Tales from Cleves: Propane, Pizza, and the Power of Community

The Calm Before the Storm

In the quiet hamlet of Cleves, Ohio, if you’re hungry or need your clothes washed, Maka Mia Pizza is your spot. But life’s rarely uneventful—even for a pizzeria. Owned by the Lanter family, this pizza haven on S. Miami Avenue has been spinning dough for nearly a decade. It’s usually a peaceful gig, according to manager Katie Lanter, until—it wasn’t.

A Heist Hits Home

Recently, some audacious character went rogue and lifted 15 propane tanks from right under their noses. Say what you will, but that’s a punch to the pocket for any small business. "Most people shrug it off as just propane. But it’s costly," Katie lamented. Out-of-pocket expenses? Never a good look for the little guy.

Scene of the Crime

The timing was as perfect as a New York slice. Their CCTV cameras were down, snowstorm blitzed them good (a meteorological headache). So, when the theft unraveled, it seemed curtains for catching the culprit. That changed when they took to social media to rally the troops.

Community Assemble!

In a beautiful twist, locals turned cyber-sleuths. "We had people coming in, spilling tips. Whether they worked or not, we sifted out the innocent," Katie said. Video footage from neighboring businesses also lent a hand. Other businesses to the rescue! Here’s how it played out: the local Facebook detectives’ intel was passed on to the hard-hitting Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

Justice Served Fresh

HCSO worked diligently, and voilà—two suspects soon had tight bracelets around their wrists. Meet Kurt Dove, 40. He allegedly snagged ten tanks for a crisp Andrew Jackson each, courtesy of Marvin Turner, 30. Dove’s starring role? Receiving stolen goods. Turner bagged an all-star charge of breaking and entering. For all you crime enthusiasts wanting more dirt, dive into the incident report right here!

Gratitude and Pizza Served Hot

It wasn’t just about catching the bad guys. Post-theft, the oven’s even hotter, with customers rallying behind Maka Mia through thick and thin crusts. "We were swamped after the theft. I usually fly solo, but I hollered for reinforcements," Katie chuckled. The warm embrace from Cleves has been as comforting as a slice of pepperoni on a chilly night.

“I’m grateful for all of Cleves,” she beams. Small-town sincerity with a New Yorker flair—that’s what makes the world spin, one pizza slice at a time.