West Chester Community Report Spring/Summer 2024

WEST CHESTER COMMUNITY REPORT

2024 FOOD TRUCK RALLY

Food trucks from around the Tri-State will gather on The Square @ Union Centre Friday, June 7 for the 11th Annual Food Truck Rally, hosted by the Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association (UCBMA).

A Street Food Competition this year means festival attendees can sample more variety and choose their favorite offerings in three categories. Trucks will offer sample size portions of their featured menu items for $7.00 or less. Street Food Competition winners will be decided by festival attendees with a People’s Choice Award granted in three food categories.

“The sample menu makes it more affordable for families to attend the festival,” said Denise Reier of UCBMA Food Truck Rally volunteer planning team. “There will also be a large hospitality tent for attendees to sit down and enjoy their food and beverages under shade.”

The 2024 Food Truck Rally times are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. giving plenty of time to sample several of the 40-plus food trucks throughout the day.

Live music will be performed all day, featuring entertainment from Chuck Evans, Mr. Phelps, CFG & The Family, Noah Wotherspoon Band with The Just Strange Brothers Horns.

Safe Haven Farms is the beneficiary of this year’s event.

For event updates: www.ucbma.com/food-truck-rally

FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL IN OLDE WEST CHESTER

West Chester Township will wrap up its bicentennial celebration with Founders Day in Olde West Chester on Saturday, June 1 from 2 to 6 p.m.

The sidewalk street fair will feature activities up and down Cincinnati Dayton Road, hosted by The Merchants of Olde West Chester.

West Chester celebrated its bicentennial year in 2023 starting with Founders Day weekend activities. West Chester (formerly Union) Township was officially established on June 2, 1823 and Olde West Chester is one of the oldest of the Township’s commerce centers.

CHILI COOK-OFF

The Caring Community Collaborative will host a Chili Cook-off between West Chester and Liberty Township Fire Departments as part of the Founders Day event. With purchase of a ticket, guests can sample and vote for their favorite firefighter chili recipe at West Chester Fire Station 71 on Cincinnati Dayton Road.

Fire trucks and apparatus will be on display for kids to climb on and check out.

The Founders Day event will feature food trucks, games, craft fairs, axe throwing, petting zoo, a chili cookoff inflatables and more.

As part of the event, the West Chester-Union Township Historical Society will host an open house at The History Center with music and unveiling of its new outdoor interpretive meadow. The final collection of items for the community’s time capsule will also take place during the event.

SYMPHONY & ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Cap off Founders Day at Keehner Park with a performance by The West Chester Symphony and a community ice cream social Saturday night.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Keehner Park Amphitheater and ice cream is served during intermission. The concert and ice cream are free.

THE SQUARE 2.0

Township Plans Updates to Community Square for 2025 Season

It was more than 15 years ago that West Chester celebrated its first concert on The Square @ Union Center. The sod was fresh. There was no library then.

The Paul Otten Band took the stage for the inaugural concert on a very windy Thursday night.

Since then, the Thursday night concerts, farmers markets and events like Food Truck Rally, Shamrock Shuffle and BBQ Bash have made The Square a focal point for our community. Described early on as the community’s “living room”, The Square has become a place for community festivals and simply enjoying a summer day.

The Square will get a bit of a re-boot in 2024/2025 as West Chester works to ensure the park’s relevance, safety and functionality for years to come.

“With all the new neighbors to The Square in the Clocktower apartments and proximity to the high school, the library and offices, the space should feel even more comfortable and engaging as a spot to sit for lunch or reading a book, or working remotely,” said Barbara Wilson, director of Public Information & Engagement.

The West Chester Board of Trustees hired McGill Smith Punshon, Inc. (MSP) to develop the design for The Square 2.0 project. MSP designed The Square initially.

A stakeholder group, which included representatives from MidPointe Library, the Fitton Center, the Police Department, Community Services, as well as local artists, event planners and staging experts, were gathered in February to pull together ideas and strategize about the

best next steps for this high-profile space.

Some initial concepts explore the ideas of adding a stage that faces the clock tower – flipping the view –without blocking the view of the clock tower; adding small splash fountains, incorporating swing seating with shade; and incorporating more art.

The timeline is tight with construction hopefully under way in August and continuing through winter. A summer 2025 opening date is the goal. The Board of Trustees have budgeted $2 million in Tax Increment Financing funds for the construction.

Stay current on The Square 2.0 project by subscribing to our digital Community Report at www.westchesteroh. org and get updates to your email inbox.

TAKEOVER

THURSDAYS 6-9PM

MAY 23

MAY 30

JUNE 6

JUNE 13

JUNE 20

JUNE 27

JULY 11

JULY 18

JULY 25

*No outside alcohol permitted*

TRAILER PARK FLOOSIES

NAKED KARATE GIRLS

MY SISTER SARAH

DV8

2ND WIND

EARTH TO MARS (BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE)

MICHELLE ROBINSON BAND

VINYL COUNTDOWN

RED (TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE)

SUMMER ROAD WORK

Ambitious Schedule of Infrastructure Planned, Be Aware of Road Crews

The 2024 work plan for Community Services is ambitious as crews work to make best use of remaining ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding and address the community’s infrastructure.

“In addition to addressing infrastructure, there is an opportunity to develop a more comprehensive infrastructure program which will allow the Township to more pro-actively manage and objectively evaluate its physical assets such as roads, storm sewers, facilities and parks,” said Community Services Director Arun Hindupur. “Sometime during the year, we will work to implement technology that addresses the evaluation and management of infrastructure; and will continue to look for opportunities to pursue innovative initiatives and modernize operations overall.”

So much of the Township’s infrastructure is of nearly the same age and is due for replacement or in need of repair. The American Rescue Plan funding has done a great deal during the past two years to address maturing storm water infrastructure throughout the community.

West Chester will invest about $5.9 million in road

paving, curb and storm water repair and replacement. This includes $3.49 million from the Township’s Roads Funds, $2.44 million from Tax Increment Financing funds and $700,000 from ARPA. In 2024, the Township is planning to pave approximately 6.0 miles of roads.

There will be additional projects completed as part of West Chester’s expanded partnership with the Butler County Engineer’s Office. While County roads within TIF areas are improved using TIF resources, the BCEO funds pavement of some Township roads and contributes equipment, personnel, project management, administration and other resources to improve Township infrastructure.

The Township contracts some work and some road work is handled by West Chester Township Community Services employees. Regardless, their jobs are dangerous and taking notice of these work areas is the responsibility of every motorists.

“The roadway is the office of those who help maintain our infrastructure,” Arun said. “Please be respectful and give them plenty of room to do their work safely – reduce speed, mind flaggers in work areas and stay aware.”

Farmers Fare, Artists Wares and Bakers Treats Create a Summer Vibe

Avariety of unique vendors weaves in and out of The Market each summer in West Chester creating an ever-changing experience for shoppers.

The weekly summer Market kicks off Saturday, May 4th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of MidPointe Library West Chester, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive.

Continuously operating for at least 25 years, the local farmers market, first hosted by the Rosselot family at The Feed Barn on Cincinnati Dayton Road, moved to the Union Centre area in 2009.

The offerings of The Market change every week as seasonal produce flows through the growing season. Large local growers of produce and flowers are at The Market each week starting with cold-weather crops and through the season adding some of the best summer crops – corn, tomatoes (all sorts), peppers and so much more.

Local cottage bakers and makers offer everything from salsa to jams/jellies to breads and cookies and organic meats and poultry.

“The Market changes every week offering something special to customers,” said Monica Dexter, West Chester’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “The experience and energy is really amazing.”

Artists with handmade butcher boards, jewelry/beads, pottery and so much more also offer items for sale each week.

The Market is the ultimate showcase of small business in the community. None of the vendors has their own brick-and-mortar business, but all follow state rules for cottage industry and are committed to their dreams.

The Markets also typically feature musical performers and kids' crafts each week.

To learn more about the vendors and weekly activities, follow The West Chester Market on Facebook and subscribe to the West Chester Community Report at www.westchesteroh.org.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANYONE?

Make Sure the Job is Done Right by Getting a Permit Before Getting Started

Summer is the season homeowners often set aside for updates to their property. Many projects require a little legwork before a trip to Lowes or Home Depot or a call to a contractor.

West Chester Township’s residential Zoning Certificate application process is simple, free and provides some assurances that your project is being done right. In addition to the Township Zoning Certificate, many construction projects require permits from Butler County.

“Your property is likely your biggest investment, so you want to make sure your project meets code and complies with both HOA and Township zoning regulations,” said Bryan Hellard, one of West Chester Township’s property advisors.

Projects making impactful changes to the exterior of your property – fences, sheds, pools, decks, porches or additions – require a Zoning Certificate and may require County permits.

Projects that alter the interior of your home – updates to bathrooms and kitchens, moving walls, finishing basements – may also require a Zoning Certificate and County permits.

Painting your homes exterior, landscape work, routine home maintenance or adding a playset typically do not require permits.

There are some alterations, like rooftop solar installations or a new roof however, that require County permits but do not need a Zoning Certificate. West Chester will provide an exemption letter for projects of this type. When in doubt, contact the Community Development Department for more information.

A qualified, licensed contractor should understand the requirements of permitting and be prepared to support the property owner through the process. Whether a do-ityourselfer or hiring a contractor, however, the property

owner will be responsible for the outcome of the project.

“By following the required process of permitting, there will be overview that helps hold the contractor/ homeowner responsible for doing the job right and within zoning regulations,” Bryan said. “Not using the required permitting process may lead to shortcuts that impact the quality of the outcome, as well as the long-term value of your home.”

Many West Chester neighborhoods are guided by a home owners association (HOA) with restrictions for property alterations that are more stringent than the Township’s regulation. If your neighborhood has an HOA, check their covenants/rules first before getting too far ahead in your planning.

Some HOAs only allow a certain type of fence, or no fences at all. Some don’t allow sheds at all and some will only allow them up to a certain size or made in a certain way. Moving forward on your project without your HOA’s written approval could be costly later.

If the HOA (when applicable) is good with the project, the next step is West Chester Community Development.

The residential Zoning Certificate process is available online at westchesteroh.org/permits, but property advisors are always happy to walk residents through the process. Filing for a Zoning Certificate requires drawings of the project and completion of a basic application, but there is no cost.

The best place to start – after your HOA – is West Chester Community Development, 513-777-4214 or www.westchesteroh.org.

THEATER IN THE PARK

Local Company Performs "Robin Hood"

Experience the magic of live theater at Keehner Park this spring with a free production of Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood by Ken Ludwig. Presented by The Ghostlight Stage Company, humor, stage combat, and family-friendly fun will be on display for audiences.

Alyssa Batsakis, with her sister Eliana Batsakis and colleague Aiden Dalton founded Ghostlight Stage Company with a desire to make professional theater more accessible. Performances in the park are free, with certain performances available with ASL interpretation and programs available in Braille.

Before each performance, enjoy archery lessons from the cast and other engaging activities in the park, 7211 Barret Road.

Show Dates and Times: May 17, 7 p.m.; May 18, 2 p.m.; May 18, 7 p.m. (ASL Interpreted Show); May 19, 2 p.m.

Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is appreciated and donations support community theater efforts by The Ghostlight Stage Company. Visit theghostlightstageco.com

"Hamlet" Coming in July

The amazing performers of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company are back in Keehner Park this summer with a production of William Shakespeare’s "Hamlet."

The annual performance at Keehner Park is an ideal way to introduce people of all ages to Shakespeare’s work in a relaxed setting. The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company stages performances using modern situations to tell these classic stories remaining true to Shakespeare’s words. "Hamlet" will be performed Saturday, July 13 beginning at 7 p.m. at Keehner Park, 7211 Barret Road. Guests are welcomed to bring blankets, chairs and a picnic. Please do not bring alcohol to the park.

THE LION, THE BARN, THE BREWERY

150-Year-Old Lion Feels at Home at West Chester's Muhlhauser Barn

An iconic piece of the Cincinnati region’s rich history and heritage found a new home at Beckett Park near the Barn, which bears its original owner’s name – Muhlhauser.

Aside from glass beer bottles, collectibles and memorabilia from a bygone era in American history, little remains of the Windisch-Muhlhauser Brewing Company save for two stone lions, one restored 1881 timber-frame barn, and the family legacies binding their incredible stories together.

Dan and Anne Doran guarded one of the two lions for years and graciously gifted it to West Chester to be enjoyed by the community and be a part of the Muhlhauser Barn landscape.

In 1866-67, Conrad Windisch and Gottlieb Muhlhauser joined forces to create the Windisch-Muhlhauser Brewing Company, built along the canal in Over-The-Rhine. Many of Cincinnati’s prosperous beer barons, the Windisches and Muhhausers included, owned large summer homes on Butler County farms, where they would grow, harvest and store crops like barley, wheat and hops.

In operation for about 55 years, the WindischMuhlhauser Brewing Company became one of the most successful breweries in America, if not the world.

The prolific brew house in Over-the-Rhine was built in the Romanesque Revival style and perched high above the rooftops of this large five-story brick building lounged two giant lion statues. The lions, measuring

USS CINCINNATI DOCKS AT VOA

The USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial Peace Pavilion will be the newest permanent feature of the Voice of America MetroPark celebrating the significance of the U.S. on the world stage. The Pavilion is expected to open to the public in 2025.

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Navy League of the U.S.

approximately 10-feet long by 3-feet wide by 6-feet tall, are depicted in old photographs, sketches and illustrations guarding the east façade of the main building, looking out over the canal.

One of these lions, weighing about 10,000 pounds and hand-carved of sandstone more than 150 years ago in Germany, now calls the Muhlhauser Barn and Beckett Park home.

Leo is not meant for climbing, but West Chester would love to see your family photos with Leo and hand-drawn artwork of the lion. Please tag West Chester Township when posting in social media.

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly twitter).

officially announced the installation of the nuclearpowered submarine USS Cincinnati at VOA Park, adjacent to the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, and a groundbreaking was planned for May.

Weighing 6,000 tons and measuring 361 feet long, or the length of an NFL football field, many important pieces of the USS Cincinnati will be incorporated into a fullscale, fully interactive historical landmark that celebrates American ingenuity. Officials hope the immersive exhibit will delight and inspire the next generation of leaders to explore military service and pursue careers in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

The nuclear-powered U.S. Navy submarine served our country from 1978 to 1996 and set sail to the scrap heap in 2012. Potentially condemned forever, the submarine was saved through the preservation efforts of the Navy League.

Learn more about the USS Cincinnati memorial at subcincy.org.

BACKYARD BBQS AND FIREPITS

Fire Department Says Take Some Precautions When Cooking Outdoors

Cooking presents the greatest fire risk for most of us at home and moving cooking to the outdoors means a different set of fire safety guidelines to keep everyone safe. The West Chester Fire Department says to be mindful of the risks and take steps to prevent home fires.

“One of the biggest grilling concerns in our community involves outdoor cooking on balconies and small apartment patios,” said Chief Scott Brooks, West Chester Fire Department’s prevention officer.

• Position grills safely: Your grill should be on a level surface away from any structures including your home, deck railings and overhanging branches. Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from any combustible materials. If you live in an apartment or condo, with rules set by your complex, use only gas or electric grills and grill only in designated areas.

• Keep grills clean: Before lighting the grill, make sure

Outdoor Burning

Sitting around the fire pit, making s’mores and simply enjoying the outdoors is an activity we all enjoy.

Outdoor burning is regulated by the State of Ohio and applies to recreational fire pits and burning yard waste.

• Check for burn bans: Before starting any back yard fire, check for current burn bans or restrictions. During times of drought, high winds, etc. a burn ban may be put in place to protect residents and properties.

• Obtain permits as required: Depending on the type of burning you’re doing, a permit may be required from the West Chester Fire Department or the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Management Agency.

• Follow safe burning practices: When burning yard waste or debris, use approved containers such as burn barrels or pits constructed of non-combustible materials. Never burn materials in open piles and always keep fires small and under control.

• Maintain supervision: Never leave outdoor fires unattended, even for a short time. Never leave children unattended around a fire pit.

it’s clean and free of grease buildup, which can pose a fire hazard. Regularly remove grease and residue from grates and trays to prevent flare-ups

• Check for gas leaks: If using a gas grill, inspect the gas hose and connections for leaks before each use.

• Stay attentive: Never leave the grill unattended while it’s in use. Keep a close eye on the flames and be prepared to respond quickly to any flare-ups or unexpected developments.

• Use long-handled tools to avoid getting too close to the flames. This will help prevent burns and keep you safe while handling food

• Keep fire extinguisher near-by: Have a fire extinguisher readily available in case of emergencies. Make sure everyone knows its location and how to use it properly

• Practice safe food handling: Keep raw meat separate from other foods, wash your hands frequently and cook meat to the recommended internal temperatures.

• Extinguish and dispose of charcoal safely: If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of them. Submerge them in water to ensure they are fully extinguished before discarding. Never dispose of coals or ashes in plastic bags or containers.

• Consider alternatives: Whenever possible, consider alternatives to outdoor burning such as composting yard waste or curbside trash removal. These are safer and better for our environment.

• Have an available water source nearby.

What is a Red Flag Warning?

A Red Flag Warning is issued when conditions are poor/ dangerous for open burning/ fire pits. It may be due to drought, high winds or poor environmental conditions. When planning an evening with a fire pit or burning yard waste, always check for Red Flag Warnings for your area. West Chester posts these warnings in parks, as well as at westchesteroh.org and on Facebook and Nextdoor.com

BE WEATHER AWARE!

Have Your Plan in Place, Prepare Before “Bad” Weather Strikes Our Area

Severe weather hit the region even before spring officially arrived this year signaling the need to always be weather aware and weather prepared.

West Chester’s public safety services in Police, Fire and 911 Communications encourage residents to plan for weather that could affect lives and property.

First, how will you learn of severe weather and stay on alert when conditions are right?

Just as every home should have a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher, every home and office should be equipped with a National Weather Service (NWS) radio. A weather alert radio, along with reliable weather alert enabled apps and local weather forecasts are the most reliable source for severe weather announcements and notifications.

West Chester Township maintains outdoor weather warning sirens, but these are a notification of last resort for those who are outdoors. The sirens are NOT designed to alert residents in their home at all – but especially not when asleep in their beds.

Outdoor weather alert sirens came into existence at a time when there were few reliable sources of weather information and specifically for a more ruralsociety. Today, more reliable sources for this information exist.

West Chester tests its sirens at noon on the first Wednesday of every month.

West Chester sounds sirens when there is a tornado warning issued by NWS or a funnel cloud is reported by a reliable community source. If you are outdoors and hear

the sirens, seek cover immediately and tune into local weather forecasts.

When severe weather is reported in the area, families should move to an interior room of the lowest level of their home, preferably basement, and stay alert to conditions. Stay away from windows. If outdoors and unable to get indoors, seek cover in a ditch.

It is always a good idea to have some bottled water and food (for people and pets) in your designated area. Consider making an emergency kit for your family. Details are available at www.ready.gov.

A tornado struck parts of the West Chester community in 1974 affecting our neighbors. Emergency services train and prepare to support families in these times of crisis. While not efficient to inform residents in a timely fashion of approaching severe weather, tools like Facebook, Nextdoor.com and West Chester’s digital Community Report will be used to provide critical recovery information to the community.

Subscribe to the Community Report at www.westchesteroh.org.

COMMUNITY POLICING

West Chester Police Safety Initiatives in Our Community

The West Chester community has always been supportive of our Police Department through Neighborhood Watches, public awareness campaigns and more. There are several other simple ways to support policing efforts in the community. Adding your name to available Police Department databases help officers investigate crime and keep our neighbors and neighborhoods safe.

Residents with Disabilities

West Chester Police Department maintains a People with Disabilities Database to meet best the needs of all members of our community. This includes individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), etc. Information collected aids and informs first responders who are working to resolve issues in situations involving a person who has a disability.

Security Camera Alliance

Registering your security camera with the West Chester Police Department Camera Alliance does NOT give police direct access to your camera. Rather, signing up lets police know that if investigating a crime in your immediate neighborhood, they can reach out and ask you to check your security video for details that might help. Even if registering your camera, a resident still has the right to decline access to the video.

Unoccupied Home Notice

Heading out of town for vacation? Inform a trusted neighbor or family member of your absence. Arrange to stop mail and newspaper delivery. Complete an Unoccupied Home Notice with West Chester Police and an officer assigned to your area will be aware the residence is unoccupied. This notice does not replace other precautions taken, but does provide information to the West Chester Police Department in the event of an emergency.

Police Chief Herzog Retires

West Chester Police Chief Joel Herzog will retire after 33 years of service to the community.

“The honor of serving as Chief of Police the last nine years for such a wonderful community is humbling,” Chief Herzog shares. “I depart knowing the officers of the West Chester Police Department are strong in their professionalism, integrity, courage, and commitment.”

Chief Herzog was hired as an officer with the West Chester Police Department in 1991, was promoted to captain in 2001 and appointed Chief of Police in 2014. In 2016 he entered into a retire/rehire agreement with the Board of Trustees and continued in his position as Chief.

“Joel is an exceptional law enforcement professional and through his leadership has created a law enforcement model built on police working side-by-side with residents and stakeholders to make our community safer,” said West Chester Township Administrator Larry D. Burks.

In addition to these achievements, Chief Herzog was pivotal in introducing technology to advance crime investigations and worked collectively to advance a robust

employee wellness program aimed at destigmatizing mental health treatment.

Chief Herzog anticipates his retirement effective no later than June 29, 2024 providing opportunity to facilitate a smooth transition. He will continue to serve as Chief of Police until his departure and will take this time to support the transition for his department and the larger Township organization.

Administrator Burks will appoint Lt. Col. Brian Rebholz to step into the Chief’s role as interim to fill the gap until a permanent Chief is appointed. Lt. Col. Rebholz first came to work as a West Chester Police Officer in 1992 and was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2016.

LEGACY OF K-9 OFFICERS

A Different Viewpoint of Law Enforcement Comes From the End of a Leash

The use of dogs in law enforcement traces to Ghent, Belgium where a shortage of police officers led officials to put dogs into service.

The West Chester Police Department K-9 Unit began in 1993 understanding that a well-trained officer paired with a well-trained K-9 was a force multiplier and enhanced the department’s abilities to track individuals and sniff out drugs or bombs.

West Chester Police has benefited from the service of 15 canines during the past 30 years. It all began with Franco and Spoc. Now, Rico and Max are at the end of the lead with their partners Adam Roth and Mike Veeneman.

The approved complement of the K-9 Unit in West Chester is three officers and three canines, but it has been several years since the Department has filled all three positions. It costs about $30,000.00 for a police dog and training. Various grants have offset these costs in recent years.

West Chester’s canines train primarily to sniff out drugs and track suspects, but can also sniff out missing people or objects. Partnering agencies within Butler County have dogs with other skills and together the K-9s and officers train to provide support.

“Being part of the K-9 Unit was always something I wanted to do as part of my career,” said Roth. A 17-year veteran of the West Chester Police Department, Roth enjoys the unique challenge and he worked toward being a part of the K-9 Unit.

Veeneman is a 22-year veteran of the Department and this new challenge changed “things” up for him.

“It’s just really cool watching them (the dogs) work and

learning to understand them,” Veeneman said. “For me, it made the job I’ve been doing for years interesting in a new way. Max can’t wait to go to work every day. When he sees me get ready for work, he’s ready to get out the door.”

West Chester’s two canines could not be more different. Rico, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois, is Mr. Calm, Cool, and Collected. Max, a 4-year-old Dutch Shepherd, is all energy and enthusiasm.

While polar opposites in personality, each dog is meticulously trained for their mission and are effective law enforcement partners. They each have been successful in apprehension and/or tracking suspects and locating narcotics.

The legalization of marijuana raises some questions in the training of the police K-9s. This is an issue West Chester and other agencies will continue to study and consider. Regardless, the K-9s work in sniffing out illegal drugs and suspects remains valuable.

“Sometimes it can be frustrating. They (the dogs) cannot tell you what’s on their minds. You have to learn to read them,” Veeneman said. “At the end of the day, the dog is usually going to be right and you have to trust them.” Working with the four-legged officers can be a bit like a puzzle with the officer trying to understand what the dog needs from them in order to be successful.

Rico and Max go home with their handlers at the end of their shift each day and they take part in demonstrations as ambassadors for the Police Department. Each are well mannered and approachable. When on a mission, they are focused and driven. The reward is a “good boy” and a toss of a toy.

Township Trustees

9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road West Chester, Ohio 45069-3840

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Township Contacts

General 513-777-5900

Community Development 513-777-4214

Community Services 513-777-6145

Fire Department & EMS (Non-Emergency) 513-777-1133

Police Department (Non-Emergency) 513-777-2231

Mark Welch Vice-Chair

Ann Becker Trustee

Bruce Jones

Larry D. Burks

Lee Wong Chair