LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: ohio

  • Board moves to place 6.95 mills on the March 2020 ballot

    Board moves to place 6.95 mills on the March 2020 ballot

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Board of Education met on Tuesday, December 17 and unanimously passed a resolution to place an operating levy of 6.95 mills on the March 2020 ballot. The deadline to file the resolution with the Hamilton County Board of Elections is today, December 18.

    Neither Board Superintendent Amy Crouse or Treasurer/CFO Kevin Hawley wanted to speak to Loveland Magazine after the meeting, so details of the implications of the levy are sketchy. Neither Crouse or Hawley would discuss the budget cuts they are proposing or the amount the levy would provide the District. However, Crouse did say last week in a press release, “Approximately $2.7 million dollars of budget cuts will be made in conjunction with the levy. They will include a combination of reductions in the instructional cycle budget (textbooks, etc.), staff, and contracted services, among others.”

    Last week’s press release also said:

    The 6.95 millage levy translates into approximately $20/month ($243 annually) per $100,000 of appraised home value as determined by the county auditor.

    Below is a LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video of the 14-minute meeting.

    In the interview below Dale Friemoth, a member of the

    Loveland Voice on Facebook: “Voter Oversight, Involvement, Concern for Education.”

    District Ad Hoc Advisory committee that was appointed to discuss how the District should move forward after the defeat of a combined operating and bond issue that was on the November ballot discusses the Board’s vote. He talked about the new levy and also about a new community organization that has formed, Loveland Voice. Friemoth said they will meet soon to discuss their actions going forward. One thing he stressed is that he feels that the Board must take purchasing the Grailville land off the table at their next meeting if they want voter support for the new levy.

    Below is the Resolution that was to be delivered to the Hamilton County Board of Elections today.

  • More than 40 VEX Robotics Teams Ready to compete at Loveland High School on December 21

    More than 40 VEX Robotics Teams Ready to compete at Loveland High School on December 21

    Students in the VEX Robotics Program at Loveland High School started working on their current robots last summer and will continue to refine them throughout the 2019-20 competition season.

     

    Loveland, Ohio – It may be just a few days before Christmas, but teams from Loveland High School (LHS) and Loveland Middle School (LMS) will be competing with more than 40 other teams from across the region in the VEX Robotics Competition at LHS on December 21, officially kicking off their tournament season. The seven Loveland teams have been hard at work preparing for the 2019-2020 season.

    “This game has many challenging aspects, including robot design, programming, and game strategy,” said LHS Robotics Coordinator Amy Stewart.

    In the competition, teams of students will use their own designed and built robots to compete against other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. This year’s VEX Robotics game, “Tower Takeover,” is played on a 12’x12’ square field with the object of attaining a higher score than the opposing alliance by placing cubes in towers or scoring cubes in goals.

    “This game has many challenging aspects, including robot design, programming, and game strategy,” said LHS Robotics Coordinator Amy Stewart.

    The matches on December 21 start at 9:45 AM and the event concludes with an awards ceremony around 4 PM.

    The competition is open to the public and free of charge.

    The competition tests the students’ knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts, inspiring them to bring their best problem-solving skills to the table while simultaneously building on teamwork, leadership, and communication skills for life. Tournaments are held throughout the year at the regional, state and national levels, with an eye toward the VEX Robotics World Championship, which is held annually in April.

    The matches on December 21 start at 9:45 AM and the event concludes with an awards ceremony around 4 PM.

    The competition is open to the public and free of charge.

    To learn more about this year’s competition game, visit vexrobotics.com.

    For more information about programs available to students at Loveland, visit Loveland Robotics at lovelandrobotics.wixsite.com.


  • Clermont County Commissioners approved a 2020 General Fund operating budget of $61.5 million

    Clermont County Commissioners approved a 2020 General Fund operating budget of $61.5 million

    Batavia, Ohio – Clermont County Commissioners approved a 2020 General Fund operating budget of $61.5 million at their Dec. 11 session. The non-operating budget of $9.7 million includes one-time expenses for capital and economic development projects within the General Fund.

    The General Fund is the largest discretionary source of funds in the county and finances 20 of 21 elected offices in Clermont County. The Engineer’s Office is funded through state gasoline taxes and driver license fees. Clermont County Commissioners also appropriated $199.2 million in 2020 for the other 114 special purpose funds under their budgetary control.

    As required by law, the budget is balanced, with expenses not exceeding projected revenues plus unobligated cash.

    Sales tax revenue, which provides nearly 47 percent of General Fund revenue, is estimated to be $30 million in 2020. The next two largest streams of revenue include charges for services ($10 million) and property taxes ($9 million)  included within the General Fund.

    In 2020, General Fund program areas will be funded as follows:

    Criminal justice: $26.8 million

    Judicial services: $14.7million

    General government: $12.3 million

    Public safety: $4.5 million

    Health and human services: $3.3 million

    Personnel costs account for the largest share of the total General Fund budget — $49.6 million, or 70% of the budget, with $21.6 million going to other expenses.

    For questions, contact Office of Management and Budget Director Mary Rains, mrains@clermontcountyohio.gov, 513.732.7988.

  • Governor DeWine Announces School Safety Working Group Members

    Governor DeWine Announces School Safety Working Group Members

    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the members of the Governor’s new Ohio School Safety Working Group.

    Governor DeWine called for the creation of the working group in August when announcing the development of the Ohio School Safety Center, a new statewide office focused on assisting educators and law enforcement in preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm. The working group, which will be led by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, will evaluate current issues regarding school safety and advise the Ohio School Safety Center on its work.

    “Members of this working group all have a common goal of making Ohio’s schools as safe as they possibly can be,” said Governor DeWine. “I’m confident that this group will be a great asset as they work to promote a safe environment for Ohio’s school students and school employees.”

    Members of the Ohio School Safety Working Group include:

      • Tim Armelli, Teacher, Chardon High School
      • Melissa Wervey Arnold, CEO, American Academy of Pediatrics
      • Todd Barnhouse, CEO, Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association
      • Bobbie Boyer, Deputy Director of Prevention, Ohio MHAS
      • LeeAnne Cornyn, Director, Governor’s Children’s Initiatives
      • Courtney Ebersole, Program Administrator, Ohio ACBHA
      • Joan Englund, Executive Director, Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition
      • Dan Flannery, Director, Case Western Reserve University
      • Eric “Yitz” Frank, Director, Agudath Israel of Ohio
      • Dan Girard, Principal, Wilson Hill Elementary, Worthington Schools
      • Dan Grothause, Transportation Supervisor, St. Marys City Schools
      • Kirk Hamilton, Executive Director, Buckeye Association of School Administrators
      • Donna Harrass, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police
      • Brian Hill, School Psychologist, Ohio School Psychologists Association
      • Lois Hochstetler, Assistant Director of Community Treatment, Ohio MHAS
      • Scott Huddle, Board President, Mad River Local Schools
      • Jeff Hussey, State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Commerce
      • Joe Kitchen, Fire Chief, Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association
      • Jon Kochis, Fairfield County EMA Director, EMA of Ohio
      • Teresa Lampl, CEO, Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers
      • Nicholas Lashutka, President, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association
      • Sarah LaTourette, Executive Director, Ohio Family and Children First
      • Rick Lewis, Executive Director/CEO, Ohio School Boards Association
      • George Maier, Sheriff, Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association
      • Krista Maxson, Associate Vice Chancellor P-16 Initiatives, Ohio Dept. of Higher Ed.
      • Mark Mecum, Executive Director, Ohio Children’s Alliance
      • Matt Miller, Superintendent, Lakota Local Schools
      • Nichole Miller, President, Ohio School Counselors Association
      • Bradley Paramore, President, Ohio School Psychologists Association
      • Kari Parsons, Executive Director, Ohio School Resource Office Association
      • Mark Porter, Director of Law Enforcement, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
      • Pam Reed, Teacher, Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls
      • Terry Russell, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness Ohio
      • Angela Sausser, Executive Director, Public Children Services Association of Ohio
      • Marcie Seidel, Executive Director, Prevention Action Alliance
      • Stephanie Siddens, Senior Executive Director, Ohio Department of Education
      • Jeff Staggs, Superintendent, Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools
      • Joe Suozzi, Director of Safety, Security and Preparedness, Olentangy Local Schools
      • Ben Suver, Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives, Ohio Dept. of Public Safety
      • Dean Tondiglia, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Kent State University
      • Kim Welter, Director of Finance and Policy, Equality Ohio Education Fund
      • Jeff Westhoven, Chief of Program Services, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission

    The Ohio School Safety Center and the Governor’s Ohio School Safety Working Group were created as part of Governor DeWine’s STRONG Ohio plan.

    The working group’s first meeting will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 1970 W. Broad Street, in Columbus.

  • Supreme Court Lets Martin v. Boise Stand: People Experiencing Homelessness Cannot Be Punished for Living in Absence of Adequate Housing or Sheler

    Supreme Court Lets Martin v. Boise Stand: People Experiencing Homelessness Cannot Be Punished for Living in Absence of Adequate Housing or Sheler

    Persons experiencing homelessness cannot be punished for sleeping outside on public property in the absence of adequate alternatives.

     

    Cincinnati, Ohio – This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition by the city of Boise to review the case Martin v. Boise (formerly Bell v. Boise). This leaves in place earlier rulings by the 9th Circuit that persons experiencing homelessness cannot be punished for sleeping outside on public property in the absence of adequate alternatives.

    The Supreme Court’s decision, issued without comment, means the April 2019 ruling is binding in the 9th Circuit, covering nine states including most of the western states, and carries national influence.

    In a press release issued today, Josh Spring, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition said, “This is very important news, as our federal lawsuit filed last year by people experiencing homelessness and the Homeless Coalition continues to move forward here in the 6th Circuit.”  Their lawsuit aims to overturn City of Cincinnati policies criminalizing people experiencing homelessness outdoors and hopes to squash last year’s Common Pleas Court order making it an arrestable offense to experience homelessness outdoors anywhere in the Hamilton County including Loveland.

    The Law Center’s Executive Director, Maria Foscarinis, said, “Ultimately, our goal is to end homelessness through housing…so that no one has to sleep on the streets in the first place. We hope that the 9th Circuit decision will help communities find the political will to put that housing in place. Housing, not handcuffs, is what ends homelessness.”

    John Parvensky, Acting Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless described this as a “victory”, saying, “…it will force communities to address homelessness proactively – through the development of an adequate supply of affordable housing, while providing safe and appropriate emergency shelter in the interim”.

    For the full text of the Law Center press release and links to documents from the case, click here.

    For the full text of the National Coalition press release click here.

     

    Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree Why Not Give the Gift of Charity…

     

  • Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree Why Not Give the Gift of Charity!

    Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree Why Not Give the Gift of Charity!

    Promoted Post

    Run Santa Run!

    Loveland, Ohio – Are you looking for a unique holiday gift for a loved that will not only make your loved one smile but also make you feel good inside?! Well now is your chance to secure your Amazing Race Charity tickets! But hurry this event is known to sell out quickly!

    The Amazing Charity Race 2020 will feature new challenges, pitstops and of course some brand new sponsors that will be sure to quench your thirst! So what are you waiting for?! Stuff a stocking with Amazing Charity Race tickets today! If you would like to learn more about this exciting event or you would like to register your team for the Amazing Charity Race go to www.amazingcharityrace.com!

    Check out the Amazing Charity Race flyer below for event details!

  • School Board meets Tuesday for March levy vote

    School Board meets Tuesday for March levy vote

    Board members, Michele Pettit, Ned Portune, Eileen Washburn, President Art Jarvis, and Vice President Kathryn Lorenz

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District has called a special meeting for Tuesday, December 17. This meeting will be held to consider a “resolution to proceed” in order to place a March operating levy on the ballot.

    The Board will also go into executive session to discuss employment matters.

    The 6 PM meeting is in the Loveland Intermediate and Middle School’s Media Center at 757 S. Lebanon Road.

     

    Treasurer Resolutions
    Approve a resolution declaring intent to proceed with election on the question of an additional tax in excess of the 10 mill limitation and certifying the same to the board of elections per ORC 5705.21.

     

    The Board of Education met on Tuesday, December 10, and passed a resolution of necessity to place an operating levy of 6.95 mills on the March 2020 ballot. The decision was five weeks after a failed combined operating and permanent improvement/bond issue on November 5.

    According to a press release issued by the Distric, the 6.95 millage levy translates into approximately $20/month ($243 annually) per $100,000 of appraised home value as determined by the county auditor. The board is to have the millage amount certified by the county auditor and intends to pass a resolution to proceed on December 17. The deadline to submit ballot language to the county boards of elections is December 18.

  • Watch as Debbie Murray crowned 2020 Loveland Valentine Lady

    Watch as Debbie Murray crowned 2020 Loveland Valentine Lady

    We know we’re hopping right over Christmas and New Year to Valentine’s Day – but that is just what we do sometimes!

     

    Loveland, Ohio – Debbie Murray was crowned the 2020 Loveland, Ohio Valentine Lady on December 12, 2019, at the Works Pizza in Historic Downtown. Her family and Valentine Ladies who are former holders of the crown lured Debbie to the local restaurant under false pretenses so they could surprise her – and it worked. Debbie becomes the 34th Loveland Valentine Lady.

    This exclusive LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is of the marvelous moment and contains an interview with Debbie so our readers can get to know the next lady in red you will see all around town next year and in the schools. You might also find Debbie at the Loveland Post Office postmarking Valentine cards, but definitely not on the bulletin board. She’s too nice of a “Lady” for that!

    Read these other stories about the Loveland Valentine Program…

    Marirose Stiver: Who is the sweetest person in Loveland?

    (Photo Album) After visit: Loveland 1st graders write about Valentine Lady

    Meet Kay Bolin: the 2018 Valentine Lady [Q&A and

    Valentine Lady =’s contagious laughter for Ms. Miller’s 1st graders

    Kathryn Lorenz is 33rd Loveland Valentine Lady and Donna Treinen wins…

    Kay Bolin-O’Grady is the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady

    Carol Williams is 2017 Valentine Lady

    Laurie Gordon new Loveland Valentine Lady

    Laurie Gordon new Loveland Valentine Lady

    EXCLUSIVE REVEAL: The 2017 Loveland Valentine Card by Bonnie McNett

    Dedication ceremony for Sweetheart Lane on Loveland Bike Trail Saturday

    Loveland’s very own Valentine shares her love for the community

    [Photo Album] Loveland Valentine Day Kick-Off

    Photos from Loveland Valentine Kick-Off

    A Big Heart with an Artist Flair – Laurie Gordon

    Loveland Woman’s Club Christmas Luncheon

    Funeral arrangements for Marirose Stiver

    Marirose Stiver sings “I’d Love to Live in Loveland”

    100th birthday celebration of the life of Kathryn Louise Graham Undercoffer

    Beloved Loveland music teacher Marjorie “Marge” Alice Henderson passes

    A further tribute to the life of Loveland’s Kathryn Undercoffer

     



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  • [Videos/Interviews/Photos] What does the new City Hall leadership look like?

    [Videos/Interviews/Photos] What does the new City Hall leadership look like?

    In the photo above, newly elected Councilwoman Kathy Baliey takes the oath of office administered by Solicitor Joe Braun. Bailey will serve as Loveland’s Mayor for the next two years.

    Mihaela Manova

    by Mihaela Manova

    Loveland, Ohio – As 2019 ends, and 2020 resolutions arise, the Loveland City Hall renews its politicians. On a cold night on December 2nd, residents entered Loveland City Hall to witness the introduction and induction of their council members, and in turn, filled the hall to capacity. Rows of chairs were perfectly lined up and filled with family and active residents, time was passing and excitement fueled the room.

    The room was spacious enough to fill a crowd of a hundred, and it soon did.

    Clerk of Council Misty Brents (on far left) chaired the start of the meeting. Brents, City Manager Dave Kennedy, and Councilmember Tim Butler waiting for the meeting to begin.

    Mixed feelings of anxiety and happiness permeated the room as council members lined up in their respective seats. On the far left side sat the Clerk of Council Misty Brents, followed by an empty seat that in moments would be occupied by Andrew Bateman. Councilmembers Neal Oury, City Manager David Kennedy, a re-elected Kathy Bailey, Rob Weisgerber, Tim Butler, a re-elected Kent Blair, Ted Phelps, and Solicitor, Joseph Braun filled the remainder of the high-backed, upholstered chairs.

    Throughout the audience, one can see campaign supporters and family members awaiting their loved ones to be inaugurated as others were standing quietly in the back admiring the process. As 7 PM passed and people sat in their seats, the room became quiet and then erupted in applause as the anticipated new council member, Andrew Bateman came through the doors with a smile. The clerk called the roll and meeting to order and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

    Loveland Police and Loveland/Symmes Fire Department Chaplin, Pastor Bill Hounshell followed with an Invocation as the council inductions soon followed.

    Kathy Bailey was sworn into office by Hamilton County Judge Brad Greenberg, a former Loveland Mayor.

    Kathy Bailey was first to hit the podium with support as her family sat in the front row. Judge Brad Greenberg swore in Bailey as a council member for which she presented a speech in front of the audience. Bailey has been Loveland’s Mayor for the past four years and was re-elected to serve on Council on November 5 for another four-year term.

    “Four years ago, I didn’t necessarily know what I was getting into, or why, but I certainly know now. I ran again because I have come to love this city, the entire community, our residence, our community partners, (and) our business owners of this city,” Bailey said after taking her oath.

    Watch the LOVELAND MAGAZINE VIDEO below for the newly elected members’ speeches.

    Kent Blair received a congratulatory handshake from Police Chief Sean Rahe after taking his oath of office.

    Up next, Kent Blair was sworn in by Patricia Melson and Andrew Bateman was sworn in by Marla Simiele. Blair said, “The city of Loveland is a lot more than just a collection of buildings and a bunch of people who live in a certain place and work and go to the school in town, it’s an idea. And, I love the idea that is Loveland.”

    After taking the oath, Bateman expressed what he stands for and what he sees in Loveland’s future. “The City is really a special place and it’s because of the people that care about it. So, ‘us’ in government need to care about them no matter where they’re from, what they do, why they’re here. We’re all neighbors and nothing can be more needed in our society today than a return to neighborliness.” 

    First-time Councilmember Andy Bateman received an ovation when he entered the Council Chamber a few minutes late. He then laughed lightheartedly and pointed to the empty seat on the dais he was directed to occupy. As if saying, “For me?”

    After Bateman’s speech, the anticipated nominations for Mayor for the next two years were opened by Clerk Misty Brents. Blair nominated Bailey and no other nominations were made. After she received all seven votes, a round of applause proceeded her to the podium to take the oath as Mayor administered by Solicitor Braun.

    After a round of handshakes with each council member, Bailey returned to the center seat at the dais to run the remainder of the meeting.

    Bailey then asked for nominations for Vice Mayor.

    Former City Solicitor Susan Allspach (nee Gertz) administered the oath of office to Rob Weisger after he was chosen to continue as Vice-Mayor for another two years.

    Rob Weisgerber was nominated by Neal Oury and Tim Butler nominated himself. The roll was called and with five votes against two, Rob Weisgerber became reelected as Vice Mayor. In his speech, he said, “The commitment to the community at large has been a passion of mine. I have no interest in being at other levels, it’s near and dear to my heart to be with the residents in a community that I share.”

    The evening ended as Pastor Bill closed the ceremony with another prayer and the council meeting was adjourned. The once anxious room became one of congratulations and handshakes, as we will now witness the changes that the council has in store.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrH_cj1H7ds]

    After the meeting came to a close I interviewed Mayor Bailey and Council members Blair and Bateman.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x91vhoUGmjc]

    The photos in this slide show are © Mihaela Manova 2019/Loveland Magazine