In the photo above Jillian Hayes became Loveland High School’s all-time leading scorer in February of 2020.
by Cassie Mattia
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and is a resident of Historic Downtown
Loveland, Ohio – Another former Tiger athlete is already making quite the name for herself and the season hasn’t even started yet! LHS graduate and excellent student-athlete, Jillian Hayes, has a bright future ahead of her as she is just about to begin her freshman year as a guard on the University of Cincinnati Women’s Basketball Team. Click the link below to check out Hayes’ stellar basketball history as a Loveland Tiger in my “One-One With Jillian Hayes” feature article!
Hayes was recently featured on the latest episode of “Fresh Faces Presented by Kroger.” The Fresh Faces segment spotlights new and up and coming athletes on Bearcat Nation. Fresh Faces plans on featuring all of the new 2020-2021 Cincinnati Men’s and Women’s Basketball student-athletes.
According to GoBearcats.com Hayes was rated as a four-star prospect by Prospects Nation. Click below to read about Hayes’ unbelievable stats and what led to her being rated as a four-star prospect coming into UC as a freshman!
Both UC Women’s Basketball Coach Michelle Clark-Heard and Jillian Hayes told Bearcat Nation that they couldn’t be more excited to put UC on the map this year with all the talent they are bringing in!
“It means the world to me to put our city on the map and be able to be a part of building something here,” Hayes said, “It’s nice to know that my support system has been through what I’m going through and can talk to me and give me the right advice to guide me through it. Being able to talk to my brother, even my parents is a big blessing.”
“She is a Cincinnati native and someone that we knew was important to keep at home,” Clark-Heard said, “Jillian is going to cause matchup nightmares for our opponents as her size and athleticism allow her to play multiple positions in our system.”
— Cincinnati Women's Basketball (@GoBearcatsWBB) October 26, 2020
We want to wish Jillian Hayes and the UC Women’s Basketball Team the best of luck as they prepare for what we think will be a very successful season! We couldn’t be prouder to have someone like Jillian represent Loveland in such a positive light! We will be cheering you on, Jillian, as you strive to achieve greatness and hopefully break some records! GO BEARCATS!
To catch more of your local sports news stay tuned to the Sports 411 With me, Cassie Mattia!
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown.
Loveland, Ohio – Sports across the world have had many obstacles to overcome in 2020 as the spread of COVID-19 caused seasons and post-season tournaments to be canceled or rescheduled. Many Fall sports in the state of Ohio were able to postpone their seasons and eventually get back to the games they so cherish. Though athletes and coaches were worried that they wouldn’t be prepared for any type of competition due to only being able to virtually practice for several months, that just wasn’t the case for the Loveland Tigers!
Loveland High School’s Fall Sports teams excelled in their 2020-2021 seasons, many teams and individuals receiving several accolades for their performances. Without further ado, here is your Loveland Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!
Football
The Loveland Tigers Football Team had quite the year as they had to deal with their season and post-season being held-up due to COVID-19. Even though the Tigers had a lot to overcome, they still gave their best effort during their competitions. The Tigers rounded up their season 0-4 in the ECC and 1-6 overall. The ECC 2020-2021 Champions this year were both Kings and Winton Woods.
Tiger’s playoff game against Little Miami on October 9.
Calvin Cloud had a stellar season placing 2nd in the ECC in Offensive Passing Yards with 1,950. As of current, the ECC has not published the post-season football awards.
Women’s Volleyball
The Loveland Women’s Volleyball Team made it quite far in the post-season tournament, getting all the way to the 3rd round!
On October 22nd the Tigers played Little Miami in the 1st round of the post-season tournament at Lakota East. Loveland beat the Panthers in 3 out of the 4 games, 22-25, 26-24, 25-15, 25-16.
On October 24th the Tigers faced West Clermont in the 2nd round of tournament play where they won 3 out of the 4 games, 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22.
Finally on October 27th Loveland played powerhouse Mount Notre Dame in the 3rd round of the tournament and lost 25-10, 25-14, 25-9.
The Loveland Women’s Volleyball finished their hard-fought 2020-2021 season 8-8 in the ECC and 14-10 overall. Loveland also had some impressive Tigers make into the top 5 in several categories in the ECC! Diana Clark placed 3rd in the ECC in Digs with 399 and 1st in the ECC in Pass Points with 1,266. Abbie Miller placed 5th in the ECC in Assists with 428 while Audrey Planner placed 4th in the ECC in Pass Points with 899 and 5th in Kills with 249.
Several Loveland Women’s Volleyball Tigers were awarded ECC honors for their regular season performances! Diana Clark received ECC’s 1st Team, Audrey Planner was awarded 2nd Team, and Maya Jepson was honored with ECC’s Honorable Mention.
The ECC Women’s Volleyball Champions for the 2020-2021 season was Lebanon.
Men’s Soccer
The Men’s Soccer Team had a great season earning OHSAA District Runner-up.
The Loveland Men’s Soccer Team ended the season with a bang also making it far into the post-season tournament and racking up some well-deserved ECC accolades!
On October 19th the Tigers played Withrow in the 1st round of the post-season tournament and won 7 – 0.
On October 22nd Loveland faced Mount Healthy in the 2nd round of the post-season tournament and again captured a very impressive victory, winning 9 – 0.
The Men’s Soccer Team played Elder on October 24th in the 3rd round of the tournament at Sycamore High School. The game was a nailbiter as it went into overtime where the Tigers claimed another win 3-2!
The Loveland Men’s Soccer Team rounded out the season 6-1-1 in the ECC and 13-3-3 overall making them the 2020-2021 ECC Champions along with Turpin. This was the 3rd season in a row that Loveland claimed the ECC Champions title!
Several Tigers ranked in the top 5 in the ECC in several categories. Helge Harris placed 3rd in the ECC in Offensive Points with 35 and Kees Ciric placed 5th with 33. Harris also placed 3rd in the ECC for Goals with 15 and Ciric grabbed 5th place in Assists with 9. Dylan Schwinn placed 1st place in the ECC in Shutouts with 7.5. Coach Mike Dunlap received ECC Coach of the Year for the 3rd year in a row and Kees Ciric was honored with Player of the Year and ECC’s 1st Team. Helge Harris and Nick Williams received ECC’s 1st Team honors as well. Addison Hearn and Joe Stepaniack were honored with ECC’s 2nd Team while Peyton Kubin was awarded Honorable Mention.
Women’s Soccer
Head Coach Todd M. Kelly was named ECC’s Women’s Coach of the Year
The Loveland Women’s Soccer Team claimed the ECC 2020-2021 Champions title with a 7-0-1 ECC record and a 14-1-3 overall record. The Tigers have now been ECC Champions 6 times out of the past 9 seasons!
— Loveland Strength & Conditioning (@Loveland_SC) October 16, 2020
On October 24th the Tigers played West Clermont in the 1st round of the post-season tournament winning1 – 0.
Loveland then went on to face Oak Hills in the 2nd round of the tournament and after giving all that they could give, the Tigers lost1 – 0.
2020 ECC Girls Soccer Champions
The success of the Women’s Soccer Team showed as several of the Tigers placed in the ECC in several categories! Lauren Donovan placed 4th in the ECC in Offensive Points with 26 and finished in 1st place in Assists with 12. Shraya Smolenski also placed in the ECC in Assists, grabbing 3rd with 7. Eva Dudeck placed 1st in the ECC with 13.0.
Loveland racked up quite a few post-season ECC awards for their successful 2020-2021 season! Head Coach Todd M. Kelly was awarded ECC’s Coach of the Year and Lauren Donovan was honored with Player of the Year and ECC’s 1st Team. Eve Dudeck, Abby Pawlikowski, and Leiah Goedde also received 1st Team ECC honors. Ella James and Brooke Hatfield received ECC’s 2nd Team and Sophia Kapzukiewicz was awarded Honorable Mention.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Lauren Donovan – on being named this week's @RPDiamondprint Athlete of the Week! Lauren led our Lady Tigers Soccer Team to an undefeated regular season and an ECC Championship – also finished first in the ECC in assists. Great season Lauren. Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/pIMM4cbyPd
The Loveland Men’s Cross Country Team is having a historical season this year as they recently qualified for the 2020 OHSAA State Cross Country Tournament as a team, something they haven’t done in 49 years!
The Tigers had several top performers in the ECC after the regular season meets, 7 ranking in the top 25! Below are Loveland’s personal best times for the season and where they fell among the top 25.
On October 17th the Loveland Men’s Cross Country Team placed 2nd in ECC Championship Meet at Home of Brave Park. Loveland scored 57 points. If you would like to see the full results from the meet click the following link: 2020 ECC Cross Country Championship Results (Boys). Ryan Chevalier was the ECC 1st place champion finishing with a time of 15:51.60. Brady Steiner also placed in the top 10 grabbing the 7th place spot with a time of 16:39.98.
District Runner-ups
Junior Ryan Chevalier broke the Loveland XC School Record on October 3 at the Sycamore Sunset Invitational. His winning time of 15:34.5 bettered Mark Weden’s record of 15:44 set at the Saint Xavier Invitational fifteen seasons ago. (Loveland Magazine file Photo from 2019)
The OHSAA District Cross Country Championship meet was held at Voice of America Park on October 24th where the Tigers successfully qualified for Regionals as a team! Loveland finished in 2nd place with 66 points. If you would like to check out the full results from the meet click the following link: Division I Boys – District A – Voice of America Park, West Chester. Ryan Chevalier was the Tigers top performer finishing in 4th place with a time of 15:39.3. Sam Neiger also finished in the top 10 securing a 9th place finish with a time of 16:29.5.
On Halloween, the Tigers traveled to Troy, Ohio to compete in OHSAA’s Regional Cross Country meet. In order to qualify for the State Championship, which will be held at Fortress Obetz in Obetz, Ohio on November 7th, Loveland had to be one of the top 5 teams and they did just that! The Men’s Cross Country team finished in 5th place with 168 points. If you would like to see the full results of the Regional meet click the following link: Region 4 – Division I Boys. Ryan Chevalier was the top finisher for the Tigers grabbing the 7th place spot with a time of 15:58.8. Sam Neiger finished 37th with a time of 17:00.4, Cayden Dyer placed 40th with a time of 17:02.0, Ajay Stutz crossed the finish line in 48th with a time of 17:09.6, Brady Steiner placed 53rd with a time of 17:11.4, Colin Beran finished in 71st place with a time of 17:34.5, and Grant Hanson placed 109th with a time of 18:32.1. The Tigers will run the Division 1 Championship at 3 PM on November 7th.
The Tigers’ successful season brought one individual on the team a huge honor within the ECC! Ryan Chevalier was selected as the 2020-2021 ECC Runner of the Year. Lebanon claimed the 2020-2021 ECC Champions Title.
Women’s Cross Country
Emmy Sager will compete in the State Cross Country meet on November 7th at 4 PM.
Advancing to the Regional Meet
The Loveland Women’s Cross Country team ran like true Tigers this season as the team advanced to Regionals!
On October 17th the Tigers ran at the Home of the Brave Park for the ECC Championship meet. Loveland placed 2nd with 61 points. For the full ECC Championship meet results click the following link: 2020 ECC Cross Country Championship Results (Girls) Emmy Sager was the top Tiger finisher placing 6th with a time of 19:23.98. Jessie Gibbins also placed in the top 10 finishing in 8th place with a time of 19:32.59.
On October 24th Loveland competed in OHSAA’s District Cross Country meet at Voice of America Park. The Tigers qualified for the Regional Cross Country meet by placing 2nd with 75 points. To see the full meet results click the following link: Division I Girls – District B – Voice of America Park, West Chester. Emmy Sager finished in the top 10 crossing the finish line in 3rd place with a time of 18:59.6.
On October 31st in Troy, Ohio at OHSAA’s Regional Cross Country meet Loveland missed making the State Tournament as a team by one spot finishing in 6th place with 169 points. To see the full meet results click the following link: Region 4 – Division I Girls.
In order for individual runners on their designated team to qualify for the State Championship, the runner had to finish in the top 20. Emmy Sager who finished in 8th place with a time of 19:01.9 was the only Tiger to qualify for the State Meet, which will be held in Obetz, Ohio on November 7th.
The rest of Loveland’s Women’s Cross Country team ran great races Jessie Gibbins finishing in 23rd with a time of 19:39.6, Maaike Snider placing in 45th with a time of 20:15, Sophia Huff finishing in 47th with a time of 20:20.4, Ally Colegate finishing in 63rd with a time of 20:43.2, and Ellie Carr placing in 103rd with a time of 22:03.7.
After so many great performances throughout the season, several Tigers ended the 2020-2021 season ranked within the top 20 in the ECC for their stellar 5k times. Below are where each individual runner placed and their season personal best 5k time.
The Men’s Golf Team won the ECC this year with an undefeated record! This is the 2nd year in a row that the Tigers have managed to grab the ECC Champions title.
Head Coach David Allan won ECC Coach of the Year and Tyler Vallee was awarded Golfer of the Year. Several other Tiger golfers received ECC honors for their excellent performances during the 2020-2021 season. Joe Jankowski, Anthony Moran, and Tyler Vallee joined ECC’s First Team, Aiden Callahan was awarded 2nd Team, and Ben Kirlin joined 3rd Team.
There were a couple of top-performing Tiger golfers that were honored with ECC accolades for the 2020-2021 season. Emme Amy was awarded ECC’s 2nd Team and was ranked 17th in the league for her performance with a 48.00 average and 171 holes. Kristin Dygert received ECC’s 3rd Team.
Congratulations to these 3 fine Tennis Players. All moving on to round two. Maira Hoder wins 6-3, 6-4. Babs and Batsch win 6-0, 6-2. Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/BpU9v2pX2G
The Loveland Women’s Tennis Team had a historical 2020-2021 season as they finished at the top of the ECC with a 7.5 for the regular season and an 11.0 for the tournament totaling 18.5! The Tigers were ECC Champions for the second year in a row with a 5-2 league record and a 14-4 overall record.
Congratulations to our Girls Tennis team on an outstanding fall season. We finish the season as ECC Champions! We appreciate your hard work and dedication. Forever, Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/7wYxG1r9n0
The Loveland Tennis Team gathered several ECC awards as Head Coach Mikayla Pitman received ECC’s Coach of the Year and Maira Hodar was awarded ECC’s 1st Team in Singles. Tess Broermann and Hannah Wenger also received ECC’s 1st Team in Doubles. Jenna Batsch and Babs Dwyer were awarded ECC’s 2nd Team in Doubles and Grace Haught received Honorable Mention in Singles.
Thus far into the 2020-2021 Athletics season, Loveland is in 2nd place with 74 points for the ECC’s All-Sports Trophy. Turpin currently is in the top spot for the All-Sports Trophy with 76 points.
Here at Loveland Magazine, we want to congratulate the Loveland Tigers Fall Athletic squads for all the hard work and dedication they put into perfecting their craft! We understand it has been a difficult time for the sports world, but we couldn’t be prouder of how Loveland Athletics was able to overcome the obstacles that were thrown at the high school student-athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators. We can’t wait to see what’s to come in Tiger sports for the remainder of the year! GO TIGERS!!
Stay tuned for more of your Loveland Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!
Clermont County, Ohio – Nestlé Purina PetCare has announced a $550 million investment to build a new factory in Williamsburg Township, Ohio, to meet increasing demand for its pet foods.
The Williamsburg Township location will join Purina’s network of 21 existing manufacturing locations across the United States and be the company’s first new factory built from the ground up since 1975. This expansion is part of a broader growth plan for Purina and marks the second new factory Purina has announced in 2020 after the company revealed plans in late September to convert a former brewery into a new pet food factory in Eden, North Carolina.
These jobs will be approximately 32-minutes from downtown Loveland.
Preliminary plans call for Purina to invest $550 million to build its new factory in southwest Ohio and produce dry dog and cat food brands, including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow.
The 1.2 million-square-foot facility will sit in Williamsburg Township’s South Afton Industrial Park. Purina plans to employ more than 300 people at its new factory location by 2024. Many of the jobs will include professional staff, production operators, technical staff and engineers.
Construction will begin this fall, and the factory is expected to be operational in 2023.
“Clermont County is an excellent location for Purina’s newest factory thanks to the region’s distribution opportunities, a workforce with great potential and strong community values,” said Nolan Terry, Vice President, Manufacturing, Purina. “We have a unique opportunity to bring all of our best technical and innovative manufacturing thinking under one roof as we construct this facility from the ground up.”
According to a press release issued by the company, the facility will be Purina’s most technologically advanced pet food factory, utilizing robotics and innovative digital tools and featuring a training center to promote learning and development.
The release also said that Purina is committed to making pet care products in an environmentally responsible manner.
Purina’s new operations will be designed with sustainability at the forefront, including a commitment to send zero waste for disposal, and production processes designed to recover and reuse heat and water. Purina also is striving to make the facility 100 percent powered by renewable electricity in the shortest practical timeframe, while supporting the company’s ambition for zero environmental impact in company operations by 2030.
The Ohio Development Services Agency approved a Job Creation Tax Credit to support the project.
“Governments don’t create jobs, businesses do,” said David Painter, President of Clermont County Board of Commissioners. “Commissioners invested in South Afton Industrial Park to provide the infrastructure and space where private business could create jobs for our residents.”
Painter continued by saying, “Williamsburg local school district will receive negotiated payments in lieu of taxes for coming decades. Clermont County will recoup its initial investment in South Afton. This is a win for Clermont County government, the Williamsburg area, Nestlé Purina and the residents of Clermont County.”
Overall, Nestlé employs 3,300 people across the state of Ohio, with operations in Solon, Marysville, Cleveland, Brecksville and Zanesville, spanning Nestlé USA, Nestlé Professional, Nestlé Foodservice and Nestlé Purina operations.
Loveland, Ohio – Although Hamilton County is no longer listed on Ohio’s watch list to turn PURPLE, there are still serious concerns about spread of the coronavirus new health data compiled by the Ohio Department of Health reveals.
Clermont County is now a RED County.
Hamilton County remains RED.
Warren County remains RED.
Level 3 (RED) on the Risk Level Indicator means there has been a public emergency declared and there is very high level of spread and exposure in the county.
The Ohio Department of Health guidance in a RED county is to:
Conduct a daily health/symptom self-evaluation and stay at home if symptomatic.
Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members.
Wear face coverings in public, especially when social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Increase caution when interacting with others not practicing social distancing or wearing face covers.
Avoid traveling to high-risk areas.
Follow good hygiene standards, including:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer frequently.
Avoid touching your face.
Cover coughs or sneezes (e.g., into a tissue, or elbow).
Symptom self-evaluation monitoring.
Avoid contact with anyone who is considered high-risk.
High-risk individuals should take extra care to follow precautions.
Seek medical care as needed, but limit or avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care facilities to see others as much as possible.
Decrease in-person interactions with others
Consider necessary travel only
Limit attending gatherings of any number
Forty-three Ohio counties currently have a very high risk of exposure and spread (Red Level 3), up from 38 counties last week. This represents the highest number of Red Level 3 counties since the launch of the advisory system in July. As of today, 78 percent of Ohioans are living in a Red Level 3 county. Less than 1 percent of Ohioans live in a Yellow Level 1 county.
“The virus is raging throughout the state, and there is no place to hide,” said Governor DeWine today. “We must face this virus head-on with the tools that we know can beat this virus back: masks, social distancing, washing hands frequently, and good ventilation when inside.”
DeWine announced today that Ohio has now hit a record number of cases reported in a single 24-hour period. Between yesterday and today, health officials have reported a total of 3,590 new positive coronavirus cases in Ohio which is more than 700 cases more than the previous high number of cases reported last Saturday. A total of 194 new hospitalizations were also reported in the past 24 hours, the third-highest number of hospitalizations reported in a single day so far.
Meanwhile, the Loveland School District reported today that they were notified that two more Loveland High School students have tested positive for COVID-19. One student was last at school on Thursday, 10/22/20, and the other on Monday, 10/26/20. (Also read: COVID-19 Positive Cases in Loveland Schools)
Loveland PK-8 grades are in the “Full Capacity” mode of attendance for students not enrolled in the remote academy. Loveland High School remains in a blended mode of attendance for students not enrolled in the remote academy.
COVID-19 Case Rates Per County as of Oct. 28, 2020
County
Color
Cases Per 100 K
Case Count
Population
Clermont
RED(H)
219.9
454
206,428
Hamilton
RED(H)
261.4
2,137
817,473
Warren
RED(H)
303.5
712
234,602
“H” indicates there is “High Incidence” The 14-day period used for this table covers data from Oct. 14 to Oct. 27. The data were pulled on Oct. 28 and exclude incarcerated individuals. Source: Ohio Disease Reporting System (ODRS). Population from 2019, U.S. Census Bureau.
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There are currently 96 Clermont County cases in the 45140, 45147, and 45150 Zip Code areas. Forty have died in Clermont County and there are 340 current active cases.
Hamilton County is reporting that there have been 320 cases in the 45140 Zip Code. There are currently 177 cases in the county and 235 deaths recorded. The 7-day average for new cases is 177.
In Warren county there are currently 295 hospitalizations and 642 new cases in the last 14 days. Sixty-six have died and 3 have died in the last 14 days. There is an average of 72 new cases per day in the county. No zip code level data is available for Warren County.
(While the city of Loveland lies partially in Clermont County, the city’s public health services are contracted with Hamilton County Public Health. So, if a resident lives in the city of Loveland and tests positive for COVID-19, that case would be counted in Hamilton County Public Health’s statistics, not Clermont County’s.)
Per CDC
Among adults the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. People of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness: chronic kidney disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; weakened immune system from solid organ transplant; obesity (body mass index of 30 or higher); serious heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; Sickle cell disease; and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Children who are medically complex, who have neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than other children.
People who need to take extra precautions include racial and ethnic minority groups; people experiencing homelessness; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; people with disabilities; and people with developmental and behavioral disorders.
Loveland, Ohio – Here are the “Pandemic Preparedness and Planning” reports for the Loveland Intermediate School that were obtained through a public records request to the District.
Loveland Magazine asked the Superintendent to provide Loveland Magazine with the report “Pandemic Preparedness and Planning” that LJB Inc. prepared for the District. LJB was awarded a contract in July for $66,250 for “Pandemic Preparedness and Planning” services. The report was prepared under the previous CDC definition of “close contact”.
Here is what was prepared for the Loveland Middle School
Loveland, Ohio – Joe Farruggia with Zicka Homes has been trying to rezone property off North Second Street (St. Rt. 48) south of the Sentry Hill subdivision with the potential use to build a 28-unit condominium development called the Blossom Hill Project since the first week in June. He has submitted three variations of the proposal, the latest on October 20. The current proposal is to limit the project to 25 or fewer individual units.
The site is approximately 5.5 acres on St. Rt. 48 adjacent to the Sentry Hill subdivision and on the opposite side of the street of the Loveland Health Care facility.
Previously, on June 24th and July 21, the Planning and Zoning Commission held public hearings for the zoning map amendment and recommended approval of the amendment. However, each time, Farruggia chose not to move forward with the processes which would be to have a public hearing before the City Council.
The latest iteration was also approved by the Planning Commission last week and sent to City Council for their consideration. The recommendation from Assistant City Manager Tom Smith is for Council to schedule a public hearing for the re-zoning on November 24.
The developer is asking for changes to the Loveland Zoning Map from the current zoning of Medium Density Residential to Residential Multi-Family.
The recommendation of the Commission according to Smith included the following conditions:
The proposed housing development for the property as submitted o Planning and Zoning Commission must be actively under construction within eighteen (18) months from the date of approval by City Council in order to maintain the zoning;
The approval shall be withdrawn, and the zoning shall revert to Residential Medium Density (R-MD) should the eighteen (18) month condition lapse.
Approval shall be exclusive to this applicant. No transferees or assignees of the applicant are subject to this approval.
Smith also said the developer agreed to requests made by Sentry Hill resident, Dave Stanton. These items were also part of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s motion for recommendation:
Construct a four to five-inch earth berm, fully landscaped with trees and grass, to be constructed along the property line of the two homes in the Sentry Hill subdivision and maintained by the new subdivision’s HOA.
Street lighting and exterior lighting on the townhomes be designed to prevent light pollution into the Sentry Hill Subdivision.
Townhomes to be constructed, at 40 feet, shall not exceed the height of the referenced home of 214 Sentry Hill Drive.
Limit the number of townhomes to be built at 25 or less.
No dumpsters or centralized garage collection. Individual residential trash and recycling pickup to be consistent with all the residential surrounding areas.
No stand-alone garages or sheds.
Exterior architecture and materials (brick, stone, and Hardie Plank) shall be consistent with the look and feel of neighboring communities.
Even though there are COVID 19 restrictions for the number of audience members in the hearing chamber, five residents appeared to express their displeasure with the re-zoning. No residents spoke in favor of the rezoning or the condos.
These signs were erected in July by citizens opposed to multi-family zoning adjacent to their homes on St. Route 48 in North Loveland.
Residents have pointed out that the proposal must follow the guidance of the City Master Plan specifically for North State Route 48. They say the project must maintain similar development densities, preserve open space, a rural atmosphere, and assure that there is adequate infrastructure to support the development as mandated in the current plan. They cite the current gridlock of Historic Downtown that must be addressed before the development moves forward.
City Manager Dave Kennedy has argued that the current Comprehensive Strategic Plan (2002) is old and not in line with the current needs of the City. The City is currently rewriting a new master plan for the City. Residents say re-writing the plan is well and good, but until there is a new plan the City and Zicka are governed by the one that exists.
Residents of South 48 also protest that adding so many residential units will add to their already current traffic nightmares of trying drive into and out of Historic Downtown.
During the hearing, Tom Scovanner told the Commission they should be skeptical of the studies Zicka presented to them. One presenter represented that they had prepared their study for the Commission, and Scovanner said, “No, they represent Zicka.” He posed the question to the Commission of whether they would have ever seen the study if it did not turn out favorably to the developer.
Scovanner, a litigator for Clermont County also said in no uncertain terms that the P&Z cannot do anything the Loveland law doesn’t allow them to do. Holding up the code, he said, “You’re bound by these codes. This doesn’t comport with the Comprehensive Master Plan.”
Tom Scovanner spoke to Planning Commission against the re-zoning for condos on Rt. 48.
Dave Stanton spoke to Planning Commission against the re-zoning for condos on Rt. 48.
Sue Ann Walker spoke to Planning Commission against the re-zoning for condos on Rt. 48.
Allen Brooks spoke to Planning Commission against the re-zoning for condos on Rt. 48.
Courtney Hauck spoke to Planning Commission against the re-zoning for 28 condos on Rt. 48.
Marty Schladen has been a reporter for decades, working in Indiana, Texas and other places before returning to his native Ohio to work at The Columbus Dispatch in 2017. He’s won state and national journalism awards for investigations into utility regulation, public corruption, the environment, prescription drug spending and other matters.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the state’s legislative leaders on Friday announced how they’d allocate almost half of what the state has left in federal coronavirus-relief dollars.
The state has about $1 billion unexpended from its share of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act that Congress passed in March. At least until the feds change the rules, the funds have to be spent by Dec. 31.
Social-service groups that deal with issues of homelessness and hunger have been clamoring for months for a share of the money, as have business groups and others. So it’s been up to DeWine and the legislature to decide what to do with the money while Congress appears stymied over further coronavirus relief.
“We tried to look at what the needs were and what had already been put out,” DeWine said during a remote press conference. “We don’t know whether Congress will pass another bill or not.”
The state is holding about half of the funds for coronavirus testing and contact tracing and other needs while it awaits a possible second round of relief — which may or may not include assistance to state and local governments.
The expenditures announced Friday include:
$50 million for mortgage and rental assistance to families making 200% or less of the federal poverty level
$125 million for businesses with up to 25 employees
$37.5 million for restaurants and bars
$100 million for colleges and universities to do testing, contact tracing and provide mental-health services
$62 million for rural and critical-access hospitals
$25 million for non-profits providing services such a food banks, homeless shelters and other social services
$20 million for the arts
A good deal more of the money was focused on businesses than on assisting individuals who are suffering most. But several in Friday’s press conference said they hope by helping small businesses keep their doors open, people will be able to get or keep jobs.
“We know some businesses are barely making it,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said of that portion of the package. “This is focused on them.”
For their part, some leaders of social-service organizations said they were grateful for the help they will receive.
“We’re pleased that Gov. DeWine finally deployed federal coronavirus relief funds to help people avoid getting evicted during this pandemic,” Bill Faith, executive director of the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio, said in a written statement. “And we appreciate (Ohio) Controlling Board members’ support, especially Sen. (Matt) Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) and Sen. (Jay) Hottinger (R-Newark) who took a personal interest in keeping struggling Ohioans safely in their homes. We look forward to seeing details on how the program will be implemented. Given the Dec. 31 deadline to use these funds, we would welcome the governor’s assistance in advocating for Congress to provide additional rental assistance into 2021.”
The Ohio Poverty Law Center also released a statement praising state leaders for their action. But it warned that it won’t be enough.
“As Ohioans continue to experience job and income loss due to the pandemic, additional federal and state resources will be needed to prevent evictions and keep Ohioans safe, especially as we get closer to the expiration of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium,” it said. “We hope housing assistance will be among the highest priorities for resources in the coming weeks and months.”
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – A former Loveland Tiger stand-out student-athlete will get the opportunity to showcase his football skills on the CBS Sports Network on Wednesday, November 4th!
Drew Plitt, Loveland High School graduate, and now Ball State University’s quarterback will be facing MAC Champion Miami for their season-opener, as the 2020 season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at 7 PM.
On top of being showcased on National television, Plitt was nominated for two very prestigious college football awards. Plitt was placed on the watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award just two weeks after being placed on the watch list for the Manning Award, which recognizes the top-performing quarterback in America.
In a near blizzard, Drew Plitt quarterbacked the Loveland Tigers to a 41 – 23 win over Glenville at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium to win the Div II State Championship in 2013. The temperature was 28 degrees, the wind was 5-10 mph, and steady snow kept plows busy clearing the Canton Fawcett Stadium yard lines throughout the game. Dec. 6, 2013.
Before Plitt headed to Ball State himself to play football he was a top-notch student-athlete at Loveland High School. Plitt was a member of the National Honor Society all while earning multiple awards in both basketball and football. As a Junior Plitt was Team Captain, MVP, and First-Team All-Conference in basketball. In football, Plitt received All-Conference twice as well as Honorable Mention All-District as a Senior. Plitt helped lead the Loveland Tigers to a 2013 state title and still has the school record for career passing touchdowns (42).
It was announced recently the Plitt’s college football team, Ball State University will have their first three games nationally televised! On Wednesday, November 4th you can catch the Cardinals playing their rival Miami on the CBS Sports Network at 7 PM, and then one week later on November 11th you can watch BSU as they host Eastern Michigan at 7 PM. The third game on BSU’s six regular-season game schedule will be played on November 18th against Northern Illinois at 7 PM. This particular game will be broadcasted on ESPN2, ESPNU, or CBS Sports Network.
According to BSU’s website, “The TV designation for the NIU game and designations and kick times for all three of the Cardinals’ Saturday contests to close the regular season will be announced 12 days before each game. The three Saturday games will appear on CBS Sports Network or an ESPN platform. The MAC Football Championship Game will air Friday, Dec. 18 on ESPN or ESPN2. As always, all BSU football games can be heard on the Ball State Radio Network on 104.1 WLBC.”
We wish Drew Plitt the best of luck for the up and coming BSU Football Season! We can’t wait to see all the awards and accomplishments he racks up! Check out BSU’s Football schedule below and what platform each game will be televised on.
2020 Ball State Football Schedule
Wed., Nov. 4 (7 p.m.) at Miami (Oxford, Ohio) – CBS Sports Network (CBSSN)
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland is full of lovely people! If you visit the city and simply walk along the Loveland Bike Trail or along the sidewalks as you pass the local businesses you will find that everyone within the community supports and loves one another. Many individual community members, business owners, and local leaders have been recognized for what they have done for the City of Loveland and its people but one person, in particular, has proven time and time again to go above and beyond what is asked of him. That person is Mark Bersani, owner of Loveland Canoe and Kayak.
On October 13th at Loveland’s City Hall Bersani was honored with the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award, an award that recognizes the time and accomplishments of volunteers in the City of Loveland.
Bersani was introduced and was given the prestigious award by Mayor Kathy Bailey. Two prominent members of the Loveland community nominated Bersani for the award and read their testimonials during the city hall meeting.
Tim Butler, member of the Loveland City Council and Owner of local business Mile42 Coffee, read his nomination first.
“Mark is a ceaseless advocate for preservation and aesthetics along the Little Miami River. He is an active and fervent supporter of local businesses,” Butler noted, “Mark is also involved in a project which offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities to inner-city youth. Mark is a true representative of the ‘Think Global/Act Local’ mentality. Mark is always thinking of ways to improve the City. He is well-deserving of this honor.”
Neil Oury, also a member of the Loveland City Council, delivered his kind testimonial next during the city hall meeting.
“Mark Bersani, owner of Loveland Canoe & Kayak, for his tireless efforts to helping Loveland businesses since 2003 with events and for being involved in the downtown business district,” Oury said, “Mark has mentored many young employees through his summer hiring. Mark cares about Loveland, the river, and our residents. His retail store offers canoes & kayaks and accessories along with offering demos, fishing tournaments, and tread shows which brings our community together.”
After Mayor Kathy Bailey awarded Bersani, his wife, and daughter, Bersani got the opportunity to speak about how thankful he was to receive such an honor in the city he loves so much. Bersani explained that he was not only honored but very humbled by the award. He said everything he does is a team effort and that his family has played a big part in his success and volunteering efforts. Bersani said that he loves being apart of a community that supports one another and was sure to thank his wife, daughter, and canoe staff for all their hard work and support especially during the pandemic.
Here at Loveland Magazine, we have always been huge supporters of Mark Bersani, his amazing family, and his legendary business! The Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award could not have been given to a better Loveland community member! We are so lucky to be apart of a community that recognizes people like Mark for their outstanding efforts in making Loveland that much better to live, work, and have fun in! From the moment I stepped foot into the City of Loveland I knew the Bersani family was special so I decided to write a story about their journey last year! If you would like to read the story click the following link: https://lovelandmagazine.com/an-inspirational-loveland-family-canoes-their-way-into-peoples-hearts/.
Congratulations Mark Bersani! Click below to watch Bersani and his family honored at the October 13th City Hall Meeting with the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award!
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that spooky time of year again when all the little ghouls and goblins are running amuck in search of the best candy! Well, thankfully the Candy Police are back and ready to make sure EVERYONE is able to enjoy Trick-or-Treating in Loveland!
The Loveland Police Department and the Hamilton Township Police Department will be working together this Halloween in order to bring joy and of course candy to any kids or adults with special needs who can’t physically go trick-or-treating. Could Loveland get any sweeter?!
Both police departments said that they want to make sure Halloween is a special day for not just the kids with special needs but the adults as well!
If you have a loved one who loves Halloween but is unable to Trick-or-Treat due to a disability and lives in the City of Loveland or Hamilton Township, please contact Lieutenant Mike Szpak at 513-707-6116 or through email at mszpak@lovelandoh.gov. Whether you decide to call or email Lt. Szpak, please include your name, your loved one’s name, the address you would like candy delivered to, and a phone number that you can be reached at.
The Candy Police will do their best to schedule all visits between 6 PM and 8 PM on October 31st but may have to adjust the hours due to high demand.
Unfortunately, the police departments are not able to consider the Coronavirus as a special need or disability.
Want to help the Candy Police spread Halloween spirit successfully throughout Loveland?! Please contact Lieutenant Szpak to donate any deliciously creepy treats to the Candy Police Program.
![[VIDEO] Mark Bersani honored with Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/feature-Mark-Bersani.jpg)
