LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: Loveland Magazine

  • Air Quality Alert extended into Thursday

    Air Quality Alert extended into Thursday

    Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency, a division of Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services, has issued and extended an Air Quality Alert for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky.

    The Agency expects to see levels of ozone in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

    The air quality in Loveland was measured at 143 at 5 PM on Tuesday.

    Do Your Share for Clean Air

    Transportation
    • Bike or walk to nearby destinations.
    • Ride the bus (Metro Phone: 513-621-4455).
    • Join a carpool through Rideshare. Call 800-241-RIDE for free information on how to start a carpool.
    • Combine your errands into one trip-a cold engine decreases efficiency by as much as 80%.
    • Keep your air filter clean and get regular tune-ups-a neglected car can reduce gas mileage by 20%.
    • Make sure your tires are properly inflated and rotated-you can save $130 a year in gasoline costs.
    • Don’t “top off” your gas tank-by stopping at the click, you will reduce fumes that contribute to ground-level ozone pollution.
    • Refuel after 8 pm, especially in the summer when ozone concentrations tend to be higher during the afternoon.
    • Avoid idling in general, turning off and starting an engine uses less gasoline than letting it idle for more than 30 seconds. For example, turn the car off while waiting in line at railroad crossings and drive-through windows.
    • Make sure your car’s air conditioner is working properly-leaky air conditioners in cars are the single greatest source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a greenhouse gas.
    • Stay on paved roads whenever possible-driving on dirt roads raises dust which contributes to haze and airborne particulate matter.
    Energy Use
    • Conserve electricity-electrical generation is a source of air pollution.
    • Turn the lights out when you leave the room.
    • Use cold water instead of hot whenever possible-you’ll use less energy
    • Use fans to help cool-they use less energy than coolers and air conditioners.
    • Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator every few months-you can reduce electricity consumption by 6% or more.
    • Insulate your home to use less energy.
    • Go solar or geothermal for home and water heating-it reduces the need to burn fossil fuel.
    • Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
    • Change your HVAC filter regularly so your equipment runs more efficiently.
    • Replace lightbulbs with LEDs.
    • Only do laundry when there is a full load.
    • Unplug appliances when not in use, especially equipment that has “stand by” modes such as flat screen television, DVD/Blu-Ray players, and video game equipment.
    • Avoid leaving cell phone and tablet chargers plugged in the wall when not charging equipment.
    • Use a programmable thermostat to conserve heat/air conditioning when not at home.
    • When appliances need to be replaced, look for EnergyStar certified products.
  • Courtney Hineman: “What defines Inclusion”

    Courtney Hineman: “What defines Inclusion”

    by Courtney Hineman

    Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talked about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.

    This excerpt from my original full length vlog is about “What defines Inclusion”, and how you can practice it for your own benefit or to benefit others.

    As someone who has lived with a disability all my life my desire is to explain why inclusion is important for someone with a disability.

    I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!

    “Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.

    ________________________

    You can also watch the full episode here.

    ______________

    My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!

     

    Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.

    Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.

    We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.

    Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided.  Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.

    Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.

    Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

    The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

    ________________

    Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for the second term. She is a member of Butler County’s self-advocacy group, and enjoys participating in Best Buddies.

  • City purchases former Donisi Mirror Company building and land

    City purchases former Donisi Mirror Company building and land

    Loveland, Ohio – The City completed the “closing” to purchase 507 Loveland Madeira Road last week. The property, was the former Donisi Mirror Company.

    The City received $500,000 in grant funding from the Hamilton County Commissioners towards the purchase price. According to City Manager Dave Kennedy in his weekly report, “Now owned by the city, the structure will be razed and the property repurposed for a private development.”

    The total cost of the property acquisition was $590,000, leaving a balance of $90,000 for the city to pay. Kennedy reported that the city has identified and has been working with a potential end user of the property who would construct a new office building on the site. To facilitate the city’s future sale or lease of the property, staff recommended the property be transferred to the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), which would require council to hold a public hearing. He requested the public hearing be held at the August 27 city council meeting.

    Kennedy said at the August 13 Council meeting that the cost of razing the structure was not included in the purchase price. He said that, “…razing the structure will be expensive and the city is currently working with our state legislators and the Cincinnati Port Authority to seek funding assistance.”

    Ordinance 2024-64, authorizing the purchase was adopted by a vote of 7-0.

  • The Covid-19 Summer Wave Is So Big, the FDA Might Release New Vaccines Early

    The Covid-19 Summer Wave Is So Big, the FDA Might Release New Vaccines Early

    Report from Wired Magazine’s Beth Mole, Ars Technica

    With the US experiencing a relatively large summer wave of Covid-19, the Food and Drug Administration is considering signing off on this year’s strain-matched Covid-19 vaccines as soon as this week, according to a report by CNN that cited unnamed officials familiar with the matter.

    Last year, the FDA gave the green light for the 2023–24 Covid shots on September 11, close to the peak of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in that year’s summer wave. This year, the summer wave began earlier and, by some metrics, is peaking at much higher levels than in previous years.

    Read on at Wired Magazine…

  • Watch promo video of Loveland Arts Festival coming September 7

    Watch promo video of Loveland Arts Festival coming September 7

    Loveland, Ohio – Whistle Stop Clay Works will be hosting another fantastic assortment of fine artists at their Loveland Arts Festival in Historic Downtown on the bank of O’Bannon Creek. Stop out on Saturday, September 7 from 11 AM to 4 PM, meet some amazing artists and get a jump on your holiday shopping.

  • Yost Seeks Freeze on EPA emissions rule

    Yost Seeks Freeze on EPA emissions rule

    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a federal rule that forces states and power plants to comply with “unrealistic” and “unlawful” regulations targeting air pollution.

    In a filing with the court, Yost and the attorney general of Kansas oppose a recent Environmental Protection Agency rule that gives coal-fired power plants an ultimatum: Capture and store 90% of carbon emissions or shut down within eight years.

    “The EPA has resorted to ‘take it or leave it’ tactics to force its climate agenda on states and their power industries,” Yost said. “Protecting the air we breathe shouldn’t cost us our rights.”

    The attorneys general assert that the EPA lacks authority under the Clean Air Act to impose such regulations, noting a court ruling in a separate case that blocked the agency from forcing power plants to shift from fossil-fuel power to other types of energy.

    The EPA is taking an indirect approach to achieve the same unlawful outcome, the filing says, by giving states and power plants “impossible choices” that inevitably favor the agency’s climate agenda and strip states of their rights.

    Under the rule, the filing says, the EPA presents power plants with the no-win option to either risk billions of dollars on unproven emissions technology to meet unachievable benchmarks or shut down.

    Likewise, states can choose to immediately expend significant resources to comply with a rule that is likely to prove illegal or stand by as the federal government infringes on their sovereignty, the attorney generals write.

    In July, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit allowed the EPA’s rule to take effect as legal challenges continue. Yost and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach seek a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court to put a hold on the rule while the case proceeds.

  • Realtor Ellie Kowalchik makes national TV debut on the American Dream Network Saturday

    Realtor Ellie Kowalchik makes national TV debut on the American Dream Network Saturday

    Loveland, Ohio – Realtor Ellie Kowalchik, with the Keller Williams Pinnacle Group will make her national TV debut on the American Dream Network Saturday, August 24th.

    Featuring the beautiful town of Loveland, Ohio, along with some of Ellie’s local favorites such as Loveland Paddlesports Fishing, The Works Pizza, and Narrow Path Brewing.

     

    The American Dream is a national television show highlighting lifestyle and real estate all around the country.

    You can watch the American Dream TV on Amazon Prime, TUBI, HGTV, Travel Channel, Apple TV, ROKU, and more, this Saturday.

    ____________________

    Ellie Kowalchik

    Ellie Kowalchik leads the Move2 Team and has been a consistent sales leader in the Cincinnati market for over 20 years. Her original real estate license dates back to New York State in the late 1980’s.  After “surviving” five corporate moves, Ellie settled permanently in the Loveland area in 2001 with her husband and three daughters. She quickly began building a top-notch team to serve clients in the greater Cincinnati area, bringing a special understanding to the needs of both buyers and sellers from her personal experiences with multiple moves.

    Ellie and her associates take professionalism and exemplary customer service to the next level. A multi-million dollar producer and company sales leader, Ellie holds the advanced designations of Seller Representative Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist, as well as e-Pro with a focus on technology. Her comprehensive knowledge of real estate conditions and trends enables her to provide outstanding results for her clients. Working with sellers requires market knowledge, a strong sales plan, effective marketing and firm negotiations to successfully close their home for its optimum price. Buyers need a representative who knows the area, knows its homes, understands financing options, and can negotiate firmly and fairly in their quest for the right property. Ellie’s multifaceted approach ensures her clients receive unparalleled service and expertise. She leads the way as the Move2 Team utilizes their knowledge, energy, and the latest technology to guide clients through every step of even the most complex real estate transactions.

  • Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center Warns of ‘tranq-dope,’ ‘benzo-dope’ in Ohio’s Illicit Drug Supply

    Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center Warns of ‘tranq-dope,’ ‘benzo-dope’ in Ohio’s Illicit Drug Supply

    Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) released a public safety bulletin today alerting Ohioans to an increasing number of illicit drug samples found to contain mixtures of powerful drugs that can cause overdoses and/or skin wounds.

    ONIC reported that drug testing labs across Ohio recorded an eight-fold increase in drug samples containing mixtures of “tranq-dope” (opioids and sedatives) and more than double the number of samples containing mixtures of “benzo-dope” (opioids and benzodiazepines) between 2021 and 2023 as compared to the three years prior. These drug mixtures have been identified in several forms, including counterfeit pills, powder, and rocks.

    Sedatives and benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and muscle relaxation while also lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Opioids such as fentanyl cause significant respiratory depression, which often is the primary cause of death in opioid-related drug poisoning cases.

    Most of today’s illicit drug mixtures are extremely potent, which can make life-saving efforts more difficult.  From 2017–2022, 58% of drug poisoning deaths in Ohio involved a mixture of illicit drugs.

    “Part of the reason to issue this bulletin is the fact that naloxone may be less effective for someone experiencing an overdose caused by tranq-dope or benzo-dope,” said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC Executive Director. “Reversing the effects of a drug poisoning in those cases may require multiple doses of naloxone. These are extremely dangerous drug mixtures, and every Ohioan needs to be aware of the danger.”

    Common drugs often mixed with tranq-dope or benzo-dope in Ohio include:

    • Opioids such as fentanyl/fentanyl analogues, heroin, nitazenes, and oxycodone.
    • Sedatives such as xylazine, medetomidine, ketamine, and detomidine.
    • Benzodiazepines such as bromazolam, alprazolam, clonazepam, and flualprazolam.

    Launched by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, ONIC is a specialized criminal intelligence unit that works to assist local law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. ONIC’s criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists provide investigative, analytical, and digital forensic support to local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces throughout Ohio.

    To report a drug tip to ONIC, please call 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642). Information about how to access naloxone, the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, and fentanyl test strips is available by visiting naloxone.ohio.gov.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/onic_Benzo_Tranq_Dope_Public_Bulletin_Final.pdf”]

     

  • University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s part of statewide mental health research initiative

    University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s part of statewide mental health research initiative

    News release from UC News

    SOAR Study to identify risk and resiliency factors to improve behavioral health outcomes

    headshot of Tim TedeschiBy Tim Tedeschi

     

    The University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are part of a collaborative research initiative designed to identify contributors to the ongoing epidemic of persistent emotional distress, suicide and drug overdose in the state of Ohio.

    The SOAR Study investigates the role of underlying biological, psychological and social factors.

    The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is funding this statewide research project with an initial $20 million grant. Like other areas of the country, Ohio has seen a rise in mental illness, suicide and deaths related to drug overdose over the past decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these problems.

    “The causes of these diseases remain largely a mystery to clinical experts and the public,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, director of OhioMHAS. “The SOAR Study has the potential to help future generations better understand risk factors, effective mitigation strategies and techniques to build resiliency — in short, the study has the potential to curb disease and save lives.”

    SOAR is studying Ohioans in their local communities, using an integrated “bring science to the people” approach. It is creating a statewide medical research and development ecosystem to drive continued advances in mental health, substance use prevention and treatment interventions.

    The SOAR Study has two parallel but connected projects.

    Better understanding biomarkers of risk and resilience among Cincinnatians is in line with our department’s vision to advance the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders. – Cal Adler, MD

    Focusing on breadth, the SOAR Wellness Discovery Survey is engaging as many as 15,000 people across all 88 Ohio counties. Researchers want to uncover how strengths and skills may be related to overcoming adversity. Those strengths will inform researchers about which factors to focus on to develop new treatments. This portion is underway, with more than 300,000 postcards mailed out to residents statewide.

    Focusing on depth, the SOAR Brain Health Study will comprehensively study as many as 3,600 Ohioans in family groups to examine the biological, psychological and social factors that help explain response to adversity, with longer-term goals of personalizing individual care.

    The SOAR Study will engage a multidisciplinary team of experts from UC and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University, Central State University, Kent State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Case Western/University Hospital-Cleveland, Ohio University, University of Toledo and Wright State University.

    CALEB ADLER WITH UC LAB COAT PSYCHIATRY
    Cal Adler, MD. Photo/University of Cincinnati.

    Faculty and staff in UC’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience will enroll approximately 500 Ohioans who will complete study procedures such as MRIs, EEGs, neuropsychological assessments, biospecimen collection and questionnaires.

    “Better understanding biomarkers of risk and resilience among Cincinnatians is in line with our department’s vision to advance the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders,” said Cal Adler, MD, professor, vice chair of research, co-director of the Division of Bipolar Disorders Research, director of the Center for Imaging Research in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at UC’s College of Medicine and a UC Health physician. “We have already begun to enroll Ohio families and anticipate engaging over 200 participants over the next year.”

    “This important SOAR Study builds on our long-standing academic health mission, and we are proud to champion this vital research to help all Ohioans,” said John J. Warner, MD, chief executive officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State. “Mental health care is health care, and this study will help us inform prevention and treatment strategies to advance patient-centered care and influence the way we train our future care providers.”

    Leaders of the study say SOAR aims to do for addiction, mental illness and mental health what Framingham Heart Study researchers did for heart disease and heart health. Launched in 1948, the multigenerational Framingham Heart Study has enrolled more than 15,000 study participants over 75 years, resulting in major life-saving advancements about heart disease risk factors.

    “Our approach with the SOAR Study will allow us to identify the factors that can be modified to reduce risk and build resilience,” said SOAR Study principal investigator K. Luan Phan, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State. “We won’t be able to ‘bend the curve’ on the growing number of deaths of despair, such as those from addiction and suicide, until we go upstream to better understand their etiology. SOAR is the first statewide, multigenerational comprehensive study in the nation that will offer a new roadmap for developing better treatments and cures that will improve and save lives.”

    Impact Lives Here

    The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city’s direction. Next Lives Here.

    If you are interested in participating in this study, please reach out to the UC study coordinator, Rachel, at 513-558-5319.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

  • Loveland Art Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7

    Loveland Art Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Art Festival is being held on Saturday, September 7 from 11am until 4pm at Whistle Stop Clay Works, 119 Harrison Avenue in Loveland, Ohio. The show highlights local artists from a wide variety of genres, including pottery, fiber art, photographs, jewelry, paintings, wood working, mixed media, fresh flowers, and much more.

    A beautiful wood turned bottle by artist David Wright will be available at the Loveland Art Festival

    It’s not too soon to start thinking about holiday shopping, and this is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists with some unique, handcrafted purchases for friends and loved ones.

    This family friendly event will have an El Vaquero food truck to keep shoppers fueled and hydrated.  There will be free raffles and live music by local musician, Ellen Mershon.

    “It’s going to be another amazing show.  There will be over seventy artists showing their work.  The Loveland Art Festival offers tremendous variety and selection, so you’re sure to find something that just right for you or someone on your shopping list,” commented Bonnie McNett, show organizer. “The setting is just perfect with lots of expansive shade trees and the beautiful O’Bannon Creek ambling by,” she added.

    Hand crafted earrings by jeweler Missy Martin will be available at the Loveland Art Festival

    The Loveland Art Festival will be a juried show this year with monetary prizes for winning artists. There will also be a ‘People’s Choice Award’ where the winner will be determined by public voting. Also new this year are free, reusable shopping totes that will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

    “Prairie Dance”, a painting by Matthew Klooster will be available at the Loveland Art Festival

    The show will be supporting two local non-profits: Angels by the Trail and the Loveland Legacy Foundation. They will have educational material and raffles that will go directly to fund their organizations. In addition, the show will have a booth featuring high school art students who will be displaying, talking about and selling their work.  The Loveland Art Festival has partnered with Loveland High School for four years and is pleased to facilitate this real world experience for art students looking to sell their work.

    The Loveland Art Festival is being held at Whistle Stop Clay Works, 119 Harrison Avenue just north of historic, downtown Loveland on Saturday, September 7th from 11 AM until 4 PM.  For a list of participating artists and a map of the venue visit lovelandartfestival.com or call (513) 683-2529 for additional information.