Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: clermont county

  • Hannah and Alexander Laman receive Library of Congress State Literacy Award

    Hannah and Alexander Laman receive Library of Congress State Literacy Award

    Nonprofit started by two Loveland students receives Library of Congress State Literacy Award

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland nonprofit Adopt A Book has been announced a winner of the 2020 State Literacy Award by the Library of Congress. The award is bestowed upon 10 organizations across the country that, “tirelessly work to mitigate illiteracy throughout communities and the world.” Organizations are awarded grant money for, “Exemplary, innovative and easily replicable longstanding initiatives toward this goal.”

    Started by current Loveland High School Juniors Hannah and Alexander Laman, Adopt A Book regularly provides books for preschool programs, Cincinnati Public Schools, home-based programming, health clinics, and even schools abroad to encourage children to read. To date, Adopt A Book has donated over 165,000 books to more than 100 organizations, schools and programs that serve children in need.

    “I am very honored and it means a lot to me to be recognized by the largest library in the world for my efforts in making sure as many kids as possible have access to books,” said Alex Laman upon receiving notification about the award.

    His sister Hannah agrees: “This award means a lot to me because we were one of 10 recipients from all across the country, so to see that we stood out among many applicants is very meaningful. It is great to not only be recognized for our efforts, but to also be recognized by the Library of Congress, and to think that we have made a large enough impact on the community to be chosen is great.”

    Alex and Hannah Laman with their parents Brent and Angela at “Fall Feast” on Thanksgiving Day 2019. Fall Feast is a Give Back Cincinnati program which makes a difference in the lives of neighbors throughout the community, especially the less fortunate, by offering the opportunity for people to unite and share a Thanksgiving meal, receive health checks, haircuts, coats – and books. More than 2,000 books by Adopt A Book found new homes at the event last November.
    This photo was taken when ten-year-old twins Alex and Hannah Laman’s “Little Library”  was first planted right on the Loveland Bike Trail at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Harrison Avenue. (Loveland Magazine File Photo)

    Impacting the community is exactly what Adopt A Book has encouraged many others to do. It all started in 2011, when Hannah and Alex as third-graders at Loveland Elementary School decided to “start a business” that would donate reading material after hearing about an elementary school in the Cincinnati area that didn’t have library books or even textbooks for their students. To share their own love of reading, they turned the idea into an incorporated nonprofit with the help of their parents. For Hannah and Alex, the model is quite simple: they involve other students, teachers, churches and charities, and have reached out to numerous businesses in the area for donations over the years. They run book drives and have expanded their efforts to include fundraising for things like bookshelves, furniture for personal reading spaces, and to create “reading buddies” programs for young children.

    The “Little Library” that Hannah and Alex Laman planted is located along the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown Loveland. (Loveland Magazine File Photo)

    Adopt A Book was nominated for the State Literacy Award by the Ohio Center for the Book as the one Ohio nonprofit that best exemplifies outstanding and innovative contributions to promoting literacy and reading in the local communities. The Library of Congress is expected to announce all winners of the Literacy Awards later in the year and Hannah and Alex will be presented the award of $2,225 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of literacy and reading at a formal ceremony.

    As such successful ambassadors of reading, what are Alex and Hannah’s own favorite reads?

    For Hannah, it’s IT by Stephen King, mystery novels, and any books by John Green.

    Alex’s favorites include Science Magazine and he reads anything from reference books, Science Fiction and Classics to books on history.

    “I always have something on my nightstand, floor or desk,” he said.

    Read these past stories about

    Hannah Laman a Freshman at Loveland High School recognized for outstanding acts of volunteerism

    Read this Loveland Magazine story from 2013 about Layman’s Little Free Library in Loveland

     

    Want people to care about climate change? Skip the jargon. /…

    Loveland Magazine is one of the 400 news outlets worldwide, with a combined audience of over 2 billion people “Covering Climate Now”, a global journalism…
  • [Videos and Photos] Citizens successfully organize to preserve their neighborhood

    [Videos and Photos] Citizens successfully organize to preserve their neighborhood

    Mihaela Manova

    by Mihaela Manova

    Loveland, Ohio – On February 4, the Loveland City Hall was filled with a crowd to witness and hopefully influence a vote for or against the building of an apartment complex at Loveland’s 102 Oak Street. As the meeting commenced, the public heard Rodney Sabo of Sabo Design Associates, describe the plans for the complex, budget, and method of parking and traffic.

    The proposal the Planning and Zoning Commission was considering during the public hearing was to build four 16 unit apartment buildings on Oak Street in the Clermont County side of the City. “Oak Apartments” would have been four levels each with parking garages below each building. The proposal was for 106 total parking spaces with 1.6 parking spaces per unit. The lot is 1.033 acres.

    Sabo Design submitted the application on behalf of their client, Hunt and Whitacre. To build the project the City would need to create a Special Planning District (SPD) which if approved would have erased the existing zoning restrictions and protections for the immediate neighborhood and create a separate zoning district with distinct restrictions, permissions, and guidelines.

    The current zoning of the immediate neighborhood is Residential-Medium Density (R-MD). The existing R-MD zone does not permit high-density multiple-family uses.

    Commission Chairman Al Kressler, Mark Redmond, Michael Kady, Brian O’Neill, and Tim Butler posed questions for the plan such as the possible rewards and pitfalls from the building of this complex before they each voted, “No”.

    In opposition to the plan, the public bound together to declare and stand for the preservation of the land and current zoning, as each speaker presented individual points to support their cause. Many of the points included environmental damage, blockage of people’s home views, out-of-place aesthetics, lowering of the water pressure, and the promotion of in-and-out rental, not community bound estates.

    The Commission heard both sides and decided with a 5-0 vote to not develop the land into an apartment complex.

    The filled room disbanded in agreement around 9:10 PM.

    Scroll down through this story to see a photo slideshow and watch post meeting interviews. You can watch the speeches during the open-forum, the proponent explaining the proposal, the staff report, and the questions P&Z had for the applicant.

    Oak Street Apartments Interviews

    Connie Crawford on Oak Street Apartment Proposal

    Julie Fuson comments of Oak Street Apt. proposal

    Neil Kluender wants his neighborhood protected

    Becky Hasselbeck speaking about preventing more apartments

    Steve DeFosset explains potential water supply problems if Apartments are built

    Todd Osborne talks about proper use of SPD Zoning

    Rocky Carpenter speaks up to preserve sanctity of his neighborhood

    Mary Ann Bird discusses Oak Apartment proposal

    Scott Lindgren talks about traffic conditions if Oak Street Apartments are built

    Mark Krum talks about tearing down a home built in 1870s to built apartments

    Cati O’Keefe lives immediately downhill from Oak Apartment and talked about how unstable the hillside is

    Real Estate Agent Keli Williams’s take on Oak Apartment proposal

    Tom Smith introduces staff report

    Rodney Sabo with Sabo Design Associates explains his proposal for Oak Apartments

    Oak Apartment designer answers P&Z questions


  • Loveland Magazine Directory of local government leadership in 2020

    Loveland Magazine Directory of local government leadership in 2020

    Loveland City School District

    Dr. Kathryn Lorenz President

    Ned Portune Vice President

    Art Jarvis – Member

    Michele Pettit – Member

    Eileen Washburn – Member

    Dr. Amy Crouse – Superintendent

    Kevin Hawley  Treasurer/CFO

     

    City of Loveland

    Kathy Bailey – Mayor

    Robert Weisgerber – Vice Mayor

    Andy Bateman – Member

    Ted Phelps – Member

    Tim Butler – Member

    Neal Oury – Member

    Kent Blair – Member

    Dave Kennedy – City Manager

    Michelle Byrde – Finance Director

     

    Symmes Township

    Jodie Leis – Board President

    Kenneth N. Bryant – Vice-President

    Phil Beck – Trustee

    Joseph C. Grossi – Fiscal Officer

    Kimberly A. Lapensee – Administrator

     

    Miami Township

    Ken Tracy – Chairperson

    Mary Makley – Vice Chair

    Karl Schultz – Member

    Eric Ferry – Fiscal Officer

    JEFF WRIGHT – Township Administrator

     

    Hamilton Township

    Brent Centers – Administrator

     

    Deerfield Township

    Kristin Malhotra – President of Board of Trustees

    Lelle Lutts Hedding – Vice President of Board of Trustees

    Jim Siciliano – Trustee

    Dan Corey – Fiscal Officer

    Eric Reiners – Township Administrator

     

    City of Milford

    AMY VILARDO – Mayor

    LISA EVANS – Vice-Mayor

    KIM CHAMBERLAND – Member

    ANET COOPER – Member

    TED HASKINS – Member

    SANDY RUSSELL– Member

    Kyle Mitchell – Member

    MICHAEL DOSS City Manager

    Patricia Wirthlin – DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

     

    City of Montgomery

    Chris Dobrozsi – Mayor

    Craig Margolis – Vice Mayor

     Lee Ann Bissmeyer – Council Member

    Michael Cappel – Council Member

    Gerri Harbison – Council Member

    Lynda Roesch – Council Member

    Ken Suer – Council Member

    Brian Riblet – City Manager

    Katie Smiddy – Finance Director

     

    Clermont County

    David L. Painter – President

    Edwin H. Humphrey – Vice President

    Claire B. Corcoran – Commissioner

    Thomas J. Eigel – County administrator

     

    Hamilton County

    Denise Driehaus – President

    Stephanie Summerow Dumas – Vice-President

    Victoria Parks (Appointed)

    Todd Portune (Retired)

    Jeff Aluotto – Administrator

    DEPARTMENTS

    Warren County

    Tom Grossmann – Commissioner
    Shannon Jones – Commissioner
    David G. Young – Commissioner
    Tiffany Zindel – Administrator
    Martin Russell – Deputy Administrator
    Tina Osborne – Clerk of Commissioners

    Property Search
    Job Opportunities
    County News
    Auditor’s Office
    Recorder’s Office
    Child Support
    Water Department
    Building & Zoning
    Maps & GIS
    Disclaimer
    Directions
    Warren County Campus Map

      • Auditor – 513-695-1235
      • Clerk of Courts – 513-695-1120
      • Commissioners – 513-695-1250
      • Engineer – 513-695-3301
      • Prosecutor – 513-695-1325
      • Recorder – 513-695-1382
      • Sheriff – 513-695-1280
      • Treasurer – 513-695-1300

  • [w/Photos] St. Columban student Paul Laufersweiler’s keynote address to Veterans

    [w/Photos] St. Columban student Paul Laufersweiler’s keynote address to Veterans

    Loveland, Ohio – These are the remarks St. Columban student, Paul Laufersweiler delivered as the keynote address at the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial on Memorial Day on November 11.

    Veteran’s Day this year was another one for the books as fully uniformed St. Columban students marched down Oakland Road to the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial, located at the corner of Riverside and West Loveland. In honor of St. Columban’s Annual Walk for Local Veterans dozens of 7th and 8th-grade students from St. Columban School gathered around the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial with local veterans as a service was conducted in their honor.

    We take time this morning to remember all of those who have served the United States of America, especially those from the Loveland community, to whom this memorial is dedicated.

    Today there is, and perhaps there will always be, conflict in the world. But the United States, fortunately, enjoys peace and freedom.

    Like other things of great value, this security did not come cheaply. Americans, who answered the call to military duty when their country needed them, have already paid part of the cost.

    But another part of freedom’s cost must continue to be paid long after the weapons have been silenced. This debt is owed to our American veterans.

    Some need their country’s help, even as their country once needed theirs. Often they need to readjust, to recover from wounds or to overcome hardships of age and infirmity. Most need and ask nothing in repayment for their sacrifices.

    Let us continue to help those veterans in need with the greatest possible compassion, concern, and care. To these, since they ask no special thanks, we can best pay tribute this day by recognizing what they have achieved and joining them in their resolve to keep America strong and free. 

    These photos were taken by Paul’s mother, Stephanie during the Veterans Day ceremony. (Click photos for a larger view)

    Related: 

    [Video Slide Show] St. Columban students Salute Local Veterans



  • Cindy Wilmes: Stellar photos of a spectacular sunset on the trail

    Cindy Wilmes: Stellar photos of a spectacular sunset on the trail

    Cindy Wilmes is a resident of Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – Our community has a lazy river flowing down its center – the main artery of the “SweetHEART of Ohio”. It is the Little Miami, with State and National “Scenic River” designation.

    “Thank you for the opportunity to share some of the beautiful photos I captured of Loveland,” said Cindy Wilmes, a long-time resident of our quaint town. Here’s a little bit about Cindy to help set the tone for her passion for living in the land of love.

    “It soothes my soul and feeds my love for adventure.”

    Cindy is Loveland native; her parents went to Loveland schools, met in Loveland, and decided to raise a family here. “When I moved out after college, I chose to continue the legacy and buy a house in Loveland – close to my community and a huge fan of this small town, I’m thankful to put roots down in this city,” she said. She tells Loveland Magazine that she is on the Loveland Bike Trail almost every day running or biking. “The bike trail has been an avenue of fresh air, amazing wildlife, and views I can’t ignore. It soothes my soul and feeds my love for adventure.”

    About the photographs

    I caught this spectacular sunset on the trail while out for a cold evening run. It’s my favorite spot on the bike path, as the river curves around part of the woods before heading downstream. No matter how many times I catch this view, I still stand in awe. 

    Cindy said, “Proud to call this town my home, my goal ever since I was little was to grow up and be the Loveland Valentine Lady—and it still is. As a young adult, I want to advocate for my city and love capturing those moments that make this town so unique.”

    Click the photos for a larger view…

    See MORE of Cindy’s photos in the Facebook album she calls…

    LOVELAND: The Land of Love

    I love my small town! Some days feel like you may be stuck in a Gilmore Girls episode—the bells chime every hour, people wave as you run by, there are small shops to peruse—not to mention, the beautiful bike trail. Lots of time spent around town taking in the view—love my hometown! 

  • [Video Slide Show] St. Columban students Salute Local Veterans

    [Video Slide Show] St. Columban students Salute Local Veterans

    Columnist Cassia Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Veteran’s Day this year was another one for the books as fully uniformed St. Columban students marched down Oakland Road to the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial, located at the corner of Riverside and West Loveland. In honor of St. Columban’s Annual Walk for Local Veterans dozens of 7th and 8th-grade students from St. Columban School gathered around the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial with local veterans as a service was conducted in their honor.

    During the Veterans Day service, some students were seen holding American flags while others stood up to speak about Veterans Day and what it meant to them and their families. Veterans from all over joined the St. Columban 7th and 8th-grade students as they discussed their experiences with the students and assisted in pinning up beautiful blue ribbons in representation of Loveland’s veterans.

    Loveland Magazine was lucky enough to capture on camera both the inspirational and patriotic moments that occurred at the St. Columban’s Veteran’s Day walk and service! Click below to take the Veteran’s Day Annual Walk with the 7th and 8th-grade students of St. Columban!

     

     

    LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV IS SPONSORED BY MOVE2LOVELAND
  • Veterans Day Program this Monday in Loveland

    Veterans Day Program this Monday in Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – Veterans can go to the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial at the corner of Riverside and West Loveland on Monday, November 11, at 11 AM on Veterans Day and be honored by 7th and 8th-grade students from St. Columban School. The students annually walk from their school on Oakland Road to conduct a service to honor local vets.

    View Photo Album of St. Columban students honoring Veterans in 2017

    Veterans eat FREE at Paxton’s Grill on Monday

    Thank you to all Veterans! VETERANS EAT FREE NOV. 11! Paxton’s Grill wants to recognize and salute all our military Veterans.  Stop into Paxton’s Grill on…
  • Polling locations, voting hours, Election Guide

    Polling locations, voting hours, Election Guide

    VOTE TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 5!

    VOTING HOURS:
    6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION:
    In Hamilton County enter your address HERE
    In Clermont County follow this LINK
    In Warren County follow this LINK

    Read our guide to candidates and issues



  • School bus delays expected due to railroad construction work

    School bus delays expected due to railroad construction work

    Beginning Thursday, October 10, the railroad crossing at Hopewell Road in Branch Hill will be under construction. The construction project will affect school bus transportation from Clermont County residences to and from:

    • Loveland High School:

    Bus numbers 63, 13, 18, 38
    • Middle/Intermediate Schools:
    Bus numbers 39, 23, 47, 73, 45
    • Elementary/Primary Schools:
    Bus numbers 39, 47, 41, 73, 37
    • Loveland Early Childhood Center:
    (Morning) Bus numbers 31,32,37
    (Midday) Bus number 38
    (Afternoon) All buses traveling through Hamilton County
    All traffic could potentially be affected. The extent of the delays will be determined by a number of factors, including traffic backups on I-275 and through downtown Loveland. The construction project is estimated to be completed on Sunday, October 13.

    For non-public buses affected by the construction, see the information below

    • Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy: Bus number 75
    • St. Gertrude and All Saints School: Bus number 71
    • Moeller and Mt. Notre Dame: Bus numbers 72
    • Live Oaks and Scarlet Oaks: Bus number 7
    • St. Margaret of York: Bus numbers 54, 69
    • St. Columban: Bus numbers 32, 33
    • St. Xavier, Cincinnati Country Day, Seven Hills School: Bus numbers 64, 76
    • St. Ursula Academy, Summit Country Day School, Springer School and Center: Bus number 34

    Read this background information:

  • How to entice a Loveland property tax payer, by cooking a lobster

    How to entice a Loveland property tax payer, by cooking a lobster

    by Walter D. Golladay

    Walter Golladay is a resident of Loveland

    Thursday evening, the 12th, our Loveland School Superintendent and Treasurer hosted a “…community meeting about Loveland Schools’ November 5 ballot issue. The meeting will include a presentation and the opportunity for the audience to ask questions.”

    During the meeting, a resident asked the following question: “How much more in property taxes will I have to pay if the 2019 tax levy is passed?” Our school treasurer responded with a lengthy meandering non-answer.

    The short answer is, visit your respective county auditor at:

    Hamilton County: https://wedge.hcauditor.org/

    Clermont County: https://www.clermontauditor.org/_DNN/

    Warren County: https://www.wcauditor.org/

    On each county website, search for your specific property. The quickest way is to search by the property owner. Enter your name, and accurate property information will appear.

    On your respective homeowner’s page, your 2018 property taxes will show what you paid. On your respective individual 2019 upcoming tax levy page, it will show what you will pay if the school district property tax levy is passed. One-half of the upcoming taxes will be due January 2020!

    Earlier this week, the “Loveland School Board authorizes a phase-in bond portion of levy over three years if Nov. 5 issue passes.” In so doing, Loveland property owners would benefit from a 3 year phase-in of the bond portion of the levy resulting in lower property tax levies of $20 per month for each $100,000 in the tax year 2019, and $35 per month in the tax year 2020, and the full levy charge of $49 per month would take effect in the tax year 2021.

    If the newly proposed school district tax levy 2-year diet is accepted by the Hamilton County Auditor, then for tax year 2019, a first-year diet of $20 per month translates into an additional $240 per annum; for the tax year 2020, the second year diet of $35 per month translates into $420 per annum; and in the tax year 2021 your diet terminates with $49 per month for $588 per annum, continuing indefinitely.

    As of yesterday, “Friday the 13th”, all 3 county websites report property taxes due and payable in the tax year 2019, of the full – no-diet – $588 per annum.

    The school district 2-year diet reminds me of the old parable: throw a lobster in boiling hot water to cook, it will jump out; throw a lobster in cold water, then add heat, it will happily swim around until its cooked. Which lobster are you?