LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: local news

  • DORA open carry extended into September in Historic Downtown Loveland

    DORA open carry extended into September in Historic Downtown Loveland

    Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy was given the authority to extend the DORA for 60-days.

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), which previously allowed for the consumption of alcohol within specific boundaries in Historic Downtown only during specified events was modified in May from being in effect only during specified events to being in effect seven days a week from noon to 11 PM.

    The modification that went into effect in May was set to expire today.

    The DORA allows for the consumption of alcohol within specific boundaries in Historic Downtown.

    As provided within the legislation previously adopted by City Council, the City Manager was given the authority to extend the DORA for an additional 60-days.

    Under that authorization, City Manager Dave Kennedy announced yesterday that he has extended the seven-day DORA until September 5.

    Q: What is a DORA?

    A: A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is a specially designated area that allows patrons of an establishment serving alcohol to take an open container of alcohol out of the business and walk around the public streets. Drinks must be in special cups designated as DORA cups. These cups can be obtained at all participating alcohol establishments inside the DORA.

    Q: May a person bring their own alcohol into a DORA?

    A: No. Ohio open container law prohibits a person from having an opened container of alcohol on a permit premises that was not purchased from that permit holder even if the permit premises are within a DORA purchased elsewhere.

    Q: Do I have to use special DORA Cups?

    A: Yes. Any open alcohol which leaves an establishment must be in designated DORA cups. And, DORA cups must be empty to enter an establishment. Cups can be obtained at any participating establishment.

    Q: What types of alcoholic beverage can I have in my DORA cup?

    A: Beer, wine and liquor are allowable beverages to be consumed in designated DORA cups.

    Q: Can I walk anywhere with my DORA cup?

    A: Patrons can enjoy their beverage within the designated DORA Boundaries which are marked by signage.

    Businesses serving DORA beverages will have the below sticker decal displayed:
    DORA Sticker

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  • 35% OFF in store orders at RP Diamond during July

    35% OFF in store orders at RP Diamond during July

    Huge savings for

    Christmas in July

    RP Diamond

    Storewide discounts lasting the entire month! Sale begins this Wednesday!

     

  • Symmes Township approves new contract for yard waste

    Symmes Township approves new contract for yard waste

    Symmes Township, Ohio – The Township has entered into an agreement with Irvine Wood Recovery, 110 Glendale Milford Road, Miamiville 45147 to collect yard waste from June 1 through October 31.

    The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM and Saturdays, weather permitting, 8 AM until Noon (call first (513) 831-0060).

    Irvine Wood Recovery will be closed: Independence Day, and Labor Day.

    The following guidelines apply:

    -Yard waste in commercial vehicles or from commercial establishments cannot be accepted.
    -No large trailers or trucks larger than pickups will be allowed.
    -No pallets, boards, nails, fence, or wire accepted.
    -No stumps, root balls, or cattails.
    -Yard waste must be free of any debris/trash.
    -No bricks, stones or soil accepted.
    -No food materials.
    -All children must stay inside vehicles.

    Please note that this service is for Symmes Township residents only. Residents will be asked to show proof of residency, ie. driver’s license.

  • Caroline Ginder and Jordan Collins Awarded Seth Mitchell 2020 Scholarships!

    Caroline Ginder and Jordan Collins Awarded Seth Mitchell 2020 Scholarships!

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

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Students across Ohio have felt and continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the remainder of the school year canceled as well as graduation and all the fun events that go along with it, many students did not get the opportunity to be a part of their Annual Senior Night missing out on receiving Senior Awards and Scholarships.

    Steve and Connie Mitchell could not bear the thought of not giving out the annual 2020 Seth Mitchell Scholarships to the LHS Senior applicants so they decided to give the scholarships away virtually! The Mitchells usually make an annual visit into town to personally hand out the scholarships on the Senior Award Night.

    Connie and Steve’s, son and decorated war hero, LHS graduate, Captain Seth Mitchell was killed on October 26th, 2009 at age 30 when two helicopters collided while he was supporting combat operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. At the time of tragedy, Captain Mitchell was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and was part of the Marine Corp HMLA 367 Scarface unit. Captain Mitchell piloted an AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter.

    Seth volunteered for the fatal mission.

    If you would like to learn more about Captain Mitchell’s story click on the links below to access Loveland Magazine stories of the past about Mitchell.

    Please join us Saturday – to keep Captain Seth Mitchell’s memory alive

    Why there is a Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K

    In memory of Captain Mitchell both, his family and friends not only hold “The Seth Mitchell Hero 5k” in Downtown Historic Loveland every year, but they also give away “Seth Mitchell” scholarships to two well accomplished LHS Seniors. Below is Steve and Connie Mitchell’s explanation of how the scholarship recipients were selected this year.

    “As you probably guessed we were unable to do personal on-site interviews with our 2020 Seth Mitchell scholarship applicants. However, we summoned help from some younger folks and proceeded with the interviews through Google Hangout,” the Mitchell’s explained,  “Yep, Steve and Connie on Google Hangout. Who’d of thought that? Loveland High School also did not have their annual Senior Night on May 13, so the scholarships were awarded virtually. We had 18 applicants this year and personally interviewed six before awarding two scholarships. Your scholarship committee consisting of Greg Carpinello, Damien Cook, Mollie Schrichten, Marisa Sobb, (all friends of Seth and ’97 LHS graduates) Connie and I, take seriously the process to recruit, interview and select candidates. All the kids were deserving and we are especially proud of the recipients.”

    The $3,500 Let Us Never Forget Seth Mitchell Scholarship was founded by the Mitchell Family and the “Let Us Never Forget Scholarship Foundation.”
    The scholarships are funded by the Seth Mitchell Hero 5K, in which both Seth’s friends and family run, in memory of Seth every year.
    This year the 2020 “virtual” Let Us Never Forget Seth Mitchell Scholarships went to Jordan Collins and Caroline Ginder! Below are the biographies for both scholarship winners provided by the Mitchell’s.
    . 
      .
    Jordan Collins is the 2020 scholarship recipient and she has a spirit similar to Seth.
    She was and still is involved in many theatrical and musical productions. She is a National Honor Society member, volunteers through Mom’s Hope, and works part-time.
    Jordan will be paying a large part of her college costs.
    She has a “do something” attitude, a strong work ethic, and knows no stranger, being kind to all. She is not afraid to fail in the pursuit of her dreams and is strong in the face of adversity.
    She hopes to pursue her theatrical dreams at Syracuse University.
       .
        .
    Caroline Ginder is also a 2020 recipient of the Memorial Scholarship. Caroline was described by one of her references as “being self-motivated, goal-oriented, and a fine example of caring more about her teammates rather than herself.”
    She participated in many school events such as Tiger’s Inc., LHS Women’s Soccer, NEST, and National Honor Society.
    Caroline will be attending Ohio State University where she will pursue medicine. She hopes to someday be a part of Doctors Without Borders.
    Like Jordan, Caroline is paying a share of her college costs as well.
    .
    .
    If you would like to learn more about the Let Us Never Forget Scholarship Foundation you can visit their website at yellowribbonsupportcenter.com. 
    .
    If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with the Seth Mitchell Hero 5K this year you can visit the event’s website at sethmitchell5k.org.

    The 11th Annual Seth Mitchell Hero 5k will take place on Saturday, October 10th at 11 AM in Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio.

    .
    You don’t have to run or walk in the race to support the scholarship program. You can donate now or volunteer your time and skills!
    Congratulations to both Caroline and Jordan for being selected to receive the Never Let Us Forget Seth Mitchell Scholarships!
  • Loveland Magazine TV will be broadcasting Loveland’s Fireworks “LIVE” tonight

    Loveland Magazine TV will be broadcasting Loveland’s Fireworks “LIVE” tonight

    Loveland, Ohio – LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will be broadcasting Loveland’s Fireworks “LIVE” tonight. This is a Rozzi Fireworks show!

    They are scheduled to begin at 10 PM.

    Visit the Loveland Magazine FaceBook Page tonight to watch the live video stream!

  • Take our Poll: Should Loveland Area Governments Require Face Mask?

    Take our Poll: Should Loveland Area Governments Require Face Mask?

    Today Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution requiring the public to wear face masks.

    Already, the Springfield City Commission requires a face mask. Dayton became the first major city in Ohio to require masks by law. Similarly, Yellow Springs passed a resolution and Bexley passed a local ordinance requiring masks.

    [poll id=”4″]

  • DeWine lays out K-12 reopening plans

    DeWine lays out K-12 reopening plans

    By Susan Tebben – The Ohio Capital Journal
    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine laid out reopening guidelines for state K-12 schools on Thursday, including a mask requirement for teachers, but no such mandate for students.

    DeWine said it is “the state’s strong recommendation” that children from the third grade on wear face masks, but maintained that local control for school districts will be in place as reopenings begin. 

    “A great deal of flexibility is allowed, as it should be,” DeWine said in his Thursday COVID-19 press conference.

    Ohio Department of Education’s 36-page planning guide

    The governor announced that the Ohio Department of Education published a 36-page planning guide that includes recommendations on everything testing to field trips and recess precautions.

    The guidance is specifically noted as “not mandatory” in the documents and emphasized the need for schools and districts to develop and implement their own protocols, while using the information provided by local and state health departments.

    “Planning teams should include school leaders, local health department officials, local school board members, educators, education support professionals, school health professionals, parents, students, community partners and local business leaders,” the planning documents stated.

    In developing coronavirus related-protocols, DeWine said before anyone enters a school facility, parents and school officials should “vigilantly assess” symptoms, and take the temperatures of everyone coming into the schools. In the guidance, outside individuals such as delivery personnel, student teachers and faculty of student teachers are all treated the same as official school personnel. 

    The Loveland District is currently working on models for reopening school in the fall, “which can be adjusted based on the pending guidance from state and local health agencies.”

    The planning guide said flare-ups are considered “expected” by state officials, and warns that school buildings may need to close in the event of said flare-up.

    Schools were told to work with local health departments to develop a testing strategy, thoroughly clean and sanitize schools, and teach and practice social distancing and hand-washing.

    Social distancing in places like school buses will be more difficult, and DeWine said as much distance as is possible will benefit students and staff.

    “(Specific measurements of distance is) all relative and it’s somewhat arbitrary,” DeWine said. “But the more distance you can have the better.”

    COVID 19 Health and Prevention Guidance for Ohio K-12 Schools

    Face coverings are required by staff unless it is unsafe or if doing so “could interfere with the learning process,” DeWine said on Thursday.

    Ohio Federation of Teachers Executive Director Melissa Cropper appreciated the moves by the governor, but said the OFT worries about the financial demands of the new protocols.

    “We are concerned that local governments and school districts will have to make decisions about the governor’s recommendations at a time when they are anticipating budget crunches and beginning to make spending cuts,” Cropper said in a statement.

    DeWine said it “is not right for me or (other departments) to micromanage” school buildings or districts.

    The governor did say he plans to meet with House Speaker Larry Householder, Senate President Larry Obhof, and minority leaders to discuss extra funding, along with the use of CARES Act funding.

    Cropper said schools would benefit from HEROES Act funding as well, a bank of about $2 billion in monies for K-12 education, but the act is still awaiting U.S. Senate consideration after passing the House.

    The guidance comes as the state faces continual growth in coronavirus cases, and data showing that cases are passed through the individuals within the area. DeWine noted that 80% of confirmed cases in Montgomery County have been linked to community spread.

  • Ohio releases Public Health Advisory System

    Ohio releases Public Health Advisory System

    The Public Health Advisory Alert System is a color-coded system designed to supplement existing statewide orders through a data-driven framework to assess the degree of the virus’ spread and to engage and empower individuals, businesses, communities, local governments, and others in their response and actions.

    The system consists of four levels that provide Ohioans with guidance as to the severity of the problem in the counties in which they live.  The levels are determined by seven data indicators that identify the risk level for each county and a corresponding color code to represent that risk level.

    Additional Resources

    County Profiles

     

     

  • Dewine: “We’re in a crisis S/state in Ohio”

    Dewine: “We’re in a crisis S/state in Ohio”

    Columbus, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine Thursday declared that “We’re in a crisis S/state in Ohio.” He was speaking at a COVID 10 news briefing in Columbus.

    The Ohio Capital Journal reported yesterday:

    Ohio Capital Journal

    A resident waits in line to vote at a polling place. Photo by Scott Olson | Getty Images.

    The state said no to masks. Now, Ohio cities are saying yes

    By Jake Zuckerman – July 2, 2020 – Ohio Capital Journal

     

    The governor dithered. The state legislature said no way.

    So on Tuesday, the Springfield City Commission took it upon itself to pass a resolution (which lacks the force of law) calling for all residents to cover their faces while indoors, a practice research says will slow the spread of COVID-19 through Ohio.

    By Wednesday, Dayton became the first major city in Ohio to require masks by law. Similarly, Yellow Springs passed a resolution and Bexley passed a local ordinance requiring masks.

    “The mask is a symbol of freedom,” said David Estrop, a Springfield city commissioner, at a hearing, echoing comments from the governor. “It allows us to continue to reopen this state, yet do so in a way that’s safe.”

    By Wednesday, Dayton became the first major city in Ohio to require masks by law. Similarly, Yellow Springs passed a resolution and Bexley passed a local ordinance requiring masks.

    On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health reported more than 1,000 new cases, the first time that stat has reached quadruple digits since officials mass-tested inmates in three state prisons in late April. Wednesday marks 16 days of the coronavirus accelerating its spread, as measured by the 10-day average new caseload.

    Despite the worsening coronavirus outlook in Ohio and nationwide, state lawmakers continue to whip up anti-mask fervor. While Gov. Mike DeWine encourages everyone to wear masks, he has refrained from issuing any statewide mandate as the national epidemic worsens and states pause their economic re-openings.

    DeWine demurs

    In April, Gov. Mike DeWine took a hardline stance on masks, saying they’d be the only way business can reopen after he lifted the stay-at-home order.

    Facing pressure from fellow Republican officeholders, he reversed after he realized how “offended” people were by the concept.  

    Last week, referencing worsening outbreaks in Montgomery and Hamilton counties, DeWine floated the idea of implementing a mask mandate on a county-by-county basis.

    However, he has yet to issue any such order. A spokesman declined to say whether DeWine will announce any mask requirement at his next briefing.

    In a statement Wednesday, DeWine applauded Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a Democrat, for requiring the use of face coverings.

    “Wearing a mask will allow us to help keep businesses open and help prevent further spikes,” he said. “I encourage other communities to consider following Dayton’s lead.”

    Voted down

    Where masks have found friends in the public health community and Ohio cities, they found enemies in the GOP-controlled state General Assembly.

    Where masks have found friends in the public health community and Ohio cities, they found enemies in the GOP-controlled state General Assembly.

    Both the Speaker of the House and the Senate President have refused to wear masks at legislative functions.

    House leadership voted down a requirement in May that lawmakers and staff wear masks at the Capitol. With exceptions, masks have fallen along party lines — Democrats wear them and Republicans do not.

    In a Facebook post last week, Rep. Jon Cross, R-Kenton, campaigned on refusing to wear masks, let alone supporting legislation requiring them.

    “It’s my RIGHT not to wear a mask, and I do NOT support a government that tries to quarantine the healthy,” he wrote.

    Rep. Nino Vitale, R-Urbana, takes to social media regularly to promote baseless conspiracy theories about masks limiting blood oxygen or how they “force virus into the brain.”

    Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown criticizes Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for distributing masks to Ohio businesses.

    Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown, produced a Facebook video June 25 criticizing Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for distributing masks to Ohio businesses.

    Despite the lawmakers’ claims, research suggests masks are an effective, inexpensive and non-invasive way to slow the spread of COVID-19.

    An early June study published in The Lancet, a premier medical journal, analyzed 172 observational studies to gauge the efficacy of mitigation strategies. Researchers found wearing face masks results in a “large reduction” in the risk of infection.

  • [VIDEO] LHS grad Hakim Oliver keynotes BLM March in Mason

    [VIDEO] LHS grad Hakim Oliver keynotes BLM March in Mason

    Mason, Ohio – Hakim Oliver graduated from Loveland High School in 1999. He then graduated from Bowling Green State University and is now an intervention specialist working with Seniors at Mason High School.

    Hakim Oliver is married to Alison Oliver

    On June 20 two Mason Alumni put on the BLM Mason March starting at Pine Hill Lakes Park in Mason going to the municipal building that drew thousands. The protest march with petition signing and speakers was to, “…stand in solidarity with our Black community members in their struggle for justice.” Their goals were to raise funds to support social justice, racial equality, protesters, and other facets of the Black Lives Matter movement.

    After the protest march, Oliver approached leaders at Mason City Hall with the idea of holding community conversations in Mason Community Exposure – Bridging Stories. They accepted and embraced the idea. Oliver said, “This is a collaboration with the City of Mason and I’m looking forward to building relationships.”

    Mason has announced the community conversations by saying:

    Sponsored by the City of Mason and in partnership with Mr. Hakim Oliver this program is intended to facilitate positive intergroup interaction and discussion recognizing individuals are different from others and how we together create a community.

    This four part series includes a panel discussion, public input, engagement and interaction helping increase participants perspective by listening and mentally walking in someone else’s shoes. The program aligns with Mason’s mission for building a culture of wellness in the community by helping elevate morale, respect differences, and give a voice to the community.

    Community Exposure – Bridging Stories! participants meet each Wednesday July 15 through August 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Mason Municipal Center located at 6000 Mason Montgomery Road.

    Space is limited. Register Here!

     

    Oliver has since approached Loveland City Hall for their support of similar community forums.

    This video is Oliver’s keynote address:

    Here is a video of the BLM Mason protest posted on YouTube by K Jackson.

     

    BLM Mason Demands for Change

    Today we stand in solidarity with our Black community members in their struggle for justice. On May 25th, 2020 George Floyd was yet another victim of police brutality against the Black community in America. His death following those of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, and Tony McDade sparked a nationwide demand for racial equality. However, our community has largely stayed silent on such issues despite the international outrage that followed. Times like these are when a community must show its character, and for that reason we have organized a peaceful demonstration to achieve the following:

    Goals for protest:

    Raise funds to support social justice, racial equality, protestors, and other facets of the Black Lives Matter Movement

    Sign petitions to further racial equality and protest safety in America

    Demands:

    1. Demand the establishment of two anonymous tip lines, one for the public to utilize, and another for police officers to release statements of other police officer’s misuse of power to both the police department and a third party group.
    2. Demand the redistribution of Mason Police Department funding towards Police Officer Body Worn Cameras and cultural competency training to make Mason PD a progressive role model
    3. Demand that the City of Mason hold an open meeting designated for People of Color to voice their concerns about safety and racism in our community.