🪚 Craftsman's legacy

Good morning, Geauga County. The craftsmanship of a life well-lived leaves marks that endure long after the final chisel stroke. Charles Knotts, a talented woodcarver and dedicated engineer whose warm personality made everyone feel welcome, has left behind a legacy that spans generations — from his four sons to six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His memorial service on June 8 offers our community a chance to honor a neighbor whose skills and spirit embodied the best of local craftsmanship.

In other local developments, East Cleveland's suspended mayor heads to trial Monday facing corruption allegations, while just a short drive away, Shaker Heights is reimagining its future with an ambitious $32.2 million transformation of Lee Road. The project promises to convert the four-lane thoroughfare into a "complete street" with dedicated bike paths and mixed-use development zones — potentially creating new gathering spaces that could nurture the next generation of community builders.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Chardon

60°

75°

Middlefield

60°

73°

South Russell

61°

76°

75%

Burton

60°

73°

Aquilla

61°

74°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🪦 Skilled woodcarver and engineer Charles Knotts leaves behind a lasting legacy. The 85-year-old Chardon resident passed away on May 3, 2025, after a fulfilling career as a stationary engineer that spanned decades at companies including Allied Chemical and Painesville Electric Plant. A talented craftsman who enjoyed camping and Cleveland sports, Chuck was known for his warm personality and quick wit that made everyone feel welcome. He is survived by four sons, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Kathryn. A memorial service will be held on June 8 at Burr Funeral Home, with donations requested for the Alzheimer's Association.

⚖️ Suspended East Cleveland mayor heads to corruption trial Monday. Brandon King, who served as mayor since 2016, faces 12 counts including theft in office after allegedly steering $75,000 to family-owned companies. Prosecutors claim King showed "complete disregard and disdain for the rule of law" by misusing city funds and providing a city-owned car to former Councilman Ernest Smith. Both King and Smith have pleaded not guilty, with King dismissing the charges as politically motivated. The trial was briefly delayed after King's attorney unsuccessfully attempted to remove the judge from the case.

🏙️ Shaker Heights unveils ambitious $32.2 million Lee Road transformation plan. The project, set to begin construction in July 2026, will convert the four-lane road into a "complete street" with one lane each way, a center turn lane, and bike paths. Nearly $25 million in outside funding has been secured, though the city still needs to find another $4.5 million to fully finance the initiative. Additional improvements include replacing a century-old water line, creating mixed-use development zones, and potentially adding new recreational facilities at Chelton Park. The plan also addresses zoning changes to allow restaurants along the corridor, a frequent request from residents.

Colonial Estate Horse Paradise Included: For $1,595,000, enjoy a 4-bedroom Colonial with a wrap-around porch on 20 acres in Russell Township, along with a horse farm featuring an indoor arena, bank barn, workshop, and 4-suite apartment. The property comes with free natural gas and a home generator.

Woodland ranch with modern updates: This lovingly maintained $429,000 ranch home in Chardon sits on a 2.2-acre wooded lot and boasts a new geo-thermal heating system, updated windows, and a master bedroom with three closets.

Storybook manor with secret speakeasy: Listed at $2,250,000, this 1933 French country manor "Hemlock Haven" offers storybook charm with seven fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, five bedrooms, pool, and hidden speakeasy across its serene 3+ acre grounds.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎯 May 14 - Red Dot with Hunter: Join Hunter Freeland for an exclusive Red Dot Performance course at The Proving Grounds in Middlefield! This special LEO and Civilian training kicks off May 14 at 16990 Kinsman Rd.

🏃 May 15 - Geauga Joggers & Walkers: Step into spring with the Geauga Joggers & Walkers at Frohring Meadows! This free club welcomes adults of all abilities for a refreshing outdoor adventure on May 15 at 16780 Savage Rd, Chagrin Falls.

🔥 May 16 - Fire Safety Code Summit: Get fire-smart at the May Geauga Safety Council meeting! Join fire expert Make Vatty at Kent State University Geauga Campus on May 16 to learn about inspection procedures and code violations. Register now!

👖 May 16 - Pants Fitting Seminar: Perfect your pants fit at Kathy's Creative Sewing! Join expert Pamela for a two-day fitting seminar on May 16 at 12648 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland, where you'll master pattern fitting and fine garment skills.

🚗 May 17 - Geauga Spring Tour: Explore hidden gems across Geauga County during the 21st Annual Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour on May 17! Collect treasures, enjoy special discounts, and enter a drawing when you visit 10+ stops.

🎷 May 17 - Blue Fiasco Jazz Night: Sway to smooth rhythms as Blue Fiasco brings jazz standards to Sharon James Cellars on May 17! Unwind with fine wine and jazzical perfection at this intimate Newbury Township venue.

🛥️ May 18 - Yacht Rock Brunch Vibes: Sail into smooth sounds at Mercury Music Lounge's Yacht Rock Brunch! Groove to soft rock classics while enjoying brunch favorites on May 18 at 18206 Detroit Ave in Lakewood.

🦮 May 18 - ACD Monthly Lake Walk: Stretch your legs and make new friends at the ACD monthly walk through Swine Creek Reservation on May 18. Meet at the Hayes Road parking lot closest to the Sugar Shack/bathrooms.

🙏 In Remembrance

Kathryn Lee "Katie KT" Enders

Kathryn "Katie" Enders, 42, of Novelty, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Patrick and Jackie Enders, loving sister to Jill and Molly Enders and the late Brian Enders, and dear aunt to six nieces and nephews. Katie was known worldwide for her love of LEGO mini-figures, her thoughtful gift-giving, and her advocacy work, including being an early whistleblower about risks associated with Lasik surgery. She was an admirer of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a supporter of Bernie Sanders, and a passionate advocate for civil liberties and human dignity.

Terrance Phillip "Terry" Pike

Terrance "Terry" Phillip Pike, 84, of Middlefield, passed away on May 9, 2025, at Ohman Family Living at Briar. After growing up in South Euclid, Ohio and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he served in the United States Airforce as an air policeman and later worked in various occupations including installing lawn sprinklers, selling lumber and meat, and managing The Honky Tonk Saloon. Known for his excellent navigation skills and patriotism, Terrance was also a devout Catholic and member of St. Helen's Church in Newbury. He is survived by his longtime companion Betty Manocchio, former wife Cheryl Seagraves, two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Violet H. Korpowski

Violet H. Korpowski, 93, passed away on May 10, 2025, after a fulfilling life that began in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1932. After graduating from Shaker Heights High School, where she played drums in the band, she married Andrew Korpowski and worked various jobs before becoming a homemaker. Known for her love of the outdoors, Hungarian cooking, and practical skills like yard maintenance and wood splitting, Violet leaves behind her son James while being preceded in death by her husband and other family members. She will be remembered for her hard work, loving nature, and resilience, with services scheduled for May 16-17, 2025, at Sly Family Funeral Home.

Virginia Davis

Virginia "Ginny" Davis, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on May 7, 2025, at almost 93 years old. Born in Middlefield, Ohio in 1932, she lived a spirited life characterized by independence, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and community. She is survived by her sister Barbara, five children, 16 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren, having been preceded in death by her two husbands, her sister Helen, and her daughter Bonnie. A dedicated Cardinal Huskie sports fan, Ginny will be remembered for her strength and joyful spirit, with a celebration of her life to be held at Cardinal High School on May 18, 2025.