News Flash

Hillside Park will be closed for the 2026 season beginning in mid-March to accommodate construction of a significant stormwater improvement project along Caldwell Drive. The project, developed in partnership with Strand Associates, Inc. and Stauffer Site Services, will restore approximately 1,000 linear feet of floodplain and rehabilitate portions of Cilley Creek and Congress Run between Cross County Highway and Caldwell Drive. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of October 2026.

Protecting Jobs and Businesses in Springfield Township

The Caldwell Drive corridor is home to approximately 12 industrial businesses. For years, those businesses have faced a serious and recurring stormwater problem. Heavy rainfall events in 2017, 2020, and 2021 caused significant flooding of parking lots, roadways, and in several cases, the interiors of buildings themselves, resulting in major property damage. The situation became so severe that one business ultimately relocated out of the Township due to repeated water damage. 

Springfield Township recognized that protecting this industrial corridor from the stormwater issues is an economic development imperative. By restoring the natural floodplain and rehabilitating the creek channels, the Township aims to keep businesses thriving, protect jobs, and ensure that Caldwell Drive remains a viable home for industry in our community.

"This project represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment Springfield Township is committed to making," said Trustee Sara Braun. "We're not just fixing a flooding problem — we're protecting the businesses and livelihoods that make our community strong, and we're doing it in a financially responsible way that our residents can be proud of."

Strategic Use of Public Funds

The total construction cost for the project is $1.29 million. Thanks to the Township's diligent pursuit of grant funding, every dollar of construction costs, engineering studies, designs, and permits has been covered by grants.

Funding for the project has been secured from three sources: an $850,000 Hamilton County Stormwater Infrastructure Grant, a $600,000 Hamilton County Economic Impact Program Grant, and a $140,000 Ohio EMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant secured in partnership with Hamilton County.

The Township is also realizing additional savings by utilizing the northern portion of Hillside Park — closest to Cross County Highway — as a spoils site for soil excavated during construction. This decision alone saves approximately $600,000 in hauling and disposal costs, keeping the overall project budget lean without sacrificing quality.

Park Improvements for the Neighborhood

While the park is closed, Springfield Township is taking the opportunity to make meaningful improvements to Hillside Park as well. Residents can look forward to a reconfigured and repaved parking lot and improvements to the park shelter when the park reopens in fall 2026. The temporary closure is an opportunity to return the park to the community in better shape than before.

The Township thanks residents for their patience during this important project and looks forward to sharing progress updates as construction moves forward. For questions, please contact the Springfield Township Administrative Office at 513-522-1410.

The Springfield Township Fire Department has earned the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of Class 2, a distinction achieved by fewer than 7% of fire departments nationwide.

Of the approximately 37,000 fire departments evaluated across the country, only about 2,600 have earned a Class 1 or Class 2 rating. 

Fire Departments across the nation are rated by the ISO to determine a PPC for each community. This rating is used by insurance companies to help establish property insurance premiums. Ratings are assigned on a scale from 1 to 10, with Class 1 representing the highest level of fire protection and Class 10 indicating that a community does not meet minimum recognized standards.

To determine a department’s classification, ISO uses the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), a comprehensive evaluation system based on nationally recognized standards developed by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International.

The FSRS considers 3 main areas of a community's fire protection capabilities including emergency communications, fire department operations, and water supply. It also includes a Community Risk Reduction section that recognizes proactive efforts in fire prevention, public fire safety education, and fire investigation. 

The Springfield Township Fire Department's improved PPC Classification is a reflection of Springfield Township’s commitment to provide quality public safety services to its citizens. 

“This accomplishment is a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of every member of our team,” said Chief Randy Miller.

At the February 10, 2026 Regular Trustee Meeting, the Board of Trustees celebrated Black History Month by recognizing Gwen McFarlin for her many years of service to her community.

McFarlin made history in 1995 when she became the first African American elected to the Springfield Township Board of Trustees. She became the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party in 2018, and in 2019 became the first African American to serve as Chair of the of Hamilton County Board of Elections.

McFarlin continues to be a leader in the community and Springfield Township is honored to celebrate her legacy.

Finneytown Local School District is one of the seven school districts in Springfield Township, and the only one that's located entirely within the Township. We sat down with Mike Steel, who runs the Finneytown Alumni Network, to talk about the newly revitalized alumni program and what it means to be #FromHere.

On January 17 we honored the outstanding members of our Fire Department at the 2026 Fire Department Awards with keynote speaker Mr. Steven M. Click, Director of First Responder Mental Wellness for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Our team has had an outstanding year and we were excited to recognize their achievements. 

Honorees include:

Full Time Firefighter of the Year: Ben Browe

Full Time EMS Provider of the Year: Kirsten Tuscany

Part Time Firefighter of the Year: Andy Hesselbrock

Part Time EMS Provider of the Year: Foster Imbrogno

Educator of the Year: Rob Bittner

Additional honorees include Troy Swearingen, Sam Daggett, Brian Franer, Carson Curtis, and Joe Getha.

On January 1, 2026, Springfield Township swore in its first all-female Board of Trustees. Sara Braun, who has been on the board since 2024, will serve as the board chair. Saria Lattimore and Lisa Youngblood, who were elected in November, were sworn in for their first terms at 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Sara M. Braun was elected in November of 2023 to begin her term in January 2024. She is a longtime resident of Springfield Township and lives in the Finneytown Local School District. She has been involved in Finneytown’s Elementary and Secondary PTA in addition to The Boosters for many years, serving in the leadership roles of President, Vice President and Treasurer. Sara completed her undergraduate work at Northern Virginia Community College and finished her studies at The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Sara has been a Springfield Township Business owner for 20 plus years. She has participated in and enjoyed many opportunities mentoring young entrepreneurs.

Saria Lattimore was elected in November of 2025 to begin her term in January 2026. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Berea College and went on to earn her Juris Doctorate at Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Saria works as a Staff Attorney for the Ohio First District Court of Appeals. She has lived in Springfield Township since 2022, and volunteers with the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati. 

Lisa Youngblood was elected in November of 2025 to begin her term in January 2026. She is a US Military Veteran and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Xavier University. Lisa has served on the board of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, and is the founder and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati Office of Reentry, and facilitates “Thinking For Change.” Lisa has received the Minette Cooper Award for her community advocacy. She has collaborated with local YMCAs, as well as being a victim’s advocate for active and inactive military personnel who experienced military sexual trauma (aka MST). Lisa has spoken at conferences for her work as a MST victim’s advocate.

Dan Berning will continue to serve as the Fiscal Officer for Springfield Township. Dan Berning was elected Fiscal Officer on April 1, 2012 for a 4-year term. He has been subsequently been re-elected for consecutive terms. Dan is a long-time resident of Springfield Township, born and raised in this community. Dan earned a bachelor of business degree from the University of Cincinnati with majors in Finance and Management. Prior to assuming his duties as Fiscal Officer, Dan served on the education commission for the St Vivian's, coached soccer, softball and basketball for the Finneytown Athletic Association and for St. Vivian's, and participated as President of Brentwood Swim Club for many years. He also serves the elderly of Greater Cincinnati through Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly.

ALERT Springfield Township is a notification system designed to warn the public about emergencies and important community information. It is part of the ALERT Hamilton County System, with enhanced features that can be used to direct urgent messages related to Springfield Township specifically.

Up to 42 different notifications can be set by users, so they receive the urgent notices they wish to receive by cell phone, email and even social media.

By signing up for ALERT Springfield Township, you can also opt into Smart911, which can provide 911 operators with your important household information, before an emergency occurs.

Springfield Township will be using ALERT Springfield Township in an emergency to notify residents in an emergency. It is highly recommended all residents register. 

Notifications may include:

Weather Alerts and Warnings

Missing Persons

Shelter In Place

Police Activity

Other various threats to people, property, or the environment.

REGISTER FOR ALERT SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP HERE

Alex Kurzhals can be seen running throughout Finneytown when the weather is nice. He’s been a resident of Springfield Township since 2022 and with one half marathon and three full marathons under his belt, he’s put in a lot of miles on the Township’s sidewalks. 

Alex describes his childhood self as a “bigger kid.” He played sports for the social component, but didn’t ever envision himself becoming a runner. In 2019 he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, and started walking to get active. He has lost over 100 lbs on his health journey.

When Covid hit, the walks got longer. Alex says he started to get bored on his walks, so he started to sneak some running into the routine. By 2021, he was training for a half-marathon. 

Alex’s first three marathons were local, midwestern marathons. For his fourth marathon attempt, he’s going bigger. He will be competing in the 2026 Berlin Marathon, a World Major. He’s running with a “Charity Bib,” meaning he is running to fundraise for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. 

“Every dollar raised will support critical research, education, and resources for the millions living with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, including those who are too sick to run, exercise, or even leave their homes,” says Alex. 

We're very proud that Alex is From Here. Alex will start running most of his training miles in June of 2026. Wave hello to him if you see him running down Winton Road!

Learn more about Alex’s journey here. 

OTR Funplex hosted their ribbon cutting on December 10 at 13 Mary Street in Springfield Township. Owner Frank Hailstock was joined by Trustee Sara Braun and Township Administrator Chris Gilbert to cut the ribbon on this unique facility. 

“We’re thrilled to bring OTR Funplex to a bigger venue with more unique experiences,” said owner Frank Hailstock and Cincinnati native. “The new location is over twice the size of our downtown location as demand for fun, accessible family entertainment continues to grow. Our new facility is centrally located and allows us to reach even more guests looking for exciting ways to spend time together."

Guests can expect exciting new experiences such as a large “floor is lava” gaming floor, interactive toddler ball pit, human crane machine, and a custom nine-hole cornhole golf course that blends mini-golf and cornhole. These experiences in addition to OTR Funplex’s staple attractions and activities – splatter painting, slime making, smash room, private karaoke and more – will continue to provide entertainment options for visitors of all ages. 

Hug Jewelers has reopened! After their fire in 2023, Hug Jewelers began a full restoration of their building. 

On December 6 at 10am, the entire Hug Jewelers team assisted by Trustee Sara Braun cut the ribbon on their completely restored building. Long-time customers flocked to see the improvements and welcome them back to Springfield Township. 

Hug Jewelers has been operating in our community for nearly 70 years and are very happy to be back in their Springfield Township home!

Springfield Township Trustee Mark Berning today announced the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) awarded $64,330.70 in federal traffic safety funding to the Springfield Township Police Department for the federal fiscal year 2026.

”These funds are critical in ensuring that we are doing everything we possibly can to keep our local community safe,” said Berning. “Based on crash and speed data, Springfield Township has prioritized enforcement of speed, impaired driving, and restraint use, and we are committed to working with our partners at the federal and state level to address these safety issues in our community.”

Crash data shows that over the three-year period of 2023, 2024, and 2025, Springfield Township Police investigated 36 crashes related to alcohol, 35 crashes that resulted in serious injury, and 6 crashes that resulted in fatalities. To reduce these numbers, Springfield Township Police will conduct high-visibility enforcement, work overtime hours, and hold educational and awareness events with the grant funds.

The funds are passed through OTSO from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to support the efforts of safety partners statewide, focusing on traffic safety priority areas such as restraint use, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, and youthful drivers.

Competitive grant proposals are accepted and reviewed by OTSO, with funds awarded to projects that are expected to have the greatest impact on reducing fatal crashes or significantly improving traffic safety systems.

For more information about OTSO and statewide efforts to improve safety on Ohio’s roadways, visit: http://ohiohighwaysafetyoffice.ohio.gov/index.stm

Beech Grove Cemetery, located on Fleming Road, has seen a lot of transformation over the last few years. Wacyross Community Media spoke to Dr. Kelly Knox about the restoration work she has done on the site.

Thanks to the Ohio EPA, Springfield Township’s winter preparations just got a lot more efficient! This winter, we’ll be making the brine solution that treats our roads during winter weather events in a brand-new electric brine maker purchased with a $30,000 grant from the Ohio EPA. We are now able to produce the brine solution four times faster and with half of the staff requirements than before. 

Our road mixture, which includes the brine solution and road salt, is thicker than standard road salt on its own. This keeps more of the mixture on the road and out of storm sewers. 

Hamilton County is making it easier than ever for homeowners to make essential repairs with the launch of the new Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program powered by LISC Greater Cincinnati. Backed by a $2 million investment from the Hamilton County Commission through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), with additional support from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

Interested parties can watch a 16-minute video about the program.

“At a time when homeowners are struggling with escalating property values, we are providing essential relief by making much-needed renovations more affordable,” said Commission President Alicia Reece. “The Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program is a powerful tool our residents can leverage to maintain and enhance their homes so they can protect and grow their investment.”

Commissioner Denise Driehaus added, "This program reflects our commitment to ensuring that every homeowner in Hamilton County has the opportunity to improve their property; the Revive + Thrive initiative provides a pathway to affordable, accessible home repair that fosters long-term stability.”

“With the Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program launch, we're opening doors for homeowners who may otherwise struggle to finance necessary repairs. This program can be a giant step forward in improving living conditions, providing hope, and beautifying the community,” said Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas.

The Home Repair program will launch throughout Hamilton County, with City of Cincinnati residents eligible later this year. Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris said, “I’m extremely proud that Cincinnati residents in need will have access to critical home repair loans they didn’t before, thanks to this historic leadership and collaboration. It will help families stay in their homes, improve their communities, and is part of our continued commitment to safe, quality housing for all.”

Kristen Baker, Executive Director of LISC Greater Cincinnati, shares, This new program represents a powerful commitment to preserving and enhancing our housing stock while offering vital support to homeowners who need it most.”

Modeled after successful initiatives in Detroit and Memphis, which have helped hundreds of homeowners, the Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program helps homeowners tackle repairs that improve living conditions and build long-term value in their homes, empowering families to create enduring financial legacies.

As part of LISC Greater Cincinnati’s broader homeownership preservation strategy, the Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan program goes beyond financial assistance, offering access to comprehensive resources that will support homeowners from start to finish. With a below-market 2% interest rate, the program is accessible to homeowners who may not qualify for traditional financing options. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000, providing the flexibility to address a wide range of repair needs, to include:

• Elimination of hazardous substances in the home

• Electrical repairs

• Furnace replacement

• Roof replacement

• Plumbing

• Energy efficiency upgrades

• Door and window replacements

• Porches and structural support 

Warsaw Federal, Cincinnati’s first Minority Depository Institution (MDI), is servicing the loans and ensuring the program is rooted in the community.

Homeowners in Hamilton County with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income may be eligible for the program. This translates to $75,500 for a family of three and $58,700 for a single person.

But it’s not just about the money. The Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program includes wrap-around support services from trusted local partners. Working in Neighborhoods will guide interested homeowners through the application process, while Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati will oversee the construction process from getting bids to and managing repairs, ensuring that all work is done to the highest standards. By offering affordable financing and end-to-end support, the Home Repair Loan Program is a vital tool in stabilizing neighborhoods, enhancing financial stability, and helping homeowners protect and grow the value of their properties.

Homeowners can call 211 to begin the application process. For more information on the Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program, visit www.hamiltoncountyhome.org.

Parkview Heights was the first subdivision in Springfield Township. In 1947, the neighborhood dedicated a bronze plaque that reads "To Honor the Men and Women of Parkview Heights Who Served in World War II." This plaque has stood at the intersection of North Bend Road and Northern Parkway for 78 years, but in the last several years has been obstructed by landscaping. 

Springfield Township resident Wes Girdler reached out to find out if the Township could help restore the plaque to its former glory. Public Works Director Scott Schardine and Trustee Joe Honerlaw worked with the property owner to preserve the historical aspects of the site, like the original flag pole, and to make the plaque itself more visible. 

78 years later, the Parkview Heights World War II Memorial stands out in the oldest neighborhood in Springfield Township.

The natural gas aggregation rate with AEP Energy of $0.5024 per ccf expires on the October 2025 bill. The new natural aggregation rate with AEP Energy starts with the November 2025 bill and ending on the October 2026 bill will be $0.6499 per ccf.

Between August 2024 and July 2025, Duke’s Gas Cost Recovery rate averaged $0.748 per ccf. Our new $0.6499 per ccf aggregation rate gives participants protection against Duke’s variable rate this winter.

Energy costs have risen all across Ohio. As we recover from high temperatures in the summer and continue to see warm days, don’t forget to keep an eye on your energy uses.

There is no termination fee to enter or leave the program at any time. Learn more at https://energyalliances.com/springfield-township-hamilton-co 

Springfield Township was honored to host Rick Kennedy and Mark Evans for an author talk at ArtsConnect on May 23, 2025. Kennedy and Evans have created the first-ever written history of Finneytown, a neighborhood of Springfield Township. This talk is now available to watch on YouTube.

Residents of Springfield Township participating in the community’s electric aggregation program will soon see a change in their electric rates. Beginning shortly, the new rate will be $0.0945 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from the current $0.0678/kWh.

Even with this increase, the updated aggregation rate remains slightly lower than Duke Energy’s projected default rate of $0.099/kWh or higher, expected to begin in June.

It’s important to note that this new rate reflects the best price offered by energy suppliers during a competitive bidding process managed by our aggregation broker Energy Alliances, not a rate increase set by the Township. The new contract was selected to provide residents with the most favorable pricing available amid ongoing market volatility.

This rate adjustment reflects broader trends in the energy market, driven by increased demand, limited supply, and growing electricity usage across industries and homes. For more background on why electric costs are rising, check out this recent WCPO article.

Since June 2023, Springfield Township’s aggregation program has delivered strong value to residents, with participating households saving an average of approximately $360 compared to Duke Energy’s standard rates.

In recent weeks, some residents may have received a letter from Duke Energy stating that their service is being returned to Duke from the aggregation supplier. If you received this letter, you can disregard it. It was automatically generated due to the timing of our program renewal.

To ensure residents received the most competitive rate possible, the Township—working closely with Energy Alliances—waited to finalize the new contract until favorable pricing became available. This unfortunately pushed us past the window to prevent Duke from sending those automated notices. 

Springfield Township’s electric aggregation program helps residents secure competitive pricing by negotiating as a group. Participation is completely optional, and residents can opt out at any time.

To explore your options or learn more about the program, visit the Energy Alliances website. 

If you do choose to shop for other suppliers at energychoice.ohio.gov/, keep these in mind:

1. Not all suppliers on the PUCO “Apples to Apples” supply aggregation programs. The Township does not have access to all these suppliers to negotiate aggregation rates.
2. If you choose to sign up for a supplier outside of the aggregation program, make sure to keep track of:
   1. Price (is it fixed or variable?)
   2. When does the contract end? Make sure you keep track of that to avoid being auto renewed.
   3. Are there termination fees?
   4. Are there monthly fees?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Energy Alliances directly at (513) 794-5555. Their team is happy to help.