News Briefs

June 6, 2013

Fire Destroys Burton Township Home
A Memorial Day fire destroyed an Aquilla Road residence, with damages in excess of an estimated $200,000, according to a Burton Volunteer Fire Department press release.
The department, along with mutual aid from Middlefield, Troy and Newbury fire departments, responded to the fire at 11:31 p.m.
The fire originated in the house’s attached garage and was “fully involved” when firefighters from Burton arrived on-scene.
It then spread to segments of the first and second floors, as well as the attic.
Firefighting efforts were able to save numerous heirlooms.
The fire is still under investigation and the home is uninhabitable, Capt. Brian Davidson said.
“It took us at least two hours to bring it under control,” Davidson said. “Our goal was to keep it from spreading. Luckily, there were no injuries to firefighters and residents of the home.”
Per fire department policy, the address of the property was not disclosed.

Click It or Ticket It Makes Roads Safer
The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol combined resources on May 24, during Click It or Ticket It mobilization, to target motorists in Geauga County that were not wearing their seat belt.
Members of the sheriff’s office and state patrol concentrated seat belt enforcement efforts in two areas that were under the goal of 88 percent seat belt usage.
There were 45 traffic stops made between both agencies and 25 citations were issued, including four for not wearing their seat belt.
Sheriff Dan McClelland and Lt. Mark Neff, of the state patrol, both stated they were pleased results of the combined enforcement activity.
“We look forward to continued combined efforts to make the roads of Geauga County safe for all motorists,” McClelland said.

Trust Awards $105,000 To Camp
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has approved a grant to the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland for $105,000 over three years.
The grant will specifically benefit Camp Ho Mita Koda, located in Newbury Township, by providing camperships for primarily under-privileged children who are living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
The grants have been made through the Trust’s Type 1 Diabetes Program, which is the largest private funder of initiatives to improve the quality of life of people with T1D and advance the development of new therapies and technologies to treat the disease.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, their gift of $105,000 will enable Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland to provide numerous Camp Ho Mita Koda scholarships each year for the next three years,” said Tina Milano, president and CEO of the Diabetes Partnership. “Campers can experience all of the opportunities that camp has to offer, such as swimming, boating, hiking and horseback riding, all in a medically supervised environment where kids can learn how to independently manage their disease.”
She added, “We are so grateful to the trust for their dedication to our mission and devotion to our kids.”

Turk Named MBCN Board Chair
Carolyn J. Turk has been elected as chairman of the board of directors of both Middlefield Banc Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Middlefield Banking Company.
She is the controller of Molded Fiberglass Companies in Ashtabula and is a licensed C.P.A.
A native of Orwell, Turk earned her bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Youngstown State University.
Turk has served as chairman of the bank’s Audit Committee and as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
“We are very pleased with the election of Carolyn Turk as our new board chair,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas G. Caldwell. “In her 10 years as a member of the board of directors, she has brought keen insights and a strong business acumen. We look forward to continuing to work with her to develop the full potential of the bompany’s franchise.”
She succeeds Richard T. Coyne in the position of chairman.

Middlefield Launches Amish Farmers Mkt.
The Village of Middlefield is launching a unique farmers market that offers Amish produce, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, maple syrup, leather crafts and other goods alongside other local producers.
The market will begin July 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, and continue each Saturday through Sept. 28 at Mineral Lake Park on Sperry Lane.
“Seasonal produce will vary from week to week,” Mayor Ben Garlich said. “Special events are planned for each Saturday, such as chef demonstrations, bake-offs, a magician and other fun competitions. It is more than a farmers market; it is a family friendly event for all ages that you won’t want to miss.”
Additional products available at the farmers market will include seasonal vegetables and berries, fresh eggs, honey, fresh baked goods, cheese, organic lettuce, maple cotton candy, beef jerky and more.
University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center will also offer a different free health screening each week.
Admission is free.

Body Found in Elden Russell Park
A body of a deceased elderly male was discovered in the Cuyahoga River in Eldon Russell Park in Troy Township Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews pulled the body from the water, after another visitor to the Geauga Park District park found it in the river.
Park rangers and Geauga County sheriff’s deputies responded to the location shortly after 10 a.m., said Paige Orvis, director of marketing and administrative services for the park district.
Orvis said rangers do not think foul play was involved. The name of the deceased man has not been released because his family has not been notified, she added.
The Geauga County Coroner’s Office responded to the location as well.
No further detail were available as of Tuesday afternoon.

Road Closing in Hambden?Twp.
Woodin Road between Ravenna Road and Route 608 will be closed June 10 for five days during daytime hours due to culvert replacement, the Geauga County Engineer’s Office reports.
Traffic will not be maintained.