Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown
Loveland, Ohio – Winter sport student-athletes in Loveland have been competing, and wow have they claimed some excellent victories already! Although COVID-19 positive cases have been spiking in the tri-state area, LHS Athletics has managed to keep the athletes safe, healthy, and competing. So without further ado here is your Loveland Sports 411 for December 7th-10th!
Men’s Basketball
On Tuesday, December 8th Loveland’s Men’s Basketball Team battled against Walnut Hills at home but unfortunately came up with a loss, 57 – 28. Addison Hearn was the Tigers’ lead scorer with 12 points.
Earlier this month the Men’s Basketball Team gained two victories against Harrison and West Clermont. Loveland is currently 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the ECC.
Loveland will travel to Winton Woods on the 11th and to Mariemont on the 12th. Both games will tip off at 7:30 PM.
Women’s Basketball
The Loveland Women’s Basketball Team played Milford at home on Monday, December 7th, and pulled out a conference victory, 45 – 35. Nia Kemper was the Tigers’ lead scorer with 15 points and Olivia Raby hit the boards hard collecting 8 rebounds.
On Wednesday, December 9th Loveland played in another rivalry ECC match-up against Little Miami at home. The Tigers won 58 – 51. Tess Broermann was Loveland’s top performer with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals while Jenna Batsch played quite the game as well ending with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks.
The Tigers are now sitting in 2nd place in ECC with a 4-1 overall record and 3-0 ECC record. The Loveland Women’s Basketball Team will face Turpin on Turpin’s home court on the 12th at 2 PM.
Men’s and Women’s Swimming
Both Loveland’s Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams will compete on Friday, December 11th at Milford at 6 PM.
Men’s Bowling
The Loveland Men’s Bowling team competed on Tuesday, December 8th where they won against Milford, 2691-2636 (Match Details). Brayden Shepard was the Tigers’ top performer with a 223 average and 446 Pins.
On Wednesday, December 9th Loveland won against Walnut Hills, 2564-2238 (Match Details). Sherron Peacock was the Tigers’ top bowler with a 210 average and 420 Pins.
The Men’s Bowling Team are 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the ECC capturing the 3rd place spot. Loveland will compete again today against Winton Woods at 4 PM at Omni Funplex and again on the 13th in the Holiday Classic at Western Bowl at 9:30 AM.
Women’s Bowling
The Loveland Women’s Bowling Team competed on Tuesday, December 8th against Milford where they won 1989-1528 (Match Details). Ashley Gilker was the Tigers’ top performer with a 188 average and 376 pins.
On Wednesday, December 9th the Tigers captured another win against Walnut Hills, 2057-1518 (Match Details). Ashley Gilker was the top bowler for the Tigers with a 202 average and 404 Pins.
Loveland’s Women’s Bowling Team is now 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the ECC. The Tigers will take on Winton Woods today at 3:30 PM at Omni Funplex and on the 13th will participate in the Holiday Classic at Western Bowl at 9:30 AM.
Academic Team
The Loveland Academic Team faced Milford in two games on Wednesday, December 9th winning 81-47 in both games.
The Academic Team is currently 2-0-0 in the ECC and will play again on January 6th against Little Miami at 4 PM.
For more of Loveland High School’s latest sports news stay tuned to the Sports 411 With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland District says staff absences may cause last-minute notice of school closing
Loveland, Ohio – In a news release issued this afternoon, the Loveland School District said that during the next few weeks, some school buildings may have to temporarily switch to remote learning because of staff absences.
The District said in the release, “This year it has become challenging to find substitute teachers, and we may run short on staffing due to COVID-19 cases or quarantines.” If this happens, a switch to remote learning will happen on a school-by-school basis. The District said they are trying to plan ahead so that families can plan ahead, however, these changes may happen as late as the morning of scheduled attendance.
They suggest that parents and caregivers should begin considering how they might handle a possible late-notice class cancelation.
The District said they will notify families as “quickly as possible” about closings through their alert notification system, the website, Facebook (Loveland City Schools), and Twitter (@lovelandtigers) pages.
CDC still recommends 14 days however District adopts a less restrictive “acceptable alternative” quarantine period
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a change in guidance for quarantines. The new guidance shortens the quarantine period for someone who has been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case. The Ohio Department of Health has also adopted the new CDC guidelines, as has Hamilton County Public Health.
The District said in the release that the new less restrictive guideline notification came to them late today. They will begin implementing those directives and will personally notify families affected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new quarantine guidelines for people who were exposed to coronavirus, reducing the length of time from 14 days to 10 days without symptoms or seven days with no symptoms and a negative test. Officials said the shorter time period is intended to encourage more people to quarantine.
Ohio Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said today, “Staying home for 14 days after contact is still the safest way to limit possible spread of COVID-19. We continue to recommend this time period for people in congregate living facilities, such as nursing homes; in workplaces with a large number of employees; and in other settings in which COVID-19 could spread extensively.”
Dr. Andy Thomas, chief clinical officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, yesterday warned that “Ohio is not yet seeing the impact of gatherings that took place over Thanksgiving because hospitalizations are a lagging indicator. Symptoms generally develop within 10 days of transmission, and hospitalizations typically occur a week after diagnosis.”
According to CBS News the CDC rationale for the less restrictive guidelines is:
“Reducing the length of quarantine may encourage more people to do so, especially when they may not be able to work during quarantine time,” CDC’s COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Henry Walke, told reporters on a call Wednesday. He said the agency still recommends 14 days, but is now offering two “acceptable alternative quarantine periods.”
According to the District, “We are pleased with these new recommendations from an educational perspective. Our goal is to keep students learning in our school buildings and shortening the required quarantine time is key.”
This is the District’s COVID 19 Dashboard published today:
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching, non-school-based staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/30/20.
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20.
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20.
On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/30/20.
On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 12/02/20.
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 12/01/20.
On 12/02/20, the district was notified that a teaching staff member at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/24/20. No close contacts were identified for this confirmed case.
On 12/02/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/30/20.
On 12/1/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching staff member at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/18/20. No close contacts were identified for this confirmed case.
Ohioans struggling to pay their rents or mortgages may head into 2021 without the housing protections and public assistance that have carried them through much of the pandemic this year.
A federal moratorium on evictions is about to expire. Two other relief programs helping unemployed Americans are set to run out. There are believed to be thousands of Ohioans who are in immediate risk of eviction due to unpaid rent, with many low-income earners still working reduced hours or remaining out of work entirely.
Back in March, two Democratic lawmakers proposed a statewide moratorium on eviction and foreclosure actions so long as Ohio stayed under a state of emergency amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy has rebounded somewhat from historic unemployment in the spring, but the virus outlook looks grim as the state heads into the cold winter months.
State Reps. David Leland of Columbus and Jeffrey Crossman of Parma believe the moratorium is needed now more than ever.
“This is not just a humane thing to do,” Leland said in a committee hearing on the bill Thursday morning, “it’s not just asking you to embrace the holiday spirit. Instead, as we survey the landscape after these tumultuous nine months and ahead of next year’s budget negotiations, this is a way to save numerous low-income Ohioans’ from unimaginable hardship.”
“The urgency of this legislation is really right now,” Leland continued.
Under House Bill 562, landlords could still file eviction actions, but courts would be prevented from acting on them while the state of emergency is in place. Law enforcement officers could not carry out eviction orders either. Courts would not be able to conduct any business pertaining to foreclosures and must halt all pending foreclosure actions.
This moratorium would apply to residential and commercial properties.
Nearly two-dozen Democrats and one Republican have supported the bill as cosponsors.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
‘Last remnants of the safety net’
The large-scale CARES Act signed into law in March has provided trillions of dollars of relief, but many of its programs benefiting Ohio tenants have already run out or are about to.
This includes the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs, which have helped those who have lost work during the crisis. Both programs end the day after Christmas.
In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a nationwide moratorium on evictions for residential properties. It prohibits U.S. landlords and property owners from evicting a tenant for unpaid rent.
That moratorium is set to expire on New Year’s Eve.
“Just as covid cases are exploding and our hospitals are filling, and just as the coldest parts of winter are setting in, hundreds of thousands of Ohioans are set to be stripped of the last remnants of the safety net Congress put in place back in March,” Leland said.
Ohioans struggled to pay their housing costs even with that safety net in place. A survey from this past summer found more than a half-million residents could not pay rent in June 2020.
Now these same residents potentially face 2021 without the CDC moratorium and without relief assistance — unless Congress acts again to pass a relief bill to close the gaps left by the still struggling economy.
A total of $50 million from the CARES Act was allocated for emergency rental assistance in October. But advocates say more is needed.
“Unless the Senate stops blocking any meaningful relief, we’re really worried about what’s going to happen in 2021,” said Marcus Roth, a spokesman for the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio, last month.
That’s also the hope of Gov. Mike DeWine, who again called on Congress to pass a relief bill during his COVID-19 press conference on Thursday.
DeWine was asked if he supported the CDC extending its eviction moratorium into 2021.
“I’d have to take a look at that. I don’t know,” DeWine answered. “But look, this is a problem. This is a problem and is something that we are in fact focused on.”
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted argued that a moratorium alone does not address the costs faced by property owners and suggested such action should be paired with further government relief.
“There’s still somebody that has a mortgage to pay on that facility, who has a default that could potentially happen with their lender, which creates a whole chain of events and series of events,” Husted said. “So there has to be a financial solution to go along with any moratorium so that we don’t create a chain reaction in the system that causes additional problems.”
Unintended consequences to a moratorium?
In committee, state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron asked the HB 562 sponsors about the “unintended consequences” of continuing a moratorium in Ohio. Swearingen noted that property owners still have costs such as repairs and that smaller banks may not be able to carry so many unpaid loans.
State Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron
Crossman acknowledged those concerns but said the ramifications of doing nothing would have a greater impact on individuals.
“I think we just have to ask ourselves, who’s in a better position to bear the burden here? The individual who is not making any income trying to keep their family fed and clothed and in a housing situation during the middle of a pandemic, particularly if they don’t have a job, or a lender who can maybe take a two- or three-month pause from getting their mortgage payments?”
Crossman said the latter is in “a far better position financially” to handle the issue.
Lawmakers also heard testimony from Dan Acton, a lobbyist for the Ohio Real Estate Investors Association who spoke in opposition to passing an Ohio moratorium. He said his organization consists of a few thousand “smaller” real estate investors who typically own single-family housing units.
He claimed these property investors operate on “razor-thin profit margins.” When tenants do not pay their rent bills, Acton said, this reduces the “profits for a property owner that could otherwise be used to reduce the overall debt on a property or make improvements.”
“The pandemic and the resulting eviction moratoria and payment delays are leaving our members on the brink of failure,” Acton said, arguing it would be “dangerous” for the government to “interfere” with a private leasing contract.
Leland said a moratorium is not meant to be a “long term-solution,” but would allow Ohioans to stay in their home until winter passes, the economy rebounds and a vaccine is made available.
Separately, Leland and fellow Democratic Rep. Juanita Brent of Cleveland also sponsored House Bill 744 that would allocate around $270 million from the state’s “rainy day fund” to pay for a new COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. No action has been taken on this bill.
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown
Columbus, Ohio – High school winter sports are a go in the state of Ohio! On November 20th the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) sent out a memo to schools confirming that the up and coming winter sports season would begin as scheduled.
The OHSAA memo read, “While individual school districts can pause sports at any time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OHSAA does not intend to alter the statewide season dates.The decision came after discussions with the Governor’s Office, the OHSAA Board of Directors, OHSAA staff, and many school administrators, along with the results of a recent survey of OHSAA member school administrators. Of 1,464 survey responses, 826 respondents (56 percent) voted to begin winter sports as previously scheduled.”
According to the survey, 33 percent of Ohio’s school administrators wanted to post-pone winter sports until early January, while 11 percent voted to post-pone winter sports indefinitely until Ohio’s COVID-19 conditions got significantly better.
The OHSAA made sure to mention the Governor’s Curfew Order in the memo as well stating, “the Governor’s 10:00 p.m. Ohio curfew order does not mean that teams and fans must be home from their competitions by 10:00 p.m., but venues must be vacated by 10:00 p.m. The OHSAA encourages schools and conferences to alter start times if needed so that competitions end in time to close the facility by 10:00 p.m.“
OHSAA has made it very clear since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that their number one priority is the safety of the student-athletes, coaches, and fans. In order to continue interscholastic competition during the winter sports season OHSAA developed “sport-specific requirements, recommendations, and modifications.” Below are the links to each winter sports requirements, recommendations, and modifications provided by OHSAA.
Although Ohio’s High school winter sports seasons are allowed to continue as planned, for the time being, OHSAA was sure to include in the memo Friday mandates, spectator capacity, and recommended best practices per the Ohio Department of Health Director’s Sports Order (https://bit.ly/2RWa1jh). OHSAA’s memo read, “It is especially important that requirements for facial coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand washing be followed and that facility hosts disinfect and clean competition and high contact areas frequently. Also note that the Order has a limit on spectator capacity, which is the lesser of 15 percent of fixed, permanent seats or 300.“
Hamilton County, Ohio – Sheriff Jim Neil reports that beginning Thursday at 10 PM, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has begun enforcement of the “Statewide Curfew” issued by the Ohio Department of Health. (Read the Health Order below)
Neil said in a press release, “We’re asking all citizens and businesses to comply with the order. Restaurants and bars must stop serving in person customers at 10 PM during the curfew period. Takeout, however, can remain open beyond 10 PM. Violators will receive a verbal warning to comply with the order. After being verbally warned, the violator(s) will be cited under 3701.352, Ohio Revised Code, Misdemeanor of the 2nd degree.”
Sheriff Jim Neil
The Neil noted that the curfew does not include the following:
Individuals going to and from work
Those who have an emergency
Those who need medical care
Grocery shopping
Going to the pharmacy
Picking up carryout or a drive-thru meal. Delivery is also permitted
Yes, you can still take your dog outside or go for a walk My goal as Sheriff of Hamilton County is to keep my deputies and the general public safe
Health Order Signed Encouraging Ohioans to Stay Home
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Thursday announced that Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud signed a health order encouraging people to stay at home during specified hours unless they are working or engaged in an essential activity.
“As COVID-19 continues to spread in Ohio, we need a stronger response to minimize the impact on Ohio’s healthcare and hospital capacity and ensure healthcare is available to those that need it,” said Governor DeWine. “With this order we are discouraging get-togethers and gatherings to minimize the spread of the virus while minimizing the economic impact of a complete shutdown.”
According to DeWine the specifications in this order include:
Individuals within the state must stay at a place of residence during the hours of 10 PM and 5 AM except for obtaining necessary food, medical care, or social services or providing care for others.
This order doesn’t apply to those that are homeless. Individuals whose residences are unsafe or become unsafe, such as victims of domestic violence, are encouraged to leave their homes and stay at a safe, alternative location.
The order does not apply to religious observances and First Amendment protected speech including activity by the media.
The order permits travel into or out of the state and permits travel required by law enforcement or court order, including to transport children according to a custody agreement, or to obtain fuel.
Individuals are permitted to leave a place of residence during the hours of 10 PM and 5 AM for the following essential activities:
Engaging in activities essential to their health and safety or the health and safety of those in their households or people who are unable to or should not leave their homes, including pets. Activities can include but are not limited to seeking emergency services, obtaining medical supplies or medication, or visiting a health care professional including hospitals, emergency departments, urgent care clinics, and pharmacies.
To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or members of their household who are unable or should not leave their home, to deliver those services or supplies to others. Examples of those include but are not limited to, obtaining groceries and food. Food and beverages may be obtained only for consumption off-premises, through such means as delivery, drive-through, curbside pickup and carryout.
To obtain necessary social services.
To go to work, including volunteer work.
To take care of or transport a family member, friend, or pet in their household or another household.
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown LovelandCan’t imagine a Countdown without the Kid, Our Capt @tessbroermann AKA T-Wip! Tess has been my Coach on the floor for 3 yrs & now as a Sr she is the undisputed engine & leader of our program! Proud of you is an understatement! Let’s run it back one last time kid #OurWay – Coach Parker
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again that gives many, including myself, an endless amount of joy! You maybe asking yourself, “Well what is so significant about this time of year?” IT’S BASKETBALL SEASON BABY! Of course the single phrase has to be said in a Dick Vitale voice!
Basketball teams all across Ohio are preparing for what should be a very interesting season in light of COVID-19. The L.H.S Women’s Basketball team has not been letting the pandemic slow them down as they have been safely practicing hard in preparation for the first game that will be held on November 24th at the Tiger’s home gym against Lakota East at 7:30 P.M.
Coach Darnell Parker and Assistant Coach Keith (Breezy) Braswell celebrating the ECC Championship in 2020
L.H.S’s Women’s Basketball team is coming off of a historical 2019-2020 season, grabbing their first league title, sectional title, and an outstanding overall record of 22-4. Although they have lost some unbelievable female athletes such as the Tiger’s top performer, Jillian Hayes who will begin her career as Cincinnati Bearcat this year, Head Coach Darnell Parker says that he has two incredible leaders returning in Seniors Jenna Batsch and Tess Broermann that are sure to give the team that fire they need to succeed this year!
So without further ado, here is the 2020-2021 Loveland High School Women’s Basketball Season Preview!
The following graphics and photos provided by team photographer, Gayle Rothmeeler.
Tiger Nation let me introduce you to Our @ViviClayton AKA ViVi! Vivi is a team-first guard willing to do whatever her team needs! Greatness is already in your DNA kid, go ahead and put it on display for all to witness! Orange and Black looks good on you Viv!#OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What have you and the Tigers been doing in preparation for this season?
Coach Parker – Preparation for this season started over the summer with our team lifting and conditioning sessions, as well as our super popular 6 A.M, Breakfast Club workouts. This is a great time for our kids as we start forming bonds and shaping the identity of this year’s team!
She had her coming out party against the number 1 team in the state last year and Our Miss @EarlyJosie is hungry for more! Ultra competitive guard with a knack for slicing through defenses! Remember the name folks, get your ready! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What effect has COVID-19 had on your preparation?
Coach Parker – Keeping our Student-Athletes safe is our top priority. Each player, coach, and member of our program is diligent in following the guidelines set by our District and the OHSAA. Our kids have done a great job adjusting and it hasn’t affected our preparation too much.
No better place to start than with the Captain @JennaBatsch aka STRETCH! Don’t let the smoothness fool you, the Kent St commit is an absolute BEAST on the court! It’s her time to shine bright! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Who are some of the players that are returning? Any starters? Who do you expect to be a captain or “leader” for the other ladies to look up to this year.
Coach Parker – SR-Jenna Batsch(Kent State Commit, Second leading scorer last year 11ppg)-Captain, SR-Tess Broermann(4-year starter 6.3ppg last season)-Captain, SO-Olivia Raby(Lead the team in FG% 52% 3.5ppg), SO-Josie Early(3ppg, Strong tournament run last season), Jr-Nia Kemper(PG Transfer from Wyoming 14ppg, Excellent shooter and defender), Jr-Vivian Clayton(G Transfer from Sycamore 8ppg, Great Defender and strong guard attacking the basket).
Next up it’s Our Miss @ellanagel_AKA Shirley(another inside joke)! A summer spent grinding and getting better, and the Jr is ready to Soar! You have the green light to be great kid! All gas no brakes!! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Any big games you and the team are looking forward to?
Coach Parker – We always enjoy the matchups with Walnut Hills and West Clermont. They have been the Gold standards in the league for a lot of years. This year we add three new teams in Little Miami, Lebanon, and Winton Woods. Starting new rivalries with these schools will be fun!
LIV!!!!! Big sis may be gone but the Raby legacy continues! Our @Olivia_Raby_ established herself as a big-time rim protector last season and this Summer added to her offensive game! Don’t take my word for it though, just enjoy the show #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What will be some of your primary focuses or things you would like to improve on from last season this year?
Coach Parker – This season we will really focus on sharing the basketball and attacking opposing defenses from a lot of angles. We have 6-7 girls that could get double digits points on any given night and as a coach that is very exciting! Defensively our pressure is going to be suffocating and we are going to be able to pressure teams for 32 minutes or more if necessary!
I call her Laverne(inside joke) but Our @Yeager_Rachel15 is coming off of a solid Summer and ready to make her mark! You won’t find many who work as hard as Yeags, and that hard work is starting to pay dividends! Watch out Tiger Nation she’s ready to explode! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Will the coaching staff be the same as last year or do you have any newcomers?
Coach Parker – We return our entire coaching staff from last year. Really helps with continuity.
Salute to the next in a long line of great #24s Our Miss Twitterless Gabby Saletta! The freshman is Lightning Quick on both sides of the ball and a ton of toughness after spending the fall on the pitch! Keep working Gabs! You got Next! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Do you have any Freshmen or Sophomores that you are expecting big things from this season?
Coach Parker – Josie Early and Olivia Raby received significant minutes and experience as a freshman last year. They are going to be a big piece of the puzzle this season!
Tiger Nation allow me to introduce a NewComer to the program Our Miss @NiaKemper4 AKA FLEEK! Don’t Blink because if you do the ultra-quick sharp shooting PG will be gone! Don’t let the smile fool you she’s looking to take Someone’s lunch money on that Court #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – What are some of your personal coaching goals this year? Team goals?
Coach Parker – Personally my goals have shifted based on my health situation. Every day that I am able to spend with my team is a blessing! When I am physically able I want to be with the team. I draw energy from them. The team really wants to defend out ECC crown and get back and when a District title. The community has really rallied behind myself and this team, I really feel we are destined for great things!
We play in the present but the future looks bright especially for Our @HannahPawlikow1! This is one tough Freshman who doesn’t mind mixing it up in the paint! Excited to watch her develop in the next 4 years!! #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Will you be competing against any schools that you haven’t competed against in the past or haven’t competed against in quite some time? If so what teams?
Coach Parker – As Mentioned above we will start playing the new teams in our conference. We also open up with Lakota East who we haven’t played in recent times.
Big shoes to fill after she took over her pals # but Our @SophiaKapsz (just call me KAPS) is up for the challenge! Infectious energy and an animal on the boards, she ready to wreak havoc this year. I hope she even breaks out the dance moves #OurWay – Coach Parker
Cassie – Any new mottos this year other than your infamous #Ourway?!
Coach Parker – Haha, OurWay will always be the motto that we follow. With my diagnosis, the Girls have reached a Mantra of OURWAY, OURFIGHT. They are in this battle with me. That’s what Family does!!#OurWay
Another one of our Fab Frosh making the Countdown! Our Miss @bebout_sara is well on her way to being a force in the paint for our Tigers! The future is bright for you kid! Keep working and getting better every day!#OurWay – Coach Parker
For more of the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia, stay tuned!
Desperate to slow the spread of coronavirus, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday announced a new curfew intended to decrease person-to-person contacts and new infections.
The move was greeted with skepticism in some quarters.
DeWine said that starting at 10 p.m. on Thursday, there will be a 21-day statewide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Bars, restaurants and retail stores will have to close. But there will be exceptions for pharmacies, grocery stores, food delivery, drive-through and pickup service.
Technically, people who violate the curfew could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. But as he has with other covid-related health orders, DeWine said he he’s not eager to see people charged.
“We do not expect law enforcement to go pull people over because they’re out beyond 10 o’clock,” he said. “But if they’re seeing something going on, this is a way they can walk up and say, ‘Hey guys, you’re here… there’s a curfew. Why don’t you just go home?’”
The governor added, “No one’s been charged under these health orders,” he said. “That doesn’t mean they couldn’t be, but they haven’t so far.”
The curfew comes as Ohio experiences its most alarming spike in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations since the start of the pandemic early this year.
On Tuesday, state health authorities reported 7,079 new cases over the past 24 hours, a 36% increase over the 21-day average. They also reported 368 new coronavirus hospitalizations, only a little less than the state record of 386 set on Nov. 10.
The swelling numbers have placed Ohio hospital staffs in a “precarious situation,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, chief medical officer for the Ohio Department of Health. He said medical workers are fatigued from fighting the disease since March and they have to balance that work with living in communities and with families where the virus is increasingly prevalent.
DeWine said his goal was to reduce the number of person-to-person contacts and thereby stop the virus from spreading. He asked Ohioans to voluntarily do that through such measures as condensing the number of trips they make to the grocery and buying more when they do. At the same time, he urged people to do what they can to remotely maintain emotional connections.
However, critics noted that the curfew doesn’t go as far as one imposed in the spring. For example, the earlier order imposed limits on how many people can be in stores when they’re open.
Asked what scientific basis he used in issuing the order, DeWine said, “We know the basic science. The basic science is fewer contacts, less spread.”
The likely effectiveness of the curfew was disputed by at least one scientist in the field. Kent State epidemiologist Tara C. Smith tweeted that she didn’t know any professionals who thought it would work.
I haven't met a single public health official who thinks these types of curfews/ 10pm shutdowns will be particularly helpful. Maybe they're out there somewhere–anyone want to explain it to me? I don't know where they're getting their advice from. https://t.co/ZH7OXYhrY3
DeWine, however, might have felt the curfew was as far as he could go. It had the support of the Ohio Restaurant Association, likely meaning that there was some negotiation behind it.
Also, DeWine is a member of a party led by president who in October visited Circleville and said the media were hyping the virus to hurt his reelection chances. The president predicted the media would stop covering coronavirus on Nov. 4 — the day after the election.
Covid skepticism runs so deep in elements of the Republican Party that at the same time that DeWine was announcing the curfew, Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina, was testifying in favor of his bill to repeal an earlier health order requiring bars to stop serving at 10 p.m.
At the exact time @GovMikeDeWine continues to defend/explain his new curfew health order, State Sen. President @LarryObhof is testifying on his bill to reinstate Ohio's normal bar hours
Would rescind the state order prohibiting sales after 10 p.m./consumption after 11 p.m. pic.twitter.com/y0P2ZaCyYS
For his part, DeWine said he hopes the curfew will “push more people toward home.”
“I think if we do these things it gives us a shot at slowing (the coronavirus) down,” the governor said. “Most of what we’re doing and the decisions I’m making are between two bad choices.”
Marty Schladen has been a reporter for decades, working in Indiana, Texas and other places before returning to his native Ohio to work at The Columbus Dispatch in 2017. He’s won state and national journalism awards for investigations into utility regulation, public corruption, the environment, prescription drug spending and other matters.
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again to honor the L.H.S student-athlete Seniors as we send them on their way to play collegiate sports at the conclusion of this school year!
L.H.S’s National College Signing Day was held on November 12th at 2:30 PM, in the legendary Tiger gymnasium. Although the Loveland Athletic Department tried to make the ceremony as normal as they could for the student-athletes they did send out COVID-19 safety precautions so that everyone attending would feel as comfortable as possible. Below are some of the safety precautions L.H.S took for the National Signing Day ceremony:
1. Athletes, please e-mail Ms. Brulport the number of family members attending. We need to know this for seating and contact tracing.
2. Your family and student-athlete will be assigned seating in our Main Gym Bleachers. Please look for the placard with your child’s name on it. You will be socially distanced from other families.
3. No congregating is allowed prior to, during, OR after the ceremony. All families must leave immediately following the ceremony.
4. Face coverings ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES.
5. No group photos of the student-athletes together is permitted. Only pictures of the student-athlete, with their family, will be taken.
6. There will be NO student body allowed. This is for immediate family ONLY, plus 1 coach.
The L.H.S National Signing Day ceremony turned out to be quite the event as the Tiger student-athletes’ coaches, parents and family members celebrated the Seniors’ achievements and wished them the best of luck in their future college endeavors! The following Senior student-athletes signed to participate in athletics and get a college education in 2021!
Photos and Graphics provided by the Loveland Athletic Department.
Sarah Lolli signed to compete in Water Polo at Indiana University.
Connor Ruble signed to play Tennis at Wittenberg University.
Lauren Donovan signed to play soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Carly Wilhoite signed to play lacrosse at the University of Tampa.
Hanna Wenger signed to play lacrosse at the University of Central Michigan.
Josey Storm signed to play lacrosse at Notre Dame College.
Sherron Peacock signed to compete in Bowling at Tiffin University.
Brock Perkins signed to play baseball at Bluffton University.
Spencer Rodriguez signed to play baseball at Clark State Community.
Jenna Batsch signed to play basketball at Kent State University.
We would like to take the time to congratulate these OUTSTANDING Tiger student-athletes for getting the opportunity to fine-tune their crafts at the collegiate level! It has been a joy watching each and every one of you thrive as students and excel as athletes. We will be cheering all of you on as you take the next step in your athletic and education journey! LONG LIVE THE LOVELAND TIGERS! GOOD LUCK SENIORS!
For more of the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia stay tuned!
During the week of November 8-14, there was a 140 percent increase in the number of daily cases in Clermont County.
The Loveland City School District reported 16 new COVID 19 CASES since last Wednesday.
Batavia, Ohio – The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and Clermont County is increasing at an alarming rate according to a statement issued by the Clermont County health district today. The department reports a high of 186 new cases was reported in Clermont County on November 13 and the state of Ohio reported an all-time high of 8,071 new cases.
As of November 12, when the latest public health advisory system numbers were released, Clermont County had a rate of 410 new cases per 100,000 residents. For comparison, on October 1, the county’s rate was only 62 new cases per 100,000 residents. During the week of November 8-14, there was a 140 percent increase in the number of daily cases in Clermont County.
The exponential growth in the number of new cases in Clermont County has made it nearly impossible to keep up with disease investigation and contact tracing. “Up until this point, our goal has been to begin disease investigations within 24 hours of each new case being reported to us,” said Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit.
Disease investigations take time and involve a public health staff member calling each individual who has tested positive and get details like where they may have been exposed, every location they have been in the previous few days, and every person they may have been in contact with.
After public health does their initial investigation, then they begin the process of contact tracing. That usually involves calling each person who was considered a close contact with the infected person and advising them to quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.
“We have hired additional contact tracers, but it’s still not enough to keep up with the demand,” said Nesbit. “Our staff is doing everything we possibly can to keep up with the new cases, we are physically and emotionally exhausted, but we are continuing to do this important work to the best of our ability to protect our community.”
“Our staff is doing everything we possibly can to keep up with the new cases, we are physically and emotionally exhausted
“We have hired additional contact tracers, but it’s still not enough to keep up with the demand,” said Nesbit. “Our staff is doing everything we possibly can to keep up with the new cases, we are physically and emotionally exhausted, but we are continuing to do this important work to the best of our ability to protect our community.”
In addition to hiring additional contact tracers, Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) has been using staff members from every other department to fill in the gaps and assist with contact tracing. CCPH also has a contract with the Ohio Department of Health for additional contact tracers that are being cross-trained to assist with disease investigations.
Public Health has switched from making phone calls in some situations to sending emails to provide information on quarantine to save time. Now, with this many new cases, they have also begun mailing letters to each person that tests positive to save time. Phone calls are still being made when CCPH is aware of situations where there are a large number of contacts and the potential for further spread of the disease.
The letters notify each person that tests positive what to do while they are in isolation and asks them to identify their contacts, who are advised to quarantine. “We are seeing so many new cases, we just cannot possibly keep up at this rate,” said Nesbit.
“Local hospitals are already being stressed,” said Nesbit. “While all hospitals have surge plans in place where they can add more beds and take in more patients, they are going to run out of healthy, experienced workers to care for the sick patients, if this trend continues.”
“We saw in the spring that we can flatten the curve, but we must be extra vigilant now, especially with the holidays coming up,” urged Nesbit.
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The Loveland City School District reported 16 new COVID 19 CASES since last Wednesday.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a student at the Loveland Early Childhood Center tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/12/20.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/09/20.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/13/20.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching staff member from Transportation and Loveland Primary School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work / school on 11/12/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/10/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a Board of Education Central Office staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/12/20.
• On 11/14/20, the district was notified that a staff member at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/6/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/4/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/10/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/5/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/4/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/10/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/5/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/9/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/6/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a staff member at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/6/20.
The District does not publish quarantine data during the week, only on Fridays.
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What can you do to help?
Stay home if you are sick.
Quarantine yourself if you have been around someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Wear a mask whenever you are in public.
Avoid large crowds.
Keep at least six feet of space between yourself and others.
Limit contact with people outside of your immediate household. If you are tested and receive a positive test result, you should:
Isolate yourself in your own home, away from others, as much as possible, for at least 10 days after your symptoms first appeared.
Notify each person you had direct contact with (defined as someone within six feet of you for a length of 15 minutes or longer within 24 hours) and ask them to quarantine in their house for 14 days after the potential exposure occurred. For more information or resources, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s coronavirus website at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or Clermont County Public Health’s website at www.ccphohio.org.
The Warren County Health District (WCHD) says they have “recently become overwhelmed with the rapid acceleration in the number of new positive COVID-19 cases being reported.” As of Friday, WCHD is currently seeing a average of 110 new cases being reported daily, with a recent peak of 175 cases reported in one day.
The Health District said that here has been a 72% increase in the average daily cases since November 1st and a 440% increase in reported cases since October 1st.
Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in Southwest Ohio have increased by 67% over the last 2 weeks and COVID-19 patients in the ICU have increased by 50% over the same time period, according to a release from the health department. “We are at a critical point in the response to the coronavirus pandemic.”
In order to manage the surge in cases additional contact tracers have been hired in addition to contracts signed with local universities for additional assistance.
Until additional resources are in place and operational for contact tracing, WCHD is going to be sending people that are not able to be contacted via phone, a letter including:
Informing them of their positive result for COVID-19
Education on isolation
Education on quarantine for any household contacts
Education on what constitutes someone as a close contact
Asking the person to call any close contacts they identify during their contagious period and inform contact of their exposure so the contact may begin their quarantine.
The message the District is sending to every citizen is that “It is imperative that everyone increases their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Now is the time to focus on the measures we know can slow the spread of the virus and protect yourself and others.”
• Stay home if you are sick • Stay home if you have been exposed to COVID-19 • Avoid gatherings, limit contact with people outside of your household, and reconsider holiday plans • Keep six (6) feet of distance from others • Wear a mask • Wash your hands
The Health District asks that if you are notified by a healthcare provider that you have tested positive for COVID-19, isolate away from others at your house and inform your close contacts that they need to quarantine in their home for 14 days from the last time you had close contact with them.
Quarantine and isolation means that you must stay in your place of residence until you are released from quarantine or isolation, or for a medical emergency.
People with questions about COVID-19 can call the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center, 7 days a week from 9AM – 8PM at: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634) or visit warrenchd.com for local information.
