LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: ohio

  • Flash 50 is Don Tassone’s newest book

    Flash 50 is Don Tassone’s newest book

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Author Don Tassone has released his latest book, a short story collection called Flash 50, has just been published. This book features an “eclectic mix” of 50 new, very short stories. Fifty unique takes on life and the human condition. Each is sure to captivate, move and nourish.

    No doubt flash fiction has come on strong because it’s a quick read in these busy times, but flash fiction stories can also convey deep truths and universal human emotions in just a few short paragraphs. They can offer more than brevity.  They can be thought-provoking.  They can nourish.
    Tassone says he hopes you find the 50 new flash fiction stories in this collection thought-provoking and nourishing.
     
    The paperback version costs just $5.50, the Kindle version 99¢.  He said that he’s priced it low to reach more people.
    Flash 50 is the Loveland author’s eleventh book. It’s now available on Amazon and through his website.  Locally, it should be available soon at Bike Trail Books in Loveland, The Bookmatters in Milford, Bookery Cincy in Columbia-Tusculum, and Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Rookwood.
     
    Tassone’s first children’s book and novella will be published this fall. He and his wife Liz and are longtime Loveland residents.

    Amazon Reviews

    Don Tassone’s fiction might be quiet, but it packs a punch. As his stories finish, the reader is usually left with a ‘did I just read that?’ sense; there’s always more to them than there seems at first. Even the structure of this latest collection, split into three sections — Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow — is subtly significant. “Red” looks back on a life and lessons learned. “Dinosaur” provides a wry commentary on contemporary life. “Save Yourself” offers a glimpse into a possible future. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

    — Gordon Lawrie, author of Grace Notes

    Maybe this is a collection of stories and maybe it’s an invitation to think and then think again. Flash 50 stories can draw you in when you least expect it, and they can surprise you with a wow factor. At first they seem so simple that you’re tempted to gloss over them, until one suddenly hits you squarely over the head or in the gut or tugs at your heart. In any event, through these stories, you’ll savor moments of real life that you might have otherwise missed.

    — Kathy Toerner Kennedy, author of Flood of Courage

    Flash 50 presents thought-provoking characters in short stories about their past, present and future lives. A dying man confesses long-held secrets. A doctor pursues a risky rescue of his kidnapped best friend. Earth residents establish a fantasy world in space. A prideful businessman gets schooled at his class reunion. Don Tassone entertains flash fiction readers with what they deserve — 50 well-crafted stories full of authentic emotions and personal truths.

    — Dee Lorraine, author of The First Last Concert

    Heart-warming miniature morality tales, well-crafted by a writer who knows his business. Tassone’s prose is exceptional. Dialogue rings true, every sentence feels crafted, and the result is a fine selection of accessible, engaging stories.

    — James Kinsley, Reedsy Discovery

  • The Reds Trade For Impact Infielder Gavin Lux

    The Reds Trade For Impact Infielder Gavin Lux

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – When the Reds signed Terry Francona it kicked expectations into high gear for the offseason. Cincinnati has made several acquisitions already including catcher Jose Trevino, Roansy Contreras, and Brady Singer.

    But on Monday night the team announced a big trade for Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux. In return Cincinnati sent away outfielder prospect Mike Sirota.

    Lux was hurt for all of 2023 and missed the entire year due to a torn ACL. And he had a very tough start to 2024. But in the second half of the season he slashed .304/.391/.508, playing much better down the stretch for the Dodgers. Overall for 2024 Lux hit .251/.320/.383, though he had some nagging issues against left handed pitching while playing for the Dodgers. He is a career.202/.279/.274 hitter against left handers, but hit .264/.337/.408 against righties.

    The question now is how Lux will fit into the Reds lineup and in the field. Remember this was a team that just traded away fan favorite infielder Jonathan India. With Lux being predominantly a second baseman, it raises some thoughts that Matt McLain may spend more significant time in the outfield. McLain spent time in center field in the Arizona fall league this season and could figure to play more there (or at least somewhere in the outfield) this year. I would expect to see a lot of him in the outfield in spring training.

    The most important aspect of this trade is that Lux is someone who has the ability to help the Reds win in 2025. He’s not a young player or a long term project. If he can capitalize on the offensive production he showed to close out 2024 and keep that going in ‘25 this offense will be all the better. Lux is under team control for two more seasons and is projected to make between $2.5 million and $3 million through arbitration this winter.

    There has been a lot of national discussion that this trade doesn’t make a lot of sense for the Reds. They need corner outfield bats and already have a bevy of players in the middle infield who have a lot of talent. At the same time, there is likely more going on behind the scenes that we might not yet understand. The offseason is still young and more moves could be on the horizon. This is a positive and impactful move and let’s just wait and see where the pieces will fall into place.

    ———————-

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to lovelandmagazinesports@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Also, don’t forget to follow us at The Loveland Sports Desk at the below links:

    For Facebook, click here.

    For X, click here.

    For Instagram, click here. 

    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.

  • Loveland City School District will be closed Tuesday

    Loveland City School District will be closed Tuesday

    Loveland, Ohio – Due to the ongoing winter storm there will be no school for Loveland City School District students on Tuesday, January 7.

  • [Gridlock Alert] West Loveland Ave. project postponed until Jan. 14-16

    [Gridlock Alert] West Loveland Ave. project postponed until Jan. 14-16

    City Hall released this statement:

    We just received word that this closure/detour is cancelled due to utility relocation. There will be NO CLOSURE of West Loveland Avenue Jan. 14-16.

    .

    Due to weather conditions, this project is being pushed back one week. The new dates for the closure/detour are Jan. 14-16.

    Loveland, Ohio – Construction on the Cherokee Drive Water Main Replacement Project in the Loveland Heights will require a road closure and detour.

    West Loveland Avenue will be closed at Cherokee Drive to allow crews to connect new water main beneath the road surface. Contractors now plan the three-day road closure daily from 9 AM until 3 PM on Tuesday, January 14th until the 16th.

    The original road closure dates were January 7 through 9.

    Motorists will be instructed to use the following detour routes:

    TO TRAVEL WESTBOUND:

    • West Loveland Avenue to Wall Street to Fallis Road to Rich Road to West Loveland Avenue

    TO TRAVEL EASTBOUND:

    • West Loveland Avenue to Rich Road to Fallis Road to Wall Street to West Loveland Avenue

    According to City Hall, “The Heights area has an aging, undersized, and brittle cast iron water main that is degrading, which makes breaks occur more frequently. In this project, the city is installing more than 2,700 feet of new water main to replace the outdated water lines. Additionally, the project involves replacing valves, modifying the storm sewer to improve drainage, and installing additional fire hydrants.”

  • Miami Township issues “Snow Emergency”

    Miami Township issues “Snow Emergency”

    Loveland/Miami Township, Ohio Effective 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2024, Miami Township, Clermont County has issued a Snow Emergency.  To assist the Service Department with their snow removal efforts, no vehicles shall be parked on any snow emergency route or any township street. Drivers are discouraged from being on roadways unless they have emergency reasons.

    “The Snow Emergency shall remain in place until the Township declares otherwise.”

  • Level 2 Snow Advisory for Hamilton County

    Level 2 Snow Advisory for Hamilton County

    Loveland, Ohio – Sheriff McGuffey has declared a Level 2 Snow Advisory for Hamilton County.

    “Roads are HAZARDOUS due to blowing and drifting snow and may be very icy. Only drive if necessary and use extreme caution while traveling. Be aware of crews clearing the roadways. Please be aware of any local parking restrictions. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Tune in to local media for more information on weather & road conditions.”

     

  • Latest “Winter Storm Warning” for Loveland from National Weather Service

    Latest “Winter Storm Warning” for Loveland from National Weather Service

    Loveland, Ohio

    Today
    Snow, mainly after 10am. High near 27. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
    Tonight
    Snow and sleet before 2am, then snow, freezing rain, and sleet. The snow and sleet could be heavy at times. Low around 21. East wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
    Monday
    Snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain, becoming all snow after 10am. High near 29. North wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
    Monday Night
    A chance of snow and freezing rain before 8pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 10. Northwest wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
    Tuesday
    Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
    Tuesday Night
    Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.
    Wednesday
    Partly sunny, with a high near 23.
    Wednesday Night
    Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.
    Thursday
    Sunny, with a high near 22.
    Thursday Night
    Partly cloudy, with a low around 7.
    Friday
    A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
    Friday Night
    A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
    Saturday
    Partly sunny, with a high near 30.
  • Here are the different snow alert levels

    Here are the different snow alert levels

    Loveland, Ohio – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Hamilton County beginning Sunday, January 5 through Tuesday, January 7. Here are the different snow alert levels so you can be winter ready. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

  • New Episode: The Queen City Sports Podcast by Chris Ball & Mark Raines

    New Episode: The Queen City Sports Podcast by Chris Ball & Mark Raines

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s the first podcast of 2025! The Bengals need a win on Saturday night, and then a lot of help from the Chiefs and Jets on Sunday in order to make it into the playoffs. Chris and Mark break down just how likely it will be that Carson Wentz and Aaron Rodgers come up big, and they try to find some positivity. They also look back at another cardiac Cincinnati win, this time against a very talented Broncos team. The defense played decently for the first time in recent memory against a quality opponent, and Joe Burrow was his old magnificent self. Then, Mark addresses the Bearcats’ first loss in conference play against Kansas State, and explains why there’s no reason to panic. Cincinnati has a chance to erase all the questions with a big win at home against the Arizona Wildcats.

    Have a listen and don’t forget to leave your comments and feedback!

    _______________________

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to lovelandmagazinesports@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Also, don’t forget to follow us at The Loveland Sports Desk at the below links:

    For Facebook, click here.

    For X, click here.

    For Instagram, click here. 

    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.

  • Protecting Loveland’s Scenic and Community Heritage: The Riverside Development Proposal

    Protecting Loveland’s Scenic and Community Heritage: The Riverside Development Proposal

    Dear Editor,

    As our community comes together to review the proposed Special Planning District (SPD) development along Riverside Drive, it is crucial that we approach this process with transparency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to protecting the scenic and historic character of the Little Miami River.

    What’s Happening: A developer has submitted a proposal to build 12 single-family homes on the riverbank along Riverside Drive, adjacent to the Loveland Historical Museum and Tufts-Schildmeyer Funeral Home. To enable this project, the developer plans to raise the floodplain using fill dirt and is requesting the city to approve re-zoning for this purpose. The Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing as part of their review process.

    Original Agenda | December 3, 2024 https://lovelandoh.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1881&Inline=True

    Agenda Packet (will be posted January 3) | January 7, 2025 at 6:00 pm at City Hall

    https://lovelandoh.gov/200/Public-Meetings

    What’s at Stake: The Little Miami River is a nationally and state-designated scenic river. Current zoning and federal protections aim to preserve its ecological, aesthetic, and cultural value. This proposed development raises important questions:

    1. Environmental Impact: Raising the floodplain could alter natural water flows, potentially increasing flood risks for neighboring properties, impacting wildlife habitats, and degrading water quality.
    2. Community Character: Re-zoning and new construction could disrupt the historic and scenic integrity of the area, altering its charm and appeal.
    3. Process and Precedence: Allowing this development may set a precedent for future projects that prioritize private gains over public and environmental interests.

    Understanding the Process: Pursuant to Section 1151.01 and 1151.02(a)(2) of the City’s Planning and Zoning Code:

    • The first step is a preliminary review meeting to determine whether the proposed project falls within the SPD’s purpose and scope. (This meeting occurred on December 3, and the proposal was approved to advance to a public hearing.)
    • If deemed appropriate, a public hearing must be scheduled within 45 days to review the conceptual plans and gather public input. (This is the meeting happening on January 7.)

    This process ensures community engagement and the consideration of all perspectives, including those of residents, advocacy groups, and experts.

    Counter Argument: The developer argues that this project will create valuable housing and address flooding risks through engineered solutions. They assert that the proposed homes will align with the character of nearby properties and enhance the area’s vibrancy.

    A Collaborative Approach: While development has its place, our community’s responsibility is to ensure that any changes align with the broader goals of preserving Loveland’s natural, cultural, and historical assets. To this end, we recommend:

    1. Expert Involvement: Consulting with conservation experts and legal professionals to fully understand local, state, and federal zoning laws and protections.
    2. Community Engagement: Encouraging residents to attend the public hearing, voice their perspectives, and engage in the decision-making process.
    3. Transparency: Requiring detailed studies on flooding, traffic, and environmental impact before any decisions are made.

    What Can You Do?

    We believe that by working together—residents, city officials, and developers—we can protect the Little Miami River while meeting the needs of Loveland’s growth in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

    Sincerely,
    Loveland Riverside Protection
    LovelandRiversideProtection@gmail.com