Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year where we sit down with our families, consume too much turkey, and curate a mental list for what we are thankful for. It begins with your mom, your dad, even your grandma who lives in Florida, and the list goes on…
While some bask in this holiday’s traditions, others cannot wait for the Christmas preparations that will soon follow. In Loveland High school, students are “wrapping” up their studies to finally enjoy their long-awaited five-day break. To celebrate I went through the hallways to ask them the season’s most popular question “What are you grateful for?” but there was a catch; they cannot say, family or friends. Despite this difficulty, it opened up the hearts and minds of seventeen students, who shared with us what they appreciated around them in their lives.
With answers from Megan Atkins, Dahlia Kressler, Livia McClellan, Eli Metzger, Noelle Cotter, Kathleen Tepe, Courtney Kunysz, Madeline Killon, Samantha James, Erin Dickman, Ethan Libby, Marisa Kelley, Ryan Smith, and Mitchell McMannis, we began the time for expressing our gratitude and sentiments to each other.
Loveland, Ohio – On November 19, before a packed, stand on the furniture in the back for a better view, house, Janet Lane took to the open forum microphone to express views on the recently failed levy that was on the November 5 ballot. The Board asked voters to approve issuing bonds for $118,515,000 and a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill. The levy was rejected by voters 78-22 per-cent.
The Board is currently considering placing another levy on the ballot in March of 2020. They say they will need to submit ballot language for a potential operating levy on the March ballot no later than December 18, requiring a first resolution to be passed at the December 10 board meeting.
Lane’s comments were during the regular business meeting of the Board where residents are allowed to sit in front of a microphone for 3 minutes to talk to the Board, the Administration, and the other audience members about anything relating to the operation of the District.
There was another meeting that night following the business meeting. It was facilitated by Jeffrey Stec, the Director of Citizens for Civic Renewal. The District hired Citizens for Civic Renewal to conduct this public meeting.
Te next meeting of the Board will be on November 26 at 6 PM in the LMS/LIS Media Center. (View the Agenda) Among agenda items is a “Recommended Action” by the Superintendent to cancel the contract with Allerton Hill Consulting. Another item is a resolution put forth by the Treasurer to participate in Ohio Open Checkbook. The Board is also expected to appoint an Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee. You can read the proposal below.*
Other Meetings:
Tuesday, December 3, 6 PM (special meeting)
Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM (work session)
Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM (special meeting)
*Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee
This ad hoc advisory committee has been established for the purpose of helping the Board of Education to determine whether a March ballot issue is feasible or not. The committee will work with the Board while the meeting is in session which will allow for interaction between committee members and board members.
On 11/26, the committee will be invited to join the meeting after the board has concluded regular business outlined on the agenda. On 12/3, the full board meeting time will likely be given to the work of the committee.
Should the work result in a determination that a March ballot language is feasible, we must meet election timelines. The determination of millage for a ballot issue in March 2020 must be approved in a formal resolution of necessity by the Board of Education on 12/10/19. Seven days later (12/17) the Board must approve a resolution to proceed. The resolutions must be given to the Board of Elections by 12/18/19.
Should the work result in a determination that March is not feasible, the Board and community will focus on a November 2020 operating levy.
Following the 12/3/19 meeting, this committee will be dissolved having served its intended objective. However, should the format be successful we will develop a system to continue the work and identify a way to give more people an opportunity to participate if they wish.
Loveland, Ohio – On November 19, before a packed, stand on the furniture in the back for a better view, house, Dale Friemoth took to the open forum microphone to express views on the recently failed levy that was on the November 5 ballot. The Board asked voters to approve issuing bonds for $118,515,000 and a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill. The levy was rejected by voters 78-22 per-cent.
The Board is currently considering placing another levy on the ballot in March of 2020. They say they will need to submit ballot language for a potential operating levy on the March ballot no later than December 18, requiring a first resolution to be passed at the December 10 board meeting.
Friemoth’s comments were during the regular business meeting of the Board where residents are allowed to sit in front of a microphone for 3 minutes to talk to the Board, the Administration, and the other audience members about anything relating to the operation of the District.
There was another meeting that night following the business meeting. It was facilitated by Jeffrey Stec, the Director of Citizens for Civic Renewal. The District hired Citizens for Civic Renewal to conduct this public meeting.
Te next meeting of the Board will be on November 26 at 6 PM in the LMS/LIS Media Center. (View the Agenda) Among agenda items is a “Recommended Action” by the Superintendent to cancel the contract with Allerton Hill Consulting. Another item is a resolution put forth by the Treasurer to participate in Ohio Open Checkbook. The Board is also expected to appoint an Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee. You can read the proposal below.*
Other Meetings:
Tuesday, December 3, 6 PM (special meeting)
Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM (work session)
Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM (special meeting)
*Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee
This ad hoc advisory committee has been established for the purpose of helping the Board of Education to determine whether a March ballot issue is feasible or not. The committee will work with the Board while the meeting is in session which will allow for interaction between committee members and board members.
On 11/26, the committee will be invited to join the meeting after the board has concluded regular business outlined on the agenda. On 12/3, the full board meeting time will likely be given to the work of the committee.
Should the work result in a determination that a March ballot language is feasible, we must meet election timelines. The determination of millage for a ballot issue in March 2020 must be approved in a formal resolution of necessity by the Board of Education on 12/10/19. Seven days later (12/17) the Board must approve a resolution to proceed. The resolutions must be given to the Board of Elections by 12/18/19.
Should the work result in a determination that March is not feasible, the Board and community will focus on a November 2020 operating levy.
Following the 12/3/19 meeting, this committee will be dissolved having served its intended objective. However, should the format be successful we will develop a system to continue the work and identify a way to give more people an opportunity to participate if they wish.
Loveland, Ohio –The “Loveland” Little Miami Bike Trail offers something for everyone. Whether you like to ride bikes, eat at authentic family-owned restaurants, shop at vintage antique shops, or drink locally handcrafted beers, the bike trail in Loveland allows everyone to enjoy doing what they love to do. Historic downtown has been quickly transforming into a place where families and friends can come and have a vacation like experience in their own backyard. We at Loveland Magazine call it, “The Staycation Resort of Southwest Ohio”. Naturally, business owners have recognized this about downtown Loveland, brought their own businesses into the historic area, and this is why it is thriving.
Bringing to Loveland the delicious snacks that she has made for her family for so many years is the vision she has for her new shop!
Over the past couple of years, downtown Loveland has seen several family-owned businesses plant their feet right in the heart of downtown making the area that much more unique. As new and exciting businesses continue to join the historic downtown area businesses coming in looking to join the area have realized in order to thrive now in the area you have to offer something unique. Finding that particular “niche” the community doesn’t know it needs but in all actuality wants is how new businesses are making a name for themselves. Coming in sweet, salty and always fresh the “Loveland” Little Miami Bike Trail introduces to you the community of Loveland, “Trailside Provisions.”
What’s that lingering scent on the Loveland Little Miami Bike Trail? I’m not talking about the delicious smell of brunch or even something sweet like the scent of beautiful Fall leaves, I’m talking something savory. The smell of something buttery, caramelized and decadent led me to a new business right off the Loveland bike trail where “Plaid Room Records” used to call home. “Trailside Provisions,” just opened their doors to the community on Saturday, November 16th and let me tell you the shop’s lingering smells are bringing people in to see what the new “mom and pop” shop is all about!
Check out the handcrafted Double Dipped Chocolate Peanuts and Triple Dipped Malted Milk Balls at “Trailside Provisions”
Vickie Larcomb, began her journey in historic downtown Mason, Ohio at a shop very similar to the concept of Trailside Provisions called “Main Street Sweets and Popcorn.” Larcomb shared that she always had a passion for cooking whether it was creating a whole new “treat,” like the peanut butter caramel popcorn or sticking to more traditional “provisions,” such as the chocolate malted milk balls (and yes they are TRIPLE DIPPED in chocolate), she always enjoyed creating! After much success with her family-run business, Main Street Sweets and Popcorn, Larcomb knew that the shop concept was something that could be used in places similar to downtown Mason. Larcomb said she had heard about the historic downtown Loveland area and all the wonderful growth and development the area had been experiencing. She immediately recognized the similarities between Mason’s downtown area and Loveland’s downtown area and began to think of a “niche” that would fit right into the historic downtown Loveland culture. That’s when the Trailside Provisions concept was born!
“Trailside Provisions” offers gourmet Pancake Mix Kits, decadent Maple Syrup, and a unique snack called Maple Wafers!
Larcomb thought why not keep the concept of Main Street Sweets and Popcorn, but add a little “trailside” flare to it as the location she had her eye on was right off the Loveland bike trail. Larcomb brought the idea to her family and from there Larcomb and her family established a new home for their business, Trailside Provisions. After months of planning, building, and creating Larcomb says she can’t wait to see how the community responds to the new shop!
Owner, Vickie Larcomb, makes a fresh batch of buttered popcorn something she does daily! Yes, that popcorn is as big as it looks!
So just what is this new shop off the bike trail all about? Well for starter’s Larcomb’s husband, Ron, handcrafted all of the store’s fixtures, giving each guest that comes in quite the woodsy, trail-like experience. On top of getting treated to the top-notch interior architectural ambiance, guests also get to enjoy the aroma of fresh buttery popcorn being made right there in the shop as they walk around. Trailside Provisions, of course, offers a number of unique, whole made goods, but what really sets this shop apart is the gourmet popcorn. From caramel with pecans to caramel with peanuts to cinnamon toast caramel, Trailside Provisions has a popcorn combination for everyone not to mention the shop makes their “original” caramel, cheese, and butter popcorns fresh every day. Eat it in the shop, while walking the trail, or take it home for movie night or your next party.
Husband and wife, Vickie and Don, organizing their “sweet” provisions on shelving handcrafted by Don
Larcomb and her family’s shop doesn’t just stop at popcorn, it also sells a variety of Cook Tavern Soup mixes, seasoning and marinade kits, homemade vanilla marshmallows, bagged and freshly brewed coffee, and other “provisional” snacks such as pretzels and chocolate almonds. Oh, and did I mention Larcomb handcrafts all of these sweet and salty treats herself?! I asked Larcomb why she enjoys cooking so much and she said that cooking for her loved ones has always been something she has enjoyed. Larcomb explained that being able to provide the community of Loveland with the delicious snacks that she has made for her family for so many years is quite frankly the vision she has for her new shop!
So what are you waiting for Loveland? Bike, walk, or jog on down to Trailside Provisions, a shop where you will be sure to get the Loveland “trailside” experience!
Trailside Provisions (Facebook) is located on the East side of the Brown Building at 120 Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland off the Little Miami Bike Trail. Trailside Provisions is open 10 a.m to 8 p.m Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m to 9 p.m Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m to 5 p.m on Sundays.
Not only did Allerton Hill’s tactics divide this community with the “stick to the message at all costs” and scare tactics, but telling us that our children are not safe was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.
by Anna Bunker
You have awakened our sleepy little community to the fact that we can no longer trust the judgment of the Loveland Board of Education to represent our community in matters relating to the Loveland City School District. When you were elected, we gave you our trust to act in the best interest of our community and a few weeks ago the polls stated you have have not.
This is the outline of Anna Bunker’s speech to the Board of Education during the Hearing of the Public portion of the meeting on November 19
As a group, you have lost my trust in your ability to recognize what the community needs. We shouldn’t need to be sold the idea of 3 new buildings, 110 acres of land, security upgrades, etc… If the Superintendent and Board of Education spent the same amount of time educating the community before they voted on adopting the plan as they did to promote it during the election, I think we would be having a much different conversation today.
The fact is you knew this was a big ask and tried to hide the overall costs in the fine print. You conducted a survey before you voted on putting this on the ballot and the survey told you that 90% of the people surveyed had no or little idea about the Building Tiger Nation plan. In that same survey, you were told that 50% of the people believed Loveland already had high taxes.
And even with this information, you approved the plan and put it on the ballot anyway.
Speaking of communications, the fact that you felt the need to hire Allerton Hill with a price tag of $133,000 to sell this levy to the community has to be one of the biggest mistakes you made. This is not Washington DC or New York City, this is Loveland, Ohio, a caring and trusting community that takes care of one another.
Not only did Allerton Hill’s tactics divide this community with the “stick to the message at all costs” and scare tactics, but telling us that our children are not safe was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.
This was just a scare tactic because the truth is our Tiger community is safe.
How dare you tell our community and surrounding communities that our schools are not safe!
Are there improvements that can be made, of course.
Are there changes you would like to implement, of course.
But our schools are safe.
This was just a scare tactic because the truth is our Tiger community is safe. We have amazing administrators, teachers, staff, and safety officers that in an emergency will do their best to keep our children safe. There will always be some new theory or strategy on school safety, but it doesn’t mean our kids are not safe.
I believe you are all good people acting with good intentions. But I also believe somewhere along the road things went sideways and you may have forgotten why you initially ran for this position.
Fool me once, shame you, Fool me twice, shame on me.
What am I going to do? I am going to keep our Political Action Committee up and running to ensure two things:
1) A seat on the Board of Education will never be unopposed again.
2) I will do my best to keep myself informed and continue to keep the Loveland community informed, so they are never blindsided again.
You have not only lost my trust in your ability to represent our community’s needs, but you have also lost my vote.
This story produced by WOUB Public Media in Athens, Ohio is about the newly released film by Loveland native and Loveland High School graduate, Dean Parker, Call the Shot. Parker, an award-winning filmmaker is currently studying Integrated Media Production at Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication. Parker was an intern at Loveland Magazine.
OU Student Produced Film ‘Call the Shot’ Coming to Athena Nov. 9
Being a student at Ohio University, there’s ample opportunity to create and collaborate with others, especially when you’re nestled in the foothills of Appalachia- inspiration is everywhere. For some, this means working on passion projects with a group of talented students and making dreams become a reality.
Call the Shot, a short film set to premiere this weekend at the Athena, was written, produced and edited by Ohio University students. Raan Shalom wrote the screenplay, and Dean Parker, Mackenzie Keaton, and Josh Lehrfeld produced the film. Parker also directed and edited the film. The film tells the story of the life-defining conversation a suicidal bar patron has with the bartender.
Loveland, Ohio – As many of you in the community know Loveland High School has had quite the successful 2019 Fall sports season. The athletic ability of these Tiger student-athletes’ is what many families and friends follow daily. Unfortunately, sometimes the student part of student-athlete is not recognized as much because in the public eye it is not as entertaining as watching the individual’s athletic ability play out. The most difficult and most impressive part of being a student-athlete is the time commitment and hard work that goes into becoming a great student. With that in mind please join us in congratulating the following Loveland High School student-athletes for being awarded ECC ALL-ACADEMIC! Loveland Magazine is proud to be apart of TIGER NATION!
ECC ALL-ACADEMIC AWARDS
FALL 2019 (Varsity only-3.5 GPA or higher-1st Quarter)
Cheer
Kayla Adkins, Lora Kate Bezjak, Kaitlyn Breese, Erin Flanagan, Olivia Herrmann, Amy Keyser, Megan Korniak, Nicole Pedicini, Hannah Powers, Olivia Powers, Anna Soupene, Caroline Spikes, Caroline Staley, Emma Vincent and Emma Wentland
Women’s XC
Nami Cannon, Ellie Carr, Allyson Colegate, Skyler Daumeyer, Bella Dillhoff, Sofia Dillhoff, Lexi Duff, Kali Egan, Kristina Feighery, Allie Fogel, Alexi Funk, Jessie Gibbins, Sarah Hallock, Sarah Madix, Ansley Richards, Emmy Sager, Maaike Snider, Kirstin Thomas, Meghan Tibbs and Ellie Zicka
Men’s XC
Colin Beran, Ryan Chevalier, Alex Ditchen, Grant Hanson, Brady Jeffcott, Carter Jerome, Sam Neiger, Alex Saletta, Max Spencer, Brady Steiner, Ajay Stutz, Andrew Waple and Alex Wolf
Football
Luca Aquilino, Zach Bebout, Jack Bergman, Jake Cotsonas, Zach DeWitt, Ethan Freeland, Max Huddleston, Tyler Lake, Austin Lodor, Weston Manske, Mason Moore, Ben Morrison, Gabe Ogdan, Adam Perry and Jaden Walton
Men’s Golf
Aiden Callahan, Jack Gray, Scott Henke, Matt Rychlik, Luke Sence and Tyler Vallee
Women’s Golf
Emme Amy, Erin Dickman, Kristin Dygert, Jordan Lawrence, Allison Rountree and Maya Stokes
Women’s Soccer
Kaitlyn Andrews, Maria Bashardoust, Lauren Donovan, Georgie Early, Caroline Florea, Leiah Goedde, Brooke Hatfield, Ella James, Sophia Kapszukiewicz, Claire Massey, Reilly Patton, Abby Pawlikowski and Ava Webb
Men’s Soccer
Kees Ciric, Ryan Dillinger, Aaron Earl, Helge Harris, Cole Harter, Addison Hearn, Pierce Madson, Drew Moore, Luc Parrish, Connor Patton, Brayden Shepard, Ethan Smith, Emmett Webb and Daniel Zamagias
Women’s Tennis
Tess Broermann, Babs Dwyer, Grace Haught, Maira Hodar, Alex Hytree, Sarah McKenzie, Allsion Partin, Anna Svitkovich and Hanna Wenger
Women’s Volleyball
Ally Batsch, Diana Clark, Ellie Egan, Kate Garry, Jillian Hayes, Maya Jepson, Olivia Kenyon, Abbie Miller, Alex Miller, Emma Neltner, Nicole Niven, Clara Planner, Audrey Planner, Brie Saunders and Isabel Vuyk
After reflecting on the election results of last week, it is clear that the district needs more frequent, direct feedback and engagement from the Loveland Schools community, including parents, residents, and staff. Our Board of Education, along with the school administration, is taking the results of the failed combined levy very seriously and is asking for your guidance in determining the next steps to ensure we continue to support our goal of providing the best education for Loveland children.
On Tuesday, November 19, we invite you to join us for a brief Board of Education business meeting and a community input/listening session that will follow. We want to hear from you, and need your honest and direct feedback.
It is my sincere hope that we – together – will find ways to move forward for the benefit of our community as a whole.
Dr. Amy Crouse is the Superintendent of the Loveland City School District
A large portion of the Loveland community has lost faith in the Loveland board of education and school administration. This is clear from the decisive 78% to 22% defeat of the school levy and bond issue on November 5th. Further evidence is provided by the fact that the two board members running for reelection each garnered only around 50% of the vote while running unopposed, meaning that half of those who voted chose to vote for neither of them. Before putting another levy on the ballot, the board needs to take substantive actions to regain the community’s trust.
Before putting another levy on the ballot, the board needs to take substantive actions to regain the community’s trust.
Others in the community have recommended three actions: terminate the land purchase contract with the Grail, terminate the Allerton Hill consulting contract and implement Ohio’s open checkbook. All three are excellent ideas and we support them wholeheartedly. These three actions would demonstrate that the board is responding to the electorate and that they are committed to communicating openly, honestly and with full financial transparency. In addition, the board needs to demonstrate a commitment to providing strong, fiscally responsible governance in the future.
We, therefore, recommend two additional actions
The first is to implement an annual budgeting process that starts with a strict cost cap tied to taxpayers’ ability to pay. A relatively simple way to do this would be to limit the total expenditure per student, including both operating and non-operating expenditures, to a fixed percentage of the median income in the district. We recommend a limit of 20%, which according to the Ohio Department of Education data corresponds to 2013 levels, before the ramp-up that occurred over subsequent years. This would serve to ensure that school taxes do not continue to consume an ever-increasing portion of household income and restrict tax levies to levels more acceptable to voters.
Because of its focus on cost versus benefit, this method forces much better prioritization and decision making than the typical method.
The second action is to use a zero-based budgeting approach to allocate money within the budget cap. This is a standard budgeting method in which the budget allotted to each expense category starts at a base level of zero and moves up from that level only to the extent that is justified by its benefit. Because of its focus on cost versus benefit, this method forces much better prioritization and decision making than the typical method wherein each expense is assumed to start at the prior year’s level plus a standard annual increase. In this context, benefits would need to be defined as proven, quantifiable impacts on academic performance in order to ensure we deliver the best education our community can afford for our children.
Taking these actions now would go a long way toward convincing the community that the Loveland board of education is actively supervising school administrators, ensuring sound management of the school system and advancing the interests of the entire community.
After all, that is what we elected them for?
Kim and Rick Donaldson live in the Grailville neighborhood of Miami Township
Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Eleven Tigers made the community of Loveland proud on Wednesday each committing to playing athletics at the collegiate level. Loveland High School invited the community to attend its annual 2019 Fall Sports Signing Day ceremony where each athlete was able to sign their National Letter of Intent with their coaches, friends, and families present!
Loveland High School Athletic Director, Brian Conaster, in front of a packed LHS gym, first presented each athlete along with their accolades and then proceeded in asking that athlete to officially sign their letter of intent. Loveland Magazine TV was lucky enough to capture the memorable ceremony on camera! Experience the Tiger ceremony for yourselves and click below to see the full 2019 National Letter of Intent Signing Day at Loveland High School! GO TIGERS!
Loveland Magazine congratulates the following, on committing to play their sport at the collegiate level:
Kate Garry – Basketball – University of Akron Jillian Hayes – Basketball – University of Cincinnati Brandon Day – Swim – University of Utah Kristin Thomas – XC/Track – Georgetown Kaitlyn Andrews – Soccer – University of Cincinnati Claire Massey – Soccer – Taylor University Maria Bashardoust – Soccer – Cleveland State University Caitlin Elam – Soccer – University of Louisville Carson Deer – Baseball – University of Tennessee-Martin Allison Rountree – Golf – Ohio Northern University Riley Bullock – Dive – Ball State University
![[Video] What are Loveland High School students grateful for?](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/maxresdefault-3.jpg)
![[Loveland Magazine TV] Eleven Outstanding Loveland High School Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lhs-college-signing.jpg)
