Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Geauga County / May 16, 2025

πŸ“‹ Local power plays

Geauga County • May 16, 2025

Local Brew Logo
​

Good morning, Geauga County. When utility giants and local officials face off, the sparks tend to fly beyond just the power lines. FirstEnergy's plans to close its Middlefield line shop have county commissioners questioning the company's assurances about emergency response times, highlighting the tension between corporate "resource management" and community concerns about reliable service during those inevitable stormy nights.

Meanwhile, two very different transitions are unfolding across the county. Longtime educator Frances Donahue received well-deserved recognition with the prestigious Friend of Education Award, celebrating her enduring impact on the Hilltopper community. And in a sign of our evolving workplace landscape, Progressive Insurance has sold its vacant 104,000-square-foot office building for $3.5 millionβ€”a striking reminder of how remote work continues to reshape our local real estate market long after the height of the pandemic.

🌀 Sky Skoop

ChardonWeather Icon
66Β°
83Β°
rain 80%
MiddlefieldWeather Icon
66Β°
82Β°
rain 82%
South RussellWeather Icon
65Β°
83Β°
rain 0%
BurtonWeather Icon
66Β°
82Β°
rain 82%
AquillaWeather Icon
65Β°
81Β°
rain 76%

β˜•οΈ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

⚑ County officials clash with FirstEnergy over power shop consolidation plans. Geauga County Commissioners have expressed strong doubts about The Illuminating Company's claims that closing its Middlefield line shop won't affect emergency response times. FirstEnergy representatives Dave Conley and Tinh Khongphatthana met with commissioners after receiving a letter outlining concerns about the planned consolidation with the Concord Township facility. The company maintains the consolidation is necessary for "responsible resource management," though the exact closure date remains under review. County officials continue to push back against the plan, fearing potential service disruptions for local residents.

Read more

🍎 Longtime educator Frances Donahue honored with prestigious education award. The Chardon Education Association presented Donahue with the 2025 Friend of Education Award during their annual recognition dinner on April 28, celebrating her dedication to the Hilltopper community through guidance and volunteerism. At the same event, Chardon Smile Center received the Superintendent's Award, with Dr. Christopher Phillips and Dr. Brian Titus accepting the honor for their dental practice's commitment to supporting district programs. Superintendent Michael Hanlon praised the Smile Center for making "a significant difference to young people in the classroom, but also in life."

Read more

🏒 Progressive Insurance sells vacant office for $3.5 million. The 104,221-square-foot Mayfield Heights property was purchased by buyers linked to Time Equities, a New York-based real estate developer. Progressive offloaded the building after many employees chose to continue working remotely following the COVID-19 pandemic. The "Class A" office space features a three-story atrium lobby, conference rooms, fitness center, and underground parking garage. This sale is part of Progressive's larger strategy of downsizing its office footprint in Cleveland's eastern suburbs.

Read more

🏑 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Countryside Cape Acres Workshop: Priced at $250,000, this charming 3-bedroom Cape Cod sits on 6.61 acres in Chesterland, featuring a cozy living room with fireplace, updated kitchen, outdoor entertaining spaces, and a heated workshop in the attached garage.
Real estate listing image Historic gem near village square: Listed at $219,900, this charming three-bedroom Century Home near Chardon Square features spacious living areas, abundant natural light, a wood-burning stove, and a peaceful front porch, all within walking distance to shops and dining.
Real estate listing image Historic farmhouse on acreage: Priced at $350,000, this historic farmhouse offers 5.85 acres of rustic charm with two separate living spaces, making it perfect for multi-generational living or as a rental opportunity in Parkman Township.

πŸ—“οΈ Happenings & Hoopla

🍻 May 16 - JBa @ 8th Day Brewing: Groove to live music as JBa takes the stage at 8th Day Brewing! Catch this vibrant performance on May 16 in charming Chagrin Falls, perfect for kicking off your weekend with good vibes.
🌲 May 16 - Geauga Parks Explorers Series: Explore the natural wonders of Geauga County with the Foundation's Explorers Series! Join fellow nature enthusiasts on May 16 at the Lewis & Ruth Affelder House for this special monthly outing.
πŸ”₯ May 16 - Fire Safety Code Workshop: Join fire safety expert Make Vatty at Kent State Geauga Campus for the May Safety Council meeting! Learn about inspection procedures and fire code compliance on May 16. Register now to secure your spot!
🎸 May 16 - Marcus Live at Warren's: Groove to live music with Marcus at Warren's Spirited Kitchen! Savor dinner and drinks while enjoying soulful tunes on May 16 at 14614 E Park St in Burton, OH.
πŸš— May 17 - Geauga Spring Tour: Explore hidden gems on the 21st Annual Destination Geauga Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour! Wind through scenic Geauga County on May 17, enjoying special discounts and treasures at each stop. Visit 10+ locations for prize entry!
🎷 May 17 - Blue Fiasco Jazz Night: Sway to smooth rhythms as Blue Fiasco brings jazz standards to Sharon James Cellars on May 17! Pair your favorite wine with live music for a perfect evening in Newbury Township's cozy vineyard setting.
πŸ’ƒ May 17 - Kids Dance Classes: Tiny dancers can twirl, tap, and hop their way through Saturday morning classes at Geauga Theater Community Arts Center! Dance to Evolve offers specialized ballet, tap, and hip hop instruction for children ages 2-7 on May 17.
🌯 May 18 - Guatemala Mission Fundraiser Breakfast: Fuel up for a cause at the Burrito Breakfast supporting MUMC's Guatemala Mission Trip! Join the community on May 18 at 7747 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland to help build homes and feed families abroad.

πŸ™ In Remembrance

Erica Lee Dearth

Erica Lee Dearth, 38, passed away on May 13, 2025, after battling cervical cancer for nearly two years. Born in Euclid, Ohio on March 4, 1987, she was a graduate of Villa Angela St. Joseph High School who pursued a career as a home health aide. Known for her kindness, love of animals, and passion for travel, Erica is survived by her wife Margarita Bermudez, her parents, and two brothers. Visitation and funeral services will be held on May 20, 2025, at DeJohn Funeral Home in Chesterland, Ohio, followed by burial at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens.

Erica Lee Dearth

Rosemary M. Phillips

Rosemary M. Phillips, 92, passed away after sharing 67 years of marriage with her late husband Kenneth. She was a devoted mother to Kenneth, Bruce, Kathleen, and the late Michael, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Nora Molinaro, and her brother Sammy Miller. A private graveside service will be held at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with a memorial celebration for both Rosemary and Kenneth scheduled for June 21, 2025, at Generations Event & Reception Center in Chesterland, Ohio.

Rosemary M. Phillips

Todd Russell Rowles

Todd Russell Rowles, 59, died on May 8, 2025, in Sandusky, OH after battling cancer. Born in Columbus, OH, Todd was known for his friendly demeanor and adventurous spirit, maintaining close relationships with his wife Barbara, family members, and numerous friends. His professional life included working in power sports sales and serving as a Charter Boat Captain on Lake Erie, where he combined his career with his passion for fishing and boating. Todd's legacy is defined by his zest for life, ability to make friends easily, and his pursuit of happiness through his many interests including fishing, boating, and golf.

Todd Russell Rowles
{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

{{subscriber.rh_reflink}}

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}
Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

← Previous
🏒 Housing highs and lows
Next →
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Heroes among us