LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: David Miller

  • Loveland Seniors Nicole Pedicini – Alexander Harlow – Jeremy Case named National Merit Semifinalists

    Loveland Seniors Nicole Pedicini – Alexander Harlow – Jeremy Case named National Merit Semifinalists

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Jeremy Case, Alexander Harlow, and Nicole Pedicini, members of the Loveland High School Class of 2022, are National Merit Semifinalists.

    The three Seniors will have an opportunity to continue in the National Merit Competition.

    The National Merit Scholarship Program honors the nation’s scholastic champions and encourages the pursuit of academic excellence. The semifinalists represent less than 1% of high school seniors and are the highest-scoring in each state on the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students from across the country who are recognized will now compete for about 7,500 scholarships worth nearly $30 million. 

  • [Watch video] Ohio Children’s Hospital leaders briefing for school administrators – September 14, 2021

    [Watch video] Ohio Children’s Hospital leaders briefing for school administrators – September 14, 2021

    by David Miller

    The Ohio Children’s Hospitals Association made a direct appeal on Tuesday, September 14 to school superintendents to require masks for staff and students during the current surge of the coronavirus.

    Patty Manning, MD, is the Chief of Staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Photo by CCHMC)

    Patty Manning, MD, Chief of Staff, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center said, “Our inpatient numbers are the highest they’ve been. Our ICUs are caring for more patients than there’s ever been. More children are on ventilators than there has ever been. There are more children than ever entering our emergency departments and our urgent care centers. That impacts the care of all children, not just those that are COVID-19 positive.”

    The plea was made during a virtual meeting with superintendents and the clinical leadership from six Ohio children’s hospitals including Dayton Children’s Hospital, ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital, and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. 

    “The data are now clear that there is a higher level of COVID-19 in school districts where masks are not required,” said Governor DeWine. “If we want our schools to stay open, the best way to do that is for those 12 and over to get vaccinated. But because those under 12 are still too young to be vaccinated, we need students who come in to school to wear a mask until we get through this.” 

       The current policy of the Loveland City School District is that students in grades PreK-6 are required to wear a mask indoors. Students in grades 7-12 do not have to wear face coverings. All others, while in the buildings must wear masks.

    Efforts to reach Loveland Superintendant Mike Broadwater via email, asking him if he attended the virtual meeting and had any comment about it have not been successful securing an email response.

    In the background of this urgent plea is that State Reps. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland/Miami Township) announced on August 25 she has introduced House Bill 400, which would prohibit public schools from mandating students to wear a mask. The bill introduction comes as statewide concerns from parents have heightened as several public schools, including the Loveland District have implemented school mask mandates for some of their students.

    Data that support this appeal according to a new release from the Ohio Children’s Hospitals Association include: 

    • Since August 15, 2021, there have been 29,823 Ohio school-aged kids ages 5 to 17 with confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19.
    • Cases among this age group increased 198 percent from the week of August 15th as compared to the week ending September 4.
    • As reported yesterday by the American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 cases among children have increased 240 percent nationally since early July when the Delta variant began to surge. During that same period in Ohio, there has been a 2000 percent increase in cases among Ohio children.
    • COVID-19 cases are increasing at nearly twice the rate among school-aged kids as compared to the rest of the population. This past week Ohio saw a 44 percent increase among school-aged children and only a 17 percent increase among the rest of the population.
    • Over the two-week period ending September 4, 2021, there was an average of 909 cases per 100,000 school-aged Ohio kids versus 561 cases per 100,000 people comprising the rest of the population. 
    • The 16 days with the highest number of cases per day throughout the entire pandemic for kids aged 5 to 17 in Ohio have all been in the last 19 days. This includes every day except the three days of the Labor Day weekend.
    • In Ohio school districts where masks are optional, among school-aged kids, there are both higher case rates per 100,000 at 945.7 and a greater week-over-week increase in cases. School districts where masks are optional have seen a 54 percent week-over-week increase compared to a 34 percent increase in school districts where masks are either required for all or required for some (usually K-8th grade).

    Nick Lashutka, President and CEO of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association
    “This is a perfect storm, and it’s impacting kids like it hasn’t before. It’s a combination driven by COVID-19 cases increasing, primarily driven by the Delta variant, increasing respiratory illnesses, more mental health challenges, and staffing challenges. Everyone can agree that our number one goal is to keep children in schools five days a week, and that’s what we shared with the state’s superintendents today.”

    Debbie Feldman, President and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospitals
    “Ohio is truly blessed to have some of the best children’s hospitals in the country. We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of our kids. Our commitment is really threatened right now. For a long time, COVID-19 was perceived as a disease that didn’t impact children. That’s not the case anymore. Today, 25 percent of COVID-19 cases are in kids. We’re feeling that in our children’s hospitals.”

    Paula Grieb, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital
    “In the city of Toledo and at Ebeid Children’s Hospital, we’ve seen significant in-patient and out-patient volumes, and we’ve seen a significant increase in kids with respiratory illnesses. We had a significant event occur last night in Lucas County. That means if a rescue squad responded to a 911 call and picked up a patient to take them to a hospital that was on EMS bypass, that rescue squad would not be allowed to stop at that hospital. The county EMS system would have to dispatch each call one at a time. That means a patient wouldn’t necessarily go to the hospital closest to them or best-suited to take care of the patients’ needs.”

    Rustin Morse, MD, CEO, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    “We are in uncharted territory. Not just in children’s hospitals, but adult hospitals as well. The infrastructure is strained like it hasn’t been before. We are asking people to get vaccinated if they aren’t already, and we are asking them to wear masks.”

    Patty Manning, MD, Chief of Staff, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

    “Our inpatient numbers are the highest they’ve been. Our ICUs are caring for more patients than there’s ever been. More children are on ventilators than there has ever been. There are more children than ever entering our emergency departments and our urgent care centers. That impacts the care of all children, not just those that are COVID-19 positive.”

    CASE DATA/VACCINE INFORMATION

    Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page. 

    For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

  • Loveland Schools latest COVD 19 Dashboard

    Loveland Schools latest COVD 19 Dashboard

    Loveland, Ohio – At the beginning of each week, the Loveland City School District releases their latest Covid 19 Dashboard. Here are the last four.

  • StubHub to Issue Ohioans Refunds

    StubHub to Issue Ohioans Refunds

    by David Miller

    Columbus, Ohio – The ticket reseller StubHub is issuing refunds to thousands of Ohioans who purchased tickets to events that were later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in response to a multistate investigation lead by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

    “We’d all like a refund from the ride COVID has taken us on, but in this case, there was written policy not followed,” Yost said. “That’s why we went to bat for Ohioans here and put money back in their pockets.” 

    Ohio, nine other states, and the District of Columbia initiated a coordinated investigation  after receiving numerous complaints from consumers that StubHub was violating its own policy under the “FanProtect Guarantee.”

    The policy stated that consumers would receive full refunds on ticket purchases, including fees, if events were canceled. StubHub suspended that policy in March 2020, following the mass-cancellation of events triggered by COVID concerns.

    The California-based company began denying refund requests, instead of telling consumers that they would receive credits equal to 120% of their purchases for future events.

    The policy change affected more than 12,000 consumers who had bought tickets to Ohio events through StubHub before March 25, 2020.

    StubHub has agreed to settle a complaint filed Tuesday by AG Yost in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. The deal requires StubHub to:

    The consent agreement includes an injunction that requires StubHub to:

    • Honor its refund policies.
    • Not change its refund policies for purchased tickets unless the purchasing consumer consents to the change.
    • Promptly process any refund requests it receives going forward for the events at issue.

    The agreement also assesses a $654,100 civil penalty, which is suspended provided that StubHub pays the refunds owed to Ohio consumers and does not violate the other terms of the agreement. 

    Consumers who have not been contacted by StubHub and believe they are entitled to a refund may contact either StubHub at (866) 788-2482 or the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-282-0515 or www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.

  • Submit a Valentine Card design starting today

    Submit a Valentine Card design starting today

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – If you are a little Miami River Chamber Alliance member, resident of the Loveland School District, or work in the Loveland area your Valentine Card Design original artwork may be submitted.

    Artwork must reflect or incorporate the theme: “Love is…..” and must also include (or provide space for) the phrase, “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.”

    One-color, two-color, and full-color entries are acceptable. Artwork must be flat (two-dimensional) and reduce proportionately to fit within a 5 inch by 3 ¾ inch space, the size of the printed Valentine’s Day cards.

    The submission deadline is November 20, 2021.

    Last year’s winner was Cindy Wilmes and she created this video of her taking one of her cards to be stamped at and mailed from the Loveland Post office.

    All entries must be submitted in person to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance at 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140 or by mail, postmarked the deadline to the Little Miami River Chamber, 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140.

    Entry forms and contest rules are available at the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140. If you would like one sent to you, call the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance at 683-1544.

    The winner will receive design credit on the back of the 2022 Valentine’s Day cards, recognition at the Valentine Kick off, other local recognition, media recognition and two complimentary invitations to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Annual Valentine Breakfast. Entries not selected may be picked up after December 10, 2021.

    The winning card design will be featured as a “Cover Photo” in Loveland Magazine.

    Click below to witness the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal presented to you by LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV!

    Watch this interview by Cassie Mattia interviewing the 2021 Valentine Card Designer and Valentine Lady Jeannie Shumaker.

    We have more Loveland Magazine TV videos for you to enjoy! Click below to watch now!

    Watch more videos on 

    LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV

  • Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2020

    Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2020

    Loveland, Ohio – Four former standout Loveland High School athletes will be inducted into the Class of 2020 Hall of Fame during the last Tiger football game of the season.

    The Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2020 will enjoy dinner together on October 21 and they will be introduced to fans attending the football game at Tiger Stadium against Winton Woods during the break between the 1st and 2nd quarter on October 22.

    There was no traditional Winter induction ceremony for the group last year because of COVID 19. The traditional ceremony is usually in January during halftime of a varsity basketball game.

    Greg Lahrman

    High School Accomplishments

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 1995

    Basketball 1,2  Varsity 3,4  2nd Team All-CHL 4

    Varsity Golf 1,2,3,4   Captain 3,4

    1st Team All-CHL 2,3,4   Sectional Co-Medalist 2

    Medalist or Co-Medalist 10 of 17 Matches 3  11 of 17-4 

    Scoring Average 9 Holes 39.1-3,  37.8-4 

     1st Team All-Southwest District 3,4

    Southwest District Player and Medalist of the Year 4

    All-City Cincinnati Post  3,4

    Cincinnati Player of the Year Division ll by Cincinnati Enquirer 4

    2nd Team All-State 4

    OHSAA Southwest District Scholar Athlete 4

    College: Ohio State University-Undergraduate

                                      University of Michigan-Graduate 

    Janet (McCoy) Rich

    Loveland Athletic Achievement Award

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 1971

    G.A.A. 1971 Honor Girl Award

    3 Sport Varsity Letter Achievement        

    17 Years Student Council Homecoming Activities/Games

    24 Seasons as Cheerleading Coach  8 Varsity

    Coached 6 Seasons of Track  3 as Varsity Assistant

    Coached 4 seasons 8th Grade Girls Basketball

    Coached 4 Seasons High School Girls Volleyball

    Worked 20 Years(1983-2003) Head Table Varsity Wrestling Meets

    Received Ohio High School “Respect the Game” Award 2012

    Grand Marshall Homecoming Parade 2012

    Coach (10 yrs.) Loveland Youth Football Cheerleaders 1984-92; 2018-19

    Director (3 yrs.) Loveland Youth Football Cheerleaders 1984-92

    Loveland Youth Basketball Cheer Coach 8 Years 1984-92

    Josh McCoy

    High School Accomplishments

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 2003

    Football 1,2,3,4     Captain 3,4

    1st Team All-FAVC Linebacker and Punter 3,4

    1st Team All-Southwest District Linebacker and Punter 3,4

    1st Team All-City Linebacker and Punter 3

     1st Team All-City Linebacker 4

    2nd Team All-State Punter 3

    1st Team All-State Linebacker 4

    Wrestling 2   189lb FAVC Champion  2

    Baseball 2,3

    After High School: United States Marine Corps.

    Mark Weden

    High School Accomplishments

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 2006

    Cross Country 1,2,3,4  Most Valuable Runner 3,4

    1st Team All-FAVC 3,4

    Regional Qualifier 3,4

    Fastest 5K P.R.(15:44) in LHS History

    Track 1,2,3,4

    1st Team All-FAVC 1600m and 800m Runs 3,4

    FAVC Runner of the Year 4

    Regional Qualifier 1600m and 3200m Runs 2

    Regional Qualifier  1600m and  800m Runs 3,4

    District and Regional Champion 1600m Run 4

    State Qualifier 1600 Meter Run 4 

    Top 3 All-Time at LHS in 800m, 1600m and 3200m Runs as of 2/24/20

    College: The Ohio State University

  • SNAP benefit will increase beginning on Oct. 1

    SNAP benefit will increase beginning on Oct. 1

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in August released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021.

    “Ensuring low-income families have access to a healthy diet helps prevent disease, supports children in the classroom, reduces health care costs, and more.

    – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

    As directed by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill – and with the expressed support of President Biden’s January 22 Executive Order – USDA conducted a data-driven review of the Thrifty Food Plan. The resulting cost adjustment is the first time the purchasing power of the plan has changed since it was first introduced in 1975, reflecting notable shifts in the food marketplace and consumers’ circumstances over the past 45 years.

    “A modernized Thrifty Food Plan is more than a commitment to good nutrition – it’s an investment in our nation’s health, economy, and security,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Ensuring low-income families have access to a healthy diet helps prevent disease, supports children in the classroom, reduces health care costs, and more. And the additional money families will spend on groceries helps grow the food economy, creating thousands of new jobs along the way.”

    In its re-evaluation, USDA was driven by the latest available data on the four key factors identified in the 2018 Farm Bill: current food prices, what Americans typically eat, dietary guidance, and the nutrients in food items. For example, the revised plan includes more fish and red and orange vegetables to align with recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Additionally, the plan was calculated using updated purchasing data – collected from stores versus self-reported by households – to reflect the current price of foods in today’s marketplace. The revised Thrifty Food Plan also includes a modest increase in calories to reflect the latest data and support an active lifestyle.

    The 2021 Thrifty Food Plan puts healthy food in reach for SNAP families. Recent evidence consistently shows that benefit levels are too low to provide for a realistic, healthy diet, even with households contributing their own funds toward groceries. A USDA study published earlier this summer found that nearly nine out of 10 SNAP participants reported facing barriers to achieving a healthy diet, with the most common barrier being the cost of healthy foods. These findings were echoed in listening sessions USDA held with a broad range of Thrifty Food Plan stakeholders.

    Recent evidence consistently shows that benefit levels are too low to provide for a realistic, healthy diet, even with households contributing their own funds toward groceries.

    The reevaluation concluded that the cost of a nutritious, practical, cost effective diet is 21% higher than the current Thrifty Food Plan. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase by $36.24 per person, per month, or $1.19 per day, for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021.

     Changes in Benefits by State 

    To set SNAP families up for success, we need a Thrifty Food Plan that supports current dietary guidance on a budget,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services. “Too many of our fellow Americans struggle to afford healthy meals. The revised plan is one step toward getting them the support they need to feed their families.”

    In good times and tough times, SNAP is the most far-reaching, powerful tool available to ensure that all Americans, regardless of background, can afford healthy food. The program helps to feed more than 42  million Americans – 1 in 8 – each month. Evidence is clear that SNAP increases food security, including among households with children who have been disproportionately impacted by hunger during COVID.

    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit  www.usda.gov.

    For questions about your SNAP benefits, please contact your SNAP state agency.

    Additional Resources:
    • The Thrifty Food Plan and SNAP Benefits (Website)
    • Changes in Benefits by State (Tables)
    • Thrifty Food Plan Re-evaluation Puts Nutrition in Reach for SNAP Participants (Blog)
    • What is the TFP? (Blog)
    • TFP Listening Sessions (Summary) (Blog)
    • The TFP Re-Evaluation Process (Infographic)
    • SNAP Participants’ Barriers to Healthy Eating (Infographic)
    • Barriers that Constrain the Adequacy of SNAP Allotments (Report)
    • SNAP – Fiscal Year 2022 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (Memo)
  • Hold onto your hat and these pivotal dates

    Hold onto your hat and these pivotal dates

    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Who will be in your corner?

    Loveland, Ohio – These events will be your chance to personally meet the local politicians who want to be part of the teams leading the Loveland City School District and Loveland City Council for the next 1,440 days. Four-long years, so this is important!

    On October 21 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, Loveland Magazine, and LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will host the contenders for seats on the school board, and on October 14 they will bring together on a public stage your job applicants for Loveland City Council.

    City Council – October 14, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.

    School Board – October 21, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.

    Will there be undisputed champs?

    Election fans can see if the contenders roll with the punches, stick and move, or have promises that pack a punch. Will you see any future respected political figures or elder statesmen/women?

    Both of these heavyweight championship Forums will be broadcast “LIVE” on the Loveland Magazine FaceBook Page. It’s not Pay-per-View and tickets are not required – it’s totally FREE!

    Who knows, there might be some highfalutin’ good ideas that come from one or more of these candidates that can transform Loveland. There will almost certainly be some re-hashing the past but that will be OK if it leads to knowledge of what the future might hold.

    Politicians routinely offer more promises than they keep, however hearing them straight from their mouths is the start of holding them accountable. Meeting them in person is always better than voting based on the number of yard signs and you can be a political influencer if you can say, “I actually heard her say it!”

    If you cannot attend in person or chose to be inside the safety of your own home you may want to tune in LIVE to be in-the-know.

    The format will follow the same as in the past:

    • To begin, candidates will each present their platform for 2 minutes and tell you why they are running for office.
    • Questions will be asked for 60 minutes allowing each candidate two minutes to reply or pass.
    • After 60 minutes candidates are asked to close with 2-minute speeches.

    Voters can throw their written questions into the octagon and all questions will be screened for duplicity by independent ring-side judges. The emcees will ask as many of the questions as time allows in the 60 minutes.

    You the registered voters of the City of Loveland and the Loveland City School District however will be the crucial and critically important judges come November 2 so reserve your ring-side seat by saving these dates.

    Loveland’s 2021 General Election candidates

    Important Election Dates for Voters in Ohio

    August 23 – Write-in candidates must file declarations of intent by 4 p.m. (72 days before general election

    September 17 – Military & Overseas Absentee Voting begins (46 Days Before Election Day)

    October 4 – Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 2 general election (30 days before general election)*

    October 5 – Early In-Person Voting begins and includes the Saturday, Sunday and the Monday before Election Day

    October 5 – Absentee Voting By Mail begins (28 Days Before Election Day)

    October 11 – Board of Elections Closed to In-Person Voting (Columbus Day).

    October 30 – Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed for Nov. 2 general election must be received by boards of elections by noon (3 days before general election)

    November 2 – General Election Day. Polls open at 6:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM.

    View the Ohio Secretary of State voting calendar and schedule in a Month by Month view

    *REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION (Update your voter registration address)

    Find your Early Voting Location

    Find your Polling Location

    District Maps

    STATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS

    FEDERAL CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

    EDUCATIONAL & JUDICIAL DISTRICTS

    IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Future Voter Coloring Pages (ohiosos.gov)

    DOWNLOAD

    Clermont County Board of Elections Website

    Hamilton County Board of Elections Website

    Warren County Board of Elections Website

    Throughout the years, men and women in our armed forces have made great sacrifices to protect our freedom and democracy. Today, the courageous members of our military branches continue to serve our country so we all can enjoy one of our most sacred rights – the right to vote. Through the I Vote in Honor of a Veteran initiative, you can demonstrate the pride you feel for a veteran or servicemember and, at the same time, encourage others to vote on Election Day.

    Wear an I Vote in Honor of a Veteran pin on Election Day to show your appreciation to those men and women who made it possible for you to exercise your right to vote.

    To get your pin, click this LINK to submit a testimonial about how they’ve inspired you will be sent one.

  • Sue Klebold attempts to reconcile how the son she affectionately referred to as “Sunshine Boy” became a school shooter

    Sue Klebold attempts to reconcile how the son she affectionately referred to as “Sunshine Boy” became a school shooter

    Sue Klebold attempts to reconcile how the son she affectionately referred to as “Sunshine Boy” became a school shooter. This documentary brings light to the importance of mental health being taught to young children and the movement underway to take this issue seriously.

    Available on Prime to watch, buy, or rent.

  • [Resources] Teen mental health and suicide from your M/INT Parent Teacher Student Association

    [Resources] Teen mental health and suicide from your M/INT Parent Teacher Student Association

    The newsletter was written by Jennifer Wright-Berryman, Ph.D., MSW and Suicidologist.

    (This is a re-print of a story Loveland Magazine ran in March of 2019)

     

    The M/INT PTSA regularly posts resource information (articles, web sites, etc.) to their Facebook page (LovelandMINTPTSA) and Web Site.