Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: David Miller

Dr. Eric Schwetschenau and Dr. Kathy Lorenz provide advice on to how avoid Level 4 Emergency

Loveland Magazine has reached out to local leaders asking them their thoughts about how to mitigate the possibility of Hamilton County being elevated to Alert Level 4 Purple in the State’s COVID 19 Pandemic Alert System. Hamilton County is on the watch list to go to the highest level, possibly by Friday.

Loveland Schools are scheduled to begin classes in 43 days on August 26.

Here is what we believe will be the mandate under the Level 4 Alert:

Hamilton County is on the State Watch list to possibly be elevated from the current RED Level Alert to the highest, PURPLE Level Alert. That destination would mean that the county is experiencing “Severe exposure and spread.” The order from the state would be, “Only leave home for supplies and services and Stay at home/necessary travel only.”

The invitation was sent to the School District Superintendent and all Board members, as well as the Loveland City Manager, the Mayor, and all councilmembers. We have received responses from two community leaders.

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Dr. Eric Schwetschenau and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz sent their thoughts. Lorenz is the President and Schwetschenau is a member of the Loveland Board of Education

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Dr. Eric Schwetschenau

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appreciate being asked for my opinion regarding the effect that the Coronavirus pandemic has on our community and our school system.

I would like to be clear that this is my opinion only. I cannot speak for the board or the school system as a whole.

I encourage everyone to watch the Board work session scheduled for July 15th at 6 PM where the back to school plans for this year will be discussed!

Governor DeWine has instituted many policies and systems in order to try to decrease the overall disease burden from this new threat to our public health. One of those systems has a strong possibility of being triggered this week, moving the alert system for Hamilton County from Red to Purple.

Over 100,000 Americans have died from complications associated with this novel virus. It is certainly difficult to keep up with the constantly changing environment and the multiple shifts in recommendations and advice from different sources. Due to this fact, there have been many contradictory and confusing opinions which have spread.

With my background as an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician I’ve spent my career dealing with respiratory illness as well as its spread and consequences. I hope that my advice is taken as being from a place of deep concern for community health. I would encourage anyone to read the guidance issued by the state for our schools. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/responsible/schools/K-12-Schools-Guidance.pdf

I believe it is fair to say that we would all like to see our children in schools as much as is safely possible in the upcoming year. None of us want to see schools become centers of disease spread for our community.

In order to best reduce the possibility of this event, we all need to do our best to keep down the overall number of cases. As we have seen in multiple countries, it is possible to drastically reduce and even eliminate community spread of this virus with appropriate safeguards and behaviors.

How do we do this? It’s simple. There are several methods that are well studied and well known to decrease transmission of respiratory illnesses. Although this virus is new and it’s behavior is still unpredictable, our behavior need not be.

1. Wear face masks. This is especially important when in situations in which there is close contact for extended periods of time, and especially when that occurs indoors.

2. Wash your hands frequently. Make sure that frequently touched surfaces are cleaned on a regular schedule.

3. Social distancing helps. The exact number of feet you are away from someone is arguable, and open to interpretation. It has become commonly accepted that a 6 foot distance is a reasonable one due to the mechanical behavior of the respiratory droplets that appear to be the primary method of spread. This number is by no means perfect, but is the best ‘guess’ we have as to a safe distance at this time. Is 20 feet better? Sure. Is 3 feet ok? Maybe, in some cases, but not as safe as further distances…

Think of these three steps as layers of protection, just like bundling up in the winter. Each layer helps to decrease your likelihood of transmitting or catching this illness.

Can we do anything between now and Thursday to change the trajectory of the number of cases in the area? No, that die has already been cast.

Can we as a community make decisions that significantly decrease the spread of viral illness and get us back to low levels of disease? Absolutely.

Schools in Loveland are scheduled to start in 6 weeks. If our number of cases continues to increase it will be even more difficult to ensure safe and healthy schools.

I challenge all of us to be the best neighbors that we can be. Let’s do our best to keep our Loveland families and our community healthy. Let’s do our best to get and keep our kids in school safely!

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Dr. Kathryn Lorenz

The Board has not met or issued a statement regarding the issue you raise. My response is simply as a citizen and an individual board member.

There is widespread thought in the Loveland community that schools should be opened for in-person instruction next month. I believe we all want what is best for Loveland students and staff, both for educational achievement and for the safety of all.

If a stay-at-home order is issued, schools cannot be open.

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I personally try to follow, as best I can, the guidelines regarding face coverings, hand washing and social distancing.

It is my hope that those efforts will help us as we seek to serve the Loveland community.

Jul 15, 2020
All eyes on school board tonight

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland School Board is meeting tonight at 6 PM for a special meeting. The Board is still meeting via ZOOM/YouTube and you can tune into the meeting by following this LINK. (backup LINK should any issues arise)

Widely anticipated, was a discussion at tonight’s meeting about whether the Board would place an operating levy on November’s ballot. There is no agenda item relating to a levy discussion.

There is no “Hearing of the Public” on tonight’s agenda.

There will be a “First Reading” of a Face Covering/Mask Policy.

On their agenda is:

Reopening plans have been developed based on multiple sources of expert guidance. There will be a presentation of the plans with the accompanying expenses, survey data, and other relevant information to plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The objective of the discussion is to determine the reopening plan for “exhibit A“* referenced in the 3.1 Resolution adopting the 2020-2021 Academic Plans and Options Program for the Reopening of the Loveland City School District.

The important, “exhibit A“* referenced in the Resolution they will vote on tonight has yet to be released to the public.

*Academic Plans and Options Proposal

Jul 15, 2020 – Board Special Meeting

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Superintendent Resolutions

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Approve resolution adopting the 2020-2021 Academic Plans and Options Program for the Reopening of the Loveland City School District

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Motion to approve a resolution adopting the 2020-2021 Academic Plans and Options Program for the Reopening of the Loveland City School District and granting the Superintendent authority related thereto.

________________moved, seconded by ____________________ to approve a resolution adopting the 2020-2021 Academic Plans and Options Program for the Reopening of the Loveland City School District and granting the Superintendent authority relate thereto.

WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and can easily spread from person to person between individuals who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) or through the touching of a surface that has the virus on it then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes; and

WHEREAS, the Governor and the 133^rd General Assembly of the Ohio Legislature have declared a state of emergency with respect to the spread of the novel coronavirus; and,

WHEREAS, during the 2019-2020 school year, the Ohio Department of Health ordered that all K-12 schools be closed to students but it is anticipated that schools will be permitted to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year; and

WHEREAS, boards of education in Ohio have been given substantial authority to revise their methods of instruction for the 2020-2021 school year to adopt to the pandemic.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, Hamilton County, Ohio as follows:

SECTION I

The Board hereby authorizes and adopts the attached Academic Plans and Options Proposal identified as Exhibit A (to reflect the discussion under item 2.1) to provide for the learning opportunities either in-person, remote, or a combination in accordance with the authority granted by Am. Sub. H.B. 164 and blended learning opportunities authorized by R.C. 3302.41. The Superintendent is hereby authorized to take any and all actions necessary to implement the attached Academic Plans and Options Proposal. In addition, given the uncertain nature of the pandemic, the Superintendent shall be authorized to revise the Academic Plans and Options Proposal as necessary during the 2020-2021 school year so long as such revisions are not inconsistent with Ohio law, state and local health department orders, and orders of the Governor, and so long as the Superintendent updates this Board on any such revisions at the Board’s next public meeting after such revisions are made.

SECTION II

This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately after its adoption and shall supersede and replace any prior resolution or act of this Board of Education that may be inconsistent or duplicative with the provisions of this Resolution.

SECTION III

The Board of Education hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the adoption of this Resolution were taken in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22, ORC.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

____ Ms. Pettit

____ Dr. Schwetschenau

____ Mrs. Washburn

____ Mr. Dougherty

____ Dr. Lorenz

Jul 15, 2020
Unhealthy air alert extended into Wednesday, July 15 for the Loveland Area

Active children and adults, people with heart and lung disease, including asthma, and older adults should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Air Quality Forecast is 105 AQI for Wednesday, July 15

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for Tuesday, July 15 for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

You can help protect those most vulnerable

• Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk instead of driving
• Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
• Avoid idling your vehicle
• Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
• Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes
• Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Advisory days
• Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Advisory days
• Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings
• Always burn clean, seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves
• Do not use fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential home heating on Air Quality Advisory days
• Conserve electricityYou can check the current air quality by clicking on this image and entering a ZIP Code.

If you find that having this type of local news adds value to your quality of life, kindly consider contributing to the cost of producing it.

Jul 14, 2020
Sheriff on deceased at CVS: “No signs of foul play.”

Symmes Township, Ohio – Captain Tory Smith the District Three Commander assigned to Symmes Township told Loveland Magazine this morning, “I did have a conversation with our CIS personnel late in the day yesterday and they have indicated that there appears to be nothing suspicious at this time. There are/were no signs of foul play and there was no evidence to suggest that the person was struck by a vehicle. It is believed that the individual suffered from some sort of medical emergency.”

The Hamilton County Sherriff’s office investigated a body discovered in the landscaping at the CVS Pharmacy at East Kemper and Loveland Maderia Road around daylight yesterday morning.

The Hamilton County Criminal Investigative Section responded and the body was taken from the scene by the Hamilton County Coroner.

Loveland Magazine will not be releasing the name of the deceased.

Jul 14, 2020
Ohio Republicans slammed over coronavirus enforcementBy Marty Schladen – July 13, 2020

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

As Hamilton County and 1/2 of Loveland headed to another stay at home order

By Marty Schladen with Ohio Capital Journal

July 13, 2020

Columbus, Ohio – The coronavirus is raging in Ohio, but the state’s Republican leaders seem disinclined to enforce rules intended to protect against it. (How does Hamilton County avoid Level 4 Alert)

Attorney General Dave Yost won’t say whether he’ll support enforcement of new orders to wear masks in the state’s hardest-hit counties. And the official who issued them, Gov. Mike DeWine, has made several statements indicating that he doesn’t want to see anybody punished for not following measures intended to slow the spread of the deadly disease.

Mike Samet the Public Information Officer for Hamilton County Public Health told Loveland Magazine on Friday that from an enforcement perspective, as a county agency, the Health Department is not able to issue citations. “Nobody wants to be the mask police. This is education over enforcement, he said. Samet added that he wants people to understand why masks are important now, not punish them for non-compliance.

Ohio set a record for new cases Friday — 1,525 — after seeing them trend sharply upward over the past few weeks. The case count was nearly triple the three-week average of 531.

Gov. Mike DeWine, has made several statements indicating that he doesn’t want to see anybody punished for not following measures intended to slow the spread of the deadly disease.

The news comes as six other states — Alabama, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Oregon and Texas — set new single-day records of their own on Thursday. It also was the sixth day out of the past 10 in which the United States set one-day records for new cases of the coronavirus, which now has killed more than 3,000 in Ohio and more than 130,000 nationwide.

Also last week, a New York Times data analysis showed that the disease in the United States is taking on a disturbing racial dimension, with Blacks and Latinos around three times as likely as whites to get the new coronavirus.

The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control both have said that widespread mask wearing would reduce the spread of the disease. One study indicated that if 80% of people wore them, the spread would plummet to one twelfth what it would be if nobody did.

Yet Yost, the state’s top law-enforcement officer, last week didn’t respond to questions about whether he supports enforcement of last week’s orders that people in Ohio’s 12 hardest-hit counties must wear masks inside public buildings.

In late March, Yost ordered that many abortions be halted in Ohio, arguing that the move was intended to conserve healthcare resources in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

In June, he urged a municipal court to drop charges against a couple accused of opening their Cambridge-area restaurant in defiance of an earlier, DeWine-issued health order that it remain closed.

Then earlier this week, Yost said that the Columbus city government doesn’t have the power to enforce mask orders in state buildings — places where many Republican lawmakers have refused to wear them.

On Monday, a spokeswoman for Yost explained that the attorney general can’t have any official involvement in cases relating to health orders unless asked by local prosecutors. “We don’t have the authority,” the spokeswoman, Bethany McCorkle, said in a text message.

She added, however, that Yost has worn a mask since before there was a health order and encourages others to do the same.

The attorney general and his staff haven’t responded to subsequent questions about the order DeWine issued on Wednesday evening requiring masks in the worst-hit counties.

David Pepper (Photo from Ballotpedia)

Ohio Democrats are already up in arms about Republican legislative leaders’ refusal to share details about the spread of coronavirus in the Statehouse and surrounding office towers. David Pepper, the party chairman, on Friday slammed the attorney general for his apparent reluctance to support the enforcement of mask orders.

“As far as Dave Yost is concerned, refusing to enforce health orders is just one more example that the Ohio GOP has become the party of Donald Trump, Nino Vitale and John Becker,” Pepper said in a text message. “Sadly Ohio COVID cases are spiking because of it.”

“Even though initially it appeared that Mike DeWine was being guided by scientists and public health experts, it seems that politics and the desires of the business community are driving more of the governor’s decision making now,” party chairman David Pepper said.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly downplayed the pandemic, floated unproven cures for it and refused to appear in public wearing a mask. Among his other statements, Ohio Rep. Nino Vitale, R-Urbana, last Tuesday took to Facebook to urge Ohioans to stop even getting tested for coronavirus. And Ohio Rep. John Becker, R-Union Township, has introduced legislation that would strip state officials of the power to enforce any health order.

Meanwhile, in the absence of much support from his party, DeWine has said he doesn’t plan to use his authority under his mask order to arrest people for not following it.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

“We’re not talking about throwing people in jail,” DeWine said during a press conference Thursday. “This is a law to advise people what to do.”

DeWine has enjoyed overwhelming, bipartisan support over his handling of the coronavirus. But at least for Ohio’s top Democrat, patience might be wearing thin.

“Even though initially it appeared that Mike DeWine was being guided by scientists and public health experts, it seems that politics and the desires of the business community are driving more of the governor’s decision making now,” Pepper said. “Even with fewer cases, even West Virginia and Kentucky are being more proactive in addressing the pandemic.”

The Ohio Capital Journal is a hard-hitting, independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to connecting Ohioans to their state government and its impact on their lives. The Capital Journal combines Ohio state government coverage with relentless investigative journalism, deep dives into the consequences of policy, political insight and principled commentary.

Contact us: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com

Jul 14, 2020
Unhealthy air alert issued for Tuesday, July 14 for the Loveland Area
Active children and adults, people with heart and lung disease, including asthma, and older adults should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Air Quality Forecast is 101 AQI for Tuesday, July 14

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for Tuesday, July 14 for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

You can help protect those most vulnerable

You can help the situation locally by not using fire pits, lighting campfires, charcoal grills, or setting off fireworks.

If you conserve electricity by turning out lights and unplugging unused appliances and electronics during the alert it will reduce the demand for coal-burning power plants in our region.
- Take the bus, carpool, bike, or walk instead of drive.
- Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap.
- Do not idle your vehicle; exhaust contributes considerably to ozone formation.
- Combine trips or eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips.
- Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes.
- Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days.
- Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Alert days.
- Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings.
- Suspend use of fire pits, campfires and charcoal grills on Air Quality Alert days.
- Conserve electricity by turning out lights and unplugging unused appliances and electronics.
You can check the current air quality by clicking on this image and entering a ZIP Code.

If you find that having this type of local news adds value to your quality of life, kindly consider contributing to the cost of producing it.
Jul 13, 2020
Loveland Bike Trail bridge in Historic Downtown Loveland to close for 3 days

Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has notified City Hall that the Loveland Bike Trail bridge over O’Bannon Creek, near Nisbet Park, will be closed for three days to conduct a feasibility study and soil borings for future repairs.

The closure is expected during the week of July 27th.

Jul 13, 2020
Current local COVID 19 data: How does Hamilton County avoid Level 4 Alert
Loveland, Ohio – Mike Samet the Public Information Officer for Hamilton County Public Health told Loveland Magazine on Friday, “As a ‘red’ county, most of our “indicators” are trending upward, hence the potential designation as ‘purple.”

The message to county residents is a simple one said Samet in response to the question of how does Hamilton County avert escalating to Level 4. “The one we’ve been talking about since February. Until we have a vaccine and/or treatment for COVID-19, the only way to slow down transmission is: physical distance (6 ft. plus); wear a mask when out; stay home if you are ill; wash hands often and thoroughly; cover coughs/sneezes.”

Samet added, “Wearing a mask is not a political statement. The mask shows care and respect for others in that we’re trying to reduce their risk of infection, as well as ours. It’s summer, it’s hot, no one likes wearing a mask, but it’s what we have to do to protect each other.”

Samet said that from an enforcement perspective, as a county agency, the Health Department is not able to issue citations. “Nobody wants to be the mask police. This is education over enforcement, he said. Samet added that he wants people to understand why masks are important now, not punish them for non-compliance. “In any event, our enforcement system is complaint-driven. People may register complaints with us at www.hcph.org. We follow-up on each complaint received,” said Samet. Read how to file a complaint in Clermont County below.

Both Hamilton and Clermont counties are currently under the State RED Alert for COVID 19 spread. Clermont County was elevated from ORANGE to RED last Thursday. Warren County remains in the ORANGE Alert designation.

What does it mean if Hamilton County goes to the highest Alert level?

Hamilton County is on the State Watch list to possibly be elevated from the current RED Level Alert to the highest, PURPLE Level Alert. That destination would mean that the county is experiencing “Severe exposure and spread.” The order from the state would be, “Only leave home for supplies and services and Stay at home/necessary travel only.”

Why was Hamilton County put under a RED Alert?

As of July 7, Hamilton County during the 3 weeks prior had COVID 19 cases increase along with several other healthcare indicators.

Between June 24 and June 30, Hamilton County had 1,124 cases, the largest number of COVID 19 cases in any week since the beginning of the pandemic.

From June 16 until June 30, the average new cases per day doubled from 82 to 161. Due to clinical and reporting lags, these numbers may continue to grow for this reporting period.

The community continued to experience early signs that more people are seeking medical care for COVID 19 symptoms.

From June 16 to June 30, visits for COVID 19 to the emergency department doubled from an average of 11 per day to 22. More people are also visiting their doctors and being diagnosed with COVID 19.

Between June 16 and July 2, the average outpatient visits more than tripled from 52 to 172 visits per day.

In recent weeks, more than 86% of the cases are not in congregate settings, signaling significant transmission in the broader community.

Hamilton County also hit a new threshold for the overall utilization rate for regional intensive care unit beds, which exceeded 80% during 5 of those past 7 days.

Why was Clermont County put under a RED Alert?

As of July 7, Clermont County during the 3 weeks prior had COVID 19 cases increase along with several other healthcare indicators.

From June 16 until June 30, the average new cases per day doubled from 4 to 9. Due to clinical and reporting lags, these numbers may continue to grow for this reporting period.

The community continued to experience early signs that more people are seeking medical care for COVID 19 symptoms.

More people are also visiting their doctors and being diagnosed with COVID 19.

Between June 16 and July 2, the average outpatient visits nearly tripled from 9 to 25 visits per day.

In recent weeks, more than 94% of the cases are not in congregate settings, signaling significant transmission in the broader community.

Clermont County also hit a new threshold for the overall utilization rate for regional intensive care unit beds, which exceeded 80% during 5 of those past 7 days.

LEVEL 1 0–1 Indicators Triggered

Active exposure and spread. Follow all current health orders.

LEVEL 2 2–3 Indicators Triggered

Increased exposure and spread. Exercise high degree of caution. Follow all current health orders.

LEVEL 3 4–5 Indicators Triggered

Very high exposure and spread. Limit activities as much as possible. Follow all current health orders.

LEVEL 4 6–7 Indicators Triggered

Severe exposure and spread. Only leave home for supplies and services. Follow all current health orders.

Summary of Alert Indicators

As of today, Monday, July 13:

The number of hospitalizations in Ohio is 8,842. Total Deaths in Ohio is 3,058.

There are 462 hospitalizations and 131 deaths in Hamilton County. There have been 3,657 cases and 1,154 recoveries.

There have been 497 confirmed and probable cases of COVID 19 in Clermont County and 7 confirmed and probable death. There are currently 60 hospitalizations. 341 people are being reported as recovered.

In Warren County there have been 945 positive and probable cases and 25 positive and probable deaths. Warren County is reporting 120 new positive cases, 5 new hospitalizations, and 3 new deaths in the last 14 days.

Clermont County Public Health has issued these 5 Protocols for All Businesses and these Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. Require face coverings for employers and recommend them for clients/customers at all times.

2. Conduct daily health assessments by employers and employees (self-evaluation) to determine if “fit-for-duty”.

3. Maintain good hygiene at all times -hand washing, sanitizing, and social distancing.

4. Clean and sanitize workplaces throughout the workday and at the close of business or between shifts.

5. Limit capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.

•Establish maximum capacity at 50% of the fire code.
• And, use appointment setting where possible to limit congestion.

Q. Will I have to wear a mask or face covering while I am at work?
A. Yes. Face coverings are required for employees except if any of the following apply:
1. Facial coverings in the work setting are prohibited by law or regulation;
2. Facial coverings are in violation of documented industry standards;
3. Facial coverings are not advisable for health reasons;
4. Facial coverings are in violation of the business’ documented safety policies;
5. Facial coverings are not required when the employee works alone in an assigned work area; or There is a functional (practical) reason for an employee not to wear a facial covering in the workplace.
Q. Will I have to wear a mask or face covering if I am a customer at a business?
A. Yes. Under the level 3 Public Health Emergency issued on July 10, customers must wear masks while inside businesses or other buildings.

Q. Will I need to take my temperature before coming to work?
A. Yes. Employees must take their temperature and watch for other symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing. Sick employees should stay at home.

Q. What safety precautions should my employer be taking?
A. All businesses should follow these protocols

1. Require face coverings for employers and customers.

2. Conduct daily health assessments by employers and employees (self-evaluation) to determine if “fit-for-duty”.

3. Maintain good hygiene at all times -hand washing, sanitizing, and social distancing.

4. Clean and sanitize workplaces throughout the workday and at the close of business or between shifts.

5. Limit capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.

•Establish maximum capacity at 50% of the fire code.
• And, use appointment setting where possible to limit congestion.

Q. What should I do if my co-workers aren’t wearing facial coverings at work?
A. If an employee of a business is not wearing a facial covering, ask the employer/business for written justification on why the employee isn’t wearing a face covering.

Q. What should I do if my employer is not following proper safety precautions?
A. If an employer is not following the above safety protocols, you can file an online complaint here.

To File a complaint about a business you think is in violation of the Stay Safe Ohio Order, click here.

To check the status of a complaint click here. (Choose “Code Case” in the search drop-down box).

Full Ohio Department of Health Stay Safe Ohio Order

More information from the Ohio Department of Health on the Responsible RestartOhio page
Jul 13, 2020
Ohio’s K-12 public schools got cuts. Private, charter schools got cash

The amount of the state revenue reduction for the Loveland City School District was $1,010,855

An up-date on 7/12/2020:

Loveland Treasurer Kevin Hawley reports to the Board in the agenda for their June 23 business meeting:

Loveland City Schools received approximately $350,000 from the CARES Act. These funds were provided to the state of Ohio and they determined the breakdown for each district. Ohio determined the allocation based on Title I federal funding rates. Title I is a federal grant primarily provided to “schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.” This was the way the state determined equity in payments. As a reminder, the state decreased our overall state funding by $1,010,855. These funds are provided specifically for any increased expenses due to COVID-19. Therefore, this will help with any additional expenses incurred due to the pandemic and with the resumption of school in the fall of 2020.

By Susan Tebben| Tyler Buchanan at the Ohio Capital Journal

Local Private Schools Receiving Paycheck Protection Program Funds

Cincinnati Country Day School 2-5m

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy 2-5m

St. Xavier High School 2-5m

Elder High School 1-2m

Mount Notre Dame 1-2m

McNicholas High School 350k-1m

La Salle High School 350k-1m

Roger Bacon High School 350k-1m

Seton High School 350k 1m

Lebanon Christian School 150k-350k

Liberty Bible Academy (Mason) 150k-350k

Ohio educators were at home celebrating “Teacher Appreciation Week” in May when they learned cuts would be made at every public school district in the state.

These cuts came just as hundreds of private and charter schools in Ohio were approved to receive millions of dollars from the federal government to keep their workers on payroll. Some of these already receive public school funding as part of the EdChoice private school voucher program.

The federal funding was offered through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). It is a program administered by the Small Business Administration which gives low-interest loans to businesses and nonprofits. The loans are forgiven if used primarily to help with payroll costs.

After the federal government released a list of PPP recipients on Monday, the Ohio Capital Journal reviewed data on the nearly 23,000 recipients in this state to track funding that went to schools.

The list does not give an exact dollar figure received by each place, but rather provides a range: $150,000 to $350,000; $350,000 to $1 million; $1-2 million; $2-5 million; and $5-10 million.

In total, the Capital Journal identified 220 schools in Ohio that received PPP funding. The possible range of the combined funding is between $95 million and $232 million.

This money went to a variety of schools. Many are religious institutions, such as Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, which received between $1-2 million. The list includes many charter schools, such as the chain of Horizon Science Academy locations in more than a half-dozen cities which took in millions of dollars.

There are private gifted schools, college preparatory schools and those which operate as nonprofits independent of the traditional public school system. Some are specialized schools for certain areas of study, such as the Global Ambassadors Language Academy in Cleveland, which allows children to learn in language immersion programs for Spanish and Mandarin. The academy took in between $150,000 and $350,000.

Together, the 220 schools were able to retain many thousands of jobs thanks to the PPP funding.

There were additional loans given to Montessori schools, day care centers, pre-schools, after-school programs, summer camps and other entities which serve children. These were not included in the Capital Journal review.

PPP money has been limited to businesses and nonprofit entities, thus making public school districts ineligible for funding.

The Ohio Capital Journal previously reported about a similar disparity within higher education. Dozens of private colleges and universities took in tens of millions of dollars in forgivable PPP loans, while some of Ohio’s public institutions have suffered from severe budget shortfalls in 2020.

Public schools hope for future funding

Public schools are still searching for funding relief after $300 million was cut by Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration in early May as the coronavirus pandemic began to impact state revenues. The amount of the state revenue reduction for the Loveland City School District was $1,010,855.

Columbus City Schools Superintendent and CEO Talisa L. Dixon told a legislative committee discussing the future of K-12 education as the cuts took place that uncertainty is the greatest factor facing Ohio schools.

“Uncertainty for the educational programs our families may need and want during this crisis, uncertainty of what our revenues may be as the state discusses further reductions, uncertainty of what our expenses may be in order to bring students back safely,” Dixon said.

The state education system has seen declining growth not just related to coronavirus cuts, but year over year, according to historic data. On top of decreasing budgets, public schools have had to absorb the expenses of sending some students in low-ranked public schools to private schools through the EdChoice program.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, for example, saw more than one-third of its state aid deducted for EdChoice scholarships in fiscal year 2019, according to a report done by the district.

According to the PPP awards, a number of Cleveland private schools received funding — examples include the Lutheran High School Association as well as the St. Joseph Academy, each taking in forgivable loans of between $1-2 million.

Hamilton County’s Indian Hill Exempted Village School District had around one-fourth of its state aid diverted to EdChoice private school vouchers, and Sycamore Community City School District lost about one-fifth.

In 2020 PPP awards, nearby schools received loans such as Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (between $2-$5 million) and St. Ursula Academy (between $1-$2 million).

The leader of a teacher’s union representing 20,000 Ohio educators is taking issue with PPP funding and public school monies going toward private schools. In a recent conference call regarding falling budgets and the need for federal aid, Ohio Federation of Teachers Executive Director Melissa Cropper said the diversion of government funding to private schools has only added to the struggles that impact most students in the state.

“Ninety percent of our students are educated in public schools, so when we have this money diverted to private schools, we’re impacting 90% of the students that the money is being taken away from,” Cropper said. “So this just continues to create disparities within our education system.”

Education advocates see other potential solutions to public schools’ budget woes — namely, funding from the federal CARES Act, a COVID-19 relief bill signed into law back in March. A separate HEROES Act includes more funding for public education, including $3.2 billion earmarked for Ohio schools, but the bill has languished in the U.S. Senate after passing in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Ohio Capital Journal is a hard-hitting, independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to connecting Ohioans to their state government and its impact on their lives. The Capital Journal combines Ohio state government coverage with relentless investigative journalism, deep dives into the consequences of policy, political insight and principled commentary.

Jul 11, 2020
Loveland Magazine Brings you the “Summer Salad!”

Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown and is Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Loveland it’s that time of the week again for your Loveland Magazine “Summer Salad!” This week we captured several great moments that were happening around Loveland. We also checked in with some of our favorite local businesses to see just what they have been up to this summer so far! Continue reading below to see who and what the Summer Salad featured this week!

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Congratulations to Jake Salamon with the Loveland Police Department!

“We are so proud of Loveland Police Officer Jake Salamon! Today, Ashley from MADD stopped by to present Officer Salamon with the “2020 Top Cop Award.” Officer Salamon received this award for his continued dedication to the safety of our community through concentrated traffic enforcement centered around removing impaired drivers from the roadway.” – Loveland Ohio Police Department Facebook Page

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Ricky Mulvey shares his third episode from his documentary podcast, “Total Fighter!”

In the third episode of Ricky Mulvey’s documentary podcast “Total Fighter”, Ezzard Charles tries to move on from his tragic meeting with Sam Baroudi and the mafia tightens its grip over his boxing career. A match against Joe Louis becomes more possible after the biggest fight in Cincinnati’s history.

Featuring interviews with P Man Jones, Ezzard Charles II, William Dettloff, author of “Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life,” and Buddy LaRosa, founder of LaRosa’s Pizza.

Ricky Mulvey is a former sportswriter and talking head at Loveland Magazine.

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Congratulations Move2Loveland! We are proud to say that we have some EXTREMELY hard-working real estate agents right here in Loveland, Ohio!

We’re very proud Move2Loveland has made RealTrends’ list of America’s Best Real Estate Agents for the third year in a row… This time as the #10 team in all of Ohio!

Read more about the rankings here: https://bit.ly/AmericasBest2020

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Join BRS Insurance and the Thomas More Saints for a day of golf! Click the image below to see how you can show your support for BRS and Thomas More University Athletics!

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Right now there are huge savings for Christmas in July at RP Diamond

Storewide! Discounts will last for the entire month!

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Are you running a small business and are in need of sanitizer?! PF5 can help! Click the link below to see how you can get hand sanitizer for your business!

“Product here now in Cincinnati area. Helping out Hair Salons, Restaurants, Gyms and other businesses as they open up. Also selling direct to homes. Free delivery in the Tri-State area. Saw pricing at the C-Store charging $124/gallon. We are selling at $37/gallon! Buy direct from the manufacturer!” – PF5.org

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Summer storms are here so that means you have to be sure to keep your gutters clear! All American Gutter Protection can help you today! Read below for more details!

Looking for gutter guards but not sure where to find something GREAT and RELIABLE for your home? We have two locations in Ohio: covering more than half of the state. We offer free estimates all year long (888) 323-8090.

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Don’t forget to come out and support your “LOVE-LY” community by participating in the annual Loveland Police STUFF A Cruiser Food Drive! Click the image below for event details!

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Come Out to Support the LHS Athletes at the Annual Athletic Boosters Golf outing…

Click the title link above to read about how the LHS Athletics community is coming together in light of the “Pay-To-Play” announcement to support the Tiger student-athletes!

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Local Facebook Group Fundraises for “Pay-to-Play” LHS Student-Athletes!

Click the title link about to read about how Loveland is giving back in order to take care of the community’s youth!

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Looking to get “shredded” for the Summer?! Vibe Nutrition is having a SUMMER SHRED CHALLENGE and there are only 10 spots left! Sign up before it’s too late!

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And that concludes this week’s Summer Salad! Stay tuned for more sizzling hot summer details about your favorite Loveland citizens and businesses!

Jul 10, 2020