LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Ohio Redistricting: The Sequel

Ohio legislators will head back to the drawing board on congressional and Statehouse maps

BY: SUSAN TEBBEN – Ohio Capital Journal

The new year could include many different developments in the redistricting arena, but one thing is for sure: new maps have to be on the agenda.

But this time around, majority leaders may not have as much trouble getting maps through the current approving authority: The Ohio Supreme Court.

With the departure of Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor due to age limits, Justice Sharon Kennedy was elected to take the top spot, and Kennedy made clear how she felt about redistricting in the past, accusing the court majority of judicial overreach in rejecting maps as unconstitutional.

The maps have gone through the ringer: Statehouse district maps have been rejected by the state’s highest court five times, and congressional maps have been turned down twice.

After the last round of rejection, GOP members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission turned to a federal U.S. District Court for an answer, which came in the form of the temporary approval of a map passed in February, but still deemed unconstitutional by the state supreme court.

The three-judge panel in federal court said they did not intend for the map to last ten years, or even the four years laid out in the constitutional amendment that reformed the process. The ORC could pass a map without bipartisan support, but the map would only last four years.

The GOP took another step around the Ohio Supreme Court, by appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court on congressional redistricting, and the power of the state legislature over the state supreme court.

The nation’s highest court has not yet decided whether it will take up the case, and is still deciding a different redistricting-related case, Moore v. Harper, which also addresses the role of the state legislature in elections.

U.S Sen. Sherrod Brown pointed to ousted Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder’s corruption scandal as part of the problem the state is having in attempting to resolve the redistricting issue.

“This state government is the most corrupt in the country,” Brown said on a press call. “I think there’s no question about that.”

Householder wasn’t a part of redistricting, but his predecessor as Speaker, Bob Cupp was, along with Senate President Matt Huffman.

“Of course, (GOP members of the legislature) know they’re losing elections all over the country based on the fact that they are out of step with the majority of voters, so they believe the only way to win is change the rules,” Brown said.

Legislative leaders have not made any indication for sure as to when the process will start again, though the need to pass a new state budget may slow the process down.

Voting advocates have said they are pulling together a new ballot measure, that could change redistricting yet again. Outgoing Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has said she plans to help anti-gerrymandering efforts.

Dec 30, 2022
In Deerfield Township, Ohio recycle your Christmas Tree at 3 park locations

Deerfield, Township, Ohio – Deerfield Township will have 3 Christmas Tree Drop Off locations setup in the Township. These locations will be at Cottell, Fleckenstein, and Landen-Deerfield Parks.

Deerfield Township Parks are open daily from dawn until dusk. Areas will be sectioned off and posted with signs for township residents to drop off their Christmas trees. Christmas trees will be accepted for recycling during park hours from January 3rd, 2023 through January 20, 2023.

Find a Deerfield park near you.

Loveland, Ohio Christmas Tree Removal

Dec 30, 2022
Loveland, Ohio Christmas Tree Removal
Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland provides residents with an annual Christmas tree removal service. The 2023 collection will take place from January 3-16, 2023. City Hall asks that you please remove all decorations, lights, tree stands, and tree bags before placing your Christmas trees at the curb.

For questions about the Christmas tree recycling program, call City Hall at 513-707-1442.

Holiday Light Recycling

City of Loveland, Miami Township, and Symmes Township residents can recycle their used holiday lights Nov. 26-Jan. 20 at the following locations:
- City of Loveland residents: City Hall (120 W. Loveland Ave.)
- Miami Township residents: Move2Loveland/Keller Williams (6377 Branch Hill Guinea Pike)
- Symmes Township residents: Symmes Administration Building (9323 Union Cemetery Road)
Dec 30, 2022
In COVID’s third winter, biggest threat is three viruses at once

BY: NICK EVANS – Ohio Capital Journal

Ohio health officials are urging caution again this winter. But entering our third holiday season with COVID-19, the nature of those warnings is a bit different.

Three at once

As Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff explained, this year the threat is multiple respiratory viruses at once.

“Unlike the last two winters, it’s not just about COVID,” he said. “But the combination of COVID, influenza, and RSV, especially for those whose health is more vulnerable or who have not been adequately vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.”

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, often feels like a common cold for adults and otherwise healthy children. But for infants, the elderly or immunocompromised people it can be dangerous. According to the CDC, RSV is the most common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia among kids 12 months old and younger.

Unlike COVID-19 and flu, RSV has no vaccine.

Precautions and metrics

As ever, Vanderhoff’s chief precautionary recommendations are for people feeling ill to stay home and for everyone to wash their hands regularly. In situations where people must leave the house, officials recommend wearing an N95 mask.

He also urged those who haven’t gotten vaccinated for the flu or COVID-19 to do so.

“Vaccination is the safest and most dependable way to assure that you’re maximizing that cellular immunity I talked about,” Vanderhoff explained. “It gives your immune system its best opportunity to confront and beat the virus.”

According to the CDC, the COVID-19 community level — a statistic based on number of hospital admissions and number of cases per 100k population — is low in many Ohio counties. Twelve rank as ‘high’ based on those metrics.

Dr. Joe Gastaldo, OhioHealth medical director for infectious diseases, said people should be especially cautious in those counties.

“In those scenarios, regardless of vaccination status, the recommendation is to wear a mask,” he said. “If you’re not feeling well wear a mask. I think specifically if you have an at-risk condition, or are immunocompromised, I would advise you as an infectious disease doctor to wear a mask indoors in public.”

The CDC’s more familiar community transmission metric, based on cases per 100k population and percentage of positive tests, remains high throughout the state. All but nine of the Ohio’s 88 counties rank high for community transmission and none are low.

As for RSV and the flu, Vanderhoff noted this year both started earlier and rose more rapidly than in past years. Both viruses have receded from their peak, he explained, but remain dangerous for some populations.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.

Dec 29, 2022
Report: Ohio’s CEOs take home nearly 400 times typical employee

BY: SUSAN TEBBEN – Ohio Capital Journal

The CEOs of some of Ohio’s biggest companies saw big paydays, much bigger than their employees, according to a report by an Ohio-based think tank.

An analysis found that of the 54 large state employers who file reports under the federal Securities and Exchange Commission, average pay for CEOs was up to $21.7 million in 2021, a rise from $16 million in 2020.

All but one of the CEOs studied were paid more than $5 million and 44 made more than $10 million, according to the report. All but three of the companies reporting to the SEC paid their CEOs “more than 100 times what they paid their median worker in 2021,” the report stated.

“Meanwhile, these 54 corporations cut median pay for workers or added more low paying jobs, pushing the median pay down from $51,494 in 2020 to $48,283 last year,” Policy Matters Ohio said in a statement on the report.

Companies including Wal-Mart, Victoria’s Secret and Starbucks were in the mix, and were also flagged for a median pay of less than $26,500, which is the federal poverty level for a family of four.

“Last year, corporate price gouging made it harder for many Ohioans to make ends meet, but many of the CEOs driving the problem did better than ever,” according to the report’s author, Michael Shields.

Shields said policymakers need to focus on reducing incentives “that give CEOs a personal pay boost for corporate decisions that harm workers and consumers” and limiting CEO power over pay decisions.

Tax penalties, government contracts, price gouging and worker compensation mandates could all be addressed to help bridge the wage gap, Policy Matters recommended.

“CEO pay is a major driver of inequity and excessive pay gains captured by CEOs reduce financial resources available to pay other working people,” the report stated. “Policymakers at all levels of government can make differetn choices so working people share in the prosperity their work makes possible.”

Dec 29, 2022
2023 Loveland Valentine Program kickoff
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Valentine Ladies invite you to join them to kick off the 2023 Valentine Program on Saturday, January 7, at 11 AM at Sweetheart Alley on the Loveland Bike Trail.

You will meet the 2023 Valentine Lady, Donna Barnes.

In addition, the 2023 Valentine card will be unveiled and available for purchase at $2.00 each or 3 cards for $5.00.

Also, mark your calendars for the annual Valentine breakfast on February 10 at 8:30 AM. More details about the breakfast will be announced at a later date.

Dr. Kathy Lorenz

The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is also hosting a Valentine coloring program for young artists, with a submission deadline of January 20, 2023.

Download the Coloring Contest Form (PDF)

Additionally, the Valentine Poetry Contest is open to a variety of age groups and there will be a poetry workshop on January 7 at 9 AM at the Hometown Cafe, led by Dr. Kathy Lorenz, the Valentine Lady of 2019. Poetry submissions are due by January 20, 2023.

Download the Poetry Contest Entry Form
```
Come on down to Loveland, Ohio,
Where love is in the air.
Join in the fun and make some memories,
In this charming town so dear.

At Sweetheart Alley on the bike trail,
The 2023 Valentine card will be revealed.
Purchase one for two bucks or three for five,
And show your love for someone so your heart isn't concealed.

Meet the Valentine Lady, Donna Barnes,
And mark your calendars for the annual breakfast.
Details to come, so stay tuned,
For this event that's sure to be festooned.

The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance,
Is hosting a coloring program for young artists.
With a deadline of January 20,
This is a chance to create something most badest.

And don't forget the poetry contest,
Open to all ages and skill level.
A workshop on January 7, led by Dr. Lorenz,
Will help you craft it perfect and special.

So come on down to Loveland, Ohio,
Where love is in the air.
Join in the fun and make some memories,
At the 2023 Valentine Program fair.
                       
                           - AI generated by David Miller
```
Dec 28, 2022
New in 2023 at Kings Island
Mason, Ohio – New at the Kings Island amusement park in 2023 will be Adventure Port, “where the myths of an ancient civilization and its mighty city carved out of stone have lured travelers from around the globe to a bustling port community.”

Adventure Port is located between Coney Mall and Action Zone, the park’s newest themed area will feature two new family rides, enhanced theming for Adventure Express, Enrique’s quick service restaurant, and the Mercado.

Calling all explorers!

Warnings of unchartered lands and surprise encounters beckon adventure seekers to board the Adventure Express for a journey that travels 3,000 feet of track twisted between trees and nestled into a hillside in the Oktoberfest area of the park.

As the adventure begins, passengers depart from the station for what seems to be a leisurely ride, but after a quick plunge into the dense foliage of a damp rainforest, it becomes obvious this is no average coaster ride.

As the train leaves the rainforest, a quick turn sends passengers into an old, boarded-up mine shaft. The train exits the tunnel only to enter another, narrowly escaping before being hoisted up the ride’s first lift hill where the train tiptoes its way over the track’s decrepit rickety structure then dives 60 feet below where passengers find themselves spinning through a helix of ruins.

Riders next experience another tunnel, beginning a 40-foot climb up the second lift. The walls of this enclosed lift are lined with drummers and a giant figure holding a cauldron of molten lava is directly ahead.

As the train avoids the lava, it’s hurled into a dark cave that leads riders back to civilization.

Sol Spin

This recently discovered mechanism appears to be an immense sun disk created by an ancient civilization. Climb aboard these open air, suspended passenger vehicles to experience the thrill of flying 60 feet through the air at 25 m.p.h.

Sol Spin

Cargo Loco

Need a company to ship your goods? Look no further than the Arrow Cargo Company. Their methods might be a little dizzying, but they’ll get your freight from Point A to Point B…eventually. Check out the shipping barrels for yourself and get ready for the trip of your life!

Cargo Loco

The Mercado

Cultures come together at the Mercado, a melting pot where guests simply celebrate being alive. Whether you’re an explorer just passing through, or a tourist checking out the local scene, the local purveyor is your source for dining, drinking, cargo transport and more.

The Mercado

Enrique’s

A trip to Adventure Port isn’t complete unless you experience the local cuisine. Stop by Enrique’s quick serve restaurant for a menu that features traditional burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, salads and sides.

Enrique’s

Adventure Port Debuts in 2023

Resting in the foothills of overgrown mountains and dense tropical terrain, Adventure Port is a hub for explorers searching for the ruins of an ancient civilization, its forbidden temple and mysterious wonders. If asked, the locals will tell tales of those who came before you and vanished. Did they unwittingly disturb ancient spirits and fall victim to an age-old curse?
Dec 28, 2022
Spread the word: Important Clermont County, Ohio internet survey/test

Clermont County, Ohio – Clermont County Commissioners want to have strong, high-speed Internet access county-wide.

According to a media release they say that based on raw census data and comparisons of other regions, thousands would benefit from available and affordable broadband.

“Many are not served or under-served.”

An online survey and Internet speed test will help the county achieve its goal and will help the county secure funding for broadband expansion.

You can complete this online survey and Internet speed test so the county can understand Internet access and needs. They ask that you be sure to do the speed test at home. The survey and test are at: https://internet.clermontcountyohio.gov. They take less than a minute to complete.

Forward the survey to friends and neighbors who live or do business in Clermont County.

The more people who complete the survey and test, the better picture the county will have of its strengths and weaknesses for coverage.

Dec 28, 2022
Full stop traffic signal coming to Loveland Bike Trail Crossing in Loveland, Ohio
Loveland, Ohio – The city has been awarded a grant to install an automated traffic signal system at the Loveland Bike Trail crossing at West Loveland Avenue. To create the new system, two types of signals will be installed — traditional overhead traffic light signals for vehicles and a traffic light signal for trail users. According to a release issued by City Hall, the system will deliver automatic traffic control and establish the right of way.

Currently, the Trail and West Loveland Avenue crossing has a pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk system.

The new system will be coordinated with the “smart” traffic signals already installed at West Loveland Avenue/State Route 48, Second Street/Broadway Street, and West Loveland Avenue/Karl Brown Way intersections. The traffic lights will be able to “talk” to each other through radar vehicular detection, activating a new overhead signal at the trail crossing to “ebb and flow” with vehicle traffic volume.

“Adding the automized signalization at the West Loveland Avenue crossing brings the plan for downtown’s traffic lights full circle. The traffic lights will work together as a network and can adjust within seconds to improve vehicle flow,” said City Manager David Kennedy in a press release.

For instance, when the vehicular traffic lights are red at the West Loveland Avenue/Karl Brown Way intersection and vehicle traffic is paused, the trail crossing’s signal automatically will turn green for cyclists and pedestrians to pass.

The new signalization is funded through an Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) grant totaling $281,898. It is one of 34 transportation infrastructure projects funded in 2022 by OKI, a metropolitan planning organization responsible for distributing federal money for regional projects.

According to City Hall, the technology used in the project requires very specific engineering, which the city will do throughout 2023. The city will coordinate with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) throughout the design process.

“We anticipate there will be an education period when the signal system is first installed, but this project is a true ‘win’ for pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as a way to help improve traffic congestion in the downtown area,” Kennedy said.

Loveland has three Loveland Bike Trail crossings in Historic Downtown:
1. One at Harrison Avenue near Nisbet Park.
2. One with the proposed full-stop signal at West Loveland Avenue that currently has a pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk system.
3. One at Broadway Street near the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking Lot.
Design work will take place in 2023 with the proposed installation in 2024.

All images provided by the City of Loveland – text graphics added by Loveland Magazine.
Dec 27, 2022
In Deerfield Township, Ohio recycle your Christmas Tree at 3 park locations

Deerfield, Township, Ohio – Deerfield Township will have 3 Christmas Tree Drop Off locations setup in the Township. These locations will be at Cottell, Fleckenstein, and Landen-Deerfield Parks.

Deerfield Township Parks are open daily from dawn until dusk. Areas will be sectioned off and posted with signs for township residents to drop off their Christmas trees. Christmas trees will be accepted for recycling during park hours from January 3rd, 2023 through January 20, 2023.

Find a Deerfield park near you.

Loveland, Ohio Christmas Tree Removal

Dec 27, 2022