Loveland, Ohio – RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery will be selling Tiger Spirit Wear on the porch of the Loveland Magazine office during Thursday’s Homecoming Parade this Thursday.
Loveland Magazine is located right on the parade route in the heart of the West Loveland Historic District at 514 West Loveland Avenue and is one of the favorite spots to view the parade because of ample parking in the District.
The sale will start at about 4:30 PM. The parade starts at 6:30 PM. The story below contains a map of the Parade Route and all the 411 about the 2019 Loveland Homecoming festivities.
Mike Hunting is a resident of the Black Horse neighborhood
by Mike Hunting
The proposed school levy for Loveland has been extremely stressful for residents on both sides of the issue. I have no doubt the students, faculty, and staff at Loveland schools would love to work and study in newer facilities and use turf athletic fields. The folks opposed to the levy are extremely frustrated with what appears to be the largest tax hike in the history of Loveland and possibly in the state of Ohio. While I can sympathize with the frustrated faculty and want to support our schools (and have supported them), the tax implications of this levy are simply stated…ridiculous.
We need to realize this will break the bank for many people who are living in and around Loveland. I attended the meetings on September 9 at Loveland Middle School (LMS) and on September 12 at Loveland High School (LHS).
During the LMS meeting, I heard several couples say they would move if this levy passed. One couple was in dire straits because they had moved several times recently and cannot afford to move again. They are now simply stuck in Loveland and facing what appears to be the largest tax hike in the city’s (and possibly state’s) history. A tax hike that is certain to be followed again and again with MORE levies.
For those who paid attention to the words of Loveland Superintendent, Dr Amy Crouse, she said she hopes Clermont County and the City of Loveland will help with infrastructure costs for the new school. To date, Loveland and Clermont have not officially committed to these costs, at least not publicly to us. Expect another levy to cover this if and when they refuse (and even if they do we are STILL paying for it).
I would also expect a third levy to cover more teachers since this proposed levy adds several buildings but only two additional teachers. I strongly believe we have reached the breaking point in this community. We will likely see an exodus similar to what is happening in failed areas such as New York City, Detroit, Chicago, California, and much of New England.
Perhaps the most frustrating part of the meetings last week was the school board’s arrogant attempt to manipulate its audiences. At both meetings, members of the school board, the Treasurer, and Dr. Crouse kept saying, “The community wants this” or “the community voted for this.” Most of the community didn’t even know of this levy until the flyers arrived in their mailboxes in mid-August. Thus, the community certainly DID NOT vote for the levy or approve it. The only people I have spoken with who are in favor of this are school faculty or folks affiliated with the schools (although I have also spoken with school employees who are opposed).
The timeline of the release of information is interesting. My family and many of our peers didn’t even know about this levy until we received the flyers in our mailboxes around August 15. August 15 is a significant date because the deadline to place names on the ballot to run against Art Jarvis and Kathryn Lorenz was August 7. Once again, this is utterly ridiculous (albeit well played by Art and Kathryn and the other members of the Levy). Since they are now protected for at least two more years, expect more levy proposals even after this one is shot down.
The Treasurer, Kevin Hawley, stated he will propose another levy if this goes down.He doesn’t even live within this tax district, so why would he care? We must get people to run against this out of control board and Treasurer at the earliest opportunity.
Dr. Amy Crouse finished the meeting on Thursday by saying, “We hope we answered some of your questions, and we hope that you choose to support this when it comes time in November so that we can move forward.”Unfortunately, they failed to answer many of our questions. They would not allow us to voice questions and we had to submit index cards with questions written on them for Thursday’s meeting. Thus, they could selectively answer the easy questions and dodge the relevant questions. I know for a fact I saw roughly 30-40 index cards with questions on Thursday. I am guessing they answered at most 1/3 of these cards.My question was not answered. I merely wanted to confirm Dr. Crouse and Mr. Hawley live elsewhere and thus won’t be impacted by the increased taxes (which I have since learned is true).
The last part of Dr. Crouse’s statement is interesting. She recommends how we should vote from inside a government building and while serving in an official government capacity. Thus, the government is telling you how you should vote and not allowing the opposition to speak. This is on tape.
The Loveland school levy we will vote on November 5 is one of the largest in Ohio state history at $165 million! We are told it is “needed” because the current K-5 buildings are old and outdated. They are old, this is true, but there are many buildings in the city that are even older and still being used for education with wildly successful results.
Juliet Tissot lives in Miami Trails
Even if we all agreed the K-5 buildings need to be replaced we could still cut this levy almost in half to pay for them. $77 million of the current $165 million levy is going to the high school and middle school which are less than half as old as the K-5 buildings. According to the superintendent, the upgrades to the HS and MS will include $10 million in athletic upgrades and the auditorium alone will cost $5 million.
Enrollment hasn’t increased much in the Loveland City School district over the last 10 years. As a matter of fact, in 2007-2008 enrollment at the high school was 1,428 students and in 2017-2018, ten years later, enrollment at the high school was 1,400 students. Why all of a sudden is there a “space issue” that needs to be addressed immediately?
The upgrades to the middle school involve skylights, office upgrades, and athletic upgrades.When people will literally be taxed out of their homes, these upgrades to the high school and middle school should wait. They are luxuries, not needs.
There has been a lot of criticism of those who say they will be taxed out of their homes if this monstrous school levy passes: comments about how people should budget better or buy a smaller home or sacrifice a raise to cover this tax. I find those comments troubling. These people, who I have talked to personally, are young families just starting out, retired folks on a fixed income who have supported the district for decades and single moms who struggle daily. They are part of Tiger Nation too and they have more value than any turf field, skylight or auditorium ever could.
According to 2018 data from the Ohio Department of Education, 13% of Loveland school district’s student body is on the free or reduced lunch program. Do you think they should pay for skylights or $10 million athletic upgrades or a $5 million auditorium?
According to the census bureau (2017), 9.97% of Loveland lives in poverty. That amounts to 1,027 people. Does Tiger Nation value them at all?
According to the food pantry, 300 local families rely on them for assistance with groceries every month. How are they expected to pay for the “wants” in this levy?
When the schools’ 2018 operating budget ends the year with a $3 million surplus it is unreasonable of the board to now ask for a 45.2% increase in operating funds from the taxpayers?
A NO VOTE November 5th is not a vote against the schools, the teachers or the children. It is a fiscally responsible vote that simply tells the board to try again because Tiger Nation values all its members and $49/month per $100,000 value of your home for 37 years is way too much. We should not thumb our noses at the less fortunate just because we want nice stuff. If the board focused on needs that improve education this levy would pass just like the other 15+ PERMANENT levies we are currently paying on to the tune of $60 million a year.
Lynn Mangan, a resident of the Loveland School District lives in the Eagles Point subdivision in Miami Township.
by Lynn Mangan
After listening to the community meeting last Thursday night at the high school, I felt very compelled to write out why I am a yes on the levy.
First, let me introduce myself. We have lived in Loveland City Schools for almost 23 years. We moved to Loveland when I was expecting our oldest son. My husband, Pat and I have four boys (two are in college) and the younger two are in 10th and 8th grade. I am a wife, mother, family/community member, and business executive. When I look at whether I want to vote yes or no to the levy I try to think about it from all of the angles of who I am.
As a mom:
I am grateful that we are focusing on the total child. We are creating problem solvers, continuous learners, preparing students for their next steps (trades, military or college), and challenging them to try as many new things as possible. We are creating well rounded young adults. And the district is not ignoring the increase of mental health disease. I have numerous examples over the years of teachers who believed in and advocated for my boys to be their best selves.
I am grateful for a school district that keeps my children safe and is calling in the experts to keep it that way (I was happy to hear we have engaged the Department of Homeland Security to make recommendations on how to do this). And I’m extremely sad that the safety of our children even has to be on the list.
As a business executive and community member:
I am grateful that the school district is fiscally responsible. Keeping healthcare rates at only 2.2% is unheard of (can my business hire whoever is in charge of this at the district?). Making sure that as many dollars as possible can be put towards the staff serving our children vs on extraneous expenses. The people are what make it happen in every organization and schools are no exception. I appreciate that the district is also reducing energy costs wherever possible too.
The curriculum is expanding to prepare children for the real world. I’ve seen firsthand the expansion of so many programs: computer science, robotics, life skills, music, etc. A focus on continuous improvement is an absolute must.
Our district leaders are being creative problem solvers and passing on savings when possible (ex. change in the levy structure).
I appreciate the balance in the focus on improved learning spaces for our children, increasing our curriculum, making the spaces safer and a focus on the whole student. As a business executive, we have to focus on employee engagement – that means we have facilities that are not 100% about work – just like the school has to improve the facilities for arts and athletics. And the auditorium move is the best use of space to expand the learning areas first. And at the middle school, the track and bleachers are atrocious and unsafe. I don’t really think the baseball fields are necessary but that is okay. At work, we always debate the best choices. It is an 80%/20%. I am happy and confident with 80% of the choices in this plan and that feedback and experts have been engaged to come up with a solid plan.
I’ll be candid…at first, I was a no. My kids are going to graduate before most of this will be in place. Then I asked myself: If this was a non-profit would I donate to them? Would I want to spend my time helping improve the schools? Does it benefit my family if we say yes even without children in the district?
How does it impact our family budget?
I recognize not everyone is in the same situation as our family. When my kids graduate, the money that we’re currently paying for their extracurricular activities will now go to the schools when the levy passes. This might seem like a strange way to justify it as obviously we’ll be helping with college tuition. It provides me with perspective that even over 37 years this is worth it so that other children and our entire community can benefit.
My family has already benefited from increasing home values. We moved within the district three years ago so that my mom could move in with us. Our home sold in one day and it was over asking price. My hope is that when we downsize after our kids graduate, we’ll have the same experience that our home values continue to increase for the benefit of our entire community. I want Loveland students to be known as solid citizens and our continued investment in our schools does this.
I believe in the leadership of the district
And most importantly, I believe in the leadership of the district. Is every decision they make the right one? Nope…and who am I to hold them to that unreasonable standard? I give them a lot of credit for their composure and well thought out plan. It is extremely hard to go in front of 1000s of people to present a plan like this.
Does it stink that we have to pay this much property tax? Yes, it does, and I made the choice to live in a community where there aren’t businesses to fund the school system. I grew up in Sycamore and my husband went to Catholic schools. We believe in public schools and didn’t want to pay the huge home prices in Sycamore schools. Of course, I would love to have less taxes due to all the businesses in Sycamore schools. It’s a tradeoff. I’ll take the tradeoff and pay for the increase to invest in our children and our community.
Overall, no plan will ever be without ways to make it better. I appreciate that the district has asked for feedback, been transparent and is continuing to strive for what is best for our students. I am thankful for teachers that advocate for my children and want to see them succeed in their class and in life. I am a yes.
Loveland, Ohio – The community of Loveland has always had a special place in their “Sweethearts” for war heroes as the city is not only home to some of the most beautiful veteran memorials, but is also what many veterans call home. For the last 10 years, Loveland has paid tribute to Captain David Seth Mitchell, a decorated war hero, and Loveland High School graduate, through the Annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K. Captain Mitchell was killed on October 26th, 2009 at age 30 when two helicopters collided while he was supporting combat operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. At the time of tragedy, Captain Mitchell was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and was part of the Marine Corp HMLA 367 Scarface unit. Captain Mitchell piloted an AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter.
The other Marines killed in the collision were Corporal Gregory M.W. Fleury, 23, of Anchorage, Alaska; Captain Eric A. Jones, 29, of Westchester, New York; and Captain Kyle R. Van De Giesen, 29, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Being relatively new to the Loveland community I had never heard of Captain Mitchell before my Editor, David Miller suggested I take on the assignment of telling you his story. After countless hours of research and conducting interviews with people that knew him, I quickly realized that Mitchell accomplished great heroic acts for Loveland and the United States before he died. Miller told me that he had always been inspired by the way Seth lived his life and how it has inspired others. After finishing this article David and I decided we wanted to make Seth’s story a part of our “What’s In Loveland’s DNA” segment as Captain Mitchell was someone who easily made the city of Loveland what it is today…a place filled with LOVE!
Captain Seth Mitchell was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 17, 1979, but grew up in Loveland and attended Loveland City Schools from 6th grade forward. From a very young age, Mitchell knew what he wanted to do when he grew up, and that was fly a plane! According to Mitchell’s parents, Steve and Connie Mitchell, he dreamed of two things as a kid – to fly and be a Marine.
“In his pre-high school years, Seth was not much of a leader. Maybe, the opposite. Very mischievous and had many troubles with grades in middle school and early high school,” Mitchell’s Father Steve said, “As parents, we saw a tremendous change in Seth after his freshman year. He actually finished that school year outside Loveland schools due to a personal issue. Something changed in Seth and he became a boy on a mission,” Steve said, “Perhaps it was his involvement with church activities, perhaps it was getting the know the folks that would become his lifelong friends. Whatever it was, he changed. He led a Bible study class, became more involved in school activities, started doing homework, persisted with teachers to let him take AP courses, became more outgoing. He changed and ‘invented’ the Seth he would become through the rest of his life,” Steve added.
Although Captain Mitchell had his trials and tribulations as he grew up he overcame all of the obstacles standing in his way and decided to make a difference. Friends said that he became a “do something” kid, always staying active and wanting to experience all he could. Mitchell became part of Loveland High School’s track and field team as well as the football team and eventually came to be elected as Senior class president. Captain Mitchell was so personable and well-liked by his classmates he was also voted “Mr. Personality” his senior year at Loveland.
To help the community recognize the sacrifice of their son and as Gold Star parents, the Loveland Athletic Boosters honored Steve and Connie Mitchell as Homecoming Grand Marshals in 2010.
“I want people to know that Seth was not a scholar, nor a star athlete, but he had goals, declared them and worked hard to achieve them,” Steve told Loveland Magazine, “He never became the star athlete, but found his role. Never became top of the class academically, but did make the honor roll a few times due to his hard work. One of Seth’s friends described him as a ‘friend to all’. I think he really tried to see people through many lenses,” Steve added.
Mitchell graduated from Loveland High School in 1997 and went on to attend Virginia Tech where he majored in English. While at VT Mitchell decided to enroll in the Marines through the ROTC program his freshman year and shortly after was awarded an ROTC scholarship. The VT ROTC scholarship enabled Mitchell to transition from VT ROTC to the Marine Corp in 2001.
Before each race, Steve Mitchell introduces the students who received the past year’s Capt. Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship.
While stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Captain Mitchell was determined to make it into the flight program as an aviator. Unfortunately, the waiting process was prolonged when Mitchell discovered he did not meet the vision requirements for the flight program. He then decided to get corrective eye surgery so that he could live out his aviation dream. After the surgery and a lot of dedication, Mitchell was awarded his private pilot’s license and a Marine Aviation training spot. Captain Mitchell completed his flight training in Pensacola, Florida and finally earned the “wings” he always wanted in May of 2007. What hit home with many of Captain Mitchell’s family and friends is that he physically drove to the Pentagon to deliver his Marine Aviation application so that he knew 100 percent that his application would not get lost in the mail. Talk about determination! Captain Mitchell’s hard work paid off as he went on to become an AH-1 Super Cobra Helicopter Pilot.
After already serving tours in Okinawa, Haiti, and Iraq in an infantry unit, Mitchell then served as an intelligence officer and pilot in Iraq in 2008. Shortly after, Mitchell and another Marine volunteered to go to Afghanistan early because the unit there didn’t have enough “manpower.”
“Seth’s unit, HMLA 367 – Scarface was to replace the HMLA 169 – Vipers in Afghanistan in late October 2009,” Steve said. “ The Vipers unit, however, had a pilot shortage. At a briefing in 29 Palms, CA, Seth immediately volunteered himself and his friend, Cpt. Porter B. Jones to go early. His C.O. told him no on three occasions, but Seth persisted. He was always a persistent person,” Steve said.
On August 10th, family and friends said goodbye as he left for Afghanistan, not knowing that that would be the last time they spoke to him in person. Captain Mitchell died on October 26th in Afghanistan’s Helmand province along with 4 other U.S troops.
“On October 26, a high-value target was identified with a short time to act. Seth and the others were in the queue, the lead pilot was disqualified due to hours and Seth moved up to the lead,” Steve explained, “As the subsequent ‘investigation’ said, there were many things to cover and a short time to do it. Per the investigation, much of it was improvised in flight. This was cited as one of the causes of the accident. In the rush to the target the helicopters, which always flew in tandem with the prescribed distance between them, got too close and collided. Ironically Seth died on the day his unit, 367/Scarface landed in Afghanistan and was to replace the 169/Viper unit,” Steve said.
“Seth’s death in the crash was immediate. He died when the choppers collided. We got the word around 2 AM when the Marines showed up at our home,” Steve said, “We stayed with the casualty officers until around 5 AM. Three hours later we drove to where his brother Drew was living, to tell him. It was like we had to experience the devastation two times that morning,” Steve added.
Seth is buried in Section 60, site # 8948 Arlington National Cemetery.
Captain David Seth Mitchell was buried on November 6th, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery. Mitchell was the 113th casualty of Operation Enduring Freedom and the 577th service member from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be buried at Arlington.
“Seth is buried in Section 60, site # 8948. On November 4 we had a church service in Cary, NC, where we lived. Seth was born in Charlotte, NC and was a native North Carolinian, however on his military forms, required before deployments he listed his hometown as Loveland, Ohio,” Steve said, “We’ve said many times that Loveland was home to Seth because that’s where he had his passions and his lifelong friends. Seth graduated in ’97, went to VA Tech than to the Marine Corps, so he never established another home after high school. We did move back to NC in ’01, so when he came home from Marine duties, he came to NC where we lived. However he did wind up in Loveland on many occasions during his Marine service,” Steve said.
Join us for the 10th annual Cpt Seth Mitchell HERO 5K on Saturday, September 21st! INFO & REGISTRATION
Picnic Lunch of Hamburgers and Hot Dogs Included!
Now for the 10th year in a row Captain Mitchell’s family, friends and the Loveland community will come together for the Annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K happening on Saturday, September 21st. The race will begin at 11 AM at Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland. Over the past 10 years, Mitchell’s Loveland High School classmates have put on the Hero 5K as a way of representing the type of person Captain Mitchell was. Below is what Mitchell’s friends hope to achieve this year.
“We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s Loveland 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.”
For the Hero 5k this year, Mitchell’s supporters are looking for volunteers as well as donations for the Captain Seth Mitchell Scholarship Fund, a scholarship that is awarded to a few select Loveland High School students every year.
Greg Carpinello, who was a very close friend and classmate to Mitchell, is excited to not only keep Seth’s memory alive but to also continue to award students the Captain Seth Mitchell Scholarship.
Greg Carpinello and Seth Mitchell
“In the years that have followed, it has been an honor to work with other classmates to keep Seth’s legacy alive in Loveland. We have awarded over $40,000 in scholarship money to more than 20 graduating Loveland High School students, but his story has touched the lives of hundreds of students over the last 10 years through the 5K, the witness of Seth’s teachers who still work in Loveland, and the wonderful ways in which Seth’s story is easily passed through word of mouth,” Carpinello said.
“Seth was like a brother to me. Our friendship and unbreakable bond grew throughout high school. I cherish the memories of our time together, lots of laughter working on Student Council projects, lots of hours of driving to concerts all over the country, but most notably the loyalty he showed me as a true friend during my life’s up and downs,” Carpinello explained. “The news of his death devastated me. I’ll never forget the phone call I got from our mutual friend Joe Horst. I was living in Boston at the time. When I answered and he told me to sit down, I knew right away that it was about Seth. I had to call my parents to break the news too. My Dad, a former Marine himself, and Seth grew close over the years as Seth deployed but always stayed in touch via email. I didn’t sleep at all that night…. the anguish was too great. The next few days were a blur as I traveled to North Carolina for the funeral. It was a moving service. Seth was loved by so many people, from every era of his life. The service reflected that clearly,” Carpinello said.
“This year, we would really like to see a record turnout for the 5K. We hope people will join us on Saturday, September 21st at 11:00 am to run or walk a 5K in honor of Seth, a true Loveland Hero,” added Carpinello.
Carpinello is not the only friend of Captain Seth Mitchell that couldn’t help but reminisce on their time spent with Mitchell. When Loveland Magazine mentioned the Hero 5k, Jeff Geiger, a former teacher of Mitchell’s that still teaches in Loveland, remembered him as being, “Determined, personable and extremely hard working…an example of a true ‘Tiger!”
This bronze Tiger was placed in the media center at Loveland High to keep the memory of Capt. David Seth Mitchell alive for future students.
“When Seth was killed, it was a shock, of course, it is never easy losing a former student – unfortunately too many. It did, however, bring the war home to those of us who knew Seth,” said Geiger. Because it was so personal, Geiger took his son Mark to Washington for the funeral. “It touched both of us as to the sacrifices being made by families all over this country.” Geiger told Loveland Magazine that when he taught Seth that he was a hard worker and really did not say too much, but he remembered that he always had a smile on his face and seemed genuinely happy being in class and being a Tiger. “Seth’s legacy is one of determination and sacrifice. It is an example to all ‘Tigers’ of what hard work and determination can accomplish. Seth’s sacrifice has also been important in teaching students about the phrase ‘Freedom isn’t Free’. No longer is it just a phrase to be thrown around – we have Seth to bring home the sad truth of its reality.” Geiger remembers that when Connie, Seth’s mother was handed the neatly folded American flag at the Arlington gravesite it became emblematic of all the mothers and fathers across this country who have given so much. “Loveland and similar communities should be both humble and grateful for the sacrifices of men and women such as Seth,” Geiger added.
“I loved Seth and his family more than anything. His death was one of the hardest things I have ever had to face during my career in education,” Powers said.
Julie Powers, a former student council class advisor of Captain Mitchell’s and current Algebra 2 teacher at Loveland High School, chimed in on how wonderful Mitchell truly was.
“I loved Seth and his family more than anything. His death was one of the hardest things I have ever had to face during my career in education,” Powers said. “Sadly, I will not ever forget that day.” Powers remembers standing next to the sideboard in her room writing something on the board before school began. A friend and fellow teacher, Leah Evans, walked into her room and over to where she was standing. “I looked up at her face when she quietly asked, ‘Julie, you knew Seth Mitchell, right?’ My heart dropped at that moment. I knew immediately without her having to say a word that Seth was gone, gone from this world. We had lost him. He had been killed the day before, or, at least, I think Connie and Steve had received the news the day before. I remember not being able to stop crying,” Powers explained.
That whole class of students was one that I had gotten to know better than any other over the course of their high school careers. They had a closeness I have never before or after witnessed between all of the students. They did not have cliques that were separate from each other. There may have been ‘groups of friends’ in the class but it was a whole class of students who put everything they had into high school and enjoying the time they spent together at LHS. That morning, I remember walking to the office. Dr. Molly Moorhead and Debbie Hager, a guidance counselor and mother to Sarah Hager, also a graduate of the Class of ‘97, brought the few teachers left in the building who had taught Seth and knew him really well to Dr. Moorhead’s office so that we could speak with the Mitchells on the phone and be with each other. When I was speaking to Connie, she asked me had I taught Seth and I said: ‘yes, I had taught his Algebra 2 class.’ Connie’s response to me was ‘Aw, honey, Seth was never very good at math.’ I think I laughed a little with her because to me, being a student is more about a work ethic than the amount of raw talent someone has. And, I shared with her that Seth had been such an amazingly determined student. It did not matter that math was not his favorite class or that it may not have come as easily to him. He made the most of every day, always worked hard, harder than most to ‘get the math’ and he was always one of the most positive people in the class. I cannot, to this day, picture Seth’s face without a huge grin. He had such a knack for knowing if someone in the class was feeling down. Even if it might not have been his best friend, he would go over to that person and just check on them. These days, if you think about it, do you have any people at your job or in your neighborhood who do that? He was unbelievable. Always there to brighten someone’s day and sometimes that was my day, too. Having the chance to teach and work with Seth is a gift I have been given. His life has taught me so much about choosing to live and to dream big. His dreams were big and he worked at them to make them come true. When I think of Seth, I know he was a young man who had huge personal dreams of flying, he valued his friends and classmates a great deal, and nothing but his absolute best work was good enough for him. If someone needed him for anything, he was there.
“Simply put, if Seth had not volunteered to go to Afghanistan early, he would not have been there when his helicopter went down. He was due to deploy in November of 2009. He died on October 26, 2009. He died because he heard there was a pilot shortage over there and he wanted to help his fellow Marines. He volunteered to go early (several times before he was finally given the go-ahead to go early). Had he not been SETH, who always wanted to help out and give more than he could, he would never have given his life that October morning. That is the Seth Mitchell who will ALWAYS be my TRUE HERO. It is my truest honor to share the story of one of the most remarkable young people I have ever taught, Seth Mitchell, with each class who graduates from Loveland High School. I want them to know of his great heart, his selflessness, his work ethic, his dreams, his ever-present smile, his concerns for others, his fear of not reaching his dreams, overcoming that fear and living the life he was destined to live. He is a fellow Loveland Tiger who walked the same halls they walk, who sat in the same classrooms they sit in and who gave everything for each one of us. We can all learn from Seth’s life and his story. Life is too short. Live it. Don’t let it pass you by. Be there for each other. Dream and dream big. Reach for the stars and maybe you will make it out there among them. – Julie Powers
Drew, Connie, and Steven Mitchell at the 2014 Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K.
We encourage all of the Loveland community to come together to support Captain Seth Mitchell on September 21st at the Hero 5k so that we can continue to spread the unbelievable amount of kindness, selflessness, and bravery Captain Mitchell showed everyone on a regular basis. If you would like to get involved visit the official Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5k website.
Watch this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video of the 2017 Hero 5K and listen to Greg Carpinello talk about why Seth’s friends are keeping his memory alive. Also included in the video is Marisa Sobb reading a letter from scholarship winner Katie McElveen describing how Seth Mitchell inspired her community spirit.
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:
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?
Loveland is so fortunate to have a great school district with strong leaders. The Board of Education’s announcement Monday that they are able to phase in the requested November levy increase is a perfect example of that. They listened to community feedback, and because of the recent reduction in interest rates, they are able to phase in the requested levy increase over three years versus all at once; that will certainly help from a budgeting and cashflow planning standpoint.
It is critically important to recognize that this levy request is about needs and not wants.We have buildings that are almost 80 years old, we have students learning in temporary trailers and hallways, we have inadequate
Al Osgood, Jr. lives in Miami Township and is co-chair of Citizens for Loveland City Schools
safety and security for today’s world, classrooms are “bursting at the seams” and the list goes on.These issues are not going away; they will only get worse and more expensive if we wait.Now is the time to act.There is a significant cost of inaction.In fact, multiple district building estimates show that the cost of maintaining the current facilities is MORE than the cost of rebuilding.Bottom line, choosing to “kick the can down the road” will end up costing us more and have a direct negative impact on our children’s education.
The district’s request is good for students and good for our community.Great schools correlate to great communities.People want to move to and live in Loveland because of our schools and the great community atmosphere that the schools help create.Great schools are good for our property values and our ability to sell our homes.Please remember that we don’t need to look too far to see the negative impact to communities and schools with failed levies.
I want to commend the school district for their open, transparent and inclusive process that they have used in developing the facility master plan and current levy request.They have been working on this for four years with opportunity after opportunity for the community to participate and provide input.
Please get the real facts before making a decision at the ballot box.There are almost daily social media posts and websites that are incorrect or misleading.It’s easy to assume that everything posted on-line is accurate, but it’s definitely not.If you haven’t had an opportunity to get the facts, please go to one of the multiple community events that the District has scheduled. The next one is a Community Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 12th at 7 pm in the high school auditorium. Please go tour the almost 80-year-old LES building at 7 pm on September 17th.Please attend one of the five currently scheduled Ask the Superintendent discussions. Please call the District office.Any of these opportunities will allow you to get the real facts and understand why the levy request is needed and needed now.
Below you can read the resolution passed by the Board and the Ballot language that will remain the same.
Levy skeptics offer opinions after meeting adjourns…
Loveland, Ohio – At the end of July, the Loveland Board of Education voted unanimously to issue bonds for $118,515,000 and to place a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill on the November 5 ballot to fund daily operations of the school district and to implement the district’s facility master plan, including three new school buildings at Grailville.
The Board met Monday in a special meeting at 5 PM and voted to amend the parameters of the levy request. They voted unanimously to approve a resolution to structure the levying of the new taxes that will phase them in over three years.
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV was at the meeting and recorded the meeting as well as a few comments from residents after the meeting was over.
Full video of meeting
Walter Golladay, Pete Palmer, and Marcia Neumann comment on Board action.
This is the draft Resolution that the Board voted on Monday. There were no changes made before approving it.
This is how the question will appear on your Ballot. Nothing the Board did Monday changes this ballot language.
There are still several issues that need to be addressed with this request being made of the taxpayers; issues such as reducing the millage, and the short and long term cost risk. Below are issues that need to be closely reviewed, addressed, and considered in order to achieve a millage reduction and a clearer path to this levy passing.
Why are three buildings needed for grades K-5?
One building for grades K-5, or two separate buildings; one for grades K-2 and one for grades 3-5 will be less costly to design, construct and maintain than three separate buildings, even if located on the same property. The new facility plan for grades K-5 is not efficient cost-wise. Significant cost savings can be realized by reducing the number of buildings, without sacrificing the safety and delivery of education, and still maintains the same number of grade levels between one or two buildings versus three buildings.
New or renovated educational facilities are more important than upgraded athletic facilities. The current athletic facilities are more than adequate for now. Priority needs to be focused towards the educational facilities’ needs and not the athletic facilities’ needs.
What maintenance has occurred at the existing middle school athletic facilities?
Having been to the athletic facilities at the middle school, it appears to me that maintenance has been largely ignored. Illustration of care needs to be shown towards the existing athletic facilities before asking the taxpayers to fund new; otherwise, history will quickly repeat itself. The existing high school athletic facilities are wonderful in my opinion. The field turf and track surface are brand new at the football stadium, and the baseball and softball fields are more than adequate. There is no need to spend taxpayer dollars unnecessarily.
The immediate needs pertaining to capital building improvements appear to be the current LECC, LPS, and LES buildings. I have attended several functions at all three buildings and it is obvious that these buildings need to be replaced with new ones. I have much respect for the administration and staff for delivering quality education given the antiquated state of these buildings. Regarding the capital building improvements for the LIS, LMS, and the HS, either place this scope on a future ballot for permanent improvements if upgraded athletic facilities take precedent over updated buildings, or eliminate the entire scope for the upgraded athletic facilities. If safer buildings and delivery of quality education are the priorities, then the scope for upgrades to the athletic facilities is expendable.
Why risk combining the operation portion of the levy with the permanent improvement portion?
The Loveland community has largely supported the levies placed on the ballot over the last approximately 20 years. I do not want to hear that services will have to be reduced or eliminated since the entire levy did not pass when a stand-alone operation levy will have a much better chance of passing instead of combining with the permanent improvement portion.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Monday, September 9, in the LMS/LIS Media Center at 5 PM. (801 South Lebanon Rd.)
According to the agenda published for the meeting, the Board will consider a resolution to structure the levying of the taxes associated with the November 5 ballot issue to gradually apply the tax rates over a period of three years.
On July 26 the Board voted unanimously to issue bonds for $118,515,000 and to place a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill on the November 5 ballot to fund daily operations of the school district and a building and to implement the district’s facility master plan.
Loveland Magazine is located right on the parade route in the heart of the West Loveland Historic District at 514 West Loveland Avenue and is one of the favorite spots to view the parade because of ample parking in the District.
by Cassie Mattia
Being relatively new to the Loveland community I had never heard of Captain Mitchell before my Editor, David Miller suggested I take on the assignment of telling you his story. After countless hours of research and conducting interviews with people that knew him, I quickly realized that Mitchell accomplished great heroic acts for Loveland and the United States before he died. Miller told me that he had always been inspired by the way Seth lived his life and how it has inspired others. After finishing this article David and I decided we wanted to make Seth’s story a part of our “
Join us for the 10th annual Cpt Seth Mitchell HERO 5K on Saturday, September 21st! 
![[VIDEO] Board votes to amend parameters of levy request](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/maxresdefault.jpg)
