On Monday, Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins officially ended his holdout and signed his franchise tender. He’ll now make $21.816 million fully guaranteed for the 2024 season. Higgins played in 12 games last year and caught 76 passes for 656 yards and 5 touchdowns. His season high in receiving yards came on December 23 when he had 5 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown in a 34-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent much of 2023 dealing with lingering rib and hamstring injuries but hopes to put those behind him next year and show that he is indeed a top receiver in this league.
Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati Bengals on Twitter
The impact of Higgins’s signing his franchise tender in June and reporting to Bengals training camp can’t be anything but beneficial. Having a healthy Joe Burrow throwing passes and working on the critical element of timing with one of his key receivers in July instead of August is absolutely critical to doing what the Bengals have often struggled to do in years past: start the season strong.
They lost 3 out of their first 5 in both 2022 and 2023. Joe Burrow’s injury no doubt played a large role in that last year. However, having both he and Higgins healthy, in sync, and on the field ready to go for the first part of 2024 will be a welcome sight for all of Who Dey Nation.
While there was never really a significant belief that Higgins would sit out the 2024 season, there was plenty of uncertainty about just when he would sign and/or report for offseason workouts. With those questions safely behind them, the hope is that the team can focus on their work on the practice field.
Bengals Training Camp presented by Kettering Health kicks off on Wednesday, July 24. Training camp practices will take place at the Kettering Health Practice Fields located just west of Paycor Stadium. Practices will continue through August 20th. The Bengals first preseason game is on August 10th against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What do you think about Higgins’ extension? Let us know in the comments here or on Facebook, or drop us a line at the email below!
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Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?
Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?
We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.
Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.
by Cassie Mattia – (Republished from October, 2021)
Loveland, Ohio – With Halloween right around the corner, it only seems right to take YOU our readers to the Simpson Farm Asylum where you will once again meet Skeletor the Halloween Movie Guru!
Everyone loves a good scary movie, especially during Halloween, but at times it can be tough selecting the one that will be sure to chill you to the bone! Skeletor, who hibernates all year at the Simpson Farm Asylum, located at Loveland Magazine’s office, awakens in October to celebrate all things spooky and to share what 5 Halloween movies you should watch.
Follow me down to the Simpson Farm Asylum where we will meet Skeletor for the Top 5 Halloween Movies! Turn off the lights, snuggle under your favorite blanket, grab a bag of candy, and prepare to be creeped out!
Skeletor’s Top 5 Halloween Movies and Where to Find Them!
Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984, Supernatural Slasher, Rated R, Watch on HULU or HBO MAX
The Hills Have Eyes, 2006 remake, Horror, Rated R, Watch on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Goosebumps The Series, 1995, Children’s Anthology Horror Television Series, Rated PG, Watch on NETFLIX
Fear Street The Trilogy, 2021, Horror Film Series, Rated R, Watch on NETFLIX
Child’s Play, 2019 remake, Slasher, Rated R, Watch on HULU or AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Here is a collection of still photos from the Skeletor video shoot taken by David Miller.
Take a Look at my Skeletor Photo Album!
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Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.
Loveland, Ohio – Hey there Loveland! Not sure if everyone has heard the news but Loveland High School has gotten a new principal for the 2023-2024 school year. I decided we needed to get a little interview with Mr. David Spencer and see what he is all about, don’t you agree?
I interviewed Mr.Spencer along with our superintendent Mr. Mike Broadwater in an effort to welcome him to the community and to get to know him. Before we get to the interview, here are a few things that were discussed.
I asked Mr. Spencer about his background, where he grew up, how he got into teaching, and basic questions you would ask when getting to know someone. I also touched base with Mr. Broadwater about what changes there were going to be at the Loveland Schools after the Levy passed this last May.
Below is the video interview! Press play and get to know all the details regarding new changes and the new principal.
“Best Short Story” award winner Mahi Sheth knows a thing or two about writing! Mahi is a creative writer whose favorite part about writing is the way words come together to form a story. In Mahi’s downtime, she loves to read and dance. Mahi is a Junior at William Mason High School.
Did you enjoy a good binge session after tuning into Part 1 of my Must-see TV Series Table of Discussions? Well lucky for you I have five more TV series that will have you sitting on the couch all weekend!
During Part 2 of my Must-see TV series segment I will once again dive into each TV series and share with you a summary of each tv series along with whose starring in the series, how many seasons you can binge, what genre the series falls into, where you can stream the series, and what awards the series has won or has been nominated for!
Are you ready for round 2?! Click below to watch five more of my must-see tv series!
Yellowjackets
Starring Sophie Nélisse (47 Meters Down Uncaged), Jasmin Savoy Brown (the newest Scream movies), Sophie Thatcher (The Boogeyman), Sammi Hanratty
(Shameless), Melanie Lynskey (Two and a half men), Tawny Cypress (the equalizer), Christina Ricci (Wednesday, the Adams Family, and Casper) and Juliette Lewis (Cape Fear, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and From Dusk Until Dawn)
Streaming on Showtime
DogTV
DOGTV is a 24/7 dog TV channel, designed to alleviate your pup’s stress and
anxiety throughout the day.
Download the App on your phone or firestick
Vanderpump Rules
Starring Lisa Vanderpump and her wild group of restaurant employees
Streaming on Bravo and Peacock
The Last of Us
Starring Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) and Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian)
Streaming on MAX
What We Do in the Shadows
Starring Natasia Demetriou, Matt Berry (Great Expectations), Harvey Guillen (Puss in
Boots the last wish), Kayvan Novak, and Mark Proksch (Better Call Saul)
Streaming on HULU
Did you miss Part 1 of my Must-see TV Series Table of Discussions? Watch it now!
Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.
What’s better than grabbing your favorite snacks, kicking your feet up, and disappearing into your couch cushions for a binge-watch session?! Personally, it’s one of my favorite hobbies especially at night after a long day of work or over the weekend when the unpredictable Ohio weather marks its territory. Because I love a good binge-watch and have a passion for critiquing and analyzing TV series, I thought why not have my next Table of Discussions segment be all about my must-see tv series!
During this segment I will not only tell you what I’m binge-watching but will also give you a summary of each tv series along with whose starring in the series, how many seasons you can binge, what genre the series falls into, where you can stream the series, and what awards the series has won or has been nominated for! If you often are scrolling through your firestick with not a clue what to watch this is the segment for you!
Are you ready to binge-watch?! Grab your notepad or add this segment to your YouTube playlist because you are not going to want to miss part 1 of my Must-see TV Series Table of Discussions! Click below to watch the first five must-see tv series!
The Bear
Starring Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon-Moss Bachrach, and Abby Elliot
Streaming on HULU
Euphoria
Starring Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, Angus Cloud, Jacob Elordi, and Maude Apatow
Streaming on MAX
The Clearing
Teresa Palmer, Miranda Otto, Julia Savage, and Guy Pierce
Streaming on HULU
Next Level Chef
Starring Chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais
Watch on FOX Thursdays at 8 p.m. or stream on HULU
Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.
Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland is ready to welcome the Fall season with open arms as the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance will be holding its second Oktoberfest!
On Friday, September 23rd from 4 PM-10 PM, and Saturday, September 24th from noon until 10 PM, Downtown Loveland will become “Liebesland” (Loveland in German) for Oktoberfest 2022. The festival will include a plethora of traditional German activities, competitions, food, drinks, and of course some spectacular German attire!
Loveland, Ohio – Hey there, Loveland! Ready to change your summer with some Desi? Come to Downtown Cincinnati on August 21st to see some Bollywood dance performances. There are going to be Indian food stalls, as well as some classical dances choreographed by Gajdi Jawani. There will be puppet shows for the kids, and a Henna stall to get temporary tattoos! There will also be Indian jewelry and Indian clothes that you can buy. So clear out your calendar for August 21st come on down!
The UC Women’s Basketball team grabbed a huge victory on Saturday beating the Xavier Muskateers, 82-73, in the 2021 Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout at Fifth Third Back Arena. This was the 43rd time Cincinnati and Xavier competed for the Kendle cup (the Crosstown Shootout trophy) making the Bearcats 26-17 in the rivalry series. Head Coach Michelle Clark-Heard is now 3-0 against Xavier since taking the head coach position. After the win on Saturday, UC is now 5-4 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Former Loveland High School (LHS) stand-out student-athlete Jillian Hayes has not only helped the Bearcats grab some big wins already this year, but is also making a name for herself in the AAC and the world of women’s college basketball! Hayes’ senior year at LHS was one for the books as she averaged 18.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 2 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. With those stats, Hayes was named the 2019-2020 Eastern Cincinnati Conference Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Year, 1st Team All-ECC, and LHS’s All-Time Leading Scorer (1,412), and Leading Rebounder (778). She also led the Loveland Tigers to back-to-back ECC Titles and an OHSAA Sectional Title in 2020.
Hayes not only succeeded on the basketball court at LHS she also achieved top honors in the classroom receiving an Academic Pin for her G.P.A, and recognition for her leadership and sportsmanship earning her The Principal’s Award-Outstanding Female and the OHSAA Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award.
Going into her Freshman season with the UC Bearcats Women’s Basketball Team, Hayes was selected as the No. 116 prospect in the 2020 class by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report and was ranked as a 4-star recruit by Prospects Nation. Hayes definitely did not disappoint her Freshman year with the Bearcats despite the COVID-19 obstacles averaging 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks earning her a spot on the AAC All-Freshman Team. Hayes not only had 20 starts her Freshman season she also placed 1st among the AAC Freshman class in blocks (1.1), 2nd in defensive rebounds (4.4), and 3rd in minutes played (32.3) and assists (2.7). Hayes led the Bearcats team in steals (34) and ranked 3rd in points (182), rebounds (126), and blocks (26).
Since graduating from LHS, Hayes has had a couple of big goals in mind one being to make it to the NCAA Tournament. Thus far in her sophomore season as a team captain, she has made it very clear as to what her personal and team goals are as she has already put up double digits in points in 4 games this season. Check out Hayes’ top games thus far in her sophomore season!
December 1st against Central Michigan (Win 59-54) – 23 points, 5 rebounds, 9/15 FG
November 27th against OSU (Loss 50-86) 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal
November 16th against Ohio Win 62-73, 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals
November 10th against Alabama A&M Win 73-60, 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals
Here at Loveland Magazine we love celebrating the successes of former LHS graduates, so we decided to take a trip down to Cincinnati to watch Hayes compete in the 2021 Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout. Wow were we impressed with Hayes’s ability to be a leader and produce stats that led the Bearcats to an 82-73 victory!
Hayes ended the game with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 4 assists, most of the stats coming in the final 4 minutes of the game, as she said, “I knew I had to turn it on and produce to get us a win!” At the half, Xavier was up 32-31, due mostly to the Bearcats 14 turnovers and 32.4 Field Goal percentage. Xavier also outrebounded the Bearcats 27-18.
Once the 2nd half of the Crosstown Shootout began Hayes and the Bearcats began to outperform Xavier. In the 4th quarter alone Cincinnati outscored Xavier, 32-20, and made 60% of their shots raising their total field goal percentage for the game to 42.4%! Cincinnati’s bench also stepped it up towards the end of the game accumulating 43 points compared to Xavier’s 9 points.
Securing the Kendle Cup wasn’t the only milestone for the Bearcats as they also had their highest-scoring game of the season, tied their season-best for 3-point shots made (6), and had 4 Bearcats for the 2nd time this season score in the double digits. Hayes said she hopes this momentum continues right into the NCAA tournament, which has been a goal of hers since she committed to playing basketball at Cincinnati.
After the Bearcats claimed the Kendle Cup once again, Loveland Magazine TV got the opportunity to interview Jillian Hayes post-game to talk about the victory, her role as a team captain, and what she believes UC will achieve this season! So without further ado, we bring to you several exclusive Crosstown Shootout videos and a one-on-one interview with UC Bearcat Sophomore Jillian Hayes!
Self-described “Dog Mom” Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland with Nala, Dean, and her boyfriend Adam. Cassie is the Associate Editor and Co-Owner of Loveland Magazine.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Who doesn’t love sharing a beautiful festive photo of their pet? It’s Christmas time and we want to see your pets in their best holiday attire!
If you are a Loveland resident and live close to the Loveland Bike Trail you know more than anyone that Loveland has a special place in its heart for pets. From dogs to cats to horses to exotic animals the Loveland community welcomes all animals with open arms! This is why here at Loveland Magazine we want to celebrate your pets!
At the beginning of every month, Loveland Magazine selects and features “Loveland’s Pet of the Month,” in which that pet is then featured in our publication, weekly newsletters, and our social media platforms for that entire month.
The featured pet will receive A Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundlet Tower, a Works Pizza gift card, and a beautiful, glossy, high-quality 8X10 photo keepsake that the pet owner will then be able to pick at Loveland Magazine headquarters! We love our pets as much you do Loveland so join us in paying tribute to them!
This is Dean, Cassie’s older household sibling to Nala.
To enter into Loveland’s Pet of the Month contest you must email me, Cassie Mattia, at cmattia12@gmail.com 2-5 of your favorite photos of your pet along with a short bio about your pet. Share with us and the community why your pet is so special to you along with any other unique facts that sets your little buddy apart from other pets! The window for receiving pet of the month candidates for the month of January will be extended due to the holidays! The contest will run from December 1st through January 3rd (deadline). When sending in your pet photos and bios please include your pet’s name, age, and breed as well as your contact info with a short description of each photo you provide us with. If you want to share where your pet’s favorite spots are in Loveland that would be great as well!
The Loveland Pet of the Month for January will be announced on January 5th!
Remember we DO NOT discriminate against any pets; all pets are welcome to enter into the contest!
As a reminder, you may send in pet photos and bios up until January 3rd. Again Loveland Magazine’s January Pet of the Month will be announced on January 5th!
We are so excited to share the love you have for your pets and the joy they bring you every day with the community!
Loveland, Ohio – What a fantastic day it was to be a Loveland Tiger! On Saturday both the Loveland High School (LHS) Women’s and Men’s Cross Country Teams for the first time ever in LHS history competed together for the OHSAA Division 1 title at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park in Columbus. Both Teams went into the race having record-breaking years so many die-hard Tiger fans knew that they would come back with some impressive accolades!
The LHS Women’s Cross Country Team broke several school records this year but the most important one came in the form of a 2nd place OHSAA Division 1 Women’s Cross Country trophy on Saturday! The Tigers finished right behind Perrysburg (101) with a score of 109 and an impressive runners average of 18:59. Senior Jesse Gibbins was the top finisher for the Tigers crossing the line in 7th place with a time of 18:25.2, Senior Sarah Madix was next placing 19th at 18:55.2, Senior Emmy Sager finished in 26th place with a time of 19:09, Junior Madison Conatser finished in 28th with a time of 19:10.5, Junior Ally Colegate placed 29th with a time of 19:10.8, Sophomore Lauren Gard finished next in 82nd place with a time of 20:03 and rounding out the team score was Senior Maaike Snider in 102nd place with a time of 20:17.9.
The winning time for the Women’s Division 1 race (unscored) was 17:32.1 ran by Senior Alyssa Shope from Gahanna Lincoln. For the full OHSAA Division 1 Women’s Cross Country meet results click here.
Shortly after the LHS Women’s Cross Country milestone win, the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) released the team conference awards naming LHS’s Steve Nester ECC Coach of the Year and Senior Emmy Sager ECC Runner of the Year! Seniors Jesse Gibbins, Sarah Madix, and Emmy Sager all received 1st Team All-ECC honors while Juniors Ally Colegate and Madison Conatser grabbed 2nd Team All-ECC honors. Senior Maaike Snider also received ECC honors with Honorable Mention.
The LHS Men’s Cross Country Team had a season full of monumental moments including their trip to the OHSAA Division 1 Men’s Cross Country meet on Saturday! The Tigers placed 12th among a very talented field of athletes with a score of 313 and a runners average of 16:33. Senior Ryan Chevalier was the top finisher for the Tigers placing 6th with a time of 15:37.3, Junior Brady Steiner finished next in 48th place with a time of 16:23.2, Freshman Nick Huff finished in 84th place with a time of 16:51.7, Junior Cayden Dyer placed 85th with a time of 16:52, Senior Sam Neiger finished 90th with a time of 16:57.5, Junior Grant Hanson placed 98th with a time of 17:04.3, and Senior JP Tew rounded out the Tigers placing 134th with a time of 17:58.2.
Mason took the OHSAA Division 1 Men’s Cross Country title with a score of 106 and the winning runner (unscored) was Senior William Zegarski from Little Miami with a time of 14:39.9. Zegarski broke the previous Ohio State All-Time Meet record. For the full OHSAA Division 1 Men’s Cross Country meet results click here.
The ECC All-Conference awards were also announced for the Men’s Cross Country Teams post the State meet awarding Steve Nester with the ECC Coach of the Year! Senior Ryan Chevalier, and Juniors Cayden Dyer and Brady Steiner were awarded 1st Team All-ECC honors while Junior Grant Hanson and Freshman Nick Huff received 2nd Team All-ECC honors. Senior Sam Neiger also received ECC honors in the form of Honorable Mention.
Check out the photo album from Saturday’s meet brought to you by Loveland Magazine Editor, David Miller!
Congratulations to both the LHS Women’s and Men’s Cross Country Teams on an unbelievable season! It has been a joy watching school history happen right in front of our eyes! We can’t wait to see where the future takes all these wonderful Tiger student-athletes!
For more sports updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!
by Chris Ball
Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.
Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at 
by Mahi Sheth
by Cassie Mattia
