Ralph Dunnigan, Kevin Egan, and Mayor Kathy Bailey
Loveland, Ohio – Ralph Dunnigan, the semi-retired owner of Paxton’s Grill in Historic Downtown Loveland was named a Colonel Paxton Ranger; an “award that recognizes distinguished service by Loveland area citizens who improve the city Colonel Thomas Paxton founded”. The Loveland area was first settled in 1795 by Col. Thomas Paxton.
One of the co-owners of Paxton’s, Kevin Egan was present at Tuesday’s council meeting and praised all that Dunnigan has done for the City since the restaurant opened in 2004. Dunnigan, through Paxton’s, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars supporting local charities.
Loveland, Ohio – In an interview this morning one of the owners of Paxton’s Grill, Kevin Egan, told Loveand Magazine what he knew about the hit-and-run incident Friday evening at the popular restaurant in Historic Downtown Loveland. Paxton’s is located at 126 W Loveland Avenue adjacent to the Town Clock and the Loveland Bike Trail.
The patio awning, fencing, and many of the tables and chairs were destroyed. Loveland police reported last night, “Several patients were transported but thankfully they are stable. Loveland PD investigated as the striking vehicle reportedly fled the scene.”
Eyewitnesses reported the vehicle type, license number, and a description of the driver to police immediately after the incident. Paxton’s has video from a security camera of the incident and it was provided to police. Loveland Magazine has reached out to Loveland Chief of Police, Michael Gabrielson, on the status of the investigation and if an arrest has been made; however, he has not yet responded.
Paxton’s has announced on FaceBook that they will be open this afternoon at 4 PM.
In this drone video taken this morning by CincyPhotography.com, Videographer David Long shared, “Can you believe how fast they got it cleaned up?.”
The debris from the wreck was piled at the rear of Paxton’s on Saturday morning.
Loveland, Ohio – It was 4-years-ago today that a fire did extensive damage In Historic Downtown Loveland. Below is the story and photos of the fire that were published by Loveland Magazine.
May 28, 2017
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland/Symmes Fire Chief Otto Huber told Loveland Magazine Sunday evening that the structural engineer the City brought in to inspect the buildings damaged by an overnight fire in Loveland’s Historic District said that after a preliminary look, the buildings could be restored. He also told Huber that he had seen building with more damage, brought back to life.
Huber also said that they suspect the fire began because of an electrical problem, and there is one spot that will receive more attention in the coming days as they try to determine how the fire started.
An 11-alarm fire in Downtown Loveland early Sunday morning did extensive damage to two historic buildings, and minor damage to three others. There were no injuries to residential occupants, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion.
Residents of five apartments on the upper floors have lost everything, including damage to automobiles
The building that housed Tano’s Bistro and the Bishop Building sustained substantial fire damage. Three businesses had extensive damage: Tano’s Bistro, Cincy Fashion Wheels, and Gina Dubell-Smith, a Comey & Shepherd Realtor.
The former Julian’s Deli, now owned by Paxton’s Grill only suffered minor fire damage. The fire sprinklers in the building did not activate. Huber said the heat inside the building wasn’t great enough to activate the sprinklers, but the interior of the building has damage from the water used to keep the fire from spreading. Cleanup was already underway on what will be called, Bike Trail Junction. Co-owner, Kevin Egan said their opening was scheduled in the coming weeks, but the opening will have to be rescheduled.
Narrow Path Brewing Company on Karl Brown Way had roof damage that was being repaired Sunday evening. The business remained closed throughout the day. Another building, further north on Karl Brown Way had newly installed plastic siding, buckle from the heat.
Huber also said that if possible, scaffolding will be erected on the west side of the Bishop Building on Monday. He said it will depend on whether they can get someone to do the work on the Memorial Day Holiday. The scaffolding will be erected to shore up the brick exterior, making it safe to be inside the building where crews could better assess the structural damage, and make it possible for rebuilding to begin.
At 8:30 PM Sunday, a fire crew was still at the scene.
In a press release issued this afternoon by Loveland City Manager, Dave Kennedy, he said, “It is the City’s desire to save these historic structures and will work with the building owners to make this happen. This is a tragic event but the City of Loveland is a very strong community and will work together to repair this part of our downtown. The City of Loveland is thankful that the fire caused no injuries or loss of life and salute the efforts of the City’s first responders.”
We promise the best customer service, and beyond a doubt, the best selection of merchandise in the area Pizazz Studio is a whimsical gift shop in downtown
This is a re-print of the 2 stories Loveland Magazine published 3-years ago on May 28 and 29, 2017
Loveland, Ohio– An 11-alarm fire in Downtown Loveland early Sunday morning did extensive damage to two historic buildings, and minor damage to a third. There were no injuries to occupants, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion.
West Loveland Avenue, Karl Brown Way, and Railroad Avenue remain closed to traffic. There are nearby businesses that remain closed until electrical service is restored.
The former Julian’s Deli, now owned by Paxton Grill, which recently had sprinklers installed on both floors, has slight structural and water damage.
The fire apparently started in the rear of Tanos Bistro at 1:20 AM. Four businesses lost almost everything. Firefighters remain on the scene, and inspectors are assessing damage and looking for cause.
The buildings are close to the street so roadways may be closed for quite some time as inspectors evaluate possible danger to motorists traveling West Loveland Avenue and Karl Brown Way.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A reader has brought to our attention that residents of five apartments lost “everything” in the fire, including damage to automobiles.
The next day on May 29 Loveland Magazine published this up-date. After this story was published more than 1.3 million people read about the fire in Loveland Magazine.
Up-date on major fire in Historic Downtown Loveland
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland/Symmes Fire Chief Otto Huber told Loveland Magazine Sunday evening that the structural engineer the City brought in to inspect the buildings damaged by an overnight fire in Loveland’s Historic District said that after a preliminary look, the buildings could be restored. He also told Huber that he had seen building with more damage, brought back to life.
Huber also said that they suspect the fire began because of an electrical problem, and there is one spot that will receive more attention in the coming days as they try to determine how the fire started.
An 11-alarm fire in Downtown Loveland early Sunday morning did extensive damage to two historic buildings, and minor damage to three others. There were no injuries to residential occupants, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion.
Residents of five apartments on the upper floors have lost everything, including damage to automobiles
The building that housed Tano’s Bistro and the Bishop Building sustained substantial fire damage. Three businesses had extensive damage: Tano’s Bistro, Cincy Fashion Wheels, and Gina Dubell-Smith, a Comey & Shepherd Realtor.
The former Julian’s Deli, now owned by Paxton’s Grill only suffered minor fire damage. The fire sprinklers in the building did not activate. Huber said the heat inside the building wasn’t great enough to activate the sprinklers, but the interior of the building has damage from the water used to keep the fire from spreading. Cleanup was already underway on what will be called, Bike Trail Junction. Co-owner, Kevin Egan said their opening was scheduled in the coming weeks, but the opening will have to be rescheduled.
Narrow Path Brewing Company on Karl Brown Way had roof damage that was being repaired Sunday evening. The business remained closed throughout the day. Another building, further north on Karl Brown Way had newly installed plastic siding, buckle from the heat.
Huber also said that if possible, scaffolding will be erected on the west side of the Bishop Building on Monday. He said it will depend on whether they can get someone to do the work on the Memorial Day Holiday. The scaffolding will be erected to shore up the brick exterior, making it safe to be inside the building where crews could better assess the structural damage, and make it possible for rebuilding to begin.
At 8:30 PM Sunday, a fire crew was still at the scene.
In a press release issued this afternoon by Loveland City Manager, Dave Kennedy, he said, “It is the City’s desire to save these historic structures and will work with the building owners to make this happen. This is a tragic event but the City of Loveland is a very strong community and will work together to repair this part of our downtown. The City of Loveland is thankful that the fire caused no injuries or loss of life and salute the efforts of the City’s first responders.”
Loveland, Ohio – On Monday LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV took our camera to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery in the White Pillars subdivision where Rob Geiger made an important announcement regarding the on-going restoration project. Geiger is the President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association.
In an email to Loveland Magazine Geiger exclaimed, “Look what got installed May 1, 2020!”
Geiger has worked for the last two years to make Loveland’s most significant historical site presentable again. They removed a 20-year old rusty and broken fence, installed a new one, removed dying trees that threatened the new fence and tombstones, attempted a gentle restoration of the 208-year-old tombstones, brought a historical marker that had been in storage to the cemetery, and just this week saw the installation of a historical wrought-iron gate.
In this video, you will see Geiger explain how all the work was accomplished and hear about how the community and local businesses pitched-in to accomplish it all.
The cemetery is where Loveland’s “Founding Family” is buried and Rob is a direct ancestor.
In this video clip, Rob Geiger talks about how important the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is to Loveland’s heritage.
He also talks about the work the Association still hopes to accomplish as more funds become available.
You can make a tax-deductible donation to help complete the project by sending a check to Geiger Made out to:
Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association
C/O Rob Geiger
PO Box 25
Loveland, Ohio 45140.
Listen as Rob Geiger talks about the cultural significance of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery to the Greater Loveland Community…
A note From Rob Geiger to the sponsors of the restoration project:
I’d Like to thank:
David Miller – Loveland Magazine Media Sponsor
City Manager Dave Kennedy and City of Loveland Public Works
Kevin Egan – Ramsey Trailside and Paxton’s Grill
Steve Max – Loveland Legacy Foundation
Ralph Dunnigan and Sandy Russell – Paxton’s Grill
John Zielke – Ramsey’s Trailside
Gloria Wilson – Loveland Sweet Shop
Kevin Malof – Bonds Home Furnishings
Bill Re – Bush Re Shea Insurance Agency
American Legion Post 256
American Legion Auxiliary 256
Loveland Museum Center – Jan Beller
Paige Craig and Wand Langdon – Clough Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
Steve Rainey – Rainey Tree Service
Dale Eads and Becky Eads Sands – Eads Fence Company
You can make a charitable tax-deductible donation to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. and mail it to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association C/O Rob Geiger, PO BOX 25, Loveland, Ohio 45140.
Rob Geiger is the President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association
by Rob Geiger
Over the last 224 years since the first settler that entered the Greater Loveland Area, so many historical landmarks that were created have disappeared because of fire, floods, and development. Our oldest historical landmark of 206 years is well on its way to being preserved for another generation because of the generosity of so many people and having community support.
The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc has received almost $12,487.00 with another $722.00 pledged to be given – bringing the total to $13,200.00. We are having faith that we will reach our goal of $14,200.00 very soon. We have a tentative date in which the work will start by removing trees, the old rusted chain-link fence, the installation of a new black aluminum industrial grade 4’ fence with an antique wrought iron gate in September.
The old rusted chain-link fence will be replaced with the installation of a new black aluminum industrial grade 4’ fence with an antique wrought iron gate in September.
The first internment was Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton in 1813 who contributed so much on the National, State and Local levels including being in the American Revolution along with his son-in-law Captain John Ramsey, who is buried in the cemetery with other family members. There is plenty of history on Paxton through the internet, the Loveland Museum Center (having the original land grant document for Paxton signed by President John Adams), and family members.
With partnerships formed it seems that the donations started to come and after our third attempt in 23 years to make capital improvements to the cemetery we will succeed this time!
This has been a frustrating project. Trying to get community support was hard until Loveland Magazine became our Media Sponsor and Kevin Egan, one of the owners of Paxton’s Grill and Ramsey’s Trailside restaurants came on board, including the Loveland Legacy Foundation (Steve Max). With partnerships formed it seems that the donations started to come and after our third attempt in 23 years to make capital improvements to the cemetery we will succeed this time!
I was at the Loveland Museum Center and held the original land grant certificate issued by President John Adams issued on April 13th, 1798 for 1,100 acres to Thomas Paxton.
The cemetery is owned by family members of the Paxton Ramsey family which serves as trustees. We do not receive any source of income like other municipality cemeteries that you see along roadsides in our community. We are very conscientious with financial expenditures so that we can preserve this historical site for years to come and look at other funding revenue to accomplish our mission “To preserve and restore the dignity and honor of the graves for the education of tomorrow’s citizens”.
The trustees are very grateful to Loveland’s City Manager, Dave Kennedy for showing his support early on with clearing vegetation on city property by the fence line, installing the Bicentennial Cemetery Sign at the cemetery, and waiving the fence permit.
Loveland’s oldest historical landmark is located in White Pillars subdivision on Ramsey Court.
We could not complete this project without the in-kind donations from our two contractors, Steve Rainy Tree Service, and Eads Fence Company! This project would normally have cost $32,200.00 but with their generosity, they have reduced the cost to $14,200.
Dale Eads also is donating the antique wrought iron gate that will be the focal point of the project. We were so excited when Paxton’s Grill (Ralph Dunnigan and Sandy Russell) Ramsey’s Trailside (John Zielke) had a benefit night, and so appreciative to Loveland Sweet Shoppe (Gloria Wilson), Bond Home Furnishings (Kevin Malof) and Bush Re Shea Insurance Agency (Bill Re).
There were so many individuals in the area along with the family members of the Paxton Ramsey Family that have donated almost half of the project cost and we appreciate their giving.
We are so pleased to have formed a partnership with the Loveland American Legion Post 256 with their enthusiasm and donations, not only for the present but for our future plans. We are looking forward to when Mike Henderson from the Legion will be cleaning the gravestones in the very near future.
There were so many individuals in the area along with the family members of the Paxton Ramsey Family that have donated almost half of the project cost and we appreciate their giving.
We have one more fundraising event that will take place August 21, at 7 PM at the American Legion Hall at 4618 River Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45204 on the Westside of Cincinnati. This will be a quarter auction type of event along with basket raffles. Please come out to this event or you can make a charitable tax-deductible donation to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. and mail it to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association C/O Rob Geiger, PO BOX 25, Loveland, Ohio 45140.
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Cassie Mattia talked with Steve Max and Rob Geiger last May about the history of the cemetery, who is buried there, and the announcement of the matching grant.
A rendering of the final layout of Ramsey’s Trailside
by Sam Smith
Loveland, Ohio – On July 20th, Paxton’s Grill, one of Loveland’s most popular restaurants, announced the name of their new soon-to-open sister restaurant: Ramsey’s Trailside. Located on the bike trail in historic downtown Loveland, Ramsey’s Trailside will focus on lighter-fare, diverse dining with outside and rooftop seating.
Ramsey’s trailside hopes to bring a healthier menu to Loveland that neighboring restaurants do not offer. While the menu is not yet finalized, it is expected to be light, grain-heavy and offer extensive vegan options along with a variety of meat-based dishes. The kitchen will feature a separate vegan grill to avoid contamination. The menu is expected to be diverse, with options for a wide range of palettes.
“I think it brings a fresh, clean option from a dining experience and a place that the menu is going to be varied enough that the carnivore and vegetarian can coexist,” Kevin Egan, a partner at Paxtons and Ramsey’s Trailside, told Loveland Magazine in a video interview.
Ramsey’s Trailside will be located near Nisbet park along the Loveland Bike Trail. It will feature shaded outside dining and something new to downtown Loveland: rooftop dining. A porch will allow patrons to view the trail and city from a unique vantage point.
Soon-to-be Ramsey’s Trailside Restuarant on the Loveland bike trail
The new restaurant’s name, like Paxton’s Grill, comes from local history. William Ramsey, the son-in-law of Lt. Colonel Thomas Paxton, purchased the 189 acres that were later named Loveland. Their namesakes can be found around the city, and the new restaurant will continue William Ramsey’s legacy.
Ramsey’s Trailside will be located on the block that partially burnt down on Memorial Day in 2017. Neighboring buildings were entirely engulfed in flames and largely destroyed. It took six hours for the fire to be extinguished. Nobody was injured in the fire, and the damage to Paxton’s property was relatively minimal.
Ramsey’s Trailside (left) and Tano’s (right) continue construction after the devastating fire over a year ago.
At the time, Paxton’s short-lived diner, Bike Trail Junction, closed due to water and smoke damage but will reopen as Ramsey’s Trailside. Bike Trail Junction was planned to be a temporary restaurant until Ramsey’s Trailside was ready to open.
“We knew at some point we were going to have to do an extensive remodel to put in a real kitchen but we didn’t want to be closed down during that summer so we opened Bike Trail Junction to get us through the summer and fall seasons,” Egan explained.
A Loveland Strong poster, covered in signatures from residents, leans against the wall of Ramsey’s Trailside. Loveland Strong was a community effort to support business owners and individuals affected by the Memorial Day weekend fire.
Ramsey’s Trailside has already secured some management and will begin hiring individuals soon. Those interested in working at the new restaurant can speak to managers at Paxton’s. (513) 583-1717
Ramsey’s Trailside is expected to open in mid-September. The address is 200 West Loveland Avenue.
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
Loveland, Ohio – Below you can read the resolution passed by a 7-0 vote at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. There was no discussion during the meeting about the proposal.
![[VIDEO] Ralph Dunnigan named Colonel Paxton Ranger](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ralph-d-feature-1.jpg)
![[Video Interview] Hit and run driver takes out Paxton’s Grill patio](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/damage-at-paxtons.jpg)
![[Video] LIFE Food Pantry receives $2K donation](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/life-check.jpg)
![[Photos/Stories] 3-Years Ago: Early morning fire destroyed 2/3 block in Historic Downtown Loveland](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dtn-fire-feature-w-lines.jpg)
![[Video] Rob Geiger announces milestone for Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery restoration project](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/maxresdefault-2.jpg)
In an email to Loveland Magazine Geiger exclaimed, “Look what got installed May 1, 2020!”
![Paxton’s to open new restaurant [Video]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ramseysBTJ_Rendering_7-20-18.jpg)
