Loveland Magazine

Reaction to Elliott Resignation Trickles In

LOVELAND, OHIO - After the sudden resignation of Loveland Councilman Paul Elliott on Wednesday afternoon, Loveland Magazine asked other council members for comment. Elliott had twelve months remaining in his second, four-year term.

Elliott’s resignation was for personal reasons, not for medical matters, or any family related matters. He will sit down with Loveland Magazine for an exclusive video interview in the next few days.

Mayor Rob Weisgerber said via e-mail, “I have not yet talked to Paul about his decision, so I do not have anything to offer other than Paul has served the city and it's residents well and I hate to see anyone quit wether or not we agree on policy matters.”
 
Also via e-mail, Councilman Mark Fitzgerald said that he was surprised by the resignation and, “I appreciate his service, I enjoyed his being on council. We agreed, we disagreed - but were always agreeable with one another.” Fitzgerald added, that he hopes Elliott remains involved in community matters.

“I'll miss him,” was Councilman Brent Zuch’s response.

Former Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce Director Paulette Leeper, who recently resigned her position with the Chamber, and many speculate will be running for a seat on council next Fall, said late Wednesday afternoon at City Hall that she might ask for the appointment to serve out Elliott’s remaining term. Leeper has served on City Council in the past. She said that she has been considering running for a council seat again, but she would have to have discussions with her husband before taking the vacant seat if it is offered to her. Leeper was recently appointed by Weisgerber to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and was at city hall last night for her first meeting with the BZA.

At the time of Leeper’s sudden appointment to the BZA, Elliott mounted a mild protest because in the past, when vacancies on City commissions, boards, or committees came up, the Mayor would allow time for residents to apply for these positions, and time for other council members to make their own nominations. There was no such protocol with Leeper's appointment to the BZA seat. Leeper is also a member of the City Finance Committee.

Correction: All District School Board Meeting on Saturday not Sunday

Correction: The day of the meeting of area school boards to discuss the possible dissolution of the Little Miami School District was originally reported as being on a Sunday. The correct day is Saturday, January 8.

Read the full and corrected story here:

Little Miami Calls for Meeting of Neighboring Minds

Seven Boards to meet on Saturday, January 8 in Loveland District to Discuss Possible Loss of Little Miami Charter

Elliott Gives Up Council Seat

LOVELAND, OHIO - In a two sentence letter delivered today to the Loveland Clerk of Council, Paul Elliott resigned his seat on city council effective today. Elliott said in the letter that it has been a privilege serving the community, but gave no reason for his resignation.

Elliott, elected twice to four-year terms, had just finished his seventh year, and had twelve more months to serve in his current term.

Elliott told Loveland Magazine that he would reserve comments on the reason for resigning until a later date.

The Loveland Charter reads as follows concerning the filling of a vacant council seat:

SECTION 2.02  QUALIFICATIONS.
       
Electors of the City of Loveland meeting the qualifications for member of City Council as set forth in the laws of Ohio shall be eligible to have their names placed on the ballot. A Council member who, during his or her term of office, ceases to meet such qualifications, or who is absent, without excuse by a majority of the other members of Council, from four (4) consecutive regular meetings of the Council, shall automatically vacate his/her office on the Council.

SECTION 2.03  FILLING OF VACANCIES.

Vacancies in the office of Council member shall be filled within thirty (30) days by vote of a majority of the remaining members of Council, by the selection of a person qualified as provided in Section 2.02 of this Charter. If Council fails to make a selection to fill such vacancy within thirty (30) days, the Mayor shall forthwith make the appointment. Such person so chosen shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term of the Council member whose vacancy he or she was appointed to fill.

The Ohio Revised Code says this about the qualifications for member of City Council:

Title VII Municipal Corporations - Section 705.12 Qualifications of members of legislative authority.

Members of the legislative authority of a municipal corporation shall be electors of the municipal corporation. They shall not hold any other public office or employment, except that of notary public or member of the state militia, or state or county central committeeman of a political party, or state or county executive committeeman of a political party, or state or county officer of a political party, and shall not be interested in the profits or emoluments of any contract, job, work, or service for the municipal corporation. Any member who ceases to possess any of the qualifications required by this section shall forthwith forfeit his office. Any contract in which any such member is or becomes interested may be declared void by the legislative authority.

New Goshen Community Resource Program

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The GCR (Goshen Community Resource) Program is a referral program designed to be a "One Stop Shop" for Citizens to get in touch with resources in the community.

The GCR offers citizens an avenue to give tips on crimes (anonymously) to assist the Goshen Township Police Department in crime prevention and solving open cases. 

The G.C.R. Program was originally developed to assist teens (SHIELD) but has transformed to provide help to all citizens.

• Crime Tips
• Complaints
• Teen Pregnancy
• Suicide
• Drug Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse
• Homelessness
• Truancy
• Food & Clothing Issues
• Academic Deficits
• Economic Deficits
• Other-There are so many factors that effect families today. 

It is the goal of this program to offer assistance where it is needed.

All referrals will be viewed only by Officer James Taylor and he will assist in getting the info where it needs to go.

Click Here to Submit a Referral

Want to see Hamill?

DEMAND HAMILL

Inspired by the life of deaf UFC fighter and Loveland, Ohio native, Matt Hamill, Hamill tells the story of what it takes to be a champion, on and off the mat.

If enough people in Loveland/Cincinnati demand Hamill, it'll come to a theater near us. Hamill is fully subtitled for Deaf and hearing audiences to enjoy together. Here are votes from the top cities as of December 29th:

• 1. Rochester 162
• 2. Los Angeles 140
• 3. Cincinnati 119
• 4. New York City 64
• 5. Austin 61

Read the exclusive interview with “Hamill” Director Oren Kaplan by Loveland Magazine writer Ricky Mulvey here: A Conversation with “Hamill” Director Oren Kaplan.

Follow the movie Hamill on Facebook.

Little Miami Calls for Meeting of Neighboring Minds

Seven Boards to meet on Saturday, January 8 in Loveland District to Discuss Possible Loss of Little Miami Charter

by David Miller

MORROW, OHIO - The Little Miami Board of Education has planned an “All District” meeting about “The future of the Little Miami School District and how different outcomes could affect neighboring districts.” The meeting of the minds will be on Sunday Saturday, January 8, from 9:30 AM until noon at the Oasis Golf Club and Conference Center in Miami Township. Boards of Education in Loveland, Goshen, Kings, Lebanon, Clinton Massie, and Blanchester have been invited. (Editor's Note: The day of this meeting was originally reported as being on a Sunday. The correct day is Saturday, January 8.)

The letter inviting the neighboring districts said, “Little Miami’s current five year forecast shows that unless a levy passes in 2011, we will be unable to borrow any more money from the state of Ohio to continue to operate past the 2011-12 school year. This date could occur sooner, depending on variables such as open enrollment and reduction in state funding the next biennium.” Little Miami is asking the neighboring districts to “work collaboratively” to prepare a contingency plan that they acknowledge will be a “monumental task.” They are asking the six school districts that surround Little Miami to gather data and perform impact studies about property valuation, assets, indebtedness, buildings, employees, students, instructional programs, etc. The Little Miami Board said the project would be complex, and anticipate the “pain involved in creating a draft plan that will dissolve a school district.”

Little Miami will be asking voters to approve a 13.95 mill emergency operating levy on May 3. In the last two years, their voters have rejected ballot measures seven times. The last time voters passed an operating levy was in 2002. Proposed budget cuts for next fall include closing the elementary school in Maineville, and shifting the students to Salem Twp. Elementary, eliminating 15 certified staff positions, increasing student to teacher ratios, and reducing from 24 to 20 the number of credits necessary for graduation. These cuts will come whether or not the May 3 levey passes.

Little Miami said that the window of opportunity for passing a levy to save the district is less than one year, and that based on current state laws, failure of two more levy attempts could result in the State Board of Education (ODE) revoking their charter. The letter said that recently a spokesman for the ODE remarked that once Little Miami reaches its borrowing limit with the State, that their charter would be revoked. The spokesman said that the ODE would conduct the necessary study, but Little Miami suggests that the neighboring districts would be better served by working together to proactively prepare a contingency plan.

The meeting at the Oasis is open to the public.

Rex Gordon Elected President of Builders Association

Rex Gordon, Vice President of Corporate Land for the Drees Co, has been elected president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati (HBA). The Goshen Township resident has been active in the residential construction industry for 26 years. Prior to his 15-year tenure with The Drees Co. he was employed by Centex Homes, which was one of the nation’s largest single-family builders. He has also served in public accounting with Touche Ross & Co. 

The Stephenville, Texas native has a BBA degree from Texas A & M University. Active at Epiphany United Methodist Church, and he serves as chair of the United Methodist Church Board of Church Location and Building of the Southwest Ohio District. He has had previous local involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. Gordon also serves as a director of both the Ohio and National Associations of Home Builders.

He has held memberships in a variety of HBA committees and councils over the years including the Ohio Valley Development Council, Sales & Marketing Council, Executive, Education, Builder/Realtor, Construction Litigation and Visioning Committees. Gordon and his wife Cindy have two children, Adam, a senior at Purdue University and Marisa a sophomore at Marquette University.

The HBA plans to host two major home shows during Gordon’s tenure---HOMEARAMA® #49 at Foxborough in West Chester, June 11-26 and CiTiRAMA® #10 at the Villages of Daybreak in Bond Hill, September 17-25.  Additionally, the HBAs of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will co-sponsor a scattered site show, Cavalcade of Homes®, the first three weekends in May.

“It’s a challenging market, but we are extremely optimistic that the Greater Cincinnati area will once again become a thriving place to live, work and conduct business.  We are positioning our organization now for the new opportunities that an economic rebound will bring”, said Gordon.

Other officers elected for 2011 include Carolyn Rolfes, Potterhill Homes, as Vice President/Treasurer and John Ballantyne, The Leland Group, as Secretary. Josh Blatt, 2010 HBA President, will serve as Chairman of the Board.  All terms begin on January 1.  The HBA of Greater Cincinnati was founded in 1934.

Trafficking of humans made felony in Ohio

Gov. Ted Strickland has signed a bill making human trafficking a felony.

Ohio was among a handful of states without a stand-alone human-trafficking law.   Read on at Columbus Dispatch...

Mason summer festival canceled to cut costs

A community in southwestern Ohio has looked ahead to July and decided it can't afford its big-name Independence Day festival.

Last week, Mason City Council members agreed to suspend the Red, Rhythm & Boom event as part of cost cuts.

Past celebrations have featured music acts such as Huey Lewis & the News and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.  Read on at Columbus Dispatch...

State's budget gap may hit $10B

The hole in the next state budget could be as large as $10 billion, nearly $2 billion more that what has been estimated, the incoming chairman of the Ohio Senate finance committee says. Read on at Columbus
Dispatch...

Summer in December at Loveland Library

Families/Movies

Enjoy some warm weather movies during winter break. Refreshments and luau atmosphere provided.

Wednesday, December 29th Noon-4pm for all ages.
Loveland Branch Library

Deerfield Township Offers Christmas Tree Recycling

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Deerfield Township will provide three locations where residents may drop off their live Christmas trees which will be recycled and used in Township parks. Tree recycling starts on December 26th and ends on January 31st. The drop-off locations are at Fleckenstein Park, 3834 Mason-Montgomery Road, Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road and Landen Station, 3304 SR 22/3 (Montgomery Road). Drop-off areas will be marked at each location.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Miami Township

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Christmas tree recycling starts on December 26th and ends on January 31st. The drop-off locations are at Miami Meadows Park at 1546 State Route 131 and Paxton Ramsey Park at 6265 Price Rd.  Drop-off areas will be marked at the parks.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Symmes Township

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Symmes Township will be offering Christmas tree recycling for its residents this year from Sunday, December 26, 2010 to Sunday, January 9, 2011.

During that time, Symmes Township residents can place their Christmas trees in the designated area behind the Township Administration building at 9323 Union Cemetery Road for recycling. The trees will then be mulched - so all ornaments, tinsel and plastic wrapping must be removed.

This service is provided free of charge. For more information, contact the Township office at 683-6644 or E-mail.

Christmas Tree Disposal in Loveland

LOVELAND, OHIO - Christmas tree pickup will begin Monday, December 27th and will continue through Friday, January 7th.  Residents should call City Hall at 683-0150 to be added to the list.

Creating Gingerbread Masterpieces Goshen Library

Cristy Mack and Lisa Breithaupt with the Goshen Branch of the Clermont County Public Library craft a gingerbread house.

GOSHEN, OHIO - As Goshen Public Library workers Lisa Breithaupt carefully dissected a pretzel rod and Cristy Mack placed shredded wheat on the roof, another gingerbread masterpiece took shape at the Clermont County Public Library branch.  “The gingerbread house classes are extremely popular,” said Breithaupt, as she turned pretzel rods into a stack of firewood outside her house.  “This year we had over 100 attend the two classes we held here,” added Cristy Mack.  “We had people signing up the first of November for the free sessions!”

What is it about making a gingerbread house that attracts families to the library program year after year?  “I think it’s a fun, free activity that young and old can enjoy doing together,” said Breithaupt, as she turned a piece of licorice and a red candy into a door.  “Some entire families come together to work on a house; sometimes it’s a single individual.  Some have been attending these classes for eight or nine years straight!”

Mack says even though the library leads the class, they learn something new from their students every time they hold one.  “This year, we watched one person make window curtains out of licorice and another use coconut as a beautiful overall finishing effect,” she said, as she unwrapped a series of miniature candy canes for house trim.

Isn’t it hard to get people to make the houses out of candy?  Doesn’t a lot of that candy disappear during the house construction?  “Yes,” laughed Breithaupt.  “A lot of the candy does get eaten before it becomes a construction element, but we manage to always have enough to get the job done.”

Breithaupt and Mack said that if you make a gingerbread house at home, use a glue gun to secure the graham crackers, and then use icing to secure the house to a platform, such as a covered piece of cardboard.  Ice the house with white canned icing then let your imagination take over, applying shredded wheat, Fruit Loops, round candy, or other goodies on the roof; make a chimney out of a half pretzel.  Both women said the bottom line is to have fun and let your imagination run wild!

How long can one of these gingerbread houses last?  “Forever,” they answered in unison, as they began work on a walkway to their gingerbread masterpiece.

HOW DO THEY DO IT? Clermont County Today host Kathy Lehr visits the Goshen Branch of the Clermont County Public Library for a lesson in making gingerbread houses. WATCH VIDEO...

 

Loveland Men Fall to Little Miami 50-48

LOVELAND, OHIO - A last second bucket, doomed the Loveland Mens Varsity Basketball team to Little Miami last Friday night, 50-48.

          1       2        3        4        T
LM  13  -   8  -   13  -   16  -   50
LVL 14  -   9  -   11  -   14  -   48

The next game is on December 28 at Mason High School.

This LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO is the Post-game report following the game by Loveland Magazine Sport Columnist, Ricky Mulvey:

Sanna Gast: Thank You So Very Much!

“Because of the generosity of this community, the holidays will be a little brighter for 350 Clermont County foster children,” said Sanna Gast with the Community Toy Chest, an agency that provides gifts to children in the care of the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services.  “Two weeks ago we were really worried that we wouldn’t be able to find sponsors for all of the children; we had 80 children without sponsors.  When the community found out that we were running short, they came through for the children.  Thank you so very much.”

As Toy Chest elves began loading up the wrapped packages, ribbon-decked bicycles, and gift bags containing everything from warm winter coats to dolls, Gast and her crew were visibly touched by the generosity of the community.  “When word got out that we had 80 foster children without sponsors facing a Christmas without gifts, a Bethel company called with a $3,000 donation; families called to sponsor children, entire county departments got involved,” said Gast.

“While there is a greater need during the holiday season to sponsor children, we accept donations year round,” said Tim Dick, deputy director of Clermont County Children’s Protective Services.  “Donations to the Toy Chest can be utilized for birthday gifts, graduations gifts, and at other times to help these children get through a difficult period in their lives.”

To make a donation to the Clermont County Community Toy Chest call (513) 732-7264.

GOP Points State Budget Scalpel at Medicaid

Reducing Medicaid eligibility and reforming collective bargaining were key points in a Republican plan unveiled today to tackle the state's looming budget crisis.

With 2 million Ohioans on the rolls of the state-federal health-care program for those with lower incomes, any changes to Medicaid benefits would ripple across Ohio.  Read on at Columbus Dispatch...

Animal-care Group hoping Kasich will Finish Deal Made with Strickland

Despite tough talk from Gov.-elect John Kasich and his agriculture appointee, the head of the Humane Society of the United States says he's hopeful that a deal struck this year on farm-animal care can be completed.

"There are several different places where reforms are brewing," said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society, which has 400,000 Ohio members. "I've spoken with the commodity groups that signed the agreement, and to a person they have said they are continuing to support the agreement. ... I think it will happen."  Read on at Columbus Dispatch...

Gift brings $10 million to Ohio University

Robert D. and Margaret Walter, and the Walter Family Foundation, have made a $10 million gift to Ohio University, the university announced today.

The gift will be used for the development and construction of a new multipurpose center and to renovate the Convocation Center on the Athens campus, according to the university.  Read on at Columbus Dispatch...

Kroger Recalls Popular Pet Foods

CINCINNATI, OHIO - The Kroger Co. is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

Kroger stores in the following states are included in this recall: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Little Miami will close school building even if levy request passes

Cuts include closing Hamilton-Maineville Elementary

HAMILTON TWP. — Little Miami School District will be back on the ballot in May and enacting a series of cuts next school year to shave an additional $1.2 million off the budget.  Read on at Western Star...

Design Vegetable Characters: Win $100

 Looking for a Winter Break Activity for the Kids?

LOVELAND, OHIO - Granny's Garden School is designing stickers to give to students on the school days they participate in the garden program. They want to develop a collection of vegetable characters to use for this and other purposes. The characters should be original and in a style to compliment their logo.

Granny said, "Vegetables we grow, include cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, rhubarb, peas, popcorn, squash, snow peas, onions, potatoes, carrots and kohlrabi."

You can submit sketches to schoolgarden@fuse.net.  The winning designer will receive a $100 cash award.  The design contest is open to children and adults.

Sketches must be emailed by December 31, 2010 and should be in bmp format.  Sketches do not have to measure 1.5" (which is the size of the sticker) but the design should be such that they can be reduced to that size without distorting the image.

E-mail questions.

Loveland Sports Update, December 16

 by Ricky Mulvey

As December comes and snow falls, we pave way to another exciting round of Loveland High school sports. It looks as though the Tigers have put together some excellent squads, so come on down and join the rest of the community in enjoying some athletics. 

Girls Basketball

   The Lady Tigers have regrouped after 5 consecutive losses with a big conference win over Walnut Hills. They took a close game over the Eagles with a score of 39-44. Aleyx Ingram for the Eagles put up over half the teams points for Walnut Hills with 20, but the Tiger’s Ariel Fisher and Rachel Baker each had a double digit point total to lead Loveland to victory.

    The Lady Tigers travel to Wilmington this Saturday to take on the 3-2 Hurricane. Their next home game is Wednesday January 5th in a rivalry game against Milford at 7:30 PM.

Wrestling

   The Tiger wrestling team’s present and future looks extremely bright with many freshman athletes making the varsity team. They recently took on Western Brown in our annual in daytime school wrestling meet, where the Tigers pulverized them, winning by over 50 points as nearly all of Loveland High School cheered them on. Some top wrestlers for the Tigers include James Caniglia, Andrew Karle, and Will Evans. The Tigers next matches are at the SWOWCA Tournament at Harrison High School this Saturday. They will take on a bevy of top talent in the likes of Mount Healthy, Talawanda, Kings, Glen Este, and many more.

Swimming

    The Boys and Girls have yet to swim this season but Ryan Moss, David Osborne and the rest of the team look forward to competing in the Madeira Invitational at the Blue Ash YMCA this Saturday.  After finishing 2nd place in the FAVC last season, Loveland looks to meet the high expectations for the 2010-2011 season. 

Bowling

   The bowling team is already well into their season carrying a 4-2 record and sitting proudly in 3rd place in the FAVC. Their next event is this Friday when they face-off at Goshen. Some top bowlers include Toni Gardner, Lindsey Wittmer, Kyle Schweer, and Trevor Porter.

Academic

  The reigning FAVC Buckeye Division champions are looking to rebound after starting the season at 0-4.  Their chance will come when they take on the Wilmington Hurricane, Wednesday January 5th. The team is led by head coach Jennifer Weil.

Canadians: “Build a Damn Fence!"

    From The Manitoba Herald , Canada; by Clive Runnels

    The flood of American liberals sneaking across the border into Canada has intensified in the past week, sparking calls for increased patrols to stop the illegal immigration. The recent actions of the Tea Party are prompting an exodus among left-leaning citizens who fear they'll soon be required to hunt, pray, and to agree with Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck.

    Canadian border farmers say it's not uncommon to see dozens of sociology professors, animal-rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields at night. "I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood producer huddled in the barn," said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield , whose acreage borders North Dakota . The producer was cold, exhausted and hungry. He asked me if I could spare a latte and some free-range chicken. When I said I didn't have any, he left before I even got a chance to show him my screenplay, eh?”

    In an effort to stop the illegal aliens, Greenfield erected higher fences, but the liberals scaled them. He then installed loudspeakers that blared Rush Limbaugh across the fields. "Not real effective," he said. "The liberals still got through and Rush annoyed the cows so much that they wouldn't give any milk.”

    Officials are particularly concerned about smugglers who meet liberals near the Canadian border, pack them into Volvo station wagons and drive them across the border where they are simply left to fend for themselves."  A lot of these people are not prepared for our rugged conditions," an Ontario border patrolman said. "I found one carload without a single bottle of imported drinking water. They did have a nice little Napa Valley Cabernet, though."

    When liberals are caught, they're sent back across the border, often wailing loudly that they fear retribution from conservatives. Rumors have been circulating about plans being made to build re-education camps where liberals will be forced to drink domestic beer and watch NASCAR races.

    In recent days, liberals have turned to ingenious ways of crossing the border. Some have been disguised as senior citizens taking a bus trip to buy cheap Canadian prescription drugs. After catching a half-dozen young vegans in powdered wig disguises, Canadian immigration authorities began stopping buses and quizzing the supposed senior citizens about Perry Como and Rosemary Clooney to prove that they were alive in the '50s. "If they can't identify the accordion player on The Lawrence Welk Show, we become very suspicious about their age." an official said.

    Canadian citizens have complained that the illegal immigrants are creating an organic-broccoli shortage and are renting all the Michael Moore movies "I really feel sorry for American liberals, but the Canadian economy just can't support them." an Ottawa resident said. "How many art-history majors does one country need?"

Ohio School District Uses Unique Peer Evaluations to Grade Teachers

PBS NewsHour Special correspondent for education John Merrow reports how public schools in Toledo, Ohio, are implementing a unique peer-evaluation program for educators that looks to nurture teachers, but make it easier to remove ineffective ones.