Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: Columbus

  • OHSAA Confirms Cancellation of Spring Sports

    OHSAA Confirms Cancellation of Spring Sports

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) informed member schools, including the Loveland City School District Monday, April 20th, that Spring sports would officially be canceled. This decision was made after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced earlier the same day that school facilities would remain closed for the rest of the academic year due to the coronavirus COVID-19.

    OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass sent out a memo confirming to school administrators following Governor DeWine’s press conference about the Spring sports cancellation. For weeks, the OHSAA communicated that if schools remained closed for the year Spring sports would be canceled as well. Of course, there were several reasons that went into the final decision of Spring sports being canceled, one of the main reasons being that it would be nearly impossible to ensure the health and safety of all individuals and support personnel involved in practices and contests at all member schools.

    OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass

    “As we have stated in our previous communications, today’s announcement by Governor DeWine to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year also will now result in the cancellation of OHSAA-sponsored spring sports seasons including tournaments,” Snodgrass wrote Monday.

    The OHSAA’s mandatory no-contact period for all interscholastic sports will remain in effect until at least May 3, and could in fact be extended until a later date. Coaches and school administrators have been encouraged to have non-mandatory electronic and online communications with their student-athletes during the no-contact period. The closure of school facilities includes all athletic facilities for any interscholastic training, practice, or competition.

    In an interview Monday afternoon, Snodgrass reflected on the unprecedented times that the pandemic has brought to the nation and the impact it has had on schools and interscholastic athletics.

    “I’ve heard from so many people who have said ‘You really need to understand what this means to our kids,’” Snodgrass said during the interview. “I’m a parent. I was a coach. I grew up every day as a player and a coach wanting to play high school sports and get to the state tournament. So I do think I understand that. I also have to go with the fact that my number one concern that I have, over everything, is the health and safety of everyone involved. It’s not just our student-athletes. It’s the parents, coaches, umpires, officials, the scorekeepers. All those things enter into this. It’s a tough decision and it’s one that I and all the other Executive Directors of the other states never thought we would have to do. Never did I think this would be the case, but I’ve tried to be as prepared as I could every step of the way.”

    Snodgrass also addressed the Summer and the start of Fall sports in the interview

    “July is a very physical month for our student-athletes entering fall sports, so we have already started looking at, if this continues through the summer, we’ll have the potential of having a lot of kids who haven’t had the physical activity that they would normally have going into a fall season. So for the health and safety of everyone, we have to look at the acclimation periods going into the fall, if that happens. We have to be prepared for that. We’re also talking about that if this does go through the summer, what is the likelihood that a student can get in to get a physical (annual medical exam). We have a sports medicine advisory group that is looking at that. They are looking at all aspects such as whether artificial surfaces need to be treated. We are relying on the advice of experts in our decision making.”

    The OHSAA said that they will continue to communicate throughout the Spring and during the Summer regarding any adjustments to OHSAA’s off-season regulations, academic eligibility standards, sports medicine updates, and more. STAY TUNED!

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  • Duke Energy Convention Center selected for “Enhanced Hospital Capacity” other local COVID 19 news

    Duke Energy Convention Center selected for “Enhanced Hospital Capacity” other local COVID 19 news

    Ohio’s new stay at home order goes into effect at midnight tonight.

    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic this afternoon. 

    HOSPITAL CAPACITY 

    The announcement said that Ohio must double its hospital capacity due to the oncoming COVID-19 surge, Ohio has developed a plan to expand healthcare services at alternative sites in addition to the traditional medical care facilities. Representatives from health care systems, local governments, county emergency management agencies, state agencies, the Ohio National Guard, among others, examined buildings across the state that could support large numbers of patients.

    The following sites have been selected based on considerations such as distance to an existing hospital, conditions safe for patients and health care professionals, and space to meet the region’s expected needs, including the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati.

    1. Seagate Convention Center, Lucas County
    2. Case Western University’s Health Education Campus, Cuyahoga County
    3. Dayton Convention Center, Montgomery County
    4. Covelli Convention Center, Mahoning County
    5. Duke Energy Convention Center, Hamilton County
    6. Greater Columbus Convention Center, Franklin County

    These facilities would be used for the mildly ill, while the sickest patients will be housed in traditional hospitals.

    Assessments of other sites will continue if needed.

    The press release from the Governor’s office said that health care regions in southern and southeastern Ohio have determined the existing hospital facilities in their areas will, with additional equipment, be capable to handle a surge in patients without going to an off-site location.

    OHIO NATIONAL GUARD TO ASSIST FEDERAL PRISON

    Governor DeWine announced that he has authorized the Ohio National Guard to assist federal authorities in the Elkton Federal Correctional Institution in Columbiana County where seven inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, and three inmates have died from the disease.

    “To be clear, this is not a state facility, it is a federal prison – but, this prison is in Ohio. Ohio citizens work there, and their families live here,” said Governor DeWine. “As we’ve said for weeks, we’re all in this together, and providing state help for this federal prison is the right thing to do.”

    The Ohio National Guard’s mission will be focused on providing medical assistance. They will not be armed, nor will they be providing security.

    The guardsmen and women will assist in the prison’s infirmary with non-COVID-19 cases and with patients who are showing symptoms of the disease. These soldiers, who all work in the medical field, will have N-95 respirators for protection while they work to augment the current prison medical staff. They will treat those they can and triage others with serious symptoms for hospital care.

    The guard also stands ready to help with transporting the seriously ill patients to the hospital in the event of a surge of sick inmates. In addition to staff, the guard will bring equipment and ambulances with them as well.

    Governor DeWine also requested that the Federal Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Department of Justice cease accepting new inmates at the facility.

    DISPUTE RESOLUTION 

    Lt. Governor Husted announced that the administration’s Dispute Resolution Commission, which was initially announced last week, is now prepared to receive submissions from essential businesses as well as county health departments.

    The panel, which includes Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sheryl Maxfield, Development Services Agency Director Lydia Mihalik, and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo, will specifically seek to resolve disputes when two county health departments disagree on whether a type of business should or should not be deemed essential during the state of emergency. The purpose of the commission is to provide clarity and ensure that similarly-situated businesses are treated fairly, regardless of which side of a county line they operate.

    For more information, visit Coronavirus.Ohio.gov/BusinessHelp and select the “Businesses & Nonprofits” tab for more information.

    REMINDER – NEW STAY AT HOME ORDER

    Ohio’s new stay at home order goes into effect at midnight tonight. You can find the full order at coronavirus.ohio.gov.

    Retailers will be required to determine a maximum number of customers allowed in the store to account for proper physical distancing. That number must also be displayed at the businesses’ entrances.

    REMINDER – SNOWBIRDS MUST SELF-QUARANTINE 

    Governor DeWine today reminded “snowbirds” that they must quarantine for 14 days once they arrive in Ohio.

    “I know that many of our Ohio snowbirds will soon be returning from places like Florida, and we want to make sure that you remain healthy and that those around you remain healthy,” said Governor DeWine.

    In addition to those returning after spending winter elsewhere, anyone who has traveled outside of Ohio for any other reason must also self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return. This order excludes truckers, healthcare workers, other workers providing essential services, and those who live on the state border.

    CURRENT OHIO DATA

    There are 4,450 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 142 deaths. A total of 1,214 people have been hospitalized, including 371 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.

    • 4,450 – Confirmed Cases in Ohio
    • 371 – Number of ICU admissions
    • 1,214 – Number of Hospitalizations in Ohio
    • 142 – Number of Deaths
    • <1–101 – Age Range
    • 54 – Median Age
    48%* – Sex – Males
    52%* – Sex – Females
    LAST UPDATED: 04/06/20 (UPDATED DAILY AT 2 P.M.) *<1% SEX NOT REPORTED

    In Clermont County there are 27 cases, 4 hospitalizations, and 1 death.

    In Hamilton County there are 394 cases, 66 hospitalizations, and 9 deaths.

    In Warren County there are 37 cases, 5 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths.

    In Butler County there are 75 cases, 29 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths.

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

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

  • Governor DeWine announces Early Childhood Mental Health Credential

    Governor DeWine announces Early Childhood Mental Health Credential

    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the launch of Ohio’s new Infant Mental Health Credential for early childhood professionals, the first of its kind in the state. This credential provides professional development to support the social-emotional needs of Ohio’s youngest children. Early childhood professionals who hold this credential will have met the state’s minimum core standards.

     “When children are young, they are building the foundation for the rest of their lives. It’s important that we ensure they have the emotional and behavioral skills to succeed,” said Governor DeWine. “This new credential guarantees that those early childhood professionals have specialized skills and training to help young children reach their best possible wellness.”

    Applications are being accepted through the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association. Early childhood system professionals working in the following categories may apply:

    • Child Care
    • Early Learning
    • Home Visiting
    • Community Health
    • Early Intervention
    • Maternal Health
    • Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
    • Primary Health
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Any Additional Allied Health Professionals

    For more information on Ohio’s Infant Mental Health Credential, please visit https://occrra.org/our-resources-page/

  • [Video] Auditor Faber: Public entities may not use public resources to influence Levies or Bonds

    [Video] Auditor Faber: Public entities may not use public resources to influence Levies or Bonds

    Columbus, Ohio – Auditor of State Keith Faber yesterday released a video to remind public officials that most local governments and public school districts may not use tax dollars to support or oppose levy or bond issues on the ballot.

    “You cannot campaign or influence the outcome of a levy or bond issue using tax dollars,” said Faber. “This time of year, my office receives lots of questions regarding the use of tax dollars and resources on these issues, so here are some direct answers.”

    Though this is not comprehensive it addresses many concerns that have been expressed to the Auditor of State’s office.

      • Public money should not be used to support or oppose the passage of a levy or bond issue. This includes compensating employees for time spent on influencing the outcome of a bond or levy.
      • Information that supports or opposes the outcome of a levy should not be published by the entity or posting on official social media accounts.
      • The entity cannot spend money to create and send home political subdivision sponsored levy-related communications that support or oppose the passage of a levy.
      • Employees cannot speak at levy committee meetings during regularly-paid work hours if they are advocating for a preferred outcome.
      • A levy committee is not allowed to use their subdivision’s resources such as equipment and supplies free-of-charge. The committee must pay for the usage and the committee with the opposite position shall have the same opportunity.
      • Public funds should not be used to support or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate for public office.
      • Public funds should not be used to support a particular campaign committee or fund, political action committee, political party, or candidate.

    If you suspect any government entity of engaging in fraudulent practices, report it at ohioauditor.gov/fraud.

     

  • AG Yost reminds Equifax breach victims to sign up for free credit monitoring before deadline

    AG Yost reminds Equifax breach victims to sign up for free credit monitoring before deadline

    Columbus, Ohio – Attorney General Dave Yost is encouraging Ohioans affected by Equifax’s massive 2017 data breach to sign up for free credit monitoring before the offer expires next week.

    Consumers can check their eligibility on EquifaxBreachSettlement.com and file claims on the website by Wednesday, Jan. 22, to receive up to 10 years of free credit monitoring.

    “These credit monitoring services will go a long way in shielding data breach victims from the perils of identity theft,” Yost said. “This sort of protection normally costs hundreds of dollars per year, but there’s still time to get it for free.”

    The services are available at no cost to victims of the breach as part of a $600 million settlement with Equifax obtained last year by a 47-state coalition of attorneys general, led in part by Ohio.

    On Sept. 7, 2017, Equifax, one of the largest consumer reporting agencies in the world, announced a breach affecting nearly half of the U.S. population. Breached information included Social Security numbers, names, dates of birth, addresses, and, in some cases, credit card and driver’s license numbers.

    An investigation by the coalition of states found the breach occurred because Equifax failed to implement an adequate security program to protect consumers’ sensitive personal information. Despite knowing about a critical vulnerability in its software, Equifax failed to patch its systems, allowing outside actors to access the personal information.

    Additionally, Equifax failed to replace software that monitored the breached network for suspicious activity. As a result, the attack went unnoticed for 76 days. The settlement requires Equifax to strengthen its security practices to better protect consumer information moving forward.

  • DeWine Authorizes Deployment of Ohio National Guard to assist Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

    DeWine Authorizes Deployment of Ohio National Guard to assist Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

    Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

    Columbus, Ohio –  Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation today authorizing specified members of the Ohio National Guard to provide emergency aid to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico after a series of powerful earthquakes caused massive destruction and widespread power outages.

    Governor DeWine’s proclamation allows the Ohio National Guard unit to remain on active duty until the disaster recovery assistance is complete and an emergency no longer exists.

    Beginning on December 28, 2019, the U.S. territory experienced hundreds of earthquakes, culminating in a 6.4 magnitude earthquake on January 7, 2020, and multiple aftershocks, near Guanica on the island’s southwestern coast.

    Puerto Rico’s governor declared a state of emergency due to the widespread damage and utility disruption.

    “I have authorized the mobilization of the Ohio National Guard to provide emergency assistance until basic services in the impacted areas are restored,” said Governor DeWine. “I have instructed Ohio’s Adjutant General

    to take whatever actions are necessary to assist local authorities to protect the lives, safety, health, and property of citizens affected by these devastating earthquakes.”

    The Ohio Air National Guard 200th RED HORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer) Squadron will support earthquake relief efforts by establishing two Disaster Relief Bed-down Systems, which are deployable kits capable of providing basic housing and life support facilities, such as tents, showers, and latrines, for up to 150 military personnel responding to the disaster.

    Disaster relief missions and supporting our homeland is why America has a National Guard to call when the nation and her citizens need us most.

    “Disaster relief missions and supporting our homeland is why America has a National Guard to call when the nation and her citizens need us most. Our Ohio Air National Guard Airmen at the 200th RED HORSE Squadron are ready and anxious to support earthquake relief efforts in Puerto Rico. This is what we do,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., the Ohio adjutant general.

    The 200th RED HORSE Squadron, headquartered in Port Clinton, Ohio, with a detachment in Mansfield, is equipped to provide engineering, construction, and logistics capabilities worldwide on short notice.

    “Being able to support another state for domestic response is exciting,” said Col. Michael Hrynciw, commander of the 200th RED HORSE Squadron.”

    “Being able to support another state for domestic response is exciting,” said Col. Michael Hrynciw, commander of the 200th RED HORSE Squadron. “We train for this all the time in support of our friends and neighbors. The Ohio National Guard leads the way in helping others.”

    Major General John C. Harris, Jr.

    Governor DeWine’s proclamation allows the Ohio National Guard unit to remain on active duty until the disaster recovery assistance is complete and an emergency no longer exists.

    Governor DeWine’s proclamation allows the Ohio National Guard unit to remain on active duty until the disaster recovery assistance is complete and an emergency no longer exists.

    The Ohio National Guard is deploying the equipment and personnel as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows states to send personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states or territories.

  • Revision to OHSAA General Sport Regulations regarding religious headwear

    Revision to OHSAA General Sport Regulations regarding religious headwear

    Columbus, Ohio – The following language was approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Board of Directors in December 2019 to be included in the OHSAA General Sport Regulations. OHSAA General Sport Regulations apply to every OHSAA sport:

    Head Decorations and Headwear

    Approved by Board of Directors Dec. 5, 2019, as part of General Sports Regulation 17 – Athletic Uniforms

    Refer to the National Playing Rules of the particular sport to determine what head decorations or headwear are permissible.

    Exception: In the event a head coach represents to the referee in advance of the start of the competition that a player wishes not to expose his/her uncovered head, the referee shall approve a covering or wrap which shall not:

      1. Fundamentally alter the sport;
      2. Be abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other participant;
      3. Be attached in such a way that it is likely to come off during play, and
      4. Be deemed to be unsporting/offensive.

    For other exceptions not addressed above, school administrators and/or head coaches shall contact the OHSAA sport administrator via email well in advance of the competition date to discuss if a waiver is available and, if so, the details of the waiver process.

    Note: If there are any concerns about head decorations or headwear well in advance of the start of competition on that day, contest officials shall approach the head coach (or assistant coach if the head coach is not available) to address the issue.

  • Governor DeWine Announces School Safety Working Group Members

    Governor DeWine Announces School Safety Working Group Members

    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the members of the Governor’s new Ohio School Safety Working Group.

    Governor DeWine called for the creation of the working group in August when announcing the development of the Ohio School Safety Center, a new statewide office focused on assisting educators and law enforcement in preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm. The working group, which will be led by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, will evaluate current issues regarding school safety and advise the Ohio School Safety Center on its work.

    “Members of this working group all have a common goal of making Ohio’s schools as safe as they possibly can be,” said Governor DeWine. “I’m confident that this group will be a great asset as they work to promote a safe environment for Ohio’s school students and school employees.”

    Members of the Ohio School Safety Working Group include:

      • Tim Armelli, Teacher, Chardon High School
      • Melissa Wervey Arnold, CEO, American Academy of Pediatrics
      • Todd Barnhouse, CEO, Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association
      • Bobbie Boyer, Deputy Director of Prevention, Ohio MHAS
      • LeeAnne Cornyn, Director, Governor’s Children’s Initiatives
      • Courtney Ebersole, Program Administrator, Ohio ACBHA
      • Joan Englund, Executive Director, Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition
      • Dan Flannery, Director, Case Western Reserve University
      • Eric “Yitz” Frank, Director, Agudath Israel of Ohio
      • Dan Girard, Principal, Wilson Hill Elementary, Worthington Schools
      • Dan Grothause, Transportation Supervisor, St. Marys City Schools
      • Kirk Hamilton, Executive Director, Buckeye Association of School Administrators
      • Donna Harrass, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police
      • Brian Hill, School Psychologist, Ohio School Psychologists Association
      • Lois Hochstetler, Assistant Director of Community Treatment, Ohio MHAS
      • Scott Huddle, Board President, Mad River Local Schools
      • Jeff Hussey, State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Commerce
      • Joe Kitchen, Fire Chief, Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association
      • Jon Kochis, Fairfield County EMA Director, EMA of Ohio
      • Teresa Lampl, CEO, Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers
      • Nicholas Lashutka, President, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association
      • Sarah LaTourette, Executive Director, Ohio Family and Children First
      • Rick Lewis, Executive Director/CEO, Ohio School Boards Association
      • George Maier, Sheriff, Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association
      • Krista Maxson, Associate Vice Chancellor P-16 Initiatives, Ohio Dept. of Higher Ed.
      • Mark Mecum, Executive Director, Ohio Children’s Alliance
      • Matt Miller, Superintendent, Lakota Local Schools
      • Nichole Miller, President, Ohio School Counselors Association
      • Bradley Paramore, President, Ohio School Psychologists Association
      • Kari Parsons, Executive Director, Ohio School Resource Office Association
      • Mark Porter, Director of Law Enforcement, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
      • Pam Reed, Teacher, Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls
      • Terry Russell, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness Ohio
      • Angela Sausser, Executive Director, Public Children Services Association of Ohio
      • Marcie Seidel, Executive Director, Prevention Action Alliance
      • Stephanie Siddens, Senior Executive Director, Ohio Department of Education
      • Jeff Staggs, Superintendent, Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools
      • Joe Suozzi, Director of Safety, Security and Preparedness, Olentangy Local Schools
      • Ben Suver, Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives, Ohio Dept. of Public Safety
      • Dean Tondiglia, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Kent State University
      • Kim Welter, Director of Finance and Policy, Equality Ohio Education Fund
      • Jeff Westhoven, Chief of Program Services, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission

    The Ohio School Safety Center and the Governor’s Ohio School Safety Working Group were created as part of Governor DeWine’s STRONG Ohio plan.

    The working group’s first meeting will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 1970 W. Broad Street, in Columbus.

  • Three Loveland Schools Recognized with Achievement Awards by Ohio Superintendent and State Board of Education

    Three Loveland Schools Recognized with Achievement Awards by Ohio Superintendent and State Board of Education

    State Board of Education and Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria (Image ODE)

    Columbus, Ohio – The State Board of Education and Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria announced this week the recognition of schools across the state for achieving high performance, outstanding progress and momentum for students – and among them are Loveland High School (LHS), Loveland Elementary School (LES) and the Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC).

    Loveland High School earned the “Momentum Award” for the third consecutive year in recognition of exceeding expectations in student growth. In order to be recognized, schools must earn straight A’s on all value-added measures on the report card and must have at least two value-added subgroups of students, which include gifted, lowest 20% in achievement, and students with disabilities. Value-added measures use student achievement over time in English Language Arts and Math to measure the gain in learning from year to year.

    Loveland Elementary School earned the “Overall A Award” for receiving an “A” as a school on the report card. The overall letter grade is calculated by using results in the six components that make up the state report card: Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Improving At-Risk K-3 Readers, Graduation Rate and Prepared for Success.

    Loveland Early Childhood Center earned the “All A Award” for receiving A grades on the applicable Ohio School Report Card measures. Only 50 schools and four school districts across the state were recognized for this achievement in 2019.

    “I’m incredibly proud of our educational leaders and staff across the district who embrace the mindset of continuous improvement,” said Loveland City School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “They have done a remarkable job putting goals into action for the benefit of student achievement and academic momentum at Loveland Schools.”

    State Board of Education President Laura Kohler issued a statement in a press release issued by the Ohio Department of Education:

    “The students, teachers, administrators and staff honored today are shining examples to peers and colleagues around Ohio. We are so proud of these award recipients and the effort they put into learning, leading and growing every day. We are both encouraged and challenged by the example of excellence they are setting.”


  • Governor DeWine announces Children Services Transformation Advisory Council, Regional Forums

    Governor DeWine announces Children Services Transformation Advisory Council, Regional Forums

    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the formation of the Children Services Transformation Advisory Council aimed at reviewing the state of Ohio’s foster care system and developing recommendations for improving the experience of children and families. The advisory council was created to build on the investments included in the State Operating Budget providing more opportunities for families and children.




    According to the Governor’s office, the Children Services Transformation Advisory Council will be tasked with:

    • Traveling the state to better understand local barriers and best practices.
    • Promoting a shared state and county vision for agency purpose and practice.
    • Reviewing data, trends, and policies regarding the current foster care system.
    • Providing recommendations and strategies to strengthen all areas of the system, including kinship care, foster care, adoption, workforce, and prevention.

    “I’ve spent my career advocating for children and families that are touched by the children services system,” DeWine said. “By learning from those who have personally experienced the system, we can work together to make Ohio a state that works for all families.”

    In order to better understand local challenges, the group will host regional listening forums across the state. Regional forums will be held from 6 until 8 PM at the following dates and locations. Anyone interested in providing testimony should submit a written request at https://governor.ohio.gov/fostercareforums. 

    • Southeast Region – Nov. 13 − Athens Community Center, Athens
    • Western Region − Nov. 18 − Auglaize County Educational Service Center, Wapakoneta
    • Central Region – Nov. 21 − Central Ohio Technical College, Pataskala Campus
    • Northwest Region − Dec. 9 − Wood County Department of Job and Family Services, Children Services/Visitor Entrance, Bowling Green
    • Northern Region − Dec. 11 − Medina County University Center (University of Akron), Medina
    • Southwest Region − Dec. 17 − Lebanon Conference and Banquet Center, Lebanon
    • Northeast Region − Dec. 19 − United Way of Greater Stark County, Canton

    The following individuals will serve on the Children Services Transformation Advisory Council:

    • LeeAnne Cornyn, Director, Governor’s Office of Children’s Initiatives
    • Kristi Burre, Director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Children Services Transformation
    • Melinda Haggerty, Foster Alum
    • Arlene Jones, Foster Alum
    • Jeff and Rhonda Mays, Biological Parents
    • David and Angela Earley, Kinship Caregivers
    • Eric and Teri DeVoe, Foster Parents
    • Staci and Damon Morris, Adoptive Parents
    • Juliana Barton, Foster Alum and Advocate/Action Ohio & Scholar Network at Columbus State Community College
    • Sherry Bouquet, Executive Director, Fostering Family Ministries
    • Chip Bonsutto, Executive Director, Ohio MENTOR
    • Sam Shafer, Chief Transformation Officer, Integrated Services for Behavioral Health
    • Anthony Capizzi, Judge, Montgomery County Juvenile Court
    • Michael Wehrkamp, Judge, Paulding County Juvenile Court
    • Elizabeth Merringer, Caseworker, Fairfield County Job and Family Services
    • Robin Reese, Director, Lucas County Children Services
    • Nicole Caldwell, Director, Guernsey County Children Services

    Starting in November, the advisory council will meet monthly and is charged with issuing their recommendation no later than April of 2020. Meetings of the advisory council will be open to the public. For more information on the regional foster care forums, please visit https://governor.ohio.gov/fostercareforums.