Author: Sam Smith

City council no-shows: “Alignment of planets” or “Act of political cowardice?”
“Alternative two is this has all along been a contrived non-quorum situation born out of some political cowardice or fear…” – Ted Phelps

by Sam Smith

Present: Council Members: Kathy Baily • Ted Phelps • Rob Weisgerber

Present: City Staff: Clerk Misty Cheshire • City Manager Dave Kennedy • Chief of Police Sean Rahe • Assistant City Solicitor Christopher Houston • Public Information Officer Joe Wessels

Present: 20 members of the community

Absent: Council Members: Pam Gross • Angie Settell • Stephen Zamagias

Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, September 26th, citizens, staff, and a sparse city council waited fifteen minutes before calling a fail to quorum.

Eleven days prior, on September 15th, the city solicitor was asked by Vice-Mayor Angie Settell to email council members about a potential quorum issue (less than four council members present) for the meeting on the 26th, and ask them for an alternate date. There are currently six members on Loveland’s City Council.

“Now, not just to me, but it was curious to others several things in that inquiry that was being sent out. And I can say, in my four years on council, we’ve never lacked a quorum for a regularly scheduled meeting,” councilmember Ted Phelps explained in an address after the failed quorum at City Hall on the 26th. Phelps claimed that, in the past, when regularly scheduled meetings were moved it was almost exclusively when a meeting fell on or near a holiday – with advance notice to the public.

Loveland Magazine Publisher David Miller speaking to the Facebook Live audience while waiting to see if there was going to be a council meeting.

“Nothing was said about this in our last opening meeting. Then I checked with my fellow council members, those who are here tonight,” Phelps said referring to Councilmembers Kathy Bailey and Rob Weisgerber. “They said ‘we’re not part of the quorum problem, we’re going to be here’,” Phelps continued.

On Tuesday the 19th, ten days before the scheduled meeting, Vice Mayor Angie Settell apparently sent an email to members of the press and some members of council (although not all) stating that there would be a problem reaching a quorum. The meeting was not canceled and remained on the city’s website. Reasons for the lack of quorum were not given. Loveland Magazine did not receive the “press release” until September 21.

Settell’s press release said she was sending it on behalf of, “we”, however, Loveland Magazine is not able to determine who the “we” are that Settell referred to. Then, on the afternoon of the meeting on the 26 she said, “I am out of town. The press release merely addresses the lack of a quorum.” She did not answer all the questions we posed to her:
1. Will you be attending?
2. If not, why not?
3. Who did you issue the press release to about the lack of a quorum? (below)
4. What can you tell us about what other councilmembers gave as reasons for not being able to attend?
5. And, when and in what order did you receive knowledge of other council members not being able to attend?
6. Anything else you care to add or documents or emails that will shed light on the situation?
The Vice-Mayor also did not provide the emails Loveland Magazine asked for.

Loveland Magazine emailed Council Clerk Misty Cheshire for clarification. She responded on the 25th and said,”The press release did not come from the City and was independently done by an individual council member. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night and will take place if a quorum is present.”

“I only saw [the press release] this morning in a Loveland Magazine post,” Phelps explained in an email to Loveland Magazine the morning of the meeting. Phelps explained that he would be attending the meeting, as it was a regularly scheduled city council meeting.

“To cancel a meeting requires a vote of council – there is no unilateral authority by any one member to cancel or reschedule a planned meeting. I did not receive Ms. Settell’s email […] as it was not a press release. I also noticed a real issue with the date of 9/19 as alternatives were offered following that date. The first I saw her email was this morning via your publishing it,” council member Rob Weisgerber explained to Loveland Magazine via email. Kathy Bailey also said she did not receive the “press release”.

“I am struck by the complete and utter inappropriateness of the Vice-Mayor in sending out a press release on September 19th unilaterally announcing that there will be a lack of quorum without having the courtesy or decency to clear it with council.” – Ted Phelps

“I am struck by the complete and utter inappropriateness of the Vice-Mayor in sending out a press release on September 19th unilaterally announcing that there will be a lack of quorum without having the courtesy or decency to clear it with council, to alert council that she was going to send this or even copy the press release to other members of council. Even more disturbingly audacious to me is the statement that residents should not be concerned when a quorum is not present as if the Vice-Mayor can dictate what citizens and mayors should be concerned about,” Phelps claimed in his public statement at City Hall.

Off and on again Council meeting for Tuesday?

This begs the question: why was there a lack of quorum?

On September 15th, Councilmember Gross responded to Braun’s inquiry for an alternate meeting date. In an email, she told Braun, “The only day I can meet next week is Thurs – 21st. I will be available any time after 12pm. I am unable to attend any meeting the week of the 25th. I have prior business and family commitments.” It appears she only sent the email to Braun and not the other members of Council.

Over email on September 26, Gross also told Loveland Magazine, “I am currently out of town on business. On September 15th, it was brought to the attention of all council members that there were multiple scheduling conflicts for tonight’s meeting.” Gross, however, did not answer the other questions asked of her about the “press release”, what she first knew about other members not attending, nor the reasons or timing of when others said they would not attend the council meeting. Gross was also contacted by Loveland Magazine on October 3 and was also asked about the allegations that the failure by three members to attend the meeting was contrived, but did not respond.

On September 20th, Councilmember Stephen Zamagias told Phelps that he also had an out of town business meetings. The Vice-Mayor and presiding officer, Settell, did not respond to Phelps. It was not until an hour before the meeting* that Settell responded to Loveland Magazine, and simply said, “I am out of town.”

Councilman Ted Phelps addresses citizens after the failed quorum

In Phelps’s public address on September 26th, he explained his theory:

“If one of either councilmen Settell, Gross or Zamagias can’t make tonight’s meeting, that would mean that if a quorum of four or five council members were present, we could have the meeting. It seemed to me that’s a good thing. But it would also mean that action could be taken on something significant, like voting in a new mayor by a majority vote of only three members. That’s a bad thing if you want to be mayor and you’re not getting the votes,” Phelps told a nearly full house.

Phelps claims that as a result he, Rob Weisgerber and Kathy Bailey promised to the three no-show councilmembers not to vote on a new mayor or replacement of the open seat at the September 26th meeting. There remains a vacant council seat after the resignation of Mark Fitzgerald on August 14. This was intended to allow as few as one of the three to attend the meeting because there would be a quorum and normal business could be conducted.

On Thursday the 21st, an email was sent by Bailey to Settell and Gross offering three alternative dates (Monday the 25th, Wednesday the 27th and Thursday the 28th) in hopes of meeting the city’s two meeting a month quota. Bailey said she received no response.

“Pam [Gross] claimed she had an out of town business meeting today. That does not explain why she was unable to attend any of the three alternative dates we offered (yesterday the 25th, tomorrow the 27th and Thursday the 28th). She never responded regarding any of those dates. Angie [Settell] has never offered a reason for either the regularly scheduled meeting, or the proposed alternative dates,” Bailey explained by email.

On September 26th at 6 PM (an hour before the failed meeting)*, Vice Mayor Settell explained to Loveland Magazine that “I am out of town. On September 15, 2017 [City Manager] Mr. Braun sent an email to all council members that I, as presiding officer, advised him of a quorum issue for the September 26, 2017, council meeting. He also asked for alternative dates. No alternative date could be agreed upon”.

Clerk of Council Misty Cheshire and Council members Kathy Bailey and Rob Weisgerber listen as Phelps give his speech

“It is very difficult to believe that this isn’t a contrived quorum issue, which is simply pathetic, and we all deserve better. Last month Council Member Weisgerber, at his own expense, flew home from a family vacation in Florida for the sole purpose of attending a council meeting, and then flew back, again at his own expense. It just isn’t possible that one of the three could not have found a way to be present tonight at the regularly scheduled meeting, nor yesterday, tomorrow, or Thursday,” Bailey told Loveland Magazine.

The September 26th meeting was, without question, an anomaly. Rob Weisgerber expressed that he felt the discussion about quorum and rescheduling should have been held just two days prior to Settell’s press release. Weisgerber believes that at the previous council meeting, an alternative date should have been agreed upon, as had been done in the past.

“As a matter of openness, I have missed roughly 18 meetings over 7 years (that is about 165 meetings). This is about an average of 2 to 3 meetings per year. With legitimate reason or cause, being excused is appropriate for any member of council. I could not remember in my history on council when we have had 3 members of council miss the same meeting or, even worse, not having a quorum to conduct city business. Nor could I find any request to move a meeting because a couple of members could not make the meeting. This is the real issue. Looking back through the last 8 years of records, I could find about 4 or 5 meetings where 2 members missed the same meeting. No meetings in that time had 3 members missing a meeting. Most importantly, I did not find a case where there was a lack of quorum to do the business of the City,” Rob Weisgerber said in a public statement on his personal Facebook page.

After citizens and three council members (Bailey, Phelps, and Weisgerber) waited for fifteen minutes, Phelps spoke to citizens and Loveland Magazine Facebook Live viewers.

“Let me suggest that I think there are only two possibilities. Number one: although I think there’s no evidence for this conclusion, this is a one in a million alignment of the planets wherein three members of a six-member council simultaneously and unavoidably can’t be present for a regularly scheduled meeting. That’s alternative one,” Phelps said in his address. “Alternative two is this has all along been a contrived non-quorum situation born out of some political cowardice or fear that council meeting under any circumstances that might allow three members of council to pass a vote on something that is significant,” Phelps continued. Phelps was met with a standing ovation.

City Solicitor Joe Braun told all members of Council in an email on September 19, “I would ask everyone to try to find an alternative date that works for everyone, or adjust your schedule to try to attend in order to satisfy the Charter requirement there be two meetings of City Council this month.”

There is no hard evidence that the failed quorum was not simply due to schedule conflicts. All three missing members offered an excuse. However, to many, the inability to reschedule to where even one more member could be present suggests the September 26th meeting was a contrived failure born out of fear. Fear of after being in the majority for almost four years, neutered after the resignation of Mark Fitzgerald, further neutered after the failed attempt to appoint Settell Mayor during an illegally called meeting, that they would face a council meeting being in the minority.

I have asked multiple times now for proof as to the conflicts and when they arose. The silence speaks volumes. – Kathy Bailey

Bailey who did not believe the coincidence also could not get Settell, who appeared to resent the question, to explain the reason for her absence. In an email to Council and City staff on September 21, she wrote: “Arrangements ought to have been made to be available to meet on the regularly scheduled meeting date. Anything less is simply irresponsible and a disservice to our City and residents. I have asked multiple times now for proof as to the conflicts and when they arose. The silence speaks volumes. It simply is not possible to believe that three members of our council, all aligned, are coincidentally unavailable on the same date, a date that has been known since the Charter was written.

Settell, who is the presiding officer of Council did not respond to Loveland Magazine’s request to tell her side of the story and also would not explain the reason she could not attend the regularly scheduled meeting. She replied to Braun’s attempt to get a quorum for the meeting by saying in a reply email, “I too have a busy schedule and made arrangements to be available to meet any other days.” She also told Braun, “Joe – In 5-1/2 years on City Council I have always voted “yes” to excuse colleagues who could not attend meetings. I have never questioned their reason.

“These 3 blind mice must fully explain their absence at the 26 September Council meeting. Immediately.” – Walter D. Golladay

After Loveland resident Walter D. Golladay attended the meeting he wrote in a guest column on September 29 saying, “The three blind mice, need to be held accountable. In explicit detail, they must explain to the Loveland residents where they were that evening, and why they could not attend a long established council meeting date. The three blind mice, need to be held accountable. In explicit detail, they must explain to the Loveland residents where they were that evening, and why they could not attend a long established council meeting date.”

Neither Settell nor Zamagias responded to Loveland Magazine’s request for comment on the allegations made in this story.

* The correct time of Loveland Magazine receiving Settell’s email is 1:52 PM, approximately 5 hours before the scheduled meeting start time of 7 PM.

Watch the failed meeting here. Ted Phelps begins his address at (minus) -27:22.

Tune into Loveland Magazine’s Facebook Live city council stream– on weeks where there actually is a meeting.
October 5, 2017
Loveland Marching Band tackles man vs. nature in new season

Review by Sam Smith

Since 2014, the Loveland High School Marching Band has been awarded a perfect score at the Ohio Music Education Association competition, and have performed in the State Marching Band finals. Loveland High School’s marching band has performed routines with themes ranging from bee swarms to James Bond to Spanish dances to primary colors. This year, the marching band takes on a more abstract concept: man versus nature.

Colorguard warms up before their performance.

Musicians prepare before halftime

Seniors Delaney Dunster and Tristin Collins perform to play during the Milford game as the sun sets.

“Our theme this year is a dystopian man vs nature concept. The band begins on the field with a giant switchboard and an industrial city setting in the background. Our opener is a very invigorating movement based off of the destruction of Hometree from the Avatar soundtrack. The music is very rhythmic, continuously building until a massive explosion takes place,” said Drum Major and senior, Sophia Sperry. Sperry has been in marching band since she was a freshman, and conducts throughout the performance.

The band performs the routine at the half-time of Varsity football games. On Fridays and on Saturdays, they enter high school marching band competitions around the region.

As this year’s display begins, some players hide behind a wall prop, while others interact with props on the field such as a smokestack and a large LED switchboard.

“The second movement (an orchestral piece, Sensemayá) is the longest. The mood is quite mysterious, starting out with the flute quintet quickly becoming powerful and intense as the movement progresses. Sensemaya is where nature strikes back against man– the guard pounds against the machine as the band continues with drum breaks and dynamic sections within the movement. It’s definitely the peak of the show,” Sperry continued.

Senior, Sophia Sperry, during the performance on September 22nd

Senior Amy Geiger, conducts flutists

The brass section of LHSMB under stadium lights

The third movement is Aaron Copland’s ballad, Quiet City. “It begins with a beautiful trumpet solo soon joined by an
French Horn” Sperry explained. The two soloists are the focus of the third
movement, both musically and visually. “As the last survivors fall
from the smokestack into the grips of nature, the band finishes the
dreamy movement,” said Sperry.
The final movement is from the Avatar soundtrack as well. “It’s a
very majestic and inspiring closer to the show. Nature reigns
victorious as the band is now one with the earth,” Sperry said.

Trombonists wait to file onto the field under a moonrise

The production is precise, with performers moving in perfect and complex synchronicity. Musicians perform complicated music entirely by memory while the color guard waves flags and spins rifles with precision– the immense amount of preparation is evident.

The marching band begins practicing in the heat of mid-summer.
They work all through the last week in July and first week in
August practicing basics, then start putting drill and music on the
field during the middle of the week after that. “We practice three
days a week when school starts and try to put as much on the field as we can for the first performance,” explained French Horn soloist and senior, Emily Kiehl.

Players perform after a touchdown against Milford. The September 22nd game featured 8th grade performers during the first half of the game.

A tuba reflects the scoreboard

Between performances, players and musicians mingle and laugh. A sense of camaraderie is evident in the band as they interact with their peers.

“I would describe the group dynamic to be encouraging, productive, and a ton of fun. We have the best group of players than any of the past years and everyone is willing to work put their best work on show for everyone to see,” trumpet soloist and Senior, Quinn Caney explained.

Junior, Maddy Hammons, conducts

With two more games to perform at, the season is beginning to wrap up for the performers. As the season comes to an end, the musicians reflect on their experiences at home games.

“The highlight of the season has been the first home game. The energy was high and everyone had a ton of fun,” explained Caney.

Kiehl said that the highlight has been listening to the musicians get
stronger. “The music is really hard this year and everyone is
stepping up to the challenge.”

“This year’s highlight has definitely been seeing the progress of how much the band has grown throughout the season–especially on my favorite movement, Sensemayá. Since it’s such a fierce and exciting piece it’s great to see the band really step into the ferociousness and the vigor of the piece,” said Sperry. She added
that she was excited to see their development throughout
the season and showcase that at football games and competitions.

Loveland marching band’s performance is unique, exciting and invigorating. The passionate cohesion of the group is visible even from the stands, and the execution is impeccable. But even more impressive is the underlying meaning. It is a critique on man’s ultimate powerlessness over nature is certainly unusual for a high school halftime show, and yet is presented in an engaging, entertaining and ultimately impactful manner.

The last chances to see the performance in the context of a football game will be on Friday, October 6 and October 20th at the Tiger Turf at 7 PM. However, the band will compete every Saturday and host a competition at Loveland High School on September 30th.

September 25, 2017

9/23 Loveland HS Sports Update

by Sam Smith

Football

Loveland Varsity Football is 1-1 in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) and 1-4 overall after falling to Milford 41-6.

Spectators at the Military Appreciation game against Milford. Skydivers, fireworks and festivities were held to honor those who have served in America’s armed forced.

Loveland takes on, and ultimately falls, to Milford

Loveland Varsity football competed for the Milford/Loveland bell, and lost their claim to the trophy

Results
AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 25	Sycamore	L 33 – 0	0 – 1 (0 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 1	Lebanon	L 21 – 14	0 – 2 (0 – 0)
Fri. 8	at Miamisburg	L 41 – 6	0 – 3 (0 – 0)
Fri. 15	at Withrow	W 38 – 14	1 – 3 (1 – 0)
Fri. 22	Milford	L 41 – 6	1 – 4 (1 – 1)

On Friday the 29th at 7PM, the team will take on Anderson away.

Women’s Volleyball

Loveland Varsity Volleyball remains top in the ECC, with an undefeated 8-0 in conference and 13-1 overall. Last week, the team defeated West Clermont and Turpin.

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Tue. 5	Kings	W 25-14, 25-12, 26-24	7 – 0 (3 – 0)
Thu. 7	at Withrow	W 25-1, 25-6, 25-4	8 – 0 (4 – 0)
Tue. 12	Anderson	W 25-21, 25-19, 26-24	9 – 0 (5 – 0)
Thu. 14	at Walnut Hills	W 25-15, 25-27, 25-22, 25-18	10 – 0 (6 – 0)
Sat. 16	Lakota West	W 25-10, 25-12	11 – 0 (6 – 0)
Sat. 16	Mercy	L 25-17, 25-19	11 – 1 (6 – 0)
Tue. 19	at West Clermont	W 25-17, 25-20, 25-16	12 – 1 (7 – 0)
Thu. 21	Turpin	W 25-21, 25-9, 25-18	13 – 1 (8 – 0)

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Tue. 26	Milford	7:00 PM	Milford
Thu. 28	Kings	7:00 PM	Kings
Sat. 30	Mount Notre Dame	11:00 AM	Loveland

Men’s Soccer

Loveland Men’s soccer sits towards the bottom/middle of the ECC with a 1-3-0 win-loss-tie in conference and 3-5-1 overall. The team fell to Anderson 3-1 last Thursday.

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Thu. 7	Turpin	L 2 – 1	1 – 3 – 1 (0 – 2 – 0)
Sat. 9	at Sycamore	W 1 – 0	2 – 3 – 1 (0 – 2 – 0)
Thu. 14	at Walnut Hills	W 1 – 0	3 – 3 – 1 (1 – 2 – 0)
Sat. 16	at Mason	L 1 – 0	3 – 4 – 1 (1 – 2 – 0)
Thu. 21	Anderson	L 3 – 1	3 – 5 – 1 (1 – 3 – 0)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Sat. 23	Lakota East	12:00 PM	Loveland
Thu. 28	Lebanon	7:00 PM	LJHS
Sat. 30	Moeller	3:00 PM	Moeller	WebCast

Women’s soccer

UP-DATE: Loveland beat Ross on their Senior Night 7-0 with another shut-out and are now 11-0.

Loveland women’s soccer continues to see success, with an undefeated 4-0 in conference and 10-0 overall. The team is polling #1 in Ohio and #4 in the nation. Last week, women’s soccer defeated Anderson and Mount Notre Dame.

Loveland Soccer now ranked #1 in Ohio and #4 in Nation

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 2	Ryle	W 4 – 0	5 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 5	at Turpin	W 1 – 0	6 – 0 – 0 (2 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 9	Mason	W 5 – 0	7 – 0 – 0 (2 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 12	Walnut Hills	W 6 – 0	8 – 0 – 0 (3 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 16	at Mount Notre Dame	W 2 – 0	9 – 0 – 0 (3 – 0 – 0)
Wed. 20	at Anderson	W 3 – 0	10 – 0 – 0 (4 – 0 – 0)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Sat. 23	Ross	7:00 PM	Loveland
Tue. 26	Withrow	7:00 PM	Loveland

Cross Country

Men’s cross country Runner, Greg Ballman, still holds third place in the ECC with a time of 16:27.70. Ajay Stutz sits in tenth with a time of 16:54.70.

Women’s cross country runner, Ansley Richards, is tied for 6th in the ECC with a time of 19:48.00.

Men’s golf

Loveland men’s golf is tied for first in the ECC with Anderson and leads overall. In conference, the team holds a 5-1 win/loss and 7-1 overall.

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Tue. 26	Anderson, Lakota West at Sycamore	3:52 PM	Glenview
Thu. 28	ECC Postseason Tourney	7:30 AM	Sharon Woods

Women’s golf

Loveland is tied for second in the ECC, with 3-1 conference win-loss and 9-2 overall. On Monday, the team defeated Walnut Hills 179-193. The team will finish their conference season this week.

SEP. 2017	RESULT
Tue. 5	Loveland 191, Anderson 228
Wed. 6	Loveland 182, Lakota West 205
Thu. 7	Loveland 180, Little Miami 224
Tue. 12	at Fairfield score not reported
Thu. 14	Kings 178, Loveland 196
Mon. 18	Loveland 179, Walnut Hills 193
Tue. 19	at West Clermont score not reported

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Mon. 25	Turpin	4:00 PM	Eagles Nest
Tue. 26	at Milford	3:30 PM	Hickory Woods
Thu. 28	at Sycamore	3:50 PM	Walden Pond

Women’s tennis

Loveland Varsity tennis is in third in the ECC with a 4-2 win-loss and 9-6 overall. The team beat Fairfield 3-2 on Monday.

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Wed. 6	Lakota West	W 3 – 0	6 – 5 (2 – 1)
Thu. 7	at West Clermont	W 5 – 0	7 – 5 (3 – 1)
Fri. 8	at Milford	W 5 – 0	8 – 5 (4 – 1)
Mon. 11	at Walnut Hills	L 4 – 1	8 – 6 (4 – 2)
Thu. 14	at Coaches Classic	score not reported postseason	8 – 6 (4 – 2)
Sat. 16	at Coaches Classic	score not reported postseason	8 – 6 (4 – 2)
Mon. 18	at Fairfield	W 3 – 2	9 – 6 (4 – 2)
Thu. 21	at Sycamore B	score not reported	9 – 6 (4 – 2)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Tue. 26	at Mason B	4:00 PM	Mason

Check back next week for another update on Tiger athletics, and stay up-to-date with the ECC website and Athletic Director Julian Renner’s twitter @renner_ad.

September 23, 2017

9/16/17 Loveland HS sports update

by Sam Smith

Football:

Loveland Varsity football kicked off their conference season with a 38-14 win against Withrow– ending their three-game losing streak. The team is 1-3 win-loss overall and 1-0 in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC).

Results
AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 25	Sycamore	L 33 – 0	0 – 1 (0 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 1	Lebanon	L 21 – 14	0 – 2 (0 – 0)
Fri. 8	at Miamisburg	L 41 – 6	0 – 3 (0 – 0)
Fri. 15	at Withrow	W 38 – 14	1 – 3 (1 – 0)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME
Fri. 22	Milford at home	7:00 PM

Volleyball

Women’s volleyball still holds first in the ECC, with 6-0 conference and 11-1 overall. Last week, the team defeated Lakota West, Walnut Hills and Anderson. The team fell to (non-conference) Mercy– their first loss of the season.

Read Loveland HS Volleyball holds ECC lead here.

Loveland HS Volleyball holds ECC lead

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	at Fairfield	W 25-17, 20-25, 25-10, 25-16	1 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 22	at McNicholas	W 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 28-26	2 – 0 (0 – 0)
Thu. 24	Sycamore	W 25-20, 25-17, 25-20	3 – 0 (0 – 0)
Sat. 26	Lebanon	W 25-13, 25-22, 25-10	4 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 29	at Turpin	W 25-23, 25-12, 25-13	5 – 0 (1 – 0)
Thu. 31	Milford	W 25-15, 25-12, 25-19	6 – 0 (2 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Tue. 5	Kings	W 25-14, 25-12, 26-24	7 – 0 (3 – 0)
Thu. 7	at Withrow	W 25-1, 25-6, 25-4	8 – 0 (4 – 0)
Tue. 12	Anderson	W 25-21, 25-19, 26-24	9 – 0 (5 – 0)
Thu. 14	at Walnut Hills	W 25-15, 25-27, 25-22, 25-18	10 – 0 (6 – 0)
Sat. 16	Lakota West	W 25-10, 25-12	11 – 0 (6 – 0)
Sat. 16	Mercy	L 25-17, 25-19	11 – 1 (6 – 0)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Tue. 19	West Clermont	7:00 PM	West Clermont
Thu. 21	Turpin	7:00 PM	Home
Sat. 23	Lakota West Tourney	TBA	Lakota West

Men’s Soccer

Loveland sits in the middle of the ECC for men’s Varsity soccer with 1-2-1 conference win-loss-tie and 3-3-1 overall. Last week, the team beat Walnut Hills and Sycamore.

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	Indian Hill	W 3 – 2	1 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Thu. 24	Fairfield	L 2 – 1	1 – 1 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 26	La Salle	T 0 – 0	1 – 1 – 1 (0 – 0 – 0)
Thu. 31	at Kings	L 2 – 1	1 – 2 – 1 (0 – 1 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Thu. 7	Turpin	L 2 – 1	1 – 3 – 1 (0 – 2 – 0)
Sat. 9	at Sycamore	W 1 – 0	2 – 3 – 1 (0 – 2 – 0)
Thu. 14	at Walnut Hills	W 1 – 0	3 – 3 – 1 (1 – 2 – 0)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Sat. 16	Mason	7:00 PM	Mason
Thu. 21	Anderson	7:00 PM	Home
Sat. 23	Lakota East	12:00 PM	Home

Men’s Cross Country

Greg Ballman continues to hold third for men, with a time of 16:23.00. Ansley Richards holds sixth for women, with a time of 19:48.00.

Women’s Soccer

Loveland still holds a significant lead in the ECC with 3-0-0 win-loss-tie in the ECC and 8-0-0 overall. The team’s undefeated season continued as they took down Walnut Hills and Mason by wide margin.

Results
AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	Fairfield	W 3 – 0	1 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 22	at Lakota West	W 2 – 1	2 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 26	Campbell County	W 8 – 0	3 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 29	at Kings	W 4 – 0	4 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 2	Ryle	W 4 – 0	5 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 5	at Turpin	W 1 – 0	6 – 0 – 0 (2 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 9	Mason	W 5 – 0	7 – 0 – 0 (2 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 12	Walnut Hills	W 6 – 0	8 – 0 – 0 (3 – 0 – 0)

Results
AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	Fairfield	W 3 – 0	1 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 22	at Lakota West	W 2 – 1	2 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 26	Campbell County	W 8 – 0	3 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 29	at Kings	W 4 – 0	4 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 2	Ryle	W 4 – 0	5 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 5	at Turpin	W 1 – 0	6 – 0 – 0 (2 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 9	Mason	W 5 – 0	7 – 0 – 0 (2 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 12	Walnut Hills	W 6 – 0	8 – 0 – 0 (3 – 0 – 0)

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Sat. 16	Mount Notre Dame	7:00 PM	Mount Notre Dame
Wed. 20	Anderson	7:00 PM	Anderson
Sat. 23	Ross	7:00 PM	Home

Men’s golf

Loveland still holds the lead for Varsity men’s golf both overall and in the ECC, with 5-1 win-loss in conference and 7-1 overall. Men’s golf helped secure their lead with a win over McNicholas, but fell to Anderson in their first conference loss.

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME
Tue. 19	at Lebanon	4:00 PM
Thu. 21	at Mariemont	4:00 PM

Women’s golf

Loveland Varsity women’s golf holds the middle of the ECC pack, with 2-1 win-loss in conference and 8-2 overall. Last week, Loveland fell to Kings; however, the team beat Little Miami, Lakota West and Anderson.

SEP. 2017	RESULT
Tue. 5	Loveland 191, Anderson 228
Wed. 6	Loveland 182, Lakota West 205
Thu. 7	Loveland 180, Little Miami 224
Tue. 12	at Fairfield score not reported
Thu. 14	Kings 178, Loveland 196

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Mon. 18	Walnut Hills	4:15 PM	Eagles Nest
Tue. 19	at West Clermont	4:03 PM	Hickory Woods
Thu. 21	ECC Postseason Tourney	8:00 AM	Walden Pond

Women’s Tennis

Loveland Varsity women’s tennis sits third in the ECC, with 4-2 in conference and 8-6 overall.

SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Wed. 6	Lakota West	W 3 – 0	6 – 5 (2 – 1)
Thu. 7	at West Clermont	W 5 – 0	7 – 5 (3 – 1)
Fri. 8	at Milford	W 5 – 0	8 – 5 (4 – 1)
Mon. 11	at Walnut Hills	L 4 – 1	8 – 6 (4 – 2)
Wed. 13	Sycamore B	score not reported	8 – 6 (4 – 2)
Thu. 14	at Coaches Classic	score not reported postseason	8 – 6 (4 – 2)
Sat. 16	at Coaches Classic	score not reported postseason	8 – 6 (4 – 2)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Mon. 18	at Fairfield	4:00 PM	Fairfield
Tue. 19	ECC Championships	9:00 AM	Lunken
Tue. 26	at Mason B	4:00 PM	Mason

Check back next week for another update on Tiger athletics, and stay up-to-date with the ECC website and Athletic Director Julian Renner’s twitter: @renner_ad.

September 16, 2017

Loveland HS Volleyball holds ECC lead

by Sam Smith

Loveland, OH – Last year, Loveland women’s Varsity volleyball went to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) tournament, where they fell to Turpin, landing the team a second place spot in the ECC. Loveland has not won the women’s volleyball ECC title since 2012, but they are off to an undefeated start.

The team is currently leading the ECC with a 5-0 conference win-loss and 9-0 overall. So far, Loveland has taken down Fairfeild, McNicholas, Sycamore, Lebanon, Turpin and Milford, Kings, Withrow and Anderson. The team has only lost three rounds over the course of the season.

Loveland takes on Kings. Photo by David Miller.

“The season is going great. This year, our team really clicks together and bonds well which helps us when we get onto the court. We are all able to play next to each other really well,” said senior, Annabelle Holland.

In their game against Anderson, the team took hold of the ECC. However, the the season is still young– already there are fourteen more games scheduled for the women’s Varsity volleyball team.

Loveland competes against Kings. The team won the game 25-14, 25-12, 26-24 . Photo by David Miller.

Senior, Anna Cooper. Photo by David Miller.

“The highlight of the season has definitely been being undefeated and how much fun the team has together on and the court and off,” finished Holland.

The team plays next on Thursday the 14th at Walnut Hills at 7:00 PM. Full season statistics and schedule can be found below:

Results
AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	at Fairfield	W 25-17, 20-25, 25-10, 25-16	1 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 22	at McNicholas	W 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 28-26	2 – 0 (0 – 0)
Thu. 24	Sycamore	W 25-20, 25-17, 25-20	3 – 0 (0 – 0)
Sat. 26	Lebanon	W 25-13, 25-22, 25-10	4 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 29	at Turpin	W 25-23, 25-12, 25-13	5 – 0 (1 – 0)
Thu. 31	Milford	W 25-15, 25-12, 25-19	6 – 0 (2 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Tue. 5	Kings	W 25-14, 25-12, 26-24	7 – 0 (3 – 0)
Thu. 7	at Withrow	W 25-1, 25-6, 25-4	8 – 0 (4 – 0)
Tue. 12	Anderson	W 25-21, 25-19, 26-24	9 – 0 (5 – 0)

Schedule
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Thu. 14	at Walnut Hills	7:00 PM
Sat. 16	Lakota West	TBA
Sat. 16	Mercy	TBA
Tue. 19	at West Clermont	7:00 PM
Thu. 21	Turpin	7:00 PM
Sat. 23	at Lakota West Tourney	TBA
Tue. 26	at Milford	7:00 PM
Thu. 28	at Kings	7:00 PM
Sat. 30	Mount Notre Dame	11:00 AM	Loveland
OCT. 2017	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Tue. 3	Withrow	7:00 PM
Wed. 4	at Anderson	7:00 PM
Tue. 10	Walnut Hills	7:00 PM
Thu. 12	West Clermont	7:00 PM
Sat. 14	Oak Hills	11:00 AM

September 13, 2017

9/9/17 Loveland HS sports update: Volleyball, Women’s Soccer and Men’s Golf hold lead

Football:

Loveland fell to Miamisburg last Friday 6-41. Loveland football sits last in the ECC with 0-3 overall. However, the conference season has not yet started.

Scoring Summary
			1ST QUARTER	LVL	MIA
MIA	TD	11:45	YERKINS,Jon 73 YD RUN (BELL,Noah KICK)	0	7
MIA	TD	06:02	CLARK,Tony 2 YD RUN (BELL,Noah KICK FAILED)	0	13
			2ND QUARTER	LVL	MIA
MIA	TD	11:24	CLARK,Tony 5 YD RUN (BELL,Noah KICK)	0	20
MIA	TD	07:23	YERKINS,Jon 19 YD PASS FROM VONGSY,Tate (BELL,Noah KICK)	0	27
MIA	TD	03:20	CLARK,Tony 23 YD RUN (BELL,Noah KICK)	0	34
			3RD QUARTER	LVL	MIA
MIA	TD	02:21	JOHNSON,Tyler 15 YD PASS FROM VONGSY,Tate (BELL,Noah KICK)	0	41
			4TH QUARTER	LVL	MIA
LVL	TD	07:26	Kyle Whitaker 95 YD RUN (Evan Highland RUSH FAILED)	6	41

Team Stat Comparison
	LVL	MIA
1st Downs	3	21
Total Yards	121	410
Passing Completions	2	6
Passing Attempts	5	9
Passing Yards	9	91
Passing Average	1.8	10.1
Rushing Attempts	24	41
Rushing Yards	112	319
Rushing Average	4.7	7.8
3rd Down Efficiency	0-8	5-7
4th Down Efficiency	0-1	1-2
Penalties	7-63	9-80
Turnovers	0	1
Possession	21:22	26:38

Next week, the team will play Withrow away at 7:00 PM on Friday, the 15th. Loveland students will be able to purchase spirit bus tickets to and from Withrow for $5. Pre-sale tickets are $4 for students, $6 for adults and $8 at the gate.

Women’s Volleyball

Loveland women’s volleyball still holds first in the ECC with 4-0 in conference and 8-0 overall. They are tied with Anderson.

Last year, Loveland women’s volleyball went to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) tournament, where they fell to Turpin, landing them a second place spot in the ECC. Loveland has not won the women’s volleyball ECC title since 2012, but are off to an undefeated start.

The team took down Kings 7-0 and Withrow 8-0 this week.

Loveland Varsity Volleyball competes against Kings. Photo by David Miller.


SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Tue. 5	Kings	W 25-14, 25-12, 26-24	7 – 0 (3 – 0)
Thu. 7	at Withrow	W 25-1, 25-6, 25-4	8 – 0 (4 – 0)

The Lady Tigers will next take on Anderson at 7:00 PM at home on Tuesday, the 12th. The will also play at Walnut Hills at 7:00 PM on Thursday the 14th. On Saturday, the 16th, Loveland volleyball will compete against both Lakota West and Mercy at home. Time is TBA and will be announced here.

Men’s soccer

Loveland Men’s soccer trails the pack with a three-way tie at sixth in the ECC. With a 0-2-0 conference win-loss-tie and 1-3-1 overall, the team is tied with West Clermont and Withrow for last.

Last week, Loveland fell to Turpin 2-1.

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	Indian Hill	W 3 – 2	1 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Thu. 24	Fairfield	L 2 – 1	1 – 1 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 26	La Salle	T 0 – 0	1 – 1 – 1 (0 – 0 – 0)
Thu. 31	at Kings	L 2 – 1	1 – 2 – 1 (0 – 1 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Thu. 7	Turpin	L 2 – 1	1 – 3 – 1 (0 – 2 – 0)

This week, the varsity men’s soccer team will take on Walnut Hills away at 8 PM on Thursday, the 14th. They will also compete away at Mason on Saturday the 16th at 7:00PM.

Women’s Soccer:

Loveland Varsity women’s soccer still holds a strong lead as they continue their 2-conference and 6-overall winning streak. Last week, the team played their first Eastern Cincinnati Conference matches, besting Ryle 4-0 and Turpin 1-0.

Results
AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	Fairfield	W 3 – 0	1 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 22	at Lakota West	W 2 – 1	2 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 26	Campbell County	W 8 – 0	3 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 29	at Kings	W 4 – 0	4 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 2	Ryle	W 4 – 0	5 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 5	at Turpin	W 1 – 0	6 – 0 – 0 (2 – 0 – 0)

The team next plays Walnut Hills at home on Tuesday, the 12th at 7 PM. On Saturday, the 16th the team will take on Mount Notre Dame away at 7 PM.

Cross Country

Men’s cross country runner, Greg Ballman, still holds third place, with a time of 16:27.70.

Ansley Richards holds 5th in the ECC for the women’s team with a time of 19:48.00 and Ellie Carr is in 12th with a time of 20:01.00.

At the Norwood Invitational, Ansley Richards won the women’s race and Greg Ballman came in second.

Men’s Golf

Loveland Men’s golf is still in a three-way tie for first with Turpin and Milford at 3-1 conference w-l. Last week, the team beat Mason 161-175.

Results
AUG. 2017	RESULT
Thu. 10	Loveland 159, Kings 163
Mon. 14	Lakota East Invitational 0, Loveland 0
Mon. 21	LaSalle Invitational 0, Loveland 0
Wed. 23	Loveland 151, Turpin 161
Thu. 24	Loveland 165, Walnut Hills 184
Mon. 28	Loveland 168, McNicholas 177
Thu. 31	Anderson 149, Loveland 155
SEP. 2017	RESULT
Tue. 5	Loveland 161, Mason 175

The team will play the Hadley Classic at 1 PM at Glenview on Sunday, the 10th. On Tuesday the 12th at 3:30 PM the team will play at Hickory Woods against Milford. On Wednesday the 13th, the men’s varsity golf team will take on Mariemont at 4 PM at a location TBA. On Thursday, the 14th, the team will play West Clermont at Friendly Meadows at 4 PM.

Women’s golf

Loveland Varsity women’s golf is tied for second with a 2-1 conference win/loss. The team is neck-in-neck with Turpin and Anderson.

Results
AUG. 2017	RESULT
Fri. 4	Loveland 182, Mt Notre Dame 197
Tue. 15	Loveland 186, Kings 191
Wed. 16	Loveland 176, Anderson 197
Thu. 17	at Princeton score not reported
Tue. 22	Turpin 188, Loveland 193
Wed. 23	Loveland 184, Milford 196
Thu. 31	Loveland 177, Bishop Fenwick 210
SEP. 2017	RESULT
Tue. 5	Loveland 191, Anderson 228
Wed. 6	Loveland 182, Lakota West 205
Thu. 7	Loveland 180, Little Miami 224

Last week, the team beat Little Miami, Lakota West and Anderson.

On Tuesday, the 12th the team will take on Fairfield at a time TBA at Walden Pond. On Thursday, the 14th the Lady Tigers will compete against Kings at 3:30 PM at O’Bannon Creen Golf Course.

Women’s Tennis

Loveland Varsity women’s tennis is tied for second with Walnut Hills with a 3-1 conference record. Last week, the team beat Lakota West 3-0 and West Clermont 5-0.

Results
AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 11	Mount Notre Dame	W 4 – 1	1 – 0 (0 – 0)
Mon. 14	Wilmington	W 5 – 0 postseason	2 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 15	at Oak Hills	W 5 – 0	3 – 0 (0 – 0)
Wed. 16	at Springboro	L 4 – 1	3 – 1 (0 – 0)
Mon. 21	Beavercreek	L 3 – 2	3 – 2 (0 – 0)
Tue. 22	Kings	W 5 – 0	4 – 2 (1 – 0)
Wed. 23	at St. Ursula	L 5 – 0 postseason	4 – 3 (1 – 0)
Thu. 24	Turpin	L 5 – 0	4 – 4 (1 – 1)
Wed. 30	at Lakota East	L 4 – 1	4 – 5 (1 – 1)
Thu. 31	Anderson	W 5 – 0	5 – 5 (2 – 1)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Wed. 6	Lakota West	W 3 – 0	6 – 5 (2 – 1)
Thu. 7	at West Clermont	W 5 – 0	7 – 5 (3 – 1)
Fri. 8	at Milford	score not reported	7 – 5 (3 – 1)

On Monday, the 11th, the team will take on Walnut Hills away at 4 PM. On Wednesday, the 13th, the tennis team will compete against Sycamore B at 4 PM at home. On Thursday, the 14th, the team will play at the at Coaches Classic at 4 PM at a location TBA. On Saturday, the 16th, the team will finish their competition in the Coaches Classic at 8 AM.

Check back next week for another update on Tiger athletics, and stay up-to-date with the ECC website and Athletic Director Julian Renner’s twitter @renner_ad.

September 9, 2017

Loveland HS sports update: 9/4/17

by Sam Smith

Loveland, OH – Loveland varsity fall sports are now in full swing, with Loveland leading the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) in women’s volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s golf.

Football

Loveland trails in varsity football, tied for last with Turpin in the ECC. Loveland fell to Lebanon 14-21 at their charity game on Friday, September 1st.

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 25	Sycamore	L 33 – 0	0 – 1 (0 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 1	Lebanon	L 21 – 14	0 – 2 (0 – 0)

Loveland plays next at Miamisburg at 7:00 PM on Friday the 8th.

Women’s volleyball

Women’s volleyball leads the pack in the ECC. With a 2-0 win/loss, the team is tied with Anderson for first. Last week, women’s volleyball defeated Milford and Turpin.

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	at Fairfield	W 25-17, 20-25, 25-10, 25-16	1 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 22	at McNicholas	W 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 28-26	2 – 0 (0 – 0)
Thu. 24	Sycamore	W 25-20, 25-17, 25-20	3 – 0 (0 – 0)
Sat. 26	Lebanon	W 25-13, 25-22, 25-10	4 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 29	at Turpin	W 25-23, 25-12, 25-13	5 – 0 (1 – 0)
Thu. 31	Milford	W 25-15, 25-12, 25-19	6 – 0 (2 – 0)

Women’s volleyball will play Kings at the LHS gymnasium at 7 PM on Tuesday the 5th. On Thursday the 7th, the team will compete at Withrow at 7 PM

Men’s soccer

Men’s Varsity soccer is in a 3-way tie for last in the ECC along with Withrow and West Clermont. They currently hold a 0 – 1 – 0 conference W-L-T and 1 – 2 – 1 overall.

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	Indian Hill	W 3 – 2	1 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Thu. 24	Fairfield	L 2 – 1	1 – 1 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 26	La Salle	T 0 – 0	1 – 1 – 1 (0 – 0 – 0)
Thu. 31	at Kings	L 2 – 1	1 – 2 – 1 (0 – 1 – 0)

Men’s soccer will play next against Turpin on Thursday the 7th at 7 PM. On Saturday the 9th they compete at Sycamore at 7 PM.

Women’s soccer

Women’s Varsity soccer is off to a strong start, with an undefeated season. They are tied for first with Anderson with a 1 – 0 – 0 conference W-L-T, but lead overall with 5 – 0 – 0. The team has scored 21 goals overall, and only lost one.

Read Loveland womens soccer kicks off with a winning start

Senior Saeah Harter was named ECC women’s soccer player of the week:

“Sarah, senior midfielder, had an outstanding week on the field in Loveland’s 4-0 victory over ECC member Kings and their 4-0 victory over NKY’s number-four ranked Ryle Raiders. Sarah did an outstanding job in the midfield of winning balls, especially in the air, and with her distribution to start Loveland’s attack. She also recorded her first goal of the season in the win over Ryle.”

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 19	Fairfield	W 3 – 0	1 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 22	at Lakota West	W 2 – 1	2 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Sat. 26	Campbell County	W 8 – 0	3 – 0 – 0 (0 – 0 – 0)
Tue. 29	at Kings	W 4 – 0	4 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)
SEP. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Sat. 2	Ryle	W 4 – 0	5 – 0 – 0 (1 – 0 – 0)

On Tuesday the 5th, women’s soccer plays at Turpin at 7 PM. On Saturday the 9th, they take on Mason at home at 7 PM.

Cross Country

For men’s cross country, senior Greg Ballman holds third with a time of 16:27.70. The women’s team won at Norwood, and sophomore Lexi Duff was named ECC women’s crosscountry runner of the week:

“Lexi helped the Lady Tigers get out at the start and pack together to bring home a victory at Norwood this past weekend. Lexi scored third on the team and was ninth overall. Without her start and pacing in the first mile, the squad may have lost its positioning to win.”

Freshman Ajay Stutz was also named an ECC athlete of the week:

“Ajay finished third overall and second for the team at the Norwood Invitational. His time of 17:32 on a hilly, muddy course helped lead the Tigers to a first place finish.”

On Saturday the 19th, the runners will compete at Mason.

Men’s golf

Varsity Men’s golf holds first in the ECC for Loveland with a 3-1 conference win/loss and 4-1 overall.

AUG. 2017	RESULT
Thu. 10	Loveland 159, Kings 163
Mon. 14	Lakota East Invitational 0, Loveland 0
Mon. 21	LaSalle Invitational 0, Loveland 0
Wed. 23	Loveland 151, Turpin 161
Thu. 24	Loveland 165, Walnut Hills 184
Mon. 28	Loveland 168, McNicholas 177
Thu. 31	Anderson 149, Loveland 155

On Tuesday the 5th, the team will take on Mason at 4 PM at Shaker Run.

Women’s golf

Loveland Varsity women’s golf is tied for third with Turpin. Both hold a 1-1 win-loss.

AUG. 2017	RESULT
Fri. 4	Loveland 182, Mt Notre Dame 197
Tue. 15	Loveland 186, Kings 191
Wed. 16	Loveland 176, Anderson 197
Thu. 17	at Princeton score not reported
Tue. 22	Turpin 188, Loveland 193
Wed. 23	Loveland 184, Milford 196
Thu. 31	Loveland 177, Bishop Fenwick 210

On Tuesday the 5th, the team takes on Anderson at Legendary Run. The time is TBA. On Wednesday the 6th, women’s golf will face Lakota west at 4 PM at a location TBA. On Thursday the 7th, the team will compete against Little Miami at 3:30 at Hickory Woods.

Women’s tennis

Loveland is tied for second in the ECC, with a 2-1 conference win-loss. The team holds 5-5 overall.

AUG. 2017	OPPONENT	RESULT	RECORD
Fri. 11	Mount Notre Dame	W 4 – 1	1 – 0 (0 – 0)
Mon. 14	Wilmington	W 5 – 0 postseason	2 – 0 (0 – 0)
Tue. 15	at Oak Hills	W 5 – 0	3 – 0 (0 – 0)
Wed. 16	at Springboro	L 4 – 1	3 – 1 (0 – 0)
Mon. 21	Beavercreek	L 3 – 2	3 – 2 (0 – 0)
Tue. 22	Kings	W 5 – 0	4 – 2 (1 – 0)
Wed. 23	at St. Ursula	L 5 – 0 postseason	4 – 3 (1 – 0)
Thu. 24	Turpin	L 5 – 0	4 – 4 (1 – 1)
Tue. 29	at Walnut Hills	score not reported	4 – 4 (1 – 1)
Wed. 30	at Lakota East	L 4 – 1	4 – 5 (1 – 1)
Thu. 31	Anderson	W 5 – 0	5 – 5 (2 – 1)

On Wednesday the 6th, Loveland Women’s Varsity tennis will play Lakota West at home at 4 PM. On Thursday the 7th, the team will take on West Clermont at West Clermont. On Friday the 8th, the Tiger Ladies compete against Milford away.

Check back next week for another update on Tiger athletics, and stay up-to-date with the ECC website and Athletic Director Julian Renner’s twitter @renner_ad.

September 4, 2017

Loveland womens soccer kicks off with a winning start

by Sam Smith

Loveland, Ohio – For four out of the past five years, Loveland High School’s women’s soccer team has ranked first in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. The team even competed at the division 1 state championship in 2015.

Last year, the team progressed undefeated to regional where they fell to Springboro. Read 2016 Womens Soccer Season in Reflection here. This year, the team is already off to a winning start, beating Fairfield 3-0, Lakota West 2-1, Campbell County 8-0 and Kings 4-0. Although the road ahead is long with 12 matches already scheduled, the players are hopeful for victory.

Players warm up before the game against Campbell County

Goalie Taylor Thole practices before the Campbell County match begins

Goalie Lauren Parker warms up. Parker will be playing for Miami University next year.

“The ultimate goal for our season is to finish what we started 2 years ago, which would be going to state and winning,” said Goalie and senior, Lauren Parker.

Although the team fell to Walsh Jesuit in Columbus, they have not lost sight of total victory. Last year, Walsh Jesuit won their fifth consecutive OHSAA state title.

Emily Kubin at the beginning of the Campbell County game on Saturday, August 25th.

The team lost seniors who graduated last year, but have gained new and rising athletes.

“I think this season we will have a lot of wins because there is a lot of talent on the team. For me this season I think it will be a great learning opportunity because I will get to learn how to play from some amazing players,” freshman, Elise Reynolds, explained.

Senior, Colleen “Jelly” Swift does a front flip throw-in, one of Loveland’s notable and unique strategy

Senior, Colleen “Jelly” Swift at the Campbell County match

Senior, Brice Grieshop dribbles in the Campbell County game. Brice scored for Loveland, helping secure their decisive 8-0 victory

“I think this is going to be a really good season. Everyone is giving it their all and working the hardest they can. We all get along and work well together but still push each other. I’m really excited to get to play with these girls,” sophomore Kaitlyn Andrews told Loveland Magazine.

The women competed Saturday on the Tiger Turf and are now 5-0 with a 4-0 win over Ryle. Their next match is Tuesday at Turpin (3-1-1) at 7 PM.

Keep up-to-date on upcoming matches here and through Loveland Magazine’s ongoing coverage.

September 3, 2017
Mark Fitzgerald resigns as Loveland Mayor and councilmember

“There is little doubt in my mind of prevailing in an election this fall. It’s a shame that a small group has seen fit to drag the city’s great image through the mud to further their vicious and unfounded personal attacks on me.”

by Sam Smith

Loveland, OH- On the evening of Monday, August 14th, then-mayor Mark Fitzgerald called a meeting to order. The special meeting was, according to a press release, intended to “respond to matters related to the recently filed petition seeking his recall as a member of City Council”. Fitzgerald would go on to resign his seat as mayor. Angela Settell took his place as Mayor and Pam Gross was named Vice-Mayor. After adjournment, a letter was distributed explaining that Fitzgerald would resign his council seat.

Fitzgerald addresses a full house at the City Council meeting

Fitzgerald, who has served ten years as an elected individual and was two years into his term as mayor, began the meeting with a speech. Fitzgerald was once Loveland’s City Manager.

“There is little doubt in my mind of prevailing in an election this fall. It’s a shame that a small group has seen fit to drag the city’s great image through the mud to further their vicious and unfounded personal attacks on me,” Fitzgerald began.

In his address, he defended his personal integrity and criticized the petition and those circulating it who were seeking his recall, calling it “nefarious activity”. He went on to attack the political action committee (PAC) that funded the petition and individuals who had helped run the petition for recall.

“Who are these people? Do they live in Loveland? Who are their sponsors? Based on the PAC’s financial report, they shouldn’t be able to afford much expensive legal help. What are their names? Some seem to have multiple names. What is their past profession? How have they performed professionally? Are they successes? Or are they business failures? Bankrupts? Do they frequently change addresses, names or jobs? What are their work records? Do they work?” asked Fitzgerald.

“Have they received special considerations that have to do with these relationships such as forgiven utility bills or no interest loans?” the mayor continued, to incredulous laughter from the audience.

Former mayor Mark Fitzgerald reads from the recall petition

Fitzgerald denounced the language and accusations in the petition for vagueness, and made tacit jabs at individuals and members of the local media.

Fitzgerald then resigned his position as mayor (although not his council seat).

“Watch out…” Fitzgerald gestured to the audience “…For wolves in sheep’s clothing.” This was met with boos and jeers. “At this time, I would like to be relieved of my position and duties as mayor, and will entertain a motion from council for the selection of a new mayor,” finished Fitzgerald.

A a long time Loveland resident and voting Stakeholder of the Loveland Community Heartbeat Political Action Committee, Ellen Mershon responded to Fitzgerald’s speech. She said, “I was appalled at Mr. Fitzgerald’s attempt to deflect any responsibility regarding his own behavior both personally and professionally by his attempt to cast dispersions on others.” She said that the behavior the former Mayor exhibited only illustrated the need for the recall. “I am grateful for the voters who came forward to sign petitions, not once but twice for his removal,” said Mershon.

Kathy Bailey waits for a new mayor to be nomintated

Soon-to-be Vice-Mayor Pamela Gross observes the proceedings

In order to fill the vacant mayor position, a nomination and council election was performed. Previous Vice-Mayor, Angela Settell, was sworn in as mayor by Fitzgerald. Next, in order to fill the vice-mayor seat, council member Pam Gross was nominated and elected.

Mayor Angie Settell swears under oath in order to fill the mayor position

Pamela gross takes her oath to become Vice-Mayor

Upon adjournment, Fitzgerald still held a seat in City Council, but had until midnight to resign or else face a recall vote. Fitzgerald refused to speak to the press. New vice mayor Pam Gross declined to interview.

“[Fitzgerald] has stepped down as mayor, so there will be no recall in November,” Mayor Angela Settell explained to Loveland Magazine. Shortly thereafter, a letter from Fitzgerald to Council Clerk Misty Cheshire was distributed:

Ten years is a long time to serve in an elected position. There is wisdom in the 22nd amendment limiting term of office for the President. Subsequently, the state of Ohio has done likewise for its governor and general assembly. If it is good policy for the country and state it should be applied to Loveland Council as well.

It is in this spirit that effective at 11:59 p.m. Monday August 14th, 2017, I resign from Loveland Council as well.

Sincerely,

Mark J. Fitzgerald

“Council will have 30 days to reach an appointment. If they can’t reach an agreement within those 30 days, Mayor Settell will have the ability to fill that seat. Under our charter in Loveland, that person will fill that seat for the unexpired term of councilmen Fitzgerald,” expalined City Solicitor Joe Braun. There are two years remaining in the term. “If he had waited past those 5 days [the maximum amount of time to resign], a recall vote could have been held by the people,” continued Braun.

“My feelings are one of disappointment– this didn’t have to happen tonight. I don’t think anything had to happen this way. The notice was too short, it wasn’t open to the public which is what this has all been about,” claimed council member Rob Weisgerber in an interview after the meeting. “We have a bad reputation but it’s easy to fix. Once we start having an open dialogue, open to the public, open to discussion, it’s easy to turn this back around. And I think that’s what we have to go though,” Weisgerber continued.

Ted Phelps described the election of a new mayor and vice-mayor as clique politics, stacking the deck, and gaming the system.

Councilmember Ted Phelps said, “I am mad. It’s to the public’s detriment. I’m sorry this happened tonight.” He described the election of a new mayor and vice-mayor as clique politics, stacking the deck, and gaming the system. “There was no reason why we needed to vote on a new mayor and vice-mayor today. The public didn’t know this was coming up for a vote. I didn’t know.” Phelps said no one had time for serious consideration on an important issue. “This is exactly why people are up in arms about the way the City conducts business on City Council – because it is in a way that’s not up front, it’s not honest. It’s not fair because someone who could be resigning from our Council tonight is given the right to have a say in who gets elected to be the next mayor. So it’s for that reason I am not at this point in time able to congratulate either the new mayor or vice-mayor.

Neal Oury – file photo

Neal Oury who was a leader in the ouster of Fitzgerald and intimate in the two successful recall petition drives issued this statement to Loveland Magazine:

This little “small group”, as he called the Recall Committee, is many in size, with over thirty petitioners collecting signatures, 2000 plus residents behind us, not once – but twice, makes a profound statement. Those signing the petitions equal approximately thirty-five percent of all the residents who voted in the last election. They were certified by the Board of Elections as Loveland residents. Their “professions, successes, failures and utility bills” are immaterial and, frankly, an insult to the community. The resigned ex-mayor’s unprofessional rant last night was like so many other council meetings he has presided over. The disorder, rude, verbal attacks and skullduggery are always evident. He is the one who has dragged the city’s image through the mud.

This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is the resignation speech Fitzgerald gave to start the Council meeting.

Below is a re-broadcast of the entire council meeting from LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV which broadcast the meeting live

Loveland Magazine kept the camera live feed rolling and conducted several interviews after the meeting adjourned. Near the end reporter Sam Smith reports that Fitzgerald had submitted a letter of resignation.

At the -30:03 min. mark Councilmember Ted Phelps is interviewed and expresses his anger at what happened. At the -25:43 min. mark is an interview with Councilmember Rob Weisgerber expressing his disappointment. At the -18:17 min. mark council candidate Neal Oury is interviewed. At the -15:46 min. mark Reporter Sam Smith breaks the news that former Mayor Mark Fitzgerald has submitted his resignation from the Loveland Council. At the -14:43 min. mark Tim Butler candidate for Council is interviewed. At the -2:08 min. mark City Solicitor Joe Braun explains how the replacement of Mark Fitzgerald will happen.

This story was up-dated August 15, 2017 at 8:33 PM

For Background:

Tonight’s special council meeting omits open forum – Other recall news

Mayor does not need to call a “Special Meeting” to comply…

[BREAKING] Loveland Mayor calls for Special Meeting of Council

Recall of Mayor Mark Fitzgerald is “On” again

A family-owned business offering a wide variety of soft-serve specialty…

After enjoying a day out, stop by and relax with your favorite desert in our picnic area

August 14, 2017
New McCluskey Automotive corporate headquarters in Loveland near opening

by Sam Smith

On January 6, 2016, developers for McCluskey Automotive went before the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission for review of plans for a new corporate headquarters in the Loveland Commerce Park at 179 Commerce Boulevard. The plans for the 42,000 square foot facility have quickly taken shape, and the facility anticipates to open in early fall according to city zoning coordinator, Eva Parker. The facility is expected to bring approximately 80 jobs to the city.

The new McCluskey Automotive building nears completion. Behind the corporate headquarters, cars will be stored and repaired.

The new McCluskey building is intended to serve not only as corporate headquarters for the car dealership but as a center for repair, maintenance, detailing, and car inventory behind the new building. The original plans failed to meet code by planting an evergreen tree per 5000 square feet of parking lot, a requirement presumably filled or else waived.

A closeup of the entrance to the new McCluskey headquarters. The facility is expected to be completed and open by early fall.

City Hall has seen the new facility as a major success for the city, and displays a rendering of the new building in the lobby. The new headquarters will no doubt encourage Loveland’s economic growth.

Construction equipment sits outside the soon-to-be complete headquarters

August 2, 2017