LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: David Miller

  • Read Loveland’s Snow Emergency guide

    Read Loveland’s Snow Emergency guide

    Loveland’s salt storage as of 2 PM on Sunday. The storage dome is located on East Loveland Avenue as you leave the City

    Loveland, Ohio – There has been no snow emergency declared in Loveland, however, in case one is or you hear that one has been declared, below are the Loveland code sections that implement and guide City officials.

    Note, that this may be different than the Snow Emergency declarations issued by the counties, townships, or other government agencies. This only applies to the City of Loveland.

    City Manager Dave Kennedy said today at 2 PM that he has spoken with Scott Wisby, Loveland’s Director of Public Works, and he “does not feel that parked vehicles are deterring or will deter his ability for snow removal”.

    351.16  SNOW EMERGENCY; SPECIAL PARKING RESTRICTIONS.

       (a)   When snow, sleet, freezing rain, or other weather conditions cause or appear likely to cause, in the judgment of the City Manager, slippery or hazardous conditions which might lead to serious congestion or hazard, the City Manager may declare a snow emergency.  The City Manager shall also declare the termination of such snow emergency as soon as conditions permit.

       (b)   “Snow emergency routes” are through streets, or portions of through streets, designated by official signs on one or both sides thereof, installed by order of the City Manager.  The City Manager is authorized and directed to designate such streets as snow emergency routes which, for the safety or convenience of the public and the accommodation of traffic, should be kept open and clear in times of snow emergency.

       (c)   During the period of any snow emergency, no vehicle may be parked on any snow emergency route, provided special signs are erected designating such snow emergency route.

       (d)   A vehicle parked on any snow emergency route at the time a snow emergency is declared shall be removed by the owner within three hours if such emergency is declared between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., or prior to 9:00 a.m. of the following morning if the emergency is declared within the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.  Nothing in this section shall permit any vehicle to park in violation of any other parking restriction previously established by ordinance  or by erection of signs by order of the City Manager.

       (e)   Any vehicle parked on any snow emergency route during a declared snow emergency and after the times or periods designated for removal of such vehicle by (d) above, and any vehicle stalled or otherwise unable to move or operate on a snow emergency route during the time of a snow emergency, may be ordered by the City Manager or the Chief of Police to be towed from such snow emergency route.  Such vehicle shall be impounded and held by the order of the Police Department until the owner shall pay the reasonable expense of towing the vehicle.

       (f)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

    (Ord. 1978-23.  Passed 4-25-78.)

  • Sen. Portman issues statement justifying “Not Guilty” impeachment vote

    Sen. Portman issues statement justifying “Not Guilty” impeachment vote

    The photo above was posted to U.S Senator Rob Portman’s Facebook page on February 3 with the following statement:

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” 

    This morning I had a chance to pay my respects to USCP officer Brian Sicknick who lost his life in defense of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. We will never forget his service and sacrifice. May he Rest In Peace.

    Below is Portman’s statement issued 10-days later after voting to acquit former President Donald Trump on a charge of inciting the deadly January 6 insurrectionist attack on the U.S. Capitol, concluding his second impeachment trial with the same verdict as his first impeachment.

    In the 57-43 vote, seven Republicans joined every Senate Democrat and independent in support of convicting Trump. Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Rob Portman voted to acquit Trump. Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown voted to convict.

    Portman has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2022.

    The siege of the U.S. Capitol on January 6 was an attack on democracy itself. That night, shortly after the rioters had been cleared from the Senate floor, I spoke to urge my colleagues to support the state certifications of the election results as our constitutional duty, and as a signal that ‘we will not be intimidated’ and that ‘mob rule is not going to prevail here.

    I have said that what President Trump did that day was inexcusable because in his speech he encouraged the mob, and that he bears some responsibility for the tragic violence that occurred. I have also criticized his slow response as the mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, putting at risk the safety of Vice President Pence, law enforcement officers, and others who work in the Capitol. Even after the attack, some of the language in his tweets and in a video showed sympathy for the violent mob. In response, I called on President Trump to ‘explicitly urge his supporters to remain peaceful and refrain from violence.

    But the question I must answer is not whether President Trump said and did things that were reckless and encouraged the mob. I believe that happened. The threshold question I must answer is whether a former president can be convicted by the Senate in the context of an impeachment. This would be unprecedented. Consistent with the two votes I have already taken in this process, I believe the Constitution reserves the narrow tool of impeachment and conviction for removal of current officeholders and current presidents, and does not apply to former officeholders or former presidents. Impeachment in the Constitution is fundamentally about removing someone from office.

    I think the Framers of the Constitution understood that it would be inappropriate to allow Congress – an inherently political body – to convict former presidents. Instead, the appropriate place to address former officials’ conduct is the criminal justice system. In fact, the Constitution makes clear that former presidents are subject to the criminal justice system. That is where the issues raised by the president’s inexcusable actions and words must be addressed. I have a duty to uphold my oath to the Constitution and that’s why I voted as I did, on the state certifications of the election on January 6, on the jurisdictional issue earlier this week, and on the final vote on conviction today. My decision today in no way condones the president’s conduct. On the contrary, it is keeping an oath to the Constitution, that I believe the president did not keep on January 6.

    Our country is already deeply divided. My decision was based on my reading of the Constitution, but I believe the Framers understood that convicting a former president and disqualifying him or her from running again pulls people further apart. Instead, our task should be to help bridge the growing gaps that separate us. President Biden said in his inaugural address, ‘This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward.’ I agree, and will continue to do my part to try to find that common ground to bring our country together to address the many challenges we face.

    After he was acquitted, the former president issued a statement that said in part, “Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun.”

  • Sam Smith featured in interview about his new book, Abandoned Cincinnati

    Sam Smith featured in interview about his new book, Abandoned Cincinnati

    by David Miller

    David Miller is the Publisher of Loveland Magazine

    One of Loveland Magazine’s favorite sons is featured in an interview by WVXU’s MICHAEL MONKS about his recently released book Abandoned Cincinnati. Sam Smith is a former intern and still a frequent contributor to the pages of Loveland Magazine. Sam is a graduate of Loveland High School.

    I think his book, the photos and the writing are pretty amazing, but you can listen to the unbiased rave here:

    In ‘Abandoned Cincinnati’ Young Author, Photographer Captures Old Haunts

    Smith joins Cincinnati Edition to talk about his new book, Abandoned Cincinnati.

    Read more about the book:

    Looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Support local bookstores and a local artist by purchasing a copy of Abandoned Cincinnati

  • [VIDEO] Interview with Loveland’s new Superintendent of Schools

    [VIDEO] Interview with Loveland’s new Superintendent of Schools

    by David Miller

    David Miller is the Publisher of Loveland Magazine

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District recently hired Bradley Neavin to serve as Superintendent. Neavin’s contract runs from February 10 until the Board hires a permanent superintendent, or until July 3.

    Neavin’s first official day begins on Wednesday, however, he sat for an interview this morning from the Board office via Zoom so we could introduce him to the community and ask a few questions about his role in the District in the coming months.

    The Steubenville native chatted with me about the Steelers/Browns/Bengals, and the Ohio University Marching 110. We also talked about the funding in Governor DeWine’s proposed K-12 education budget, the Ohio Legislature’s attempt to fix school funding, and DeWine’s goal of re-opening Ohio’s schools on March 1. And, more…

    Superintendent Neavin can be reached at neavinbr@lovelandschools.org or (513) 683-5600.

  • The Laundry Project celebrates a successful Saturday in Loveland

    The Laundry Project celebrates a successful Saturday in Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – Eighteen families washed 252 loads of laundry at the first #LaundryProject of 2021. On FaceBook the project announced, “The Loveland Laundromat was busy today as families experienced the hope that comes with clean clothes! We heard so many stories of families finally being able to do their laundry after it piling up for far too long. It truly was a day of #SoapandHope!”

    They also give a shout-out to their local partner, the Loveland Care Center. “A big shout out goes to our incredible partners: @carecenterloveland – who truly know what it means to partner with your neighbor!”

    All photos by Current Initiatives of Ohio

    This was a very popular story when Loveland Magazine told the community about it last week. Read more:

    The Laundry Project assists low-income families with meeting a basic need…

    David Miller –  Jan 29, 2021

  • Tennis courts at Boike Park removed

    Tennis courts at Boike Park removed

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – City Manager Dave Kennedy told Loveland Magazine that the demolition of the public tennis courts at the city-owned Steven Boike Park at #1 Tiger Trail will not impact the existing parking lot used by high school students.

    Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy (Loveland Magazine file photo)

    “The intent is that the area where the Boike Courts are will be used for a half-soccer field. They can then be used for soccer practices for the younger age groups,” explained Kennedy.

    There were 5 five unlighted tennis courts at the park.

    Kennedy added, “We also have courts at Lever Park which just got approval from Council for a repair, resurfacing, and re-striping like McCoy Park did in 2019.’ The work on the Lever Park Courts is scheduled to begin this spring.

    McCoy Park after the recent improvements

    There are two public tennis courts at Leever Park on Heidelberg Drive and two at McCoy Park on Oak Street.

  • Interim superintendent hire: $600/day plus perks

    Interim superintendent hire: $600/day plus perks

    Loveland, Ohio – On Wednesday, January 27 the Loveland City School District made official the hire of Bradley Neavin as an interim superintendent. Neavin’s contract runs from February 10 until the Board hires a permanent superintendent or until July 3.

    The Board will pay Neavin a daily rate of $600 and his contract says that the Board may increase the salary, but cannot reduce it. Neavin will also be provided medical, dental, and life insurance. He will also be provided a cell phone “stipend and such other leaves and benefits he is entitled to as set forth in the Administrative Handbook”. The Board will also pay Nevin’s share of mandatory State Teachers Retirement System payments. He will not be entitled to severance at the end of his employment.

    Neavin is entitled to 15 vacation days as well as paid holidays. He will be required to work a “maximum of 123 days”.

    Neavin will be paid mileage at the IRS rate and will be provided with professional liability insurance. Neavin can begin on February 1 at the $600/day to familiarize himself with the District.

    The Board also encourages Nevin to attend professional meetings that he deems appropriate and will pay his expenses. The District will also pay for Neavin’s membership in the Ohio Association of Local School Superentents, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, and any other professional organizations approved by Board President, Dr. Kathy Lorenz.

    During a meeting on Tuesday, February 2 at 6 PM, the Board of Education will hear presentations from potential search firms who will be conducting the search for a permanent superintendent.

    Neavin-ContractDownload

    Read background:

    School Board hires Bradley Neavin as Interim Superintendent

    David Miller –  Jan 22, 2021

  • Loveland City School District included in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Week 2

    Loveland City School District included in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Week 2

    * Story up-dated at 6:10 PM on 1-30-2021

    by David Miller

    David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Ohio K-12 schools, including public, private, and career-tech entities, yesterday learned when their teachers and staff necessary for in-person learning are able to begin receiving vaccines.

    Loveland City School District is included in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Week 2 of first doses, starting February 8 as well as Indian Hill, Moeller, St. Xavier, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Forest Hills (Anderson), Great Oaks Career Campuses, and Sycamore.

    Included in Distribution Week 3 are, Kings, Lebanon, Little Miami, Mason, and St Margaret Of York.

    Included in Distribution Week 4 are, Children’s Meeting House, Goshen, Milford, Ohio Valley Voices, and St. Columban.

    Cincinnati Public Schools were able to jump the line and began their vacinations yesterday.

    Loveland’s schools remain in hybird-learning at all buildings, a combination of some students and staff attending in-person five-days per week and some students and staff teaching or learning in Loveland’s Remote Academy five-days a week.*

    Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has said that he is making it clear his “goal of Ohio returning to in-person learning either full-time or in a hybrid model by March 1st.” In order to do this, the governor identified teachers and school personnel necessary for in-person learning as Phase 1B recipients as part of the Ohio COVID-19 Vaccination program.

    “Vaccine is incredibly scarce, and we simply don’t have enough to vaccinate everyone at the same time. Therefore, this will be a rolling process, just like it has been during other vaccination phases, with a goal of administering all first doses by March 1st,” said Governor DeWine. “This rollout schedule is a heavy logistical lift that aims to ensure the maximum number of people can be vaccinated in the shortest amount of time.”

    In a news release, Dewine said, “The plan also makes the process as simple as possible for staff to be vaccinated and is organized to allow most K-12 staff in a county to be vaccinated within seven days of their assigned vaccination start date. For the limited number of counties where vaccinations will take place over multiple weeks, local leaders will make the logistical and scheduling decisions.”

    Eligible school employees will learn more about the locations and times of the vaccination sites from their administrators. The following documents list the entities by county in the week when teachers and personnel are able to begin vaccinations.

    Week One (Beginning February 1st)

    Week Two (Beginning February 8th)

    Week Three (Beginning February 15th)

    Week Four (Beginning February 22nd)

    Here is the Loveland District’s latest Covid 19 Dashboard also released on Friday:

    Below are the recent daily reports issued by the District:

    The district has been notified of the following positive case of COVID-19:

    • On 1/28/21, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 1/25/21.
    • On 1/26/21, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 1/22/21.
    • On 1/23/21, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 1/20/21;
    • On 1/24/21, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 1/20/21; 
    • On 1/25/21, a non-teaching, non-school-based staff member, last at work on 1/21/21;
    • On 1/25/21, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 1/20/21; and
    • On 1/25/21, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 1/22/21.
    • On 1/22/21, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 1/20/21.
  • The Laundry Project assists low-income families with meeting a basic need – washing clothes and linens

    The Laundry Project assists low-income families with meeting a basic need – washing clothes and linens

    SATURDAY, JANUARY 30TH  

    10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (last wash at 12:30 PM)

    Loveland Cleaners and Laundromat – 910 Loveland Madeira Rd # 5, Loveland, OH 45140

    Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio Laundry Project is an extension of the Laundry Project by Current Initiatives, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in Florida that started with young adults committed to educating others on current social initiatives and mobilizing them to bring about change.

    The Laundry Project assists low-income families with meeting a basic need – washing clothes and linens, by turning laundromats into community centers of hope. Laundry fees are paid for while volunteers assist with laundry services, entertain children, and create a caring space at the laundromat.

    They will be at the Loveland Cleaners and Laundromat at 910 Loveland Madeira Road on Saturday between the hours of 10 AM – 12:30 PM. (last wash at 12:30 PM)

    Your gift helps transform communities. Donate Today

  • Ohio has the 6th smallest share of employment in construction

    Ohio has the 6th smallest share of employment in construction

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had sweeping impacts on the economy and virtually every industry sector. While the construction industry has weathered the storm better than some hard-hit industries—such as leisure and hospitality—construction is facing some unique challenges. Construction companies are currently contending with project cancellations and delays, supply chain disruptions, and COVID infections among workers. Some parts of the country are more reliant on the construction industry than others, and some are facing worse COVID outbreaks and more stringent business restrictions, meaning the pandemic’s impact on the construction industry has had differential geographic impacts. While construction jobs account for 5.2 percent of all jobs nationally (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), some cities rely more heavily on the construction industry for employment.

    Historically, construction employment tends to follow the business cycle, fluctuating with economic expansions and recessions. During the Great Recession that lasted from late-2007 to mid-2009, construction employment fell by 20 percent and then continued to fall until early 2010. It then steadily increased until early 2020. Along with overall employment, employment in the construction industry fell sharply in the spring during the early stages of the pandemic. It started rebounding in May but is still below pre-pandemic levels. Compared to a year ago, construction employment is currently down 2.4 percent.

    Construction employment varies substantially on a geographic level. Some cities and states are much more reliant on the construction industry than others, with some areas employing large shares of construction workers. The West tends to depend more heavily on the construction industry while the Midwest and Northeast have lower shares of construction employment. At the state level, Wyoming and Utah boast the largest shares of employment in construction, at 8.5 and 7.6 percent, respectively. Connecticut has the lowest share of employment in construction in the country at just 3.6 percent.

    Compared to a year ago, most states experienced declines in construction employment. Down 25 percent from the end of 2019, Vermont had the largest drop in construction employment out of all states. Some states, including Virginia and Missouri, saw employment in construction increase from 2019. Construction employment grew by 5.7 percent in Virginia and by 8 percent in Missouri.

    To find the states with the most construction workers, researchers at Construction Coverage analyzed the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The researchers ranked states according to the share of employment in construction. Researchers also calculated the construction employment share compared to the national average, the total number of construction employees, and the year-over-year change in construction employment. Data was unavailable for Delaware and Hawaii.

    The analysis found that in Ohio, 4.1% of all wage and salary workers work in construction. Out of all states, Ohio has the 6th smallest share of employment in construction. Here is a summary of the data for Ohio:

    • Share of employment in construction: 4.1%
    • Share of employment in construction (compared to average): -19.6%
    • Total number of construction employees: 219,100
    • Year-over-year change in construction employment: -3.8%

    For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

    • Share of employment in construction: 5.2%
    • Share of employment in construction (compared to average): N/A
    • Total number of construction employees: 7,430,000
    • Year-over-year change in construction employment: -2.4%

    For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Construction Coverage’s website:

    Read the original report