Russell Township officials and residents gathered Nov. 14 for the ribbon cutting and open house of the township’s new Community Room, a project supported through a state investment secured by State Sen. Sandra O’Brien.
Russell Township officials and residents gathered Nov. 14 for the ribbon cutting and open house of the township’s new Community Room, a project supported through a state investment secured by State Sen. Sandra O’Brien.
Fiscal Officer Karen Walder welcomed guests including Sen. O’Brien, Geauga County officials—Treasurer Chris Hitchcock, Commissioner Jim Dvorak and Auditor Chuck Walder— township Trustees Kristina Port, Chris Hare and Jim Mueller, and Trustee-elect Amy Heutmaker.
Walder highlighted key project milestones, from the contract signing in December 2023 to the township’s first meeting in the new space on Aug. 7, 2025.
Walder thanked O’Brien for securing the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Grant, which funded the Community Room and other capital improvements. She also praised the senator’s continued work on property tax reform, noting her “clarity, focus and common sense” approach to delivering relief for Ohio residents.
During the event, O’Brien presented an Ohio Senate resolution honoring Russell Township Trustees for completing the project. Signed by Senate President Robert McColley and O’Brien, the resolution commends the board for its commitment to improving local government resources and serving township residents.
Walder also recognized Russell taxpayers, whose strong civic participation and consistently high voter turnout “make better governance possible.”
The new Community Room will serve as a meeting space, public gathering area and rentable facility for community events.
