Sugarcreek police chief honors former officer killed in Ukraine

Sugarcreek Police Chief Kevin Kaser gave his condolences to Matt and Juli Arnett of Dover on the death of their son Max during the Oct. 6 village council meeting.

“Max, 25, was a police officer in the village for two years and was currently a volunteer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, 3rd Assault Brigade, and was killed in August in Ukraine," Kaser said. "He earned respect, was courageous and committed to the cause. He always had a higher calling."

Matt Miller, chairman of the street committee, said that during a committee meeting held prior to the council meeting, they discussed congestion at Yoder Avenue and Fairview Street, a four-way stop. The matter was previously discussed at the Sept. 22 meeting with concerns about traffic congestion at the intersection before school when children are being dropped off.

“The police monitored the area, and Police Chief Kaser recommended nothing be done at this time,” Miller said.

In another matter council appointed Rick Haney as code enforcement officer. He will inspect properties in the village in conjunction with the International Maintenance Property Code council adopted several months ago.

Council also did the following:

—Approved the purchase of an AED device for Village Hall at a cost of $1,400.

—Agreed not to make the approach wider on Hillside Drive. It was decided to leave the approach as it was constructed.

—Will obtain another quote for a lift truck for the village. One quote was received, and council will wait for more information.

—Learned renovations on the living quarters at the fire station are moving slowly. The contractors are engaged and ready to begin renovations when they are permitted to begin.

—Heard concerns from a resident about vacant property located across from Miller Avenue Elementary and how it will be sold as an entire parcel or individual lots. Village Solicitor Doug Frautschy said no matter how it is sold, it is subject to regulations and zoning codes in the village.

—Held the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a one-year contract with the Tuscarawas County Public Defender Commission for 2026.

—Gave the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the extension of a contract with W.E. Quicksall and Associates Inc. of New Philadelphia for professional engineering services for the village.

—Held a first reading of an ordinance to enter into an agreement with the county commissioners for housing prisoners.

—Held a first reading of an ordinance authorizing the mayor and fiscal officer to enter into one-year contracts to provide fire protection and ambulance services to Sugarcreek, Auburn, Clark and Walnut Creek townships.

—Gave a first reading of an ordinance setting salaries for elected officials and employees of the village from Dec. 22, 2025, to Dec. 20, 2026.

Other information

Trick or treat will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 from 3-5 p.m. Those participating should turn on a porch light. Children should be accompanied by an adult. A community party will be held after trick or treat at the pavilion behind the fire station beginning at 5 p.m.

Hydrant flushing will be held Oct. 26-27. The hydrants are flushed beginning at midnight.

Council thanked the street department for quickly cleaning up downtown after the Ohio Swiss Festival and also all the volunteers who helped during the event.

The next meeting will be held Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway in Sugarcreek.