Loveland Magazine

CINCINNATI, OHIO - CINCINNATI DOCTOR STUDIES PREVENTABLE CHILDHOOD INJURIES

CINCINNATI, OHIO -- Preventable home injuries for children and adolescents in the United States account for more than 2,800 deaths each year. While the number of incidents have decreased in recent years, fatalities from unintentional injuries at home continue to be a leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S., according to Kieran J. Phelan, M.D., pediatrics director of the Center for Evidence Based Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and an author of the study that appears in the Aug. 2, 2005 issue of Pediatrics.

The study is the first comprehensive analysis of residential deaths among children and teens (younger than 20 years old) in the United States since 1985. It is based on statistics reported between 1985 and 1997 from the National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data.

The majority of unintentional residential injuries are preventable, the study's authors say. Most deaths were attributed to fires, submersion or suffocation, poisoning and falls.

Between 1985-1997, an average of 55 percent of unintentional deaths among U.S. children took place at home. Meanwhile, fatal residential injuries decreased by 22 percent during the same period. The death rate due to residential injuries was highest in children younger than 1 to 5 years of age as compared to older children, boys as compared to girls, and black children as compared to white children. The authors attributed the racial disproportion to socioeconomic factors such as substandard housing, lower levels of education, and poverty.

Strategies to eliminate disparities in residential injury-related deaths, include the development and enforcement of health-based housing standards. This alone could reduce the burden of childhood injury-related deaths in the United States, the authors say.

This study was funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a New Investigator Award from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (for Dr. Phelan).

LOVELAND, OHIO - SUMMER SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

LOVELAND, OHIO - Drowning is the second leading cause of injury death among children 14 years and younger. And for every child who drowns, three receive emergency department care for non-fatal submersion injuries. 

Water-Related Injuries: Fact Sheet from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

LOVELAND, OHIO - GREATER LOVELAND BASEBALL SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION MERGES WITH CINCINNATI STIX

Dear Greater Loveland Resident:

The Greater Loveland Baseball Softball Association (GLBSA) has announced a merger with the Cincinnati STIX Select baseball organization. Beginning with the 2006 season, the Cincinnati STIX plan to create a Select baseball team at each age level, beginning at 9 years old.

The Select STIX teams will offer the most advanced players the opportunity to fully develop their skills at the highest level of competitive play. The Select teams will compete in the Southwest Ohio League. Try outs will be conducted in August for those players who are interested.

GLBSA’s goal is to provide the highest quality of baseball experience for all players, regardless of skill level. GLBSA believes that it can best accomplish this goal by attempting to match each player’s level of baseball skill to the appropriate level of play. The Select Cincinnati STIX teams will be in addition to the traditional Knothole League Recreational, Competitive and Division 1 Leagues that GLBSA currently offers Greater Loveland players. By offering multiple levels of play it will keep more kids interested and involved in the sport of baseball.

You can refer to either of the web sites listed below for STIX tryout dates and club rules & regulations:
http://www.lovelandbaseballsoftball.org
or,
www.cincinnatistix.com
If you have specific questions, please e-mail Steve Plitt, President of the Cincinnati STIX at splitt@fuse.net

Thank you for past support of GLBSA. Please help in spreading the word of this exciting new announcement.

Sincerely,
Scott Schlesner
Executive VP of Baseball
GLBSA
P.O. Box 201
Loveland, Ohio 45140

Click here for frequently asked Questions and Answers, and a Try-Out schedule: Download select_baseball_announcement.pdf

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - EXPLORE COOK FARM AND LOG CABIN

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - On Wednesday, July 27 the Goshen Township Historical Society and the Goshen Local Schools will host an evening exploring the Cook Farm and Log Cabin.  The tour will be led by Mrs. Kathryn Marr GTHS Life member and retired principal of  the Goshen Marr Primary School.

The Society and the School district have begun a joint venture hoping to preserve the circa 1800 log home and several of the Depression era farm buildings as an on site historical education tool.

The tour will begin at 6:30 at the Goshen High School, Goshen Rd. and is open to the public.

Info: goshen_historical@excite.com

LOVELAND, OHIO - UNHEALTHY AIR CONTINUES INTO TUESDAY

LOVELAND, OHIO - The air is again predicted to be unhealthy for children on Tuesday. Small particles and ozone pollution will be at dangerous levels. Children, people with lung or heart disease, and older adults are at risk.

LOVELAND, OHIO - 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 YEARS TOGETHER

LOVELAND, OHIO - Mary Louise and Bill McHenry recently celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary. They had a five-year courtship and engagement prior to the wedding so technically they have been a couple for 70 years.

Trying to squeeze from them the secret to such a happy long union, they were each asked separately, but somehow came up with the exact same answers. They said they never argue, and always have gotten along, and that they like to periodically do good things for each other. One might say they think alike.

Mary Louise has lived on Rule Street in Branch Hill since she was two years old. During their courting days Mary Louise was a Loveland Gal and Bill a Goshen Guy. He lived on a farm on McHenry Road. The two of them met atop of a bank building at a dance hall in downtown Loveland. When asked what it was that attracted them to each other, Mary Louise did not hesitate for a second with her answer. She said she loved Bill's long black eyelashes. For Bill it was that Mary Louise was a good person to dance with and the fact that she had a good personality was a big plus too.

Mary Louise's Dad, who lived two doors down, built the house on Rule Street that has been home for Bill and Mary Louise for all the days of their wedded life. He originally intended the house to be for his older daughter (Mary Louise's sister) but she did not want it so Bill and Mary Louise got it for $6000 land and all. Mary Louise and Bill were married right by their house at Branch Hill Methodist Church.

The McHenry's will need to stay married for 15 more years to beat the world book of records longest marriage of 80 years.

ZOAR, OHIO - VOLKMAN HOME - THROWS HUGE PARTY

ZOAR, OHIO - Lt. Col. David Volkman joked Saturday that since he had made all the "big bucks" getting combat pay while serving in Afghanistan he wanted to throw a big party for all those who supported him and his family while he was away. And a big party it was. An estimated 300-350 friends, family, military personnel, church family, and childhood friends gathered at Oeders Lake to eat, play games, fish, and listen to what Volkman described as the best bluegrass band in the world, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time.

Volkman was on leave from his job of teaching American Government at Loveland High School, and said he would resume teaching this fall. Many teachers and administrators also attended the party that started in the early afternoon and lasted till dark.

LOVELAND, OHIO - AIR ALERT CONTINUES FOR TUESDAY - UNHEALTHY

LOVELAND, OHIO - WOMEN UNITE TO PROTECT HOMES - PETITION DRIVE STARTS

LOVELAND, OHIO - Some city council members, administrators, and advocates for an indoor shooting range in the city have made repeated promises to abide by all local, state, and federal regulations. They even put this mandate into the law that was approved by Loveland voters last February. Apparently they had their fingers crossed about the prohibition from operating a shooting range within 200' of a residence, or thought it couldn't or wouldn't be enforced.

Promise to abide by the law, but when the Board of Zoning Appeals says you must, strike it from the books.

That is exactly what City Council did on July 12. Mayor Brad Greenberg, Vice Mayor Joe Schickel, and Councilmembers Dan Daly and Todd Osborne voted to approved Ordinance 2005-38 which changed the zoning code prohibition from shooting firearms within 200-feet of a residence, to zero. The previous law was an outright prohibition from commercial recreation facilities within 200' of a residential zone and since an indoor shooting range fell into the definition of commercial recreation and the proposed Shooters Supply range was immediately adjacent to a residential zone, city council did away with the buffer requirement entirely. This follows a recent decision by Loveland's Board of Zoning Appeals that said the 200-feet rule indeed applied to the proposed shooting range.

The ordinance now makes commercial recreation a conditional use anywhere along the Loveland Maderia Road business corridor. This means that Shooters Supply can now go before the Planing and Zoning Commission and ask for the conditional use. The Planning and Zoning Commission can set "conditions" on the operation of the shooting range, however it is the Planning and Zoning Commission that first recommended the 200-foot buffer be deleted from the code. It is unlikely the Mayor appointed members to the Commission would now reverse themselves and place tough conditions on the shooting range. If it had been their intention to put any conditions on the range's operation, they could have done so by putting these conditions in the code language they forwarded on to City Council. Paul Elliott and Katie Showler voted against removing the residential protection. Rob Weisgerber was absent from the meeting.

Pat Cobb doesn't live immediately adjacent to the proposed shooting range, but does live only a few hundred yards away in a new home along the Loveland Maderia Road corridor. " I thought the law was to protect the people, not to accommodate a business. The way it is, if someone gets on good terms with someone on council it seems they change the law to accommodate what they want to come in. It could be your neighborhood next, because if someone has a vacant lot - look out."

On Thursday morning Cobb submitted the necessary paperwork to inform City Hall that a group of women have started a referendum petition drive to restore the 200-foot buffer.

Cobb has a quiet good-natured manner and was honestly reluctant to be interviewed and seemed uncomfortable turning in the paperwork at City Hall. She was asked how hopeful she was about gathering the necessary signatures and if the signature drive is successful, what does she feel are the chances people will defeat the code change at the polls.

"Well, there's always a chance, and I am hopeful the ladies will come through this time. Last time the men came out of the woodwork." Cobb estimated that 80 percent of the voters last February were men. "Truthfully, I hope that more women will take a look at what we're facing - the fact that this is your home. This is something a woman takes care of; her home and her kids."

The petition committee has until August 11 to collect 409 signatures of registered Loveland voters. If the election board verifies that enough valid signatures are on the petitions, the issue will be put to a vote.

Gregg Holthem, lives in the Warren County side of Loveland far from Cobb's home or the proposed gun range. At a public hearing on the ordinance, he said, "My main problem is this is not the proper place for a shooting range at the gateway to the city." He also expressed concerns about changing the code to accommodate a single business that shouldn't be adjacent to residential uses.

Vice mayor Schickel said he supports the shooting range and he did not agree the ordinance is directed at one business. He said of removing the 200-foot prohibition, "In some ways Council is getting more restrictive because there's no longer an automatic principal permitted use as long as the 200 feet rule is met."

Mayor Greenberg said it doesn't matter if this is being done for just one business and it is important that council do what they can to attract business to the city. "While people have strong emotions when there are guns, I believe there are more injuries at Castle Skateland than there ever will be at Shooters Supply." He said he had seen an ambulance at the skating rink more than once.

Loveland residents Naomi Ruben and Genevieve Konarski are also members of the petition committee.

The owners of Shooters Supply were out of town attending a gun show and could not be reached for comment.

(Publisher's Note - David Miller, Publisher of Loveland Magazine donated the services of the initial printing of the referendum petition submitted to city hall this week. Miller has printed several petitions of this type in the past and has templates in a computer file to do this easily. Otherwise, this printing could take several weeks out of the 30 days allowed for a referendum petition. This same service would be donated to any local civic group.)

LOVELAND, OHIO - POLLUTION ALERT FOR SUNDAY

LOVELAND, OHIO - TILL MORNING LIGHT APPEARS

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - ROUTE 48 AND SMITH ROAD INTERSECTION TO BE RESTRICTED

Miami Township, Ohio - Drivers can look this week for a signalized closure at the intersection of SR 48 and Smith Road, which will allow for one lane of traffic to move at a time. The closure is set as work begins this week to correct a landslide in this area. The closure will continue until the completion of the project, which is scheduled for late fall of 2005

LOVELAND, OHIO - SHOP LOCAL

LOVELAND, OHIO - NEW LOVELAND ART GALLERY SUPPORTS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

LOVELAND, OHIO - Children's art is being auctioned by Loveland's newest art gallery, to benefit Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Rick Allen Gaddis has opened Rick Allens Gallery at 124 West Loveland Avenue between Pizazz Studios and Paxtons Grill.

The art gallery will feature both Gaddis' art and the work of others. The store is involved in raising money for Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the staff is made up of a voluntary team.

Gaddis says, "Helping others is very important to me. I incorporated my love for art to do just that." One dollar from every print sold is donated to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Gaddis also recently donated a large print to the hospital.

The gallery is currently sponsoring a children's art auction called "For Children, By Children." It is a silent auction and bids can be made by visiting the gallery. The bidding began on July 1 and ends on July 30. You can view some samples of the art at: http://qkzonline.com/rickallens/index.php?id=silent_auction_entries

All of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the hospital. Many local and regional businesses are also co-sponsoring the art contest.

Entry forms to submit children's art can be picked up at the gallery. Prizes of $100, $50, and $25 will be awarded.

rickallens@gmail.com

LOVELAND, OHIO - HARRY POTTER READ-A-THON

LOVELAND, OHIO - DISNEY'S ALADDIN JR. PLAYS IN LOVELAND THIS WEEK

Music by:  Alan Menken
Lyrics by:  Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by:  Jim Luigs
Music Adapted and Arranged by:   Bryan Louiselle
Based on the Screenplay by: Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio

Sponsored in part by:

The Loveland Firefighters Association

Presented by:

The Loveland Stage Company’s Second Annual

Children’s Summer Theater Workshop

Directed by Mark Woods, Produced by Janet Metzelaar, Music Direction by Jack Hasty

Choreographed by Jerry Wiesenhahn, Assistant Producer Caroline Hall    

            The Loveland Stage Company
Directions: 111 S 2nd St. (Rt 48)

• Show Dates
: Cast & Crew 1:  July 14, 15, 16, & 17 2005 

    Cast & Crew A: July 21, 22, 23 & 24 2005

• Show Times
: Thursday, Friday and Saturday Performances at 8:00 p.m.

    * Sunday Matinee at 3:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices:    $8.00 for students and seniors ~ $10.00 for adults.

  For Tickets call: Nadine 984-5410

For more information: www.lovelandstagecompany.org

LOVELAND, OHIO - WHY DO YOU INCITE FEAR by Tori Morrison

Dear Editor, by Tori Morrison.

Is everyone forgetting the fact that the citizens of Loveland overwhelmingly voted in favor of allowing the shooting range to open? When we as citizens went to vote we knew where the proposed shooting range was going to be.  We've always known where it was going to be. Both sides made sure we knew that if the law passed the shooting range would be located on Loveland-Madeira Road. This is simply a case of a group of people who do not want the range to open doing whatever they can to stall it.  Council voted to allow the range and the majority of the citizens of Loveland voted to allow the range.  It's time to move on.

On another note I feel its in poor taste that you are blaming Vice Mayor Joe Schickel for simply trying to do what the voters in Loveland asked all of Council to do back in February.  Your article was not reporting the "news". You were writing an editorial. When reporting the "news" you should be getting both sides of the argument.  I didn't see where you had talked to Vice Mayor Schickel or to any citizens in support of the shooting range.  I have never read such a biased article before.

You talk about "phantom local, state and federal" regulations.  Where are your statistics that show a shooting range poses any threat to cars or buses passing by?  Where are your statistics that show crime is elevated in an area because of a shooting range being located there? Why do you continue to try to incite fear in the citizens of Loveland with no proof that fear is warranted?

Tori Morrison
Loveland Citizen

Editor's response:

The article, A SPEEDING BULLET, FASTER THAN A LOCOMOTIVE, RUNS OVER RESIDENTIAL PROTECTIONS was a report of events of the Loveland City Council meeting held on June 28. The proponents of the shooting range were not quoted because they were silent on the issue at the meeting. Vice Mayor Schickel was not quoted because he was not at the council meeting.

However Ms. Morrison is correct in that the headline is quite opinionated and Loveland Magazine did describe the law that was enacted at the ballot box earlier this year as a, "poorly written Loveland law." This judgement may be interpreted as subjective, however the objective fact remains that Loveland Magazine has done extensive research on local, state, and federal laws governing the construction and operation of indoor shooting ranges and found none. The attorney for Shooters Supply said he would provide City Council with these regulations from his earliest appearance before City Council, yet has never produced the first document. (The legal representative stated that by going through the Ohio Revised Code that information could be produced in perhaps a week or two. 8/10/04 Public Hearing) No council member or administrators have produced the first document. Download hunt_for_regulations.html

Loveland Magazine also believes there is no doubt that any citizen can today shoot guns in anything they call an indoor shooting range in any residential neighborhood and not be violating any law. Thus, it is the judgement that the law is poorly written, However Ms. Morrison is correct that this judgment did not belong in the article.

LOVELAND, OHIO - CATALPA BLOSSOMS ON THE LOVELAND BIKE TRAIL

LOVELAND, OHIO - Thanks to the catalpa sphinx moth and its larva stage — known as the famed catalpa worm — these trees are a "go fishing" sign. Read about the Catalpa Tree (A sign to go fishing by Taylor Wilson) and see photos of the worms.

This catalpa tree in Nisbet Park was struck by lighting about four years ago. The scar is visible down the center of the main trunk. The photo was taken with a digital camera and an infrared lens which blocks ninety per-cent of the visible light spectrum.

Catalpa trees grow 50 feet tall but can go to 90 feet. This short lived, coarse textured tree spreads 50 feet and tolerates hot weather. A sunny exposure and a well drained, moist, rich soil is preferred. Growth is rapid at first but slows down with age. The main ornamental feature is panicles of flowers produced in early summer. These are white with yellow and purple markings. Leaves of the Catalpa are distinctive. Their heart shape and giant size of up to 12 inches long make them a favorite with children. The fruit is elongated cigar-shaped fruit 12 - 18 inches long also a favorite of children's play and imagination.

Information from: TreeHelp.com and Arborday.org.

LOVELAND, OHIO - AIR UNHEALTHY TODAY FOR ACTIVE CHILDREN

LOVELAND, OHIO - The air quality forecast for today is unhealthy for sensitive groups (CODE ORANGE).

The primary pollutant is ozone. The air quality is unhealthy for people in sensitive groups, including people with lung disease (such as asthma), active adults and children.

What Action Should People Take?
- Coaches, it's a good idea to rotate your players, especially if any have asthma.
- Try to cut back your strenuous outside activities or reschedule them when air quality is better.
- You might want to go for a walk instead of a jog.
- Take precautions if you experience any unusual coughing or chest discomfort.
-  You may want to reschedule strenuous activities to avoid ozone during the afternoon and early evening hours.
- If you work outside, try to plan strenuous activities for the morning.

Active children are the group at highest risk from ozone exposure because they often spend a large part of the summer playing outdoors. Children are also more likely to have asthma, which may be aggravated by ozone exposure.

Ozone may cause permanent lung damage. Repeated short-term ozone damage to children's developing lungs may lead to reduced lung function in adulthood. In adults, ozone exposure may accelerate the natural decline in lung function that occurs as part of the normal aging process.

There are not always symptoms. Ozone damage also can occur without any noticeable signs. People who live in areas where ozone levels are frequently high may find that their initial symptoms go away over time-particularly when exposure to high ozone levels continues for several days. Ozone continues to cause lung damage even when the symptoms have disappeared. The best way to protect your health is to find out when ozone levels are elevated in your area and take simple precautions to minimize exposure even when you don't feel obvious symptoms.

LOVELAND, OHIO - TOUR DE LOVELAND SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1-7 P.M.

LOVELAND, OHIO - New this year for the Tour de Loveland is the Little Miami Cluster of the Cincinnati Cycle Club Recreational Ride starting at 9 A.M. at the VFW Hall on E. Loveland Avenue. Local riders can come out early and ride either 28 or 56 miles throughout the rolling hills of Loveland and surrounding communities. Upon arrival back in Loveland, you can grab a bite to eat at The Loveland Mill ($1.00 off lunch coupon) or The Works (free appetizer with meal).

Continue your cycling day with bike racing of all levels. 

There are men’s, women’s, children’s (Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Race) and master’s categories.  There is a Kids Fun Ride for ages 4-12 for those looking to ride and not compete.  The first 100 children ages 4-12 who pre-register at Loveland City Hall and complete the ride will receive a medal, T-shirt, water bottle and goodie bag. The Kids' Fun Ride is to benefit CancerFree Kids. Pre-registration will also take place at Century Volkswagen, Loveland Regional Veterinary Hospital, The Loveland Mill, and Cycle Sport.

There will be a bike skill rodeo and helmet fitting clinic to help reinforce and remind us all of cycling rules and safety tips. Helmet fitting will be available with a commemorative sticker to place on your helmet and helmets will be available for a very nominal fee. At 5 P.M. Loveland Police Officer Jose Alejandro and German Shepherd Argo will demonstrate the skills that won them a 5th place ranking in the country.

The fastest of the fast will race 44 laps around Historic Loveland to see who the champion of the street is for the 2005 Tour de Loveland and a purse of $2,000.00. This race is 45 laps or 40 miles.  The entry fee is $25. The purse is $2,000.00 with hundreds of premes.  Some say that premes are the most exciting part of the race.  A "preme" is an incentive, financial or in merchandise, awarded for the fastest lap during the race.  The preme can take place at any time and there can be any number of them.  To register, visit www.active.com or call J. Baumeister, Race Director, at (614) 529-4268.

There will be a Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Races, Local Citizen-Cat V men’s race, Cat 3-4 regional men and women’s races as well as the Elite Cat 1-2-3 race and Men's Masters 30+.  Racing is set to begin at 1:00 p.m.

Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Race
This race is for two age categories 10-14 and 15-18 and winners qualify to attend a regional competition.

Men's Cat III-IV-V Race
This is where someone can purchase a one-day license to participate in addition to the entry fee of $15.  These categories can be considered "regional" and Cat V's are also considered to be the "citizen" race.  The purse for this race is $750.  Premes will also be awarded.  To register, visit www.active.com or call J. Baumeister, Race Director, at (614) 529-4268.

Women's Race
This race covers all categories I-V. Their entry fee is also $15.  The purse for this race is $750.  Premes will also be awarded. To register, visit www.active.com or call J. Baumeister, Race Director, at (614) 529-4268.

For more information, call (513)307-8028 or email lgkeller@cinci.rr.com.  Visit http://www.lovelandoh.com/tdlhome.asp for parking, online Kid Fun Ride registration, timeline and more information on the day’s events.

Download race_schedule.pdf
Download race_route.jpg
Download street_close.jpg
Download detour_map.pdf

LOVELAND, OHIO - A SPEEDING BULLET, FASTER THAN A LOCOMOTIVE, RUNS OVER RESIDENTIAL PROTECTIONS

LOVELAND, OHIO - What started out as a reasonable request a few weeks ago, to solicit public opinion on whether to change the law prohibiting a shooting range within two-hundred feet of residences, has turned into legislation that is less than a week from being implemented.

At the May 24 council meeting, Vice Mayor Joe Schickel requested that the Planning commission hold a public hearing. The Planning Commission did hold the public hearing, but it appears no Loveland residents knew about it. At least none attended. The only persons, who attended, besides public officials, were the owners of Shooters Supply and their supporters. Shooters Supply wants to operate an indoor shooting range in a former church building on Loveland Madeira Road directly across the street from a residential neighborhood. Loveland's Board of Zoning Appeals and a Hamilton County court had previously rejected the proposal because it is within zero feet of a residential zone. Current Loveland laws prohibits the range within two hundred feet of a residential zone.

Despite Schickel's stated desire to solicit public opinion, not even the owners of the Deer Ridge Apartments directly across the street from the proposed shooting range knew about the hearing that was advertised in the small print of public notices in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Zoning Administrator Gerald Stoker told Loveland Magazine that the legal notice was put in the Enquirer so the hearing could be held as soon as possible.

The same night as the phantom public hearing, the Planning Commission voted to forward the already prepared ordinance on to City Council. The ordinance completely removes the two hundred-foot prohibition.

At the June 28 City Council meeting the ordinance was moved forward the next step when Council read the ordinance for the first time and voted to hold a public hearing and a final vote on July 12.

Councilman Paul Elliott urged that the final vote not be taken immediately after hearing from the public on July 12 and expressed dismay at the notification process of the public hearing held by the Planning Commission.

Elliott said that the City Administration "didn't even have the common decency" to tell the Deer Ridge owners that there was to be a public hearing to remove the two-hundred foot buffer from their apartment complex. Elliott questioned why the City was rushing to change the Zoning Code to suite one business owner at the expense of another. "The City's partner, Shooters Supply has twice sued the City over its zoning code" while they did not notify Deer Ridge Apartments, the Loveland business that joined the City in court defending the City codes."

Elliott again repeated his, and other opponents of the shooting range often repeated challenge for Loveland officials to come forward with the "local, state or federal" guidelines mentioned in another recently passed city ordinance. That ordinance requires an indoor shooting range to operate within the guidelines of "local, state, or federal" regulations. Elliott said, "This is beyond sleight of hand, a little pulling the wool over the eyes. It's misleading and in my view negligent to have done such a thing because all research shows that they do not exist."

"We have essentially lied to the residents of Loveland."

Elliott questioned the wisdom of allowing a shooting range immediately adjacent to homes, absent any regulations. He urged that before Council removes the last obstacle in front of Shooters Supply, that Loveland itself must create the guidelines governing how an indoor shooting range should be constructed and operated. Elliott challenged his fellow Councilmember to contemplate whether the City could some day be held criminally negligent for an incident related to the shooting range. He said the City seems to be doing more than Shooters Supply has done to insure that the shooting range is opened. "Has anyone on this council ever considered what will happen when someone is hurt in connection with a Loveland Madeira Road shooting range that the City has practically done back flips to help? And with this new zoning change, pushes it right up against residences, yet has provided no real regulations other than the phantom 'local, state, and federal ones."

Elliott then asked another often repeated question about the poorly written Loveland laws that has never been answered to the satisfaction of range opponents. "What is stopping a private resident, or a non-profit organization from setting up a gun range in their basement." A private citizen can now legally shoot weapons indoors anywhere in the City, as long as they operate within the local, state, or federal regulations that the City Administration cannot produce. Also, a non-profit organization can operate a "non-commercial" shooting range in any Loveland neighborhood with the only restriction being the size of ammunition allowed.

Miami Township resident Steven Vice and his wife have repeatedly expressed concerns about the proposed range being in close proximity to schools and on a busy school bus route. Vice made an emotional plea to Mayor Brad Greenberg, " … as a father to another father. Don’t be the man who put my kids at risk on the false pretext of business development." Vice's address at the microphone during open forum is re-printed below.

LOVELAND, OHIO - COMMERCIAL ZONING CARVING COMPETITION

LOVELAND, OHIO - AN OPEN LETTER TO LOVELAND MAYOR

LOVELAND, OHIO - Dear Mayor Greenberg,

I'd like to personally address the Mayor this evening on the proposal to change Loveland's zoning laws specifically to allow a shooting range at the former Matthews Ministry site. Mayor Greenberg, it now appears that Councilman Schickel has found a way to circumvent the ruling of the Board of Zoning Appeals, which prohibited a shooting range in close proximity to the apartment residences across the street. This is the last, desperate card that Mr. Schickel has to play, and the only person on council that we can entrust to stop him is you.

We understand that you are the fourth vote that would allow the zoning change to proceed. The choice comes down to what you think is the right thing to do. Do you want to stick with your party, and forever be remembered as the mayor that allowed a shooting range at Loveland’s entrance? Or do you want to be remembered as the mayor that had the courage to be independent, who stood up and stopped a bad idea before Loveland’s image and safety is tarnished forever.

We’ve heard all the arguments from the proponents of the range, how this is supposedly good for Loveland business. But in your heart, Mr. Mayor, is it really worth it? Would you live right across the street from a shooting range? Would you send your kids to school in a bus that passed by the range every day? Do you not think that having a shooting range at the city’s entrance, right after the "Welcome to Loveland, Sweetheart of Ohio" sign, sends the wrong message? Is there not a more family-friendly business that could go at this site that would enhance our community?

I appeal to you, Mayor Greenberg, as a father to another father. Don’t be the man who put my kids at risk on the false pretext of business development. Be the man who protected my kids, the man who restores my faith in Loveland’s city government.

Sincerely,
Steven Vice

MASON, OHIO - YOUNGS AND WACHOLDER TOPPLE OLYMPIC CHAMPS

MASON, OHIO - Rachel Wacholder and Elaine Youngs ended the 50-match winning streak of Olympic gold medalists Misty May and Kerri Walsh in the finals of the AVP Nissan Series Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on Saturday. The loss also ended May and Walsh's streak of 10 consecutive tournament victories (including and beginning with the Olympics). Prior to Saturday, Elaine Youngs had lost 18 consecutive times to May and Walsh. Last year, May and Walsh went on an 89-match winning streak, one of the longest winning streak in sports history.

The match went to the tiebreaker third game with May/Walsh winning the first game 21-17. WacholderYoungs taking the second 22-20 and WacholderYoungs finally winning the back and forth contest in the third game, 15-13.

On Sunday the newly Formed Team of John Hyden and Mike Lambert won the men's competition by beating the second-seeded team of Dax Holdren and Jeff Nygaard. This was the first win for 2004 MVP Lambert this season after competing with two other partners earlier in the year. Leading to the finals, Hyden and Lambert defeated each previous tournament winner from this season.

Both matches were broadcast live on NBC.

The Lindner Family Tennis Center was transformed into the eight court, sand volleyball venue with the Grandstand Court used for the main events. View more photos in the volleyball photo album by scrolling down the left side of this page.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Little Miami 4-leafs Cookout

LOVELAND, OHIO - On Saturday July 9 The Little Miami 4-leafs will have a cookout at the Tractor Supply Co. on Montgomery Rd. (North of Meijers) from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.

FREE Hot dog, hamburgers and refreshments (donations highly appreciated).

All proceeds will go towards buying 4-H livestock for the Warren County Fair, July 18-23. The 4-H Livestock will then be donated to the Abuse Rape Crisis Shelter of Warren County.

Contact Janis Fogle for more information. (Jswfogle@aol.com)

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FROM IRAQ

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FROM IRAQ by Michael D. Riley

This is a little letter of appreciation to all who support the men and women in uniform.  Whether they wear a military uniform or your local police or fire department it is always nice to hear words of encouragement from the citizens you strive to protect.  I thought it would be nice to show my appreciation to the ones that support me in all I have done and continue to do.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart and remember those who have not been so fortunate that have fought for the protection of the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans. 
Remember it doesn’t matter if you are white, black, yellow, brown or you have one eye, one horn and are purple.  For one day we should all come together as Americans and remember the sacrifices men and women have given for the greater good of this great experiment we call the United States of America.  This is a day when Left and Right can have some Skyline Chili Dip while watching their children play in the sprinkler.  This is the day when you should say thank you to your local police officer even if he/she has given you a ticket in the past. 
As I sit in Baghdad, Iraq I am longing for the day I can get back to Ohio and run my toes through some green grass again.  I remember my days at Loveland High School when Coach Z sprinkled garlic on my shoes because I couldn’t score a goal if my life depended on it.  But as much as I might miss the States, I know that I am helping to protect those very people that have raised me to love the good ol’ USA.
So, on this day take just a second and forget about all the differences you have in color and politics and enjoy the freedom of the country you call home.  You might think one day is not enough but you must start somewhere.  Thank you for the support and enjoy your friends and families this Fourth of July.

Best Wishes From Iraq, (Hometown Loveland, Ohio)

Michael D. Riley
SPC, USA

MASON, OHIO - AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Cincinnati Open

MASON, OHIO - Olympic gold medallists Misty May and Kerri Walsh advanced to the semifinals after defeating Brazilians Samirames Marins and Tatiana Minello at the AVP Series Cincinnati Open on Friday. On the men's side, beach volleyball legend and three-time gold medallist Karch Kiraly and partner Adam Jewell lost to Paul Baxter and Jason Ring landing them in the contender's bracket for more competition on Saturday.

The number-one seeded team of Jake Gibb and Stein Metzger breezed through the first two rounds of the tournament and will face Sean Rosenthal and Larry Witt Saturday morning. San Diego Open winners Matt Fuerbringer and Casey Jennings will face the newly formed team of John Hyden and Mike Lambert.

In a familiar match-up, former partners Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs faced each other during Friday's night session with a heated battle ending with a win for Youngs and partner Rachel Wacholder 21-23, 21-17, 15-12. The pair advances to Saturday's semifinals.

This is the first event of the Nissan Championship Series, which is comprised of the five biggest beach volleyball tournaments this season. The new format gives players double points for the first four events and the finale will be worth triple points. A champion on both the men and women's side will be crowned at the Chicago Open on Labor Day weekend. All finals during the Championship Series will be broadcast LIVE on NBC in a consistent time slot of 4:30-6:00 p.m./ET all summer long. The Series continues at the Hermosa Beach Open presented by Bud Light July 21st through 24th.

Saturday the women's final takes place at 4:30 P.M. and will be broadcast live on NBC. The tournament holds its second night session Saturday with men's matches from 7:30-9:00 P.M. The men's final will be held on Sunday at 4:30 P.M. and carried live on NBC.

To see more exclusive photos from the tournament find the Volleyball Photo Album by scrolling down the left side of this page.