News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
Loveland, Ohio – The annual Independence Day parade will depart the 
campus of the Loveland Primary/Elementary schools at 7 PM heading up Loveland Madeira Road to the West Loveland Historic District, crossing over the State and National Scenic Little Miami River, and ending in Historic Downtown.
There will be a festival in the Historic District starting at 4 PM.
Fireworks will be launched over the river beginning at 10 PM
Loveland, Ohio – East Kemper Road will be closed for two (2) hours on Thursday to accommodate concrete trucks at the project site where road repairs are being made. The time frame will be from Noon to 2 PM according to City Manager Dave Kennedy.
Detour signs will be installed to re-direct traffic.
Due to the need to make emergency road repairs along near 278 East Kemper Road and the corporation limits, the roadway was reduced to one lane on Monday, June 25th. The complete construction job will last approximately two weeks.
The roadway has failed because of erosion on the bank of the Little Miami River.
Several sites in Ohio are poised to join the extremely prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, with more than 1000 other properties around the globe, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and Stonehenge. World Heritage inscription is based on stringent criteria, and signifies outstanding universal value to humanity. Making the list helps ensure a site’s permanent preservation, enhanced understanding, deeper appreciation, and increased tourism.
Oregonia, Ohio, Warren County, Ohio – The Ohio House and Senate passed identical resolutions supporting a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site nomination for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks at Ft. Ancient.
Also included in the nomination are the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, located in, Ross County, and Licking County They are described as being the epicenter of a vibrant American Indian culture that lived in Ohio approximately 2,000 years ago.
These sites were ceremonial and social centers, characterized by enormous earthwork constructions that feature precise geometric shapes, standard units of measure, accurate alignments to the rising and setting of the sun and moon, and deposits of artifacts of exceptional artistic merit crafted from exotic raw materials obtained from as far away as the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Rocky Mountains.
The Ohio sites are currently listed as National Historic Landmarks and are owned and managed by the Ohio History Connection. Read more about the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.
Three nominations in Ohio are among 20 currently on the “US Tentative List” from which nominees will be drawn to go forward for inscription in the coming years. Efforts are now underway to prepare the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks to go forward; while Serpent Mound and the Dayton Aviation Sites will follow afterwards.
Ft. Ancient is a short drive up I-71 or U.S. 22 along the eastern shore of the Little Miami River. The site and museum are at 6123 St. Rt. 350 in Oregonia. 513–932–4421 or 1–800–283–8904.
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May 31 – June 3Riverside Park American Legion Ground and Riverside Park, 450 Victor Stier Dr, Milford, Ohio 45150
The City of Milford will be celebrating with Frontier Days Inc. the 56th Annual Frontier Days Parade and Festival May 31 through June 3. The festival is located along the banks of the Little Miami River.
The Frontier Days Committee is excited to bring back Milford’s hometown parade and festival that has been taking place for 56 years. This is one of Clermont County’s oldest parades.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Milford Head Football Coach, Tom Grippa. This year’s parade theme is “Fly Like An Eagle”. The Parade begins at 746 Lila Ave and ends at Main and Locust Street in Historic Milford. Cash Prizes for Float entries. Best Themed and Judges Choice.
The Festival will have Live Music each night from 8-12 PM, featuring The Mondays on Thursday, Nick Netherton on Friday, and Naked Karate Girls on Saturday.
The ever popular, Frontier Days Annual Frog Jumping Contest, will take Saturday at 1:30 PM sponsored by All About Kids, Wards Corner. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. And returning this year will be the Decorated Bike Parade on Sunday. Prizes will be awarded.
Please join us for lots of great food, live music and rides. For more information please visit www.frontierdaysmilford.com or on Facebook.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In reaction to this editorial, City Council voted on Tuesday, April 24 to have a public hearing on this proposal during the City Council meeting of May 9.
It’s past time City Hall start a dialogue with those most affected
by David Miller, Publisher
It’s just my opinion, but I believe City Hall should start talking to people about this before it gets so far along people will need 1.6 million dollars worth of arguments against it. Once City Hall gets the funding for what they will describe as “Free Money” it will be extremely hard to turn council members to “No” votes. Residents should be given a fighting chance.
As the equivalent of a one-lane asphalt road that will cozy within feet of the front doors of homes and businesses in the West Loveland Historic District and along Loveland Madeira Road, and City Hall moves closer to securing funding, property, and homeowners have yet been asked their opinion. Almost all do not yet know the proposal has already been partially funded by Hamilton County and the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Council of Governments has committed their resources to finding 80 percent of the $1,623,000 and growing price tag for construction.
Some front porches would have to be removed to accommodate the 12’ wide asphalt bicycle road. The road will be reduced to 10’ wide only where construction proves difficult.
As the City Hall proposal gets yet more expensive and closer to fruition there is still no initiative from the Council table to ask the thoughts and suggestions of citizens, home-owners, affected businesses, property owners, or pertinent City Commissions and Committees.
As the City Hall proposal gets yet more expensive and closer to fruition there is still no initiative from the Council table to ask the thoughts and suggestions of citizens, home-owners, affected businesses, property owners, or pertinent City Commissions and Committees.
One property and business owner along the proposed route wrote to City Hall. Paul Elliott said, “I am under the impression that such a proposal ‘has legs’, and city officials are even seeking funding sources. First, as a taxpaying resident and longtime business/property owner on West Loveland Avenue, I am disappointed that no city official has approached either the public in general nor us property owners who may be affected by such a bike corridor.”
The project, called the Loveland Connector Trail, will be approximately 1.4 miles long and will begin at the Deer Ridge II Apartments being built next to New Hope Baptist Church. It will continue along Loveland Madeira Road to Main Street, to the southern part of Wall Street, then to West Loveland Avenue, crossing over the Little Miami River at the Col. Paxton Bridge ending in Historic Downtown.
“I am disappointed that no city official has approached either the public in general nor us property owners who may be affected by such a bike corridor.” – Resident and affected business owner, Paul Elliott.
The goal and impetus for the project are to reduce congested parking in the Downtown Historic District by encouraging Loveland Bike Trail users to park somewhere along the new bike road and ride their bikes into Historic Downtown.
City Manager, Dave Kennedy announced in February that he was confident he will find 80% of the $1,623,000 cost from the Federal Government. He has since announced changes that will raise the price tag an undetermined amount.
The study does not contain any data on the potential number of users, nor potential customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses. The study also does not address any repercussions on the residential neighborhood of Main Street or the Business/Residential neighborhood on West Loveland Avenue. For instance, it does not address future maintenance or whether property owners will be responsible for snow and ice removal on a path that replaces their current sidewalks. It’s right to ask when residents are left without sidewalks, “When will the bike road be cleared of snow? Who will do it, with what type of equipment, and when will it happen?”
A close look at what is described as a “Detailed Cost Estimate” appears to be grossly underestimated in terms of things that are absent consideration such as acquiring private property, relocating business signs, and replacing private parking,
Light colored 4′ tree-shaded concrete sidewalks where children can walk without shoes, and people walk their dogs will be replaced with a 12’ barren swath of black, heat-absorbing asphalt the width of a one-lane road just feet from homes.
Light colored 4′ tree-shaded concrete sidewalks where children can walk without shoes, and people walk their dogs will be replaced with a 12’ barren swath of black, heat-absorbing asphalt the width of a one-lane road just feet from homes where owners will pay higher air-conditioning costs.
There has been no recommendation to forward the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Tree and Environment Committee, Beautification Committee, or Safety Service & Street Improvement Committee for review. No public hearings are scheduled. None have been suggested.
Phelps and City Manager Dave Kennedy have attended workshop/training on a Federal grant program along with a meeting with OKI officials to discuss the city’s project in more detail. While the updated cost estimate is being secured, the grant application is being reviewed and various needed documents are prepared. They plan to ask City Council in May to move forward seeking funding.
Phelps said that people who are using the bike trail are using too many of the downtown parking spots and using them for too long a period of time. “This is going to give them another place to get on the trail, better parking, easier on and off.” He believes the bike road will bring in new customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses when they park nearby but head into Historic Downtown. The study does not contain any data on the potential number of users, nor potential customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses. The study also does not address any potential negative repercussions on the residential neighborhood of Main Street or the Business/Residential neighborhood on West Loveland Avenue.
Some “Progressives” may love the idea, some may like it but believe it ill-considered given the impact on individuals who live or have invested in the impacted area. Some money conservatives may believe it an economic boon to both the Historic District and Loveland Madeira Road. Some money crunchers may ask, where is the cost-benefit analysis and just how many people will actually use it and spend money along Loveland Madeira Road. Some may ask if all costs factors have been included in the early estimate and if the price tag goes north after a grant is awarded – who will get stuck.
Elliott said his email to City Hall, that included the City Manager, Mayor and Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Recreation Commission, and the Streets and Public Safety Committee was his attempt to open a dialogue between the decision makers, and those “of us” who will be financially and personally affected.
You can DOWNLOAD the full report HERE: Loveland Collector Trail Feasibility Study
Affectionately called the “Loveland Bike Trail” it is the Little Miami State Park and it is 70 miles long with connections to well over 100 miles.
Walk, bicycle, run, canoe, kayak, swim, eat and drink along the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.
Free parking, picnic tables, rest rooms, easy access, coffee, ice cream shops, restaurants and entertainment have made Loveland, Milford, Newtown, Miami Township & Lebanon excellent staging areas.
Loveland, Ohio – East Kemper Road near the 10098 block (Northeast of Victor Avenue) is currently closed to traffic because of rising waters from the Little Miami River.
Karl Brown Way and E. Broadway in Historic Downtown are currently open, however will certainly close because of the rapidly rising water.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a “Flood Warning” that is in effect from April 3, 1:47 PM EDT until April 4, 4:15 PM EDT.
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wilmington OH 1031 AM EDT Tue Apr 3 2018 INZ073>075-080-KYZ089>100-OHZ077>082-088-041445- Ripley-Dearborn-Ohio-Switzerland-Carroll-Gallatin-Boone-Kenton- Campbell-Owen-Grant-Pendleton-Bracken-Robertson-Mason-Lewis-Hamilton- Clermont-Brown-Highland-Adams-Pike-Scioto- 1031 AM EDT Tue Apr 3 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Southeast Indiana, Northeast Kentucky, Northern Kentucky, South Central Ohio and Southwest Ohio. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Wind gusts to 35 MPH will be possible this afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening, and some severe storms are expected. These storms will be capable of producing damaging wind, large hail, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall. The most likely timing for severe weather will be between 5PM and 2AM. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Wind gusts of 30-35 MPH will be possible early Wednesday morning.
Loveland, Ohio – This drone video was taken this morning of the flooding of the Little Miami River by Anthony Contini around 9:45 AM.
Video and Photo credits go to Campaign Hawks – Aerial Photography and Drone Inspections
![[Photo Album] Minor flooding closes Cones Road, East Kemper Road, and Karl Brown/East Broadway](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Loveland-Flooding-2-25-2018-18.jpg)
One driver drove his Jeep into the flood waters in the 300 block of East Kemper Road and the occupants had to swim to safety. The automobile remained almost completely submerged overnight and the driver was cited by the Loveland Police because he ignored “Road Closed” signs.
KASICH ISSUES EMERGENCY DECLARATION TO SUPPORT 17 COUNTIES IMPACTED BY FLOODING ALONG OHIO RIVER
Loveland, Ohio – By 7:30 AM the Little Miami River had already crested overnight and begun falling by about 2 feet. Minor flooding was observed in low-lying areas. Cones Road, East Kemper Road, and Karl Brown/East Broadway roads remain closed to traffic.
These photos were taken between 7:30 and 8:30 AM Sunday morning.
KASICH ISSUES EMERGENCY DECLARATION TO SUPPORT 17 COUNTIES IMPACTED BY FLOODING ALONG OHIO RIVER
Declaration Includes Activating National Guard; With Worsening Conditions Ahead, Additional Counties Will Be Added to Emergency Declaration as Needed
COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich issued an emergency declaration for 17 counties along the Ohio River and in southern Ohio due to dangerous conditions resulting from severe storms and heavy rain. An emergency declaration allows the governor to use state resources, including activating the National Guard, to help local officials keep Ohioans safe.
Impacted counties include Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Clermont, Columbiana, Gallia, Hamilton, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Monroe, Meigs, Muskingum, Scioto and Washington.
“Ohioans do a good job of looking out for each other and we’re doing it again now also. Teams at the local level are hard at work and state teams have been coordinating with them and supporting them over the past week. As the weather and flooding is expected to get worse we’re staying ahead of things by taking our readiness up to the next level and declaring an emergency where we expect the worst conditions. We’ll quickly add to those areas as it’s needed. I urge people to stay safe by staying informed, not taking any chances and checking in on your neighbors, especially seniors and families with young kids. Call your local city, county or Red Cross if there’s anyone who needs help. We’ll get through this as we always do, by working together,” said Kasich.
A copy of Kasich’s declaration is available HERE.
So far, Ohio storm and flood preparation efforts include deploying National Guard troops in response to local requests to help install floodgates along floodwalls. Other efforts include:
The Little Miami River went above flood stage in Milford at 7:30 PM Friday evening. The National Weather Service reported the river at 17.8 feet. Flood level is 17 feet. The level is virtually the same at the Kings Mills recording station. There is no measuring gague in Loveland.