Due to impending weather, we are pushing back our State of the Region update event.
Join us NEXT WEEK for the State of the Region 2022 Address! Hear from city and township leaders: David Kennedy (Loveland City Manager), Jeff Wright (Miami Township Administrator), and Kim Lapensee (Symmes Township Administrator) on their 2022 plans. Learn more about your community, economic development plans and stay informed for the upcoming year!
Read below the original announcement about the ‘”State of the Region Update”
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Only 2 days to go until your community’s State of the Region Update and we want to be sure you have all the details so you can attend! This is your chance to hear what’s in store for your community in 2022 and offer your feedback!
Join the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance on Thursday, February 3rd at the Hamilton County Cooperative (HCC) from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM to learn more about what your community has planned for 2022! Topics will range from economic development to how your community officials plan on keeping you informed this year.
This informative and exciting event will include lunch and guest speakers David Kennedy, Loveland’s City Manager, Jeff Wright, Miami Township Administrator, and Kim Lapensee, Symmes Township Administrator. Chamber members can attend the event for $30 while non-members can attend for $35. If you would like to attend the 2022 State of the Region Update sign up here!
If you have any questions concerning the 2022 State of the Region Update please contact Meredith Taylor or visit the LMRCA website!
We encourage everyone that can attend the 2022 State of the Region Update to come by and listen to what your local officials have to say about your community’s future! Let’s unite our communities and support one another along the way!
For more local event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – Only 2 days to go until your community’s State of the Region Update and we want to be sure you have all the details so you can attend! This is your chance to hear what’s in store for your community in 2022 and offer your feedback!
Join the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance on Thursday, February 3rd at the Hamilton County Cooperative (HCC) from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM to learn more about what your community has planned for 2022! Topics will range from economic development to how your community officials plan on keeping you informed this year.
This informative and exciting event will include lunch and guest speakers David Kennedy, Loveland’s City Manager, Jeff Wright, Miami Township Administrator, and Kim Lapensee, Symmes Township Administrator. Chamber members can attend the event for $30 while non-members can attend for $35. If you would like to attend the 2022 State of the Region Update sign up here!
If you have any questions concerning the 2022 State of the Region Update please contact Meredith Taylor or visit the LMRCA website!
We encourage everyone that can attend the 2022 State of the Region Update to come by and listen to what your local officials have to say about your community’s future! Let’s unite our communities and support one another along the way!
For more local event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again to hear what’s in store for your community in 2022 and we want you there to get your feedback!
Join the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance on Thursday, February 3rd at the Hamilton County Cooperative (HCC) from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM to learn more about what your community has planned for 2022! Topics will range from economic development to how your community officials plan on keeping you informed this year.
This informative and exciting event will include lunch and guest speakers David Kennedy, Loveland’s City Manager, Jeff Wright, Miami Township Administrator, and Kim Lapensee, Symmes Township Administrator. Chamber members can attend the event for $30 while non-members can attend for $35. If you would like to attend the 2022 State of the Region Update sign up here!
If you have any questions concerning the 2022 State of the Region Update please contact Meredith Taylor or visit the LMRCA website!
We encourage everyone that can attend the 2022 State of the Region Update to come by and listen to what your local officials have to say about your community’s future! Let’s unite our communities and support one another along the way!
For more local event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – The Holiday season is here which means giving back is at its peak here in the Sweetheart of Ohio!
Recently Editor in Chief David Miller spoke with Loveland’s City Manager David Kennedy and Lisa Craig, the City of Loveland’s Utility Billing Clerk, in which they informed Miller that an anonymous donor settled 28 past due water bills. The total donation was nearly $7,000! Although the donor wanted to remain anonymous, the donor himself asked if we would share this information in hopes that other “copycats might do something similar.” The donor said in an email, “The more people that can help, the better.”
Kennedy said that in his 36 years of government employment he had never experienced anyone doing something so generous.
Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy
Kennedy told Miller in a phone conversation that Craig worked with the private donor all week to help identify those community members that had been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He’s overpaying each account by $100, so each of them are going into the new year with a credit of $100,” Kennedy explained to Miller, “He wanted to remain anonymous, but he thought if there was a way to get the word out, maybe other people would help. It ended up being 28 accounts that he picked to help these people out. The private donor worked hand and hand with Lisa Craig, herself a long-time Loveland resident, and our utility billing clerk to do this. She could not have been more impressed with what this person did.”
Craig was also very much touched by this anonymous donor’s generosity.
‘He was looking for people impacted by the pandemic that were really trying to make the effort to set up payment plans with us,” Craig said, “When he first called he said that he had heard something on the news about someone doing this in another community. He and his wife were inspired to do something for people living in Loveland. They wished to remain anonymous, but was hoping that going public with the story without disclosing his name would inspire someone else to help out.”
Inspired and want to do your own holiday good deed?!
Craig told us that all anonymous donations sent to them would be applied to where they felt it would be needed the most! Craig also informed us that anyone who sent a check would remain anonymous.
So where can you send your anonymous donation?
“I hate to put out a number, but I know there are people really struggling to make it,” Craig said, “We really don’t want to shut anyone’s water off. Especially this time of year. Any time of year is hard. But this time of year, and with the struggles of twenty-twenty…need I say much more!”
Anyone wishing to be a copycat donor can reach out to Lisa Craig at 513-707-1451 or email Lisa Craig at lcraig@lovelandoh.gov. Lisa may be able to take your donation “on-line” with a credit card.
You may also send a check to City Hall. Please address to “City of Loveland, 120 West Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio, 45140.”
If you would like to reach out to City Manager Dave Kennedy you can do so by phone at 513-707-1454 or email at dkennedy@lovelandoh.gov.
City Hall office hours are Mon-Fri 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown and the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland celebrated those heroes who lost their lives during the 9/11 tragedy gathered around the Chief Candace M. Cook Firefighters Memorial, located on Harrison Avenue right along the Loveland/Little Miami Bike Trail just two Fridays ago.
Both the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and the Loveland Police Department attended the beautiful ceremony as well as several dedicated community leaders.
Luckily, Loveland Magazine was there to capture the breath-taking ceremony that included, a speech by retired Cincinnati Police Lieutenant and Republican candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff ,Bruce Hoffbauer, the playing of bagpipes as the firefighter memorial flag was lowered to half-mast, search lights resembling the Twin Towers set off into the sky, and a patriotic display of fireworks as songs honoring the fallen heroes rang throughout the night. Pastor Bill Hounshell led the gathering in prayer.
We understand that many may have missed Loveland’s 9/11 ceremony so here at Loveland Magazine we wanted to make sure our readers could virtually enjoy the experience through our “9/11 Photo Essay.” Click below to view the compilation of photos taken by Editor-In-Chief David Miller honoring the 9/11 heroes, local first responders, and attendees.
(The Memorial – the Monument – the Ceremony – the Fireworks – the Searchlights – the Solemn People of the Greater Loveland Area)
Stay tuned for more of the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland and Symmes Township, Ohio – The City of Loveland issued a press release on June 3rd announcing a collaboration on Independence Day celebrations with Symmes Township.
The release said that Loveland’s share of the fireworks would be set off at Boike Park at Loveland High School.
Loveland Magazine just learned that Loveland’s fireworks will instead be launched from a location inside Phillips Park.
After a reader noticed the discrepancy on a map we shared this morning from the City’s FaceBook page we asked about it.
Assistant to the City Manager, Misty Brents just told Loveland Magazine, “Rozzi decided Phillips would be the better location.”
“Look for These Signs” of our times
Corrected Story
Loveland’s and Symmes Township’s annual Independence Day celebrations have been canceled for this year. City Manager David Kennedy said in a press release on July 3 that the decision was made “out of health concerns for our residents and is consistent with public health concerns over holding large attendance events.”
The City and Township will hold two simultaneous, “park and watch” fireworks shows on Saturday, July 4.
Symmes Township Administrator, Kimberly Lapensee said in a press release, “Symmes Township is so excited to partner with the City of Loveland to celebrate the 4th of July while keeping our community safe.”
Fireworks will be set off at Phillips Park and Symmes Park on Lebanon Road on Saturday, July 4 at a time that has not yet been announced.
It is being recommended that residents who live near the parks are asked to stay at home to enjoy the show. Others are encouraged to watch from their cars “remaining socially distant” at parking locations to be announced.
Both the City and the Township say that no festivals are scheduled at this time.
Loveland, Ohio –It has been a tough few weeks for people all over the United States with COVID-19 hasn’t reached its peak. With many small businesses and schools being forced to close their doors for the safety of the public, community members all over Ohio are wondering what’s next?
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV decided to join forces with Loveland’s Mayor Kathy Bailey in an on-camera interview so that we could get answers to some of the community’s hard-hitting questions! Mayor Bailey sat down with us, while of course still adhering to the 6 feet rule, in the Amphitheater at Nisbet Park in Downtown Loveland in hopes that she could not only share what she and her team are doing for the community but also answer any questions the Loveland community, small businesses, and school officials might have about the foreseeable future.
We know most of Loveland is at home right now wanting to connect with the community virtually so in saying that sit back, grab your favorite snack, and tune into LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV presents a “One-on-One With Mayor Kathy Bailey!”
In the photo above, newly elected Councilwoman Kathy Baliey takes the oath of office administered by Solicitor Joe Braun. Bailey will serve as Loveland’s Mayor for the next two years.
Mihaela Manova
by Mihaela Manova
Loveland, Ohio – As 2019 ends, and 2020 resolutions arise, the Loveland City Hall renews its politicians. On a cold night on December 2nd, residents entered Loveland City Hall to witness the introduction and induction of their council members, and in turn, filled the hall to capacity. Rows of chairs were perfectly lined up and filled with family and active residents, time was passing and excitement fueled the room.
The room was spacious enough to fill a crowd of a hundred, and it soon did.
Clerk of Council Misty Brents (on far left) chaired the start of the meeting. Brents, City Manager Dave Kennedy, and Councilmember Tim Butler waiting for the meeting to begin.
Mixed feelings of anxiety and happiness permeated the room as council members lined up in their respective seats. On the far left side sat the Clerk of Council Misty Brents, followed by an empty seat that in moments would be occupied by Andrew Bateman. Councilmembers Neal Oury, City Manager David Kennedy, a re-elected Kathy Bailey, Rob Weisgerber, Tim Butler, a re-elected Kent Blair, Ted Phelps, and Solicitor, Joseph Braun filled the remainder of the high-backed, upholstered chairs.
Throughout the audience, one can see campaign supporters and family members awaiting their loved ones to be inaugurated as others were standing quietly in the back admiring the process. As 7 PM passed and people sat in their seats, the room became quiet and then erupted in applause as the anticipated new council member, Andrew Bateman came through the doors with a smile. The clerk called the roll and meeting to order and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Loveland Police and Loveland/Symmes Fire Department Chaplin, Pastor Bill Hounshell followed with an Invocation as the council inductions soon followed.
Kathy Bailey was sworn into office by Hamilton County Judge Brad Greenberg, a former Loveland Mayor.
Kathy Bailey was first to hit the podium with support as her family sat in the front row. Judge Brad Greenberg swore in Bailey as a council member for which she presented a speech in front of the audience. Bailey has been Loveland’s Mayor for the past four years and was re-elected to serve on Council on November 5 for another four-year term.
“Four years ago, I didn’t necessarily know what I was getting into, or why, but I certainly know now. I ran again because I have come to love this city, the entire community, our residence, our community partners, (and) our business owners of this city,” Bailey said after taking her oath.
Watch the LOVELAND MAGAZINE VIDEO below for the newly elected members’ speeches.
Kent Blair received a congratulatory handshake from Police Chief Sean Rahe after taking his oath of office.
Up next, Kent Blair was sworn in by Patricia Melson and Andrew Bateman was sworn in by Marla Simiele. Blair said, “The city of Loveland is a lot more than just a collection of buildings and a bunch of people who live in a certain place and work and go to the school in town, it’s an idea. And, I love the idea that is Loveland.”
After taking the oath, Bateman expressed what he stands for and what he sees in Loveland’s future. “The City is really a special place and it’s because of the people that care about it. So, ‘us’ in government need to care about them no matter where they’re from, what they do, why they’re here. We’re all neighbors and nothing can be more needed in our society today than a return to neighborliness.”
First-time Councilmember Andy Bateman received an ovation when he entered the Council Chamber a few minutes late. He then laughed lightheartedly and pointed to the empty seat on the dais he was directed to occupy. As if saying, “For me?”
After Bateman’s speech, the anticipated nominations for Mayor for the next two years were opened by Clerk Misty Brents. Blair nominated Bailey and no other nominations were made. After she received all seven votes, a round of applause proceeded her to the podium to take the oath as Mayor administered by Solicitor Braun.
After a round of handshakes with each council member, Bailey returned to the center seat at the dais to run the remainder of the meeting.
Bailey then asked for nominations for Vice Mayor.
Former City Solicitor Susan Allspach (nee Gertz) administered the oath of office to Rob Weisger after he was chosen to continue as Vice-Mayor for another two years.
Rob Weisgerber was nominated by Neal Oury and Tim Butler nominated himself. The roll was called and with five votes against two, Rob Weisgerber became reelected as Vice Mayor. In his speech, he said, “The commitment to the community at large has been a passion of mine. I have no interest in being at other levels, it’s near and dear to my heart to be with the residents in a community that I share.”
The evening ended as Pastor Bill closed the ceremony with another prayer and the council meeting was adjourned. The once anxious room became one of congratulations and handshakes, as we will now witness the changes that the council has in store.
After the meeting came to a close I interviewed Mayor Baily and Councilmembers Blair and Bateman.
![[Video Interview] Loveland’s Mayor Talks COVID-19 and What the City is Doing to Keep YOU Safe!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/sddefault-1.jpg)
By Cassie Mattia
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by Mihaela Manova