LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: David Miller

  • Biden-Harris Administration Announces Partnership to Distribute Free COVID-19 Tests to Schools Across the Country

    Biden-Harris Administration Announces Partnership to Distribute Free COVID-19 Tests to Schools Across the Country

    School districts may distribute these tests for free to students, staff, parents, and school communities, with the expectation that millions of tests will be sent out in the coming months – allowing schools to stock nurses’ offices, distribute at events, send tests home with students or parents, and more.

    On Wednesday, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Education (ED), announced a partnership to distribute free COVID-19 tests to schools across the country. In a letter sent to local education agencies (LEAs) today by ED, school districts are being encouraged to order tests directly from the federal government to be made available to students, parents, staff, and school communities.

    “Keeping students and teachers safe has been a priority of the Biden-Harris Administration since day one. Making free COVID-19 tests available to schools this year ensures that students and staff can test throughout the winter months,” said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell. “The partnership announced today leverages ASPR’s ongoing test distribution programs to reach school communities through ED’s close relationship to school districts – helping keep communities healthy.”

    The tests will be made freely available to all traditional and charter LEAs nationwide. School districts may distribute these tests for free to students, staff, parents, and school communities, with the expectation that millions of tests will be sent out in the coming months – allowing schools to stock nurses’ offices, distribute at events, send tests home with students or parents, and more.

    “The Biden-Harris Administration remains a committed partner with schools in keeping our students and teachers safe and healthy,” said Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at ED, Roberto Rodriguez. “These self-tests are easy to use and can play an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage schools to make use of these free resources to safeguard students, parents, and staff throughout the 2023-24 school year.”

    The partnership announced today is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to boost COVID-19 testing access across the country – building on test distribution programs that ASPR has led for over two years. Over 1.6 billion COVID-19 tests have been distributed directly to households, schools, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and food banks through these channels – with over four million tests sent out each week, a number that is expected to rise as more school districts take advantage of this program.

    Additionally, ASPR opened another round of ordering on COVIDTests.gov on November 20, making four more free tests available to households ahead of the holidays. Today’s announcement builds on previous Biden-Harris Administration efforts to increase COVID-19 testing in schools to keep students safe and schools open.

    Read the full Dear Colleagues Letter from ED here.

    Order Today! Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests

    Get free COIVD-19 tests shipped directly to you at no cost before the winter holidays. Even if you have already ordered tests this fall, you can order more tests now.

    Order online or over the phone. Support is available in 150+ languages.

    Order Today!

     

  • Warren County Health District: Extremely high number of pediatric pneumonia cases

    Warren County Health District: Extremely high number of pediatric pneumonia cases

    Photo from the The Christ Hospital Health Network

    A Press Release from the Warren County Health District

    The Warren County Health District has received an extremely high number of pediatric pneumonia cases being reported this fall season. Since August, there have been 142 cases of pediatric pneumonia reported. Not only is this above the county average, it also meets the Ohio Department of Health definition of an outbreak.

    We do not think this is a novel/new respiratory disease but rather a large uptick in the number of pneumonia cases normally seen at one time.

    To date, there has not been a definitive etiology determined or a common thread linking these pneumonias. We have an ongoing investigation to examine possible linkages and risk factors.

    The average age thus far is around 8 years old, the cases span multiple school districts and there have been no conclusive patterns among the children diagnosed. Based on some data responses from a recent parent questionnaire, most common symptoms included cough, fever and fatigue.

    Among the pathogens recovered included Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pnuemoniae and Adenovirus.

    WCHD is working with the Ohio Department of Health, local children’s hospitals and primary care providers in hopes to determine a cause and further prevent the spread of illness. One recommendation is for providers to have a lower threshold to test children presenting with cough, fever and/or fatigue and consider nasopharyngeal swabs for respiratory viruses, mycoplasma and pertussis.

    WCHD sent out a notification with education to Warren County providers last week in an effort to further clarify the nature of the outbreak.

    As we approach the holiday season, when many of us will be gathering together with family and friends, please remember to take necessary precautions to protect your health: wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home when ill, and stay up to date on vaccines.

    If you have any questions or need to report a pneumonia case, please contact the Warren County Health District at 513-695-2097.

  • Former Loveland High School star Brian Wozniak hired as tight ends coach for Michigan State

    Former Loveland High School star Brian Wozniak hired as tight ends coach for Michigan State

    Loveland Magazine file photo from 2008 when Brian Wozniak played for the Loveland High School Tigers

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – According to Sports Illustrated, new Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith has brought half his Oregon State coaching staff with him to East Lansing and former Loveland High School standout Brian Wozniak is one of them.

      • As reported by Sports Illustrated, “Wozniak started at Oregon State as a graduate assistant in 2015 and worked his way up to tight ends coach in 2018 when Smith was hired there. Growing up in Loveland, Ohio (outside of Cincinnati) Wozniak played four years at Wisconsin from 2010-13. During his time in Corvallis, Wozniak coached three future NFL tight ends with the Beavers, two of whom were drafted. In 2023, Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave was drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers, eight spots ahead of former Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed. Wozniak has developed three-star recruits into NFL talent, and with his Ohio roots he should be able to land and develop local high school talent.”
    Brian Wozniak photo by Oregon State

    “Brian Wozniak will be a very valuable asset to the Michigan State football program due to his Midwest roots,” said his former Loveland coach Andrew Marlett. “Woz was an outstanding high school football player at Loveland High School in Cincinnati Ohio and at the University of Wisconsin. He has already proven himself to be an excellent recruiter and a developer of talent. He’s a rising star and will have a major impact on the Spartan football program.” Marlett was once Wisconsin’s head of football recruiting efforts and was a three-time all-Mid-American Conference pick as a defensive lineman, a high school coach in Ohio for more than two decades, and has coached at the college level.

    At Oregon State, Wozniak was the Tight Ends Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

    Brian was a four-year letterman tight end at Wisconsin and was the Offensive Captain his Senior Year. He went to 5 bowl games as a player, 3 times to the Rose Bowl. As a player, he was part of 3 Big Ten Championship teams. As a coach and player, he has gone to a total of 7 national bowl games.

    Brian was a member of three Big Ten Champion Badger teams.

    Wozniak was a Loveland High School graduate and was ranked among the top 40 tight ends in the country. He signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons prior to the 2014 season.

    The Wozniak Loveland Tiger File

    Woz's
    Loveland Magazine File Photo

    Brian Wozniak was a three-time varsity letter winner and starter in football, and a four-time varsity letter winner and starter in basketball. He graduated in 2009. At his college signing ceremony when asked by Loveland Magazine what he will miss most about Loveland football he said, “I will miss all the players on my team. We had great camaraderie.” He said he will also miss Head Coach Andrew Marlatt “and the entire coaching staff.”

    Wozniak is a member of the Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

    In basketball, Wozniak was a three-time 1st Team Fort Ancient Valley Conference selection, two-time Loveland Co-Most Valuable Player, and three-time Team Captain. Wozniak ended his basketball career as Loveland’s 6th all-time leading scorer.

    Loveland Magazine file photo

    In football, Wozniak was a two-time 1st Team Fort Ancient Valley Conference selection. As a Senior, he was a Team Captain and earned 2nd Team All-Ohio. Wozniak was Loveland’s Co-Most Valuable Player as a Junior and he won Loveland’s Stan McCoy Award for his leadership and commitment as a Senior. Wozniak also earned All-Conference Academic Awards in football and basketball his Senior year.

    Wozniak was recruited by Ohio State, Purdue, Kentucky, Michigan State, Iowa, Duke, and Colorado, and of course Wisconsin.

    Brian went from one football offer at Miami University to fourteen. Wisconsin, Louisville, U.C., Connecticut, Maryland, Akron, Marshall, Ohio U., Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Bowling Green, and the Air Force all made offers.

    Brian is married to Samantha and has 3 sons; Sons, Bronson, Conrad, and Wyatt. Brian’s mother and father, Patty and John live in Loveland, Ohio.

  • Loveland School Transportation Challenges Continue

    Loveland School Transportation Challenges Continue

    Loveland, Ohio – There remains an urgent need for bus drivers for the Loveland City School District.
    “Without additional drivers, we may be forced to skip some routes on some days because we are critically short-staffed. We are working to avoid this, but please create a backup plan for how your family would handle transportation in the event we are forced to limit bus service due to the driver shortage.”

    Loveland bus drivers receive paid training, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Follow this link to apply online, or call the Transportation Department at 513-683-3103.

    “Spread the word to your friends and neighbors about this great opportunity to help our Loveland City School District community.”

  • [300 Thanksgiving boxes] Thank you from the LIFE Food Pantry

    [300 Thanksgiving boxes] Thank you from the LIFE Food Pantry

    We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. LIFE is thankful for those who donated food, money, and/or time to help us create and deliver 300 Thanksgiving boxes for our neighbors in need.

    With 10% of our Loveland neighbors living below the poverty level, the need to help with food and emergency financial assistance goes beyond the Thanksgiving holiday. #GivingTuesday is a day where the world comes together to give back and help those less fortunate. You can help local neighbors in need by donating to Loveland Interfaith Effort LIFE.

    #GivingTuesday is November 28th and we would be so grateful for your support. No amount is too small to help our clients with food, essential shelter and services, and hope for a better future. If you’re ready to donate today, click below to visit our #GivingTuesday page.
  • Buy your “Square” for OSU vs Michigan Football Game

    Buy your “Square” for OSU vs Michigan Football Game

    OSU vs Michigan Football Game

    November 25th, 9AM – 4PM

    (Noon Kick-Off)

    Payouts for each quarter and final score ($10 and $20 boards)

    Click below to pick a square online if you are unable to attend the big Tailgate.

    ________________

    Loveland, Ohio – There will be a real tailgate on Railroad Avenue between Paxon’s Grill and Ramsey’s Trailside when the Loveland Legacy Foundation with the support of their event partners: Ramsey’s Trailside, Paxton’s Grill, Bush-Re-Shea Insurance, Keli Williams Sibcy Cline and UniShippers present their annual Biggest Tailgate for the “BIG Game” between Ohio State and Michigan.

    The annual Biggest Tailgate for the “BIG Game” has historically been hosted inside at Ramsey’s Trailside, but this year they are going bigger and outside. There will be a 15-foot LCD TV to watch the game.

    Railroad Ave. will be closed down so you can set up your tailgate just like any college game you’d attend – so bring the full spread.

    Feel free to grill out or order tailgate delivery from Ramsey’s or Paxton’s.

    Local liquor laws do not allow you to bring your own alcohol into the event, but both Ramsey’s and Paxton’s will have full-service DORA bar service and event specials to take care of all of your tailgate needs.

    Just like in years past, if you’d rather secure a prime seat indoors at either Ramsey’s Trailside or Paxton’s Grill, you can reserve your table of 2,4,6,8 for $25 per person with a tax-deductible donation to the Loveland Legacy Foundation.

    Prizes for BEST Tailgate set up and there will be games throughout the event.

    Reserve your Table(s) and purchase your Square(s) here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTg4MTUy

    ABOUT LOVELAND LEGACY FOUNDATION

    The Loveland Legacy Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization with the purpose of improving the community of Loveland, OH. The organization was created out of the generosity of members of the Loveland community and businesses that responded to the fire that devastated the downtown area. The affected business owners who received this financial support, in turn, agreed to start this foundation to “pay it forward” and provide a resource that leaves a lasting legacy in the community. The organization will represent a wide variety of ideas, interests, initiatives and needs identified by those engaged who have united in a common purpose – the betterment of Loveland, OH, now and in the future.

    _____________

  • Chamber honors local organizations and businesses

    Chamber honors local organizations and businesses

    WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinner
    Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the Awards Dinner

    Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday evening, November 16 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance held their annual Awards dinner at the Oasis Conference Center. Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the evening and WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the Guest Emcee.

    Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, the Emerging Business of the Year. She told attendees about the organization’s free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome.

    A raffle was held and the proceeds were divided between the Chamber’s scholarship fund and Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse and made a presentation about their delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a “replicable playhouse model”.

    Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati was also recognized as the area’s Emerging Business of the Year.

     

    2023 Award winners

    Business of the Year: Paxton’s Grill

    Emerging Business of the Year: Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati

    Beautification Award: Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)

    Community Involvement Award: The Works

    Business Community Advocate Award: LIFE Food Pantry

    Non-Profit of the Year: The Grail

    Woman Owned Business of the Year: The 1859

    Young Professional of the Year: Katie Taylor

    Randy K. Stanifer Health, Wellness & Fitness Business of the Year: Gray Nutrition

    Customer Service Award: Hometown Café

    Community Responder Award: Loveland Legacy Foundation

    Hidden Hero Award: Angels by the Trail

    Chamber Choice Award: City of Loveland Public Works

    Lift Up Loveland Award: Ralph Dunnigan

     

    WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinner
    Jimmy Hooper accepted the Customer Service Award given to Hometown Café
    Tasha Danzilo accepted the  Community Involvement Award for The Works
    Shawn Hartness accepted the Chamber Choice Award on behalf of the City of Loveland Public Works Department
    Ralph Dunnigan received the “Lift Up Loveland Award”
    Mark and Robyn Bersani were awarded the Beautification Award for Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)
    President Martha Hadley accepted the Community Responder Award given to the Loveland Legacy Foundation
    The Hidden Hero Award was accepted by founder, Stacey Lund for Angels by the Trail
    Angelo Veotte-Board President of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati accepted the Emerging Business of the Year award
    Linda Bergholz the Executive Director, accepted the Business Community Advocate Award for the LIFE Food Pantry
    Kate Harden the owner of The 1859 was recognized as Woman Owned Business of the Year.
    Katie Taylor, Owner of The Outsourced COO was chosen as the Young Professional of the Year
    John Zielke accepted the Business of the Year honor on behalf of  Paxton’s Grill
    Terri Pucket accepted the Non-Profit of the Year award for The Grail

    The silent auction still has a few items remaining. If you would like to bid or buy now, please CLICK. The auction benefits Gigi’s Playhouse and the chamber scholarship fund and is live until Monday, Nov 27.

    Miss the wine and bourbon pull? Reach out to Meredith (Meredith@lmrchamberalliance.org) for more info and to grab a bottle!

    All photos in this story © David Miller/Loveland Magazine 2023

  • The big Loveland Tailgate OSU vs Michigan Football Game is November 25th

    The big Loveland Tailgate OSU vs Michigan Football Game is November 25th

    OSU vs Michigan Football Game

    November 25th, 9AM – 4PM

    (Noon Kick-Off)

    Loveland, Ohio – There will be a real tailgate on Railroad Avenue between Paxon’s Grill and Ramsey’s Trailside when the Loveland Legacy Foundation with the support of their event partners: Ramsey’s Trailside, Paxton’s Grill, Bush-Re-Shea Insurance, Keli Williams Sibcy Cline and UniShippers present their annual Biggest Tailgate for the “BIG Game” between Ohio State and Michigan.

    The annual Biggest Tailgate for the “BIG Game” has historically been hosted inside at Ramsey’s Trailside, but this year they are going bigger and outside. There will be a 15-foot LCD TV to watch the game.

    Railroad Ave. will be closed down so you can set up your tailgate just like any college game you’d attend – so bring the full spread.

    Feel free to grill out or order tailgate delivery from Ramsey’s or Paxton’s.

    Local liquor laws do not allow you to bring your own alcohol into the event, but both Ramsey’s and Paxton’s will have full-service DORA bar service and event specials to take care of all of your tailgate needs.

    Just like in years past, if you’d rather secure a prime seat indoors at either Ramsey’s Trailside or Paxton’s Grill, you can reserve your table of 2,4,6,8 for $25 per person with a tax-deductible donation to the Loveland Legacy Foundation.

    Prizes for BEST Tailgate set up and there will be games throughout the event.

    Reserve your Table(s) and purchase your Square(s) here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTg4MTUy

    ABOUT LOVELAND LEGACY FOUNDATION

    The Loveland Legacy Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization with the purpose of improving the community of Loveland, OH. The organization was created out of the generosity of members of the Loveland community and businesses that responded to the fire that devastated the downtown area. The affected business owners who received this financial support, in turn, agreed to start this foundation to “pay it forward” and provide a resource that leaves a lasting legacy in the community. The organization will represent a wide variety of ideas, interests, initiatives and needs identified by those engaged who have united in a common purpose – the betterment of Loveland, OH, now and in the future.

    _____________

  • Loveland Magazine carries Narcan (Naloxone) at work and in “Company Car”

    Loveland Magazine carries Narcan (Naloxone) at work and in “Company Car”

    One of the doses of Narcan Spray Loveland Magazine received free through the mail.

    Removing the Stigma

    Loveland, Ohio – Overdoses can happen in a moment and we know having Narcan (Naloxone) handy can save a life.

    Loveland Magazine will now be carrying Narcan in the “Company Car” as well as having it stocked at our office.

    Get Free NARCAN (Naloxone)

    If you are in Ohio, you can get Narcan for yourself, someone you know, or your organization. Help save lives!

    Using this LINK, Loveland Magazine received a two-pack box of Narcan Nasal Spray. It only took a few clicks, a few days, and it was totally FREE.

    What Is Naloxone?

    Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin, illegal fentanyl, or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing. Naloxone is marked under various trademarks, including NARCAN®

    Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only one important function: to stop overdose death by reversing the effects of opioids. Naloxone is a safe, non-controlled drug and has no potential for abuse.

    If naloxone is given to a person who is not going through an opioid overdose, it is harmless. If naloxone is given to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening.

    This video shows how to give naloxone nasal spray (brand name Narcan®) in an opioid overdose situation.

    Also, learn how to administer naloxone by watching this video from the Ohio Department of Health.

     

  • [VIDEO] 22nd Annual Pass it On Food Drive

    [VIDEO] 22nd Annual Pass it On Food Drive

    David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine.

    UPDATE: Loveland Schools reports that students and staff donated more than 6,000 food items.

    Loveland, Ohio – I met Nancy Grant at the corner of Lebanon Road and Durango Drive right across from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church this morning where she was directing traffic for the 22nd Annual Pass it On Food Drive. Hundreds of Loveland Intermediate School and Loveland Middle School students were carrying food to the church that they donated to the LIFE Food Pantry. The food will be packaged into Thanksgiving baskets for local residents and clients of the pantry.

    The children walked about 3/4 mile to hand deliver the food.

    The food drive was started by Nancy Grant to heal wounds after the terrorist attack on 9/11. The purpose is so that clients of the LIFE Food Pantry and other residents in the community can eat well at Thanksgiving and later in December.

    Grant said twenty-two years ago, “Well, we can’t change the world, but we can change our little corner of it.” She had this idea to line up the kids down the street and pass the food donations one bag and box, hand-to-hand at a time to one another until it reached the church. A pay it forward so children could feel good about themselves. She thought it worked after 9/11 and has ever since. The students didn’t exactly “pass-it-on” to one another like they used to, but each carried their own donations to the church.

    After the donations arrive, adult volunteers will sort, date-check, organize, and assemble a Thanksgiving meal box to go out to area families. The huge effort is to ensure that all our Loveland families and singles will have the items they need so they can sit down together and enjoy a traditional meal for the holiday.