Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Nisbet Park

  • Seth Mitchell Hero 5K starts October 1st

    Seth Mitchell Hero 5K starts October 1st

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2020 Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K originally scheduled for October 10  is now be a VIRTUAL event taking place throughout the month of October and throughout the world. 

    Our local team of Damien Cook, Marisa Sobb, Mollie Schrichten and Greg Carpinello (recently moved to Portland, OR) have developed an event that should be fun for all. Additionally they have a new website and link to the event.

    To review the Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K please link to: www.sethmitchellhero5k.org.

    Register Now

    All proceeds benefit the Capt. Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship through Loveland Schools Foundation.

    Meet the 2020 Scholarship Winners

    Jordan Collins (above left) is the 2020 recipient and she has a spirit similar to Seth. She was/is involved in many theatrical and musical productions, is a National Honor Society member, volunteers through Mom’s Hope and works part time. Jordan will be paying a large part of her college costs. She has a “do something” attitude, a strong work ethic and knows no stranger, being kind to all. She is not afraid to fail in the pursuit of her dreams and is strong in the face of adversity. She hopes to pursue her theatrical dreams at Syracuse University.

    Caroline Ginder (above right) is the 2020 recipient of the Memorial Scholarship. Caroline was described by one of her references a “being self motivated and goal oriented…and a fine example of caring more about their teammate than herself”. She participated in many school events such as Tiger’s Inc., soccer, NEST and is a National Honor Society member. Caroline will attend Ohio State University where she will pursue medicine. She hopes to someday be a part of Doctors Without Borders. Like Jordan, Caroline is paying a share of her college costs.

    About Seth Mitchell

    Captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009.  Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers.  He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines.

    In other words, Seth was a hero for all.

    We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s high school classmates, who miss our friend and want to keep his memory alive.  We represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship.  As we organize this 5k Race and the scholarship memorial fund, we are motivated by one enduring inspiration: to live each day a little more honorably, kindly, and humbly… just like Seth.

  • 9/11 will be remembered in Loveland Friday evening

    9/11 will be remembered in Loveland Friday evening

    Loveland, Ohio – The murderous 9/11 attack by terrorists against the United States will be remembered this Friday at 8 PM at the Police and Fire Memorial in Historic Downtown.

    Two searchlights will be lit at dusk and a fireworks display will follow the ceremony.

    The Police and Fire Memorial is located at 200 Harrison Avenue, in the same block as Nisbet Park along the Loveland Bike Trail.

    In September of 2004, Vernon Michael, and son Don, place the 9/11 Memorial into the concrete foundation at the Loveland Police and Fire Memorial. Michael’s Pre-Cast Concrete manufactured the pedestal to the design specifications of David Camele (with tape measure). Sitting atop of the concrete base is a distorted and rusty piece of structural steel brought to Loveland from the scrap pile of the World Trade Center. Camele designed the memorial so the steel would “bleed rust” onto the fabricated concrete base. Camele, a Loveland resident also designed the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial in the West Loveland Historic District and the Joy of Youth Statute at the entrance to Loveland High School.

    The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

    The guest speaker is Ret. Lt Bruce Hoffbauer who is the 2020 Republican candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff.

    The evening is hosted by the Loveland Symmes Fire Department.

  • Loveland Bike Trail bridge in Historic Downtown Loveland to close for 3 days

    Loveland Bike Trail bridge in Historic Downtown Loveland to close for 3 days

    Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has notified City Hall that the Loveland Bike Trail bridge over O’Bannon Creek, near Nisbet Park, will be closed for three days to conduct a feasibility study and soil borings for future repairs.

    The closure is expected during the week of July 27th.

  • Caroline Ginder and Jordan Collins Awarded Seth Mitchell 2020 Scholarships!

    Caroline Ginder and Jordan Collins Awarded Seth Mitchell 2020 Scholarships!

    Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Students across Ohio have felt and continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the remainder of the school year canceled as well as graduation and all the fun events that go along with it, many students did not get the opportunity to be a part of their Annual Senior Night missing out on receiving Senior Awards and Scholarships.

    Steve and Connie Mitchell could not bear the thought of not giving out the annual 2020 Seth Mitchell Scholarships to the LHS Senior applicants so they decided to give the scholarships away virtually! The Mitchells usually make an annual visit into town to personally hand out the scholarships on the Senior Award Night.

    Connie and Steve’s, son and decorated war hero, LHS graduate, Captain Seth Mitchell was killed on October 26th, 2009 at age 30 when two helicopters collided while he was supporting combat operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. At the time of tragedy, Captain Mitchell was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and was part of the Marine Corp HMLA 367 Scarface unit. Captain Mitchell piloted an AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter.

    Seth volunteered for the fatal mission.

    If you would like to learn more about Captain Mitchell’s story click on the links below to access Loveland Magazine stories of the past about Mitchell.

    Please join us Saturday – to keep Captain Seth Mitchell’s memory alive

    Why there is a Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K

    In memory of Captain Mitchell both, his family and friends not only hold “The Seth Mitchell Hero 5k” in Downtown Historic Loveland every year, but they also give away “Seth Mitchell” scholarships to two well accomplished LHS Seniors. Below is Steve and Connie Mitchell’s explanation of how the scholarship recipients were selected this year.

    “As you probably guessed we were unable to do personal on-site interviews with our 2020 Seth Mitchell scholarship applicants. However, we summoned help from some younger folks and proceeded with the interviews through Google Hangout,” the Mitchell’s explained,  “Yep, Steve and Connie on Google Hangout. Who’d of thought that? Loveland High School also did not have their annual Senior Night on May 13, so the scholarships were awarded virtually. We had 18 applicants this year and personally interviewed six before awarding two scholarships. Your scholarship committee consisting of Greg Carpinello, Damien Cook, Mollie Schrichten, Marisa Sobb, (all friends of Seth and ’97 LHS graduates) Connie and I, take seriously the process to recruit, interview and select candidates. All the kids were deserving and we are especially proud of the recipients.”

    The $3,500 Let Us Never Forget Seth Mitchell Scholarship was founded by the Mitchell Family and the “Let Us Never Forget Scholarship Foundation.”
    The scholarships are funded by the Seth Mitchell Hero 5K, in which both Seth’s friends and family run, in memory of Seth every year.
    This year the 2020 “virtual” Let Us Never Forget Seth Mitchell Scholarships went to Jordan Collins and Caroline Ginder! Below are the biographies for both scholarship winners provided by the Mitchell’s.
    . 
      .
    Jordan Collins is the 2020 scholarship recipient and she has a spirit similar to Seth.
    She was and still is involved in many theatrical and musical productions. She is a National Honor Society member, volunteers through Mom’s Hope, and works part-time.
    Jordan will be paying a large part of her college costs.
    She has a “do something” attitude, a strong work ethic, and knows no stranger, being kind to all. She is not afraid to fail in the pursuit of her dreams and is strong in the face of adversity.
    She hopes to pursue her theatrical dreams at Syracuse University.
       .
        .
    Caroline Ginder is also a 2020 recipient of the Memorial Scholarship. Caroline was described by one of her references as “being self-motivated, goal-oriented, and a fine example of caring more about her teammates rather than herself.”
    She participated in many school events such as Tiger’s Inc., LHS Women’s Soccer, NEST, and National Honor Society.
    Caroline will be attending Ohio State University where she will pursue medicine. She hopes to someday be a part of Doctors Without Borders.
    Like Jordan, Caroline is paying a share of her college costs as well.
    .
    .
    If you would like to learn more about the Let Us Never Forget Scholarship Foundation you can visit their website at yellowribbonsupportcenter.com. 
    .
    If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with the Seth Mitchell Hero 5K this year you can visit the event’s website at sethmitchell5k.org.

    The 11th Annual Seth Mitchell Hero 5k will take place on Saturday, October 10th at 11 AM in Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio.

    .
    You don’t have to run or walk in the race to support the scholarship program. You can donate now or volunteer your time and skills!
    Congratulations to both Caroline and Jordan for being selected to receive the Never Let Us Forget Seth Mitchell Scholarships!
  • Video of the beginning of “Community Prayer Event”

    Video of the beginning of “Community Prayer Event”

    Loveland, Ohio – A “Community Prayer Event” left Kiwanis Park in the West Loveland Historic District at 7:30 PM this afternoon to walk through the neighborhood and across the Co. Thomas Paxton Bridge to Nisbet Park to pray.

    Shane Harden a Co-lead Pastor of Branches Church in Miami Township said that he was inspired by Loveland resident Desmond Gault leading walks in Loveland after the death of George Floyd.

    “We wanted to continue to bring our community together to pray.” In a release last week Harden said, “We’ll be praying for a lot of things…like for the Floyd family, for peace in Minneapolis and around the country, and for justice.”

    The walks through Loveland neighborhoods organized by Desmon Gault lasted for seven days and were in response to the death of George Floyd who died in police custody on May 25 in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

    While Floyd, a Black man was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; according to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive.

    Background…

    [Video Interview] A Unity Prayer Walk through Loveland Neighborhoods

    Loveland Magazine – 

     

    Kristy McNally interview about George Floyd and racial equality

    Loveland Magazine – 

    [Interview] Youth Pastor Scott Russ speaks about George Floyd and racial…

    Loveland Magazine – 

    [Interview] Matt Baker speaks about George Floyd and racial justice

    David Miller – 

    Say their names: voices from the George Floyd protest

    Sam Smith – 

    Have you been social distancing from Black Americans?

    Guest Column – 
  • [Interview] Joe Timmerman Founder of “A Neighborhood Cleanup”

    [Interview] Joe Timmerman Founder of “A Neighborhood Cleanup”

    David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Joe Timmerman seems to be awfully young to be so old-school, but he’s both. I got reacquainted with him underneath the home-team basket at a winter basketball game in the Chuck Schmidt Gymnasium at Loveland High School. A Senior at the time, Joe had also been taking photos of the action and he came over and sat down on the floor with me and introduced himself,

    He wanted to know if I would publish some of his photographs in Loveland Magazine.

    His old-schoolness was when he described his approach to using film cameras and in very creative ways.

    ‘Liiife’ is within the borders of this black and white double exposure. I used Ilford HP5 Plus film when shooting these two photos — Laine’s face and a tree in my backyard — which share a single exposure. When I put the roll of film in my camera, I wanted to capture 24 portraits, underexposed in studio lighting, to fill the roll. Then, I chose to reel it back in to the point where the first exposure returned to the beginning, and capture 24 nature/lifestyle photos to randomly share a place on the film with the original portraits. The overarching risk factor of losing some personal pictures was left behind after developing the film and seeing what had come to life in the process. – Joseph Timmerman

    I was fascinated by his love of negative film and how sometimes he would be very deliberate in shooting a roll of 35 mm negatives in a way that each captured portrait could be used as the foreground for another image. The second image, a double exposure, involved Joe re-loading the already exposed roll of negatives back into his camera and then exposing a second image over the top of each of the portraits he shot on the first go-around.

    The results Joe showed me were a wonderful experiment in photography because of the hit/miss nature of composing a second image over the first. There is also the mastery of the correct exposure for each frame. Many of the double-exposures were taken of his girlfriend on their walks into Historic Downtown Loveland from his home. The final products have a rather ghost-like quality.

    I had given up film as soon as I purchased my first digital camera to use for Loveland Magazine reporting. It was out of the necessity to cut costs and be able to have the results almost instantly on my laptop and into a story. From my perspective after so many years of traveling to a camera store to buy the film, traveling back again to have the film developed and prints made, and back again for pick-up – Joe is old-school.

    Joe Timmerman smiles outside the Cintas Center after he graduated from Loveland High School in 2019. Timmerman is studying photojournalism at Ohio University

    I also discovered that night under the basketball hoop that I had known Joe since he was very little but didn’t recognize him. We once attended the same church. I was inspired by Joe that night and did some of my own experiments.

    Joe’s old-schoolness even involved making his own paper from scratch for a photo project during his first year at Ohio University.

    Joe’s old-schoolness is also how he will credit the way his parents raised him for his concern for the immediate environment around him. I think it more than just that though and appreciate another old-school quality he possesses – Joe is very humble always giving credit to others and he is generous with a “Thank you.”

    Some of the trash A Neighborhood Cleanup removed from the Little Miami River on Saturday (photo by Joe Timmerman © 2020)

    Joe founded “A Neighborhood Cleanup” in 2019. The inspiration was walking in the East Loveland Nature Preserve with his mother and seeing so much trash left by other visitors. He says that growing up his father taught him to always pick up trash when he sees it, especially in his own neighborhood and the places he loves. Last August A Neighborhood Cleanup cleaned the nature preserve and another spot he loved, the rope swing on the bank of the Little Miami just north of Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown.

    Joe has been back to cleaning the rope swing area this spring and last Saturday expanded the cleanup to include the river from Nisbet Park to the rope swing on the opposite river bank – along Cones Road.

    A Neighborhood Cleanup filled a pickup with trash they removed from the Little Miami River on Saturday. The Little Miami River is one of 156 American rivers designated by the U.S. Congress or the Secretary of the Interior as a National Wild and Scenic River and runs through the middle of Loveland, Ohio. (photo by Joe Timmerman © 2020)

    An interesting note is that Loveland’s most famous old-school photographer Nancy Ford Cones once lived at the Roads Inn Farm on Cones Road when she took her famous Loveland photos, Her favorite subjects were family and friends she posed on those same river banks that Joe and friends are now restoring to their intended beauty. The Loveland Musem Center has a nice collection of Cone’s photos and many of them have an ethereal, ghost-like quality similar to Joe Timmerman’s double exposures.

    This interview took place along the riverbank Joe and volunteers were cleaning last Saturday afternoon.

    Joe inspires his own generation, those to come, and those beyond.

     

    “Like” and “follow” A Neighborhood Cleanup on FaceBook and you will be able to support the efforts and know when the next group cleanup is planned. You might also contact Joe and offer to donate garbage bags and gloves as a way of helping.

    Here is a link to Joe’s photography website where you can read more about him and see some of his inspiring art.

    This is the rope swing seen from the opposite side of the river that A Neighborhood Cleanup worked on last Saturday. As you can see, the river has become a very popular spot that many young people call home. Joe Timmerman and his supporters cleared the robe swing area of trash on June 2.

    Read about the June 2 cleanup at the rope swing…

    A Neighborhood Cleanup: be the change that you want to see…

    A Guest Column by Joe Timmerman
    This is some of the trash A Neighborhood Cleanup removed from the river on June 2.

  • COVID-19 Update: Reopening of restaurants, bars, and personal care services

    COVID-19 Update: Reopening of restaurants, bars, and personal care services

    CURRENT OHIO DATA

    There are 22,131 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,271 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 4,140 people have been hospitalized, including 1,167 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.

    Video of yesterday’s State House announcements, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.

    CURRENT LOCAL DATA

    Clermont County

    115 confirmed cases. 5 probable cases. 120 total cases. 2 confirmed deaths. 1 probable death. 27 Hospitalizations. 60 Recovered.

    Hamilton County

    1664** confirmed cases. 100 deaths. 323 Hospitalizations.

    **Includes Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale.

    Warren County

    191 cases. (46 new possible cases in last 14 days). 36 hospitalizations. (9 new hospitalizations in last 14 days). 13 total deaths (3 in the last 14 days).

    In Loveland City Council unanimously passed a resolution expanding the dates and times for the operation of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (“DORA”) in downtown Loveland. The action authorized the City Manager to implement this expansion once the State relaxed the Stay at Home Order or allowed residents to leave their homes to engage in non-essential work or activities.

    On Thursday, City Manager Dave Kennedy used that authority and announced that the expansion of the DORA will begin Saturday, May 9, at noon and run until 11 PM. The DORA will remain in effect 7 days a week for 60 days.

    Within the DORA people can purchase alcoholic beverages in a designated cup from permitted establishments and carry the beverages outside within a defined Downtown area.

    Additional picnic tables have been placed in Nisbet Park. Visitors to Historic Downtown may also bring tables or chairs to use as long as they “maintain safe distancing guidelines which will also be posted in the downtown area.”

    The newly renovated restrooms in Nisbet Park are also open and will be sanitized daily by the City.

    In Columbus, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, announced Thursday the next phase of the Responsible RestartOhio plan as it relates to restaurants, bars, and personal care services.

    As part of yesterday’s announcement, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans that COVID-19 is still “incredibly dangerous” and stressed the importance of continuing to exercise safe health habits as different sectors of the economy begin to reopen.

    “Reopening Ohio is a risk, but it’s also a risk if you don’t move forward. We’re on a dangerous road that has never been traveled before in Ohio and the danger is that we relax and stop taking precautions,” said DeWine. “All of us collectively control this. I ask you to take calculated risks and make good judgments. Continue social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing face coverings. If you aren’t concerned with what happens to you, do it for others.”

    RESTAURANTS/BARS

    Restaurants and bars in Ohio will be permitted to reopen as follows:

    • Outdoor dining: May 15
    • Dine-in service: May 21

    DeWine’s Restaurant Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for restaurant and bar owners to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

    PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

    Personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15.

    DeWine’s Personal Services Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for personal care service providers to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

    CURRENT OHIO DATA

    There are 22,131 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,271 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 4,140 people have been hospitalized, including 1,167 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.

    Video of yesterday’s announcements, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.

  • Have you ever visited Loveland’s South Island?

    Have you ever visited Loveland’s South Island?

    David Miller is the Publisher and Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio– I’ve always called it the South Island because just north of Nisbet Park there is a similar island I call the North Island. During dry spells, you can walk across dry creek beds formed by erosion to get onto the islands, but during higher river levels the water channels merge into one wider, Little Miami River.

    Both channels of water may someday form into permanent and complete oxbow ponds, but for now, they only occasionally do.

    Both islands are one of nature’s ways to prevent downstream and localized flooding. Because of their unique soil composition, they can absorb rainfall from the hills high above and hold water when the Little Miami rises. River floodplains are low, flat areas that periodically flood, collecting water that would otherwise rush downstream, threatening people and property. They temper the river flow.

    According to American Rivers: “A single acre of wetland, saturated to a depth of one foot, will retain 330,000 gallons of water – enough to flood thirteen average-sized homes thigh-deep. Wetlands also help provide clean rivers and drinking water by naturally filtering out run-off pollution.”

    The channel of water flowing through the east side of the South Island.

    The topography of the approximately 12 acres South Island benefits from both the erosion caused by the flow of the Little Miami and the deposits of silt left during flooding. It’s an ever-changing physical environment, but the flora and fauna remain pretty consistent. The emerging spring-time growth and the natural decay of the ancient tree trunks, including those trees that fall prey to the eroding effects of spring rains and fast river current are the seasonal changes you will notice.

    The South Island is the City of Loveland owned property just south of the Linda Cox Parking lot on Broadway in Historic Downtown. When you enter the lot, head to the last parking spaces and walk south between the Loveland Bike Trail and the Little Miami River. The path you begin on is the abandoned section of Lower River Road. You will be walking towards Branch Hill.

    This is a remarkable spot in the City and perfect for solitary exploring, dog walking, or picnicking with friends or family. Use caution and good judgment during periods of rain or storms and waterproof boots are recommended although occasionally you will find that some fellow explorer has placed convenient river stones to keep you dry and less muddy.

    You will enjoy the large lawn-like open spaces, however, it is not a place for throwing a ball or frisbee – beware of the hidden groundhog holes.

    These photos have been taken over the past 14 years. Most of them in the springtime.

    Perhaps because of the insane beauty of the South Islands, I always called the second set of mages below “Spring Rorschach Photos” because one day on one of my many treks I started noticing what I imagined stick-like animal figures entering my camera lens. A “wide-opened” telephoto lens that blurs the background can help you discover things you will not ordinarily notice. You have to look for eyeballs.

    Some psychologists used to use the Rorschach Test to examine a person’s personality characteristics and emotional functioning. It was employed to detect underlying thought disorder, especially in cases where patients are reluctant to describe their thinking processes openly.* So there you go… I confess.

    Feeling a little insane right now? This insane beauty might be your balm.

    Another place to visit in our resort-like town is the Simpson Farm
    Parents and children should explore Loveland’s Simpson Farm

     

    “Spring Rorschach Photos”

    Feeling a little insane right now? This insane beauty might be your balm.

     

     

  • [Video Interview] Loveland’s Mayor Talks COVID-19 and What the City is Doing to Keep YOU Safe!

    [Video Interview] Loveland’s Mayor Talks COVID-19 and What the City is Doing to Keep YOU Safe!

    By Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It has been a tough few weeks for people all over the United States with COVID-19 hasn’t reached its peak. With many small businesses and schools being forced to close their doors for the safety of the public, community members all over Ohio are wondering what’s next?

    LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV decided to join forces with Loveland’s Mayor Kathy Bailey in an on-camera interview so that we could get answers to some of the community’s hard-hitting questions! Mayor Bailey sat down with us, while of course still adhering to the 6 feet rule, in the Amphitheater at Nisbet Park in Downtown Loveland in hopes that she could not only share what she and her team are doing for the community but also answer any questions the Loveland community, small businesses, and school officials might have about the foreseeable future.

    We know most of Loveland is at home right now wanting to connect with the community virtually so in saying that sit back, grab your favorite snack, and tune into LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV presents a “One-on-One With Mayor Kathy Bailey!”

    RECENT UP-DATES to this story:

    Read the full statement from Lt. Amy Campbell: Loveland Police Lt. Amy Campbell: We want our residents to abide by the Shelter in Place order

    Ohio Tax Commissioner Announces State and Local Income Extension!

    Building and Zoning Department suspends of services

    Utility Payments

    FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    Loveland Council declares a state of emergency

    Read the Emergency order that Council adopted

  • Loveland folks can help track this threatened species

    Loveland folks can help track this threatened species

    Loveland, Ohio – Shannon Russell Pennington is the Staff Naturalist with the Warren County Park District and tells Loveland Magazine the District had a potential sighting of a barn owl near Davis and Rich Roads. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is interested in tracking this threatened species. She said, “So I was wondering if anyone else has seen or heard one recently. If so, we may be able to get some nest boxes installed by ODNR nearby.”

    There’s a sample of its call here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Owl

    All About Birds says that you might find them by “listening for their eerie, raspy calls, quite unlike the hoots of other owls.”

    “If any of your readers have seen or heard this bird, or know where it might be nesting, can you please let me know? This would be an exciting discovery for our area,” said Russell Pennington.

    Photo by Peter Trimming (‘Tutoke’) c.c. from Wikimedia Commons

    The bird has been spotted in White Pines and Columbia Farm neighborhood.

    Russell Pennington added, “A couple of other people have chimed in that they have seen it near Nisbet Park in Downtown Loveland as well.” She is trying to pinpoint locations of sightings so they can give ODNR the most accurate information she can gather.

    “I’ve had sixteen people get in touch so far, saying they’ve either heard it or seen it in the area. I’m going to reach out to ODNR tomorrow and see exactly what info they would like people to report. For now, feel free to have people reach out to me, Shannon Russell Pennington, Warren County Park District Naturalist, at MotherNaturesClassroom@gmail.com.”

    She is currently keeping a list of where and when it has been observed. “If anyone has pictures, video, or a sound recording of it, that would be very helpful for documentation,” said Russell Pennington.

    Use this resource from All About Birds to help identify the barn owl.

    Barn Owl – Tyto alba

    barn owl
    Overview from ODNR Division of Wildlife:

    Perhaps no other animal is more a part of folklore and superstition than the owl, and it is likely the behavior of the barn owl is one of the reasons. The barn owl likes to haunt old buildings like barns, church steeples or abandoned houses. In reality, having a barn owl roosting nearby is more helpful than haunting. While barn owls may be no wiser than the average bird, they are good at catching mice and other small rodents that can sometimes be a problem for people. You may have never seen a barn owl; they are nocturnal hunters, flying at dark over Ohio farm country in search of prey. Barn owls are rare in Ohio and are listed as a threatened species.

    Ohio Status: Threatened