Mantua Matters
March 2006
MAYOR’S CORNER
I have kept very busy during the past months overseeing many projects in the Village. In May of last year, I approved the repaving of the E. High Street hill necessary for the running of the Soap Box Derby.
I took the opportunity during the June Council meeting to thank the many residents of the Village for their efforts. Linda & Don Schilling for flower plantings at the Mini Park, the Chamber of Commerce for the flower baskets along Main Street and the Village Service Department for the care and watering of the baskets throughout the season.
In July, I thanked the Eagle Scout Troop 575 for refurbishing the cannon in front of the old fire station on West High St., and Girl Scout Troop 886 from the Hilltop Church for restoring the sign at Buchert Park.
In August, I congratulated Tyler Gallagher from the Mantua area as the World Champion Soap Box Derby winner. This is the second year in a row that the Mantua area has produced the World Champion!!
I was pleased to announce that plans for the new Village Hall had been submitted to the County Building Department for approval. The new hall will be at the site of the former Fire Station on W. High St. and is expected to be completed this year.
The Mantua Potato Festival, held in September, was a great success. I would like to thank all of those involved for their hard work, dedication and help throughout the year.
Village Administrator, Ed Trego, and his staff were hard at work in November putting up the wreaths along Main Street and hooking up the lights that shine on the sign at the new Village Hall.
In December of last year, we said goodbye to Paul Janson with our thanks for acting as interim Council person filling in for Carolyn Hummel. Also, to Pearl Campbell for her 4 years of service on Council.
And, so begins another year of growth and progress for the Village of Mantua.
MANTUA POLICE DEPARTMENT YEARLY REPORT - 2005
The Police Department handled a total of 168 cases during the last year. A few of these cases are still under investigation, but most have been cleared. This is a decrease from last year of approximately 24%.
They have dealt with assaults, thefts, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, phone harassment, drug-related problems, vandalism and property damage.
There were 27 criminal arrests, 42 accidents, 1,334 warnings, 452 citations, and the cruisers were driven a total of 49,842 miles.
The 42 accidents involved a total of 63 vehicles, 3 injuries and no deaths. Most common cause was driver inattention.
Total phone calls handled by the Department Dispatchers, including 911 calls was 7,734. There were 487 mutual aid calls for other departments, plus 50 meetings, training sessions and seminars attended by various officers.
Other statistics include:
Officer hours worked 11,287 Dispatch hours worked 10,067 Motorist & public assists 590 Open doors/windows 154 Suspicious persons/vehicles 211 Bar checks 456 House checks 1,176 Other department activities include: security for parades & races, patrol of the school zones, foot patrols in the downtown area, checking lift stations, reservoir, water & sewer plants, Safety Town (for bicycle safety), Safety Belt classes given in the schools and Youth Interaction Safety Classes.
Presently, the Mantua Police Department consists of 4 full-time and 10 part-time Officers, 3 full-time and 4 part-time Dispatchers.
It is the policy of this Department to provide the best possible assistance to our citizens, to meet your needs with courteous and professional service - To Serve And Protect.
If you would like additional information regarding any of our programs or have any questions or concerns, please call the Police Department at 330-274-2251.
FIRE DEPARTMENT YEARLY REPORT - 2005
The Fire District serves a response area of 54 square miles with a population of approximately 13,000.
Department personnel includes 1 Firefighter, 13 Firefighter/EMT, 20 Firefighter/Paramedic and 3 Active Reserve.
There were a total of 1,321 calls during the year. 36 CO calls, 152 accidents, 306 fire calls and 827 EMS calls. (186 calls for Mantua Village, 483 for Mantua Township and 565 for Shalersville Township.)
There were 16 fatalities, 4 DOA, 8 full cardiac arrest and 4 accident fatalities.
Other incidents include 6 motor vehicle accidents with trauma, 4 with major trauma, 6 extrications, 12 air ambulance, 9 Lifeflight, 3 Stat MedEvac, 2 S.C.U.B.A. operations, 2 off-road rescue, 9 attempted suicides, and 3 Hazmat incidents.
There were 17 working fires with a total structural loss of $464,000 with 1 civilian and 0 firefighter injuries.
They had 60 multiple run shifts (6 or more calls during a 24 hour shift) and 153 multiple run incidents (2 or more calls in progress at the same time). 13 incidents of automatic aid and 74 incidents of mutual aid.
My thanks to Brooke Byers for providing this report.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
SPRING CLEAN-UP
We will be having a spring clean up day for Village residents on Saturday, May 6th. Your throw-aways will be picked up at the curb of your residence. The pick-up will start at 6:00 am, and they will only make one pass through your neighborhood and are usually out of the Village by 9 am.
Place your items out earlier in the week to give recyclers and salvage folks a chance to take what can be reused, which in turn, saves tax money.
No batteries, tires, chemicals or hazardous material will be accepted. No paint or yard waste is acceptable either.
Any refrigeration appliance must have Freon removed and a vendors certificate a
HYDRANT FLUSHING
Hydrant flushing will take place in the Village on March 28, 29, & 30th, weather permitting.
Users will experience discolored water during this period and are advised to run the cold water only until clear. Perhaps it would be a good idea to put off doing laundry for those couple of days until the system is back to normal.
CEMETERY CLEAN UP
Christmas and other winter decorations should be removed from Hillside Cemetery by April 15, 2006. All remaining Christmas decorations will be discarded as we begin to clean up the cemetery for Spring and Memorial Day.
BRUSH PICK-UP
The brush collection program for 2006 will commence in May and continue monthly until and including October. Pick-up will be on the second Monday of the month except for Village holidays. If a holiday, the pick-up will being on the next day, Tuesday. Please help us continue this successful program by following the regulations below.
Residents may place brush at the curbside for collection, taking care not to block sidewalk areas. Only brush and branches shall be placed with the cut ends at the curb with length not to exceed ten (10) feet and diameter not to exceed three (3) inches. Large diameter branches and trunks will not be taken. Chipping crews will spend a maximum of 20 minutes chipping at each residence.
Piles of brush should be on tree lawn or close to curb with cut side facing the street. This allows the crew to work more efficiently and safely. Avoid stacking brush too high as it may pose a traffic hazard. It may be placed lengthwise on the tree lawn cut ends facing the same direction. Bagged yard waste (grass clippings, flowers, briars, thorny bushes, etc>) will not be picked up.
Chipping is intended for brush collection that has been trimmed by homeowners during routine maintenance. The homeowner will be responsible for the disposal of brush/limbs from removal of tree(s), lot clearing, clearing along fence line or property boundaries and it is not to be placed at curb. If a contractor has been hired to perform the work, the contractor is responsible for brush/limb removal and it is not to be placed at curb.
If anyone has any questions regarding the brush pickup or would like to obtain free wood chips, please call the Village of Mantua Service Department at 330-274-8188.
SIDEWALK REPAIR/REPLACEMENT
During the month of April, the Village will be notifying those resident and business property owners that have sidewalks in need of repair or replacement. Every year, sidewalks needing repair or replacement are selected and processed according to the Village Codified Ordinance sections 913.03 to 913.05 inclusive.
For further information or questions, please contact the Village Administrator, Ed Trego, at 330-274-8188.
THANK YOU
The Village Service Department received many compliments on our snow and ice control this winter. We take great pride in trying to do our best and hope that it is reflected in our service to you. We are very grateful for the courtesy and understanding that have been extended to us by the Village residents.
TAX TIME
It’s that time of year again! According to Ordinance 1976-13, “any person of the age of 18 or over who resides, works, or operates a business in whole or in part, for any part of a tax year, within the Village of Mantua, shall, whether or not a tax is due and regardless of whether such person is subject to income tax withholding, make and file a return on or before April 15, 2006 at midnight.
The 2005 tax forms have been sent out. Included is the estimated tax form. If you don’t want to be hit with a large tax due amount, file the estimated tax form and pay quarterly.
These tax dollars are used for the general Municipal operations, maintenance, new equipment, extension and enlargement of municipal services and facilities and capital improvements of the Village of Mantua. This includes, Police operations, maintenance of the Hillside Cemetery and Buchert Park, Spring/Fall cleanup, curbside brush pickup and street lighting. New businesses in the Village, need to register at the Village Government Center at 4736 E. High St. If you need forms or have any questions, please call 330-274-8776.
…..…….Betsy Woolf, Clerk-Treasurer
ZONING REPORT
With Spring just around the corner, and thoughts of all those building projects, please do not forget compliance with the Zoning Code of Mantua Village.
Projects such as: Fences, Decks, Pools, Garages, Storage Sheds and Home Additions are some of the most common home-owner projects which require a zoning permit from Mantua Village.
You need to plan ahead in order to allow enough time for the Zoning Review Process and the additional time required to obtain a Portage County Building Department Permit, if required.
Projects such as: roof replacement, window and door replacement do not require a zoning permit as long as the structure is not being changed. But these projects may require a Building Permit from Portage County. You need to check with them prior to the project.
As a reminder - all contractors doing work in Mantua Village must register at the Village Hall prior to performing any work. You as a resident, should check to ensure they have done so prior to allowing them to start on your project.
Zoning applications are available at the Mantua Village Hall from 9 am to 4 pm weekdays. 330-274-8776.
The job of Zoning Inspector is a part-time position in Mantua Village. If you have any questions, please leave a voice message at 330-274-3199. I will return your call as soon as possible.
I will thank you in advance for your cooperation and compliance with the Mantua Village Zoning Code.
.…….……Bill Zoller, Zoning Inspector
WEATHER WATCH
With the peak tornado season in Ohio running from April through mid-July, we offer the following tips that could save lives.
WATCH - atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop.
WARNING - a severe weather event is imminent or already occurring. Take action immediately.
FUNNEL CLOUD - a violent rotating column of air not in contact with the ground.
TORNADO - a funnel cloud that makes contact with the ground.If a tornado warning is issued, take cover in a storm cellar or basement. Always stay away from windows and do not open any windows.
For those in open areas, lie down in the nearest ditch or ravine and cover your head with you arms.
We recommend the GET READY, GET SET, GO method of preparation for severe weather. ‘GET READY’ by knowing weather safety rules and having a plan. Listen closely to forecasts and watches to ‘GET SET’. As soon as a warning is issued, ‘GO’ to a safe place.
TELEMARKETING AND PHONE FRAUD
Everyone who has a phone presents a target to con artists whose preferred method of operation is the telephone. Some common phone-related scams include:
Callers offer contest prizes or fabulous vacation package deals, but the victim must provide credit card information to win or qualify.
Pay-per-call telephone numbers, known as 900 numbers, offer contest prizes, bogus products, or suspect services such as repairing a poor credit rating. Unsuspecting customers find charges from $2 to $50 and more on their monthly telephone bills. Scam victims are often led to 900 numbers by toll-free 800 numbers or mailings.
Con artists “steal” phone card numbers, often positing as a telephone company investigator (checking a system failure) or law enforcement officer (with an emergency collect call about a family member that must be charged to a long distance carrier credit card) or government official (investigating for the FCC).
Fraudulent charity pleas often have a name that sounds similar to that of a reputable well-known organization such as the Salvation League (instead of the Salvation Army). They sell tickets to a circus that’s a fundraiser for disabled children, police officers’ ball or other events. They may ask for contributions to help victims of the latest natural disaster-a hurricane, earthquake or war. Reputable charities are always willing to send a financial statement or annual report, or people can contact the National Charities Information Bureau.
Consumers can call a new toll-free help line 1-800-876-7060, to report frauds and locate local resources. The National Consumers League developed and operates the help line, with funding from Citicorp, MasterCard, MCI Comm. Corp and VISA USA. All information reported to the help line is forwarded to a telemarketing fraud database maintained by the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection to assist state and local law enforcement and collect case evidence needed to launch investigations.
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA), which represents more than 3,600 companies engaged in all aspects of direct marketing, has Developed voluntary guidelines for the industry. DMA also operates a Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to help consumers remove their names from national telephone sales call lists by sending name, full address and telephone number including area code to: Telephone Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P. O. Box 9014, Famingdale NY, 11735.
TO AVOID TELEMARKETING FRAUD:
- DO NOT give checking or savings account information to anyone over the phone.
- DO NOT give credit card numbers over the phone unless you know the organization is reputable.
- DO NOT assume an organization is legitimate because of impressive looking brochures, testimonials, or official sounding names.
- BE WARY of high pressure sales tactics such as prizes, awards and deals that are only available if you “act right away”.
- REQUEST written information from an organization soliciting you over the phone, have someone you trust review it before you act.
If in doubt, hang up the phone! Don’t worry about being polite to those seeking to tie up your time and steal your life savings. If you think the call is a scam, get as much information as you can such as address, phone number, organization name and person’s name-CALL THE POLICE.
CRESTWOOD LIONS CLUB NEWS
The Crestwood Lions Club is celebrating its 35th year since being chartered, during the month of February.
A dinner was hosted on the 25th of February at the Aurora Inn. Special guest speaker was Lion Jim Spence, an original charter member. Three charter members remain in the club, Lion and Past District Governor Don Martin, Lion John Taylor, and Lion Spence remain active in the club.
Many changes have taken place since the charter of the club on February 12, 1971, by the Rootstown Lions Club. Numerous fundraisers have been held to help fund community projects and generous folks have volunteered their free time to help out.
One of the best fundraisers for the club has been the food trailer that goes out every spring and summer to community events. Others include the Carnations Sale, Concession Stand, Turkey Shoot,200 Club, Mints, Christmas tree sales and Community Reflective Signs.
Sponsored events include the Portage County Soap Box Derby, eyeglass collection, eye screenings, road cleanup and Sight Night. Supported organizations include the Mantua 4C’s, Pilot Dogs Inc. of Columbus, OH and others. Thanks to the Community for supporting all of our efforts.
Currently, there are 33 members, men and women, dedicated to helping the community. A variety of ages in the club allow for diversity and flexibility to accomplish many things. Networking within the District of Lions Clubs also pulls other resources to financially strengthen the efforts of the Crestwood Lions Club.
Lions International is made up of Lions Clubs dedicated to serving their communities by volunteers. If you are interested in learning about the Crestwood Lions Club, contact Lion Harold Ullman at 330-274-2516 or check us out on the web at crestwoodlionsoh/lionwap.org or email us at crestwoodlionsoh@yahoo.com
TUBBY’S SUBS
A new eatery has opened up in our community, located at 4668 E. Prospect called Tubby’s Subs, home of the “BIG ONE”!
What, you may ask, is the “Big One”? It is a fully prepared, 16” sub weighing in at a scrumptious 2 pounds. The meat and produce is fresh-cut daily and the bread is baked and delivered by G & C Bakery, also located in Mantua.
If you are not in the mood for a sub, they also have Chicken Wraps, Caesar Salads, hot soup or chili or an all-American hot dog.
They will have daily and/or weekly specials. Call in orders will be accepted at 330-274-0300. Party trays are available with 48 hours notice.
Temporary hours are Monday thru Thursday 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 9 pm, closed on Sunday.
We are pleased to welcome this new establishment to our town and wish them the best of luck!!
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Prospect Street seems to be exploding with new businesses. Among them are “Sunscape Tanning Studio and Boutique” and 4070 E. Prospect, owned by Wendy Szoka, “Hair For You” at 4678 E. Prospect, owned by Deborah Mistelske, and “Mantua Health Center” at 4667 E. Prospect, owned and operated by chiropractor, Dr. Mark Halassy, and his mother Marianna Halassy, who is a certified hypnotherapist, Reiki master and Chinese metaphysical consultant.
I hope to have more information on these businesses in the next issue.
PASTIMES TO CHANGE OWNER & NAME
Fulfilling a dream, Betsy and Dave Woolf purchased Pastimes in January. It will be renamed SIDE STREET CAFÉ & GRILLE. Betsy has been in the cooking field for 35 years and is well-known for her stuffed cabbage.
The new menu, coming out in March, will reflect many new ideas. They will be featuring theme nights and nightly specials along with the regular menu.
The lunch menu will be expanded to include more deli-style sandwiches, wraps and specialty salads. Betsy and her staff will also be preparing foods for graduations, showers, parties, etc. There is an on-site baker, who prepares desserts and is very creative. She is presently experimenting with Cheesecakes.
The hours are remaining the same for now. They may soon be opening on Sundays for brunch and opening on Mondays may be an option down the road.
The Café is proud of a very friendly staff whose goal is to provide excellent service to their customers. The phone number remains the same - 330-274-9002.
We are pleased to welcome Betsy and Dave to the business community and wish them the best of luck.
TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFETY FROM NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Keep car doors locked at all times.
- Before leaving your house or the store to go to your car, look around and be aware of what is going on.
- Always have your keys ready to unlock the door so you can enter without delay.
- As you are entering your car, look into the back seat.
- Always have a least a half tank of gas in your car, never less.
- Keep your vehicle in good shape.
- Travel on well-lighted streets and avoid taking short cuts.
- If you are being followed, drive to the nearest open business for help or drive to the police or fire department.
- Never go home if you are being followed.
- Park in areas that will be well-lit when you return to your car.
- Don’t leave your house keys with your car keys when having your car serviced.
- Women driving alone should never stop to aid a stranger in a stalled car.
- Proceed to an open business and report the car to the police.
- If you have car trouble, raise the hood, then stay in your car.
- If someone offers assistance, do not roll the window down. Talk to them through the window and ask them to call someone for you. Never go for help with a stranger.
- Notify family and/or friends of your travel plans.
- If possible, never travel alone without a cell phone.
Common sense and caution will do a great deal to keep you safe on the road.
MANTUA ROTARY NEWS
Thanks to all who supported the Variety Show on February 11th. It was great fun for both audience and participants. The profit of $1400 will be used for the purchase of dictionaries for all Crestwood third grade students. It will also help to fund the annual 2 Harold Rendell awards of $750 each and the annual Neale Parker Scholarship of $1000, all for graduating Seniors.
Rotary’s next community venture will be the summer Farmer’s Market which will again be open at Buchert Park on the third Saturday of July, August, September & October. The Market is open from 9 am to 1 pm.
Efforts are being made to expand the market this year to include vendors who have interesting items appropriate for a county market. If you have some ideas to make this Market a more effective community event, please call Jim Rogers, Virginia Goodell or Steve Hurd.
AMERICAN LEGION AND LEGION AUXILIARY NEWS
Legion Post 193 meets on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Post Home (next to the Park Lodge), September through May.
They also have informal, weekly Tuesday Breakfasts at the Mantua Village Tavern at 8:00 am. All are welcome.
As an income project, they are collecting aluminum cans. You may drop off at the Legion Hall or contact Commander Steve Oros at 330-274- 2360 for pick-up.
Auxiliary Unit 193 meets the second Monday of each month, September through May, at the Post Home, at 1:00 pm.
Together, the Legion and Auxiliary sponsor Soup Suppers, held on the first Friday of each month at the Park Lodge. It is an all-you-can-eat supper, cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12. If you bring a pot of soup, you will receive one free dinner. And no tax or tip!!
Americanism and Government tests were given in the Crestwood High School in early November. The winners were Andrew Jones and Laura Holmberg. Both juniors at the High School. They also won on the Portage County Level.
East student was presented with an American Legion pin, a “One Nation Under God” bumper sticker, a flying American Flag decal, a framed Portage County Council Certificate, a Post Certificate and $25.00. Congratulations to both winning students.
At one time, we could send packages to troops by addressing it to “Any Serviceman”. That is no longer permitted. Now, we must have name, rank and address.
If you have the name of someone in your family or a friend or neighbor, Please send it to chairman, Myrtle Mayfield, 12666 Center Road, Mantua, OH 44255. We will not publicize these addresses.
ARTICLES NEEDED
As I remind everyone, in each issue, this is YOUR paper. It is about Mantua, its people, places and events.
If you have anything you would like to hear about, any ideas, suggestions or criticism, please let me know. Write to me c/o Village Hall, 4736 E. High St., Mantua, OH 44255. Or, you may call at 330-274-8737.
If you belong to an organization or club, I would be happy to print any information on your meetings or upcoming events.
Bye for now, see you in June!!
Diane Hura, Editor