LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: education

  • [Watch video] Ohio Children’s Hospital leaders briefing for school administrators – September 14, 2021

    [Watch video] Ohio Children’s Hospital leaders briefing for school administrators – September 14, 2021

    by David Miller

    The Ohio Children’s Hospitals Association made a direct appeal on Tuesday, September 14 to school superintendents to require masks for staff and students during the current surge of the coronavirus.

    Patty Manning, MD, is the Chief of Staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Photo by CCHMC)

    Patty Manning, MD, Chief of Staff, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center said, “Our inpatient numbers are the highest they’ve been. Our ICUs are caring for more patients than there’s ever been. More children are on ventilators than there has ever been. There are more children than ever entering our emergency departments and our urgent care centers. That impacts the care of all children, not just those that are COVID-19 positive.”

    The plea was made during a virtual meeting with superintendents and the clinical leadership from six Ohio children’s hospitals including Dayton Children’s Hospital, ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital, and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. 

    “The data are now clear that there is a higher level of COVID-19 in school districts where masks are not required,” said Governor DeWine. “If we want our schools to stay open, the best way to do that is for those 12 and over to get vaccinated. But because those under 12 are still too young to be vaccinated, we need students who come in to school to wear a mask until we get through this.” 

       The current policy of the Loveland City School District is that students in grades PreK-6 are required to wear a mask indoors. Students in grades 7-12 do not have to wear face coverings. All others, while in the buildings must wear masks.

    Efforts to reach Loveland Superintendant Mike Broadwater via email, asking him if he attended the virtual meeting and had any comment about it have not been successful securing an email response.

    In the background of this urgent plea is that State Reps. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland/Miami Township) announced on August 25 she has introduced House Bill 400, which would prohibit public schools from mandating students to wear a mask. The bill introduction comes as statewide concerns from parents have heightened as several public schools, including the Loveland District have implemented school mask mandates for some of their students.

    Data that support this appeal according to a new release from the Ohio Children’s Hospitals Association include: 

    • Since August 15, 2021, there have been 29,823 Ohio school-aged kids ages 5 to 17 with confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19.
    • Cases among this age group increased 198 percent from the week of August 15th as compared to the week ending September 4.
    • As reported yesterday by the American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 cases among children have increased 240 percent nationally since early July when the Delta variant began to surge. During that same period in Ohio, there has been a 2000 percent increase in cases among Ohio children.
    • COVID-19 cases are increasing at nearly twice the rate among school-aged kids as compared to the rest of the population. This past week Ohio saw a 44 percent increase among school-aged children and only a 17 percent increase among the rest of the population.
    • Over the two-week period ending September 4, 2021, there was an average of 909 cases per 100,000 school-aged Ohio kids versus 561 cases per 100,000 people comprising the rest of the population. 
    • The 16 days with the highest number of cases per day throughout the entire pandemic for kids aged 5 to 17 in Ohio have all been in the last 19 days. This includes every day except the three days of the Labor Day weekend.
    • In Ohio school districts where masks are optional, among school-aged kids, there are both higher case rates per 100,000 at 945.7 and a greater week-over-week increase in cases. School districts where masks are optional have seen a 54 percent week-over-week increase compared to a 34 percent increase in school districts where masks are either required for all or required for some (usually K-8th grade).

    Nick Lashutka, President and CEO of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association
    “This is a perfect storm, and it’s impacting kids like it hasn’t before. It’s a combination driven by COVID-19 cases increasing, primarily driven by the Delta variant, increasing respiratory illnesses, more mental health challenges, and staffing challenges. Everyone can agree that our number one goal is to keep children in schools five days a week, and that’s what we shared with the state’s superintendents today.”

    Debbie Feldman, President and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospitals
    “Ohio is truly blessed to have some of the best children’s hospitals in the country. We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of our kids. Our commitment is really threatened right now. For a long time, COVID-19 was perceived as a disease that didn’t impact children. That’s not the case anymore. Today, 25 percent of COVID-19 cases are in kids. We’re feeling that in our children’s hospitals.”

    Paula Grieb, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital
    “In the city of Toledo and at Ebeid Children’s Hospital, we’ve seen significant in-patient and out-patient volumes, and we’ve seen a significant increase in kids with respiratory illnesses. We had a significant event occur last night in Lucas County. That means if a rescue squad responded to a 911 call and picked up a patient to take them to a hospital that was on EMS bypass, that rescue squad would not be allowed to stop at that hospital. The county EMS system would have to dispatch each call one at a time. That means a patient wouldn’t necessarily go to the hospital closest to them or best-suited to take care of the patients’ needs.”

    Rustin Morse, MD, CEO, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    “We are in uncharted territory. Not just in children’s hospitals, but adult hospitals as well. The infrastructure is strained like it hasn’t been before. We are asking people to get vaccinated if they aren’t already, and we are asking them to wear masks.”

    Patty Manning, MD, Chief of Staff, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

    “Our inpatient numbers are the highest they’ve been. Our ICUs are caring for more patients than there’s ever been. More children are on ventilators than there has ever been. There are more children than ever entering our emergency departments and our urgent care centers. That impacts the care of all children, not just those that are COVID-19 positive.”

    CASE DATA/VACCINE INFORMATION

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

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

  • Loveland Schools latest COVD 19 Dashboard

    Loveland Schools latest COVD 19 Dashboard

    Loveland, Ohio – At the beginning of each week, the Loveland City School District releases their latest Covid 19 Dashboard. Here are the last four.

  • Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2020

    Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2020

    Loveland, Ohio – Four former standout Loveland High School athletes will be inducted into the Class of 2020 Hall of Fame during the last Tiger football game of the season.

    The Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2020 will enjoy dinner together on October 21 and they will be introduced to fans attending the football game at Tiger Stadium against Winton Woods during the break between the 1st and 2nd quarter on October 22.

    There was no traditional Winter induction ceremony for the group last year because of COVID 19. The traditional ceremony is usually in January during halftime of a varsity basketball game.

    Greg Lahrman

    High School Accomplishments

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 1995

    Basketball 1,2  Varsity 3,4  2nd Team All-CHL 4

    Varsity Golf 1,2,3,4   Captain 3,4

    1st Team All-CHL 2,3,4   Sectional Co-Medalist 2

    Medalist or Co-Medalist 10 of 17 Matches 3  11 of 17-4 

    Scoring Average 9 Holes 39.1-3,  37.8-4 

     1st Team All-Southwest District 3,4

    Southwest District Player and Medalist of the Year 4

    All-City Cincinnati Post  3,4

    Cincinnati Player of the Year Division ll by Cincinnati Enquirer 4

    2nd Team All-State 4

    OHSAA Southwest District Scholar Athlete 4

    College: Ohio State University-Undergraduate

                                      University of Michigan-Graduate 

    Janet (McCoy) Rich

    Loveland Athletic Achievement Award

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 1971

    G.A.A. 1971 Honor Girl Award

    3 Sport Varsity Letter Achievement        

    17 Years Student Council Homecoming Activities/Games

    24 Seasons as Cheerleading Coach  8 Varsity

    Coached 6 Seasons of Track  3 as Varsity Assistant

    Coached 4 seasons 8th Grade Girls Basketball

    Coached 4 Seasons High School Girls Volleyball

    Worked 20 Years(1983-2003) Head Table Varsity Wrestling Meets

    Received Ohio High School “Respect the Game” Award 2012

    Grand Marshall Homecoming Parade 2012

    Coach (10 yrs.) Loveland Youth Football Cheerleaders 1984-92; 2018-19

    Director (3 yrs.) Loveland Youth Football Cheerleaders 1984-92

    Loveland Youth Basketball Cheer Coach 8 Years 1984-92

    Josh McCoy

    High School Accomplishments

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 2003

    Football 1,2,3,4     Captain 3,4

    1st Team All-FAVC Linebacker and Punter 3,4

    1st Team All-Southwest District Linebacker and Punter 3,4

    1st Team All-City Linebacker and Punter 3

     1st Team All-City Linebacker 4

    2nd Team All-State Punter 3

    1st Team All-State Linebacker 4

    Wrestling 2   189lb FAVC Champion  2

    Baseball 2,3

    After High School: United States Marine Corps.

    Mark Weden

    High School Accomplishments

    Graduated from Loveland High School in 2006

    Cross Country 1,2,3,4  Most Valuable Runner 3,4

    1st Team All-FAVC 3,4

    Regional Qualifier 3,4

    Fastest 5K P.R.(15:44) in LHS History

    Track 1,2,3,4

    1st Team All-FAVC 1600m and 800m Runs 3,4

    FAVC Runner of the Year 4

    Regional Qualifier 1600m and 3200m Runs 2

    Regional Qualifier  1600m and  800m Runs 3,4

    District and Regional Champion 1600m Run 4

    State Qualifier 1600 Meter Run 4 

    Top 3 All-Time at LHS in 800m, 1600m and 3200m Runs as of 2/24/20

    College: The Ohio State University

  • Ohio kids’ COVID-19 cases overtake other age groups

    Ohio kids’ COVID-19 cases overtake other age groups

    BY: JAKE ZUCKERMAN and Ohio Capital Journal

    Ohioans 19 and younger are now driving the state’s COVID-19 pandemic, comprising a larger share of cases than any other age group.

    Roughly one in three people who have contracted COVID-19 this month are 18 or younger, according to an analysis of state data. Those aged 20-29 are the next most prevalent cohort, comprising 16% of the month’s cases.

    This comes as many schools struggle to remain open amid spiking infection and quarantine rates of students, and children’s hospitals raise the alarm about strained capacity.

    At Akron Children’s Hospital, roughly 12-15 kids are being hospitalized with COVID-19 per day, according to remarks from hospital CEO Grace Wakulchik at a press briefing by members of Ohio’s children’s hospitals. At Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, 26 kids are hospitalized with the disease. Nine are in intensive care, including five on ventilators.

    Several children’s hospital administrators warned Tuesday of increasingly fatigued staff and crowded facilities.

    “The delta variant is not only more contagious, it is impacting kids in a fundamentally higher level than we’ve seen to date,” said Nick Lashutka, CEO of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association.

    Through most of the pandemic to date, adults 20- to 29-years old have driven the bulk of the COVID-19 caseload. Cases in children began to overtake their elder counterparts in July. Infections in September are twice as prevalent now among Ohio children as those in their 20s and three times as high as those in their 50s.

    The rising prevalence of cases in children is likely a reflection of a return to school, sometimes without masks depending on the school district. State officials have declined to impose any statewide mask mandate in schools. Additionally, children 12 and under are not yet eligible for vaccination.

    “It’s really clear to us as pediatricians that the risk of not wearing a mask if you’re a child in school is much greater than the risk of wearing a mask,” said Dr. Patricia Manning-Courtney, the chief of staff at Cincinnati Children’s.

    “For some reason, we’re prioritizing kids not wearing masks over kids not getting COVID.”

    Data from the Ohio Hospital Association shows COVID-19 hospitalizations among Ohioans 17 and younger has increased 857% over the last eight weeks.

    Alongside the kids, COVID-19 is surging in Ohio across all ages. More than 3,100 Ohioans are hospitalized with COVID-19, a rate not seen since January.

    New case rates, positivity rates on tests, total test and other indicators reflect a case surge as well.

    An analysis from Stat, a health news outlet, found Ohio ranks fourth among states in terms of how fast COVID-19 case rates are accelerating.

    Ohio has the 13th lowest vaccination rate of any state in the nation, according to a tracker from The New York Times.

  • No more late fines on overdue at Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Libraries

    No more late fines on overdue at Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Libraries

    During the Aug. 10 meeting of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library Board of Trustees, board members agreed to end the practice of issuing fines for overdue items. Fines for late items had previously been suspended at the start of the pandemic, and then this practice was later extended through 2020 by the Library Board of Trustees.

    This latest decision makes the suspension of late fines permanent, with a few important changes customers need to know about. This change goes into effect Sept. 26, 2021.

    The Board said in their announcement that they have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about being late fine-free, they did learn that in some cases overdue books have led to longer wait times for customers to receive materials that have waiting lists. “For this reason, we are making some changes to ensure that materials are returned in a timely manner.”

    Details about borrowing Library materials can be found: online FAQ.

    Some key points are:

    • Reminders to customers that their item is overdue are sent by phone, text, or email at five days and 12 days overdue.
    • At 30 days overdue, customers receive a bill for items that have not been returned and have been classified as “lost.” Previously, customers did not receive a bill until an item was overdue for 45 days.
    • The Library locks a customer’s account if any item is 12 days overdue, meaning no additional print items can be checked out until either the overdue item is returned or the customer has paid the replacement fee for it.
    • Once unpaid replacement fees reach $50 and remain at $50 or above for 30 days or longer, customers are referred to a collection agency.

    These changes do not apply to library cards that have never had late fees associated with them, such as Child-Only, Teen-Only, Adult-Only, Educator, and Book Club cards.

    Positive Interactions, Revenue Impact Contribute to Decision

    A report to the Board of Trustees submitted by a group of staff tasked with evaluating the impact of eliminating late fines stated that, “It is our recommendation that, because fine monies were less than 1 percent of revenue, staff time spent collecting and processing payments was high, and not having late fines has contributed to more positive interactions between customers and staff, the Library remain late fine-free…”

    The report also stated, “An increasing number of public libraries across the country are taking an overdue fine-free approach to service. This includes eight out of 11 neighboring libraries, and more than 60 percent of libraries they often look at as peers, including Columbus Metropolitan Library, Cleveland Public Library, Dayton Metro Library, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, along with the public libraries for the cities of Chicago, Indianapolis, Lexington, and Louisville.”

    “Fines Can Be Heartbreaking”

    Locally, Pamela Nelson Martin and her great-grandson Adrion are glad to see the Library offering a more flexible approach to late materials. They are library lovers who, over the years, have come to the Main Library frequently, sometimes daily.

    “Whether the Library has fines or not, I am always careful to return materials on time. Fines can be heartbreaking for people, especially for those on a fixed income. Sometimes people get sick or have other life issues that lead to overdue fines,” said Nelson Martin. “I have always loved coming to the Library with Adrion and fines shouldn’t get in the way. Why should fines lead to $80 or more? The Library is our special place to go for us.”

    Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Library Director, said, “Our goal is to connect everyone in the community to the materials they want. This latest decision by the Board of Trustees will help us achieve that goal.”

  • Tiger Homecoming Parade is Thursday, September 30th

    Tiger Homecoming Parade is Thursday, September 30th

    Stan McCoy Jr.

    Loveland, Ohio – This year’s Homecoming Parade will be Thursday, September 30. The Homecoming Game will be Friday, October 1 against Walnut Hills.

    Follow this LINK to participate in the Parade.

    The Parade leaves the Moose Lodge Hall on East Loveland Avenue at 6:30 PM and goes through Historic Downtown; onto Rich Road, and ends at Loveland High School.

    Grand Marshall for the festivities is Stan McCoy Jr.

    The annual Powder Puff football game will be held at the stadium immediately following the parade.

    Read more about Stan McCoy Jr…

    Stan McCoy Jr., A Second Generation Sports Legend | Loveland Magazine

    Stan McCoy Jr. receives community service award named after his father

  • Loveland Women, the #1 Cross Country team in Ohio hosts home meet Saturday

    Loveland Women, the #1 Cross Country team in Ohio hosts home meet Saturday

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland High School Cross Country teams are looking forward to hosting their first of four meets this season beginning with the Loveland Invite this Saturday at Home of the Brave Park. 18 teams will compete.

    The Loveland Women will compete on their home field as the just-announced, Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches, #1 Division team in Ohio. The Men are currently ranked 14.

    The #1 ranking should come as no surprise. In their season opener on August 25 at the Ohio High School Athletics Association (OHSAA) Cross Country Season Opener the women beat a field of elite teams from all across the state. (Read that story below)

    First race is at 8 AM.

    LHS Women’s Cross Country Team Grabs 1st Place at Season Opener!

    Cassie Mattia –  Aug 25, 2021

  • Hold onto your hat and these pivotal dates

    Hold onto your hat and these pivotal dates

    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Who will be in your corner?

    Loveland, Ohio – These events will be your chance to personally meet the local politicians who want to be part of the teams leading the Loveland City School District and Loveland City Council for the next 1,440 days. Four-long years, so this is important!

    On October 21 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, Loveland Magazine, and LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will host the contenders for seats on the school board, and on October 14 they will bring together on a public stage your job applicants for Loveland City Council.

    City Council – October 14, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.

    School Board – October 21, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.

    Will there be undisputed champs?

    Election fans can see if the contenders roll with the punches, stick and move, or have promises that pack a punch. Will you see any future respected political figures or elder statesmen/women?

    Both of these heavyweight championship Forums will be broadcast “LIVE” on the Loveland Magazine FaceBook Page. It’s not Pay-per-View and tickets are not required – it’s totally FREE!

    Who knows, there might be some highfalutin’ good ideas that come from one or more of these candidates that can transform Loveland. There will almost certainly be some re-hashing the past but that will be OK if it leads to knowledge of what the future might hold.

    Politicians routinely offer more promises than they keep, however hearing them straight from their mouths is the start of holding them accountable. Meeting them in person is always better than voting based on the number of yard signs and you can be a political influencer if you can say, “I actually heard her say it!”

    If you cannot attend in person or chose to be inside the safety of your own home you may want to tune in LIVE to be in-the-know.

    The format will follow the same as in the past:

    • To begin, candidates will each present their platform for 2 minutes and tell you why they are running for office.
    • Questions will be asked for 60 minutes allowing each candidate two minutes to reply or pass.
    • After 60 minutes candidates are asked to close with 2-minute speeches.

    Voters can throw their written questions into the octagon and all questions will be screened for duplicity by independent ring-side judges. The emcees will ask as many of the questions as time allows in the 60 minutes.

    You the registered voters of the City of Loveland and the Loveland City School District however will be the crucial and critically important judges come November 2 so reserve your ring-side seat by saving these dates.

    Loveland’s 2021 General Election candidates

    Important Election Dates for Voters in Ohio

    August 23 – Write-in candidates must file declarations of intent by 4 p.m. (72 days before general election

    September 17 – Military & Overseas Absentee Voting begins (46 Days Before Election Day)

    October 4 – Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 2 general election (30 days before general election)*

    October 5 – Early In-Person Voting begins and includes the Saturday, Sunday and the Monday before Election Day

    October 5 – Absentee Voting By Mail begins (28 Days Before Election Day)

    October 11 – Board of Elections Closed to In-Person Voting (Columbus Day).

    October 30 – Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed for Nov. 2 general election must be received by boards of elections by noon (3 days before general election)

    November 2 – General Election Day. Polls open at 6:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM.

    View the Ohio Secretary of State voting calendar and schedule in a Month by Month view

    *REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION (Update your voter registration address)

    Find your Early Voting Location

    Find your Polling Location

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    IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Future Voter Coloring Pages (ohiosos.gov)

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    Clermont County Board of Elections Website

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    Warren County Board of Elections Website

    Throughout the years, men and women in our armed forces have made great sacrifices to protect our freedom and democracy. Today, the courageous members of our military branches continue to serve our country so we all can enjoy one of our most sacred rights – the right to vote. Through the I Vote in Honor of a Veteran initiative, you can demonstrate the pride you feel for a veteran or servicemember and, at the same time, encourage others to vote on Election Day.

    Wear an I Vote in Honor of a Veteran pin on Election Day to show your appreciation to those men and women who made it possible for you to exercise your right to vote.

    To get your pin, click this LINK to submit a testimonial about how they’ve inspired you will be sent one.

  • Sue Klebold attempts to reconcile how the son she affectionately referred to as “Sunshine Boy” became a school shooter

    Sue Klebold attempts to reconcile how the son she affectionately referred to as “Sunshine Boy” became a school shooter

    Sue Klebold attempts to reconcile how the son she affectionately referred to as “Sunshine Boy” became a school shooter. This documentary brings light to the importance of mental health being taught to young children and the movement underway to take this issue seriously.

    Available on Prime to watch, buy, or rent.

  • Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland): Prohibit school mask mandates for children

    Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland): Prohibit school mask mandates for children

    In the photo above is Rep. Schmidt speaking on the House floor regarding transgender women in sports. (Photo from Ohio House of Representatives)

    State Reps. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) announced on August 25 they have introduced House Bill 400, which would prohibit public schools from mandating students to wear a mask. The bill introduction comes as statewide concerns from parents have heightened as several public schools have implemented school mask mandates for children.

    The Loveland City School District has mandated mask wearing for teachers, staff, all visitors, and all students below 7th grade when inside buildings. The 7-12 students are exempt from Loveland’s mask mandate.

    “I’ve seen and heard constituent concerns across my district from these mask orders from public schools receiving public taxpayer dollars,” said Loychik. “Through this bill, we are reiterating their opposition as it should be up to the discretion of parents on whether their kids should wear a mask or not.”

    House Bill 400 only pertains to students wearing masks and does not prohibit faculty, staff, and guests from wearing masks or from the school imposing a mandate on them, according to Schmidt’s press release about her sponsorship.

    Schmidt is sponsoring the bill amid local residents upset over certain schools implementing student mask mandates.

    “I’m disheartened that local school boards are mandating masks for students within the 65th House District and across our state,” said Schmidt. “I anticipate working with Rep. Loychik and several interested parties closely in the coming weeks to move this bill forward in the Legislature to address these rising concerns of Ohioans.”

    View Current Version

    The bill currently has over 20 cosponsors and awaits its first committee hearing.

    Thomas E. Brinkman Jr.

    Gary Click

    Rodney Creech

    Jon Cross

    Al Cutrona

    Bill Dean

    Jay Edwards

    Ron Ferguson

    Diane V. Grendell

    Jennifer Gross

    Thomas Hall

    Marilyn S. John

    Mark Johnson

    Kris Jordan

    Jeff LaRe

    Derek Merrin

    Kevin D. Miller

    Jena Powell

    Sharon A. Ray

    Craig S. Riedel

    Jason Stephens

    Reggie Stoltzfus

    D. J. Swearingen

    Scott Wiggam