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 1,300. The TRND also accepts no advertising fees. It encourages local businesses to submit advertisements by email.

December 29, 2023

In This Edition of the Three Rivers News Dispatch

Wreaths Across America Ceremony Set December 16

Miami Township Residents Can Support Local Chapter of Wreaths Across America- CLICK ON SPONSOR WREATHS TO PURCHASE WREATHS

Village of North Bend Council Donates $325 to Wreaths Across America

TRUSTEE RININGER HONORED FOR 24 YEARS of Service

Three Rivers Local School District News

This Week at the Miami Township Senior Center

This Week at the Miami Township Library Branch

Cleves and Area Businesses

Disclosure Statement: The Three Rivers News Dispatch is written and operated by Cleves Mayor Elect Chuck Birkholtz. As of this edition, there won't be any editorial comments unless a subscriber is submitted.

Wreaths Across America Volunteers Honor Miami Township Veterans

Wreaths Across America has been an annual event since 1992, where wreaths are laid on the graves of veterans in cemeteries across the United States. This event is a way to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our country and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Wreaths Across America began as a small gesture of appreciation but has grown into a nationwide tradition. Each year, volunteers gather at cemeteries across the country to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans. This event is a way to show our gratitude for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.

The wreaths themselves are made of evergreen branches and adorned with red bows. Each wreath represents a life that was lost in service to our country. The wreaths are laid on the graves of veterans in cemeteries across the United States, including Arlington National Cemetery. The event is held on the second Saturday of December each year. Volunteers gather early in the morning to begin laying wreaths. Each volunteer is given a wreath to place on a veteran's grave, and they are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on the life and sacrifice of the individual they are honoring.

The event is not just about honoring those who have passed away but also about supporting those who are still serving. Wreaths Across America works with organizations that support veterans and their families to provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Wreaths Across America is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our freedom. It is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and women who have served our country. The event brings together thousands of volunteers committed to honoring our veterans and preserving their memory each year.

Our local Wreaths Across America coordinator is Darlene West. She and the Governor Othniel Looker Chapter members, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Citizens of Miami Township held this year’s ceremony on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Darlene West is pictured here as she instructed volunteers at the President William Henry Harrison Tomb State Memorial. Below are the volunteers who gathered at the Wiliam Henry Harrison State Memorial Monument.

The next stop to honor our veterans was Congress Green Cemetery. Pictured here is the grave of John Cleves Symmes. Symmes was the father-in-law of President William Henry Harrison, a veteran of the American Revolution, and a member of the Continental Congress. He was responsible for purchasing and developing the Miami Purchase. Due to their age, Congress Green Cemetery’s headstones pose a problem determining every veteran’s grave location. To ensure that these veterans are not forgotten, wreaths are placed on the benches to honor them.

The final leg of the ceremony took place at Maple Grove Ceremony. This year, volunteers placed 1452 wreaths on the graves of Miami Township Cemeteries to honor local veterans. The following videos and pictures are provided so that you can see and learn about this year’s ceremonies. The Taylor High School Band, the Boys Scouts, the Legion, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department were just a few organizations that participated in this year’s ceremony.

Residents Can Help Support Wreaths Across America's Local Chapter Honor Vets in 2024

During their December meeting, Wreaths Across America local coordinator Darlene West addressed the Miami Township Trustees. After recapping the Wreaths Across America, she asked the trustees to increase their yearly contribution by $125 due to $1125 the increased costs of the wreaths. The trustees voted 3-0 to add the funds requested.

Subscribers can watch Ms. West's presentation by clicking on the arrow above.

West told the audience, "We are already preparing for next year's event. Each year, we know that more wreaths will be needed. In our first year, we purchased 600 wreaths, which has grown to over 1400 wreaths five years later. We appreciate the support of the Miami Township Trustees, but we know we need to do a better job of reaching out to private citizens in Miami Township, Cleves, and Addyston. Almost everyone has had a family member who has served our country, and we need to do a better job of getting our message out. There is a sale going on right now. If we could get every household to buy two wreaths for $34 through January 14, 2024, we would receive three additional wreaths for free."

I've shared below a copy of the order form for your review. Residents can click on the RED SPONSOR.WREATHS and our Miami Township Wreaths across America will receive your donation.

TO DONATE TO WREATHS ACEOSS AMERICA CLICK ON SPONOR WREATHS ABOVE

North Bend Council Approves Wreath Across America Donation and Awards Employee Bonuses and Pay Increases for 2024

Wreaths Across America Coordinator Darlene West gave the North Bend Council an overview of last year's ceremony at the William Henry Harrison Memorial Tomb, Congress Green Cemetery, and Maple Grove Cemetery. She explained the history of the national program and the growth in Miami Township.

Ms. West also explained that the program cost is increasing this year and asked the council’s help to get the message out to their community members. Mayor Sammons asked her to send him an email with all the information, and he would make sure that the Aston Oaks HOA would get the information out to their members. He also encouraged other members of the North Bend Council to send out the information to their personal friends and families. Dave Moorman then motioned for the Council to contribute village funds for $325. That motion was approved 3-0. Moorman pointed out that all contributions were made now by the village and residents buying wreaths for the December 2024 ceremony. Ms. West confirmed that was correct.

Deputy Clerk Marilyn Kramer told the Council that this year’s Breakfast with Santa was a great success. Kramer said, “The lines were long and extended outside. Some children came from Forest Park this year, and our Santa did a great job. Not only did he listen to each child, but he also took time to talk to each child. The looks on their faces were really special and showed how important the event was to our families.”

Mayor Sammons added, “Many of the children who came have been coming here for years.” Pointing to pictures of the children who have attended for years, Sammons added, they enjoyed seeing their pictures from years in the past, too.”

Kramer also reported, “The Leaf Recycling Program collected thirty-three truckloads of leaves from residents this year. That will be included in our incentive grant, too. She also met with the Hamilton County Resource 3 Center and learned that North Bend is eligible for up to $100,000 in competitive grants to reduce solid waste and a $15,000 non-competitive grant. This money can be used to purchase waste trash cans for waste and recycling materials for the new Ohio River Park.

The William Henry Harrison Memorial Ceremony will be held at the tomb on February 9, 2024, starting at the North Bend Administration building. Kramer also announced that the Village has received two $35.000 grants for the North Bend Ohio River Park. One of the grants will be used to build a walking trail, and the other $35,000 can be used for park planning.

Kramer ended her report by notifying the council that this is the last year for their 5-year permit with the Hamilton County Stormwater District. The Village Maintenance Department will receive the training required for the permit in January or February 2024.

In other actions, the North Bend Village Council approved the following resolutions and ordinances:

Resolution 2023-19 to award Incentive bonuses to the following employees:

Nate Redding ($500); Marilyn Kramer ($800); Scott Solomon ($600); Marta Fryman ($500); Jim Searcy ($500); William Schultz ($300); Jeff Whitman ($300); Michael Dorr ($300}

Resolution 2023 to award pay increases to the following employees:

Marilyn Kramer ($24.15 p/h); Nate Redding ($25.00 p/h); Marta Fryman ($16,422 annual); Bill Schultz $20.00 p/h); Rick Schultz $20.00 p/h); Jeff Whitman ($16.00 p/h) and Scott Solomon $22,155 annually.)

Resolution 2023-21 allows Mayor Sammons to enter into a contract with the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission for Zoning Compliance Services effective January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Ordinance 2023-02- Adopting new zoning and inspection fees at an increase of 4.1%. Hamilton County sets and collects the fees.

Ordinance 2023-5 to increase the pay of the North Bend Mayor and newly Elected members of the North Bend Council. The mayor’s salary is $11,250 annually, and Council Members will be paid $5625.00 annually.

Ordinance 2023-04 Appoints Scott Solomon as Village Law Director from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

The North Bend Village Council also discussed the demolition project that is taking place on Sunset Avenue. Council member Dave Moorman brought to the council’s attention that the owner had not secured a permit from Hamilton County. The county has issued a stop work order, but work has continued. Mayor Sammons spoke to Alpha Demolition & Excavation, which did not have a permit, and they told him they would apply for the permit needed.

Trustee Jack Rininger Honored for Twenty-Four Years of Public Service

Miami Township Trustee President Jack Rininger wrapped up 24 years of service to Miami Township residents at his final meeting before his retirement. In an emotional farewell, Miami Township resident Barry Moerlein presented Mr. Rininger with a newspaper article from the 1977 Cincinnati Enquirer about his father when he was the Chief of Police in the Village of Cleves. Fellow Trustee Dan Blanton announced at the meeting that the new park at East Miami River Road and Buffalo Ridge would be called the Patricia Beck and June Rininger Memorial Park.

Jack Rininger is pictured here holding the conceptual map of the Park. Trustee Dan Blanton, second from right to left, made the presentation, Also pictured are from left to right Trustee Mike Robison, Trustee Rininger, former Trustee Paul Beck, Fiscal Officer Cindy Oser, Trustee Blanton, and Miami Township Administrator James Brett.

Before concluding the meeting. James Brett, Miami Township Administrator wheeled in a large rock pictured below. It is inscribed Jack Rininger "Thank you for 24 years of service to Miami Township and our residents." The rock will be displayed at the Miami Township Community Center, and a bench will be dedicated at Miami West Community Park to commemorate Jack Rininger's service to the township.

Rininger said earlier, "This is my home. I have been here all of my life except for 2 and 1/2 years in Vietnam and 2 years in Scotland after that. I got married and brought my wife June here. She didn't know anybody, but she quickly became friends with everyone. She passed away last year and we took her home to Scotland to be with her mom, dad, and sisters. Thanks a lot! I have appreciated your support!"

The Trustees took the following actions at its last two meetings of 2023.

Trustees voted 3-0 to pass Resolution 2023-15. It replaces resolution 2021-01 to comply with the ballot initiative that the voters passed to legalize adult marijuana use. According to the Miami Township Administrator James Brett, Attorney Alex Ewing prepared the resolution's language. The resolution prohibits the cultivation, retail sale, or adult use of cannabis in the unincorporated areas of Miami Township.

Editor's Note: The Ohio Ballot initiative states:

"Adults can now possess up to 2.5 ounces of weed and grow up to six plants. Ohio is officially the 24th state to have legal, adult-use marijuana. Provisions of a voter-approved legalization law took effect at midnight, including legal possession and home cultivation for anyone at least 21 years old." Dec 7, 2023

https://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Issue_2,_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2023)#Text_of_measure

The full text of the law can be accessed by clicking the link above:

Trustees voted 3-0 to spend up to $5100 to have Wardway Fuels install a new fuel tank outside the Miami Township maintenance building. The tank replaces the one inside the maintenance building at the request of the township’s insurance carrier.

Trustees voted 3-0 to extend the Rumpke contract until April 1, 2024. Rumpke has agreed to continue charges at the current rate. The township had enough money for residential curbside pick-up until March 31, 2024. If the replacement levy on the March ballot fails, it will be the responsibility of individual residents to contract their service.

Trustees voted 3-0 to purchase a vehicle for the Miami Township Administrator to be purchased in 2024; the amount shall not exceed $31,845.

Trustees voted 3-0 to establish and maintain a Health Savings Account pursuant to ORC Section 9,833 (B) (2). Newly elected Trustee Tim Vollrath and Fiscal Officer Cindy Oser are eligible now to participate. Trustees Robison and Blanton will have to wait by law until re-election.