Tag: local news
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Ohio’s Minimum-Wage Increase Largest in 15 Years
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. (Artur/Adobe Stock)
by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman – Public News Service
Monday, January 3, 2022
LISTEN An annual pay raise has kicked-in for Ohio’s minimum-wage workers, who will now earn $9.30 per hour, about $2 more than the federal minimum wage.
The $0.50 hourly increase is the largest since 2006, when a ballot initiative indexed the minimum wage to inflation.
Hannah Halbert, executive director of Policy Matters Ohio, noted had Congress done the same when it set the federal minimum wage in 1968, it would now be worth about $13 an hour, and she pointed out $9.30 amounts to just over $19,000 annually for a full-time worker.
“That’s still more than $2,000 under the poverty guidelines for a family of three,” Halbert explained. “Even if they’re working full time, playing by the rules, doing what they can, they’re still not going to be able to break that poverty threshold.”
Ohio is among nine states where a 2022 minimum-wage increase is tied to the cost of living. California’s hit $15 Jan. 1, as part of an incremental increase. Eight other states are also in the process of incrementally raising their minimum-wage amounts to $15 an hour.
According to Policy Matters Ohio, raising Ohio’s minimum hourly wage to $15 by 2026 would benefit 1.6 million workers. Halbert is convinced it would help the overall economy and reduce income inequality.
“Thirty-six percent of working women in Ohio would see a pay increase, and 44% of Black working Ohioans would also see an increase,” Halbert outlined. “Raising the wage really does help clear up some of these drivers of inequality in the low-wage system.”
Halbert emphasized the impact of the pandemic on job market data makes it difficult to determine just how many Ohioans are affected by the 2022 increase. Some 84,000 workers benefited from a $0.15 minimum-wage adjustment in 2019.
Reporting by Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.
References: Ohio minimum wage information Ohio Dept. of Commerce 2022
Federal minimum wage history U.S. Dept. of Labor 2022
Ohio minimum wage history Federal Reserve 2022
Amendment 2 (2006) 11/07/2006
Minimum wage analysis Policy Matters Ohio 04/13/2021
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No-Cost PCR Testing Sites in Hamilton County
From The Health Collaborative
For information on vaccines and provider locations, visit healthcollab.org/vaccine-info.
UPDATE: The Test and Protect contract between Hamilton County and The Health Collaborative expires at the end of this year when CARES Act funding ends, but the testandprotectcincy.com website will continue to be updated with no-cost testing locations in our region. Hamilton County Commissioners allocated an additional $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan dollars to continue to fill gaps in testing in 2022. New locations will be announced soon.
CDC New Testing Guidelines 12/27/2021
No-Cost PCR Testing Sites
Results from PCR testing are typically expected between 48 – 72 hours.
Provider
Address
Appointment Info
Notes
10+ stores in Hamilton County, 30 + stores in region
Schedule online or call 1 (800) 679-9691
PCR Drive-Thru Testing. Type of test varies by location, see website for details. Patients with insurance testing for travel and work requirements could be required to pay a copay. Please check with your provider.
2805 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Call (513) 815-4475 to schedule
Limited appointment availability. Pre-screening required
302 W 4th Street Parking, Covington, KY 41011
Pre-registration encouraged. Walk-ins availalbe.
PCR (same day) Drive-Thru Testing. Open 7 days/week
2028 Florence Mall, Florence, KY 41042
Pre-registration encouraged. Walk-ins availalbe.
PCR (next day) Drive-Thru Testing. Open 7 days/week
2332 Royal Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
Pre-registration encouraged. Walk-ins availalbe.
PCR (next day) Drive-Thru Testing
1401 Steffen Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45215
Call (513) 588-3623 to schedule
PCR Drive-Thru Testing
3 stores in region
Schedule online
PCR Drive-Thru Testing. See website for details
2 stores in region
Schedule online
PCR Drive-Thru Testing. See website for details
20+ stores in Hamilton County, 40 stores + in region
Schedule online or call 1 (800) 925-4733
PCR Drive-Thru Testing. See website for details
1019 Linn Street Cincinnati, OH 45203
Call (513) 233-7100 to schedule
Rapid test screening. PCR available by doctor’s order
1740 Langdon Farm Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237
Call (513) 631-7100 to schedule
Rapid test screening. PCR available by doctor’s order
5275 Winneste Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45232
Call (513) 242-1033 to schedule
Rapid test screening. PCR available by doctor’s order
No-Cost COVID-19 Home Test Kits
Test kits are available at the following locations (while supplies last). See websites for details:
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- Select Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Libraries (P 513-369-6900) Drive-Thru Locations: Anderson, Coverdale, Delhi Township, Downtown Main Library, Groesbeck, Harrison, Reading, and Symmes Township
- Select YMCA Branches: Blue Ash, Campbell, Central Parkway, Clermont, Clippard, Highland, Gamble-Nippert, M.E. Lyons, Powel Crosley, R.C. Durr
- Call (513) 604-3663 to check supply at YMCA locations
- Hamilton County Public Health Board of Elections Vaccine Site: 2300 Wall St., Cincinnati, OH 45212; Mon-Fri 10am–5pm
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To find out the different types of COVID-19 tests by visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or the Ohio Department of Health.
Testing locations throughout Ohio: Ohio Department of Health.
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Bearcats Fall to No. 1 Alabama in CFP Semifinals
Cincinnati finishes 13-1, wrapping up historic season at the Cotton Bowl
Arlington, Texas – The No. 4-ranked Cincinnati football team went toe-to-toe with the defending national champions before ultimately falling to No. 1 Alabama, 27-6, in the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the 86th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday at AT&T Stadium.
Trailing 24-6, the Bearcats threatened in the fourth quarter after senior quarterback Desmond Ridder found Michael Young for a 28-yard catch that placed Cincinnati inside Alabama territory. Cincinnati had a 4th-and-3 play from the Crimson Tide 22, but Ridder was sacked with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Alabama tacked on field goal on the next drive for the final score.
“It doesn’t feel great right now, but we at least had the opportunity to step back here, reflect a little bit more and recognize where it is that we’ve come from just in the last five years with this group of guys,” head coach Luke Fickell said. “I don’t know if I can see it or pick it up right now, but I promise my wife will make me, later tonight, take a couple deep breaths and recognize where these guys have taken us and what they’ve done for us.”
Led by 32 seniors, the Bearcats finish 13-1, completing the greatest season in school history with their first College Football Playoff appearance, battling the defending national champions in front of a raucous sellout crowd of 76,313 inside the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium.
Cincinnati finished among the nation’s Top 10 teams in scoring offense and scoring defense. UC set single-season school records for touchdowns (70) and points (516), featured the Jim Thorpe Award winner (Coby Bryant), a consensus All-American (Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner) and 12 first-team All-Conference players. Fickell also won nearly every national coach of the year award.
Ridder passed for 144 yards, completing 17 of 32 attempts, and wraps up his career as the most-decorated Bearcat in school history. His 44 wins are the third-most any quarterback in college football history.
“I’ve met a lot of good, close friends that are going to be with me for the rest of my life,” Ridder said in the postgame press conference. “I’ve played a lot of great football with a lot of great players, a lot of great coaches. I’m going to remember every single year, from my true freshman year when I wasn’t playing until now. This loss I just want to thank coach Fick (head coach Luke Fickell) and all the coaching staff, all the training staff, academic staff and all of our fans who supported us even in our down years. Everyone who came out this weekend, traveled to Dallas to support us, I just want to say thank you.”
Jerome Ford led the ground game with 15 rushes for 77 yards, while Young (55 yards) and Tre Tucker (43) each had four catches. Darrian Beavers, whose next game will be the Reese’s Senior Bowl in February, paced the defense with 10 tackles, including two for loss and a sack.
Cincinnati battled tough and kept the game close, holding the Crimson Tide scoreless in the third quarter, and trailed 17-6 entering the fourth quarter.
Perhaps Alabama head coach Nick Saban summed up the Cincinnati performance best.
“There’s no doubt in my mind, Cincinnati belongs in the playoff,” Saban said. “They gave us all we could handle.”
Alabama rushed for 301 yards and was led by Cotton Bowl Most Outstanding Offensive Player Brian Robinson, Jr., who had 204 yards on the ground. Crimson Tide defensive end Will Anderson, Jr. was named the Cotton Bowl Most Outstanding Defensive Player after totaling six tackles and two sacks.
The Bearcats held Alabama quarterback Bryce Young to 181 yards on 17-of-28 passing with an interception, but the Heisman Trophy winner accounted for all of the game’s touchdowns with passes.
Cincinnati opened the second half fast, receiving the ball and promptly marching down the field in 11 plays as Ridder completed his first five passes after the intermission and drove UC to the Tide 19-yard line. However, the Bearcats settled for a 37-yard field goal from Cole Smith that cut Alabama’s lead to 17-6 at the 9:57 mark in the third quarter.
Cincinnati and Alabama traded punts on the next two possessions before Bryce Young sailed an interception to senior safety Brian Cook while he was being hit by senior defensive tackle Curtis Brooks on a third-and-6 play with five minutes left in the third quarter. UC could not capitalize on the turnover as Ridder was sacked on third-and-16 and the Bearcats were forced to punt once again.
Alabama scored first in the game, using 11 plays to move 75 yards on its first possession. The Crimson Tide ran the ball on its first 10 plays before quarterback Bryce Young found receiver Slade Bolden for the game’s first touchdown at the 9:51 mark in the first quarter.
Ridder connected with senior wide receiver Michael Young twice on the first possession for UC, including a 19-yard first down. He found sophomore receiver Tyler Scott for a 22-yard pass that brought the Bearcats inside the 10-yard line and forced Alabama to call timeout at the 5:48 mark. The Bearcats’ drive stalled at the 9, however. Smith drilled a 33-yard field goal – his first since Oct. 8 – to make it 7-3.
A sack for a six-yard loss by Beavers forced Alabama to kick a 26-yard field goal, which gave the Crimson Tide a 10-3 at the start of the second quarter.
After a three-and-out on their first possession of the second quarter, the Bearcats’ defense forced a three-and-out of their own.
Freshman punter Mason Fletcher pinned Alabama back inside their own 10-yard line twice in the second quarter. The first time on a 54-yard punt that had the Tide start from their own 9. The second was a 48-yard punt that was muffed by returner JoJo Earle and left Alabama starting from the 6. The results of the drives were a 44-yard missed field goal by Will Reichard and a 44-yard touchdown pass from Young to Ja’Core Brooks that made the score 17-3 just before halftime.
RESERVE YOUR 2022 SEASON TICKETS NOW
The Cincinnati Athletics Ticket Office is now accepting deposits for 2022 football season tickets here.
FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati Athletics, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Cincinnati Athletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. -
Entire Academy class hired before graduation at Great Oaks Fire Academy
Eighteen area residents are now firefighters after completing 675 hours of training and education and passing national certifications.
The Great Oaks Fire Academy class gathered with family, friends, and fire officials from across the region on December 14 at the Sharonville Convention Center for a graduation ceremony.
Great Oaks Public Safety Services Supervisor Paul Hartinger stressed the importance of the career that each of the graduates had chosen. “The work you do will be woven into the lives of others,” he said. “I want to thank you for doing this—for me and for the whole community.”
Fire Safety Services Supervisor Johnny Mason told the crowd that every graduate had received a job offer, marking the first time that an entire Academy class had been hired before graduation.
The eighteen new firefighter/EMTs are J.J. Beckelhimer, Andrew Bober, Mckeon Buchanan, Donald Burke, Daniel Cartuyvelles, Nathan Denouden, Brenden Dodd, Patrick Flannery II, Justin Haskin, Adam Kahny, Colby Hooper, Klayton Newman, James Piron, Mitchell Ruehl, David Sanderson, Sam Steffen, Jonathan Swiecki, and Honor Workman.
The Great Oaks Fire Academy serves adults in the tri-state area. Students who complete the training qualify to take the ProBoard Firefighter I and II and EMT-B certification. The next class begins April 4; for more information contact Great Oaks Public Safety Services at 513.771.1142.
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Whistle Stop Clay Works raises $2,000 for the League of Animal Welfare
Loveland, Ohio – Every holiday season, Whistle Stop Clay Works in Loveland chooses a non-profit to be the recipient of their holiday ornament sales. This year the studio chose the League of Animal Welfare, a non-profit that finds homeless pets their forever home and provides low-cost veterinary services.
“The economic impact of the pandemic has hit our community hard. We wanted to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community: dogs and cats who have been surrendered by people who can no longer care for them,” said Kay Bolin, studio co-owner.
It is a Whistle Stop Clay Works tradition to give away unglazed holiday ornaments at the Christmas in Loveland event held in December each year. This year they made 500 gnome ornaments that were distributed free of charge to local residents. The studio also sold hand-painted gnome ornaments for $10 each with 100% of the purchase price benefiting the League.
“The response from the surrounding community was overwhelming,” said Bonnie McNett, studio manager. “The studio sold 193 ornaments and we rounded up the total to make our donation $2,000.”
The League of Animal Welfare has been helping homeless pets and giving them the lives they deserve for over 70 years. More information can be found at: https://www.lfaw.org/.
Whistle Stop Clay Works is located at 119 Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio. They have an art gallery and offer classes for adults and children, workshops, private parties, Cocktails & Clay, and studio rentals. More information can be found at: www.whistlestopclayworks.com.
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Linda Bergholz: “Your support allows us the privilege of helping our neighbors in need.”
by Linda Bergholz
As the year comes to a close, I am amazed at everything we’ve accomplished together in 2021. Clients are back in the pantry, we have a van to help with transportation, children attended our back-to-school event to select supply filled backpacks and spirit wear, another successful Pass it On filled Thanksgiving baskets and Holiday Food Bags, numerous food drives, fund raisers, runs, and reading events were held on our behalf, monetary donations to help clients with financial assistance continued to come in; it is truly remarkable.
On behalf of everyone at LIFE, a big thank you to everyone who donated food and household items, volunteered in the pantry, led a food drive, donated money, or supported us in other ways to have such a successful 2021. Your support allows us the privilege of helping our neighbors in need.
This issue highlights information about our services, events, corporate sponsors, how you can help, and more. Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved.
Sincerely,
Linda Bergholz
Executive Director
LIFE Food Pantry
www.lifefoodpantry.org -
Game Preview: U.C. Football Wraps Up Prep, Ready to Battle Alabama
No. 4 Cincinnati will play in the CFP Semifinals at the Cotton Bowl on Friday at 2:30 CT
Zach Stipe Associate AD / Communications for UC Football
Arlington, Texas – The No. 4-ranked Cincinnati football team has made history all season, advancing to the College Football Playoff, while breaking countless records.
The Bearcats will look to make more history inside AT&T Stadium on Friday when they meet No. 1 Alabama in the 86th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at 2:30 p.m. CT in Arlington, Texas.
On Thursday, UC wrapped up its final practice at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium before returning to the team hotel for final preparations.
The Bearcats (13-0) will face an Alabama team (12-1) that is in its seventh CFP appearance and coming off a dominant win over No. 3 Georgia in the SEC Championship.
Cincinnati will look to improve to 14-0 for the first time in school history and advance to the national championship game in Indianapolis on Jan. 10.
UC is coming off a convincing win over No. 20 Houston in the American Athletic Conference championship game, 35-20, on Dec. 4.
“This isn’t a team that wants to ‘shock the world’ or anything like that,” said UC head coach Luke Fickell. “It’s a team that really believes in what it is that they’ve done and loves challenges. I think so far, that’s been the message for us. We understand that it’s a larger challenge than maybe anything we’ve faced in the past. The team (Alabama) has obviously been in the playoffs seven times and are, as we refer to them, the champs. I think the messaging is kind of specific to who our guys are and what they’ve been through. It’s definitely about, ‘these are the champs, and to be the champs, you’re going to have to be at your best.’”Read on at UC Football…
FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati Athletics, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Cincinnati Athletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. -
Oasis Turf and Tree recognized for giving back at holidays and beyond
by Lindsey Getz – This story was re-published with permission of Total Landscape Care
Oasis Turf and Tree has helped to fertilize the Dayton National Cemetery.
Oasis Turf & Tree is located at 897 Loveland Madeira Road in Loveland The season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s often ends up being a time when many are thinking about giving back. It’s no different for lawn and landscaping companies. Across the country, many landscapers are finding ways to serve their local communities and give back where they can. While it certainly benefits the community, it also ends up impacting the team, as well.
This is something that Oasis Turf & Tree in Loveland, Ohio has learned over the years. They find that team members really appreciate the opportunity to be involved in service projects and to be part of a company that cares about giving back. Some of the charities that Oasis has been directly involved with over the years include the Ronald McDonald House, The Dragonfly Foundation, and CancerFree Kids. They’ve shut down in the middle of a workday to go to Ronald McDonald House and prep meals.
Oasis has also donated time and equipment to help fertilize the Dayton National Cemetery.
“One of the best feelings is when we find out team members went out and participated in charity events or volunteered on their weekends without it even being a team event,” adds Rob Reindl, founder of the company. “They really take it to heart and want to give back on their own time, too.”
The Oasis Turf and Tree crew ready to prepare a 5 star meal!
— at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati in 2017Joshua Tree Making it easy for the team to help
Joshua Tree participated in Toys for Tots at both of the company’s locations this year.Joshua TreeWhile organized events are always a great way to help the community, there are even simpler and easier ways to help. Organizing a food drive or collecting for a charity like Toys for Tots makes it really simple for team members to get involved.
Joshua Tree, which has locations in Souderton and Stockertown, Pennsylvania collected for Toys for Tots this year when the company’s customer service supervisor and human resources manager made the suggestion that it would be a great way to give back.
“We had one box at each location and they were filled very quickly,” shares Madison Malik, marketing manager. “In fact, one of our account managers, Ken, even gave his kids $100 to shop for the toys to donate. It was a way to involve families. As a company, we also budgeted some money to shop and donate some gifts from Joshua Tree.”
In Wrentham, Massachusetts, Landscape America hosted a food drive and donated everything to the Wrentham Food Bank.
“We’ve been focused on giving back even more to the community lately, beyond our annual donation projects,” explains company president Doug McDuff, MCLP, MCA. “I think our team gets great energy from helping others and we have the resources to contribute and improve other people’s days, weeks, and so on. The food drive was simple, rewarding, and helped us fulfill this goal, and validate one of our Core Values, which is: ‘Be Positive and Helpful.’ We are looking forward to expanding our charitable efforts for 2022 and beyond.”https://693981227a77d8fb6ed1b6e3d1f133db.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
A group effort
Yellowstone Landscape has been working with the Industry Collective to give back.Yellowstone LandscapeWorking together can make a really big impact. That’s why Yellowstone Landscape, a national commercial landscaping company headquartered in Bunnell, Florida, decided to become involved in Industry Collective. This effort is being led by a group of lawn and landscaping companies who believe that together they can make a bigger impact. They’ve done this by partnering with Rhino Impact Group, an organization that helps to coordinate large-scale efforts by allowing companies to use their team members to serve where needed.
According to Joseph Barnes, marketing director for Yellowstone, they have participated in several projects including a back-to-school backpack project where they assembled backpacks with everything that kids-in-need could use for school. They also helped to assemble hygiene kits for the homeless and they’ll soon be putting together meal kits for kids who rely on school meals.
“A company like ours that has a large number of team members can do a lot when it comes to these types of projects,” Barnes explains. “We believe that when we work together, we can have the biggest impact.”
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Donate blood or platelets now to help patients avoid delays in care
As holiday celebrations continue, concern is rising for the nation’s blood supply, which has now dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to hold off on essential blood transfusions for patients.
Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
Greater Cincinnati American Red Cross
2111 Dana Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45207Greater Cincinnati American Red Cross
Historically low blood supply levels not seen in more than a decade persist for the American Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. The ongoing decline comes at a time of year when donations typically fall. Holiday get-togethers, school breaks, and winter weather often lead to lower donor turnout, potentially further compounding the situation.
Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and then maintain a sufficient blood supply.
In thanks, all who come to give through Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
