Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND, OHIO – Grow Your Own Certified Organic Food This Summer

LOVELAND, OHIO – Resident Judy Leever passed along this information to Loveland Magazine, commenting, “Is this something that you would be interested in publishing? I participated last year, and it was wonderful.”

2007 Earth-Shares CSA is Community Supported Agriculture. CSA is a direct partnership between the farmers who grow the food and the people who eat it. Members receive a share of garden fresh produce grown on organically certified land at Grailville, each week throughout the growing season, which starts the second week of May and continues through the second week of November.

While share quantities vary from year to year, in 2006 members received an average of over 15 pounds per week. The cost of membership for the 26 weeks of 2007 will be less than $15.50 per week for the $400 option, and less than $22.50 per week for the $580 option.

Members have the privilege of: working with an experienced gardener rediscovering their connection with the and soil, and learning about our local foods, eating with the seasons. and sharing recipes.

Regular meetings will be held to organize the CSA, divide tasks, determine a time line, and carry out the work. Member participation in the decision making process is important. Decisions will include pickup locations and times, transportation sharing, record-keeping, communication, publicity, gardening workdays. and meeting times, among others.

The Earth-Shares CSA can only accept a limited number of members.

Membership Requirements

There are two pricing options for the 2007 Earth-Shares CSA.

Option 1 - $400 membership fee plus 30 work hours.
This option allows members to offset their out-of-pocket expense by working 30 hours in the garden and/or performing Earth Shares administration duties.

• $100 deposit with registration due by March 1, 2007.
• First $150 payment due by April 1, 2007.
• Final $150 payment due by June 1, 2007.

Option 2 - $580 membership fee
This option allows members to take part in the CSA even if they don't have time to perform the work hours required of Option 1.

• $100 deposit with registration due by March 1, 2007.
• First $240 payment due by April 1, 2007.
• final $240 payment due by June 1, 2007

To register for the 2007 Earth-Shares CSA, please send your deposit and completed registration form to:
Mark Burwinkel
Earth-Shares CSA Shareholder Coordinator
4686 Hamilton Ave, #1
Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
Phone: 513.681.4924
Email: nature_dude5@yahoo.com
Please contact Mark if you have questions or need more information about the Earth-Shares CSA.

Download earthshares_csa_20073.pdf Printable regristration Form.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Hey now, American Roots Music

LOVELAND, OHIO - Loveland Resident, Bob Graff said, “Come join us for an evening of American roots music.” Bluegrass, Folk, Blues, Early Rock n' Roll, and a heaping helping of the good ol' Grateful Dead can be heard, Sat. Mar. 3rd at 7PM at the Buzz Thru Espresso Bar on Loveland-Maderia Rd (across from McDonald s).

“The Buzz is now non-smoking,” reminds Graff.

• Mark Miller- mandolin, guitar, vocals
• Bob Graff- guitar, vocals
• Tim Burns- Guitar, banjo
• Manuel Susarret- percussion, vocals

The group is also playing at a silent art auction to benefit “Team In Training” on Sat. Mar. 4th between 2-4 p.m. At the Glendale Community Center On Sharon Rd. in Glendale (at the R/R tracks).

This show also features Margie Drees ( from Appalachian Highway ) on Bass & Fiddle and there promises to be lots of great handmade artwork and crafts.

LOVELAND, OHIO – Correction: Boys Begin Tournament Play Tuesday Feb. 27

LOVELAND, OHIO – The date of the Loveland High School boys Sectional Tournament game against Winton Hills was previously incorrectly reported.

The game is on Tuesday February 27 at 6 PM at the Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University.

Click here to view the Tournament Bracket.

LOVELAND, OHIO - The 2007 Tiger Power Bench and Squat Meet

LOVELAND, OHIO - The 2007 Tiger Power Bench and Squat Meet will be held at Loveland High School on March 3rd. Tiger Power is the name of the Powerlifting Team, which Casey S. Thomas, the Head Strength Coach at Loveland High School started three years ago.

The Tiger Power Bench and Squat Meet is for Loveland students only and is composed of eight weight classes for boys and six for girls.  This is the first ever meet of its kind at Loveland. 

Thomas said, “The students who train in my strength program already perform both of these lifts as part of their training.  I spend extra time with those who compete, to coach them up on competition standards, techniques, and strategies.”

This year Thomas said he will take eight competitors to the state meet and believes the team will bring home their share of medals. “We have had five individuals place at the Ohio High School State Powerlifting Championships the past two years (1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th).”

“To host a competition like this is great for our strength program and our entire athletic program,” Thomas said. “It is a reward for all their hard work, a chance to compete against many of our top athletes, and provides a goal for the kids to work towards every year.  A competition like this also helps develop discipline and toughness, both necessary for competitive athletics.”

The event is open to the public.

MILFORD, OHIO - Daniel M. Vinson III graduates from Air National Guard Academy of Military Science

MILFORD, OHIO - Daniel M. Vinson III graduated from the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air National Guard.

The six-week, in-resident course curriculum is designed to prepare the officer candidate for initial assignment as a commissioned officer and to serve as a foundation to build a career in the Air Force reserve components.  The major subject areas of instruction included military studies, physical training, academic studies, professional development, communicative skills, leadership and management, international security and defense studies.

After graduation, the lieutenant either attends further career development training or returns to his or her resident state unit of assignment.

Vinson, who has seven years of military service, is assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Columbus, Ohio. The lieutenant graduated in 1999 from Milford High School, Ohio, and received a bachelor's degree in 2005 from Franklin University, Columbus.

BATAVIA, OHIO - Daugherty Appointed to Clermont Veterans’ Service Commission

BATAVIA, OHIO - Howard Daugherty has been appointed to serve a third term as a member of the Clermont County Veterans’ Service Commission.  “I am honored to serve in this position to assist the many veterans who now call Clermont County home,” said Daugherty.  “I am committed to continuing the outreach efforts of this board and I am honored to have been re-appointed.”  In 2007, Daugherty serves as president of the Veterans’ Service Commission.

Daugherty is a Vietnam Veteran who served our country as a United States Army helicopter crew chief from 1966 to 1968, and is a Purple Heart recipient and a member of the Ohio
Veterans’ Hall of Fame for Valor.  Daugherty is a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 63, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 649, Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion Post 406, AMVETS Post 131 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3954. 

Daugherty has been reappointed to a five-year term.

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - New Leadership

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO -  Commissioner Mary Walker passed the ceremonial presidential gavel to Commissioner Bob Proud following the Board of Commissioners annual reorganization meeting.

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Become a Trained Volunteer

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - “Everyone has the potential of being a great volunteer,” so says Clermont Health Commissioner Marty Lambert.  “Should a major flood, tornado, or pandemic occur, we will need numerous trained volunteers to help us with everything from doing clerical work to caring for the injured.”

Clermont County has scheduled a free Volunteer Reception Center Training seminar on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville to provide potential volunteers with more information on the many ways they can help in disasters locally, regionally, or nationally.  The event will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“Those attending will learn how to establish a volunteer center, how to receive and process volunteers, and how to match volunteers to the needs of professional responders,” said Lambert.  “A prepared volunteer force will ensure that those responding to an emergency will be helpful not hurtful.” 

The event is sponsored by the Clermont Citizen Corps, a network of volunteer organizations that use the abilities of citizens to prepare for natural and man made disasters, along with the threats of terrorism. 

To register for the Volunteer Reception Center Training seminar, call (513) 732-7070 or visit the Web site  www.ClermontCitizenCorps.org.

WASHINGTON D.C. - Schmidt Asks Trapped Passengers to Submit Testimony

WASHINGTON D.C. - Ohio Congresswoman Jean Schmidt announced today that she will begin an immediate probe of repeated instances of airline passengers being trapped on planes for hours on end.  Schmidt is asking the public to submit their experiences as testimony in her probe.

“We have all heard of horror stories about passengers being trapped for extremely long periods of time.  I plan to investigate why this is happening and under what conditions these events occur.  I am asking the public to share with me their experiences.  I have begun meeting with the major airlines to try and gain an understanding of how and why this continues to happen,” Schmidt said.

LOVELAND, OHIO – LENT SERVICES AT LOVELAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BEGIN WITH PANCAKE DINNER

LOVELAND, OHIO - Pat Blankenship the Director of Congregational Care at Loveland United Methodist Church invites readers, “To join us for a “Pancake Dinner” on Tuesday, February 20, as we celebrate “Shrove Tuesday”, the day before the beginning of Lent.”

Dinner will be served beginning at 5:30 till 7:00 PM. A "free will offering" will be taken.

“From 6:00 pm-6:15 PM, we will be sharing, with those gathered, resources that can be used to guide you either personally or as a family on your Lenten journey,” said Blankenship.

You are also invited to join the Church for a special time of worship on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. The Ash Wednesday worship service will be held at 7 PM on Wednesday, February 21st.

If you have any questions, contact Pat Blankenship at 683-1738.

Loveland United Methodist Church
10975 South Lebanon Rd.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – MCCARTY: EPIPHANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DIRECTOR OF COMTEMPORARY MUSIC

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – Epiphany United Methodist Church has announced that Patrick McCarty has joined their music team as Director of Contemporary and Youth Music.  McCarty has 5 years of experience in leading contemporary worship services and has also acted as a consultant with numerous churches throughout the Cincinnati area.  He has helped develop and build various music programs, praise bands, and contemporary worship services.

McCarty studied music composition at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and has worked in various aspects of the music industry from recording studio work and radio jingles to producing albums for recording artists and churches. 

“Pat has some awesomely talented individuals in both the adult and youth praise bands, each with a unique style. His goal for the adult band is to challenge them to new level of excellence, & to get them to step outside their comfort zones doing both sacred and secular music to enhance worship. For the youth band, Soundwave, Pat seeks to encourage the band members to be lead worship through their actions and words as well as the music ministry. He encourages them to truly lift the congregation up through music in the worship experience.”

McCarty resides in Loveland with his wife Peggy and his two children, Chelsea and Thomas. He is also President of CJT Digital Design, a full-service web design and graphic design firm dedicated to taking the web sites of businesses, churches and individuals to new levels of excellence.

You can find Pat and the Praise Band at Epiphany’s Contemporary services, Saturday evening at 5pm and Sunday morning at 9:30am. “Come by for a visit, you’ll leave with a spring in your step and an uplifted spirit.”

LANDON, OHIO - Walking Through Lent with Frodo

LANDON, OHIO – The Lakeview United Church of Christ, 8639 Columbia Road in Landen will present their Lenten series of worship and learning, “Walking Through Lent with Frodo,” beginning Wednesday Feb. 21.

The Ash Wednesday service of ashes and communion, “The Journey is Long and Dangerous – And I Am So Small” begins at 7 PM.

Additional titles in the series:

• “All We, Like Hobbits, Elves, and Dwarves, Have Gone Astray?”
• “I Will Take the Ring to Mordor – But I Do Not Know the Way.”
• “I Wish the Ring Had Never Come to Me – I Wish None of This
• Had Ever Happened.”

Click for a complete, printable schedule of the church's Lenten and Easter programs.   Download Lenten.pdf

LOVELAND, OHIO – NO HELP WITH DOWNED TREE LIMBS UNTIL MID-MARCH

LOVELAND, OHIO – City Manager Tom Carroll would not release any information to Loveland Magazine about whether the City would provide removal services of brush and tree limbs downed after last weeks ice storm, however Loveland Magazine has learned through other sources, that the City will provide no removal services until March 5.

No particular schedule of when city crews will be in particular neighborhoods has been established, nor has there been any specific procedure established to schedule removal; only that a “City-Wide storm recovery effort” wouldn't begin until the second week in March.

It is expected however, that the city will require that homeowners follow rules established by the City under their regularly scheduled spring and fall brush removal periods:
1. Brush must be placed at the curb.
2. Limbs cannot exceed 10" in diameter at the cut section.
3. Limbs should be placed at the curb with the cut section facing the street and all limbs should be facing the same direction.
4.Small twigs and sticks should be bundled with twine in bundles 12" in diameter. Twigs or sticks can also be placed in a container at the curb, but no other yard waste should be in the containers. No loose piles of sticks and debris.

Click to download a printable schedule for Loveland's spring brush pickup.

Download loveland_spring_brush_pickup.pdf

The Top 10 at Your Local Library in 2006

What were the top reads of 2006? Which videos circulated the most? Which title was the most popular with adults, teens and kids? The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County just released its statistics that show what books, videos, CDs and magazines Greater Cincinnatians couldn’t get enough of last year.

Topping out the list of reading material for adults is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (the On the Same Page 2006 selection). Although published in 2004, it circulated as the highest fiction book in the Library’s collection. For teens, it was the graphic novel Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story by Nobuhiro Watsuki, and for children, Magical Pokémon Journey.

The most circulated adult audiovisual item was the 2005 film Wedding Crashers. For teens it was the book on CD version of Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince by J. K. Rowlings, while for kids it was also a Harry Potter title on CD, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In fact, seven of the most popular audiovisual titles for children were Harry Potter books on CD.

Most top circulating books were works of fiction, but there were several nonfiction titles that also did well: Remodeling Ideas for Your Home, Guinness Book of Records, What Color is Your Parachute? Master the GED, 1776, and The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss were top contenders.

LOVELAND, OHIO - STATE OF THE DISTRICT

LOVELAND, OHIO  - On January 11, the Loveland City School District Board of Education met, and at their annual "organizational meeting," voted to appoint Dr. Kathryn Lorenz as President and Dr. James Kolp as Vice-President for 2007.

Lorenz and her husband Richard have two children. She also recently became a new grandparent. Her son Nicholas attended Loveland schools K-12 and graduated from Xavier University and now works for a Cincinnati law firm. Her daughter Victoria also attended Loveland schools K-12 and graduated from Ohio University.

Kolp  was elected to the Board in 1999 and his term expires 12/31/07. He is a family physician, and established Loveland Family Practice in 1986. Dr. Kolp and his wife Kathy moved to Loveland in 1986. They have one daughter currently in Loveland Schools; Katie is a freshman at Loveland High School.

Loveland Magazine asked outgoing President Dr. Judy McClanahan, and Lorenz to tell readers about 2006 and what was in store for 2007. "Dr. McClanahan, you get bragging rights and Dr. Lorenz; you get to go out on a limb."

McClanahan was previously Board president in 2002 when Dr. Kevin Boys was hired as Superintendent, and continued as president in 2003. She was president of the Board of Education in 2006. Her term on the Board, ends in 2009. McClanahan said that last year she was once again able to work closely with Dr. Boys, and that this had given her an even greater appreciation of the, "great leader that we have for our district."

McClanahan and her husband, Stephen, and their family have lived in Loveland for 20 years. Their daughter, Corinna, attended Loveland schools K-12. She graduated in 2004 and is currently attending the University of Evansville, majoring in Creative Writing. Their daughter, Alyssa, also attended Loveland schools K-12. She graduated in 2006 and is now attending the University of Cincinnati majoring in History. Kegan is a junior at Loveland High School.

"During the past year, I have seen many instances of his dedication to the process of student learning. Dr. Boys is open to change, and I believe that this is one of the reasons that our district continues to excel. Great leaders lead to continually higher levels of accomplishment and Loveland School District is definitely improving in the opportunities to learn that we offer our students. This can be seen by the many accomplishments of our students and staff in 2006.''

McClanahan also said that she was thankful for the work of District Treasurer, Jill Manville. 'She has provided the Board with sound financial advice and kept us well informed of the many facets of school finance throughout each year."

The outgoing leader was also quick to complement her fellow Board members. "We are fortunate to have five Board members who are respectful of each other and whose greatest desire is to see the students of this district excel, both while they are in our schools and following their graduation." McClanahan said that the Board works well  together to keep the district an "Excellent" rated district. "I appreciate the time and patience that the Board members showed last year."

McClanahan said that as she looks to 2007, some of the district goals are similar to those in 2006 and some are different. "In order to accomplish our goals, we need the support of our entire school community. We have seen an incredible amount of support from the Loveland school community. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank each person for their contribution toward the successes of our students."

McClanahan prepared a list of what she feels are accomplishments for 2006, then circulated that list to individual school principals to add anything they felt were particularly important accomplishments for their school. She points to the fact that, for six consecutive years, the District has earned the distinction of "Excellent" on the Ohio Department of Education's local report card, Superintendent Boys received the 2006 Buckeye Association of School Administrators Exemplary Leadership Award for Region Six, and that State Auditor Betty Montgomery presented Treasurer/CFO Jill Manville, Treasurer/CFO, with the "Auditor's Award." Manville also received awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers of America and the Association of School Business Officials.

Business Manager John Ames received Ohio's Association of School Business Officials Outstanding, Business Manager of the Year award

McClanahan said that in 2006, over $1.8 million was spent on school improvements during the summer of 2006 to continue to maintain and upgrade school facilities and the District initiated measures to further reduce energy consumption to "combat massive increases in diesel fuel and natural gas prices."

All six Loveland schools were selected by the Ohio Department of Education as 2006 Stellar Award winners for Best Nutrition Practices for promoting a healthy school nutrition environment.

In the Academic Classroom
At Loveland High School, senior Kelly Ramos was  named a semifinalist in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship Program and is now eligible to continue in the competition to become a finalist and be eligible for a merit scholarship award. Six other seniors were named 2007 National Merit Commended students. The High School Robotics team was the overall first place winner at the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) competition held at the Duke Energy Center. The Class of 2006 had a record $9 million in scholarships awarded.

At the Middle School, Matthew Worsham was one of only nine students in the nation chosen by The JASON Project as a "Student Argonaut" to study meteorology and the powerful impact that extreme weather can have on humans and the environment.

The 'Lego Lords and Ladies of Loveland," an Intermediate School  team of 5th, 6th, and 7th graders and their robot, were awarded second place for research quality out of 186 teams at the state, First Lego League Robotics championship.

Loveland Primary Schoolteacher Heidi Weber, earned the distinction of National Board Certified Teacher in 2006. Weber is in her seventh year as second grade teacher.

In the Community
Seventy-five middle school band members participated in  a play-a-thon earning over $2,500 for Heifer International. The seventh grade Tiger Time classes raised $750.00, also collecting over 160,000 pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Elementary students raised $9,500 for the American Heart Association through "Jump Rope for Heart." In the last five years, they have raised $46,800.00.

Sport Highlights
Senior soccer player Lauren Beachy, earned numerous recognitions:  First Team All-State, Southwest Ohio Player of the Year, FAVC Buckeye Player of the Year, Wendy's High School Heisman Nominee, All-FAVC Academic Team, All Southwest Ohio Academic Team, All-State Academic Team, and All-American Scholar Athlete. She was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas high school All-America Team.

The girls Varsity Track Team was District Runner-up, and Jackie NeCamp was a State Qualifier. The girls Varsity Cross-country team qualified for the Regional meet for the third year in a row.

The Middle School Girls Cross-country team was FAVC Champs, and the 7th Grade Football team won the League Championship.

In the Music Room
The High School wind symphony, under the direction of Sean Thompson, received a rating of 1, the highest rating possible, from the Ohio Music Education Association. Senior Kelly Lavieri and Junior Justin Scheibel were selected by audition for Ohio's All-State Orchestra.

The Middle School "Revolution" show choir, was awarded Grand Champion at the East Noble Invitational in Fort Wayne, IN., and received Best Vocals Award and Best Choreography Award. Twenty-five members of the 7th and 8th grade band were selected for the Land Of Grant Honor Band. The Loveland Middle School Stage Band was selected to perform  at the 2007 Ohio Music Educators Professional Conference. Eight Middle School band members were selected to the 2006 Ohio Music Educators Association, District 14 Honor Band. Patrick Kudo and Liz Asgian were District 14 Honors Orchestra participants in 2006.

The complete list of District accomplishments and awards can be read here. Download district_highlights_2006.pd

What the Future Holds
Newly elected President Lorenz provided a summary of Board goals for 2007. Lorenz was elected to the Board in November 1991 and her current term expires at the end of the 2007.

She said that the board challenge will be to focus on, "Financial well being while maintaining educational excellence." She said that last November the District approved goals and the administration will focus on managing increasing enrollment with fixed revenues from the State by finding reductions in spending. "Doing so, while maintaining the quality of the programs, is the challenge."

Lorenz said the District will Implement new science and math programs in grades K-6, and provide a formalized intervention system for each student, "below proficient." A value-added approach to measuring individual student achievement will be utilized in 2007.

Read the complete list of Board Goals for 2007 by clicking here. Download 2007.pdf

Lorenz wanted to provide some personal thoughts and comments as the District heads into 2007 and 2008. She said that the Board has promised that the financial situation of the district would mean that they would not go back to voters for additional funds until 2008. "This is holding true, but it is clear that taxpayers in the district will be asked to consider this issue in 2008."

Lorenz said that in the meantime, 'There is a statewide campaign in the works that could impact Loveland Schools in the future." Lorenz was speaking about the consortium of 12 statewide education groups that have submitted a proposed constitutional amendment to Ohio Attorney General to place on the November 2007 ballot. "The amendment calls for a new school funding model," said Lorenz. Once the petition for the amendment is approved by the Attorney General, the consortium will have to collect 402,000 signatures of registered voters to send the issue to the ballot in the November general election. More information on the proposed amendment, Getting it Right for Ohio's Future, can be found at www.rightforohio.org.

Lorenz added, "The adoption of this proposed constitutional amendment would mean a very great change in school funding. The possibility of this amendment will mean that the Loveland School District has a lot to consider and a lot to help our community consider." She said that 2007 will be a year in which the Board of Education does a lot of research and considers the finances of the district very carefully to make good decisions about the future. "We have already begun to gather data, and this issue will also be considered by our own finance committee and by the District's Business Advisory Committee.  There will, of course, be opportunities for community input and we will strive to communicate often and openly about the decision-making process."

Lorenz, summed up her personal thoughts by saying, "Finally, I know that I will be enjoying all the talents and efforts of Loveland students in 2007, and I know that my fellow board members will be doing the same thing. Our district is blessed with students, parents, and staff who are extremely talented and extremely motivated and we'll be enjoying everyone's academic, artistic, and athletic efforts and successes."

CD Baby: LOGAN SAND: Like It or Not

Logan Sand - Like It or Not (CD + Book) Logan is a song writer, pianist, composer, singer, and performer of Pop/Rock music. He is like a young Elton John... Cool Music, great vibe.. Raw talent like Gavin Degraw and unpredictable lyrics like Ben Folds.

Link: CD Baby: LOGAN SAND: Like It or Not.

MORROW, OHIO - PantherFest Cancelled

MORROW, OHIO - PantherFest, scheduled for Saturday, February 17, has been cancelled.

Mia Farrow: Photo Essay: Crisis in Sudan and Eastern Chad, Part I

I am leaving today to visit Darfur's borders with the Central African Republic. On February 16th I cross back into eastern Chad. Sadly, I know I will return with more photographs of further devastation. In the meantime I am publishing these pictures from my three previous trips to the region with the continuing hope that people will see, understand and feel a moral imperative to take action to end the immeasurable suffering of the people of Darfur and eastern Chad.

Link: The Blog | Mia Farrow: Photo Essay: Crisis in Sudan and Eastern Chad, Part I | The Huffington Post.

MORROW, OHIO - LM on 90 Minute Delay Friday

MORROW, OHIO - The Little Miami Local Schools will operate on a 90-minute delay Friday, February 16, according to a press release issued by the District.

"Many district roads are still hazardous, and low-hanging, icy tree limbs make some roads impassable. School officials drove district streets and consulted with local law enforcement before making the decision to delay. School buses will be running 90 minutes later. This includes all buses and vans going to non-public schools, parochial schools, Warren County Career Center, Warren County Alternative School, Waynesville Learning Center and Bowman Elementary School. Additionally, AM preschool is canceled."

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO – BRANCHES, BRUSH, ETC. FROM STORM/ICE DAMAGE

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO – Fran Klatte, the Public Relations Director for Deerfield Township said, “Our crews are now circulating through the Township picking up branches, brush, etc. from storm/ice damage. She said that the same rules apply for their regularly scheduled Clean Up Days. Residents need to stack the brush/branches at the curb and they will be by. “Of course we cannot go on private property. The same rules that apply to the regular brush pickup follow for the storm damage.”

The rules are:
The Road Department will visit Deerfield Township neighborhoods picking up only brush placed at the curbside. Crews will chip brush stacked at the curb with ends pointing toward the road or bundled together with string.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - STORM DAMAGE INFORMATION

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - If you have damaged tree limbs or other tree debris on your property, please note:

Miami Township crews WILL NOT pick up trees/branches until all ice has been melted from them.  To have your address put on a list for tree/limb pickup please use the Action Line form.

Residents can take the limbs themselves to Paxton Ramsey Park and/or Miami Meadows Park and drop them off at the Christmas Tree recycling location.

If you have questions, please contact 248-3728.

AN UNFROSTED FREEZER

LOVELAND, OHIO – There was still snow on the ground from 5.5 inches of snow that fell on February 6, when a winter ice storm blanketed the Loveland area beginning on Monday night when rain started to fall, and turned the community into an unfrosted freezer when temperatures plummeted. The thermometer was near zero by early Friday morning.

Area schools remained closed for the third consecutive day, and many people were without electricity, with vague promises from Duke energy about when the power would be restored.

These photos were taken in and around Loveland on Wednesday.

Click to see more photos.

Little Miami Local Schools closed Thursday

In a press release issued by the District, they said:

Little Miami Local Schools will be closed Thursday, February 15 due to hazardous conditions and power outages.

Many district roads are still treacherous, and icy tree limbs hanging above road ways will make bus passage virtually impossible. Additionally, a level 2 snow advisory has been declared for Warren County. This advisory means that roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, roads can be very icy, and only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways.

The major consideration in determining the cancellation of school is the concern for the safety and welfare of our students and staff. The decision to close occurs after road conditions have been determined by actually driving bus routes in the district, consulting with road and law enforcement officials in the area, and monitoring weather forecasts to assess developing conditions.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Donate and win Income tax help

LOVELAND, OHIO - Between now and March 1, each $10 donation to Granny's Garden School will be recognized with an entry in a drawing for the preparation of a Federal, State and Local 1040 income tax return with a value up to $350.00. This is made possible through the generosity of CPA, Eric Roth.

Donations are being accepted at the Buzz Thru Espresso Bar or they can be mailed to Granny's Garden School, 20 Miami Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140.

The Great Blizzard of 1978

State Route 48 which passes by our street Retswood drive was closed to all traffic. There were drifts of snow as high as ten foot in some places.

Click to continue reading this blog post by George Matthai.

GREAT REASONS TO SUPPORT GUN OWNERSHIP

GREAT REASONS TO SUPPORT GUN OWNERSHIP
by Greg Morehead

Dear Loveland Magazine,

Thanks for having me on your distribution list for your on-line magazine.  I think it's GREAT.

I hope you don't mind my expressing feelings about one of your articles (Doggone What Happened to Shooting Range) which differs from your opinion.  There are many "hot topics" which seem to polarize people's ideas and attitudes, not the least of which is gun ownership.  In the piece about the indoor shooting range it was apparent you're not a gun owner and that's fine, and your ideas are fine.  I just want to point out there are some great reasons to support gun ownership and training facilities.  An indoor shooting range is a great resource because they offer safety training and is a way for owners to practice safe use.  I was taught at an early age the proper, safe techniques  for handling guns.  My wife wasn't, so I signed us up for an "introduction to guns" class at a local indoor range.  They spent significant time explaining how a gun works and how to safely handle and use them.  They then supervised her first shooting experience.

I can understand why the thought of a neighborhood shooting range might seem like a short step above a pawn shop, but there are significant benefits to such a facility.  There are worse alternatives!  (Example.....  Monroe didn't want to support construction of a mall because they didn't want the associated traffic, however they seemed to find a way to allow a strip club and a Hustler Store to greet people as they reach town via the interstate.  Ugh!)

My blurb about guns.....  They're an equalizer in a world where good and evil will always coexist.  An 80 year old with a gun can defend themselves against a home intruder that's 6'4" and 300 pounds.  I would like to think my wife, my parents, and everyone I care about, would have every chance to defend themselves against someone bent on hurting them.

Thanks again for sharing your awesome magazine with the community.  You really are a great asset.

Greg Morehead

PS - I don't know if there's any true danger of lead dust being transferred from someone who has shot a gun.  I don't think there's any evidence to support that idea, but I can understand why you might think it's a possibility.  Interesting.

Batavia, Ohio - Clermont Offers Emergency Preparedness Books to Visually Impaired

Batavia, Ohio - The Clermont County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is making it easier for the visually impaired to plan ahead for potential disaster situations by offering two disaster preparedness publications in Braille format.  Braille and audio copies of Are You Ready? and Taking Shelter from the Storm can be borrowed by contacting the Clermont EMA at (513) 732-7661.  The EMA will maintain two copies as a lending library and has a limited number of both books in Braille and audio formats to give away. They can also be ordered from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site at www.fema.gov.

Are You Ready? is a 204-page guidebook which gives citizens detailed information about how to prepare for all types of natural or man-made disasters.  Taking Shelter from the Storm is a 35-page guidebook which describes how citizens can build a safe room inside their homes to be used as a shelter in case of a tornado, hurricane, or other natural disaster.

Batavia, Ohio - Clermont Storm Water District Public Meeting Rescheduled

Batavia, Ohio - The Storm Water District public meeting which had previously been rescheduled due to inclement weather on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 7 p.m. has been rescheduled again due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts.  The public meeting will now be held on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the Miami Township Civic Center, located at 6101 Meijer Drive.  The public meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the Union Township Civic Center will take place as scheduled.

For more information about the public hearings or the proposed Clermont County Storm Water Management District, call (513) 732-7880.

SCHMIDT TO HOLD TOWN HALLS

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt announced she will hold a series of “Coffee and Conversation” hours in Hamilton County in the month of February.

“The coffees are an informal opportunity for residents and community leaders to listen, ask questions, and discuss important issues facing Congress and Southern Ohio,” said Congresswoman Schmidt. “I look forward to this opportunity to hear from the people I represent.”

Monday, February 19 at the Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, 7pm – 8:30pm.

Tuesday, February 20 at the Anderson Government Building, 954 Beechmont Avenue, 7pm – 8:30pm.

Saturday, February 24, at the Blue Ash City Hall, 4343 Cooper Road, 10am – 11:30am.

Monday, February 26, at Clark Montessori, 3030 Erie Avenue, 7pm – 8:30pm.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – XPEDX REPORTS $1.2 BILLION IN 2006 E-COMMERCE SALES

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – xpedx (an International Paper company ) announced on Feb. 6 that it posted $1.2 billion in e-commerce sales in 2006, up 35% over the prior year.

The company said volume in the second half of the year was especially strong as a growing number of customers sought the advantages of electronic ordering
and real-time purchasing management.

Read the epedx press release.