Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Geauga County / March 24, 2025

🚨 Scam alert seniors

Geauga County • March 24, 2025

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Good morning, Geauga County. A troubling trend is emerging across our community as scammers set their sights on our most vulnerable neighbors. Mentor Senior Center has been flooded with reports of a turnpike toll collection scam targeting elderly residents, prompting officials to launch awareness initiatives aimed at protecting seniors from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. These digital-age predators are a stark reminder that vigilance is our collective responsibility, especially for those who didn't grow up navigating today's complex technological landscape.

Amid these challenges, our community both mourns and celebrates the remarkable life of Donna Jean Liotta, whose 67 years were defined by resilience and wit despite facing significant obstacles. Meanwhile, Pepper Pike stands at a crossroads with Issue 17, as residents prepare to vote on modernizing the city's 60-year-old charter on May 6 – potentially establishing clearer separation of powers and bringing local governance firmly into the 21st century.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚨 Seniors targeted by scammers in Mentor, officials sound alarm. Mentor Senior Center has received numerous inquiries about a turnpike toll collection scam affecting elderly residents. Recreation Manager Renee Ochaya emphasized the importance of educating seniors about various scams that can occur via cellphone, laptop, or other means. Local police and officials are working to raise awareness and provide resources to help vulnerable seniors recognize and avoid these increasingly sophisticated scams. The initiative aims to protect older adults who are often specifically targeted by fraudsters.

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🕊️ Donna Jean Liotta's life of love and wit ended suddenly. The 67-year-old Chardon resident passed away on March 20, 2025, surrounded by her cherished family. Despite facing challenges including a disability that ended her career as an administrative assistant, Donna maintained her resilient spirit and sharp humor throughout life. She is remembered for creating a loving home with her husband Joseph of nearly 45 years and raising two children who were her pride and joy. A Celebration of Life will be held March 28 at Burr Funeral Home, with the family requesting donations to A Special Wish Foundation instead of flowers.

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🗳️ Pepper Pike's 60-year-old charter needs a modern makeover. Residents will vote on Issue 17 on May 6, deciding whether to approve revisions drafted by a nine-member commission over 20 weeks. The updated charter would establish clearer separation of powers between council and mayor, with council selecting its own presiding officer rather than having the mayor control both branches. Other key changes include updated language, qualifications for office, and making the planning commission more independent. Supporter Lou Ann Graham urges residents to vote yes to "move Pepper Pike into the 21st century."

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Mountain retreat with private lake: This $895,000 custom-built log home sprawls across three finished levels on 19 peaceful acres, offering 5,000 sqft of living space, two fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, and a private 6+ acre lake, plus a 140x70 covered equestrian arena with horse stalls.
Real estate listing image Risky foreclosure cash only: This online-only foreclosure is selling for $66,666. It requires a wire transfer deposit within 48 hours, full cash funding within 30 days, and includes a 5% buyer's premium with no opportunity for showings.
Real estate listing image Spacious ranch recent upgrades: This $459,000 Ranch in Kenston School District offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room with fireplace, and living room with refinished hardwood floors on a 1.55-acre lot with numerous recent upgrades.
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