LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: David Miller

  • Ban on Open Burning now includes part of Loveland

    Ban on Open Burning now includes part of Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – As parts of the state continue to see extremely dry conditions, a Ban on Open Burning first ordered on Sept. 6, 2024, by Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon has been extended and expanded to include Warren and additional counties.

    The ban impacts any county in Ohio identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as being in the “Extreme Drought” or “Exceptional Drought” categories as identified by the United States Drought Monitoring System.

    As of Sept. 20, the Ban on Open Burning includes the following counties: Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Green, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Madison, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Tuscarawas, Union, Vinton, Warren, and Washington.

    Under the order, if any part of a county is identified by NOAA and the USDA as being in the “Extreme Drought” or “Exceptional Drought” categories, the entire county is included in the burn ban.

    “I encourage all Ohioans to make sure they closely follow restrictions in this burn ban,” said Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “As we continue to experience these drought conditions, the ban is necessary to protect our communities and our beautiful state. I understand and appreciate the many inconveniences the ban is creating.”

    Examples of activities prohibited by this Order in the ban area include those involving the lighting or maintaining of an open fire such as:

    Prohibited Activities:

    • Any open burning of trash, debris, waste, combustibles, leaf piles or similar vegetation
    • Campfires and bonfires
    • Throwing down or discarding lit or smoldering material, such as matches or cigarettes
    • Using or discharging any type of fireworks
    • Live-fire training events
    • Flame effect(s) based displays or exhibitions, including sky lanterns and cold spark machines
    • Using spark- or heat-producing devices for recreational purposes

    Acceptable open flame-related activities include indoor cooking, outdoor cooking with electric stoves/cooking elements or propane/liquid fueled cooking as permitted in this Order, and use of non-flame based heating or electrical devices.

  • [WATCH] $1.25 billion makeover proposed for Paycor Stadium

    [WATCH] $1.25 billion makeover proposed for Paycor Stadium

    Loveland, Ohio – At the Tuesday, September 17th meeting, Hamilton County officials unveiled the renovation plan for Paycor Stadium.

    Watch as the Staff reports to the Hamilton County Commissioners the proposed Paycor Stadium “Comprehensive Renovation” plan.

    The meeting begins at the 5:58 minute mark…

  • Miami Trustees to ask voters to approve Parks and Recreation Levy

    Miami Trustees to ask voters to approve Parks and Recreation Levy

    A message from the Miami Township Board of Trustees:

    Since the creation of the Township’s park system in the early 1990s, the community has enjoyed various amenities offered by each of our four parks. Residents have communicated, and worked closely with staff to make sure our parks not only meet the needs and expectations of our residents, but that they are also serviced and maintained at the highest level. Our Service and Recreation Departments do an excellent job keeping our parks in superb condition and booked with enjoyable activities and events throughout the year.

    As our parks entered the third decade of service to the community, there was a need to perform a formal assessment of the grounds, equipment and structures contained within them, and then project for future needs and redevelopment opportunities. This data will then be used to formulate a Master Plan and assist in future development and improvements to Miami Township’s outstanding park system.

    Sports and popular activities have continued to evolve and change over the past 30 years. Things once considered popular are no longer. For example, the demand for tennis courts has been offset by requests for conversion to pickleball, and the once hot metal playground structures are now covered with cooling shades and made of materials that are safer and more user friendly.

    In 2004, a 1.5 mill parks levy was approved by Township voters. No other park levy has been requested despite the fact there has been significant growth in the Township since that time. At the July 16, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting, the Trustees passed legislation to allow for a 1.0 mill continuing levy to be placed on the ballot for park and recreational purposes. If passed, this levy would generate funds to maintain and improve our Township park system, while continuing to operate programs the community desires. Passage of the levy would cost residents $35.00 per year for each $100,000.00 of market value for their property. For example, a $300,000 market value would cost $105 annually, or $8.75 per month.

    The original 1.5 mill parks levy approved by voters in 2004 is at the point where it is no longer generating enough revenue to cover expenses. On average, $1.5 million has been spent annually for the past ten years for Parks and Recreation personnel, special events, preventative maintenance and necessary improvements. It is estimated at the end of 2024 that the Parks and Recreation Fund will have a balance of only $122,825. In light of this, the Township has been using funds from its General Fund to supplement park operations and maintenance in order to extend the existing levy. Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) were also used to extend the life of levy funds.

    Property values and park usage in the Township have increased significantly in the past 20 years. Current collections for this levy are based on property valuations from 2004 and have not kept up with growth.

    The Parks and Recreation Levy will appear on the November 5th ballot for our residents to consider.

  • [Video] Hope, the Ohio State Highway Patrol Therapy dog, went with the Governor as he visited Springfield City Schools

    [Video] Hope, the Ohio State Highway Patrol Therapy dog, went with the Governor as he visited Springfield City Schools

    Hope, the Ohio State Highway Patrol Therapy dog

    Springfield, Ohio – Today, on the first day the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Mobile Field Force provided added security to the Springfield City School District’s 18 school buildings, Governor DeWine visited patrol staff, as well as students and teachers at Simon Kenton Elementary School in Springfield.

     

     

    Hope, the Ohio State Highway Patrol Therapy dog, went with the Governor as he visited kindergarten, first grade, sixth grade, and gym classes. Hope is a female 10-month-old English Yellow Lab who provides affection, comfort, and support and can help lower anxiety. Hope visited Springfield City Hall employees yesterday.

    “While none of the threats – including one today – has been legitimate, we want to reassure Springfield students, parents, and staff that we are here to support them and help keep our school communities safe,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We are doing the physical security with support from our troopers and Ohio Homeland Security and the emotional security with help from Hope, the therapy dog.”

    As Governor DeWine announced on Monday, 36 troopers are stationed throughout the Springfield City School District. Daily, troopers are sweeping each building for threats before students and faculty arrive and stay on-site to provide security throughout the school day and during dismissal.

    Ohio Homeland Security is also conducting vulnerability assessments on critical infrastructure in Springfield and continues to provide various tower cameras for use by the Springfield Police Department to enhance situational awareness. In addition, the Ohio Department of Public Safety has bomb detection dogs stationed in Springfield each day.
  • Governor DeWine Sends Ohio State Highway Patrol to Provide Added Security in Springfield City School District

    Governor DeWine Sends Ohio State Highway Patrol to Provide Added Security in Springfield City School District

    Springfield, Ohio – Following a series of unfounded bomb threats made to schools within the Springfield City School District, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he has authorized a contingent of troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Mobile Field Force to provide added security at each of the district’s 18 school buildings.

    “Many of these threats are coming in from overseas, made by those who want to fuel the current discord surrounding Springfield. We cannot let the bad guys win,” said Governor DeWine. “We must take every threat seriously, but children deserve to be in school, and parents deserve to know that their kids are safe. The added security will help ease some of the fears caused by these hoaxes.”

    Beginning tomorrow and continuing for the foreseeable future, 36 troopers will be stationed throughout the Springfield City School District. Troopers will sweep each building for threats before students and faculty arrive and will stay on-site to provide security throughout the school day and during dismissal.

    “None of the threats that have come in to Springfield to date have been legitimate. We’re doing this purely as a precaution to prevent further disruption within the Springfield City School District,” said Governor DeWine.

    Governor DeWine also directed Ohio Homeland Security to begin conducting vulnerability assessments on critical infrastructure in Springfield and to provide various tower cameras for use by the Springfield Police Department to enhance situational awareness. The Ohio Department of Public Safety has also arranged for bomb detection dogs to be stationed in Springfield each day.

    Due to the recent influx of Haitian migrants to Springfield, Governor DeWine last week dedicated $2.5 million toward expanding primary healthcare access in Springfield and directed the Ohio State Highway Patrol to support the local police with traffic enforcement.

  • Nominations open for 2025 Valentine Lady

    Nominations open for 2025 Valentine Lady

    Loveland, Ohio – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Valentine Lady. “Valentine Ladies are women who have distinguished themselves in community, school, or family endeavors. Being nominated for Valentine Lady is quite an honor,” said Janis Folgle, the 2014 Valentine Lady.

    (Video – Introducing the 2014 Loveland Valentine Lady Janis Fogle)

    The Valentine Lady is the ambassador for the Chamber’s Valentine Program, and visiting area businesses, nursing homes, and schools, are among her duties.

    Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Valentine Lady, who must live within the 45140 zip code.

    Submission deadline is November 15, 2024. All entries must be submitted to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance at 514 West Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140 or or by emailing at meredith@lmrchamberalliance.org.

  • Cincinnati among final 3 to become home of Sundance Film Festival

    Cincinnati among final 3 to become home of Sundance Film Festival

    PARK CITY, UTAH — The nonprofit Sundance Institute announced the final phase of its Request for Proposal (RFP) process to host the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027.

    Three cities will be moving forward into the concluding review process to determine a long-term host for the Sundance Film Festival. The decision will be announced next year, after the 2025 festival, in late winter/early spring.

    All three finalists were assessed on “ethos and equity values, infrastructure, and capabilities to host the Festival, in addition to demonstrating ways in which they will continue to foster the diverse Sundance community and inspire the next generation of independent filmmakers.”

    The Sundance Film Festival will continue to take place in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah in 2025 and 2026. The Festival will transition to the host city in 2027 and subsequent years.

    The finalists selected to move forward to the final phase are (in alphabetical order):

    • Boulder, Colorado
    • Cincinnati, Ohio
    • Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah

    “As we move to the next phase in our search for a sustainable home for the Sundance Film Festival, we see great promise and potential in Boulder, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake/Park City. Each has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting, and inclusive Festival. We’re excited for a future Sundance that can discover, support, and inspire artists and audiences for the next forty years,” said Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and Head of Public Programming.

    “We are deeply grateful to all the finalists and appreciate the partnership and ingenuity we found in the three moving forward. as well as Atlanta, Louisville, and Santa Fe this summer. Leaders and locals in each community generously welcomed and inspired us as we explored the potential for our Festival in 2027, and beyond. On behalf of the entire Sundance Institute team, thank you,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair.

    The Sundance Institute will continue to focus on completing a fair and comprehensive review of the three finalists and will not be providing comments while the review process is taking place. The Institute will announce its selection of the host city sometime after the 2025 Festival has concluded.

    Statements from finalist locations:

    Boulder, Colorado statement from Governor Jared Polis:

    “Boulder is the next natural home to the Sundance Film Festival and we are excited to be one of three finalists to host starting in 2027. Here in Colorado we cherish our creative communities, the jobs they create, and the economic contributions they make to our entire state, and the Sundance Film Festival would perfectly complement the work and creative activity already happening here in Colorado.”

    Cincinnati, Ohio statement from Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval & Kristen Schlotman, President/CEO, Film Cincinnati:

    “We are ecstatic to continue being considered as the next host city for the Sundance Film Festival. As long-time attendees, we believe Cincinnati’s dedication to the arts, hospitality, and historic theaters make it a great fit. We are inspired by the idea of partnering with the Sundance Institute to celebrate the festival’s rich legacy while introducing a dynamic, walkable and accessible new venue. Cincinnati’s blend of creativity, culture, and community promises to be an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and audiences.”

    Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah statement from Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson:

    “Salt Lake City, Park City, and Salt Lake County are proud to unite in support of the Sundance Film Festival. Each step brings us closer, as a bid team in continuing our journey with Sundance. We are eager to forge an even stronger bond to inspire artists and elevate the festival experience. With our extensive event infrastructure, world-class venues, and warm hospitality, we’re ready to help Sundance shine on the global stage.”

  • Air Quality Alert has been declared for Wednesday, Sep 11

    Air Quality Alert has been declared for Wednesday, Sep 11

    Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency (a division of Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services) has issued an Air Quality Alert for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky.

    • Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk instead of driving
    • Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
    • Avoid idling your vehicle
    • Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
    • Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes
    • Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days
    • Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Alert days
    • Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings
    • Always burn clean, seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves
    • Do not use fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential home heating on Air Quality Alert days
    • Conserve electricity

    For more information, visit www.SouthwestOhioAir.org.

    If you want more information on the air quality forecast, or other aspects of the local air quality program, contact your local air quality agency using the information above. For more information on the U.S. EPA’s AIRNow Program, visit http://www.airnow.gov.


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    Wednesday, Sep 11: 105 AQI Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Ozone
  • Nearly 1,000 Students Participated in 2024 High School Tech Internship Program

    Nearly 1,000 Students Participated in 2024 High School Tech Internship Program

    Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, today announced that nearly 1,000 Ohio high school students participated in the 2024 High School Tech Internship program, providing them with real-world experience in tech-related roles at an early age.

    “This is how we keep our young talent in Ohio, by connecting them to employers and career paths before they leave high school,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “When we started, many employers were skeptical that high school students were up to the task but given the fact that this year we hit a record number of intern requests shows employers and students see the value of the program.”

    The High School Tech Internship program is an opportunity for high school students to participate in tech-related internships with Ohio companies in software development, data, cloud and IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and broadband/5G related roles. The goal of the program is to provide businesses with the tech talent they need while providing students with valuable work experience at an early age. Nearly 1,000 students from over 250 schools participated in this year’s program, almost doubling the number of students from the previous year.

    Lt. Governor Husted also announced today that the application period to become an intermediary through the High School Tech Internship program begins today, September 9, 2024, and closes October 4, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Selected intermediaries will administer the program regionally for internships taking place in summer 2025.

    High School Tech Internship Intermediaries serve as the point of contact for businesses and education entities throughout the internship process, allowing the program to be administered more collaboratively between the educational entities, businesses, and the state. Examples of intermediaries include economic development organizations, workforce and education partnerships, and other community-based groups.

    “Ohio is leading the way in innovation, driving technological advancements that have a global impact,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These internships help establish a recruitment pipeline for businesses, while inspiring our future workforce to discover the career opportunities available to them right here in Ohio.”

    “Our students benefit when learning extends beyond the classroom and we show them how to connect their interests to marketable skills, training, and a future career,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “Providing more students with authentic, work-based applications to add to their portfolio of experiences will enrich their personal learning journeys, help them achieve success following high school, and boost Ohio’s workforce. Opening the doors to careers can change the course of a student’s understanding about what’s possible, and I’m excited about how the High School Tech Internship program will continue to elevate opportunities for more future developers, IT specialists, and innovators.”

    To apply to be a 2025 High School Tech Internship Intermediary, visit: Workforce.Ohio.gov/HSTI.

  • Grand Marshal Tori Morrison will lead the Homecoming Parade on Thursday, September 19th

    Grand Marshal Tori Morrison will lead the Homecoming Parade on Thursday, September 19th

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Athletic Booster’s 2024 Loveland High School Homecoming Parade will be rolling down the streets of Loveland on Thursday, September 19th, beginning at 6:30 PM. 

    The Grand Marshal of the 2024 Homecoming Parade is longtime Loveland resident Tori Morrison who the Boosters say, “Has tirelessly supported our students, athletes, and community over the years.”

    Morrison has stepped down, but organized the Homecoming Parade for ten years. She served on the Board of the Athletic Boosters for four years in roles as Vice President and Treasurer.
    “It is a big honor to be chosen as this year’s LAB Homecoming parade Grand Marshal. I have enjoyed planning the parade over the years. I have met so many great people that became my friends.”
    Tori added that she has spent countless years as a team mom for all three of her children.

    The parade begins at the new Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Health and Wellness Center/East Nature Preserve parking lot located at 227 East Loveland Avenue. The parade continues through Historic Downtown and along West Loveland Avenue before turning down Rich Road and ending at Loveland High School.

    The Loveland Middle School and Loveland Youth program participants will exit the parade route when it reaches Phillips Park.

    The annual Powder Puff football game and other Homecoming Spirit Week activities will be held at the Loveland High School stadium immediately following the parade.

    The Homecoming football game will be played on Friday, September 20th, with the Loveland Tigers taking on the Turpin Spartans. Kickoff is at 7PM.

    _______________

    Photo Album: Loveland Athletic Boosters 2015 Homecoming Parade

    Photo Album of 2017 Homecoming Parade

    Introducing LHS Homecoming 2020 COVID-19 Style! (With Videos)

    All the fun you missed at the 2019 Homecoming Weekend [W/Photos & Video] With Queen and King photos