News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
Today Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution requiring the public to wear face masks.
Already, the Springfield City Commission requires a face mask. Dayton became the first major city in Ohio to require masks by law. Similarly, Yellow Springs passed a resolution and Bexley passed a local ordinance requiring masks.
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DeWine said it is “the state’s strong recommendation” that children from the third grade on wear face masks, but maintained that local control for school districts will be in place as reopenings begin.
“A great deal of flexibility is allowed, as it should be,” DeWine said in his Thursday COVID-19 press conference.
The governor announced that the Ohio Department of Education published a 36-page planning guide that includes recommendations on everything testing to field trips and recess precautions.
The guidance is specifically noted as “not mandatory” in the documents and emphasized the need for schools and districts to develop and implement their own protocols, while using the information provided by local and state health departments.
“Planning teams should include school leaders, local health department officials, local school board members, educators, education support professionals, school health professionals, parents, students, community partners and local business leaders,” the planning documents stated.
In developing coronavirus related-protocols, DeWine said before anyone enters a school facility, parents and school officials should “vigilantly assess” symptoms, and take the temperatures of everyone coming into the schools. In the guidance, outside individuals such as delivery personnel, student teachers and faculty of student teachers are all treated the same as official school personnel.
The Loveland District is currently working on models for reopening school in the fall, “which can be adjusted based on the pending guidance from state and local health agencies.”
The planning guide said flare-ups are considered “expected” by state officials, and warns that school buildings may need to close in the event of said flare-up.
Schools were told to work with local health departments to develop a testing strategy, thoroughly clean and sanitize schools, and teach and practice social distancing and hand-washing.
Social distancing in places like school buses will be more difficult, and DeWine said as much distance as is possible will benefit students and staff.
“(Specific measurements of distance is) all relative and it’s somewhat arbitrary,” DeWine said. “But the more distance you can have the better.”
Face coverings are required by staff unless it is unsafe or if doing so “could interfere with the learning process,” DeWine said on Thursday.
Ohio Federation of Teachers Executive Director Melissa Cropper appreciated the moves by the governor, but said the OFT worries about the financial demands of the new protocols.
“We are concerned that local governments and school districts will have to make decisions about the governor’s recommendations at a time when they are anticipating budget crunches and beginning to make spending cuts,” Cropper said in a statement.
DeWine said it “is not right for me or (other departments) to micromanage” school buildings or districts.
The governor did say he plans to meet with House Speaker Larry Householder, Senate President Larry Obhof, and minority leaders to discuss extra funding, along with the use of CARES Act funding.
Cropper said schools would benefit from HEROES Act funding as well, a bank of about $2 billion in monies for K-12 education, but the act is still awaiting U.S. Senate consideration after passing the House.
The guidance comes as the state faces continual growth in coronavirus cases, and data showing that cases are passed through the individuals within the area. DeWine noted that 80% of confirmed cases in Montgomery County have been linked to community spread.
The Public Health Advisory Alert System is a color-coded system designed to supplement existing statewide orders through a data-driven framework to assess the degree of the virus’ spread and to engage and empower individuals, businesses, communities, local governments, and others in their response and actions.
The system consists of four levels that provide Ohioans with guidance as to the severity of the problem in the counties in which they live. The levels are determined by seven data indicators that identify the risk level for each county and a corresponding color code to represent that risk level.
Columbus, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine Thursday declared that “We’re in a crisis S/state in Ohio.” He was speaking at a COVID 10 news briefing in Columbus.
The Ohio Capital Journal reported yesterday:
The governor dithered. The state legislature said no way.
So on Tuesday, the Springfield City Commission took it upon itself to pass a resolution (which lacks the force of law) calling for all residents to cover their faces while indoors, a practice research says will slow the spread of COVID-19 through Ohio.
By Wednesday, Dayton became the first major city in Ohio to require masks by law. Similarly, Yellow Springs passed a resolution and Bexley passed a local ordinance requiring masks.
“The mask is a symbol of freedom,” said David Estrop, a Springfield city commissioner, at a hearing, echoing comments from the governor. “It allows us to continue to reopen this state, yet do so in a way that’s safe.”
By Wednesday, Dayton became the first major city in Ohio to require masks by law. Similarly, Yellow Springs passed a resolution and Bexley passed a local ordinance requiring masks.
On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health reported more than 1,000 new cases, the first time that stat has reached quadruple digits since officials mass-tested inmates in three state prisons in late April. Wednesday marks 16 days of the coronavirus accelerating its spread, as measured by the 10-day average new caseload.
Despite the worsening coronavirus outlook in Ohio and nationwide, state lawmakers continue to whip up anti-mask fervor. While Gov. Mike DeWine encourages everyone to wear masks, he has refrained from issuing any statewide mandate as the national epidemic worsens and states pause their economic re-openings.
DeWine demurs
In April, Gov. Mike DeWine took a hardline stance on masks, saying they’d be the only way business can reopen after he lifted the stay-at-home order.
Facing pressure from fellow Republican officeholders, he reversed after he realized how “offended” people were by the concept.
Last week, referencing worsening outbreaks in Montgomery and Hamilton counties, DeWine floated the idea of implementing a mask mandate on a county-by-county basis.
However, he has yet to issue any such order. A spokesman declined to say whether DeWine will announce any mask requirement at his next briefing.
In a statement Wednesday, DeWine applauded Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a Democrat, for requiring the use of face coverings.
“Wearing a mask will allow us to help keep businesses open and help prevent further spikes,” he said. “I encourage other communities to consider following Dayton’s lead.”
Voted down
Where masks have found friends in the public health community and Ohio cities, they found enemies in the GOP-controlled state General Assembly.
Where masks have found friends in the public health community and Ohio cities, they found enemies in the GOP-controlled state General Assembly.
Both the Speaker of the House and the Senate President have refused to wear masks at legislative functions.
House leadership voted down a requirement in May that lawmakers and staff wear masks at the Capitol. With exceptions, masks have fallen along party lines — Democrats wear them and Republicans do not.
In a Facebook post last week, Rep. Jon Cross, R-Kenton, campaigned on refusing to wear masks, let alone supporting legislation requiring them.
“It’s my RIGHT not to wear a mask, and I do NOT support a government that tries to quarantine the healthy,” he wrote.
Rep. Nino Vitale, R-Urbana, takes to social media regularly to promote baseless conspiracy theories about masks limiting blood oxygen or how they “force virus into the brain.”
Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown criticizes Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for distributing masks to Ohio businesses.
Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown, produced a Facebook video June 25 criticizing Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for distributing masks to Ohio businesses.
Despite the lawmakers’ claims, research suggests masks are an effective, inexpensive and non-invasive way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
An early June study published in The Lancet, a premier medical journal, analyzed 172 observational studies to gauge the efficacy of mitigation strategies. Researchers found wearing face masks results in a “large reduction” in the risk of infection.
![[VIDEO] LHS grad Hakim Oliver keynotes BLM March in Mason](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/blm-mason-.jpg)
Mason, Ohio – Hakim Oliver graduated from Loveland High School in 1999. He then graduated from Bowling Green State University and is now an intervention specialist working with Seniors at Mason High School.
On June 20 two Mason Alumni put on the BLM Mason March starting at Pine Hill Lakes Park in Mason going to the municipal building that drew thousands. The protest march with petition signing and speakers was to, “…stand in solidarity with our Black community members in their struggle for justice.” Their goals were to raise funds to support social justice, racial equality, protesters, and other facets of the Black Lives Matter movement.
After the protest march, Oliver approached leaders at Mason City Hall with the idea of holding community conversations in Mason Community Exposure – Bridging Stories. They accepted and embraced the idea. Oliver said, “This is a collaboration with the City of Mason and I’m looking forward to building relationships.”
Mason has announced the community conversations by saying:
Sponsored by the City of Mason and in partnership with Mr. Hakim Oliver this program is intended to facilitate positive intergroup interaction and discussion recognizing individuals are different from others and how we together create a community.
This four part series includes a panel discussion, public input, engagement and interaction helping increase participants perspective by listening and mentally walking in someone else’s shoes. The program aligns with Mason’s mission for building a culture of wellness in the community by helping elevate morale, respect differences, and give a voice to the community.
Community Exposure – Bridging Stories! participants meet each Wednesday July 15 through August 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Mason Municipal Center located at 6000 Mason Montgomery Road.
Space is limited. Register Here!
Oliver has since approached Loveland City Hall for their support of similar community forums.
BLM Mason Demands for Change
Today we stand in solidarity with our Black community members in their struggle for justice. On May 25th, 2020 George Floyd was yet another victim of police brutality against the Black community in America. His death following those of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, and Tony McDade sparked a nationwide demand for racial equality. However, our community has largely stayed silent on such issues despite the international outrage that followed. Times like these are when a community must show its character, and for that reason we have organized a peaceful demonstration to achieve the following:
Goals for protest:
Raise funds to support social justice, racial equality, protestors, and other facets of the Black Lives Matter Movement
Sign petitions to further racial equality and protest safety in America
Demands:
Loveland, Ohio – The full Planning Commission of the Loveland City School District will meet tonight via ZOOM/Youtube. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM.
The July 1 Meeting will be livestreamed remotely via Zoom at the following link: https://youtu.be/9EWbcQixBng
Warren Winning
Finance Subcommittee
Tasked with investigating opportunities for Loveland City Schools to increase income that does not raise local property taxes and researching effective practices in reducing expenditures. Members include:
Donel Autin
Brad Goldie
Matthew Hammer
Jill Jones
Craig Lewis
Nathan Libby
Lynn Mangan
Kirk McCracken
School Improvement/Student Experience Subcommittee
Tasked with understanding the current school improvement process and providing input to goals, benchmarks, and comparison districts for the implementation of the Portrait of a Tiger while optimizing our current resources. Members include:
Susan Craig
Lisa Saletta
Alexander Topala
Lindsey Willmann
Natasha Young
Hamilton County, Ohio – On Tuesday Hamilton County Commissioner Victoria Parks unveiled a resolution to declare Racism a Public Health Crisis.
The resolution was introduced at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
President and COO of the Center, Woodrow Keown, Jr., spoke in support of the resolution:
At 1 PM Thursday the Commission will hold a Hearing to consider the Resolution “Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis”.
You can watch the meeting live or comment on the business the Board will be considering. Scroll to the bottom of this page to view the complete agenda for Thursday’s meeting.
The public is urged to view the commission meetings live on television or online using the following stations/platforms:
TV Channels: televised LIVE on the cable system in ICRC communities on Spectrum channel 4 and Cin. Bell channel 834.
If you would like to join the Commission Meeting to comment during the public comment portion of the meeting please login using the link below.
When: Jul 2, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Hamilton County Virtual Commission Meeting
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87003656596?pwd=L3NkM3d5UHhTR0ZobkdFVkluMVhyUT09
Password: 687150
| Virtual Regular Meeting
Hamilton County, Ohio July 2, 2020
|
NOTICE
In order to keep the public and employees safe during the COVID-19 outbreak, Hamilton County Commissioners are holding commission meetings virtually. The public is urged to view the commission meetings live on television or online using the following stations/platforms:
TV Channels: televised LIVE on the cable system in ICRC communities on Spectrum channel 4 and Cin. Bell channel 834.
If you would like to join the Commission Meeting to comment during the public comment portion of the meeting please login using the link below.
When: Jul 2, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Hamilton County Virtual Commission Meeting
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87003656596?pwd=L3NkM3d5UHhTR0ZobkdFVkluMVhyUT09
Password: 687150
| Meeting Convenes |
| Call to Order
1:00 PM |
| Silent Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance |
| Approval of the minutes of the previous session |
| Public Comments |
| Comments/Motions |
| Commissioner Summerow Dumas |
| Commissioner Parks |
| Commissioner Driehaus |
| Jeff Aluotto |
| Public Hearings 1:15 PM |
| Hearing to consider the 2020 Municipal Road Fund Program |
| Hearing to consider a Resolution Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis |
| Executive Sessions |
| Executive Session pursuant to RC Section 121.22(G) (3) to conduct a conference with an attorney to discuss pending litigation.
Roger Friedmann |
| Regular Agenda Items |
| 2. | Resolution authorizing a first amendment to a consulting agreement with Brandstetter Carroll, Inc., for the improvement of Shady Lane and Bridgetown Road.
Project No. 501409 $10,200 |
| MSD | 7. | 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program Programmatic Contingency Amendment
Resolutions approving and adopting an amended 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program and appropriating additional funds. $2.8M |
| 8. | Citizen Petition for Local Public Sewer Improvement, Union Cemetery Road property owner polling results.
100% support |
| 9. | Sanitary Sewer No. 7032, Union Cemetery Road Local Sewer (Hns – 9310 – 9350)
Resolutions amending the MSD Capital Improvement Program to add a project; authorizing the preparation of detailed plans, specifications, estimate of cost, tentative assessment and/or other relevant documents and appropriating funds for design phase services and related expenses. $16,500.00 |
| Consent Agenda Items |
| Commission Administration | 10. | Budget Adjustment No. 23 $8,500 for grants in the Court of Common Pleas and Prosecutor’s office. |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| 11. | Resolution No. 14 authorizing execution of $128,700 lease agreement between Developmental Disabilities Services and Toward Independence, Inc. |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| 14. | Bid awards and contracts authorized or executed by the Purchasing Department for the month of May, 2020. |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to confirm the actions and enter of record. . . |
| 15. | Resolution approving agreement with Universal Contracting Corporation for the Banks Phase 3B- Race Street Promenade.
$3,567,174 |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| 16. | Resolution authorizing update to the agreement with THP for architect/engineer services related to The Banks Public Infrastructure Development.
$273,500. |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt. . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt . . . |
| Administrative Recommendation is for the Board to adopt |
| By Leave Items |
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland has always been known as a community that gives back, and ALWAYS takes care of the youth. Over the past few months many have been fighting for the Loveland School levy because, without the appropriate funds, Tiger student-athletes have to “pay-to-play.”
Recently two Loveland School levies failed, leaving both Tiger student-athletes and their parents at a stand-still. Now those Tigers wanting to participate in a sport will have to pay $310. This did not sit well with Loveland Tiger advocate, Tori Morrison, so with the approval of the Loveland Athletic Booster Board she created a Facebook group that would help those athletes that could not afford to pay the sports fees.
“We have had three children graduate from Loveland schools – Ashlei (03), Chelsei (10), and Ben (20). My kids have been involved in soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, football, lacrosse, yearbook, drama, and choir,” Morrison said, “Over the years I have been a team mom for various sports and most recently organized and planned the Homecoming Parade for the last six years. When my son graduated I decided I was ready to become involved in a different way and decided to run for the Loveland Athletic Booster Board.”
Morrison says that the newly created Facebook Group “Loveland Athletic Boosters” is focusing on raising money for the student-athletes that may not be able to afford the pay-to-play fees.
“We want to share information and we encourage everyone to spread the word,” Morrison said, “The more people that join the group the more Tigers we can help! We want everyone to get a chance to play regardless of their financial situation. It’s going to be really tough for some families to pay the now $310 pay to play fee. Some athletes won’t be able to play at all and others will be forced to pick one sport where they used to be able to play two or three.” Many, many families have more than one child that will want to participate in a sport.
Thus far Morrison told us that the entire Loveland Athletic Boosters (LAB) Board is behind the fundraising efforts including, President Jeff Williams, Vice President Rich Myklebust, Treasurer Stephanie Bashardoust, and Secretary Stacey Lund. Soon LAB will be offering Business Memberships which would be a first for the Board.
I asked Morrison if the new Facebook Group would be holding any fundraising events and she said they are ALWAYS searching for new ideas and ways to raise money. The LAB’s do in fact have some awesome events planned that they hope will bring in a lot of funds for Tiger Student-Athletes.
“Our annual Golf Outing is July 27 at O’Bannon Creek Golf Club.
The Membership drive kicks off on July 1 and fall student-athletes will be selling discount cards that will be good at local restaurants and businesses,” Morrison said, “We will also be having like we do every year in January our Tiger Ball. One hundred percent of the money from these events will go towards helping our student-athletes with fees, gear, and anything else they need.”
Here at Loveland Magazine we encourage everyone to join the Loveland Athletic Boosters Facebook Group and support the Tiger student-athletes!
The group added Venmo so that it makes it easier to donate.
You may also comment on the FB page to adopt a Tiger. To learn more about how you can get involved with helping Loveland’s Student-Athletes compete in sports visit the Loveland Athletic Booster Facebook Page or check their website at www.lovelandathleticboosters.com.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again for the Annual “Stuff the Cruiser” Food Drive sponsored by the Loveland Police Division and the Loveland Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association!
The food drive is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th at the Loveland Kroger store from 9 AM until 1 PM. There will be many smiling volunteers set up outside Kroger to accept all donations. The donations that are collected will be taken to LIFE Food Pantry where they will be both sorted and dated.
LIFE Food Pantry volunteer, Connie Rotterman is more than excited for this particular food drive because there have been so few since February in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This food drive will really help fill our pantry shelves and feed the over 300 families in Loveland that depend on LIFE Food Pantry each month for food,” Rotterman said.
If you would like to provide over 300 families with the food they need please take a few minutes out of your day to stop by Loveland Kroger on July 18th between 9 AM and 1 PM to donate food items!
From the office of Ohio Congressman Brad Wenstrup:
As a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating exceptional young people for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy, known collectively as the U.S. Service Academies. My office also works with students interested in the Coast Guard Academy. The U.S. Service Academies offer opportunities for motivated young men and women to serve their country while receiving an excellent education and developing valuable leadership skills. In place of tuition, the Academies require military service after graduation.
If you’re interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy, check out the resources below. If you have any questions, please contact Annie Cummins in my Cincinnati District Office: (513) 474-7777.
Admission to the U.S. Service Academies is highly competitive and selective, as is the process of securing a nomination. Here are some things to consider on your pathway to a nomination and, ultimately, admission to an Academy:
Academic Achievement:
The U.S. Military Academies are looking for candidates who have a strong record of academic achievement. Your high school GPA and class rank are important indicators of your academic record, as are the kinds of courses you take. Consider taking more challenging courses (like AP/Honors classes, math and science classes, etc.) whenever possible.
Leadership and Service:
Candidates for the Academies must demonstrate outstanding leadership both in and outside of the classroom. Participating in extracurricular activities like athletics, clubs, and community service organizations can help you develop and hone your leadership skills.
Summer Programs:
The U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy each offer a variety of summer programs for prospective applicants. Participating in one or more of these programs is a great way to become acquainted with life at the Academies. Click on the links below to learn more about these opportunities.
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
The Summer Leaders Experience
Sports Camps
STEM Programs
U.S. Air Force Academy
Summer Seminar
Sports Camps
U.S. Naval Academy
Summer Seminar
Summer STEM Program
Sports Camps
Academy Day
Interested in joining a service academy?
Stay tuned for upcoming Academy Day dates.
Applying for an Academy Nomination
To be considered for a nomination to one of the United States Service Academies for the graduating class of 2025, your application must be received by the Cincinnati District Office by 5:00 p.m. on September 25th, 2020. Your completed file must contain the following:
High School Transcript – Transcript must include all course work, GPA, and class rank.
Standardized Test Scores – Please provide official scores from the ACT or SAT, or both, as reflected on a school transcript or in official documentation from ACT or SAT.
High School Recommendation – Please provide a letter of recommendation written by your Guidance Counselor or High School Principal.
Letters of Recommendation – Please provide 2 additional letters of recommendation.
Community & School Activity List – Please list all school, athletic, and community activities and other significant accomplishments/awards.
Essay – Please provide an essay (300 words or less) outlining why you want to attend a United States Service Academy and then serve in the military as a commissioned officer.
Interview – All applicants will be required to attend an interview session conducted by our Academy Panel. Dates, times, and locations will be determined at a later date.
Photograph – Please provide a current 5×7 photograph.
Deadline – Send the above information by September 25, 2020.
The nomination materials referenced above are SEPARATE AND DISTINCT from the application materials you must submit directly to the Academies.
Please make sure to also begin your pre-candidate file with each Academy to which you plan to make application.
Click here to access my office’s 2020 Academy Nomination Application form.
Click Here To Sign Up Now! to be a Memember of the Loveland Athletic Boosters