The Three Rivers News Dispatch issued its first edition on August 17, 2021. Since then, it has reported on area events and government meetings in North Bend, Addyston, Cleves, and Miami Township. The subscriptions are free, and the number of registered subscribers has grown to over 1,000. The TRND also accepts no advertising fees. It encourages local businesses to submit advertisements by email.

March 17, 2023

Edgewater Speedway Open Season- March 18

Jr. Drag Racing at Edgewater

The Edgewater Sports Park will open its 2023 racing season this Saturday at 11 a.m. This event affords drivers who want to have fun racing their personal car. The vehicles cannot have racing electronics. The maximum speed will most likely be at 80 miles per hour.

Junior racing also begins on Saturday and will repeat each week until the end of the season. Edgewater is one of four Ohio tracks that operates a Junior Program. Juniors can start as early as age five (5) and continue until they are seventeen. To be eligible to race, a junior dragster must join the NHRA Summit Jr. Drag Racing League and get permission from their parents or guardian. The membership costs $34.00; they must own their car and safety equipment.

A new junior dragster costs around $5,000. Two examples are pictured below. Below the pictures is a 2-minute video showing a junior dragster setting a new record speed. Junior dragster races are a quarter mile only.

Nitro Chaos- April 28-29,30

Edgewater Speedway owner, Rob Weinle, pictured right, spoke at a recent Miami Township Trustees meeting to advise them that Nitro Chaos, one of their largest events of the season, will be held on Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, 2023. As a result, traffic will be heavy on E. Miami River Rd from both directions on Friday night, including RVs and motor homes parked on-site at the sports park.

Weinle told the trustees he had invested significant money in the track to address resident concerns about races past 11 p.m. In a recent interview with the Three Rivers News Dispatch, Weinle said, "No one wants our events to go past 11 p.m., especially our employees! So we have invested in the machinery to keep our events running on time. We want to have a positive economic impact on Miami Township and to end our races on time to respect area residents."

According to Weinle, antifreeze or oil discharges on the track surface caused events to run past 11 p.m. in past seasons. "In the past, we had to clean the track by hand, which took about an hour, so we purchased a scrubber to clean spills. That will cut cleanup time in half. The new scrubber would cost $40,000, but we could purchase a used one that saved us money. We plan to use the savings to purchase a new static drag and tractor for $77,000. That equipment will allow us to apply the resin compound faster and help us on schedule."

Pictured below on the left is the track scrubber that has been purchased, and on the right is an example of the static drag that will be bought soon.

2023 Upgrades at Edgewater Sports Park

Investment is the name of the game at Edgewater Sports Park this year. The existing suites above offer great views for spectators to watch the races. They are in the process of being upgraded for those who attend races, but that is not the only reason for the upgrades. Weinle hopes that companies will use the upgrades for meetings and team-building activities.

Race fans will also find a new restaurant with freshly grilled food and cold draft beer to enjoy. The restaurant will have a food menu similar to a sports bar, but it will not include a complete dinner menu. The restaurant has big-screen televisions, new high-top tables, and stools with additional seating at the bar. The high tops allow fans to watch the race with unobstructed track views.

There is an outside eating area with seating too. Both areas are shown below.

Two Time World Champion Megan Myer Will Compete in Nitro Chaos

Megan Meyer, Two-time NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world champion, will compete at Edgewater, Nitro Chaos. Meyer, pictured here, returned to professional racing after starting a family last year.

Subscribers can read more about Megan Meyer by clicking on this link https://dragillustrated.com/megan-meyer-to-return-to-top-alcohol-dragster-drivers-seat-for-eddyvilles-night-of-fire-mo-kans-nitro-chaos/

Megan's dragster is pictured above and will join nearly 20 other competitors driving Fuel Alterred's running on Nitro Methane. The vehicles pictured below will also compete.

" NITRO CHAOS HAS EVENTS INSIDE EVENTS" Rob Weinle

Miami Township residents can also enjoy the a variety of racing entertainment knowing that the events held throughout the season generated over $30,000 for a variety of charities. The Sunday event on April 30 will be donated to the Dragon Fly Foundation. The Nitro Chaos event has many events within the event to meet the entertainment needs of all racing fans. That will include AA Gasers from the 1960's. Pictured below are some examples of the types of cars event goers may see.

Scott Rods AA Gasers will perform during the event. Subscribers can click on the arrow below to watch a short YouTube video for an example of past performances.

Positive Economic Impact on Miami Township

3 to 5 Million Dollars Possible

"My goal is to model our track after Summit Motor Sportspark in Norwalk, Ohio, so we can attract major races and have a positive economic impact in Miami Township. In addition, I want to develop a tract of land used in the 1970s for concerts. That would require us to build an amphitheater in the future," said Weinle.

To accomplish that dream, Weinle admitted that he needed to get investors to provide the capital needed to increase parking, build an amphitheater, and other infrastructure to support larger crowds. According to a recent study that appeared in Competition Plus, the economic impact of hosting an NHRA divisional event could bring in 3 to 5 million dollars being spent in the area.

Area residents may be unaware that on September 21, 1975, the Eagles and many other major performers held a concert on the banks of the Great Miami River

Miami Township residents can watch Rob Weinle's presentation at February's Trustees' meeting by clicking the link below. In the video, subscribers will learn the plans Weinle hopes to bring to the area. One of the areas he speaks about is expanding the park into a multi-use venue with an amphitheater to host music concerts as it did in the 1970s.

North Bend Mayor Gives State of the Village Address

North Bend Mayor Doug Sammons apologized to residents for not giving a State of the Village Address since 2019. Sammons said, "I broke my promise to resume the practice to outline the accomplishments made by Council each year when the pandemic hit. Then forgot to do it in 2021. It is time for me to get back on track and tell our residents the great work this Council has accomplished"

"This Council made many accomplishments in 2022. First, I want to thank Marilyn Kramer and Fran Romweber for their efforts to seek grants and private donations for the Village to be true to our slogan, North Bend naturally beautiful. Those grants and donations have helped to pay for trees and brush that blocked the view of Harrison's tomb. That has allowed residents and visitors to see the tomb throughout the year regardless of the season," said Sammons.

Sammon's also thanked Council member Dave Moorman for his work on researching how to save North Bend residents on electric costs to light the Village. The initial cost to replace the light bulbs used throughout the Village was nearly $100,000 three years ago. "The projected savings on electric bills was an annual savings of $20,000, and we have realized that savings each year since 2021. The council made that decision after Dave's research was provided and will pay for itself in five years," said Sammons.

The mayor also thanked Consolidated Trucking for its donations to pay for the trees that now line both sides of U.S. 50. He also thanked Bev Bolser for her efforts to work to maintain better the Congress Green Cemetery across from thet\7 Harrison Tomb.

North Bend residents and other residents in the area can watch Mayor Sammons cite other accomplishments made within the by clicking on the arrow below

North Bend Village Shorts

Council to Replace Max Morgan on Council

Mayor Doug Sammons informed the council at its February meeting that Council person Max Morgan had sent him a resignation letter. Mr. Morgan resigned because he had taken a new job, and his employer preferred that he not remain an elected official for the Village of North Bend.

Mr. Morgan, pictured on the left, had just secured a "We Thrive Competitive" grant for $15,000 to resurface the basketball court at Presidential Park." That surface would allow for portable pickleball courts to be built for the Village of North Bend residents. The grant had been thought to be a $50,000 grant from We Thrive.

Deputy Clerk Marilyn Kramer told Council members that Nicole Key, from "We Thrive, contacted her and said there was a miscommunication from the county about the grant amount. The grant amount was only $15,oo0 rather than $50,000. That amount will leave the Village short about $4,000 to finish the Presidential Park project if they want to complete the project. No decision was made at the last meeting.

Council has 30 days to name a replacement. North Bend residents who are interested should contact Mayor Sammons.

Sammons To Run for Relection in November

Ohio Riverfront Development is a Priority

North Bend Mayor Doug Sammons announced on February 27, 2023, that he would seek his third term as Mayor of North Bend. While he did not cite it as a reason for running again, the closing on the property track of 14 acres owned by Cleves but located in the Village of North Bend had to be a factor.

In his state of the Village Address, the mayor announced that the $400,000 North Bend reieved last year from the Hamilton County Improvement grant to purchase the plan was finalized on February 23, 2023. "The Village of Cleves had to get a survey and legal description before closing the deal. That process was completed, and we closed on the property. Since then, I have talked to our Congressman Warren Davidson, and he assured me he would advocate for the project in Congress."

North Bend's plan for developing the 14-acre track includes an outdoor amphitheater for summer music concerts, a boat dock, and an "Interpretative Center" that will be tied into the Harrison Tomb and include exhibits for President Benjamin Harrison and from his grandfather, President William Henry Harrison.

Subscribers can click on the link below. It will take you to April 15, 2022, edition of the Three Rivers News Dispatch article about North Bend's plan to develop the riverfront.

https://conta.cc/3EjMzUf

North Bend Council Changes Tiime of Council Meetings

The North Bend Village Council voted 5-0 to change its monthly meetings from starting at 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. The meetings will remain on the last Monday of the month.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Weighs in on Cleves Residence at 119 N. Miami

This picture was taken at 119 N.Miami last December when the Hamilton County Health Department, Cleves Fiscal Officer James Brett, and Hamilton County Sheriff's Sergeant Mike Carney were all at the property to determine if people were living in the shed and other vehicle structures on the property.

The Health Department re-issued a condemnation for the upstairs apartment and declared the shed and other structures unfit for human habitation. (See the article Maddy Was Right by clicking on this link: https://conta.cc/3YOei9p)

The condemnation letter dated December 20, 2022, is shown below. It set a deadline of January 21, 2023 to comply with the order.

119 N. Miami Missed the January 2023 Board of Health Deadline

Hamilton County Prosecutor Is Now Involved

Neighbors continued complaining about the junk and that people continued to live upstairs and the outside structures after the Hamilton County Board of Health issued the order. Residents had planned to attend the Village of Cleves meeting canceled last Wednesday without explanation. They wanted to know why the structures, junk tires, and other debris still was at the location.

The TRND contacted Village Administrator Mike Rahall for an update on the status of the order last Thursday. The Cleves Village Administrator sent an email showing that the owner, Ruby Hancock, was sent a letter from the Office of Melissa Powers, Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney.

That letter shows a new deadline of March 24, 2023, to remediate the problems that exist on the property.

Cleves Council Is Permanently Forced Into the Sunshine

Miami Township Shorts

BURN BAN

The Miami Township Fire Department recently reminded residents on its Facebook page that there is a statewide burn ban from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. is in effect from March until May 31.

Miami Township Administrator

Announces Free Farmers

Miami Township Administrator Dan Reid announced that the first of three Farmers' Markets will be held at the Three Rivers Educational Campus from 10 until 2 p.m. on April 11, 2023. The event is the first of three farmers' markets to be held this year in Miami Township. Future events will be announced when the schedule and locations become available.

Reid, pictured on the left, announced the program at a recent meeting of the Miami Township Trustees. The Hamilton County Board of Health and the Kroger Corporation sponsor the program.

Residents of Addyston, Cleves, North Bend, and the rest of Miami Township are eligible to attend.

Miami Township Trustees Announce Administrative Leaves

for Fire Department Personnel

Township Trustee Jack Rininger read a statement that was drafted by their legal counsel announcing that Miami Township Fire Chief Brien Lacey and Lt. Shelly Lacey have been placed on Administrative Leave. Residents can watch and listen to the statement by clicking on the arrow below:

A Three Rivers News Dispatch Editorial Opinion

What Does Being Fair Mean?

When I was a 7th Grade teacher at Bridgetown Junior High School, the concept of fairness always came up. For example, if one student received detention for not turning in their work and another student did not, inevitably, I heard, "That's Not Fair,"!

My usual response was, "What Does Fair Mean"? Another question followed: "If I stand at my door and swat everyone as they walk through, would that be fair?" Their answer was always "No"! So then I asked my students, "Why wouldn't it be?" And their response to that was because we didn't do anything!

Of course, my students were right! But I wanted them to understand that sometimes I had access to information they did not. For example, there might have been a death in the family, or there were issues that the parents called me about that prevented the student from completing their homework. Fairness, in my view, depends on the totality of the circumstances! It is not always black and white.

At Wednesday's Miami Township Trustees meeting, Jack Riniger formally announced that Miami Township Fire Chief Brien Lacey and Lt. Shelly Lacey were put on administrative leave. There were no details given other than the Trustees have hired an independent legal firm to conduct the investigation.

I am confident the "Trustees" will ensure that the "procedural fairness" elements of the investigation are meticulously followed. The Laceys deserve a process that provides procedural fairness to ensure that the complaint is fully investigated and that the Laceys are able to present a vigorous defense against the complaint. That is the only way to put everything into context.

While the Trustees have ensured procedural fairness, they have no ability to provide citizen fairness. Will Brien and Shelly Lacey receive fairness in the court of public opinion? That depends on you!

I, for one, believe in the presumption of innocence. That is the foundation of our justice system! However, human nature being what it is, we tend to jump to the conclusion of guilt when we hear that a person has been placed on "Administrative Leave." Administrative Leave is nothing more than a process allowing for an unobstructed investigation to occur. It ensures that employees can be questioned privately and without fear of retribution. It is designed to put everything into perspective to so a fair decision is made. It is not designed for the public to jump to conclusions.

I commend the Miami Township Trustees for doing it the right way! They placed both employees on administrative leave in a public meeting. They did not hide it!

The Trustees have done their job; now it is time for you to do yours. Please grant Brien and Shelly Lacey the presumption of innocence. They have earned that right. I am confident that if faced with a similar situation, you would want people to give you the benefit of the doubt. You would want them to be fair! Wouldn't you?

This Week at the Miami Township Senior Center in downtown Cleves

Miami Township Senior Center Welcomes Tim Goldrainer This Wednesday @ 2 p.m.

Tim Goldrainer

Singer

At an early age, music was already seeded deeply in Tim's being. Having older siblings and parents who loved music, there was an abundance of genres to choose from. Tim took them all: 50's, 60's, and 70's music. They all filled his house. Performing at the pool or a wedding reception was a regular occurance. Tim was accepted into SCPA, majoring in ballet and minoring in vocal performance. He san in choir and swing choir in high school.

Some friends in high school were forming a band and looking for a lead singer. Tim auditioned and landed the gig. He worked at Larosa's as a dining room manager during the day and played gigs on the weekends. The shows started picking up from backyard parties to actual club dates. He left the restaurant business and dove head first into a full time music career.

June 3rd, 1983 The Menus were born! The first gig was at Midnight Express in Western Hills. There havebeen many changes over the years including song selection, wardrobe changes, skateboarding, props, trapeze swinging and of course balloon kicking/popping. Name a song, costume or stunt and Tim has most likely done it!

Tim also has another band Curly and the Cueballs which formed in 2001 performing standards in the American songbook. In addition to Curly, Tim teaches preschool music and has a solo act The Goldie Show performing in small clubs and nursing homes.

2023 will mark 40 years in the music business with no signs of stopping. As long as people continue to show up at the shows, Tim will continue to keep the energy level high and make sure the people are happy and well entertained.