LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: ohio

  • Loveland Trick-or-Treat Hours

    Loveland Trick-or-Treat Hours

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland’s trick-or-treat hours are 6 until 8 PM on October 31.

  • Joe Burrow Is Having a MVP Season – The Bengals Cannot Let It Go to Waste

    Joe Burrow Is Having a MVP Season – The Bengals Cannot Let It Go to Waste

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – Bengals fans have had to watch in agony as two of Joe Burrow’s seasons came to terrible ends due to injuries. In 2020 it was several torn knee ligaments against Washington in week 11. Last year it was yet another week 11 injury, this time a season-ending ligament tear in his wrist. But if there is one thing that the Bengals quarterback knows how to do, it is battle back to be even better.

    Burrow returned in 2021 to throw for over 4600 yards and guide the team to their first Super Bowl in decades, which they were one play away from winning. He led the NFL in completion percentage (70.4%) and yards per attempt (8.9). Cincinnati was 10-6 that year and Burrow won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

    But his comeback tour in 2024 is even more awe-inspiring. He leads the league in touchdown passes (12) and quarterback rating (113.6) and he’s second in completion percentage (72.3). Burrow is also excelling at throwing the ball downfield as he also is front of the pack when it comes to passes of over 40 yards.

    It’s a testament to how well both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are playing in that Burrow is also the highest graded quarterback on passes over 10 yards. He boasts a 94.9 rating on such throws:

    There’s little doubt that Burrow is seeing the field better than at any point in his career. But there are other components to it. He has the best-performing offensive line that Cincinnati has seen in recent memory. He has fully healthy weapons on the outside in Chase and Higgins. The Bengals’ running game is more consistent and explosive than in prior years.

    Take all of that and you get a Bengals team that is 7th in total offense and 6th in yards per play. The one thing that Joe Burrow does not have, to all of our sorrow, is a serviceable defense. As you can see from the chart below, the Bengals are near the top of the league in offensive expected points added. On the other hand, their defense is near the bottom in that same metric.

    Cincinnati is 26th in yards per game allowed (365.4), 18th in passing allowed (214.0) and 30th in rushing allowed (151.4). They are fourth worst in the NFL in scoring percentage, in that their opponents score points on almost 50 percent of their drives. By contrast, in 2022 the Bengals had the 7th best defense in yards per game, on route to 12 regular season wins.

    What it all seems to add up to is a giant missed opportunity. The 2024 Cincinnati Bengals have a bevy of offensive weapons. They are young, they are healthy, they are talented, and they are absolutely motivated. The effort, focus, and execution is present at every level: blocking, running, tackling, and receiving.

    But without a defense to back them up, Cincinnati’s offense can only do so much to win shootout after shootout. When a game comes down to who has the ball last, sometimes you just don’t have enough firepower to get the job done. It was what we all saw on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Burrow was amazing, Ja’Marr Chase was electric, and Tee Higgins hauled in first down catch after first down catch.

    Burrow has talked previously about how he has to be “perfect” in order to win games. While that’s a near impossible task for any NFL player, especially at the quarterback position, it’s unfortunate to say that he’s not far off in his messaging. With a defense as porous as Cincinnati has at the moment, nearly flawless games (like the one we saw against the Ravens) aren’t even good enough to come away with a victory, as patently unfair as that is.

    In the NFL, where windows of success can slam shut so quickly, it is absolutely criminal to waste a MVP year from Joe Burrow simply because a defense fails to show up game in and game out.

    That being said, there is a chance for the defense to play better and gain confidence. Before the Bengals head to Baltimore in week 10 for a rematch against the Ravens, they face the Giants (20th in yards per game), Browns (dead last at 32nd), and Raiders (24th). They also square off against the Eagles who have the 8th rated offense, but who are reeling at the moment. Those are legitimate chances to turn the defense around and find success, which Lou Anarumo can hopefully build upon before facing Baltimore again. The season is not over yet, and Trey Hendrickson, Cam Taylor-Britt, and the rest of the Bengals’ defense can make that very clear by making a statement, starting with Sunday Night Football against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.

    If Joe Burrow can come back from prior struggles to set the league on fire, why can’t the Bengals’ defense?

    ———————-

    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.

  • 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 – What role did Zac Taylor’s play calling have in the Bengals’ heartbreaking loss this past week against the Baltimore Ravens? Chris and Mark discuss how the Bengals abandoning Joe Burrow and their passing attack at the most crucial moment of the game impacted its end. The guys also discuss what the Bearcats can expect when they take on UCF this weekend, and how Michigan’s quarterback woes may be improving, but their play at the position is far from adequate. The Bearcats basketball squad is also in the top 15, at least by the evaluation of one key prognosticator. Finally, Chris and Mark talk about the Reds’ recent hiring of veteran manager Terry Francona and the impact it will have on the 2025 season.

     

    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.

  • [Photo Album by Andrew Sichak] FC Cincinnati drop final regular season home match 3-1

    [Photo Album by Andrew Sichak] FC Cincinnati drop final regular season home match 3-1

    Loveland, Ohio – These photos by Andrew Sichak were taken at FC Cincinnati’s final regular season home match.

    __________________

    Recap provided by FC Cincinnati

    FC Cincinnati dropped a 3-1 result to Orlando City SC Saturday night at TQL Stadium.

    With one game remaining before the start of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, the Orange and Blue are locked into third place in the Eastern Conference at 17-11-5 (56 points). Orlando are in fourth place at 15-11-7 (52 points).

    Orlando struck first at the 10-minute mark as Ramiro Enrique found the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season.

    Luciano Acosta brought the game level in the final moments of the first half with an extraordinary effort from just outside the Orlando box. Cincinnati’s captain tallied his 14th goal of the season and his second in as many matches after his midweek goal at New York City FC. Teenage Hadebe earned his first assist for the Orange and Blue in the process in his first home start.

    Iván Angulo would restore Orlando’s lead in the 66th minute followed by Enrique’s second goal of the evening six minutes later.

    FC Cincinnati close the 2024 MLS Regular Season on Saturday, October 19 at Philadelphia Union. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET for the Decision Day match.

    The Orange and Blue will host Game 1 of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series on a date to-be-determined following Decision Day.

    GAME NOTES
    – Luciano Acosta recorded his fourth-straight game with a goal contribution, the second-longest streak of the season for FC Cincinnati behind Acosta’s club record nine-game streak from April 6 – May 25.
    – There have been seven streaks in club history of four-plus games with a goal contribution … Acosta accounts for six of them.
    – Saturday marked Lucho Acosta’s 250th career MLS Regular Season appearance.
    – Teenage Hadebe recorded his first assist for FC Cincinnati.

    FC Cincinnati ultimately outshot Orlando 17-6 and earned 54 percent possession. But they could not overcome the two second half goals. With the loss, FC Cincinnati finish their home regular season record 7-7-2.

    The Orange and Blue must now wait two weeks before their next match as the FIFA International Window opens with MLS Decision Day to follow on Saturday October 19. FC Cincinnati will travel to Philadelphia Union for the final match of the regular season at Subaru Park before kicking off the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best of 3 series at TQL Stadium.

  • LHS teacher Lisa Brinkman selected for the 2025 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship

    LHS teacher Lisa Brinkman selected for the 2025 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Spanish Teacher Lisa Brinkman has been selected for the 2025 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship. The Fellowship is a year-long opportunity for her to learn and grow as an educator and bring her learning back for the benefit of our students.

    Lisa has been teaching Spanish at LHS for 20 years, is the chairperson of the World Language Department, and her two children attend Loveland Schools.

    Outside of the school day, Lisa will dedicate time to webinars, online coursework, a two-day conference, and an international field study.

    She is one of only 48 educators from across the country to be chosen for this prestigious opportunity.

    More about NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship

    Through the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship, public school educators develop the knowledge and skills to integrate global competency into their daily classroom instruction, advocate for global competency in their schools and districts, and help students to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. Fellows transform their classrooms to give students a global perspective.

    Over the course of a year, NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows immerse themselves in:

    • Ongoing workshops and webinars with global competency and education

    • Fellows’ independent study followed by group reflection and discussion

    • Group mentoring

    • A two-day in-person conference

    • Completion of a capstone project incorporating one or more of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals into classroom instructions

    • A 10-day international field study to examine another country’s education system, culture, and historical context

    Described by many fellows as “transformative,” the international field study experience guides fellows through thoughtful investigation of the historical and cultural contexts of the country visited while they also learn about its education system.

    Fellows meet with policymakers, community and nonprofit leaders, educators, students, and school administrators. The NEA Foundation carefully selects field study destinations where fellows can forge fruitful relationships while deeply immersing themselves in a new environment. Previous field study destinations include Peru, China, Brazil, South Africa, and Costa Rica.

    Fellows emerge from the Global Learning Fellowship with a deeper appreciation for cultural differences, stronger perspective taking skills, and firsthand experience of another culture’s approach to education. Their experiences throughout the fellowship reinforce the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in meeting the needs of students and communities.

    Fellows also develop an informed understanding of what global competency looks like in the classroom, why it’s critical to incorporate it into their teaching practices, and how they can be advocates for global competency at their schools and districts. They establish meaningful relationships with fellows across the country, many maintained throughout their careers and lifetimes.

    Since its inception in 2011, more than 500 public school educators have participated in the Global Learning Fellowship. Fellows have come from all 50 states, teaching every subject, at every grade level, and at all stages of their teaching careers. For many past fellows, participating in the field study was their first time traveling abroad. The Global Learning Fellowship has expanded the horizons of fellows, their students, and their communities.

  • Polling Location Change in Symmes Township

    Polling Location Change in Symmes Township

    Symmes Township, Ohio – If you plan to vote in person during the November election and vote at the Symmes Township Library (Precinct H), your new temporary voting venue will be at the Symmes Township Safety Services Center. The Board of Elections selected the site while the new library is under construction.

    Cincinnati Public Library will demolish and construct a new Symmes Branch

  • Loveland Symmes Fire Department Hosting Open House

    Loveland Symmes Fire Department Hosting Open House

    Symmes Township, Ohio – The Loveland Symmes Fire Department will be hosting an open house for fire prevention month on Wednesday, October 9th at the Symmes Safety Services Center from 6 until 8 PM. Children will get a tour of the safety equipment with the firefighters and Hamilton County Sheriff officers, and learn more about fire safety in the homes. There will also be lots more fun on site with a bounce house and refreshments.

  • Symmes Township Parks Levy on the November ballot

    Symmes Township Parks Levy on the November ballot

    Symmes Township, Ohio – Symmes Township Trustees have voted to place a .5 mill levy on the November ballot. The proposed levy will generate $477,000 each year for the next 5 years (2025-2029) and cost an additional $18.00 per $100,000 of valuation per residence.

    The levy will be used to pay for capital improvements to all township parks.

  • 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 – The Bengals got their first win of the season! But there is little time to celebrate as they clash with their division rivals the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. A lot is on the line, and Chris and Mark break it all down for you. Mark also analyzes what went wrong, and what went right for the Bearcats in their narrow loss against Texas Tech on Saturday. He also talks about how the Cats grade out going into their bye week. The guys also get to the bottom of just what happened on that Minnesota onside kick at the end of the Wolverines’ win last week, and delve into whether Michigan will ever be able to solve their quarterback issues.

     

    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.

  • Meet Bob and Colleen Coppola of Rosé Boutique & Wine Bar in Historic Downtown

    Meet Bob and Colleen Coppola of Rosé Boutique & Wine Bar in Historic Downtown

    Loveland, Ohio – On Friday, September 27, Cassie Mattia interviewed owners Bob and Colleen Coppola of Rosé Boutique & Wine Bar in Historic Downtown.

    Rosé Boutique & Wine Bar now features 55 wines on their menu and 16 wines on their unique self-pouring wine machines. In addition to the authentic wines, Bob handcrafts charcuterie boards to pair with wines and Colleen hand picks all of the items in the boutique. To learn all about the latest hot spot in Loveland check out Cassie’s new interview.