Police Night Out
Have you ever wanted to meet your local police officers? A few firemen too? Maybe a few elected officials?
Come out to the annual Police Night Out. It will be Thursday, August 4 from 6pm – 9pm at Veterans Park (906 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45245). There will be free food, entertainment and games for the children. Additionally, there will be police and fire equipment and a “touch a truck” event along with some demonstrations. It’s a great event every year. There will be a shuttle from the Union Township Civic Center (4350 Aicholtz Road) to Veterans Park.
Union Township Citizens Police Academy
Have you ever wondered what police work is like? If so, sign up for the Union Township Citizens Police Academy. Classes will be on consecutive Tuesday nights from 6pm – 9pm starting on August 16 and conclude on November 1. This will be the Union Township Police Department’s 17th citizens police academy.
I am a graduate of the fourth Citizens Police Academy in 2009. It was a fascinating experience that touched on various law enforcement topics ranging from investigations and forensics to defensive driving, self-defense, and drug interdiction. Our class got to blow off a few rounds at the police firing range as well as drive the police cars. Although they wouldn’t let us race up and down SR 32 with the flashing lights and siren going, they did allow us to ride along with on-duty police officers doing real police work. This interactive program reduces the mystery that is sometimes placed between law enforcement and the public. I highly recommend it.
Anyone interested can apply online at (www.union-township.oh.us) or pick up an application at the Union Township Police Department. The class will be limited to the first 25 successful applicants. Anyone with questions can contact Lt. Tony Rees at 753-2247 (desk) or 752-1230 (main).
Farmer’s Market, concerts, and fireworks
A Farmers Market continues to be at the Union Township Civic Center. It is in the front parking lot and is from 4pm to 7pm every Friday through October. Weekly, vendors bring an increasing amount of produce and unique food items not found anywhere else. (This event continues to be the biggest challenge to my diet.)
Furthermore, “free” (taxpayer sponsored) concerts are on most Saturdays beginning at 7pm or 8pm behind the Civic Center. We’ve had many great bands and more are scheduled.
Additionally, look for our annual fireworks display on September 24. Details are still being worked out, but they will likely be launched from the parking lot of the UT Civic Center.
Do you shop at Kroger?
Kroger bought the old Sears store at the Eastgate Mall. Additionally, the Union Township Board of Trustees approved Kroger’s plans to demolish Sears and build a new 123,722 square foot Kroger Marketplace store detached from the mall. The store will include a Starbucks, drive through pharmacy, expanded deli, expanded bakery, a Murray Cheese section, sushi, expanded adult beverage section, apparel, home goods, expanded grocery section, and a Kroger fuel center with 18 fuel pumps. The fuel will be on the Wendy’s side of the parking lot. The northeast side of the store will have a parking area for on-line pickup. The current Kroger store on Eastgate Boulevard will likely close sometime next year in coordination with opening the new Kroger Marketplace store. The Mt. Carmel store will be closing in mid-August. All associates will be offered transfers to other stores. We hope to see something new in the Mt. Carmel area as soon as possible.
Drink coffee?
Biggby Coffee will build a new location in Meijer’s parking lot near the current Chase Bank location. Due to upcoming road construction, Chase Bank will be closing and potentially rebuilding in the immediate area.
Remember Summerside United Methodist Church?
Kenwood Bible Methodist Church has purchased the old Summerside United Methodist Church. They are doing some remodeling and upgrades. Look for worship services to begin in late July or early August.
Union Township Board of Trustees
The Union Township Board of Trustees meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6pm. At these meetings, I’ve done financial presentations on debt, property tax distributions, and fiscal reviews. The meeting videos as well as our event calendars are on-line.
Chairman Logue, Vice Chairman Dills, and I are accessible and approachable. That is also true of Fiscal Officer Ron Campbell, Administrator Susan Ayers, and our staff. If you need anything or just want to chat, call me at home at 513-753-6440. Or call 513-752-1741 to speak with any staff member at the Civic Center.
John Becker has been a Union Township Trustee since January 1, 2022. He previously served as a State Representative from 2013 – 2020 until forced out by term limits.