LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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  • Auditor of State’s criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District

    Auditor of State’s criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District

    There was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges

    (Read the District’s public response at the end of this story)

    Loveland, Ohio – The Special Investigations Unit of the Ohio Auditor of State has released the results of a criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District based on “improper spending of public funds”. The investigation began in March 2020, after receiving complaints from a District resident. It was alleged that the District used operating funds in support of a levy campaign. After reviewing information from interviews and preliminary examination of records, a special audit was undertaken by the Auditor.

    Background:

    Dr. Amy Crouse was Superintendent during this time and Kevin Hawley was the Treasurer. The Board President was Art Jarvis; also on the Board at the time was Eileen Washburn, Ned Portune, Michele Pettit, and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz.

    The District engaged in two one-year contracts with Allerton Hill Consulting (AHC), dated March 20, 2018 and March 19, 2019, to “assist with its communication needs and provide a strategic communication marketing and outreach plan”.

    The first contract, costing $73,000, included an agreement that AHC would conduct a “satisfaction” survey using a third-party pollster. A second contract cost $60,000 as it did not include an agreement that AHC would conduct a survey.

    The District summarily canceled the second contract on November 22, 2019. Among the objectives contained within each of these contracts, was a goal to “offer high-quality, long-term, strategic communications, marketing and outreach plan so the District is successful in future public initiatives”.

    “This intimates services provided to aid the passage of a tax levy”, according to the Auditor’s report.

    While there was no levy issue during the first contract period, the District did seek to pass ballot initiatives in both November 2019 and March 2020.

    The 2019 ballot initiative was to pursue a 16.78-mill combined operating and permanent improvement/bond levy including buying approximately 110-acres of land – part of a property known as Grailville. Proposed was a new campus at Grailville for all Pre-K through fifth-grade students and other District wide facility improvements.

    Pursuant to the initial AHC Contract, Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. (Fallon) was hired to conduct a survey in May 2018 of 303 randomly selected residents of the District. This contract cost $13,000 and was inadvertently paid twice by the District: once as part of the AHC contract and a second time directly to Fallon, resulting in a double-payment.

    Additionally, the District subsequently hired Fallon to conduct a survey in March 2019 of 301 registered voters at a cost of $15,000. The first survey contained two general questions regarding how the District spends funds received from tax payers, while the second survey contained three questions that appeared to the investigators “partially designed to aid in the passage of a levy”. These questions provided different funding scenarios with detailed millage options to gauge the likelihood of community support if placed on the ballot.

    Findings

    Based on the special audit procedures and investigation, the Auditor of State confirmed noncompliance as well as a double-payment of survey costs by the District.

    The audit report said, “We issued $13,000 in a finding for recovery for illegally spent funds as well as a management recommendation related to noncompliance regarding contracts partially advocating for the passage of a levy”

    The full details of the finding for recovery and management recommendation are located in the Appendix below.

    Prosecution

    At the conclusion of the special audit and investigation, the special audit results were reviewed by an Auditor of State attorney, who determined there was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges.

    ______________

    Loveland City School District’s public response

    Joint Statement regarding Ohio Auditor of State finding

    “Loveland City School District fully cooperated with the Auditor of State’s office and appreciates their work to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and district processes. The investigation relates to actions taken nearly six years ago under previous district leadership,” Loveland City School District Board of Education President Jonathan Eilert stated.

    “The current board and administration have reviewed and discussed the statutory requirements surrounding levies to mitigate future issues. I appreciate the Auditor of State resolving this matter with no penalties towards the district or the previous leadership,” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.

    “The payment in question was resolved, to the district’s benefit, nearly three years ago.  The district has put into place processes and software to protect against errant payments and remains committed to fiscal responsibility,” Treasurer John Espy said.

  • Loveland High School teacher Steve Kenyon (1971-2024)

    Loveland High School teacher Steve Kenyon (1971-2024)

    Loveland, Ohio – A gathering to remember the life of Loveland High School math teach Steve Kenyon will be held in the Loveland High School gym on Wednesday, May 15. The ceremony will begin at 6 PM.

    Kenyon was a Loveland High School math teacher, baseball coach, Loveland graduate, and long-time Loveland community member. He passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, after a sudden medical event.

    Services and internment will both be held privately.

    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The Steve Kenyon Memorial Scholarship, C/O Loveland Schools Foundation; 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140, or by using this link https://secure.anedot.com/loveland-schools-foundation-oh/kenyon.

    If any students or staff need support during this time, the District said they can reach out to their building principal, school counselor, or school psychologist.

    The event will be closed to the media at the request of the family.

    Steve Kenyon Obituary

    Stephen E. “Steve” Kenyon Jr., of Loveland, OH, born on September 20, 1971 in Lakewood, OH. Passed away suddenly on May 5, 2024 at the age of 52. Survived by his wife Dana (nee Hoffmann) Kenyon of 27 years. Loving father of Jaylin Madison Kenyon and Olivia Michelle Kenyon. Dear son of Mary Ann (Mike May) Kenyon and the late Stephen E. Kenyon Sr. Cherished brother of Christopher (Chrissie) Kenyon. Brother in law of Aimee (Dirk) Byerman, Sara (Scott) Hamey and Katie (Rick) Hayden. Also survived by nieces and nephews; Brittany (Mike Sullivan) Kenyon, Danielle (Luke) Waddell, Marisa Kenyon, Ben Byerman, Adam Byerman, Isabella Hamey, Alexa Hayden, Braxton Hayden and survived by a great niece Brooklyn McNamara. Son in law of Pamela Hoffmann and the late Ronald Hoffmann.

    Steve was a beloved Loveland High School math teacher, baseball coach, Loveland graduate and long time Loveland community member.  Through his passing Steve’s legacy will continue with his life-saving gift of organ and tissue donation.

    Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

    A public Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6 PM at Loveland High School, 1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, OH 45140.

    The interment will be privately held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Montgomery, OH.

    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The Steve Kenyon Memorial Scholarship, C/O Loveland Schools Foundation; 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140 or by using this link https://secure.anedot.com/loveland-schools-foundation-oh/kenyon

  • Please join us for our annual SYMMETRY event

    Please join us for our annual SYMMETRY event

    Loveland, Ohio – Join us for a Women’s Networking Luncheon where dynamic women come together to exchange insights and strategies for navigating both career and personal life, while building meaningful connections in our community.

    The Event Includes:
    Luncheon, Shopping Expo – vendor tables available, Keynote Speaker, Networking, Swag Bag, Prizes, Dessert provided by a local business, Bra Fittings, Headshots, Free chair massages!

    It is also a great way to network with area executives!

    Register

    Keynote Speaker: Karen Forgus, Chief Communications & Commmunity Officer, Cincinnati Reds

    Karen Forgus is a native Cincinnatian and lifelong Reds fan who is in her 18th season with the organization, joining in December 2006 as Vice President of Marketing and Communications, then serving as Senior Vice President of Business Operations before her current role as Chief Communications and Community Officer. She and Phil Castellini are the Reds lead- liaisons for civic, community, and non-profit relationships, including those involving Major League Baseball.

    In 2014, Karen was selected as a “Game Changer” by Sports Business Journal. The honor is presented annually to recognize women who are having a major impact in sports business.

    Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton. Her daughters Rachel, Leah and Hope carry the same love of Reds baseball that began with Karen’s parents, Bob, and Jean Kraft.

    Guest Emcee: Kate Harden, Owner, The 1859 Historic ChapelKate is the founder and owner of The 1859 Historic Loveland Chapel wedding and event venue.  Prior to launching The 1859 venue, Kate worked in the medical community as a physician assistant since 1999. In 2021 She dreamed of developing a place where special moments would be had, and memories would be made.  The 1859 launched in November of 2021 and has grown into a thriving venue earning recognition on local and national levels.

    In 2023, Kate was selected as Woman owned business of the year by the Little Miami Chamber alliance. The honor is presented annually to recognize women who are having an impact in business. The 1859 has been awarded The Best of Knot and Couples Choice awards in 2022 and 2023.  Most recently, The 1859 has been awarded The 2024 City of Loveland Business Enhancement Award.

    Kate holds a Bachelor of Science and Physician Assistant degree from Trevecca University. She and her husband Shane are blessed with 3 wonderful grown children, Gabriel, Isaac and Eden.

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    Presenting Sponsor:

    Lead Sponsor:

  • The 411 on Loveland’s Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

    The 411 on Loveland’s Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

    The ceremony will feature a speech by Colonel J Scott Calder

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony will be Monday, May 27. The event will start with a parade at 9 AM that starts from the Loveland Elementary School at 600 Loveland-Madeira Road and go to the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial at the intersection of West Loveland Avenue and Riverside Drive. Roads will be closed approx. 8:45 until 10:15 AM.

    The Loveland Veterans’ Memorial is at the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Riverside in the West Loveland Historic District. (File photo by David Miller 2019)

    Immediately following the parade, a ceremony will be held at the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial.

    The ceremony will feature a speech by Colonel J Scott Calder, a Loveland High School grad with a long career in the US Air Force Medical Services.

    In 2018, Lawrence E. Hamilton, Jr., J. Scott Calder, and Kevin W. Taylor were honored as Distinguished Alumni by the Loveland Schools Foundation. (Loveland Magazine file photo)

    The Loveland Veterans’ Memorial is at the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Riverside in the West Loveland Historic District. (File photo by David Miller)
    If you or your organization want to participate in the parade you can register online: https://loom.ly/bql_3Jo.
  • Three women with Loveland connections are among 20 finalists for Upstander Awards

    Three women with Loveland connections are among 20 finalists for Upstander Awards

    Loveland, Ohio – Three women with Loveland connections are among 20 finalists for the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center’s Upstander Awards. Out of hundreds of nominees, the finalists were selected for their “outstanding contributions to the community”.

    The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center was created to carry on the stories and lessons of one of the darkest chapters in human history. Rooted in this educational mission is a vision to create an entire community of upstanders — “high-minded, everyday heroes who act because they refuse to be bystanders”.

    The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has announced the finalists of the 2024 Upstander Awards, which recognize individuals in the region “who use their character strengths to stand up for themselves and others — pursuing justice, both great and small, and inspiring others to do the same”.

    1. Tori Morrison created the Ben Morrison Fund after her wonderful son Ben lost his battle with mental health. To erase the stigma of pain and struggles with mental health, Tori created the nonprofit to fight for and support others who are going through similar battles.

    2) Evangeline DeVol founded NEST CLC, a non-profit that addresses educational and nutritional needs among low-income students through mobile classrooms in RVs, providing tutoring, meals, and activities. Beyond her work with NEST CLC, she serves on the board of the Varner Foundation for Kids, supports foster and kinship care families with necessary resources, and is actively involved in initiatives to tackle sex trafficking.

    3) Trinity Mahan Walsh graduated from Loveland High School in 1994 and in 2018 was named the Kentucky high school counselor of year. Walsh is a Adjunct Professor at Thomas More University, Coordinator of Early Postsecondary Opportunities, Regional Advisor at Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, and Co-founder, Director at Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students in Education. Amidst the social upheavals of 2020, Elise Carter, the sole Black educator in her district, and her colleague Trinity Walsh started a groundbreaking initiative to address societal issues through education. Despite facing community backlash and legislative challenges, they founded Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students in Education (NISE), a nonprofit that conducts inclusive and critical thinking education for students and adults across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, promoting understanding and empathy.

    The winners will be announced at the Upstander Awards Gala on June 2 at Union Terminal, featuring Debra Messing, an Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, and social justice & human rights advocate. Read more about her work and advocacy here.

    The finalists include:

    • Tori Morrison
    • Rosemary Oglesby-Henry
    • Toilynn Turner
    • Lamont Ragan
    • Galadriel Stamm
    • Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland
    • Carter Pittman
    • Tyra Patterson
    • Emily and Mark Kendall
    • Martha Stephens
    • Cedric Cox
    • Barth Johnson and Robert Singleton
    • Evangeline DeVol
    • Kimberly Huckleby
    • Terrisenia Denham
    • Gabriel Fletcher
    • Mary Beth Knight
    • Emelia Luce
    • Karen Gibbs
    • Elise Carter & Trinity Walsh
    • David Morse
    • Sister Nancy Linenkugel
    • Steven Anderson
    • Kevin Schweiger

    For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cincyupstander.org.

    ABOUT THE NANCY & HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER

    The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC impacts more than 2.5 million people every year through digital and in-person events, museum tours, educational experiences, social media, and virtual content. From Australia to India, individuals from more than 25 countries and 30 states engage with our mission. For more information, visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org.

  • Loveland Bike Trail bridge now open

    Loveland Bike Trail bridge now open

    Loveland, Ohio – The new bridge over O’Bannon Creek in Historic Downtown on the Loveland Bike Trail is now open.

  • Elly De La Cruz Makes History For The Reds

    Elly De La Cruz Makes History For The Reds

    Elly De La Cruz with a young fan at this year’s Reds Fest

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – Baseball is America’s pastime, and its records stretch back more than a century. And so when such records are broken, it means just a little bit more as compared to any of the other major American sports. This is why when fans read what Elly De La Cruz has accomplished these past few weeks, it makes it all the more impressive.

    With his monster April, Elly is now the only player since at least 1901 with at least 8 home runs and 17 steals in a calendar month. Oh by the way he also uncorked a throw to first at a jaw dropping 106.9 miles per hour. When he struggled at the beginning of the season Reds fans questioned whether De La Cruz had the focus and discipline necessary to make it at the major league level. Those criticisms are much quieter now given all that he has accomplished and how it seems that he has carried this team given the struggles or absence of other very important Reds players.

    The other important point to consider for De La Cruz is how his game has improved just over the course of the early part of the season. He’s cut his strikeout rate from 50 percent to 30 percent and increased his walk rate up to around 15 percent when it had been as low as 5 percent. Though Elly’s other hitting numbers may pop off the page a bit more, the evolution of his plate discipline is what makes those numbers possible.

    His offense isn’t the only thing getting better. It was difficult to watch Elly muff routine ground balls or sail easy throws during the first few games of the season. But that all seems like a distant memory, far in the rear view, as we watch him play now. His defense has greatly improved and, while still raw at times, is something he’s clearly refining at one of the most physically demanding positions in defensive baseball.

    Though it is only his first full season at this level, Elly has clearly shown that he has all the tools necessary to be a star in Major League Baseball not just years firm the road, but right this very moment. The future is now for Elly and the Reds and we are all privileged to watch.

    On another important note for the Reds, perhaps Jeimer Candelario is beginning to slowly turn things around. Against the Padres on Tuesday night he had two more hits including a solo homer, albeit in a losing effort. After posting some of the worst metrics of his career, Candelario has two multi hit games in a row and broke an 0-19 slump. If he starts to produce at even average levels it will be a big boost to a ball club fighting and scraping for every win it can get in the ultra competitive National League Central.

     

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • The Bengals Address Key Needs In the 2024 Draft

    The Bengals Address Key Needs In the 2024 Draft

    Amarius Mims photo via Cincinnati Bengals on FaceBook

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2024 Bengals have a clear set of goals entering the upcoming season: keep Joe Burrow upright and keep him healthy. That starts at one key position group: the offensive line. That group has come under intense scrutiny ever since the team took Burrow at the number one pick overall in the 2020 draft. The rate at which he has been sacked has been well documented. In 2021 it was a league high 51 times, and by 2023 he had been sacked the second-most times among all NFL quarterbacks since he entered the league. Burrow’s hits and his injuries are well-known factors league wide, as are the Bengals’ efforts to mitigate that damage and keep their franchise pillar on the field.

    While they have done well bringing in linemen in free agency, signing the likes of Alex Cappa and Ted Karras, it has been a very different story drafting and developing in the trenches. Whether it be Jonah Williams, Cedric Ogbuehi, or (dare we say it), Billy Price, the Bengals have yet to turn their top draft picks along the line into genuine stars that can show they can protect the most important position and player on the field on a consistent basis.

    Amarius Mims photo via Georgia Dogs Roster

    Bengals fans all hope that trend is coming to a close with the pick of Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims. He is an absolute titan of a man, at 6 foot 8 inches and 340 pounds such that it is hard to imagine a freight train being able to get past him. Never mind that he has less than 11% body fat and ran 5.07 in the 40-yard dash, there is simply no question that the physical traits and raw skill are unquestionable when it comes to Mims.

    Those traits and his potential were never in question, but there are some concerns that may prevent him from becoming the Bengals’ right tackle of the future. This issues namely come from his lack of consistent starting experience. He was able to start just eight games over three years at Georgia, and was out for six games last year with an ankle injury. While the injury itself isn’t necessarily one that is thought to impact his career long-term, any malady is magnified a hundredfold when the subject is a first round pick of the impact of a player like Mims. The lack of consistent starting and playing at Georgia means that it will be up to the Bengals staff, namely Frank Pollack, their offensive line coach, to transition Mims into the physically and mentally demanding world that is the National Football League.

    The signing of Trent Brown will undoubtedly help this transition, both from mentorship and timing angles. However, Brown has his own injury issues, as do the Bengals as a team, and there is therefore a significant possibility that Amarius Mims will see significant snaps in 2024. He has all the talent in the world to step in and contribute, it is now on the Bengals and their staff to make sure he is ready to be the tackle all Bengals fans hope he could be.

    As Bengals fans are learning, there simply isn’t enough money to go around when it comes to retaining players we all know and love. This was the case with D.J. Reader who signed a two-year deal with the Lions this past offseason. Reader was a leader and his run-stopping ability could not be denied. Run defense was an area where the team struggled overall last year (they were 26th in the league, allowing 126 yards per game) and losing Reader signaled that problem might only get worse in 2024 and beyond.

    Enter Kris Jenkins. The Bengals selected the Michigan defensive tackle and 2023 National Champion with the 49th pick in the second round of the NFL draft. According to PFF his run-stop percentage ranks in the 99th percentile and it’s hard to imagine a better fit for the Bengals’ needs in round 2 of the draft. When he’s paired with newly-signed Sheldon Rankins, who has a 71.5 pass rush grade and a 10.2 percent pass rush win rate (all very respectable numbers), that tandem could be very dangerous in the years to come, as they complement each other extremely well.

    The Bengals had significant holes to fill coming into 2024, but their first two picks appear well-positioned to address those needs and exceed expectations in the coming seasons. A smart and focused draft now could mean exceptional success during Joe Burrow’s prime years.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • [Video Interview] Cassie Mattia Talks With Autism Awareness Advocate Tim Livelsburger

    [Video Interview] Cassie Mattia Talks With Autism Awareness Advocate Tim Livelsburger

    David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Cassie Mattia invited a very special guest to share his story with the community. Tim Livelsburger is not only advocating for those with Autism within the community, but he is also using his experiences as a learning tool to help those that may be encountering obstacles due to their disability.

    Tim is thriving and wants nothing more than to use his voice to help others with developmental disabilities achieve their goals! He told Cassie what obstacles he overcame, and how he is now exceeding his ultimate goals.

    Cassie, besides being the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine is the Public Relations Coordinator for the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She asked LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV and myself to travel to the BCBDD’s office in Hamilton with our video equipment to help produce the interview and wanted us to share it with you, our faithful Loveland Magazine readers.

    I couldn’t be more thankful to have a business partner with the values of Cassie and that she seeks out someone like Tim to interview, someone who is doing wonderful things within his Autism family and the broader family we all hope to have an impact on. Thank you Tim, Cassie, and the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities for what you are dedicating your life’s work toward; inclusion, understanding, and acceptance of each individual.

    Happy Autism Acceptance Month to each of you and to our readers.

    President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine, Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year.