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Magnolia hires John Lewis as police sergeant; speed studies and vehicle thefts prompt enforcement focus
Summary
Council approved hiring John Lewis as a sergeant at $14.30/hour (Res. 2024-17). Police presented speed-study data showing modest rates of excessive speeding on Minerva Rd and Morges and reported multiple unlocked-vehicle break-ins and two overnight car thefts (one recovered).
Chief Chad Schlimm told Magnolia Village Council on Aug. 21 that a background check for candidate John Lewis had been completed and recommended Lewis for hire as a sergeant. Kurt Stanley moved to hire John Lewis at a rate of $14.30 per hour, with Claudia Rogers seconding; council approved the hire under Resolution 2024-17 with all members voting in favor.
Schlimm also presented data from Stark County Sheriff’s Office speed signs: in a July 27–Aug. 8 study of a 35 mph zone on Minerva Road the signs recorded 13,980 vehicles with an average speed of 36 mph and 229 vehicles (1.6%) classified as excessively speeding. A separate Aug. 1–8 study in a 25 mph zone on Morges recorded 6,211 vehicles with an average speed of 20.7 mph and 20 vehicles (0.3%) excessively speeding. Schlimm said the department will use the data to focus enforcement efforts.
The chief reported several car break-ins affecting unlocked vehicles and two cars stolen overnight on July 3; one of the stolen vehicles was recovered. He urged residents to lock vehicles and offered free home-security checks while residents are on vacation; scheduling is available by phone or email to the department.
Council also noted recent mutual-aid and enforcement activity: the department assisted the Canton Police with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade and will assist with the Hall of Fame Half Marathon; Lt. Alexander participated in an OVI Task Force checkpoint on Aug. 16 and is scheduled to work again on Aug. 22. In response to persistent speed concerns, Council member Grant Downes ordered reflective 'spinner' attachments for speed-limit signs to improve visibility.
What’s next: The Police Department will onboard the new sergeant and use the traffic data to guide targeted enforcement and outreach to residents.
