Common Cause Ohio reminds Ohioans that this Tuesday, Aug. 2 is the second primary for the 2022 elections.
Here are a few ways Ohioans can vote:
For returning ballots:
Voted ballots can be returned to your County Board of Elections up until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots returned to local precinct polling places will not be counted. Only close relatives — including step-relatives — can return a voted ballot to the board of elections, according to Ohio law.
If you decide to mail your ballot it must be postmarked by today, Monday, Aug. 1.
For Election Day voting:
Election Day polling places open on Tues., Aug. 2 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ohioans can check their polling place before they vote.
Because Ohio accepts several forms of ID, voters can bring their Ohio driver’s license, utility bill, cell phone bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck with their name and current address. View the full list of acceptable IDs here.
In Ohio, voters don’t register with a political party. Ohioans ask for the ballot they want. If a voter is an Independent, they can ask for an issues-based ballot.
Statement of Catherine Turcer, Common Cause Ohio Executive Director
“The right to vote is the foundation of our government, and elections — both generals and primaries — are a key element of that foundation.
Tomorrow, Aug. 2, marks Ohio’s second primary election. While it is hard to go to the polls knowing that the Ohio House and Senate districts have been determined to be unconstitutional, Ohioans want to have their say. Voters will not opt out because of these rigged voting districts.
There may be some voter confusion because of this additional primary. On Election Day, polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. You can check your polling place before you get in line, and you’re allowed to bring one of several acceptable IDs in order to vote. If you requested a mail-in ballot, it must be postmarked by TODAY, Monday, Aug. 1. Voted ballots can be returned to the County Board of Elections until 7:30pm on Election Day.
If you have questions or need assistance, you can call or text the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE. The nonpartisan Election Protection program has been helping voters for more than two decades. We encourage voters to take advantage of their expertise.
Human-caused climate change is accelerating – and Ohio’s cities and towns are going to have to pay big money to cope with it, a new report says. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ohio’s cash-strapped cities and towns are going to need to find billions more a year to keep pace as challenges from climate change intensify over the coming decades, according to a new analysis.
Climate denialists have long ignored the overwhelming scientific consensus around global warming. That got a little harder last year when the International Panel on Climate Change last year analyzed 14,000 studiesand concluded that human activity is causing global warming and that we’re locked in to seeing it worsen over the next 30 years.
Of course, hot summers aren’t the only consequence of climate change. Increasing mean global temperatures have a lot of knock-on effects and cities — including those in Ohio — are having to deal with them.
“Communities across Ohio have been coping with increasing temperatures, flooding, erosion, and climate-related extreme weather events for years,” the report by the Ohio Environmental Council, Power a Clean Future Ohio, and Scioto Analysis that was issued Wednesday said.
It added “These climate damages are projected to only intensify in approaching decades, generating new costs associated with climate-driven disaster recovery and adaptation, as well as creating a major strain on already overstretched taxpayers and cash-strapped local governments. Unless we see drastic changes at every level of government to address carbon emissions in the next few years, these impacts will only continue to worsen — and the cost to address them will skyrocket.”
The report looked at the available literature on climate-related phenomena such as more-intense precipitation, worse algal blooms, and more and hotter days. Then it applied them to Ohio cities to estimate what adapting to the phenomena will cost annually by 2050.
The estimate: at least $1.8 billion to $5.9 billion per year in 2021 dollars.
“This represents a 26% to 82% increase of current spending levels for environment and housing programs for local governments in Ohio over a 2019 baseline, for just 10 of the 50 climate impacts identified in Ohio,” the report said. “Policymakers should know that these costs will not instantly appear in mid-century, but in most cases will start to accumulate this decade and steadily increase until they reach the projected midcentury estimates.”
Some of the increased expenses with which Ohio communities will have to contend if global temps rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius by 2100:
More air conditioners in schools, operating more cooling centers and paying for more electricity — Currently, the typical school district installs air conditioning when there are at least 32 school days when temperatures exceed 80 degrees F. By 2025, school districts across the state are expected to have 36 to 46 such school days per year, the report said, and the number will continue to increase from there.
By 2050, installing air conditioners where they’re needed in urban, poor districts in cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, Dayton and Toledo is expected to cost between $41 million and $200 million, the report said.
In addition to those costs, local governments will be called upon to open cooling centers for people without air conditioning more often and they’ll have to pay more for electricity to keep those and other government buildings cool. Wednesday’s report estimates that will result in tens of millions more in annual expenses for local governments.
Road repair — Extreme heat, rapid freeze-and-thaw cycles and more intense storms all damage roads. The report estimates that such additional maintenance will cost $170 million to $1 billion a year.
And that’s extra damage to roads that are already in bad shape.
“In 2021, Ohio’s roads received a ‘D’ rating from the American Society for Civil Engineers,” Wednesday’s report said. “The scorecard also notes that 17% of Ohio’s roads are in poor condition and the average Ohio motorist pays an extra $500 per-year in costs due to driving on damaged roads.”
According to the report, local governments are expected to need to spend more than $3.2 billion annually by 2030 just in order to catch up on deferred maintenance projects and begin to address future maintenance needs.
Protecting drinking water — Algal blooms introduce toxins into important Ohio sources of drinking water, particularly Lake Erie. Global warming exacerbates such blooms in at least two ways: It causes more intense storms that wash more fertilizer into the water, which, because it’s warmer, promotes more algae growth.
Lakefront cities such as Toledo, Sandusky, Lorain and Cleveland will have to pay $580 million to $2.2 billion more a year by 2050 to protect their water supplies, the report said.
Stormwater management — As anyone who’s lived through severe flooding can attest, it can cause huge amounts of damage, disruption and threaten people’s lives and health. The report estimates that Ohio municipalities will have to lay out an additional $140 million to $150 million per year by 2050 to upgrade their systems to deal with more, and more-intense, storms brought about by climate change.
The analysis lays out many other areas where costs are expected to increase — and it raises the question of who should pay them.
“Instead of relying on taxpayers to bear these costs, policymakers could consider alternative funding sources, such as holding accountable the corporations most responsible for causing and exacerbating climate change, and ensuring they pay their fair share of the costs of adaptation and resilience, just as many Ohio communities have held opioid manufacturers accountable for the costs of the opioid crisis,” it said.
Loveland, Ohio – A “Special Meeting” of the Loveland City School District Board Of Education will be held in the LIS/LMS Media Center at 757 South Lebanon Road on Tuesday August 2 at 6 PM. Among the agenda items that will be discussed is placing a 4.90 Mill levy on the ballot for the General Election on November 8.
Also on the agenda is a discussion of accepting a territory transfer from the Little Miami School District, accepting financial reports, acting on an updated Exempt Employee Handbook, and acting on employment recommendations.
In accordance with Policy 0169.1, public participation may be permitted at scheduled business meetings of the Board. “Hearing of the Public” will be included on the agenda of this meeting.
The Hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission on a conditional use permit for converting Johnny’s Car Wash on Loveland Madeira Road into a micro-brewery and tap room has been rescheduled for Monday, August 8, at 7 PM.
Loveland Magazine has made a public records request for the “Staff Report” that will tell readers more about the project and will publish it as soon as it is received from City Hall.
Loveland, Ohio – A micro-brewery and tap room are being proposed for property along the Loveland Madeira Road leading out of Loveland. A “conditional use” application was submitted to the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission on June 21 from DVDREAL,LCC. The existing zoning for the property according to the applicant is for “commercial” use. The applicant is Dana Depenbrock. The proposal is for the location of Johnny’s Car Wash at 1555 Loveland Madeira Road.
The application says, “By granting this conditional use we are ensuring the current old, outdated car wash will be converted into a community establishment where community members can congregate, laugh, and begin their journey into other parts of Loveland.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing for the proposal on Monday, August 8 at 7 PM in the council chambers at City Hall at 120 West Loveland Avenue.
Loveland, Ohio – John Muenzer will be attempting to swim from Catalina Island to Long Beach California August 2, at 11 PM. If accomplished, this will be the final leg needed for his Grand Slam and Triple Crown of open water swimming.
Muenzer says it will be his last long-distance swim and he decided to add more purpose. In addition to obtaining his personal goal, he’s is raising money for his nephew Graeme who was born with Dravet Syndrome. “This is a devastating form of epilepsy. Children afflicted with this have many seizures from daily to monthly and often times are resistant to medication,” Muenzer said.
John Muenzer
Muenzer was born in 1961 and grew up in Maumee, Ohio. He started swimming in high school and went on to have a successful career at the University of Toledo where he set 7 school records and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Muenzer had hopes of qualifying for the Olympics. However, in 1980, led by the United States, 66 countries boycotted the Olympics entirely, because of the Soviet-Afghan War so Muenzer went to Indiana University and trained under Doc Councilman that summer. Councilman had just become the oldest person to swim the English Channel. He was the Olympic Coach in 1976 and coached Mark Spitz to seven gold medals. Councilman told Muenzer, “You can’t make it deep into the Olympics, you can make the trials, maybe, but, I think you can be a great open-water swimmer.”
Muenzer said it was the first he’d ever heard of this sport.
If successful, the 60-year-old will become the oldest person and 27th person in history to accomplish the Grand Slam of Open Water Swimming which includes the English Channel, 20 Bridges, Catalina Channel, and Tampa Bay Marathon Swim.
Muenzer on August 25, 2018 at Manhattan Swim in the Hudson River
Fast forward, Muenzer set a World record in 1984, a 36- mile swim taking 24 hours and 20 minutes swimming from Point Pelee, Canada to Ohio. “There was no GPS in those days. Laugh out loud. So it took a long dang time,” says Muenzer.
Upon setting this record Muenzer got married to Mary and they have seven children. Their last three were adopted, “By the grace of God at birth. So, we have a blended family. My first four are white and my last three are black. It’s been a beautiful experience and I will forever be grateful to God,” said Muenzer
Muenzer also started a business, so from 1984 until 2007 he swam 4,000 yards 4 or 5 days a week waiting for the chance to do the swims. He did the Tampa Bay 24 mile and English Channel 20.5 mile swims in 2009 at 48 years of age. Then the economy hit his business very hard. “I had to take care of my family and business so back to the pool 4-5 days a week swimming 4,000 yards a day until the Fall of 2015. Then I started training for a “Manhattan” which is 28.5 miles.
“Then while training in March of 2016 my beautiful son Dan was killed in a motorcycle accident. Obviously, a tragedy I can’t explain except a deep sadness and loss that never goes away. My wife Mary and I made a pact going down on the 5 AM flight to the hospital that we would form a pact to keep our family together and navigate through the terrible loss. We knew Dan would want this,” said Muenzer. He added, “We have a beautiful daughter-in-law and granddaughter, so we were blessed.” Muenzer’s son’s best friend from West Point would eventually go on and marry his daughter-in-law. “Again, so blessed, I think my son Dan was involved with this, with God.”
“So, I heard Dan tell me, Pops, time to do the Manhattan Swim. I started training and did the swim in August of 2018 at 57 years of age.” He said that The Manhattan Swim Organization was gracious and let him in without having to go back on the waiting list. Then, started delays like Covid so, MuenzerI began swimming 4,000 yards a day again.
Muenzer said, “So, here I am four years later, just about 61 years old and way past where I saw myself doing these swims.” He began training again last October with world-renowned coach Marcia Cleveland who had been his coach on all of his swims.
Muenzer leaves on July 29 for Long Beach, California. His swim will start at 11 PM West Coast time on August 2. It’s a night swim so it is dangerous. He will leave at night so he can get a solid push in the first seven hours before the winds pick up. “My crew is coming in for the swim. They have been with me on all my swims. We have aged together,” said Muenzer. His lead is Mike Carson who he believes is the best manager. There will be real-time tracking and videos and pictures. Muenzer has a camera crew doing underwater and drone footage. He said, “I want to give people the opportunity to see what this sport is all about.”
Muenzer will be the 27th person to do the Grand Slam and the oldest. He will be the 269th to do the Triple Crown and the 6th oldest. To date, 268 have done this challenge, 103 women and 165 men. Only 124 of this 269 have been Americans.
“I hope the story is interesting. With my 12th and 13th grandchildren on the way, this has really changed for me over all these years. In the beginning, I was about the records, now, I want to make competitive swimmers aware of this world of open water swimming. Most importantly, I want to be an example to my grandkids that you set goals, work hard, and never give up. It’s funny how my mindset has changed with age,” Muenzer mused before he set out on his adventure.
Muenzer has had a title sponsor step forward in a big way. He said, “It’s the company MEGA CORP. They have been in the news lately for building a new corporate office and naming rights to the Cincinnati music pavilion. This was so appreciated. These swims cost $10,000 plus to do, so it’s a big deal for me.” Five Seasons Family Sports Club also provided Muenzer with pool facilities for training.
Muenzer is renowned for his feedings during his marathon swims. His menu for the Catalina Channel includes chocolate, Lays potato chips, peanut butter and jelly squares, three cans of Coca-Cola, tea, and water.
This will be my last swim and I decided to add more purpose in addition to obtaining my personal goal. I am raising money for my nephew Graeme who was born with Dravet Syndrome. This is a devastating form of epilepsy. Children afflicted with this have many seizures from daily to monthly and often times are resistant to medication. All funds raised will be donated to life saving research as well as necessary medical equipment to help these children with this debilitating disease. Graeme is happy go lucky and would steal your heart in seconds. He has inspired me at some of my toughest moments to push through and stay determined! Please help me to raise funds for the Dravet Foundation.
Dravet syndrome, also known as Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy (SMEI), is a rare form of intractable epilepsy that begins in infancy and proceeds with accumulating morbidity that significantly impacts individuals throughout their lifetime. It has an estimated incidence rate of 1:15,700. To better understand this condition, and the work DSF does, check out their website www.dravetfoundation.org
Darnell D. Parker, Jr. Beloved husband of Samantha Parker. Devoted father of Alexis, Madison, and soon to be born, Jalen Parker. Loving son of Nina and the late Darnell Parker, Sr. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends. Darnell passed away peacefully surrounded by the people he loved the most Sunday, July 24, 2022, at the age of 44.
Darnell was born and raised in Findlay, OH where he attended Findlay High School and played basketball. His education and basketball career continued at Bluffton University. His passion for basketball lead him to coaching high school basketball at Finneytown, Glen Este, Clark Montessori, CNE schools and finally spent five seasons at Loveland.
Darnell graduated from Bluffton University with a bachelor’s degree in Business and spent most of his professional career as Vice President at Beal Bank and Chase Bank. His last job was with Peoples Bank where he served as the Dealer’s Service Manager.
Above everything, Darnell loved his wife, daughters, family, and loved making memories with them. He will be greatly missed because he was deeply loved.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 11:00 a.m. at The Vineyard Church-Chapel, 11340 Century Cir East, Springdale, OH 45246. Interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life reception will be held at the Loveland High School Gymnasium, 1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, OH 45140, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Loveland, Ohio – The Bengals today signed college free agent QB Drew Plitt and waived CB John Brannon. In addition, G Alex Cappa and HB Samaje Perine have been cleared to practice and removed from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.
Drew Plitt at a Loveland High School basketball game in 2018.
Plitt (6-2, 206), a rookie out of Ball State University, played in 46 career games for the Cardinals with 36 starts and completed 777 of 1246 passes (62.4 percent) for 9062 yards and 68 TDs. He also rushed for 423 yards and 14 TDs.
Plitt, who participated at the Bengals’ rookie minicamp in May as a tryout player, is from the Greater Cincinnati area and played at Loveland High School in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, where he set a school record for career TD passes (42) and in 2013 led the Tigers to a 14-0 record and the Ohio Division II state championship.
Drew Plitt quarterbacked the Ohio Division II state championship team in 2013 for Loveland High School. An undefeated 14-0 Tiger season.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that there is visitation at Vineyard Church from 10 AM until the service at 11 AM.
Loveland, Ohio – The beloved head coach of the Loveland High School Women’s Basketball team Darnell Parker succumbed to cancer on Sunday, July 24, 2022.
Here are the funeral, visitation, and celebration events for Coach Parker:
Family & Friends:
The funeral will be held Saturday, July 30th at 11 AM at Vineyard Church located at 11340 Century Circle East in Springdale. (MAP)
Visitation will be at Vineyard Church from 10 AM until the service at 11 AM.
Family & Friends:
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 30th from 2 until 4 PM at Loveland High School located at 1 Tiger Trail.
Here are stories and videos produced by Loveland Magazine and Loveland Magazine TV
Loveland, Ohio – The beloved head coach of the Loveland High School Women’s Basketball team, Darnell Parker succumbed to cancer Sunday. As hundreds of condolences pour in from schools and individuals from around Ohio and the Tri-State, many remember and mention his endearing smile.
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