$137,500 – will be awarded to Loveland-based Little Miami Conservancy
by David Miller
Symmes Township, Ohio – A Cincinnati business owner with a location in Symmes Township just on the outskirts of Loveland, who used his four companies to illegally discard waste at three sites – and whose dumping may have polluted the Little Miami River – has been ordered to pay a civil penalty of $550,000 and clean up his mess, Attorney General Dave Yost announced on September 30. (Read the Consent Order)
One-fourth of the penalty – $137,500 – will be awarded to the Loveland-based environmental organization, Little Miami Conservancy. The order did not involve polluting the Little Miami River in Symmes Township or Loveland. The illegal dumping occurred near Newtown and Terrace Park. The Little Miami River has State and National “Scenic and Wild River” designations.
“When it comes to protecting the state’s waterways, we do not just go with the flow,” Yost said. “Illegally dumped waste doesn’t just sit there on the land – it breaks down into toxins that find their way into the water. This remedy will make sure that doesn’t happen, and the fine will hit him hard where it hurts – his wallet.”
The civil penalty stems from a lawsuit filed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office (AGO) in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. The suit maintains that Douglas Evans – through Evans Landscaping and three other businesses he owns – violated Ohio laws regulating the disposal of solid waste and construction and demolition debris at properties on Mount Carmel Road, Broadwell Road, and Round Bottom Road.
The case was referred to the AGO from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Hamilton County Public Health District.
During multiple inspections over several years, health district officials saw that parts of demolished buildings, garbage, and other solid wastes had been dumped or buried at the three sites, none of which is licensed as a facility for disposal.
As part of the consent order worked out with the AGO and approved by the court, Evans agreed to clean up his properties and correct violations according to a plan authorized by Ohio EPA and the Hamilton County health district.
At the Mount Carmel site, he will build a cap over areas where construction and demolition debris were illegally disposed – to prevent water from reaching the debris and causing harmful chemicals to leach out.
At the Broadwell site, under the supervision of the Ohio EPA and health district, he will dig out and remove illegally disposed waste.
At the Round Bottom site, he will conduct groundwater monitoring to ensure that waste from his property is not affecting groundwater quality or the Little Miami River. If it is, Evans will perform the necessary remediation.
If Evans fails to comply with any requirements of the order, he will immediately be liable and have to pay additional penalties.
A “prone team,” wearing personal protective equipment, prepares to turn a COVID-19 patient onto his stomach in a hospital intensive care unit in Stamford, Conn. (John Moore/Getty Images/TNS)
by Shaun Heasley | September 26, 2022 – disabilityscoop.com
New research finds that people with developmental disabilities were much more likely to die from COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic than others.
A review of death certificates nationwide for 2020 shows that COVID-19 was the top cause of death among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
By comparison, the virus was the third leading cause of death following heart disease and cancer for those without such disabilities.
“Even when we adjusted for age, sex and racial-ethnic minority status, we found that COVID-19 was far deadlier for those with IDD than those without,” said Scott Landes, an associate professor of sociology at Syracuse University and lead author of the study published this month in the Disability and Health Journal. “Furthermore, people with IDD were dying at much younger ages.”
Loveland, Ohio – It’s not too early to start thinking about Valentine’s in the land of love! Nominate a local lady to serve as 2023’s Valentine Lady or submit original artwork to the theme of “There is nothing in the world so sweet as love.” Nominations are due by November 18 to the chamber office.
Nominate a local lady to serve as 2023’s Valentine lady by submitting your letter of recommendation to the LMRCA office or by emailing us at meredith@lmrchamberalliance.org.
Little Miami River Chamber Alliance | 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140
Valentine Lady History
The Valentine Program began in 1972 and has grown over the years to include a variety of Valentine community activities, as well as our nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program.
Valentine Ladies are women who have distinguished themselves in community, school, or family endeavors. Being nominated for Valentine Lady is quite an honor!
The Valentine Lady is the ambassador for the Chamber’s Valentine Program, and visits area businesses, nursing homes, and schools, among her duties as Valentine Lady.
Annual Valentine Card Design
Original artwork may be submitted by any individual who is interested!
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.
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 to the Little Miami River Chamber, 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140.
Submit artwork for the design contest (deadline is November 18, 2022).
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, please call the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance at 683-1544.
The winner will receive design credit on the back of the 2023 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, 2022.
The Ladies
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the current Valentine lady is serving a 2-year term. Nominations will begin in the fall of 2022 for the 2023 Valentine lady.
These women are chosen by community nomination, then picked by a committee of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. Stay connected with them through the Valentine Ladies on Facebook.
2021-2022: Jeannie Schumaker 2020: Debbie Murray 2019: Dr. Kathy Lorenz 2018: Kay Bolin 2017: Carol Williams 2016: Laurie Gordon 2015: Sue Lundy 2014: Janis Fogle 2013: Marge Henderson 2012: Jan Ranard 2011: Avery (Winkie) Foster 2010: Bonnie Larson 2009: Linda Cox 2008: Kay Napier 2007: Sue Newburger 2006: Peggy Goodwin 2005: Lu Boike 2004: Helen Gosch 2003: Kathryn Undercoffer 2002: Patricia Furterer 2001: Marirose Stiver 2000: Anne Fowler 1999: Winona Franz 1998: Barbara Dee 1997: Bobbie Books 1996: Jo Ann Richardson 1995: Mary McDonnell 1994: Margaret Keifer 1993: Kathryn Sidney 1992: Doris Osborne 1991: Martha Hockman 1990: Rose Wene 1989: Pat Randolph 1982-88: Ruth Jackson (Doris’s daughter) 1982: Doris Pfiester
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Adults and children from across the tri-state gathered in Nisbet Park along the Little Miami River in Historic Downtown on a sunny and warm Fall Sunday afternoon to be part of a “Women’s Wave” of activists out to change the course of voting patterns in our community. After speeches, they walked for an hour throughout our business district and along the Loveland Bike Trail engaging locals and tourists with the refrain of the sentiments they were so adamant about. It was a demonstration for human rights and as odd as that sounded throughout the streets of this quaint community nicknamed, “The Sweetheart of Ohio” it happened. “Human Rights” that have been taken away from themselves, their children, and those they love. The political agenda on most minds was the U.S. Supreme Court overthrowing Roe v Wade and a woman’s right to have an abortion, reproductive rights such as birth control, and how that decision led to even more extreme legislation and proposals from some elected officials at the Ohio Statehouse, and in D.C.
Health care, including the sometimes life-saving medical care of needed abortions and the tangled net that women and their healthcare providers are caught in, gun violence, mass shooting in schools, the right to gender equality, LGBTQ people’s rights, and a safer future for young girls were all talking points throughout the afternoon.
Many Democratic candidates for local and state offices spoke and a candidate for the U.S. House. Parts of Loveland are in Ohio Representative Jean Schmidt’s district and the local organizer, Bailey Moak, said that is why she chose downtown Loveland for the event location. She wants to show Schmidt where the unemployment line is. She believes that Schmidt and other currently serving politicians don’t align with Loveland’s values.
I asked organizer Moak on Monday to send me some of her thoughts after the event had ended. You can also watch her speaking at the event and watch a photo essay of photos from the event below. The rally was certainly an appeal for local “pro-choice” residents to get to the polls on November 8 and vote for “pro-choice” candidates, however, the photo essay will explain why so many people gathered in the park, their myriad reasons, and then marched.
I found the event to be a huge success. We met our goals to engage and educate voters, raise awareness to threats against women’s rights in our community and shed light on dangerous politicians like Jean Schmidt from Loveland who proposed legislation to ban medical care to women and children across Ohio (HB598), and ban access to curriculum on diversity and inclusion to students across our state (HB616).We rallied, we celebrated the promise of what new leadership can do to preserve and expand our freedoms, and we marched in protest of extremism and hate.During the March we disrupted some nice family dinners occurring on the patios of local businesses in Downtown Loveland with our passionate demonstration. This disruption is NECESSARY. All too often we side-step important discussions with our families, friends and community members to avoid feeling uncomfortable. The only way individuals, families and communities can grow is through engagement and vulnerability, which can result in a bit of discomfort. As demonstrators passed, families and friends breaking bread together were compelled to address important topics, which in my experience, leads to understanding and connection. This is why we Listen. This is why we Speak. This is why we Act. We do it for our communities and families.I want to thank our passionate volunteers and our speakers: Brian Flick, Dr. Jeanne Corwin, Dr. Vanessa Enoch, Dr. Nabila Babar, Joy Bennett, Jen Perez and Rep. Jessica Miranda, and our partnering organizations: Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, Ohio ACLU, Ohio Red Wine and Blue, the Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus and Democracy in Action for participating in this event.I also want to thank the City of Loveland, the Loveland Fire Department, and Loveland PD Chief, Michael Gabrielson for their support in working with event organizers to ensure this was a safe and successful event that this community can be proud of.
Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber of Commerce Alliance recently voted (15-0 in favor) to promote Meredith Taylor to Vice President of Operations for the chamber.
Taylor has been serving the chamber as the program director for almost 6 years.
Chamber President CeeCee Collins said, “Meredith has been a tremendous asset to the chamber since her arrival. She brought customer service experience as well as an advertising and promotion background. Her skills have helped the chamber grow tremendously. The event that stands out the most is the Loveland Frogman Race. This race now sells out every year! Meredith has helped create several new events to benefit the economic development of the Loveland, Symmes and Miami Township areas.”
Vince Colaluca, 2022 Chairman of the LMRCA Board of Directors added, “Meredith always tries to improve an event year after year. She reflects on the event and analyzes what can happen to make it better. She truly cares about adding value to the businesses and the community.”
Meredith graduated from Miami University in 2006 with a degree in Business Marketing. After graduation, she began her career as an admission counselor for the University, working with high school students who were in the college decision process, while also managing university communications with students and parents.
After her time at Miami, she then worked for a B2B marketing agency for 2 years as a senior account executive on national digital advertising campaigns. Desiring to return to non-profit work combined with her interest in working with small businesses, she joined the staff of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) in the fall of 2016.
As VP of Operations, she manages communications and marketing, event planning, and general office management. When not in the office, Meredith can be found taking a cycling class at Power Ryde, dining at one of our local eateries, or planning her next travel destination. She lives in Symmes Township with her husband, JR and their sons, Luke and Max.
Hamilton County, Ohio – Hamilton County has updated its Workforce Development Training Grant Application to now include educational institution(s) serving residents in Hamilton County, Ohio along with 501(c)(3) organizations.
Hamilton County Commissioners announced project expansion funding for non-profits that provide workforce development training programs with a proven record of success. County Commissioners allocated $5.7 million in funding to enhance the capacity of existing, successful workforce development training programs – programs that connect people to careers with upward mobility and financial stability and that help employers find, develop, and retain talent.
The Hamilton County Workforce Development Training Grant aims to prepare and connect residents to in-demand careers. For more information and to find the application, click the button below:Workforce Development Application
Deadline to Apply: Applications for funding are due on or before November 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. and must be emailed to sarah.adams@hamilton-co.org. Anticipated award date is December of 2022 with a project completion date of December 21, 2024. For more information on this and other Hamilton County American Rescue Plan Programs, visit Hamilton County’s website.
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Aging inducted 15 older Ohioans, including Loveland, resident Pat Furterer into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in a special ceremony in the Statehouse Atrium on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
This year’s inductees range in age from 66 to 101. The citizens were honored because, “Their stories are compelling and represent lifetimes of dedication, ingenuity, perseverance, kindness and compassion.”
“Today, we celebrate 15 amazing individuals whose passion and willingness to help people, quite frankly, stand out,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “One thing they have in common: they represent the best kind of Ohioan – one who serves others, changes lives, and makes us all stronger. On behalf of all Ohioans, thank you to our 15 newest Hall of Fame inductees.”
“These amazing individuals challenge our society’s notion of what it means to age. Far too many people misguidedly think of our Senior Citizens as mere consumers, whose days of bringing value to the table are behind them. Not in Ohio,” Director McElroy said. “In Ohio, we understand that our Seniors are contributors. By utilizing their decades of experience and continuing to work as fierce advocates for their loved ones and their hometowns, the value they bring to us all is immeasurable.”
The Commission said about Furterer:
Pat Furterer (Photo provided by Ohio Department of Aging)
For four decades, Pat Furterer played pretty much every role there is to play within the Loveland Stage Company (LSC).
Mrs. Furterer helped found the company in 1979. During the next 40 years, she volunteered for every one of its productions. At one time or another she directed, produced, acted, did publicity, ushered, sold tickets, worked the hospitality counter, designed programs, constructed and decorated sets, was house manager, was stage crew, handled props, and developed the patron program. As if that wasn’t enough, she also served on the board in every position. In 2013, the board elected her as President Emeritus.
Her love of theater began in 1942, when she was just 8 years of age. She gathered friends from her Pennsylvania neighborhood and staged many backyard productions. Even as a young girl, she gave back to the community, donating the proceeds from the 5-cent admission to the Community Chest Fund.
In the years to come, Mrs. Furterer studied with several professional directors and helped to renovate an old movie theatre. Then in 1977, she and her husband relocated to Loveland, only to discover there was no community theater in town. Taking matters into her own hands, she placed an ad in the local paper, seeking individuals interested in starting a theater company.
Starting small, she formed the nucleus of the LSC. The company’s first production was, fittingly, staged in her backyard. Since those humble beginnings, the company has become a cherished institution within the community.
Since 2006, six shows had first-time directors, and 72 actors debuted in prominent roles. The company also offers seminars, workshops and mentoring programs for technical staff in sound, makeup, costumes, lighting, and production.
Pat Furterer in 2017 at the annual introduction of the Loveland Valentine Ladies at the Loveland Kroger. (Loveland Magazine file photo)
In 1999, the Loveland Firefighters Association purchased the Crist Theater, an old movie house, and donated it to LSC as their home. Soon after, Mrs. Furterer started the LSC’s Children’s Workshop/Theatre. Since 2004, it has evolved into a successful children’s theater with more than 120 children participating annually. On Oct. 20, 2008, the LSC’s theater caught fire. The walls remained but the roof was gone. Again, her experience with renovation came into play in rebuilding the theater. She worked tirelessly with countless volunteers to rebuild and reopen the theatre one year later with the production of “Miss Saigon.”
Because of her belief in community involvement, the LSC stages free Christmas shows and participates in Loveland’s 4th of July parade. She is an active member of the Loveland Woman’s Club, is a Loveland Valentine Lady, and was director of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.
For her dedicated community involvement, Mrs. Furterer took home the prestigious Louis Rookwood Award and the Key to the City in 1994 and the Art Rouse Award in 2006. In 1999 The Loveland Chamber of Commerce started a scholarship award in her name for a student who exemplifies her character and spirit.
Pat was unable to attend the induction ceremony, but you can watch what was said about her in this video. (the 41:40 Mark) (You can watch the ceremony “Full Screen)
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Read this story published in Loveland Magazine written by Ann Barfels in 2019…
Other2022 Inductees (Read about the oter inductees HERE)
Among them are doctors, nurses, scientists, teachers, veterans, public servants, philanthropists, historians, preservationists, musicians, actors, advocates, and more.
The Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame was established in 1977 to honor Ohioans age 60 and older for achievements and contributions to others, the roles they play in their communities, state and nation, and for what they do to promote productive and enjoyable lives. Their stories are compelling and represent lifetimes of dedication, ingenuity, perseverance, kindness, and compassion.
Loveland, Ohio – It was Thursday, October 6, 2022, when the streets of Loveland, Ohio’s Historic Downtown were crowded with thousands of screaming and cheering Loveland High School Tiger fans for the procession of the Homecoming Parade.
State Rep. Brigid Kelly, D-Cincinnati. Photo from Ohio House website.
Thanks to a 2006 constitutional amendment, Ohio’s minimum wage will increase from $9.30 to $10.10 next January. Two Democratic state lawmakers want to make sure all of the state’s minimum wage workers get that raise.
Under current state law, employers can pay people with disabilities less than the state’s minimum wage. When lawmakers approved the changes in 2000, their stated intent was to open more doors to employment. But Reps. Brigid Kelly, D-Cincinnati, and Dontavius Jarrells, D-Columbus, argue the two tier system harms rather than helps.
“Frankly, if we’re really serious about giving people more opportunity for a better life, if we’re really serious about ensuring that people have access to jobs, regardless of their disability status,” Kelly said, “then we should certainly, one, not be paying less than a minimum wage, and two, we should be raising the minimum wage.”
Kelly explained they came across the provisions in a previous general assembly while working on a broader minimum wage increase. She said many lawmakers are surprised when they find out the practice exists.
But Ohio’s legislative language actually mirrors federal law. Under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers can apply for certificates to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage. According to data from the Department of Labor, 44 Ohio companies have pending applications, 12 had certificates expire earlier this year, and another six hold active certificates.
To the extent that it can, the Biden administration is attempting to move away from the policy. In an executive order, President Joe Biden required federal contractors offer the same $15/hour minimum wage to all workers regardless of disability status.
To Kelly, eliminating the dual standard is a no-brainer.
“If you have someone who does have a disability but is perfectly capable of performing a job, then they should be paid for it,” she said. “For me that that is a nonstarter. I mean, businesses make reasonable accommodations for folks on a regular basis. And that doesn’t involve changing their pay scale, or paying them less than the minimum wage.”
Kelly and Jarrells have picked up more than ten co-sponsors, but none of those are Republicans. Kelly expressed optimism that colleagues on both sides of the aisle will see it as a commonsense update. Still, she acknowledged it will likely take more than one general assembly for it to gain passage.
September 30 has indicated some abnormal changes in overdose related activity causing suspicion for high levels of fentanyl in the drug supply. Between Saturday, 9/30 and Wednesday 10/5, there were 16 preliminary overdose deaths. Overdose ED visits increased on Tuesday, 10/4 with 10 visits and on Wednesday, 10/5 with 9 overdose ED visits.
Local public health partners and the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition are issuing this alert to increase community awareness.
Even if you are a recreational drug user, you are at risk for overdose and death.
Narcan is available and is not only designated for injection drug users.
FENTANYL MAY BE IN YOUR DRUG SUPPLY! Drugs such as cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine likely contain fentanyl, the drug that can cause overdose and death. A high supply of fentanyl puts all users at risk. WE HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE DEATHS IN PEOPLE USING DRUGS OTHER THAN OPIOIDS.
If you or someone you know overdoses, you should still call 911 – even if you administer Narcan.
In situations involving multiple individuals using drugs, make sure someone is available to administer Narcan.
Treatment providers are open and offering services in many innovative ways. If you need help please call 513-281-7880.
We want to ensure that people know that help is available, Narcan is accessible, and safe injection supplies are available.
This alert should serve as a notice to service providers and first responders to consider adjusting response capacity and implementing necessary protective measures which should include:
Having available and using necessary personal protective equipment; and
Being prepared to use multiple doses of Narcan when necessary.
![[Video] 2022 Homecoming Parade](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/feature-2022-homecoming.jpg)
