hamilton township administration
Text
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 Quillan Short - 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) 239.2379 Parks & Recreation Nicole Earley (513) 239.2391 Cemetery Sexton Justin Thompson (513) 683.5320 Administrative Assistant Heather Murdock (513) 683-8520
Summer 2026
There's something about summertime in Hamilton Township. The days are a little longer, the parks are a little busier, and the calendar is filled with reasons to get outside and enjoy our community! We welcomed the season in spectacular fashion as thousands of residents and visitors came together to celebrate America's 250th anniversary during our Freedom Festival, Parade & Fireworks. From patriotic traditions and family fun to an unforgettable fireworks finale, it was a celebration that reflected the pride, spirit, and sense of community that makes Hamilton Township so special. And the fun doesn't stop there. Grab a lawn chair for Movie under the Stars. Join your neighbors for National Night Out. Explore our parks, trails, and waterways. Cheer on local events, discover something new, and make memories that will last long after summer fades. While you're enjoying everything summer has to offer, exciting things are happening behind the scenes, too. From infrastructure improvements and new development, to projects that will shape our community for years to come, Hamilton Township continues to grow with purpose while preserving the welcoming character that makes people proud to call it home. So flip the page, mark your calendar, and make the most of the season. Here's to sunshine, community, and another unforgettable summer in Hamilton Township.
long live summer
Newsletter
HTPD has achieved State of Ohio accreditation through the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, becoming the first law enforcement agency in Warren County to earn this distinction. The department was also honored with the 2026 Innovation Award, recognizing its commitment to creativity, continuous improvement, and excellence in policing. These prestigious achievements reflect the department's dedication to accountability, professionalism, and providing the highest level of service to the Hamilton Township community.
We are proud to announce that the HTPD School Resource Officer Unit was recognized with the Model Agency at the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Conference. This prestigious award recognizes agencies that demonstrate excellence in school-based policing through strong partnerships, commitment to school safety, student engagement, and professional development. Our SRO's work tirelessly each day to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families while helping create a safe and supportive learning environment. This recognition is a testament to their dedication and the strong partnerships we share with our local schools.
Congratulations to the 2026 Junior Police Academy Graduates!
Click here TO LEARN MORE ABOUT the police department
Great emergency response starts with strong leadership. That's why Hamilton Township Fire Rescue continues to invest not only in equipment and technology, but also in the people who lead our firefighters every day. Thanks to an Assistance to Firefighters Grant awarded by FEMA in September 2025, Hamilton Township Fire Rescue was able to provide advanced leadership development for its command staff and future leaders. In May 2026, the department hosted Leadership On The Line, an intensive officer development program presented by Crash Course Village. The training brought together the department's three chief officers, three captains, three lieutenants, and nine Firefighters-In-Charge. (Firefighters-in-Charge are firefighter/paramedics who have have been selected through a testing process to act as a lieutenant in their absence). Before the course, each participant completed a comprehensive leadership assessment that identified individual strengths, opportunities for growth, and communication styles. The results also provided a team-wide DISC assessment, helping department leaders better understand how to maximize collaboration, decision-making, and performance. Learning doesn't end when the classroom closes. To reinforce these skills, every captain and lieutenant is receiving 12 months of one-on-one executive coaching that began in June 2026, with a goal to extend the same coaching opportunity to Firefighters-In-Charge next year. By investing in leadership today, Hamilton Township Fire Rescue is building a stronger, more prepared team, ensuring the department continues to provide the exceptional service and protection our community depends on.
Click here TO LEARN MORE ABOUT the fire department
Leading the Way
Up Next: Drywall will continue for the next 2-3 weeks, the main electric service will be built and water service will be completed, southeast driveway will be based in, south detention pond will be dug to final size, painting of steel and CMU walls will continue
Meter pit lid poured Mezzanine stair installation continued Plumbing - water, gas & air lines hung in High Bay Electrical rough in continued and HVAC equipment was hung in the High Bay & Mechanics Garage Insulation and drywall is underway Framing for front gable & entry at Admin entrance began
Public Works Facility Progress Update
Click here TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR Public works DEPARTMENT
Opening August 8th
tropical smoothie cafe 6400 state route 48
Aldi, located at 121 Grandin Road is planning to open in late August!
economic development
maineville hobby shop 5952 state route 48
speedway corner of US 22-3 and state route 48
Coming
chipotle 147 Towne center boulevard (south of Take 5)
Click here to learn more about Economic Development, including major projects and available commercial properties.
Permits Issued
Soon
All step pool structures are built in the new stream channel West bank soil wraps are complete Filling the abandoned valley to cap the landfill
Mounts Park Stream Restoration Project
Work is nearing completion to redirect a stream that has breached a historic, illegal landfill. This work has constructed a new stream channel, abandoned the existing stream channel, and will cap 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.
New stream bed
Click here to learn more about our parks department
Thousands of community members came together to celebrate our nation's 250th Anniversary at the 6th Annual Freedom Parade & Festival! From patriotic parade entries and live entertainment to family fun and an unforgettable fireworks display! It was a day filled with hometown pride and lasting memories. Click HERE to view the full gallery captured by Smith Photography! .
Land of the Free, Home of the Brave Award Honor and Inspire USS Cincinnati
Olivia Timpe
Red, White & WOW Award Eye Catching Lakeshire Farm
2026 Grand Marshal Chad Ohmer
Spirit of 1776 Award Patriotic Pride Kembel & Morris Families
Stars & Stripes Community Pride Award Hometown Heart Carolina Townhomes, Honoring Roger Bingham
We were honored to have US Marine Corps Veteran, Chad Ohmer serve as the 2026 Grand Marshal and incoming LMHS senior Olivia Timpe deliver a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Their participation helped make this year's celebration even more meaningful. Congratulations to our parade winners! .
Thank You
Sponsors
Grand Marshal Chad Ohmer The Exchange Club of Northern Cincinnati Cincinnati War Birds Flyover Hamilton Township Police Department Civil Air Patrol, Lt Col Jerome P. Ashman Squadron Hamilton Township Trustees: Darryl Cordrey and Mark Sousa Village of Maineville Mayor, Allison Billups Village of Maineville Council Members: Doug Drook and Patricia Tomsic State Representative, Michelle Teska Warren County Veterans Services Sheriff Barry Riley, Warren County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Jacob McGill, Ohio State Highway Patrol Hamilton Township Fire Rescue Hamilton Township Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association BF Realty, Kandy Swierk The Kembel & Morris Families Girl Scout Troop 4413 Warren County Democratic Candidates: Cara Jacob for Ohio State Senate, Paul Kurtz for Ohio State House, and Ian Logan for Warren County Commissioners Otterbein Maineville Hamilton Township Public Works Christian Brothers Automotive Zac Haines, Republican Candidate for Ohio State Senate Toddler Time Learning Center USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) Foundation Krimmer's Italianette Maineville EVO Fit Coldwell Banker Realty, Norris Group, Tonya Peterson Loveland Christian Church Village of Maineville Street Department Warren County Republican Party County Construction Company Carolina Townhomes, Roger Bingham Family State Representative, Adam Mathews Jeep Life, organized by Robert Abbott Lakeshire Farm Magic Cheer & Tumble Northern Cincinnati Youth Orchestras Mosquito Joe of Cincinnati Cub Scout Pack 838 McHenry Family Estes Families Little Miami Youth Fast Pitch Ohio Chapter E-2 of Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association Southern Warren County Chamber of Commerce Tiny Miss Warren County, Georgia Frame Teen Miss Warren County, Lyndsey Jones Unleashed Equipment Repair Barrett's Marathon & Towing Bulwark Construction Services Little Miami Local Schools Transportation Department
Parade Lineup
Village of Maineville
Trustee Mark Sousa Trustee Joe Rozzi Trustee Darryl Cordrey Fiscal Officer Leah Elliott Administrator Jeff Wright Police Chief Short & Captain Rector Fire Chief Jewett & Assistant Chiefs Berkebile and Cormany Public Works Director Don Pelfrey & Supervisor Kris Farmer HT Administration Team HT Police Department HT Public Works HT Fire Rescue
Mayor Allison Billups Vice Mayor Scott Williams Council Member Doug Drook Council Member Patricia Tomsic Council Member Katie Hughes Council Member Roger Gaebel Council Member Emily Fogel Administrator Wayne Spear Fiscal Officer Mary Beth Campbell Street Commissioner Chris Long
A HUGE shout out to all of our community volunteers who helped make this event possible. EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to Civil Air Patrol, HT Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Little Miami JROTC and AFROTC Wright State University for their ABOVE & BEYOND efforts!
Special Thanks
Volunteers
Hamilton Township
Hamilton Township Fire Rescue opens its doors to give you an up-close look at all that we have to offer our residents. Check out the services we offer and take a sneak peek at our living quarters, common areas and bays to see what a day in the life is like. Demonstrations, meet the Chiefs, bounce house, FREE lunch, FREE Kona Ice and more!
DECEMBER 19 TH
TRICK OR TREAT, 6PM-8PM
Late September
DECEMBER 5 TH
This field of blooms provides tranquility, nature at work, and endless photo opportunities. Be sure to stop by to take in the sights of these magnificent flowers and learn more about the benefits they provide to our environment.
Station 76 Open House 10.10 | 11:00 am-1:00 pm | Station 76
August 22 22
This annual event brings creativity and ingenuity together for a day full of racing to see who can stay afloat. Don't miss the event ending Crash & Sink Derby! Food trucks, music, and lots of laughter! Brought to you by the Southern Warren County Chamber of Commerce.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
August 15
JOINT TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Sunflower Field Late September | Daily | Mounts Park
October 11
EVENT CORNER
Southern Warren County Chamber Cardboard Boat Regatta 8.15 | 11am-3pm | Oeder's Lake
OCTOBER 31 st
TRUNK OR TREAT & pet masquerade
OCTOBER 17th
Movie under the Stars with the Little Miami Primary PTO 9.18 | 7:00 pm | Little Miami Primary School
Pack your blankets and bag chairs because we're teaming up with the Little Miami Primary PTO for a fun-filled night at Movie Under the Stars! Pre-show activities kick off at 7pm with games, and treats. Pizza, Kona Ice, Cotton Candy and FREE popcorn thanks to REGAL CINEMAS! Showtime at 8:00pm.
The streams
of Hamilton Township
Tales of the Township
Historic
Teays River
The Little Miami River wraps around Hamilton Township like a blanket as it welcomes the water of the township’s many streams. But it wasn’t always this way. Two million years ago, neither the Little Miami River nor the Ohio River existed. Instead, Ohio was dominated by the Teays River. Estimated to have stretched 1,000 miles long and over one mile wide in some places, this massive river began in North Carolina, crossed Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois eventually flowed south to the Gulf of Mexico. It entered Ohio at Portsmouth, went north to Chillicothe, then veered northwest into Indiana near the headwaters of the modem Wabash River. The Great Miami River was once part of the Teays system, flowing north into the Teays rather than south into the Ohio River as it does today. During the Ice Age, the Teays was covered by glaciers from the north and as they receded, today’s township’s streams were created including the Little Miami River. Every township stream has a history. Beers History of Hamilton Township (1882) notes the most prominent streams during the 1800s as Salt Run, Hen Run, Bear Run, Mounts Run, and Conococheague Creek. The latter, named in 1789 after a creek of the same name in Pennsylvania, was the township's longest stream at eleven miles long. In 1812, Theophilus Simonton built the township's first sawmill on Conococheague Creek. Soon after, Samuel B. Walker's sons constructed another mill along the same stream. In those days, a classic pioneer business model was sawmill first, followed by grist mill, and eventually a distillery. Theophilus Simonton became the first person in Warren County to establish all three. These mills were known as wet-weather mills because they could only operate in certain months when the creek carried sufficient water. Despite this, having a mill nearby was a great convenience to early settlers. If you look at the township map today, you will not find Conococheague Creek and Warren County has no record of it. So, what happened to this prominent creek? If you look on maps where the creek used to be, you will find a major stream named Grog Run. It appears early settlers decided Conococheague was too difficult to pronounce and even harder to spell. They renamed it after the popular drink produced at the distillery along its banks and in the blink of an eye, Conococheague Creek became Grog Run. Salt Run remains one of the township's most significant waterways, flowing eight miles across Hamilton Township before joining Hen Run just east of Butterworth Road and emptying into the Little Miami River. Named for a prominent salt lick and salt spring along its banks, records show that before settlers arrived, Native Americans were attracted to the stream to collect salt despite its relatively poor quality. Beers also noted another feature of the township's streams; that the banks and streambeds of Salt Run, Hen Run, Mounts Run and Grog Run were filled with fossils. Since few people knew this back them, they may still be waiting to be discovered today.
NEXT ISSUE: The once-popular Town of Foster
The Streams of Hamilton Township, cont. Hamilton Township has an abundance of streams. Most flow north and west into the Little Miami River, while others flow south into O'Bannon Creek before eventually reaching the Little Miami. Some waterways, including Ertel Run and Mounts Run, were named after early settlers. Others, such as Bear Run and Wolf Creek, were named for wildlife once common in the area. Wolf Creek likely earned its name because wolves were so numerous and destructive to sheep, that a bounty of $2.50 was offered to anyone who killed a wolf over six months old and presented its head. The township's streams have changed dramatically over the years, largely because of deforestation and land development. Wolf Creek, originally known as Wolf Run, was once twice its present length. Mounts Run, once a prominent stream, now barely exists; and many of the smaller creeks that once fed into the larger ones have dried up. Fortunately, the Little Miami River continues to flow strong, sometimes too strong. Named after a native American tribe known as the Miami that once lived in Ohio, the river stretches 105 miles long. Early traders referred to it as the "Little Downstream River." It begins near Clifton Gorge, and gradually descends in elevation as it passes through Hamilton Township, measuring 591 feet at Bear Run, 571 feet at Ertel Run, and 448 feet when it empties into the Ohio River. At one time, the Little Miami River was Ohio's most important mill stream, as its grist mills, sawmills, and woolen mills were essential to early settlers. Today, its role has shifted from industry to recreation. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and riverside dining now draw thousands of visitors each year. The river is also recognized for its remarkable beauty, earning the distinction of becoming Ohio's first state and nationally designated scenic river. Hamilton Township has prospered because of its streams and remains fortunate to have these remarkable natural resources.
The Teays River still exists, underground. Although no longer visible on the surface, the Teays River remains as an aquifer that supplies water to many communities. Because the ancient river flowed beneath Indiana just south of today's Wabash River, many residents of the town of Wabash obtain their drinking water from the Smith Well, which extends approximately 490 feet to the Teays Aquifer. Run vs Creek: The term run originated from Colonial English usage and became a regional name for smaller streams. Hamilton Township has far more Runs than Creeks, reflecting the English influence of many of its earliest settlers. Grog was a popular beverage during the 1800s, typically made with equal parts rum and water. It was originally introduced aboard the British Royal Navy ships to reduce drunkenness, with lime or lemon added to help prevent scurvy. The journals of Lewis and Clark note that in June 1805, Captain Clark refreshed his men after a hard day's travel with a serving of grog. Hamilton Township has numerous natural springs. Oeder's Lake is filled with water from a natural spring while another spring on Butterworth land once supplied water to the steam engines of both the Little Miami and Cincinnati Railroads. For many years, motorists also stopped to collect water from a natural spring along Foster-Maineville Road. Eventually the spring was capped because the frequent stops were disrupting traffic.
F U N F A C T S
Historic Tales of the Township is researched and written by Dr. Karen Dinsmore. Special thanks to Dan Kindel and Don Hahn for their contributions to this article.
did you miss our issue about the early schools of hamilton township? click here to get caught up!
Streams of Hamilton Township
More information
Community Partner
406 Justice Drive Lebanon, OH 45036
www.wcgsohio.org
Our Mission
Memberships Available Special collections Books for sale Computer workstations Microfilm & Fiche Reader Free Monthly Programs Classes and workshops Lineage Societies
Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm 513-695-1144
So Much More!
Get to know
Resource Library Surnames Land & Tax Records Funeral Home Records & Obituaries Vital Records Western Star Online
Research Services
The Warren County Genealogical Society (WCGS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build and promote interest in collecting and preserving genealogical records. We are here to assist you in finding your ancestors and relatives and have many resources available to help with your research. WCGS is a Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.
Remember Me
As we continue our 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 celebrates 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 second installment, we remember Lieutenant Ephraim Stevens. Ephraim Stevens was born on June 29, 1758, in New Ipswich, New Hampshire. Before the age of 17, he was among a group of 19 young men from New Ipswich who answered the Lexington Alarm in 1775, joining the early patriot response against the British. Much of what we know about his life is found in military records and hand-written pension application files. Over the course of the Revolutionary War, Ephraim served in multiple enlistments. State records place him on the payroll as a private of Captain Ezra Town’s Company, which belonged to Colonel James Reed’s New Hampshire Regiment (the 4th Company), serving eight months and was honorably discharged December 31, 1775. He fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill during this enlistment. On January 1, 1776, he again enlisted with the same company, same regiment and fully served with an honorable discharge from the Continental Army in January 1777. Records show he later enlisted on April 1, 1777, in Captain Daniel Allen’s company in Colonel Willis’s Connecticut regiment, serving until April 1, 1778, when he was honorably discharged at White Plains, New York. In June 1779, he volunteered at Hallowell, Maine and was appointed Lieutenant serving five months under Captain John Blunt and Major William Lithgow in the Bagaduce Expedition/Bagaduce Massachusetts and the Penobscot Expedition. Following the Revolutionary War, Ephraim moved northeast into the wilderness of Maine (then still a district of Massachusetts) where many of his 13 children were born. Settlers in this era typically traveled overland via early postal paths up the coast or used local river valleys (like the Kennebec or Androscoggin rivers) to push inland and establish new farming homesteads.
Honoring Lieutenant Ephraim Stevens Revolutionary War Veteran
Wreaths Across America December 19th - Noon Maineville Cemetery
Special thanks to the Warren County Genealogical Society for researching and authoring this series.
He married Sybil Foster in Winthrop, Maine on July 11, 1782. He and his family lived there until about 1799 and then moved to Litchfield where they lived for about 15 years. Ephraim lived there as a farmer and tradesman, primarily as a mason. He later moved 40 miles north to Phillips in the District of Maine, where he became a preacher and was known as “Elder Stevens.” On March 31, 1818, while a resident of Phillips, he applied for a pension and it was allowed along with later applying for a continuation on November 20, 1820. Around 1819 with the opening of newly surveyed post-Revolutionary lands (cheaper, more fertile farmland) in the Northwest Territory, and wanting to escape from the harsh winter climate, he migrated westward with his massive household and a closely connected group of New England neighbors, most notably the Tufts and Knowlton families. These families pooled their resources to relocate together. Once in Warren County, Ephraim and his family helped clear the land, establishing what would officially become “Maineville.” Ephraim Stevens did not receive this land via a Revolutionary War Military Bounty Land warrant in Warren County itself. Instead, he and his contemporaries purchased their plots directly from early land speculators or previous territorial owners. The land they purchased was part of the Virginia Military District located between the Little Miami and Scioto rivers, which was Major General William Lytle’s survey #3334. Ephraim and Sybil Stevens spent their last years living at the home of their son, Sullivan, in Maineville, Ohio. Ephraim passed away July 4, 1837, at the age of 79. His grave at the Maineville Cemetery features a specific Revolutionary War Soldier Plaque placed by the Turtle Creek Chapter of the DAR. His original epitaph inscribed on the headstone calls attention to his military identity, with the words: “He was among the first to unsheath the sword in defense of his country and the rights of man.”
More information can be found at: Warren County Genealogical Society 406 Justice Drive Lebanon, OH 45036
1. Add ramen noodles to a large bowl. Sprinkle seasoning packets over noodles and crush. 2. Add slaw mix, almonds, sunflower seeds and green onions. 3. In small bowl mix sugar, oil and vinegar until sugar is dissolved. Add to other ingredients and toss to combine. 4. Refrigerate until ready to serve
Oriental Salad
Ellen Horman is our Assistant Finance Director and has worked at the Township for almost 20 years. She handles the day-to-day operations of the fiscal office and has accomplished 11 perfect audits! She enjoys gardening, baking, spending time with her family, especially her two grandsons, and volunteering for community events in Hamilton Township.
The perfect blend of crunch and snap, this easy to assemble recipe is a great summer lunch, side, or dinner by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ellen's Table
Directions
Don't Miss It!
Dressing 1/2 Cup Sugar 1/2 Cup Oil, EVOO or other light tasting oil 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar Salad 2 Packs Chicken Ramen Noodles (crushed with chicken powder seasoning) 1 Package Slaw Mix 2 oz Almonds, slivered 1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds 3 Green Onions, thinly sliced
Ingredients
Join us August 4th for National Night Out!
Save the Date!