Loveland, Ohio – Some of you may be familiar with Special Neat Treats whose focus is to supply jobs for people with special needs while selling Special Neat Treats.
Loveland dad Joel Wegener is using the ice cream business he founded to give back to his community and create a career path for his children. Two of his children help out on the truck, Son Josh and daughter Mary Kate.
Mary Kate told Today Show’s Craig Melvin in October of 2021, that she’s looking forward to “always” working on the truck and said that Wagener was “the best dad ever.”
Joel told Melvin that he hopes that Josh and Mary Kate can keep helping him sell ice cream for a long time. Of course it’s not all that, but a way to lead the children to a life of independent living.
Wagener started operating an ice cream truck in April 2021 and it sorely needs some repairs.
In May, the engine blew on their main ice cream truck and the
second truck they purchased needed major repairs. Because they are good people doing good things we want to help them cover the repair expenses so they can keep working with their kids and serving the community.
Class of 95
Come down to Nisbet Park next Tuesday for live music with Tim Anderson and Ryan Crabb of Class of 95.
There will be photo ops with characters, raffles, and of course – ice cream!
The Wicked Pickle next door to the park is doing a $5 drink special.
Mary Kate can’t keep helping her dad if the trucks don’t run!
Please help Special Neat Treats reach its $6,000 goal!
Loveland, Ohio – Ron Rolke owned Rolke Bros Supply Co. in Historic Downtown Loveland for 31 years.
Ronald Carl Rolke, was the beloved husband of Barbara Rolke, devoted father of David Rolke, Russell (Lisa Rogers) Rolke, Christopher (Stephanie) Rolke , Cheryl (Jeff) Taylor, and Dennis Browning, loving grandfather of Ethan Rolke, Kaitlyn Rolke, Andrew Browning, Donald Browning, Meredith (Jason) Wakeland, Megan (David) Taylor-Tucker, Brittney Taylor, and Nicholas Browning, Great-grandfather to Raymond and Andrew Wakeland, Wesley, Jackson, Tanner Tucker, and Hunter Duty. Dear brother of Gene (Donna) Rolke.
Ronald graduated from Loveland High School in 1960, went on to study at Morehead University, and proudly served in the United States Airforce.
Ronald passed away on July 30, 2023 at the age of 81. Family will receive friends at the Bethel-Murdoch Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 3rd from 2 PM until time of services beginning at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
____________
A note from Managing Editor David Miller:
“Ron graciously allowed me to spend some days at the store in the Spring of 2008 when I learned the store was going to close and probably be demolished. I asked him if I could explore from floor to ceiling and also the upper floor where I found the gears and belts of the machinery that ground grain, and decades of cobwebs. He also allowed me to take the photos you see of him waiting on his faithful customers. Below are the photos that have never been seen before and when the store contents were auctioned.”
_________________
Ron Rolke waiting on a customer in the Spring of 2008
RonaldRolke owned Rolke Bros Supply Co. in Historic Downtown Loveland for 31 years. The business was a fixture of Historic Downtown and was located where the Loveland Station parking lot is now.
Ron bought it from his father Henry Rolke. Son Chris told Loveland Magazine, “At Rolke Bros we sold pretty much anything, salt, plants, and seeds in the spring, food for birds, dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc. We sold straw and hay throughout the year as well as fencing and pet supplies. In the early years, we sold a lot of coal to individuals and even toLoveland schools to heat their buildings. At one point we even sold baby chickens.”
Chris added, “My grandfather bought the business in 1947 and my father ran it until 2008. I had done some searching and found references to the main building having existed in the 1880s. The business survived the infamous 1959 flood as well as a major fire in 1963.
The store was originally established in 1897 as J.P. Queenan’s Coal, Feed and Grist Mill. It provided several services and products, including grinding, corn meal, coal oil, axle grease, gasoline, and many farm and garden supplies. The next owner, in about 1910, was A.L. Eddingfield, followed by “Pappy” Cornett. Henry Rolke bought the business in 1947. The business remained in the same location by the railroad station and historic depot until it closed in 2008.
Due to planned construction in Nisbet Park we will meet and begin the 5K at the Linda Cox Trailside Parking Lot at 10 AM.
Loveland Magazine Editor in Chief, David Miller has attended and reported on every running of the Capt Seth MitchelHero 5K. (Photo by Connie Mitchell)
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Greetings and welcome to summer 2023. Year 13 of the Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K is in the books and in many ways, it was a record year. Donations and race participation were near record highs.
The Scholarship team recognizes how many opportunities you have to donate to worthy causes and truly appreciates you being a partner with us whether it’s your first year or year 13.
Steve Mitchell, father of Seth says, “Connie, Drew, and I and the scholarship committee are blessed by your support. For 2023 your support helped to provide three $5,000.00 scholarships and four $250.00 gifts to deserving students.”
The date and time for the 14th Annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5k is Saturday, October 14, at 10 AM. Due to city construction, the race will not be in Nisbet Park. The 5K will launch from the Linda Cox Trailside Parking Lot.
The Carolina Beach version will be Saturday, October 21, at 9 AM starting at Green Turtle Lane in Wilmington North Carolina the home of Connie and Steve Mitchell.
You can also join us virtually, anywhere from around the world, to honor and celebrate Seth during the month of October. The virtual run can be done anytime, anywhere.
The Let Us Never Forget/Mitchell Family Scholarship is funded by the Mitchells, the Yellow Ribbon Support Group of Cincinnati, and the Hero 5K run. The scholarship is for $5,000.00.
The 2023 recipient reminded us of Seth in so many ways. The recipient has a high-level work ethic, and is polite, and respectful and is loyal and selfless. Seth Mitchell was often described as having these characteristics. One letter of recommendation described the recipient as “a lot like Seth, because he is a stand-up guy that does the right thing.” Much like Seth this recipient has faced adversity in life and had to work to overcome and persevere in the presence of obstacles.
We are very proud to award the Let Us Never Forget Seth Mitchell/Mitchell Family scholarship to Alex Saletta.
Allison “Ally” Ginder
The Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarships are funded by individual donations and the proceeds of the annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K. The Mitchell family is especially thankful to all the participants, the City of Loveland, The Loveland Schools Foundation, the Carolina Beach NC participants, and to those of you that donate to this worthy cause.
The first recipient of the Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship has overcome medical challenges early on in life, and became stronger and more determined to make the most of every day. Her story reminded us of Seth overcoming his own failings in school to later become LHS Class President in 1997 and later a Cobra Helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps. Life’s obstacles will always be there. This recipient and Seth did not let those stand in their way.
One letter of recommendation for this candidate said: those around this candidate are “inspired” by the recipient’s kindness and amiability.Those words were often used about Seth. Lastly, one supporter of this recipient said, “I am guessing that if she went to high school with Captain Mitchell, they would have a lot in common and would have been friends.”
We believe that also and are proud to award a scholarship to Allison “Ally” Ginder.
Skylar Lundeen
The second recipient of the Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship also exemplifies many of the qualities and characteristics associated with Seth. In this recipient’s introductory video, the candidate said, Seth exhibited the epitome of “selflessness” was “inspiring” and that there should be “more people like him.” We believe that’s exactly who this recipient is too. The recipient is known to be deeply loyal to friends at school and her family. One letter of recommendation described the recipient as a “quiet leader” and that “school is not something that comes easy”, but this person “pushes herself and does not take the easy road.” The recommendation also said, “she’s growing up faster than she should” due to obstacles in life. The recipient has a strong academic and extracurricular record. Her work ethic and ability to overcome obstacles is inspiringto us. We are proud to award a Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship to Skylar Lundeen.
Those receiving a $250.00 gift from the Seth Mitchell Memorial fund are:
Lily Hummer
Michael Dakoske
Lucie Schaeffer
Tyler Harter
_______________________
Seth Mitchell, a captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009. Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers. He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines.
In other words, Seth was a hero for all.
We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s high school classmates, who miss our friend and want to keep his memory alive. We represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship. As we organize this 5k Race and the scholarship memorial fund, we are motivated by one enduring inspiration: to live each day a little more honorably, kindly, and humbly… just like Seth.
Please join us by donating, running, or volunteering – and keep Seth’s memory alive.
Loveland, Ohio – Aptly named for an event held on the paved, Loveland Bike Trail, was the “Road to Health: Health & Wellness Expo” put on by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance last Saturday.
The rain and thunder broke just in time for a beautiful sunny morning.
Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is holding their Road to Health, a Health & Wellness Expo at Nisbet Park this Saturday from from 9 AM until noon.
“Loveland by nature lends itself to health and wellness; the beautiful parks, flowing river, and overall landscaping offer opportunity to exercise and live a better life,” CeeCee Collins, President/CEO of the LMRCA chamber said. “When we combine the natural landscaping with an array of health, wellness, and recreational businesses in the area, we felt that it made sense to showcase and offer to our community.”
The free event will bring in mental, physical, and financial health professionals along with many other enthusiasts to communicate and demonstrate the benefits of living a life balanced with health and wellness. No registration is required for attendance, show up and have fun!
The event will include swag bags for attendees, health and wellness booths, free 20-minute workouts, and much more!
The EXPO includes:
Mmammograms provided by the Mammography Mobile
Cincinnati’s FIRST Acai Bowl Food Truck
Local business vendors specializing in physical, mental & financial wellness, and senior care
Free fitness classes for the whole family (see schedule
Local businesses showcasing their healthy smoothies & snacks
FREE FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE:
9 AM: Yoga
9:30 AM: Stretching by Stretch Lab
10 AM: Strength Challenge by Trainer’s Spot
10:30 AM: Breathing & Meditation by Tula Veda
11 AM: Flexibility, Mobility, and Relaxation by Activate Brain + Body
Loveland, Ohio – In a special meeting on July 17, the Loveland City School District voted to appoint Dr. Brad Goldie to fill the unexpired term of Kevin Daugherty. According to a news release by the District on Monday, the Board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, July 26th, at 5 PM to rescind the appointment because the front door of the building was locked to the public.
The new special meeting will be held in the LIS/LMS Media Center at 757 South Lebanon Road. Hearing from the public will not be included in the agenda for this meeting.
The recommended action on the agenda for the meeting is only to “rescind its appointment of a candidate to the vacant Board seat.” Nothing in the communications revel when the Board might again vote to make an appointment to the vacant seat. Daugherty’s resignation was effective, June 30th.
Below is the statement released Monday by Board President, Dr. Kathryn Lorenz:
July 24, 2023
The Loveland City School District Board of Education held a Special Meeting on July 17, 2023, to fill a vacancy on the Board. After interviewing all interested candidates, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Brad Goldie.
All public portions of the July 17 Special Meeting were recorded and are available to view on the Board’s YouTube page. Due to an oversight, the front door of the building was not unlocked to allow public access. Because of this procedural error, I have called a Special Meeting of the Loveland Board of Education for this Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 5 pm in the Media Center of the Loveland Intermediate School.
During this week’s Special Meeting, the Board will consider a motion to rescind the action taken during the July 17 Meeting. I will be bringing forward this motion in the interest of transparency and following proper procedure – it is no reflection on Dr. Goldie or any of the candidates who indicated an interest in the Board vacancy. I want to thank Dr. Goldie for his interest and willingness to serve.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Special Board Meeting
5 p.m.
LMS/LIS Media Center
1. Opening Items
Subject
1.1 Call to Order
Meeting
Jul 26, 2023 – Special Board Meeting
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
Board President to call the meeting to order.
Dr. Lorenz calls the meeting to order at __________ p.m. by asking the Treasurer to call the roll.
ROLL CALL:
____ Rev. Eilert
____ Dr. Lorenz
____ Dr. Schwetschenau
____ Mrs. Washburn
Subject
1.2 Adoption of Agenda
Meeting
Jul 26, 2023 – Special Board Meeting
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
Board to adopt the July 26, 2023, agenda as presented/amended.
________________moved and ____________________ seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the Special Board Meeting held Monday, July 26, 2023.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
____ Rev. Eilert
____ Dr. Lorenz
____ Dr. Schwetschenau
____ Mrs. Washburn
2. Board Resolutions
Subject
2.1 Rescension of Appointment to Vacant Board Seat
Meeting
Jul 26, 2023 – Special Board Meeting
Category
2. Board Resolutions
Type
Action
Recommended Action
The Board is to rescind its appointment of a candidate to the vacant Board seat.
___________________ moved and _____________________ seconded a motion to rescind its appointment of Dr. Brad Goldie to the vacant Board seat due to a procedural error.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
____ Rev. Eilert
____ Dr. Lorenz
____ Dr. Schwetschenau
____ Mrs. Washburn
3. Meeting Closing
Subject
3.1 Adjournment
Meeting
Jul 26, 2023 – Special Board Meeting
Category
3. Meeting Closing
Type
Action
Recommended Action
Board President will ask for a motion and second to adjourn the meeting.
________________moved and ____________________ seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Loveland, Ohio – Due to the resignation of board member Kevin Daugherty, the Loveland Board of Education met on 17 June to fill his seat for the remainder of his term, which is through the end of the current calendar year, December 31, 2023.
The Board entered into an executive session to conduct phone interviews with the following candidates:
Josh Hendrickson
Christina Jeranek
Anna Bunker
Lynn Mangan
Elaine Hipps
Marcia Neumann
Brad Goldie
Roger Talyor
Elliot Grossman
Carly Tamborski
Brain Tibbs
After the executive session ended, Board President Dr. Kathryn Lorenz said that instead of choosing a candidate who said they would run for election in November, they chose a candidate who indicated they would not be seeking a permanent seat on the Board.
Lorenz, Rev. Jonathan Eilert, Dr. Eric Schwetschenau, and Eileen Washburn voted to appoint Dr. Brad Goldie to the vacant position.
Goldie is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Miami University and serves on the District Finance Committee.
One of Two Ohio Students as a Senator going to D. C.
Loveland, Ohio – Mackenzie Evans, Loveland, is one of 94 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works.
Evans is one of two participants who will represent Ohio as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation. Two delegates from each ALA Girls State program are chosen to represent their state after participating in an ALA state-level program held across the country. At ALA Girls Nation, senators will participate in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests.
Other activities on the agenda include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with real-life U.S. senators from their state, and a tour of D.C. monuments.
Evans, a rising senior at Little Miami High School, was active in many ways during her week at ALA Buckeye Girls State. She also participates in many activities in her school and community, including National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Hope Squad, cross country, track and field, and Ski Club.
“ALA Girls Nation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation’s future leaders to learn about the inner workings of the federal government before they are of voting age,” said Donna Dillard, ALA Girls Nation Committee chair. “After attending their local ALA Girls State program and then ALA Girls Nation, the participants return home ready to be engaged citizens at all levels of government.”
Students leave the program with increased confidence and leadership skills for college and in their future career paths. Some participants of the program go on to have careers in public service at the local, state, and national levels. No matter what their future holds, all leave with a better understanding of civic responsibilities.
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Our members also support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. Proud sponsor of ALA Girls Nation, National Poppy Day® and recognized for advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, the more than 550,000 ALA members across the country volunteer millions of hours annually and raise millions of dollars in service to veterans, military, and their families. Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Miami Township and Loveland, Ohio – “The members of the Grail Land Preservation Group in attendance were excited by the unanimous support of the Miami Township Trustees. The opportunity for open green space to be protected in perpetuity has been a desire for many group members,” said Loveland resident Sharon Scovanner.
The quest to get formal support from three government jurisdictions moved to step two last evening when the Miami Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to give their stamp of approval. Andy Dickerinson with The Cardinal Land Conservancy, based in Miami Township, appeared at the township meeting to explain the proposal and answer any questions. His appearance was probably unnecessary as both Ken Tracy and Mary Makley Wolff, as well as Township Administrator Jeff Wright spoke enthusiastically about the Grailville land remaining greenspace.
The Cardinal Land Conservancy and many Loveland and Miami Township residents are asking local governments to lend their support to a plan that could save 89 acres at Grailville as dedicated green space in perpetuity. Dickerson, on behalf of the Conservancy, is requesting votes of support for a grant application that would be submitted to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, to purchase 89 acres of the Grail property.
This is the site where Drees Homes was denied the zoning change they requested in 2022 after local residents filled Planning and Zoning chambers to urge that the site be protected. The Kentucky home builder had requested the land become a Special Planning District which could have allowed 209 homes on the site. The same parcel is also where the Loveland City School District proposed building a campus until the funding they wanted was denied by voters in 2019. The site is bounded by O’Bannonville Road and State Route 48 (Oakland Road).
After the re-zoning Drees requested was denied, local Grail members and other local residents coalesced to find the solution. The Grailville Land Preservation Group worked together to stop the zoning change Drees wanted.
If the grant application is successful, the 89 acres of land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity. The proposed purchase by the conservancy would be adjacent to the 100-acre Clermont County Park District property, which was also acquired from the Grail using Clean Ohio funding.
Scovanner added, “It has always been our hope that the land will be preserved to respect not only the legacy of the Grail and their members past and present, but to also be a gift to future generations. We appreciate our partnership with Cardinal and look forward to garnering support from the Clermont County Commissioners as the next step in the process.”
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explains the details of the grant and what he was asking the Miami Township Trustees to do.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – The Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing committee presented a check yesterday to CancerFree Kids for $85,000. The funds were raised during Paxton’s 18th Annual fundraiser on June 9th through 12th at both Hickory Woods Golf Course and the Oasis Golf Club.
Since the inception of this event more than 18 years ago, the golf outing has raised nearly $685,000.
Immediately after pausing for the check presentation, the committee got back to work planning their 2024 outing.
Mary Kate told Today Show’s Craig Melvin in October of 2021, that she’s looking forward to “always” working on the truck and said that Wagener was “the best dad ever.”
The Wicked Pickle next door to the park is doing a $5 drink special.
Mary Kate can’t keep helping her dad if the trucks don’t run!
![Ronald Carl Rolke passes at the age of 81 [Historical Photo Album Rolke Bros. Supply]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ron-rolke-loveland-magazine.jpg)
Chris added, “My grandfather bought the business in 1947 and my father ran it until 2008. I had done some searching and found references to the main building having existed in the 1880s. The business survived the infamous 1959 flood as well as a major fire in 1963.
Seth Mitchell, a captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009. Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers. He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines.
![[Photos] “Road to Health: Health & Wellness Expo”](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/health-expo-photos-featrue.jpg)
![[Video] Paxton’s Grill golf outing gifts $85K to CancerFree Kids](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/paxtons-Grill-loveland-magazine.jpg)
