Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: Little Miami River

  • Evans ordered to pay $550,000 for illegal waste dumping

    Evans ordered to pay $550,000 for illegal waste dumping

    $137,500 – will be awarded to Loveland-based Little Miami Conservancy

    by David Miller

    Symmes Township, Ohio – A Cincinnati business owner with a location in Symmes Township just on the outskirts of Loveland, who used his four companies to illegally discard waste at three sites – and whose dumping may have polluted the Little Miami River – has been ordered to pay a civil penalty of $550,000 and clean up his mess, Attorney General Dave Yost announced on September 30. (Read the Consent Order)

    One-fourth of the penalty – $137,500 – will be awarded to the Loveland-based environmental organization, Little Miami Conservancy. The order did not involve polluting the Little Miami River in Symmes Township or Loveland. The illegal dumping occurred near Newtown and Terrace Park. The Little Miami River has State and National “Scenic and Wild River” designations.

    “When it comes to protecting the state’s waterways, we do not just go with the flow,” Yost said. “Illegally dumped waste doesn’t just sit there on the land – it breaks down into toxins that find their way into the water. This remedy will make sure that doesn’t happen, and the fine will hit him hard where it hurts – his wallet.”

    The civil penalty stems from a lawsuit filed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office (AGO) in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. The suit maintains that Douglas Evans – through Evans Landscaping and three other businesses he owns – violated Ohio laws regulating the disposal of solid waste and construction and demolition debris at properties on Mount Carmel Road, Broadwell Road, and Round Bottom Road.

    The case was referred to the AGO from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Hamilton County Public Health District.

    During multiple inspections over several years, health district officials saw that parts of demolished buildings, garbage, and other solid wastes had been dumped or buried at the three sites, none of which is licensed as a facility for disposal.

    As part of the consent order worked out with the AGO and approved by the court, Evans agreed to clean up his properties and correct violations according to a plan authorized by Ohio EPA and the Hamilton County health district.

    • At the Mount Carmel site, he will build a cap over areas where construction and demolition debris were illegally disposed – to prevent water from reaching the debris and causing harmful chemicals to leach out.
    • At the Broadwell site, under the supervision of the Ohio EPA and health district, he will dig out and remove illegally disposed waste.
    • At the Round Bottom site, he will conduct groundwater monitoring to ensure that waste from his property is not affecting groundwater quality or the Little Miami River. If it is, Evans will perform the necessary remediation.

    If Evans fails to comply with any requirements of the order, he will immediately be liable and have to pay additional penalties.

    Recent “Evans” headlines in Loveland Magazine

    Doug Evans and Evans Landscaping conviction to defraud minorities up-held by…

    Three former employees of Evans Landscaping pleaded guilty in U.S. District…

  • [Video and Slide Show] Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association holds ceremony for marking new headstones and grave dedication

    [Video and Slide Show] Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association holds ceremony for marking new headstones and grave dedication

    Sean Behling
    Sean Behling is a Loveland Magazine Reporter

    by Sean Behling

    Loveland, Ohio – A cold, drizzly morning on Saturday, May 7th, gave way to more tolerable weather by noon when a momentous ceremony was held at the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery in the White Pillars subdivision. It was a celebration of the dedication of new headstones for Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, Captain John Ramsey, and Isabella Paxton Ramsey. After a member of the Sons of the American Revolution gave a speech detailing the historical significance of Ramsey, Paxton, and their family, a parade arrived, led by living descendants, to celebrate the renovations they’ve made to the cemetery. 

    Once the parade arrived, the National Anthem was sung, and people gathered closer to witness the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. The ribbon-cutting featured, 102-year-old Kay Promton, the oldest living descendant of Lt. Col. Paxton. Joining Kay were community leaders and contributors to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery restoration. The large crowd then gathered and listened to the heartwarming speech that Rob Geiger, president of the Association, gave.

    Following the touching speech, Geiger handed out plaques to those who had worked hard and long to keep this landmark of Loveland intact. The plaques held ceremonial keys to the cemetery and were set on pieces of cherry wood salvaged from a decaying tree that had to be removed during the cemetery’s restoration.

    Receiving plaques were:

    • Loveland Legacy Foundation
    • Loveland Magazine
    • City of Loveland
    • Paxton’s Grill
    • Ramsey’s Trailside
    • Eads Fence
    • Rainey Tree Service
    • Riverview Monuments
    • American Legion Post 256 and Auxiliary
    • Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5749
    • Emma Clemons, Girl Scout Troop 43534

    After the plaques were handed out, and the new gravestones were unveiled, the ceremony ended with a musket salute. The Sons of the American Revolution lined up, their muskets loaded and pointing out into the nearby woods, firing off numerous shots, before finally putting their heads down in respect of these fallen soldiers.

    Other groups participating during the dedication ceremony were, Clough Valley Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution, Cincinnati Chapter/Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Post 256 and Auxiliary, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5749. Individuals playing important parts in the dedication were, Will Freeman singing the National Anthem, Kay Thomson, Bella Geiger, Kassidy Ostendorf, and Robert Reid signing Amazing Grace. Tiffany Niehaus, Stephanie Pinella, and Cindy Abbott read biographies of Thomas Paxton, John Ramsey, and Isabella Paxton Ramsey.

    Debby Niehaus and Paige Craig led a responsive reading.

    The emcee for the event was Rob Geiger, the President of the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery Association.

    Thank you to everyone who was able to make this ceremony happen and to everyone that has worked to keep this historic location alive for so many years. The Ramsey-Paxton Ceremony is located on Ramsey Court in White Pillars, so feel free to go on down and pay respects to the founder of Loveland while soaking in the cemetery’s history.

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery began in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton. Lt. Col. Paxton was a Revolutionary War Soldier who served with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 as well as General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. The curved bridge on West Loveland Avenue over the Lt. Col. Paxton.

    Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first local crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland. Paxton’s involvement goes even further, from helping to have the first polling place in Clermont County to help make the statehood of Ohio possible.

    Paxton’s son-in-law, as well as Revolutionary War patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County, Captain John Ramsey, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, as were other family members up until 1913.

  • There are important long-term reasons why it is best for our community that the Drees’ Grailville proposal does not go forward.

    There are important long-term reasons why it is best for our community that the Drees’ Grailville proposal does not go forward.

    Elizabeth Murphy has been an area resident for over 30 years.

    Dear Fellow Loveland Residents,

    It is important that you are aware of a process that is now ongoing involving 110 acres of Grailville land between State Rt. 48 and O’ Bannonville Road. Loveland City Council and the Zoning Board will have to make a decision on the Drees Homes’ request for a change in the zoning status to allow them to build 209 homes on that land.  

    The initial public hearing drew a standing-room-only crowd. Everyone who spoke, with the exception of the Drees representatives and one real estate agent, requested that the Zoning Board say NO to the Drees proposal. There are important long-term reasons why it is best for our community that the Drees proposal does not go forward.

    We all know the traffic situation in downtown is bad now. The construction of a large subdivision on this Grail land will initially cause several years of construction trucks and dirt funneling into town from State Rt. 48 and O’Bannonville Road. As the houses are built and sold regular traffic of several thousand car “trips” through town will phase in. This will never stop.

    Our school system is currently overflowing recommended capacity. Extra trailers are needed for space. It is estimated that 4-5 additional classrooms of children are likely to be added by this subdivision. We are all painfully aware of the costs that would be incurred to build new schools, as well as the stresses on children and teachers involved in overcrowding. Again, once this increase is allowed to happen it is unlikely to be reversed.

    There are also serious general infrastructure issues relating to water. The Loveland water system is a series of wells which when run at high demand can drop the water table in a significant way. One must ask at what point will this become a problem. Water pressure has at times been an issue and more homes drawing water cannot but aggravate this.  

    The other end of this problem is the management of the additional sewage. The sewer line under East Loveland Avenue is outdated, and fragile, and it is questionable whether it is adequate to handle a large new neighborhood. The receiving Polk Run sewage treatment plant has no more room to expand. There has been no confirmation of sewer availability, capacity, or access compliant with MSD standards. Will the City of Loveland be put in a position of providing this infrastructure at Loveland residents’ expense?  With the Little Miami River so nearby it is crucial that there be no chance of contamination.

    Natural rainwater run-off must also be considered. The land that White Pillars and Grailville are on slopes to the northwest.  The existing homes along O’Bannonville Road are all in the path of this natural drainage and vulnerable to surface flows or overflowing of Bares Run Creek in times of heavy rain. The new roads and houses will eliminate acreage which currently absorbs the rainwater and so more will continue on downhill.

    The final thing I need to speak of is the special quality of this particular piece of land. For about 80 years women of The Grail have lived or worked there. They have tended the land, holding it, knowing the sacred nature of this place. As the Grail has shared access to their land with others for walking and connecting with nature, many have become aware of the spiritual calm which it provides. In today’s world, we need this more than ever.

    In conclusion, I would encourage everyone who feels that we do not need another big subdivision on this Grailville land, with all the negative side-effects, to please make your views known. Attend the public meetings (the next is on May 4), write to or call members of the Zoning Board and City Council. 

    In our country, we have a government of citizens for citizens. Our officials have a duty of honor to listen to the members of the community they serve. They are us; and therefore, we must speak so they may be guided.

    Sincerely, 

    Elizabeth Murphy

  • King Avenue Bridge improvement will close that portion of the Loveland Bike Trail

    King Avenue Bridge improvement will close that portion of the Loveland Bike Trail

    by David Miller

    Warren County, Ohio – A portion of the Loveland Bike Trail (Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail) is planned to be closed from June 2022 until December 2022, with a two to three-week closure expected in 2023 to tie the new trail into the existing trail.

    A tunnel will be built for a portion of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, which will separate the trail from Grandin Road.

    A new parking lot for trail users will be built and the project also will include a new roundabout at the intersection of the Peters Cartridge Factory development (Cartridge Brewing) and parking lot access for the trail.

    “New wider lanes and shoulders will improve safety for vehicles who use the bridge and separating the bike path from the roadway will significantly improve safety for users of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail,” according to a release from Warren County.

    The King Avenue Bridge carries two lanes of traffic across the Little Miami River in Warren County. The bridge will remain in its current two-lane configuration, but the lanes will be widened, and safety shoulders will be added in both directions. The new structure will be built upstream of the existing bridge crossing.

    In addition, a new 10-foot multi-use path will be built on the new bridge that will separate pedestrians from traffic, and a tunnel will be built for a portion of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, which will separate the trail from Grandin Road.

    Traffic will be maintained on the existing roadway for much of 2022, however, King Avenue and Grandin Road near the Little Miami River will each be closed to traffic separately for approximately three to four months in 2023. The closures are necessary so that the new bridge structure can be connected to the existing roadway.

    Access to the development at the Peters Cartridge Factory (Cartridge Brewing) will be limited during different phases of construction.

    Current and Upcoming Construction Activities:

    • Anticipated Construction Duration: March 2022 – December 2023
    • Tree Clearing for Construction Site: March 2022
    • Phase 1 Construction (bridge substructure and roadway fill north of the river): April 2022 – June 2022
    • Various Utility Relocations: April 2022 – July 2022
  • Open letter to Loveland City Hall about proposed parking garage from Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed

    Open letter to Loveland City Hall about proposed parking garage from Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed

    Dear Loveland City Council Members,

     Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed (CROW) is an organization that advocates for rights of communities dwelling within the watershed to protect the health, biodiversity, and safety of the Ohio River Watershed ecosystem. Government permits that put the fragile balance of this ecosystem at risk not only affect the functioning of the watershed as a living system, they deprive local communities from exercising their democratic rights to protect their own health and safety.  

    CROW joins the Sierra Club Miami Group in urging Loveland City Council to hold a public hearing before Loveland City Council takes a vote on the proposed downtown parking garage. Addressing the parking situation in Loveland should rightfully include all stakeholders in the discussion. 

    Some questions to consider:

    1. The Little Miami State Park, located within the beautiful and historic Little Miami River valley, has been designated as a federal and state scenic river. It is protected because of its high water quality, panoramic setting, and the many historic sites that can be found along its banks. In accordance with the provisions of chapter 1547 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Miami Valley Scenic Park has an Advisory Council representing local interests. Has this Advisory Council been consulted about the ecological viability of this proposed structure? 

    2. The Little Miami River traverses an ecologically vulnerable flood plain. Trail volunteers report the never-ending battle of keeping the trail free of conditions that cause flooding on parts of the trail-clogged culverts, erosion caused by bridge embankments, and other obstacles that interrupt the flow of water away from the trail surface. Even a few inches of rainfall can cause permanent flood damage. With the ground’s inability to absorb or impede the flow of water, the consequences can be disastrous. We can further expect Increased microbursts and flooding due to climate change. If you have done a geotechnical survey to study the subsurface conditions of the soil, was this survey conducted before or after a rainfall? Has a thorough environmental impact study been done? How many trees will need to be cut down to make room for this structure? Trees increase the permeability of the forest soils, preventing erosion and flooding. Other potential environmental impacts: Contamination due to increased particulate matter, increased noise pollution in Loveland, the potential increase in stormwater runoff from asphalt surfaces and bulldozed ground, and the laying down of detention basins, new water and sewer lines.

    3. If we really need a parking lot for bikers, have alternative proposals for downtown parking been considered? Since the garage would be 100 feet from the Little Miami River bike trail, presenting a potential environmental risk, why not locate the parking garage 1000 feet away from the flood plain? Bikers are fit enough to drop their bikes at the trail head and park their cars 1000 feet away. 

    The Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed (CROW) appreciate your consideration of our concerns, our questions, and our request. 

    Signed: Jeanne Nightingale, Jessica Schultz, Jim Schenk, Bill Cahalan, Deborah Jordan, Mary Aguilera, Susan Vonderhaar, Nikki Orlemann, Lynn Hamamoto, Frank Collins, Sue Brungs

  • Regional stakeholders weigh in on Loveland’s proposed parking garage

    Regional stakeholders weigh in on Loveland’s proposed parking garage

    Photo of the Little Miami River in downtown Loveland by David Miller

    All Stakeholders Must Weigh In on Proposed Parking Garage

    by Jeanne Nightingale, Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed (CROW),  Sierra Club Miami Group,  League of Women Voters Natural Resources Committee, Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati

    The Little Miami State Park, located within the beautiful and historic Little Miami River valley, has been designated as a federal and state scenic river. It is protected because of its water quality, panoramic setting, and the many historic sites that can be found along its banks. The historic City of Loveland has become the gateway to the linear park trail that meanders 50 miles along the river valley, a popular destination for cyclists, paddlers, and hikers. 

    It is not surprising that Loveland’s business community welcomes the opportunity to accommodate out-of-town visitors to the scenic park by building a parking garage 100 feet from the Little Miami River trail head. Since downtown parking is scarce, such a facility would be convenient for customers frequenting the growing number of restaurants, shops, and businesses that make this charming old town an even greater tourist attraction.

    And yet, what is an asset for some is a liability for others. The residents of Loveland have been given no chance to weigh in on the proposed two-story 270-space garage parking garage in the heart of their town and adjacent to the confluence of two natural waterways, the Little Miami River and the O’Bannon Creek. There is a growing concern among many Loveland residents that such a structure would destroy the very scenic park that attracts tourists in the first place. 

    By law, and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 1547 of the Ohio Revised Code the Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is charged with appointing an Advisory Council representing local interests to assess the ecological viability of building such a structure within reach of the Little Miami State Park. Nevertheless, the City Council of Loveland has proceeded – with zero community input – to apply for millions of dollars in government grants to build the garage behind Loveland’s City Hall.  

    The Little Miami River, in fact, traverses an ecologically vulnerable flood plain. Trail volunteers report their never-ending battle of keeping the trail free of conditions that cause flooding on parts of the trail-clogged culverts, erosion caused by bridge embankments, adjacent developments, and other obstacles that interrupt the flow of water away from the trail surface. Even a few inches of rainfall can cause permanent flood damage. With the ground’s inability to absorb or impede the flow of water, the consequences can be disastrous. And yet, no data-driven environmental impact studies have been done to date.  

    Mature trees – vital for maintaining the permeability of the forest soils and preventing erosion and flooding – will need to be cut down to make room for this imposing concrete structure. Have wet weather studies been done to assess the impacts of increased stormwater runoff from the bulldozed ground, demolished building and asphalt surfaces, or the discharge from the requisite catch basins and storm sewer pipes needed to manage stormwater overflows? What would be the measure of air pollution due to increased particulate matter as well as increased noise pollution? Have any of these environmental concerns have been addressed?

    Communities that dwell within natural watersheds have the legal right to participate in constructive dialogue and debate on matters that put the health, biodiversity, and safety of the ecosystem in which they live at risk. Loveland City Council must hold a public hearing before it takes a vote on the proposed downtown parking garage. Addressing the parking situation in this unique town should rightfully include all stakeholders in the discussion. 

  • [W/Video] Rally at City Hall informs and asks questions about proposed parking garage

    [W/Video] Rally at City Hall informs and asks questions about proposed parking garage

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – An estimated 16 people gathered in front of Loveland’s City Hall at 1 PM on Saturday and spread out through the streets of the Historic District and along the Loveland Bike Trail. They were gathering signatures on a petition and in general educating the public about their concerns about a parking garage that is proposed for the Historic District. They expressed that they want to preserve the existing character and ambiance of the downtown area and the Loveland Bike Trail. Opinions were also expressed about protecting the Little Miami River watershed, including O’Bannon Creek that enters the Little Miami in downtown.

    Those who rallied Saturday are questioning the cost of the proposed garage, the need for studies such as an environmental impact study, parking research, and even the need for a garage. They want “data” about what they say is the costliest municipal project in the history of the City.

    Organizer, Lauren Enda told Loveland Magazine on Monday that she obtained 75 new signatures on a petition adding to the 129 signatures she has gathered from an online petition she created.

    Those who gathered are asking the city council to engage with the public before building a parking garage in historic downtown Loveland and ultimately having the question put on the ballot so residents could vote it up or down.

    Loveland Magazine sent an email to all council members and City Manager Dave Kennedy on Sunday morning seeking comment on the rally. Only Councilmembers Tim Butler and Kip Ping responded. You can read the full text of their responses below.

    Enda said on Monday, “We are not saying, ‘no garage’ only that the proposal should be studied from many angles, and then letting residents vote.”

    Tim Butler response:

    I support the right of the citizens of Loveland under the First Amendment to peacefully assemble and express their position about an important issue such as the proposed Parking Garage. I respect their passion for the City of Loveland. I also support many of their specific points and oppose the construction of the Parking Garage. I urge my fellow Members of City Council to listen to the citizens of Loveland and carefully, completely and thoughtfully address our citizens’ concerns before moving forward any further with this project. 

I believe the referendum process should be used sparingly. However, with the intense feelings on both sides of the issue and the potential impact of the construction of this project, a referendum to gauge the public’s support or opposition to this project, before Council authorizes construction and our taxpayers are responsible for subsidizing and paying off the Garage for a generation, is appropriate.

    Kip Ping response:

    This issue cannot be looked at simply as an “are you for it or against it” sort of issue.  There are too many facets to make it that simplistic since a few tweaks one way or another could shift opinions.  As opponents have stated, there are considerations to be made with regard to cost and environmental impacts.  Proponents would note considerations with regard to supporting downtown patrons, helping traffic congestion (i.e. those circling looking for parking), and making it possible for local businesses to have parking reasonably close to their establishments.  All of these are worthy of due consideration.

Council is listening to those that have varied views on the parking garage.  We have heard in open forum from a few people that have come both in favor of and opposed to the parking garage. 

Walking neighborhoods last fall during the election champaign I had an opportunity to hear from many residents, the majority of whom either didn’t have interest in the downtown parking issue or asked why the garage had not been started yet.  The Sierra Club and CROW both reached out to council members via email, and I responded to each with the intent of promoting dialog with them on their concerns.    

Council is working toward improving the parking and traffic issues downtown and is not deaf to the opinions that have been shared and will be shared at future opportunities.  As already written, it is a multi-faceted issue which calls for a balanced and best solution – the project needs to be fiscally sound, environmentally respectful, aesthetic, etc.  There will, no doubt, be some that will be unhappy with the final resolution (perhaps even on both sides of the issue), but that is obviously the unfortunate necessity when there are honest differences of opinion on any issue.
  • Rain closes Loveland roads

    Rain closes Loveland roads

    The Little Miami River at 9:15 PM at the Loveland Canoe and Kayak

    Loveland, Ohio (9:14 PM) – Heavy rain has caused the Little Miami River to overflow onto Karl Brown Way, East Broadway, East Kemper Road, and Cones Road.

    The National Weather Service is now reporting higher than the previously expected crest of the river, now at nearly 19′ in Milford, before the river level begins to fall tomorrow. The flood stage in Milford is 17′.

    The other nearest measuring station is at Kings Mills and there it is predicted to reach 18.5′, also higher than previously predicted only a few hours ago.

  • Little Miami expected to reach “Minor Flooding” stage

    Little Miami expected to reach “Minor Flooding” stage

    The graph above is from the National Weather Service depicting potential river levels around the Kings Mills area.

    The National Weather Service predicts that today’s rain will cause the Little Miami River to reach “Minor Flooding” levels tonight.

    At the Kings Mills monitoring location it is predicted there will be flooding of lowland areas occurring from South Lebanon to Foster. Portions of Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road will also flood, as well as Stubbs Mills Road near the river, including Front Street in Morrow floods.

    Lowland flooding is possible along the Little Miami River in Clermont and Hamilton Counties, with flooding of Karl Brown Way near Loveland.

    The river is expected to crest near 17′ at Kings Mills and 16.5′ in Milford.

    FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for East Central Indiana,
Southeast Indiana, Central Ohio, Southwest Ohio and West Central
Ohio.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

A rapid freeze-up is possible tonight as temperatures drop quickly
below freezing.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Lingering high water may cause flooding to persist Friday and into
this weekend, even after the heavy rain ends.
    Weather Forecast
    This Afternoon
    Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 60. South wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
    Tonight
    Rain and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain between 11pm and midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 10 to 18 mph becoming north in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
    Friday
    Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
    Friday Night
    Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph.
  • Ramsey Paxton Cemetery improvements still ongoing and wrapping it up in 2022 with a dedication date May 7, 2022

    Ramsey Paxton Cemetery improvements still ongoing and wrapping it up in 2022 with a dedication date May 7, 2022

    by Rob Geiger

    In the last year, it has been a challenging time with serious health diagnoses, treatment, and the looming concerns regarding Covid. Plans were slowed down but our pioneer blood kept forging ahead keeping progress moving ahead. 

    We are winding up the capital improvements to the cemetery and it’s hard to believe the capital fundraising started in 2018 with two big line items completed in 2019 – removal of the dead and dying trees, the old rusted fence, installing the beautiful black aluminum fence, the installation of the one of a kind wrought iron gates in 2020 and two new headstones installed for Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton and Capt. John Ramsey. 

    This past year, 2021, Riverview Monuments came through with their commitment and supplied the cemetery with beautiful black granite remembrance markers for the unknown graves within the confines of the cemetery. Riverview Monuments also sandblasted the death date of Minerva Arbuckle Ramsey on her headstone and is currently working with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Clough Valley Chapter which commissioned bronze plaques to the matching black granite used for the remembrance markers to mark LT. Col. Thomas Paxton and his daughter Isabella Paxton Ramsey’s grave. The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is also coming up with their own marker for Captain John Ramsey to be installed in the cemetery. 

    We still could not find a local landscape company to even return phone calls to work on the grounds by leveling it out, planting grass seed, and providing grass management. Hopefully, we can find a company to provide this service in the early fall of 2022. 

    We are looking for volunteers to sand the flagpole and paint or donate a new flag pole in the month of April, 2022. 

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association appreciates everyone that made this project a success! We could not even accomplish this task without some very key and instrumental partnerships. A huge “Thank You” to Loveland Magazine-our Media Sponsor, City of Loveland, Rainey Tree Service, Eads Fence Company, Loveland Legacy Foundation, Paxton’s Grill, Ramsey’s Trailside, and Riverview Monuments.    

    With the work coming to the end, we are pleased to announce the dedication of the cemetery in 2022. Please save the date: Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 1 PM at the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery across from 185 Ramsey Court, Loveland, Ohio. We will have more information in the next couple of weeks. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate Loveland’s heritage along with the families of Paxton and Ramsey.

    For the ones that are not familiar with the historically significant of this cemetery the biography of Paxton and Ramsey are as follows:

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery originated in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, a Revolutionary War Soldier, on land that he received for his military service. Paxton’s original land grant was 1,100 acres generally speaking the Northwest section of Clermont County. In 1795 Paxton and his sons-in-law came to settle the land and a year later sent for their wives and children to join them in their new home. 

    Lt. Col. Paxton (1739-1813) served with George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 and with General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland. Paxton’s involvement is quite extensive helping Lytle with surveying lands in Clermont County down to parts of today’s community of Hyde Park, having the first polling place in Clermont County, and helping with the statehood of Ohio.

    Captain John Ramsey, a son-in-law, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, along with other family members until 1913. Captain John Ramsey (1764-1847) was a Revolutionary War Patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County with other family members. He was considered a proficient hunter even though his leg was amputated as a result of carrying out military duties.