News Briefs
LaTourette Holds District Office Hours
State Rep. Sarah LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township) will hold open office hours in the 76th House District over the next several months.
Monthly office hours are scheduled through the end of the year in The Gallery conference room at Kent State University – Geauga, 14111 Claridon Troy Road, Burton.
The specific dates and times are as follows:
• Nov. 16, 3-5 p.m.
• Dec. 21, 3-5 p.m.
No appointment is necessary and all are encouraged to participate.
Kent State University does not sponsor the office hours.
Russell Hosting Public Meeting on Township Finances
Russell Township officials will host a public education and outreach session on township finances at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 24.
The public meeting will be held in the Town Hall, located at the intersection of state routes 87 and 306.
Learn about ongoing efforts to keep Russell Township financially sound. Hear about the plans and projections for 2016 and hear the longer term plan for the future.
Township trustees, the fiscal officer and department heads will be available to answer questions.
Russell residents are encouraged to attend.
CASA for Kids Fully Funded in 2016
The Geauga County Juvenile Court has been awarded 2016 Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA) and State Victims Assistance Academy (SVAA) grants totaling nearly $290,000 for the CASA for Kids of Geauga County program.
The grants funding, which are paid for with criminal fines, forfeitures, special assessments, and gifts or donations, is a substantial increase over the previous year grant funding amount of approximately $30,000, according to an Oct. 15 press release from the court.
Through the juvenile court, CASA for Kids provides trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to represent the best interests of a child when family problems such as substance abuse, mental health issues and domestic violence result in child abuse and neglect.
The program was able to fulfill the grant’s entire local match requirement through volunteer hours, thanks to the dedication of CASA volunteers to the children of Geauga County (over 8,600 hours in 2014), the court said.
“It is truly an honor to be awarded this funding that will allow the CASA for KIDS program of Geauga County to continue our mission to advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, dependent and other children referred by the Court,” said Julie Weese, program director for CASA for Kids of Geauga County.
KCAC Seeks New Board Members
The Kenston Schools Board of Education is currently seeking two interested community members to fill positions currently vacant on the district’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
The board created the Kenston Citizens Advisory Committee at its November 2006 meeting. The purpose of KCAC is to serve as a conduit between the Kenston school board and the Kenston community by communicating, researching and providing education on strategic matters, reinforcing the district’s vision statement that “an exemplary school district is committed to establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with its community.”
By Oct. 30, individuals interested are asked to submit: one page of reasons why the applicant desires to serve on KCAC; one page of resume data including background, education, experience, professional accomplishments and major strengths; and two letters of recommendation. Send the documents of application to President, Kenston Board of Education, 17419 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.
Interviews by a board committee and the KCAC president will take place by Nov. 8, with duties beginning Dec. 1. It is desired that the membership be as diverse as possible on a number of demographic and professional variables. Applicants with experience in public relations are welcomed.
The composition of KCAC is nine community members, the district treasurer, the district superintendent and one member of the board of education. Community members serve for three-year terms. KCAC will have a minimum of four meetings per year.
Additional information about KCAC can be found at the Kenston Board of Education website at www.kenstonlocal.org.
