LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: David Miller

  • Additional info about Loveland School District’s reopening progress

    Additional info about Loveland School District’s reopening progress

    Students return on Monday, August 31

    Loveland, Ohio – School District staff was back in the buildings this week to prepare for students who will return on Monday, August 31.

    Staff received health and safety training from the district nurses and had the option of several virtual learning sessions. Staff joined sessions such as Building Community in a Remote Environment and Creating Videos That Teach Not Tell as part of their required professional learning.

    Thirty additional learning sessions, facilitated by Loveland teachers, were offered for staff members. Additional learning options will be offered next week.

    The health services team has been working all summer developing the health and safety protocols for the 2020-2021 school year. In the video below, Loveland’s District Nurse Judy Leamy covers the new health protocols in place for this school year.

    The District has also posted health protocols on the School website at the following link: 2020 COVID Health Services

    The Health Services Reopening Plan covers such topics as:

    • Faculty/Staff/Student/Family Responsibilities and Expectations

    • Preventive Measures

    • Face Masks

    • Assessing for possible COVID-19

    • When to seek emergency medical attention

    • Quarantine Rules

    • High risk/ vulnerable students

    Children’s Hospital: Return to School and COVID-19

    Here is the LINK to the District Reopening Plan.
  • [12 positive cases] COVID-19 Oxford Campus Dashboard now available

    [12 positive cases] COVID-19 Oxford Campus Dashboard now available

    Oxford, Ohio – Miami University President Gregory Crawford said in an announcement Friday, “This week we have all been witnessing a troubling spread of COVID-19 on university campuses across the nation, and we will continue to monitor developments as many more schools begin to reopen next week so we can learn from their challenges and decisions.”

    Miami University President Gregory Crawford (Photo Miami University)

    Along with the statement Crawford reported that on the Oxford campus, since the start of classes, they have had 10 positive COVID-19 tests among students and 2 among employees.

    Miami has now created a dashboard to track positive results from tests conducted at the Employee Health Center and Student Health Service managed by TriHealth.

    The announcement also introduced a symptom tracking app, Campus Clear (available for download from the app store on a mobile device), which must be completed daily if coming to campus. An illness/absence reporting system is also in place to help track potential outbreaks in the Oxford community.

    Buildings on all campuses have reopened. Miami has begun to phase-in on-campus operations, and in the coming weeks students will be returning in stages.

    Fall classes began on Monday, August 17, mostly remote, with graduate students and some programs in person.

    Classrooms are organized to maintain six-foot physical distancing, and cleaning materials are available to clean desks and common spaces before and after each use.

    Students who will be living off campus are encouraged to stay home, if they can, until face-to-face courses start on Monday, September 21. All students are expected to follow health and safety protocols, “like those in our residence halls, in their off-campus living arrangements.”

    All returning students must sign the Healthy Together Community Pledge, committing to take responsibility for their health and others’ through recommended precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in the community. The pledge focuses on preventative measures such as social distancing, face coverings, cleaning practices, handwashing and sanitation, daily symptom assessment, limiting indoor or outdoor gatherings to fewer than 10 people, and not attending or hosting any gathering where physical distancing is not possible. It also asks students to pledge to participate in testing, contact tracing, and quarantine or isolation if they or their close contacts become ill with COVID-19.

    The phased-in strategy will culminate with the students residing on campus moving into the residence halls during the week of September 14. Face-to-face and hybrid offerings will begin on campus on Monday, September 21.

  • Reopening begins for Ohio’s colleges: Here’s how it looks

    Reopening begins for Ohio’s colleges: Here’s how it looks

    Susan Tebben

    By Susan Tebben – The Ohio Capital Journal

    Some of Ohio’s colleges and universities have begun moving students in, but the navigation of a school year amid a pandemic is still a balancing act.

    For Miami University, classes began this week, with all undergraduate courses online or remote. The plan is to keep it that way until at least Sept. 21, according to the plan posted to the school’s website. 

    “When we began planning last spring, we had hoped that the COVID-19 pandemic would be in significant decline before classes were scheduled to begin,” Miami president Greg Crawford told students. “Instead, cases are rising in many states. With 40% of our Oxford students coming from outside Ohio, we’ve been monitoring the situation closely.”

    Those that are on campus are required to wear masks, and as students come back, they can be reported to the Office of Community Standards if they repeatedly refuse to comply with an instructor’s direction to use a mask or face covering.

    Mask requirements are the norm among Ohio’s public colleges and universities, as are 14-day quarantines for students coming from states considered COVID-19 hotspots. 

    Also the norm this school year are phased reopenings, like those at The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Kent State University, Shawnee State University, Cleveland State University, and the University of Cincinnati.

    The first move-in dates for UC, Aug. 14 and 15 were considered “drop-off only,” meaning students could bring their stuff to campus, but then had to return home until the 16th. 

    Another regular part of public colleges’ and universities’ schedules is a return to at least some form of in-person class instruction that ends after Thanksgiving break. The last two weeks, including final exams, will be taken remotely at OSU, Central State University, UC, KSU and Wright State University, among others.

    Kent State and the University of Toledo have eliminated their fall break to allow students to receive a full semester despite adjusted opening dates.

    Toledo said they adjusted their Fall semester “based on the possibility of having a second wave of COVID-19 in late fall,” taking into account CDC data on the pandemic and state recommendations for higher education.

    Bowling Green State University went so far as to cancel their Winter 2021 session and provide a $1,500 credit for the first 2,000 students who cancelled their housing assignment before the school year began this week. 

    “It is important you understand that we are HIGHLY encouraging you not to live on campus this fall,” information on the university’s COVID-19 plan page stated.

    BGSU started their staggered move-in this week for those that had no other option than to take up residence, and are set to begin classes on Aug. 31. Students there will also be online only beginning Nov. 30. 

    OU phased in their reopening by allowing certain graduates and undergraduates “in a carefully selected set of academic programs” to begin their time on campus. Most students will begin remotely on Aug. 24, but students like third-year students in the College of Health Sciences and Professions’ nursing program and juniors and seniors in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) are eligible to participate in the university’s first phase of schooling. 

    Universities throughout the state sticking with in-person instruction have instituted class-size reductions, along with “hybrid-remote” forms of teaching. Central State spelled out a “cohort attendance” model in its reopening plan, which would break large classes into groups, with the cohorts attending classes on alternating days. This model goes along with a 50% reduction in class sizes, something Wright State anticipates as part of its plan as well.

    “At this time, the university conservatively estimates that one-third of classes will have in-person components while the majority of in-person classes will also deliver all content remotely to provide flexibility to students who are unable or do not feel comfortable returning to campus,” said Wright State president Susan Edwards in a letter to the university community.

    Many of Ohio’s public higher education institutions have also created pledges for students connected to prevention of coronavirus, and in some cases can spur disciplinary action if not signed. 

    Testing and contact tracing for COVID-19 are a regular part of all public school plans, though the ways in which the testing is done vary from school to school. 

    The spring semester plan is still to be determined for most schools. The University of Akron plans to continue hybrid online and in-person instruction into the spring, but others are still watching the success of their fall semesters to plan for the future.

    “Decisions are forthcoming,” stated the UC reopening plan.

    Susan Tebben

    Susan Tebben is an award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering Ohio news, including courts and crime, Appalachian social issues, government, education, diversity and culture. She has worked for The Newark Advocate, The Glasgow Daily Times, The Athens Messenger, and WOUB Public Media. She has also had work featured on National Public Radio.
  • 32 unit condo project sent back to P&Z

    32 unit condo project sent back to P&Z

     

    New public hearing set for September 1

    Loveland, Ohio – “ We’re approaching a traffic nightmare,” resident Courtney Hauck told City Council during open forum at their meeting on August 11. Hauk lives in a restored, historic Victorian home on State Route 48 (North Second Street) in North Loveland across the street from where Zika Homes hopes to build 28 condos.

    Hauck then proceeded to outline sections of the zoning code that he believes should prohibit the development. He believes that the Planning and Zoning Commission “erred” when they recommended rezoning the land from medium density to multifamily use.

    An application has been submitted on behalf of Joe Farruggia with Zicka Homes to re-zone property off North Second Street (St. Rt. 48) south of the Sentry Hill subdivision with the potential use to build a 28-unit condominium development. The area consists of approximately 5.529 acres of undeveloped land.

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    After a public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission, on July 21, with a 3 to 2 split-vote sent the proposal to City Council for a final decision. Assistant City Manager Tom Smith in recommending the zone change at the time, told the Commission, “It is the opinion of City staff that the proposed rezone would be consistent with the recommendations of the Downtown Strategic Plan, surrounding land uses, and poses very little significance in the disparity between the two zones in question. Therefore, City staff dos not believe that the integrity of the code, surrounding land uses, nor their density requirements will be jeopardized with regards to the applicant’s request for rezone.”

    Hauck also told City Council that a home in the adjacent Sentry Hills subdivision recently sold for $880,000 and suggested that Zika should build high-end single-family housing that would further enhance the neighboring home values – instead of lowering them. He said that Zika was given a variance in 2017 for single family homes on the property, “But apparently decided they could not make enough money so came back with a far more profitable plan.” Hauck also expressed concern that access to the cemetery on the property promised by Zicka is not adequate because it would be too narrow for burials to take place there.

    A few minutes later during the August 11 Council meeting City Manager Dave Kennedy recommended that the request be removed from the Council agenda and recommended a motion to send the application back to the Planning and Zoning Commission so they can obtain additional information as to how the project would meet the requirements of the code.

    Kennedy said the project was not “fully vetted” from a zoning code standpoint by the Commission and he thought it best that it go back and be reevaluated. Kennedy said that he shared some of the same concerns regarding complying with the requirements of the code that Hauck expressed a few moments before.

    Both Hauck and Kennedy cited Section 1115.06 of the code and the requirements Zicka must meet before the land can be re-zoned for more intense land use.

    Section 1115.06: STANDARDS FOR ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS

       (a)    Recommendations made only by the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be considered for map amendments. All recommendations by the Planning and Zoning Commission for zoning map amendments shall be consistent with the City’s adopted plans, goals, and policies and with the intent of this Zoning Code.

    A.   Prior to making a recommendation on a proposed rezoning, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall make a finding to determine if the following conditions exist.  No rezoning of land shall be approved prior to specific documents finding at least one of the following:

             1.   There has been a change in demand for land which alters the information upon which the zoning map is based. A study indicates that there has been an increase in the demand for land in the requested zoning district.  The study shall provide a rational basis for indicating why a change in the zoning map is warranted.

             2.   Proposed uses cannot be accommodated by sites already zoned in the City due to lack of transportation or utilities or other development constraints, or the market to be served by the proposed use cannot be effectively served by the location of the existing zoning district.

             3.   There is an error in the Code text or zoning map as enacted.

             4.   The City of Loveland’s current Comprehensive Master Plan specifies a different land use for the subject property other than that which is specified on the current zoning map.

    City Council voted unanimously to send the condo proposal and re-zoning to multi-family use back to the Commission.

    There, the process starts over again with a Public Hearing on September 1 at 7 PM at City Hall.

    Concerns about increased traffic on St. Rt. 48 and gridlock going into Historic Downtown are the most often cited problem immediate neighbors have expressed about changing the land use to multi-family.

    Hauck ended by saying he didn’t think the Zika proposal was the best project in the world and he would like to see the area remain single-family zoning.

    Previous stories about the condo proposal:

    Re-zoning for possible 28-Unit condo project proposed for North Second Street
    [VIDEOS] Re-zoning for 28-Unit condo project passes Planing Commission muster

    You can watch video of residents speaking against the re-zoning during the July 21 public hearing at the Planning and Zoning Commission and watch the developer defend his proposal.

    https://www.youtube.com/embed/UHAN-3CDklc
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/vrktFHCkOCE
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/rGVxq0Mf608
    https://www.youtube.com/embed/uoYi5ZM7B20
  • The Ducky Derby – Splash and Dash – for charity in Loveland river on October 11

    The Ducky Derby – Splash and Dash – for charity in Loveland river on October 11

    The event will be livestreamed on Facebook so that you can cheer on your ducks as they race!

    Loveland, Ohio – You can pick among charities to support and have a chance to win $750 if you enter the The Ducky Derby – Splash and Dash!

    Hundreds of running events in the Tri-State have been cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19. We all miss these events, especially the many charities that are supported through your participation.

    The Ducky Derby – Splash and Dash is here to help fill the void!

    The Ducky Derby is not like other virtual races, in this event a rubber ducky will be racing in your place and it will be a fully chip timed event! There will be up to 10,000 ducks racing down the Little Miami River.  

    The first three ducks to cross the finish line will win cash prizes ($750, $500, $250) 

     

    The fastest duck(s) in each category will be awarded prizes.

    Choose your favorite animal (category) to race in your place: 

    Panda Duck – Bear Duck – Elephant Duck – Giraffe Duck – Tiger Duck – Leopard Duck – Duck Duck

    The Ducky Derby will take place on October 11, at 9 AM

    The ducks will be released into The Little Miami River in Loveland to begin the event. They will then race approximately ½ mile down the river. The ducks will go through a check point and a finish line. At the check point and finish line the “owner” of the duck will receive a text message of their current race time.  

    The Ducky Derby will be livestreamed on Facebook so that you can cheer on your ducks as they race! 

    Please note that this is a live event, but due to health department restrictions, spectators are encouraged to watch only online. All awards and shirts will be mailed to participants following the event.

    Together we can support our favorite charities and maybe get a little “DUCKY” in the process!  

    To register go to:  www.TheDuckyDerby.com

    When signing up be certain that you choose your favorite charity from the drop down menu.

    The Charities

    Animal Friends Humane Society

    HealthSource of Ohio Foundation

    The March of Dimes

    Epilepsy Alliance Ohio

    Young Life

    Oak Hills Youth Athletics

    The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

    Loveland Legacy Foundation

    Life Food Pantry

    The Matt Haverkamp Foundation

    Ross Athletic Dept/Miles for Matthew

    The HealthCare Connection

    Running With Wings

    Ohio Innocence Project

    Heritage Village Museum and Educational Center

    Arthritis Foundation Inc.

    USO of Central and Southern Ohio

    Their Voice of Greater Cincinnati

    The Dragonfly Foundation

    Aubrey Rose foundation

    Butler/Warren County Toys for Tots

    Fayette County Toys for Tots

    US Marine Toys for Tots of Clermont/Brown/Adams/Clinton Counties

  • City exploring options for new downtown fire station

    City exploring options for new downtown fire station

    Loveland, Ohio – The City and the Loveland Symmes Fire Department are exploring options for re-locating Fire Station 63 currently located in Historic Downtown on Second Street. It houses an engine company, a ladder company, and a medic unit. Station 63 is also home to Loveland’s original horse drawn steamer.

    Fire Station 63 in Historic Downtown

    The focus group will meet on Monday August 24 to review a “Fire Station 63 Relocation Report” prepared by MSA Design. You can review the report HERE. The report was paid for from “Fire Funds” at a cost of $12,000.

    The report recommends locating a new Station 63 at 227 East Loveland Avenue.

    Two other locations were studied, one at the corner of Oakland Road and Founders Drive, and the other on a street that may or may not be built connecting Oakland Road to O’Bannonville Road. Both of these alternate locations would have been on a portion of property if the Loveland City School District had purchased land from Grailville for new school buildings. The report says that since the exact locations that might be available for the construction of a new station at Gralville are unknown at this time, neither of these alternate options were studied in great detail.

    In the executive summary of their report MSA says in part”

    “The Department has been working out of a facility in downtown Loveland for many years. Over time, the suitability of this location has been compromised by increased traffic near the station. Additionally, a great deal of redevelopment has been going on in downtown Loveland, making the current station site a potential economic development opportunity. The construction of a new station would also allow the Department to adjust the size and layout to better serve their needs now and into the future.”

    The site proposed for a new facility is east of its current location, at 227 East Loveland Avenue. The site consists of two parcels, one of which is already owned by the Loveland Firefighters Association, while the other is owned by City taxpayers. The Firefighters Association’s parcel houses an existing meeting hall (Fraternal Order of Moose Lodge) while the City resident’s parcel houses the Fire Department’s fire training tower, a public works facility and parking with access to outdoor recreational facilities including the East Loveland Nature Preserve.

    The Fraternal Order of Moose Lodge on East Loveland Avenue where a new fire station might be built.

    MSA’s report says that a new Station 63 could be constructed on the East Loveland Avenue site for between 5 and 5.8 million dollars ($300 – $350 per s.f.) in today’s dollars. MSA notes the fact that these numbers are given in 2020 dollars and that should be considered when budgeting for a future project.

    City Manager Dave Kennedy told Loveland Magazine today that if a new station is built it will be paid for using the City’s Fire Fund. He anticipates that the City will sell bonds, and he does not anticipate a tax increase to pay off the bonds.

    Members of the Fire Station 63 Relocation Focus Group are, Kathleen Eldredge, Allison Ellis, and Larry Flynn. Also in the group is LSFD Captain Bruce Hawk, representing the fire department, Councilmen Andy Bateman and Ted Phelps representing City Council, and City Manager Dave Kennedy representing City staff.

    A fire training tower is already located on property where a replacement for Fire Station 63 might be built.

    Kennedy said, “The Firefighter Association owns (part of) the land, They have indicated that if the City desires to build a fire station on that site they would donate the property to the city as they did the property to build the salt dome, the fire tower, and the nature trail parking lot. In the end the City of Loveland would own all of the land and all improvements provided the committee recommends and the City choses that site.”

    The City stores road salt on property where a replacement for Fire Station 63 might be built.

    The current fire station sits on part of the land from the old City Hall and fire station that was destroyed in a fire in the early 1970’s and is owned by the City of Loveland

    Kennedy said about the current fire station, “Returning the property to commercial use could be a possibility or council could choose another public use. At the end of the day the highest best use for the city with all factors considered would be presented to council.” He added that the proceeds of any sale of the current station and property, “would go back to the fund that was utilized to construct the Fire Station which was the fire fund.”

    Kennedy added, “The current fire station is nearly 50 years old and was built to accommodate our volunteer fire department at that time. The Fire Station was built after the city hall and fire station was destroyed by fire in the early 1970’s. Operating out of the fire station is challenging for today’s modern fire service with on duty career firefighters. The station doesn’t provide quick access to apparatus and is challenging to respond from because of location and size of the front apron. Fire apparatus barley fits into the facility and is often damaged due to the size of the garage doors. The station doesn’t have safety and health features that are necessary for the hazards facing firefighters today.”

    The City Manager was asked, however did not offer an estimate of when a recommendation might be forwarded to City Council or an estimate of when construction might start if they do.

  • Fall High School Contact Sports Receive the Go-Ahead From DeWine

    Fall High School Contact Sports Receive the Go-Ahead From DeWine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Student-athletes all across Ohio jumped for joy Tuesday when Governor Mike DeWine announced that he will be signing a new Ohio Department of Health order. This order will permit the Fall contact sports of Field Hockey, Soccer, and Football, to move forward with competition against other schools.

    Although the Governor confirmed his support for the new health order in a press conference on Tuesday he also said he wanted to ensure that Ohio’s coaches continued to inspire their student-athletes to follow safety precautions. DeWine stated that he hopes that by allowing high school athletes to have a season that will then inspire them to be as careful as they can be.

    “I hope that our coaches will use this an opportunity to focus on helping these young people understand what really is at stake,” Dewine said, “Coaches, you, in a normal year, inspire, you mentor, you instruct, you instill discipline and self-discipline in your student-athletes. For all of that, we are very grateful for what you do. You make a lot of sacrifices, work long hours and you inspire our kids. We thank you very much for that. But this year, it’s going to take more. It’s going to be inspiring them in regards to the goal of keeping COVID out of their team,” DeWine added.

    Field hockey, Soccer, and Football will now be joining the OHSAA’s previously approved Fall sports, which were Girls and Boys Golf, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball, and Girls and Boys Cross Country.

    With the majority of high schools in Ohio desperately wanting to play sports this Fall, the OHSAA has been working with the Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Health to create a new health order that contains modifications from the previous health orders released. With the new Health Director’s Order comes two separate mandates and recommended best practices documents for schools to follow for competitions. If practices aren’t followed the OHSAA could issue consequences for the violation of these requirements as prescribed in Bylaw 11, Penalties. The new health order will still include symptom assessments, mandated facial coverings, enforcement of social distancing, cleaning and sanitizing, and what to do when faced with confirmed COVID-19 cases or exposure to the virus. The finalized health order will be sent to schools this week.

    Bob Goldring, the OHSAA’s Interim Executive Director, also voiced his support of contact sports being allowed to compete in Ohio.

    “The OHSAA is moving forward because we want kids to have an opportunity to participate, and the Governor’s Office is providing that opportunity and a chance,” Goldring explained, “So for that, we are most appreciative. It’s important to remember that our student-athletes have been practicing and training with others for weeks and even months, and it has gone well. So, we believe they deserve the chance to move forward, and that the high school space is also different than the collegiate space.”

    The OHSAA staff has also been consistently working hard to create sport-specific modifications and recommendations for schools when conducting interscholastic competition.  If you would like to read over the updated sports modifications and safety precautions you can click on the following link:https://ohsaa.org/Home/OHSAA-COVID-19-Correspondence.

    OHSAA’s Goldring, like Governor DeWine, when speaking on Tuesday also emphasized the importance of student-athletes, coaches, and school administrators being the absolute best advocates for safety.

    “COVID-19 certainly has created a risk factor, and that is something on which each family has to decide for their student, and each local school district has to make decisions on moving forward based on all the information they have been presented,” Goldring continued. “But we also believe our student-athletes, coaches and school administrators – in education-based programs – are suited to be the best advocates for safety, strongly promoting and following mandates and recommendations to wear facial coverings, stay socially distanced and so forth. Our coaches, especially, are role models to so many of our student-athletes. So hopefully our student-athletes will follow their lead and guidance, especially when they talk to students about what to consider away from school.”

    If you would like to look over the full text from Tuesday’s updated memo sent to the OHSAA’s member schools visit the following link: https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/BulletinBoard/20200818AdministratorUpdate.pdf

    OHSAA’s Fall Sports Seasons are Scheduled to Begin on the Following Dates:

       Friday, Aug. 21 – Soccer and Field Hockey

       Monday, Aug. 24 – Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football

       Both Golf and Girls Tennis Seasons have already begun.

    Have more questions about the new sports health orders and mandates? The Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Health, the National Federation of State High School Associations, colleagues at other state high school athletics/activities associations, members of the OHSAA’s Joint Advisory Committee on Sports Medicine, and members of the Governor’s Sports League Advisory Group created a series of questions and answers for those wanting to learn more! Click on the following link to read:https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports/2020/OHSAAReturnToPlayQA.pdf.

    For the latest updates in the world of sports be sure to tune into Sports 411 With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Act 3 of the Importance of being Earnest

    Act 3 of the Importance of being Earnest

    Loveland, Ohio – Act 3 of The Importance of Being Earnest recorded live at the Loveland Stage Company by LSC Radio in beautiful Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio is now ready for your viewing pleasure.

    If you want to watch Act 1 & 2 first:

    Loveland Stage Company presents Act 1 of “Old-time Radio Shows”

    Watch Act 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest by the…

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    Watch Act 3 of The Importance of Being Earnest by the…

    Cast

    Adrianna Boris – Jack
    You may have seen Adrianna on the LSC stage as Philia in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” or around town as Rizzo in “Grease” at Mariemont and Footlighters.  Other favorite roles have included Julia in “The Wedding Singer,” Cecily in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and the Witch in “Into the Woods”. Thanks to Micheal and the whole team at LSC for bringing us together for this project!
    Carissa Griffith-Sloan – Foley Artist
    Carissa is no stranger to the LSC stage. She has appeared onstage in a number of LSC productions including The Drowsy Chaperone (u/s Drowsy), White Christmas (Martha), Young Frankenstein (Frau Blucher), and many others. Another favorite role was Grempkin in Peter and the Starcatcher at Footlighters.  Carissa would like to thank her husband, John, for always being her favorite scene partner, and everyone involved with putting this production together.
    David Taylor – Composer, Piano
    David is a keyboard player who enjoys the challenge of creating great sounds and performing.  He has performed for many community theatre companies and high school drama productions in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas including several CMT productions.  Favorite shows he has performed in and created the sounds for include The Producers, Young Frankenstein, The Toxic Avenger, Seussical the Musical, Big Fish, and Shrek.  By day, David is a Financial Analyst for Coesia managing the forecasts and budgets for all of the North America, Mexico, and South America regions.
    Jacqlyn Schott – Algernon
    There’s magic in the number three and Jacqlyn couldn’t be more elated to return to Loveland’s stage for the third time as a part of such a fun trio! Three of her favorite past credits include Spider (James and the Giant Peach), Caroline Bramble (Enchanted April), and directing Ordinary Days. This fall, Jacqlyn will be reprising the role of director for Little Shop of Horrors and hopes you’re already planning on return visits to LSC so “you too can be a star!” As always, she thanks her loved ones for their never-ending support.
    Jill Gornet – Lane/Merriman
    Jill is excited to be co-producing Gypsy, which is one of her favorite musicals. She was co-producer for Bugsy Malone, Jr., Don’t Drink the Water and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Jill won an Orchid as the producer of The Drowsy Chaperone. She was last seen on-stage at LSC in Memphis (Clara/ensemble), White Christmas (quintet/ensemble), Will Rogers Follies (quartet) and Fiddler on the Roof (Rifke/ensemble). Retired from USPS, she sings with Sharonville Chorus at retirement/assisted living homes. Jill would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
    John Sloan – Gwendolen
    John is back once more at Loveland Stage Company.  He has appeared in too many LSC shows to list them all, but favorites include: Young Frankenstein (Igor), Oklahoma! (Jud Fry), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ching-Ho), and The Producers.  He last appeared in The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster #1) which was directed by his lovely wife, Carissa, and has directed the recent LSC productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Don’t Drink the Water.  Thanks to Micheal for this opportunity.  Enjoy the show and thank you for supporting the arts!
    Joshua Marcus – Miss Prism
    This is Joshua’s first performance with Loveland Radio, but has previously been seen on stage in, The Drowsy Chaperone (George) and Cole, An Entertainment (Performer). He is excited to be a part of another amazing Loveland production. Joshua would like to thank his wife, Leah, and his children, Hanna and Samuel, for their love, support.
    Melinda Murray-Hubbard – Chausible
    Melinda is glad to be back once again with LSC after performances in Cole, An Entertainment and The Drowsy Chaperone. She has also recently been seen as Sponge in Bart’s Bards’ James and the Giant Peach, and was a costume assistant for the LSC production of Bugsy Malone, Jr. Dr. Hubbard is always up for something new, and this show fits the bill! She thanks her incredible family for supporting her and the amazing folks at LSC for this opportunity. Ya’ gotta get a gimmick!
    Thomas Cavano – Lady Bracknell
    Tom has been involved with community theater in the Cincinnati area for over 30 years. He first performed with LSC in 2008 (The King and I). Since then, he has performed in numerous LSC productions, directed three award-winning shows (Spelling Bee, The Producers, and Young Frankenstein), co-produced many shows, the most recent being Memphis, and has taken an active role in off stage work including set construction, design, decor and stage crew.
    Vincent Eldridge – Cecily
    Vincent has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this genderswapped version of The Importance of Being Earnest. He has been seen on stage as Gangster #2 in The Drowsy Chaperone at LSC, as part of the Octet in Sweeney Todd with Queen City Productions, as was in the Gender Bender last October with Mason Community Players. When he’s not on stage, he enjoys learning the art of lighting and was the lighting designer for The Little Mermaid and Sorry, Wrong Number/The Hitch-Hiker. Outside of theatre he spends his free time painting and trying his best at woodworking. He’d like to give a shout out to the rest of the cast, the crew, and the director for making this a wonderfully fun experience!

    Crew
    Bob Kessler – Tech Director
    Bob works as both a Director of Photography in the regional video community, and as an artist at Kessler Studios, a Loveland-based stained glass and mosaic firm. Bob has served as the Lighting Chair for the Loveland Stage Company since 2013, and has volunteered as Lighting Director on many plays at LSC: Cole: An Entertainment, Memphis, 9 to 5, Jekyll & Hyde, Fiddler On The Roof, I Remember Mama, Oklahoma!, and The Producers.
    Charlie Rader – Camera Operator
    Dave Bauer – Audio Director
    The webmaster of LSC’s award-winning website, Dave brings a lifetime of passion for all things music, sound and photography.  By day, Dave works in schools in Southwest Ohio maintaining computer systems and making sure teachers have the technology they need.  By nights and weekends, Dave is the owner of Technology Concierge Services and is the sound designer for two local bands.  This is Dave’s first involvement in an LSC production.
    Greg Smith – Lighting Design
    An Orchid award-winning Lighting Designer, Set Designer and Producer, Greg always enjoys doing lighting design for a musical at LSC.  The opportunities for creativity are endless when working with such a talented cast and crew.
    Micheal Harris-Kiser – Director
    Micheal is a multiple award-winning director, actor, and set designer. Studying acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Micheal has pursued his passion for theatre in various fields. He is co-founder of Stage and Steel in Pittsburgh, PA. He has performed with many groups throughout the city. His set designs have graced many a stage. He serves as secretary for the LSC board, as well as secretary for The Greater Cincinnati ACT board. He is extremely happy to bring this great musical to you.
    Nancy Hartman-Downing – Camera Operator
    Nancy has been Owner/President of Cleveland Specialties Company since 1986, which designs and manufactures paperboard and plastic packaging products for the food and dairy industry. Her experience is in administration, sales, accounting and computer technology. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College. She currently serves as President for Loveland Woman’s Club. Nancy has been involved with LSC since 2006 doing fundraising, photography, publicity, ticket sales, program ad sales, as well as serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. She enjoys working with such a talented group and looks forward to continuing her involvement into the future.

    The Covid-19 pandemic has hit all of us very hard. Among those most impacted have been the people of the entertainment industry – actors and actresses, musicians, performing artists of all types. Also affected, those behind the scenes, riggers and stagehands, lighting and sound designers, makeup and costume designers, carpenters, electricians and all those who make the art of live performance possible.

    Their desire to “get back at it” is fierce. They love doing what they do.

    Everyone involved in Loveland Stage Company counts ourselves among those mentioned above. And while our “day gig” may or may not have been as seriously impacted, our desire to “get back at it” is strong.

    Out of the lemons of the Covid-19 pandemic, Loveland Stage Company proudly brings you LSC Radio! While we can’t be on stage performing live for you right now, we can bring performances that hearken back to the “good old days” of radio broadcasts. In addition, we’ll have video cameras rolling so you can see our “broadcast” as it happened. We can continue to maintain social distancing and other best practices required these days and still perform for you!

    Loveland Stage Company will bring you a new production in both audio only and video with audio approximately once a month. But we’re not doling it all out at once! Oh, no. Each Act of our production will be released once weekly (we anticipate on Friday) for your weekend viewing/listening pleasure! All productions will be listed below and accessible from here or the main menu above (under LSC Radio).

  • Feds release unemployment guidance, could be a long time before supplements reach Ohioans

    Feds release unemployment guidance, could be a long time before supplements reach Ohioans

    By Marty Schladen Ohio Capital Journal

    As promised, the U.S. Department of Labor last week released guidance to the states on how it will disburse money to supplement unemployment checks. But it’s far from clear when — or whether — hundreds of thousands of out-of-work Ohioans will see those funds.

    A $600-a-week federal supplement had been credited with keeping millions of unemployed Americans — and the economy — afloat, but it expired at the end of July. 

    The Democratically controlled House passed an extension of the benefit. The Republican-controlled Senate introduced a bill cutting the supplement to $200 a week, but failed to pass it.

    Then President Donald Trump on Aug. 8 signed a memorandum that would repurpose federal disaster relief funds to provide $300 a week in additional support. But it would exclude people getting less than $100 a week in state benefits — a group comprising many minimum-wage workers and service workers who get a low hourly wage and tips on top of that.

    The administration of Gov. Mike DeWine signed on to the plan on Monday, saying that additional guidance was needed from the Labor Department before any predictions could be made about when funds would be disbursed.

    The money can’t come quickly enough for many Ohioans. 

    According to the U.S. Census’ Household Pulse Survey for the week of July 9-14, nearly 1 million Ohio adults sometimes or often did not have enough to eat in the past week. In addition, more than 400,000 hadn’t paid the previous month’s rent and 360,000 homeowners hadn’t made the previous month’s mortgage payment.

    “This is before the $600 (federal unemployment supplement) expired,” Zach Schiller, research director for the think tank Policy Matters Ohio, said.

    Earlier in the week, DeWine also underscored the urgency of getting money out to unemployed Ohioans. He praised Trump for taking the actions he did and he called on Congress to get busy — something that’s unlikely to happen until early September at the soonest.

    However, state officials have to clear several hurdles before they can start distributing the federal dollars Trump has attempted to repurpose.

    For example, “States will need to develop a self-certification process in accordance with FEMA instructions for claimants to certify weekly that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19,” the Labor Department guidance says.

    And state officials will have to reprogram antiquated, overwhelmed unemployment systems to process the benefit.

    “We are examining the DOL guidance on lost wages assistance to see what kind of system programming is needed in order to pay these unemployment benefits,” Dan Teirney, DeWine’s press secretary, said in an email. “As noted in the guidance, all states are required to develop a self-certification process for claimants based on instructions from FEMA.”

    He said that once state officials figure all that out, they’ll make beneficiaries whole, but it’s hard to know when that will be.

    “While (the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services) intends to pay these retroactive benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible, there are several procedural and programming steps that must take place before that can happen,” Tierney said.

    There is also a serious question about whether the Trump plan is legal. Georgetown University law professor David Super last week wrote that it is a clear violation of the Stafford Act, the federal law governing disaster assistance.

    Schiller criticized the scheme as ill-conceived at a time when so many Ohioans are in desperate need of assistance.

    “Altogether, the whole thing is kind of a half-baked measure,” he said.

    Marty Schladen

    Marty Schladen
    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.
  • Loveland Magazine’s “Guidebook” to the Loveland School District

    Loveland Magazine’s “Guidebook” to the Loveland School District

    Website for Loveland City School District

    District Office
    757 South Lebanon Road
    Loveland, OH 45140
    (513) 683-5600 Phone
    (513) 683-5697 Fax

    PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

    This Guide was published from information gathered from the District Web Site on August 17. We understand that staff changes, bus routes, etc., are rapidly changing. Parents should contact building principals for information about their child. Those contacts are provided as part of this guide.

    Re-opening Plan

    Latest District News

    Facebook

    Twitter

    Master Calendar – All School Events

    District Calendar

    Staff/Employee Directory and Email Addresses

    Board Meeting Calendar

    Board Agendas

    Meeting Minutes

    Ohio Department of Education

    State Report Card

    Loveland Schools Open Checkbook

    District Policy Manual and Administrative Guidelines

    Loveland Athletic Boosters

    The Board of Education  [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show Members” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Board President

    lorenzka@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Michele Pettit, Board Vice President

    pettitmi@lovelandschools.org 

    (513) 683-5600

    Eileen Washburn, Board Member

    washbuei@lovelandschools.org 

    (513) 683-5600

    Kevin Dougherty, Board Member

    dougheke@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Dr. Eric Schwetschenau, Board Member

    schweter@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    The following individuals comprise the school board. You can email them individually at the email addresses listed above, or you can email the group at board@lovelandschools.org

    [/bg_collapse]

    District Administrative Staff [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show Staff” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Superintendent

    Dr. Amy Crouse

    crouseam@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600 Phone

    Administrative Assistant

    Julie Dunn

    dunnju@lovelandschools.org (513) 683-5600

    [/bg_collapse]

    Office of Teaching & Learning [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show Staff” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Andrea Conner, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
    Twitter: @AConnerNews
    conneran@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Eric Dool, Director of Student Services
    Twitter: @TigerDool

    (513) 683-5600

    Denise Davis Bradley
    Administrative Assistant
    davisde@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Becky Clark
    Administrative Assistant
    clarkbe@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    [/bg_collapse]

    Student & Parent Resources [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Bullying/Harassment

    Child Find

    The Loveland City School District is participating in a statewide effort of locating, evaluating and
    identifying all children with disabilities

    Tiger One-to-World FAQs for LMS and LHS

    The following information is designed to answer many of the common questions asked in regards to the Tiger One-to-World program at Loveland High School and Loveland Middle School.

    Learning Resources for Families

    Gifted Services/Gifted Identification/Academic Acceleration

    Home Schooling

     
     
     
     

    Homeless Children and Youth

    Restraint and Seclusion

    Title I Notification

    [/bg_collapse]

    Treasure/CFO [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show Staff” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Kevin Hawley

    treasurer@lovelandschools.org 

    (513) 683-5600

    Admin. Asst. to Treasurer/CFO

    Debbie Reardon

    reardode@lovelandschools.org (513)

    683-5600

    Teaching & Learning Administrative Staff

     

    [/bg_collapse]

    Facilities and Grounds [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show Staff” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    John Ames Business ManagerJohn Ames
     
    Business Manager
     
     
    (513) 683-5600
     
    Bill Cole
    Bill Cole
     
    Supervisor Facilities and Grounds
     
     
    (513) 683-5600

    Michele AntonMichele Anton
    Administrative Assistant

    antonmi@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    For general facility use requests, click here to access the form.

    For facility use at Loveland High School, contact Athletic Director Brian Conatser at 513-697-3711 or conatsbr@lovelandschools.org.

    [/bg_collapse]

    Transportation [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show Staff and Route Info” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    570 Loveland-Madeira Road
    Loveland, OH 45140
    Phone: (513) 683-3103

    Greg Osie
    Transportation Supervisor
    osiegr@lovelandschools.org

    Lorie Stulz
    Administrative Assistant
    stulzlo@lovelandschools.org 

     
     

    [/bg_collapse]

    Human Resources [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show Staff” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Chuck Ogdan
    Director of Human Resources
    ogdanch@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Judi McDaniel
    Administrative Assistant
    mcdaniju@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Kate Dooley
    EMIS Coordinator
    dooleyka@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Notice of nondiscrimination

    [/bg_collapse]

    School Psychology [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Eric Dool
    Director of Student Services
     
    (513) 683-5600
     
     

    [/bg_collapse]

    Anti-Bullying [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    District Compliance Officers:
    The Board of Education designates the following individuals to serve as the District’s “Compliance Officers” (also known as “Civil Rights Coordinators”)

    Eric J. Dool – Director of Student Services
    dooler@lovelandschools.org

    (513) 683-5600

    Anti-Bullying Resource Page

    [/bg_collapse]

    Food Service and Child Nutrition Program [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Kris Tracy
    District Food Service Director
    tracykr@lovelandschools.org
    (513) 683-5600

    Resource Page

    [/bg_collapse]

    Health Services [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Health Services Web Page

    Vicki Falconi-Young, RN
    District Nurse and LHS Clinic Nurse
    falconvi@lovelandschools.org 
    Phone: 697-3708
    Voicemail: 677-7973
     
    Judy Leamy, RN
    District Nurse (covers LPS through LMS)
    leamyju@lovelandschools.org
    Voicemail: (513) 677-7973
     
    Loveland Primary School
    Connie Smith, Health Aide
    mailto:smithco@lovelandschools.org
    Phone: (513) 697-3553 
     
    Loveland Elementary School 
    Stephanie Schumacher, Health Aide
    mailto:schumast@lovelandschools.org
    Phone: (513) 697-3050
    Loveland Intermediate and Middle School
    Tonya Morrison, Health Aide
    mailto:morristo@lovelandschools.org
    Phone: (513) 697-3603 
     
    Pam Greenberg, RN
    District Nurse (covers LECC)
    greenbpa@lovelandschools.org
    Voicemail: 677-7973
     
    Loveland Early Childhood Center
    Cathe Hosea, Health Aide
    hoseaca@lovelandschools.org 
    Phone: (513) 697-3034

    [/bg_collapse] 

    Loveland High School [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

    Loveland, Ohio
    45140-1976
     
    LHS Main Office  (513) 683-1920
    LHS Athletic Office  (513) 697-3714
     
    (513) 697-3715 Attendance Office
    (513) 677-7952 Main Office Fax
    (513) 697-3724 Guidance Office Fax
     
     
     
     
     

    Peggy Johnson
    Principal
    johnsope@lovelandschools.org

    Rebecca Griffin
    Assistant Principal
    griffire@lovelandschools.org

    Eric Fry 
    Assistant Principal
    fryer@lovelandschools.org

    Brian Conatser
    Director of Student Athletics
    conatsbr@lovelandschools.org

    Jake Elfers
    Facilities Manager
    elfersja@lovelandschools.org

    [/bg_collapse]

    Loveland Middle School [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

     
    801 South Lebanon Road
    Loveland, OH 45140
    (513) 683-3100 Phone
    (513) 677-7986 Fax
     
     
     

    David Knapp – Principal

     
     
     
    Sara Gehring
    Assistant Principal
    gehrinsa@lovelandschools.org 
     
     
     
     
    Jayson Bruce
    Assistant Principal / Athletic Director
    bruceja@lovelandschools.org
     
     
     
    Kim Shafer
    Counselor
    shaferki@lovelandschools.org
     
    Roxanna Burdine
    Secretary
    burdinro@lovelandschools.org
     
    Alysha Haungs
    Secretary
    haungsal@lovelandschools.org 
     
    Katie Buck-Kennedy
    Attendance Clerk
    buckkeca@lovelandschools.org
     
    Tonya Morrison, Health Aide
    mailto:morristo@lovelandschools.org
    Phone: (513) 697-3603 

    [/bg_collapse]

    Loveland Intermediate School [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]
     
     
     
    757 South Lebanon Road
    Loveland, OH 45140
    (513) 774-7000
    (513) 677-7978 Fax
     
     
     
     
    Garth Carlier
    Principal
    carliega@lovelandschools.org

     

    Julie Carter
    Assistant Principal
    carterju@lovelandschools.org

    Robin Schneider
    Counselor
    schneiro@lovelandschools.org

    Nichole Sartain

     
    Donna Ernst 
    Secretary
     
    Tonya Morrison, Health Aide
    mailto:morristo@lovelandschools.org
    Phone: (513) 697-3603
    [/bg_collapse]
     
     
     
    Loveland Elementary School [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]
     
     
     
    600 Loveland-Madeira Road
    Loveland, OH 45140
    (513) 683-4333
    (513) 677-7932 Fax
    To report an absence call 697-3888 by 10 a.m.
     
     
    Jennifer Forren
    Principal
    forrenje@lovelandschools.org
     
    –
    Jane Miller
    Building Coordinator
    millerja@lovelandschools.org

    Allison Manning
    Psychologist
    manninal@lovelandschools.org

    Sarah Ninnemann
    Counselor
    ninnemsa@lovelandschools.org

    Chris Thiel
    Secretaries
    thielch@lovelandschools.org
     
    Jen Geist
    Secretary
    geistje@lovelandschools.org

    Stephanie Schumacher
    Health Aide
    schumast@lovelandschools.org

     

    [/bg_collapse]

     
     
     
    Loveland Primary School [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]
     
     
     
    Kevin Fancher
    Principal
    fancheke@lovelandschools.org
    –
    Cristin Kiefer
    Building Coordinator
    kiefercr@lovelandschools.org

    Allison Manning
    School Psychologist
    wnorosal@lovelandschools.org

    Darcie Chandler
    Counselor
    chandlda@lovelandschools.org

    Catherine Buck-Kennedy
    Secretary 
     
    Kim Dippold
    Secretary 
    Connie Smith, Health Aide
    mailto:smithco@lovelandschools.org
    Phone: (513) 697-3553
     

    [/bg_collapse]

     
     
     
    Loveland Early Childhood Center [bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]
     
     
     
    6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road
    Loveland, OH 45140
    (513) 683-4200 Phone
    (513) 697-3060 Attendance Line
    (513) 677-7960 Fax
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Jesse Kohls
    Principal
    kohlsje@lovelandschools.org
     
    Jaime Heybruch
    Counselor
    heybruja@lovelandschools.org
     
    Carrie Smith
    Psychologist
    smithca@lovelandschools.org
     
    Cindy McFarland
    Secretary
     
    Pam Greenberg, RN
    District Nurse (covers LECC)
    greenbpa@lovelandschools.org
    Voicemail: 677-7973
     
    Cathe Hosea, Health Aide
    hoseaca@lovelandschools.org 
    Phone: (513) 697-3034
     

    [/bg_collapse]