Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: loveland magazine local news

Donate $socks4homeless2020

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

I’m William Gibbs-Heard, a graduating senior at Loveland High School, and instead of having a graduation party, I decided, because of the virus, that I should hold a sock drive.

For the graduation year of 2020, I would like to collect 2,020 pairs of new socks, or more, by the time I turn 18 on June 11th.

I want to do this in an effort to help those who are homeless and less fortunate than us. Due to all of the depression and fear surrounding the community in times like these, I want to be able to be a light in someone’s life by providing something to them that is so simple, yet very necessary.

I am accepting money donations through Paypal, Venmo, and Cashapp (all of which are listed below), as well as setting up a drop-off point at my house, 1205 W Main Street, Loveland, OH 45140.

Venmo

Paypal

Cashapp: $socks4homeless2020

Thank you for your time,

William Gibbs-Heard

For more information and to find out how you can help

EMAIL socks4homeless2020@gmail.com

May 9, 2020
COVID-19 Update: Reopening of restaurants, bars, and personal care services
CURRENT OHIO DATA

There are 22,131 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,271 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 4,140 people have been hospitalized, including 1,167 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Video of yesterday’s State House announcements, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.

CURRENT LOCAL DATA

Clermont County

115 confirmed cases. 5 probable cases. 120 total cases. 2 confirmed deaths. 1 probable death. 27 Hospitalizations. 60 Recovered.

Hamilton County

1664** confirmed cases. 100 deaths. 323 Hospitalizations.

**Includes Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale.

Warren County

191 cases. (46 new possible cases in last 14 days). 36 hospitalizations. (9 new hospitalizations in last 14 days). 13 total deaths (3 in the last 14 days).

In Loveland City Council unanimously passed a resolution expanding the dates and times for the operation of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (“DORA”) in downtown Loveland. The action authorized the City Manager to implement this expansion once the State relaxed the Stay at Home Order or allowed residents to leave their homes to engage in non-essential work or activities.

On Thursday, City Manager Dave Kennedy used that authority and announced that the expansion of the DORA will begin Saturday, May 9, at noon and run until 11 PM. The DORA will remain in effect 7 days a week for 60 days.

Within the DORA people can purchase alcoholic beverages in a designated cup from permitted establishments and carry the beverages outside within a defined Downtown area.

Additional picnic tables have been placed in Nisbet Park. Visitors to Historic Downtown may also bring tables or chairs to use as long as they “maintain safe distancing guidelines which will also be posted in the downtown area.”

The newly renovated restrooms in Nisbet Park are also open and will be sanitized daily by the City.

In Columbus, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, announced Thursday the next phase of the Responsible RestartOhio plan as it relates to restaurants, bars, and personal care services.

As part of yesterday’s announcement, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans that COVID-19 is still “incredibly dangerous” and stressed the importance of continuing to exercise safe health habits as different sectors of the economy begin to reopen.

“Reopening Ohio is a risk, but it’s also a risk if you don’t move forward. We’re on a dangerous road that has never been traveled before in Ohio and the danger is that we relax and stop taking precautions,” said DeWine. “All of us collectively control this. I ask you to take calculated risks and make good judgments. Continue social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing face coverings. If you aren’t concerned with what happens to you, do it for others.”

RESTAURANTS/BARS

Restaurants and bars in Ohio will be permitted to reopen as follows:
- Outdoor dining: May 15
- Dine-in service: May 21
DeWine’s Restaurant Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for restaurant and bar owners to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

Personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15.

DeWine’s Personal Services Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for personal care service providers to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

CURRENT OHIO DATA

There are 22,131 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,271 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 4,140 people have been hospitalized, including 1,167 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Video of yesterday’s announcements, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
May 8, 2020
Ricky Mulvey’s new Podcast: “Total Fighter,” about Cincinnati’s Ezzard Charles

This podcast shines a new light on the underrated Cincinnati Cobra; the greatest light-heavyweight of all time.

“Total Fighter,” is a narrative, nonfiction podcast about Ezzard Charles, Cincinnati’s heavyweight champion, and hosted by Loveland native Ricky Mulvey.

Ricky Mulvey is a former sportswriter and talking head at Loveland Magazine

The premier episode, “More Than a Gym Fighter” is a deep-dive into a very different Cincinnati. Go to a bustling Findlay Market in the 1940s, in between the pool tables and cigar smoke at the American Legion Hall in Newport, Kentucky for Charles’ first boxing match, and a Battle Royale in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

This podcast shines a new light on the underrated Cincinnati Cobra; the greatest light-heavyweight of all time. The series will ultimately follow Charles to his match against Joe Louis, and the characters who followed him– his family and the mafia.

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42512075

“Total Fighter” features interviews and stories from Buddy LaRosa, founder of LaRosa’s Pizza, William Dettloff, author of “Ezzard Charles: a Boxing Life,” Frank Wettencamp, one of Ezz’s high school classmates, and more. This show explores his complex character; why the name “Ezzard Charles” became an insult by Frank Sinatra and an inspiration to the composer George Russell.

Listen to “Total Fighter” at one of the links below, or on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. The show will soon be available on all platforms.

The first episode of a five-part series about Cincinnati’s heavyweight champion, Ezzard Charles. This show tracks Charles’ rise from his humble beginnings in Georgia to a top light-heavyweight contender. Travel back in time to a very different Findlay Market, a Battle Royale in Lawrenceville, and Ezzard Charles’ very first boxing match.

https://blubrry.com/totalfighter/60079865/more-than-a-gym-fighter/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5JTBTxxOvk

You can first hear new episodes and updates right here on Loveland Magazine or by following Ricky Mulvey on Facebook, @rickymulvey on Instagram, and @rickssoslick on Twitter.

May 7, 2020
[Video] Loveland School Board meeting of April 30

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Board of Education met on April 30.

Here is the meeting agenda: BoardDocs® Pro

Here are the LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV videos – Part 1 and 2.

May 7, 2020
The LHS 2020 “Safe” Graduation will be May 23

WHO

LHS CLASS OF 2020

WHY

Award Diplomas and honor the accomplishments of LHS graduates

Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School (LHS) has announced a “Structured and Controlled In-Person Graduation Ceremony” for the Class of 2020. The commencement ceremony will be held on the day originally scheduled. It will be held at Loveland High School.

“The Class of 2020 deserves to have the most memorable ceremony possible given the current circumstances,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “While this is not the traditional ceremony that we had envisioned for our seniors when we started out this school year, we feel it is the most personal of all options given us by the Ohio Department of Education.”

EVENTS

May 13 – Drive Through Cap and Gown Distribution

Graduates will be given an appointment time and remain in their cars for the entire process. All LHS staff members will be wearing face masks and will adhere to health and safety guidelines. Any items or materials distributed to graduates will be sanitized and quarantined for at least 72 hours prior to distribution. Graduates will receive their rental gown, cap, and tassel. Graduates earning cords will receive them.

May 13 – Virtual Senior Awards Ceremony

The LHS staff will “host” the ceremony as if speaking to a packed house in the auditorium.

The goal is to honor the accomplishments the graduates have achieved. “Unfortunately, we are not able to hold our traditional Senior Awards Ceremony honoring students for a variety of accomplishments to include our Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Top 10 of the class, scholarship winners, military accolades, academic medals and pins, and much more.” This ceremony is also typically the night many “Local” scholarships are announced.

This year, the Class of 2020 will be celebrated virtually. The LHS staff will “host” the ceremony as if speaking to the usually packed house in the LHS auditorium during this annual event. The event will be video recorded and shared. “Our hope is that we can release it later in the day on May 13 so you can view it that evening.” As in the past, scholarship winners are not announced until the evening of the ceremony so most of what will be announced is a surprise.

May 23 – “Single Family In-Person” graduation ceremony

Graduation will be held on May 23, the originally scheduled date.

Families will be called into the Ron DeWitt auditorium at the High School one-by-one (no more than 10 people total including the school administrators). Graduates are permitted to bring 4 guests. The student walks across the stage, receives a diploma and their 4 guests remain in the general seating area.

Graduation speeches by school officials, student speakers, and musical performances will be recorded prior to the ceremony.

The entire graduation ceremony will be video recorded and shared.

Graduates and their families will exit the auditorium through a side door that will lead them to the cafeteria where they will return their rental graduation gown. The student and guests return back to their vehicle.

Any items or materials distributed to graduates will be sanitized and quarantined for at least 72 hours prior to distribution.

May 5, 2020
[Video] Rob Geiger announces milestone for Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery restoration project
Loveland, Ohio – On Monday LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV took our camera to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery in the White Pillars subdivision where Rob Geiger made an important announcement regarding the on-going restoration project. Geiger is the President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association.

In an email to Loveland Magazine Geiger exclaimed, “Look what got installed May 1, 2020!”

Geiger has worked for the last two years to make Loveland’s most significant historical site presentable again. They removed a 20-year old rusty and broken fence, installed a new one, removed dying trees that threatened the new fence and tombstones, attempted a gentle restoration of the 208-year-old tombstones, brought a historical marker that had been in storage to the cemetery, and just this week saw the installation of a historical wrought-iron gate.

History of White Pillars

In this video, you will see Geiger explain how all the work was accomplished and hear about how the community and local businesses pitched-in to accomplish it all.

The cemetery is where Loveland’s “Founding Family” is buried and Rob is a direct ancestor.

In this video clip, Rob Geiger talks about how important the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is to Loveland’s heritage.

He also talks about the work the Association still hopes to accomplish as more funds become available.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to help complete the project by sending a check to Geiger Made out to:

Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association

C/O Rob Geiger

PO Box 25

Loveland, Ohio 45140.

Listen as Rob Geiger talks about the cultural significance of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery to the Greater Loveland Community…
https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Untitled.m4a
A note From Rob Geiger to the sponsors of the restoration project:

I’d Like to thank:

David Miller – Loveland Magazine Media Sponsor

City Manager Dave Kennedy and City of Loveland Public Works

Kevin Egan – Ramsey Trailside and Paxton’s Grill

Steve Max – Loveland Legacy Foundation

Ralph Dunnigan and Sandy Russell – Paxton’s Grill

John Zielke – Ramsey’s Trailside

Gloria Wilson – Loveland Sweet Shop

Kevin Malof – Bonds Home Furnishings

Bill Re – Bush Re Shea Insurance Agency

American Legion Post 256

American Legion Auxiliary 256

Loveland Museum Center – Jan Beller

Paige Craig and Wand Langdon – Clough Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

Steve Rainey – Rainey Tree Service

Dale Eads and Becky Eads Sands – Eads Fence Company

Fun Facts

Breakdown of the donations

Family of the Ramsey Paxton $6,175

Businesses $3,650

Fundraising Events (Total 4) $2,456

Individual donations $3,531

Total $15,812
May 5, 2020
Loveland Board of Education to fill 2 Vacancies
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland City School District board member Art Jarvis did not attend the April 30 Board meeting but instead resigned before it started. At the beginning of the meeting, President Kathy Lorenz read a letter Jarvis sent to the Board. You can watch a video clip of her reading the letter below.

Board member Ned Portune attended the meeting and resigned his position after it was over. You can read the statement he sent to Loveland Magazine the next morning below.

Both resignations were effective immediately and follow the apparent overwhelming defeat a vote on an operating levy announced the day before. (Loveland Levy apparently fails by wide margin)

According to a press release issued by the District the day after the meeting, the vacancies are expected to be filled at the May 12 board meeting.

The release also said that the board is now seeking candidates to replace Jarvis and Portune. It says that applicants should submit a “notice of interest” by Email to Treasurer Kevin Hawley (hawleyke@lovelandschools.org) by 5 PM on Monday, May 4.

Applicants should include biographical information, address, affirmation of voter registration, and a short statement describing qualifications and reasons for filling the role of Board Member of the Loveland City School District. Both of these positions would be for service through December 2021.

Remaining Board members are Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Board President, Michele Pettit, and Eileen Washburn.
For Immediate Release. 5/1/2020

It is with sadness that I acknowledge my departure from the Loveland City Schools Board of Education. My resignation is for personal reasons, and should not be interpreted as a negative reflection of my faith in, and support of, the district leadership.

As I have said previously, students and teachers alike can’t be successful if they aren’t in the right culture of care, support, learning, and high expectations set by their administrators. And as such, our administrative team and educational staff have raised the bar of expectations at Loveland well beyond “average.” The improvements our district has experienced, and the achievements our students have accomplished over the past several years have been tremendous. Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse and Treasurer Kevin Hawley are tireless champions for our students, and perform their roles with exceptional grace and integrity, as do Dr. Kathy Lorentz and the rest of the Board. I am grateful to have worked with this team.

As community members, we should all take pride in what we have accomplished together over the past several years, and the reputation for excellence that has been achieved by our schools. This success is only possible with support. I know I am proud to have been a part of a list that includes:

moving key state report card grades to A and B from C, D and F,

improving from 433rd (out of 610 districts) to 22nd in ODE’s Value Added rankings,

LES students performing on average 20% higher than the State average in Reading/Math for AIR and exceeding MAP projections, on average, at 20% higher than the National average,

100% of all third graders meeting the Third Grade Reading Guarantee for 3 consecutive years,

LIS students scoring 20% higher than the state average in 3 of 5 areas, and 15% higher in all 5,

8th grade foreign language curriculum increasing from 150 students receiving HS credit to 227 students, and foreign language exposure in 7th grade increasing from 0 students to 185,

LHS increasing AP offerings to 24 courses serving 428 students, up from 291 in 2016, and our students earning AP Honor Roll for 2 years (a distinction given only to the top 3% of districts in the US and Canada), with 80% scoring a 3 or higher,

Over 40% of our LHS seniors earning college credit through AP or CCP offerings,

LHS adding 20 new elective offerings, and adding Transition to Work programming with multiple community sites,

Developing 6-12 College and Career counseling programming, and adding class-leading Teaching, Business and IT programs,

LHS ranking in Cincinnati Magazine improving to 8th out of 80 local high schools, and receiving the Momentum Award from ODE for the last three years.

And this doesn’t begin to address the improvements in gifted and special education services, social-emotional support improvements, or individual awards and accolades our students and teachers themselves have received across all of our schools. Add to that the readiness and excellent implementation of remote learning which has kept our students learning during a time no one could have predicted. Our administrators and educators have truly moved the bar higher for our students, and we should all celebrate that accomplishment.

Today, the district, its staff, students, and parents are entering an unprecedented time in our history. The right thing to do is to be positive, helpful and supportive in keeping our schools operational and our students successful. I believe we as a community will do that moving forward.

It has been an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve our schools and this great community with this Board. I will continue to be a fervent supporter of Loveland Schools and our students.

-Ned Portune
May 3, 2020
Loveland Junior Adella Winkle Recognized as Live Oaks Student of the Month for March

Loveland, Ohio – Adella Winkle, a Loveland junior in the Great Oaks Culinary Arts and Hospitality Services program at the Live Oaks campus in Milford, was recognized as the March Student of the Month for her contributions to the program.

“Live Oaks is undeniably a better place because Adella fosters strong relationships among students and faculty which has created a positive school culture where her classmates feel valued,” said Culinary Arts Instructor Molly Maundrell. “Adella fully embraces and exemplifies our ideal for engaged learning and community impact. She’s a pleasure to have in the Culinary Arts program.”

The Culinary Arts and Hospitality Services program allows students to learn various popular cooking methods to prepare an assortment of foods. Students learn how to create, write, and understand recipes and menus and to use a variety of hand tools and equipment found in commercial kitchens and bakeries. The program also teaches students to supervise and manage a restaurant staff, including front office, reservations, and support services.

May 3, 2020
U. S. News: Best High Schools in Ohio
U. S. News has released its annual report on the nation’s high schools.

Ohio had 732 school districts supporting 902 high schools in the 2017-18 academic year. Students are assessed via mathematics and English proficiency tests.

Loveland High School is ranked 55th within Ohio out of 902 schools.

Ohio high school students must earn at least 20 credits in various subjects, including four credits of English language arts, four of math, three of science, and three of social studies. High schoolers in Ohio must also learn economics and financial literacy to graduate, as well as take two or more semesters of fine arts, according to the Ohio Department of Education.

How U. S. News Rank the Best High Schools »

Quick Stats for Loveland H.S.

Grades

9-12

Total Enrollment

1,443

Student-Teacher Ratio

18:1

Overview of Loveland High School

Loveland High School is ranked 55th within Ohio. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at Loveland High School is 50%. The total minority enrollment is 7%, and 11% of students are economically disadvantaged.

#1,745 in National Rankings

Overall Score 90.19/100

Top Ranked Cincinnati Metro Area Schools
Top Ranked Ohio Schools
1. 1. #1Ottawa Hills High School
  2. #2 Walnut Hills High School
  3. #3 Bexley High School
  4. #4 Solon High School
  5. #5 Indian Hill High School
  6. #6 Wyoming High School
  7. #7 Chagrin Falls High School
  8. #8 Mariemont High School
  9. #9 Dublin Jerome High School
  10. #10 William Mason High School
  11. # 14 Turpin High School
May 3, 2020
Autism Society recognizes Loveland Schools’ Mary Frees as “Unsung Hero”

Mary Frees (front center) was recognized for her work serving individuals with autism and their families at “Faces of Autism” on March 5. Left to right: Heidi Terselic, Donna Ernst, Jane Miller, Lara Ferrer, Joe Frees, Taylor Reid, Mary Frees, Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Dr. Amy Crouse, Helen Jones, Michelle Grafflin and Jennifer Forren.

Loveland, Ohio – The Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC) of Southwest Ohio celebrated its 20^th anniversary in March with “Faces of Autism”- an event presented in collaboration with Autism Society Greater Cincinnati to recognize autism “ambassadors and unsung heroes” in the region. Mary Frees, an intervention specialist at Loveland Elementary School (LES), was among those honored for their work serving individuals with autism and their families.

“When I learned about this special recognition, I was shocked, but felt so valued for doing what I love,” said Frees. “This just motivates and energizes me to continue to accomplish more for my students with autism and other special needs. My students make my job enjoyable each day and push me further to continue to learn more about this ever-changing field of special education.”

The Faces of Autism Unsung Hero nominees were selected for going above and beyond the expectations of their jobs in advocating for acceptance, community inclusion, relationship building, and community impact. 12 educators were recognized, two of whom represent public school districts – Loveland and Sycamore Schools.

“Mary is an outstanding educator who works tirelessly for her students, going above and beyond on a daily basis,” said LES Principal Jen Forren. “She works to ensure that her students and their families have an excellent experience at LES, both academically and socially. She established an ambassador program that matches her students with other students in the building to help them work on their social skills and it has been very impactful for everyone involved.”

Faces of Autism was presented by RAAC and the Autism Society Greater Cincinnati in partnership with several other organizations, including Cincinnati Children’s, Linden Grove School, and the Heidt Center of Excellence by The Children’s Home, among others.

About the Autism Society Greater Cincinnati and the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC)

The Autism Society Greater Cincinnati is a leading resource and advocate for the local autism community, working to improve the lives of all who are affected by autism through education, support, and services. RAAC leads community partnerships to plan, develop, and implement a vibrant continuum of services that meets the lifelong needs of individuals with autism, their families, and those who serve them. The Advisory Council facilitates task forces on a range of subjects, such as early intervention, educational identification, and adult services.

May 2, 2020