🐕 Officer chinook arrives

Good morning, Geauga County. The legacy of fallen officer Jacob Derbin lives on in an unexpected form—a Belgian Malinois named Chinook. The new K-9 officer, whose name honors Derbin's service as an Army helicopter mechanic, represents the fulfillment of a dream cut short when Derbin was killed in the line of duty this May. Thanks to community fundraising through the Veterans and First Responders Foundation, Chinook now patrols Euclid streets alongside Officer Jeremy Puszakowski, ensuring Derbin's commitment to public safety continues.

Excellence seems to be Geauga County's specialty lately. The Department on Aging Social Workers team has captured the prestigious 2025 OSHIIP Team of the Year award for their exceptional Medicare counseling services, while Woodmere Mayor Ben Holbert prepares for his next chapter leading voter mobilization efforts for the historic Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. With his mayoral term ending in December, Holbert will coordinate initiatives across Ohio and West Virginia, calling robust voter participation "transformative."

🌤 Sky Skoop

Chardon

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Middlefield

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South Russell

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Burton

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Aquilla

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐕 Fallen officer's K-9 dream lives on through Chinook. Two new K-9 units have joined the Euclid Police Department, fulfilling the dream of Officer Jacob Derbin who was killed in the line of duty in May 2024. Chinook, a Belgian Malinois paired with Officer Jeremy Puszakowski, was named in tribute to Derbin's service as a helicopter mechanic in the Army Reserves. The Veterans and First Responders Foundation raised funds for the new police dog through their Howling Heroes initiative. Chinook and Officer Puszakowski join Officer Paul Jablonski and K-9 Cozemo, bringing Euclid's total K-9 units to four and ensuring Derbin's legacy continues.

🏆 Geauga County social workers earn prestigious Medicare counseling award. The Department on Aging Social Workers team has been named the 2025 OSHIIP Team of the Year by Ohio's Senior Health Insurance Information Program. Their recognition stems from exceptional partnership with the state and dedication to providing unbiased Medicare guidance to seniors. Through personalized counseling and community outreach, the team helps beneficiaries navigate complex health insurance decisions. In 2024 alone, they completed 218 counseling appointments for Geauga County's older adults.

🗳️ Woodmere mayor to lead voter mobilization for historic Black fraternity. Ben Holbert has been appointed chairman of the Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization Committee for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Fourth District, covering Ohio and West Virginia. In this role, he will coordinate voter education initiatives and mobilization strategies for approximately 1,000 fraternity members across both states. Holbert, whose mayoral term ends December 31 due to term limits, called the opportunity "a true honor" and emphasized the transformative potential of robust voter participation. Omega Psi Phi, founded in 1911, is one of the nation's preeminent historically Black fraternities with over 250,000 initiates worldwide.

Spacious home needs updates: Priced at $369,900, this spacious Chesterland home sits on over 2 acres with FIVE garage spaces, a well-designed interior featuring two full baths, and a partially finished basement—though it needs some updating.

Hidden Gem Auction Opportunity: This foreclosure property at a list price of $0 is available through Auction.com, where it may sell below market value and interested buyers can sign up for alerts about auction dates and status changes.

Golf view Cape needs updates: This golf course gem on Tanglewood's second tee offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and peaceful views for $300,000. The 1,713-square-foot Cape Cod features large bedrooms, multiple patios, and solid bones in a desirable community.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎺 Jul. 3 - Polka in the Park: Toe-tapping polka beats fill the summer air as the Chardon Polka Band performs at 100 Short Ct St on July 3. Grab a wood-fired slice from Willy Nilly's Pizza Truck while you enjoy the show!

🏊 Jul. 3 - WRGC Swim Lessons: Dive into summer at WRGC's Learn to Swim Session #2! This two-week aquatic adventure at West Geauga Recreational Council on Cedar Road helps kids build confidence and skills in the water starting July 3.

🇺🇸 Jul. 4 - Old Glory Day: Celebrate freedom at Old Glory Day on Chardon Square this July 4th! Join the community for patriotic festivities sponsored by the Chardon Square Association, City of Chardon, and Chamber of Commerce.

🎆 Jul. 5 - Veteran's Appreciation & Fireworks: Honor our heroes at Veteran's Appreciation Day & Fireworks! The Great Geauga County Fairground lights up the July 5th sky starting at 6PM. Rain date: July 6th. Call 440-834-8621 for details.

🌽 Jul. 5 - Geauga Fresh Farmers Market: Farm-fresh goodness awaits at the Geauga Fresh Farmers Market! Stop by 5205 Chillicothe Road in South Russell on Saturday, July 5 from 9am to noon for seasonal produce and local treats.

🍻 Jul. 5 - Gottscheer Treffen Weekend: Join the 61st Gottscheer Treffen celebration at 8636 Pekin Rd in Novelty! Your weekend ticket ($75 adults, $20 kids) unlocks festivities on both Saturday and Sunday, starting July 5th.

🌶️ Jul. 5 - Hot Sauce Showdown: Bring your taste buds to the Eleventhree Hot Sauce Showdown! Spice up July 5th with fiery flavors from tangy classics to scorching concoctions at 211 Cherry Ave in Chardon.

🍷 Jul. 5 - Live Music at Sharon James: Unwind with live music on the patio at Sharon James Cellars Winery! Sip local wines while enjoying summer tunes under the July sky at their charming Newbury Township location on July 5.

🙏 In Remembrance

Patricia Fromm

Patricia "Pat" Fromm, a warm and kind woman who cherished traveling, watching her daughters Irish dance, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, passed away recently. She was the wife of the late Donald Paul Fromm, mother to Kathryn Bruckert and Rebecca Fromm, grandmother to five, and sister to Barbara Hendry and the late Douglas Miller. Born in Rochester, NY, Pat graduated from Case Western Reserve University and St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing, working as a Registered Nurse for many years with an enduring passion for caring for others. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 8 at Federated Church of Chagrin Falls, with the family receiving visitors the day before.

Frank Jude Vallo

Frank Jude Vallo, 84, passed away on June 29 after a life that included service in the Navy aboard the USS Observation Island and education at Ohio State University before moving to California where he met his wife of 59 years, Sandra. He later settled in Chardon to raise his family and developed a passion for researching his Slovak ancestry, which led to European trips that formed lasting family connections. Known for his gift of gab, storytelling ability, and love of debate, Frank is survived by his wife, two children, three sisters, and numerous extended family members. A visitation and funeral service will be held on July 7, 2025, at Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes in Chardon.