Tag: local news

  • OHSAA rejects Name, Image, and Likeness proposal

    OHSAA rejects Name, Image, and Likeness proposal

    Columbus, Ohio – The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) proposal failed by a margin of 538 to 254 in voting conducted by the Ohio High School Athletic Association to amend their Constitution and Bylaws.

    The proposal mirrored recent changes made at the collegiate level and would have allowed student-athletes to sign endorsement agreements so long as their teams, schools and/or the OHSAA logo were not used, the endorsements did not happen on school property or in school uniform, and provided there were no endorsements with companies that do not support the mission of education-based athletics, such as casinos, gambling, alcohol, drugs and tobacco. By rejecting the proposal, Ohio’s student-athletes remain unable sign endorsement deals without losing their amateur status.

  • F.D.A approves COVID 19 booster dose for children 5 through 11

    F.D.A approves COVID 19 booster dose for children 5 through 11

    A Press Release of the FDA:

    On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to individuals 5 through 11 years of age at least five months after completion of a primary series with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. 

    “While it has largely been the case that COVID-19 tends to be less severe in children than adults, the omicron wave has seen more kids getting sick with the disease and being hospitalized, and children may also experience longer term effects, even following initially mild disease,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “The FDA is authorizing the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age to provide continued protection against COVID-19. Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 and its severe consequences, and it is safe. If your child is eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and has not yet received their primary series, getting them vaccinated can help protect them from the potentially severe consequences that can occur, such as hospitalization and death.”   

    On Jan. 3, the FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for administration to individuals 12 through 15 years of age after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Today’s action expands the use of a single booster dose of the vaccine for administration to individuals 5 through 11 years age at least five months after completion of a primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. The FDA has authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for use in individuals 5 years of age and older and has approved Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) for use in individuals 16 years of age and older.

    “The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is effective in helping to prevent the most severe consequences of COVID-19 in individuals 5 years of age and older,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Since authorizing the vaccine for children down to 5 years of age in October 2021, emerging data suggest that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 wanes after the second dose of the vaccine in all authorized populations. The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age at least five months after completing a primary series outweigh its known and potential risks and that a booster dose can help provide continued protection against COVID-19 in this and older age groups.”

    Data Supporting Effectiveness

    The EUA for a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age is based on FDA’s analysis of immune response data in a subset of children from the ongoing randomized placebo-controlled trial that supported the October 2021 authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine primary series in this age group. Antibody responses were evaluated in 67 study participants who received a booster dose 7 to 9 months after completing a two-dose primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. The antibody level against the SARS-CoV-2 virus one month after the booster dose was increased compared to before the booster dose.

    FDA Evaluation of Safety

    The safety of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in this age group was assessed in approximately 400 children who received a booster dose at least five months (range 5 to 9 months) after completing a two-dose primary series. The most commonly reported side effects were pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain and chills and fever.

    The FDA did not hold a meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on today’s action, as the agency previously convened the committee for extensive discussions regarding the use of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines and, after review of Pfizer’s EUA request, the FDA concluded that the request did not raise questions that would benefit from additional discussion by committee members. The FDA will make available on its website relevant documents regarding today’s authorization. 

    The amendment to the EUA was granted to Pfizer Inc.
     

    Related Information

  • Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, May 26

    Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, May 26

    Loveland, Ohio – The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a “Special Meeting” on Thursday, May 26, at 6 PM, at City Hall.

    The purpose of the meeting will be to review the final draft version of the 2022 Comprehensive Master Plan for the City as recommended by the Comprehensive Master Plan Steering Committee and to consider making a recommendation for the adoption of the plan to Council.

    The approved Final Draft version of the 2022 Comprehensive Master Plan can be found below:

    APPROVED FINAL DRAFT – Comprehensive Master Development Plan

  • [Video and Slide Show] Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association holds ceremony for marking new headstones and grave dedication

    [Video and Slide Show] Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association holds ceremony for marking new headstones and grave dedication

    Sean Behling
    Sean Behling is a Loveland Magazine Reporter

    by Sean Behling

    Loveland, Ohio – A cold, drizzly morning on Saturday, May 7th, gave way to more tolerable weather by noon when a momentous ceremony was held at the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery in the White Pillars subdivision. It was a celebration of the dedication of new headstones for Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, Captain John Ramsey, and Isabella Paxton Ramsey. After a member of the Sons of the American Revolution gave a speech detailing the historical significance of Ramsey, Paxton, and their family, a parade arrived, led by living descendants, to celebrate the renovations they’ve made to the cemetery. 

    Once the parade arrived, the National Anthem was sung, and people gathered closer to witness the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. The ribbon-cutting featured, 102-year-old Kay Promton, the oldest living descendant of Lt. Col. Paxton. Joining Kay were community leaders and contributors to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery restoration. The large crowd then gathered and listened to the heartwarming speech that Rob Geiger, president of the Association, gave.

    Following the touching speech, Geiger handed out plaques to those who had worked hard and long to keep this landmark of Loveland intact. The plaques held ceremonial keys to the cemetery and were set on pieces of cherry wood salvaged from a decaying tree that had to be removed during the cemetery’s restoration.

    Receiving plaques were:

    • Loveland Legacy Foundation
    • Loveland Magazine
    • City of Loveland
    • Paxton’s Grill
    • Ramsey’s Trailside
    • Eads Fence
    • Rainey Tree Service
    • Riverview Monuments
    • American Legion Post 256 and Auxiliary
    • Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5749
    • Emma Clemons, Girl Scout Troop 43534

    After the plaques were handed out, and the new gravestones were unveiled, the ceremony ended with a musket salute. The Sons of the American Revolution lined up, their muskets loaded and pointing out into the nearby woods, firing off numerous shots, before finally putting their heads down in respect of these fallen soldiers.

    Other groups participating during the dedication ceremony were, Clough Valley Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution, Cincinnati Chapter/Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Post 256 and Auxiliary, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5749. Individuals playing important parts in the dedication were, Will Freeman singing the National Anthem, Kay Thomson, Bella Geiger, Kassidy Ostendorf, and Robert Reid signing Amazing Grace. Tiffany Niehaus, Stephanie Pinella, and Cindy Abbott read biographies of Thomas Paxton, John Ramsey, and Isabella Paxton Ramsey.

    Debby Niehaus and Paige Craig led a responsive reading.

    The emcee for the event was Rob Geiger, the President of the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery Association.

    Thank you to everyone who was able to make this ceremony happen and to everyone that has worked to keep this historic location alive for so many years. The Ramsey-Paxton Ceremony is located on Ramsey Court in White Pillars, so feel free to go on down and pay respects to the founder of Loveland while soaking in the cemetery’s history.

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery began in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton. Lt. Col. Paxton was a Revolutionary War Soldier who served with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 as well as General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. The curved bridge on West Loveland Avenue over the Lt. Col. Paxton.

    Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first local crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland. Paxton’s involvement goes even further, from helping to have the first polling place in Clermont County to help make the statehood of Ohio possible.

    Paxton’s son-in-law, as well as Revolutionary War patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County, Captain John Ramsey, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, as were other family members up until 1913.

  • Dackin Selected as Ohio’s Next Superintendent of Public Instruction

    Dackin Selected as Ohio’s Next Superintendent of Public Instruction

    Stephen Dackin (photo from Fordham Institute)

    Columbus, Ohio – The State Board of Education of Ohio on May 10 selected Stephen Dackin as the 39thsuperintendent of public instruction for Ohio and leader of the Ohio Department of Education.
     
    With more than 40 years of service in education, Dackin has experience in both postsecondary and preK-12 education settings having served as a school district superintendent, school principal, and classroom teacher. He recently served as superintendent of School and Community Partnerships at Columbus State Community College and, prior to that, superintendent of Reynoldsburg City Schools. Dackin and his wife Susan live in Columbus and have two daughters, Jessica and Erika.
     
    The State Board of Education selected Dackin by a vote of 14 to 4, with one abstention. The start date is yet to be determined.

  • Loveland’s 1.75 Mill Fire and EMS Levy passes

    Loveland’s 1.75 Mill Fire and EMS Levy passes

    Loveland, Ohio – The City’s 1.75 Mill Fire and EMS levy passed at the ballot box on May 3.

    At the time of its introduction by the Council, it was estimated property tax revenue produced would be an additional $727,638 per year and the amount would be sufficient to “maintain Fire and EMS services”, according to the City Manager. The estimated cost to an owner of a home with a $100,000 market value is $61.25 per year.

    Unofficial Results:

    Clermont County – 278 YES, 168 NO.

    Hamilton County – 837 YES, 540 NO.

    Warren County – 120 YES, 47 NO.

  • [Complete Video] Rezoning of Grailville denied

    [Complete Video] Rezoning of Grailville denied

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Here are the complete meeting videos from May 4 when the rezoning of the Grailville property was denied to Drees Homes. The Northern Kentucky home builder had requested a map and text change to Loveland’s zoning code to build 209 Drees homes on the 111-acre Graville site.

    If you appreciate these kinds of reports, will you be so kind as to send a contribution our way so Loveland Magazine can keep on keeping on?

    All of the many speeches by local residents are here to watch as well as the one person, a Grail member who supported the rezoning. The rebuttal by the Drees’ representative is also here and the discussion by the Planning Commission which ultimately led them to turn down the re-zoning.

    You can also watch the post-meeting interview with the leaders of the movement to stop the rezoning, Lauren Enda and Sharon Scovanner.

    The Grailville Archive
    Because posterity may wish to know.
  • [Video] Jamie Smith: Grailville brought joy to her mentally and emotionally exhausted family

    [Video] Jamie Smith: Grailville brought joy to her mentally and emotionally exhausted family

    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Jamie Smith has lived her entire life in Loveland and raised five sons here. She said she has a “very deep connection” to this place, and her family’s favorite place is Grailville.

    She testified during the May 4 meeting when the Planning and Zoning Commission was deciding whether or not to allow 209 Drees homes on the 111-acre Graville site.

    She speaks of her very stressful lifestyle, most of the time as a single mother, and living with the father of her children who struggled with an opioid addiction his entire adult life. She added that he has been “clean” for the past ten years however the experience of dealing with the addiction within her family was traumatizing.

    She defined her financial situation as havoc and how she has maintained a full-time job and two or three additional part-time jobs for her sons’ entire lives. To be able to be a contributing member of society and a good mom, she designed their lives around something she could afford, spending time in nature. “Not only because it was all we could afford, but because it was healthy and fulfilling,” Smith added. “And it brought joy to a mentally and emotionally exhausted family.”

    She took listeners on a journey with her boys down the Grailville path to the respite of the cool waters of the O’Bannon Creek.

  • [VIDEO] Diane Fisher testifies to be a good daughter and son of Loveland’s Mother Earth

    [VIDEO] Diane Fisher testifies to be a good daughter and son of Loveland’s Mother Earth

    David Miller – Editor and Publisher

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland resident Diane Fisher testified at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 4 about the re-zoning of Grailville and a proposed new development near her home on Oak Street.

    Fisher started by expressing how nervous she was about speaking publicly, however, speaking softly and determined told why she chose to live in Loveland, “…enjoying the mental and physical, and spiritual health that being in nature provides.” Referring to the COVID 19 Pandemic she said that activities in nature have proven more important than ever to many people she knows.

    Fisher also noted that it wasn’t lost on her that the meeting was being held in both “No Mow May” and “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

    It wasn’t a rhetorical question Fisher then asked, “How many more lawns filled with pesticides and herbicides, should be allowed, invited, encouraged into our area.”

    “Each of us. Every person is a steward of our community,” Fisher challenged.

  • Make Your Voice Heard, Take the Hamilton County Broadband Survey

    Make Your Voice Heard, Take the Hamilton County Broadband Survey

    The Hamilton County Broadband Survey is your chance to let county officials know whether you have the broadband you need for your business – now and for the future.

    This online survey will inform the Hamilton County Commissioners’ disbursement of $10 million in federal ARPA recovery funding for local broadband improvements. Help shape Hamilton County’s broadband investment. Click the button below to take the survey today. Take the Hamilton County Business Broadband Survey Here!
    The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and will be used to expand and improve broadband services in the Hamilton County community.
    For more information, check out the County’s website www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/broadband.