience in both tactical law enforcement and in training law enforcement professionals. He also brings compassionate leadership, with thoughtful attention to the challenges people face with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Jimmy Lee Holden is running for the office of Geauga County Sheriff because he sees clearly that we can significantly improve our county law enforcement effectiveness. His recommendations include improving how crimes are investigated and reported, eliminating inefficiencies and updating how the county jail is operated, creating a drug interdiction unit with local police departments, and creating a mental health response team.
Without indulging the negative, it is pertinent to point out that our current sheriff, Scott Hildenbrand, is not a career law enforcement professional, and he has not been serving as our sheriff in a full-time capacity as he is also the Hambden fire chief.
Under the current sheriff’s leadership, we have seen gaps in the training of our officers and the investigation of crimes. By electing Jimmy Lee Holden, we have the opportunity to bring more focused, experienced, and full-time policing leadership to Geauga County. It is time for a change for the better.
If you choose a Republican ballot for the March 17 primary, we encourage you to vote for Jimmy Lee Holden to be our next Geauga County Sheriff.
Marty and Mary Kay O’Toole
South Russell Village
First of all, I would like to express sincere gratitude to all of the Russell residents who have fought so hard to save our open spaces and parks. Because of your efforts we were able to stop the underhanded sale and development of our land that was initiated after Judge Timothy Grendell removed our trustworthy park board and replaced them with those willing to do his bidding.
We watched as we were repeatedly misled about their intentions with our parks. We listened while we were boldly lied to and told the park board account did not have enough remaining funds to maintain our parks, which in reality there was plenty, over $125,000, to fund the parks for the next three years.
We took action and voted in a new, better and honest park board that Judge Grendell has absolutely no control over and is run exclusively by Russell residents and its trustees.
March 17 is the final step to ensure that Russell stays green forever and a legacy for generations to come. Please vote ‘yes’ for the renewal of our 1-mill levy for the Russell Citizens Park board.
And, as a bonus, if the levy passes, we will be able to acquire a beautiful 68-acre property on Music Street that adjoins The West Woods in which three-quarters of the purchase price is being paid for by a clean water grant. This large grant is entirely dependent on the passing of the levy, so I encourage everyone to get out there and vote yes to help ensure that our property values stay high and Russell stays green.
Sharmyn Clark
Russell Township
Before Tim Grendell became a judge, he manipulated the election process twice.
Many Geauga voters remember how he likely destroyed Republican chances to continue control of the Ohio House of Representatives by supporting a Lake County Democrat whose narrow victory tipped the balance of control in the House, denying the Speaker of the House position to Geauga County’s own Republican representative at the time.
Grendell did not support the Republican Party.
His lack of respect for the election process was also demonstrated when, as a state senator, he ran and won election to the Ohio House of Representatives. When his wife was not appointed to his unexpired senate seat, he decided to stay in the Senate.
Did “I’m running for the House” secretly mean “I’m running for the House, but only if my wife gets appointed to take my place in the Senate?” Is this not misleading the voters?
Currently, both Grendells are running for office, using the same signs without specifying who is running for what position. Obfuscation continues!
Tim Grendell purchased a full page against Matt Rambo. It was paid for by The Freedom for All PAC. It appears from online research to be a small Akron-based PAC focused on human rights, with most significant contributions coming from businesses outside of Ohio.
As always, as has been stated by many in local papers, with Timothy it is always a good idea to follow the money to know what he is up to.
I will vote for Matt Rambo for Probate/Juvenile Court Judge and for returning integrity and respect to the electoral process.
Jacqueline Samuel
Burton
I am writing to urge every voter in Geauga County, regardless of which political party they have been associated with in the past, to request a Republican ballot and vote for Matthew Rambo in the race for Probate/Juvenile Court judge.
For Democratic Party voters, this means foregoing the chance to vote for your favorite candidate in the presidential primary. However, there are times when party affiliation must take a back seat to a moral imperative.
The race for Probate/Juvenile Court judge has a real competitor for the first time since the day the current occupant of that office was appointed by Gov. Kasich.
While national political races are obviously important, local judges have the ability to impact our daily lives in ways that are dramatic, immediate and potentially devastating. For six years, the current judge has abused his office and frozen the public out of any discussion of policy concerning the public boards he is empowered to appoint. This has resulted in massive waste and misuse of funds and public assets.
There have also been many stories of how he has abused his power to negatively impact families and intimidate other elected officials and public bodies.
We now have one chance to support a good and qualified candidate for Probate/Juvenile Court judge. That candidate is Matthew Rambo.
Good citizenship demands that we fight against corrupt and self-serving office holders. Today, for me, that means crossing over to the Republican Party and voting for Rambo in the Republican primary.
Frank Gwirtz
Parkman Township
I recently heard too many times that Judge Timothy J. Grendell does not care about the children of Geauga County. This statement is the opposite of fact.
Judge Grendell adjudicates cases involving children from throughout Geauga County. Children in situations such as physical, mental and sexual abuse, drug addicted parents, absent parents, alcoholics and more. This is a difficult and grueling undertaking.
The goal of any case is to first and foremost protect the children. He takes this responsibility wholeheartedly. Situations may require immediate action — remove the child or children from the environment and ensure their safety.
Judge Grendell has many resources at his disposal. Those resources do deep and thorough investigations, including regular meetings with the children, families, teachers, counselors and others to prepare and submit reports to the court. These investigators also attend every hearing regarding their child.
Reunification is always the goal of every case. The children deserve to have a stable, safe, supportive family life. However, there are occasions that the decision in the best interest of the child is not the popular decision. Reuniting with toxic, abusive, unsupportive parents would be detrimental to the child’s well-being. Judge Grendell stands resolute and concerns himself first and always with the welfare of the children.
Geauga County has the highest reunification rate in the State of Ohio – 76 percent. The average rate is around 42 percent. This rate of family reunification is the result of the arduous work of the teams associated with each case.
Being in Judge Grendell’s courtroom and witnessing him attempt to help the broken families of Geauga County is inspiring. While the family jigsaw puzzle is broken, he and his team work steadfastly to reassemble the pieces.
Karen A. Kukwa
Munson Township
I support the re-election of Judge Timothy Grendell for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court.
Judge Grendell is a tough, but fair judge who has the experience and proven record that Geauga County needs.
Judge Grendell cares about this community and those who come before the probate/juvenile court. Judge Grendell is keenly aware of the drug issues that affect Geauga County families.
The probate/juvenile judge is also tasked with appointing the three-member citizen board to govern Geauga Park District and Judge Grendell has placed a credible board. And Judge Grendell is a Republican.
There has been some necessary dialogue about the voting record of Matthew Rambo, who has entered the Republican primary as a challenger to Judge Grendell. Some say Mr. Rambo is a Democrat and some say he is a Republican. Others twist the issue by saying that judgeships are nonpartisan.
The first undisputable fact is the March 17 Republican primary is partisan and distinctly Republican. The second undisputable fact is that Matt Rambo ran for Geauga County Court of Common Pleas as a Democrat in 2018 and lost that election. Then, just after the 2018 election, Geauga Democrats in an announcement of an event to “reduce Matt Rambo’s campaign debt” placed this direct quote along with a photo of Matt Rambo on their website: “Matt Rambo is our candidate for Judge. Next Judgeship up is held by Tim Grendell. Geauga needs the dynamic energy and wisdom of Matt Rambo. Matt has agreed to be a candidate for Judge in Geauga County until elected. Next judge up for election is Tim Grendell.”
Yes, Matt Rambo, was the stated choice candidate of Geauga Democrats and their plan position him to run against Judge Grendell was hatched in 2018. It is also well worth considering that challenger Matt Rambo has no experience in a probate/juvenile courtroom.
There have now been years of negative and public discourse against Judge Grendell by a supposedly environmental group who proport to love our county parks. The simmering anger of this fringe citizen group was initiated because Judge Grendell necessarily replaced some incompetent park board members.
These bitter folks have some strange ideas about conservation and their website is now awash with support for Matt Rambo. It would seem that this group is very political and would like to unnecessarily take over our parks by ousting Judge Grendell and putting Matt Rambo on the bench to appoint board members.
The fact is that our lovely county park system is now under much better leadership, thanks to Judge Grendell, and our parks are quite successful both in conservation and in providing recreational opportunities for Geauga County families. I love Geauga Parks!
If you are a true Republican, it is critical that you vote in the March 17 Republican primary. Please join me in supporting Judge Timothy Grendell.
Kathy Johnson
Chardon Township
Last week’s newspaper had a very troubling article about the possible taking of funds by an attorney who was appointed guardian by the probate court and under its supervision.
It seems that funds were taken from some of the most vulnerable people in our county. How could this have happened? How could there have been so little oversight in the probate court of Judge Grendell that funds were misappropriated from multiple accounts? Shouldn’t the court have known and reported this situation to law enforcement?
Eventually, estates of many of our friends or loved ones may come before the probate court. Geauga taxpayers have the right to expect better oversight from probate Judge Grendell.
Tony Festa
Russell Township
Once again, Republicans are presented the opportunity to return Melissa Pope, a passionate conservative leader, to the Republican State Central Committee.
Currently the State Central Committeewoman representing the 32nd Ohio State Senate District for the past eight years, Melissa Pope has continued her tireless efforts at strengthening the ties between local, statewide and U.S. elected officials.
A wife, mother, grandmother, NRA member and Delegate-at-Large for President Trump in the 2020 election, Melissa epitomizes the character and qualities of a dedicated Republican leader. Melissa has opened her home to candidates at all levels for fundraising and strategy sessions.
Melissa also makes time to volunteer her talents locally with Bikers Against Child Abuse and Community Care, and is an active member of the Ashtabula County Republican Women’s Club.
No job is ever too tedious for Melissa Pope – be it cleaning the local Republican headquarters, facilitating literature drops around the region, door knocking, parade walking – you can count on Melissa Pope be there, working not for the glory, but for the greater good of the Republican Party, its candidates and its ideology.
For those wishing to continue the positive surge of the Red Wave in our region, I encourage all Republicans to vote for Melissa Pope for State Central Committeewoman of the 32nd Ohio State Senate District on March 17.
Michele Schroeder
Harpersfield
I am supporting Judge Grendell for reelection in the Republican Primary on March 17.
Tim Grendell closely identifies with traditions and issues that affect our families and the welfare of citizens here in Geauga County. To his favor are endorsements by the Ohio Right to Life and the NRA. He is a recipient of the Life Award from the Ohio Christian Alliance.
Tim has also supported the Amish through legislation to protect maple syrup production, eliminating electricity requirement and exempting Amish from jury duty.
He was an active duty captain of the U.S. Army for four and a half years and is presently a member of the American Legion. He is a true patriot.
Furthermore, his leadership position with the Geauga Park District has helped open parks to limited youth hunting and regulated snowmobiling, along with other activities that preservationists oppose — preservation is “no use,” conservation is “wise use.” Tim is a conservationist.
I have lived in Geauga County since 1961. I graduated from Chardon High School and am privileged to live in this great county, which I consider to be the Heartland of America. I’ve known Tim for 30 years and his leadership will continue to keep Geauga the special county that it is.
I’m asking you to join me in voting for Judge Timothy Grendell on March 17.
Keith J. Landies
City of Chardon
I am writing to support our Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand. During my time as prosecuting attorney, Sheriff Hildenbrand has worked with our office and other law enforcement agencies on a daily basis to keep our community safe.
Scott has dedicated his life to law enforcement in our county and works 24 hours, 7 days a week as our sheriff.
Under Scott’s leadership, our sheriff’s office worked to solve four cold case homicides over the past seven years.
The sheriff’s office is a well-trained agency whose level of professionalism is unsurpassed in Ohio. As the opioid crisis was beginning to take hold across the country, Scott worked with the Geauga County Commissioners to establish the first narcotics unit in Geauga County. This specialized group of detectives in the sheriff’s office works to support other law enforcement agencies to solve cases without depriving the local departments of much needed patrol officers.
Since the narcotics unit was created, their work has resulted in convictions and lengthy prison sentences for the largest drug distribution case in the history of our county and the first heroin dealers to be held responsible for their role in overdose deaths.
I can unequivocally say that the cooperation between law enforcement agencies in our county has never been better in large part due to Scott Hildenbrand’s leadership. Please join me in voting to re-elect our sheriff, Scott Hildenbrand.
Jim Flaiz
Geauga County Prosecutor
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate
General Code, Sec. 11661
Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26
Case No. 19-F-000101
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:
BOKF, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BANCOKLAHOMA MORTGAGE CORP., Plaintiff vs. NUNZIO J. LIUZZO, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Alias 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 2nd day of April, 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 16th day of April, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Chester to wit:
Situated in the Township of Chester, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio and known as being Sublot No. 42 of County Line Estates Subdivision No. 1 as recorded in Volume 6, Pages 1 thru 4 of Geauga County Records, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the North line of Hillcrest Lane at the Southwest corner of Sublot No. 43 of said County Line Estates; thence North 421.70 feet along the Westerly line of said Sublot 43 to the Southerly line of Sublot 45; thence West 199.48 feet to the easterly line of Sublot 41; thence South 405.92 feet along the Easterly line of said Sublot 41 to the Northerly line of Hillcrest Lane; thence East 200.00 feet along the northerly line of Hillcrest Lane to the place of beginning, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Property Address: 7080 Hillcrest Lane, Chester Township, OH 44026
Said Premises Located at: 7080 HILLCREST LANE, CHESTER TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 11-022605
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 ($80,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($53,334.00). 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
Ashley Rothfuss, attorney
Mar5-12-19, 2020
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate
General Code, Sec. 11661
Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26
Case No. 19-F-000176
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:
BAINBROOK CONDOMINIUM NO. 1 OWNER’S ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff vs. STACEY R. PARKINS, 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 2nd day of April, 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 16th day of April, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Bainbridge to wit:
A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024.
Said Premises Located at: 8195 STONEY BROOK DRIVE (UNIT NO. B-3 IN THE BAINBROOK CONDOMINIUM NO. 1), BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 02-419458
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 ($185,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($123,334.00). 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
Lindsey A. Wrubel, attorney
Mar5-12-19, 2020
General Code, Sec. 11661
Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26
Case No. 19-F-000320
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:
CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLEY AS TRUSTEE OF NRZ PASS-THROUGH TRUST VI, Plaintiff vs. ROSEMARY BONACCI, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Alias 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 2nd day of April, 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 16th day of April, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Chardon to wit:
Situated in the Township of Chardon, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio:
Being part of Lot No. 10, Tract No. 1 within said the Township, and described as follows:
Beginning at an iron pipe in the center line of Winchell Road and in the Westerly line of lands conveyed to Robert Harper by deed recorded in Volume 179, Page 462, of Geauga County Records of Deeds;
Thence N. 87 deg. 11’ 30” W., along the center line of Winchell Road, 391.9 feet;
Thence N. 2 deg. 39’ 30” E., and through an iron pipe 30.0 feet from said road center line, a total distance of 555.8 feet to an iron pipe;
Thence S. 87 deg. 11’ 30” E. 391.9 feet to an iron pipe in the Westerly line of aforesaid Harper lands;
Thence S. 87 deg. 11’ 30” E. 391.9 feet to an iron pipe in the Westerly line of aforesaid Harper lands;
Thence S. 2 deg. 39’ 30” W., along said Westerly line of 555.8 feet to the place of beginning, and through an iron pipe 50.0 feet therefrom, containing 5.0 acres as surveyed in May, 1948, by Root and Schoonover, Chardon, Ohio, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Prior Deed Reference: Volume 1522, Page 648
Said Premises Located at: 11930 CLARK ROAD, CHARDON TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 06-007600
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 ($150,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($100,000.00). 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
David T. Brady, attorney
Mar 5-12-19, 2020
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate
General Code, Sec. 11661
Case No. 19-F-000493
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:
QUICKEN LOANS, INC., Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN SPOUSE IF ANY OF DONALD JARDEE, ET AL., Defendants
In pursuance of an Alias 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 2nd day of April, 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 16th day of April, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Chester to wit:
Situated in the Township of Chester, County of Geauga and State of Ohio:
And known as being Sub Lot No. 34 in County Line Estates Subdivision No. 5, as recorded in Volume 7, Page 98 of Geauga County Records of Plats, be the same more or less.
Subject to and together with all easements, restrictions and legal highways, if any, of record.
Being the same property conveyed to Donald D. Jardee, single by Deed, dated February 26, 2002 recorded on March 04, 2002 in Book 1458, Page 296 of the Geauga County Ohio records.
Address of Property: 12901 Morning Glory Trl, Chesterland, OH 44026
Said Premises Located at: 12901 MORNING GLORY TRAIL, CHESTER TOWNSHIP, OH
Permanent Parcel Number: 11-219700
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 ($150,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($100,000.00). 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
Carson A. Rothfuss, attorney
Mar 5-12-19, 2020
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate
General Code, Sec. 11661
Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26
Case No. 19-F-000695
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:
THE MIDDLEFIELD BANKING COMPANY, Plaintiff vs. SCOT LEE, 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 2nd day of April, 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 16th day of April, 2020 the following described real estate,
Situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Newbury to wit:
Situated in the Township of Newbury, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio:
Known as being Sublots Nos. 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and 107 in L.L. Punderson’s Allotment No. 2 of part of original lots nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13, tract no. 3 in said Township, as shown by the recorded plat of said allotment in Volume 4 of maps, page 19 of Geauga County Records, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.
Address: 12169 Springview Drive, Burton, Ohio 44021
Prior Instrument: Deed filed for record and recorded in the Office of the Geauga County Recorder on January 13, 2010 on January 13, 2010 at 9:37 a.m. in Official Records Book 1874 at Pages 1489-1490 (Instrument No. 201000804779).
Said Premises Located at: 12169 SPRINGVIEW DRIVE, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH
Permanent Parcel Number: 23-112300; 23-112400; 23-112500; 23-112600; 23-112700; 23-112800; 23-112900; 23-113000; 23-113100; 23-113200; 23-113300
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 ($250,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($166,667.00). 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
Anthony J. Gingo, attorney
Mar 5-12-19, 2020
Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate
General Code, Sec. 11661
Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26
Case No. 19-F-000701
The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss:
THE MIDDLEFIELD BANKING COMPANY, Plaintiff vs. JEREMY J. BRATNICK, 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 2nd day of April, 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 16th day of April, 2020 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Parkman to wit:
Situated in the Township of Parkman, County of Geauga and State of Ohio:
And known as being in and a part of Lot No. 1, Section No. 25 of the original survey of said Township, more fully described as follows: Beginning a point in the center line of the Hobart Road as now located in said Township, said point is S. 83 deg. 58’ E. a distance of 7.19 feet from an iron pin set at an angle point in the
enter line of said Hobart Road, and said iron pin also marks the division between land of J.A. Fink and land of B. and S. Kuhns; thence S. 83 deg. 58’ E. along Grantor’s northerly line a distance of 349.00 feet to an iron pin; Thence S. 6 deg. 09’ E. on a line severing grantor’s property a distance of 300.00 feet to an iron pin; thence N. 83 deg. 58’ W. on a line severing grantor’s property a distance of 351.30 feet to a point in the center line of the said Hobart Road; thence N. 7 deg. 05’ W. along the center line of said Road, a distance of 178.70 feet to a point of curve in said Road; thence northerly along said curve, bearing to the right, having a central angle of 13 deg. 25’ 20” a radius of 1041.74 feet and tangents of 122.58 feet a distance of 121.30 feet to a point, being the place of beginning, 2.37 acres.
More commonly known as : 18753 Hobart Road, West Farmington, Ohio 44491
Said Premises Located at: 18753 HOBART ROAD, PARKMAN TOWNSHIP, OH.
Permanent Parcel Number: 25-114000
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 ($115,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($76,667.00). 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
Anthony J. Gingo, attorney
Mar 5-12-19, 2020
DATE OF SALE: Thursday, March 19, 2020 — 10:00 A.M.
APPRAISAL MINIMUM BID
Bainbridge Township
Case No. 19-F-000463 — PNC Mortgage, a Division of PNC Bank, National Association, etc. vs. Jess R. Gift, et al., 16535 Heatherwood Lane (1.50 acres). PPN: 02-410890. James L. Sassano, atty.
$500,000.00 $333,334.00
Middlefield Village
Case No. 18-F-000616 — The Huntington National Bank vs. Frank Coschignano, et al., 14900 Thompson Avenue (0.37 acres). PPN: 19-041800. Peter L. Mehler, atty.
$85,000.00 $56,667.00
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.
ELECTION NOTICES
ISSUE # 1
NOTICE OF ELECTION
On Local Option Question(s)
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a petition, resolution, ordinance, or judgement entry filed with the Board of Elections of Geauga County, Ohio on the December 16, 2019, there will be submitted to a vote of the electors of said precinct, at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting therein, on the 17th day of March, 2020, in the precinct designated as follows:
PRECINCT BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP PRECINCT F
On the questions designated as follows:
Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and midnight by Aldi Inc Ohio dba Aldi 46, an applicant for a D6 liquor permit, who is engaged in the business of operating a deep discount grocery store at 7050 Aurora Rd, Bainbridge Twp, Aurora, OH 44202, in this precinct?
The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
BY ORDER OF THE
BOARD OF ELECTIONS,
OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Edward M. Ryder, Chair
Pete Zeigler, Director
Mar 5, 2020
ISSUE # 2
NOTICE OF ELECTION
On Tax Levy in Excess of
the Ten Mill Limitation
Revised Code Sections
3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25
Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the PARKMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the October 15, 2019, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 17th day of March, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation:
An additional tax for the benefit of Parkman Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, for the establishment and maintenance of lines of fire-alarm communications, for the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the revised code, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company, or for the payment of other related costs at a rate not exceeding 5 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.50 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.
The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
BY ORDER OF THE
BOARD OF ELECTIONS,
OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Edward M. Ryder, Chair
Pete Zeigler, Director
Mar 5-12, 2020
ISSUE # 3
NOTICE OF ELECTION
On Tax Levy in Excess of
the Ten Mill Limitation
Revised Code Sections
3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25
Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the RUSSELL TOWNSHIP, Ohio, passed on the December 11, 2019, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 17th day of March, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation:
An additional tax for the benefit of Russell Township Citizens Park District for the purpose of parks and recreational purposes at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.10 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.
The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
BY ORDER OF THE
BOARD OF ELECTIONS,
OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Edward M. Ryder, Chair
Pete Zeigler, Director
Mar 5-12, 2020
ISSUE # 5
NOTICE OF ELECTION
On Tax Levy in Excess of
the Ten Mill Limitation
Revised Code Sections
3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25
Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio, passed on the December 3, 2019, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 17th day of March, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation:
A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Geauga County for the purpose of providing the Geauga County Department of Job and Family Services with sufficient funds for providing preventative services to abused, neglected and abandoned children, for the care and placement of children in foster and adoptive homes and for any operating or capital improvement expenditure necessary for the support of children services and the care and placement of children at a rate not exceeding 0.5 mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.05 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.
The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
BY ORDER OF THE
BOARD OF ELECTIONS,
OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Edward M. Ryder, Chair
Pete Zeigler, Director
Mar 5-12, 2020
ISSUE # 6
NOTICE OF ELECTION
On Tax Levy in Excess of
the Ten Mill Limitation
Revised Code Sections
3501.11(G), 5705.19, 5705.25
Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio, passed on the December 10, 2019, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 17th day of March, 2020 the question of levying a tax, in excess of the ten mill limitation:
A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Geauga County Department on Aging for the purpose of providing or maintaining senior citizens services or facilities at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.10 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing in 2020, first due in calendar year 2021.
The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
BY ORDER OF THE
BOARD OF ELECTIONS,
OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Edward M. Ryder, Chair
Pete Zeigler, Director
The West Geauga Wolverines boys basketball team put things together in the second half of this season in impressive fashion.
They have ridden the talents of their big two players, Josh Irwin and Peyton Bissler, whenever needed, but also received some huge efforts from a supporting cast to win 11 of their last 13 regular season games.
The team began the week with a Division II district championship ahead as the No. 5 seed in the Lakeside district. That game, against No. 1-seeded Lutheran East, was completed March 4 after deadline.
The win before that, Feb. 28 against No. 13-seeded Edgewood, was a 61-51 win.
West Geauga needed all it could put forth in defeating the Warriors, though, by that score.
Aidan Garvey and Keegan Barnhart were in dress clothes with minor injuries to ankles, suffered in the final season victory over Trinity, but other players stepped up big-time for coach Jeff Javorek.
It took a pair of short scoring runs, one in the second period and another midway through the third period, to lift West Geauga to a position of comfort in the results.
The Warriors held a 17-16 lead when Bissler regained the West G lead with a driving layup from the right side. Irwin took a pass from Aidan Pitcock in the middle of the paint area and put home a short hook shot, and Patrick Garrett nailed a 3-pointer to complete a 7-0 run that pushed the lead to 23-17.
After Colbert hit a basket to open the third period, Pitcock took a pass from Bissler and nailed a long bomb from the right wing to ignite a 12-1 run.
The final stats show how balanced and involved the Wolverines were in providing support for Bissler and Irwin. They scored normally, with 23 and 18 points, respectively, but all seven West Geauga players recorded assists as they shot just over 51 percent from the floor in the game.
Irwin recorded five of those helps, and Bissler added four, but Garrett, with two, and Anthony Formichelli, Ethan Pollak, Pitcock and Cameron Rogal, with one each, proved that the Warrior defense could not converge on one player frequently to stop the offense.
Finding the open man became regular stuff for the Wolverines (17-7), and they finished well.
“They had one heck of a strong game in their last game,” coach Javorek said. “They played really hard all night, but we were confident that if we played our game, we could and should win. Considering they lost all their starters from last year, they proved they have come a long way to this point.”
The key was having all seven playing Wolverines putting in some points, while assisting for teammates.
Bissler played hard, as usual, but felt it was only a matter of time before the Wolverines took control.
“I came out with the mindset that we were the better team right away,” Bissler said. “The better team won tonight, but we worked hard, too. We moved the ball well (and) made some big shots against a pretty good team, which is what we had to do.”
Pitcock said he knows and appreciates his role in the West Geauga machine.
“I just tried to keep things moving for us out on the floor, the same as always,” he said. “Edgewood is a fast, physical team, but so are we, and we can play any style that a team wants to.
“If we execute well, we think we can win any time out.”
That is what has gotten the Wolverines to this part of the season after a rough beginning: the big guys do their part, all the others make sure their presence is known and felt, and there is no fear in giving the ball to other players when the opportunity arises.
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
Feb 6-13-20-27 Mar 5-12, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
20-F-000093 – US BANK TRUST, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, ASSIGNS, LEGATEES AND DEVISEES OF GENE MORRIS, DECEASED, et al., Defendants.
John Doe, Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse if any of Lorene M. Morris, whose last known address is: 19039 Hillside Lane, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Gene Morris, Deceased, and Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Lorene M. Morris, Deceased, whose last known address is: Unknown, and who cannot be served, will take notice that on January 30, 2020, Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Foreclosure and other Equitable Relief in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio, located at 100 Short Court Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024, being Case No. 20-F-000093, against John Doe, Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse if any of Lorene M. Morris; Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Gene Morris, Deceased, and Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Lorene M. Morris, Deceased, among others as Defendants, alleging that, Gene Morris, Deceased, and Lorene M. Morris, Deceased, are in default for all payments from November 2, 2017; that on November 24, 2010, Gene Morris, Deceased, and Lorene M. Morris, Deceased, executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed in which said Defendants agreed, among other things, to pay the Note and to comply with all of the terms of the Mortgage Deed hereinafter described, which Mortgage Deed was filed in the Recorder’s Office of Geauga County, Ohio on February 10, 2011, recorded in Volume 1896, page 2128 of the county Recorder’s records, and assigned to the Plaintiff on October 28, 2019, and recorded on November 14, 2019, in Volume 2082, Page 317, of the Geauga County Records, that, further, the balance due on the Note is $235,934.28 with interest at the rate of 5.0600% per annum from November 2, 2017; that to secure the payment of the Note, executed and delivered a certain Mortgage Deed to and thereby conveying, in fee simple, the following described premises:
Situated in the State of Ohio, in the County of Geauga, and in the City of Chagrin Falls:
Commonly known as 19039 Hillside Lane, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
and further alleging that the aforesaid Mortgage is a valid and subsisting first and best lien upon said premises after the lien of the Treasurer; that the Note is in default, whereby the conditions set forth in the Note and Mortgage have been broken, that the Mortgage has become absolute and that Plaintiff is entitled, therefore, to have the Mortgage foreclosed, the premises sold, and the proceeds applied in payment of Plaintiff’s claims; that the Defendants; John Doe, Name Unknown, Unknown Spouse if any of Lorene M. Morris; Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Gene Morris, Deceased, and Unknown Heirs, Assigns, Legatees and Devisees of Lorene M. Morris, Deceased, among others, may have or claim to have some interest in or lien upon said
LEGAL NOTICE
Geauga Soil & Water Conservation District
The 2019 Cash Basis Annual Financial Report of the Geauga Soil Conservation District is available at the District Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, Ohio 44021 and was filed through the Hinkle System.
Colleen Lair, Administrative Assistant
Mar 5, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE
2019 Annual Financial Report
Middlefield Township
Geauga County, Ohio
Notice is hereby given that the 2019 Annual Financial Report for Middlefield Township is completed and available for public inspection at the Middlefield Township Office, 15228 Madison Road. Please call 440-632-5095 for an appointment.
Mary Ann Pierce, Fiscal Officer
Mar 5, 2020
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Troy Township
Notice is hereby given that the Troy Township Trustees, Board of Zoning Appeals, Zoning Commission and the Assistant Geauga County Prosecutor will meet on the 18th day of March 2020 at 7:00 pm. at the Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, to discuss zoning procedures and topics.
Lisa Murphy, Secretary
Mar 5, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE
Munson Township
Board of Zoning Appeals
Munson Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Rd., Munson, OH to consider the following appeals for variances.
CASE 20-03: Michael Ripley of Ripley Tree Service, 12012 Mayfield Rd., Chardon OH – requests to operate a tree service in a Commercial District. Violates SEC. 407/407.2 Commercial District Permitted Uses and Structures – operating a tree service is not a permitted use.
Continued CASE 20-02: Melanie Blasko for Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers, Inc. 12700 Ravenna Rd., Chardon OH – request to use an existing residence as a Level II Recovery House in a residential district. Violates. SEC. 401.2 R-1 Residential District Permitted Principal Uses and Structures – a recovery house is not a permitted use.
Paula Friebertshauser, Secretary
Mar 5, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE
Chester Township
The Chester Township Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing Monday, March 16, 2020, in the Chester Town Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio, at 7:00 P.M. at which time the following request will be heard:
APPEAL 2019-4 CONTINUED – REBECCA PANTUSO, representing Property Owners of Record, Gint and Katrina Strautnieks, seeks one (1) AREA VARIANCE from SECTION 5.01.03 PERMITTED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES AND USES, accessory buildings shall be located to the rear of the principal building or structure, not in required front and side yards, from the Chester Township Zoning Resolution (effective July 22, 2017) for the property located at 7500 Sherman Road, Chester Township, Ohio.
Cynthia J. Kovach, Secretary
Mar 5, 2020
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
City of Chardon
The City of Chardon Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the applications described below on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 6:30 P.M. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Center, 111 Water St, Chardon OH 44024. The meeting is subject to adjournment or recess to a later date without another Notice of Public Hearing.
PC Case #20-030 & #20-031: Applicant – Richard Sommers (Thistlecreek Development LLC) is requesting Concept Site Plan approval for a lot split. Along with the Concept Plan the applicants are requesting a variance from 111.705(a) as follows: Variance/waiver to Section 1111.705(a) which requires a one (1) year waiting period after a lot split before a subsequent division of land can be approved. The waiver is so the applicants can split the existing single-family residence from the property at 461 N. Hambden Street that will be incorporated into the Thistle Creek PRD subdivision without having to wait one (1) year from the approval of this lot split.
The property is located on the north side of North Hambden Street approximately 200’ west of the intersection of North Hambden Street and Grant Street. The address of the property is 461 North Hambden Street, Chardon, OH 44024, with Parcel ID# 10- 108160. The property is owned by Thistlecreek Development LLC.
Steven M. Yaney
Community Development Administrator
Mar 5, 2020
BID NOTICES
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER SERVICES
Auburn Township
The Auburn Township Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the building of a new Pavilion at Auburn Community Park, 17484 Munn Road in Auburn Township, Geauga County. A conceptual plan has been completed with a cost estimate of approximately $155,000.00. It is now necessary for the Township to engage a construction manager for the construction of the pavilion. Detailed drawings, specifications, construction schedule and bid package will need to be developed.
The construction manager shall provide construction management services as generally described in the standard form of agreement between owner and construction manager (A.I.A. document B801/CMA, 1992 edition). Additional services may be negotiated between the owner and the construction manager. The construction management firm employed on this project must have technical training, education and experience in construction management and available personnel, equipment and facilities required to perform the services. The firm must also have a record of successful performance as reflected by the evaluation of previous clients with respect to control of costs, quality of work and meeting deadlines, particularly in the management of municipal, service garage or related projects, and financial responsibility as required by the O.R.C.
Additional information and Request for Proposal (RFP) information packet shall be obtained from the township website, www.auburntownship.com or by contacting the Auburn Township Board of Trustees, 11010 Washington Street, Auburn Township, OH 44023, 440-543-7028.
Please submit four (4) copies of your proposal (one copy of the proposal must be an electronic copy, in PDF format) in a sealed envelope marked “Auburn Park Pavilion Construction Manager Proposal” to the Auburn Township Board of Trustees at 11010 Washington Street, Auburn Township, OH 44023. Proposals will be received on or before 4:00 P.M., March 27, 2020. The opening of proposals will take place at the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, at the above listed address, at 7:40 P.M. on April 6, 2020.
The Board of Trustees plan on selecting a construction manager for this project by the end of April 2020.
Feb 27 Mar 5, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE
Berkshire Local School District
and Kent State University-Geauga Campus
Berkshire Board of Education will be accepting bids for yard care services for the district and Kent State University-Geauga Campus. Both locations are to be bid seperately. Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020 to john.stoddard@berkshireschools.org or in a sealed envelope to the Board of Education Offices at 14259 Claridon Troy Rd., Burton, OH 44021. This notice and bid specifications are posted on the district website at www.berkshireschools.org. The Berkshire Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.
John R. Stoddard, Superintendent
Mar 5, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE
REQUEST FOR
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Geauga County Airport Authority
The Geauga County Airport Authority in Middlefield, Ohio is requesting Statements of Qualifications from licensed professional engineering firms to provide engineering services required to complete projects at the Geauga County Airport over the next five years. Qualified professionals interested are invited to submit a Statement of Qualifications and supporting information for providing engineering and related services within the guidelines of state and federal standards. Fees will not be a consideration in this selection. Anyone having questions related to this request for qualifications should contact Richard Blamer, Airport Manager (440) 632-1884 or 7G8Manager@gmail.com. Statements of Qualifications must be received by 5:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Forward copies of Statement of Qualifications to George Hess II, P.E., 12121 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065.
Richard Blamer, Airport Manager
Mar 5, 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 25, 2020 for The Asphalt Resurfacing of Sections D – E of Aquilla Road, CH 5. 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 $600,000.00.
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 27 Mar 5, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE
Munson Township
The Munson Township Trustees will receive sealed bids to be opened at 6:45 P.M. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at the Munson Township Office, 12210 Auburn Road, Chardon OH 44024, for the following:
#1 VIRGIN ASPHALT CONCRETE
#2 ROAD MATERIALS
#3 CATCH BASINS & HEADWALLS
The above items require separate bids. Bid forms, bid conditions, and bid specifications may be picked up at the Munson Township office, 12210 Auburn Road, Chardon OH 44024, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.
A bid bond or certified check for $500 shall accompany each individual bid. Individual contracts will be awarded within 30 days to the lowest and best responsible bidders.
Address proposals to Munson Township Trustees, c/o Judith Toth, Fiscal Officer, 12210 Auburn Road, Chardon OH 44024. Mark outside of sealed envelope with appropriate item being bid.
The Munson Township Trustees reserve the right to reject any or all bids or any part whereof.
BY THE ODER OF THE
MUNSON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
Judith Toth, Fiscal Officer
Mar 5, 2020
Game photos click here.
Things haven’t always gone well for the last band of Newbury Black Knights basketball players as the school system winds to its final chorus.
Usually outmanned, numerically at least, they have battled and battled this season to produce a legacy that will last.
On occasion, however, they have risen to heights rarely thought of, and in a sectional semifinal contest in Ohio’s Division IV tournament on Feb. 25, the last game to be played on their home floor, the Black Knights showed a purpose in their eyes warming up, and although the first half was rough, never lost sight of that purpose to claim a thrilling 49-48 victory over the Maplewood Rockets.
“We’ve been running that play all season long,” senior Jacob Orms said of his game-winning bucket with 4.2 seconds left to play. “For us, it was just a matter of finally getting the ball to drop in the right time. ”
With 13.5 seconds remaining, after the Black Knights had come back from a 30-19 halftime deficit to tie the game after three periods at 37-37, Maplewood’s Gavin Ainsley nailed a long 3-pointer from the left wing to give his team a 48-47 lead.
After a Newbury timeout, the Black Knights got the ball into play under full court pressure. Noah Arnold got the inbounds pass in his backcourt, eluded two defenders along the right sideline near the scorer’s table, and cut back to the middle of the front court lane area.
At the top of the key, with just about everybody knowing Arnold was capable of hitting the game winning shot, the Rockets converged on him in wild fashion.
Then, just as quickly as they gathered around him, Arnold clearly found Orms going to the hoop from the right side. His pass cut through the sea of Rocket arms like a scalding butter knife in soft margarine, and Orms deftly drove to the hoop to cap a remarkable comeback.
Maplewood had moved out from a tight contest in the first period on the strength of a 13-6 second period edge. Ainsley was the main culprit, with 15 first-half points, and he had help from Connor Steffens, who hit for three 3-pointers in the first half as well.
Seven second-period turnovers kept the Black Knights from keeping close, but some positives on the floor let them know they still had a chance.
“We came out and worked our very hardest in the second half tonight,” junior forward Evan Arnold said. “We knew this was the last game here, and we did not want to lose. Everybody stayed focused, Coach (Dave Orms) stayed positive in keeping us focused, and everybody made big plays in the end.”
The game-winner was huge, but many plays helped Newbury (7-16) fight their way back, especially when they outscored the Rockets, 18-7, in the third period.
After shooting less than 33 percent in the first half, third period saw the Black Knights defense force six turnovers that fueled the fast break offense to a seven-of-15 quarter. Noah Arnold and John Tropf, as they have throughout their careers, provided points and rebounds and defense the entire eight minutes.
Both scored six points in the period, Tropf dominated the boards with five of his 17 rebounds, Arnold had a pair of his six assists, and Evan Arnold scored twice as the Rockets, knowing Noah and Tropf could take over a game, concentrated on them.
Evan Arnold got free for a pair of layups, and he also played a huge role in the fourth with a pair of assists.
“This was about what you could expect from an 8-9 seed matchup,” Dave Orms said. “We split with them in head-to-head competition, but for us, that third quarter came up huge.
“Knowing this was the very last game to be played in this gym, the kids maintained their focus on what the purpose of this game meant to everybody. One thing that came up, especially to me, was that instead of running plays and hoping they would work, the kids took it upon themselves in the second half to take over the game with what they saw on the floor. They kept their composure, they kept their poise, and simply made plays.”
Jacob Orms accrued 10 rebounds as the taller Rockets battled each moment with only one junior, and the rest of their roster being sophomores and freshmen. And Kaleb Grubbs, while scoring only two points, played some airtight defense in cutting off passing and driving lanes defensively.
Ben Terrill, a freshman, provided some solid rebounding from the bench.
Another senior, Monte Myer, gave his team big defensive plays all season while also scoring from time to time.
Game photos click here.
Having put a blemish on the fine season of the West Geauga Wolverines with a holiday season victory over the Wolverines, the Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Lions knew the stakes would be high in their rematch in the district semifinal matchup in Division II action at Lakeside High School.
With no secrets between the teams, execution was of the utmost importance. Using short runs during the rematch, the Wolverines had one late in the game, then had to hang on for dear life in the waning seconds as the Lions got one last push downcourt.
It failed, and West Geauga moved on to a district title matchup with the Perry Pirates by way of a thrilling 48-46 victory over the Lions.
The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 36-36. Nikki Ehrbar untied it with a 3-pointer from the right wing.
The lead was only brief. Annie Carney found Emma Liberatore in the paint for a short jumper to bring NDCL (14-11) to within a point, and Erica Leinweber made the last of her eight steals on the night and took the ball in for a layup for a 40-39 NDCL lead.
Lauren Munko, who had a huge floor game for coach Bob Beutel in this game, put home a teammate’s miss to regain the lead, setting up the last short spurt of the game that proved to be so important.
With 3:09 left to play, Liberatore hit both ends of a free throw opportunity to regain the lead. Athena Hocevar then sandwiched a 3-pointer from the top of the key and a jumper in the lane around another Munko steal and layup to give the Wolverines a 48-42 lead with 55.9 seconds remaining.
To this point, the action had been fast and furious. But with both teams knowing each other well, mistakes happened in bunches. In that chaotic atmosphere, calls did not go well for both coaches, and frustrations mounted.
Leinweber, who tied with Liberatore for game-high scorers with 18 points each, had a spectacular second half, with six of her eight steals constantly thwarting West Geauga rushes to the offense.
Then Carney found her free for a layup to cut the gap to four, and moments later she grabbed a loose ball in the West Geauga end of the floor and went coast to coast for a layup with 11.8 seconds left.
An errant pass gave the Lions new hope at that time, and they got the ball downcourt quickly for a shot attempt. The ball was poked free as players from both sides converged upon it near the top of the key. It looked like a Lion player got control of the ball. Coach Brian Arth yelled for a timeout, but his yells went unheard, and that was the ballgame.
“It feels good to get this win tonight,” Beutel said. “I told the girls that if we lose this game, it would be considered an upset because we’re the top seed here. We came here expecting to win, though.”
Balanced scoring was big for the Wolverines (21-3). Athena Hocevar paced the attack with 12 points, Munko had a big game with 11 points, M. J. Thomsen played her normal game as the floor general with 10 points and five assists, Alexa Hocevar added eight points and 11 rebounds, and Ehrbar, who in recent seasons has been the main cog in Wolverine action, added seven points and four steals.
Athena Hocevar was focused on helping her new teammate Thomsen, one of two West Geauga seniors on the roster.
“M. J. just has been so big a player for us this season in helping us get to this point,” the 6-1 junior said. “We didn’t want to lose. We wanted to win this game for her, and it was a great game to win.”
Munko has been a big role player off the bench.
“I’m not usually the leading scorer on this team,” she said. “I am able to come into games and come through for my teammates when I have to, and tonight was one of those times.”
Leinweber and Liberatore each scored 18 to lead the Lions. Close defensive pressure on the wings from West Geauga came up huge, as they limited Audrey Joyce to only a pair of 3-pointers and few good looks from anywhere on the floor, forcing the Lions to work inside against a plethora of tall Wolverine ladies.
Liberatore more than held her own, snaring 12 rebounds as she normally does against taller foes. She also capped her great high school career with a trio of steals and two assists, but a possible missed call at the end put a damper on the whole thing for the girls from Auburn Road.
“I’m just totally disappointed right now,” said Arth. “It all came down to one single play at the end. I thought we had possession, tried to call a timeout with an official right in front of me, and didn’t get it.
“My girls played their butts off all night against a great West Geauga team, but like much of our season, we’ve had trouble winning close games. We played a great game. Erica was unbelievable on defense, and Emma was just Emma. She works so hard, like all the others, but too many mistakes hurt us tonight too.”
The Supreme Court of Ohio’s Board of Professional Conduct has issued a blistering condemnation of Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Tim Grendell’s court administrator for filing a frivolous grievance against Matt Rambo, Grendell’s Republican opponent, “for the purpose of obtaining an advantage for a judicial candidate.”
It also ordered her to cease and desist posting, publishing or broadcasting any reference to her grievance, and to immediately remove all electronic posts and communications referencing the grievance, unless such posts indicate her grievance was dismissed at her cost.
On Feb. 18, Kimberly Laurie filed a grievance against Rambo with the OBPC, a 28-member quasi-judicial body appointed by the Supreme Court of Ohio, responsible for, among other things, adjudicating formal complaints of misconduct involving judges and lawyers.
In her complaint, Laurie alleged Rambo violated the Code of Judicial Conduct during the current campaign for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge. She claimed Rambo distributed false statements about his voting history and disseminated a “multitude of false statements” about Grendell.
Ten days later, on Feb. 28, Laurie emailed — from her personal email — area newspapers, including the Geauga County Maple Leaf, Chagrin Valley Times, News-Herald and Plain Dealer, advising that OBPC Director Richard A. Dove had initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against Rambo for violating the rules of judicial conduct.
Days later, the Grendell campaign — Keep Judge Grendell — mailed a postcard to Geauga County voters. On one side of the postcard was a less than flattering black and white photo of Rambo and statements claiming Geauga County could not trust Rambo and that he was facing an ethics complaint and disciplinary action. On the other side, Grendell urged voters to trust him, telling them he has served the bench “ethically and honorably,” and that his service is “beyond reproach.”
Grendell also said, “Our judges should be held to the highest ethical standards.”
On March 6, a three-member OBPC hearing panel unanimously dismissed Laurie’s complaint, finding it was frivolous and filed solely for the purpose of helping Grendell. It also ordered her to pay the costs of the proceedings.
The panel ordered additional sanctions on Laurie.
“The panel further orders (Laurie), her agents, and any judicial campaign committee she has assisted or is assisting to immediately cease and desist from posting, publishing or broadcasting, in any medium, reference to this judicial campaign action that does not include a reference (of) the dismissal of the charged violation at (Laurie’s) cost,” the panel write in its two-page order.
“The panel further orders (Laurie), her agents, and any campaign committee she has assisted or is assisting to immediately (1) remove any existing electronic posts and communications that reference this judicial campaign action or (2) modify such posts to indicate the dismissal of said action at (Laurie’s) cost.”
The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday afternoon it will limit spectator access to indoor sporting events during the state tournaments, according to a news release.
“This will be a very difficult time for our schools and fans, but we cannot ignore the directive of the Governor,” OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass said. “We are pleased that our tournaments can continue and we will soon determine who can attend. However, we can already say that it will most likely be no more than the immediate family of the student-athletes participating in the event.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Tuesday afternoon that all indoor sporting events in Ohio, including high school, collegiate and professional sports, shall continue without most spectators in attendance as Ohio seeks to contain the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
Boys basketball regional tournament games scheduled for Tuesday night can proceed with fans. The OHSAA will announce Wednesday morning how the tournaments will proceed moving forward.
More information will be released as soon as possible, including the process for tickets already sold and what kind of media coverage will be permitted at the state tournaments.
The OHSAA girls basketball state tournament begins Thursday at St. John Arena, the wrestling state tournament begins Friday at the Schottenstein Center, and the ice hockey state tournament begins Saturday morning at Nationwide Arena.
Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending Feb. 21, 2020, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
Jess P. Carlson (trustee), 18905 Munn Road, to Martin T. Booher and Tina Hall Booher, $1,150,000. (25.53 acres)
Sharon Bond (trustee), 17001 Wing Road, to Greg Flies and Erin Sweeney, $299,900. (5.00 acres)
Robert A. Andrus (trustee), 17499 Haskins Road, to Samantha N. Stech, $193,000. (2.50 acres)
D. John Perkins, 16542 Stone Ridge Road, to Andrew and Katharine Collins, $190,000. (1.86 acres)
Canyon Lakes Colony Co., Canyon Ridge (s/l 345), to Bravo Homes LLC, $140,000. (0.24 acres)
Carole L. Reitz, 17695 Snyder Road, to Devin Michelle Walters, $215,500. (1.00 acres)
William E. Holland III, 13625 Butternut Road, to Kathleen Kean, $240,000. (5.01 acres)
Sharon S. Dunton (TOD), 13685 Claridon Troy Road, to Gary E. Kracker, $185,000. (5.01 acres)
Safran Inns LLC, 14707 S. Cheshire St., to Deir Properties LLC, $1,581,800. (3.00 acres)
Jason D. Lee, 327 Irma Drive, to Jeffrey A. and Suzanne Hall, $140,000. (0.26 acres)
Christopher and Vicki McKenna, 301 South St., to Molly Thayer Hegner, $190,000. (0.40 acres)
Michael Lavrich (trustee), 125 Maple Ave., to Robert T. Seese II, $175,000. (0.57 acres)
Andrea L. Misquitta (trustee), 13261 Sperry Road, to Jeffery and Cheryl Fousek, $319,500. (1.53 acres)
PNC Bank, 11509 Spring Road, to Cosmin and Erica Zaharia, $140,000. (5.75 acres)
Jonathan M. and Shannon L. Dalton, 17790 Leggett Road, to Ahn Iljae, $18,500. (2.00 acres)
HSBC Bank USA N.A., 12145 Burlington Glen Drive, to Michael E. and Paula L. Schultz, $230,000. (1.84 acres)
Petersen Development Ltd., 12890 Walden Oaks Drive, to Anthony D. Takacs and Meghan M. Butterfield, $64,500. (2.76 acres)
Christine A. Kapes and Zachary W. Melvin, 11976 Crestwood Road, to Zachary W. Melvin, $73,300. (1.58 acres)
Gary E. Kracker, 15766 Ravenna Road, to Kevin J. Borsi, $159,000. (1.18 acres)
Harold and Mary Ann Deboe, 98 Lakeview Lane, to Gregg and Linda Dickson, $320,000. (1.00 acres)
Jacob W. and Emma J. Detweiler, 14724 Nash Road, to Mark C. and Emma J. Hershberger, $10,000. (2.67 acres)
The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Feb. 21-27, 2020. In total, the sheriff’s office handled 343 calls during this period.
Feb. 26
7:50 p.m., Hermitage Road, Chardon. Two bucks have their antlers stuck together for the last hour and cannot get unstuck. Deer are now in the woods and she can no longer see them.
Feb. 21
9:29 a.m., Bass Lake Road, Munson. Female is here cussing. She is in her 20s. No weapons. She brought her sister and she met with the principal and she was irrational. Unknown what female’s name is. She just left the building. Sister of student is upset because the school will not follow up on a bullying complaint.
Feb. 22
8:32 p.m., Stonegate Drive, Munson. Caller believes her father was scammed out of $150,000. Report taken.
Feb. 23
7:20 a.m., Kile Road, Claridon. Female was scammed. Needs a report. Complainant was scammed into purchasing $2,600 in gift cards from a male claiming to be from Amazon. Complainant provided the card numbers to the male. Male was not affiliated with Amazon, per Amazon. Number used by the male is a fake number.
Feb. 25
4:16 p.m., Taylor Wells Road, Claridon. Deputy met with female in the lobby for a fraud complaint. She received a call from an individual claiming he was a representative from Dollar Bank. Individual asked her to update her personal information over the phone and successfully gained access to her bank account and drafted $1,000 from the account to an unknown location. Dollar Bank reversed the transaction and closed her account. Deputy advised on credit protection and further advised complainant to meet with her branch manager to discuss methods for future fraud protection.
4:52 p.m., Eastridge Circle, Munson. Caller representing a Dollar Bank service representative contacted complainant to report suspicious activity on the account. Caller asked for and received account verification to remedy the issue. Caller showed deputy the Dollar Bank credit card along with the fraudulent incoming phone number. The incoming 1-800 number matched the number on the credit card. Deputy advised caller to meet with her bank and provide the information to the manager. A written statement was received and photos taken.
5:11 p.m., Troy Oaks Road, Troy. Caller advised she had some computer monitoring service on her computer for the past year. When she called to cancel it, the company, V Tech, told her it would be $400 refund, but somehow they transferred $4,000 into her account and then asked her to purchase $5,800 in gift cards. Female purchased the gift cards and provided all of the gift numbers to the male on the phone. She also gave her bank account number and credit card information.
11:38 p.m., Bass Lake Road, Newbury. Caller says someone called him saying there is a warrant out for his arrest for various reasons. Female with an Indian accent said he needed to go to Walmart and get $1,500 in gift cards to pay for a warrant that he had or he would be arrested. Caller did not purchase any gift cards and only gave female his cell number. Advice given to disregard these types of calls and never give personal information out.
Feb. 22
2:11 p.m., Brightwood Drive, Newbury. Female in lobby wanting to file report. Complainant had an argument on Facebook and through text message. No threats were made. Advised complainant to block female’s phone number and on social media.
Feb. 25
2:18 p.m., McCall Road, Parkman. NewsNet 19 is sitting across the street video our property. We asked them to leave. They are putting stuff away in the news van. Male and female were there with a microphone. My stepson is the one from the child pornography case. They are leaving now. Info only.
Feb. 21
4:21 p.m., Linda Drive, Newbury. Neighbor was told by housing authority to call. They believe the female at this residence is dealing drugs out of the house. There is a red Chevy Silverado there now.
Feb. 22
1:28 p.m., Nauvoo Road, Middlefield. Meet caller in Pine Craft building in the shed sales office. Caller received a hand-written note in his mailbox talking about kidnapping. Note located in the business mailbox which was hard to read. Mentioned something about kidnapping. Unknown where it came from.
Feb. 23
4:33 p.m., Dewey Road, Montville. Caller advised he has video of someone attempting to break in. Suspect did not make entry to the home. Observed Ring doorbell and immediately fled. Video may be associated with recent thefts and will be forwarded to the deputies investigating.
Feb. 22
3:40 p.m., Nauvoo Road, Middlefield. Caller rented a trailer out to someone and it was supposed to be returned last week. It has not been returned and renter claimed it was wrecked. Investigation pending.
Feb. 24
11 p.m., Woodin Road, Hambden. An old acquaintance from Chardon has been threatening me. Caller received a Facebook message from female asking why he is telling people she tried to make him smoke crack. Caller said conversation went back and forth, and female threatened to have him disappear or have his house shot up. Caller advised he did not feel threatened and just wanted the incident documented.
Feb. 22
6:34 p.m., Kinsman Road, Newbury. Tennant over the store accidently discharged a weapon and did some serious damage. He is aware we have called. Citation issued for using weapon while intoxicated.
Two candidates for Geauga County sheriff faced off in a battle of words March 9 during a League of Women Voters forum at Kenston High School.
Incumbent Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand and challenger Jimmy Lee Holden both gave reasons for voting for them in the March 17 Republican primary. Because no Democrat is on the ballot, the primary winner is almost certain to be elected sheriff in November.
After giving a three-minute speech, the candidates faced a series of questions from the audience, which quickly became a volley of accusations. Holden accused Hildenbrand of dividing his time between the sheriff’s office and the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department, where Hildenbrand has served as chief for many years.
Hildenbrand said he spends most of his spare time volunteering at the fire department because he enjoys serving the community and he believes it establishes good working relationships between law enforcement and fire departments.
Holden fielded questions about his past, including a 2008 suspension at the University Heights Police Department for sexual harassment.
Hildenbrand, who succeeded Dan McClelland as sheriff in 2017 when McClelland retired, said he has been in law enforcement in Geauga County since 1984, beginning as dispatcher with the Chardon Police Department, then working his way to patrolman and sergeant.
“In 2003, Dan McClelland asked me to be his chief deputy, a position I held for 13 years,” Hildenbrand said.
McClelland endorsed Hildenbrand as his successor when he announced his retirement, and Hildenbrand was elected to the position without opposition in November of 2016.
“I’ve spent 35 years in Geauga County law enforcement,” Hildenbrand said, adding he is certified as a law enforcement manager with the State of Ohio.
Hildenbrand listed several improvements he has made to the department, including adding a full body scanner at the jail and two drones, which he said are shared with other police departments as needed.
He listed his department’s successes in confiscating illegal substances, said he is a founding member of the Geauga County Drug Court and is currently working with local churches on security issues. His department is working with other agencies to crack down on drugs and on child pornographers and sexual predators.
He said the 182-bed Geauga County Safety Center brings in millions of dollars to the county coffers by housing prisoners from other jurisdictions and said his department’s detectives have solved three cold cases of past murders.
“I have a close relationship with the prosecutor, with police departments, with fire departments and with the county offices, including the commissioners,” the sheriff said.
Holden, a Newbury Township resident, said he has served in law enforcement since 1981, retired in 2018, and currently works in Grand River and as a firearms instructor.
He said he was approached by citizens to run for sheriff because they were concerned the county is not doing enough to stop illegal drugs.
“Why is the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office the only county sheriff’s department not involved in a drug task force?” Holden asked.
Holden also attacked Hildenbrand’s longtime involvement with the Hambden fire department.
“He’s also the fire chief in Hambden,” Holden said. “He’s multi-tasking two careers. And he’s taken part in retire-rehire, as have many of his employees. Maintaining the status quo is never good.”
Holden also questioned the department’s 90-vehicle fleet for 40 deputies, some non-deputy personnel being allowed to use vehicles and some employees being allowed to take their official vehicles home overnight.
“He’s undercharging for the jail,” Holden said. “And he was part of the (Automated Data Processing) board when millions of dollars were taken.”
The sparks flew during the question and answer portion. Questions were submitted on index cards and read by moderator Meg Pauken without listing the questioner.
Questions for both candidates asked whether either of them had been accused of sexual harassment or suspended for disciplinary reasons during their careers in law enforcement. Hildenbrand said no to both questions.
Reading from a prepared statement, Holden said, “Yes, I was. I failed and was disciplined. I took ownership of my actions. I have no animosity toward anyone. I am not perfect.”
In answer to the second question about suspension, Holden said, “Yes, I was suspended. I paid my debt.”
According to a Feb. 6, 2008, letter from then University Heights Police Chief Gary Stehlik to Holden — which was included in Holden’s personnel file — the department suspended Holden for one week for a lengthy list of sexual harassment charges over six years from four dispatchers and other co-workers alleging the following:
The letter notified Holden he was suspended for seven days.
After the question and answer period, Holden walked off the stage abruptly and immediately left the auditorium without further comment, as most of the other candidates remained for the rest of the program.
Kirtland High School junior Leah LaVerde received the 2020 Ohio Affiliate Rising Star recipient of the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC).
She was selected based on her demonstrated aspirations in computing and technology.
The award recognizes high school women across Ohio for their leadership and involvement in technology, robotics and applied science, along with their academic success and plans for post-secondary education.
Leah has taken advantage of many opportunities to challenge herself in high school. Her courses reflect her motivation to prepare herself for a future in STEM. Her greatest accomplishment is most likely the app she designed with fellow student Reilly Greenlee that allows students of any age to practice basic math facts. The app came about when a teacher had an issue arise in the building among students not knowing basic math facts. Leah took on the challenge of creating a way for students to improve their math skills.
“Leah is an innovative problem-solver who leverages her content knowledge and skills in the world outside our classroom,” said Computer Science teacher Greg Cosimi.
Leah plans to attend a doctoral or graduate school for a medical degree after earning her undergraduate degree in the STEM field.
Aspirations in Computing is a talent development initiative designed to increase female participation in technology careers by providing encouragement, visibility, community, leadership opportunities, scholarships and internships to aspiring technically inclined young women.
Kirtland Elementary School students are moving full STEAM ahead with science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics activities with the following actions:
KES also created a Zen Den, a quiet place next to the STEAM Room to allow students to work quietly, listen to soft music and “chill” under soft lighting.
Kindergarten registration for the 2020-2021 school year will be May 15.
Parents of incoming kindergarten students may find a variety of information at www.kirtlandschools.org/KindergartenOrientation.aspx, including:
If you have questions or need help, call the KES office at 440-256-3344 ext. 2000.
Kirtland High School students took home five ribbons in the Language category for the 2019 Cleveland Clinic eXpressions program.
KHS students who earned honors under AP English teacher Meriah Duncan were:
Junior Nisha Makkar also earned a Journey Award for her art submission under art teacher Brian Harvey.
More than 1,400 art, language and math projects from three states, 59 schools and 100 teachers were submitted as part of the Cleveland Clinic eXpressions program. A panel of content specialists used four criteria to evaluate each Language submission — interpretation, presentation, creativity and initiative.
Award-winning projects are featured in the eXpressions catalogue and on the eXpressions website, and will be displayed in the 2019 eXpressions Art, Language and Math eXhibition at Cleveland Clinic’s Health Education Campus. Project will be on display until March 26.
This school year, Kirtland Elementary School rolled out a coffee cart to brighten mornings for staff while teaching students soft skills.
Fifth-grade student leaders are paired with students with special needs and a PTA volunteer to travel room to room offering coffee, juice and light snacks to staff members, provided by the PTA. The cart will make the rounds monthly, with staff paying with a prepaid punch card.
Fifth-grade teacher Bob Lasecki said the idea is to build student leadership skills and confidence. Students also will work on teamwork, communication, work ethic and interpersonal skills.
Kirtland Middle School student Tabitha Blankenship took fifth place at the Power of the Pen district competition at Lake Erie College in January and is moving on to regional competition.
Eighth-grade student Penelope McFadden, along with seventh-grade students Anna Grbavac and Marin Haupt, also qualified for the regional competition April 4 at Hudson Middle School.
Power of the Pen is an Ohio-based creative writing program that allows seventh- and eighth-grade writers to share their passion for creative writing while they compete against their peers in a timed writing structure.
In a competition setting, middle school writers participate in three consecutive rounds of writing. In each round, writers have 40 minutes to respond to a given prompt.
