🦅 Bird chatter brewing

Good morning, Geauga County. The telltale signs of spring are appearing throughout our community, and nothing signals the season quite like summer camp registration. March 20 marks the opening day for securing spots in the Geauga Park District's popular outdoor adventure camps, where fishing poles, kayak paddles, and archery bows await young explorers in grades 3-10. With programs consistently filling quickly, parents might want to mark their calendars now to avoid disappointed faces come summer.

Meanwhile, fiscal watchdogs are raising eyebrows at the courthouse renovation, where a $22 roll of duct tape and other change orders have pushed costs beyond $20 million. On a brighter note, nature and language enthusiasts can enjoy a unique cultural blend at the upcoming "Café Con Las Aves" bilingual birding event on March 26, where hot beverages and feathered friends create the perfect environment for practicing Spanish while appreciating local wildlife.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Chardon

36°

66°

Middlefield

32°

64°

South Russell

36°

65°

Burton

32°

64°

Aquilla

34°

65°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏕️ Summer camp adventures await young outdoor enthusiasts in Geauga Park District. Registration opens March 20 for the 13th annual weeklong day camps serving youth entering grades 3-10. Activities include biking, fishing, kayaking, archery and stream exploration at various parks throughout the summer. Camps run weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with fees of $150 for Geauga County residents and $175 for others. Parents are encouraged to register early at geaugaparkdistrict.org to secure spots for their children's summer outdoor fun.

💰 Geauga courthouse renovation costs spiral with $329,209 in change orders. The project's budget has ballooned from $19.6 million to over $20 million, prompting commissioners to question expenses like a $22 roll of duct tape and upgraded countertops. Commissioner Spidalieri complained the job has "totally gone off the rails as far as add-ons," while newly-elected Commissioner Brakey expressed concern about wasteful spending. Officials are now scrutinizing requests more carefully, including a previously rejected $16,000 employee shower that Brakey called "an absurd request."

🦅 Bilingual birding brings Spanish and nature together in Geauga Park. The upcoming "Café Con Las Aves" program at The West Woods Nature Center offers participants a chance to enjoy bird watching while practicing Spanish language skills. Naturalist Chris Mentrek will lead this March 26 event in both English and Spanish, creating an inclusive environment for language learners and bird enthusiasts alike. Participants will gather at the wildlife feeding station with hot beverages while learning about birds and accessing Spanish-language birding resources. Registration is required for this unique educational experience as space is limited.

Spacious family home potential: Spacious Allegheny home priced at $309,990 features a family-friendly layout with four bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, and potential for a finished basement or covered porch for added living space.

Spacious Chesterland bargain with updates: This charming $250,000 Chesterland home offers 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths on 1.25 acres, featuring a spacious living room, eat-in kitchen, bonus room, and large backyard with a new pergola, plus 2024 updates to furnace, A/C, and septic.

Fruity Fixer-Upper With Potential: This 4-bedroom ranch home, priced at $225,000, needs some TLC and updating, but offers spacious hallways and a yard filled with fruit trees including apple, pear, and elderberry.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👬 Mar. 18 - Doug and Dave: Join Doug and Dave for an intimate gathering at St Mary's Church on March 18. Swing by 401 North St in Chardon to experience this special community event in the heart of Ohio.

🎭 Mar. 19 - Doug and Dave Show: Laugh your worries away with Doug and Dave as they bring their comedy to St. Mary's Church in Chardon. Catch their hilarious performance on March 19 at 7:00 PM. Tickets available now!

🦞 Mar. 21 - Seafood Extravaganza: Dive into seafood paradise at Pine Lake Trout Club's Extravaganza! Savor fresh catches and culinary delights on March 21 at their scenic Chagrin Falls location (17021 Chillicothe Rd).

👩‍💼 Mar. 22 - Women's Brunch in Woods: Power up your professional connections at the Women's Networking Brunch! Join fellow entrepreneurs for delicious food and meaningful conversations at The Lewis & Ruth Affelder House on Saturday, March 22 at 11 AM.

🍻 Mar. 23 - Beers & Hymns Charity: Raise your glass and lift your voice at the annual Beers and Hymns Event with the Chardon Polka Band on March 23. All proceeds benefit The Sub Zero Mission at 10621 Auburn Rd, Chardon.

🥞 Mar. 23 - Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast: Stack up on fluffy goodness at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at West Geauga High School on March 23! Bring your appetite to 13401 Chillicothe Rd in Chesterland for this community favorite.

🙏 In Remembrance

Martha Jean Miller

Martha Jean (Byler) Miller, 89, of Mesopotamia, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, after a life that included working as head cook at Mesopotamia Elementary School, where she was known for her Illinois Sugar Cookies. She is survived by her children Barbara, Joseph, and Marie, along with 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, her sister Ida, and a son-in-law. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Eli, daughter Esther, parents, and several siblings. Visitation will be held on March 17 at Mespo Center, with the funeral service following on March 18 at the Ervin Detwieler residence, concluding with burial at Wilcox Cemetery.