hamilton township administration
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7780 S. State Route 48 Maineville, OH 45039 Phone: (513) 683.8520 Fax: (513) 683.4325 Mark Sousa - Board Chair Darryl Cordrey - Trustee Joe Rozzi - Trustee Leah Elliott - Fiscal Officer Township Administrator Jeff Wright (513) 239.2372 Police Department Scott Hughes - Police Chief (513) 683.0538 (Non Emergency) Fire & Emergency Services Jason Jewett - Fire Chief (513) 683.1622 (Non Emergency) Public Works Director Don Pelfrey (513) 683.5360 Economic Development and Zoning Director - Cathy Walton (513) 239.2371 Assistant Fiscal Officer Ellen Horman (513) 239.2377 Human Resources Manager Cheryl Allgeyer (513) 239.2384 Planning & Zoning Inspector Jack Erickson (513) 683.8520 Parks & Recreation Nicole Earley (513) 239.2391 Cemetery Sexton Justin Thompson (513) 683.5320 Administrative Assistant Heather Murdock (513) 683-8520
Spring 2026
Parade & Fireworks
Spring has sprung... or has it? Around here, it seems to change day by day, but we're hopeful that by the day you're reading this, sunshine has won out and warmer days are here to stay. As the seasons shift, it's the perfect reminder to keep making room for the things that bring you joy. Whether it's getting outside, trying something new, or simply soaking up a beautiful afternoon, we encourage you to dig into our 26 Things to Do in Hamilton Township and start checking a few off of the list. This time of year is ideal for giving your lawn and gardens a little extra love. Consider stopping by one of our four local nursery and landscape businesses to get everything you need to bring your outdoor spaces to life. While you're planning your plantings, you might even find yourself inspired to try something new, like reserving a community garden plot at Marr Park. For just $25, you can enjoy a 4x4 space for the season and make the most of it with square foot gardening. There's still availability, and it might just be the perfect little "escape," ahem, I mean space, you need. And of course, we're gearing up for something big. In celebration of America's 250th Anniversary, we're proud to partner with The Village of Maineville and Ohio's Homecoming Picnics to bring you an expanded Freedom Festival, Parade and Fireworks! It's shaping up to be a day full of family fun, community spirit, and plenty of festive giveaways ; from activity books and kite kits to bandanas, tote bags, and more. No mater what spring decides to bring, there's plenty to look forward to and even more to enjoy right here in Hamilton Township.
june 27th 5pm-10pm
spring into joy
testerman park
freedom festival
Newsletter
As the weather improves, we’re seeing an increase in electric scooters and golf carts being operated on public streets. We want to remind everyone of the legal and safety requirements in Ohio: Public Streets Are for Licensed Drivers In most cases, operating a motorized vehicle (including certain electric scooters and golf carts) on public roadways requires a valid driver’s license. Minors Must Follow the Law Individuals under the age of 16 are generally not permitted to operate motorized vehicles on public streets. This includes golf carts and higher-powered electric scooters. Golf Carts & Low-Speed Vehicles Golf carts may only be driven on public roads if they are properly registered, inspected, and equipped (lights, seatbelts, etc.), and the operator is a licensed driver. Safety First Even where permitted, always wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and stay visible to other drivers. Parents/Guardians: Please ensure your children understand these rules before allowing them to ride. These laws are in place to keep everyone safe. If you have questions about what is permitted in your area, feel free to contact us.
Important Safety Reminder: Minors & Electric Scooters/Golf Carts
Congratulations to the nineteen graduates of the 2026 Citizens Police Academy. This free eleven-week course gives residents an inside look at the work HTPD does everyday to keep our community safe. From hands-on training to behind-the-scenes experiences, you'll learn what it takes to wear the badge. This class is held annually beginning in January. Graduates have the opportunity to do a ride-along with an officer and to stay involved with the department and in the community through joining the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
click here to learn more about the htpd
Blue Envelope Program
We're proud to roll out the Blue Envelope Program, designed to help create safer and more comfortable interactions between drivers with autism or other communication differences and law enforcement officers during traffic stops. This program helps us continue our commitment to building understanding, safety, and positive relationships within our community. If you or someone you know could benefit from the Blue Envelope Program, please stop by Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm to pick one up.
Foster's Pointe Subdivision
Wedgewood Subdivision
Main Roads
Birch Grove Ashton Ln. Oak Forest Dr.
Click here to learn more about public works
Autumn Run Subdivision
Sedgefield Ct.
Shawnee Run Dr. Cottonwood Ct. Amberwood Way
Township roads are rated annually and prioritized for resurfacing using those ratings.
Foster's Run Subdivision
Claw Foot Dr. Tecumseh Dr. Niagara Ct.
Hamlin Dr. Bamburgh Dr.
Autumn Run Dr. (Striker Rd. to Ramon Ct.) Ramon Ct. Craig Ct.
Cones Rd.
Ashton Ln. Binley Woods Avebury Ct. (2 eyebrows ONLY)
Ascot Dr. (Faller Rd. to Kempton Ln. Kempton Ln.
Devonshire Pl. Keeneland Ct.
Miami Bluffs Blvd. Hawk Ridge Dr. Red Hawk Ct.
Miami Bluffs Subdivision
Thornton Dr. Oak Forest Dr.
Thornton's Grove Subdivision
Airymeadows Dr.
Cottingham Dr. Galecrest Dr.
2026 ROAD RESURFACING
economic development
Hamilton Township Flex Park grandin rd.
Warehouse and flex space
Kroger Outlots
fifth third bank 84 e. towne center blvd.
Click here to learn more about Economic Development, including major projects and available commercial properties.
hickoryspring us 22-3 @ Cochran rd.
6400 South State Route 48 99 bed nursing home
Permits Issued
Under Review
at the WC Building Dept.
valvoline oil change 96 e. towne center blvd.
Contact us for Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities
Parade Registration
New stream bed
All tree and brush clearing is complete The valley for the new stream channel is built The step structures in the new stream are being built
Click here to learn more about our parks department
Existing stream channel to be abandoned
Step Pool Structures
Work is underway to redirect a stream that has breached a historic, illegal landfill. This work is constructing a new stream channel, abandoning the existing stream channel, and capping the old landfill that has been exposed. This will improve the water quality both in the park and in the adjacent waters of the Little Miami River. ARPA funds and The Shine a Light on Dumpers grant from the Attorney General's Office are funding this project.
Mounts Park Stream Restoration Project
Up Next: Roof panels continue for 2-3 weeks, masonry work will top out, administration wing slab will be placed, front parking lot to be graveled, planning started for water service crossing SR 48, and electrical service and site electric underground conduits to pole lights will wrap up
Click here TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR Public works DEPARTMENT
Public Works Facility Progress Update
Roof liner, insulation and roof panels continue to be installed Slabs placed at maintenance/office storage & restroom area Sanitary sewer completed Storm sewer completed at west parking lot Electric service conduit completed to transformer pad
1 lb. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 1/4 Cup Flour 1/2 tsp. salt & pepper, plus more to taste 2 Tbsp. Butter 1 tsp. Lemon Pepper Seasoning 2 Cups Chopped Asparagus 2 Lemons, sliced 2 Tbsp. Honey + 2 Tbsp. Butter
Hamilton Township Residents Day
Sponsorships & Exhibit Booths on sale now - Contact Karen Pfeiffer - 513-673-6675
1. Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and pound until about 3/4 inch thick. 2. Combine the flour and salt & pepper in a shallow dish. Gently toss each breast in the dish to coat. 3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the chicken & saute for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown, sprinkling each side with the lemon pepper directly in the pan. Transfer to a plate when cooked through. 4. Add the chopped asparagus to the pan. Saute for a few minutes until bright green & tender crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside. Lay the lemon slices flat on the bottom of the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side without stirring so they caramelize, picking up the browned bits left in the pan from the chicken and butter. (Note: Add more butter if needed to prevent sticking. Remove the lemons from pan & set aside. 5. Add honey & butter to the same pan to combine. Remove & set aside. Layer all the ingredients back into the skillet: asparagus, chicken, and lemon slices on top. Drizzle the honey butter over the top and serve.
Directions
A bright and fresh simple ingredient dinner on the table in 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Nicole's Springtime Lemon Chicken with Asparagus
Friday, September 4th
$17.00 discounted tickets w/ proof of residency
Nicole Earley works in in Parks and Recreation. She oversees the Parks budget, coordinates projects, maintenance, athletic field use and volunteer projects, and plans the Township's community events. She enjoys all Cincinnati sports, spoiling her nieces and spending time in local parks and on the Little Miami trail with her husband and English bulldog.
Touch-A-Truck is fun for the entire family! This event gives you an opportunity to have an up-close look, learn, and interact with dozens of vehicles including police, fire, public works, farm and construction equipment. Fun for all ages with loads of exhibits, demonstrations every hour, and food trucks.
Reserve your FREE kayak rental here.
June 15 22
Cones with the Cops 5.20 | 4:00 pm -6:00 pm | Scoopz
Touch-A-Truck 6.13 | 10:00 am -1:00 pm | Fellowship Baptist
Activities include an up-close look at police equipment and specialized units, taser demo, bike patrol, cyber/social media programs, K9 demo, crash investigations, radar, criminal investigations and much, much more! This week-long program is best suited for children between 5th and 7th grade of the upcoming school year. Click here to register!
May 9 22
Let's celebrate the end of the school year! Join the HTPD for one free cone for the first 100 children and tell us all about your plans for the summer!
HTPD Junior Police Academy 6.15 - 6.19 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Daily | HTPD
Grab your family and bag chair and line the parade route to take in this patriotic event full of fun. The parade will be followed by a festival with live music by The Bluewater Kings Band, food trucks, beer garden, kids zone with inflatables, a cool down zone with water slides, games, face painting, and balloon art and finishes with a fireworks finale all happening at Testerman Park. Want to be IN THE PARADE OR VOLUNTEER? CLICK HERE!
June 27 22
June 13 22
Join us for this day full of fun for all ages at Mounts Park! We're teaming up with HTPD and ODNR for our annual trout release. Bring your fishing rod to perfect your fishing skills or borrow one of ours for your 1st cast. Take a kayak for a paddle, try out your archery skills, and check out wildlife & educational booths. FREE raffle prizes, lunch, and Kona Ice for the kids.
EVENT CORNER
May 20 22
Fishing with the 5-0 5.9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Mounts Park
Joint Freedom Festival, Parade & Fireworks 6.27 | 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Testerman Park
Historic
the early schools of hamilton township
When families first began to settle in Hamilton Township, the building of a school became a high priority. The earliest schools were private schools, known as “subscription schools,” where parents paid fees to the teacher directly at the end of each term. A contract was signed by parents and teachers, agreeing that their children would be taught reading, writing, and arithmetic for a stated number of months once enough students enrolled. When Samuel Walker was teaching at Pleasant View School, for example, a three-month term began once 24 children subscribed. The cost? $1.50, paid one-third in cash and two-thirds in goods like wheat, corn, linen, or woolen fabric. The subscribers also agreed to provide a schoolhouse and furnish enough wood for heating. Sadly, this charge for tuition deprived many poor children of any schooling. That changed in 1838, when Ohio made all public schools free by law. The earliest version of each school was typically a rude log house that covered grades 1 through 8, which was rebuilt several times, at or near the same site. Inside, instead of desks, students sat on benches next to each other at long tables placed in rows with boys on one side of the room and girls on the other with the youngest sitting in front. The first of these rude structures in the township was built in 1804 on the site of the Bethel Graveyard in Murdoch, with James Coghlan as its first teacher. Other early teachers there included Samuel Walker and John Hill. After a few years a new log schoolhouse was replaced by a stone schoolhouse near Grog Run. In 1850 the stone schoolhouse was replaced by a more modern brick building to the south of Grog Run at the top of the hill and this school was known as Pleasant View School or Murdoch School. At Hopkinsville, the first log school was built in 1808; it stood east of the cemetery, about 50 feet north of a later schoolhouse. In 1818 a stone school was built at the corner of Route 22 & 3 and Zoar Road known as Zoar School. It was replaced in 1829 with a brick building a few yards east of the Zoar church and replaced again in 1870. The early teachers of Zoar School were Joseph Patten, Benjamin Ludlum, and Joseph Keever. Those who had Joseph Keever had vivid recollections of him, as he left a lasting impression on the mind if his displeasure was incurred in the classroom. Another early school was located in the southern part of the township, a half mile west of the Hill Graveyard. It was later replaced with a larger schoolhouse of hand-hewn logs and glass windows (a luxury at the time). In 1850, a brick schoolhouse, known as the Butterworth School, was built on land obtained from Morman Butterworth. The older building was then used as a meeting house. Butterworth School was later replaced, a mile west, near the corner of Butterworth and Adams Roads. It was built on the Robert Smith farm and then became known as Smith School. Foster School was on the corner of Butterworth and Foster Maineville Roads. Not much is known about it except it was built on land belonging to William Butterworth.
Tales of the Township
Foster School
the early schools of hamilton township, cont.
Union School
In 1868 the residents of Fosters Crossing petitioned the state for their own school district. In 1871, two acres of nearby land was purchased along the Cincinnati Montgomery Turnpike on the east side of the river (today's 3C Highway), and a brick one-room school was constructed. Later, two additional rooms were added to the front of the school and it operated until 1942. The building then became the St. John Catholic Church from 1944 until 1965 and still stands today as a ballet studio. On the east side of the township, there were several schools: Oak Grove School located on Ford Road near Morrow Cozaddale Road; Union School located at the corner of Zoar and Foster Maineville Roads, and Camargo School located on Dallasburg Road between Swigert and Morrow Cozaddale Roads. This made a total of eight township country schools whose locations were noted on the 1867 Warren County wall map. In 1937, all remaining township one-room schools were closed and sold as students were now attending a newly completed modern school in Maineville. Today, four of the eight country schools are still standing. Oak Grove School can be seen hidden in a grove of trees off of Ford Road. It was built of brick and stone in 1855 on a half-acre purchased from David and Hannah Wells. It sold in June 1937 to Frank Wardlaw, who converted it into a residence. An extensive investigation was done of the school with hopes of placing it on the National Registry of Historic Places. Union School is now an attractive home that started as a log school in 1825, was rebuilt in 1875, burned down in 1918, and then rebuilt of brick. It has the distinction of being the last one-room school built in Warren County. After the school was closed in 1937, it was auctioned off for $985 to Peter Noll who converted it into a home for his family. Over the years, it has had new owners and improvements, so it is hard to believe it was ever a one-room school.
Oak Grove School
HISTORY OF MAINEVILLE - PART 2
Fosters Crossing
The Hamilton Township Board of Education divided the township into eight subdistricts with each country school given a number: Zoar - No. 1 Smith - No. 4 Pleasant View - No. 5 Camargo - No. 6 Oak Grove - No. 7 The numbers for Hopkinsville, Foster, and Union remain a mystery.
Pleasant View School
did you miss our issue about the mysterious bridge over the little Miami river? click here to get caught up!
Historic Tales of the Township is researched and written by Dr. Karen Dinsmore. Special thanks to Dan Kindel, Warren County Archives, Mr. Lawrence Brigham, and Dakota Watters for their contributions to this article.
NEXT ISSUE: Hamilton Township Streams
F U N F A C T S
The first schools had no water or glass windows. Each day, the teacher carried in a bucket of water and lit oil lamps to provide light. Paper and books were scarce in early schools, so students wrote on individual slates with chalk and books were shared. The books first used were Webster's Spelling Book, Pike's Arithmetic, and the Bible. Gradually, other subjects such as history, geography, English grammar, and composition were added. Women teachers were paid less than men and they were not allowed to get married. This was the rule well into the 20th century. One-room schools can often be recognized by a bell tower on top. The practice of placing a tower on top of a school and ringing the bell to start school and at other times began around 1830. It established order, punctuality, and informed the community of an emergency. In 1892, the Boxwell Law was passed that required a township Board of Education to pay the tuition for a country school student to attend a high school of their choice if the student passed the Boxwell exam.
Camargo School is also still standing but it is now a church with a large entry added. The last is Pleasant View School which was the township's first school. Last rebuilt in 1850, it sat empty for a period but now stands refurbished as a photo studio and event center, a testament to the early days of Hamilton Township schools.
Camargo School
Pleasant View
As we begin a new series inspired by the 2026 theme of Wreaths Across America, “Remember Me,” we invite you to reflect on the individuals behind our nation’s history; those whose names, families, and stories shaped the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit with a yearlong mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom, selected this theme as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. The milestone serves as a powerful reminder to look beyond collective recognition and instead honor each service member’s personal story. As Executive Director Karen Worcester shares, “While we often honor service members collectively, each one has a name, a family and a story. Their sacrifices are deeply personal, and their stories shape the freedoms we enjoy today.” Here in Hamilton Township, we are honored to be the final resting place of five Revolutionary War veterans. In this first installment, we remember Private John Scott. Private John Scott was born on August 15, 1760. He served as a Private beginning in 1778 with the 10th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line, and later in 1779 in Captain Shelton’s Company under the command of Colonel Thomas Posey. His regiment fought in the Battle of Monmouth, the largest and longest one-day battle of the Revolutionary War. While details of his life are limited, much of what we know comes from his pension applications and military records. On November 2, 1809, Scott appointed Hezekiah Roper of the War Office as his attorney to pursue a pension for his service in the Virginia Continental Line. At the time, Scott was living in Clermont County, Ohio. Later that month, a letter from Robert Breckenridge, a Lieutenant in the Virginia Line residing in Campbell County, Kentucky, confirmed that Scott was a free black man who served in the Revolutionary War. Breckenridge recalled traveling with Scott from Charleston, South Carolina to Richmond, Virginia at the war’s conclusion, where Scott was discharged. Despite this testimony, and additional acquaintance from James Taylor, Scott’s initial pension application was rejected due to insufficient evidence. Years later, on August 3, 1829, Scott reapplied while living in Hopkinsville in Hamilton Township. On August 18, 1829, James Taylor, then over 60 years old, provided further support, stating he became acquainted with Scott approximately 20 years ago and had personally seen his Revolutionary War documents. Taylor also recalled a discussion between Scott and Major Thomas Martin affirming Scott’s service. Additionally, he noted that in 1811, Scott delivered a bond for a military pay certificate signed by Charles Jones of Prince Edward County, Virginia.
Remember Me: Honoring Private John Scott Revolutionary War Veteran
Thank you to the Warren County Genealogical Society for their assistance in writing this article.
More information can be found at: Warren County Genealogical Society 406 Justice Drive Lebanon, OH 45036
This time, the evidence proved sufficient. On October 24, 1829, John Scott was granted a pension for his service as a Private in the Virginia Continental Line. His pension file also confirmed his eligibility for bounty land, and he received a certificate for 100 acres in 1811. John Scott passed away on December 19, 1847, at the age of 87, and is buried in Maineville Cemetery. His legacy is recognized in Forgotten Patriots: African American and American Indian Patriots in the Revolutionary War, an extensive study published by the Daughters of the American Revolution highlighting underrepresented patriots of the Revolutionary War. In 2019, the Turtle Creek Chapter of the DAR identified Scott’s final resting place and took action to preserve his legacy. They submitted a historic preservation grant application in August 2020, which was approved in August 2021. Through their efforts, Scott’s broken headstone was replaced, and a Patriot insignia marker was installed. In May 2022, a grave marking ceremony was held in partnership with Hamilton Township and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to properly honor his service and ensure his story continues to be remembered. As we reflect on this year’s theme, “Remember Me,” we are reminded that history is not just a collection of events, but a collection of lives.