News Briefs
Eklund Named Friend of Agriculture
State Sen. John Eklund has been designated a Friend of Agriculture by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Agriculture for Good Government Political Action Committee (AGGPAC).
He will receive the award at the Geauga County Farm Bureau annual meeting Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Banquet Hall, 401 North St., Chardon.
The award recognizes incumbents and those running for office who stand out as advocates for Ohio’s diverse agricultural community.
GCSO Receives Traffic Safety Grant
The Traffic Safety Office, part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, has awarded $44,702.10 in federal traffic safety funding to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office for use during federal fiscal year 2013.
The funds will pay for extra patrols on county roads.
“These funds are critical to ensure that we are doing everything possible to reduce traffic fatalities,” said Sheriff Dan McClelland.
Based on crash data, the sheriff’s office and its partners at the state level have identified speed, impaired driving and seat belt use as priority areas for enforcement in Geauga County.
Crash data shows that during 2009 through 2011, Geauga County had 23 fatal crashes and 1,570 crashes that resulted in injuries. During 2010 alone, the county had nine fatal crashes.
To reduce these tragic statistics, McClelland said his office will be conducting high visibility enforcement, working extra hours and conducting education events on traffic safety.
The office will be using extra patrols on roads identified as problem areas with emphasis on major thoroughfares.
“These extra patrols help keep the citizens of Geauga County safe,” said McClelland.
The enforcement activity by the sheriff’s office in fiscal year 2012 resulted in 204 arrests for impaired driving including the OVI arrest of a person with seven previous OVI convictions.
Deputies also issued 707 citations for speed and 177 citations to persons failing to wear a seat belt. Deputies also arrested one fugitive felon from Florida. Enforcement activity also resulted in a felony drug arrest and several other drug arrests.
The sheriff’s office has scheduled another Prescription Drug Take-Back Day for Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Deputies will be on hand to assist those turning in medications for disposal.
Chardon Hydrant Flushing
The City of Chardon Water Department will be doing water hydrant flushing Oct. 1 through Oct. 5.
It is recommended that residents do not wash clothes during this time.
It also is recommended that hot water tanks be flushed out after the hydrant flushing has been completed.
For more information, call the water department at 440-286-2657 or 440-286-2949.
Neece & Malec Continues Mentor Expansion
Neece, Malec, Seifert & Vitaz, Inc., a Chardon-based accounting and wealth management services firm, has acquired Paul T. Ladas CPA, an accounting firm located in Mentor.
Ladas has been providing tax, accounting and consulting services since his firm’s founding in 1985.
“We view the addition of Mr. Ladas’ firm as a natural fit to continue the growth of our firm in Northeast Ohio,” said Shawn Neece, CPA, managing partner of Neece, Malec, Seifert & Vitaz. “We already have a significant client base in Mentor. This acquisition allows us to enhance our service to our clients and also provides us the opportunity to grow and expand upon the excellent reputation that Mr. Ladas has created in this region.”
Ladas will also assist in the development of the firm’s growing presence in Tampa, Fla.
“We are very excited to join a firm that will not only allow us to enhance professional services to our existing clients, but also affords us the ability to continue to provide the high quality services our clients have come to expect,” Ladas said. “This is an excellent opportunity for our firm to add breadth and depth to our accounting, tax and consulting services. Additionally, our existing clients will benefit immensely from the expanded range of services that Neece, Malec, Seifert & Vitaz offers.”
Following the acquisition, Neece, Malec, Seifert & Vitaz has offices in Chardon, Mentor, Madison and Tampa.
Earlier this year Neece, Malec, Seifert and Vitaz merged with Levine & McKinley, CPA, Inc.
